Somehow, it’s already the end of March. Over the last few years, time has taken on a slightly unmeaningful definition. It seems appropriate, now that the world feels like it might be getting back to “normal” (whatever that means) to look back a bit. Maybe it’s nostalgia, or maybe I just don’t want to forget where we’ve come from, but I feel a need to take a look back at the last few years in retro.
2019: Giant Leaps & Big Changes
I have to admit that I didn’t really think about 2019 being “the end of a decade.” We jam packed a decades worth of action into that year. As they say – go big or go home – right? Right! While many chapters closed for us in 2019, these certainly feel like the longest (or biggest)!
100% All In
When Isaac first hinted that he was thinking of working full-time for our business, I was terrified. At that point, he was employed as a web developer in stable position. He had health care, benefits, paid time off, and most importantly, guaranteed pay. The idea that he would leave all that behind, and become self employed felt insane. Over time, and many (and I mean many) spreadsheets, “what-if” analysis sessions, and pro/con lists, I slowly came around to what he saw. We were turning away income the longer he stayed working for someone else. So, in early 2019, we took the plunge and he now supports Sprucely Designed full-time. He works hard, hustles every day, and I couldn’t be more proud of him, and the agency he’s building.
Wyoming We Love 
Supporting Our National Parks
Really, it’s because of this giant leap that we were able to visit some amazing places in 2019. We attended trade shows and conventions, visited with clients from all over the US, and spent some time in beautiful Wyoming and the Grand Teton National Park.
New Title, Who dis?
Isaac wasn’t the only one making career moves this year – I, too, found myself with a new title, and a new office space in 2019. After four years, I transitioned from assisting with budget and finance duties for one department, to similar tasks for several administrative units at my University.
Building Something New
We also decided after 10 years to sell our house and build a new one in 2019. Let me tell you – moving after a decade is not fun! It took a short 12 days for our house to sell after we placed it on the market. Our home held 10 years of memories, laughter, tears, and joy. I spent several nights packing boxes with a box of tissues.
2020: A Year Like No Other
If 2019 was about closing some chapters, and starting new ones, 2020 was the plot twist in the middle of the book. We were very fortunate to stay healthy and stable last year, but it was quite a rollercoaster.
A Place to Call Home
We spent a great deal of 2020 building a new home. Ground breaking took place in February – right before the world changed. Our contractor was wonderful, and took all precautions to keep the crews working on our home safe. There were many laughs, tears, and spreadsheets involved to get us here, but it was 100% worth it.
Before After Move In
A New Way To Work
When the world shifted in March, I was fortunate enough to be in a role that could shift easily to remote work. My University went 100% remote, both for courses and workforce. I will say that spending more time at home with Isaac and the cats was great for me during a time of such uncertainty.
2021: What’s Next?
I realize we’re three months in, but it’s still early. Right? 2020 left many of us re-thinking what the future might hold for us. It certainly left me pondering what was important to me, and what I wanted to re-prioritize in my life. In fact, I have a post on there. Check it out here.
