2019 Year in Review
Every year since I graduated college in 2015, I’ve found myself thinking, “this will be the year things slow down a little.” So far, I’ve proven myself wrong every year. Through cross-country moves, career changes, and weddings, each year has brought its own set of big life events and massive changes. I guess, that’s your early twenties for you.
So, I went into 2019—my 26th year of life—thinking, “okay this really is the year things will slow down”. Then, Omar was offered his dream job in Alabama, and we moved from Oklahoma City to Tuscaloosa less than a month later.
Despite that one massive change, this year gave me a lot of space for introspection, and I’m most grateful for the time to get to know myself a little better. Here’s a recap of the big things, the little things, and a few adventures along the way.
The Big Things
The biggest big thing of 2019 was moving to Alabama. This year, my husband entered his final year in a doctoral degree program at the University of Oklahoma. In June, a position opened up at the University of Alabama, and in a whirlwind of events Omar was offered the job and we moved within a month. Earning a terminal degree is grueling. I’ve watched Omar work so hard through three degree programs over the nine years that I’ve known him. To see it finally pay off was one of the proudest moments of my life.
Of course, it was bittersweet, as well. We moved to Oklahoma in 2016. Over the course of a few weeks, we said goodbye to our incredible group of friends, favorite local bars, coffee shops, and restaurants, and our beautiful little historic apartment. I also shifted to a part-time, remote position so I could keep my job through the transition.
It was a tough couple of months adjusting to a new city, being even further away from our families, and working from home. However, this is the first move for us that could be permanent. We don’t know what the future holds, but it’s been really special getting to explore Tuscaloosa and feel like we could stay here for years to come.
The Little Things
Omar and I celebrated our first year of marriage. Our anniversary actually fell on our moving day, so we spent it on a 10-hour drive from OKC to Tuscaloosa. It wasn’t the most romantic occasion, but it was special all the same. Our first year of marriage was one of the happiest years of our relationship, and I’m grateful for a season of life that felt a little easier, a little simpler, and filled with more joy than years past.
In the spring, I decided to train for my first half marathon. Running has always been a weak point for me. I’m proud of how consistently I trained for this, even when it was difficult. By November, I injured one of my ankles, but the training itself was so rewarding. I ran further and faster than I ever have in my life, and proved to myself that, with a little patience and perseverance, I can do anything I set my mind to. I’m still rehabbing my ankle, but I feel confident that I will hit the road running one day soon.
Adventures
No year in the Rearick-Roy household is complete without a little adventure. My favorite trips of 2019 were:
Summer in Colorado
My family moved to Colorado a few years ago. I usually only get to visit over the holidays. However, this year I took a summer trip to Colorado to meet up with my best friend, parents, and sister. It was so refreshing to reconnect with loved ones without the holiday hubbub. We drove to the top of Pikes Peak (which was terrifying), did touristy things in Manitou Springs, went on a few gorgeous hikes, and spent evenings around the fire pit. It’s such a privilege to visit my family in one of the most beautiful places, and this was one of my favorite trips so far.
Camping in North Georgia
This fall, Omar and I took an impromptu camping trip in Northern Georgia. We decided at the last minute to pack up the Jeep and head up to Georgia for the weekend. We ended up driving around for hours trying to find an open campsite. Most were full by the time we got there, but, after a gorgeous detour through the mountains, we eventually found a great site in the woods. The hiking was amazing, we enjoyed hours reading outside, and (my personal favorite) eating hot dehydrated meals by the fire.
Christmas in California
Every other Christmas, we spend the holiday with Omar’s family in San Diego. It’s been so fun getting to enjoy Omar’s family traditions over the years. My personal favorite is that we go directly to In-N-Out from the airport. We always visit a few of Omar’s favorite restaurants and coffee shops from when he was in high school. Omar’s mom is an amazing cook, so Christmas Eve dinner is amazing every year. This year, we also toured a meditation garden and spent a beautiful day at the beach.
I’m excited to see what adventures lie ahead for the coming year. This year, we closed a few chapters and turned a new leaf in Alabama. I’m looking forward to putting down roots here, building a community of friends, and seeing what’s next for us.