catching up ...

Did you ever have a friend that you were super tight with? How about one that you stopped talking to for no reason at all? Were they ever the same person? I have a few. Most of them, I don't really care to reconnect with. I feel like they served their purpose in my life and there's no reason to keep trying. I appreciate what we had, but now it's just not worth my time. Not to be harsh, but it just is what it is.

There is, however, one exception on that list, my friend Josh. We met at the end of freshman year of high school. We were in the same Geometry class, yet I have zero recollection of him prior to April. Weird, right? Anyway, we quickly became great friends.

At some point during our freshman year of college, I took a train and stayed with him for the weekend. It was just a normal weekend. We didn't have a fight, or at least I can't remember one, but that is the last memory I have of us as friends. I'm not even sure that I ever talked to him again after that. That was nine years ago. And it has kind of bothered me ever since.

Until now. Because yesterday, we reconnected. Despite living on opposite coasts, we both happen to be in New Jersey this week. And after nine years of silence (with the exception of the occasional Facebook comment), Josh asked if I wanted to go on a run with him and catch up while I was in town. (He obviously knew I wasn't going to say no to a run.) So, bright and early yesterday morning, we ran (very quickly thanks to his 8:30 "easy" pace). And caught up.

It was really nice and by the time we had finished, I felt like those nine years never happened. And hopefully it won't happen again ...

let's just pile it on ...

Like usual, things have been hectic around here. On top of all of our usual activities (which keep the girls and I constantly on the go), marathon training is in full swing. This week's short (I use that term loosely) runs include an eight miler. Not really sure how that classifies as short, but I guess compared to next Sunday's 18 or today's 16, it is.

Speaking of today's 16 miler ... that pretty much bit the big one. But at least I finished, especially considering that we ran in the pouring rain AND I have a sinus infection. Not exactly ideal conditions for a long run or any run. G and I probably mentioned how crazy we were (she was sick too) a good 20 times this morning and I am sure every person who drove past us thought the same thing.

Really, who does that? No one in their right mind would run in the cold rain while sick. Except apparently us. It's like I totally forgot how horrible I felt 48 hours earlier and how much harder it is to take care of three kids when you want someone to take care of you. But, you know me, I'm an overachiever. Nothing is going to stop me. Not even some crazy illness.

And do you know what else that crazy illness couldn't keep me from? Starting my own business. That's right, on top of everything else, I decided to take my craftiness and put it to good use. So, now that you're interested, click here to check out my website.

on to the next ...

So, I thought about a writing a long, drawn out recap of our year, but then decided against it. Instead, I give you this.

In 2008, things happened, more good than bad. We laughed, we cried. Doodle took her first steps. Dizzle started preschool. I ran my first marathon and my first triathlon. J ran his first 10K. We found out that I was pregnant with our third daughter. We formed great friendships. We sold our house and bought a new one. We evolved. All in all, it was a fantastic year.

And next year promises to be even more eventful. Our clan is about to embark on a year of change. Just within the next two months, J will start a new job, we will move into our new home and baby number three will arrive. Then, just when things look like they might settle down, I'm pretty sure that the reality of our new life will set in (giving me oodles to write about). It's scary and exciting and I can't wait for it all to get started.

Adios, 2008!