Stiletto Sprint - Charlotte, NC

  I happy to report this was not a women's only event.  This was a fully engaged multi-gender, age-don't-matter, foot stomping, high heeled, good time.  And, for a wonderful cause benefiting the Carolinas Ovarian Cancer Fund at Levine Cancer Institute (LCI).   Amount raised, one heel at a time: $63,486.75.

Some highlights from Team Twinkle Teals for Wendy:
  "I was beat by a cancer survivor running carrying her dog"
  "I was beat by men on 'Team Barbara' all in 3" heels duct tape to their feet"  Barbara lost her battle 3 months prior and they were crying at the finish line.
  "The primary sponsor of the event is a man who lost his wife 5 years prior - he was dressed up like Wonder Woman"
  "There were more men running in dresses than women"!
  "I couldn't control myself when they interviewed the 12 year old ovarian cancer survivor in front of the crowd"
  "I balled again when the survivors raced to "I Will Survive" and a 70+ woman walked in 6" platform heels"
 
As their motto goes......"A good pair of heels can save a life!"  Congratulations to all that participated.  It's never too late to give.

Levine Cancer Institute is dedicated to supporting the fight against ovarian cancer by educating the community about ovarian cancer symptoms, conducting cutting edge research involving early detection, and providing the most current treatment options for women with ovarian cancer.

This year in the United States, over 20,000 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Nearly 70% of these women are diagnosed at an advanced stage. The disease is often called the silent killer because symptoms can be so vague.  

Symptoms can include: bloating or feeling pressure in the belly; pain in the abdomen or pelvis; feeling full too quickly during meals; and urinating more frequently  

Courtney McMillion - Rest in Peace, April 27, 2012

  Within a blink of an eye, our world can be turned upside down.  Death comes every day; one day for us.

One of my childhood friends lost her daughter yesterday.  She was only 23 years old! So young and beautiful.  I don't have too much detail, but understood it was very sudden.  Speculations of an aneurysm.

I am so heartbroken for Margaret and her family.  No parent should have to see their children pass before them.  It's unnatural and tragic.  Losing a love one is devastating, but losing someone so young, in their prime has to be one of the hardest things.  I know God has a plan for all of us.  He won't give us more than we can bear.  But, this seems unbearable. 

Perhaps there is some small comfort to know that Courtney, in her too short life, left lasting memories for those that knew her well, for the family that raised and adored her, for the fiance' that planned his life  with her, and for the rest that only had fleeting moments.  We will remember.

Tonight I want to hold my family close and tell them I love them more than I can say.  Life is too short and the next blink may change our lives forever.  Don't waste another moment in regret.  Even the shortest moment should be as if it's your last.

May you rest in peace dear Courtney.  Another angel takes flight.

XOXOXO

End of an Era

Such sad news to hear of Dick Clark's passing, 1929 - 2012.  Such is life that all good things must come to an end.



I grew up watching Dick Clark and American Band Stand.  We had so much fun listening, dancing and watching the show.  We listened to him on the radio, TV and of course, watched the new year's rockin' eve and the iconic Time Square ball dropping each year.  It's become a norm with my family to watch every year.

Obviously Mr. Clark led a full life with many successes and a legacy that won't be forgotten any time soon.  In fact, I feel confident that millions of people from my generation and my children's will long remember him and his work.

It's always sad to say good-bye.  In doing so, it's a reminder that all of us are passing through, the time shorter than not.  And, a reminder to make the best of our journey while we're here.

Farewell Mr. Clark and rest in peace. 

Equal Pay Day - Today

  SERIOUSLY?!?

  FAIR & COMPARABLE PAY                                             

Have your heard of this???  Men and women, even into the 21st century still do not share equalized payment.  A woman does the same job as a man and gets paid less.

TODAY  (theoretically) marks the length of time a woman had to work into 2012 in order to make the same amount of money that her male counterpart made in 2011.  ~ One year, four and half months for a woman to earn the same money doing the same job.

I'm sure there are some male cynics asking themselves....."How the heck did she get the job in the first place.  After all, it's a man's job."   S I G H.   Such is life in corporate America.

Neighbor Girl

Guest post from: Constance Rodgers

My neighbor’s kid just walks right in my house any time she wants. She doesn’t knock. She doesn’t ring the doorbell. She just walks right in. I’ll be sitting there in my chair, and in walks the little neighbor girl. She doesn’t even say, “Hi.” She just starts talking like she’s been there all along. It is so bizarre and crazy. Her mom will usually come running up a few minutes behind, apologizing profusely and taking her daughter home with her. I don’t want to keep the doors locked when I am home. I like to go in and out of the house to work in the yard and what not. I don’t want to have to keep up with locking the door just to keep the neighbor girl out. I am even thinking maybe we should look at adt home alarms,  just to make the point to this girl that she can’t just walk in to someone’s house. We are nice people, who would never do her any harm, but not everyone is that way.

Big Girls Don't Cry

To set the record straight, I cry all the time.  It's probably the single most talented thing I can do.  I've had years of experience and almost every day to experience.  I cry when I'm happy, when I'm sad, when I'm mad, when I'm tired, or confused, or lost and then found. 

I cry when I see someone else cry or see things amissed.  When I see hardship and recovery, when I lose control or realize I never had control.  I cry when I remember time past, time lost and people forgotten.  I cry when I feel pain, joy, grace and blessings.

I cry for my family and friends.  I'm so well versed to cry for them and I'm good at it too.

I'm a big girl.  And, I love the song by the Four Seasons.  It's on my song list for road trips.  We went and saw Jersey Boys earlier this year and thoroughly enjoyed their many many songs.   My son and I love singing their songs. 

I cry and I'm a big girl too.

XOXOXO