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.

Women Superheroes

"The women whom I love and admire for their strength and grace did not get that way because shit worked out. They got that way because shit went wrong, and they handled it. They handled it in a thousand different ways on a thousand different days, but they handled it. Those women are my superheroes."
- Elizabeth Gilbert

Elizabeth Gilbert is one of the women I saw speak at the Oprah weekend. Since then I have followed her on Facebook and I find her wise and strong and empowering. I read her posts every day and feel inspired in some way, but this one really struck me.

I have extraordinary women in my life. I don't know how I have landed such a collection, but I have.I think of the quote above and it speaks such truth. I have seen almost every single woman I admire go through some difficult or tragic aspect of life. They have all amazed me. Perhaps this is why I admire them? There is nothing on earth that compares to a strong woman. They epitomize everything I want for myself and my daughter. I think of my mom, my friends, my family. Everywhere I look I have women that I am in awe of. They go through real things. They are true to themselves. They maintain their value system. They have integrity. They have perseverance. They are strong.

Elizabeth knows what she's talking about. These women are my superheroes too. I need to do a better job of letting them know.

Teaching

This did not happen to me, but it very well could have. The stories of being a teacher are unique and amazing. today I sat, shaking my head as I had a moment to myself to absorb my latest interaction. Today a student pulled me aside because he needed to tell me something. The reason he is in so much pain and walking funny is because he hit his groin this morning and has a swollen testicle. After he showed me with his fingers just how swollen it is, he asked if he could work outside today because it was cool and cold helps bring swelling down. I told him he could, of course.

This is the same young man that told my teaching partner she has a hairy face and could get the Guinness Book Record for bearded lady. He also saw me one morning as I walked onto campus and informed that I am much prettier in the mornings than when he sees me in class.

The stories I have in my short 16 years in the classroom could be a best seller...hmm...

10

This photo was taken 10 years ago. TEN. Today, February 16, 2015, Haley is 10 years old.
























She is definitely not a little girl anymore. I mean, she's obviously a little girl, but she is maturing so much (as I've written about in pervious posts). Ten seems like an unreal number. She's an awesome kid. She changed us forever. She is double digits for the next 90 years.
Happy birthday to our beautiful daughter.

Ryan Story

I REALLY try and get little stories down so that we forever have access to them.

Last night at the dinner table, out of nowhere, Ryan says, "Mom, no offense, but I know why you're a little bit fat."

Let me rewind and say that last week Ryan asked what "no offense" means. I think I did a good job of explaining it as it was used perfectly in this situation.

Josh immediately buried his head in his arms on the table and I was left to try and act serious. I choked a bit on my food and then asked Ryan to explain.

He explained that I had 2 babies in my tummy. When you have a baby your tummy gets really big and when the baby is born, where is your tummy supposed to go? And I had 2 babies so it happened twice. That's why it still kind of looks like there is a baby in there.

Josh- laughing in his arms the whole time.

Me- taking the opportunity to tell Ryan that he can always say anything to his family, but that is a statement that could hurt someone's feelings.

Josh and I- laughing the rest of the meal.

One for the books...