A year

What a difference a year can make. A year ago, Eric and I were working in jobs that weren't making us happy. We were grateful to have income to take care of our family but we weren't feeling joy in our work. We decided we needed to make some changes and find jobs we loved. Eric had been applying with fire departments and I wasn't really sure what I was going to do.

Today, Eric started his first shift at Boeing Fire. I am so happy for him. Every day he went to his volunteer shifts, he was so happy to put on his uniform. Seeing him do this job as a career is wonderful.

There have been times in the past year, we didn't think we were going to find things we loved to do. We had to have faith that God would guide us. Many times it's been hard and I've had troubles being patient. Now I'm just grateful to God. I'm grateful he continues to provide for us and look to how we can use our new careers to serve him well.

Elma, race report...don't blink, you are in Elma

We had a great time in Elma yesterday. Elma is super small but a beautiful place. I heard the lake was cold but was just fine when I got in. Of course a wetsuit is very helpful and I was amazed by the people out there without them. What I found funny was that this was probably the worst race I have been in as far as getting pummeled while swimming. Fortunately, I've done enough that I didn't care and just kept swimming. The great part was the length of the swim which was only 250 yards. It was over before I knew it. Cycling through the farmland on pretty much totally flat roads was great. The roads were chip-sealed so I'm not sure if my bike will ever be the same. Running felt great and I was able to gain at least one spot to finish forth place. Thanks Elma for a fun day and Eric for driving me around all day. I'm officially ready for this season!

Wenatchee Race Update

An update on my last post: Karie had Sam on May 5th. He is beautiful and healthy and I can't wait to see him in person! Congratulations Karie and Aaron :) The 1/2 marathon went well. Kurt, who just began training with me had a great race. I was impressed after a physically rough week, he rallied and put in a great time. Howard completed his first 10k and also put in a very impressive time. When I saw him at the end of my race, he looked great! Congratulations Kurt and Howard. My race was a little rough. Apparently, my cold wasn't over and I learned the next week had turned in to a sinus infection. It's disappointing to get into a race and realize your racing isn't reflecting your training. I did have a good time and met some fun people. Wenatchee was fun and I time to meet up with my friend Heather who was my roommate at the police academy. I'm looking forward to some tri training with her this summer. The kids had a blast at the hotel pool and loved sleeping in a big hotel bed.