My words for 2018, chosen at the beginning of the year, were Trust and Space. Trust in that God had me where He wanted me even in the midst of a difficult 2017. Space as an intention to create pause and margin in my life through meditation and intentionality.
Themes:
Looking back, major themes were around teamwork and energy. It was a rebuilding year at work, as I recruited, hired, trained, and created a team with 5 people, plus some others that were already on board there. Our mantra has been that "we are more than the sum of our parts". It's been awesome to be a part of the shared energy and enthusiasm. As we had our celebration lunch last week, we commented that we hadn't been in each others' lives for long, but we couldn't imagine life without each other. I have also been contemplating that it's amazing how people come into your life that you desperately NEEDED but had no idea that you needed them. What richness! I trusted that God had me where he wanted me and He delivered. I still miss my Ameren family lots, but, honestly, many of them have spread out, so it's missing something that isn't there anymore as opposed to regretting leaving. Learning to appreciate moments past for what they were rather than long for them.
I also joined a new gym, TruFusion, which has been the first time I've found a gym that feels like home since the Ameren Fitness Center. I've always loved group fitness and that is literally all they do. The classes center on energy given out and received. There's a theme throughout all classes that what you do in class (working hard, not giving up, "finding your edge") is what happens outside class. And I've taken this to heart. I've worked to my limits and beyond and developed a community. Generally speaking, if I'm not at work, I'm here. My work team chastises me when I don't work out in the morning... apparently I'm a better boss when I've had my energy fix :). Also, I've had an A-Rod sighting and did a yoga class with Jon Jay, so there's that. NBD...
Travel:
January brought several work trips to California, one quick trip to LA and one trip to Sacramento. I went out to Sacramento a few days early and snuck a couple ski days at Tahoe. It was magically beautiful. And fun to explore solo.
In March, I went to Panama with Southtown Yoga, which was so, so healing. It was a mindfulness and yoga retreat on the beach in a tiny tiny town and we surfed (I stood up briefly after two days!) and ate (a lot) and rode horses and did a lot of yoga and meditation (including a day of silence). I did a lot of deep resting and some spiritual soul searching. Came away with probably more questions than answers but was healing to have the space. Yoga has been steady in my life the past 5 years and I've been blessed with a yogi community through Southtown and now TruFusion as I expore this practice further.
Later on in March, I went to LA for work again. My teammate Greg and his wife were kind enough to take me on a tour of the city, from Malibu to Rodeo Drive to Hollywood Blvd and the Walk of Fame. Best Random Tuesday night EVER. So thankful for gracious co-workers!
After a big event that I planned at work (IT Supplier Summit- wildly successful, thank you very much!), I knew I'd need to get out of town. I booked a trip the next day to NY to spend time with Kelly. I was going to drive up to Manchester New Hampshire after that, so I opted to rent a car. Getting to Brooklyn from LaGuardia was by far the most adventuresome, as I did it by way of Harlem... I feel like I reached another level of adulthood... the "Getting Lost Driving in NYC" level. Kelly and I had a blast, as usual, even taking advantage of my car to explore the Hudson River Valley, hiking about an hour and a half outside the city. And it was so nice to see Kiki and Neil and meet little Sam! Trip wasn't long enough but was a nice get away after a stressful work month.
In August was our 3rd annual float trip with the Saturday night Journey crew + friends. I'm not sure we are getting any better at it, but it's still a fun adventure. We even stopped at explored some of Missouri's caves on the way home. Our sleeping quarters were in-tense.
In September, Katie and I got invited to a conference in Orlando, spur of the moment. Conference was good and Katie got us in for free to Hollywood Studios, mostly just to explore the new Toy Story World. Can't wait to go back for Star Wars in 2020! I also treated myself to a day of Harry Potter at Universal Studios; the walk from London into Diagon Alley was so breathtaking taking that I did it over again.
In October, I went with my family, G-ma Codie, and roommate Dorothy to Dauphin Island, Alabama for a week on the beach. We rested, explored, and built a sandcastle.
In November, Mom and I met Lauren in Portland, OR while she attended her conference. We had a blast exploring the city. We also had a day exploring the Columbia River Gorge and waterfalls, which were breathtaking. One of my Journey Kids friends, Kaitlin, picked us up one day and took us to the Oregon shore and showed us how to make cheese.
Work-
As most of you know, 2017 and the transition into my new role at Centene and leaving my home and family at Ameren was among the hardest few months of my life. I got to reset in 2018, moving floors (I have my own office complete with Keirug, thank you very much), hiring some phenomenal people, creating new processes and energy, and, honestly, kicking A$$. Including KILLING a system go-live (part 1). I'm so proud of my team and myself for taking risks, working so hard, and making a name for Procurement. We are under new leadership for 2019, and am super excited to kick further ass; we have two system go-lives planned before June. Here. We. Go. Excited to be able to create more work-life balance moving forward before. If only I could create more gym/life balance... another problem for another day.
Family-
Parents are still enjoying retirement. My father got a job in sales at the plumbing supply store which makes him get up early once in a while and Mom continues to sub at her leisure. They head to Centralia once a week to hang out with G-ma Codie. And keep randomly telling me they are going to Mexico next week (or month). I can't keep track. A little jealous of the freedom.
Unfortunately, my brother is newly single. However, in the midst of that, we've spent a lot more time together, notably at spur-of-the-moment Cardinals games as they got hot late in the season. He's great at catching cheap tickets. We spent some lovely evenings outdoors at the ballpark. As well as exploring St. Louis events. And we booked tickets to Jupiter in a few weeks for SPRING TRAINING. We're a bit excited!!!
Weddings-
Highlight wedding this year was that of my long-time friends, one-time roommate, and youth mentees Carley and Caleb. Knowing both their stories and bumps in the road and hopes for the future (and being one of the reasons they met!) made this wedding particularly emotional and redemptive for me. They even let me read! Aren't they beautiful?
Roommates-
I love that my 2nd bedroom doesn't seem to ever stay empty for long. My friend Dorothy made some life changes that resulted in her moving in with me on and off. Was lovely to spend time with her. She moved out in December to a new adventure in Columbia, MO.
Shaw-nanigans --
Another highlight of the year was 4200 Block of Botanical . We had a giant water balloon fight, an October chili night, Lauren and Ryan hosted what I'm calling "Blocksgiving", we rallied to make sure Megan had meals when Willa Mae came home. I'm so blessed to be part of our Botanical community.
One of my favorite themes of this year was Hidden Alley Ranch garden. I shared a plot with my neighbor (and block co-captain) Megan. We had such fun with her son Lincoln planting and cultivating. We also participated on the Children's committee, where we cultivated a community plot. Lincoln's particular favorite was the carrots. As with all of my garden experiences, it's so fun at the beginning and begins to drag in the middle in the heat of the summer and as reality doesn't live up to expectations (our poor cucumbers and zucchini plants and also our big tomatoes).
Church & Community-
I continue to do Journey Kids in the Pre-K room; can't express how thankful I am for this community. We've had to reset as well this year, as we lost a few of our key volunteers, but we've built a great new team. Again, connecting with people you didn't know you needed in your life.
I spent the first half of the year in a Community Group; I opted to take a break for the second half of the year. I tried BSF for a few weeks, but life got in the way. Not sure what I'm going to pursue in this area in 2019.
My former CG leaders and their family continue to be like family to me. I'm so thankful for their commitment to include me into their traditions, giving me the feel of family in the city. Can't express this one in words. My loves...
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| Celebrating July 4th Fireworks |
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| Bday cake Carolyn made me |
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| She's 7 |
Also want to call out the Saturday night church crew outside of the Holmans, which has always been a staple in my life. Nate and Rebekah continue to open their home at least one night/month for games and potluck. Every once in a while we follow suite to continue to allow us to meet and connect and bring new people. Thanks to this crew that are steadies in my life.
Food & Fitness-
I joined TruFusion in May, and love being part of that community. That push inspired me to work on the food part of fitness.
In August, I decided to try Whole30. It was one of those things that seemed so impossible until I got into it. It fell into my desire for space. Space mentally can also come from physical margin in diet. Instead of always having a drink in my hand or a snack within reach, I created space and intentionality in this area. It opened my eyes to the harmful effects of sugar in EVERYTHING. I had more energy (which, to me, looks like not falling asleep at 8:30 every night).
I also participated in my 4th annual Pedal the Cause. We didn't train as much as a group this year so it wasn't quite as fun. I also didn't strive for the century. Sarah and I did the better part of the metric century. (All short cuts were planned this time; no van had to bring us to the finish line unlike last year, lol). Also, special shout out to REI for being open until 9 as I left my biking shoes at the gym and didn't have them for the ride. #Michellemoment
Books-
I've only read 30 books this year, well shy of my goal of 50. Maybe next year. My top recommendations this year are:
Dreams of Joy, Lisa See (Historical Fiction)
Radical Candor, Kim Scott (Business)
Multipliers, Liz Wiseman (Business)
The Goldfinch, Donna Tart (Fiction)
We Were the Lucky Ones, Georgia Hunter (Historical Fiction)
Becoming, Michelle Obama
2019 Goals-
Word of the year- Connect. A bit different than Community, as I want to be intentional in meeting and getting to know new people. Dating, meet-up groups, coffees, lunches. I so often find myself in keeping people at arm's length and I want to challenge myself to take the time to build deeper relationships.
For other goals- want to continue on my fitness/food journey. Want to try new areas in which to connect and continue to allow myself space to do so. Other than that, more water, more yoga, more reading.
Happy New Year, everyone!! Thanks for being part of my 2018 and hope to connect with you in 2019.
1 comment:
I enjoy you so much, Michelle! Having walked with you through a chunk if this makes reading your reflections that much neater. Here's to continuing to continue!
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