Days with the Dorans

So I ran my first virtual race of the year and got a PR! 8:30 minute miles is AWESOME for me and in January no less! I think it helped that the pavement was pretty dry! On a not-so-great note, I also had a recent run where I felt followed by a car. It was so scary!! I called Jeff but he didn't pick up right away which was probably good so I could text details while they were fresh. I think I need to get some mace or one of those super loud alarms... This was so scary!

 This little tradition we have of meeting up at Olga's for a friendship celebration is so fun to me! Funny enough it was here that I met my good friend Matt (who already knew Dawn and Chrissy). It was hard to schedule this year because  it seemed we all had so much going on and going back to school so soon made it tough too! We usually go over the break and while we were a bit tired from New Year's, you're never too tired to catch up with good friends! We had fabulous food, yummy dessert and the best of company. I had a great run early in the morning too so ate without guilt (not that I would really feel bad without the run). I wore this cute new shirt that Jeff got me and realized (as soon as I hit the shower) that the zipper had done a number on my skin. I'm hoping this scar goes away (ugh).

Confession time... At the time of my writing this it is actually March (early March at least). I have been so behind in my family blogging- because of life primarily but let's face it- I've been better at keeping up before. I blame my lax on THIS post. The end-of-year-review is tough... I asked everyone and this is what we came up with. I then had to go back and grab the the pictures. I decided to make things easier and not provide links this year- let's face it- I'll know how to find everything. Mama needs her book though so here we go... (in no particular order) 1. The Year of Running- Though Z did run XC too this was certainly Joey's year for running. He really turned it up in the end of the season and went out with a bang which earned him his Varsity letter- And YAY!!! He's going to keep running. Let's not forget ME! I ran my first (and maybe only) half marathon and lived to blog about it! That was super huge but I am equally proud of the fact t...

 I love this tradition of going to Kurt and Eric's to ring in the New Year! I hope they keep it up (or at least don't turn us away when we show up at their door next year). We were a bit late (no surprise there) because Jeff was making a horse racing game- I'm serious- He was hard at work for hours and out getting supplies early in the day! The game turned out super fun and while it is a game where you throw in some coin, it doesn't break your bank! Everyone had fun I think. The food was great, games were fun and the company was the best! Of course I haven't been taking lots of pictures- I'm out of the habit since my phone cracked (I REALLY need to get that fixed but WHEN?! HOW!?!). We need to do more group shots, but the regular players were there- Kurt and Eric, Cosmans, Gordons, Gearys and even Melanie came and it was fun to see her! Here's to another great year making memories with these awesome people! 2018 was a wonderful year- can't...

Just because I know I will forget these little moments. Sean is in need of deodorant now and does have his own (oddly enough, Zach doesn't stink yet but we got him some anyway). Sean stopped me and said that next year for his birthday he wanted some Old Spice deodorant. I of course got it on tape. I'm sure we can make that happen! Tee hee hee. Love that kid!

Somehow I messed up on my math! I was thinking I could take off today but I wasn't able to. I did do it though! 1200 miles (and not a tenth more). I still can't believe I did this. I'm planning on doing it again! Bring it on, 2019!!

 So just like our gift to Grandma was an experience, we wanted to give an experience to Nana and Papa too, so they got a trip to the D to see Aladdin with all of us Dorans. I asked Danny if they wanted to join us, but they were out this year. Maybe next year... In the morning, Nana came over to get 2 tickets since it was cold and we weren't driving together and that's when I realized I PURCHASED THE WRONG NUMBER OF TICKETS!! I have no idea how I did not realize this, but thank God she came over. I quickly hopped on line and got two more tickets. That was a close one! With two seats not with the pack- Jeff and I almost felt like we were on a date (I'd like to go on more dates like this). We could see the others and they weren't far. There were some kids in front of us who were bouncing and switching seats which was super annoying. Amazingly, there were two open seats with our crew (what are the chances??) so we headed over there for the second act. The sho...