Remembering 2018

As I thought about my year-end blog post for 2018, I wanted to do something different. I usually highlight a few positive events from the past year and write about them in detail. But what about the little things? They are important, too. That's why this year I decided to list 40 things I did this year. Why 40? I don't know. It just seems like a good number. I had to really stretch, but not stress, a bit to get a total of 40. Not everything on this list is a happy event, but that doesn't take away from the significance of it. Everything that happened in 2018 shaped me in some way. I started to write the list in chronological order, but it turned out not to be that way. Then I thought about editing it and making it in chronological order. I finally decided to let it be the way it is. 

So here is my semi chronological but mostly random list. It by no means complete, but everything on it completes me. I have to say, I'm partial to number 19. :)

1. I endured four days with just a space heater for heat and no hot water.

2. I endured my first ever HIDA scan.

3. I said farewell to another close childhood friend.

4. I won second place in a tree photo contest - my first photo contest "win"!

5. I used my credit from the win to have trees planted in memory of Stephanie and Jason.

6. I ate authentic strawberry shortcake.

7. I climbed to the top of a 25 foot wall.

8. I closed my Etsy shops.

9. I walked in the rain.

10. I met some friends for the first time.

11. I reconnected with a high school friend.

12. I saw a different friend I hadn't seen in a while.

13. I started using progressive lens eyeglasses.

14. I watched on t.v. the CAPS win their first ever Stanley Cup Championship.

15. I got the ball rolling in turning a step into a curb cut in my development.

16. I watched it become a reality.

17. I attended my first ever wheelchair basketball games.

18. I took my first ever class at the bead expo.

19. I was surrounded by a herd of deer and felt at peace.

20. I attended my first ever Washington Nationals baseball game.

21. I had nitrogen ice cream for the first time and enjoyed it.

22. I consistently went to the farmer's market to buy local organic veggies.

23. I ate at a few different restaurants for the first time.

24. I watched the local Fourth of July fireworks in person.

25. I saw a vivid full arch rainbow.

26. I created a Bob Ross inspired painting, with guidance.

27. I won a two-in-one puzzle at Bingo.

28. I saw the new Winnie the Pooh movie, with friends who live quite a distance away.

29. I visited Old Ellicott City after the 2018 flood.

30. I walked in temperatures below 20 degrees.

31. I watched the full moon begin to set.

32. I watched the sun rise.

33. I watched the sun begin to set.

34. I started using a new and improved cell phone.

35. I participated as a judge in Destination Imagination for the first time.

36. I got my free pancake from IHOP on National Pancake Day.

37. I was given a bank card for my spina bifida group.

38. I saw and photographed Concord Point Lighthouse in person for the first time.

39. I joined GuruShots.

40. I escaped with friends from the Escape Room on my first experience there.

Happy Birthday, Stephanie. You will forever be my best friend.