my year in review...

I want to celebrate and share my year! You should too!

I'd like to start with the lovely lady pictured below. She is one determined woman. I'm proud to say she wants my job and she really is the perfect fit for it! This was us on the first day of 2013, and on that day I declared that she would have my job by years end. Mel- thank you for being an incredible inspiration and for always leading from a place of love.  I am so proud of what we have accomplished together this year and will be forever grateful that you are running the show while I'm out on maternity leave.

I kicked the new year off right with a wicked awesome personal best at the Chevron Houston Marathon. I shaved 24 minutes off of my previous best time and have never felt so amazing doing so. I thought I was going to fall flat on my face from insufficient training up until mile 10 of that cold and rainy race. This became the 2nd greatest day of my life to date (first being my wedding day) but as you will see later on in the year this one has to slip to #3.

In February we found out we were going to be parents! This was a goal we set to accomplish sometime this year... it just came a little sooner that we thought! No complaints here.

I traveled more than ever this year for work, for play, with friends, and with family! El Paso, NYC, St. Thomas/St. John, Ohio, Dallas, Austin, Vancouver, Naples. All while pregnant! Whew!

I saved a boat load of money. OK... my definition of boat load may not be that much... but I set a goal and I achieved it, people! I also set a goal to make money through writing and guess what?! I've earned approximately $3.41via Google Adsense and Amazon Associates. Boo ya! #betterthannothing

At my company's leadership conference in August, I was one of 28 store managers to receive the "Most Inspiring Leader" award! I was completely surprised, honored and bursting with #joblove. I am so grateful I fell into my store 4 years ago and I couldn't imagine working anywhere else. 

I celebrated my three year wedding anniversary with the most wonderful man. We've been together for over nine years! Marriage has been one hell of a good ride! We grow closer every single day.

and then...

the most wonderful thing happened this year...

My heart is so full as this year comes to a close AND there are still three more weeks to go! I'm thrilled to be able to have the time off work to travel back home to Ohio with our families for an extended period of time (I'll hopefully build a snowman or two!) This Christmas we are creating new traditions with our new little family.

2013 you have been awesome.