Here's a recap...most likely more for my benefit than your pleasure :)
January - I decided almost on a whim to go back to school (of course after discussion with Holmes). I enrolled in the online pre-reqs at Longwood the day *after* the classes started. I ran the Frostbite 15k in Richmond, my second of that distance, knocking out a PR in freezing weather. Holmes and I celebrated the one year anniversary of our second time around first date.
February - School and work kept me busy. I also decided to register for my first marathon...so training, school and work were my life. We celebrated Holmes' 28th birthday. He was out of town over Valentine's Day, but sent beautiful tulips. Friends threw us our first wedding shower here in Richmond.
March - Holmes and I went to the Tech vs Heels basketball game in Blacksburg to watch the Heels on their way to a National Championship. Holmes ran his first 10k, with Josh at the Monument 10k. My little brother turned 13 (WOW!)
April - Holmes and I traveled to DC to see my friend Sara and run the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler (Holmes ran the 5k). Again, my second at this distance and another PR! The next day, returning to work, I was laid off. Holmes and I decided it would be best for me to attend school full time. I took a trip to Greensboro because I could :)
May - May 1st was a pretty awesome day. Our first nephew was born, Jackson Reid Galloway, to Holmes' sister and bro-in-law, Kathryn and Eric. I also ran my first marathon and Holmes ran his first half marathon (automatic PRs-woo!). April came to visit and we attended our friend's Ashley's gorgeous rose garden wedding. I had my first wedding dress fitting and we started looking for places to live in Midlothian. Holmes went to Key West to celebrate his little brother Scott's 21st birthday!
June - Brian and Rocky got married and we were honored to be a part of their event! I ran my 10th 5k, the first one I ever trained to race. I finished with a massive PR and first in my age group. I followed that with a night out with the girls for my bachelorette party. I started my observation hours for ASHA at Healthsouth...here I met Scott, the COO, who set Holmes up with two bass playing gigs and we finally found a church! A couple weeks later, Holmes played his first show with Stoke Row at Capital Ale House.
July - Let's see...what happened in July...
I GOT MARRIED! To the most wonderful man in the world. Don't argue with me, you won't win ;) The honeymoon cruise to Key West, Cozumel and Belize was fantastic! When we returned we thought Holmes sprained his wrist, but it turned out to be worse when they found a tumor. Many test were scheduled and completed. We moved into our new townhouse in Midlothian!
I started a graduate assistantship at Longwood a few days a week.
August - Holmes had surgery to remove the tumor and implant a steel ulnar prothesis. Our family and friends were amazing throughout this time...prayers and support. We can't thank them enough. He healed quickly. I started school full time on campus at Longwood.
September - School overwhelmed my life. What a switch. Dad visited in Richmond one weekend. Holmes attended all the hokies games and I finally made it to one the weekend before my birthday. Brian and Elea visited.
October - Mike traveled to Oregon for a few days for work. School continued to swamp my life, but I started to balance everything a little more efficiently. Holmes had another Stoke Row show and we finally went camping at Bear Creek State Park. Another year with no Halloween Party, but we threw together last minute costumes and handed out candy with the other Holmes' in their neighborhood.
November - Holmes had ANOTHER Stoke Row show. We attended a baby shower for our friend's Lara and Chase. I decided the night before the race to run the HCA 8k that was part of the Suntrust Richmond marathon. This was my first race at this distance, but I was pleased with my performance without really training. Another trip to Blacksburg for the State game. Pinehurst and Greensboro plans for Thanksgiving were changed last minute as my Uncle Mike in Pennsylvania received news that he was getting a new heart! Mom and I drove up for the surgery. What a blessing!
December - I ended the semester with a 4.0. We had a smallish Christmas Party and made Candy Cane Martinis. Christmas Lunch in Richmond with some of the Ossman family was followed by a whirlwind tour of North Carolina for our Holiday break. We stopped in Greensboro, dropped off Riley, drove down to Charlotte to see old friends and tailgate for the Panthers game, which we managed to score tickets to last minute. Back to Greensboro, then a brief trip to Raleigh to see friends, then back to Greensboro, then down to Pinehurst for a few days. BACK TO Greensboro for a few more days and yesterday we returned to Virginia. I did NOT want to leave. But, it IS good to be back and we have a lot going on this week. We are celebrating our friend Josh's 30th birthday tonight. Tomorrow, we're having a viewing party/NYE party for the VaTech vs Tenn bowl game, then Holmes' band plays at the NATIONAL (BIG DEAL!!!!!) on Friday night! Yes, that's technically 2010, but it's really exciting, so I included it!
Seriously...wow. If you made it through, hope you enjoyed, but if not, well, it was fun for me to think back!
