float like a butterfly, sting like a bee

When Courtney, Katie and I ran the Chicago marathon in 2007, it was unseasonably hot, inching above 90 degrees, with the race black flagged. One runner died, 30 were hospitalized, more than 400 sought medical attention, and Katie threw up.

Courtney and I both recently admitted we nearly stopped multiple times at the medic stations, terrified because we were no longer sweating, had goosebumps, and were pretty sure our hearts were about to fail. I'm fairly certain the only reason we didn't stop is because we have unrelenting wills that are made possible only because of two parents who think it's normal to do things like paint 100 Willow on their own in the middle of the summer. It's a wild combination. And kind of scary.

That being said, yesterday Duke, Courtney and Ryan did the Tough Mudder in Virginia and Court said it was almost as hard as the '07 thon. Describing it as both awful and awesome, they used those wills of steel (Duke's being stronger than ours. No offense Court. The kid didn't tell anyone he had mono.) to dominate the race.

Afterward they were talking casually about submerging in a steel pool of ice water and climbing through obstacles with electric shocks, and I felt incredibly proud of them and also a teensy tiny bit envious that my foot kept me sidelined.

Unless an intense case of rosy retrospection kicks in, it seems unlikely they'll do the race again. However, if they do, you better believe I'll be right there with them. Let's just hope I can keep up with these champs.
Good job you guys!! I am so proud and impressed! And they even look so cute after a two and a half hour race.

from one to another


I realize it's Thursday, but last weekend was too wonderful to go unmentioned. So let's kick start this weekend with an appreciation of the last one.

On Friday night, Katie G. and I went to an O. mag party at Ikea, where we got to hear Peter Walsh talk, but were primarily excited about being able to bop around the empty store with wine.
We played house and pretended we were purchasing new kitchens for our homes. We planned lots of great imaginary upcoming parties in our new granite kitchens, and you're all invited. 

We were also really pumped about the froyo. 
After the party, I flew home to Indiana for Megan's bridal shower. Saturday was such a happy day, spent with my dear friends. It was so fun to celebrate Megan's engagement.

Saturday night, my mom and I went on a little date, compliments of my dad. He'd hurt his back and couldn't join us, which was sad, but we still had fun.
Afterward, I tried to convince my mom to crash a huge party one of their neighbors was having, but she said this wasn't really appropriate to do in the grown up world. She seemed to think the hosts would have noticed two unfamiliar faces. I'm not sure when this shift happens that parties aren't a come one, come all event, but I'm certainly going to look out for it over the next few years.

Instead we just casually creeped by the party so we could spy. It was pretty successful. Though we did not have such luck trying to get a picture of our romantic date night...

heyyyy you guyyyys

Lately I've been trying to apply a "when in Rome" mentality to every aspect of my life. For example: While living in the south, I feel it's completely necessary to tailgate whenever possible, and go to a NASCAR race. When in Rome, right? You wouldn't spend a spring in Indianapolis and miss the Indy 500. I've got to respect the ways of the south, too.

And this season, I'm trying to do everything fally I can possibly think of. From carving to layering my clothes to Haunted Houses to Halloween parties, I'm walking around like a pumpkin spiced autumn addict. When in Rome fall.

As part of this effort, I recently tried making a pumpkin smoothie in lieu of my typical A.M. banana version. And while it was incredibly tasty, you need not be fooled by the word "pie" in the recipe title. It's not exactly the sweetest of smoothies. However, it did make for an excellent breakfast and kick-started my last two mornings with some pumpkiny love.

Happy fall you guys! (I'm not quite so southern as to say happy fall y'all. but maybe someday :) When in Georgia, right?)