This is such a fun time of year to stop and reflect and think about all the things that have unfolded in the past year and to be grateful for it all.  Also, to stop and look forward to everything that is to come! (Like the Christmas season, which I can’t wait for!)  For me in particular this is an exciting time and season for me, and I will tell you why…  Over the past year, I’ve been through quite a lot.  I want to take a second to look back and see where life has taken me since November of 2008….

Since then….I was laid off and found myself in a heavy job search in a terrible economy, which while it wasn’t easy was one of the best experience I have had.  I then landed a great new job where I’ve learned so much about the corporate world and what I want out of my career.  Since then, I’ve done a lot of traveling and I feel very lucky to have been able to do that allowing me to visit great friends. I’ve had to say goodbye to best friends who moved cross country. I have been lucky enough to spend a lot of time with family in San Diego.  I took a spontaneous trip to LA to surprise my little sister.  I booked a flight, left work and flew out last minute on a Friday to Indianapolis to see my college roommate.  It was a trip that essentially changed my mind set about staying on the West Coast. I watched my brother, Ryan, marry the love of his life. I took a trip to see New York for the first time.

I went to the windy city for my sister-in-law’s bachelorette and instead of just staying on Michicgan Ave, I did the touristy Chicago thing for the first time including Navy Pier and the Sears Tower. I watched my little sister turn 21.  Over the past 6 months, I’ve taken in the skylines in Chicago, Indy, New York & San Diego with people I love.  I’ve surfed, I’ve spent time running by the San Diego Bay… I’ve apprecaited where I live. I had one of the best birthday’s I’ve had at the Shouthouse in Downtown San Diego with old friends and new friends combined.  I’ve had friends come visit me from the midwest.  I spent time in Newport Beach with friends, I saw Redando Beach and Yuciapa and new parts of California I had yet to see.

I went snowboarding for only the second time in my life and realized I love it. I’ve spent a lot of time considering my career and… coming up on my mid 20’s… allowed myself to reflect on what I want next out of life.  I’ve spent my due diligence figuring out how to get there and make those things happen in my career. Part of that, was making the decision to move around rather than staying in the city I grew up in and so in the past few months alone I have made some pretty huge decisions about my life.  After Christmas I will be moving cross country to Indianapolis. A move that I couldn’t be more excited about! (More details to follow in future posts….)

In short, I am so thankful for the people in my life, the unfolding changes that have come about in the past year and even the tough decisions I have had to make. Erma Bombeck once wrote about the subject of thankfulness, saying that when she forgot to be thankful among cancer survivors, she would hear the voice of a particular eight-year-old named Christina, who had cancer of the nervous system. When Christina was asked what she wanted for her birthday, she thought for a moment and then responded by saying “I don’t know. I have two sticker books and a Cabbage Patch doll. I have everything!”  I guess what I’m trying to say is, it’s been an amazing year for me, and the outlook for next year is even better. I’m happy, I’m grateful, and I feel as though I have everything!! Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy your friends & family and don’t forget to be grateful for it all!

1.  I went skydiving out of helicopter in Interlocken, Switzerland. By far the coolest thing I’ve ever done. Amazing life changing experience.  If you haven’t been skydiving yet – no excuses – DO IT.  And if anyone out there is reading this and wants to pay the mula for me to do it in San Diego, I’d do it in a heartbeat!

2. I’m religious. I was raised in a Christian home, and in my adult life my faith is something personal and dear to me. I believe in Jesus Christ and am always pushing to make fellowship, service, and missions  a bigger part of my life.  Also – I go to the Rock Church in San Diego.

3.  I have a severe obsession with colored post-it’s and school/office supplies in general. Sharpie color packs, tabs, highlighters, etc.

4. I once got in trouble for vandalism at a Family Camp when I was in Junior High. My girl friends and I decorated an old shack by campsite to be our Girls Club with do-a-dot markers, and our intentions were  misinterpreted to say the least.

5.  I dream of devoting my life to helping others — or what it would be like if I could quit my job and move to a third world country where they struggle with food, clothing, shelter — the basics of survival . One day – when I am more financial stable – I hope to be able to do this, spend all my time, energy and money on service to those who struggle with these life essentials.

6. I adore my family.  I have the most talented, hilarious, and fun-to-be-around older brother and younger sister, and I couldn’t ask for better parents if I made them up myself. My mom is a role model to say the least, a incredibly compassionate woman and faithful and loyal friend. My dad is more hard-working, dedication, dependable than almost anyone I know. I’m incredibly lucky.

7.  Movies are a huge passion of mine. I had an emphasis on film studies in college and enjoyed classes such as Italian Cinema.  One of my all time favorite movies  is The Pursuit of Happyness, it’s an incredible movie based on a real story in which Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, a homeless man  struggling to live with his 5-year old son in San Francisco who later becomes a self-made millionaire.  It’s an amazing story (and Will Smith is incredible in it).

Well, I hope that wasn’t too painful for anyone! Now, according to the rules — here are seven people to participate in the next round that I think are interesting and would love to know more about.

Andrew Finkle

Crosby Noricks

Ryan Graves

Sarah Essary

Justin Thorp

Eric Imbs

Devin Brown

The rules are:

Public Relations – for me – would be the process of managing the flow of information between myself and my publics.  So, my public (that’s you) here are my key messages. These are the truths I want you to understand about me as an individual.

Hard working and enthusiastic – I am willing to put in the extra hours when needed during critical assignments. I am energized in fast paced and challenging environments and always willing to assist when needed.

High-quality writing ability – I have written multiple press releases, opinion editorials, letters to the editor, and language for corporate and promotional client materials.

Committed – I see my work through from beginning to end and take pride in the quality of finished products.  I takes ownership in my assignments and always seek clear direction in order to put forth my greatest effort and produce the best results.

Quick learner – I can quickly become well acclimated to different environments and cultures.  I rapidly catch onto assignments and blend well in a productive corporate environment.

Creative contributor – I am able to contribute to discussion and brainstorming efforts in regards to strategic marketing endeavors, promotional pieces, re-branding projects and community outreach challenges.

Team player – I work well in collaboration with others and show good team player skill. I add to a team with forward thinking initiative which pushes the team to strive for cutting edge and up-to-date expertise and method.

Strives for improvement – I am always eager to advance and improve my skill set and experience. I take constructive criticism well, recognizing analysis as opportunity for growth and learning.