Camels & Chocolate: The Origins

In 2008: Highlights from the Year

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In 2008 … I left New York to become a West Coaster, all for this guy.

Which allowed me to become good pals with these lovely ladies

…and get the chance to meet other awesome blogger friends in real life.

I visited a new continent (South America)…

…and a few new countries, too (Brazil, Barbados, Guatemala, Honduras). I also revisited the Bahamas, Italy, Canada (twice)…

…and flew a total of 68,628 miles (compared to last year’s 87,102).

I wrote a California guidebook, which allowed me to see much of the state and log a total of 11,852 miles on my little Altima…

…and signed on to THREE more in early 2009 (am I insane???).

I saw my family in Tennessee (four times), Seattle and Alaska

…then out in my neck of the woods, too.

I fell in love with Austin, Texas

…and also Alberta, Canada.

I said goodbye to my beloved grandmother

…and hello to this bundle of joy.

I was visited by several old friends (Lindy, Helle, Jackie, Lucy Kay and Jon, Calum, etc.) in my new home…

…and added many more new ones to the mix through my various travels.

I got back in shape by running a marathon and several halves (I covered 615 miles this year by foot alone!)…

…learned how to surf, and became obsessed with Bikram yoga and SCUBA diving.

Speaking of which, I’m working on my fear of sharks for the sake of one job…

…and honing my celeb stalking skills for another.

All in all, I’d say it’s been a pretty good year. Last year’s resolution was to get back in shape (check), shed some excess poundage (check check) and run a marathon (check check check). Is it totally cheating if I adopt the latter two for my 2009 resolution, as well? Other than that, can’t think of anything I want to change at the present…except maybe cook more, take better care of my skin, eat more fruit and veggies, and become a bit more organized (tax time is going to be HELL, as I currently have approximately 16,000 receipts strewn about the house…as a freelancer, I write off EVERYTHING).

What did you accomplish this year? What’s your resolution?

For past year-end reviews, see my recaps here: 2009201020112012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

COMMENTS
  • December 31, 2008

    Great recap – what a year you’ve had!

    I haven’t thought about resolutions yet but getting back in shape and maybe running a marathon sound great. Now if only I can manage to get enough time off to work out and log the miles…

    Next year I’d also like to travel more. I already have two trips booked in January – San Francisco (again) and Park City, UT. I’m hoping to visit a friend in London this spring/summer as well provided there’s room in the budget. What about you? What destinations will you be visiting in the upcoming year?

  • December 31, 2008
    Jess

    The get in shape on is a big one for me for 2009.

    That plus read more, write more, travel more. Sounds good in theory so crossing my fingers this is the year that I actually stick to resolutions for longer than ten minutes!

  • December 31, 2008

    Wow! What a year you’ve had. Here’s to hoping 2009 is just as good…

    As for me, I got married, bought a house, traveled to new places (Dominican Republic, Los Angeles), became an aunt (twice) and watched three of my best friends get married. I’m going to jump on the bandwagon here and say I’d like to shed a few pounds in ’09, stress a little less and travel more. Happy New Year!

  • December 31, 2008

    Woo, what an amazing year and you met Rhianna!
    I hope 2009 is just as good.. Happy New Year!

  • December 31, 2008

    Wow, I want your life! 🙂

    I tend not to make resolutions because they usually end up in a big old FAIL WHALE. But this year I’m trying to make a few. One is to get back in the habit of washing my face every night. I got out of the habit and it is not good on the skin!

    I also want to start running again. Maybe do a race (like 5k, no marathon.) And coming soon, I’m going to start looking for a condo to BUY and move into the world of adulthood finally and be a home owner.

    Happy New Year!

  • December 31, 2008
    Bethany

    Wow, I have to tell you, what an inspiring year!

    I saved a lot of money this past year, which I’m proud of. And have been able to support myself with freelance writing and editing, which I am also quite proud of.

    I have many New Year’s resolutions, but a big one is to get back into running and run a 5K, which would be my first race ever. Have to start somewhere.

    I hope you have a fabulous new year! I’m so glad we started chatting this year.

  • December 31, 2008

    You have had a great year! And I’m so glad I got to join in! Can’t wait to join in all your adventures in 2009! Which will hopefully include a trip to Portland to visit Rhi and I!:) I’m pushing hard for that one.

  • December 31, 2008
    Andrew

    Guatemala is my favoritest place ever. I keep going back, can’t get enough of that country. I also share your love of diving and total fear of sharks. I hate running but do it to compensate for all those restaurant reviews.

    Happy New Year. May our paths cross in 2009.

    AE

    PS. I want your tan.

  • December 31, 2008

    what a wonderful recap! Let’s totally meet up in ’09! Happy New Year!

  • December 31, 2008

    Your year makes me feel a wee under-accomplished. I’m so glad I get to live vicariously through you. And perhaps 2009 will be the year we get to meet! (Let me know the next time you visit Austin!)

  • December 31, 2008

    I have to admit you make me feel under-accomplished as well! Congrats on an amazing year, hope 2009 treats you just as well, if not better!

  • December 31, 2008

    Your life looks like the most fun! I would love to copy it! Of course, writing is not my talent, but if it were….you’d totally be my inspiration 🙂

  • December 31, 2008

    You are a marathoner! But of course! you are. So very awesome. I posted my list of 9 in 2009 on my site just a few minutes ago, and a half marathon is on my list for 2009, with a full the ultimate athletic goal in 2010. And SCUBA DIVING: yes, please.

    (And I second Kaleigha’s “trip to Portland!” idea, because all three of us live here, what what, and I’m already shamelessly pestering Moose about making her way over for a visit this year.)

  • January 1, 2009

    I love the miles you’ve logged by air, by sea, by land, and on foot. No moss grows under you!

    And on behalf of California I’d just like to say, I’m glad you got here as soon as you could.

  • January 1, 2009

    Great recap! I’m hoping to read more, exercise more, and eat and drink less. WAY LESS.

  • January 1, 2009

    Wow. You had a superb 2008!

  • January 1, 2009
    lyn

    love this recap! Very clever, you!!

    Thanks for the bloggie shoutout, too. You are very sweet.

    Off to think on my resolutions!

  • January 1, 2009

    You’re pretty damn wonderful. And busy. And inspirational.

    My goal for the year is to really take control of my life, as I realize (retrospectively) that 2008 controlled me instead of the other way around.

  • January 14, 2009

    How can I have a year like you had last year- this year? Please please, reading this post just hurt my soul with jealously. lol.

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