Nine years ago today I married the love of my life.  We’ve never kissed under a kitchen counter, but I do own a pair of white pants.

Paul Anderson is a national champion and gold medal Olympian in weightlifting. The Guinness Book of World Records lists his feat of lifting 6,270 pounds in a back lift as “the greatest weight ever raised by a human being”. He represented the United States in the 1956 Summer Olympic Games in Melbourne.

Mr. Anderson is considered to be one of the strongest men in recorded history for his mostly unequaled feats of strength.

Bobby Leach was the second person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, accomplishing the feat on July 25, 1911. He spent six months in the hospital recovering from injuries he sustained during the fall, which included two broken knee caps and a fractured jaw. For several years he toured Canada, the United States and England, recounting his harrowing journey at vaudeville shows and lecture halls, exhibiting his barrel and posing for pictures.

In 1926, while on a publicity tour in New Zealand, Leach injured his leg when he slipped on an orange peel. The leg became infected, and eventually gangrene necessitated the amputation of the leg. Despite this extreme procedure, Bobby Leach died of complications two months later.

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Survived Niagara Falls…killed by an orange peel.

Just a few of the experiences that I am thankful for over the past year:

1.  Traveling to Europe with Laura over the summer.  Fond memories of the amazing culture, food, and hospitality.  Many stamps on my passport and a fantastic trip.

2.  Sanibel 2013 – Sunsets, dolphin, rainbows, alligators, and fun with family and friends who visited.

3.  Health – Running my first half marathon in March.  Losing 62 pounds in order to reach my goal weight.  Running a second half marathon in June.

4.  Other vacations and the ability to travel – Louisville, Memphis, New Orleans, San Diego, Las Vegas, New York, Nashville, Chicago, etc.

5.  Food – BBQ in Memphis, an amazing buffet in Las Vegas, many memorable splurge meals, Drinks in New Orleans, Meals in Italy, etc.

6.  Celebrations – New Babies, Weddings, Birthdays.