Sad Day

Wow!  My heart is sad today thinking of the events that happened at the Boston Marathon.  

It was during my lunch date that my friend and I learned of the bombings.  As fellow runners, we both just sat in disbelief for a moment, questioning how anyone could do such an evil thing.  What a tragedy for the runners and spectators alike - especially those badly injured or worse, killed.  It's hard to even comprehend.  And sad, too, for the running world as a whole.  How can you not think of this every time you cross another finish line?  Just wow!  Many prayers to all those involved!

It seems almost disrespectful in some way to even talk about anything else, but there is still much positive to focus on... and that is exactly what I am choosing to do these days!  So, I still want to spotlight my beautiful friend, Michelle Relyea.  Michelle and I have become better friends recently through our daughters, who started dancing in the same dance company together.  What fun it was getting to know her better!

I need to start bringing a tripod with me.  

The worker pics just aren't cutting it.

Dancing Queens:  Seurette (Michelle's 2nd daughter), Aubrey and Jentri

Upon first meeting Michelle, you might be intimidated by her supermodel looks (I know I was!) - she is tall, blonde, skinny and not a wrinkle to be found!  But this beauty is a true and genuine sweetheart!  I loved hearing about her growing up in AZ, how she met her cute hubby, her love of running (4 full marathons in one year, people! Who does that?), the way she lets each of her four daughters discover and nurture their own unique talents, and how warm weather and sunshine make her happy.   Well-rounded, organized, thoughtful, down-to-earth, driven, classy, positive and just plain nice are words I would use to describe Michelle (I'm also envisioning neatly folded laundry piles, vacuum lines and the scent of fresh-baked cookies permeating throughout her house.  Heaven on earth if you ask me!)  Just an all-around amazing lady and friend!  So, thank you, Michelle, for taking the time to have lunch with me and allowing me to dive in deeper to get to know you.  I loved every minute!

Paradise Bakery in Sandy (and conveniently close to Nordstrom Rack ;) 

Crumbly Blue Cheese Salad

Fire-Roasted Tomato Soup

We went to another one of my fav's - Paradise Bakery.  It's hard for me to stray from the Crumbly Blue Cheese Salad and Tomato Soup Combo, so I didn't!  It always hits the spot!  I was a little disappointed that they have moved over to Pepsi products, but I suppose a water here and there won't kill me.  It's just the lack of Diet Coke that will! Haha.

Aly