A few years ago, a whole lotta youse provided me with assistance - prayers, ~ma, thoughts, good wishes, and financial - to finish my education and graduate and become a teacher. A long held, once thought out of reach dream.

Our district photographer visited my classroom this past week and took 250+ shots in my room during our calendar/rug time and an MLK project we did with the other first grade classroom. They were posted to our district photo gallery today. I thought you guys might like to see them.

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Thank you so incredibly much. Everyone.

So...apparently I'm doing a marathon tomorrow. I won't lie -- I'm really nervous about the run. My training topped out at 20 miles (a full marathon is 26.2 miles, 42.2 km) and that was my last long run before I pulled my hip/groin muscles. I've given myself time to heal and am well taped up for tomorrow, but with the heat and distance, this will truly be something I've never done and never thought I could do. Thank you to my cheerleaders who have given me purpose and confidence and special thanks to those who donated to my charity, Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles. My goal was to raise $1500, and I'm currently at $1674.84, which is amazing!

If you want to track my slow progress tomorrow, I'm bib 11410. You can download the LA Marathon app if you're interested. I had originally aimed to finish under 5 hours, but with the extreme heat and my injury, I suspect it will take me closer to 7. I should be starting between 7:15 - 7:30 board time since I'll be towards the back of the pack.

A whole year has passed since this wonderful community helped me to win the Washington City Paper Best Life Coach in DC poll.

It's voting time again!

Please lend me your clicks at this link.

This is a fun radio interview I did that highlights what I do and how I do it. It would be great for sharing with folks you know, who do not know me.

See where I am going here? I would be SO grateful for shares and encouraged votes. The competition is stiff this year.

Much obliged!

My brother is having a baby!

Well his wife is.

My sister-in-law is having a baby.

I'M GONNA BE AN UNCLE.

After 10 years together, my girlfriend is now officially my wife. We had a quiet ceremony at the courthouse today. We were pleasantly surprised by the judge's handling of the ceremony.

It is the last day for voting in the the City Paper Best of poll

I can't offer Girl Scout cookies, but I would be so grateful for any spare email votes.

Thank you!

Hello, my friends! It's been a little while, but I wanted to pop by and let you all know that our baby girl arrived safe and sound at 12:31am, February 23, 2016. She weighed 4 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 16.5" long. She's a tiny peanut, but absolutely perfect. We couldn't be more in love. It was a terrifying pregnancy, and delivery was more eventful than I would have preferred, but she is so very worth it.

I keep meaning to get a Flickr album up that I can share here, but have been adjusting to life with a preterm infant. You can see some pics on Instagram. I hope to get her birth story up at MeekManor.com soon. You can also see a sneak peek photo from our newborn photo shoot on our photographer's Facebook page. I'll share that one in the Buffista groups on Facebook.

Her online nickname continues to be Stitch. Since I'm so involved in the loss community, we've decided to keep her full name more private. Happy to share if you reach out.

I earnestly request your ~ma today.

The suggestion of a very serious illness is being floated my way.

I began the inquiry yesterday and was immediately given a follow up appointment for later today. Not super reassuring conceptually but good that there is something to do.

Please keep me in your good thoughts at 5ish eastern time. And a bit later as I face a barrage of blood tests which, you may recall, is particularly hard for me.

I want to walk strong, but right now, I'm just not feelin' it.

My dad's in the icu in critical condition with complications from his Parkinson's. I'm underway headed to Dallas now to join my mom and sister. The SO will be holding down the fort in Arizona until further notice. Unsure what kind of ~ma to ask for, but peaceful passing is certainly among the options.

It's official!

This morning the finalization hearing for the little guy's adoption was held. He's ours!