sisterly love

I come back to Kansas several times a year because even though Chicago is my home, Kansas will always be home in my heart.  My family is here, my foundation is here, cherished memories are here, and two precious little girls who can absolutely make my day and make me long for home all at the same time are here.  Spending time with them the past few days reminded me of the amazing bond of sisterly love.  Two perfect words to describe these pictures.

My two sisters and I aren't quite as adorable anymore so no pictures of the 3 of us this time.  But we are still known to all crawl into the same bed to talk when we're home together.  There's nothing else like it.  Love you girls!

Run for love

By the time I finally arrived in Topeka today, I was having mixed feelings about lacing up my shoes.  After 10 hours in the car (driving from Chicago), I was ready to get moving, but 2 adorable nieces were waiting to see Aunt Angie!  Luckily, Addison was at the zoo and I was able to squeeze in a few quick minutes of bonding time with Caylee before she started to wail.  That was my cue to head out for this week's long run.  

For old times sake, I thought it might be nice to run around Lake Shawnee.  When we used to do this 6-miler in high school, it seemed soooooo far.  I have never run the whole thing since and was curious to see how it would feel.  It brought back many wonderful memories.  I don't know if it was the Kansas air or extra endorphins from that trip down memory lane, but I covered the distance in nearly the same amount of time it took me all those years ago.  Almost 1 minute per mile faster than my target long run pace.  Impressive!

This trip down memory lane wouldn't be complete without a hearty chuckle over what got me running in the first place.  I will never forget the day very early into our freshman year that my best friend approached me with this "great idea".  You see, she fancied this older boy.  He was on the cross country team.  She was going to join the team.  And she wanted me to do it too.  Being the best friend, I really had no choice.  I joined the cross country team and went to my first race 2 or 3 days later.  I had never run 2 miles prior to this race (ok, and I suppose I can't even say I did at this particular race since I had to walk a short amount); I only owned gym shoes at this point, "real" running shoes weren't purchased until the following week; and I wasn't quite sure I was all that fond of this sport.    Yet, over the course of that first season, I became a runner.  My relationship with running has lasted through the years; her relationship with the guy, on the other hand, was pretty short-lived.  She did, however, go on to marry a different guy from the team.  They are still happily married with two children.

It still makes me laugh, we must have been crazy!  Then again, maybe we had it right all along.  I'm certain I have a better chance of meeting the man of my dreams on a running path than in a bar.  Pretty good motivation to lace up those shoes!