Because we're crazy

April 4,2012.
Portland, Oregon.

Mark Dean: "Hey Kelly, Nick asked us if we wanted to join his team for the Tough Mudder in September so I signed us up."
Kelly Barker: "What's the Tough Mudder?"
Mark Dean: "I think it's a mud run thing."
Kelly Barker: "Ok"

Little did I know that 5 months later I would be dunked in freezing water, getting shocked repeatedly with 10,000 volts, trekking up 11 miles of the most ridiculous hills ever, all while getting mud in places you should never get mud.

BUT, it was a very tough challenge and I am very proud of myself for finishing it, and not skipping any obstacles.  The team was awesome and I am actually glad I did it.  Will I do it again?  Maybe.

So, enjoy some pictures.

BEFORE:

Notice how clean we are?

DURING:

A little muddy

AFTER:

Yes- with our finisher headbands.

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Fall

Ahh yes, it's that time of year again.  When the sun decides to be a jerk and leave town and the rain once again pours down on my freckly skin.  But, fall means new adventures and new fun.  I am playing outdoor (and also indoor) soccer now and it's a little more fun playing in the mud and rain.  And yes, in my awesomely neon new cleats. 

Cold weather also means cooking delicious food.  I made this batch of homemade chicken noodle soup which was delicious! 

 And of course, Lucy is pretty much adorable.  I let her sleep with me on the bed when I was home sick and I couldn't get over how snuggly and adorable she was!  But, now that I'm back to normal, she is confined to sleeping on one of her 4 beds around the house.  Rough life.

Spoken For

It's been so long since I wrote on here, it's probably time to update my blog status.  You see, I am no longer just a girlfriend, I am now a fiance!  Yup.  We are getting hitched and as much as I knew a proposal was looming somewhere in the distance, I can't believe it's real. I'm glad there is a sparkly ring on my finger to prove it to myself.

I once heard someone talking about their engagement and I remember the very vivid feeling of terror and anxiety.  I mean, you are committing to spend your WHOLE life with someone.  Forever, every day, every bad mood, every arthritic joint, every ailment.  But when I met Mark, I knew almost immediately that we had something that very few people even know exist.  We have a love that I still can't believe I found.  It's the best feeling in the world and now I look forward to all the bad days and the hip replacements and the wrinkles.