It is only fitting that my dad was the one to kick off my fundraising and my mom’s donation was the one to push me across the finish line!

My mom started applying the term “Warrior Princess” for me in high school when I was running cross country … well, at least that’s the time I remember her using it with regular frequency. Even though I don’t run nearly as much (or nearly as fast) as I did then, it still makes me smile when I hear it.

These days I think my mom is more of a warrior than I am. As adorable, wonderful and amazing as Hailey is, I know that watching an energetic one year old during the days MUST get tiring. I know she wouldn’t trade her Boo Time for anything, but I get tired just trying to get myself through a work day, so I respect her that much more.

Justin, Jaclyn and I have at times given our mom a hard time for being a bit of a “helicopter parent,” which is just a funny way of saying she likes to hover and make sure everything is OK. Only now that I’m 29, have been living too far away for more than a decade, met others who didn’t grow up with two supportive parents and realized I turned out alright that I’ve come to appreciate all she did (and still does) for us.

My mom and pops were there to witness my best high school cross country race and my best college cross country race. The three of us were together again for my dad’s best marathon. While this one certainly won’t be my best half-marathon ever, it means a lot that they have both made the decision to support me.

Thanks for everything, Mom ... and I'll see you on Mother's Day!!

My mom and pops become grandparents!

Mom & Boo read "Grandma & Me," which is pretty awesome.

Thank you, Elizabeth!

As I mentioned in the post about my Aunt Mimi, it has been so wonderful to have a relative be within driving distance in D.C.

It has been very special to have Elizabeth, Kevin and Collin close by. I’ve gotten to experience things I’ve missed with other cousins, like Collin’s baby photo shoot and his Baptism celebration. Also, I get to see a wide range of my mom’s side of the family on a more regular basis when they come to town.

The Finnegan home was a place I found comfort during a terrible break up and a one of the first places I wanted to bring Dan after we got back together. That’s what family is all about, right?? :)

Elizabeth has been wonderful to me ever since I first visited the city in 2007, offering the best advice, assistance and recommendations for professional and personal situations. Kevin has remained a favorite of my friend Carrie ever since she came with me for a famous Finnegan meal. Collin was still a bun in Elizabeth’s oven at this point, so Kevin was determined to make sure that ALL of us were eating for two.

I got to watch as Collin’s eyes light up when he saw his first snowflakes, and I can’t wait to watch him play his first hockey game (or whatever sport it may be … but I have a feeling…)

Thank you to Elizabeth for supporting me in this mission and for truly being everything it means to be family.

The Finnegan Family!

Kevin served me. Yes. He considers this ONE SERVING.

Elizabeth and her peanut, Collin.

BIG thanks to my Aunt Mimi for her generous support of me in this fundraising effort!

My godmother lives out in Colorado, but I’m fortunate that her daughter, my cousin Elizabeth, works in D.C.

Elizabeth is my only relative in the area, and it has been such a blessing during these last five years to spend time with her, and now with her wonderful husband Kevin and their son Collin. The Finnegan clan has always been so warm and welcoming, and I can’t explain how good it feels to have family close by for the first time since I left California more than a decade ago. I also can’t describe how full I am after leaving a meal prepared by Kevin.

Because of Elizabeth’s proximity, it means I’ve gotten to see Aunt Mimi and Uncle Jules far more than I would have otherwise. Whether it was planning Elizabeth’s wedding, the big day itself or the arrival of Collin, there have been many celebratory occasions recently to bring the VanDersarl family to D.C.

Growing up, my siblings and I would always know when Aunt Mimi was on the phone, because she and our mom could talk for hours without catching a breath. (Elizabeth and I now refer to this near-instant transfer of information as the Mothernet. It is a very powerful method of communication.) The more years that go by since I’ve been in the same state as my sister, the more that I not only understand but am jealous of these epically long phone calls.

Thank you!!

Collin plays in the snow at Aunt Mimi and Uncle Jules' house!

The day Jon moved into Dan’s house, the three of us ventured up for a night out on U Street – after I consumed an entire bottle of white wine. It was a little misleading of a start, as we would now probably both agree he is far more capable of polishing off a bottle in one sitting.

Regardless, it was a wonderful beginning to the friendship.

No one would call Jon the Pollyanna of 18 3rd Street, but he brings plenty to the table. For starters, you never ever want to be on the opposing trivia team. We’ve accused Jon of altering Wikipedia once or twice to uphold an obscure factoid that he’s inserted into conversation. Reality is he’s just a damn sponge for random information and is really freaking good at using context clues to figure out anything he doesn’t know immediately. Caitlin, Andi and I had the honor of being on his team for a winning round of trivia at Cap Lounge. Jon was in the zone that evening, while I contributed nothing besides moral support and a random answer of “Buttermaker.”

Jon also (almost covertly) runs a ton of 5ks, 10ks, 10 milers … and now half marathons. I remember one Saturday morning thinking that Jon must have slept over at his friend’s because his room was empty. A few hours later, he walked in the door with a 10k finisher’s medal around his neck … while I was still perched on the sofa in my PJs with coffee number three.

Additionally, we have mutual loves of browsing adorable puppy photos and watching Modern Family/Parks & Rec on slight delay as to fast forward through commercials.

Going back to the wine, though, I also have to thank Jon for enthusiastically supporting Team NATITUDE by attending both of our group’s all-you-can-drink happy hours.

He’s a team player and a great friend (and also knows a good deal when he sees it).

Thank you, Jon!!

SHEEP!!!

A very Wolverine Christmas.

Nora is one of my longest tenured friends. However, though we lived in the same freshman dorm and were obviously on the cross country and track teams together, I really think it was in our more adult years that our friendship really grew into the wonderful relationship that I hold so dear.

I’m not discounting any of the fun or crazy memories from our first few years of college—because they were really fun and really crazy. But when I think of Nora, I think of someone who I can talk to about pretty much anything, even if those talks are months apart.

If Nora were a rock – and if you know her, you know why she wouldn’t mind me drawing this analogy -- she’d have lots of layers, including some really tough ones and some softer ones. She’d also have a bunch of flecks of gold or red or something. Nora’s layers are part of the reason why I love her so much. She’s brilliant and intense when it comes to her work but often silly and hysterically funny with her family and close friends. Nora has the best set of ears when you need to unload, but doesn’t mince words when she doles out the advice you seek. She’s persistent and also patient with her long-distance friends, something to which I greatly credit our lasting friendship.

Nora could also tell me the scientific name and chemical makeup of the rock I just described (if it even exists).

Her blend of geekiness and athleticism is one I admire and adore, and I’m counting down the days until I get to host her and Besim in D.C. in April. The District is the perfect city for her inner nerd and runner to be endlessly entertained.

Thank you, friend!

I'd pop bubbly in your honor any time, Ms. Sullivan!!