Ten Years

This is Matt, the husband, and I rarely post on this blog but this occasion called for it. Today, September 12th, my wife Megan and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary. Ten. Years. How 'bout them apples?! It has been a terrific journey thus far that is built on love. Pure old fashioned love.

See, we met in an unconventional manner, and after dating just 9 months we were engaged. Then, just 30 days before our wedding day I moved my wife (who had never moved) from Chicago to Cleveland. And then it was on! We went on to live in Virginia, Colorado, and now in South Jersey. She stayed with me on every move. That takes love and a lot of trust.

Through all of these years and moves, we have both taught each other much. For example:

I taught her how to eat sushi on our very first date. Love.
She taught me what quinoa was. Love. (Well, like actually. Well, not really. I don't like it.)
I taught her to be a Buckeye (and college football) fan. Love.
She taught me to be half of a Chicago Bears fan. Love...but GO COWBOYS!
We both taught one another a little bit about determination, never giving up, and sacrificing whatever it took to have a child. Love. Sacrifice. Miracle. Thankful.
Yes, we (like many many couples) struggled with "unexplained infertility" for 6 years. We went through many unsuccessful tries. Then we would have success with IVF and get a heartbeat. Only to lose it later on. Twice. But we supported one another, and even though we came close a couple of times, we never gave up. And then it happened on our last IVF attempt. A miracle little girl! Love.

What does all of this have to do with our anniversary? Well, I hope our daughter reads this one day and understands that marriages are journeys where if you keep an open mind, never give up, and REALLY love one another, anything is possible. Everything is possible.

Everything is possible with a terrific partner, an open mind, a sense of adventure, compromise, and love. Happy 10th anniversary to the woman who possesses all of those traits and so very much more! I can't wait to see where this journey takes us next.

Love...

Matt

Totally Warranted Solicitation!

I am not one to ask for a lot. I don't expect a lot. But, in some cases...I am completely comfortable, and not at all above, begging for a little bit of help. This is one of those cases!

I have joined team Scoot A Doot for the Million Mile Run in order to raise money and awareness for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer. Now, I am overly aware of the fact that not a lot of people visit this blog. Why would they? I hardly update it anymore. But, in the rare scenario that someone DOES actually stop by for a brief read, I would like to put this out here....

PLEASE HELP!
PLEASE DONATE ON MY BEHALF!
PLEASE JOIN IN RAISING AWARENESS AND MONEY FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF CHILDHOOD CANCER!
WHY IN THE HECK WOULDN'T YOU???

I have already made my donation. And, I have put more money toward the cause by ordering one of these awesome shirts that the foundation is selling:



In addition, I will be logging all of my running miles throughout the month of September to help reach the foundation's million mile goal! Given I will be running my first half marathon in two weeks, I am hoping to put in some good mileage this month!

So, find it in your heart to go to our TEAM PAGE to donate. Once there, find the "Donate to My Event" box at the top right hand side of the page. Click on the arrows for the drop down menu, please find and click on "Megan Ritter". From there, click on the orange "Donate" button to donate to the team and cause on my behalf. Follow the instructions from there. Then, sit back and feel proud of yourself for your philanthropic efforts! Well done. Really, well done!

We appreciate your support! Thanks!

We Bought a Zoo!

Or not. But, it just might have felt that way after we got done shelling out cash for tolls, tickets, parking, a snack, and one draft horse ride. But, all in all, it added up to being well worth the cost given the entertainment that was provided. Even if we didn't get to keep the zoo.

The flamingos were more than a bit rambunctious and LOUD, and the monkeys were completely wired and flying off the hook! I haven't seen a chase scene or gymnastics capabilities like that in some time! Finnley loved it all, including the ride on the gigantic draft horse. All.By.Herself. Big girl caliber stuffs all around.

A nice kickoff to Labor Day weekend. Now, after that trip to the zoo and after this weekend AND the start of college football, I am hoping we can put this ridiculous summer and its uninviting weather behind us and sprint our way into fall. Ah, I can smell, feel, and taste it now (think pumpkin everything, cool crisp air, acorns, crunchy leaves, and jeans and sweaters). yeah. Perfection.

Zoo business:

OBX - June 2013

Another year. Another wonderful trip to the Outer Banks. We are only 1 day in, but I think we can project "wonderful trip" with confidence. It has already been so worth it. With all the craziness that is currently our daily lives, this trip is perfectly timed and beyond necessary. We are going to take full advantage and enjoy every single second of it. Here is a look into the beginning days of our current vacation...

It's A NEW POST!!!

OK, so it's not. HAPPY APRIL FOOL'S DAY!

So, it might NOT be a new post, but here IS a picture or two to keep you reasonably happy. Or perhaps less unhappy. Or, whatever...if the pictures don't do it for you, go take some medication or do some drinking. That will help. You're welcome.

Ringing in the New Year

In this new year, I resolve:

To be the best mom possible to this sweet little girl. To let her know every day that she is beautiful, and wanted, and loved. To let her daddy know how proud I am of him, what an important person he is to each of us, and how loved and needed he really is. To live big while remembering not to sweat the small stuff. To strive to do the right thing, without compromising who I am, as much as I possibly can. To say sorry when it is necessary. And to admit when I make mistakes...and then do my best to learn from them, embrace them, and grow from them.



In life it is important to remember how affective each spoken word can can be and how words and actions can impact others. It is essential to focus on what really matters. Perspective is key. Honesty is critical. Confrontation and resolution are necessary, as they create understanding and an opportunity to learn, mature, and evolve. There is no need for self-righteousness or narcissism. There is no place for closed-mindedness or condescension. Put simply, live in a manner that makes you happy without in turn causing harm or unhappiness to others.

We should all resolve to be better versions of ourselves each year. We should hold ourselves accountable for this resolution, as well as for our daily choices as we go about this journey. Life is too short to live with constant bitterness...to be filled with a sense of superiority that leads to the ceaseless judgment of others...to be wrapped up in the intricacies of things that really do not matter. Find time for self-reflection and self-assessment instead of being so consumed with the analysis of those around you.

Enjoy life.

Enjoy love.

Enjoy family.

Create your own "happily ever after".

Happy 2013! Happy life! Happy you!