New Year. New Lessons. New Adventures.

I think 2015 was the year of lessons. My last blog was about what I learned from Novali joining the cross country team. I still reflect and I think having a teenager living with me has been one of my biggest life lessons yet. Luckily I have some time before I get more teenagers.

For me 2015 was the year of hard work... I was challenged more professionally than ever before.

Ribbon Cutting on Western Ave. 

I learned more about fundraising and development; something I never thought I would do. In a one-day fundraiser we brought in what my non-profit would normally bring in all year! Whew. We had a banner year and are ending the year with approximately $250k in cash (and cash equivalent). That is 10 times more than we had when I started!

I learned more about economic development and most importantly about community engagement. I helped South Bend with a nearly 3 million dollar improvement project. It wasn't easy, and some of the issues we ran into pushed me emotionally more than ever before. It was a project we worked long and hard on, and I was honored to be a part of it, and proud that I rose to the challenges during the project and expanded my horizons.

Go Adams XC! 

I am learning to draw the line... I told IUPUI that I can't teach anymore. I do enjoy it, and the money is nice, but I just need my evenings more free to be home. I turned down some committee appointments and just want to focus. Drawing the line and saying now isn't something I do often.

Personally I learned how strong my kids are. I got to see Novali grow up so fast and just jump right in the mix in high school. Winning awards and facing challenges has shown how strong of a young woman she has become. I get to each morning watch Cruz hop out of the car and walk into school by himself... such a big kid! Mari continues to talk more, wrestle harder, and show her strong personality daily. So a great bunch of kids I have been blessed with.

So what is coming in 2016? Adventure!

The first week of January I will be spending on the US/Mexico border in Arizona. I am going with a group from Notre Dame and we will cross the border, hike the desert, and learn about everything happening on the border. It will be emotionally hard, intellectually stimulating, and a once in a life time opportunity to see how I can help and be further engaged.

This year I accepted an appointment to the Board of Directors of the Morris Performing Arts Center. Yeah me, on the board of a major performing arts center, who'da thunk it? I am excited to bring a different perspective and give input to this important group.

For La Casa I have a major project on the horizon... We have three major three-year funding proposals we need to receive and get some other pieces to fall together for some major changes to be possible.

Whew... I told my staff that I want 2016 to be the year of fun! I hope they, and others hold me to that! I am excited for my adventures that are planned and for more that I am sure are coming! Come along with me... see you in 2016!