Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Breast Cancer 3 Day


This weekend, Jodi and I finally got to participate in the Dallas/Fort Worth Breast Cancer 3 Day, and what an experience!!! Honestly, words cannot describe the event... but I will try to give an overview for all of you.

Friday morning, we headed over to Carrollton at 3:30am to ride on a bus with a group called Angels for the Cure. They were such a great team to ride with, and we really appreciated their generosity!!! Once we arrived at opening ceremonies, we were all corralled into the stage area where we were greeted and sent out on our 60 mile journey!!! The support and gratitude from the community was beyond belief. Almost every step of the way we had groups of people cheering us on and thanking us for walking!!! It was definitely our motivation to keep going!!

Friday afternoon, with 2 miles left to go, we ran into a cheering station with tons of people... one group even handed out trail mix...how exciting!!! Then it happened, I dropped my prized bag of trail mix and stopped the whole group behind me, just to pick it up. By the time I got back up and made sure everyone behind me was okay, there it was... a FIRE HYDRANT, right in the middle of the side walk!!!! OUCH! Needless to say, I have a VERY VERY large bruise!!! But thankfully, Jodi and our new friend Jessica, got me through it!

That night, Jodi and I got separated as I made my way to medical and she headed to showers. We ended up spending the evening by ourselves, and by the time I finished with my shower and headed to the tent, she was up at the stage with the entertainment. It was 7:30pm, and I was exhausted after being up since 2am, so I told her that I was going to hit the sack. I was so tired that I didn't even hear Jodi make it to the tent an hour later. I even woke up in the middle of the night and wondered where I was... that's when I rolled over and saw Jodi laying on the sleeping bag next to me.

Saturday morning was brutal!! We both woke up in pain but knew we had take on another day.... AND, I was looking forward to seeing my parents who were on their way from Arkansas! The walking was hard, but my motivation was seeing Mom and Dad at lunch! Once I got there, I was so happy! I had lunch with Jodi, Mom and Dad and it was great!! They even offered to let me stay at the hotel with them on Saturday night. I made sure it was okay with Jodi, then took advantage of the opportunity, considering I could barely walk!! My parents and I went back to camp, got my gear out of our tent and headed to the hotel, where I passed out at 7:30pm again!!

Sunday was another grueling morning! I could hardly walk, I had blisters on my feet and my bruise was even bigger than before. Mom and Dad took me to Pit Stop 1 to meet up with Jodi and we headed out for the last day of walking!! My parents followed us almost every step of the way and even had lunch with us. That afternoon we walked through a HUGE cheering station in West End. Our neighbors, Cheryl, Carly, Sara, Austin and my husband Josh were all there!! (along with Mom and Dad of course) It was great too see them and share part of the experience with them!!

The best part of the day though, even though I barely made it, was crossing the finish line with my Mom and handing her, my survivor, a pink rose!! What an awesome way to tell her how thankful I am for her and how amazing she is to me. We then made our way to closing ceremonies where we were all corralled in again with all of our family and friends around us!! It was amazing to see all of the people, just in this area, that Breast Cancer has affected!!

I have lots of pictures to post and more memories to share, but I wanted to get an update out to let everyone know I made it, and to thank you all for your support!!!!!!! I couldn't have done it without you!!!


Friday, October 23, 2009

Another Trip to see my friend

October 9th, I made another trip to see my nephew, Matthew. He is getting so big and just as cute as ever. I'm so crazy about him!!



Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Nap Time with Max!

How Max and I spend our Sunday afternoons, when we aren't watching football!!!

Sunday, October 4, 2009

3 Day Goal has been reached...


I just wanted to take a moment to thank all of my family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances for your support in the Breast Cancer 3 Day!! I finally hit my goal of $2300 and actually have exceeded it by $300!!! Now, we just need to hit our team goal of $4600!! Jodi and I are so close, and I cannot believe we are less than 30 days from the event!!!
Please keep us in mind the weekend of November 3-6 as we take on this life changing journey.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Auction Items, Cheers to Finding a Cure!!!

Ok, family, friends and co-workers.... CHANGE OF PLANS!!! Since we will now be cancelling the Cocktail Party due to lack of attendance, all bids will be taken up until Friday night at 5 p.m. The rest of the items will either be sold in a garage sale/raffled at our poker tournament/returned to the donating party. Here are the auction items up for bid to benefit the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer 3 Day....
PLEASE NOTE, VERY IMPORTANT:
In order to bid, please place a comment at the bottom of the post with the item number (located under the picture) and the bid amount. ***Also, you must check to make sure no one else has placed a bid on the same item before making your bid, otherwise you may not be the highest bidder.
Your other bidding option would be to email me at mcshaw5507@yahoo.com with the item number and bid amount. I will then let you know if you are the highest bidder.


#1: Arbonne gift basket: Star Jasmine Tuberose, Seasourse Detox Spa Renewing Body Gelee, Purifying Sea Soak & orange vanilla candle with holder (reserve on this item, if reserve is not meet, item will not be sold.)

#2: Arbonne gift tote: Black orchid cassis, Seasource Detox Sea Mudd face and body mask, purifying sea soak, bath and body works soap and Wall flower (reserve on this item, if reserve is not met, item will not be sold.)

#3: Pamper yourself gift basket: Pedicure kit, Bath and body works cotton collection (lotions and soaps), Gift certificate to Frijoles, Pure Cotton candles, "When God Winks at You" book

#4: Pedicure pamper kit: beach bag, Gift certificate to Back Porch BBQ, fall candle, "Chicken Soup for the Women's Soul" book and Bath and Body Works items.

#5: Pink Tote, Bath and Body Works Warm Vanilla Sugar Collection, Soaps and Gift Certificate for a Free Haircut by Carrie Buxton.

#6: Wine and Dinner Gift Tote: Bag, Two bottles of wine, Maxine Coasters, Gift Certificate to Chilis/On the Border/Macaroni Grill, Wine Glass Markers and "Secrets of the Vine" Book.

#7: Purse and Shopping Gift Collection: Black Purse from Sam Moon, White Pashmina, Purse Scrapbook and gift cards to Target and Belk!


#8: Cinnamon and Spice Collection: Tote, Candles, Bath and Body Works Wallflower, Gift Card to Simply Fondue and Cinnamon Candle/Fragrance Bag by Aromatique, Inc.




#9: Bath Caviar Collection: Bath Salts, Seltzers, Cranberry Yankee Candle, and gift certificate to Tang's Pacific Bistro



#10: Home Collection: Tote, Photo Album, Yankee Candle, Black Rasberry Vanilla soap and Wallflower by Bath and Body Works, Gift Cerificate to Papa G's Sports Bar.

#11: Gift Tote: White Tea and Ginger Shower gel and lotion, Wood Wick Candle, Gift Certificate for a Haircut by Carrie Buxton, and Toasted Hazelnut Candles.




PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THESE ITEMS:

"I'm a Survivor" Totes

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Carly and me

Friday night, Freddy and Cheryl came over with Miss Carly. She and I were sitting, watching the Cowboys play, and when she started reaching for my wine glass and then wouldn't let it go!! It was a classic Kodak Moment!!!

Almost birthday time!!

On Wednesday, 09.09.09, I will celebrate my 27th birthday!! That is unbelievable to me. I remember when I was younger, wondering how old I would be when my birthday fell on 09/09/09!! What a great day for a birthday, I thought! What I didn't realize then, and have come to understand now, is how other people don't really have the same enthusiasm that I have when it comes to birthdays. I have been planning for months now on what to do the night of September the 9th, 2009, and I've pretty much decided people may be tired of hearing about it! Thankfully the day is almost here and everything is planned. Dinner at La Hacienda Ranch at 5:30 and then we will head over to Tastings, in Grapevine, for some fabulous wine tasting. I'm so thankful to have great friends who will be joining me in the celebrating!! It means so much to have people who care for me, and who accept me, Birthday fetish and all!!!

Friday, August 28, 2009

When they say Giant... They mean it!!

A few weeks ago, during normal conversation at the office, my "cube mate" mentioned something about some new GIANT Cheetos, and boy was she right. I found some today at the convenient store, so I had to get them for her! They were literally an inch long, wide, and thick. Too funny not to share.


Thursday, August 27, 2009

Komen 3 Day Update


There has been a lot of action on my 3 Day website this week! GMAC, the company I work, for has matched a couple of donations, and I have had a couple of large contributions from family and friends... putting the total at $1,535 so far!! I can't believe it's actually happening!! Jodi and I still have the "Cheers to Finding a Cure" Cocktail party at Cheryl's house... which is fastly approaching, and other fundraising events in the works. I can't wait for us to hit our goal!! Now... if only I could start training a little more!!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Constantly thinking about my Thirty by Thirty List...


So, this weekend while in Hot Springs... I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take care of #10 on my Thirty by Thirty List (Go Fishing and Bait my own Hook). Unfortunately, I found out too late that I would need a fishing license in order to do so... guess we will have to wait on that one.

I actually do have one task I can mark off in two days... #21 Go a month without shopping for myself. I have not purchased a single item for myself since July 28th! No shoes, purses, shirts, jewelry... nothing!! I'm quite pleased. It is actually great... going through my closet and pulling out old outfits I haven't seen in a while!! It's like Christmas all over again, well, not exactly...but it's been fun mixing and matching items of clothing that I haven't worn in a while.


Monday, August 24, 2009

Weekend at Lake Hamilton

This weekend, I made the last minute decision to head to Hot Springs and visit my family at the lake house, for what ended up being, somewhat of a reunion!! My grandmother, aunts and uncles came to town, as well as my brother, sister-in-law and Matthew.... and so did Rebecca, a long lost cousin of my mom (and her brothers & sisters). We had a great time playing games, going out on the boat, and of course, eating good food!! I even rode the tube behind the boat, something I have not done in years. It really makes me miss living just an hour from the lake!

Tricia and Rebecca on the tube!


My soon to be God Son!!

Genna's turn!!

Matthew had a big day... he was sleepy!!

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX!!!

Today is Max's 4th Birthday! I can't believe it. I woke up early this morning and told him "happy birthday"... then gave him his present, a toy of course!! I know it's silly, but Dogs have Birthdays too, so today we are showing him just how special he is to us!!!


August is here

I cannot believe how quickly the summer has flown by... and how I have NOT had a vacation yet!! This weekend was pretty quiet for us. We spent most of it with the neighbors, just eating, and catching up, and eating, and organizing fundraisers, and eating some more. It was really nice to relax for once!! But now the fun begins. We will be planning some very exciting events in order to raise money for the 3 Day, so I will keep you updated. Jodi and I cannot wait for the day to get here, but we have a lot to do between now and then!!

Sunday I had lunch with my friend Holly. We went to Anamia's in Southlake, and it was fabulous. She has started selling Scentsy products and actually gave me a warmer for the house! I couldn't believe it! Josh and I plugged it in as soon as I got home, and we just love it!
Thank you Holly!!


Saturday, July 25, 2009

3 Day update

It's now 105 days til the event and the training/dieting has begun. (well, it starts Monday, HA HA) I have now raised $150 and am thankful for every cent!!! And even though the donations don't seem to be coming as quickly as I'd like, I know these things do take time, and I'm trying to be patient. Keep checking for updates, as there will be many fundraisers to come. I'm also thinking about taking pictures to track my progress. I have a serious feeling this will be a life changing journey for me!!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

109 days and counting!!

The count down has begun to the Komen 3 Day, 60 mile walk!!! I am now registered and even have my fundraising page set up and ready to go!! Now, I just need some donations! I will definitely be adding posts regarding the event as the days and months go by... I just hope I'm ready for a LONG walk when November rolls around!!

Please take a moment to contribute if you are able.
http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/Walk/DallasFtWorthEvent2009?px=3068621&pg=personal&fr_id=1295

Monday, July 20, 2009

Girls' Weekend!!!

This past weekend, a couple of my girl friends from Little Rock came to visit!! We had such a good time, but were sooo busy... so now, I'm completely exhausted. The entire weekend was such a blast!!

Friday night, we dressed up and headed to Joe's crab shack for dinner. The girls even got T-shirts and mud bugs to prove we went there!! After that, we planned to go somewhere in downtown Grapevine, but were surprised to see amazing fireworks in the area... so, we decided to pull over and watch the show instead.



MUDBUG!!!







Saturday, we got up bright and early and made our way to Sam Moon, and then went on to Six Flags to spend the day in the heat!! We only got to ride three rides due to all the people at the park... the lines were each an hour long!! We couldn't believe it. With the park being as packed as it was, we decided to head over to grapevine mills to do some shopping and grab a bite to eat.



Later that evening, the girls and I decided to head back over to Grapevine and check out the Glass Cactus nightclub!! It was a perfect night to sit out on the patio and enjoy the band. We took tons of pictures and really enjoyed catching up!! After the sun set, we headed over to the Gaylord hotel to walk around. They really enjoyed the different restaurants and sights inside the resort. It was such a great night, and a great weekend!!!







Friday, July 10, 2009

Viva Las Vegas!!!


It's officially booked!! Our trip to LAS VEGAS!!

Guess I have one more item I can mark one off my thirty by thirty list!! We are so excited to visit "sin city" and see all the sites. More info to follow... but we would love recommendations of places to visit while we are there!!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

My turn, Thirty by Thirty!

I can't believe I'm finally doing this, but honestly, it's about time. This September I will turn 27, so I decided to finally start a Thirty by Thirty list (Thanks Cheryl & Jodi). Of course, I had to copy a few of these, but maybe that will help me when trying to complete them! Here goes....

THIRTY BY THIRTY:

1. Go to Mexico
2. Donate Blood
3. Take a cooking class
4. Find a church home and get involved
5. Complete 60 miles in 3 days (Nov. 2009)
6. Get a group and go camping for a weekend
7. Make a large purchase: new car, boat, pool, etc
8. Take a wine class
9. Visit California
10. Go fishing and actually bait my own hook
11. Volunteer for a good cause (different than #5)
12. See Central Park, and Rockefeller Center in the winter
13. Plan a reunion for all of my cousins and I
14. Face my fear of volcanos (visit one)
15. Lose 15 lbs and keep it off
16. Invest in stocks that I have researched myself
17. Fix something on my car, by myself (change oil, tire, etc)
18. Stay up all night and watch the sun come up the next morning
19. Take dance lessons, ballroom or other
20. Find a hobby/something I'm extremely passionate about and enjoy it
21. Go 1 month without shopping for myself
22. Vegas, baby!! (2009)
23. Try a food I've never tried before (maybe Indian?!)
24. Take a walk in the rain, on purpose
25. Spend an entire day with my mom, and one with my dad(from breakfast to bedtime)
26. Take a day trip (must be more than 60 miles away)
27. Shoot a gun
28. Try something daring: Bungee jump, sky dive, etc
29. Do something nice for someone, without them knowing
30. I'll leave this one open...

Obviously, this could all change, but it's what I have so far!

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

60 miles for a cause


Disclaimer: I'm completely about to copy from Jodi.... Your blog said all that I was looking for, and I cannot wait for us to complete this journey together!!!....

Ok Family, Friends, Acquaintances and People I have yet to meet! A new friend of mine, Jodi, and I have decided to walk in the 3-Day, 60 mile, Susan G Komen, Breast Cancer benefit in November of 2009. I am ecstatic about this decision, and honestly a bit scared, because its a HUGE undertaking.

Cancer has played way too big of a role in my family history, as many of you know with my Mom being a breast cancer survivor...and I know that I may be fighting the odds as well. I have often seen photos and video of people that accomplish this huge goal and I am always in awe, and a bit envious of them. I want that empowerment in my own life, a sense of accomplishment for an amazing cause, the benefit I will receive for my own personal health and wellbeing, a sense of philanthropy to help people I have never met and to honor a my mother and all those who have been diagnosed with this life changing disease.

I am starting this adventure without any financial backing, and the fundraising venture seems a bit lofty. My theory is that raising some money is a lot, seriously- A LOT easier to deal with than cancer- so I am ready to tackle that head on. My first attempt is to ask my family and friends that read this blog to search within themselves to think about what you might be able to contribute to this cause. I am going to open my donation site soon, and will update the blog at that time with the information- but please think about all who will benefit from your donation- who may have benefited from this in the past and what you can do to help a most worthy cause!


I will also need moral support from all of you as I train to walk 60 miles in only 3 days!!! WOW, that is going to be fun, exhausting, and exhilarating all at the same time. Thank you Jodi for being my partner in this adventure!! It will be something that we will never, ever forget!!!



Monday, June 22, 2009

Update on my nephew...

Matthew Daniel is almost 11 weeks old now!! I can't believe it. Seems like he was born just yesterday. He is now in daycare with 5 other infants and doing well. Here is the most recent picture! I just can't get enough of him.

Sunday, Pool Day... Kiddie Pools count!!!

Sunday, I decided, was a perfect day to lay out... and since Josh and I do not have a pool, I decided to suck it up and head to Wal-Mart for a Kiddie Pool!! Amazingly, I got the last one at the store, and was thrilled about it. I got home, grabbed my lawn chair and filled up my new oasis (which actually wasn't so bad)!! The dogs really enjoyed it too... maybe a little too much.

Put on your Poker Face











Saturday was another night o'fun at the Clark's! We had a gathering for Rich and Carla, who were absolutely fabulous, by the way... (and I seriously think they need to consider moving back into their old house). This cookout, more like buffet, was complete with grilled chicken, beef tenderloin, pasta salad, cheese dip, salsa, cookies, cream puffs, etc. By the end of the night, everyone was stuffed and ready to play some poker. Max even got in on the fun!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

The happiest day of the year?! Really?!

Supposedly, "June 20 is the happiest day of the year according to a math formula worked out by an academic. Apparently the feeling of optimism caused by the combination of lighter evenings, the prospect of holidays and memories of childhood summers is at its peak on
June 20."
So explain to me why last year on this day, I got an email that completely changed my life... (and not in a good way)... and this year I'm working on the so called happiest day?! Interesting!? Maybe it should be a holiday?! Either way, I think I'll pick a different day and celebrate on that one, maybe 09-09-09 (which just happens to be my birthday this year).
But for everyone else...hope you have a HAPPY 'HAPPIEST DAY'!!!