Lewis & Associates Halloween Party

Last night was pumpkin carving night with the families at Lewis & Associates. What fun! The guys always go all out with the office...I must say, it looked pretty cool, and spooky too! The kids always have a ton of fun...of course, so do the adults!

World Series Champions!

Need I say more?

Running is a mental sport, we're just all insane

30,000 runners. 100,000 spectators. 26.2 miles. 5 hours later...finish! And, free beer at the end! This is a little description of my past weekend at the Marine Corp Marathon. What a wonderful weekend. It was my 6th marathon, my 2nd Marine Corp. Saturday we walked around the Expo a bit...it's the ultimate 'Obsessed with Running' Expo and I love it! We started at 8:00, or should I say, the horns blew at 8:00...I started at about 8:15. It takes a little while to get to the start line...as there are over 30,000 runners. You really can't start running comfortably until about Mile 4. If you're in it to get a great time, you're probably at the wrong race because it's nearly impossible to move the first couple of miles...you just go with the flow and have a good time! So, enough of my babbling, I'll show you some pictures. More to follow later this week. Oh yeah, I finished in about 5:14 and Danaun finished in 6:30. Most importantly, we beat the bridge. If you don't beat the bridge, you can picked up by the 'clean-up bus.' Funny, but not funny. That bridge is brutal.

Matt, Danaun, and I at the Carbo Load dinner. Gotta get your carbs in!

Before the marathon in the freezing cold

Walking to the start line...I think I'll get somewhere between the 5 hour marker. And we can't even see the Starting Line from here. You have to walk a mile before you even cross the Starting Line. Insane, huh?

This official start is under the red balloons.

This is mile 4...see how crowded it still is?

Almost there! .2 to go. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can!

After the marathon, waiting for the Metro

Pain is Weakness Leaving the Body

This was one of my favorite posters I saw yesterday in running the Marine Corps Marathon. Yeah...I'm in a bit of pain today, but it's well worth it. Experience the ultimate runner's high...there's nothing like it. Of course, there's nothing like the pain you experience either! Ha...walking down the stairs...IMPOSSIBLE! How about crawling down the stairs... Which leads me to one of my other favorite quotes: "Toenails are for sissies." Yup...lost another three. It's sad when you're not even 30 and considering going to a Podiatrist already!

Just wanted to let you know I'm back and alive. I'll be posting some pictures later on today as well as some information about my finsih, etc. Yesterday couldn't have been more beautiful outside!

If you're interested in running a marathon, let me know and we can train together. I think the next one I'll be doing will be the Flying Pig Marathon in Ohio. We'll see...

Let's Get This Party Started

I live for these marathon weekends. Danaun, Matt, and I are headed down to DC this weekend...and no, Matt's not running.t I know at least three other people running, so that will make it even more fun...Dave, my senior roommate Kerri, and of course Danaun. Last summer Danaun and I trained together for two separate marathons and this year we're running the Marine together. It's the best marathon there is! Over 30,000 runners and over 100,000 spectators. As if that's not good enough, the weather is supposed to be perfect on Sunday! So, wish me luck. Oh yeah, if you want to see where I'm at on race day, you can go onto http://www.marinemarathon.com/ and track me. Kind of freaky, but still cool! Wish me luck!

Fall Baking

Two things I absolutely love...Fall and baking. Put the two together, and life couldn't be any better. Last night I had some of my girlfriends over to do a little baking. Yum Yum! We made applesauce (what a workout!), pumpkin cookies with chocolate chips (everything is better with chocolate) and an apple pie. What a fun evening!

Recap...

Last week my computer crashed, as you could see, so I'm just going to do a quick recap here, because I have to get back to working. Here's a few highlights of the past week or so.

Rob and Kathy's twins, William and Wyatt, got baptised last Sunday. They are so precious!

Here's our little buddy Price. We can't leave him out of the picture!

Friday night we went out to dinner with Christen and Dave and the boys, Jullian and Colton (I used to babysit for them). They are such great boys and I miss them! Dave is running his first marathon, Marine Corps, next weekend, so we went over a few of the details before the weekend. I know he's going to do an awesome job!

Matt, Danielle, Pam, and Butch were in from Pittsburg this past weekend. Matt is my 2nd cousin and we used to be little pen pals for a few years back in High School. It was great to see them over the weekend. We'll see you again in November! Have a great time in Hawaii!

Our neighbors Trevor and Unissa got married this past weekend! Congratulations!

And, Matt and I at the wedding.

Crazy Computer

My computer crashed, so it's going to be a few days until I post updates on my blog. Hopefully I'll have my computer back by the end of the week. It's amazing how much I depend on my computer. Craziness!

Spoiled Rotten

You must go! Trans4mation on South West End Avenue is AWESOME! I've always enjoyed getting my haircut and going to the salon to get pampered, but this place tops it all! I went around the block to get my haircut, they did an awesome job (I love my stylist), they asked me if I wanted a complimentary makeup touchup (umm...YES!), gave me a whole bunch of free skin care stuff, and told me that I would get a complimentary eyebrown wax if I schedule my next appointment. Just try it out. It's right behind the Republican office. Make sure you ask for Tiffany! She's awesome!

Hands on House Half Marathon

Yea! I completed another Hands on House 1/2 Marathon and conquered some of Lancaster County's most grueling hills! Now it's only 3 weeks to the Marine Corp! And, I have to mention...I'm so proud of Sarah for completing her first 1/2 Marathon. Once you start running these, you can't stop. Way to go Sarah!

Choose to Make a Difference

I've always wanted to make a difference in people's lives. Some days I get discouraged because I don't see the immediate affect I have on someone, but then I realize that it's not up to ME to change that person...maybe it's what God does through me. But, you have to make the choice to allow God to work through you (maybe that is choosing to make a difference). You plant the seed and someone else waters it and puts the seed where it will get sun...or vice versa. There are so many needs in this world...find something you're passionate about...whether it be helping a child, listening to a senior, lending a hand to the homeless, or just share a smile with a stranger. I want to share a story with you. Maybe some of you have read it before, maybe not. It's just been on my mind lately. Today, I've kind of used this blog as a journal. I promise I'll put something on here soon that's a little more light hearted. I think I'm too serious sometimes, but take this poem for what's it worth!

I'm inspired...