Harley

How can you not love this face? It's the face of a very special puppy. A puppy that didn't know how to walk on a leash, play with toys, or walk up and down stairs when we got him. We laugh at him on a daily basis and sometimes feel that we should of named him "Charlie" rather than "Harley". He doesnt quite have the laid back, cool demeanor we were thinking of when we named him Harley. He has more of a goofy, happy go lucky, "I'm missing a few marbles and I know it" personality of a "Charlie". But we love him anyway. And we will forever call him Harley :)

Harley had a rough night last night. We had severe thunderstorms traveling through the area until around 2 am. So several times through the night, I woke up to a border collie attempting to make room behind my pillow. There was no room behind my pillow. But I love him anyway. It's just another one of his special characteristics (and could undoubtedly be linked to his days on the streets of Charlotte).  

So even though I was silently cursing him while trying to sleep at 2am last night, I decided that I needed to do a Harley post this morning. Because we are truly thankful for our sprinkler attacking, water hose/leaf blower chasing, car herding, goofy boy. 

Clara Jane is 2!

We went home this past weekend for Clara Jane's 2nd birthday party. I cant believe she is already 2! It feels like we were just at her 1st birthday party. How has another whole year flown by?!

This year, the theme was Curious George. It's one of her favorite characters to date! Here are a few pictures I was able to catch during the party.

Clara and her friend Liza from school- these two were so cute together!

The birthday girl! Red sparkly Toms and all!

Uncle Thomas and Clara

Happy 2nd birthday Clara Jane! We love you lots!

Seeing things in a new light!

For Christmas this year, one of my gifts from Thomas was having the opportunity to get LASIK! I was really nervous about the whole thing, but I've had contact issues for several years so I knew it would be totally worth it!

I went in for the procedure on February 9th, and I was out and done within 15 minutes! I knew that it was a quick procedure but I had no idea it would be THAT quick. On my pre-op information sheet, it specifically said "allocate at least 2 hours of your time for the procedure". Come to find out, they just tell you that in case the Doctor is running behind. That would of been useful information, right?

I had sent Thomas across the street to the Kia Dealership to have some service done on my car so he was no where NEAR ready to come and get me. So I tried not to panic.. but my numbing drops were starting to wear off and a burning sensation was taking over quickly. My eyes were also watering profusely, but your not allowed to touch your face at all. I put my sunglasses on it hopes that I could avoid scaring other patients. But after a few minutes, I started to realize there was no way I could sit there and wait for him any longer. So I called him back and said he needed to come get me immediately! Five minutes later he showed up with a courtesy vehicle, and after about 10 minutes at the dealership, we were finally on our way home. 

The doctors strict instructions were to have me go home and go back to bed for 4-6 hours. Seeing as I just got up and knew that was going to be physically impossible, they prescribed me a medication to help me sleep. Thank goodness! By the time I woke up, I was feeling much better and almost completely back to normal. Luckily it was just the initial few minutes after surgery that were really tough.

I had a few weeks of dealing with a lot of dryness and having to carry eye drops everywhere I went. But now that has faded and I am completely home free of all eye products! I even donated all of my contacts and eye glasses to a foundation called  MADRE. They will disperse them to other people around the world in need. 

Now I'm definitely seeing things in a new light! And I'm also enjoying the extra 5 minutes before and after sleep time! It doesn't seem like much, but when you've been doing it since middle school, it's a nice and refreshing change :)

Hot Chocolate 15K

I'm a little behind here, people. But better late than never right?

My friend Libby and I ran in a 15K back in January. When she suggested it, I was slightly frightened (seeing as I'd never completed a 9 mile run) but I decided to take on the challenge with her! And I also had not gotten to visit with her in what seemed like YEARS, so it was a great opportunity for us to spend some time together!

The race itself was not until Sunday. So on Saturday, we spent the day showing Libby around Atlanta and doing a few fun things. We were required to pick up our race day packets downtown. So we decided to make a day out of it and also make a stop by Coca Cola World! Thomas and I hadn't been there since we moved to Atlanta 4 years ago, so it was a lot of fun for us also!

Race Day Packet Pick Up!

3-D Movie at Coca Cola World :)

Ever wonder what happens to all the Olympic torches? Here they are! 

After a full day in Atlanta, Libby and I met up with some of my Georgia friends for a little painting! We didn't enjoy the full "sips and strokes" experience since we were running the next morning. But it was still fun getting together and seeing how all of our artwork turned out differently!

Libby and I arrived downtown early Sunday morning. Parking was a little worrisome with so many runners attending (and also a afternoon Falcons game) but we didn't have any troubles and got there with plenty of time to spare!

Overall, we had a great time! And shockingly, the weather was perfect for a mid January day. Not QUITE the temperature for enjoying a steaming cup of hot chocolate, but we enjoyed it anyway!