If there’s one word I can sum up this year, it is “tumultuous“. There have been so many ups and downs this year and just when I felt like things were stabilizing and going steady (in my personal life because we know the world is in shambles), my garage got broken into earlier this month, and over $3,000+ worth of my gear was stolen.
The break-in really threw a wrench in ending this year on a higher note. It was a violation of my home and safety. I was really sad since I’m definitely one of those people who gets attached to their gear. We’ve had so many memories together and I’ve had some of those gear for 7+ years.
In trying to find a silver lining in this, I’m reminded how fortunate I am to have a great community. I decided to post about my stolen gear on Instagram and the response was more than I could’ve imagined. I had people DM-ing me with supportive messages and others letting me know that I could borrow their gear anytime. I even had people send me money and gift cards to help with the replacement of my gear. I also emailed almost all the outdoor companies my story and some offered discounts, while others straight up sent me the requested gear. My renter insurance was meh, but thank goodness I even had it.
So what’s in store for 2024?
Consistency.
After what felt like a never-ending rollercoaster of a year, I want tiny, smaller bumps and more stability. No grand plans or dreams because I never seem to achieve them or want them that badly besides having acres of land where me, my boo, and my friends live in a commune and I have my garden and chickens in my backyard and we have group dinners and activities every now and then while also investing in my 387509237504 arts and craft hobbies. You know, no big deal.
Thank you to my friends, family, and community. Grateful for every one of you and cheers to 2024! Hopefully, next year will be filled with lots of love, joy, laughter, happiness, and get-togethers, with a sprinkle of mountains, rivers, rocks, and valleys, as always.
Now for the yearly wrap-up in photos:
January
Friends, food, skiing, crocheting, gear cleaning, holiday party, running, Shannah’s bday
February
Running, friends, food, skiing, city events, Adele, crocheting, miracle berry gathering
March
Food, friends, marathon, city activities, crocheting, skiing
April
Hot girl matcha walk, the Mountaineers gala, cherry blossoms, friends, food, climbing, co-working, karaoke, Yellow Island, hiking, snowshoeing, city activities
May
Friends, food, brother’s wedding, climbing, hiking, NOLA, biking, bday parties, house stuff, ABC x COC bike/climb night, El Dorado Attempt
June
Friends, food, hiking, knots and hitches Trail Mixed event, karaoke, my birthday, city activities, climbing, Tooth Fairy climb
July
Olympic Coast backpacking trip, friends, food, Squamish, hiking, stargazing, baseball game, board game nights, paddleboarding, lavendar farm, Taylor Swift concert, Mt. Baker summit
August
Floating, friends, food, blueberry picking Trail Mixed event, bday parties, Day In Day Out music festival, fancy dinner party, backpacking, city activities, climbing, carnival
September
Katie’s wedding, Canyonlands National Park, falling clinic, friends, food, Lumineers concert, climbing, COVID, COC movie screening, city activities, work retreat, hiking, camping
October
Hiking, backpacking, city activities, Hot Ones party, Binh’s wedding, Camp and Climb Trail Mixed weekend, Halloween party, pumpkin carving, friends, food, Phoebe’s bday
November
Seattleversary, Hokusai exhibit, friends, food, earring making attempt, climbing, cat sitting, city activities, Jo’s baby shower, biking, Friendsgiving, board game nights, hiking, Free Palestine, cross-stitching
December
Friends, food, board games, oyster shucking, break-in, arts and crafts, hiking, holidays in SoCal
Before you go, don’t forget to call your reps. FREE PALESTINE!
Your friend,
Vivian
Me and Viv 