3Day 2009 - Going Home, Bringing Friends!

This year I'll be walking the 3Day up home in Philly. Maureen will be walking with me again and I'm so excited to say so will one of my dearest friends, Jody, who is a survivor like Maureen, along with Jody's sister, Karyn. My friend, Karyn, (yes, popular name) who walked with me last year will be crewing this year in Atlanta. She has done that in the past with another friend, and fellow walker, Mary. A camaraderie of shared memories through training for and walking the 3Day stays with you forever - no matter the time that has passed since last you walked together. The women (and men) who walk bring their stories with them: you feel it in their glance, you see it in their smile, and it touches your heart in a special way.

I have a whole new excitement to be walking the 3Day 2009 in my birthplace. I know it will be emotional, and I think part of that will be walking among familiar places and seeing my extended family (hopefully - you all better come cheer us on!!!). I wouldn't be able to walk without the support of so much of my family- and friends - you can't walk without raising $2300 - and you have to lean on those you know to help you get there. It isn't easy asking for the money, but the cause is so worthwhile that you don't mind putting your heart in your throat as you help to find the cure. We must find the cure.

On a personal note: Happy Birthday, Laurie! Friends, family, and friends who are family are the best treasures on this journey called life.

January - Did it Happen!?!

Hello, and here I am, though you would think I've disappeared off the earth. Actually, I've been busy with life, with work, with school, and even got to spend some wonderful time with my kids, family, and friends over the Christmas break...well as far as all my kids go, it was the middle of January until we opened presents! It's truly the being together that matters, not the gifts. My children are proof of that.

Daddy is doing well with his new pacemaker, so that is the best blessing this past Christmas gave to all of us. Krisie and I went to the December 20, 2008 Flyers vs. Washington Caps game and that was a very fun time for both of us. I GOT BERNIE PARENT'S AUTOGRAPH! And we got to see his ring! It was so random, and so much FUN! And then they won the game with a tremendous score of 7-1! We saw a breakaway goal, a hat trick, some fights...I know, I don't like the fights either, but it was just a raucously good time. Ally, Matt, and I did a breakfast and then Katie went with us for a dinner. We had great fun just being together. Krisie's birthday and Christmas Day could not have been better. We got together with our Peifer cousins at AnnMarie and Don's and it was just so special.

After that I took off for Wilmington, NC. I didn't expect to spend as much time as I did but it was a relaxing and wonderful conglomeration of moments, not the least of which was seeing Mike O'Donnell perform several times, including New Years Eve. I finally headed back to reality, but my fond memories are making me look wistfully back at Wilmington.

Hustle, Bustle, and Tussle

Lots of hurrying to do lots of things...it is all around us, this atmosphere of hustle and bustle. Everyone talks about the economy, the cutting back, the worry over jobs, but I found no evidence of those things at the Montgomery Mall in North Wales, PA yesterday. I did find fantastic buys, and from driving up here I know that this time the gas was the least amount it has been in many years. So, maybe there is a bit less being made by the retailers and the oil companies. So the shoppers are spending less, but maybe the prices have been over-inflated for quite some time now?

No tussle in the hustle and bustle for me. I am looking forward to the birth of the Lord, and a New Year ahead full of possibility, hope, and loving kindness. I wish loving kindness for you today. "Love is the answer," says Todd Rundgren - and I agree.

Is It REALLY Only TWELVE Days til Christmas???

It's hard to believe where the days are flying to lately, my classes are finished (yes, two A's, thank you for asking) and I am leaving for Philly shortly so I can be there for Daddy's defibrillator replacement. Ay yi yi!!! I am still in the mode of wanting to write more about the 2008 3Day but it is looking like I will be writing that in early 2009!!!

My thoughts tonight are thankful and I want to tell you why -

My children are all with fantastic partners: people who are vibrant, intelligent, caring, funny, and full of life. If you are a parent, you know where I'm coming from on this one.

I'm thankful my Dad is getting this procedure. He deserves to feel well and starting Thursday he will. I'm thankful my Mother is in such excellent health and that both my parents are only a phone call away from talking to my children, which all enjoy.

I'm thankful for my extended family: my sisters and their families are great to see and spend time with and our phone talks are a great link for continuous sharing.

I'm thankful for my friends: from the oldest to the newest each is special to me and sometimes they even help me to breathe (if you know what I mean, you can count yourself a friend).

BUT I'm most thankful for three people who have made me who I am today: Katie, Jenny Anne, and Nicky. Without the blessing of their souls in my life I would not be me. As they each journeyed from infant to toddler, from toddler to kindergartner, from kindergartner to preteen, from preteen to teen, from teen to young adult, and from young adult to adult they taught me through their kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, ingenuity, creativity, loyalty, understanding, compassion, hope, faith, and love. I am triply blessed because they are my friends as well as my family. They are my heart.

Where Did November Go?

I have been away from the blog and immersed in catching up after a wonderful time in Wilmington and the Outer Banks of NC. I have more 3Day photos to come, I promise. I just have to get through a paper due in hours, a take home essay, and two finals by December 4th along with Jenny's TWENTY - FIFTH birthday and Thanksgiving...other than that, not much happening with me, how about you??? Hugs and thankful for children, family, and friends (old and new)...love, me