The Blog needs some love!

I have been neglecting my blog. I was so good for a while but it definitely needs some love. I have Halloween to post, Ryan's 4th Birthday, Soccer Stuff, Jr Charger Girl Karlie, Ryan learned to ride without training wheels and some other things! I don't know where the time goes. I haven't even sent out my Thank You cards from Ryan's Birthday! (I am usually so good at that) I WILL get there I promise! So watch for it......a long post will be coming soon.



I do want to tell you about my incredible 3 Day experience though!

I left at about 4:20 am on Friday morning. Our destination was the Del Mar Race track. We got there on that cold, foggy, moist morning and first dropped off our carefully packed bags, sleeping bags and bedding. My driver was Adria's wonderful hubby Jason. Thanks for the ride Jason. We did our Raffle and my Uncle Dave and Aunt Pam won. My friend Kim got a 2nd place prize. Thank You to everyone who bought raffle tickets. After Jason left, Adria and I waited for the rest of our team to arrive. Chris got there first. We all shivered together but were warmed up by the beautiful pink scarves that Adria's Mom knitted for us. Then Diana and Kim showed up. We found our place at the starting line and hooked up with Shelly. It was a beautiful, motivating and emotional opening ceremony. Then we were off! The walk was along our beautiful coast. We started in Del Mar and ended in Mission Bay. The walk was awesome you wouldn't believe the support we received. There were families, survivors and families of those who have already died because of Breast Cancer. Plus the awesome volunteer's who motivate and help you every step of the way. And who could forget The San Jose bike cops...certainly not Shelly!!!! It was a long walk and towards the end of the day I was feeling it....but blisters, sore legs and feet don't require Kemo, radiation or mastectomy's so we pushed forward! I got to know the awesome women on our team and met more awesome people along the way. It felt good to complete day one. Some girls scouts set up our tent, we ate some dinner, did the shower dance (Adria knows what I'm talkin about) then we participated in all the activities going on and headed to bed in our new home the pink tent on beach front property. I must say I couldn't ask for a better tent mate then my very good friend Adria (there was no snoring or stinky feet) we were just 2 old ladies reeking of Bio Freeze!! (which by the end of the walk my Bio Freeze stash was fat...you could call me a Bio Freeze junky)
Day 2 was just as good. We went from Mission Bay into Ocean Beach all along Sunset cliffs up through Mission Beach and ended back at the sea of pink tents we called home in Mission Bay. I have to say not having to do the shower dance and having my private shower was fab-u-lus!! We had dinner visited with Adria's family and then I visited my own family via the live web cam and off to bed again.
Day 3 started in Mission Bay and went around the opposite way, heading through old town, mission hills, hill crest following Balboa Park and ending downtown at Pet Co park. It's strange but Day 3 felt the best! The huge hill in Old Town seemed scary but actually felt good! We raced up it! Shelly and I had lunch with The San Jose Bike Cops who shared stories of why they volunteer. We thought our team was lost but we found each other! I got to see my wonderful husband and my sweet kiddos who carried signs of their love and support for me at the cheering station in Balboa Park. That was enough for me to get a burst of energy and finish strong! We got to Pet Co Park together and we were surprised how early we arrived! We joined the line of walkers who had already arrived and welcomed the walkers who continued to arrive with hugs, high fives and shoulder pats! While on the walk crying was a regular thing for me. The pictures, the stories, the survivors on the side still wearing scarves or sporting a bald head, those left behind because Breast Cancer robbed them of someone they loved got me every time!! At closing ceremonies the accomplishment I felt, the look on the faces of those who were walking in, the pain as some hobbled in, were carried in or need walkers or crutches kept my tears flowing. Then top it off with a beautiful closing ceremony and wow was I moved. I will do this walk again next year. I cherish the friendships I made with my team. It feels so good to be a part of something so big that makes a difference to those held hostage by such a horrible disease. Thank you to everyone who supported me. I know a few of you will be joining me in walking next year.(yes you Michelle and Kim) 60 miles, 1 blister, 2 sore legs and feet and 100% totally worth it!! Hey Adria, Diana, Kim, Chris and Shelly (and every other walker) you are beautiful, you're rock stars, keep going, you're awesome, thank you, you rock.....ready for next year? I'll see you there!