Reflections
I am a firm believer in looking forward and not dwelling in the past, but I still feel a strong need to reflect on New Year’s Eve. I find some comfort in looking at the year as a whole and seeing what lessons I have learned or takeaways I should bring into the bright and shiny New Year. This year I have learned to stand up for myself and my health and make hard but necessary changes in my life. This time last year, I honestly never really expected the twists and turns of 2014, but I survived. I am so grateful that this year has been an exciting year with so many blessings. As I mentioned on Christmas Eve, I am incredibly thankful and grateful for Running in a Skirt and the platform it has given me to start working for myself. This blog would be nothing without each and every one of you who reads this, so thank you very much for keeping my dreams alive.
I always love doing a yearly roundup because it sort of highlights the year. Picking only 14 posts this year was very challenging, especially since I’ve started posting much more frequently since August. I didn’t choose any recipes, because you can always reference those on my recipe page. I wanted the posts to be a reflection of the true highlights of my 2014 life. So here we go! The Top 14 of 2014- in chronological order…
Top 14 of 2014
1. Key West Mini Vacation
The year started off with a trip to Orlando to visit my Dad. The hubs and I ventured off on our own at the end our stay to visit Key West and it was spectacular.
Bonus points for the posts just on the Key West Sunset. It was nothing short of breathtaking.
2. Introducing Owen!
My nephew was born in February and how could I not include that as a highlight of the year. He is such a sweet baby and I’ve been lucky to see him TONS since he was born including at the Lake Murray family trip, Craggy Pinnacle Hike, my Birthday, his Baptism, and Thanksgiving!
3. Top 5 Racing Moments in 5 Years of Running
Spring 2014 marked my 5 year running anniversary. I love marking milestones like that, so I wrote about my favorite races experiences.
4. Things I’m Loving Lately- Turks and Caicos
In April, the hubs and I went to Turks and Caicos for vacation. It was such a gorgeous place and we loved every minute of looking at this turquoise water. I wrote this vacation recap, Things I’m Loving Lately style!
5. Biltmore 5K
We got back from vacation, and I was determined to set a sub-27 5K time. I ran my heart out at the Biltmore 5K and took second place in my age group. Despite that, I was still a few seconds short of the sub-27.
6. Rise n’ Shine 5K- 26:58!!!!
Even more determined to shave another few seconds off my 5K time, I ran a few more spring 5Ks. I finally hit my time at the Rise n’ Shine 5K in May. I was literally over the moon for weeks.
7. Washington DC Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
In June I visited my bestie Sarah in DC. I had so much fun that I spent three posts giving you all the highlights.
8. I’m Leaving WLOS & My Last Day at WLOS
These two posts marked a huge change in my life. After many behind the scenes family discussions and sleepless nights, I finally announced through Running in a Skirt that I was leaving my long time job at WLOS. I left the station at the end of July and wrote about that last day to kick off August.
9. So How Are You Doing? One Month Post-WLOS Recap
At the end of August I decided to answer a question I was getting from just about everyone. How are you doing? I answered those concerns and started a monthly series update on the status of my life and Running in a Skirt. These posts follow some of the big business changes this blog has taken in the past few months.
10. One Romper, Three Ways
This post was one of my best and most highly viewed fashion posts of the Fall. This kind of post is what I have working hard at behind the scenes between the time I left WLOS and now.
11. Mushroom Hunting
Yes, I went mushroom hunting and it was so much fun! It was one of the highlights of my Fall.
12. Black Balsam Hike
The hubs and I went on an amazing hike in October to Black Balsam. The views were stunning and I am so glad we went. This was another one of the highlights of my year.
13. Thanksgiving in Asheville 2014
You guys know I planned for this big day for months! I had so much fun hosting a giant house full of family for Thanksgiving.
14. Finding the Perfect Statement Jewelry
Launching my new partnership with Jewels That Dance has been a highlight of the end of 2014. I am thrilled to be in their commercials and billboards. This post showcases some of their gorgeous work.
So that’s it! My year in review, blog style.
I hope your New Year involves glitter, champagne and some sort of dancing…. even if it is just in your own living room. I’ve been thinking long and hard about my resolutions. Yes, I’m making them this year. I’ll be back Friday with a full report on New Year’s Eve and those brand new dreams for 2015. See you then.
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
Could you be any cuter! You and Jaime are my running inspirations. I need to run much more this year. I loved this review post, and I'm so excited that you're enjoying the transition from meteorologist to blogger/writer/actress/runner extraordinaire. One of my goals in 2015 is for you and I to have lunch. Surely we can make that happen! Happy New Year!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much! You are too kind!
Yes, we must make that a 2015 goal!!! Lunch 🙂
Felicia says
I hope you have a wonderful New Year! It's always great to look back. You had a lot of big changes in one year!
JulieWunder says
I did! Thank you for your support and Happy New Year!
Annmarie says
What a year of great transitions for you! Congrats on breaking your sub 27 time and all your other sucess! SO glad we have connected through blogging, cheers to a fantastic 2015!
JulieWunder says
So glad we have "met" too! 2015 is going to be great!
Tracy says
I'm so glad you were able to make changes this year that were in your best interest. That's not easy to do but you seem better off for it. Cheers to 2015!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Tracy! Hopefully all the sacrifice in 2014 will pay off in 2015! Happy New Year!
Deborah@Confessions of a Mother Runner says
Wow you've accomplished a lot this year! I've enjoyed becoming blogger friends. Oh and love the romper
JulieWunder says
Thanks Deborah! That one was pretty popular. It's been so great to meet via the blogs this year!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
It always think it's good to look back (not linger) on things in our life because they can help us see how far we have come in just a short period of time. 2014 has been a big year for you and I know even more exciting things are in store for 2015!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Stacie! You too! It's going to be a great year!
Danyelle Musselman says
I continue to be impressed by your running accomplishments! Congrats on all of the wonderful changes in your life 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thanks Danyelle! Happy New Year!
Dan Steadman says
highlight...changing jobs!!!! Love my new job, the lower stress level, and the people here, it truly is a team! A close second is a new Half-Marathon PR...1:39:54
JulieWunder says
What a blessing Dan! And you ran like the wind this year. Congrats.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
Oooh yay! I can't wait to get caught up on some of the things that I missed before I started reading your blog! I say that there is no harm in reflecting, just don't live in the past, you know. But one should learn from it. Though sometimes I definitely fail at that too!
JulieWunder says
I agree Susie! Learning those lessons is important but hard. I'm so glad you are here, thanks for catching up 🙂
Jessie says
You are obviously a natural when it comes to babies. So with that being said - when should we be expecting one from you? 🙂 🙂
JulieWunder says
I do love babies. No news on that front right now though.
Jenny says
Yay! What a year! It's crazy to reflect and realize that if we had any idea what we'd be facing at the beginning of last year that it all would have seemed so impossible, but looking back, it's nothing short of miraculous and the finish is so sweet! Happy New Year, Julie!
JulieWunder says
So true! There is something very beautiful about looking back and knowing that you are stronger because of it all.
Blane Sherer says
I enjoyed your year in review posting. I am glad that you have made your transition so well from WLOS. I certainly miss you on WLOS but I do enjoy following your blog. I wish you continued success for 2015.
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much! Happy New Year!