Run run run

So i completed the Columbus half marathon today. I didn't win. But I wasn't dead last. I don't think I'll be doing the full anytime soon. 13.1 miles is plenty for me. I probably didn't train as much as I should have but still did better than I expected.

I knew my dad was a cross country coach but apparently the Szczepanik legacy in distance running ran this deep

Dear Dad,

Three years since you've been gone. Still seems strange. The holidays are still weird. The armchair in the family room still seems empty. It's even odd going to Indians games without you - although they stink this year. I'm sure we would've gone to some of the promotional games.

We all still wish we had your help with the seemingly endless to-do list. We wish we had your decisiveness. I wish I still had you to call when I need advice. I wish you were here for car shopping and haggling. I wish you were here for Mom.

Mariella and I have been married for more than a year now. I'm continually inspired by Mom. The girls seem to be doing well - making you proud. The grandkids are fun as per usual. I'm taking the boys fishing this weekend - Henry kept asking. I just hope no one gets hooked.

I still run into people that knew you. You had such a huge impact on so many people. It's pretty amazing. So many people miss you - me especially.

We love you always.

Love,
Mark

New fantasy football logo

Whimper, you cowards!

I know what i'm doing aug 10-16

The hole my sisters made

Indiana Henry

Henry was at great grandma's for a bit on saturday. He took the opportunity to put on a hat and buckskin leather vest. I told him he looked like indiana jones. So he started marching around and singing the theme song. I should've told him he looked like davy crockett b/c I bet he doesn't know that song.

Lambcake kiss you

Seen in Parma

Why didn't I think of these?

Awesome.

Good News!

I'm famous

check me out.

Greenville Trip

I realize I've been bad at blogging in a timely manner. But I have been busy with a number of things. Seems like we've got something to do after work everyday. Add to that our attempts to get to the gym and it's hard to find the time to blog.

A couple of weeks ago, I took a trip to Greenville, SC to judge their ADDY Awards. All in all, it was a pretty good time.

This is the view from one of our host's house. Impressive view.

I wonder what he's a doctor of

Things Mariella wouldn't let me buy - Episode #452

Who doesn't need a prayerful frog.

Jesus Chinese Calendar

I know it's been a while, so I'll make it up to all my readers by cleaning out my photos from the past few months that have been languishing on my cell phone.

This first one is a pic of my new calendar from "toothpick"/the chinese buffett down the street from my office. They always give these out around the holidays. You have several options typically featuring scenes of the chinese countryside. I HAD to get this one. My favorite part is the animals of the chinese zodiac pictured below Him.

Princess Pete

Saw this set of action figures while shopping at Ollie's. Seemed pretty normal until closer inspection.

The princess seems to be just one of the guys.

Welcome Woods

I was at Progressive Field the day new reliever Kerry Wood came for a press conference. They welcomed him with this scoreboard message. Can't wait for the tribe to come back.