Life on the Runn...

It was that time of year. Everyone headed south to San Antonio, Cancun, or one of about 36 different beach town in Florida. It was Spring Break. The Runnells crew opted, however, for the beautiful Northwest. We decided to do our spring breakin’ in Bend, Oregon.   Seen on our walk through SEA TAC - a baby in motion likes to nap BR was in Portland for work, so he he arrived in Bend ahead of the rest of our crew, which included my parents. He did some biking was kind enough to test out the skiing. More importantly, he retrieved our crew upon arrival (and we were not traveling lightly: two large suitcases, a stroller, a car seat, a backpack carrier, and a toddler).  We spent our first evening in Bend adjusting to that time change - it was an early, early morning - and watching a little March Madness. Neither Dad nor I could fully appreciate the tournament since both  our teams failed us in the first round...but otherwise our trip was off to a good start.  Bring

December 2018 was the month of Mrs. Obama in our household. Both Brian and I purchased a copy of Becoming  for my birthday (It really is  best if you don't buy yourself presents until after your birthday).  It was the first book I grabbed from the pile of books set aside for 2019.  Then, for Christmas, I received tickets for the Becoming Book Tour.  I was shocked and so, so very excited.  Last Thursday, after months of anxious anticipation, I spent the evening with Michelle Obama (oh, and BR, who was my date). It was everything I hoped it would be - well, except for the part where my forever FLOTUS and I met and instantly became friends...that was only in my wildest dreams. The evening began with a slideshow of images and soundbites from the most important people in Mrs. O.'s life, her family.  This was followed by a chill-inducing introduction by the moderator, Conan O'Brien.  Throughout the night, we laughed, reflected on our own lives, and we were reminded of the co

Wednesday morning, bright-eyed and bundled up, I loaded our many provisions - fruit snacks, Capri Suns, Cheetos, Cheez Its, Pringles, and, to balance it all out, Cuties - into a school van and transported the 2018-19 West Academic Decathlon team to their State Competition at the Wilderness Hotel. This was the seventh time I made the journey to Wisconsin Dells, and it was the seventh time my heart broke just a little bit.  You see, I am nearer to the end of my time with this crew than I am to the beginning.  State means the season is winding down, and my time with many of these young people is coming to a close.   I had no clue what I was walking into when I volunteered to coach the Acadec team the year I joined West's staff.  Now, I have no clue what I would do without this aspect of my professional life.  I am immensely proud of my decathletes for each has taken on a challenge of his or her own, and each has shows his or her ability to lead, shine, and grow in unique ways.  N

Wednesday afternoon, I had the privilege of making one final visit to MGIC. After many years of take-your-kids-to-work fun, other family events, and at least one lunch date with HQ, I was there to attend my dad's retirement party.  My dad has worked at MGIC nearly the entirety of my life, and many of his longtime coworkers have known me since I was quite small.  So, aside from getting to see people I haven't seen since my wedding, it was a pleasure to see my dad with his MGIC family a final time. I enjoyed all the stories, and I loved witnessing all the love his coworkers have for him. There was lots of teasing (The crew sure does know how to make the work day fun, it seems.), talk of timelines (Who knew that my habit of closing an eye when I concentrate comes from my dad?), plenty of Simma's cheesecake, and lots of talk of how Dad plans to fill his time (golf, the fire department, chasing after HQ).  It's no secret that I am immensely proud of my dad - for who he