We Did It...

10+ miles and 24 obstacles later, Bear, myself and a few of my co-workers/friends made it through a Tough Mudder.

And although I walked away with many scrapes and bruises...it wasn't the obstacles that got to me. It were the damn hills. They were never ending and just when we thought we had finished climbing the last one, there were three more.

I can honestly say that without the help of Bear and my team I would have not enjoyed the challenge as much as I did.

There is something about jumping into an ice bath, being shocked, climbing ten foot walls, etc. that is exciting and fun. I was surprised how much I enjoyed the obstacles and how mentally challenging the hills were for me. But every time I was faced with a hill, Bear was there helping me up them. Just like he does every day.

It was the perfect way to spend our year anniversary, and I can't wait for us to do another Tough Mudder. Although next time, I will be carrying sunscreen with me, since this one left me with a bad sunburn. 

Wish Us Luck...

I can't believe Bear and I will be celebrating our year anniversary this Saturday.  At times, it almost feels as though I have just met him, and other times that I have known him my whole life.

The last couple days we spent a part from each other as I attended a conference for work. And all those same feels of being separated from each other, as it was when we first met, came flooding back to me.

In the beginning, Bear lived in another state, and we were lucky if we got to see each other every few weeks. Those weeks were some of the most difficult, but some of the most amazing times. We would spend hours talking with each other and getting to know one another on a deeper level.

Although at the time it was such a challenge not seeing each other, I now see the value that it brought to our relationship.

For our one year anniversary, I bought Bear the only thing that would make sense...a ticket to do the Tough Mudder with me. If you haven't heard of it before, the link below will give you a glimpse into how it is Bear and I will be celebrating.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqigr5nVYkQ#t=21

So wish us luck...

All Be Worth It...

I am just getting over the flu...and again all I can say is thankfully I have Bear in my life. Taking care of me as much as he possibly could. We spent a good amount of time together this weekend.

As well as time with friends and family; celebrating a birthday, a going away party, watching my niece dance, my sister put on an amazing recital, and a day at the track field helping out with an event for work. So basically another incredible weekend.

Something Bear and I noticed while at a bar, and something I noticed since the divorce, many guys out there aren't respectful of women...and well the girls out there can be just as brutal to guys.

Not once while walking around in the bar would a guy step to the side for any girl walking by. And when Bear walked through a circle of girls who were taking up more space than needed, one of them threw up her hands and exclaimed, "Excuse me!"

It's amazing the level of entitlement that's out there amongst my age group. Surprising in fact. I'm not sure what makes them so much more important. But apparently to them something does.

I remember thinking when I first was in the dating scene again, how angry I was at my EH for putting me back in the dating scene, because it is just so brutal at times. Then I met Bear, and I remember thinking how thankful I was to my EH for leaving me.

I guess that's the lesson out there for all the single ladies and fellas. It may suck being in the dating scene, but when you've found someone who you just know you'll spend the rest of your life with, it will all be worth it.

As Invested...

I am so fortunate to have Bear in my life right now. Whether he lasts a lifetime (which is my personal hope) or a season of my life, there is no person I'd rather be sharing my journey with than him.

There are some changes that may be coming my way.

Scratch that, there are always changes coming my way, but one in particular I will be the one to make the decision whether or not I want to move forward in having it take place.

This change, like all the others, would mean definite growth. But it may interfere with another goal I am striving for this year.

To have the support of Bear in making these decisions, has been a blessing. He weighs the pros and cons with me, asks questions, helps answer my questions, and overall knows how to be partner I need him to be in these situations.

He's just as invested as I am, and I feel that through his actions and what he says. It's not just surface level for him. He genuinely cares. And I am so fortunate to have him in my life.

Strength...

Today I happened upon a blog from a girl I worked with many years ago. Although now she's no longer a girl but an inspiring woman, whom I am so completely in awe of. Her strength and beauty shines through her words.

Through Facebook I have seen updates here and there of her life, and a little while ago she posted about being pregnant. I was happy for her. In her pictures she and her boyfriend look incredibly happy and joyous to be taking on this incredible new journey.

Some time has gone by, and as I said I happened upon her blog, where I discovered she had had a miscarriage. My heart broke for her and for her boyfriend.

I feel so much for the girl I once worked with and admire so greatly the woman she has become. I hope others find strength in her blog and know they are not alone.

Valentine's Day 2014...

2 years ago I almost wrote a post about what it was like moving back into my parents home and putting all of my belongings into storage.

I mentioned it a couple times, but not to the extent I could have written about it. At the time, it was difficult to put into words what it felt like seeing everything boxed up and not knowing when I'd be seeing those things again.

Of course I was always able to go to my storage unit, open those boxes and sort through my little treasures...but after doing that once and realizing what a sad sight it was I only went in there a handful of times.

2 years...it's been almost 2 years since my couch, my pictures, my dishes, some of my favorite things, have been able to breathe.

On Valentine's Day Bear and I moved into our own place, which also meant on Valentine's Day I was able to unpack my boxes from storage.

The feeling was amazing. Just being able to see everything I love and hold dear to my heart in the apartment brought so much enjoyment and love to my day.  There were some things I realized I was missing from when I moved down 2 years ago. And although I wish I had them, they are all things I can buy...things that over time I will see again.

And Bear, well Bear is incredible. Not just his moving skills, but who he is. He has the kindest heart and he is the most loving person. And his moving skills were amazing. We moved everything ourselves...even a pull out couch. It was a feat getting it up 3 flights of stairs. But we did it and now all that remains... a couple boxes of books.

We do have some things to buy, a bed, a coffee table, and in time we will fill our apartment with new memories and furniture. For now though it is absolutely perfect.

Finish Line...

6 days and Bear and I will be moving into our own place. It feels good knowing that I set this intention, this goal and I get to check it off my list.

Often times I accomplish a goal and I don't take the time to sit and take it in. I move on to the next one, just like a checklist.

This time is different. I'm going to enjoy the accomplishment of this goal and take my time before setting the next one.

A year ago, I was running my first half marathon. This year I'm finally moving out of my parents' and  I'm going to be reunited with all my stuff that has been locked away in a storage unit for almost 2 years.

I have a feeling when I finally get my stuff out of the boxes and set up, I'm going to feel much like I did crossing that finish line. Incredibly proud of the journey that brought me there.