Snow and Daffodils

As many of you know, the Pacific NW has had some crazy weather lately. Wednesday brought about 5-9 inches of snow to my mom's house in Salem. Luckily Brian and I happened to be down there that day because Portland didn't get as much at all! I took the opportunity to make a snowman. And what better to decorate the snowman or snow-woman, than with flowers? I mean, it is spring time!

Me next to my daffodil snow-woman

Becky's kids were there, so we made some awesome forts and had a great snowball fight!

I just wanted to capture the snow on some color. 

And just so you all know, today was sunny and beautiful, high in the upper 50's. Weird...But fun!!

So I am now sitting home after completing my 24 hour race. Running for a 1,440 minutes without sleeping makes you really question what you are doing. At about 3:30 in the morning after already running for 15 and 1/2 hrs, I remember asking myself " Why are you really doing this? Is this for any particular reason?" That seems to be the main question that arises when talking about these ultra-distance events. I think the answer can only come after finishing and completing your goal. Wendy paced me for mile 48-60 and then at the end for the last 7 miles. If Wendy hadn't been there I can guarantee that I would not have reached my goal of 100 miles. We came across the the finish line with 10 minutes to spare at 23 hrs and 50 minutes. I can honestly say it was the hardest physical thing I have ever done. And it was totally worth it.

 THIS PICTURE WAS TAKING BEFORE THE RACE AND IS MOST LIKELY THE REASON I'M SMILING BECAUSE I HAVE NO IDEA THE PAIN THAT IS ABOUT TO BE IN MY LIFE.

 HERE I AM SLOGGING IT OUT I THINK WENDY TOOK THIS WITHIN THE LAST 10 MILES OR SO. I AM RIGHT NOW CONTEMPLATING LAYING DOWN IN THAT PUDDLE AND DYING.

 RIGHT AFTER THE LAST MILE I LAID DOWN AND DID NOT WANT TO GET UP.

THIS WAS MY FAVORITE BATTLE WOUND FROM THE RACE. MY PINKIE TOE LOOKED LIKE SOMEONE CUT IT OPEN WITH A KNIFE.

Brian's biggest race yet!!

Tomorrow Brian starts a race at 9AM and it doesn't end until the following day at 9AM. I love my husband and his determination to challenge his physical and mental self more than I could ever do!!  But I still think he is a little crazy for wanting to run a race for 24 hours just for "fun". 

Anyway folks, here it is. And here we go. I'll be watching of course, even counting laps as a volunteer. I suppose it will give me something to do as he runs, and runs, and runs. I probably won't stay up all night long though. :) I plan on sleeping in a nice, warm house. 

Please be praying for Brian through this race, it will definitely be a challenge. 

More updates to come!!

ROLLER COASTERS GALORE!!!!

So after the wedding we wasted no time in having some serious fun!!! The day after we went with four friends from Alaska to Six Flags. We got there about an hour early and waited in line. When the gates opened people started running, we couldn't figure out where everyone was going but we kinda followed them to X2, the newest and according to the entrance worker "The scariest fastest ride in the park" Whether it was a good idea to go on the craziest one first was up for debate, but one thing was for sure, it was everything the lady said!!! I hadn't been on a roller coaster in a while and during the X2 experience I couldn't scream because I had no voice (yeah that crazy)

 OUR FRIENDS FRONT: LINDSEY AND DANNY LEDER. BACK: TIM AND CHRIS PHILLIPS. WERE GETTING READY TO TAKE THE PLUNGE ON COLOSSUS.

 THIS IS THE GREEN LANTERN. MY CELL PHONE FELL OUT OF MY POCKET AT THE VERY TOP ABOUT 100 FT DOWN ONTO THAT ROOF AND BROKE INTO PIECES. IT WASN'T WORTH STICKING AROUND TO GET IT BACK.

The next day we went to Disneyland and had a pretty awesome time!!! It rained which doesn't really bother Oregonians and Alaskans, so as far as there being lines for the rides, I don't remember waiting any longer than 20 minutes to get on a ride. We rode Indiana Jones 3 times, Tower of Terror 3 times and others as much as we wanted. Tim and Chris came with us and by the end of the day we were all a little roller coastered out.

 WE THOUGHT ABOUT THE POSITION OF "HEAD LANDSCAPER" AT DISNEYLAND. THIS MUST BE A VERY STRESSFUL JOB. JUST LOOK AT MICKEY MADE OF FLOWERS BEHIND US. THE WHOLE PARK IS LIKE THAT.

WENDY AND I GETTING READY TO GO ON AN ADVENTURE WITH INDIANA JONES. WE HELPED HIM SOLVE THE CASE OF THE ANCIENT ARTIFACT AND AVOID GETTING FLATTENED BY A LIVING ROOM SIZED BOULDER.