Wise Words

Dad really does know best....

"Things happen for a reason I guess.  I don't know why, but they just do."

These words comforted everything that was awful about my day.  Even when he thinks he doesn't have an answer, he does.  He always knows just what to say.  

Thanks Dad.... I love you.

No Day But Today

"Life is too short to wake up with regrets.  So love the people who treat you right.  Love the ones who don't just because you can.  Believe everything happens for a reason.  If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands.  If it changes your life, let it.  Kiss slowly.  Forgive quickly.  They never said life would be easy, but it will be worth it."

"Life is short" has become a song from a broken record, but it rings too true.  Life really is short - and you should live everyday doing things you love with the people you love.  We expect tomorrow to be waiting for us, but one day it won't be.

My heart breaks for my friend Erin and her husband Zach.  A week ago today, they welcomed their first little blessing into the world - a boy named Drew.  We watched him grow in his mommy's belly (I named him Applebaby... Erin hated it :) ).  There were some complications, but he was doing okay and we couldn't wait for him to heal so we could meet him.  On Wednesday, things digressed, and Erin and Zach held their little boy for the first and last time.

I can't fathom going through this.  I am amazed by them for dealing with it as gracefully as they have.  All of us at work admire them for their strength.  I am truly humbled.  We learned how fragile life truly is, and for us who are healthy and able, we should live life to the best of our abilities.

Please keep the Griffiths in your prayers.  We love you Erin and Zach.

Another Delicious Dish

Red Light, Green Light....

Our eager taste buds made cooking this meal seem like an eternity.  It smelled delicious the second the food hit the pans.  As we cooked, we were serenaded by the musical genius known as T.Swift.  She was the missing ingredient that helped make the meal all that it was.

Without further adieu, we give you chicken picatta, rice and veggies:

Good food, good wine, good friends, GOODNIGHT.

Updates and My Small Hiccup...

Still cooking with another goal added to the list

I have been cooking like crazy and I am loving every moment of it... so many good flavors and aromas have emerged from my kitchen thanks to my sharp cutlery and curious taste buds.  I think in a few weeks I might even venture into the baking world - anyone that knows me that I don't eat sweets, so prepare to possibly take on lots of pastries shortly.  

I have also been learning how to play the guitar, which has been a goal of mine for years.  I decided to actually go for it; it's time to learn.  Once a week, I meet with Miles, a local music student.  He is very patient with me, which is saying a lot.  My skills are minimal -  my talking is anything but.  

*My goal will be considered "achieved" when I can play one of my favorite songs by none other than Miss T. Swift!

And now for the hiccup.....

Running has gone great thus far - I am up to almost 4 miles easily.  As my favorite math teacher used to say, "It's as easy as pie, no?"  I run 2-3 times a week, switching the scenery up between the beach and North Park.  Ashley and I always make sure to carb up afterwards with lunch too, which is necessary, and all we talk about during the run.

I have actually become pretty addicted to running.  I think about it all the time.  I get the urge to run constantly.  It's turning into an obsession.  I'm not sure if it is finding out what I am capable of, or the freedom I feel when I run that I love so much, but it something I think about from the moment I wake until I lay back down at night.

Remembering...

People seem to have forgotten what happened today.

9 years ago, innocent lives were lost.  When they woke up that morning, they expected a day just like any other.  They brewed their coffee and made their beds.  They boarded planes with their luggage and newspapers.  Some looked forward to their second date later that night,  while others promised their kids they would be at their baseball game after work.  Little did they know that in a few short hours, the world's eyes would be on them.  Some would be filled with sadness, others anger or confusion. Some would be happy - and that's what people seem to forget.  

9 years ago today, we were attacked.

Cooking Queens

Goal #7 - CHECK

Every Thursday Katie and I walk to North Park's Farmer's Market and cook dinner with our fresh local produce :)

Tonight on the menu was chicken marsala over pasta with a side of roasted asparagus.  Our tummies are full and we are happy.  Too bad there aren't any leftovers for Kiley!

You know you want to hire us

Goal #11 - Become a Running Machine

I feel out of shape.  I am in need of a challenge.  Solution?

Run a half marathon! (a full marathon would result in hospitalization)

Ashley and I are going to start training next week.  Our first goal is to run a 5K soonish, with the ending goal of a half marathon.

Can I do it?  Doesn't matter.... I have to.  It's a goal.  Gotta make it happen :)