Triathlon next??

Since I've completed the marathon I keep thinking....what's next? Perhaps a triathlon?? I've been trying to get the hubby on board and for some unknown reason, he hasn't jumped at the opportunity! Figured we could start out easy with a little 1/2 marathon in February and then a mini triathlon in May....sounds reasonable! So I decided that even though we haven't signed for anything yet, I should continue to train in some capacity. I hit the treadmill and figured I'd whip about a few miles no problem! I mean, I just finished a damn marathon, anything after that should be cakewalk right? Yeah well, my body doesn't exactly agree! In fact, I'm pretty sure it was yelling loud and clear....."what the heck do you want from me??", "you need a reality check lady! You are not a 20 something super elite athlete!!" It appears that my mind and my body have very different opinions! This may be more difficult than I originally thought ;)

Enough Cancer Already!!

It's been just 8 months since my father in-law John passed away, sometimes it feels like an eternity and other times it seems like just yesterday. As if this year hasn't been rough enough on many of us, my mother in-law Jan's very close friend of 30+ was diagnosed with breast cancer. I met her for the first time at John's funeral, such a lovely lady. Joyce and Jan have shared a wonderful and treasured friendship. Jan describes Joyce as "my rock." She's undergone surgery, chemo, the works but it appears that the cancer has worked it's way into her brain. Needless to say, the prognosis is not good and the news hit Jan especially hard. It's just to close to home! DAMN this cancer stuff! I'd ask all of you to send peace and healing thoughts for Joyce and her family during this difficult time. We know all too well just how hard it is :(

Diane Canning Update

Diane (Hootie's mom) was diagnosed with Leukemia a short time ago and has been undergoing various tests etc. At her most recent doctor's appointment, her blood test revealed that her white cell count had risen dramatically since the last one 2 months ago. The tricky thing about Leukemia is that one doesn't feel ill so I think it's hard to believe that you're really sick. Diane's doctor has recommended that they start the chemo-therapy. I may get in trouble for this next statement but I believe that I'm at a distance far enough away to avoid immediate repercussion ;) With the holidays coming up, Diane isn't sure when she wants to start the treatment! Soooo, I would ask all of you to please send her urgent..."do it know!!" thoughts so that she heeds the doctor's advice! From what I'm hearing, Diane is one stubborn gal. Hootie, perhaps this is where you received a similar trait? ;) Love ya!

Wish we had more pics like this!

This picture was taken last Easter, I insisted at the time since it's rare that we can get most of us together!

Check out the happy and smiling faces of the two teenagers ;) From left to right: Blase (RIP), John (step-bro), Scott (my hubby), Allison (Blase's daughter in-law) Madge (Blase's wife) Sarah (step-sis), Jane (Blase's daughter and my wicked step-mommy), Mike (my daddio!), Jeremy (my mean-ager), me of course, Joe (Blase's grandson), and Jim (Blase's son).

Cancer claims another loved one :(

As some of you may remember from my previous posts, one of my special honorees was Blase Mathews (step-grandpa). In August he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lymphoma and I knew that I had another good reason to complete the marathon. Blase passed away last night leaving a big hole in the lives of many.

You've all heard the cliche: "life is to short!".....think it, believe it, know it!

The finish line!!

The last stretch prior to crossing the finish line was a madhouse of people waving signs, blowing whistles, and cheering like crazy! Just before I hit the finish line I saw Greenlaw :))) rooting me on! And as soon as I crossed the finish line, as promised a handsome and nicely dressed Fireman handed me a little blue box!! Scott and the kids were there to congratulate me! Wahooooo, I did it!!

Almost there!

During the last mile I must have stopped to stretch 5 times!! Tired doesn't begin to cover how I was feeling.....and then you hear it! "Ladies! In less than a mile....you will cross the finish line and a handsome firefighter dressed in a suit will hand you a Tiffany's box!" Talk about motivation ;) Yippee!