Another Holiday Season is upon us... Another Year has come and gone. 2018 was another year of adventures for me. It was a year with some difficult struggles, some losses yet opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
The year started off with a work trip to Austin, TX where I had the opportunity to present and be one of just a handful of Emergency Manager’s invited to be part of the Annual American Meteorologist Conference. While there, I was able to explore the city a bit, including some great walking trails along the river and even munch on some tasty BBQ.
Family
In February, I made a trip back to Montana to celebrate my grandmother’s 95th Birthday. It as such a blessing to share in this celebration with family and friends. Shortly before I headed to Billings, I found out my mom was to undergo major back surgery. I ended up extending my trip for an additional 10 days to help care for her in those first few days post surgery and look after my grandmother. Mom's surgery went well, giving her some relief. I am so thankful to work in a place that understands the importance of family. This time gave me a new appreciation for all the time mom spent with grandma. It also was wonderful to have that amount of one on one time with my grandmother.
Public Education is Life
March found me settling into a busy work season. It kicked off the start of many evening and weekend events that lasted well throughout the summer. It also took me to Seattle a couple times working on solutions to better engage volunteers as well as problem solve in how to share messaging better with individuals where English may not be a first language.
April and May were all about work, yes all about work, as I helped organize and participate in several major events here at home. In the past several years of work, I have had the opportunities to partner with some amazing individuals and organizations. April and May allowed many of those relationships to showcase the incredible work being done locally to better prepare individuals for disasters and emergencies.
Eric Needs a Beach
At the end of May I had some friends from Montana visit, and was able to show them around a bit. As you all know, I love my beach time, and I was more than happy to share with them the wonderful Oregon Coast.
In June, I also finally visited Mt Rainier National Park. Although there was still plenty of snow, it was great to get up close and personal and take in a couple hikes and several waterfalls. June also took me to San Diego for a long weekend with some friends. While there, we also toured the U.S.S. Midway and was able to get a glimpse of where my grandfather spent some time during WWII. I was able to get a tour of the San Diego 911 Center including getting a 360 degree view of the city from their Helipad. It was great to get some beach time and with some friends, and I can’t wait to go back.
2018 also became the year I finally was able to grow a garden that produced, and produced and produced. With all the fresh veggies grown this year, I also dove into food preservation. I ended up putting up plenty of pickles, tomatoes, green beans, along with blackberries and strawberries. I am really looking forward to expanding next year.
During July and August, I was kept pretty busy with work events, including staffing our booth at the county fair for 10 days, however I was able to make a couple baseball games in Seattle with friends in July, and make a surprise visit to Montana the end of August. It was great to get back and visit with family and friends, make it up the Beartooth Highway and do a little hiking and exploring in the 406. I was even able to make the first home football game of the season for the MSU Bobcats!!
September was another busy work month as I hosted our 9th annual online preparedness challenge 30 Days, 30 Ways. During the month, I give one preparedness challenge each day for 30 days. The online challenge has grown over the years, to having players in over 44 states and 38 countries. The challenge has also led to some great partnerships across the U.S. and in the U.K. Luckily the Bobcats played Portland State this year, here in Portland so I was able to make another game. Go Bobcats!!
Loss of Someone Special
In October, my grandmother passed away. I was able to make it back in time to say goodbye. Looking back now, I am so thankful for the time I got to spend in February and August with her. I spent a week back in Montana with family dealing with the loss. As difficult as it was to say goodbye, I have been comforted to know she and my grandfather are now reunited dancing in heaven.
I had vacation planned the second half of October, and although I felt a little guilty taking more time off from work, it truly ended up being good timing to have some down time to work through emotions and to recharge batteries. I spent a wonderful 10 days in Kauai with friends. This was the 3rd Hawaiian Island I have visited. It is truly a unique place from the chickens to the scenery. I really do long for an island home!Bobcat Football
November found me back in Montana for the Brawl of the Wild, oh and yes Thanksgiving. This year I flew in due to bad roads. It was great watching the “Miracle in Missoula” as the Cats battled back to beat the griz for the third year in a row! It also marked our return to the playoffs. I also spent a wonderful Thanksgiving at my sisters playing games, watching football and eating too much.
2018 has certainly been a year of challenges, with lessons in balancing work, life and family. Through it all, I am thankful for the life I have, a job that allows me to put family first while still allowing me to grow, and a wonderful network of family and friends. 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 2019!
Eric
