A Year in Review: The Good, The Bad & The Oakley
Since late last year, so much has happened. Yes, it’s been a tough year (an understatement), but so much good has happened as well. Maybe you can relate?
So, I thought I would wrap up this year by sharing the ups and downs we experienced at work and at home. One, because there is comfort in solidarity, and I know we aren’t the only ones who have struggled in some way this year. And two, because I think reflecting on the year is the best way to move forward with clarity and optimism for the next one. Wouldn’t you agree?
Without further ado, here are the top 5 things we are thankful for in 2021, along with our goals and vision for 2022 — which includes serving and supporting you. Come take a look...
#1. We’re Finally Settled
In October 2022, we officially moved from Atlanta to Milton, FL. It was crazy timing, I know, and Hurricane Sally had just swept through our new property in September 2020. Between the move and the damage, we had a lot to do!
Our rescue pup, Scout, sniffing out the damage.
Our backyard had eroded, and we lost our dock that was less than a year old. Steve did a great job repairing the damage and preparing it for future storms (a Florida reality). Although it took a year to finally feel settled, I’m so grateful that we’ve rebuilt and can now enjoy our home to its fullest. It’s a genuine comfort to us.
2. Our New Business and Steve’s GC License
When we moved, we had anticipated restarting CKD Remodeling in Florida with the turn of the new year on January 1st, 2021. Of course, any time a GC moves states, they’ll need to get licensed in that new state. After decades as a GC in Atlanta, it would be easy to get licensed in Florida, right? Boy, were we wrong!
Florida doesn’t accept credit for hours or experience from other states, so Steve started over from scratch. He took on the education, testing, and other requirements for the better part of 2021. Despite a frustrating situation, he kept his spirits up, and I’m happy to announce that he is finally licensed in Florida — and we do not take that for granted!
Side Note: We can attest that working with a general contractor in Florida means they are well-vetted!
3. Our Renovation & Investment Property: The Fixer Upper
In February, we bought a property to renovate and sell. We don’t like to call our investment property projects “flipping” because we aren’t after quick updates with subpar materials. Instead, we pride ourselves on taking the same care with these projects as we do with our clients’ homes.
Although this project is taking longer than we had hoped, we are putting this cottage together with the idea that we can help another family enjoy it for another 50 years and beyond. From finding the perfect property, demo day, reworking the floor plan, and supply chain challenges, this 70+ year-old home is looking fantastic!
4. The Newest Member of Our Family, Oakley
We are so grateful to have adopted Oakley into the Abbott pack! When his previous family had new military orders to relocate to Texas, and Oakley couldn’t go, we opened our home to him. Steve and I are animal lovers and rescuing has always been close to our hearts. Our pack is up to 3 dogs now, and Oakley fits in with us perfectly and loves swimming out in the bay. We couldn’t be happier!
5. Sharing Our Beautiful Home with Friends
We absolutely love to entertain, and we had plenty of friends and family eager to visit when we moved to Florida. I’m sure they wanted to see us, but the beautiful weather and beaches probably helped as well! Our guest room was constantly filled throughout the spring and summer, and it made the year special.
I’ve since learned the art of perfectly boiling shrimp and where we can get a pontoon boat charter to take us out to the bay. We love seeing wildlife in their natural habitat, and the beautiful sunsets don’t hurt either. Steve and I also bought a lifetime U.S. National Parks pass to go to the National Seashore as much as we want to. And we often do.
What’s Next for CKD?
I can’t wait to return to working with design clients next year. In 2021, I worked with several clients long-distance with our new service, Designer by Your Side. I helped these clients choose their colors, fabrics, and other finishes, and I have loved every minute! I am excited to continue working with clients this way in 2022.
Now that Steve has his GC license (again), we are making plans for CKD and we will be sharing the finalized details with you soon! But most of all, we are looking forward to serving our clients (and you) with our experience and lessons learned to create a home you can enjoy for years to come.
So, all in all, it has been a good year. We are healthy, grateful, and looking forward to whatever 2022 has to offer. I hope you and your loved ones feel the same!
Happy New Year from us to you,
Sarah & Steve