Year in Review: 2022 Year Highlights

Larissa standing in front of a greenish-blue lake and a blue glacier with her arms extended out and a smile on her face. There is text on the left hand side of the picture that reads 'February 2023, Year in Review: 2022 Highlights".

How wild is it that 2022 has ended and we’re already into the second month of 2023?! Although the days seems to go by slowly, the years seem to go by in a blink of an eye. Make it make sense. 2022 has been filled with laughter and tears; joy and frustration; healing and pain. I travelled to several new countries and two new continents. I spent time with some of my favorite people, and also made new friendships along the way. Through it all, I have so much to be grateful and thankful for during this past year. Let’s take a look back at the 2022 year highlights.

January 2022

Larissa's family standing in front of a 22 congrats balloon sign. Larissa's sister is standing in the middle holding flowers and a framed picture of her swimming. The head coach is on the right. 2022 year highlights.


Senior Meet in Buies Creek, North Carolina:
At the end of January, my family and I travelled up a couple of states to celebrate my sister’s senior meet. Each athletic team on campus has a day/night game, meet, or match dedicated to their seniors. It’s a pretty big deal, with parents coming out, gifts being given, and friends celebrating.

february 2022

Larissa sitting next to a wall that has an ear painted on to it. There are purple, blue, and pink colored puffs of smoke surrounding the ear. Larissa has her hand up to her ear and she's smiling. 2022 year highlights.


Birthday Celebration in Nashville, Tennessee:
Each year I choose a different location to ring in another year around the sun. This year Nashville won out. I invited my cousin to go with me, and her initial response was no. What is there to do in the city besides country music things? Well, turns out – a lot. We had a lot of fun and learned a lot about Black history.

Larissa sitting on a wall with a building behind her. She is wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers. She is talking and laughing with her cousin who is standing beside her, leaning on the wall. Her cousin is wearing a beige sweater, blue jeans, and black boots. They are both wearing sunglasses. 2022 year highlights.


Jo’s Birthday Celebration in Washington DC:
Fun Fact: My cousin’s birthday is exactly one week after mine. So we decided to go on a birthday trip for her as well, with Washington DC as the destination. We had a great time exploring the various museums and exhibits throughout the district.

march 2022

Larissa dressed in warm layers standing with one of her hands up and a smile on her face. She is next to a sign that reads 'Alabama's Highest Point, Cheaha St. Park Elevation 2407 ft'.


Hiking with Black Hiking Club in Delta, Alabama:
I had connected with the Black Hiking Club on Instagram for quite some time; however, I could never make their group hikes. Finally, it worked out for me to join the one in Alabama at Cheha State Park. Of course it was projected to be cold and I thought I was going to be the only one to show up – but a large number of people showed up and it actually snowed!

april 2022

Larissa smiling at the camera wearing green leggings, a white long sleeve sun shirt, hiking boots, and sunglasses. She also has a backpack on. There are canyon rocks surrounding her. 2022 year highlights.


The Little Grand Canyon in Lumpkin, Georgia:
For a ‘Make Larissa Do Things’ adventure, I explored Providence Canyon State Park. Not too far from Atlanta, it was a perfect day trip.

Larissa standing in the SkyDeck box with the city below and behind her. She is wearing a corduroy top that is gray, white, and blue; black jeans; and white shoes. Sunglasses are perched on top of her head. 2022 year highlights.


Easter Weekend in Chicago, Illinois:
When I get invited on a trip, my default reaction is ‘let’s go!’. So when my friend Sandra expressed she wanted to go to Chicago, I was excited to join. It was my first time in the city and I absolutely fell in love. The architecture, the food, the walkability of the city had me wanting to come back for more.

Larissa and her friend Heather in front of a sign that reads Gatlinburg, Tennessee. There are two bears perched on the sign. Larissa is sitting toward the left of the sign and she is wearing a green jumpsuit. Heather is standing on the right side of the sign, wearing a black dress. 2022 year highlights.


Spring Breaking with Bestie in Gatlinburg, Tennessee:
Ever since freshmen year of college, Heather and I have gone on spring break together. It was an accidental tradition that we now cherish. This year we explored downtown Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Larissa is standing in-between Marissa and Tommy and they are all smiling at the camera. Larissa is wearing a blue dress with nude heels. Tommy is wearing a navy suit with a white tie and is holding a glass. Marissa is wearing a white lace wedding dress and is holding a glass. 2022 year highlights.


Wedding in Wilmington, North Carolina:
My good friends Marissa and Tommy tied the knot in along the coast in Wilmington, North Carolina. I was so honored to be a part of their big day!

May 2022

Larissa squatting in front of her family (a total of 8 people) posing outdoors with the graduate. 2022 year highlights.


Graduation in Buies Creek, North Carolina:
The fam and I headed back up to Buies Creek for my sister’s graduation. It was great to catch up with former professors, run into friends, and celebrate my sister’s achievements with family.

Larissa taking a selfie of her and Jessica, smiling at the camera while one hand is opened to draw attention to the Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center sign. Jessica is in the background with her arms apart drawing attention to the sign as well. 2022 year highlights.


Caves in Bowling Green, Kentucky:
My friend Jessica and I took a weekend trip to Bowling Green, Kentucky to explore the various cave systems they have going on there. We booked a tour to explore the Lost River Cave, as well as the Grand Tour in Mammoth Cave National Park, which is home to the largest cave system in the world.

Larissa and her sister on board a Carnival cruise ship in Aruba smiling at the camera. Her sister is in the foreground wearing sunglasses and a beige hat. Larissa has one of her arms raised with her hands in the peace sign and there is a blue Carnival towel wrapped across her shoulders. They are both wearing sunglasses. 2022 year highlights.


ABC Islands Carnival Cruise with the Family:
My immediate family and two aunts boarded the Carnival Horizon, making stops in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao. It was great to get the family together in a relaxed environment, making memories on board and at various beaches.

june 2022

Larissa wearing a blue tank top, black shorts, and Birkenstocks. Her back is facing the camera as she is about to start walking up wooden stairs to the the black container home that is hidden behind some trees. 2022 year highlights.


The Sassafras Treehouse in Rising Fawn, Georgia:
I came across this incredible Airbnb (book direct and save yourself the fees) and knew that I had to stay there. It was such a relaxing weekend of doing absolutely nothing. Although it was a pricey staycation, it was much needed.

july 2022

Larissa is standing on the left wearing a one-piece multi-colored striped bathing suit. Geena is in the middle wearing a black bikini. Caroline is on the left wearing an orange bikini. They are standing in sand on the beach with a large rock formation behind them. 2022 year highlights.


Reunions in Pompano Beach, Florida:
For the Fourth of July weekend, I visited my friend and former teammate, Geena, and also got to catch up with another one of our former teammates, Caroline. We popped by the pool, the beach, and downtown. It was great catching up after so long.

Larissa and her mother are standing smiling at the camera in the main square in Munich, Marienplatz. Larissa is wearing blue jeans, a beige top, and a green cardigan. Her mom is wearing blue jeans, a multi-colored top, and a gray cardigan. The background is the bell tower of the square. 2022 year highlights.


Galivanting with Mom to Munich, Germany:
It was my mom’s first time in Europe and it was incredible to see things through her eyes. We explored Munich and the surrounding areas, as well as took a day trip to Salzburg, Austria. One of the highlights of the trip was experiencing the Passion Play in Oberammergau, which only takes place every 10 years.

august 2022

Larissa is standing on top of Mount Yonah smiling at the camera with one hand in air holding a peace sign. She is wearing black leggings, a gray tank top, hiking boots, and sunglasses. The background is rolling hills of green which are the tops of trees and the grass below. 2022 year highlights.

Hiking with Black Hiking Club in Cleveland, Georgia:
We hiked to the top of Mount Yonah, one of the hardest hikes I’ve done in Georgia. Although the hike was straight up, the views were definitely worth it.

Larissa and Heather are standing under an archway decorated with pink, rose gold, and silver tinsel. They are looking at each other with wide open smiles. Larissa is wearing a black crop top, blue jean shorts, and a black sash that reads 'Maid of Dishonor'. Heather is earring a white dress, a tiara with white veil, and a white sash that reads 'Bride to Be'. 2022 year highlights.


Bestie’s Bachelorette Party in Charleston, South Carolina:
I headed to Charleston to celebrate Heather’s last hurrah as an unmarried lady. We hit downtown, Rainbow Row, various restaurants, and the beach. And we maximized the time we had in our amazing VRBO rental.

september 2022

Larissa is standing in-between string lights, holding her blue dress with one hand smiling and looking at the camera. She has on pearl earrings and a pearl necklace. There are flowers on the floor and dripping from the ceiling. 2022 year highlights.


The Bridgerton Experience in Atlanta, Georgia:
I’m not a big fan of the Netflix series, Bridgerton, but when my creator friend Bryana invited me to the Bridgerton Experience to celebrate her birthday, I couldn’t turn her down. And I’m glad I didn’t. I had a great time!

october 2022

Larissa and her family are standing with the Heather, the bride, outside with a lake behind them. There are trees scattered in the background. Larissa's family is wearing blue. Larissa is wearing dusty rose. Heather is wearing a white wedding dress. 2022 year highlights.


Bestie’s Wedding in Hiddenite, North Carolina:
My best friend got married to the love of her life! It was my first time being in a wedding, and I was the Maid of Honor. I was stressed about giving my speech, but I had a great time and I loved being part of Heather and Carson’s big day!

Larissa is sitting at a table with three other women and they are all holding wine glasses and smiling at the camera. There is a brick wall behind them. 2022 year highlights.


Sarah’s Birthday Celebration in Charleston, South Carolina:
I headed back to Charleston to celebrate my long time friend and former teammate’s birthday. We played Cards Against Humanity, ate at delicious restaurants, and just spent quality time together.

Larissa is smiling holding an apple through the leaves. She is wearing a white shirt and has a green wristband on her wrist. 2022 year highlights.


Apple Picking in Elijah, Georgia:
I’ve been wanting to go apple picking for the longest and this year I finally was able to make it happen! We headed to B.J. Reece Orchards where we picked apples, purchased goodies from the bakery, and finished the day at the cidery.

Larissa is standing with her arms extended to the area behind a sign that reads 'Puerto Natales'. She is wearing a purple puffy jacket and red leggings.


Passage into Patagonia via Puerto Natales, Chile:
The trip of a lifetime began with a 4-day tour through Patagonia, Chile. The first stop was Puerto Natales, where we stayed at a super fancy hotel with impressive views. We were right across from the boardwalk and within walking distance to the “downtown” area.

Larissa is looking off into the distance, laughing. She is wearing a gray speckled beanie, a purple puffy jacket with a gray pullover and black thermal shirt underneath, and black leggings. The background is a lake and snow topped mountains with clouds in the sky. 2022 year highlights.


Panoramic Tour of Torres del Paine National Park, Chile:
We hopped on a small tour bus and ventured into Torres del Paine National Park. We made various stops throughout the park, saw wanagos, and experienced the most intense wind I have ever felt. Also, the views were so picture perfect, it was hard to believe it was real. Talk about a 2022 year highlight!

november 2022

Larissa is standing in front of a greenish-blue lake and a blue glacier with her arms extended out and a large smile on her face. She is wearing a blue rain jacket, a gray speckled beanie, and has binoculars around her neck. 2022 year highlights.


Glacier Spotting in Parque Nacional Bernardo, Chile:
We hopped on a boat without any knowledge of where we were going and what we were going to see (because we didn’t fully read the docs). Let’s say we were pleasantly surprised with the views and the fact that we got to hike up to a bright blue glacier. We ate a delicious meal in a remote location, mostly accessible by boat.

Larissa is stranding in snow in front of a group of penguins. She is wearing a large blue jacket with a life jacket around her chest and a yellow hood. She has a gray neck warmer on as well. The sky is overcast. 2022 year highlights.


Adventuring to Antarctica:
Literally a 2022 year highlight – visiting the Great White Continent. For me, it’s the fifth continent I’ve been to and I honestly didn’t think I would ever make it there. I met the most incredible people; had the best expedition team; and created memories for a lifetime. I camped on the continent; snowshoed across the snowy lands; and polar plunged twice! A better trip couldn’t have been had.

Larissa is standing amongst a group of people from the Antarctica cruise all smiling at the camera. 2022 year highlights.


Making it to the End of the World, as Known as Ushuaia, Argentina:
When we returned to South America, we landed at the End of the World. Most of our crew was flying out that same day to Buenos Aires, Argentina. But while we waited for the time to head to the airport, we explored the town. Of course everything was pretty much closed, but we still made the most of our time.

Larissa and four of her friends take a selfie in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There is a walkway behind them, as well as a bus, and cars. They are all smiling at the camera.


Chaotic Energy in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
When little to no plans are made, that leaves space for chaos. But we definitely leaned into the adventures and embraced the insanity. I met a longtime blogger / Instagram friend, Carolyn (check her out on IG and her blog if you’re planning a trip to Argentina; she’s a great resource) and had the best time exploring with friends from the Antarctica trip.

Larissa and her friends smile at the camera for a selfie taken at a restaurant. There is food and drinks on the table. 2022 year highlights.


Day Tripping to Colonia, Uruguay:
Fun Fact: Just a short 1.5 hour ferry ride away, Uruguay is just right there. This city is fun to visit for the day if you have time. It is also a UNESCO Heritage Site.

december 2022

Larissa standing in front of a house decorated for Christmas. She is holding a Marietta Pilgrimage book and she is wearing white shoes, black leggings, and a pinkish sweater.


The Marietta Pilgrimage in Marietta, Georgia:
The Marietta Pilgrimage is hosted annually the first weekend of December. This was my fourth year visiting the decorated homes and I loved that I got to meet the owners of the 4th and 5th house. Also, my friend Sarah flew down just to attend this event, so it was fun sharing the experience with her.

Larissa sitting in Hagrid's "oversized" chair. She is wearing a gray sweater, black leggings, and white shoes. The background is of Hagrid's cottage on the inside, showcasing stones and various mugs. 2022 year highlights.


The Harry Potter Exhibit in Atlanta, Georgia:
Currently the Harry Potter Exhibition is in two cities – Atlanta, Georgia and Vienna, Austria. My friend Sarah drove down for this experience and it was a lot more fun than I expected. I learned about design decisions, participated in the interactive activities, and really immersed myself in the magical world.

Larissa is standing in ice skates on an ice rink in front of a large Christmas tree. She is wearing purple puffy jackets, jeans, and is smiling at the camera. It is evening so the sky is dark.


Ice Skating at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Georgia:
Winter and ice skating go hand-in-hand so it was perfect to have the opportunity to hop on the ice with my friend and fellow Atlanta creator, Kita. It was kind of rocky at the beginning, but we got the hang of it eventually!

2022 year highlights:

As is with year, 2022 was filled with many trials and tribulations, but it was also filled with family, joy, adventures, and love. Thank YOU for supporting Life with Larissa – whether it’s through this blog (haha welcome back since we know it’s been awhile), on Instagram, or you personally know me in real life. I’m beyond grateful for the encouragement I receive as I continue pursuing this blogging journey. Here’s to 2022 and cheers to an adventurous 2023 ahead!

6 thoughts on “Year in Review: 2022 Year Highlights”

  2. What an amazing year it was, thank you for taking us along the journey! Looking forward to see what else is in store for this one. Also don’t leave us hanging with the Antarctica as well

    Reply

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