It’s been almost a full year since my last blog post. To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure if I would return to blogging. It’s been a very busy year with numerous ups and downs, and this website has been very far from my mind.
I’ve been catching myself forming long emails at work that are just used to compose my thoughts and get them down in writing. I’ve always loved that about writing, that I can simply write and it helps me see things clearer and keeps more organized. I think as I write, and when I write, I’m able to think more clearly.
So I have this mixture of random drafts that range from goals and aspirations to ideas and to-do lists and plans. I realized, a little ironically, that this is what I used to use my blog for, and I was hit with a bit of nostalgia and really missed being able to compose well-rounded and cohesive thoughts that really encapsulate what I’m thinking and where I’m at in my life.
I’ve been receiving emails recently that my domain is going to expire, and I kept debating and going back and forth on whether or not I would renew it, but seeing all those drafts in my work email inbox really helped me make my decision. So a few minutes ago I renewed my domain for another year and here we are. 
All that being said, a lot has happened in the last year, so I thought I would give y’all a bit of a recap of what’s been going on:
In June, we traveled to to Colorado to see one of my best friends from college get married. This was our second time in Colorado in two years, but we loved it so much we made it a long weekend and visited some of our favorite spots and some new ones. We visited Rock Mountain National Park again, which was even more beautiful in the summer time. We were able to venture all the way into the park this time, as last time we went part of the park was closed due to heavy snow fall.
In July, I went on my first cruise to the Caribbean! We went to Puerto Rico, Aruba, St. Thomas, Curacao, and St. Kitts. It was a great time with family, but a very new experience. I’m not sure I would go on a cruise again because of all the crowds, but it was something I’ve always wanted to experience so no regrets!
In August, me and Andrew bought a house! This has been such an adventure for us, and I really think where my priorities started to shift away from the blog and towards bigger things. We bought a house a bit under our budget so that we could do some renovations, and oh my goodness, let me just say it looks so much more fun on HGTV than it does in reality! We put new flooring in, took out a wall, painted pretty much every square inch, replaced all the baseboards, removed trees and brush in the backyard, put up a fence, and so much more!
In addition to the renovations, we’ve also had to furnish a whole house! In the house we were renting, all the furniture was provided so we had a lot of shopping to do. We still have a giant to-do list of things we’d love to do to the house, and I’m finding that there is always work to do! Slowly our house is becoming home and we love the area we moved to. It’s a bit of a further commute to work, but it’s so worth it.
In October, my grandpa died. This hurt, and it still huts. Even typing this now tears have pricked my eyes. My grandpa played such a huge role in my life growing up. He was always there for every big moment: birthdays, graduations, holidays, my wedding, you name it and he was there. Growing up, he was my best friend and there was no place cooler than grandpa’s house. He is sorely missed, but it was also his time. He was ready to be with Jesus and I know he is infinitely happier where he is now than he ever could have been here.
In December, I accepted a new position in the Procurement department at my company. I had been actually interviewing for several months before that and it was an extremely stressful time for me. I really had my eyes set on a couple of accounting positions, but it just didn’t work out. I interviewed for this position on a whim and turns out they liked me! I’m really enjoying my new position so far and I work with a great team and a wonderful manager. Plus, the pay raise is pretty sweet, too., haha. I’m not honestly sure if this is a position I can see myself in long term, but it’s great experience and it’s much better than the toxic environment that I was in, so either way it’s a win-win! There’s also a lot of room for growth, so I’m just going to play it by ear and take it day by day.
So that’s been my past year in a nut shell! I have a lot that I’m looking forward to sharing as well as just being able to put words to paper (in a digital format, that is) again.
I’ll end this post with a cute picture of my crazy dog, Chloe.
Ahh! Finally you’re posting Becca!
That’s exciting you went on a cruise!! The Alaskan Cruise is a lot of fun! I would go there if you want to on another cruise!
Post pictures of your house!! I want to see it! Congrats by the way!!
I’m sorry about your grandpa. Mine passed when we graduated from college. It’ was sad but I like to think he’s looking down at us and happy with how I’m doing! He just would want me to be happy!
Congrats! I actually got a new job too! I’m a coder and I got a raise as well!! I’m excited!! I just realized that Centene Corporation owns Ambetter insurance!
Oh Becca!!!!! Tears of joy, I’m glad you are doing well, first, and most, of all 💖 Like honestly I don’t even care if you were gonna be like “after this break I want to quit blogging actually”, I’m just so happy that you are doing well.
Of course, that said, I am really sorry to hear about your grandpa. I am sure within time it’ll be easier to reminisce without so many tears, but for now, I send you big hugs. It’s wonderful that he could still be there for you as you grew up and especially on your special day. I’m sure, just as you know he will be happy from here on out, he knows that you will lead a happy and fulfilling life.
Glad you squeezed in a bit of travelling over the past year. And I’m proud of your new position at work, even if it’s not long-term it’s good there is room for growth 😄
I have only been on one cruise and the crowds didn’t bother me too much. I think it was because I went on a weekend though, it would be much more crowded in school holidays I would assume. Cruises aren’t for everyone though, for different reasons. I know some people who would prefer to relax in another way, by visiting a resort or something, while some people prefer to visit other countries or islands via cruise. I personally prefer flying to other countries and spending a lot of time there exploring a place.
Chloe has certainly grown!!!! 🐶
So good to have you back ❤️
Oh I forgot to say congratulations on the house?!!!?!? Dang! 😄 I’ll be honest and let you know that I don’t plan to buy a house soon mostly because I don’t know where I want to settle (and Sydney is hella expensive). But I’m seeing so many bloggers write about buying houses and it’s definitely a milestone to be celebrated. You must be excited. 🎉
Welcome back! Can’t believe you’ve been away from blogging for that long! Well, you’ve renewed your blog so might as well make the most out of it! Major congrats on your new house! Shoot, I need to move out to your area because a decent in SoCal runs at 800k @___@. Still, you’re adulting really well and props to you and Andrew for making it there!
Congratulations on getting that pay raise! Glad you’re out of the toxic work environment because why spend 8+ hours a day at a place you’re not happy at?
Chloe is so adorbs!
Welcome back to blogging! It’s good to see you posting again!
I’m so sorry to hear about your grandpa
That’s wonderful that he was so present and supportive in your life. It’s hard to lose someone you love that much. I’m wishing you and your family the best *hugs*
I’m glad you had some ups during that time though. The trips you took sound fun, and congrats on both the house and the new job position! That’s great that you’re liking the new team and manager so far. Being in a toxic work environment is terrible, so it’s good that you were able to get away from that.
And Chloe is so cute!
Welcome back, Becca! I’ve missed you! <3
Looks like you're doing well, and congratulations on the new house! Oooh and I'm so jealous that you got to go on a cruise! That sounds so fun! <3
I'm sorry to hear about your grandpa
It's amazing that you have such a close relationship with him, and despite what happened, I think you'll always have those wonderful memories to look back on whenever you miss him. You're still very lucky that you got to spend time with him and form this amazing bond 
Aww, Chloe is such an adorable doggie! :*
Chloe is so cute ^^ WE MISSED YOU SO MUCH! *hugs* Sorry about your grandfather. I lost my maternal and paternal grandfathers and it hurts that I wasn’t close to either of them at the end of their lives.
It made me smile to see your blog again and that you had returned. I can completely understand that life happens and sometimes you need to take a break or look at doing different things in your life. Most important thing is to do what YOU want to do.
Congratulations on getting the house. It would be so much work renovating a whole house! You should be so proud of everything you have been doing. You can look at your home and know that you have worked hard to make it.
I am sorry to hear that your grandpa passed away.
It is so hard to say goodbye to the people in our lives that have always been there. I lost my grandparents over 5 years ago, and it still hurts. It doesn’t feel like it has been that long. As awful as it is, we should try and celebrate the fact we had these beautiful people in our lives.
The new position sounds like it is a good one and hope it all goes really well!
Welcome back! I am glad you’ve returned. It sounds like you’ve needed a blogging break, and sometimes we all need that!
You’ve definitely had a busy year with some great travels, a new house, and a new job! I am especially glad to hear that you’re liking your current employment! It’s always a good thing when you’re happy with your job!
I am sorry about the loss of your grandpa, though
It’s hard when a loved one passes away. It’s clear you had a great relationship with your grandpa. I know you’ll always miss him. *hugs*