A look back at 2017

What a whirlwind 2017 has been for our little family! As you may have noticed, I have been extremely MIA on this blog because of some major changes that took place, which I’m so excited to share it all with you today. So let’s get started…

Back to School

In an effort to better myself and open up more possibilities in my career, I decided to hit the books again as a student at Royal Roads University in the Bachelor of Arts in Professional Communication program. The amazing thing about this program is that a majority of the course work is online, with two three-week on-campus residencies throughout its two year span, which makes it a perfect fit for someone who is working full-time. This meant that I got to visit Victoria, B.C., for the first time ever! This gorgeous city stole my heart, and I can’t wait to visit it again in May 2018. Oh, and did I mention my school has a castle? Hatley Castle to be exact – you might remember it from a certain Mr. Ryan Reynolds Instagram post. The campus has a certain je ne sais quoi that makes you want to study and just immerse yourself in a textbook. It’s a weird thing to describe, but it definitely got the educational juices flowing.

Boss Lady

I took the first steps in setting up my own business along with prioritizing my blog as one of the big things in my life! I officially took the plunge and registered my company, Queddo Communications, and have started work on the website. I’m working with a few clients, and I’m excited to see it grow. On the blog front, I attended my first BlogPodium at the end of September, and came out of it more energized and inspired about blogging than ever before. If you haven’t attended one of their conferences, I strongly recommend you do.

Outside of my entrepreneurial ways, I was bestowed an incredible opportunity at work as the Project Manager for my organization’s centennial celebrations. Yes, this is a truly daunting task, but it has been a wonderful journey so far, and it’s just kicking into high gear. I can’t wait to see everything come together in March when we turn 100!

Five Golden Rings

Newly married couple kissing

Peter and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary! We didn’t do a big hoopla over it, but we did make sure we found ways to spend more time together as a couple this year. And to be completely honest with you, I think this was our best year yet. We had our little ups and downs, but we were solid through and through. I still find myself, every now and again, glancing at our wedding photos and feeling incredibly grateful to have him in my life as my partner in crime.

 

 

Puppy Love

puppy sleeping on its back

Our family grew again this year with the addition of Agnes’s daughter, and our little puppy, Edith. It was such a fun, crazy and at times, daunting journey with Agnes being pregnant and then having her 10 puppies! To watch her become a mother and show her babies the same love and attention we show her, melted my heart. But of all those adorable little faces, it was Edith that stole our heart and became a permanent fixture in our household. Now, just over three months old, her fearless personality makes our family complete. If you want to stay on top of their shenanigans, make sure to follow them on Instagram!

We Bought a Zoo…I Mean…House

Woman standing next to "SOLD" sign in front of a house

On top of all the other amazing things that happened, the biggest milestone for Peter and I was the purchase of our first home. Our beautiful semi-detached house is the perfect ending and send-off to a marvellous 2017, and the best way to welcome 2018 with open arms. We took possession on December 1, and have been working to make it our own ever since. It was such a wonderful experience to celebrate our first Christmas in the new home shortly after moving in. That said, I can’t wait to share some DIY/home reno projects with you over the upcoming months as I continue to make this house our home. We’re talking bedroom and office makeovers, bathroom renovations, and updating the kitchen. I’m still in shock that we actually own it, and I’m excited to make all types of amazing memories in our new home.

So that was 2017 in a nutshell. You have a lot to live up to, 2018, but I know you will be an even better year! What was your 2017 like? Share some of your highlights in the comments below.

Until next time!