2013 Recap

While most folks on the internet are babbling about their pitfalls and downs, I plan to let you know that 2013 was pretty amazing for me as a whole. Sure, there are (were) moments that were very low and sad, but all in all the year came out as tops.

A great example is that I am writing this from my new home office in my new home purchased in the very year we shall review.

While I would love nothing more than to give you everything all at once, that would be impossible and I am bad at updating in parts (though, I did finally get Dano Quest completed).

My derby year was a pretty amazing one. I got to skate with the Granite Skate Troopers and the Queen City Cherry Bombs. The Troopers may not have won any games, but we had more heart and were a close knit team of amazing talent. We became fast and close friends and I could not be more proud. The Bombs saw a high on the other hand. We won more than lost. We came out with a 5W/4L season. When it came down to it, we did better in every bout. Flat Track Stats had nothing on NHRD as a whole. The Troopers on the other hand were not so lucky. We came out at 0w:3L. 2014 should see improvement. I am not hurt or sad, just determined now.
ECDX with the Cherry Bombs
NHRD 2013
I also participated in the most amazing bout day of my life. In August I shaved my head with some amazing folks for a charity called St Balricks. The league raised over $7000 for the event! I cannot even begin to tell you how big my heart feels just thinking about this. And, we all looked beautiful bald!

My fellow Shavees! From left (back) Chuck, Me, Bash/Kelly (front) Mimi, JC, Su.
Photo by Paul Erhardt
Paul Erhardt
In my LARPing life I saw the culmination of a plot I have been involved in since it began. Basically, I started the end of the world and I helped stop it. It was a great sense of accomplishment for me. To see something come to a bittersweet and happy ending.

 I got to fight side by side with my hubby. I never thought it would happen, but it did! We work well together in many things, turns out that fighting is just another thing we can compliment each other in.
 I got to help in many events with amazing folks. Nothing beats knowing you help someone have a great time in the community. The Realms sees it all the time.
I also got to see Father Yule... as always.


My personal life saw much more!
In June I took a road trip to NYC with my friend Angie and we got me Google Glass! I took them out on as many adventures as I could, and there should be more coming soon!
I graduated! Yes, it was only an associates degree but I did it and I did it with High Honors!
May 2013!
I went on Dano Quest and had the best time.
With the year closing my Husband and I made a giant leap. We bought our first home! We love it here and one of the compliments I received recently was "How did you do it?! It feels like you've always lived here." What does that mean? We chose wisely!
Front Door
Empty!
Back Yard
Back Door


 (Hopefully I can get pictures up someday of what it looks like now that we actually LIVE here!!!!)


I experienced and my life in general feels full and beautiful. There were sad moments. The passing of friends and family. Losses and restarts for some. But, in all, there was love most of all.
My best Glass Selfie
Tattoo Selfie

Rest peaceful Nikita. You were the best dog, and we loved you.


All in all, 2013 was the most accomplished and fulfilling year to date. While the downs were there, and my heart aches fr those lost, the ups are there and far outweigh my downs.
2014 is already looking like it will be amazing as well. We had our house warming and our 2014 was brought in with people we love.


I can't think of anything else to add. So... here are some pictures and videos from 2013!!

He's a keeper!

Fires with friends and family

More laughs than anyone can count.

MAGIC! Freesia returns from Fae with much flare and on FIRE!!  (Photo by Matt Norris)



Halloween! Maybe I should get a blue wig?
Photo by Jesse Gifford


So, what will 2014 bring?
I cannot wait to find out!

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