2018: Year in Review

2018. Wow. What a whirlwind. It took my breath away as it flew by and now I’m left in 2019 gasping for air. This is a positive thing and January is typically that kind of month for me. January is a time to reflect on the year past, what you did, what you learned, what you experienced, what you gained, and what you lost. That’s what I’m doing today— and I’m grateful and excited to be able to share it with you. 

2018 was a milestone year: I turned 21. I had my fifth anniversary with my boyfriend, which means we’ve basically spent a quarter of our lives together (that hit us hard in the most heartwarming way possible). I completed my first year of social work and tackled my first ever social work field practicum. twowildtides turned two. My dog turned 10—officially a senior citizen in doggy years. I put in over 200 hours of volunteer time with an organization I am passionate about: the Newfoundland and Labrador Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Center. I created and sold my first ever physical products (prints and holiday cards) for my photography business. And, I travelled solo out of North America for the first time and ticked a major item off of my bucket list. I’m proud of myself. 

I read 7 books this year, all of which I loved: 

1. Wild — Cheryl Strayed
2. Yes, My Accent is Real — Kunal Nayyar
3. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck — Mark Manson
4. Wonder — R.J. Palacio 
5. Sri Lanka Travel Guide — Lonely Planet
6. Turtles All The Way Down — John Green 
7. The Good Earth — Pearl S. Buck

In January of 2018, I got a new part-time job that I really became good at. Working in MUN’s writing centre taught me patience, understanding, and empathy in a whole new way. I improved my own writing skills, too. In February, I celebrated my 21st birthday in style at the JAG hotel in St. John’s with some of my closest friends. I had professional photos taken for the first time in an attempt to get myself comfortable on the other side of the camera. I celebrate 5 years with Mack, and like I mentioned before, this was special. In March, I pledged an oath of professionalism in social work and officially became a social work intern then celebrated in style, again, at JAG hotel—hard work pays off. In April, I got my wisdom teeth out and survived my first ever surgical experience (thanks to my mom). 

In May, I pulled up my big girl pants and hopped on a flight to Sri Lanka to volunteer in community-based mental health with SLV.Global for four weeks. I had worked my ass off for this trip and I am so proud to have done it without a hitch. I learned so much (educationally and personally), met some incredible humans and formed lasting relationships, saw a brand new part of the world, and made a difference in some lives and communities. Read more about my experience in Sri Lanka here. 

In June, I returned home from Sri Lanka and went straight to work with another organization that I am incredibly passionate about: the Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Council. I went to Twillingate with my friends and what was supposed to be a fun trip to a local brewery turned into one of the most memorable days of the summer. In July, honestly, I just partied so much it might seem awful, but I had the most fun…ever. I also scored an amazing collaboration for twowildtides with the Iceberg Alley Performance Tent and was able to cruise around St. John’s Harbour and into Quidi Vidi with what was essentially a private Matt Mays concert three feet in front of me. That was pretty unforgettable. And we celebrated, in style, at JAG Hotel (it was a bit of a trend I think?) In August, I saw the Arkells for the second time at George Street Festival with close friends, displayed my photography prints in my first ever art exhibition, had a family beach day at my cabin (getting everyone together is nearly impossible, so this is noteworthy), and went on a week-long camping trip. This month my family also experienced a devastating loss, and, from afar, I learned so much about grief, guilt, and the ties of a family. 

In September, I embarked on my first social work field practicum at a treatment and rehabilitation center for youth with addictions. This was my first practical social work work experience and it was a huge learning curve but highly effective. This was when I finally realized that I am 100%, surely, positively, and most definitely in the right career path and I am thrilled about that. This month I also had a visit from the other half of twowildtides, my best friend, Linds, and we partied the night away at Iceberg Alley and spent a few days just catching up—well needed, well deserved. In October, I went on a family trip to Florida and relaxed by the pool for ten days. In November, I had a visit from another best friend which was also well needed and well deserved. I’m so thankful for the friends I have in my life right now, and I honestly can’t say that enough. In December, I was surprised by my amazing parents with a trip to Toronto with my sister to visit my aunt and uncle and to see my favourite band, Mumford and Sons, live in concert (and of course, they ROCKED). I am so truly blessed. 

Through twowildtides, in 2018, I worked with these awesome people and companies and I want to say THANK YOU! (in no particular order): 

• FiggyDuff Dory 
• Wildhood Clothing, Abu Sayed
• Brent Mac Events
• JAG Hotel 
• Alt Hotel
• Sparkes Design 
• Murray Premises Hotel
• Bombshell By Michelle (Bombshell Boutique)
• Whale House
• Bethany Downer
• Courtney Mona
• Iceberg Alley Performance Tent
• Inn by the Bay
• Threaded Towns
• Lacebrick Design
• Blank Page Clothing Co.
• Field to Cup

In 2018, I was able to pursue my deepest passions and attain some of my largest life goals. I was treated wonderfully by friends and family and strangers and I will never, ever take that for granted. 

And please, check out this article. It is my favourite one I wrote this year. It is important to me and I am proud of it. Thank you for your ongoing and endless support. I wish you all the best 2019 has to offer and all my love. 

–char