Things I LOVE

....cool summer nights after a week of heat and humidity. The cooler weather is a welcomed surprise!  Who are we kidding the weather in Oregon is always a surprise.

....working from home.  There is something to be said about a commute from your bedroom to your office, working out at lunch and getting dressed in real clothes on an as-needed basis.  :-) 

.... being engaged to the most amazing man I have ever met.  Seriously being engaged rocks, you should try it.  (No sly jokes here please).  He lets me pretend to show him wedding picture ideas on my pretend ipad in hopes that he will agree that having an ipad is necessary for wedding planning.  He sits patiently at paper stores as I decide between chocolate and mocha colored paper.  He asks me what the wedding goal is for the week and completes his part by Monday night.  When I'm near tears cause the perfect plan I had drawn in my head (which I would draw on my ipad if I had one) is crumbling before me he reminds me to breathe and tells me he loves me.  L-O-V-E these crazy moments.

.... grandparents, everyone's grandparents!  These people have the most interesting and amazing stories.  They have a story for everything and it always seems they have been just about everywhere.  Someday I hope to tell these stories too.  Don't take these guys for granted they have so much to teach.

.... hummus.  Honestly I could go through an entire tub of hummus in a day.  I don't know what it is about mashed up beans that is so appealing, but YUM!  I go in phases... Hummus seems to be my fave of July, June was potato salad, May was salsa.  Yeah, I get a little obsessive...

.... writing with Sharpies.  You will never need a pen again once you have written with a fine point Sharpie.  My good friend Erica turned me on to this almost ten years ago and I never looked back.  All the colors and perfect lines... seriously... Sharpies.

We all have stories... this is mine

Here are the things that I have learned, life changes fast, timing is everything and sometimes the very best moments are the ones you didn't plan.

June 15th, I sat on a plane heading for Utah.  Home, to run a relay race. The Wasatch Back, a Ragnar Relay that I say is my favorite race, yet every year I still have to talk myself into 30 hours of exhaustion.  I sat on a plane reading a book and letting my mind wander.  I thought about the race happening in 3 days and wondered why I hadn't flown out earlier, my lungs were going to burn in the altitude.  I thought about my aching back, sitting is the worst, I prayed it would just make it through this weekend.  I thought about Ben.  I knew we were getting married, he had talked with my dad, I wondered how it would all eventually come together.

June 18th -19th, the race was a blast.  The weather was perfect, my back and hip were sustaining the pain and 21 miles seemed to fly by.  As I ran my last leg of 5 miles, more like shuffled at 4am, I was excited my portion was almost over and it was party time here on out.  The end of the race is always the most interesting.  People are sore, they are tired and crabby -  they just really need sleep.  Chris always teases that no matter what he says on the last leg I will disagree with him, because I just want my way.  It's true, and this year was no exception.

When my van of 6 had finished their last legs and passed the trusty slap bracelet on to the remaining 6 on our team, we went to shower.  We had about 5 hours until our 2nd van would finish and it would be time to cross the finish line together.  We hobbled to the high school, grateful that PE is a thing of the past, we walked into the girl's locker room.  We showered, commented on our blood shot sleepless eyes and put on our matching shirts to go meet our team in Park City.

The finish line this year was at The Canyons Ski Resort.  My mom was coming to the finish; I was excited to see her there.  We rode a gondola to the top.  Well, some of my team walked to the top - which was so athletic of them - but I literally didn't think I would make it on foot.  The finish line was a serious party.  There were runners and families and families of runners everywhere!  When I finally met up with my mom much to my surprise my dad was there as well!  I introduced them to my team and they gave us their congratulations.  As we tried to find an open spot to visit my dad decided to go look around at the merchandise for sale.  About 5 minutes later, as we were all telling my mom stories of our last 24 hours, my dad came back.  He walked toward me and said, "I found this guy walking around".  Just then I felt a tap on my shoulder and turned around.  There was Ben!  I couldn't believe it!  My words were filled with AHHHH and WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE??, big smiles and lots of hugs.  We hadn't planned on him coming to the race so he told me he was there to support me and the team.  Surprise! I was so excited to see him, I bought it.  He and I walked around and sat in the sun as I rambled all about how terrible, oh I mean terribly fun :-), the race had been. 

The time finally came for our last runner to come in.  We went to the bottom of the last hill to run the last 10 meters with her so we could all cross the team together.  We ran, hobbled and made our way to the finish line, flip flops and all.  Our team name was announced as we crossed the line and I looked up to see Ben standing there.  The flow of runners is set just right to herd everyone off to the side to get their medal and out of the runner's pit.  I walked over to him and said, "What are you doing? I think this is only for the runners." He asked me to come over to him.  "But I have to get my medal?", I said.   He replied, "Just come here, Amber." He grabbed my hand the MC announcing teams handed him the microphone.   As his free hand slid into his pocket and he got down on one knee my hand immediately went to my forehead and with a huge smile on my face I thought, "it's happening".  It went just as a perfect proposal would go.  He told me he loved me,  he asked me to marry him.  I told him yes, of course.  My friends were crying, my parents were snapping pictures like crazy and the crowd was cheering.  I didn't hear or see any of it.  I just saw Ben, I could only think about one thing, for a few seconds we were the only ones there. 

When we were done hugging and celebrating together, we celebrated with our friends and family, my team and strangers - of course took more pictures. 

Amber...

I love you...

Will you... 

Marry me?

Yes! Of course!    

This is funny cause my feet NO WHERE near touch the ground.

 Team celebration photo!

As I think about it now, I maybe should have known.  My mom was acting a little funny that whole Saturday morning and her place to meet me kept changing.  When I asked Ben why my mom had a photographers camera around her neck that seemed to resemble his and he answered, "I don't know." I maybe should have thought twice, but I am glad I didn't.  I didn't know what was happening until the moment it did and that was perfect!  Soon to be Mrs...

June 26th,  I flew back to Oregon and I reached for my book.  As I opened the pages I thought of the flight to Utah, the last time I touched this book and how much things had changed.  It was now one week after the proposal and 10 days after the original flight home. My mind was now flooded with reception and flower ideas - timing, details and food.  The past few days had been filled with big smiles and long conversations.  I had told my story over and over and over again.  I loved every second of it.  I hadn't planned it like this, I didn't know I would be on this plane home wondering how to host the perfect wedding.  But, I couldn't have planned it better, these moments- my story - have been absolutely perfect.

Back on Board

Well hello!

A month has gone by... seriously I am a slacker.  I have no excuse, I was just neglecting my poor little blog.  Maybe the Oregon rain was depressing me?  Who knows.  The good news is - I am back.  Let's use this time to do a run down with the latest...

I was in Utah in May.  Remember that marathon I signed up for?  Yeah - REALLY wish I wouldn't have announced that!  In February (yep 4 months ago), while training, I strained my hip flexor.  For a couple months I thought nothing of it, the pain wasn't bad enough to completely stop running. So I just would run and ice, convinced it would work itself out.  Turns out I am not 18 anymore and my body doesn't just "work itself out".  The pain moved to my back and about 3 weeks before the marathon I was pretty sure 26 miles wasn't happening since walking across a parking lot took it all out of me.  I broke down - saw a doctor.  He pushed on my tender muscle and showed me the worst pain I have EVER felt.  If I would have been able to breathe, I might have punched him.  The injury is in my psoas muscle. The psoas is a hip flexor muscle that attaches to your lumbar spine and wraps around your pelvic bone and ends at your hip.  It's super deep and almost impossible to touch.  It's really contracted and tight.  Because it's tight it's pulling on my spine, hence the back pain. The doctor moved my back around and I walked out of his office with the most relief I had felt in my back for a long time.  2 hours later the pain was back, I guess this won't be a quick fix.  8 weeks of no aggressive activity was his recommendation for recovery.  Well I don't really have 8 weeks in my schedule.  We were 2 weeks before the marathon and 6 weeks (now less than 2) before the relay I run every year - I told him as much.  He tried to understand - he said a marathon was insane and would probably be a big let down because of the pain.  I took his advice, switched to the half marathon (so much less insane).  I suppose my 8 week recovery begins June 20th (after the relay).  So instead of my A game, I guess I am bringing my B (maybe C) game for a while.... UGH, frustrating!!

The half marathon actually went pretty well.  The pain wasn't terrible until mile 8.  I always say mile 8 is the turning point of a half because 5 more miles isn't intimidating. Plus, I knew my grandparents would be happily waiting at the finish line - seeing how excited they were made it all worth it!  

What else...

Shannon and Dan had a baby!!  CRAZY!  You can see her, Piper, for yourself here.  I can hardly believe it - It's amazing to see them move into parenthood.  They're tired and happy all signs they are doing a great job.  She is adorable, tiny, perfect and I can't help but want to squeeze her.  She looks EXACTLY like Shannon, her feet and eyes are almost spot on, it's amazing.  I know I am going to be the annoying adult in her life that always says, I knew your mom when she was your age... blah blah... but now I know why adults can't help it saying things like that!  It's amazing to see life progress.  Isn't she a doll?

Also....

Over Memorial Day Ben and I went to Bend.  Between crazy work schedules, parties, weddings, wedding showers, travelling and just craziness it was nice to have a weekend away.  We ate, went hiking, bought candy, ate candy, ate ice cream, went running and just hung out, did I mention we ate candy? -  all the ingredients for a perfect weekend away!

Now that I am back on board with blogging I promise to update with pictures and cleverness.  Deneal is getting married in a month and Piper will keep growing and do awesome baby stuff - so if nothing else I will have them to talk about!  :-) 

Stay Tuned! 

This is how we do it

By now you've probably heard of CrossFit. If you haven't, then now is the time to crawl out from under the rock where you are hiding! :-) It started as small garage type gyms and seems to have spread like wildfire. CrossFit gyms are popping up everywhere. The workouts incorporate movements that would be used in everyday life with the idea to be metabolic and strength challenging, giving you the strength and endurance to be ready for anything. Military and Police Academies have started incorporating the plans into their training and now, so have I. Deneal and I joined a gym in little Lake O back in November and we fell in love! The workouts that are crazy hard, but so fun I never want them to end. I could stay at this gym all day! (Literally, sometimes I think they wonder if I am every going to leave.) Since we've joined the fun, we have had the awesome opportunity to watch it double in space and clients. We work out with and are trained by such amazing athletes. SO. MUCH. FUN.

A few weeks ago our gym moved into a new larger space. For the open house our trainer, Cody, put together this video of it all from the beginning. I must say it is kind of inspiring, I watch these people come in every day, push themselves to their absolute limit and then ask for more. What a fun little CrossFit family.
My most very favorite thing about CrossFit is the gymnastic work and the HANDSTANDS! Which we don't have in the video, so I promise - pictures of handstands to come!

Sweetheart, I love you

Grandparents.  They love you from the day you arrive.  They shower you with more kisses and hugs than one person ever knew they needed.  They look past your faults as if they don't exist. They just love.  They love with the purest most wholesome love of anyone you can imagine.  They relish in your goodness and encourage you to be the best you can be.  They don't disipline, they don't need to.  They don't want that job, they have a better one. Their job is to love you. To cheer you on and be your champion.  They watch you grow.  They help you succeed and when you fall they make sure you pick up your pieces.  They tell you stories.  The stories your parents won't tell.  The good ones, the funny ones, the sad ones.  The stories that made them who they are - the stories that make you who you are.  They become your friends, they are your grandparents. And oh, are they grand.

I have been blessed with the most awesome grandparents a girl could ever ask for.  I have had two grandmas and one grandpa for as long as I can remember.  I have felt this real true grandparent love.  I can't imagine my life without it.

Last week, our dear sweet Grandma Peni passed away at 88.  This lady was amazing. Her life was full of color, of sparkle, of bright makeup and fun hats.  There were times when no one else understood an outfit and she would compliment it.  She got it.  She wasn't afraid to live outside the box. She wasn't afraid ask your astrological sign and then proceed to a your assess your personality based on its characteristics.  She wasn't afraid to give advice.  She wasn't afraid to share her opinion and she wasn't afraid to love.  She listened to stories, she loved them. She used to say, "Sweetheart, I was born 30 years too soon cause I would love to do the things you guys do now."  She lived a full life and she told good stories, the incriminating ones that made my dad smile a sly smile and swear it never happened. She told stories of life and love, of adventure and heartbreak. She was an example of hard work.  She reminded me why strong women are so important in this world.  Her presence demanded authority, and oh boy did she get it, everyone loved her. 

(Grandma's 85th surprise birthday party.  She talked about this party for years.  She was SO excited about the birthday hat with candles.  She loved that all her family was there to celebrate with her.)

At her service on Monday, I was reminded what an impact she made on the lives around her.  She will certainly be missed,  not only for her awesome Halloween costumes, but for the amazing person she is. Can't wait to see her again!

(Girls Family Breakfast. This was the morning after Halloween.  Grandma loved Halloween because she loved to dress up, this morning was no exception!)

Grandma Peni never let you leave without telling you she loved you.  Never. So, in the words of Grandma Peni, "Sweetheart, I love you"!

Celebrating Ash

I remember when we were little. I used to dress you like you were my very own doll.  I used to brush through your hair and you would cry.  You would cry because you said it hurt, SO BAD.  I never believed you though. I would just keep brushing telling you to be strong.  For some reason you let me.  You're hair was so long and thick.  We could literally spend hours curling it only for the curls to fall right out.  We didn't care though, I would just do it all over again until you were sick of sitting there.
I remember when you would sleep over.  You would get up earlier than any kid - ever known to man!  I would wake up and find you watching cartoons or sitting at the counter eating cereal.  You'd make fun of me for sleeping so long and I would get mad.  I wasn't a morning person - even if it was almost afternoon.
I remember not being old enough to drive and sitting in the cars pretending to go awesome places.  If it was really hot we would even get the keys!  We would dream of growing up and driving.  I swore when I turned sixteen I would drive you, Nate and all your friends around.  I would be the cool Aunt, I promised. 
I remember vacations, camping trips and weekends with the family.  I remember hiking to the top of steep mountains that our Dad's were determined to take their four-wheelers up.  We were too scared to ride with them, so we would walk up - together.  I remember board games (oh my heck you LOVED board games), campfires, and coming back from 5 hour long four-wheeler rides exhausted and covered from head to toe in mud.  Luckily, I always packed plenty of extra clothes!
I remember when you started liking boys.  You would call me and talk for hours.  I swear you were the world's fastest talker and I am pretty sure you could talk without taking a breath. You would tell me everything and ask for advice to get that boy to notice you. 
I remember when you would cry, I would hug you and promise you everything would always be all right.  And when I would cry, you did the same.
I remember when you grew taller than me - which - seemed to happen overnight.  So tall and pretty.  You loved that I was older and you were taller.  We would joke that I would always be the shortest one in the family.  That is turning out to be very true.
I remember dressing you up and taking you out with my friends.  We tried to convince people we were the same age and would laugh and laugh when they would believe us.
I remember your Senior prom.  I was so excited you asked for my help - I brought over all my makeup and hair supplies.  We spent hours brushing on the perfect eye shadow and curling and twisting your thick hair into the perfect updo.  You looked gorgeous.
I remember your high school graduation.  I was so proud, and a bit jealous, of your 4.0 high school GPA.  I was convinced that even with my 3 year head start you would graduate college first.  I knew you would go on to do great things. Great things that only really smart 4.0 people do.
I remember the first thing you did when you walked in a room.  Hug.  Everyone. Even if they weren't the hugging type.
I remember the last time we talked.  I remember our whole conversation.  I remember exactly where I was standing.  I didn't know then that would it be our last.
I remember these things not only today, because it is your birthday, but every day.
I remember you every day.

Happy Birthday Ash!

Treadmill Miles

There is something about running miles on a fast moving belt. Your feet move in perfect rhythm and in the back of your mind you know one missed step could be very painful. There is something about feeling your foot hit the belt at the exact moment the water swishes in the bottle propped securely in its proper place. The music from the iPod blaring in your ears drowns out the sound of hundreds of people rushing to get their workout in and on with their life. You're running playlist is familiar and there is nothing wrong with a little air drumming, even if you are in public. There is something about having a stranger running next to you keeping their own pace. They don't know it, but you are racing them. Your eyes move to their screen to look at their speed and wonder how they have kept the 8.5 pace for 3 miles. Attributing their speed to their long legs is usually the most comforting thought. Regardless, you increase your speed, even just a little. If they can, well, so can you. There is something about gasping for air while watching the green numbers change from from mile to mile and immediately looking at your time, burning that number in your brain. New PR – finally! There is something about knowing your run is slacking, slow and tired and just increasing the speed. You know if the belt moves faster so will your feet. Really, they have no other choice. There is something about running your treadmill out of time, 60 minutes is the max, and then starting it over again cause you're run isn't over yet. There is something about knowing you stuck it out on a treadmill for 10, 11 even 16 miles because for most people that is miserable, even punishment. But for you the treadmill is a good place, a comfortable place. You know what every button means and what every flashing number is telling you. You have a plan for catching yourself should your foot actually take that missed step, and you've done it. You create your hills, watch your time and when you fall short - you sprint. You sprint to the death to get that 7th mile in before the belt stops at 60 minutes. You sprint because it's amazing to see 10.0 on the speed and feel every muscle in your body propelling your legs forward. You sprint, you incline, you jog, you decide, this is one run where you have full control.

Some say treadmill running is a lazy man's run. Sure, say it. But treadmill running is hard, it keeps you moving and out of the pouring rain. True - nothing can compare to a run outside enjoying nature and beautiful surroundings. When it’s just you, the sun, your run and your thoughts miles are serene - enjoyable even - that is ideal. But, aside from racing, nothing is more motivating than a crazy fast moving belt, a goal in your head, a ticking clock and giving it everything you have just to try and keep up.