3 Day Training Officially Begins!

For many people, the Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer. For me, it marks the official beginning of my 3 Day Walk training season!

It is so hard to be believe that 6 months have passed since the Dallas Walk. Fortunately I have a great team that I walk with so there have been endless opportunities to see one another (3 Day and non-3 Day related). That's just one of the great things about the 3 Day...the people that I have met that have become my extended family. Living so far away from my own family, it is nice to know that I have people here in Dallas who care about me and are just a phone call away if I need anything.

I was able to get in 6 training miles over the weekend. Here's to many more training walks and stories!

And Happy Memorial Day to all of those who have risked their lives to serve and protect our country!

Who Knew There Is a Collector in the Family?

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to travel home to see my family who lives in Michigan. After moving to Texas a little over 4 years ago, I am sometimes limited to seeing them only once or twice a year. Most times it is during the holiday season and there never seems to be enough time to spend with everyone. My most recent trip was great and I seemed to learn something about family members that I did not know before. For instance…

I didn’t know that my father is an avid coin collector. I knew that he had an interest in the state quarter collection (he gave me and my siblings each a collection to begin back in 1999) but I had no idea the amount of coins (and dollars) that he has collected over the years! Although I have learned that my state quarter collection is “tainted” (more to follow later), it was interesting to learn about the other coins and dollars that he has in his collection. At least now I have an idea of what to get him for future gifts.

My father also shared with me his medal collection from being in the Army. He was honorably discharged due to an injury and when he submitted a request to the military for something he needed, he received several other medals that he had never received before. I was very proud to learn about his time spent in the Army and what each of the medals meant. In addition to those medals, he was also able to secure medals that were given to law enforcement officers during President Obama’s inauguration. These medals are a wonderful keepsake and remembrance of a very special day in history.

Now back to my “tainted” state quarter collection…

When my father gave each of us a starter collection for the quarters, I thought the idea was to collect each of the state quarters which were released each year. So whenever I received change from a business, I would look to see if I needed the quarter of not. Well, 11 years later I have learned that was not how I was supposed to complete my collection! The goal was to get new quarters that have never been in circulation to place in the collection. My collection has a combination of quarters since some I received from my father (which were never in circulation) and the other ones came from who knows where. I told my father that he left out a very important piece of information when he gave those starter collections to us. Now he has offered to “sell” me the uncirculated quarters that I need. I have a feeling that it is going to cost me more than $12.50!

Weight Watchers

On February 19th I decided to join Weight Watchers. And no, this isn’t my first time at attempting to change my eating habits and lose weight in the process. I decided to join (again) after seeing Jennifer Hudson on Oprah. I am amazed at how remarkable she looks!

Jennifer spoke about feeling empowered since she had lost her extra weight which really struck a chord with me. Every since I completed my first 3 Day for the Cure event in 2009, I have felt empowered to better my health. The only problem is that I have used walking as an excuse for me to eat whatever I want and not as a way for me to lose weight. This year I have decided that things will be different. I have decided that I want to lose my extra weight once and for all. My goal is find a way to balance endurance walking while still providing my body with the nutrients that it requires and losing weight in the process.

So far I am down 9.4 pounds…I had a little stumbling block a few weeks ago when I went to visit family. I’ll be honest, the 2 pounds that I gained back those few days were worth all of the home cooked meals that I had!

Right now I am trying to remain focused since I am back to work and every other day seems to be a Food Day in the office. Last week I tried to get a yummy looking Lemon Square when somehow it jumped off my napkin and to the floor! I took that as a sign from someone bigger than me that I needed to stay strong! So far I am doing pretty good with packing my lunch every day and being in control of what I eat.

Stay tuned for more updates regarding my weight loss journey. I will try to ‘weigh in’ with everyone once a week to let you know how I am doing. If you have any suggestions that you would like to pass along, please feel free too!

Dallas Rock ‘N’ Roll ½ Marathon

After the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure Walk in Dallas last November, I was given a coupon for a free registration for the Dallas Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. (“Free” that I didn’t have to pay the $85 registration fee, although I did commit to raise a minimum of $250 for Susan G. Komen.) This past weekend the big event finally got here!

On Friday I kicked off the weekend by volunteering at the expo for the race. This is where race participants picked up their race bib, event shirt, swag bag, and visit vendor booths for all things fitness related. Race expos are a great way to prepare for a future event (let’s say the 3 Day!) since there are vendors who offer GREAT discounts on running and walking gear. My local outfitter, Luke’s Locker was there, and I was able to get my 2011 3 Day shoes and new socks for 20% off! You might be thinking that the prices are inflated for the expo, at Luke’s Locker they were not. It always helps to know what you need and what you would normally pay before going to an expo (or any type of shopping) to know if you are really getting a deal or not.

My volunteer assignment was to hand out race bibs for participants who decided to participate in the Susan G. Komen Marathon for the Cure. This was pretty cool since there was a special VIP pink table set up for the participants. It was also a great way for me to meet other 3 Day Walkers and Crew. In addition to the event shirt, SGK also provided Marathon for the Cure participants a special event shirt and VIP parking for race day. And did I forget to mention a very cool pink race bib to wear during the race (picture to follow later)!

On race day, Susan G. Komen had a special meeting place at a local downtown hotel. Race participants met there, took a team picture, and then walked out together to the start line of the race. Everyone was honored for their fundraising commitment in addition to pumping up the crowd for the race. I met up with my walking team, Angels for the Cure, and we were ready to begin!

As many people know, I do not consider myself an athlete. Walking in the ½ marathon was a personal challenge for me since this is a competitive race for runners. Walkers are able to participate as long as they can complete the event in 4 hours. So needless to say, this is no leisurely walk full of stopping to take pictures and eating snacks every 2 – 3 miles like the 3 Day! I had been training for the race, but not nearly as much as I wanted. Although I was determined that I would complete the race before the course closed. And I am happy to report that I did finish!



My official chip time was 3:59:01. I consider my time to be 3:45:00 which considers the stops that were made along the way…like the McDonald’s stop that my team mates just had to make.:-)

Although I am a wee bit sore today (a 2 hour massage earlier today really helped), this didn’t stop me from thinking about my next ½ marathon. The Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon Series has marathon and half marathon races all over the country, some benefiting a different charitable organization like Susan G. Komen (the next SGK marathon event is a week after the Dallas 3 Day…I don’t think I am going to be that adventurous to sign up for that one!). Stay tuned, I just might sign up for another one later this year!

Happy Anniversary?

This afternoon when I checked my email there was a message with ‘Happy Anniversary’ in the subject line. Since I’m not married, I was kind of perplexed by the subject. That is, until I opened the message. It was from my university telling me that it has been one year since I decided to pursue my master’s degree. I guess that could be considered an anniversary although someone forgot to send me flowers!

As promised in my last post, I said that I would catch everyone up on where I have been and why my blog went into hiatus. Now you know the reason…pursuing my master’s degree. Obtaining my master’s degree has been something that I wanted to do for a long time, and I finally decided to jump in with both feet last year and “Just Do It”! Little did know how my life was getting ready to change.

This past year has been one of the most stressful years in my entire life. About the same time I started my master’s degree, my step father was diagnosed as being at the beginning of the end of congestive heart failure. Then a few short months later, my step mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then I decided to sell my home. Once it sold, I had about 2 weeks to find some place to live, pack my home, and move (that was due to being out of town for 3 ½ months for a work assignment). And just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, two people that I think the world of told me that I didn’t have time for anyone anymore, including them. Needless to say, I was (and still am some days) at my breaking point.

So when I received the email today, one word and its meaning stood out to me: Perseverance: steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. For me, this one word summed up what I had not been able to about what this past year has symbolized for me. Although October 10, 2011 (the last day of my last class!) seems far away, I can slowly begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel!

I am beyond thankful to report that my stepfather and stepmother are both on the road to recovery. No, I’m not homeless, but I am transient again until I can find that place I can really call home. And my relationships? I wish I could say I am succeeding…I am still working on them one relationship at a time.

And So My 2011 PINK Journey Begins

Wow, I can’t believe that 7 months have passed since I made my last post! Believe me, this wasn’t my intent. Somehow life has gotten in the way of one of the things that I enjoy doing so much (more about that in another post!). So to my 7 dedicated followers, PLEASE accept my apologies…I’m back!

And what better way for me to revitalize my blog than to talk about my 2011 PINK journey!

A few days ago I sent emails to my family and friends gearing up for the 2011 3 Day season! I say 'season' but since I started participating in the 3 Day in 2009, the 3 Day has become a daily part of who I am and what I do.

It is a great feeling when friends contact me and ask 'Are you walking again this year?' (At least now I know that they have an interest). It was an even greater feeling when 3 friends (Adrianne, Tonya, and Tara) contacted me and told me that they signed up to WALK this year...YAY!!! Can you tell that I am beyond excited?! As they embark on this journey for themselves they will be able to experience firsthand the greatness of what they are about to do.

This year I have decided to walk in Tampa and Dallas. You’re probably thinking that’s not a big deal since I walked in Chicago and Dallas last year. Well…the Tampa and Dallas walks are back-to-back weekends! So yes, that means I will be walking 120 miles over the course of 10 days. Some people think walking 60 miles is crazy, but I think I have now beaten my personal best for crazy.

Fortunately I will be walking with a few of my Dallas team members (Renee, Mickey, and Tina) in Tampa (they’re the ones who talked me into this) so I won’t be alone. (Is someone ever really ‘alone’ walking during the 3 Day?) So far the four of us have formed a unique bond, and I am really looking forward to walking with them.

Stay tuned for more…

So Begins My Chicago 3-Day Story...

This evening I arrived in Chicago for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk!

While waiting in the DFW airport, I met an interesting man. Interesting from the standpoint that he offered me a bite of his McDonald's Snack Wrap. Unfortunately, it was made with chicken or I might have taken him up on his offer. (Well no, not really!)

Soon I realized that his wife was sitting across the way from us. I began to ask him if he would like for me to trade seats with her so they could sit together. Before I could even get the question out of my mouth, he said "Oh no, I'm having too much fun!". (I thought I had asked the wrong person the question, but I soon figured out that his wife was probably the real one having fun!)

Our conversation led to why we were at the airport. He explained that he and his wife are relocating from Chicago to Phoenix. They just found someplace to live in Phoenix, and were returning to Chicago to pack their belongings. Then he asked why I was headed to Chicago. I said "I'm walking in a 3-Day breast cancer walk. He asked "The Susan G. Komen Walk?". After I said yes, he explained that his wife is a 12 year survivor (YAY!!!). He then called to his wife and said "Honey, she is doing the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk". His wife simply smiled and gave me the thumbs up. I gave her a smile and the thumbs up back. As they left to board the plane, they thanked me and wished me well this weekend.

You know what? My day didn't start the best. At that time, little did I know what the day had in store for me. I didn't know that I would have the pleasure of meeting yet another unknown person who has fought breast cancer and won! This is the reason that I walk...for all of the people that I know and don't know who have fought or are fighting breast cancer, knowing that I can make a difference with each step that I take.

And yes...my day ended much better than I ever could have expected!

2011 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Series

Yesterday the first 2010 3-Day for the Cure Walk series started in Boston, MA (Go Walkers!).

And guess what? I also received an email announcing the 2011 3-Day for the Cure Walk series!

Decisions, decisions...to walk or not to walk, that is the question. And as of this moment, I don't have an answer. My indecisiveness has nothing to do with not having walked my first (as in more than one) 3-Day walk this year. (Believe me, once you walk 1 time, you will be hooked for life!). I am wondering if it is time for me to show my support and appreciation in another way by being a crew member instead of a walker.

But please, don't let my wandering thoughts prevent YOU from signing up for a 3-Day Walk for next year. The following are the event cities and dates:

2011 3-Day for the Cure Schedule

Boston July 22-24 Cleveland July 29-31

Chicago August 5-7 Michigan August 12-14

Twin Cities August 19-21 Denver August 26-28
San Francisco Bay Area September 9-11

Seattle September 16-18 Washington, D.C. September 23-25

Philadelphia October 14-16 Atlanta October 21-23

Tampa Bay October 28-30
Dallas/Fort Worth November 4-6 Arizona November 11-13
San Diego November 18-20

And, if you register by November 23rd you can receive a $35 registration discount using the code CURE2011.

What's stopping YOU from making the journey of a lifetime?

Where Has the Time Gone?

Wow, I can hardly believe that my last post was April 1st. Where has the time gone? Where have I been? I'm so glad that you asked...

After returning home from a work assignment in January, I decided that it was time for me to try to get my life in order. Well, at least sit down and come up with a plan for my life. For those who know me well, you already know that my life is a form of organized chaos, I can't sit still, and no one ever knows what I will do next.

In March, I decided to pursue my Master of Arts in Education/Adult Education and Training degree. That's in addition to working a full time job that has the added excitement of never knowing when (or where) I will be called on assignment (or for how long), and training for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk (oh, did I forget to mention that I am walking in TWO 3-Day events this year?).

I quickly found out that there really aren't enough hours in the day! I used to say 'People make time for the things that they really want to do'. Well, I have since retracted that statement. After working a 12+ hour day (6 days a week), studying, and trying to find time to train, there isn't too much time for anything else. I soon realized that work gets in the way, and I really would be happy just being a student and a walker.

So, that is where the time has gone for me. But never fear...I'm back!!!

Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk Discount Code

I know that you have been thinking about walking the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure Walk with me in Chicago or Dallas this year.

And guess what?

To make you really want to walk, you can register between April 12 – 23 for a $25 discount off the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™ registration? To receive the discount, give the promotional code TEAMKOMEN when you register online at The3Day.org or via phone at 800-996-3DAY.

And even if you decide to walk in a city other than Chicago or Dallas, my feelings won't be hurt! Really, they won't be. Just walk...

Today, Do Something Different

This morning as I was driving in my car I heard a radio advertisement about 'doing something different'. Well, it was 5:30 in the morning and I was on my way to volunteer at the Rock and Roll Dallas Half Marathon. So yes, that was something different from my normal Sunday morning routine.

From time to time I think some areas of my life tend to settle into what's comfortable and I miss out on new experiences. Looking back over the past several months the following are some different things I tried:

1) My hair - I had been wearing it in a similar style for way too long. And I found as it was getting longer, it really wasn't as exciting as I thought. (As a good friend tells me 'People's styles get caught in a time where they think they looked good') So last summer I decided to cut my hair to a chin length bob and added highlights. What I got was a sassier look and lots of compliments!

2) Training Walks - When I start my 3 Day breast cancer training walks from home I always walk on the side of the street that my house is on. Well last week I crossed the street and noticed lots of great ideas (and NOT so great!) for adding color to my landscaping.

3) Meals on Wheels - A couple of weeks ago I volunteered to deliver Meals on Wheels to the elderly and shut it. It felt great to bring a hot meal to someone and possibly be the only person they would talk to that day.

Doing something different doesn't have to be earth shattering or mind boggling, it can be really simple. What are you going to do different today?

Writer's Block?

Writer's block - a condition, associated with writing as a profession, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work.

Ok, let's be honest, my blog doesn't constitute 'writing as a profession', but I am experiencing a bit of writer's block! Just when I was ready to jump start my blog into something great, post every day, and hopefully have lots of dedicated followers, this writer's block thing set in. (And besides, I really didn't think anyone cared if I was posting or not, until someone told me that I hadn't posted anything in a while.)

Right now it seems like my life is at such a crossroads: I will be turning 40 in about a month (can't believe I just typed that!), I am restless with my career choice, I am seriously contemplating starting my Master's degree (ok, I am scheduled to start online classes next week so I guess it is more than just 'contemplating' at this point), and I am dealing with a family member being seriously ill.

My crossroads has moved me to the point of not doing anything, which isn't good. I would say that I need to get away, but the truth of the matter is that my last work assignment ended over 6 weeks ago, so what would I be getting away from? Some days I just wish there was a 'Do Over' button and that I could reset my life to a certain point in time. But honestly, I don't even know what point in time I would choose.

Hopefully my writer's block will pass soon. Hopefully I will pass my crossroads even sooner.

3-Day for the Cure Discount!

Are you thinking about participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure? Do you have family or friends that are thinking about it too? Well TODAY is a great day to register!

Register for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure between February 24 – March 9 with the discount code RESOLVE and you will receive a $25 discount off the registration fee.

And you can always use the $25 you save as your first step toward meeting your fundraising goal. Doesn't get too much better than that!

3 Day Thursdays - Finding the Right Walking Shoe

This past weekend my walking team 'Angels for the Cure' were invited to a shoe clinic at Luke's Locker to get fitted for walking shoes for the 3 Day. For those of you that think 'I already have walking/running shoes for the 3 Day and I don't need to get a new pair', read on!

If this is your first year walking in the 3 Day, YOU WILL WANT TO GET FITTED FOR APPROPRIATE WALKING SHOES!!! Seriously, think about it...you'll be walking 60 miles and that's not even counting all of the miles you'll walk during training (you will be doing training walks, right?). I cannot stress the importance of finding appropriate shoes (and socks) for you to wear.

The benefit of going to a running store vs. a mall athletic store is that a running store specializes with assisting people who run or walk endurance events. The people that work in running stores are usually runners or walkers themselves and they can provide a lot of valuable information (about shoes, clothing, what to eat, etc.) as you prepare for the 3 Day.

In addition to their personal experiences they are able to accurately fit you with a pair of shoes. (Case in point - I am a Nike girl to heart...Nike Shox are all that I wear. But not for the 3 Day.) They will watch you walk and then bring out various shoes that they believe will work best for you. You are then able to try on the shoes in the store to see how they feel. (Luke's Locker actually has a treadmill and a walking path to try out potential shoes).

You're probably thinking that the shoes are expensive, right? Of course you can pay just about any price for a pair of shoes. But the great thing is that the sales associates are not out to make the biggest sale. They want to help you AND your feet. The shoes that I have worn cost in the neighborhod of $110 a pair. Believe me, a small investment for comfort and not getting blisters!

On the day of a foot clinic the hosting store will usually offer an additional discount if you purchase shoes (or other items) at that time. I also recommend taking in a pair of your current walking shoes for the shoe specialist to look at the current tread pattern on your shoes.

One last thing to think about is that you should have 2 pairs of shoes to rotate during your training walks and for the actual 3 Day event. The sooner that you are able to find the shoes that you will walk in the sooner you will know how your shoes and feet will respond in case you need to make a change.

The Bachelor

One of my guilty pleasures is the ABC reality TV show The Bachelor (and of course The Bachelorette!). I started watching the reality series because I was intrigued with the concept of a person finding love from a pool of 25 potential members of the opposite sex that had been hand chosen for that person. Being a single female I thought the concept was a great way to narrow the playing field to find true love.

I honestly have to admit that the first few series I watched of The Bachelor that I honestly believed in it. I really cheered for the women and felt my heart melt once The Bachelor gave his final rose and true love was found (and did I mention an engagement ring too?).

But then somewhere along the line I guess the reality set in for me. How could I not see that this show was just an opportunity for someone to date 25 women (or men) at one time? The lucky Bachelor gets to go on fabulous one-on-one dates, two-on-one dates, and sometimes even group dates. It is amazing that somehow he kisses woman after woman and none of women seem to have a problem with it. And as the playing field narrows down to a few select candidates that he 'thinks he is really falling for' there is always the option to spend the night in a fantasy suite (Hmmm...I don't think it takes too much thought about what really goes on in the fantasy suite!).

This past week one of the contestants had to choose between staying on the show and her career. (It's important to point out that this same scenario happened on the last series so it is time for the producers to come up with a new angle...yawn). Although she was a top pick of mine, I really couldn't believe how much time was spent agonizing over her choice. Ok, I am a true romantic at heart, but...if it came down to me continuing on a reality TV show or my career, I think the choice would be fairly easy. (Certainly I know that things happen, but wouldn't she of made certain she had off all the time that she needed to be on the show? Oh that's right! This is reality TV!)

As much as The Bachelor has made me think twice about women finding true love on the series, I'll still be tuned in next week to see what happens!

Did I Miss the Baby Gene?

A friend of mine got married several months ago. Soon after the wedding took place we spoke about how she and her husband were looking forward to becoming parents and were hopeful to become pregnant within the next year. I remember how happy and excited she was looking forward to their new life together.

Then today she shared with me that she experienced a miscarriage at the nine and a half week point in her pregnancy.

When she told me the news my heart immediately broke for her. I know that she will make an AWESOME mother once she is blessed with children. I am thankful that she is in a very good place with what occurred and knows that God has bigger things in store for her and her husband. To top it all off, her doctor is very optimistic that she should be able to conceive again.

Since I began blogging I have encountered many blogs by women who have documented their experiences with infertility and miscarriages. I can't read the blogs for long because I find myself saddened. I don't know if my sadness is for them or if it is for me...I have never had the desire to have children. I sometimes wonder 'Did I miss the baby gene when I was born?' because I don't understand the deep desire that many women have to have children.

From the time that I was a young girl I knew that I didn't want to have children. Even once I married my thoughts never swayed about that (very fortunate for me since my marriage ended before it really ever began). Interesting fact is that I really love children and people often comment how good I am with them. I have a wonderful 8 year old goddaughter who means the world to me and there isn't anything that I wouldn't do to protect her or for her well being.

Until about a year and a half ago I had been suffering for 5 years with a medical condition that had made my life so intolerable and unpredictable, and me, incredibly miserable and unhappy in the process. Since I was in my early thirties at the onset of my medical problems, my physician wanted me to wait until I was older to make a final decision about having a hysterectomy. When my medical condition finally got to the point that I had no other medical alternatives I proceeded with the operation.

Leading up to the surgery I wondered how would I really feel once the choice was no longer mine about not having children? What if I met someone and they really wanted us to have children together? I can honestly say that I have never had a moment of regret about my decision.

So, to answer my original question: Yes, I think I did miss the baby gene, but I also believe that someone more deserving than I received it instead.

Magnolia Bakery Cafe

Last year when I was on assignment in Pasadena, TX I found a wonderful lunch spot called Magnolia Café and Bakery. They have wonderful sandwiches, salads, soups, and I would be remiss if I left out their desserts…FABULOUS! So yesterday as I was driving around between appointments I decided to stop at the location in Lewisville, TX.

For the past week or so I have been in hot pursuit of a ham salad sandwich. And believe it or not, you can’t find ham salad sandwiches everywhere. There are TONS of varieties of chicken salad (and anyone who knows me knows that I do not eat chicken!) and tuna salad in grocery stores, but ham salad seems to be a rarity. So when I saw the sign for Magnolia Café and Bakery I knew my craving would be satisfied.

I had some great ham salad on whole wheat bread along with kettle chips and a side of sliced carrots. But the ultimate ending to my lunch was the homemade Coca Cola Cake that they make. The cake sits on the dessert counter in a pan that looks like it came from my grandmother’s kitchen. The cake is about 2 ½ inches thick and is covered with some type of fudgy, chocolate icing…yummy!

If you are ever in the Houston or Dallas areas you won’t be disappointed (or hungry!) if you find Magnolia Café and Bakery!

Barnes and Noble Nook

After many weeks of waiting my Barnes and Noble Nook finally arrived!

Last Fall I was contemplating purchasing an Amazon Kindle 2. Believe me, this was a big decision since I am definitely old school when it comes to books: I like to touch books, feel the pages between my fingers, and you can’t beat that new book smell. But after I had a chance to play around with a friend’s Kindle, I was like I love it!

Well, right about that time Barnes and Noble announced that they would be introducing their own eReader, Nook. And being the diehard B&N fan that I am, I had to wait until the Nook made its debut to make my final decision.

Some of the pros that I liked about the Nook are:

1. It has a color, touch screen.

2. When you are in a B&N store you can download a book to your Nook to read just like you would pick up a regular book from the shelf to read.

3.You can lend your eBooks to other people.

(To be honest, there are a lot of similarities between the Nook and the Kindle; for me the choice just came down to a brand that I was familiar with.)

Now the downside to obtaining the Nook was the waiting! I did have to wait about a month until my Nook shipped. I also picked out a cute cover for my Nook but it is still on backorder. So hopefully it will be here one day soon.

Stay tuned for more updates on my Nook! If any of my readers has a Nook, pleae let me know what you think about it too.

When In Doubt Don't Bounce!

The other day while I was out trying to enjoy a quick lunch, I found it quickly interrupted.

A couple of tables away from me there were two ladies and a toddler. Knowing that toddlers will be toddlers, I specifically choose a table a little bit away from them. But I found it wasn’t the toddler that I had to be worried about.

I soon realized that it was the little boy’s first birthday (Yay! Happy Birthday!) and that his mother and her friend had brought him out to have a cupcake on his actual birthday. From the conversation I overheard, his birthday party was taking place in a couple of days.

The little boy’s mother then left the table to go order something else to eat. It was quickly apparent that the friend didn’t quite know what to do with the little boy. (To me he seemed very content sitting there and smiling at the ladies that he could make eye contact with.) So she decided to pull out a toy. This toy was a conglomerate of plastic things on a bouncy string. She then began bouncing the plastic things on the table.

Everyone close by figured out pretty quickly that it wasn’t the little boy bouncing the items due to the rhythmic sound the plastic was making as it struck the plastic table top. Just when I thought I was the only person annoyed by the noise, another customer next to me looked up and had a similar expression of disbelief on her face.

The little boy finally turned around and looked at the toy, but then he did something interesting…he pulled it from her hands and he dropped it on the ground. YAY! But that wasn’t the end of it. She then proceeded to pick up the toy and started bouncing it again. Once again the little boy took it from her and guess what? He dropped it on the ground!

Now, I am not a baby expert, but….I am thinking that if he really wanted to play with the toy, he wouldn’t keep dropping it on the floor. Well, obviously she thought she was a baby expert so she picked up the toy yet AGAIN and began to bounce it on the table!

Fortunately the little boy’s mom returned and the bouncing stopped. Maybe she heard it from the counter and decided to put us all out of our misery and return to the table. Thank goodness for small favors!

3-Day Thursdays

In honor of me officially signing up for the 2010 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure breast cancer walks in Chicago and Dallas, I have decided to make Thursdays '3-Day Thursdays' on Shannon's World!

I also have more exciting news...I submitted an application to become a 3-Day Ambassador and it was accepted! Since I only became an Ambassador earlier this morning, I don't fully know what my responsibilities will be. I'm not interested in doing any TV or radio interviews, but I am interested in being a social media ambassador and write about my 3-Day experiences on my blog.

I am hopeful that the PR firm handling this will provide me with information about informing other 3-Day walkers about my blog. Hopefully my readers (hint, hint) will share my blog with other people who might be interested in walking for the first time, those that are already signed up to walk, or anyone who might be interested in my 3-Day activities. Also, if any of you have any questions please be certain to email or post the question within the comments.