Last Updated on July 3, 2024 by Kirsten Raccuia
A Look Back at 2019 + 2020 Goals
I have to admit, I love January. It’s hopeful. It’s promising. It’s ambitious.
And then there is February.
All the promises, resolutions, goals that I make in January, all my good intentions, go out the window. I know I’m not alone. Most people don’t even make resolutions because they know they won’t keep them. I’ve fallen into that group some years.
Who hasn’t?
Other people make the resolutions, stick them in a drawer somewhere, never to be found again. Unless you are me, and you find them 2 years later.
I’ve said it before, I’m not the best at follow-through and this year wasn’t much different. My first goal of 2019 was…wait for it… to be consistent and finish things. I was referring to a couple of courses I was am still taking.
It wasn’t a particularly easy year for me business-wise. I am just getting comfortable declaring that I am a writer, even though it’s how I’ve earned money since 2014.
I now have the confidence to ask for the job because I am good at what I do.
That is a big statement for me and worth all of my unfinished resolutions. Self-growth baby! This will be the year of me! But before we talk about this year, let me review 2019.
Travel
Continents visited = 2
North America: Chicago, Connecticut, Boston, and Maine
Europe: Switzerland, Greece, Cyprus
Countries Visited = 6
1. America
Chicago, IL.:
The whole gang. That’s gramma at her 100th birthday.
I went home for about 6 weeks to visit family and friends. I spent a month in Chicago helping my mom find a new apartment. It was a major challenge, but we did it and got her moved in as well. I wasn’t able to spend too much time with my 102-year-old gramma because she was sick and had the shingles. I’m looking forward to spending more time quality with her this summer.
Then a few days before we were heading to Connecticut, my aunt suddenly passed away. She was a healthy 76-year-old woman who we had just seen a few days before. Ironically, we had been talking about how healthy she was and how good she felt. Then three days later, while eating lunch and chatting with my uncle, she had a fatal pulmonary embolism.
It rocked all of us. It’s not supposed to happen like that. My gramma is 102, just saying.
Connecticut:
Going to see Mark’s side of the family is always fun for me. I am happy to say that I married into a beautiful family whom I love dearly. They are a big Italian family who loves to eat and drink as much as I do. It’s a good match. But also on the east coast are some of our best friends. We don’t get enough time with them but are happy to have any time all when we live so far away. From America, we flew to Greece via Zurich.
2. Switzerland:
We were only there for a couple of long layovers. I took the train into Zurich and spent a few hours wandering the town. Unfortunately, I was there so early that most shops weren’t open.
I was freeeezing and wanted a coffee, but the only place open was Starbucks, which I think is the worst tasting, bitter, burnt coffee on the planet, so I went without.
3. Greece:
We spent 3 weeks in Syros doing our first home exchange. We loved every minute of it. Staying in a home for three weeks was a complete departure for us. We don’t normally spend that much time in one place but it really changed the way we think of travel.
Then we visited Mykonos, Delos, Santorini, and Paros. I had been to Mykonos and Delos before, and a lot had changed. I wasn’t super impressed with Mykonos. It’s great for a party, but it feels like it could have been anywhere in the world. It’s so touristy that it lacks the Greek feeling that some of the quieter islands have, but you can still eat like a boss there.
Delos is a very well preserved archaeological island that is a must-see if you are in the neighboring islands.
Santorini is as beautiful as everyone says it is. It took my breath away more than once.
Paros was an unexpected love for me. It’s cute, quaint, and I wanted more time there. My advice, skip Mykonos and head straight for Paros.
4. Cyprus:
Cyprus wasn’t really on our radar. But a couple of friends were staying there for a few months and knew the island inside and out. There is no better way to see a new place than with great friends who know the ropes. I am pretty sure we saw every little village on the island and drank them out of ouzo.
They took us to the Turkish occupied north of the country, which was unique as it was beautiful. A definite must if you are in Cyprus.
5. Thailand:
Our year couldn’t be complete without a quick hop to Phuket. It’s only an hour flight and rarely more than US$100. It’s a perfect beach getaway.
6. Indonesian Borneo:
We went to Pontianak for Mark’s dragon boat races. It was a cute enough town, but we were there during the burning season. They burn the palm oil plantations to get them ready for the new crops. It creates terrible unhealthy haze and is not a good time to go.
Islands Visited = 9
- Langkawi
- Phuket
- Cyprus
- Syros
- Santorini
- Mykonos
- Delos
- Paros
- Borneo
Random but very cool experiences and achievements:
TV & Movie Work
Since moving to Penang, we’ve had a lot of opportunities to work on a couple of different TV series as well as a few movies. This year we did a German documentary about our expat life.
We are in a Japanese Movie called The Confidence Man JP, which is coming out in theaters soon.
My favorite media moment was staring in a Malaysian Airlines commercial. It will be used for the next year as the country promotes Visit Malaysia 2020. It will be on TV as well as on some Malaysian Airlines flights. It was a very cool experience, and I am really proud of how it turned out. Watch it below.
I was awarded one of the Top 100 Expat Blogs & Websites To Follow which is a major achievement for me.
These are the blog posts you guys love the most:
Top Blog Post:
Life as an Expat: What You Need to Know. It also happened to be one of my faves to write. It was so honest and raw, and one of my more vulnerable posts as well.
Runner Up:
Pros (and Cons) of Being an Expatriate in Malaysia
Top Travel Guide:
Best Areas to Stay in Phuket–A Complete Travel Guide. I need to do the same for Penang. It’s on the content calendar. And I’ve checked a few things off the F*CK-IT List.
Writing in Numbers
Blog = 75,141 Words Written:
Posts Published: 35
Freelance = 22,659 Words Written:
I wrote for 11,464 words for International Living magazine.
I also wrote an article for one of my fave travel websites The Culture Trip about the Hidden Bars in Penang and hope to do more. It should be published soon.
I just started writing for a real estate tax blog, and it is super challenging, but I love that about it. It’s so out of my wheelhouse that it takes me longer to research about the topic than to write about it.
Trying to make taxes fun to read is def one of my biggest challenges. But it has proven that I am a writer who can write about anything and enjoy the process.
MAJOR aha moment.
That means I’m doing exactly what I am supposed to be. Last year this time, I felt I was floundering. I was unsure about which way to take my career. Now I know I am on the right path.
What I Achieved and Learned From My Blog in 2019:
- I have to say, I’m feeling pretty proud of my blogging efforts. I have been consistently writing one blog a week since May, and I’ve really enjoyed doing it.
- I realized how much I love writing. Sometimes it takes me too long because I want to be a perfectionist. But I never mind doing it.
- My best blogs aren’t travel related posts, but expat life posts. Which means I am starting to niche down, and that’s a good thing.
- I only have 145 email subscribers, but I have 1200-2000 visitors per month.
- I hit 11,553 page views for the year compared to a measly 1496 in 2018.
- Learned a lot of the tech stuff behind the website, SEO, linking, collaborations, guest posts.
- Wrote 35 posts for the year vs. 2018 when I wrote 12. So in that way, I was def more consistent.
Books Read = 13
I love reading and have started numerous book clubs, but I don’t make enough time for it. This year Woman in the Window was the fave. I don’t normally read thrillers, but this gripped me from page one! Apparently, they are making a movie about it due out this May.
At the moment I’m reading Handmaid’s Tale but I’m not loving it. I’m about 200 pages in and it still feels so disjointed.
I am always looking for book suggestions, so mention your fave book in the comment box below.
Goals for 2020
I never wanted to be a writer.
But someone convinced me I could do it and took a chance on me. It changed my trajectory. Sometimes the things you say yes to, that seem totally outlandish, are the things that make the most impact on your life. Be fearless my friends (but be balanced).
What I have figured out this year is that I don’t need to be a famous blogger. That doesn’t drive me. What I want is to make a good living by freelance writing. And I learned that from Location Rebel, one of the courses I am in the middle of. (By the way, if you are looking for a side hustle or another stream of income check out his courses. Sean Ogle is the real deal.)
Health:
Well, of course, there are the usual suspects: workout 4 times a week (2 cardio and 2 weights) and drink less; however, I’m typing with a vodka-soda on my desk.
Lifestyle:
This year, I want to be fearless and more balanced. Not sure how that looks, but I don’t need to know all the details, I just need to know what I want. The rest will be filled in. You don’t always need to know the how in order for the end result to be achieved.
Career:
- I want to grow the blog because it makes me feel good
- I want to boost my domain authority
- Obtain a broader readership
- Be a better resource for people who are thinking about moving overseas or becoming a digital nomad
- I want to continue on my path of freelance writing, picking up a few more regular clients
- I need to learn to write faster so I can fit in more clients
- I’m hoping to add another stream of income into the mix with Fulfillment By Amazon (FBA)
Travel:
I’d like to travel to five new countries and use home exchange instead of paying for accommodation. Or stay in hotels in exchange for an honest blog review of the place.
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Thank you for all of your support in 2019! It doesn’t matter if you’ve been with me from the beginning or this is your first post, I am grateful you take time from your busy life to take a peek into mine.
XO, K
Now it’s your turn! Tell me your 2020 goals in the comments below. I love comments, I really do!
P.S. Thanks to Helene in Between’s year-end linkup which was the inspo for this blog.
P.P.S If you want to read some of my past goals read New Year = New Me.
What an intriguing article!! My goals are- move to Asia (Penang and convince Mike to retire early). We also talked about selling everything, donate some and see the world and travel. Loved “Malaysia Airline Commerciale” video. Thank you for sharing. So true about being balanced in life.
Hugs,,
Sandy
Thank you, Sandy! XO
I loved reading this one – especially the stuff you learned about blogging and freelancing this year (side note, let’s talk please? I’d love to pick your brain!)
Hi Emelie!
Thank you! I’ve learned a lot but am overwhelmed by how much I DON’T know sometimes!
Happy to talk anytime, I’ll email you!
XO,
K
Another excellent post – love reading your weekly blog! Last year I did a 19 for 2019 list (and did prob 75% of them) and this year I’m doing 20 for 2020 🙂 My list includes fun trips I want to take, pieces of pop culture I want to check out, and things like a recipe to try out. They are meant to be small, fun, and achievable haha.
Also, for books I just finished Eleanor Oliphant is Totally Fine and I really liked it. Now I’m onto Sing, Unburied, Sing – I’m a third of the way in and it’s really good.
Happy reading!
Thank you so much, Kendra! That means the world to me.
I love your idea of doing 20 for 20! When you make little fun achievable goals, it takes the pressure off. I’m so going to make that list right now! We should compare one day! Maybe we can do some of them together!
Thanks for the book recs. Eleanor sounds good. Let me know about Sing!
XO,
K
Hi Kirsten,
I really love reading about your exciting life and all you have done!! It seems like you have so much joy in your life compared to when you were in the fashion industry. I’m still in it & had a successful 2019 but definitely looking to find some joy in it as most days feel like drudgery. I have grown my business at this late in my career with the help & my biggest joy in this business which are 4 great girls that work for me & Amy included.
Unfortunately, I barely have time for any fun or traveling except that my husband & I went to beautiful Costa Rica & dream of moving there. As our current government continues to grow bleaker, the thought of moving out of America looks inviting.
Looking forward to more blogs from you. Xo Julie
Hi Julie!
Thank you for reading. I loved the fashion biz and def miss it at times. But it certainly was a ton of work. We are very happy with our lives overseas and our original plan was to move to Costa Rica. It would have been a lot easier.
Don’t give up on the dream of moving there. Not only is it possible, but it also isn’t as difficult as you’d think. I’d love to help in any way I can, and hopefully will inspire you to follow that dream one day!
XO,
K
Thank you Kirsten.
Another great post and review of the past year…you have achieved so much, you should be so proud of yourself! I can see bigger things for 2020…go get it!
Thank you, Wendy! I really appreciate all of your support. You have been pushing me in all the right ways!
Love, love seeing you and Mark enjoying and embracing your life in Penang, still!!!!
Hi Linda! Thank you for reading! We are still very happy here. There is so much to embrace, even the madness!
But it would be great for you guys to get your booties back here!
XO,
K
Hey sweetheart, it’s me your mom and biggest supporter. I am so proud of her far you have come in just this last year. I have no doubt the 2020 will be the best year ever for you and your career. As for me my main goal in 2020 is to find a new home again, start exercising again on a regular basis, And live a healthy lifestyle. Love you so much, MOM
Hi Mom!
Thanks for all constant the support! You are the best! I love your goals for 2020! I’ll be there before you know it to see your new place! I can’t wait to see your progress as you start working out again!
Love you oodles!
K