The adventures of Rich and Kara

This weekend was so beautiful i couldn't help but think the world would be a happier place if there were more days like these. Saturday Rich and I met in Rocky Mt, NC to steal another 24 hrs together,and had so much fun. We just picked a town and met there, and then drove around and found this huge park along the tar river. It was so beautiful and made us feel like we were back in michigan again! We also had lunch at this cute little fifties style diner on the side of the road, and browsed the bookstore for an hour. It was nice to just hang out and pretend that we lived in the same town. :) The drive back however reminded me that i most definetely live in the city as i went about 10 miles in a 1/2 hour, but it was worth it. I had yet another PT test on thursday and passed as usual, but it inspired me to start running again. Rich and I are both very motivated to get in killer shape again (though he'll have to wait till his sprain heals) and i've been in a great mood. Life is fabulous and i miss you all very much.

DC volunteering

I had a volunteer weekend. :) On saturday i volunteered with some other Air force people to join in the 17,000 people on the annual potomac river cleanup. It was disgusting! Our site was on the maryland side, directly across from Mt.Vernon! Though it was sunny, the wind was extreme and i have never seen so much garbage and random disgustingness in my life. Growing up with the pristine waters of Lake superior sure spoiled me! All in all it was a great experience, and i got my hands (and feet) dirty for a good cause :)

Today i did something a little more exciting. I volunteered as a nurse/medical volunteer at the annual cherry blossom festival. It was so much fun! I only got a few hours of sleep because i had to take the metro at 5 a.m. to the washington monument. It was oddly peaceful and quiet to see the city sleep, and i was the only one on the yellow line train for a few stops! :) It was an incredibly gorgeous day, sunny and warm, and it was amazing to see thousands of people from all 50 states run the 10 mile course. Because i volunteered, i get a guaranteed spot next year (a bonus as the race fills up in the first two hours of sign-up every year). It was really interesting to see people of all shapes and sizes finish the race. There were some old men, and some big mamas hoofing their way through that course...wow..it made me feel lazy! :) It was also fun to use my basic nursing skills and triage people, clean up some weird wounds, etc. The best part of this whole experience was the course. i know i keep talking about the cherry blossoms but i really wish my camera hadn't died because the sight was stunning this morning. There are so many amazing running trails and soooooo many beautiful sights. I can't wait to start running more. I'm also really glad i volunteered this year because i may be deployed next year at this time! Here are a few pictures...though they really don't do justice at all.

the proof is in the picture :)

Here we are with the TV reporter.

jump jump!

So...as you all are well aware, i am the queen of making people jump for pictures 'action shot.' Tonight i went down to the jefferson memorial and my friend Robyn was taking yet another jumping picture of my friend felecia and I, and i noticed this reporter in the background filming us. Then he interviewed us for the DC news because we looked like we were having so much fun! lol...i knew i had a good idea going :) I did end up watching the new too..and lo and behold..there's Kara jumping with the cherry blossoms. :) love you and miss you all..but i really do live in a fabulous city which i explore more and more every chance i get!