I would get this burst of energy and tell my legs, "Go!"

My legs would then respond, "Shut up!!"

-Matthew Warnken

So somedays I have to give Matthew some credit for putting up with me. I study all the time, I hog the covers on the bed, I hate folding laundry, and I come up with really crazy ambitious ideas and tend to drag him a long into them (read: pout until he says okay.)

My newest, possibly best, crazy idea to date is the MUDDY BUDDY. Now I will explain this, but please be sure to click on that link and watch the video because it will give you a true picture of this wonderful escapade we have registered for!

Now, Imagine. Teams of two [read: Team (future) Warnken or Team Marriage Prep- open to feedback]. Each team has ONE bike. For each mile leg, one teammate runs and the other bikes. When the first teammate gets to the first obstacle (YES! OBSTACLES!) they leave the bike, go through the obstacle, and start running the next leg to the next obstacle. Teh other teammate (the one running the first leg) gets to the obstacle, does it, and then gets on the bike for the next leg. There are about 6 obstacles so each teaammate runs 3 miles and bikes 3 miles. THEN at the end, you wait for each other and TOGETHER you army crawl through 300 or so yards of MUD (hence Muddy-Buddy).

If crawling through pit of mud TOGETHER doesn't scream "READY FOR MARRIAGE!" I'm not sure what does.

Needless to say, Matthew is excited but not nearly as thrilled as I am. Which makes him a wonderful person. I am not sure even my sister would pay to crawl through mud with me (love you sister!).

So August 1, 2010 in Chicago Matthew and I will be fearlessly competing in the Muddy Buddy challenge. We are looking for a photographer so if you are interested in witnessing and documenting such a fine event, please let me know!

The training has already begun and will continue, as I am also considering training for a half marathon in September or October (I can't make up my mind which one to do- imagine that) so that would simply coincide with my muddy buddy training (basically I have no idea how to train for such a crazy event with obstacles and mud so I think I will train for a half marathon and use this as a fun diversion. haha).

I will be sure to keep you updated.

Happy Monday! Go find something fun to set your sights on completing!

Be a best friend.

Tell the truth.

Overuse "I love you."

Go to work.

Do your best.

Don't outsmart your common sense.

Never let your prayin' knees get lazy.

And LOVE LIKE CRAZY...

-Lee Brice

In exactly 16 months I will marry my best friend! 16 months from today. 486 days, 21 hours, and 52 minutes. I don't have a countdown on the dashboard of my mac or anything.

I have tried to avoid dishing about the wedding and the planning on the blog, but rather than not talking about it at all I promise to keep wedding posts to a minimum :). However, I figure those that read need an update every so often. So why not exactly 16 months before the big day!

Many ask why we are taking so long to plan the wedding (our overall engagement will be exactly one day short of 2 years). The simple response to that is I am in Dental School. haha. It was unrealistic to think I could take on my D1 year, moving and adjusting to milwaukee, and planning a wedding. Additionally, our wedding is in Omaha. I live in Milwaukee, my mother is in Tampa, and my sister and MOH is in Auburn. It just wasn't going to fall into place in any less time! Additionally, I am indecisive and pretty much can't decide on half of the things we are supposed to decide on. But the wonderful thing about it is that planning is not stressful. At all. It's FUN and a nice break from studying (read: good procrastination tool).

So what have I done so far you might ask?!

We have a church- St. John's!

I have a dress!! (if you have ever been or will ever be a bride you know this is HUGE)!

We (read: I) picked colors and haven't changed my mind in over 3 months!

We have scoped out, but have not yet decided on or booked a reception hall. Mom and I will be doing that in May while Matthew diligently studies for the CPA exam.

I started looking at pictures of flowers. AND cakes. AND ideas for favors.

Matthew and I each started to look at wedding bands (even though we don't actually need to do that for several months/ a year. haha)

We have also started to narrow down our honeymoon options!!! (this is almost as exciting as a dress. an entire week together with no other commitments? is this real life?!)

So there you have it. The wedding update. There is way more "TO DO's" than there are "Already done's." But I think I'm okay with that for now.

Happy April 13th. Love like crazy.

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!" ~Robin Williams

I have always always loved spring. When it comes, it gives me a crazy feeling inside that just makes me want to dance in the sunshine. Here are a few reasons why I think spring is so wonderful:

• SUNSHINE. As soon as spring shows up I can basically feel my energy double due to the vitamin D my body is finally getting enough of again. I just want to sit outside and soak it up for hours and hours. I want to run in it, sit in the grass and bask in it, and even get up early to watch it rise and then sit and watch it set in the evening.
• EASTER. It is such an awesome holiday celebrating the Risen Christ. It is a time for celebration, reflection, and family. Matthew and I were blessed with visitors (Jenny and Tommy) as well as loving friends who welcomed us into their hearts and home for Easter dinner (Thank you McIlrath family!). Not to mention I think I ate the most delicious garlic mashed red potatoes I have EVER had. Mr. McIlrath is quite the cook and we were nowhere near hungry when we left! It was absolutely wonderful to have such great (and hilarious) people to spend Easter with.
• FLOWERS. My aunt sent me flowers for Easter and when I called to thank her she simply said "Well every house needs flowers for Easter!" I could not agree more. I love fresh flowers. They can completely brighten a room in an instant. I also love walking outside and seeing flowers in bloom. Just the sight of them makes me smile and appreciate life a little bit more.
• BEING OUTSIDE. Fresh air inspires me. It inspires me to run farther, to study harder, and to enjoy life more. I love going on long runs and walks. Just walking to class brightens my spirits because I am not freezing to death.
• THUNDERSTORMS. My cousins and I used to pretend that really bad thunderstorms were actually God bowling. The big lightning bolts only happened when he got a strike. Some nights I think God was bowling 300. I love the smell of rain and watching the lightning in the distance. And I can't help thinking God is reminding us to take a break and have some fun every so often.
• BACKYARD BAR-B-Q. Or just outdoor parties in general. Or just drinking a beer on the porch. This goes back to the being outside above.
• LIFE. The signs of new life that spring up everywhere give me the warm-and-fuzzies. Flowers, budding trees, ducklings, birds chirping. All of it just gives me the warm-and-fuzzies inside.

Happy Spring! Go outside and enjoy it!