There are moments in life where the richness of the blessings I have seem to smack me in the face. The past few months have been filled with wedding planning, getting things in gear as the school year winds down and just plain crazy train with many aspects of life. They are all very good levels of crazy that can at times seem daunting, but ones that I am profoundly grateful for.

This weekend I had the opportunity to take the train down south and spend some time with the family on the farm. The time I have with Tristan & Gabe are precious and sometimes I struggle with the fact that they're growing up before my eyes and how much of that I miss out on. But having these little windows of time fill my heart with joy. From making smores in the fire pit under the stars, tackling the slip and slide for hours, sharing a muffin under a tree at the market or walking hand in hand along the perimeter of the farm; every moment is a gift that I thank God for. I refuse to take time or those I loved for granted - it's all goodness that I value immensly.

My Dad & Tristan put meaning to the weekend with reminding passerbys of the reason for the weekend. I love my country. Our nation has deep roots in a fight for freedom and liberty that too often is not connected with the raw reality that it came at a cost. Freedom does not come free. The lives of many men and women have been sacrificed for the freedoms that we have today.

Having been to many areas on the globe that do not have the freedoms and rights that we have places things in perspective. We are one nation under God with liberties and freedoms that should never be taken for granted. My hope is that we realize the cost and that we are indebted to those who serve. Say thank you, extend a handshake or buy the next man or woman in uniform that you see a cup of coffee. I promise you - it goes a long way.

As you roll into the four day week count your blessings, thank a soldier and hug a loved one. Never take a day for granted and remember the cost and meaning behind the freedom that we have.

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Pre-wedding fiesta

With the two month mark quickly approaching the stress factor in planning, booking and all the other details can seem a tad overwhelming at times. I'm not the best when it comes to details and 'the little things,' but we're getting there. As the day draws closer there is stress, but overall I'm truly excited and have a great sense of peace about the direction that life is taking us.

Last week the girls from work threw a fairly epic pre-wedding shin dig and it was a blast. Walking around with my straw skirt, hawaiian lai and Hawaiian veil it was a few hours of simple goodness. The past few months have been pretty stressful in the world of education with the budget, politics and a whole lot of other side things that could easily cast a dark light on things. But even in the midst of uncertainty, my colleagues and friends press onward laughing, caring and teaching with all the red tape in the distance. I wish more people had the privilege to know the many great ones that I work with, who teach our youth and inspire in a way very few are able. We've got some great peeps @ Seneca : )

Things are rolling with planning the wedding, but for right now I'm going to enjoy the goodness of the moment and savor the present instead of letting it slip by focusing on the future. Each day is a gift and those I share it with make it all a little lighter and enjoyable. Diggin' the moment and stoked for the future.


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Tri-by-the-Sea

I am not a ballerina. I am not a gymnast. Until recently I would have never assumed the title of 'runner,' but today I proved myself wrong. My THR (Target Heart Rate) group from school hit the road early and had a very epic day participating in the Ocean City Aquatic Club Triathlon. If you were to ask me a few months ago there might have been tremendous skepticism in any chance of me rolling in a tri, but it was a great day to prove myself wrong.

Our day consisted of a 1/4 mile swim, 2 mile run, 16 mile bike and finished off with a 2 mile run where my legs felt more like concrete stumps pushing out the last 20 minutes. There was nothing but smiles, positive mindests and a whole lot of intensity that I was diggin'.

At about mile 8 of the bike pushing into the wind my legs were a bit fatigued and the realization set in that mountain bikes don't really make the cut in these conditions, but it was a little too late for that. But with salt in the air and so many awesome people gathered for a great cause (all proceeds went towards breast cancer research) there was no way of not having an epic time.

I might be a tad on the sore side as the week rolls in, but I'm already up for the next challenge. But living life without continual challenge or pushing the envelope (even just a little:) just wouldn't seem right. Live life with open arms, open eyes and an open heart.

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Celebrating friends, blessings & life

At a time when the economy is in a stand still and all things of a political and financial nature evoke a perpetual sense of anxiety there is nothing more fitting than taking time to re-boot the hard drive and totally chill. As we are drawing nearer to the finish line of yet another school year, it is the perfect time to embrace the moment and reclaim sanity. Sometimes I find it takes a whole lot of effort in making time for yourself. We're pulled in a thousand directions throughout the day and sometimes down time can seem unattainable.

A few days ago my THR (Target Heart Rate) group from school..aka girl power:) gathered to celebrate a dear friend's Birthday. After what felt to be an endless week, everything seemed placed in perspective sitting on the patio sharing stories, laughs and simpleness. Having a solid group of girlfriends keeps it all in perspective and makes even the most trying of times feel no so dismal or daunting.

Every Friday morning at around 6:15 the girls meet before the workday is in full swing to workout and have some quality time with one another. I have to say, after six years of being a member of THR my life is a bit richer and lighter due to those I play pillow polo, scooter soccer and tennis with each Friday morning before the sun rises. I may struggle to roll out of bed in the morning, but I wouldn't trade my a.m workout sessions for anything. Girl power!


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Gem it up

The past week seemed never ending between stressors at work to prepping for all that of a PGM nature. I was on ultra warp speed the entire week and once the run wrapped up mid-afternoon Saturday my body and mind attained an actute level of exhaustion. Every year I convince myself that this will be the last year and it seems that as the years press onward our following grows stronger and any effort to nix the run just doesn't sit right.

With clear blue skies, no wind and ideal temps it was the perfect day. With fifteen minutes before the run I stood in awe staring into a sea of blue shirts. Parents, students, small children and others from the community seemed to stream in filling the parking lot all there to attend either the walk or run. My heart swelled in gratitude to all those present and the countless hands that make this event a reality.

I don't have the answer behind why the girls were taken so quickly, so young. But I can say with the utmost of confidence that their loss was not in vain. I know Ange, Meg, Shana and Angela would be so proud of our efforts and what we are doing in their memory. Our life is fleeting, no matter how many years we walk this earth. Substance is found in truth, sacrifice and giving. I will press forward along with my 'wing-peeps' striving to make a difference and hoping to keep another friend, daughter, sister or loved one from going through what our five families have. We are strong and we will continue striving to make an impact and ultimately leave an impression upon the hearts we encounter.

My hope is to continue to fight the good fight as long as I'm breathing. I will do my best to fulfill the purpose God has intended for me along with making my sister proud. Keep living life with open arms, open eyes and an open heart.

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