Thirty Two in the Rear View
As the sun sets on the day and on this particular year of my life, I’m taking a pause to breathe…. Maybe two.
It’s not the first time I’ve had to slow down and thoughtfully breathe lately. It's sort of become a new hobby to fill in the void of dinners out, game nights in, community events, concerts, and whatever else I normally do this time of year. Whether it’s breathing through my lunchtime yoga with Nicole, catching my breath on a bike ride with Steve and the boys or “box breathing” as my friend Tori taught me, to calm my nerves when things seem just a little too crazy. As I take a deep breath tonight, and smell the sweetness of the cookies Steve's prepping for tomorrow's birthday celebrations, I’d like to share some of my “top” moments from Year 32...
Becoming both a wife & a stepmom. I have no idea how I got so lucky to add three insanely kind, smart, thoughtful, adventurous dudes to my family all in one day, but I am certain I will never not be grateful for that. Even on the weird days. (And you can be sure that being quarantined together during the first year of marriage, there have been, and will continue to be, some weird ones!)
Our wedding day. Being able to celebrate with so many of our favorite people at my parents’ house on what was literally a perfect day- and having the help of so many friends, family-members, and neighbors (!) help to pull it off in a super speedy time frame was nothing short of remarkable.
Becoming a PAID HAND MODEL. Only a LIFELONG dream checked off my bucket list thanks to my girl Jacky!
Portugal, the trip. From the drizzly streets of Lisbon and the walks along the water in Porto, to the hikes, drives, and swims amongst the breathtaking views of the Azores - spending two uninterrupted weeks with Steve was still the best part.
Camp Lizzie. That weekend in Evart with my girlfriends was what dreams are made of. (At least my dreams… and a lot of teenage boys, probably.)
Always Colorado. Whether it was stopping by roadside hot springs and trekking up Mt. Evans with Steve, or taking my new skis out for their maiden voyage in Vail with the fam & Rach, Colorado continues to be one of my all-time happy places.
Movin’ my bod. This was a great year for being active - for trying new things like axe throwing, Hoop fitness, and boxing - but also for just enjoying fitness with friends like cycling at Lunar Cycle with OST, crushing Allegro’s Shred Contest for our third year, XC skiing, or getting back on some roller skates with friends on NYE.
Showz. So many good ones! Some faves include: Hamilton, The Lion King, The Waitress, Elizabeth Cook & Waldo + Sango at The Listening Room, Bon Iver at Red Rocks, Fado in Lisbon and Michael Franti at FMG.
Slumber Parties with my girlfriends. Fiesta de la Faber at Tilley’s, RDGOGR Throwback Halloweekend at Dunnick’s, Hot Tub Time Machine at Deegan’s, Bubbles & Babe’s in Grand Haven - so. many. laughs. so. many. claws.
Family time. From celebrating Faber Fest & family weddings’ to the Williams BBQ Throwdown and so many delicious Sunday Dinners in between - it was a great year of togetherness.
ATHENA. This year I’ve had the opportunity to serve as the Chair of the ATHENA Council and I’ve found a lot of strength and energy from working with this group of women who aren’t afraid to ask tough questions and find ways to create change.
Volunteering. In addition to working through big years of change alongside the boards I’m grateful to be part of (Habitat Kent and the Saint Mary’s Foundation) this year was also fun to think about how to incorporate the kids into community service, whether that was by getting out and planting trees with Friends of GR Parks or picking string beans at the KFB farm, it felt really important to “not just talk about it, be about it.”
Meals at home. Since this is my first time ever living with kids - actually planning meals at home is still new-er to me. Having dinner together is one of my favorite things and we’ve had some great ones, including making sushi, hosting a “Hot One’s” wing challenge, using our new raclette grill, practicing family recipes, cooking a lot more vegetarian meals - not something I’ve always had the best attitude about, but it’s growing on me - plus, scones on scones on scones!
Survived a Middle School field trip to Chicago. I just feel like that deserves it’s own bullet.
Haven’t lost my jumbotouch. Got on the Jumbotron at MSU Football games, MSU Basketball games and at the Griffins (but who’s counting?)
Work. Yes, work. If you want to see some of the fun, weird, interesting stuff I got to work on at OST this year, I’d recommend just poppin’ onto instagram -- @LifeatOST -- there’s too many things to list.
Celebrating friends & fam. Honestly, this year I had so much fun celebrating some of my best friends & family doing amazing things, like winning elections, getting pregnant, starting new businesses, retiring, (or in some cases - “kinda” retiring, couch cough DAD), getting married, staying married, getting out of relationships that no longer make sense, getting new jobs, leaving crappy ones, writing books, having big birthdays, having babies, deciding not to have babies, buying houses, paying rent on time, getting therapy or starting something new. There was so much to be thankful for and I was glad to be along for the ride!
So maybe it’s not such a bad thing for me to spend a few weeks at home, my body’s probably still recovering from all the fun I had this year. ;) Thanks to so many of you rad peeps out there who made 32 my best one yet.
