□: Seester Caiti! ♥
Wedding Day -- We Did It!
August 11, 2024
I began this post while sitting in our rental on Orcas Island, writing out the memories from the wedding week before they escape my brain. Bliss is the overwhelming emotion that keeps popping up as Smu and I spend our first couple weeks as a married couple. At regular intervals, we’ll turn to each other, smile, and then embrace in a gentle kiss. There’s a childish, giddy feeling to this new chapter in our relationship’s story. I didn’t think I’d be this eager to call someone ‘my wife!’ and, conversely, to be called ‘my husband!’ It’s quite silly.
Our first days as a married couple! Honeymooning on Orcas Island and sailing around the San Juans.
Fast forward to Seafair weekend when I continued this recap in our living room. A room that is sadly now devoid of any of the paper chandeliers that Anna made over the past year to help decorate the wedding venue. And until just a few hours ago, it was overflowing with various knick-knacks, flower vases, and a whole lot of Fiestaware – thank you for the colorful dishes and bowls, Aunt Susan!
The state of the modern-day, wedding industrial complex is strong. Our only hope for humanity is that *ALL THIS STUFF* that goes into planning a wedding is passed onto the next couple and not straight into the landfill. The Fiestaware will be used many times over in our household. Though I just can’t see us regularly going through *10 DOZEN PLAID, CLOTH NAPKINS*. But we’ll try our best!
[Take a breath, dude] With that rant out of the way, there’s only time for *A BRIEF RECAP* of the wedding day theatrics. Here are some of my favorite memories from the ceremony and reception before they fade into the ether.
On the morning of our wedding day, I met up with some of my buds for a shakeout run. We did a casual 6-mile loop around Freeland, along the harbor, across the highway to Useless Bay, until finally climbing the hills back to the park right next to Freeland Hall, the venue for our Rehearsal Dinner. This run helped me calm my nerves one last time before walking down the aisle.
The state of the modern-day, wedding industrial complex is strong. Our only hope for humanity is that *ALL THIS STUFF* that goes into planning a wedding is passed onto the next couple and not straight into the landfill. The Fiestaware will be used many times over in our household. Though I just can’t see us regularly going through *10 DOZEN PLAID, CLOTH NAPKINS*. But we’ll try our best!
[Take a breath, dude] With that rant out of the way, there’s only time for *A BRIEF RECAP* of the wedding day theatrics. Here are some of my favorite memories from the ceremony and reception before they fade into the ether.
On the morning of our wedding day, I met up with some of my buds for a shakeout run. We did a casual 6-mile loop around Freeland, along the harbor, across the highway to Useless Bay, until finally climbing the hills back to the park right next to Freeland Hall, the venue for our Rehearsal Dinner. This run helped me calm my nerves one last time before walking down the aisle.
Pre-wedding runs with my buds -- Friday from Ebey's Landing and Saturday in front of Holmes Harbor. 📷: Uli Steidl & Katelen Miller
After the run, I went back to our rental to freshen up and pack my suit for the ride to our private ceremony. My best bud Johnny Rocket drove us over to the Bluffs of Fort Ebey State Park while I practiced reciting my wedding vows to him. I crammed for the exam and only had to stop to pee once! Call it a Win-Win. *PSA: EVEN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY YOU GOTTA MAKE SURE TO STAY HYDRATED!*
We parked in the Gun Battery parking lot and I carried my garment bag into the woods to find a hidden spot to change. I found a shaded area alongside the battery and overheard voices coming from the other side of the walled structure. Not exactly a private changing room, but I’m a dirtbag runner and have plenty of experience dropping trou in broad daylight -- no big deal.
I quickly changed into my wedding attire, made my way back to the parking lot, and noticed Anna and her crew arriving. *NOW THAT I WAS ALL DRESSED UP,* I was then tasked to carry down the trail a big ass flower pot with a rusty platform. I was "assured" that these would function as added decor to our chapel out on the already perfectly and naturally adorned bluffs above the Salish Sea.
We parked in the Gun Battery parking lot and I carried my garment bag into the woods to find a hidden spot to change. I found a shaded area alongside the battery and overheard voices coming from the other side of the walled structure. Not exactly a private changing room, but I’m a dirtbag runner and have plenty of experience dropping trou in broad daylight -- no big deal.
I quickly changed into my wedding attire, made my way back to the parking lot, and noticed Anna and her crew arriving. *NOW THAT I WAS ALL DRESSED UP,* I was then tasked to carry down the trail a big ass flower pot with a rusty platform. I was "assured" that these would function as added decor to our chapel out on the already perfectly and naturally adorned bluffs above the Salish Sea.
Anna and her crew. 📷: Chelsea Tornga Photography.
Okay. Sure. *“JUST GO WITH THE FLOW,”* I internalized as I felt the sweat build beneath my linen suit. One of Papa Smu’s pieces of advice was just that – there’s really no need to push back while preparing for something of this magnitude. There were a few stressful flare-ups with the party planning committee here and there, but all-in-all, nothing too dramatic. I can confidently say that *I WAS LESS OF A GROOM-OSAURUS REX THAN ANNA WAS A BRIDEZILLA.* J/k. I Love you, Smuuu! PLEASE DO SOMETHING WITH ALL OF THOSE NAPKINS!!
Back to the ceremony!
So we’re all setup down on the edge of the bluff, hoping the ground beneath doesn’t shift, thus plunging us straight into the rocky seashore. There was a pregnant pause until I noticed Max and Leo leading Anna down the trail. And boy was it worth the wait! With every step, I got a better glimpse of how beautiful she looked in her glamorous wedding gown.
--
Back to the ceremony!
So we’re all setup down on the edge of the bluff, hoping the ground beneath doesn’t shift, thus plunging us straight into the rocky seashore. There was a pregnant pause until I noticed Max and Leo leading Anna down the trail. And boy was it worth the wait! With every step, I got a better glimpse of how beautiful she looked in her glamorous wedding gown.
--
Anna and crew, making their procession from the top of the bluff. Me and my boys, watching her walk down. 📷: Chelsea Tornga Photography.
--
Anna walking down from the top of a hill is a common element of two of our biggest moments as a couple. On our first date, I sat on a bench in the arboretum, patiently waiting for her to arrive. She strolled down from Interlaken Blvd and eventually came into view.
I don’t recall my first words once she met me, but I was probably thinking, *“YOU DON’T REALLY LOOK LIKE THE PICS FROM THE DATING APP.”* Absolutely not. More graceful and elegant than some of those outdated snaps from her early 20s, most definitely!
*ONE THING IS DAMM SURE, ANNA KNOWS HOW TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE!*
--
When she finally reached me standing at our “altar,” I lunged toward her to give her a kiss. I heard some groans in the background disapproving of my going off script.
David began the proceedings and welcomed everyone. It was then a reading by Johnny, a poem read by our nephew Max – I cried, Anna cried, the birds watching us in the surrounding trees cried, an Irish Blessing from my dad, and then back to David for his version of our “love story.”
We know David to be a rather reserved, intellectual, and enigmatic figure – a truthfully self-made man. What we might not know about David is his ability to craft *AND RECITE* the most heartwarming, relationship story of me and Anna.
Details such as my interest in cooking our dinner as opposed to Anna deferring to her love of eating popcorn. Comparing and contrasting our interests and neuroses – yes, I fully admit that traveling with and needing to find a place for all of the grocery bags, clothes bags, and running shoe bags might define me as a bit of a clutterer. Though I swear that making sure I have everything I need to make a salad for lunch keeps my mind free and clear! And you know I gotta pack shoes for not only a regular run, but also a speed session!
Apart from experiencing Anna’s magical entrance, David’s “The Love Story” was without a doubt my favorite moment of the ceremony. Thank you, Papa Smu!
After exchanging vows, rings, and finally kisses, we spent some time frolicking about as our photographer-friend Chelsea, snapped away. Our first moments as a married couple felt a lot like those moments we’ve shared at this park before – silly, flirtatious, and in front of an audience.
Anna walking down from the top of a hill is a common element of two of our biggest moments as a couple. On our first date, I sat on a bench in the arboretum, patiently waiting for her to arrive. She strolled down from Interlaken Blvd and eventually came into view.
I don’t recall my first words once she met me, but I was probably thinking, *“YOU DON’T REALLY LOOK LIKE THE PICS FROM THE DATING APP.”* Absolutely not. More graceful and elegant than some of those outdated snaps from her early 20s, most definitely!
*ONE THING IS DAMM SURE, ANNA KNOWS HOW TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE!*
--
When she finally reached me standing at our “altar,” I lunged toward her to give her a kiss. I heard some groans in the background disapproving of my going off script.
David began the proceedings and welcomed everyone. It was then a reading by Johnny, a poem read by our nephew Max – I cried, Anna cried, the birds watching us in the surrounding trees cried, an Irish Blessing from my dad, and then back to David for his version of our “love story.”
We know David to be a rather reserved, intellectual, and enigmatic figure – a truthfully self-made man. What we might not know about David is his ability to craft *AND RECITE* the most heartwarming, relationship story of me and Anna.
Details such as my interest in cooking our dinner as opposed to Anna deferring to her love of eating popcorn. Comparing and contrasting our interests and neuroses – yes, I fully admit that traveling with and needing to find a place for all of the grocery bags, clothes bags, and running shoe bags might define me as a bit of a clutterer. Though I swear that making sure I have everything I need to make a salad for lunch keeps my mind free and clear! And you know I gotta pack shoes for not only a regular run, but also a speed session!
Apart from experiencing Anna’s magical entrance, David’s “The Love Story” was without a doubt my favorite moment of the ceremony. Thank you, Papa Smu!
After exchanging vows, rings, and finally kisses, we spent some time frolicking about as our photographer-friend Chelsea, snapped away. Our first moments as a married couple felt a lot like those moments we’ve shared at this park before – silly, flirtatious, and in front of an audience.
Photos from the ceremony. 📷: Chelsea Tornga Photography.
It was getting close to lunch time, so we had a quick bite and then skedaddled back to Mutiny Sands. People were beginning to load up the shuttle for transportation to our reception venue – Dancing Fish Vineyards.
As soon as I got out of the car at DFV, it started to sink in – the party is almost here! Our caterer Paellas San Juan was in the midst of heating up our dinner, DJ Justin was testing his equipment, the wines were out, the tables set with lavender wands and *ALL OF THOSE NAPKINS.* Folks were beginning to arrive!
From that point on, it was a constant flurry of greeting our guests, posing for family photos, and grooving to the chill vibes from my “Tapas Hour” playlist. These selections warranted kudos from Uncle Richard, a man with highly refined musical taste. I do recall hearing Band of Horses - The Funeral on a constant loop right before dinner. What happened there, DJ Justin?? 🙈
It was finally time to load our plates with tasty paella! The Mediterranean dish from the heavens would escape me no more! I was standing right in front of a massive pan, with plenty available to eat to my heart’s content. And that’s exactly what I’ve done – only half a to-go box remains in our fridge!!
With dinner came *THE TOASTS!* Caiti kicked us off and *AS A CHIP RIGHT OFF THE OL’ SMUKOWSKI-HELBERG BLOCK,* graced us with an endearing ode that included her fondest observations of me and Anna as a couple. (Caiti's Toast page 1, page 2).
Papa Smu was next up. He echoed a lot of the same sentiments that Caiti had, while elaborating a bit on his perspective of marriage and what he values about having me and Anna in his life. Up to this point, including the speeches at the rehearsal dinner, we had only heard from Anna’s peeps.
Uncle Steve was the first to come to bat for “my team.” And he *KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK!* (link to speech forthcoming) Steve-a-Reeno and I have shared some fun times over the years. My memories are mostly from the traumatic events such as: getting caught beneath a fierce undercurrent swimming as a child in the turbulent waters at Manhattan Beach, or falling hard as a young teenager, while in-line skating amongst the traffic on The Strand.
--
As soon as I got out of the car at DFV, it started to sink in – the party is almost here! Our caterer Paellas San Juan was in the midst of heating up our dinner, DJ Justin was testing his equipment, the wines were out, the tables set with lavender wands and *ALL OF THOSE NAPKINS.* Folks were beginning to arrive!
From that point on, it was a constant flurry of greeting our guests, posing for family photos, and grooving to the chill vibes from my “Tapas Hour” playlist. These selections warranted kudos from Uncle Richard, a man with highly refined musical taste. I do recall hearing Band of Horses - The Funeral on a constant loop right before dinner. What happened there, DJ Justin?? 🙈
It was finally time to load our plates with tasty paella! The Mediterranean dish from the heavens would escape me no more! I was standing right in front of a massive pan, with plenty available to eat to my heart’s content. And that’s exactly what I’ve done – only half a to-go box remains in our fridge!!
With dinner came *THE TOASTS!* Caiti kicked us off and *AS A CHIP RIGHT OFF THE OL’ SMUKOWSKI-HELBERG BLOCK,* graced us with an endearing ode that included her fondest observations of me and Anna as a couple. (Caiti's Toast page 1, page 2).
Papa Smu was next up. He echoed a lot of the same sentiments that Caiti had, while elaborating a bit on his perspective of marriage and what he values about having me and Anna in his life. Up to this point, including the speeches at the rehearsal dinner, we had only heard from Anna’s peeps.
Uncle Steve was the first to come to bat for “my team.” And he *KNOCKED IT OUT OF THE PARK!* (link to speech forthcoming) Steve-a-Reeno and I have shared some fun times over the years. My memories are mostly from the traumatic events such as: getting caught beneath a fierce undercurrent swimming as a child in the turbulent waters at Manhattan Beach, or falling hard as a young teenager, while in-line skating amongst the traffic on The Strand.
--
Photos from the Reception -- Family, Paella, Toasts! 📸: Chelsea Tornga Photography.
--
Though my absolute favorite is one from my early twenties. Steve-o took us on “just a casual mountain bike ride” up and into the fire trails around Mulholland Drive outside of West Hollywood. Zooming along and feeling feisty and fearless, I went ahead of the group, then lost control, hopping off of a little mound on the trail.
I flew over my handlebars, braced myself with my hands, then felt the joyful pain of my right collarbone snapping apart. As I recall, I hopped back on my bike, then sprinted back to the parking lot. Thankfully, the adrenaline kicked in and masked 100% of the pain so that I could eventually deal with the increasing tightness in my neck, shoulder, and arm.
The downside of riding so fast back to the car was that I had to wait for all the slow riders behind me – Dad, Jon-Paul, Uncle Steve! Once they caught up, they drove me to the hospital in Encino-Tarzana! Ah. Good times indeed.
I love you, Uncle Steve! Even if I’ve been nearly maimed on a few of our endeavors, I am so glad you’re in my life and that we’ve been able to enjoy the outdoors together. You’re a kindred spirit and I am incredibly grateful for our relationship.
--
Though my absolute favorite is one from my early twenties. Steve-o took us on “just a casual mountain bike ride” up and into the fire trails around Mulholland Drive outside of West Hollywood. Zooming along and feeling feisty and fearless, I went ahead of the group, then lost control, hopping off of a little mound on the trail.
I flew over my handlebars, braced myself with my hands, then felt the joyful pain of my right collarbone snapping apart. As I recall, I hopped back on my bike, then sprinted back to the parking lot. Thankfully, the adrenaline kicked in and masked 100% of the pain so that I could eventually deal with the increasing tightness in my neck, shoulder, and arm.
The downside of riding so fast back to the car was that I had to wait for all the slow riders behind me – Dad, Jon-Paul, Uncle Steve! Once they caught up, they drove me to the hospital in Encino-Tarzana! Ah. Good times indeed.
I love you, Uncle Steve! Even if I’ve been nearly maimed on a few of our endeavors, I am so glad you’re in my life and that we’ve been able to enjoy the outdoors together. You’re a kindred spirit and I am incredibly grateful for our relationship.
--
Me, Uncle Steve, and Sophia. Late 2000s.
--
The Old Man, Papa Roche was next on the toast rostrum and a late addition to the lineup. Because of this, we got to witness Big Mike in all of his improvisational glory – honest commentary, wild tangents, and some good-natured ribbing. Sorry, bro. Make sure you don’t pay for the next few rounds. Dad, you’re a legend. I didn’t think you would get that plane down, but you did.
And on the subject of planes, I honestly had about 10 minutes of material that I planned to do on Boeing. Jokes about how so many of my friends and family are complicit in the aerospace giant’s woes. But people's dinners were starting to get cold and I saw the desserts were put out.
*I KEPT THE ROASTING TO A MINIMUM,* offered a few bits of marital advice that I had gleaned throughout the week, and progressed to my favorite part of entertaining – awarding prizes!! If you need a reminder:
The Old Man, Papa Roche was next on the toast rostrum and a late addition to the lineup. Because of this, we got to witness Big Mike in all of his improvisational glory – honest commentary, wild tangents, and some good-natured ribbing. Sorry, bro. Make sure you don’t pay for the next few rounds. Dad, you’re a legend. I didn’t think you would get that plane down, but you did.
And on the subject of planes, I honestly had about 10 minutes of material that I planned to do on Boeing. Jokes about how so many of my friends and family are complicit in the aerospace giant’s woes. But people's dinners were starting to get cold and I saw the desserts were put out.
*I KEPT THE ROASTING TO A MINIMUM,* offered a few bits of marital advice that I had gleaned throughout the week, and progressed to my favorite part of entertaining – awarding prizes!! If you need a reminder:
- Aunt Gail won “First to Arrive,”
- Tom Blumer was awarded “Best Dressed” with Ned Durgy coming in a close second.
- Cutest Kid was Tyson Magelsen with a four-way tie for second place – Willa Kelley Padilla, Morris Björn Bissell, Max and Leo Heil.
- The final category of the night was for the guests who traveled from the farthest away. The winners were Molly and Darragh Hurley, who visited us from London, England, by way of Cork, Ireland!
More toasts, PRIZES! and more family snaps. 📷: Chelsea Tornga Photography
Toasts, roasts, awards, now dancing – first the slow ones with the parentals and then the opening of the main dance floor! I was so pumped for this – I had been working on a playlist for *AT LEAST* two months. Hitting the ‘+’ next to any and every song that came up on Spotify that I knew would keep the dance floor popping.
The first playlist was nearly 500 songs and over 24 hours long, so I cut it down to about 240 songs at 15 hours, until eventually trimming it to a scant 130 songs and a manageable 5 hours before passing it along to DJ Justin. I hope we played at least a couple songs that you could shake your booty to!
The top moment from the dance party was without a doubt Erika MF Hval! No, not her wardrobe malfunction – I totally missed that. But when she *ABOSLUTELY SLAYED* the night by channeling her inner Celine while dancing and singing to “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” Holy hell. What. A. Performance!
Other memorable highlights include me racing around the room moshing people and seeking high-fives any time a pop punk song came through the speakers, and of course Thomas pointing out to me how Katelen had mistaken Montell Jordan’s “This is How We Do It” with the Backstreet Boys. Sorrynotsorry, bud. 😁
We partied well into the night, and eventually took it back to the beach for a bonfire. What a day. What an experience! So. Much. Celebrating!
The first playlist was nearly 500 songs and over 24 hours long, so I cut it down to about 240 songs at 15 hours, until eventually trimming it to a scant 130 songs and a manageable 5 hours before passing it along to DJ Justin. I hope we played at least a couple songs that you could shake your booty to!
The top moment from the dance party was without a doubt Erika MF Hval! No, not her wardrobe malfunction – I totally missed that. But when she *ABOSLUTELY SLAYED* the night by channeling her inner Celine while dancing and singing to “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now.” Holy hell. What. A. Performance!
Other memorable highlights include me racing around the room moshing people and seeking high-fives any time a pop punk song came through the speakers, and of course Thomas pointing out to me how Katelen had mistaken Montell Jordan’s “This is How We Do It” with the Backstreet Boys. Sorrynotsorry, bud. 😁
We partied well into the night, and eventually took it back to the beach for a bonfire. What a day. What an experience! So. Much. Celebrating!
DANCE PARTY! 📷: Chelsea Tornga Photography.
OK. We’re officially married. “What’s Next??” As runners, we field this question constantly after each and every race. No matter how fast or how far you run, the running community is always curious about what’s to come. What can be expected now that you’ve accomplished the latest goal on the marathon that is LIIIIFE!
House projects, keeping it chill with the cats, being stewards of our community, the beginning of many adventures into the wilderness as a married couple. Lots to do. *ONLY FORWARD, NEVER BACK!*
But *BEFORE WE DO ANYTHING*, let’s find some mutha truckin’ space for all of these mutha truckin’ napkins!
Love you, fam. Thanks for reading. Breathe. Hydrate. Eat yo’ veggies! ✌
House projects, keeping it chill with the cats, being stewards of our community, the beginning of many adventures into the wilderness as a married couple. Lots to do. *ONLY FORWARD, NEVER BACK!*
But *BEFORE WE DO ANYTHING*, let’s find some mutha truckin’ space for all of these mutha truckin’ napkins!
Love you, fam. Thanks for reading. Breathe. Hydrate. Eat yo’ veggies! ✌
Links to purchase all of our Wedding 'STUFF!' Or just call us and we'll happily send it to you fo' free!!
Napkins: Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/uZfrHSHh0Lb
Votives: Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/uZfrHSHh0Lb
Milk glass vases: heck out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/uZfrHSHh0Lb
Napkins: Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/uZfrHSHh0Lb
Votives: Check out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/uZfrHSHh0Lb
Milk glass vases: heck out this item on OfferUp. https://offerup.co/uZfrHSHh0Lb
The Story of Us
(as told by me)
June 5, 2023
Like genuine distance runners, our story is one of perseverance, grit, and destiny. After searching far and wide, in the back corners of the bars of New York City (Anna) and having scared away every last single woman runner in Seattle (Aaron), we met online during the height of the Coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Relegated to the usage of dating apps since there was literally nowhere to go and meeting new people in person was definitely illegal in Seattle, we connected on an app called "Hinge." (the story continues below the photo gallery...)
Photos courtesy Chelsea Tornga.
After a brief FED talk conference call where Aaron lurked anonymously in the virtual audience to get a glimpse of Anna in full-on business mode, we decided to roll the dice to meet ***IRL*** for an honest-to-goodness date in the Arboretum. Seattle is bad at prosecuting misdemeanors, we thought, so what the hell?! Let's do something risky!!
We dated, we felt the romance, the passion, and then I caught the cold feet and anxiety of committing to Anna’s social calendar. She had just moved back from NYC where I assumed her life was a nonstop cycle of run, work, party, work, run, party, work, work, run, and repeat!
Having been mostly single for the better part of a decade, I was clinging to my independence like a cat digging its claws into a luscious scratching post. So we played it cool for a few months. We went on runs occasionally, met with no expectations of being anything but friends, and tried dating other peeps.
And then Anna made the all-time power move by buying a house less than two miles from where I lived. I admired her commitment and persistence in wanting to be part of my life. Fun fact: this is now the house that we now co-habit.
Anna was committed to doing things together. She wanted to attend my races and cheer me on. She encouraged me in my training and invited me to outings with the friends that she made growing up here before she moved to New York.
Her friends quickly became my friends, too. It eased the pressure from feeling like I needed to be Anna's sole source of enjoyment. I began to realize that this person was for real. She picks up on my desire to still do my own things when I need to. But more importantly, she respects my interest in being true to who I am – an indoor cat who loves my naps so that I can sometimes venture out into the wild with plenty of social energy. This idea of accepting me for me is what makes Anna so unique. She stands way, way above anyone I have met before.
We dated, we felt the romance, the passion, and then I caught the cold feet and anxiety of committing to Anna’s social calendar. She had just moved back from NYC where I assumed her life was a nonstop cycle of run, work, party, work, run, party, work, work, run, and repeat!
Having been mostly single for the better part of a decade, I was clinging to my independence like a cat digging its claws into a luscious scratching post. So we played it cool for a few months. We went on runs occasionally, met with no expectations of being anything but friends, and tried dating other peeps.
And then Anna made the all-time power move by buying a house less than two miles from where I lived. I admired her commitment and persistence in wanting to be part of my life. Fun fact: this is now the house that we now co-habit.
Anna was committed to doing things together. She wanted to attend my races and cheer me on. She encouraged me in my training and invited me to outings with the friends that she made growing up here before she moved to New York.
Her friends quickly became my friends, too. It eased the pressure from feeling like I needed to be Anna's sole source of enjoyment. I began to realize that this person was for real. She picks up on my desire to still do my own things when I need to. But more importantly, she respects my interest in being true to who I am – an indoor cat who loves my naps so that I can sometimes venture out into the wild with plenty of social energy. This idea of accepting me for me is what makes Anna so unique. She stands way, way above anyone I have met before.
Photos courtesy Chelsea Tornga.
It’s been a real challenge to find someone who wants the whole package! This package being the baggage that I’ve carried with me since my brain cancer diagnosis and treatment in my early twenties. Thanks to the amazing therapeutic qualities of running, a superb community of running pals, and an incredible network of Seattle healthcare providers, my survival trail has been mostly positive. Nevertheless, there have been plenty of ankle-twisting roots and quad-pounding hills along the way to finding Anna. But we made it and we're thriving!
Having Anna in my life as my favorite running bud, as my crazy cat mama, and as my number-one supporter is why I want to marry her. Marriage being: the culmination of our partnership – a dedication to sharing all of life’s future pitfalls and its perils, as well as its peaks and P.B.s (personal bests). To me and Anna, FURR-ev-ah. To us!!
Having Anna in my life as my favorite running bud, as my crazy cat mama, and as my number-one supporter is why I want to marry her. Marriage being: the culmination of our partnership – a dedication to sharing all of life’s future pitfalls and its perils, as well as its peaks and P.B.s (personal bests). To me and Anna, FURR-ev-ah. To us!!
UPDATE!: Anna and I are running the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon! We are once again partnering with AACR's Runners for Research program. This coming November, we will take to the streets of New York City to promote AACR's mission of *PREVENTING* and *CURING* cancer. Through a sophisticated network of researchers, educators, policy advocates, and fund raisers, AACR is making massive strides in the field of cancer research.
And as part of the runners for research team at the New York City marathon this fall, we will take significant STRIDES in the latest advancements in AACR's work.
Please help us towards our collective goal of raising money to *OUT KICK* cancer!
Follow this link to donate. As always, thanks *A TON* for your support!
And as part of the runners for research team at the New York City marathon this fall, we will take significant STRIDES in the latest advancements in AACR's work.
Please help us towards our collective goal of raising money to *OUT KICK* cancer!
Follow this link to donate. As always, thanks *A TON* for your support!
Beach day at Corona del Mar
Sunny hike with the fam along Moro Ridge
Break from the action to offer this DEVASTATING social commentary...
Dear Future:
My agoraphobia has been at an all-time peak, lately. I ask, nay, beg of you, please do what you can to limit the time I spend in brick and mortar stores. I lust for the day I can 100% guarantee that my life will be free of serendipitous interactions w/ people I know. You know, the type who is all too eager to suck the little time I have allocated for i.r.l. / a.f.k. shopping by deciding to share with you the story of their “totes epic hike, dude”, or “sick and gnarly mountain bike ride.” Or the woes about their Seattle home search, “oh my god, this market is just soo crayzeee!?!” Tweet me @rocheAM and maybe you’ll get a reply. And a snarky chain of emojis.
- rocheAM, 12 June 2017, 1035hrs
My agoraphobia has been at an all-time peak, lately. I ask, nay, beg of you, please do what you can to limit the time I spend in brick and mortar stores. I lust for the day I can 100% guarantee that my life will be free of serendipitous interactions w/ people I know. You know, the type who is all too eager to suck the little time I have allocated for i.r.l. / a.f.k. shopping by deciding to share with you the story of their “totes epic hike, dude”, or “sick and gnarly mountain bike ride.” Or the woes about their Seattle home search, “oh my god, this market is just soo crayzeee!?!” Tweet me @rocheAM and maybe you’ll get a reply. And a snarky chain of emojis.
- rocheAM, 12 June 2017, 1035hrs
Holiday hoedown (and hikes) at the SoCal Silvestri House
Saying "so long" to summer with the SoCal Silvestris.
Ma & Dad visit Sun Town, part II.
Snaps from the ferry to Bainbridge Island and a stroll through the Bloedel Reserve. Bainbridge Island, WA, USA. 1 July 2016.
Hike among the various trails surrounding Naches Peak near Mt. Rainier. Southern Cascades, WA, USA. 3 July 2016.
31 July 2017
♫ Being grown-up isn't half as fun as growing up. ♫
Reflections on the past can be used to improve the state of one's future outlook.
Still searching for the perfect fit? The perfect job or the perfect relationship? Or, hey, what about the perfect bicycle measurements and seat post setting? I hear ya -- sometimes it feels as if I'm just doing a little too much work atop those pedals, ya know? Any-hoo, every now and again I'm faced with a teaser opportunity to peak into what could be? A little taste of the unknown, if you will. Without going into particulars, let's just say when moments like these pop-up *AND* a song from the Ataris comes piping through your earbuds with lyrics like this you just gotta seize that opportunity and appreciate being alive! Also, "Blue Horseshoe Loves Anicott Steel. Ya got that?!" ~(;
Still searching for the perfect fit? The perfect job or the perfect relationship? Or, hey, what about the perfect bicycle measurements and seat post setting? I hear ya -- sometimes it feels as if I'm just doing a little too much work atop those pedals, ya know? Any-hoo, every now and again I'm faced with a teaser opportunity to peak into what could be? A little taste of the unknown, if you will. Without going into particulars, let's just say when moments like these pop-up *AND* a song from the Ataris comes piping through your earbuds with lyrics like this you just gotta seize that opportunity and appreciate being alive! Also, "Blue Horseshoe Loves Anicott Steel. Ya got that?!" ~(;
Another year, post-brain tumor treatments
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Today (8 Feb 2016) marks eight years since my last dose of radiation at Jefferson University Hospital's Bodine Center for Radiation Therapy / Kimmel Cancer Center. It's hard to quantify the amount of time I spend questioning the possibility that the radiation treatments were the genesis of any of the lingering issues I have today. On a daily basis, I live with various symptoms of what are supposedly associated with an auto-immune thyroid condition known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I do believe I have this condition and I do believe that the condition is the cause of these symptoms; however, I am forever going to associate the exacerbation of experiencing the symptoms of Hashimoto's with the end of my radiation therapy.
Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, I have been more in-tune with my body and know how to assess my symptoms better than at any other time in my life. Living and attempting to "flourish in society" has it's ups and a whole lot of downs. I persist in being someone who approaches life with a positive disposition, having done a fair job in surrounding myself with plenty of productive distractions to keep me moving. The 8th of February 2008 will always be a strange celebration. Sure, it marked the end a stretch of willingly going to appointments to poison my body. But it also opened up a brand new, mysterious world in which to navigate. For the record, I think killing cells -- cancer cells, tumor cells, and any other kind of cells and/or tissue -- by the method of stereotactic radiosurgery can be, without a doubt, classified as poisoning Eight years on, I have much for which to be grateful. Each day has it's beauty. I am alive to experience it, to question it, to enjoy it, to frequently get challenged by it, but to always live it. Life! Just keep moving. |
p.s. feeling pretty energized on this Monday. Not going to celebrate too much, yet. Though adding the fer. sulfate (iron) back into the morning supplement regimen and the kava to my evening, sleep-support "rockstar cocktail" seems to be contributing to my elevated state. [bedside cocktail above]. -A-a
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HealTH CArE ALeRt! 6 June 2017
Recent msg sent via "MyChart" to my N.D. & her team: Good morning Dr. Pellegrini and team! Just a heads-up: Aetna will be trying to contact you today re: Rx refill. Please be on the lookout for a fax, yes fax (uggggh, why?!?) with a request to change the order from a 30 pills & 30-day order to 90 pills & 90-day order. Please keep me in the loop if any issues persist. Thanks for your attention to this, Aaron |