Pity Party Over

It's taken me awhile to get passed, step back and gain the needed perspective on what was an extremely painful race, both physically and mentally! While I am epically disappointed in my time I had an awesome trip to the Windy City with amazing people! The clock cannot show the months of great training, tears & bad words I fought thru but never quit (even picked up and pushed an older gentleman to not quit either), the money raised for an amazing cause and how much I love my grandmother. Thank you to so many for reminding me that being strong doesn't always look the same and every finish line deserves celebrating. Some days it's simply about putting one foot in front of the other and that is okay!

There were a few good pictures. I remember literally wiping tears, taking a deep breath and putting on a happy face for the camera (why you cannot believe everything poeple put out there on social media) but this one is accurate of my race experience... head down and just pushing.

Team CC does Myrtle Beach

Show some LOVE for Alzheimer's

You don't need to know me long to know two things... I love my family and I love to run! This fall I will once again start training for a marathon but this time with an entirely new depth of motivation. I originally signed up to participate in The Chicago Marathon after achieving a qualifying time this past November in Richmond, VA. Chicago is an iconic race and a bucket list event for me but I was extra excited because I guaranteed my own entry and did so at a special time in my life. The previous year had been filled with a lot, to say the least! Knee surgery, Jim's terrible leg break, having a baby, changing careers and just surviving on little sleep! So while I am proud of my accomplishment and would be looking forward to the race no matter what I just started to feel there was more I could be doing with the opportunity.

 

I lost my beloved grandmother, Nonnie, in January and the loss left me more shaken then I care to admit. We all handle grief in different ways and I am channeling my sorrow into fuel to do something that makes me extremely uncomfortable... admitting I need help and asking for money. I have joined up with the Alzheimer’s Association ALZ Stars® program to help advance the fight against Alzheimer's disease. The funds raised will directly benefit the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.

 

I wish I could tell her I am doing this for her but honestly she would have blown right past any focus on her and made me feel like an Olympian. That is just who she was, a true light in the world with a heart of gold. You would be hard pressed to find someone out there that could make you feel more special, beautiful, adored and LOVED! It is no coincidence she came into this world on February 14! Today was the first Valentine's Day I did not call to wish her a Happy Birthday and that sucks. Instead I am reaching out to each of you seeking your help for this worthy cause! Who has a little LOVE left to share?!

 

Please help me honor the life of a remarkable women and consider helping me in this journey... prayers, high fives, company on long runs and especially monetary donations are all appreciated! To those who took it upon themselves to donate before I even made a pitch I am especially grateful! A link to my fundraising page is below.

 

PS - I will be missing Addie's actual birthday for this race so please help make that worth it!

 

http://act.alz.org/goto/AshleyMarques

 

All is well from the latest well visit

The results are in and she is officially the happiest baby around! So much of parenting seems to be about the numbers. The doctor gives you height, weight etc percentiles and I find myself craving this information but it is a set up to immediately start comparing how your kid and therefore you as a parent stack up. Theodore Roosevelt said "comparison is the thief of joy". Comparing your life, job, fitness, closet (fill in any blank) only serves to create competition instead of community! My wish for you darling is to not let this be the case! You are perfect and we count our blessings everyday your infectious smile is in our lives!

Granted I am posting this late and hindsight is always 20/20 but love the message all the same and could not believe I had not clicked publish on these ridiculously cute pictures.

P.S. Oh the simple joys of tissue paper!

We will miss you Nonnie

Today we celebrated and wept as we laid to rest our beloved Nonnie. {Please read her obituary.} The services at the cemetery and at the church were both wonderful. From the table her urn was placed on in the mausoleum, the Hymn of Promise Taylor Rankin sang, to the gorgeous flower arrangements and happy pictures that filled the Asbury Room, everything was done so well. The only thing missing was her, and she forever will be missed.

Afterwards we all headed to Nonnie & Jerry's house and I didn't want to be anywhere else. Being the fabulous hostess Betty Ann was, she had one last party at her amazing home. It was filled with loved ones and lots of food, which is just how she preferred it. Her house is one of my favorite places on this earth. The property is something out of a garden magazine but it's best attribute is the love you feel the moment you walk inside. I found myself laughing and crying over so many wonderful memories that revolve around her and I made one more watching the little girls run around that yard playing hide-n-seek. The only reason we forced ourselves to leave was due to the winter weather. The huge snowflakes were beautiful and serene but Molly made an excellent point saying how Heaven needed all the sunshine it could get to welcome her. You'd be hard pressed to find anyone that makes you feel more beautiful and special then Nonnie. I am thankful for all the years I was able to have her but it truly warms my heart that she was able to meet both of my girls. I will never forget telling her I was pregnant the first time and making her a great-grandmother.

I believe this is the last picture I have of her, ooo-ing over baby Nina at Easter. Who else can still hear her sweet voice, "Hey there darling"?! Oh, how I love you!!!