Happy New Year!
I was recently asked last week to describe 2014 in one word. The first thing that popped into my head was “rollercoaster.” That is what it felt like to me at least. I went from some extreme highs to the deepest lows.
Much of that not so thrilling thrill ride came about thanks to the abrupt end to News 92 FM in October.
There were things I absolutely loved about working there.
I loved being surrounded by talented people all working toward a common goal.
I loved the opportunities it provided for me to interview some of my childhood heroes from NASA and to go behind the scenes there to see where America’s space program began and where it is going. I was there when the big 747 that once carried the space shuttle back and to Florida after each mission was dismantled and slowly moved to its new home at Space Center Houston.

And what a fantastic experience it was to witness the shuttle mock-up being lifted into place atop the big jet as the two pieces of history become a permanent exhibit to help teach our future generations about space travel.

I loved working with the local theater groups to get the word out about upcoming shows, meeting actors, singers, dancers and getting to tell their stories.
I loved telling the stories of Houston Fire Fighters who risk their lives daily. I was honored to meet many of them and their families and share their tales of triumph and tragedy with our listeners.
The list could go on and on, but you get the idea.
That part of my world came to a screeching halt on October 8, 2014.
Looking back, I thank God that I had more than that job going on in my life. I was surrounded by a loving family who was there to pick me up and keep me moving forward. I could easily have been thrown into panic mode when News 92 FM went away, but I had already set in motion a plan that would have eventually phased that out anyway.
Just weeks before, my brother and I spent a weekend defining the goals and laying the groundwork for the future of a voice over business that I had been dabbling with for years. I had always hoped to one day be working at my passion full time instead of squeezing it into an already packed schedule. The change that hit in October was much easier to handle because my life was no longer built around my work/occupation. Instead, my work was just one of the parts of my life. Now when I talk about the changes that took place I can refer to it as the “loss of my biggest client” and clients can be replaced.
As I move into 2015 I am hoping to do just that. I am looking forward to a great year of meeting new people, establishing new relationships and building on the trusted friendships and bonds I already enjoy.
So the “rollercoaster” that was 2014 has ended, but there is a bigger and better ride just ahead.