(PEORIA, ILLINOIS) — Tonight was the first time I’ve ever seen the Northern Lights in person. And I was in Peoria, Illinois! Who would have thought.
It seems that this year more opportunities have come up for us Midwesterners to get a glimpse of the aurora borealis, whether it be just a sliver or the whole nine yards. I got just a glimpse, but I’ll take it!
The Northern Lights aren’t the only “firsts” happening in life right now. And the beautiful painting in the sky had me realizing I haven’t done a proper life update in quite some time.
I said last year that 2023 was the greatest year of my life. 2024’s not done yet, but I’d argue this one is going to give 2023 a run for its money.
We bought a house! It’s hard to believe I’m writing that. It’s one of those things you wish and dream for, and it’s finally here. We’re very grateful to everyone who helped move us in and have supported us along the way. Bennett loves it. It’s so new and exciting for us adults, imagine it for a little kiddo whose imagination is just exploding right now. We’re very blessed.
Almost time to become a 2x dad! Rachel would tell me “you already are a father of two!” Which I am, she’s right. But what I’m meaning is, little baby Sheehan #2 is now roughly 2 months away from making her grand debut. Yes, you read that right, we’re having a baby girl. I’ll be honest… for the first kid, I wanted a boy. Now I’m ready to have a “daddy’s little princess.” And she’s already spoiled. I feel like I’m buying her a new onesie or sleeper everytime I step foot into a store. And… we picked a name! But, so sorry to share, we won’t be sharing until she’s here earthside.
Career: I’m now working three jobs. It’s not as bad as it sounds, I promise. Everything syncs together perfectly, allowing me to give 100% in each workplace. Full time I’m in healthcare marketing, working with a fantastic team, led by a wonderful boss. I feel like the work we do is meaningful and beneficial to our local communities, and it’s a job that brings fulfillment.
I’m the Vice President of Peoria City, the pre-professional soccer team in Peoria, Illinois. We just made it to the National Championship! Out of nearly 130 teams, we were one of the final two. Sadly, we lost 2-3 in extra time, but Peoria sold out Shea Stadium with over 3,100 fans in attendance. It was fantastic. We’ll be back for 2025 in no time, and I hope you’ll join us for some games. We’re always looking for partners and sponsors. So if you’re interested, let me know! Let’s talk.
Lastly, I’m working as an adjunct professor at Bradley University teaching Public Relations Writing. It’s been an enjoyable experience! It’s just after midnight and I just got done grading my students’ discussion posts. For a lot of them, this class is the first time they’re really learning about the PR/marketing field. I hope the work they’re doing helps them become better writers and communicators once they reach the real world.
And of course, I’m doing this! I’m trying to write whenever I have a chance, and I’ve got some really exciting content coming up. Multiple Illinois-based projects within the next month that I’m pumped for, and hopefully an out-of-state adventure in early 2025. The last Illinois projects I’ve done were back in March when we visited Starved Rock Country! It’s a beautiful place and I loved getting to try different food options nearby the State Park, of course while staying at the infamous Starved Rock Lodge.
It was fantastic to visit Colorado back in August. It’s such a special place to my family and I. I’m already dreaming of getting back to Estes Park and hiking through Rocky Mountain National Park. Or heading to Walsenburg and Cuchara in Spanish Peaks Country, and enjoying the slowness of life there. It’s such a beautiful area.
A big part of what I like to do through this blog and show people locally and afar the fun things there are to do that are closeby. With many of these projects coming up, I’ll get to do that!
While life has been truly rewarding for myself and my family lately, it hasn’t been for a lot of people in the southeast. I made some connections in Sarasota, Florida this past March when we visited, and it’s heartbreaking to hear and see the devastation brought by hurricanes Helene and Milton. If you can support the local communities, I’d ask you pray about it. I did a quick search on the official Sarasota County website, and there was a donation link that took me to the Disaster Recovery and Relief fund, headed by United Way South Sarasota County. If you feel inclined to join me in donating, click here.
I hope this reading finds you well. Thank you for sticking along with the blog. With all the other work going on these past few months, I recognize it has been a bit quieter. But hopefully not for long!
While everything happening in the current moment is extremely exciting, I’m ready to enter this October and November to bring you some must-read stories! Talk soon, and God bless.
Matt Sheehan Official 