December 31, 2012 ~ I can't believe it's already the end of 2012! Seriously, where did this year go? This year seemed to go a lot faster than previous years or we were so busy we didn't notice. I think this year was a productive year and one we crammed a lot into and I would like to take a moment to reflect back on an amazing journey that 2012 was for me!
This year was full of "firsts" for me (and some for Brandon too). This means that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone even more and had a blast doing it! (Honestly I haven't been in my comfort zone for years... but I somehow manage to push myself to try new things to experience what life has to offer) Here's a quick list of some of the highlights from 2012:
This year also marks our 5th year of being a Partner in Education to the best little country school in Midway, Midway Heights Elementary School, and my 5th year of judging for DECA for the high school and college students!
January 9, 2012: I purchased some amazing St. Louis Cardinals memorabilia that I have had my eye on for awhile. I truly enjoy seeing it hanging on our walls!
January 13, 2012: I attended a Cardinals Caravan in Mexico, MO. I had never gone to one before and won a Stan Musial figurine!
January 17, 2012: I met Sara Evans at her sister Ashley's store (My Favorite Things) for her book signing. We even got our picture taken with her! I have those things she signed framed and on my wall with my other signed memorabilia!
January 19, 2012: We were "Roadies For A Day" for the Rascal Flatts concert held at Mizzou Arena. During this awesome adventure we met (and had pictures taken with) Hunter Hayes during his sound check. We then got to meet Rascal Flatts and had our picture taken with them! I also have these framed hanging on our walls.... what an awesome experience!
January 21, 2012: We sent Half-Moon (our horse) to a great retirement home so she could be pampered and loved on every day. She has great friends and a warm barn and blankets to wear. It was sad to see her go but she is going to be really happy!
January 25, 2012: I went to see the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals World Series trophy that was on display at US Cellular. To see it up close was awesome! I love my St. Louis Cardinals!
February 14, 2012: On behalf of Midway Electric, Inc. we won the Flag of Freedom Award for hiring veterans. Thank you to our veterans: Kim Wischmeyer, Jason James and James Kroon.
February 16, 2012: My gal pals talked me into attending the "Red Shoe Gala" benefiting the Ronald McDonald House. Yep, you guessed it... I had to get all fancy and wear a dress!
February 16, 2012: Jaxon James Adams (my nephew) turned 1!
February 22, 2012: I have been active in a Women's Network committee called Changing The Odds. It's hard to explain what this committee does so I made a video to show and tell what we do. We have used this video to tell others what great things we do for women in our community.
March 13, 2012: As chair of the Chamber Ambassadors I have earned my 1,000 point tree! This was our last Quarterly Membership Breakfast for the 2011-2012 year and this was the perfect place to earn my 1,000 point!
March 21, 2012: I began my journey with Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge. There would be four sessions 2 1/2 days each starting in Columbia/Jeff City, Kansas City, Kirksville and St. Louis.
April 16, 2012: We traveled to Las Vegas to attend the NAB Show with Sarah Hill and met several people we have been hanging out with on Google+. What an amazing trip and upon check in at the Mirage they upgraded us (no special reason and we didn't ask) to a Penthouse Suite.... AWESOME! (With our upgrade we hosted everyone at our place... perfect place for friends to gather!)
April 19, 2012: Joined BCOTN (Boone County Offenders Transition Network) to get involved with helping Mike (Brandon's brother) transition back into our community when he is released from jail. (Great program of organizations helping those coming back to our community)
April 25, 2012: My friend Shelly DeVore and I painted for the first time ever! There was a new place in town called "The Canvas on Broadway" and we painted the American Flag under the direction of the owners.... Amazing to think that you can actual paint something and it actually look good!
May 6, 2012: After sending Half Moon (our old horse) to the retirement home so she could enjoy her days being pampered we had to put her to sleep. She was a great horse and spent many years with us and now she isn't in pain anymore. (she had problems with the bones in her feet)
May 11, 2012: Midway Electric, Inc. was the "Award Sponsor" for the Chamber of Commerce 2012 Small Business of the Year Awards. Since we received this award in 2009 I wanted to be a part of this awards ceremony.
May 17, 2012: I attended "Dancing with Missouri Stars" to support Chief Chuck Witt & Joe Becktold! Amazing to see how much work all of the contestants put into dancing that had never danced before.
May 25, 2012: I pumped gas for charity today at Break time gas station on Nifong. It was for Youth Empowerment Zone and a lot of fun!
June 2, 2012: We started footings for our new barn on our little farm. (Nothing has ever been built on this property until now!)
June 22-23, 2012: We went to Kaufman Stadium to see the St. Louis Cardinals vs. Kansas City Royals. We met Johnny Knoxville, Jon Jay, Jake Westbrook, Carlos Beltran as well as some of the Royals players. Awesome time!
June 28, 2012: Joined the Board of Junior Achievement
July 10, 2012: We attended the All Star Game in Kansas City, MO
July 21, 2012: Attended the funeral for Spc. Sterling Waytt. The funeral wasn't a happy moment but what made me smile was knowing that our great community came together to celebrate a life taken too soon but one that died fighting for our country. Truly amazing to be one piece to the thousands of people in downtown Columbia making sure this young man was honored for his service.
August 3, 2012: Our barn package was delivered one one very full 18 wheeler!
August 5, 2012: Took a ride to Illinois starting at 6 pm to drop of a truck our friends sold. It was a long trip and we were tired the next day but it was a blast!
April 9, 2012: Mom turned 60 years old today!
August 29-September 2, 2012: While traveling to Montrose, CO to visit friends I began writing a book.... getting it out of my head and on to paper (typed on my computer).
September 4, 2012: 1st Virtual Honor Flight.... This is similar to the regular Honor Flights where the veterans would climb on a plane and go to Washington, D.C. to visit their memorials except this would be a unique experience because we took laptop computers to the veterans that were too sick to fly and took them virtually... via a Google+ hangout! A-MAZ-ING!
September 7, 2012: Massive hail storm in Midway. Over $350,000 in damage to our buildings, vehicles, barns, house, etc.
September10, 2012: Signed the contract with Archer Ellison, Inc. to turn a dream of writing a book into a reality! Woo Hoo!
September 13, 2012: Brandon and I got married 15 years ago today!
September 22, 2012: I attended the Mid-America Emmy's! As a surprise to Sarah Hill we (Chad LaFarge, Dan Weil and myself) attended to cheer her on for the 3 categories she was up for including one for using Google+ hangouts in the news... and she won all three! Yes I had to get all fancy again with a wearing a dress but we all got to go on stage to accept the Emmy with her!
September 29, 2012: I was a photographer for an outdoor wedding! I wasn't nervous but I wanted to make sure I got plenty of great photos for the bride and groom to have from their special day! It was fun and they were very happy!
October 21, 2012: We drove NASCAR's! We went to the Richard Petty Driving Experience at Gateway in St. Louis and what a blast! We are ready to do it again!
November 1, 2012: This is the 11th Anniversary of Midway Electric, Inc.
November 4, 2012: Brandon and I started dating 20 years ago today!
November 6, 2012: 2nd Virtual Honor Flight (which is now called Veterans Virtual Tours). Truly amazing experience to be a part of!
November 9, 2012: Graduated from Greater Missouri Leadership Challenge!
November 17, 2012: Met Joe Walsh backstage in Las Vegas at the Eagles concert!
November 25, 2012: Attended our first NFL Game with the Chiefs vs. Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium (never been there either)
November 27, 2012: Met Tony LaRussa at his book signing held at University Bookstore! (We had a great conversation about baseball, Las Vegas and retirement!)
November 27, 2012: Mom and Dad got married 41 years ago today!
November 29, 2012: I did a photo shoot (taking photos) for Women's Network... so fun!
December 1, 2012: Helped Ashley Simpson (My Favorite Things) with a wine stroll! Amazing weather and an amazing turnout of people!
December 8, 2012: Took our employees on the Columbia Star Dinner Train for our Christmas Dinner.
December 14, 2012: Introduction of the Mizzou Ambassadors! (Something I have been working with the University of Missouri Athletics Department / Mike Alden on since October 2012. I have committed 3 years (or more) to this program as a co-chair along with Krissy Ellis)
December 31, 2012: Written and now published a children's book titled "Tom T's Hat Rack"! (What an awesome feeling!)
As you can see this year has been full of great things for us! Brandon and I are happy with all the opportunities that we have had throughout 2012. I am excited for the new opportunities that 2013 will bring us. We love being with our friends, both old and new, and enjoy traveling when we can. Thank you for your encouragement, support and love. We are very lucky people to have you in our lives!
Goodbye 2012....
Hello 2013!
