2011 in Review

It was a great year. It really was. There were certainly rough spots, but we made it through that and came out stronger, happier, and more grateful than ever.

I don’t even really know what to say… I haven’t been blogging much lately and I think my writing muscles are rusty. Last year I had a lovely recap of my New Year perspective, and I just can’t come up with anything like that right now. Although reading through that, I did pretty good with my 2011 goals! I stayed centered and positive, I spent time outdoors, with friends, family, and with my super husband. I ran a bunch! I really had a great year. For 2012, I want to do all of that again, and more. I have so much to be grateful for and will not let a day pass by without remembering that. Life is good.

Here are a few photos from the blog that highlight the beauty and adventure of 2011. Going back to find these I am just so happy about all the good times we had. I had to skip over a lot to only pick one picture per month! But that’s a good thing. An overabundance of joy:

January:

February:

March:

April:

May:

June:

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

December:

Happy New Year! Have a safe and fun holiday!

Merry Christmas!

I have been such a slacker with posting, but couldn’t let the holiday go by without sending out a Christmas greeting to all of you. I hope you have a wonderful holiday and enjoy lots of delicious food, time with friends and family, and all your favorite traditions.

It’s my favorite time of year and this year is no different. It was so fun to decorate our house- it’s our first Christmas since we moved in! Zach hung lights outside, we got a big tree, and put up lots of decorations.

No big race reports or training to report- I’ve been enjoying this cut-back phase since the Portland Marathon and am feeling great. I’m still running consistently 3-4 times a week and doing yoga. No races on the schedule but am starting to think of signing up for at least a shorter distance in the next couple of months. Zach is already full into his training for a spring and summer of crazy ultra marathons- a 50k in March, a 40 miler in April, and a 50 miler in May! I’ll have more details on those races as they approach. He’s loving it.

Well I have a bunch of photos from the last few weeks but I’ll limit myself to ones I took today, Christmas Eve. I started the day with a lovely 8 mile run in Forest Park, then spent the afternoon recovering and lounging around. I busted out the violin for my annual Christmas recital (so rusty!) and now Zach is in the kitchen getting dinner ready. I have to go pick up Deana and Dana so I better get going! Merry Christmas everyone, and Happy New Year!!! :)

 

San Diego

So much sunshine! Here are a few pictures. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday.

 

Thanksgiving dinner at the 94th Aero Squadron:

 

 

 

Friday trip up the coast to meet with Maritza and Mario:

Saturday Mission Beach run:

 

1 year after their motorcycle accident, Melanie and William renewed their vows with a simple ceremony and reception:

 

 

What a great trip. So much to be thankful for, indeed. We are very blessed.

Giving Thanks

I am thankful for my friends and family. I am surrounded by so much love.

I am thankful for our beautiful home, our jobs, and the life we have made here in Portland. It is a perfect place to live.

I am thankful for my health and my happiness. I will not take it for granted.

I am thankful for Zach, my wonderful partner for 14 years.

I am thankful for running. I am thankful, specifically, for running in Forest Park.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!