We all have our beginning, our color is varying shades of pink, and we have our endings. We are a family, a joined force, that are all fighting for one common goal. Together we will find a Cure!
The way you walk... The shoes you wear...Sounds like the beginning of a great commercial right? Nope, instead the start of a friendship with some shoes that I hope will take me far. These "Cute" little shoes are my newest addition to my 3-Day gear. You might be asking at this point what are they? They are called Vibram Fivefingers. This style is known as "Bikila". I anxiously have been awaiting their arrival. I saw a couple of the staff in Cleveland last year wearing them. At the time I already had my training buddies broken in and wasn't about to switch at that point. So, thinking that it is still early enough to break in these beauties for the 3-Day events and the 5K in Columbus. They use what they call barefoot technology. This particular models tread design was made to offer more traction over a variety of surfaces. The shoe uses Vibram TC-1 performance rubber that delivers an excellent "foot feel" without compromising abrasion resistance. They offer the wearer a 4mm anatomical pod outsole design, which distributes forefoot impact forces, without compromising important ground feedback essential to a proper forefoot strike running form. Another feature of the shoe is a 3mm Drilex covered Polyuerthane footbed that offers more planting protection. On the top of the shoe they have an adjustable strap that allows you to adjust security and fit. Lastly, they have a AEGIS Microbe Shield. It is a revolutionary bonded antimicrobial technology that provides protection against odor, staining and deterioration. It is a permanently bonded antimicrobial barrier. Meets with EPA and Global registrations. So, if all of this has left you wanting to know more about them or wanting to try out your own set of these beauties check out their website at www.vibramfivefingers.com/ You can also, go towww.aegismicrobeshield.com to get additional information about the microbe shield. So, I am going to break them in and let you know what my take is on these. I can tell you that for some reason they seem to draw attention? Weird hu?
My niece, Ashleigh decided to get involved in the Race for the Cure in Columbus, Ohio. Being extremely proud of her, I wanted to find a way to support her. So, I decided to walk beside her for the5K walk on May 14th. I've never been to Columbus and thought this would be a great way to spend time with her, as well as supporting her endeavor. Looks like slowly the "PINK" is taking over the family... (( Big Smile )) Then I just got some exciting news! I was invited to Progressive Field with a guest to see the Cleveland Indians game on May 15th. We were given the huge honor of being part of the Human Pink Ribbon! We will get to be on the field in front of everyone before the start of the game. So, it is going to be an incredible Pink weekend! Can you say Photo Op?
Ok, so it is my Birthday, but I'm going to party like it's not!
Where to start?!? Well, most of you would have never guessed that I have hit my "milestone" birthday of 40. ( Rolling on floor laughing ) I am conflicted, as I don't feel like it or look like it, but that might just be my birthday denial talking. I will start out by Thanking my Mother & Father because with out them and their Love, I would not be here! It's truly Amazing to me as I sit here typing this entry my phone is ( Blowing up! ) I know we have all had at least a day when self doubt has crawled in, and you wonder if you have really made a difference or if anyone ever thinks of you? Well, today has defiantly shown me that "Yes" I have. A huge smile, beaming from my face. I have had people post on my Facebook page from all different times and stages of my life and it is truly heart warming, humbling and one of the best presents I could ask for! It's funny, when you get to your birthday as a kid you can't wait because, you get surrounded by presents, cake and lots of friends. Time marches on... Then you get to your 16th Birthday, which for a girl, ( back in my day ) lol was your "coming out party". 18, you get your drivers licence. 21, Whoo~Hoo the "magical age when you can legally drink". Then 25, your car insurance lowers ( if you were good ) and then.... Well for me, 27, Joined the Marines. 28, got a Tattoo ( Nope, not telling ). 29, thought it might be a good idea to get married ( Wrong! or at least wrong man ). 30, Happy & Single...Again. 32, decided I would take a leap of faith and married, Chad. 33, Met the most Amazing little man with 10 fingers and 10 toes, our first Son, Tristin! 34, brought me to my knees, I lost my Grandfather Harper & my Aunt Chris two of my greatest sources of strength, outside of my Mother, Father & Sister . 36, We lost Judy to her breast cancer battle. 37, brought another, 10 fingered 10 toed marval into our lives, Tyler! 39, Introduced me to my PINK family and who knows what 40 will bring me! My life has been a series of adventures fueled by me being Stubborn, Tenacious, Out Going and a People Person that loves to Travel. The "No, You Can't" has been the flame for many of the adventures in my life, but mostly my journey has been about self discovery and learning. Over the years people have repeatedly asked me if I would change things that have happened to me. For every one that I want to say YES to, I have to respectively say NO... For if it were not for those experiences, that brought me to my knees, shook me to my very core or left me broken hearted, I may not be who I am today. We all want that "perfect life", but even Sunshine will burn you if you get too much. So I want to take this moment in my life to Thank Each & Every One of You for having an Impact on My Life! For every Smile, Hug, Tear or Moment that we spent together. You are etched into my heart and I carry you with me every day. So, if you ever wonder if you are being thought of, you need not waste your time thinking... The answer is YES!
Brainstorming...I know I can come up with some pretty crazy ideas. Some work & some, well end up with teachable moments, or areas of opportunity. Anytime you decide to do something as bold as the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure, you have to be just as bold with your fundraising ideas. Going into my second year walking for the foundation, I have found that it is easier to focus all of your attention into one or two events than plan several little fundraisers. That being said, I am still doing a few smaller events. As I want to raise awareness, showcase some businesses and my friends that are willing to partner with me while we raise funds to send to the foundation. I want to do events that are memorable, and that people remember. I soon will be posting the different events, locations and times for each one and the sponsors that participated and partnered with me. I hope that you will enjoy all of my fun fundraising ideas and you might even want to borrow one, to help you meet your goal.
Sometimes it is hard to imagine, but honestly it truly is nearly impossible to put yourself in someone else's shoes. We always like to think that we are being supportive and that we understand what someone else is going through. But do we? Have you ever tried to take someone else's place to see what they are going through? I pondered this question today as I was trying to squelch my frustration. I try to be the supportive spouse, but sometimes I just get tired of Chad's work getting in the way of our family time. So I decided to go to his store today to help him decorate for his "re-opening" after the store's re-model. I have to say that it has been a long, ROUGH two weeks, but his team really pulled it out! We got there with a huge helium tank and started to blow up balloons. As the weather out side started to warm up, his store started to get really busy. Sometimes they were 3 or 4 deep in a line waiting to get the guys to help them while all the phones were ringing off the hook! They would no sooner answer one line and hang up and it would be ringing again. At one point a customer said to me "Hey toots, why don't you quit blowing up balloons & help me?" I had to keep my cherub like demeanor and tell him that I wasn't an employee, but was merely there to decorate the store. I really wanted to tell him that I wasn't going to be a help when it came to his problem as I know little to nothing about cars. If I stick the key in the ignition, turn the key and the car runs, it's going to be a good day. Rolling on Floor Laughing... Ok, I am not REALLY that bad, but close! He seemed to calm down when I offered to help, but he soon realized that I am not a car junkie & don't speak the lingo. Once again, ROFL... After three hours of being in the store trying to make it look pretty with the white, black, orange and red balloons. I was ready to call it quits! My fingers hurt from tying off the all the balloons and my head was throbbing from all the constant calls coming in and confusion of people rushing in & out of the store as the staff did their best to take care of each and every person. I guess where I am going with all of this is. Sometimes we all feel like we aren't appreciated and that no one understands what we go through on a daily basis. We think to ourselves if only for one day someone could walk in our shoes. Well, today I got a small taste of what it is like to walk in my husband's shoes. I tell you it makes me have a greater appreciation for what he goes through in the average day. So, what does this have to do with this blog and cancer? Though I have never personally been touched by cancer, I truly try to understand all I can, with out having cancer. On days that I don't feel up to it, I try to think of people that I know like Taylor. She is truly an Amazing Warrior! At the tender age of 23 she has battled not one, not two, but three forms of cancer and she is still fighting! She has a never give up attitude! During her battle with cancer she is giving her smile, her time and her love to others that are struggling. She never speaks of her constant pain, frustration or how sick she really is. Her first words to someone in a similar situation would most likely be, how can help you? No, let me take that back, she would just get in there and do for you. Taylor has an innate way of just knowing what someone needs and just does it. Never asking or wanting a pat on the back or for you to pay her back. She would rather you pay it forward, because she will be alright. If you ever get the time you should really go to team15percent.blogspot.com. This blog my friend Joyce has written with love, compassion & the unwavering support every one of us would wish for if we were in Taylor's situation. The blog, team 15% will open your eyes. It will make you stop and relise that what frustrates us today, is really just a bump in the road compared to what Taylor has been fighting with and against for years with a strength that is nothing less than AMAZING! So in closing tonight I hope that you can take away this. We all struggle in our daily lives with different burdens. I would simply ask that before you say you understand, get frustrated or pass judgment. Try to walk in that person's shoes, even if for just one day. See if it doesn't give you a new perspective and appreciation for what you do have.
