Recent Outings

Not much is happening around these here parts so I don't know why it's taking me so long to post about our recent outings. The only thing I can come up with is that September was a go go go month and I'm enjoying not having to do anything, including uploading and editing pictures.

I wanted to visit the Jelly Belly factory before my sister popped with baby #2. Our parents joined us for the quick trip at the end of September (whoa! Didn't realize it was almost a month ago).

The Lime was so stinkin' excited and still screams every time we see anything Jelly Belly.  He was especially excited when, on the tour, he saw them making aqua marine jelly beans (his favorite color).  No pictures were allowed on the tour but you can see the aqua marine jelly beans on the car in the picture.

When the tour started, we got these extremely cool hats to wear (not cool) and mine wouldn't stay on...darn bangs. The Lime just wanted to wear his cowboy hat but it was either their cool hat or a hairnet. He opted for the cool hat.

They had lots of different portraits made out of jelly beans, including Ronald Reagan. He loved jelly beans waaaaaaaay more than I do. But if I have to eat a jelly bean, I would choose a Jelly Belly. Just not the vomit or toothpaste flavors.

At the end of the tour, they passed out sample bags of jelly beans, which I stored in my purse for safe keeping. I ended up packing one of the samples in my backpack during my walk, just in case, and I am so glad I did. On the second day, just as I was in the middle of the Golden Gate, I needed something but the nearest rest stop was still at least a mile away. The pear and cherry jelly beans gave me the much needed sugar my body was yearning for.

Fast forward to the middle of October when the same sister invited us to Apple Hill with her. It was Columbus Day and her husband had the day off so they thought it would be the perfect opportunity to head to the foothills. Holy macrol, was it busy! LaVor really wants to go back with us but I'm afraid what it might look like on a Saturday.

It took The Lime and I a little longer to get there than everyone else...don't ask. We arrived to the first farm to apple cider doughnuts and fresh apple cider. The Lime and I had just munched on some hash browns but couldn't resist the cinnamon and sugar deliciousness. Everything was soooooo good and certainly put you in the mood.

We then went to Abel's Apple Acres, a more kid friendly farm that kept The Lime occupied, up until he needed a drink of water.

The little maze they had set up was the only kid attraction open, and it was unlimited, so The Lime took full advantage of it. My niece had to take a potty break after a few rounds and The Lime refused to go in without her.

After a little snack we made our way to the last farm of the day, Boa Vista Orchards. This place was nuts! They have art & craft vendors plus fresh fruit and vegetables plus anything and everything apple you can think of. My sister got a couple pies for Thanksgiving and I think some pear juice. I know, sounds delicious!

A lunch stop wrapped up our day before we headed back home.

That's that.  Now that we're all updated, I'm going to go back to doing nothing.

Future Firefighter

For a while now, The Lime has expressed a desire to be a fireman. I believe the seed was planted when he viewed his first episode of Fireman Sam, seen on a rented DVD from the library. Since then, he's accumulated quite the collection of fire paraphernalia which he wears with pride.

He has his standard hat that he received from a fireman we met in a parking lot. He also has a generic dollar store hat. While watching another DVD about everything firemen (I swear that's not all he does), one of the firefighters reviewed their uniforms. He put on his hat and pulled down the visor that protects their eyes. "My hats don't have that!" The Lime said.

I was out with my mom and sister yesterday, looking for Halloween costumes at the thrift store, when I came across the perfect helmet. Apparently Goodwill is the Mecca for new Halloween costumes at insanely good prices. This helmet was sturdy, said "Captain" on it, and had a visor! The Lime was so excited when I gave it to him, thrilled in fact. And he's been wearing it ever since.

We were playing outside today, when he got our hose and started putting out "fires". Neighbors stared from their porches, people smiled as they drove by, kids admired as they rode their bikes along the sidewalk. The Lime is a hoot and takes things seriously. He hangs all of his gear up so it's ready to go whenever he "gets a call", just like the real firemen.

I have a goal, especially since we've already been here for over six months, to visit the fire station across the street from us before the end of the year. In the past, The Lime hasn't been too keen on being that close to the trucks but while we were in the city for my walk, he and LaVor ran into several engines and The Lime could hardly contain himself. Especially when he saw the hook and ladder (his favorite!).

I love this desire and passion that he has burning inside his little body. He would be the perfect fireman.

Especially since he's so darn cute.

Avon Walk 2013

How is it possible that it's been over a week since I completed the walk?!

I was extremely nervous for this year's walk. The most I had trained was six miles, and that was almost two months ago. I kept telling myself, "You've done this before, you can do it again." But deep down, I wasn't so sure.

To save some money this year, we decided to stay with LaVor's parents Friday night and I would drive into the city Saturday morning. The last bus is scheduled to leave the host hotel at 5:30 in order to get to the opening ceremonies on time. This meant I'd have to get up before 4:00 in order to get ready and make the drive into the city. I tried to get to bed early Friday night but was so paranoid that I'd miss my alarm, I ended up waking up every hour to check my clock. When my alarm finally went off, I thought, "Who gets up this early to walk 26 miles?!" I do!

It was pitch black outside and the freeway was pretty empty, which made the drive into the city pretty boring. Sure enough, the line for the buses was wrapped around the building, like in previous years, leaving me to think that I probably could have slept for another 10 minutes. Oh well.

I found an empty seat on the bus and chatted with the woman, also walking by herself, as we maneuvered our way to Fort Mason. She was an older lady, probably mid to late 40's, and was walking in honor of her mother-in-law who had recently passed away from breast cancer. It was her first walk and she was excited but nervous, so I gave her what little advice I have. We walked to the ceremony together and ended up parting ways.

As tradition, I signed my name on the inflatable column, grabbed some breakfast, and waited for the ceremony to begin. Last year was freezing so I brought an extra sweater this year, which ended up staying wrapped around my waist the whole day.

While I LOVE doing the walk, I do think they need to switch things up. The format is the same every year, the videos they use have been the same, I think the speech the coordinator gives is even the same. I didn't take as many pictures this year for that very reason...they'd be the same as the last two years. The one thing that was different this year was the amount the San Francisco walk earned...$4.2 million! Woo hoo!

The beginning is always a challenge, as a thousand walkers are trying to get out of the park and people are trying to get their pace going. Our route took us along the water, through Fisherman's Wharf, pass the piers and then up Market and through the Financial District. We walk through Chinatown, North Beach, and end up on Polk but turn onto another street before we hit the ghetto. We then walk through the ritzy part of town, up a giant hill (where the paramedics wait at the top...no lie), and then back down the hill, along the Presidio. While walking down the hill, I came up behind a familiar person...Margie, the lady I met on the bus! We caught each other up on how we were doing and walked together up until her family met her at Crissy Field. From there, we walk up another hill, which gives you the perfect shot of the Golden Gate Bridge. Walking across the bridge is another challenge, especially with the runners and tourists. Thankfully the bikers have been moved to the other side of the bridge...they're deadly.

I was text messaging my sister as I walked across the bridge, trying to figure out where would be a good place to meet. I ended up getting to our original spot quicker than expected so after stopping for a potty break and a quick lunch, I had something to look forward to after I climbed another hill.

These lovely ladies! This was the first year that Lori, my friend and former co-worker, was able to come cheer me on. It was such a treat to see them and to admire the wonderful work my nieces and nephew did with the signs. We chatted for a couple of minutes and then I continued on my way.

If there was one thing I learned this year, it was that I needed to keep moving. If I stopped or slowed down, the pain in my legs seemed to get worse so I had to maintain a certain pace. I tried stretching and drank more water this year than I ever have before, but I think it came down to the lack of training.

Because of where the Wellness Village and the Closing Ceremonies are, they have to alter the route a little bit. On Saturday, you have the option to either do a 23 mile loop or go an extra 3 miles so you can do the actual 26 miles. On Sunday, it's 15 miles from start to finish. When I reach the point of either stopping at 23 or going for the 26, my body always hopes my mind will choose the 23 but I just can't. Those last 3 miles are tough, especially because not many people choose to do the extra loop so you're pretty much by yourself, nobody to cheer you on. There is a pit stop on the extra loop and that seems to help...a little. But nothing helps more than to see the 26 mile marker...the end is near!

I ended up getting to the finish line before LaVor, his parents, and The Lime arrived, so I got to walk through it twice. Another confession...the finish is a little anti-climactic compared to the first couple of years. I'm always proud that I accomplished the first day but I'm more excited that I get to sit for the rest of the night.

With the generosity of others, we were able to get a hotel room in the city Saturday night so I didn't have to wake up at the butt crack of dawn, just the crack. Our hotel was about an 8 minute walk to the host hotel, according to Google. LaVor didn't want me walking alone but I didn't want him and The Lime to have to wake up to drive me. So I ran. What?!?! I don't know how I did it, but I did. I hopped on another bus and found another empty seat, this time next to a woman named Gina. It was also her first time walking and we enjoyed the drive to Corte Madera, sharing stories about our boys. When we arrived at the Wellness Village, the sun was beginning to rise and offered a beautiful pink backdrop.

With a full belly and stretched legs, I was ready to whip out another 13 miles. Except that I didn't get my annual picture with Indiana Al from KRTY! I looked for him all weekend and wasn't successful in locating him. Turns out he was there, which made me super sad!

The walk on Sunday is the same as Saturday, just in the opposite direction. When I started out on the long, boring stretch of path in Mill Valley, I once again recognized the lady in front of me...Margie! We caught up, once again, and continued to walk with one another through Sausalito, down to Fort Baker. It really makes a difference to have someone to talk to and to help keep your mind off of your aching body. Plus, it was nice to meet someone new.

Going across the bridge was a doozy. I felt like my hip was going to crumble into a million pieces and I ended up getting stuck behind several slow people (remember...I needed to maintain a pace!). I was so stinkin' happy to get off that thing and stretch my legs. Plus...it's all downhill from there!

As I was walking through the parking lot near Crissy Field, I heard someone shouting my name. My parents arrived just as I was making my way to the Marina. I mentioned that I needed to keep walking (fast!) so I would meet them at the finish line. Just like Saturday, I arrived there before everyone else and got to walk through it twice.

I wanted to wait and see Margie come through and I'm so glad I did! She was quite emotional, which made me cry. I remember that feeling of, "I did it!" and she had a personal reason to do it, which I think added to the emotion. I'm hoping I see her again next year.

It is always an honor and my sincere privilege to be able to participate in the walk. I admire the women who battle this disease and do hard things every day. I had to remind myself of that often, "This is hard but people do much harder!"

I look forward to what next year's walk will bring.

Melt My Heart

I have to write this down because I know in 5, 10 years these words will not be coming out of his mouth.

A few weeks ago, we were at a friend's wedding reception, sitting at a table with a few of LaVor's friends.  We don't see them often so they were getting the 411 from The Lime.  One of the guys asked, "If you could do ANYTHING for a day, what would you do?"  The Lime tapped his chin with his pointer finger, trying to think of a great idea.  I threw out going to the park, playing baseball, reading his books but he didn't like any of them.  Then he got it!  "I would stay home and play with my mommy!"  Everyone at the table simultaneously said, "Awwwwwww!"  Meanwhile, I was stunned yet was filled with warm fuzzies.  "I'm doing something right," I thought, "if his dream day is to spend it with me!"

Fast forward to last night, with us sitting around the dinner table.  LaVor and I were talking while The Lime bounced back and forth between my chair and his chair, taking bites every now and then.  I finally asked him to stay in his seat and finish eating.  While still sitting on my lap, he said, "But I want to sit with you because I love you!"  That required me to cover him with kisses, which he then replied, "You're tickling my feelings!"

I have caught myself recently just stopping and staring at him.  He's getting so big and learning so much.  While I'm proud of the great kid he is, I am so sad that he's just that...a kid.  No longer my baby.  Although he has recently been on this kick of wrapping him up in his blanket and making him a Big Burrito Baby.  Then he screams because he can't get out of it.

While I know I won't always be able to wrap him up like a burrito, I hope I'll always be his #1 choice and I'll always be able to tickle his feelings.

Creative Juices Flowing

I am, by no means, a crafty person, despite being my mother's offspring.  She can create anything and everything but unfortunately, I did not inherit that talent.

I've been eying my mantle recently and felt like it could use something.  Pinterest offers tons of idea but like I told my sister, I don't want my house to look like it came straight from a pin.  While browsing blogs, I came across a mom who went leaf hunting with her son and then rubbed a crayon over the leaf (I'm sure we've all done this activity) to create some inexpensive art.  So The Lime and I went out the other day in search of all different types of leaves.  I also grabbed a few sticks and these little nut thingamabobs. 

 While he took his nap yesterday, I tested out the leaf rubbing and wasn't too thrilled with the results.  It might be a fun activity for him but I didn't feel they were frame worthy.  Then I turned around in my kitchen to find my stash of jars that I've been hoping to use.  I filled one up with the nut thingamabobs and stuck in the sticks.  Then I decided to glue the leaves randomly on the sticks and make my own little tree.  I finished the jar off with some raffia and I ended up with one cute addition to my mantle. 

I would really love some pumpkins or gourds and sunflowers for extra color and dimension.  We lucked out with the rug that we have in our family room, as it has a ton of colors that go especially well with Fall.  Makes things easy to coordinate.

Now I just need the weather to cool off a wee bit more so I can whip out my soup recipes!  And boots.  And scarves.

Bopped Upside the Head

We just got back from our second weekend in a row spent in the Bay Area. We arrived Thursday night so we'd be ready to go, bright and early, to a friend's wedding on Friday.

LaVor, his parents, and The Lime were in the family room watching tv and playing while I was in the hallway ironing our clothes. On his own, The Lime popped up and said, "I'm going to get ready for bed!" and up the stairs he went. All of a sudden, out of the corner of my eye, I see him fly back down the stairs and land flat on his stomach. He busted into tears and was obviously upset. LaVor put him in the bath to calm down and then brought him downstairs where he continued to play until we decided to go to bed.

As soon as we layed him down, he began crying again and complaining that his head hurt. LaVor took him back downstairs while I grabbed a towel to place on his forehead with some ice. I turned the corner into the family room and made it to The Lime just in time to catch the throw up shooting out of his mouth.

Had he just complained of his head hurting, we would have given him Tylenol and called it a night. But now that vomit was part of the equation, I suggested we go to the ER. While we suspected it was a concussion, we certainly didn't want to ignore it and have something else be wrong. So we hopped in the car, caught a few more rounds of throw up, and made it to an empty ER in no time (thank goodness it was a Thursday night). He was immediately taken back, the doctor checked him out, ordered a scan, had the scan done, took some anti-nausea medicine, threw that up, got the results back that everything looked good, he took some Tylenol, fell asleep, and they sent us on our way. One final round of vomiting was had before we could leave the parking lot and we were back home in minutes.

I was the lucky one that got to sleep with The Lime, although I wouldn't call it sleeping. It was more of a paranoid restful state, where I got kicked in the head. Thankfully, despite being a tad weak, he was back to normal Friday morning, just in time for the wedding.

Our good friend/brother/uncle/go-to Chiropractor Johnny took a look at him and said things looked okay. He did suggest we do some exercises with him, which I should do now since I haven't done them at all. Have I mentioned my new love for John's chiropractic services? He's fantastic.

What's not fantastic is the hospital bill we'll get in a few weeks. But since The Lime is worth it, we'll suck it up and be grateful he's just fine.

The Lime and his new girlfriend, Claudia

Blessed

About two weeks ago, LaVor asked if I was still planning on doing the walk.  Fundraising had hit a major plateau, I wasn't motivated to train, and was feeling pretty "blah" overall.  He got out of the shower one night and said, "So I was thinking..." and presented a plan on how I could get more donations.

With a plan in place, and an especially supportive hubby, I started walking again and have made great strides (no pun intended).

LaVor was planning a visit to the Bay Area last weekend and suggested I join him, so I could stand out with my sign and hopefully get a few more donations.

...a few more.

I made about $30 in the first hour or so that I stood out at our local Farmer's Market.  I was excited and hoped for at least $70 more at my second spot.

It happened to be an extremely hot day, so I grabbed a couple bottles of water, my sign, and set up shop in the exact same spot that I've used for years.

Literally, about thirty seconds after I got there, a gentleman came up from behind me and said, "I think you dropped this."  I didn't drop anything but he kindly handed me $5.00.

After about three hours of standing out, I came home to find that I had earned an additional $130.  I could not believe it!  I have to write down a few of the experiences I had, as they all really touched me.

-One gentleman saw me from across the street and as he was coming at me,  I immediately recognized him.  He said, "Where have you been?!"  I told him we recently moved out of the area but that I thought of him often.  He has donated every year that I've stood out with my sign and it meant so much to me that he wondered why I wasn't out this year.

-Another man walking by pulled out his cellphone to show me the pink ribbon cover he had on it.  His mother was a breast cancer survivor but ended up losing her life to another disease.

-There's a bar across the street from where I stand and in the past, people have come out for a smoke, saw me, walked over, gave me $1, then went back to smoking or drinking.  This time, a man walked out of the bar, walked straight over to me, handed me $10, and turned right back around and went straight into the bar.  He also gave me the updated score of the A's game.

-After about an hour of standing out, and despite drinking lots of water, I started feeling a little faint (a familiar feeling, unfortunately) so rather than create a scene, I plopped down on a bench and took a little break.  Before I knew it, a patron from the nearby restaurant was standing in front of me with a full glass of ice cold water and a donation.  She said, "I've been watching you this entire time and thought you could use this."  She continued in saying, "I have many friends who have suffered from breast cancer and I appreciate all that you're doing!"  I almost started to cry because I appreciated what SHE was doing.

-Even when I was sitting on the bench, with my sign upside down and hard to read, people would still turn their head to see what it said and donate.

There's always funny things that happen, too.  Like the guys who asked me if I was going to use their $1 for crack and if I put Vaseline on my teeth to make them shiny, or the ex-Raider who sat by me for two hours and told me his life story, or the man who pretended to honk a pair of hooters as he went by with his wife in the driver seat.

I love the honks, waves, smiles, inspiring stories.  But I especially love the kindness that I get to witness. Most of these people don't know me but they are willing to hand me a $20 bill to support those affected by breast cancer.

While I love being able to walk, and I might get a tad annoying when it comes to asking for money, I'm not doing it for me. I'm doing it to help those that are battling this disease. And it's with the help of amazing people I've been able to meet, while collecting donations, that hopes and dreams are able to come true.