As I reflect on the year 2014, a distinctive sense of perspective emerges—one that resonates with the contemplative nature of the Neutral Planet citizens from Futurama. It wasn’t a year marked by overwhelming triumphs or crushing defeats; rather, it presented itself as a complex tapestry woven with threads of quiet progress, unexpected challenges, and a pervasive feeling of “meh.” This isn’t to say it lacked significance, but rather that its impact was often subtle, demanding a step back to truly appreciate the mosaic of experiences that constituted those 365 days.
Indeed, 2014 wasn’t a year that screamed “best ever!” nor did it provoke a desperate plea for its conclusion. Instead, it offered a gentle shrug of understated accomplishment and a few lessons learned. There were moments of genuine joy and undeniable success, counterbalanced by periods of frustration and personal setbacks – some of which remain deeply personal and unshared. Yet, in the grand scheme, it solidified a foundation, setting the stage for future aspirations. Before diving headfirst into the ambitions of 2015, I believe it’s essential to meticulously examine the past, to understand its nuances, and to extract the wisdom necessary for forging a truly “badass” future. So, let us embark on a journey through my most memorable — and least memorable — moments of 2014.
1. A New Professional Horizon
For anyone who has followed my journey on this blog for more than a fleeting glance, the mention of my new job will come as no surprise. April of 2014 heralded a significant professional shift, an opportunity that, to be entirely candid, materialized seemingly out of nowhere. Despite its sudden appearance, I am overwhelmingly happy to report that I absolutely adore what I do. This transition, like any major life change, came with its share of unforeseen twists and necessary adjustments throughout the summer months. I delved into many of these experiences and the logistics of the move in extensive detail previously, but without a shadow of a doubt, embracing this new role was the correct path for me.
The benefits of this new chapter firmly anchor it on the “pro” side of my 2014 ledger. However, it would be disingenuous to overlook the flip side: the unavoidable reduction in time I could dedicate to the blog. Stepping back from consistent content creation more than I would have preferred was a definite “con.” Yet, even this challenge fostered growth. My passion for writing, rather than diminishing, has returned with a renewed vigor and sense of purpose. This resurgence of creative energy fills me with immense hope and excitement for the projects and posts that 2015 promises to bring, signaling a stronger, more focused approach to sharing my journey and insights with you all.
2. Milestones in Home Transformation
Initially, as I began to chronicle the progress made on the house in 2014, my thoughts gravitated towards disappointment, a feeling that I hadn’t achieved as much as I had initially envisioned. However, a deep dive back into my photo archives served as a powerful reminder: my true struggle in 2014 wasn’t a lack of accomplishment, but rather a miscalibration of my expectations. My projects were indeed scattered, and I cannot point to a single room and declare it definitively “finished.” But then again, is that truly a new revelation? It has always been my modus operandi to flit from room to room, tackling whatever project sparks my motivation at a given moment. Looking back, the house undoubtedly looks substantially better than it did at the close of 2013. My initial disappointment? It simply doesn’t hold up to the visual evidence of progress. Let’s effectively put an end to that self-criticism.
The primary focus for much of the year was to elevate the aesthetic and functional appeal of the entire first floor. Two significant components of this overarching goal were the kitchen and the laundry room. In March, I embarked on a project to add a stylish backsplash to the kitchen, a detail that dramatically enhanced its visual appeal. This was swiftly followed by the re-hanging of the freshly painted doors, which not only completed a crucial aspect of the kitchen’s look but also provided fertile ground for creating several new tutorials, showcasing invaluable tools, and sharing some ingenious tricks that I discovered along the way. These practical guides aimed to empower fellow DIY enthusiasts to tackle similar projects with confidence and efficiency.
Given the laundry room’s direct adjacency to the kitchen, it was a natural progression to extend the aesthetic continuity between the two spaces. Utilizing some leftover tiles, I installed a backsplash on its back wall, effectively creating a cohesive flow. While significant strides were made, the full completion of this room is a project I eagerly anticipate finishing as part of my 2015 goals, promising a fully integrated and beautifully functional utility space.
Venturing upstairs, the hallway presented one of the most challenging areas to reach, demanding both patience and strategic planning. However, it was immensely satisfying to not only check this daunting task off my list but also to successfully paint the final wall in the living room. This particular accomplishment marked a monumental milestone: the complete eradication of the cavernous tan color that had dominated my living spaces, replaced by fresh, vibrant hues. Oh, and for those curious about how a 5’2″, admittedly impatient individual manages to single-handedly install a wall-mounted stair railing without resorting to entirely new expletives, fear not – I thoroughly documented that adventure as well, providing practical tips for tackling such a feat.
On the subject of painting, another notable outdoor project saw the back patio receive a much-needed refresh. As of the time of this writing, the treated surface continues to look exceptional, defying many questions regarding its long-term durability and resistance to wear and tear. I have plans to provide an updated review of the product, complete with new photographs, once the summer heat makes its return, offering a comprehensive assessment of its resilience.
Finally, but certainly not least, we arrive at the dining room! My enthusiasm for the chosen color remains as strong as ever (you can find all the specific color and brand details by clicking the link provided). Whether I’m bustling around the house, making my way to the kitchen for a cup of tea, or simply stepping through the front door, a glimpse of the dining room consistently reminds me of the journey it took. This room demanded a considerable amount of patience and, admittedly, a fair share of colorful language during its transformation, but the exquisite results are a testament to the effort. Its appearance is truly stunning in natural light, and the ability to finally move in the furniture and rugs meant reclaiming my living room from its temporary storage role – a joyous return to order and beauty.
3. Adventures in New York City
Perhaps it betrays a touch of immaturity, but the sheer excitement I felt about traveling to New York this year was palpable – there may have even been some involuntary giggling involved. Visiting the iconic Big Apple has always been a fervent dream of mine. Thanks to the impeccably timed and incredibly generous support of some amazing sponsors, I not only had the opportunity to experience this magnificent city once, but twice!
While the full scope of my New York adventures is still in the process of being comprehensively recapped on the blog, I can genuinely attest that the reality of the city far exceeded, or at the very least met, every single one of my lofty expectations. The vibrant energy, the towering architecture, the diverse tapestry of cultures – it was all as incredible as I had imagined. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to revisit New York as frequently as circumstances allow, even if that means potentially witnessing unforgettable street scenes, such as someone accidentally pantsing themselves again. Such unique moments only add to the rich, unpredictable charm of the city.
4. Reflections on Dating
Is it truly possible for one’s dating life to be encapsulated in a phrase shorter than a complete sentence? Indeed, for 2014, it was precisely “that.” While this particular aspect of my life was not a focal point of dramatic developments, its very brevity became a point of personal reflection. Sometimes, quiet periods in one’s romantic life are not absences, but rather spaces for growth, self-discovery, or simply a period of contented focus on other priorities. Though I choose to keep the juicier details private for now, I anticipate elaborating more on the overarching themes and insights gathered from my journey in this realm as 2015 unfolds, offering a more comprehensive look at personal relationships.
5. The Enduring Bonds of Family
I am profoundly fortunate to have a truly wonderful family. However, to state it plainly and without reservation, Alzheimer’s disease is, in every sense of the word, absolutely devastating. It is an utterly awful illness. The pain of watching someone you love grapple with its relentless progression is immense. Equally heartbreaking is witnessing the profound toll it exacts on other beloved family members who undertake the demanding role of providing full-time care for a loved one afflicted by this cruel disease. It spares no one from its arduous challenges.
On a more uplifting note in family news, it was an incredibly rewarding experience to assist my parents in giving their dining room a much-needed makeover. This project involved the installation of new drywall over existing wood paneling, the addition of elegant Shaker-style molding, and a fresh coat of paint. My mom had harbored the desire to complete this specific transformation for years, and it brought me immense satisfaction that we were finally able to make it a reality. If you haven’t yet seen the “before” pictures (which even feature a glimpse of my 16-year-old self in veryFriends-esque jeans), I highly recommend checking out the post; it truly represents a transformation you won’t want to miss, showcasing the dramatic improvement brought by our combined efforts.
6. Business and Blogging Endeavors
From a financial standpoint, 2014 proved to be a relatively strong and positive year. Through a strategic combination of blog sponsorships, dedicated design work, and diligent saving, I was able to systematically pay off all of my smaller, lingering debts. This significant achievement means that as I transition into 2015, my financial obligations are consolidated to only my mortgage and a (brand new) set of student loans for graduate school. While the process of chipping away at debt is rarely an enjoyable one, the profound sense of relief and accomplishment that comes from not carrying over car loans or credit card debt into a new year is incredibly empowering. It represents a significant step towards greater financial freedom and stability, allowing me to approach future endeavors with a lighter and more focused mindset.
7. Other Notable Experiences and Lingering Projects
March of 2014 brought another exciting opportunity: an appearance on SheKnowsTV’s Homestretch. This experience culminated in one of the most significant, yet remarkably swift, room makeovers I have ever undertaken. It was an intense, high-energy project that showcased what can be achieved under tight deadlines. Somewhat embarrassingly, the detailed recap post for this particular transformation remains in draft form, awaiting its moment to be shared with you all. However, for those eager to see the results, you can catch the full episodes on the SheKnows website (the link above will guide you to a further link towards the end of the post, directing you to the episodes). It appears I will have no shortage of content to publish this year, if only due to the backlog of incredible experiences and projects from 2014 that I simply ran out of time to cover. This highlights the constant balancing act between creating, experiencing, and documenting, a challenge I eagerly embrace for the coming year.
And so, that largely encapsulates the year 2014. It was a year characterized by its scattered nature, a tapestry of disparate projects and personal developments rather than a single, dominant narrative. Yet, perhaps this very quality means it will serve as a quiet, understated prelude, destined to pale in comparison to the vibrant and impactful experiences that 2015 undoubtedly holds in store. As we step into a new chapter, I extend my warmest wishes for a Happy New Year to you all, and with a confident nod, I bid a definitive farewell to the era of “meh!” May the coming year be filled with purpose, joy, and remarkable achievements.