Don't Tread on Me.

That's right. It's official. Brian and I are running our first marathon in October--the Marine Corps Marathon . Registration opened February 23rd, and Brian signed us up that day. I'm scared to death very excited to run a marathon. Actually, I don't think I have yet realized just what I got myself into. When I did my first half-marathon, I was so very thankful to approach mile 13 and see signs that read, "half runners stay left toward finish line. Full runners stay right." Boy, was it exciting to know that I got to go to the finish line, and all of the people who wanted to torture themselves had to run 13 more miles!!! I told myself right then that I would be ok if I went through life having never run a marathon. 

So, what am I thinking?! Well, you see, Brian's dad runs marathons. He turns 70 at the end of March, and he said this might be his last race, so he wants us to run it with him. I just had to grant him this wish! Oh, and running a marathon is on my and Brian's pre-kids bucket list (more to come on that subject later), so now we'll get to cross it off!

"How will you have time to train?" you ask. Great question. Right now, I work more hours than I care to admit and barely have time for short runs during the week. This means that I will have to MAKE TIME to run. If I have to leave work earlier and bring more work home with me just to catch the last bit of sunlight for the day, then that's what I'll do. It will be a priority. Don't worry. I have a plan, of course!

I'm counting on YOU to hold me accountable! 

P.S.  We are NOT having kids any time soon; however, there are lots of things we want to do/accomplish before that time comes, so we have this list to hold us accountable. You know I love lists!

It's NOT Valentine's Day.

It's Sophie's birthday. My little girl is 6 years old today (Feb. 14). I honestly cannot believe how fast time flies. I remember the day I got her, and it seems like yesterday. She was that 12 week-old puppy who just wanted some attention from the people who were there to see the 7 week-olds. I was one of those people who was there to pick out one of the younger ones, but it hurt my heart a little bit to see her in a pen all by herself just begging someone to look at her. When I asked about her, I was told that she was only one of three who had survived from a litter of fourteen. Her mom died giving birth, and she and her two brothers were the only ones that survived. When it was time for them to find new homes, the males were sold immediately, but no one wanted the female. Well, I wanted that little girl, and I got her!

I am so thankful for my baby. We have been through so much together. She is the sweetest, most loving dog on this earth. My brother says she is as sweet as sugar. That's for sure.

There is something to be said about a dog's love. They are so loyal and love you no matter what.  Even if you get mad at them, they somehow know how to instantly forgive. No matter how hard your day was, they are so excited for you to get home and tell them all about it.

Happy birthday to my baby. I hope she has at least one hundred more.

Oh, and we celebrated Sully's birthday, as well. We were traveling on his big day (Dec. 23). I hope he's not offended that I didn't post on his actual birthday. It was a busy time. At least I gave him a facebook shout! 

We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment. ~George Eliot