That's a wrap! Goodbye, 2015

WOD: 14.4
            14 Min AMRAP - that part makes me laugh
            60 cal row
            50 T2B
            40 Wall Balls
            30 Cleans
            20 MUs

RUN: 2.6 miles

I guess I am back in the blogging mood. I take time off but then I feel like I have all these thoughts just taking up space in my brain. Once I get them out, I can move forward. So, to start off the new year, I'm getting rid of the space from this year.

Reflection is important. My life is busy. I like this quote, "Don't become too preoccupied with what is happening around you. Pay more attention to what is going on within you." - Mary-Frances Winters

2015 had some sad moments that have left holes in my life. However, those holes were quickly replaced with new love and now found memories.

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Surgery, radiation and healing followed. The older I get, the more I realize the strength my mom has had for many years. She's a fighter. I also realized through all of this that even though my parent's marriage wasn't a success, there is a strong appreciation and respect for one another and most importantly, for their kids. My dad was there for us. My dad hurt because we hurt. He is a man of character through his actions and unspoken words.

A dear, dear friend passed away in May. Sharing the grieving process with my children was one of the hardest things I have ever been faced to deal with. I often joked with John that God put him in my life because He knew I needed him. He said, God put us in his life because he needed us, too! He (and Joyce still is) the local parent and grandparents. His loss wasn't like losing a parent. I'm not sure I can compare it to that because I've never lost a parent. But the void is there. It will always be there. We have found memories of John. I often hear his words of advice run through my mind in certain situations. To say, "I miss him" just doesn't do justice for how much I truly miss him.


I have a lot to be thankful for in 2015, as well. My biggest accomplishment was my new job! I have been working at UD for 10 years. I have always loved my job (minus 1 day) and knew that this was my fit. When I did a little shift in jobs, I REALLY realized how much I loved my job and was aggressively ready to tackle the next step. I am fortunate to work with great people.

We also found a new church. We took a small break from the worship service back in May and began looking for a new church in August. We ended up at a church I never imagined attending and haven't quit going since our first visit. I have a dear friend, Julie, to thank for that! Most importantly, Nick also goes with us. You don't realize that you've needed something until it was there. He was what I needed. I needed him to be invested in our faith journey with me. It feels good. My soul is full and my marriage is being strengthened.

The best news: My mom is cancer free and has been back to running, running and more running! My kids are healthy! Nick and I are healthy and there's nothing more than important than that!

Within our gym family, we have found some of the most wonderful people. We have great friendships. It's hard sometimes to imagine what my life was life before all of these people. Where the heck were they?! I waited 34 years to find friendships like this and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

I have some big goals for 2016. There are things that Nick and I want to tackle that will test our faith, patience and sanity.

My life is full. I am thankful. I'm ready for 2016!

what a hike

3 mile run (9:15 pace)
1 mile walk (recovery)


If you ever have a chance to visit Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, I would highly recommend it. But before you pull off the side of the road at the first sign you see, I would suggest doing a little research and find the sand dunes that are in your fitness range. We made a minor mistake and hiked the first pull off only later to find out that we were on the advanced path!

Sometimes it is okay to not know what is ahead. A challenging hike made everyone feel accomplished and it was rewarding for all.

Grandpa Bob stopped about a mile in the hike. The kids and I went the 1.5 miles left and made our way to the shore of Lake Michigan. It was well worth the 5 mile (3 hour) hike! The water was beautiful (58 degrees)!

Nobody complained and the only request I heard was for drinks of water. These little dudes are awesome!

I can't believe, once again, it has been over a month since my last post! I have some exciting things happening in the next month or so and I am so excited to share them with you. BUT, I don't want to jinx myself.

I recently did the Advocare 10 day cleanse and have been on track with my eating. I have run a total of 0 miles the entire month of January. In return I added an awesome boot camp class three days a week. I'm currently only using Wednesday as my rest day. I love boot camp!

Say a little prayer for Monday. My mom had surgery a couple weeks ago to remove the cancer and they biopsied a few other spots. Let's hope that we tackled it all the first time and now can move on to the treatment!