Just like the second half of our 2012, the first half of 2013 was tough. But let’s not waste any time on that, let’s move right into the good stuff!
We bought our first house!
After over a year apart, we finally did it. We are homeowners, and most importantly, we’re together. Leaving my job at NC State was difficult, but finally having our home is amazing. After the first week I had already painted 3 rooms. After the first few months it looks very different, more like our own, and I love it to pieces. Our kitchen is almost done getting a makeover and I got a new closet just for me.
Hanging out with two of my best girls
… Beverly and Ashley. I only got to see Bev once this year (when we all went downtown and then to the new Hunt Library at NC State), and Ashley three times (that same night with Bev, when we hung out for a day during my last week in Raleigh and then for her farewell party), but getting to spend time with them at all was really great. I miss them very much. I miss all my best girls.
Witnessing Brian’s cousin getting married
… in the mountains. It was so beautiful! Plus, for the first time in a long time, I got to wear heels and dance.
Spending Thanksgiving (and a birthday) in Florida with my family
For the first time in around four years, my whole immediate family was finally together for Thanksgiving, and for my youngest brother’s 13th birthday. My parents and all four of my brothers. They’re all my best friends. I can’t wait until we’re all together again.
Spending a week in Nevada
… to visit Brian’s brother. I got to spend time with his parents, my sister-in-law and my adorable niece, which I loved. We spent about three days in Fallon, then we went to Lake Tahoe for a few days, and then we spent a night in Reno. We had so much fun and the hotels we stayed in were awesome. The girls got some shopping in, the boys got some skiing in, and we all got some good drinking, eating and gambling in at the casinos.
Brian did really well at the craps table one night and he took me to get my (early) Christmas present the next night.
Attending an Ugly Sweater Christmas party
… in matching sweaters to make that whole scenario even dorkier. It was a Christmas party for Brian’s work. I had fun and I think I may have even made some friends finally! Some of the girls at Brian’s work said they might take me out soon, too. Yes, please!
Spending Christmas and New Years with each other
Decorating for the holidays makes me so happy, and I was so excited when Brian surprised me and brought home our first real Christmas tree. He actually bought it two days before we left for Nevada, and we decorated it when we got back.
For Christmas Eve, Brian got to open my gifts for him (a tobacco pipe and a new laptop), and then we spent Christmas day with Brian’s family at his aunt’s house. For New Years Eve we cracked open some champagne, watched the ball drop and got our midnight kisses in. Then for New Years day we ate and hung out with his parents.
P.S. Follow us on Instagram for photos of these memories
Those were the highlights of 2013, and I’m already pretty excited for 2014!