A few months ago, my oldest sister Rachael sent out a family e-mail asking if anyone was interested in participating in the Gladiator Run, a 5K including 14 obstacles. I had seen pictures of my friends' after the similar "Hell run" or "Warrior dash" so I had a feeling as to what I was getting myself into. I said sure, and we signed up a few weeks later. 

After discussing our outfits extensively, Rachael and I were ready. 

. 

The morning of the race arrived, and Rachael's husband Neal acted as our sherpa, carrying our extra clothes and basically running the race himself in order to snap actions shots along the way. Neal, the race wouldn't have been NEARLY as great if you weren't there getting documentation. THANKS! 

So, Please enjoy the following photos. 

 The starting line...

 Monster truck ROCK STAR led the way down the raceway...

 Up and over mud hills

 I fell...

 I'm getting ready to fall again....

 There I go...

 All smiles

 Having a blast

 Jumping over cars

 Climbing the cargo net

 Climbing the last obstacle...

Jumping over fire to cross the finish line

 Rachael and I felt pretty badass

And even though we didn't get first place...we did get these cool shirts, and a few scars. 

Rach, you want to do it again? 

Office Talk

Today is a bit of a "How-to" combined with a "This-is-how-it-is." I would like to discuss the concept of Office Talk. This subject matter is merely a culmination of observations during my stint as Receptionist (which hopefully won't be forever). Sitting at the front desk is a special job. Please see below as I have laid out the most common greeting-answer combination and conversation points you will hear at my office specifcally....all day long.

These two lists will not only prepare you for what to expect while working in the office setting, but also give you a list of topics to cover (and cover again) while passing the same people all day every day within the confines of Work.

*Please note, this list is not exhaustive nor is it the case for all "office settings," for example, the NFL. You probably won't find the coaches or players discussing when they can leave or discussing where the best coffee is in their facility.

Morning greeting: "Good Morning! How are you? (Or a variation)

Answers:

1. "I would be better with a larger cup of coffee"

2. "I'm tired"

3. "I'd like the sun to come out"

4. "Traffic was a B**ch this morning"

5. "Good for a Monday".

6. "It's Tuesday"

7. "It's Wednesday"

8. "It's Thursday"

9. "So glad it's FRIDAY!"

10. "I'm doing well!"

Conversation points:

1. The Weather

2. The "wife and kids" or just "kids"

(oddly enough, not many business women talk about their husbands)

3. Which floor has the best coffee

4. FedEx shipments

5. Time (normally in regards to going home)

6. Weekend activities

(WARNING: usually the same every weekend, so conversation is

cut short..don't rely on this one heavily)

7. Lunch

8. Vacation

9. Happy hour

10. And again...the Weather.

(You can never go wrong with the weather)

                                                               I hope this was helpful.

Seafair

Hands down the best weekend of the year....besides the 4th of July, Christmas, Thanksgiving..my birthday....Anyways.

Enjoy just a few pictures from the show. Korinne's first Seafair experience...she'll never be the same

Standing on I-90

If you've never heard or seen the Blue Angels, I found this clip to be entertaining. Although the music isn't the best...just mute the sound and play some patriotic song...you won't be disappointed. I'm always a little bit sad after this weekend is over.

Until next year...

Molly's Visit

My good friend Molly visited for the 4th of July

Not only did we have a wonderful time together, but it was sunny...all weekend long

At my oldest sister's (Rachael) and brother-in-law's (Neal) beach

Sunday morning blading on Alki Beach

The Ballard Locks

Fremont

Sunday night, getting pumped for our Midnight 5K to welcome the 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July

Downtown Seattle day

The gum wall...gross

I'm so glad you came Molls!!!

What's better than welcoming the 235th anniversary of our Nation's independence with a midnight 5k? Probably a lot of things. But my sister Sarah, her husband Dahrin, my good college friend Molly and I all enthusiasically brought in the the 4th of July in style...sweaty style.

*Pictures taken on an iphone

I Thought Her First Name was Nana

Today is my Nana's birthday

Here are 5 facts you should know...

1. She is Welsh...VERY Welsh

My sisters, my mom and I are showing the traditional Welsh garb. (Nana is in the middle)

2. She is a professional knitter...I am not

3. She has had season tickets to the Seahawks' games since the late 70's

(which she now sells each year since she is a Kansas City Chief fan)

4. She (and her friend Clare) came to visit me in Boston all four years of college to see a few lacrosse games.

5. She is a world traveller (not an exaggeration) and I have had the privilege of accompanying her as a travel companion...the latest trip was to Scotland.

6. She is the most caring and loving Nana and I am so thankful to be one of 5 grandkids

I love you Nana!!!