Silence. Not always golden.

Silence. I didn't realize what a silent house was until today.

It is something I wish I never had to experience.

For the past 3 1/2 years I have come home to an excited pup, wagging his tail, jumping up and down and beyond excited to see me. No matter how bad my day was, Snyder, the pup knew no different. He greeted me with love and excitement every day- even if he had gotten into some mischief during the day.

He was my little boy. He was my pup. When I rescued him from the Atlanta Humane Society in January 2008, my life changed forever.

What I wouldn't do to have him wake up at 5:00 a.m. for a potty break outside. What I wouldn't do to have to come home early from out with friends to let him out. What I wouldn't do to wake up in the middle of the night and realize Snyder is taking up 95% of the bed and all the covers. What I wouldn't do for another walk around the block or to toss him another treat when I leave the house.

Snyder was my guy. He was there when my dog back at home, Bailey, passed away. He was there to cuddle with when both of my Grandma's passed away. He comforted Eric and Me when we got home from the hospital after his father passed away.

He even knew what the word "cuddle" meant. He would grab his dog treat, pace around the coffee table 3 times and run in bed....waiting for me to join.

After I closed on my house, I couldn't wait to bring Snyder "home" and show him HIS new backyard...all for him. All the squirrels and birds to chase with no leash. Snyder was even there when Eric proposed...standing right behind me when Eric was down on one knee asking for his hand in marriage (I may have even tripped over Snyder when I was jumping with joy- I think he even jumped for joy with me).

So when I got the call from the doggy daycare that Snyder passed away when I was out of town I was crushed. I am still crushed. I will be crushed for sometime. We found out he passed away because of a case of pancreatitis...a condition that he came down with 2 years ago and almost didn't make it. It is something that happens in dogs that is hard to detect.

He was only 4 years old. He was supposed to be our pup for 10+ more years and meet our human kids. He warmed everyone's heart. He had an outgoing personality and was a lover.

So walking in the house without my pup waiting for me sucked. it was quiet. silent. completely silent. When I sat down on my couch, I just wished I would hear him paw at the back door and bark once to let me know he wanted back in. I would give anything to have to vacuum every other day again. his fur wasn't bad. I miss him and always will.

Snyder- I will miss you. I hope you are playing non-stop in doggie heaven! We will cuddle soon :) I love you.

Boom, boom, boom!

I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th weekend! I spent the weekend doing some all-american things like...

baseball (Braves won! But we missed the Grand Slam because we were getting ice cream :) 

and some fireworks after the game!

I also did taught a few yoga classes, visited the farmers market (have some amazing tomatoes and an eggplant!). 

On Monday morning I participated in the WORLD'S LARGET 10K! 60,000 people ran the 6.2 mile race on July 4th. It is an Atlanta tradition that people talk about every year. There are folks that fly 1/2 way across the country to participate in. Although I wasn't even close to winning (the male winner ran the race in 33 minutes- yes folks, he averaged a 4:20 minute mile for 6.2 miles straight!). 

I finished in 1 hour and 23 minutes. Not too bad considering it was my first race ever, I didn't train as much as I wanted and you had to weave in and out of 60,000 people. The race started with the national anthem and a flyover by 3 F-16 fighter jets. It was truly remarkable. 

Here I am in the morning (not hot and sweaty yet- yes i am aware, the NO bangs is not a good look for me. i wasn't thinking fashion when i was thinking about running 6.2 miles in 90+ degree heat). 

Getting nervous in the car. Thanks to my future hubby for waking up so early on race day :)

I crossed the finish line and got THE T-SHIRT*!

So if you aren't from Atlanta, you might think-- it's a t-shirt. who cares? The coveted Peachtree Road Race t-shirt is only given to individuals who cross the finish line with a race number. There is a lottery system to even get a number in the first place. More than 2,000 people didn't even get a number in the lottery. You can sell your number and make bank if you want- but I decided to try the race and so glad I did! After you cross the finish line you are directed to the exit. There are gates so no one can get in or out of this path. Once you get to the exit gates, you get a bag with your t-shirt and they mark an x on your race number- meaning you have your t-shirt; you don't get another :)

Can't wait to wear my t-shirt out :) I know it's just a t-shirt.. but it means so much more!

Who wants to run with me next year?!?!