Getting To The Good Stuff: San Francisco

So now it's time to get to writing about the fun stuff. After waiting for it to get light outside after our early morning rise our first morning in San Francisco, Karen and I went for our first run together of the trip. We walked out of the door of the time share and there was Union Square. We walked down to Niketown to check it out. When the Nike Expotique came into view I finally realized just how big this whole thing was.

The signage for the marathon took over Union Square

The icon of the Nike Women's Marathon reminds me so much of Karen and me

This is the wall that runs along the Stockton side of Niketown. All of our names were on the wall. The great thing about getting to San Francisco as early as we did was that we were able to go find our names on the wall with no one else around. Later in the weekend, there were so many people looking for their names, you couldn't get anywhere close to your name.

This is a poignant picture of Karen in front of the wall wearing the shirt that represents so much to us in the place to which it has brought us.

There it is..... my name. I felt like I was 10 feet tall when I saw it.

Looking down Stockton from our building down toward Niketown

We finally decided to actually get a run in. We ran down to China Town first.

Then down through the financial district. Here is a shot of the TransAmerican Building

Then down to Pier 1. The view of the Bay Bridge was beautiful

Then we ran up the hill...

... and stumbled across this beautiful area

We climbed the stairs, turned around, and this was our view.

Then it was a quick run back to our building passing cable cars on the way....

...... to kick our feet up and relax (for all of about 15 minutes before getting ready to hit the town for the day).

Settling In

Karen and I were able to go to San Francisco a bit early to enjoy the city before the marathon. One of our donations was a time share right outside of Union Square, which was where the race was starting and the Expotique was being held. We donated the amount of money we would have spent on hotel accommodations for those two nights in our friend's name. It worked out quite well.
Thursday morning we woke up at around 4:30 because we were still on our East Coast time and Central time. We went to make coffee only to find that there were no coffee mugs.... or stirrers. So this is what we ended up with:


But Karen and I, as usual, made-do and laughed it off. We were pretty laid back about it and just enjoyed our morning together.It doesn't get much more laid back than this: pink polka dot pj's and orange toed socks.


Oh yeah, right before we checked out, when I was checking to make sure that we got everything, I found the coffee mugs.

Meeting My Sister

One great part about about my traveling was that I found out that my sister and I were going to meet up in Houston. We had the same flight for the second leg of our travels. She had been telling me that she would be arriving in San Francisco sometime within the 9 o'clock hour. I told her I was getting in at 9:22 so we thought it was perfect. We would meet in San Francisco at the airport. So I was so excited when she "texted" me saying that she was getting in from Houston at 9:22. I laughed and called her and fussed at her for not looking before this and telling me. But, I suppose she did have a lot on her plate and even still it was a nice surprise.

The Hardest Thing I've Ever Had To Do

As most of you know, last Wednesday I had to leave my family for a very important event, the Nike Women's Marathon for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. I want to share the entire experience so in order to be completely authentic, I have to start off with the hardest part..... leaving.
I have never been away from my children other than leaving Drew for my stay in the hospital to have Emma. This was very foreign to me and I did not handle it very well at all. I worked half of a day on Wednesday and picked the kids up from Mrs. Tonia's to be able to get a few "loose ends" tied up before the trip. I wanted to make sure that there were not dishes in the dish washer, all the laundry was put away, etc. so that Colin could have the easiest time as possible with the children.
Alas, none of those things got done. The dishwasher was clean, but full. The dryer was in the same condition.... full. I just couldn't peel myself away from the kids knowing that I was about to be away from them for 5 whole days!
So we played and cuddled and everything else non-housework.
Then came the time to go to the airport. Everyone loaded up into the car and off we went. The kids had no idea what was about to happen and I tried to keep my cool as to not worry them.
Then, the next thing I knew, we were there and it was time for me to kiss them all goodbye and be on my way.
I figured the band-aide-method was the best.... quick and painless (yeah right)
I was strong and walked away. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
As I got on the plane, I decided that this was not for me.... I was not going to be a traveler without my family. I missed my children so badly I ached from the bottom of my heart.

San Fran

I'm here and we have had a wonderful trip so far. This has been the most perfect trip ever. I'll give details later, but just a quick list: we took a run through China Town, ran through the financial district and down to Pier 1, then jogged around some scenic areas. After returning to our rooms, we got cleaned up and were off again to take the bus to Lombard Street, took a transfer over to Golden Gate park, walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, took a bus down to Sausalito, took a ferry back to San Francisco, went to eat a casual dinner at Fisherman's Wharf (we went for fish 'n chips, but ended up with Teriyaki chicken and pineapple sandwiches.... Yummy), and then off to tour Alcatraz at night. And that was just day one.
Then, yesterday we did some laundry (we're such moms), went to the expotique, got our race packages and took a trip to the oxygen bar, then off to Niketown where we bought some marathon race gear, had our picture taken, had a mix of music from the DJ emailed to us, shopped some more and left. Then back to our time-share fir check-out. One cab ride later we were at the Hilton with Karen's team. We hung out for a bit and put our race-day gear together, then went out and did some shopping in Union Square (which included a purchase at Tiffany's, a four-story William-Sanoma, and Macy's), and back again to the hotel. We hung out for a bit. After about a 20 minute rest, we went out for a cable-car ride to Fisherman's Warf (thanks to Karen's sniping skills we got the front two seats on the outward facing benches, no less), and went to walk Pier 39. We ended up on Pier 41 though because it looked peaceful with a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the sea lions on the other side (not to mention we were up wind of them there which made their viewing tolerable). Then we went over to Pier 39 for some souvinier shopping and a nice dinner. We ate stuffed salmon and crab with the most beautiful view of the bay while sea lions swam within our view to check in on us (we were inside on the second floor by the window though, so it wasn't too up-close and personal (aka stinky). Then off to Ghirardelli for a wonderful treat. After the feeling of approaching Willy Wonka (Ghirardelli is a bit intimidating in the same way), we did some shopping and had the best Sundea's I've ever had. Then back on the cable car (the fun, hilly one: Powell-Hyde) where we sat next to the nicest man and talked about marathons, Wicked (talking to a little girl across from us who went to go see it while she was here), education, and LLS. After hitting this subject, I found that his father is battling Lymphoma right now. I got his name and will be running with his name on a ribbon in his honor. These are the times when I realize how many people are effected by blood cancers. Just a random guy that I sat next to on the cable car.
Then back to room for some rest.
This morning we woke up and went for a twenty minute run downtown and then to Starbucks.
That takes us to now.
I'll keep you updated, but now I must go get ready for today.

Signing Off For A Short While

Well, I'm off to meet my sister in San Francisco for my half marathon and her full marathon for Team in Training. When I return (after I spend some good quality family time), I'll post pictures and stories about our trip. Can't wait to tell y'all all about it!

Our Little Picasso

Drew has the art of fingerpainting down pat. For such a "tactile" child, he does quite well with the gooey colors running all over his fingers. He rather enjoys it surprisingly enough.
Here is a picture of one of his works of fingerpainted art that he is showing off after a day with Mrs. Tonia. From the looks of his hair, this picture was taken a couple of weeks ago.... orange week. I love his "shaggy" look.


He's also been working on drawing and following lines.

The Pictures You Want Tomorrow, You Must Take Today ~Anonymous

I want to believe that I will never forget what my children look like at this very moment... that's the "dreamer" in me. But the logical part of me knows that I will. Not that I don't make it a point, but they will give me so many memorable moments that it will be humanly impossible to remember them all. So....
I have taken pictures of what some of their body parts look like right here, right now. I know... exciting stuff! haha
But one day, I will be so happy I did this. And for those of you who see them and look at me with puppy-dog-eyes because you can't believe how quickly they are growing (that's you Mary), and those of you that can't be here often enough to see how quickly they are growing, I thought I'd share the pictures, so bare with me.... you, one day, will be happy I did this too.

His "cow-lick" It's so perfectly placed.

Look familiar? They are so much alike

His hand

Her feet

The tiny little freckle behind Drew's knee

Drew is concentrating on his "potty stickers," thinkin' hard about how he can earn them.

Drew doing what Drew does best.... playing with Cars

Our pretty little Princess Emma

Her sweet little hand wrapped around her nursery rhyme book

They love to play together

It seems like no big deal right now... these are all little parts that I look at a thousand times a day, but they change so fast! I've said it so many times before.... I never want to forget what it's like to be with them right now!

The Time Is Almost Here!

It's hard to believe that the Nike Women's Marathon is in just a little over a week!!!! I am soooo excited! Thank you to all of you that made it possible for me to go.
My training has been so much more than just running and getting physically prepared. There have been so many life-long lessons that I have learned as a part of this many-miled journey.
Life Lesson #1: People are good. You give people a reason to do something good, and they will go above and beyond. I had so much support in this, it brought me to tears more than once. Sometimes I would get a bit teary-eyed while running while thinking about the money that people donated that they couldn't easily afford, about the time that people have spent rallying behind this cause, the blood,sweat, and tears that people have put in to help find a cure, and most of all, the love that people have shown each other.
Life Lesson # 2: We all get through life together. Everyone has a story and it's so important to hear them and be heard. I am amazed at how strong some people in this world are. Some people that I have known for years have stories that I could not even fathom going through, yet they always keep a smile on their face and they are thankful for what they have.
Life Lesson #3: I need to live my life more like a run. When I am running, I can clearly see my path. Nothing gets in my way of getting to my destination. Even if things aren't as I planned. A little rain (or a torrential downpour) doesn't keep me from running 8 miles, so nothing should keep me from reaching my goals in life. Also, not once while running have I ever looked back. There is no reason to. It gets me no where and it only impedes my moving forward. I can learn from my mistakes without looking back at them. Isn't that so true in life too.

I am so grateful for this experience and all the gifts I have received from it (and I haven't even gotten to the race yet)!

One Patriotic Boy

Tonight, in the tub, after Emma had already gotten out, Drew recited the Pledge Of Allegiance by heart.
Earlier today, when I picked Drew and Emma up from Mrs. Tonia's house, Drew met me at the door telling me he wanted to say "the Pledge." So I said, "OK." I looked at Mrs. Tonia like "OOOOKAAAYY" and she gave me a knowing look. Then Drew began. As you can hear for yourself, it's the cutest thing ever! I was so proud I welled up and probably made a babbling fool of myself. But I couldn't help it. See for yourself. What mother wouldn't be beaming with pride?

The Little T-Shirt That Could

"Fight Like a Tiger"

Everything big starts with a little idea that someone thinks up. I am so glad my sister, Karen, thought this one up!
Well, she just thought about the "Fight like a girl" t-shirts and thought, "why not Fight like a Tiger"? We both are proud graduates of LSU... Tigers through and through.
She got together with her friend, Kim and Kim's husband, who have a t-shirt printing business, Creative Impressions, and they began printing the idea last weekend. And voila!!! Instant success. These shirts have already raised well over $2,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!!! And that's just in one week.
The shirts, although you can't tell it, really represent my mother. Mom's initials, MJ for Mary Jane, is hidden in the tiger striping of the ribbon. If you tilt you head to the left just a bit you can see it on the bottom left side of the ribbon. And there is the tiniest "MJ" just under the burnt orange ribbon (Leukemia's ribbon color).
We can't help but think about how emotional it will be to see the first stranger wearing these t-shirts. They are such a personal part of our family now, and we will be sharing that raw emotion with the general public. It's beautiful and terrifying all at once.

Talk about wearing your heart on your sleeve... you all will be wearing our hearts on your sleeves.

Karen, my sister, the brains and persistence behind all of this.

Emma's Gettin' Friendly

Yesterday, when I went to pick the kids up from Mrs. Tonia's, Emma gave me a great surprise. Amber came in to pick up Zander and Emma looked straight at her, smiled, and then waved! I was so surprised because I had not seen her wave before. She just stuck that perfectly delicate little hand out and opened and closed it, opened closed it. It wasn't just any flailing wave, it was the most prissy little thing you've ever seen. We laughed so hard.
Then I pointed her in Mrs. Tonia's direction and she waved to her. She LOVED all of the attention that she was getting for her waving so she just kept on. Then, Mr. Nick came home and I thought I'd try it out on him to see if it was just a "girl thing." I pointed her in his direction and he started waving at her. And again, she stuck that sweet little pink hand out and waved and giggled. It was so sweet. She's going to be quite the girl.

I Love Dada

Today as I was cleaning up the breakfast dishes, I heard Emma say "I love Dada." I had her with me in the kitchen and she started babbling away and I was talking back to her.
It went something like this:
"daddada," and I would say, "no, really? Tell me more." Well she loves it when we chat like this, so she talks back to me, "dadaddaaa," and then she says, "IIIIII looooove dada." Or so it sounded to me. So I repeat it and she repeats me. I tried to keep repeating and getting her to repeat it so that I could grab the camera and get it on film. This was the best I could do. It was pretty good, but not quite what I heard the first time.

Calvin the Philosopher

Know what's weird? Day by day, nothing seems to change,
but pretty soon...everything's different.
--Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes

We scrounge our change, we find a $5 bill or maybe even a 20. You donate to the cause to find a cure, but your left thinking, "that's not very much," or "what could that possibly do?"

One day, the doctors and scientists will find a cure and everything will be different. What didn't seem like enough from us, will accumulate into everything to the patient that walks out of the doctor's office after being told that she has cancer.  And instead of feeling like she has just been handed her death sentence, she will feel like she is just experiencing an unfortunate inconvenience.
 Children will be amazed when they hear their parents talk about how cancer was the cause of death of so many of their friends. They will think that we lived in "the dark ages" and won't be able to imagine how horrible it must have been to die from such a common and curable disease.
We can no longer hope for cancer to just simply go away. We can no longer try to avoid it. It is here. All we can do is find a cure. A cure.  Not just a treatment.  Not just a chance to "buy a little time."  A true cure.

Every little bit counts and it all funnels in together to make a very large sum that will make an even larger difference.

It's The Circle of Life!!!!

Ok... maybe he's not quite ready to draw animations for Disney's The Lion King, but Drew's been working on drawing circles.  He is so funny about holding his pencil correctly.

Not too shabby for a 2 year old little boy.  I did not expect him to be able to focus on this.  

I thought it was so interesting watching him draw his circles on his little magnet doodle toy, that I just had to grab the camera to capture the moment.

He was so proud and excited to share his drawings.  Hmmmm... maybe one day he will work for Disney... who knows!?!

Savanah

Y'all, I cannot think of a more deserving family. I work with Emily, the mother in this video. She is an amazing person... so strong and always smiling and helping others. Please watch this video and become a fan on Facebook! It would be awesome for them to get their home made over to suit all of their needs.

Busy Bee!!!!

Between training, work, and family life, things have been very busy.  I hate it that I have not been blogging as much lately, but it's hard to sit down and focus just on this.  I've got a few posts coming down the pipes right now.  Just as a little "teaser," I'll be sharing about Drew's progress with Mrs. Tonia, his circle drawing, colors, letters and numbers;  I'll be sharing a little about fundraising and how that's going (these t-shirts are going crazy!!!), and updates on Emma.  

Fight Like A Tiger

This month, a friend of my sister's has donated her husband's and her time to make T-Shirts for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She and my sister spent some time designing all of the details.

They were designed with my mother in mind. The font that they used is called "Mary Jane," they included a "MJ" by the ribbon to signify who this is all for, and the color of the ribbon is the Leukemia ribbon burnt orange (which is why LSU allowed them to print these shirts... it is not really LSU Gold). The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society down in Louisiana was very excited to see them.
So now that they have everyone's "blessings" to print these shirts, we begin.
We will be selling these shirts for $10. My goal is to raise $4,200 (of which I've already made $1,900).
I am so excited to be making such a difference.
If you would like one, just leave a comment here, or email me through my Facebook page.

National Leukemia Awareness Month

This month is Leukemia Awareness Month.  I have posted this before, so some of you have already read it, I also read it today, so you may have heard it, but I think it's an important message and worth posting again.

Just as Elli Wolpe said at the TNT San Diego Pasta Party, I have always heard that when people tell the story of an event that changed their lives, they often begin with the words: "It was a day that started just like any other day..."

The same is true for us too.

It was a day that started just like any other day, my mother went to the doctor's office for an annual physical. She actually told him that she felt better than she's ever felt before (she and I had just started walking together at the YMCA). On that day, they told her that they wanted to see her again to run some more tests. Some of her "numbers" were abnormal.

When we received the news that she was diagnosed with cancer, we were devastated.

Luckily, the chemo worked, and after months and months of treatment my mother went into remission. But remission is not the same thing as being cured. We played the waiting game because incurable means it's coming back. Only we didn't know when. All we knew was that it would be on a day just like any other day...

And it was. I can't even write this part without breaking down, but I have to share the rest of my story. Please know that I am pouring my heart into this message to share it with you.

It was a day that started just like any other day, and we walked into the doctor's office together to recieve the news that the cancer was back and that there was nothing more that the doctors could do.

A day that started just like any other day, knocked the feet right out from under my entire family and all of our friends. That was in November. My amazing mother fought, treated only for pain, until March when we lost her.

I hope and pray that one day....
It will be a day that starts just like any other day, when they announce they have found a cure.

God bless those that are fighting, and may we find a cure so you and your families can rejoice on that day!

Please click here to make donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Your support for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society matters - to our family, families like ours, and families that are fighting for their loved one's lives... You are changing the world for people like us.

Geaux Tigers!!!!!

WAHOOOOOOO!!!! It's LSU football time! There is no better time of the year! Some call it Fall, some call it Autumn.... I personally call it LSU football season.  I've been waiting about 200 days for this!  Kick off in 10 minutes. Crawfish etouffe' was on the menu tonight getting us ready for the night. I truly can't even describe this feeling! There is nothing like it. Here comes the first moment of the year!  I love that we have about 10,000 fans there.  My sister is one of them.  Have fun and be careful Karen!  I love being part of such a thing.

GEAUX TIGERS!!!!