The Happy Year of 2013

When I reflect on the days of 2013, I am full of gratitude for the many blessings in my life, especially my family and friends. Thank you for you! I smile to think of Starbucks on Sundays with my sisters, spending time with family, happy hours, catching up over lunch or a coffee with friends, church events, fellowship, service activities, coaching basketball and softball, playing Gaelic football with my family and awesome teammates, and a job I enjoy. I am so grateful. I pray God continues to open my heart to the many ways that he shares his love with me and the world, and that you may feel how much he loves you, too.

Some of the highlights from my year:

January: I did several media appearances on radio and TV for work. That was a pretty cool experience.

February:

• We found out Maur and Ryan were expecting a baby in October!
• I got a new car - the Elantra lasted nearly 10 years, and I was pumped to get a Honda Fit.

March:

• I went to Washington, DC for work to support my President & CEO, Bill Strickland, as he received an award from the Senate. Meeting him was the reason I wanted to work at Manchester Bidwell -- he knows the value of hope, and I get to participate in the mission of bringing hope to people. 
• I ran a mud race with Conor, Rory, Devin, and Ryan. 

May: 

• I began my 11th Gaelic football season. 
• I found out I was going to have a niece!

June: 

• I ran the Color Me Rad with Maureen, Devin, and friends.
• Our family had our annual Kite Weekend camping trip (32 years - thanks, Uncle Giles!).
• Maureen, Ryan, Devin, Emily, Alanna, Dan and I went to Rehoboth Beach.

July:

• Conor and I ran the Rukus and both did very well. Fun fact - the race fell between our birthdays so we were both 31 years old on race day. 
• Dan and I went to Lake Erie and Cleveland's Great Lakes Brewery.

August:

• Pittsburgh Banshees won the Midwest Division.
• Conor, my Dad, and my friend Erica and I did a duathalon.
• Banshees and Celtics began the National Tournament in Cleveland, OH. The Banshees had some big wins and we were in the Finals.

September:

Banshees defense and the cup

• Pittsburgh Banshees won the National Tournament! We are Junior B National Champions! 
• Dan and I went to Hilton Head, SC.
• We celebrated baby Nora's anticipated arrival with Maureen's baby shower.
• I ran a half marathon.
• Dan and I went to Cape May, NJ.

October: 

• I became an aunt! Maureen and Ryan had precious, healthy, and beautiful Nora Mae!
• Alanna, Conor, Colleen, and I ran the Trailapolooza race.

November: 

• Alanna and I ran the Zoozilla race. 
• I ran the Pittsburgh 10-Miler.
• Dan and I went to Niagara Falls.

December: Happy holidays with family and friends!

Happy New Year, everyone! I'm praying for you!

xoxo,
BG