The year 2022 was eventful, to say the least, and while I have no desire to rehash all of the highs and lows (there were so many!), I do like to reflect on lessons learned as we make plans for the year ahead. Like many of you, 2022 for us was full of trials and triumphs, hardships and joys – and I have no doubt 2023 will bring much of the same, because that’s life – right?
I’m not delusional to think that 2023 will only bring good things. After all, life is made up of light and darkness; you cannot know one without experiencing the other. While that may not be the most positive note to start a new year on, it’s an appropriate one.
If I’ve learned anything in the last three years, it’s that my lowest points is when I’ve felt the closest to God. So it is with full confidence I can say that with God’s strength, I’m ready for all 2023 may bring.
It’s no coincidence that this is the very first post of 2023, as I intend to be even more vulnerable with you this year. I hope the feeling is mutual.
Looking back on 2022
In the last year we finished many remodeling projects, sold off some investments, acquired new ones, and went through quite a few major life changes. What’s even more interesting is that 2022 was also the year we traveled the most. I’m grateful to have found a better balance of work and play, since that was one of our major goals for the year. The following are some of our most memorable parts of 2022:
- January
- Finished, styled and listed Bennett Rental for rent
- Celebrated husband’s birthday
- Took a trip to Snowshoe Mountain, a skiing resort in West Virginia
- Also visited Washington DC, Noah’s Ark in Kentucky, and Luray Caverns in Virginia
- Greenfield master bathroom reveal
- February
- Celebrated our littlest’ 3rd birthday
- War between Ukraine and Russia broke out
- March
- Took the RV down to Jacksonville, Florida
- Another quick trip to Washington DC
- Welcomed the start of boating season in Tennessee
- April
- Greenfield powder room reveal
- Celebrated Passover
- May
- Went to Florida with friends
- June
- Listed both the Greystone House and Greenfield Remodel for sale
- July
- Explored Savannah, Georgia and visited friends in Jacksonville, Florida
- Celebrated our oldest’ 5th birthday
- August
- Sold the Greenfield Remodel, moved into the Greystone House, which was already under contract
- Sold the Greystone House, moved into RV on August 15
- Took the RV on a road trip up the coast of South Carolina
- Greenfield kitchen reveal
- Went on a weekend trip to Nashville, Tennessee with friends
- September
- October
- Went to Panama Beach, Florida with cousins
- Finished remodeling Cape Cod Rental, rented it out
- Closed out the boating season in Tennessee
- November
- Visited Nashville, Tennessee and Jacksonville, Florida
- Celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary and Thanksgiving on the same day
- Purchased the Sunrise Farm
- Went to Asheville, North Carolina to attend my grandmother’s funeral
- December
- Moved our RV to the Sunrise Farm property
- Celebrated Christmas
Business Goals for 2023
The most obvious goal for 2023 is to wrap up the Sunrise Farm remodel. Next, we’ll focus on the outdoor living space: fixing the grapevine support structure, planting a garden, and possibly fixing up the chicken coop if we decide to get chickens.
I also have SO many reveals to share with you: 1) one or two more projects from the Greenfield Remodel, 2) all of the Greystone House, 3) all of the reveals at the Cape Cod Rental, and4) a bathroom renovation at one of our long-term rentals… So get ready for lots of beautiful spaces in 2023!
Other business goals for FOXY OXIE are 1) improving our weekly newsletter to have exclusive content for subscribers (sign up here!), 2) starting a subscriber platform on Instagram, and 3) maintaining a more consistent posting schedule both here and on Instagram.
Personal Goals for 2023
We also have lots of personal goals for 2023, one of which is to continue traveling as often as possible. For instance, this summer – God willing – we hope to take an extended trip abroad for several months.
We also want to be better at hosting gatherings and play dates. It’s been a struggle, since we’re living in an RV, but come March we can once again start inviting friends out on our boat. I can’t wait! Another personal goal for 2023 is to dedicate even more time and effort towards more worthwhile endeavors, like the young adults ministry and women’s prayer ministry at our church. Last but not least, we’ll start homeschooling our oldest daughter in August, so that’ll be a major shift for us as well.
I know I keep saying it, but thank you all for being here. You all undoubtedly feel like wonderful friends, and we are forever grateful for this community and your support. If you’re not already, come join me on Instagram for more of our day-to-day remodeling adventures, and be sure to sign up for the FOXY OXIE newsletter to be the first notified when new articles are published.
Now, I’d love to hear your feedback! Did you set goals or resolutions for 2023? What do you want to see from this blog in 2023?