Life

Life takes unexpected twists and turns and you just have to learn to deal with them with a positive attitude. The last 3 months of my life have been pretty hairy and there have been ups and downs and bottom of the barrel moments. HOWEVER, I am a strong woman and believe things happen for a reason. I will come out on top as a better person for it. At least that's what I keep telling myself. :)
I am beyond thankful for the wonderful friends, family and puppies I have around me to help keep my head up and encourage me. My life is great and I just need to make some adjustments for the changes I have recently encountered.

A new page ...

It seems there are many new things already lined up for 2010, some of which we are already enjoying.

We have moved into a new house - less than a block from the beach - with lots of room, sunlight, a view of the beach and a yard for the babies. :) There have already been days where we haven't left the house at all or had a desire to! Needless to say, we love it here.

We adopted Rhino about 6 weeks ago and he is adapting to our family very nicely. We rang in the new year at home with our 2 dogs.

Today we are saying good bye to Bobby Bowden and are thankful for everything he has done for FSU football. Let's hope Jimbo can at least try to follow in his footsteps.

All is going well already and we are already planning for new additions next year. ;)

Thank you to all of my friends and family for making my life everything I have dreamed of.

Charles Luke Milam

Two years have quickly passed but the pain is still here. I often think of Luke and smile; I know he is right beside me. The memories scroll through my mind like a movie on replay. While I smile, laugh and appreciate the time we had together, I always feel like it was never enough. Because it wasn't.

My heart hurts today and I would give anything to be pulled into him again, with my head on his chest for one last hug and an, "I love you little one".

I remember telling him that I was planning to buy a ring for Shanna and the huge smile that broke out across his face. He loved her so very much, but somehow trusted me enough to know I would take good care of her. And I hope he thinks I am doing a good job.

I imagine that he watches over us all of the time, cheering us on and sending little reminders our way to remind us that he is still here, inside of us.

There is a Jewish Yahrzeit Memorial Candle burning in our house for him today. Because I don't know what else to do.

Why we get challenged with certain things in life, I will never know. But a challenge this is, for all that loved him so dearly. So we have all come together and become one big family through all of the pain and suffering, the memories and healing. At least one good thing came of this tragic loss. And for that, I know he is grateful.

Rest in peace, Lukie.

KIA 25 September 2007, Afghanistan

Forrest Gump

I have to give Forrest Gump more credit than I initially did. Running is not NEARLY as easy as he made it look. Not by far. After running 12 miles, I am sitting here with aches and pains like I am a 90 year old lady. Afterall, I should not be complaining at all. I am happy and healthy and actually able to run 12 miles and that says something. But I am definitely not running across the whole darn country any time soon.

Training for this marathon has been awesome. Sometimes overwhelming physically and emotionally but overall just awesome!

The support I get from my friends and family helps me get through all the hard times and I know Robert would be very proud. True, he would think I was absolutely crazy for doing this (and maybe he would be right!) but he would be proud!

Busy

I haven't posted anything in months .. three to be exact. I have found myself to be really busy. Busy working (a job I finally love) and balancing my/our life here (a place I truly love).

Everything seems to be falling into place very nicely and I am ready for a brand new year - a clean slate to begin again on. There is always something refreshing about a New Year!

Happy 2009 - I hope your dreams come true and you find happiness in every day and every thing you do.

Dog days ....

Lucy is a very welcome addition to our family. Shanna is overjoyed as I am. We believe she is the perfect dog. At 2 yrs old, she is already house broken, rarely barks, doesn't jump and is the cutest pup ever! We make regular trips to the dog park, where she already has a bunch of friends to play with. We like to go everywhere together .. she even joined us for Happy Hour at our local bar last night. Yes, everyone loves her. Welcome home Lucy. We are glad you are here.

moving

so - i have never moved with someone and the feeling is superb .. i am excited - nervous - anxious. i get the opportunity to start a very new chapter in my life and i get an experience that not everyone gets to have.

i love my girlfriend more than she will ever know. all i want for us is happiness - and i am excited to get a fresh start together. :)

i look forward to sharing more of our life together ... in a different place with different experiences, trials and tribulations. please come visit and continue to be a part of our lives - you are always welcome in our home.