Before 50

 So many goals and so little time.  A quiet and drizzly Saturday morning with dogs snoozing around me.  Time to think and contemplate.  Again, trying to envision how I will use my energy and where I will invest my time in the future.  I have always been a goal-oriented person.  Independence and discipline have never been my strong suit, but goals and projects and timelines truly help me structure my life and give it purpose and drive.  I hope living my life using some of these principles will help me find fulfillment and purpose in life moving forward.

With that in mind, I think ahead to the next few years.  Approaching my 46th birthday later this month, it makes me consider the goals and projects I can accomplish (and hope to do so) before I turn 50 in just a few short years:

-Another (and final) degree in my education and possibly a published book of some kind.

-Travel with my family including Ireland, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Hawaii (again), and as many visits to my hometown of Juneau as possible.

-Visit national parks, museums, and places of education with my children.

-Adventures and experiences including interactions with animals, zip-lining, skydiving, hiking, hot air balloon.

-Experience more live music, sports, and entertainment, and promoting my family to seek-out more live experiences with the arts.

So many adventures, so little time.  These are some of the dreams and goals to invest my energy and time into moving forward for the next few years.  What a nice way to rise each morning, with such things to look forward to...

-a

Spending in 2026

 

2025 was a special year for our family, with many highlights.  Below are just a few pictures of what made it a year of growth and fun and adventure.  Traveling and exploring are so much fun, and I hope to set more dates and locations to enjoy moving forward!  One concept that is worth considering is how we spend our energy.  While the new year often brings resolutions, I now prefer to reflect on the previous year and then consider how I might better spend my time and energy in the year ahead.  More travel, more fun, more adventure, more laughter, more trying new things, more new places and experience, and be sure to revisit our favorites when we can!  How will you spend your energy in the next year?  

-a

A special meal at White Fence Farm with family to remember our Cousin, Carry.  A great meal with lots of laughs.  

Abel and Sam attend the traveling Broadway production of Clue!  So much fun!  

Our family traveled to New York in 2025 to watch Audrey perform in Central Park with her band!  What a fantastic time, and so many memories from the Big Apple!

2025 brought us Rosie, our newest family member!

Sam started 2025 playing in the snow.  How will 2026 start?

Violet and Abel attend the Chicago/Lakers game!  The shot of the year!

Baseball has a special place, not necessarily because of the game, but because we get to just be and enjoy together.  

Getting to visit Hook and Ladder was a thrill in 2025!

Audrey and family in Central Park!

Go, Cubs, Go!  A Cubs game with Uncle Fred is always a special treat, and 2025 delivered!

Hawaii in 2025 with my family was a highlight.  

Audrey and Sam, Oahu 2025.

I love this picture.  We are just returning from the luau and it is tradition to leave your lay on the Stitch totem for good luck!  

My family at Pearl Harbor on our last day in Hawaii.  

The single greatest experience of 2025 was seeing an erupting volcano in Hawaii.  This picture reminds me how special life is, and how fortunate I am.

Violet and Abel on Lemisure Island, Alaska, 2025.

Surprising Kim with Savannah Banana tickets in Pittsburgh!  2025 reminded me to always take the adventure!

At the Buddhist temple in Hawaii with my family.  A place of peace and inner reflection.

A special meal with family in Pittsburgh before the Savannah Bananas game!  The view only overshadowed by the company! 

Violet in Juneau holding a chunk of the Mendenhall Glacier!

I am so thankful for Kim and Audrey in 2025, and always.

Family Christmas photo, 2025.

Audrey in Flute Salad.  She is so talented!

2025 brought Sam's first swim competition!  We are so proud!

I am so thankful for Violet in 2025, and always.

Audrey and Violet playing for the first time together.  I am so proud of these two young ladies.  They work so hard and care so much.  I hope they know how much they are loved.

I am so thankful for Kim.  She is my rock and represents everything good that I have in my life.  I am so fortunate.  2025 was a good year because of Kim!

The final picture on my camera roll.  Our family (and Audrey's boyfriend) enjoyed bringing 2025 to a close at the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells!  2025 was a special year for our family.