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Farewell 2019. Farewell to the 2010s.
It has been one heck of a decade (or at least, 1/2 a decade) with my dreams being put on hold due to health crisis after crisis. But also some of the best years thanks to experiences with my friends, year in London going to grad school, and more!
To see some of my favorite memories of the decade, check out my Thanksgiving post here.
And now for some of my top memories in 2019. I have chosen 12 of my favorite posts from 2019:
January: Book Review of “Defiant Joy” (Stasi Eldredge)
As a book blogger, i have had the pleasure of reviewing a number of different books including fiction such as this year’s Lethal Weapon (Vince Flynn) but also great non fiction that is uplifting such as Defiant Joy. It was the perfect read to start the new year in 2019.
February: Matthew Bourne’s CINDERELLA Review
It had been a while since I’d visited the ballet (2014: Sadlers Wells) and never had I seen something so beautiful and stunning as Sir Matthew Bourne’s gorgeous CINDERELLA that visited the Ahmanson Theatre in L.A. in February. The show was followed by his revolutionary Swan Lake in December.
March: Whole Lung Lavage Experience (3 Part Series)
After a year of troubles with my lungs from pneumonia in February 2018 to being hospitalized and having a biopsy in October 2018 and blowing up like a blimp thanks to Prednisone, I was lucky enough to have a Lavage at Cedars Sinai in February (and later in August) that has helped me a great deal.
April: A to Z Challenge
The A to Z Challenge is always a fun opportunity. This year I featured my favorite musicals and theatre shows. Everything from Aspects of Love (my favorite Andrew Lloyd Webber musical) to Zero Hero (A song from Rage of Hearts).
May: The World of da Vinci Exhibit Review
I have enjoyed a wonderful relationship these past few years with the fabulous Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley where every exhibit gets better and better. In the Spring they had a stunning and very informative and interactive exhibit about da Vinci.
June: Presenting My New Car
After being hit and having my car declared a “total loss” in May, I was grateful to find my new (gently used) car thanks to the AAA Car Buying program.
July: Benedict Cumberbatch and Geanco
This summer I started a limited time series called SPOTLIGHT where I featured various non profits such as GEANCO and the amazing people (such as Benedict Cumberbatch) who used their celebrity for good.
August: Accessibility at The Price is Right
I have been watching Drew Carey and The Price is Right (CBS) since I came home from London in December 2014. It was one of the first joys of my day. So it was very exciting to attend a taping of The Price is Right with friends this summer in between lung lavages.
September: My Favorite Zulily Store (Hearts and Roses London)
Having lost 20+ pounds since my prednisone bloat up, I bought a few new dresses from Hearts and Roses London on Zulily and fell in love.
October: #GrlPowerLoop Helped Me Gain 6k Followers
To aid fellow bloggers and influencers, I had to share about how #GrlPowerLoop on Instagram helped me gain 6k followers in 6 months after I refreshed my account @thejoyousliving.
November: 5 Things I’ve Learned Being Disabled (for 5 Years)
At the 5 year anniversary since I became disabled, I shared 5 things I’ve learned through this journey. Hopefully you’ll never have to experience disability for yourself but if so here’s so encouragement for the road ahead.
December: 5 Must Have Gifts for the Dog!
Again I created a gift guide and one of my favorites was my gift guide for dogs featuring favorites loved by Captain Hastings Alyosha.
So there you have it. 12 of my favorite blog posts of 2019.
Again, Happy New Years! Hope you have a great and safe New Years.
Do share with me in the comments below some of your favorite posts of mine from 2019. And a very happy new year and new decade to each and every one of you!
It seems like it has been a wonderful year for you. Wish you the best for this new year.
thanks Subhashish. Despite the setbacks and tough moments i definitely enjoyed some lovely moments too. Here’s to 2020.
You’ve got some very interesting books here! I’ll take the time to see more into these.
that’d be awesome. I hope you find something worth reading for 2020.
I will need to check out the April edition: blogging from A to Z. Iām always looking for blog tips.
Lashunta you’d love the A to Z community. they are always so encouraging and supportive.
Wish you all the best in 2020, better health, more joy and love! Happy New Year š
thanks so much Roberta!!! here’s to better health, more joy and love to all.
A great year!
it was quite the year, no? glad we could share so many fun memories. Here’s to 2020!
i enjoyed all your posts especially “April: A to Z Challenge” as it’s really a good one. Good luck for 2020! Cheers!
thanks so much Emman!!! Hope we can both do the A to Z Challenge this year. Have you ever tried?
Lovely post. I’m glad that you had great achievements last year and much more happy that you were able to find a purpose in life despite your disability. You are an inspiration. Greater heights! Remember that the best is yet to come. Much love.
thanks so much VIano Dee! You are so encouraging and such a blessing to know in our mutual blogging communities.
This is such a great idea! I see a couple that I missed. Going to check those out now!
sweet. thanks Heather. Can’t wait to see what 2020 brings for all of us. Hopefully I’ll get to Disneyland again soon.
Wow reading your five things I learned from being disabled post. Love your outlook and boy you have had some adventures. The lung lavage sounds like it was super helpful for you but oh boy I am so sorry you have to go through this.
It looks like you had a great year! I’m looking forward to read more of your adventures this year.
Love,
Karla
I wish you all the best this 2020. Life is not a ride in the park. It is those twists and turns, the falling and getting back up again that makes us stronger. Thank you for sharing your top posts for 2019. I will have to visit those posts that I may have missed.
What a great year for you. I wish you every success in 2020 and now Iām off to read about the GRL Power Loop š
Wow you sure did go through a heck of some set backs. But am happy to know you are doing much better. I’m sure it’s made you a stronger person overcoming those obstacles. I wish nothing but the best you in the new year, and good health! š
Wow. so much great post. Hope next year will also be more better
Wow, you had an amazing year! I love your spotlight initiative. I went to college with Afam of Geanco, it was such a treat to see his smiling face in your post! Here’s to a wonderful 2020!
You’ve had some pretty amazing posts in 2019. Wishing you all the best in 2020!
These are good reads! Success and knowledge are intertwined. books can upskill anyone. Reading a variety can help you attain your goals.
Good Selection!
happy 2020
Wish you a happy new year ! I am looking forward to reading about your future adventures.
That’s fun that you got to be on Price is Right. My FIL was on it years ago too. š
A mixed bag of 2019 you’ve had. Glad the lavages worked well.
Happy new year girl. It was a interesting post to read. Have a good year ahead.
Congratulations on a very challenegin yet productive year. May 2020 bring you better and healthier opportunities. Kudos.
Congratulations on a very challenging yet productive year. I enjoyed reading your post and seeing all the things you were able to accomplish even after a health battle. May 2020 bring you better and healthier opportunities. Kudos. š