The Shamrock Run

This past weekend, I did what is known as the Shamrock Fun Run here in Portland.  They have a 5K, an 8K and a 15K.  I decided to challenge myself and sign up for the 15K.  I figured it would be a good run to see if I'm ready for the half marathon coming up in May.  My only worry were the hills in the 15K.  And they didn't disappoint.  The distance wasn't so hard, but the hills really worked me.  It was still so much fun though.  I've realized that I really enjoy running and doing races from time to time.  There is such an energy with all of the runners.  People are usually in good spirits and excited to be out doing something fun.  Running for me has become a way of doing something fun for myself.  I enjoy getting the exercise and trying to be healthy.  We didn't have a chance to take pictures.  At the end of the race we were all cold and wet, as it had been raining pretty hard the last 3 miles.    But I still had a lot of fun, and I hope to do it again next year!

"You've Got Mail!"

When you hear the phrase, "You've Got Mail!", your mind is possibly jolted to thoughts of the movie in which this is the title.  Or at the very least, you think of someone getting an email*.  Probably the last thing you'll think about is the mail you'll be receiving from the postal service today.  We are living in such a technological age, that we forget what it's like to get mail other than bills, junk-mail, or the occasional magazine we've subscribed to. 

But that's where my thoughts take me today.  Do you remember having a pen-pal you may have written to when you were younger?  Or maybe a friend from camp that you wrote to?  Possibly you had your first boyfriend/girlfriend that you wrote and sent a few letters back and forth before "breaking up".  It's so rare today to receive a hand-written letter in the mail from a friend.  But yesterday when I got a letter in the mail that wasn't a bill, junk-mail or a magazine, I smiled, sat down and enjoyed reading it. 

I feel it's a lost art, the art of writing and sending a hand-written letter through today's mail system. I know what you're thinking.  You type faster than you write, so it's quicker to send an email.  Or postage is getting so expensive.  Even if you bought a life-time supply of the Forever Stamp, still email is basically free.  And I have to admit, I love getting emails from my friends too, don't misunderstand what I'm saying.  I just want to remind you about the days before email and possibly challenge you to sit down and write a letter.

*By email I'm referring to any messaging device using today's technology.

Simon's 1st Haircut

The day finally came where I thought Simon should have his first hair cut.  Daniel and Sam were much younger when they had their first haircuts, but I was having such a hard time giving Simon his first haircut.  Knowing he's my baby and cutting those baby hairs was such a hard thing for me to let go of.  But it was starting to get into his eyes, and it was starting to tangle in the back.  I felt like it was time, although a part of me was so sad to see it go.  We too him in last Monday.  Jeff and Sam went with us.  We did take pictures and we saved some of his baby locks for his baby book.

He was scared at first and really clung to me.

Trying to be brave.

All done!

My baby with a big boy haircut, back at home.