Thursday, June 21, 2007

14 Years - Happy Anniversary

This past weekend, Michael and I celebrated our 14th anniversary! We reflected back on when we first met 15 years ago, how we clicked instantly, how neither of us was in a position to get into a relationship nor did we want to, how we decided to just be friends, but how it was too late because we had already fallen in love.

We usually go away on an adventure on our anniversary weekends, but this year we decided to be low key. We enjoyed a quiet weekend at home and went kayaking on Monday. Now, I would have wonderful pictures of it for you, but alas, a kayaking trip is never complete without Michael tipping his kayak and falling in the water. Even though we did recover the camera ... were not sure if it works yet though. But we had a lot of fun!

What are the things that I love most about Michael ... he has an infectious laugh and a great smile. He is a wonderful husband and my best friend. Everyday he strives to be a better person. He is my greatest support and my greatest strength. I am only a better person because of him, his love, and honor.

Thank you sweetheart, for all that you do and all that you are! I love you!

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Triathlon Results

Well, we did it!



I actually did better than anticipated, 2 hours and 10 minutes. For me first marathon, I thought that was pretty good.







If you look closely, I am between the 4th and 5th person standing - I am in the water.

I completed the 1/2 mile swim in 16 minutes 3 seconds.











The 14.2 mile bike ride, I completed in 57 minutes 22 seconds.

Unfortunately, the run is where I pooped out. But with the loss of 3 weeks of running training due to my ankle, I'm just pleased I finished it, 51 minute 47 seconds!















Would I do it again, if you would have asked me that on the Saturday of the race, NO!!!

But Sunday morning I woke up thinking about what I could do better next time. So yes, I am going to try to do another next Spring!

Friday, June 01, 2007

Dave's Visit to Iraq

My brother is the archive for family pictures. He has done an awesome job of getting all of our family pictures (and I mean all - negatives and scans included) organized on his computer for genealogical purposes. But we still cannot resist teasing him about his obsessive picture taking ... now I'm not talking about the number of pictures he takes, I'm talking about the way the takes them.

As he is always getting on me about not putting enough photos on my site ... I thought I would dedicate this post to him (compliments of Michael).





We love you Dave !!!

Memorial Day Weekend ...

Since Bethany took the grueling trip here to MD back in March, it was only fair that Mike and I head up to MA to visit with them for the holiday weekend.

We had a wonderful time as usual, Mike and Dave took Ben and Rachel to the driving range for the first time ... it was quite funny looking at the video. If Rachel ran out of balls, she would simply jump out onto range to retrieve Ben's used balls ... which was only 1 or 2 feet out.

Beth and I have committed to another half marathon in October - right Beth? So we had better start our training again.

The rest of the weekend was the usual hanging out and playing with the kids. Thanks to Mom and Dad for giving Ben and Rachel the balsa wood airplanes, I was able to entertain them all day Sunday and most of Monday morning. The little things that amuse.

On to other updates ... my ankle is about 95% healed and tomorrow morning is the triathlon. I am nervous and excited at the same time. The location is about 3 1/2 hours away and we have to leave at 4:00am to get there in time for registration. Mike is thrilled about that!

So wish me luck!!! I have to complete the .5 mile swim, 14.2 mile bike ride and 3.5 mile run in 2 1/2 hours. Individually, not a problem ... but together ... I'll keep you updated!

I need a pedicure when this is all done!

Spring Cleaning - WHY!!!

Spring Cleaning, I HATE IT. But I am one of those people whose sees all the dirt, grime and imperfections in my home constantly and it drives me batty. I also have 2 dogs and 2 cats so the potential of hair and dirt build up only becomes greater.

Since I have been home, I have started my spring cleaning. In the past 6 weeks I have finally completed the 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and hallway upstairs as well as the stairwell. I spent about 4 hours a day 3 to 4 days a week doing this work. Why you say this is taking me so long ... well, in all fairness I lost a little more than a week due to my ankle, but still ...

The truth is, as my friends say, I am a psycho. Not only do I clean, but I wash the baseboards, clean the windows and sills, remove the furniture, repaint, recaulk, etc. In addition, I painted two of the rooms and we decided to put up crown molding. I am finally to the first floor and I am running out of steam and desire.

Why am I doing this? I'm only going to have to start all over once I finish. Ugh, save me ... ooh, I have a salon gift certificate, I see rejuvenation ahead!!!

So you all ask, 'what have you been up to', well, there's the excitement in my life.