Hard Corps

Last weekend, Kevin and I drove down to Washington D.C. for the Marine Corps Marathon. Kevin had been training long and hard for the race, so there was definitely a little bit of nervous energy in the car. Not only was there the anticipation of Sunday's race, but the drive was downright stressful-Friday at 5 on the New Jersey Turnpike in the rain...need I say more?

Saturday and Sunday were absolutely beautiful. We took some time on Saturday to check out the monuments and other capitol attractions, without putting too much strain on Kevin's limbs.

The Capitol Building

A frog we found on an exotic flower at the United States Botanic Gardens

The sight that made the biggest impact on me was the World War II memorial. It is very beautiful with tall columns, dedicated to the men and women who served from all 50 states. There were many people visiting the memorial, even a few WWII veterans. It brought tears to my eyes to think of what it must be like for them, to remember the pain, the courage, the hope, and all the events that surrounded that time in their life.

Race day started really early. Kevin's friend, Jason, came from Cleveland to run the marathon as well. So, Britt, Jason's wife, and I took the Metro to the starting line to begin spectating. Watching a marathon isn't like watching any other sporting event. You actually have to haul yourself around to multiple places on the 26.2 mile route in order to cheer for your loved one. It can be exhausting! Especially when you're with thousands of other people who are trying to reach mile 14 to pick out their loved in in the crowd of crazy runners.

Kevin had a great race and finished hard. There was a tough hill right before the finish and I got this shot of him powering up the hill. Hard core.

To the left of Kevin is one of the many Marines who volunteered their time for the marathon. In my civilian life, I don't have many chances to see the men and women who sacrifice so much to protect the U.S. and so many other countries around the world. It was inspiring to see many men and women from all branches of the Armed Forces running the marathon with all of the strength and courage that they could muster. There were also many participants wearing shirts in memory of a loved one who lost their life defending our country and our freedom.

To all the men and women of the Armed Forces, especially those overseas, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Thank you for your sacrifice and courage.

Fab Film

For those of you who love the movies, especially breakthrough indie films, I highly recommend the award winning "Bella." This film won the 2006 People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival, an honor shared with other films such as "Life is Beautiful," "Hotel Rwanda," and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." The movie celebrates life, in all of its adversity and joy. It is a love story that goes beyond romance.

Go to the website http://www.bellathemovie.com/ to find a theatre near you!

(Not Quite) There and Back Again

Here are some pics from our latest adventure! Kevin's parents were in town so we took them up to the High Peaks in the Adirondack Mountains. We attempted Cascade Mountain about 6 miles east of Lake Placid. The peak is the 36th highest of the High Peaks at 4098ft and the ascent from base to summit is 1940 feet. There are 46 high peaks and this should have been our third, but alas, we did not make it to the top. I think the pictures tell the story best...

As you can see, a decent fall day. Leaves have fallen, 40ish degrees. Onward and upward!

A delicate, white dusting...

...and winter was upon us!

What the heck! It's October 14th!

Believe it or not, the summit is hidden by all that blowing snow above Kevin, and all of those rocks are covered in ice. We didn't venture much further. While it's never fun to give up and turn back before you bag the peak, it's better to live to tell the tale!

Our Launch into the Blogosphere

I never thought I'd actually be doing this...blogging. Until very recently, it seemed to me that blogging was just a lot of people airing their grievances, reviewing any product they can think of, or giving their two sense about what's going on in the world. Why would I care to read any of that?? It's just a waste of time, right? I have better things to do.

Well, I've changed my tune. I have become sucked into cyberspace in a way that goes beyond searching for discount plane tickets and closeout running shoes. I am now an avid blog reader...friends' blogs, mommy blogs, product review blogs, teenage angst blogs, Catholic apologetics blogs...the list goes on. So, now that I'm hooked on reading them, why not add my own two sense to the blog-filled cyberuniverse?

Here I am, or should I say, here WE are cyberspace! Kevin and Andrea are making their inaugural post.

Blastoff!