My Lily...

In effort to get through this blog and minimize my tears as much as possible, I will keep this entry pretty brief. This past week has been incredibly tough and for all those people who are dog lovers, I assume they will be able to relate more than some. So here goes...

We had to give Lily a new home this week (which turned out to be Chris' family - a blessing in disguise). I could not stop crying for 2 days straight as this is the hardest choice I have had to make so far. I know it sounds silly but most people in my life know how much those dogs mean to me....especially Lil. I have done better the past couple of days but not without a couple breakdowns as the reality hits.

After I got done with a building tour on Tuesday, I stopped by my house and Lily and Daisy got in another massive fight. Daisy's surgery ear was completely bloody. I tried touching it but she cried like I have honestly never heard before. I took her to the vet and at the time, it was looking like they were going to have to re-do the entire surgery they did a month ago because her ear was completely filled with blood again. I was balling in the vet office because I realized that I think it was finally time for me to make the decision about Lil.

So after much crying and "internal struggle", I made the decision that we needed to find her a new home. Which in turn, the only place I wanted her to go is with Robin. We took her there Wednesday night and it was soooo hard but I know she will be happy there. We just cannot continue to come home to blood on the walls and the constant tension that Daisy and Lily may fight. I mean, Daisy was literally getting torn apart. It just sucks so bad because she is the perfect dog except for her fighting with Daisy.

I was closer to Lil than any of the dogs. I will miss her following me everywhere around the house. I will miss her dramatic head tilt of curiosity. I will miss glancing out the window watching her sun bathe. I will miss giving her eye drops and puppy baths. I will miss everything about her (except for the fighting of course). All in all, I don't regret anything about having her for the past 3 and a half years. She has brought so much happiness into my life. I would do it all over again...the many, many vet visits, breaking up fights and trying everything to think of a solution so finding her a new home was never an option.

With all that said, it brings such peace in my heart that she is with Chris' family...cuddling with Robin daily! I am so incredibly thankful that they would bring that sweet little love bug into their home. I love that I will still be able to visit her often!

And to Daisy and Wally, I am soo happy you little pups are in my life. Clearly, for someone with no kids right now in my life, these are my babies.

The Gulliver Annual Christmas Eve Party...just a few days early!

Chris and I had the pleasure of hosting our very first Gulliver Christmas Eve Party this year (just a few days early - as is tradition)! We are the first "grandkids" to take on the role of hosts and I must say, it was our pleasure! It was a wonderful evening visiting with family and sharing in the Christmas spirit. As seems true to the Arizona weather, most of the party lingered outside in the bearable, lack of snow weather. Okay, so we couldn't have done it without the heaters but everyone seemed to enjoy the crisp, fresh air.

Amongst the health challenges that some of my family members are facing right now, it was a true reminder of the reason behind Christmas. God has blessed us with a caring and compassionate family...we learn from the strength that radiates from those who define faith and have learned from them in the past few months. We are all stronger than we may know...but for the power of God's grace, trust in His plans. My prayers are strong for the Melvin family. We love you truly.

2nd Annual Christmas Cookie Party!

Clearly, it was a busy Sunday but what a wonderful way to celebrate a good running day than to decorate cookies and visit with friends! We had a great evening decorating Christmas cookies at Andi's house, which is perfect to every last detail! ....right out of a magazine! It was a charming Christmas atmosphere with a delicious lasagne dinner (---not to mention, the BEST vegetarian lasagne I have ever had---this could be trouble!). This evening truly kicked me into the holiday spirit counting down the days to the wonderful celebration on Christmas!

Oh! And hands down, the most creative cookie award goes to Stacey for her very life-like "Obama" cookie!

It Happened!

It happened folks! I PR'd on my half marathon this morning! For those non-runner friends of mine reading this blog entry, PR means Personal Record! I ran the Tucson Half Marathon in 1:53:40...aka about an 8:40 pace. No listen, it's nothing to write to the Olypmic commitee about but it's enough to put a big ol' smile on my face! Just when I was getting so down on myself about my running lately, this run truly "pumped" me with confidence that yes, maybe I can get better (even if it's little by little). Although the problems I've been having with my piriformis (glute area) continued pretty strongly, I felt too good to let that stop me on the run. Thanks to all those wonderful friends of mine with the good luck wishes! Annnnnd...as much as I appreciate those wishes, no one deserves as many thanks as my amazing husband for ALL that he did to support me through this race. From the driving down to Tucson, taking time out of his schedule and most of all....waking up at 4:50 AM!!!!....to drive me to the start! I love you C.Cat! Thank you soo much, love!

Keep your fingers crossed that this leg pain fades away enough for me to be able to run the P.F. Chang's Marathon a little over a month away....!! Criss cross!

5th Annual Team Christmas Party!

I would be lying if I said I did not loooove the annual Christmas party with my fabulous current and former co-workers! Although it's just 10 of us (spouses included)...it's quite the party! This year we had the joy of enjoying our party at the beautiful Brooks' casa. Seriously, it's my dream home! Ash and Julie did and excellent job hosting with a delicious catered meal, scrumptous chocolates, a cozy outside fire and two adorable bulldogs. No...I did not feel far from home! (especially since I live a mile from their house) ;) As always, laughter was abundant...from Jim's Brawney man flannel to card game competition, it was a night to remember! Fortunately for me, unlike others...I was able to "remember" all of the night due to easy drinking in preparation for my half marathon that lingered just a short day away!

Of course, I cannot wait till next year's festivities!

Thanksgiving 2009!

I have been craving Thanksgiving food for about a month now and must say, my Thanksgiving meal surpassed my expectations! I had an excellent Thanksgiving at my Dad and Ann's house, shared with many of my incredible family members.

I am thankful for so many things...my wonderful husband - someone so inspiring and perfect in my eyes...a blessing I only dreamed to receive; my 4 gorgeous sisters - being able to grow up together, knowing that I could never have handpicked better companions; my Dad and Ann...the consistency in the love they have shown me and everyone in their lives; my Mom - for all the times you literally made me laugh so hard I cried; Nanny - a woman who defines aging gracefully and beautifully; Steve & Ben - oh how you two make me laugh; Glenda - what a gorgeous soul, I am thankful to call you my mother; Matt & Robin - honestly, how lucky did I get?!; Rob & LeAnn - you two are incredible, how blessed I am to have you in my life; Drew & Jenn - also, it's a blessing to have you in my life.

To all my friends and family: I could list names all day and never share just how much you mean to me. Thank you for being such wonderful people.

I hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!

My 2nd Annual Thanksgiving Day Classic!

This was the 2nd year I competed in the 10 Miler - ARR Thanksgiving Day Classic! Although I had a lot of fun last year, it was so nice now knowing so many more runners at the race :) I'm 99.9% positive I am the slowest of all the Bandidos but hey, someone has to be last right? Besides, it's excellent motivation to get better and better each year :) Yet again, it was a wonderful way to start Thanksgiving Day....I actually can't think of a better way! (trust me - I wasn't thinking that during the run) ;)

Daniel & Tiffany Visit!

I am a little behind on this entry but it's one that cannot be left out!

Chris and I were lucky enough to have our wonderful...(and hilarious - might I add!) friends, Daniel and Tiffany visit us a couple of weekends ago! They traveled down from the Bay Area and spent the weekend with us visiting, dining, exploring, drinking, and catching up. Unfortunately, Chris and I were not able to convince them to move to Arizona yet but we will continue to try! I refuse to give up on that one!

After a great dinner at La Grande on Friday and an evening filled with chatting and wine, we were hardly ready for our Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona the next day :) We had so much fun on the Broken Arrow tour (thanks to James too for taking Chris' place for the day!) ...it was a blast! And Saturday night was a nice dinner in Scottsdale and a surprise Everclear concert. If only we had planned the weekend to fall into place so nicely.

Daniel & Tiff ~ We love you guys! You were the easiest houseguests ever and are welcome any time! Thank you for spending your trip to Arizona with us!