2011 is going to be EPIC

Last year, I think Rob and I were a little down about 2010. We had just moved, and it kind of felt like we just wasted all of our excitement on 2009. Don't get me wrong, I'm always the optimist so of course I knew 2010 would be a life changing year for us: wonderful things would happen, I would turn into a supermodel, Robert would become a professional athlete and faeries would come out from the woods to guide us through a truly magical year. But I'm a planner. The kind of person who schedules her next vacation before the last one is even over so she has something to look forward to. In 2010, there were no markers already laid out. No major events on the horizon. We were looking forward to buying a house, but we weren't sure if it would happen (for LOTS of reasons). I certainly did not expect for my work life to be turned upside down by an incredible product launch, to run three half marathons and finish a full marathon, bring 90% of my best friends all on the same coast (I'm still waiting on you, Emelie!), and get engaged to the love of my life. All things considered, 2010 surprised me in some wonderful ways.

However, the planner in me knows that 2011 is going to be EPIC!! Seriously, EPIC. I already have two trips home planned. Wedding planning is on the horizon (if not already in full swing). We're registered for our first 50K so we'll end 2011 as ULTRAMARATHONERS, which has always been a huge goal for me. We'll finish the year as husband and wife. And there are potentially some other great changes coming down the pipe that I can't share just yet because I'm superstitious and if I tell you, my wishes might not come true.

Tonight, as we run our first run of the year on the banks of the Willamette River, I will say goodbye to a year that treated me very well and embrace a new one that I can only hope will exceed my expectations. Thank you to everyone who made this year exceptional: My family and Rob's, my besties Emelie, Christine, Katie, Katy, Shonna and Sarah. My PDX friends who have been so wonderful. And Robert.

Be safe, and I'll see you next year!

We're Engaged - PHOTOS!

 Dancing to the finish line. I don't think the guy behind me who had been trudging for 5+ hours was super happy about it. I think this is when Rob made up his mind to propose. He was really worried I would be vomiting or crying at this point. 

The finish line in view. If you look to the left, you can see my parents!! I'm very close to them, so it was incredibly special that they were there. Both because I was finishing my first marathon, and because of what happened next!

 He got down on one knee just after the finish line! Good thing there was a photographer there to capture the images really well. Someone also got it on a cell phone and shot it our way. I never thought I would like to be proposed to in public like this, but it didn't feel like anyone else was there. 

This is my, "what just happened?" face. My head was swimming for a full 20 minutes after the race. This was the LAST thing I was expecting. Complete surprise. Considering that we've been together for eight years, living together for four and talking about marriage for just as long, that was quite a feat for him. Slow clap...

I am so happy! If maybe a little confused. Just looking at these photos makes me all warm and girly inside. I'm very lucky. 

Now on to the wedding planning! My mother was discussing bridesmaids and dresses before we even got into the car!

One Year Later

OMLG. I am so embarassed that I have not updated the blog in a full year. I must say, especially since I work with bloggers on a regular basis, I have to tip my hat. Blogging is hard. It takes a lot of time, effort and vulnerability.

I am actually making it a resolution to update the blog more regularly in the coming year. I have lots to share! We've had some amazing trips, lots of hikes, great races and just general PNW fun. We've also had a couple of big life changes this year. Robert became an certified EMT, we ran our first marathon and WE GOT ENGAGED! Although I realize that last one is kind of a long time coming and a surprise to no one. Since my family is a full state away, I want to be able to share wedding planning updates here!

I will certainly share the full engagement story shortly, but here is a quick sneak peek.