I have been horrible about updating this site. I'll never finish a separate entry for all seven days of my trip to St. John, but eventually I may post a few more pics to share with everyone. Over the past three months I have finished up school for the year, which concluded with an overall 3.43 GPA. Only two more years for completion of my BA. It seems like forever, but I have to finish because it is on my list of "five year goals". I started this goal list a few years ago and it also includes being completely debt free, owning a home (not the one I'm currently trying to sell) and having braces put on and taken off. Yep, that's right. I'll be getting braces sometime towards the end of summer. Fun times.

Update on the house. I'm not sure how many of you realize that I'm still trying to sell my house after more than three years on the market. It looks like an end is finally in site. There is a buyer and the closing date is required to take place by the end of June. I'll still be left with a hefty bill, but at least it will start me back on the path to future home ownership.

I also just turned 30! It seems amazing each time I think about it. It's almost like being a "true" adult, but with drawbacks of an aging body. Thank you to everyone for your birthday greetings and wishes. I had a great time with mom coming up from Eugene to visit. We spent time in Seattle this past Friday, enjoying the warm weather and sunshine while kayaking the waters of Lake Union.

That same evening, I introduced her to the family of a wonderful woman I have met. Lauren is a dressage trainer and instructor. She co-owns DuoStar Dressage with her mom, both of whom have been in the profession for years. I have been learning a lot about horses and a few weeks ago went to my first horse show. Lauren is incredibly talented at riding and it was a blast being able to watch her perform. She is a sweetheart and I really look forward to introducing her to all of you.

At the beginning of June, Lauren and I met up with some friends of hers down in Astoria, OR. We camped at Fort Stevens State Park for an extended weekend while attending some of the Goonies 25th anniversary festivities. There were definitely some interesting characters attending this event. Making hotdogs, hamburgers, smores, snacking on chips, and all the other stuff that goes along with camping was a blast. I gained over five pounds with all the crap I ate!

I've been getting back into the running groove. A few months ago, after getting close to 20 miles a week, my knees started killing me. After a few doctor visits, I was able to get custom orthotics from a specialist. Along with a new pair of running shoes, my knees have been doing much better. Now I just need to be consistent and I'd like to be at least to 15 miles a week by the end of July. I'll need help though, and that includes all of you. I'll be posting a link on this site which will take you to an up to date listing of all the running I'v done. This way you can hold me responsible to my goals and keep me on track to keep running.

One last subject. In honor of my30th birthday, I have decided to entertain a mid-life crisis. This may seem a little early, but it gives me an excuse to buy something really cool. :-) So, recently I purchased a motorcycle. This has been a long time in the making. It was almost four years ago that I completed the safety testing for motorcycles along with my license. I found a great deal on the Buell XB9SX, which I've wanted since I lived in Florida (about eight years ago). It has been super fun and if the weather will cooperate, lots of riding is in my future.

I think that about sums it up. There have been a few other activities like going to the supercross at Quest Field and a Mariners game, both with Lauren. I will be taking the summer off in regards to school. Now I won't have an excuse for neglecting this blog.

Happy birthday to Sean and Mom! Sean turns the big 20 and is no longer a teenager! Thank you Mom for taking the train up here and spending a fun weekend together. Happy birthday and happy fathers day to Dad! I wonder if they serve birthday cake in heaven? Hmmm... things to ponder. Happy fathers day to Adriel and Sean! I hope both of you enjoyed a wonderful weekend.