Hello everyone!  I hope y'all had a wonderful Christmas.  Mine was a really good one surrounded by loved ones. It was a time of reflection but also a time of joy as we celebrated the birth of Jesus and all the good tidings that come with that miracle.  Looking back I can say with certainty that 2013 was the year that rocked my world.  I found love, I lost love, I rediscovered a passion and many changes occurred in my life. 

JANUARY- I turned the BIG 40 and it was such a great time.  My family and best friend Heidi, made sure this was a special occasion.  I signed up to run the Miami ING Marathon on this day but a few weeks before something inside me kept telling me that I needed to spend this milestone with my dad.  And I am so glad I listened to that little voice because this turned out to be the last birthday I celebrated with my dad. 

MARCH-  In March, after many years of "zen" running, I decided to enter an actual official 5K race for St. Patrick's Day and imagine my surprise when I got an email telling me that I placed 3rd in my age group.  It was pretty funny and exciting also.  And I finally understood the love of PRs! Ha!

In March I also got packed up for my permanent change of station from Fort Bragg, NC to Fort Leavenworth, KS.  This was bittersweet because I LOVE my house in NC but I knew it was time for  change.  Unlike last year, this year I felt that this was the path God intended me to be. 

APRIL-  The actual move happened in April and while I was in St. Louis driving towards Kansas, I got news that my dad passed away.  It was really hard because my dad was my best friend in the world.  I am proud to say that I am a female version of him.  I miss him so much that it sometimes takes my breath away, but I know he is in a better place.  We went to Puerto Rico to spread his ashes and it was very emotional since it was at a natural reserve called San Cristobal in the middle of the island of Puerto Rico. 

Also, in April who can forget the Boston Marathon bombing?  Such a terrible thing to happen at an event that brings together so many people.  I love how the world but especially the running community came together to honor the event and the fallen.

AUGUST-  The new addition to our family, Jack-- a soft coated wheaten terrier, was picked up in Atlanta and life has been very interesting since then but he has brought so much joy to me and Rummer's life!  Love this snugglebutt! 

SEPTEMBER- I had my foot surgery and during my convalescent leave I really realized how much I took running for granted and how much I love it!  Thank goodness I followed my doctor's instructions and I am recovering nicely.

OCTOBER-  A milestone-- I had my first caramel apple ever!  I loved it! lol

DECEMBER-  I had the privilege of participating in Wreaths Across America at Fort Leavenworth and it was a very humbling experience and such an honor.  A perfect way to kick off December.

And there it is: my year.  I want to wish you all a happy New Year!  May 2014 bring you all healthy, prosperity and happiness!  See you next year!

Christmas is such a joyful time for me!  This photo really expresses how I feel about Christmas most of the time :-)  Yes, I tend to be a bit optimistic, even if at times missing my father makes it unbearably sad.  But I try to shake it off because my dad loved the season and he would not want me to be sad.

There is one thing I love more than running shoes and gym clothes: MAKEUP.  No, I am not one of those peeps who wears tons of makeup to the gym... sorry, I just cannot.  But when I am not in gym clothes, I like to look purdy.  I have always loved makeup and when I am having a bad day, a simple lipstick or eyeshadow works for me.  It is automatic mood lifter for this girl.  So, what's in my makeup bag?  Here is a list of my favorite "can't live without products.

Yesterday was my official first day of running without restrictions after my foot surgery and I was looking forward to it all day like a giddy child.  Conditions could not have more perfect-- after a week of sub-20 degree weather, yesterday we had a 65 degree day and I was loving it.  I waited until after work and the stars aligned for me to not only have a really good run {with a fairly descent pace after not really training since August} but the sky also put on a show as I was heading back home. 

{ NO. 1 Army-Navy Game }

Woot!  Woot!  Need I say more? Yes, we (Army) will probably lose (heck we haven't won in 11 years although we came close last year) but this is a tradition and we LOVE talking trash to Navy folks!  This is always a huge game for the military and so patriotic!  There is a reason why it is called "America's Game" and the POTUS attends!

Oh my goodness, life has been so hectic that I have barely written anything on the blog and December is almost halfway done!  It seems like we welcomed 2013 just a few months ago!  But here we are! We also had the first snow of the season.  Now having lived in NC most of the last 16 years, it is very rare we get snow.  Kansas has been powdered with some snow, but worse its the frigid temperatures ranging between 5-12 degrees.  It is brutal but the doggies love it!