My Bridge Run

Over my spring break I decided to conquer a fear I have had since the 1989 earthquake- bridges. Every time I drive over a bridge I have to remember to breathe and my palms sweat the whole time. I dropped the kids off at school and drove, by myself, straight to SF with the plan to run over the Golden Gate Bridge and back. As you can see in the photos, it was a perfect day, sponsored by my angels.

here I am, taking my first steps out. Once I started, I was on my way. I pumped music into my ears and took deep breaths. I did not feel afraid. As I took each stride I felt the strength and sturdiness of the bridge under my feet. It was not shaky. It would not falter. I did not have to fear it falling out from under me.

I stopped many times along the way. I looked over the side. I looked up at the grandness of the structure. I appreciated its design and that I was standing on a bridge people travel to see from far and wide.

I felt fearless. I felt strong. It was an incredible gift I gave myself. I talked about it with my kids and explained that we all have fears. I shared what went through my thoughts and how I became stronger with every single stride. I showed them the pictures.

It was a day for the books.

Haley's 10th Birthday Party

Haley celebrated her 10th in true double digit style by having her first slumber party. We met at the house for pizza and a pinata. We then took the girls ice skating and back to the house for treats and a movie. The girls were so well behaved and had, what seemed, like a great time. It's so nice that Haley has friends who are "age appropriate." They giggled and ran around and played games. They also talked about pop culture and shared stories about teachers and other kids at school.
I love that Haley says a kid while she grows up. She's such a delightful young lady.

Palm Springs 2015

I realize I have so much I have not written about and posted. I am trying to not miss important things so that we all have a record of these events in life.

For our 3rd year in a row, we went to Palm Springs for our February break. Here we all are. Isn't this what it's all about? Some look happy, some not so much. But isn't that life? It's a rare day when we all feel the same way, but we are family and that is what family is.

We had a great time swimming, eating, drinking, playing, golfing, dining...
These times are so special and we are so lucky that our parents have booked this for us each year.

The highlight for me this year was keep away in the pool (which was played right before this picture was taken). We all swam around and dunked and jumped on others to get the ball. We laughed so hard and often played dirty (the Rasul way).

Don't my parents look the happiest of them all? I think so. I think about the future and the pride parents must take in the life they have created. They have been incredible models on what a real marriage and partnership is and goes through.

I admire them beyond words. They are the epitome of living a grateful life. I aspire to be like them in so many ways.

It was another fabulous trip.