It’s time for the annual tradition (see 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017)- my reflection on the best parts of 2018!
2018 was a long year, and a lot happened (especially, as you’ll notice, when it comes to figure skating). Back in 2017, when I was looking ahead, I had no idea what my life was going to look like or what the year would bring. But I managed to fill the year with some pretty awesome people, places, memories, experiences and achievements. Here are my top 10:
Moved to Victoria
In case you missed the memo, the very first thing I did in 2018 was move to Victoria, B.C. I don’t think there has been a day since that I’ve regretted it. Much of this year has consisted of trying to build a life in a new city, but folks, Victoria is amazing. Ocean, mountains, sun, warmer temperatures and a whole lot of outdoors-y-ness – I really couldn’t ask for much more.
Met Tessa and Scott
The title of this pretty much says it all, and anything it leaves out is pretty well summed up by the photo on the right. I MET TESSA AND SCOTT.
Went to Canadian Nationals
My second weekend in Victoria, I headed to Vancouver for the Canadian Tire National Figure Skating Championships, and oh-my-god, it was magical. I watched Patrick Chan win his 10th national title. The arena absolutely erupted for Tessa and Scott’s Moulin Rouge program. Gabby Daleman beat out Kaetlyn Osmond to win the ladies title on her 20th birthday. A wave of applause followed Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje as they skated around the rink waiting for the previous competitor’s marks. I’m so, so grateful I got to be in the rink for this event. <3
Saw Hank Green live
Going to Hank Green’s book tour event in Bellingham, Washington was kind of an unreal experience. Hank Green is a very popular YouTuber, and has a tendency to think differently from most people. These two things combined meant that his show was kind of like nothing I’d ever been to before. The atmosphere was incredible; Hank barely had to do anything to get a crowd response. And the show itself included a book reading, guitar playing, video interludes and some sword fighting (yup).
Ran the TC10K
For the first time in my life I a) ran 10K and b) trained for a race I was running. Two of my co-workers had signed up for a run clinic that was training for the TC10K and started in January, and they convinced me to join (they then didn’t even run the race, which is another story altogether). While I did almost pass out by the end of the 10 km (that’s an ongoing problem), I also learned that I can do it, and that I genuinely enjoying running with a podcast in my ears!
Launched Grad School Uncovered
As part of an online course I was taking, I had to create a multimedia storytelling project, with whatever focus I wanted. Me being the student affairs professional I 
am, I decided to tell the stories of student affairs professionals who are attending graduate school while working full-time. For me, this was a great opportunity to learn more about graduate programs, have conversations with fellow professionals, and figure out how people balance school with work with life… all while completing a course requirement! I loved the conversations, I loved the final product, and while I didn’t continue the project the way I had intended, you’ll see more of it in 2019!
Launched pumpkins
Sometimes it’s just the little things that make life great, and I can’t even explain how excited I was when I saw that the Victoria chapter of Cystic Fibrosis Canada was holding a ‘Squash CF’ pumpkin launching event. I quite literally got to put my magnificently carved pumpkin in a catapault and watch it fly and smash. In other words, I got to be a child again. Plus, the whole thing was raising money for one of my favourite charities. Pumpkin emoji.
Watched a whole lot of figure skating (live)
In addition to taking in Canadian Nationals live, I ended the year by heading to Vancouver for the Grand Prix Final (it was amazing). In between, I also went to Stars on Ice here in Victoria, and took a road trip to Abbotsford to take in the Thank You Canada Tour. For those keeping track, yes, that means I saw Tessa and Scott skate their Moulin Rouge program live on three separate occasions this year. Each of these experiences has had its own amazing elements to it, and the skating world can continue to have my money forever.
Launched the online pre-arrival program
I came to Victoria to start a new job, designing a new pre-arrival program for incoming UVic students, and the program officially launched at the beginning of December. The process has been amazing, and so has the result. I’m so thankful that everyone I’ve met, talked to and worked with has been 100% on board with helping get this project off the ground, and I have learned so much. I really, really do love this kind of work.
Sportsed it up
2018 has been a year absolutely overflowing with sports. I’ve continued playing in a Friday night sports and social league, where I’ve made a ton of friends. I’ve often been playing co-ed soccer multiple times a week. I played beach volleyball almost every Sunday afternoon with a group of my friends. I found an 11-a-side team to play on (they play in the fall/winter here, not in summer… it’s weird), and it’s one of my favourite teams I’ve been on as an adult. Plus, we practice. And I’ve been taking advantage of the west coast outdoors life, and inserting hikes wherever I can. Not only am I very likely in the best shape of my life, I’m loving every minute of it.
What were your top moments and memories from 2018? Let me know!
Featured image by me!
