You know the episode of Friends with guest star, Alec Baldwin? Where everything is positive and amazing?

Valentine’s Day might get all the billing, but for me National Donor Day is a much bigger deal. National Donor Day is an observance dedicated to spreading awareness and education about organ, eye and tissue donation.

As we wind down the last few hours of January, I reflect on the goals and plans I made just a month ago. How’s it going? Where am I content? Where am I discouraged? Where do I go from here?

A few years ago, a few friends got together and decided we wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. Thus, our Blood Club was born and lives on still. We don’t keep track but I would venture to guess that collectively, we have donated over 30 units of blood and still going strong.

What’s a girl to do when her family decides to give rock climbing a try but she has a “healthy” fear of heights? In this case, she says “Ehh, no thanks.” Then I considered this - my fear of heights is actually conditional.

It’s coming! I’ve been expecting it! I’ve been chewing on it and I’m ready for it. I’m going to wear it like a badge of honor and embrace it - especially the senior discounts. Ok - that “senior” part hurt a bit. But still, I’m generally, totally ok with turning 50.

As a realtor, I get to work with people from all different points in their lives. It could be a family who needs a bigger home. Maybe a retired couple is looking for low maintenance living. I enjoy them all. But if I’m being honest, I really enjoy working with the clients who are looking for that new beginning.

My middle son graduates high school this year. I want to celebrate and commemorate that milestone. We have been chewing on the idea of going to the Grand Canyon - neither of us has been there - and completing a rim to rim hike. If you aren’t familiar - I wasn’t until I started researching - a rim to rim hike is just what it says. You start on one side of the canyon, hike down and back up the other side. It sounds amazing!

As a realtor, I want to sell houses - any house, right? As it turns out, that’s not always true. The past two years were marked with the passing of my father-in-law and mother-in-law. So naturally, it was time to sell the home that was theirs for over 40 years and let someone else love it.

I’m kind of a geek when it comes to self help and goal achieving inspiration. Like so many, I tend to “take stock” at the new year. I decided to create a vision board to highlight some of my personal goals - the “why” I go to work each day - i.e. if I work hard, I can use that income to do the things that make my heart happy.

Regardless of your geographic location, winter ushers in a host of challenges. Everyone faces unique hurdles in the cooler months, and these universal tips ensure you’re prepared for whatever the season brings.

We’re always up for a good hike! Just being outdoors does wonders for our bodies and minds. Here are a few of our favorite places in western PA for a great hike!