“Friends…they cherish one another’s hopes. They are kind to one another’s dreams.”
— Henry David Thoreau

Certainly life has been intense for a while (for lots of us), and my default response is often to cocoon. But deep down, I knew I needed to get back to living fully.

So I leaned into my other habit: reaching out to friends.

More often than not, they said, “Yes!” 

Here’s how that turned out …

Starting Quickly

Need eye surgery on a few days notice – in San Antonio during a snowstorm? Call Mom. She’ll be there.

March Madness

We’ve waited 25 years for this one. Head to LA to watch the Islander Women in their first ever NCAA tournament appearance against #1 ranked USC? Without a doubt.

May at DCMex

My passport had been in hibernation since before the pandemic, and a DC conference in Playa Del Carmen felt ideal for dusting it off. The hotel was perfect for a health reset, and I connected with so many amazing folks.

The conversations during those three days literally changed the trajectory of my year.

Meeting Yamile, Courtney, and Yan on the first day. Being in a Mastermind with Victoria Horley‘s marketing brilliance. Hearing Cathryn Lavery speak, and then having lunch with her. (Best Self Journals are literally the best!) Poolside wisdom from Yota Trom right when I needed it. Meeting Natisha in real life!

Back on the Bike in NOLA

Life and eye issues had kept me sidelined in the pits since early 2022, but I thought I might be ready to get back out there. The track at NOLA is wide, friendly, and easy to remember. I just needed to get there – and I hadn’t taken the van out in almost as long.

Thankfully, Kristen agreed to join me for the adventure as we navigated hundreds of miles of highway construction. And my team was full of encouragement and support when I did throw a leg over.

Birthday Roadtrip

Knowing the TBW annual conference typically falls on my birthday, Pat decided that a roadtrip would be the best way to celebrate. Plus, we rallied all the D/FW family for a birthday lunch at the original El Fenix. (So good!)

Japan in July

We’d talked about it for nearly two years, and finally decided to make it happen. With her son stationed in Okinawa and unable to take leave, Maxine was determined to visit. So we did.

Fellow DC’er Andy Fossett took us on an amazing (and speedy!) tour of Shinjuku and taught us how to buy train tickets.

Vegas Bound

We were overdue for a cousin reunion, so we all headed to Vegas for the Labor Day weekend. My grand-daughters proved they got the traveler gene too as they navigated multiple flights without a hitch. Our weekend was full with M&M World traditions and lots of soccer and swimming.

Three Days In Thailand

 I’ve loved the annual DCBKK Conference since it’s inception, but hadn’t been back since Hurricane Harvey upended my life in 2017. Given the chance to reconnect with all the awesome ladies from DCMex and lead a workshop, I couldn’t resist. But it had to be a speedy trip – arriving Friday morning and leaving late Sunday night. It was absolutely worth it. (Though the pictures aren’t nearly sufficient.)

Conference in Kauai

Combine an interesting economic conference in beautiful Kauai and the opportunity to spend an extra week with my sister, and I’m all in. I don’t think I’ll go this far west in the future, though the scenery on our hiking and biking adventures was unbelievable. 

Fancy-ness

My closest friends know that what takes the most courage from me isn’t the motorcycle races or around-the-world flights. It’s the fancy events – though I always have fun once I’m there. So thankful for the folks that help me choose outfits and walk through the doors.

Health Stuff

My other big focus this year has been my health. I’ve worn a continuous glucose monitor, and walked hundreds of miles. I completed 75 Hard on my third attempt (yay!) and discovered that I really enjoy sound meditation. Special thanks to the dear friends that always step in to keep me on track and in a positive mindset.

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt

So very grateful for all the friendly footprints left this year…