What is a BLOG!?

Wow, I haven't been here forever! Sorry about that! I don't even know where to begin!~
I started running again, so that I could run a 5k in KC in memory of a friend of mine. It was called Head for a Cure and benefits supportive resources and treatment for individuals with brain cancer and their families! I think my friend was helping me along from above, because I ran the whole 3.1 miles, and in training (I say training, but is 2 weeks of jogging taining?) I had never gotten further than 2 miles without walking! Bless her!!! (and her family each and every day!)
Then I did the Komen 5k for Breast cancer in Omaha. That was a little harder because of that fantastic hill right at the end!!! Ugh! Why can't they make the end down hill when you really need it?! I ran that with a friend of mine..it was her first race, and she did AWESOME! I am so proud of her, and so happy that she has the running bug! Speaking of running bugs, I have yet another friend who is running the NY marathon this weekend!!!! Talk about strength and endurance! She is so amazing! I am in awe of her abilities, and will be sending her good vibes this weekend.
Then what? Oh, Relay Summit in Dallas! I went there for my "hope thing"! I was totally unprepared for the range of emotions and the energy that was generated there! It was incredible! There was about 1400 people there, I think. That is a lot of people when all gathered into one room. I was able to complete all my agenda items, but I must say that there were a lot of ups and downs. The mock ceremonies moved me from excited and motivated to sad and crying. And then there was the breakout session with the PR people from the Amer. Cancer Society that scared the crap out of me (but gave me a lot of good information that I can take with me)!!! I was emotionally all over the board in just a few short days! I am so glad that I had the opportunity to attend, and I am blessed to be able to be a part of the ACS and am able to help them get their message out!
This weekend I will be telling my cancer story as well as my ACS and Relay stories at the NE Relay Summit as a part of "my hope thing"! I am hoping to get people motivated for Relay, as Relay never really ends (I am learning that quickly!), and we will begin our fundraising efforts again soon! The Dallas Relay Summit has brought about several speaking opportunities for me, and I am anxious to get started.
On a sad note, I have a friend that is being tested to the max right now. She is about my age with 3 young children and has been battling breast cancer since she was 27 years old. Most recently she has had a tough bout with metastatic disease in her bones and brain. She has just had her 2nd brain surgery and is going to do gamma knife radiation to her brain this next week. She also has a broken arm due to cancer in her bone, and her other side is weak due to the brain mets. Through all of this, she has been the most amazing woman, with a strong faith, and more courage than you can imagine! They are having a benefit for her on Monday, November 12th. I will not be able to go, as she lives about 4 hours away, but I do plan to send a check. They are raising money to help her family pay for medical bills and get into a handicap accessible home! If anyone out there wants to throw a check in with mine, let me know as soon as possible. I am sure her family would be eternally grateful!
What am I thankful for?! Each day that I wake up with the ability to go out and experience the world and try to make a difference in the only ways I know how! I am thankful for little boys that are so resilient and for a husband who helps us all keep it together (or at least tries to)! I am also thankful for days spent laying on the beach...even if it was with just one boob!!! Trust me! It was an experience. I put a temporary tatoo over my mastectomy scar that was a pink ribbon and said survivor and a pasty on the "good" side! See, I am even spreading breast cancer awareness while on vacation...and, I didn't even have to say a word! Makes for some interesting vacation photos! Probably won't put those out on the coffee table! Oh hell...I probably will! I may have one boob, but I am alive!!! I am thankful to be alive!