2018 might have been the best year of my life. I know that sounds like a hyperbole, but look at it:
Everyone was healthy. I try not to take that for granted.
The kids are at fun, easier ages.
I didn't have a traditional job to report to. The work I did, as a parent and as a photographer, I was passionate about. A sample of my professional work can be seen here.
R received a promotion at Boston Scientific. She's doing some important, exciting work there with medical devices. I'm proud of her.
I had enough free time to watch movies, read books, and exercise.
R and I got out on some dates, including fancy dinners, cool concerts, and even a weekend in Duluth.
We were able to travel as a family to California, Colorado, and northern Minnesota.
I maintained some creative outlets in addition to my paid gigs. We made a few more Cottage Cheese videos. We started the Old Red Car channel. I returned to film photography as a hobby. And, as usual, I took a bunch of personal photos for the Four Peas blog.
My little brother got married. The kids and I were able to participate in the wedding. My best-man speech went smoothly :-).
I can't list everything that happened over the year. For some reason the little moments--like when the four of us were stuck at home during the April snow storm... or Omri falling asleep on me daily during the bus ride home from Girl Scout camp... or seeing Veronica perform in a play... or discovering photographic gold during a solo walk through Sparta--are what stand out the most.
It's easy to look back fondly with a faded memory, but there really was something to 2018. We found a good balance. Unfortunately it probably won't last forever, but maybe we need less fortunate times once in a while to accentuate the good ones. I look forward to seeing what a new year holds!
