In the Face of Tragedy

Yesterday was a hard day. Probably the hardest day I've ever had to endure...at least it's in the top five. I'm still reeling from the news and will be for some time to come. But life keeps going on. Even when I want to shut down completely.

Which is how I felt yesterday. I think it's how everyone at my office felt.

Normally I wouldn't blog about work. But I feel this is the exception.

Yesterday, just a little after 8 in the morning, an office wide meeting was held. At it, we were informed that one of our four principals (bosses) had died in a head on collision sometime on Sunday. The news was a devastating blow to our office. He was riding his motorcycle - something he loved doing - and a semi-truck crossed the center line. Everything changed in an instant. It was so sudden and so unexpected I don't really even know how to process it all yet.

Our office is small (50 people) and everyone is close...more like a family. And this hit hard. Despite just being a co-worker, he was a friend, a mentor...not to mention a husband and father. We had just celebrated his 50th birthday on Thursday and we're laughing and joking together. He was just here and to think that he never will be here again is tough. Despite the sorrow that now blankets our office, there are rays of hope and love. Yesterday, we all came together at lunch and shared our memories about him...his humor...his quirks...his love for life and adventure...his huge heart and willingness to help everyone around him. Instead of being consumed by our grief, we let love shine through. And it was beautiful. Slowly we began to laugh again. Our smiles came easier and the stories lasted for almost 3 hours. It was a time of healing.

I know this week won't be easy. Or the next. In fact, the next year is going to be tough. But slowly our grief will fade. For joy truly does come in the morning.

We will keep putting one foot in front of the other. And slowly, we will emerge from the valley. And we will be stronger and more refined because of it.

Please pray for his family...his wife and daughter. I cannot imagine what losing my father would be like. I just pray that his family clings to God and lets the best healer of all provide comfort and peace and strength.

A Taste of Hawaii

We love our Hula Pie...definitely the best dessert out there!


Ziplining...so much fun! :)


The Second Hula Pie of the trip...we probably gained 10 pounds eating it all!

Love my sis!


My family...minus mom :)

Seeking Sunshine

It's been 5 years. If you want to get technical, it's been 5 years, 4 months, and some-odd days.

Since what, you ask?

Since I have made my glorious return to the beautiful, sunny, warm, tropical island of Maui.

And now, in less than 48 hours, I'll be back. To say I'm excited would be a bit of an understatement. Am I upset at leaving the gray, windy, rainy, 54 degree Seattle weather that I am currently enjoying? Not a bit. I love fall. But we all need a break from the bleakness of the impending winter season every once in a while, right?

So, I will soon be leaving on a jet plane for one of my favorite vacation spots. I will be tanning, swimming, snorkeling, boogie boarding, relaxing, playing shuffle board, hiking, biking, consuming hula pie, and taking a zip-line trip above Haleakala. So excited!

However, I am NOT looking forward to the fare airlines refer to as....food. I honestly am holding back a shudder right now. Okay, I lied. I'm not holding it back, but am convulsing at the thought of what is going to be offered to me on the flight. Here is a look at the menu I am so fortunate to select from:

To Begin:
Tossed Greens, Corn, Shredded Parmesan, Cherry Tomato and Caesar Dressing

Entrées:
Fajita Chicken Casserole
- OR -
Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
-OR-
Turkey and Cheese Sandwich on a Kaiser Bun with Chips and Cookie

And After All:
Cookies

I don't want to even guess what the fajita chicken casserole contains...definitely brown bagging it! Just for the sake of comparison, here is a look at the menu for first class (same flight):

A Choice of Three of the Following Five Entrees will be Available for You
- Tomato Mozzarella Salad: Fresh Mozzarella, Basil, Tomato Salad with Pine Nuts and Calamata
Olives
- Tandoori Chicken: Chicken Tandoori Served with a Buttery Tomato Sauce and Sultana
Basmati Rice
- Spinach and Feta Roulade: Spinach and Feta Cheese-Filled Roasted Eggplant Roulade with
Sauce Pomodoro and Crispy Fried Risotto Marble
- Hawaiian Crabcake: Sautéed Hawaiian Crabcake with a Maui Gold Pineapple Salsa
- Fruit and Cheese Plate: Extra Sharp Cheddar, Gouda and Goat Cheese, Grapes and
Walnuts

And After All:
Caramel Macchiato

Why can't I fly first class? Oh, right. I'm poor. :)

I definitely feel like airplane food has gotten continuously worse in the past few years. I mean, part of the fun of flying used to be the experience of eating the food. And, it may never have been mouthwatering delicious, but it was decent. I remember having actual silverware to eat with. Now it is flimsy plastic forks and spoons that bend when you poke your chicken or meatball. And you expect me to eat with that?

I guess I miss the "good 'ol days". Am I really that old?

Well...despite the unsavory foods being offered, I will still order something. And I will attempt to swallow it. But, I make no promises!

Why I love my family

There are many reasons why I love my family. The jokes, heart-to-heart conversations about any topic imaginable, generosity, acceptance, faith, love, belief in each other & one another's dreams. That's just naming a few. Although, finding someone who is willing to dance around your apartment while singing karoke to Bette Midler into the remote with you is also extremely rare....thanks Laura! ;)

Anyway....I thought I'd share some pictures depicting a small glimpse into my family's fun/crazy side. Laura and I tend to be pretty vain & enjoy taking random pics of ourselves...as might be noticed from some of the images below...