Looking back on 2019 + my goals for 2020
Hi friends! I hope you’re enjoying the new decade so far. What are you up to today? I’m going to get in an arms workout at the gym and start blasting through my editorial calendar for the new year. I have my new planner ready to go (major nerd vibes because new planners make me oddly excited) and am pumped to get content ideas together. Thank you again to those of you who took this year’s blog survey!
I thought I’d share a little look back on the past year and my goals for the upcoming year. I’d love to hear about a highlight from your 2019 and any goals you’re going after this year!
Here are some of the major highlights from 2019:
– The Pilot came home after a 7-month deployment! He immediately was hired by the airlines, which I’ll share a bit more about below
– I attended my first Beautycounter conference (and we saw Michael Buble that weekend! AMAAAAZING)
– Baby August was born! I love this little guy so much.
– We explored Vancouver and took our first Disney cruise to Alaska
– I got to meet up with Julie and Anne at the NOW Foods trip to Chicago
– We went to San Diego for the 4th of July
– I launched my first pair of leggings with Four Athletics
– We got two guinea pigs, Donut and Lollipop, and we love them
– Did a couple of Phoenix staycations (like the opening weekend of Great Wolf Lodge Scottsdale)
– Went back to San Diego and Disney for a fall trip
– I turned 35 (AH)
– I took Liv to NYC for her first time! We saw Frozen, Wicked, Aladdin, went ice skating at Bryant Park and ate the best pizza
– We celebrated our second year of holidays back in Tucson partying with the fam, but the Pilot was out of town
2019 ended up being a challenging year for me. It was studded with more beautiful memories than difficult, but I thought/hoped this year was going to be a bit of a “reset” and much-needed reprieve from the stress and tireless effort of the Pilot’s deployment. As it turns out, it became another solid year of trying to keep my head above water. See, the Pilot spent the down time of his deployment refining his airline applications and preparing for potential interviews, so when he got home, he immediately got his medical stuff updated and put in his apps while he finished separating from the active duty military. While everyone would’ve loved a little bit more of a break just living our normal lives here, there was no telling how long it would take to hear back from a major airline. As luck with have it, the Pilot had interviews lined up (and was hired) shortly after settling back into Tucson. Of course, for him, that meant traveling for a months of training and jumping into the first year’s schedule with both feet. For me, that meant an immediate return to being the full-time caretaker for the girls while also running a business from home. I absolutely love being with our babies and feel so thankful that I’m the one here and not away, but at the same time, you always have to be “on.” I also felt a lot of pressure from financially supporting the fam and keeping things afloat during the first year. I know it’s not always going to be like this, but for now, I just know it’s my time to hustle and I’m running with it.
As far as the airlines go, I know I’m venting a lot here, but we do love the Pilot’s new job and his company, We couldn’t be more thankful to have the security of a great second career, and we expected an intense first year paying our dues, but it’s been tough. I feel more used to him being gone than here. Sometimes it’s very lonely, which is why I feel so happy we’re near the family and also to connect with all of you.
I’ll definitely be ok if 2020 is a more low-key year than 2019. 😉 I have some goals set, but am trying to reduce some of the pressure I put on myself. I’m looking at these goals as concepts I’d love to work towards, but if they don’t all happen this year, that’s ok. Mostly I was to emphasize creating time for the things that make me feel fulfilled, and spending time together as a family of 4 whenever possible. 🙂
Health and fitness:
– Continue to follow my gallbladder protocol so I have a good ultrasound in February. This protocol is totally self-imposed and I haven’t written about it in detail because I’m not a medical professional and I have no clue if it’s actually working. My next ultrasound is in February and if the polyps have grown, they want to take out my gallbladder. I can’t go into the ultrasound without doing everything in my power to have an awesome result. Obviously a lot of it is out of my control, but I’m all about taking every step I possibly can. I really, really don’t want to have another surgery for a very long time so I’m crossing my fingers that I can keep my gallbladder.
– Stay consistent with my current routine. I feel like I’ve hit a stride with my workout routine and love the mix of classes I’m currently taking. Each week, it’s a mix of Orangetheory, Telos (CrossFit-ish), barre, hot yoga, Peloton, outdoor hikes, and Les Mills On Demand workouts I’ll do at home. It’sfun to mix it up depending on what I’m subbing and how I feel that week. Nutrition-wise, I stopped counting macros a while ago (I feel like it was too much for my gallbladder to eat when I wasn’t actually hungry) and am just trying to get in protein, produce, whole grains, healthy fats, and lots of water.
Family:
Make it through the first year of airlines (and I’m not even the person flying the planes lol). Whooooaaaaaa we’re halfway there. We’re definitely having a party when we hit 2nd year!
Keep supporting our babies in any way possible. I just love them so much and want them to know I’m always their advocate.
Really start to figure out a budget and long-term plans. This is something we’re going to work on for the following year, especially since we have some big long-term financial goals. I guess I’ll dust off my old Excel skills and get a spreadsheet together.
Focus on things that fulfill my soul:
– Audition for choir (again). You guys know the choir audition I bombed? I’m going for it again. If it doesn’t work out, there are a few other local options to explore. I think that singing again would make my heart happy and a choir feels like a safe bet.
– Join a volunteer organization. I always say I want to volunteer more and end up feeling overwhelmed with options and don’t end up doing it as often as I’d like. We’re going to be joining a specific organization that has requirements and I’m excited because the Pilot and I are going to do it together, and will also be held accountable.
– Reading every night before bed. I enjoy it so much and sleep better when I read for even 15-20 minutes before crashing.
– Meditate at some point each morning. I’ve been using the Calm app and love it! My tips for starting a meditation practice are here.
– Make time to hang out with friends and other couples. We’re at a point in life where it can be tough to get together with friends. I was doing a cooking club here in Tucson, but after a couple of months, no one could make it because everyone is shuffling kids to dance class and sports practice/games. I’ve found that with young kiddos and such a busy schedule, you won’t hang out with friends if you don’t make the time and concrete plans. (Instead of “Let’s meet up this week!” it has to be something like, “Do you want to grab breakfast at 10 on Friday?”) Since I work from home and the Pilot is gone a lot, I feel a bit more sane and happy when I have time to meet up with friends.
Pick up some regular fitness classes to teach. I’ve been subbing classes at a couple of studios, but didn’t take any of my own classes mostly because of childcare. I put it out to the universe (= Facebook) that I wanted to start teaching a couple of my own classes in the new year and was offered a HIIT class where I’m subbing that will start in February. I’m excited to be teaching more regularly again!
Continue therapy. I started seeing an incredible therapist the morning my grandfather passed away. I had made the appointment over a month in advance and figured I couldn’t cancel it, because if you ever needed a therapy appointment, that would be the day you should take one. So I went, and sat in her office and sobbed for 30 minutes. She told me that her office loved tears and I needed to truly feel everything I was feeling, and since then, she’s wrapped me in so much kindness and compassion. She’s become an extremely valued member of my tribe and even though I only see her every couple of weeks, it’s changed my life. It’s helped so much with my anxiety and my relationships, and if you are on the fence about therapy in the New Year, do it. It’s so worth it.
Travel:
– Traveling is one of my very favorite things, so I’m hoping for more in 2020! It gives us a chance to fully be present and enjoy time with each other while exploring a new, or beloved place. We have a cruise planned already (YEAHHH) and I’m also hoping we can start planning our next Italy trip. 
Professional:
– Finally find time to focus on SEO. It’s a wonder that my blog has survived this long considering that I know nothing about SEO. I’ve picked up a couple of tips over the past couple of years but I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m going to take a course and also am looking to hire an SEO expert to help me update old posts that are performing well.
– Hire an editorial assistant. I have a couple of amazing team members who help behind-the-scenes with Pinterest, editing (not this post since I’m writing it the night before it goes live so sorry for the typos…), and Beautycounter. I’m looking for someone local who can help with filming/editing and kitchen days so I can post more recipes in the new year.
– Update the podcast more consistently and focus on producing video content more consistently.
– Work on opening my own studio. It may be next year, it may be 5 years from now, but it’s a huge goal of mine.
– Run more online challenges through the blog. HIIT Bootcamp was so much fun (we’re going to do another one towards the end of January!) and I’d love to create more video packs with full calendars to follow.
– Hit Senior Director with Beautycounter. Beautycounter has become one of the best things I’ve added to my business, especially because it’s given me the opportunity to connect with some many incredible friends and women, while creating an additional income stream. I’d love to hit Senior Director this year! You can read more about what it’s like being a Beautycounter consultant here.
– Finish my second book! I signed my second book deal in December and I’m so excited to get this one out into the world! I’ll share more details when I can, but it’s geared more towards my beginner friends who are just getting started.
If you made it to the end of this post, here’s a high five because this was a long one!
Thank you so much for being here with me on the crazy 2019 ride. Thank you for being here and being so amazing. I can’t help but feel like I dropped the ball a bit this year (especially on the podcast and posting as much as I’d like) but I have a feeling that 2020 is going to be a good one. Honestly, if I get lots of time with the fam, a good report on the gallbladder front, and make a lot of cheese boards, I’m calling it a win.
Cheers to the new year! Tell me, friends: what goals do you have set? Please share a personal and professional goal with me in the comments – I’d love to hear them!
xoxo
Gina
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You are kicking booty, Gina! SO much of what you have written I feel personally – 2019 was a DOOZIE both personally and professionally and I am setting goals for 2020 that are super similar.
Personal: Move back to the United States and put down roots near family and get back to my healthy routine in Florida (so many factors have to align to make this happen!)
Professional: Work on MY terms, meaning remotely in a role that gives me energy instead of draining it.
Combo: Spread the Beautycounter message! Hit Manager again and maintain once back in the US.
One thing I want to work on is my response to others and try to see the best in them first. I also plan to start grad school at seminary.
i LOVE all of these goals so much! when are you coming back??
and you can totally hit manager! i see you as a director 🙂
xoxo
At the latest, I come back June 30. My husband is returning to work in FL in March I’m trying to get to come home earlier!
I love this post, thank you for sharing so much of what is important to you! I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting and dreaming about the past decade/new decade. For me it has come down to the simple idea of living a life I love and letting my life be an example of how to live full of love, peace, joy and flow. My biggest intention is to leave all beings/places/things I encounter more uplifted than I found them. Wishing you and your family an incredible 2020!
i love all of this so much. and you definitely do a great job of spreading joy to others 🙂
xoxo
Happy New Year Gina!
happy new year!
Gina, you are a rockstar for all you’ve accomplished in 2019 including some very big transitions! Sending you <3 for what you accomplished and for your honesty in sharing with all of us. 2019 was a multi-milestone year for me, too, so I'm looking forward to 2020 as a year of maintenance and less intense goals.
thank you so much, friend! cheers to a less intense year for us 🙂 xoxo
I love the how honest you are in this blog! I saw a therapist many years ago, but stopped when I felt like I didn’t need it anymore. Sometimes I think it might be beneficial, but I use a lot of the suggestions she gave still and it helps bring me back.
2020 is going to be my year to focus on me. My overall health, relationships, & taking time for me. I feel that working on myself will be good for everyone around me. My husband & I made a goal to declutter the house. Which means actually getting things out of the house instead of leaving it in boxes stacked in corners.
i agree that it’s one of those things that you can step back from if you’re feeling good and then go back if you need it. i definitely needed it this year 🙂
i love the focus on YOU this year! it’s so worth it to do things that make your soul feel happy. xoxo
Great goals for the new year! I want to read more and run more. What volunteering are you guys gonna do? Hope 2020 is a better year for you!!
we’re looking into an organization here! (i’ll PM you about it i just don’t want to spread the word about it in case we don’t get accepted)
You have some great goals for this year — can’t wait to see what happens with the book, studio, etc!! Last year I had a ton of goals that I didn’t “get to” — I tend to go, go, go & then crash when things really start moving & become a bit intimidating — so, this year I’m focusing on taking action on the things I’ve been dreaming about. I want to start making some of my dreams a reality, so it’s all about ACTION in 2020.
i love that! i do the same thing and get overwhelmed. it’s smart to take a step back and focus on smaller actions along the way
OMG, Gina!! Congrats on signing another book deal! You are an amazing woman, and I’m so glad to know you. Also, I really hope you get more normalcy on the family front this year — tough stuff, but you take it in stride! 🙂 xoxox
so grateful to know YOU <3
thank you, friend! i'm definitely hoping for a more boring year 🙂
xo
I love when you share your goals for the New Year. I always find them so inspiring. For 2020, I’m working on taking better care of myself. I definitely let myself go after having a baby and have realized I need to take care of me in order to take the best care of him and be the wife I want to be. I’m also going to hire a professional organizer to help us get our home organized. I’m treating both of these goals as long-term, knowing that there are lots of layers to each and it’s the baby steps along the way that add up to the large result.
i LOVE that goal. it’s so worth it to do the things that make you feel like you. a lot of that can be lost a little in the early years <3 thinking of you!
love the idea to hire an organizer, too!!
Would love to hear about your trip planning to Italy. We’re doing our honeymoon there at the end of November and don’t even know where to start with planning!
reach out to heather christopher travel! she plans our big vacations and always does the most amazing job. she’ll hook you up with the best places to stay and things to do
Here’s to 2020!! I truly hope it’s a great year for you! 2019 was a tough one for my family, too. Looking ahead with high hope & gratitude for our blessings 🙂
i hope 2020 is better for all of us <3
Start using those flight benefits and it’s easier to forgive the hubby the terrible first year, pay and being gone all the time. Haha 😉
LOL right?! we’re going to finally try it out in february!
I love hearing everyone’s goals this time of year. Sounds like you have some great ones to accomplish in 2020.
Happy new year!
i love hearing everyone’s goals, too!
What a great recap, it’s so important to look back at what we accomplished and to think ahead. I am proud of myself for planning vacations for the first half of the year (Jamaica, New Orleans, and CO Springs) and for making other fun plans.
You are totally right about having to make specific plans with friends, no one in our local friend group has kids and we totally have to do that as well. I am typically the organizer and they always say they appreciate someone making the plans.
the vacations you have coming up sound incredible!
and YES. it makes such a difference when you actually make concrete plans 🙂
That was a doozy of a year! You’ve done an awesome job and I’m so impressed by how well you’ve handled so much. I used to have to travel for 1-2 months at a time when my girls were toddlers and it was so hard, both on me and my family at home. It was a huge relief for all of us when I took a new job with a less crazy travel schedule!
And good luck with your gallbladder! My brother just had gallbladder surgery two days ago, and he is recovering really well—hopefully if you have to have surgery, it will go as smoothly as his did!
thank you so much! i’ve felt like a hot mess this year lol. i bet it was so much better when your travel settled down! i can’t wait for that over here
happy to hear your brother is doing so well! i’ve heard of so many people who have had totally great experiences taking their gallbladders out, i’m just over having surgeries and would love to avoid it if possible
hope you have a great weekend!
I’m so curious about the training for pilots. What will change in his second year making life easier? Less travel away? I think my curiosity is because my husband went to college and become a licensed commercial pilot but before he hired on with an airline he tested for an air traffic controller. He scored well and decided to go that route. I’m so thankful bc if not we may have not met.
As for goals I’m really trying to focus on consistency in workouts. Focused movement at least 4 times a week. It’s been the biggest struggle!
second year the schedule and pay are WAY better. the pay basically triples and he won’t be flying such a crazy schedule. that’s amazing you met your hubby through a change of his plans; it’s so interesting when things work out that way!
My husband and I lived separately for almost 2 years due to work, so I understand what you’re going through. It’s tough always being “on” and I will be super frank in admitting I have failed many times – either I end up yelling way more than I want or we eat some sort of easy, fast food for the 3rd day in a row. I feel ya, but know you’ll make it through and be stronger and a better parent/wife/person because of it 🙂
My professional goal is to get a promotion! I have recently transferred to my dream marketing job after 9 years in a sales/supervisory position that I hated. I’ve been really enjoying my new position and seem to be doing really well, so I’m hopeful a promotion is possible this year as long as I stay focused and on task.
Personally I am going to do what I can to figure out my health issues and blood sugar problems I’ve been having – I’m too healthy for this!
that’s reassuring to hear. we have breakfast for dinner a lot around here haha!
i’m crossing my fingers for you that you get the promotion you deserve <3
Congratulations on the book deal! It sounds like you have had a tough year, but that you have still managed to accomplish some big things in spite of it and that you are moving forward with a great attitude and your priorities straight. Thank you for sharing your uplifting energy, humor, and honesty on the blog. I wish you all the best as you push towards these goals this next year!
thank you, friend- that means a lot to me!
2020 I want to learn to ski! I have been sidelined from anything fun for 2.5 years due to an injury that is finally (hopefully) fixed and I really just want to do a new thing I’ve never tried before. Snow is a foreign concept to me so skiing seemed like a good thing to try haha.
First year with the airlines is ROUGH but it ends!! I promise it does. Seniority is everyyyyything. Hang in there!
that sounds like an amazing goal! i’d love to do this goal minus the whole cold thing 😉
that’s reassuring to hear. i know it will be GREAT after this first year but whew. it’s been intense!