Mike - Mike Ruman | Husband, Father, Friend, Fighter

Sometimes You Have To Leave Your Family Behind

October 22, 2011 By Mike Leave a Comment

I left my family behind this week. It was good for me … and for them.

This was my office, in Vail. #toughlife

Four days away from Lisa and our four (very young) children.

Did I feel guilty about this? A little. Should I feel guilty? No.

Every person should leave their family behind for these three reasons.

Recharge – Young children can be a bit draining on you … okay that is a bit of an understatement. Young children are very draining on you. They can, and will, burn you out. Getting away for a few days helps recharge the your mind and body.
Reflect - Life moves at 1,000 MPH, we all know that. Spending a few days away from the family gives me time to think about all that is/has/is going to be going on. I end up thanking God quite a bit during this time.
Return – Coming back after a few days of being away makes returning home so … umm … awesome? Yep, awesome. I long to return home after being away. There is just something about opening the door and having the smiles of your kids and especially that beautiful wife of mine when I return. That, my friends, is priceless.

I get away for a few days every quarter. That works for me and my family. I can say fairly confidently that it’ll work for you as well.

Filed Under: Foster Parenting, General, Parenting

My First Swim Lesson

September 14, 2011 By Mike Leave a Comment

I had my first swim lesson today. At 33 years old. Crazy, huh?

It went well. I have this guy named Bubba teaching me. Pretty old. Scruffy beard. Bit of a belly. You know typical swim coach.

Anyway the lesson went good. Bubba is an old Navy rescue diver (don’t let his looks fool you). He did a great job breaking down the things I was doing wrong (which was almost everything) and gave me some tips to help me breath (the key here is to keep blowing air out of your body while your head is under water).

Why are you taking swim classes Mike? Well, glad you asked. I’d like to do another triathlon sometime next summer (http://trifind.com).
Why’s that? I don’t know. Quit asking me stupid questions.

5 more weeks with Bubba and I shall be the next Michael Phelps (minus the medicinal marijuana). Looking forward to it.

Why did you write this post Mike? I think of this site as my accountability group. So once I write it on here it’s official. You’ll hold me accountable, right? You bet good looking man.

I also need a road bike for the race. Gotta start saving up the cash now. Hire me to consult you on … stuff … and maybe I can get that bike sooner, ok?

A little triathlon motivation. This dude is amazing.

Filed Under: Fitness

A New Name

September 8, 2011 By Mike 3 Comments

Things with our twins are looking good for a potential adoption.

Last week we were told by the social worker to change their names … their first names. That’s probably a good indicator that they may be staying with us forever.

Changing an 18 month old’s name is not the easiest thing, but we’re doing alright with it. They’ll pretty much answer to any name right now. But, working on getting them to learn their names.

I think Lisa and I went from the excitement of “wow, we may have these children forever” to “wow, me may have these children forever”.

It IS exciting, and it IS a little bit terrifying.

Sidenote: We’re also beginning work (again) on our fosterbook.com site. We figure we have a whole lot of experience we can pass on, may as well put that on a website.

Filed Under: Foster Parenting