2013 -- A Review

Here we are, the last day of 2013,  and wow, what an amazing ride it has been.

First and foremost, I would like to wish my wonderful mother a very happy birthday. Without her and my father, many of the wonderful memories I've had in 2013 would not have been possible.

I figured it was time to post again on this blog about my adventures because 2013 has been full of them. I have met some amazing people, experienced some rollercoaster days, checked some things off my bucket list, and most importantly, I have lived a life that I love.

The purpose of this post is to review all of the crazy happenings of 2013, both personal events and worldwide events. We've all been through a lot this year and I think it is important that we reflect on what we've accomplished, witnessed, and learned.

December 2013:
Top World-Wide Headline: Nelson Mandela Dies at Age 95



"A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of." - Nelson Mandela
photo: forbes.com 

Former South African President, Nelson Mandela, was potentially one of the most influential figures we have witnessed in our lifetimes. As a leader, a prisoner, and freedom fighter, his words and inspiration will live on well past his physical existence. Hopefully, we can all be bettered by his example and his life.

Top Personal Headline: Deciding on a Career

Yikes. What a scary, exciting and adult thing to do! And I guess it is about time I finally point my life in a certain direction instead of wandering aimlessly through each day (not to say I haven't enjoyed these last 24 years of wandering). Through much soul searching and many heart felt discussion with those close to me, I have decided to work towards a Masters in Physicians Assistant Studies. I've got a long road ahead of me, but when this career was suggested by a friend, I did some research and really felt called to fill such a position. It will give me the chance to help people daily and also allow me to still be involved in volunteer and charity work that I hold so close to my heart. I can't wait to embark on this next phase of my life!


November 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Typhoon Haiyan Hits Philippines

photo: globalpost.com

This one hit particularly close to my heart. A long time friend of mine is currently living in the Philippines volunteering a year of her life to those who are blessed to meet Miss Abigail Kraft (check out her blog here: http://mindonmymissions.blogspot.com/). At the time of the typhoon, Abby had lived in the Philippines for about 2.5 months. As I anxiously awaited to hear if she was okay, I read nearly every news article I could find and was completely floored by the amount of devastation this country had just experienced. This typhoon was the deadliest to ever hit the Philippines, killing nearly 4,000 people.

Top Personal Headline: Turning 24

photo: Jordan Williams

There were some days in the last 5 years that I wasn't totally sure I would see the age of 24. While that sounds a tad bit dramatic, and maybe it is, I've seen some dark days. However, on the day of my 24th birthday, I sat on the beach staring off into the waves and thought to myself, "damn, I am one lucky, happy girl." I honestly can't remember a time in my life where I have been so happy and full of life. While I am ever-craving adventure, I am also completely content with where I stand and where I am heading. I am blessed to have an amazing family, supportive boyfriend, and friends that keep me laughing on the hardest days. Here's to the last 24 years and the next 86, because I sure plan on living until I am 100.


October 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Healthcare.gov Disaster

photo: dailytech.com

I honestly don't even know where to begin on this topic. What a fiasco this turned into. After so much hype, both positive and negative, you'd think the website would actually work. The staunch opinions of Republicans completely bashing the hopes of and plans of Democratic leaders, claiming that Obamacare is a colossal waste of money and resources. Democrats scrambled to make improvements and hopefully 2014 will lead to some sort of compromise on the matter.

Top Personal Headline: Reuniting with Best Friends/Being Featured in Crimson and White

I couldn't decide on just one for October.
1. After MONTHS away from my best friends, we all gathered in Tuscaloosa for the Alabama v. Tennessee game. Throughout college, these girls were a rock for me. They helped me through tough times and were always there for me, bottle of wine in hand.

2. After attending University of Alabama for 4 years, I finally made it into the paper as an alum. And thankfully for something I am proud of accomplishing. Check out the article here: http://cw.ua.edu/2013/10/14/ua-grad-bikes-cross-country/


September 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Government Shutdown/Westgate Shopping Mall Attack

photo: content.time.com

1. The U.S. government began a partial shutdown on October 1, potentially putting up to 1 million workers on unpaid leave, closing national parks and stalling medical research projects. (chicagotribune.com) This is something I honestly never believed could happen, especially in the United States. The idea to shut down the government was so foreign to me, and throughout the 16 day shutdown, I struggled to wrap my head around it.

photo: theguardian.com

2. On September 21, unidentified gunmen attacked the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya. The attack, which lasted three days, resulted in at least 72 deaths, including 61 civilians, 6 Kenyan soldiers, and 4 attackers. The attackers held hostages and later engaged in gun battles with Kenyan security forces. Over 200 people were reportedly wounded in the mass shooting, with all of the gunmen killed. The Islamist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the incident. (chicagotribune.com)


Personal Headline: Throwing a Successful Surprise Party

This one might seem a little bit silly, but I am sincerely proud of myself for organizing a surprise party for Jordan. He does so much for me, supports my crazy dreams, and loves me even when I fall flat on my face. The look on his face when he walked in and saw his closest friends and family made all of the work and secret keeping completely worth it.

August 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Syrian Sarin Attacks

photo: nytimes.com

Several areas of Demascus, Syria were attacked with Sarin gas on August 21, 2013. There are guesstimates that over 1500 people were killed due to these attacks, potentially making it the deadliest use of chemical warfare in the 21st century.

Top Personal Headline: Beerfest

After traveling across the country over the summer, it was awesome to get back to Mobile and experience the culture of the city I have grown to love over the last two years. Visiting restaurants and bars I had never stepped foot in, and getting to reunite with friends I had missed over the summer. I loved walking down Dauphin Street and seeing a lively (perhaps intoxicated) bunch of Mobilians enjoying their city and what it has to offer.

July 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Asiana Plane Crash

photo: businessinsider.com

An utterly heart-wrenching moment for families and friends of those aboard the Boeing 777 from Seoul, South Korea. Two people were killed and over one hundred passengers were hospitalized. Since the crash, Asiana Airlines has offered $10,000 to the 200 survivors of the crash, which in my personal opinion, is a pittance to what they experienced.

Top Personal Headline: Bike and Build Finish

My goodness. This is where my top personal headlines get difficult. July 23, 2013 was the proudest, most emotional day of my life. On that day, I biked to the La Jolla in San Diego and dipped my bike wheels into the Pacific Ocean with 26 members of my Bike and Build family. We had overcome many obstacles (including gigantic mountains), celebrate milestones, cried on each other's shoulders, offered hugs and snacks when needed most, and biked across the country together. What an amazing finish to a summer I'll never forget.

June 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: DOMA No More/Firefighters Lost to Wildfire

photo: thedailybeast.com

1.What an incredibly exciting day for the United States and for many people I hold close to my heart. Seeing that DOMA had been struck down by the Supreme Court made my heart well up with pride for the progress being made in the United States. Love is Love is Love.

Photo: Scott Lewis (bike and build)

2. Less than 2 weeks after the fire in Prescott, AZ claimed the lives of 19 firefighters, our Bike and Build route rode through the middle of the damage. We visited the Fire Station and left a token of our love and appreciation for those heroes. Though this is also a personal headline, it hit the hearts of many around the country.

Top Personal Headline: Conquering the Ride into Wake Forest

I'm not sure there is a group of people that will ever have a place in my heart the way these 4 people do. On an 84 mile day riding in Wake Forest, battered by rain and wind, struggling with bonking and dropped chains, Erin, Steven, Lo, Emily and I made it into Wake Forest, NC in one piece. The support, encouragement and love we showed for each other that day is what made me fall in love with Bike and Build. I will never forget the moment we arrived at our host, put down our bikes and embraced.

May 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Moore, OK Tornadoes

photo: huffingtonpost.com

This one is a tough one for me. After being in the April 27, 2011 Tuscaloosa Tornado, I will never feel the same way about big storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters. My heart will forever be breaking for those who had to experience such devastation and loss. However, I am proud to say that another Bike and Build route was able to change their path and go through Moore, OK to help.

Top Personal Headline: Embarking on Bike and Build

Dipping my wheels into the Atlantic Ocean was exciting and nerve wracking simultaneously. I was unbelievably excited to be taking on this challenge of biking from coast to coast, but also very nervous to be tackling such a daunting task. There is nothing in this world I would trade for the memories I have from this trip.

April 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Gay Marriage Legalized in France

photo: msmagazine.com

Another win in my book of progress. It warms my heart to see acceptance of others being spread throughout the world. So happy for those in France who can now marry the ones they love.

Top Personal Headline: Meeting Boyd Tinsley of DMB

For those of you who don't understand my obsession with DMB, you can skip this part. Meeting Boyd Tinsley is a highlight of 2013 that I will never forget (he also follows me on twitter and mentioned me about Bike and Build -- bonus points). My love for DMB is unrivaled by any other band that has ever existed. I could gush about this moment forever, but I will spare you (unless you ask me, and then I won't hold back).

March 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Pope Francis is Elected

photo: theguardian.com

Though I am not Catholic, many of my friends and family are. The Guardian has my favorite live feed of the election process. Here is an excerpt. 

"It's a shock decision: Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires. He is the first Jesuit pope of all time. Like many Argentinians, the new pope is of Italian descent. The Catholic News Service reports he has chosen the name Pope Francis I." (theguardian.com)

Top Personal Headline: Celebrating Our One Year Anniversary

My original caption for this picture sums it up nicely, "Happy anniversary and St Patricks day to us :) May the luck o the Irish bring us plenty more years of love, health and happiness!"

February 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Meteor Explodes over Russia

photo: chicagotribune.com

On Feb. 15, a small asteroid exploded in the atmosphere over Chelyabinsk, Russia, leaving more than 1,500 people injured by flying glass and debris. That same day, an unrelated asteroid passed just 17,200 miles from Earth, closer than the networks of communication satellites that ring the planet. (chicagotribune.com)

Top Personal Headline: First Mardi Gras in Mobile

Fun fact: Mobile is actually the birth place of Mardi Gras in the United States. This year was my first year to experience it! What a blast, from parades to balls and everything in between, my first Mardi gras in Mobile was a success.

January 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Alabama Standoff

photo: ksoo.com

While this may not be considered "world-wide" it definitely hits close to home -- literally. This standoff took place only about 3 hours from Mobile. Jimmy Lee Dykes took a 5-year old boy hostage and held him underground in a bunker for days until law enforcement entered the bunker, killed Dykes and rescued the young boy.

Top Personal Headline: Celebrating a New Year

2012 was a pretty incredible year - I graduated from University of Alabama, competed in USA Triathlon Collegiate Nationals, moved to Mobile, met an amazing guy, got a job and started my life as a post-grad. Ringing in 2013 with Jordan was so much fun and a memory I hold dear to my heart. It was the first of what will hopefully be many more New Years together.

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That wraps up my 2013 and as you can see, I had some pretty great memories. I hope that each and every one of you had a happy, healthy year and are ready to bring on 2014 because it is coming quick, fast and in a hurry. Hold the ones you love close to your heart, make memories, laugh until it hurts, take spontaneous trips, and do something incredible.

Here is one last song for 2013: Blessed - Brett Dennen