Let's go Back In Time!

Let's go back in time (yeah you started singing that song a little in your head didn't you? Thank you Huey Lewis and the News cir 1985 and the film Back to the Future). 

My professional 2012 started out with a promotion and a lot of new responsibilities. I was challenged in ways I wasn't expecting and ultimately made a choice and career change that I never saw coming. In July I opted to apply for a new role as the Associate Director for the Mid-Michigan office and was hired for the position. The gain of this position brought on a plethora of new challenges and changes. An amazing co-worker put herself and family first and made the brave decision to stay at home. With that sad goodbye came a fun new welcome to a new co-worker. All of the changes have helped me learn a lot about myself; and I learned it faster than I ever wanted to. Work also put me on the road some. I ventured off to Houston, Grand Rapids and Fort Wayne.

My personal 2012 was filled with family.  I spent many a days and nights at the Grieshop house enjoying my nephews and watching them grow; and they are growing quickly. The boys and I had fun in the sun enjoying the warm weather that came early and left late this year. We played on playgrounds, outside around their house and around mine. We had several sleepovers, watched a few movies and even took a few trips to couple Relay For Life events.  Amanda and I were able to fit in some sister days of shopping, talking and just spending time together. We see these times continuing in 2013.  Also, my father and his wife Jen made a couple of trips out to visit. As always they helped me get a few things done around the house.

I took this show on the road to see some friends and family. To start the summer I took a trip to Boston to see "my second family" the Lynchs. I was able to see Kathy's new house and visit with her entire family. Kathy and I took some time out to drive up to Maine to visit my Dad and Jen, Emily, Robbie, Elijah and their now toddler, Alexander.

Lash brotherly love.

 Shortly after returning from this incredible time I sped off in my new Toyota Prius C to visit the Sterner clan in Virginia. The new lake house in NC was complete so we spent most of our time there, relaxing on the lake or embracing the view from the new deck.

View from the lake house in North Carolina.

It was a quick trip, but filled with a lot of fun. I thought this would be the last trip of the year, but I was wrong. A opportunity came about to head off to DC to visit my old roommate and co-worker Bonnie. It had been years since I had been to DC and being legal drinking age really changes the view of the city. I did things I never thought I would; like visit the floor of Congress and pose with President Barack Obama (or his wax figure).

This Bonnie and the Obamas.

Again, this was short trip, but so much fun. I am hoping to make another trip in 2013.


There had been a lot of travel in 2012 so I was excited at the thought of being home in Lansing for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanksgiving didn't turn out quite like I had planned. The flu bug hit me and I was in bed - ill for all of Thanksgiving and the Friday following. The Christmas holiday was better. I took two and half weeks off of work to spend time with family and get some things done around the house. I painted some furniture, painted the kitchen, and for the first year since living here I decorated with out door Christmas lights. Illness didn't stay away, I had a few colds, but the big life change came about one week before my holiday vacation. I adopted a dog - Sandie - Merry Christmas to me and Sandie. 

Meet Sandie

She is a 2 year old half golden retriever and half yellow lab. She was trained when I got her and a complete love bug. She loves to give kisses and is now my baby girl. We both seem to fit into each others lives perfectly. She has helped me to take some focus off of work and enjoy the present more. She gives me laughs daily and sometimes some confusion. She has been the best addition to my household.

Speaking of additions around Thanksgiving my cousin Andy and his wife Erin became parents to a beautiful baby girl, Lilly Barrett and Kathy became an Aunt the day after her birthday (12/28) to her nephew, Edward Lynch. Congrats to all family involved.

These are my 2012 flashbacks. I hope your 2012 was also filled with friends, family, and fun. Mine wouldn't have been as fantastic without the love of all my friends and family. So make sure you give your love to those around you.

I hope 2013 is even better than 2012 for both you and me! Happy New Year!