KAREN'S KORNER

Monday, December 30, 2019

My Favorite Memories of 2019

Some of my favorite memories of 2019 began with a trip to the Dominican Republic and ended with getting the opportunity to enjoy my youngest son Caleb's exciting post high school journey.

Beginning the year in the Dominican Republic was pretty awesome. This is the first time Chris or I have ever been to this country, and I had such an amazing time hanging out with new friends. The day began and ended with the ocean. There is just something so relaxing about waking up and drinking coffee while looking out over the ocean and listening to it's mesmerizing sound. After our morning breakfast buffet, the rest of the day's activities included windsurfing, snorkeling, shopping, beach bumming, and dining out on the beach. Repeat this everyday for a week, and it's really hard to leave.

The next event of the year was all about Nicholas. It was truly his "Night to Shine." Night to Shine is a prom for special needs individuals. The Tim Tebow Foundation hosts a prom night experience for people with special needs ages 14 and older each year with 500 churches worldwide. Nicholas has loved going to this event for the past few years. He had so much fun with his buddy Amy this year too. Complete with a limo ride and a red carpet welcome, crowns & tiaras, dinner, dancing, and lots of photos, Night to Shine is one event we look forward to every year.

If I could sum up the rest of 2019 with one word it would be, Caleb! He has had one remarkable year. It has been non-stop activities for the past year: high school graduation, a summer of drum corps, beginning college, and watching Caleb perform with the Spirit of Northwestern's band.

These were my favorite memories of 2019. As I get ready for the new 20s, my focus will be on my word for 2020 ~ Accomplish. I look forward to making some more awesome memories that will last a lifetime.

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Year of Joy

Here we are at the beginning of a new year. 2017 was an amazing year with many highlights: Caleb getting his first car, Nicholas graduating high school, Chris and I celebrating our 25th anniversary, finishing my 8th half marathon, and getting to experience my first live Saints football game with my sister in NOLA.

2018 will be a special year for me. It's the year I celebrate turning 50. Some may say that it is just a number, but I think of 50 as a significant milestone in my life. I've thought about this a lot. There really isn't one big thing I want to do, like a party. Instead of a birthday I'm going to have a birthyear! I decided to set myself 50 experiences and challenges. It's not a bucket list, but things that I know will bring me JOY and will let me celebrate this wonderful birthyear for longer than one day. This is my year of joy. Let the journey begin!

Sunday, January 1, 2017

2016 Highlights

As I look back on the year I see a year full of running and traveling for me, two of the things I enjoy the most. 2015 may have ended with a ski trip gone bad for my family, but 2016 began with recovery. From that point on the rest of the year was filled with more running, races, and trips.

Year In Review

January began the road to recovery for not only Caleb but myself as well. While Caleb was healing from his broken leg, I was recovering from an IT band injury that occurred during my half marathon the previous summer and foot pain that developed a few months later. After 6 months of rest from running, I began to slowly build back up my endurance. I began the year walking and running the winter fun runs with my running group and by May I was ready for my first official race of the year.

During this month Caleb also turned 16 in '16. I am so proud of my son. It was a hard and painful road of recovery after his surgery. With all that he went through he never complained. The strength and determination he has shown is amazing. This will definitely be a birthday not forgotten.

After weeks of physical therapy, Caleb was finally dismissed in February and walking once again. I now have a house out back dedicated to the storage of handicapped accessible equipment. So, if anyone is ever in need of a wheelchair, or a walker, or crutches just give me a call, and I can get you all set up. 😊

Just when I was getting used to the idea of Caleb turning 16 what does Nick do? He turns the BIG 21! Now I'm really feeling old. My baby is 21 years old! I'm so proud of who he is and what being his mother has taught me. He is now in his last year of school. I am excited and nervous about what the next chapter will hold, but I am looking forward to it and many more adventures to come with him.

In May, Chris and I celebrated our 24th anniversary. Holy cow that's a long time. It really doesn't seem like it though. It's amazing how fast time flies. I can't believe he's put up with me for so long...😃 Here's to many more babe! 💒

From here on out the rest of the year was mostly about races and trips.

The Races

This year I completed five 5Ks, a 10K, and two half marathons. I actually signed up for a third half marathon but it won't be completed until the new year.

I reached a total of 1150 miles with the Moon Joggers, an online running group I joined three years ago to track the miles I run, jog, or walk and made the "Officer" rank. Check out these awesome medals I have earned with them on our journey to run to the moon!

The Trips

Last but not least were the trips this year. From New York to Dallas it has truly been an exciting year. This summer I was able to celebrate my 48th birthday in New York. This was our summer vacation and we happened to be there in the middle of June. After New York, we headed to the beach in Corpus Christi with a stop in San Antonio on the way where we met up with my mother, brother and Nicholas.

In July we made a weekend trip with the Poirier family to Broken Bow to get in some kayaking and wineries. A trip with my friend Brie would not be complete without wine of course. 🍷

In August I began my 24th year of teaching and in September a spa weekend in Hot Springs, Ark. was planned with some of my fabulous coworkers from Plantation Park.

In the middle of all these races and trips I somehow managed to plan and go to my 30th high school reunion in October. A lot of work went into the planning of this event, and I am proud to have been apart of it.

My final trip of the year ended in Dallas for New Years. I am thankful to have been able to spend it with Brie, Paul, Mason, Toby, Susan, and Mike.

2016 has been an awesome year with so many great memories. Happy new year! May it be safe, joyous and filled with what is possible. ♥

Thursday, December 31, 2015

2015 Memories

Here's a toast to 2015. It has come and gone leaving both happy and sad memories.

This year started out with the passing of my beloved grandmother on January 6th. A few months earlier we had the honor of celebrating her 100th birthday. Shortly after that she developed pneumonia and a few weeks later we sadly said goodbye to our Mamaw Lois.

I've had the blessing of knowing her for 47 years. Countless memories of Monday night dinners, family Christmases, and sharing the latest gossip as I visited with her and sat next to her in the recliner fill my heart with happiness.

My grandmother was a religious person and a strong Baptist, relying on prayer and her trust in God to get her through the tough times. As sad as her passing was for my family, I am comforted in knowing that my grandmother is in a better place, safe and happy. One day I will see you again in heaven, Mamaw.

My running highlights this year included two 5Ks, the 2015 Holy Angels' Angel Run and the Downtown Christmas Run, and two half marathons. In January I ran the Louisiana Half in Baton Rouge and then in June I flew to California to run the Napa Valley Half.

My races combined with all the training miles and the winter and summer park runs with my running club helped me reach a total of 750 miles with the Moon Joggers which also put me at the next ranking goal of "Private."

I went on two family skiing vacations this year, the last one ending sadly with Caleb in the hospital with a broken leg.

We traveled to Montana in the Spring for some skiing at Big Sky Resort and some sightseeing at Yellowstone National Park. This one was a success since no one came away with any injuries.

For Thanksgiving we traveled to Idaho and Wyoming. Before Caleb's skiing accident we were able to visit Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Vacation soon came to an end when Caleb fell and broke his leg while skiing in Wyoming.

After a stressful week of surgery and a week of recovery in the hospital Caleb was released. Thanks to all the prayers and God's helping hands we all made it home safely. Five weeks later I still think back and am simply amazed and in awe of how God carried me through that experience and gave me the peace and guidance I needed.

Last but not least, I did end the year on a happy note. Spending time with family and friends.

It's time to say goodbye to 2015 and welcome the new year.

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

2014: It was a blast!

It's amazing how quickly this year has flown by. As I look back through my calendar I find that this year was filled with even more running moments. I began the year as an official Moon Jogger and set a goal for myself to walk, jog, run, whatever it took to reach 500 miles.