Looking Back On The Rays Of Sunshine That Were 2019

Well, everyone. He we are. Another year almost over. Isn’t it crazy to think how fast the time has gone?! Like, seriously.

I hope you and your families were able to enjoy whatever holiday you celebrate and got to have moments of fun, laughter, food, joy, and happiness…

…And mashed potatoes. Gotta love those mashed potatoes.

ANYHOO…

As someone who is very against doing the “Top 9” on Instagram, I decided it would be fun to make my last blog post of 2019 one of reminiscing with some of my favorite moments from the past twelve months.

So, grab your coffee, tea, or whatever beverage you might enjoy while reading some entertaining words, and join me on a stroll down memory lane of this past year.

These, are of course in no particular order.

Kicking off my 1K For 10K Campaign on January 2nd. 

It’s hard to believe that this was something I started almost 365 days ago. It feels like just yesterday that I was brainstorming this campaign and getting my friend, Drew to help me with creating a website. But alas, my dream came true and what a dream it was. I never thought it would be so difficult to hit 1000 miles; however, it was much more of a challenge than I anticipated. But it is one that I’m ever so thankful for taking on.

Hitting the initial $10,000 goal at the end of July. 

This is something that I still don’t believe that I’m writing about. Hitting the initial goal in my running campaign at the end of the seventh month was something I never thought would happen. The amount of support, love, and donations that I received from numerous individuals (much like you reading this right now) was insane and I will never be able to repay the generosity that was shown by all. I’m incredibly blessed, thankful, and humble for everyone who joined me on this journey and I can’t wait to reveal next week how much money has been raised for the Four Diamonds Fund and pediatric cancer research, so stay tuned!

Becoming CFSP certified. 

This was a goal that I wrote down in my old school planner at the beginning of the year and it feels SO good to be able to cross it off my list. Ever since high school, I have been a terrible test taker, so going into this made me nervous because of…well…you know…taking a test. But it happened and I passed! What a huge weight lifted off my shoulders getting that passing score notification the minute after submitting the test. WOO! Now, I can use this knowledge to help both my colleagues and customers as I continue to grow in my career at WebstaurantStore over the course of the coming years.

Becoming an uncle. 

After my brother and sister-in-law had some trouble conceiving in past years and many prayers, it happened! And what a beautiful blessing it was! It has been quite an exciting time getting to watch Mackenzie grow in the past couple of months and I look forward to the years to come as she continues to grace us with her million dollar smile and blue eyes…and crazy hair!

Meeting my favorite Instagram celebrity, James Oblak 

I was over the moon when I had the opportunity to not only see James in Mamma Mia at the Fulton this Summer (4 times might I add), but also meet him in person AND get a chance to take our Carrie legs for a run around Lancaster on July 4th. He is such a handsome hunk and sweetheart. I can only hope that he comes back to the Fulton for more shows in the future because I will be front row and center cheering him on!

Running my 1000th mile.

This just happened yesterday! Ahhh! So crazy! Literally a year of running and finally hitting the 1000th mile…in weather that was worthy of the Spring. Go figure. My legs are READY for a break. Don’t forget…January 6th. I will reveal the total amount of money raised. GET EXCITED for the BIG REVEAL!

Traveling to Jackson Hole. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I’m not a traveler, so getting on a plane and basically going to the other side of the United States was a big deal for me! But with the help of Ashlea and Bailey, we made it through and what a beautiful trip it was! While we might have missed the wedding of our dear friend, Johannah due to flight issues (it seemed like everything went wrong, but we got a kick out of it), we were able to enjoy the reception and celebrate the happy couple. Jackson Hole Round 2 might be something I would consider in the future, but only if I take a Xanax for those plane rides. BYEEEEE.

Annual family beach trip to North Wildwood. 

Family vacation is always something that I look forward to and this year was no different. Getting the opportunity to remove myself from the work life and Lancaster for a week is always a much-needed respite that I enjoy thoroughly. And those extra rays of sunshine that I get to catch during that time period is an added plus too!

Renovating Sunshine Cottage.

It was a big year for Sunshine Cottage with some cosmetic facelifts. I know that I made a blog post about this many moons ago and never really posted any after pictures, so here are just a few to enjoy. A HUGE thank you to Aaron and Campbell Cubs Construction for making this happen and doing it so incredibly well. Aaron is a master of his craft. I’m already putting together some plans for a few minor renovations in the new year.

St. Paul Penryn becoming an RIC congregation. 

While this only happened about a month ago on December 8th, it is still one that gets me filled with such raw emotion. This was such a HUGE step for our congregation and hopefully one for other congregations in the surrounding area to follow. Being the first Lutheran Church in Lancaster County to make this public affirmation of being all-inclusive is…how should I say this…kind of a big deal. And while I know that church is not for everyone, I would encourage all of you to come check out our small (yet mighty) and loving congregation in the town of Penryn some Sunday for worship. You’ll be glad you did. We welcome ALL.

Well, there you have it.

Of course, amongst these entities that I have listed above, there were so many other moments between friends and family that will get cherished in a special spot of my heart for years to come.

2019 has been a great year. It has been one that challenged me and allowed me to discover new things about myself that I didn’t know before. It helped me to grow personally, physically, and emotionally.

But there is still room for growth and while I close out this year with many beautiful moments of sunshine, I look to 2020 with a new energy that involves taking time away from social media and focusing on me.

So, cheers to a new year and cheers to all the love, support and kindness that has been shown this year and all that is yet to come.

Sprinkle sunshine always,

JP!