You can't fix crazy. . .

If you ask me, running 13 miles is a challenge in itself. Well, a few weekends ago, my husband and his bestfriend decided to take that up several notches when they competed in the Tough Mudder, which makes the claim, "Probably the Toughest Event on the Planet." The race was held conveniently close to Austin. After witnessing (Denise and me) and competing (Joey and Mark), I'd say we'd all have to agree with that.

In the zone...

Joey and I have raced triathons, Mark has done a marathon or two, so this ain't our first rodeo. But honestly, I've never seen anything quite like this. And I'm not altogether certain that I could have completed it, but they both did! Which is the only goal, by the way. I don't even think they keep time.

The rest of their team! The race had other entertaining aspects, besides the live torture. The costumes are hysterical. No babies were harmed during this race, although I can't say the same for the doll and pony.

Like I said before, it's 13 miles and interspersed in the hilly terrain were 29 ostacles. Examples that come to mind are having to take a dive off a 20-foot high plank into mud, hmmm, and wading through a neck-high mudhole that had just been filled with ice, oh and if you tried to get out you would be struck with barbed wire.....oh, and to finish off, crawling through a final mudhole while hundreds of wires charged with electricity shock you. All I can say is, what is wrong with these people?!?

Needless to say, it was quite an accomplishment to finish a race like this, and I'm proud of both the boys! I took a ton of pictures at this very entertaining spectacle, and I think they speak pretty well for themselves. Here's a few, enjoy!

About to start the crazy!



Poor pony....



ICE!!

Second thoughts? :)

Still smilin'

I mean...just wow buddy. Teehee

Last but not least...a little shock therapy.



COMPLETION! TOUGH MUDDERS FOR LIFE

Needless to say, I didn't run the 13 with them to see all the obstacles, but you get the idea. As for me, I think I'll just stick with triathlons.....sheesh.

Not to mention we had a wonderful visit with our dear friends!

la vie en Paris...the work version

A few weeks ago, I traveled to Paris for work. Yes, I'm a lucky girl! My company's corporate headquarters is there, and the global marketing communications team met together for a few days to exchange ideas and get to know one another. It was wonderful for me to get to meet so many colleagues so early on in my career with this company - it really helps to form professional relationships when you meet someone face to face. And it was amazing to see that although we all work for the same company how differently the regional marketing teams function all over the world, from the team in Asia, to the European teams to us in North America. And it makes sense of course, considering how diverse the regions are, but it was interesting to see it in action.

I had an amazing time getting to meet some great people from all over the world and spending more time with my fantastic team in North America. And of course I got to practice my French! Although we worked a lot, we got to step out into the beautiful city and do a little sight seeing. Here are some photos.

I have the pleasure of working closely with these girls every day! At Sacre Coeur 

Riding bikes around the city, here at the Louvre

They've discovered how silly I am

Great memories!

Rainbow!

Some sweet friends of ours stayed at our place in Austin for Austin City Limits while we were gone (Joey decided to go to Louisiana while I was in Paris to gear up for the hunting season). I really hated to miss my first ACL while living in Austin, but I guess I can't complain since I was in Paris. When we got home, these were waiting for us:

These were not necessary at all, but it was so very thoughtful of them and a great surprise! Who doesn't love coming home to flowers?

Love and light,

fleur