A Little Good News

Last week was a doozie, wasn't it?  As we were trying to comprehend the events surrounding the Boston Marathon, the news of the fertilizer plant explosion in West began rolling in.  Both events hit way closer to home than I ever imagined.  As a runner with friends in Boston last Monday, I felt as if I had been personally attacked.  As a Texan who has enjoyed many a road trip diversion in West,  I felt as if a neighbor was suffering from the worst possible tragedy.  When times like this hit, I look for a diversion in things that make me insanely happy.  Check my tweets and Facebook updates from last week and you will find evidence of this.  Yes, last week was likely one of the worst weeks I've witnessed--but looking around me, I found plenty of bright spots to be thankful for.

Taken in West, Tx just 2 weeks ago



I would like to thank everyone who checked in on me last week.  I got numerous messages making sure I was safe and sound here at home.  It really warmed my heart to hear from so many of you, I am a lucky girl!  Trust me, when I make it to the Boston Marathon you will all know about it--I can promise you that I will be borderline obnoxious vocal about it.  I always knew that runners shared a close bond, but last week really made me realize that we are like a family.  I just had no idea how extended my family really is.

Without adieu, good news!  A few months ago I noticed that my MT frunner Meganne was hosting a 5K to benefit Autism Speaks at University of North Dakota.  I asked Meganne what I could do to support her race and she suggested that I sign up and run my own 5K on the same day.  A great idea, right?  I wanted to do more than that so I took it to the FIGJAM Gang, asking them if they would also be willing to sign up and run an informal 5K with me.  We love an excuse to hang out and be with each other, why not do it for a good cause?  I was thrilled when eleven of us showed up at White Rock Lake on Saturday for the North Texas arm of the UND Autism Speaks 5K.  Do I have the greatest friends, or what?  We decided to wear blue because it would not only honor Autism Speaks, but also the Boston Marathon.  It was a perfectly beautiful morning and it did my heart good to get together with my friends after such a trying week.  I cannot thank them enough for their support.

More good news?  Our Rangers commerical has been airing during some of the games in April.  It really is pretty incredible when I happen to catch it during a game.  My phone, Facebook, or Twitter will also light up with people telling me that they just saw us on TV.  If you haven't seen it yet, watch HERE.  Erik and I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather on Sunday and catch a day game.  We went to the game on Sunday and were having a great time in the All You Can Eat Seats when Cruz came up to bat with the bases loaded and 2 outs. I looked at Erik and said "I should go." and he confirmed my thoughts--so I get up and as soon as I step foot on the concourse--BOOM Grand Slam!! You should have Erik's face as I rushed back to my seat!! The next inning rolls around and Berkman is up with 2 outs--I tell Erik "I think I'll help Old Man Berkman out" and I stepped out to get a drink refill. As soon as I get to the fountain...fireworks....Berkman walked and Beltre hits a 2 run homer.  I can't make this stuff up--I'm ConCursed.

The things I do to insure that this happens....

More good things are on the horizon!  We are headed north this weekend to Oklahoma City to run the OKC Half Marathon.  This race is already very special, A Run To Remember, and will be even more so this year.  I am so ready to go and be with the crowd and run, I can hardly sit still.

I leave you with one parting shot...how much does THIS girl like to ride her bike?

(Thanks to Carolyn for sharing a few of her pictures with me!)