I'm a little ashamed to see that my last post was back in February... of 2016!!

Over the last year, there has been a lot to smile about, as well as a lot of sadness. I have had a difficult time trying to find the good in life with everything that has gone on. However, that is what helps keep me going and I must remember to seek the good every day so I don't lose it.

This past year, I have had to deal with the death of my friend and coworker Ron Savage. A woman who was like a second mother to me growing up passed away. One of my best and oldest friends was diagnosed with breast cancer. Work has been crazy due to a lack of help and my list of tasks growing to unbearable levels. My depression has been a roller coaster of good and bad. I have been lonely, distant, and longing for a reason to get out and go and be normal... but find myself unwilling to make any changes. It's also been why I haven't really written in so long. My motivation level has been non-existent.

However, there have been several things that have been good.

In June 2016, I went on an amazing trek through Maine with my FOX25 friends to celebrate our Marissa's amazing milestone of quitting news to go be a teacher to new immigrant students. We started in a big group of people, but ended with just Marissa and me camping at a farm, visiting the ocean, and singing as loud as we could with the windows down. It was such a great reminder that no matter how far apart we are, I have friends who are always there for me.




Last September, I found 3 stray kittens living behind the Taco Bell in my hometown, and took it upon myself to rescue them. With the help of a woman my mom use to carpool with, I was able to catch them and bring them back to our house. Unfortunately, many of the rescues and shelters in my area refused to take them. Many were just full, others said they were too old to be socialized.

I proved them wrong. I found a great series online by a veterinarian in NYC that shows step by step how to gain their trust, and teach them that humans are not bad. It took a lot of love and patience, but I was able to break down their barriers.

Now, 2 of the kittens are living with a college friend and her fiancee. While the 3rd has become the newest member of my family. I cannot believe what I was able to accomplish with them, and so happy I could help them get off the streets and into loving homes. Especially happy to have Miss Minj in my life. She is the perfect fit for our silly little family, even if she irritates her big brother, Indie.

Back in October, I was able to share with people the story of my depression at a local AFSP walk. I had been trying to find ways to volunteer with the group locally, and told the coordinator about my blog. She was impressed with my openness and asked if I would speak. I was scared out of my mind, but with the support of my friends and family, I was able to push through my fears. Not only did it make me feel good, but so many people came up to me after or messaged me on Facebook to thank me for sharing my story.

Here is the speech I gave to the crowd. I had my sister stream it live to Facebook for all of those who couldn't be there that day.

Then came the New Year with new challenges, including making sure the voices of millions were heard by the new Trump Administration. In January, I traveled with Marissa and friends to Washington, D.C. for the Women's March. It was such an incredible experience getting to be part of this huge political event, and getting to meet so many like-minded people. So invigorating and mind-blowing!

In February, I hit the road again with Marissa, this time for an epic road trip down south. I flew out to NYC where she picked me up. We first hit Pennsylvania and went to Amish country for Marissa. Then off to Kentucky where we stayed in a tree house for a couple days and hiked the trails of Berea. From there, we went through the Great Smoky Mountains and on to Asheville, North Carolina. It was a lot of driving, but we made a lot of stops and enjoyed viewing the beauty of our great country.

Then just this week, I helped make one of my oldest and dearest friends smile after a hard day. My Megan was diagnosed with breast cancer late last year, and she made the bold decision to have a double mastectomy. We thought she was all in the clear, but a recent test just came back saying she would have to go through chemo. So I hit the store, and came over to her house with a bunch of candy to help make her feel better. I may have gone overboard, but it was totally worth it to see her smile.

So in short, no matter how bad I feel, there are always moments I can look back on that will bring a smile. I also know I have a lot more opportunities like this to come, so I need to remain vigilant and just keep pushing through the pain, because tomorrow will bring another amazing day.