5th Anniversary and July 4th

On July 3rd Mike and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary. We remembered what a great day it was by hitting almost all the spots we did on that day. We ate dinner at Alpen Rose (where had our reception), drinks at New Holland Brewery, and drinks at the Curragh. We also spent the night at the new hotel in Holland, MI: City Flats. A truly good anniversary.

We stayed in Holland at the Bona family cottage for the July 4th holiday. We had fun hanging out on the beach, going to Michigan Adventure, and spending time with the Bona family.

Here are some pictures from our week there.

Flirt with Dirt

I finished my first trail run on June 13th. It was harder than I thought and we ended the race by running up a hill. Fun right? Kathy was there waiting for me at the bottom of the hill and ran with me up to the finish. Thanks Kathy!! I looked at the official race time and I ran the 5K in 41:16. This is not my best 5K time but I am proud that I was able to run it and finish.

Kathy and my mom came out to cheer me on. We had a good weekend and I was able to show them around some of Ann Arbor. I took them to Zingerman's (of course) for lunch, went to Kerrytown, and then walked down main street. It was a good day and I felt good even though I ran.

Here are some of the pictures from the Flirt with Dirt

Before the run

The Beginning


The hill at the end.

Finished! (and don't look too tired)

Nope

I received an e-mail yesterday to inform me that our offer was not accepted and that someone else's was. So the great house search continues. Mike and I are both a bit bummed. Here is hoping we find something soon.

Offer

We put in an offer on a house last night. We are hoping to hear if it is accepted within the week here. I will keep you updated. We are very excited and of course nervous.

Flirting

I have now committed to running a 5K race in June. It is called "Flirt with the Dirt."

Here is the link: http://www.runflirt.com

My sister Kathy is planning to come in and run it with me. Although I think she will get a better time since she has always been the athletic one. I also know that this is a really hard course so I think we will have some bragging rights when we finish!!

I am slowly training for the race. Last year I hurt my foot in a 5K race at Epcot in Orlando, FL, so I am excited to be able to run again. The weather has been great for running outside so I have really been enjoying it. I am hoping to be more aware of my foot (and the rest of me) in order to avoid any more injuries this time.

The race is on June 13th so wish us luck!

Loss and Life

Today is six years my father has been gone. It is amazing to think that he has been dead that long. In light of today I would like to share a poem I found.

Tis a Fearful Thing

It is a fearful thing

to love what death can touch.

A fearful thing

to love, hope, and dream:

to be--

to be,

And! to lose.

A thing for fools, this,

and

a holy thing,

a holy thing

to love.

For your life has lived in me,

your laugh once lifted me,

your word was gift to me.

To remember this brings painful joy.

'Tis a human thing, love,

a holy thing,

to love

what death has touched.

-- Anonymous

Short Goodbyes

Edith Ellis was my grandmother. She was a vibrant lady who loved her family, cards, and in her own words she "never met a man she didn't like." Last friday I officiated her funeral. She had a short two month struggle with colon cancer. I was able to spend some time with her before she was transferred to hospice care and say my goodbyes. My grandmother asked me to prayer for her which brought me to tears. When I asked her what we should pray for she said "for peace and comfort." Now that is my prayer for my family and myself. We have had a long six years and have seen a lot of loss.

If I have learned anything from my grandmother is to live life to the fullest on your own terms and cherish family and friends. I will miss my grandma... and I am so glad that Webster Comfort Care ( webstercomfortcare.org ) took such good care of her.