Another Holiday Season is upon us... Another Year has come and gone. 2017 was a year of adventures for me, and a year of growth, both personally and professionally. It was a year that had some heartache yet as a whole, it was a year full of laughs, friendships, and good memories that took me from one side of the country to the other.
Eric Needs a Beach
The year started off, with a beach, in Hawaii with both family and friends. I spent most of my time on Maui with friends, but enjoyed an island hop to the big island where my sister and mom happened to be and spent a nice day with them including an amazing boat tour to see the lava flow. It couldn't have been better timing. While I was enjoying surf and waves, Portland got hit with almost a foot of snow and ice. It also was perfect timing for me in needing a break and the opportunity to recharge my batteries.
Loss of Someone Special
In March, my grandfather passed away. I spent a week back in Montana with family and friends dealing with the loss, along with helping get my grandmother settled into her new life alone after 75+ years with him by her side.
Returning To Work
I must admit, returning to work in March was a little difficult. After dealing with the loss, I found myself really in a low spot and unmotivated in many ways. Fortunately, a work event in Seattle pushed me forward and out of my funk. I am so fortunate for the work relationships and friends I have made in this career. A month later I was back in the Seattle area presenting once again on a topic that has become near and dear to me... Personal Preparedness.
Milestones and Accomplishments
The beginning of May marked the five year anniversary of me moving to Washington State and working at CRESA. I cannot get over how my life has changed in the past five years and opportunities and experiences that have been possible with this move. It was a busy year as I was enrolled into two different leadership programs at the same time. These classes and assignments kept me busy throughout much of the year. I completed Leadership Clark County in June along with finishing the National Emergency Management Advanced Academy in September.
Lots of Adventures
2017 found many adventures along the way exploring and hiking. I spent many weekends chasing waterfalls exploring the Columbia River Gorge, walking on the beach along the Oregon Coast, Hiking the Beartooths in Montana, Exploring the Battlefields of Gettysburg, the Redwoods in Northern California, and the National Mall in Washington D.C.
Family
In 2017, I finally saw my sister and her girls make a visit spending a week with me. During the week we spent time on the coast, took in the zoo, along with other local attractions. I loved having her here and hope she doesn't wait as long to visit again. Mom made two trips this year. A quick trip in August to help celebrate a cousins wedding anniversary and few more days in September. Mom also was able to join me on the east coast in September. She had never been further east than Indiana. Mom flew into Ohio to see her niece, and I drove over after finishing my class in Maryland. We had a wonderful roadtrip over the next several days through Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. We spent a night at Niagara Falls, and another in Atlantic City before a spending a couple days in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area. In November I traveled back to Montana for Thanksgiving. During the week, I was able to spend quite a bit of time with my Grandmother and was even able to decorate her little apartment for the holidays before I left.
Bobcat Football
Of course, my year would not be complete without some Bobcat Football. I made the trek across Washington the beginning of September with a friend to watch the Bobcats battle the WSU Cougars. It was another tough season for the Bobcats but it couldn't have ended any better with them winning at home beating the griz in the Brawl of the Wild! #GoCatsGo
Overall, I must say 2017 was a very good year to me, and I am already gearing up for adventure time in 2018. Several trips, both work and for fun are already in the works. I hope this year brought you many happy memories, and I wish you all the very best this holiday season... From me to you and yours... Merry Christmas and Health and Happiness in 2018!
Eric
