This is it...

A fitting title, I thought, as my last weekend involved "endings" of sorts (my beloved nephew's graduation from high school--the end of childhood, in a way) and the drawing near of training and the actual race/ marathon this upcoming weekend...it's amazing to think that 4 months have flown by that fast...what a journey it has been...I thank you all for your support, physically, emotionally, financially, as I have taken on this endeavour...I met with Darian's father today who was stunned that it was coming up so fast as well...he too, overwhelmed at the generosity of people who knew nothing about his child/ a disease but are willing to give...I can't wait to cross that finish line and say "hey buddy--I did something for you. Rest in peace". His final memorial will be the day before (bummer that I'll miss it) but I know that it's ok since I'm doing a great good for him, for others like him...
My nephew is such a great guy--so generous, caring--the kind of person no body has a beef with. He has the same soul he has when he was a caring, loving 2 year old--and I hope he never changes. It's amazing to see him grown up, with a lovely, sweet girlfriend, diploma, waiting to see what life will offer him--and I hope it's all that he deserves. For all the Darians in the world...

Don't forget to breathe...

So, while I have a moment, thought I'd try to get a quick blog out...especially since it's almost been a month since the last (yikes!) Things have been (more than) hectic since the big move of The Creating Place from Seward Street to S. Franklin--true, it's only about 4 blocks, but man--what a difference those blocks make!! It was crazy packing up all the stuff in the store, painting (and repainting), organizing the new spot, de-fleecing it (ever seen fleece dust bunnies? man--they can be mean, I tell ya!!) trying to get more floorboards to match old ones and lay those down, redusting and then, finally, moving the stuff in/ reorganizing the new spot, adding the new product--all in less than two weeks (so we could open pre-tourist, pre National Scrapbook day and in time for when our only employee came back after her vaca--just me, Anji and her husband---not to mention holding down the fulltime job, hospital work, getting in miles of running on the side, etc--yeah. Yes--I have become schizophrenic--for a good reason!!)
But it was all worth it--the store is awesome, more comfy, relaxing, spacious....and a ton more people coming thru!! (the only down is the south franklin nightlife late on fri or saturday--slightly uhmm-colorful--but oh well, can't be perfect.
Getting close to marathon time--getting excited and nervous at the same time--glad to get some time to run outside lately. (I have grown REAL tired of the treadmill.)
Next week I get to go to nephew Daine's graduation--keep thinking how he was my first baby to pull out--can't believe he's grown THAT fast/ that old...wahhh!! my baby is old and grown, with a girlfriend..and then there's Alyse who's turned one ALREADY--holy cow--that went fast, eh?? already taking steps by herself, such a big girl already--wish they were closer..
ok--breathing breathing breathing let me know what's up with you over the summer--i'll be here working the both jobs, running still (staying in shape for klondike, douglas 1/2 marathon in august and possible susan butcher relay in anchorage in fall...)
lots of love--amy