Half way to go!

With school in full swing and my final surgery only days away November is fast approaching. I am a little over half way there on my goal to raise $2300 for the Susan G. Komen 3 day walk. According to my virtual personal trainer I should be walking 5 -8 miles every weekend day and 3-5 miles during the weekdays (not happening.... uh oh). After I recover from surgery on Friday I will be hitting the pavement as often as I can to get ready. I plan on doing many walks in my future - not just Susan G. Komen. We need to find a cure as soon as possible and the more people we have working on it the better. Every $5 and $10 count so spread the word!

The other side

In the last month or so I have had the privilege of speaking to (and getting to know) 3 beautiful women who were recently diagnosed with breast cancer. All three wanted someone to talk to who had been through it. I feel blessed to be the one who was recommended to help them walk this journey. I had some breast cancer angels along the way who helped answer all of the silly questions that kept me up at night. I hope that I can bring them some peace. Some comfort. Some encouragement. I have said before that every journey is different, and we all walk different paths, but sometimes knowing that someone walked a similar journey and came out on the other side stronger can lift you up. Stay strong and have hope my new friends.

Hair update

Before my hair fell out and after I shaved it.

After it has started coming back in!

Pre-op

I had my pre-op appointment today for my final surgery! I am so excited to be almost done..... DONE! I have to admit that I have been a bit of a bear to be around just because this waiting around drives me crazy. I am so close. It is like the last 20 minutes of an 8 hour drive - always the hardest. I know by October I will be able to teach again and I can not tell you how happy that makes me. October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month and also my birthday. I can't think of a better way to celebrate!

Relaxation?

So I had this idea (that I ran by Liz) that I wanted to teach fitness classes to the doctors and nurses and staff where I received all of my treatment. I thought it must be so hard coming into that job every day and dealing with people like me. Lots of stress. I imagined that they must feel so busy that they probably just run home after work and never get that wonderful release that comes from exercise. Liz scheduled a meeting with with the powers that be and today was that meeting. We discussed different possibilities of when and where. The funny thing though is that they thought that if I mentioned the word "exercise" people would not come. I should use words like "relaxation" and "rejuvenation". I may start them out that way with some light yoga and breathing but once they are hooked I am going to kick it into gear a bit. Fortunately Liz is the only one in that office that reads this blog and I know she wont tattle on me.

I hope it works out. I would love to pay a little of what I received back.

Hair Fairy

Dear Hair Fairy,

I am trying very hard to be patient with my hair growth. I am so thankful that you recently helped Victoria Beckham and Carey Mulligan design the newest and hippest style that I can try and emulate. Please keep it around for at least a few months so I can grow my hair with them and stay the cool cat that I think I am. If you feel compelled you can magically grow my hair faster in my sleep - I promise to leave you money under my pillow.

Sincerely,
Kristin

Great Weekend!

My darling sister in law, Paula came to visit us this past weekend and brought two of her kids. We were also blessed to have "Grandele and Nonno" here as well. It made for a wonderful weekend of outdoor movies, beach, fantastic dinners and wonderful conversation. Thanks for such a great time and finishing out the last weekend of summer with us. The kids start school on Wednesday.... geeeeeeesh!