Push Ups: Halfway

This is what you get after 3 weeks of some serious push ups: one measly bicep (the left one was not worth sharing).  Not sure it's worth it.  Let's just say that this program has not quite become my best friend.  Mostly because it's hard. I cringe when, on one of the workout days, Steve looks at me and says, "push ups tonight." Usually I fight back with an excuse (oh, I ran today...too tired!) or a distraction (take a look at this YouTube clip!).  But somehow, I always end up in plank position, arms shaking, counting down the seconds til I'm done.

But there are 3 more weeks to go.  And I can do it.  Steve is doing the plan too (he's on the harder pathway) so he holds me accountable.  I'm also feeling some muscle building in my shoulders (not sure if that's a good thing).  

I'd kind of be content to just stop here and congratulate myself for coming this far (I did 88 push ups tonight with 2 minutes rest in between each set!), BUT I'm going to keep going.  At least until my left bicep can catch up.

Our Small Group

Who are these fun people?  Patrick, Paige, and Tina are just three of the great folks that make up our small group.  Steve and I have had the pleasure of getting to know these guys over the past few months.  We are thankful that we can spend Thursday evenings with this group of couples, studying God's word and sharing life. 

 Steve first met one of the group's members, another guy named Steve, at Bethany's Men's Retreat last year.  The similarities were pretty funny.  Steve D. is also a runner (a really good one too!), and ran cross country in college at Western.  He is married to Tina, who he also met on the cross country team.  Their anniversary is July 10th--our wedding date too!  Patrick and Paige, Josh and Ginger, Stephen and Susan, and Andrew and Tessa complete the group. :)

A few weeks ago, we went to Ozzie's in Queen Anne for some karaoke, and to celebrate Steve D.'s birthday.  These guys rocked!  I wish I had had the guts...  At least Steve-o represented with "Gangsta's Paradise"

{Steve D., Steve T., Josh, and Paige--only girl with guts :)}

Then, last week most of the group headed to "Seattle Helping Haiti," an awesome benefit concert and auction at the Moore Theater

We're learning a lot about married life from these guys too.  Hey small group, thanks for being so fun and supportive! 

Mckenzie :: A Poem

It's this special friend's birthday today!  Happy birthday Kenz!  For your birthday, I present you with the most refined form of poetry: an acrostic poem.

My friend Mckenzie is so great she

Can do so many things

Kick soccer balls, shop in malls,

Eat cereal and sing (kinda)

No one has a better laugh and 

Z is hard to use

If I could pick a friend for-

Ever...it's Mckenzie I would choose!

Happy birthday!  I love you!

A Soul Train Birthday for my Sister

It's my one and only sister, Robin's birthday today!  Happy birthday Rob!!  If you were in Seattle, we'd be sure to have a dance party in your honor, kind of like this one. :)

I really miss you, Robin.  I hope you've had a wonderful 25th birthday celebration in London!  I love you so much!

Happy Birthday Jess!

Happy birthday to my beautiful friend, Jess! I can't believe it's been two years since these kiddos sent you this message (they're 5th graders now!). This photo always reminds me how much you impacted their lives by being their 3rd grade teacher.

Thanks for continually inspiring me with your natural desire to serve others and work hard.

Simply put, buddy...you're the best!

And somehow you always manage to make the coolest friends. ;)

Happy Birthday Jessica! I love you!

100 Push ups

Today my students set a goal to read grade level texts and comprehend them with 80% accuracy. "What if we want to shoot for 90%?" they asked. I was inspired. Then, I saw this. One hundred consecutive push ups in the course of 6 weeks?! I'm doing it.

Really, this may actually be impossible for me. But I think that's why I want to do it. Usually I am not very good at setting fitness goals and sticking to them. I think this one will be different.

Raise your bicep and tricep if you want to join me!

10 on 10: January and a Race

Ahhh, that's only 9! So, I think my last photo will be...




This guy! Not only because I like him, but also because he deserves recognition. Steve's going to be running in next November's New York City Marathon!

Last Saturday, we traveled to Bellingham where Steve ran a half marathon time of one hour and eighteen minutes. Since the NYC Marathon is so competitive, one of the only ways to run in it is to qualify in advance. He kicked butt...and qualified.

And a fourth place finish isn't too shabby either...

Lake Samish, Bellingham. Nope, not Lake SA-mmam-ish. Not QUITE that cool. But pretty all the same. ;)