Tornadoes in Virginia

http://www.hamptonroads.tv/index.cfm?locvid=139644&tid=r700

My husband says I am too emotional. He reminded me of this again tonight when I told him that I cried my eyes out watching news coverage of the tornado destruction in Suffolk, VA. And really, since no one died, it might seem over-emotional to some people.

But I love it there and that place was wrecked! By tornadoes, in a place where tornadoes are not supposed to hit. Our very dear friend Setsuko's neighborhood, Hillpoint Farms, was one of those badly damaged. Her home was left unmarked, but she said over six houses in the neighborhood are now gone, leaving only their foundations. There was picture after picture on the news of neighborhoods in ruin and it was so frustrating not being able to tell where they were or if I knew anyone there. But there was one picture that looked familiar and soon the name clicked and I realized that I was looking at the wreckage of an antique shop that was a few miles from my old house, in a little place called Driver. I loved that place. I took my mom antiquing there once while she was visiting. There were a few other little shops along the same road. It was so quaint and charming. You would have been driving down a long country road to get there and then after a few fields and homes these shops appeared - it felt as if you stepped back in time. Very small-town. Follow the above link to video footage - click on the one that says "Picking Up the Pieces"

And now...here is where I tear up again. I don't know what to say and I just wish I could help. There is a Suffolk chapter of the Red Cross where we can donate money; I wish I was there to do more. I am just so grateful that more damage was not done and that most people escaped unhurt. My heart goes out to those whose homes were lost - they are in my thoughts and prayers.

Simple Sundays

Looking for rolly-pollies. They were out there for hours. It was very sweet.

Spring at the Park

Enjoying the sparse sunshine last week. And capturing the ensuing smiles.

**There are pictures of Gabe, but Blogger did not feel inclined to post them! Rude. I'll try again later.

Proof That Prayer Works:

I did it, I did it, I did it!!!
I finished the half-marathon and made it through 13.1 miles!

My friends Nancy, Adriann and me at the finish line.

It all seems like a dream - did it really happen? What an amazing experience. We ran straight through the first 7 miles, and then maybe walked for 2-3 minutes over the next 3 miles, but from 10 miles on we ran the rest. Even though we wanted to cry (and did) and even though our bodies said "Stop!" we kept going. There were signs of encouragement posted throughout Liberty park, but my favorite was "It's only pain" and it made me think of one of my favorite expressions, passed on from our friend, a former Marine, "Pain is just weakness leaving the body." Thinking that got me going again - combined with what my brothers say is me being full of "piss and vinegar", but I like to call determination. That last mile was a killer, but once the finish line was in sight and all the spectators cheering became audible, it was a such a rush and adrenaline and euphoria took over.

Crossing the finish line was amazing and empowering, and I didn't even pass out! It felt great, I felt so strong. But the most humbling and actually beautiful experience of the whole thing came when three of the marathoners, the front-runners (who started at the same time) passed us at the end of the park, running in perfect rhythm. They had doubled our distance in less time. It was awe-inspiring. And did I mention, humbling? Another aspect of the race that I loved was the many, many people who came out to support the runners. Granted, a lot of them knew people in the race, but a lot of them didn't. The people in the neighborhoods just came out to cheer us on with shouts and whistles and bells. Signs that read "Great job!" and "Go! Your name, Go!" It helped us so much! Just like in life, a little encouragement went a long way! The best was the several groups of little kids waiting in a line to slap your hand. You can bet I hit them all! I figured it was the closest I was ever going to get to celebrity or sports fame, so I better enjoy it. And it was awesome. Every moment of that run was. Especially the end, where I got to hug my husband and kids and friends. And then sit down. ;o)

Pictures, because I know you all miss seeing the boys

Yes, I am a slacker. I know.

So, I thought I would do something crazy and maybe post a new blog! It has been awhile, but I have my reasons. Firstly, it has probably snowed at least half a dozen times since the beginning of March and I don't know if I have mentioned this, but that makes me cold and cranky! The other pressing frustration has been that I did something to my Achilles tendon, probably by running too much, and that has really hampered getting me ready for the half marathon - which is in about 10 days, so you know: AAACK! Nothing like be unprepared to run 13 miles. Sheesh.

There have been lots of great things going on, though, that I really should have posted about. Well, gosh - there was Easter. A fun, fun day filled with lots of good things to eat and two very happy little boys. It has been so very nice to be home and be around family for the holidays. We were able to go to an Easter egg hunt, put on by Aaron's extended family every year, for the first time. The boys loved that - and made out like bandits. We had a delicious breakfast at Pa's house, a wonderful visit with Grandma and Grandpa Terashima and then dinner at Aaron's sister Miyo's house.

On the rare days that we have had nice weather, we have worked on the yard and gotten our vegetable garden ready for planting. My brother, David, has helped me draw up some beautiful plans for our front yard, which will include two Japanese maples and a flowering cherry and a little Japanese lantern. I am going to try and work in my original theme of a drought-tolerant garden with the Japanese aesthetic. Wish me luck!

And oh, did I mention that it is April?! Something I would have been jumping up and down about normally, had it not snowed so much! There is hope on the horizon, though. Even though all week has been 40 degrees and rainy, this weekend is supposed to be brilliant and I just can't wait. We may even hit mid-sixties! Yay!

Happy Spring to everyone, I hope you all have been enjoying it (more than I have)!