My Exciting 3-Day Announcement!!!!

Last year, I was asked to carry a flag at the Opening and Closing Ceremony for the 2012 Atlanta 3-Day for the Cure.  I was so excited!!  It was such an honor to be chosen from so many walkers to carry a flag and be an actual part of such a special ceremony.  I was chosen to carry one of the Honor Flags.  An Honor Flag is a flag in honor of an individual.  The flag I was chosen to carry was the flag that said, for "My Children."  This was a perfect flag for me.  I walk for a future without breast cancer.  I walk so my children do not have to face this terrible disease.  It was so special to carry the flag, not just for Wesley and Graham, but for my school children...my students past, present, and future.  My students know that I walk and have participated in a Pink Out Day for me the past two years at school.  They have made me cards, mailed post cards, and even made a giant banner that they all signed.  They ask me questions, worry about where I'm sleeping and if I'm eating while I walk, and they always ask if they can come with me.  At the closing ceremony, my personal children Wesley and Graham were invited to come on the stage with me to represent loved ones who supported and cheered for the walkers every step of the way.  Since my students wanted to come too, and I couldn't bring all 450 of them, I made a pink poster and they all signed it.  Wesley carried it up on the stage so that they too could stand with us.  Such a special moment.  One I'll never forget!  I never imaged that anything could top that moment, until last week.  That my friends leads me to my exciting 3-Day Announcement!!!

The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain your legacy.  Kalu Ndukwe Kalu

Last week, I was asked to participate once again in this year's (2013) Opening and Closing Ceremony.  Again, I was asked to carry an Honor Flag.  I couldn't believe I was selected two years in a row...amazing!  I really didn't think the experience could get any better than last years experience, but each year gets better and better.  I am so excited I can't stand it!!!  This year, I will proudly carry the flag that says, for "My Mother."  As I got the news, I immediately called my Mom and we both cried.  I got to hold the flag and get a picture back during the 2011 and 2012 events.

2011

2012

I never thought I would be chosen out of so many.  So many have lost their mothers, so many mothers are fighting.  I am so blessed.  Thank you Lord for seeing fit for my Mom to be called a Survivor.  Thank you for allowing her to be here to participate and help so many women who have needed her.  She has touched so many lives during her journey before, during, and after breast cancer.  She is so strong, she put this frightening time in God's hands, and He delivered her.  He is so faithful to His children and always keeps His promises.  She didn't stop after the battle was won.  She gave.  She gave back to the community, sharing her story and giving hope to other fighters and survivors.  I am so honored to carry this flag for you, Mom!  I will not only carry it for her, but the other Mothers who weren't as lucky as she.  I will carry it for the Mother's who are fighting right now and the ones who will fight in the future.  I will carry this flag for all daughters who have watched their Mom's fight the battle, win or lose.  I will carry this flag for all of the names listed on my ribbons on my back pack, because they are/were all mother's too. 

The story doesn't stop here.  This year, they have changed the Opening Ceremony a little, not only will I carry the flag, but I have been one of the 6 participants chosen to say a short speech about who I am carrying the flag for...I'm not going to share my speech now.  I hope you'll come back in a few months to read it or watch video of the ceremony.  You are even welcome to come experience the Opening Ceremony for yourself.  I can't wait for October!  I can't wait to walk 60 Miles with my Angels of Hope, new friends, and old friends.  I can't wait to experience the faith, hope, and love of  the 3-Day Community.  I can't wait to cross that stage and celebrate the life of my Mother.

Thank you again to all who have made this experience possible!  Thank you for your donation, prayers, support, and encouragement.  I am so close to reaching my goal.  I still need about $600 in order to walk this year's event.  Please help me get there by making a donation.  No donation is too big or small and it's all tax deductible.  This cause is so important to me.  If you can help click here to get to my fundraising page.  I have been so blessed by this experience of helping others.  I want to do all I can to make a difference in this world.  Like sweet Bridget Spence said, "I know that I will leave the world a better place than I found it.  One person might be saved because I walked, because I lived, because I raised that money, and that is the greatest achievement that any of us can hope for from our lifetimes."  I am a part of something big.  I am a child of God and it's my prayer that He uses me to share His love and hope.  I want to leave a legacy that points to Him.  I am proud that walking in the 3-Day, raising money and awareness for the cause, and most importantly sharing God's love and hope by giving and helping others are all part of my legacy.

 

 

I pray that my journey has touched your heart in some way and will continue to do so.  I have learned and have grown as person with every step.  My life has been touched by so many stories and new friendships made.  I pray that it has helped you be more aware.  As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches, remember to see your doctor, get checked, and get a mammogram.

 

Live your life from your heart.  Share from your heart and your story will touch and heal people's souls.  Melody Beattie

Packing for the 3-Day...Part 2

Alright now it's time to pack!  What do I bring and how do I pack it?  Well, you should first look at the packing list located in your participant center.  On the list is everything the 3-Day suggests for you to bring.  Remember that you are only allowed one gear bag that cannot weigh more than 35lbs.  This is to protect the crew members who have volunteered to load and unload every one's bags on and off the big trucks.  Everything that you plan on taking must be in this bag!!  If you are like me, I was thinking that's gonna be impossible!!  But, it's not!!  I have been able to take everything I need the last two years in my one bag.

There it is!! My one bag.  Beside it is my Camelbak that I wear as I walk.  I also wore the wings last year to support my team, Angels of Hope.  I purchased this particular bag at Target.  It is a large duffel bag with wheels.  I chose blue because well, everything is pink.  I chose blue so it would stand out and I could find it easily amongst the thousands of other bags.  Also, I tied pink ribbons on it.  You must label your bag with your participant ID # and tent address.  It is suggested by the 3-Day to pack everything inside your bag in Ziploc bags.  It helps keep you organized and keeps the items inside dry in case of rain.  (Remember this event is rain or shine.)  I do pack my thing in the Ziploc bags and label them, day 2, day 3, etc.  That way it's easy to pick up bag and take the items to the shower trucks. 

Here's what's in the Bag!!

Tennis Shoes

I wear one pair and pack another pair.  I alternate them to help prevent blisters.  Also, if it does rain, you don't want to walk in wet shoes.  If there is a chance of rain...pack a couple of sheets of newspaper.  I have heard that it will help dry out wet shoes.

Day 2 & 3 Attire

I pack each day in a Ziploc bag.  I include sports bra, underwear, socks (2 pair per day), shorts, capri pants, tank, and t-shirt.  Yes, you can fit it all in one large Ziploc bag.

PJ's

I pack a t-shirt and PJ pants and PJ shorts.  You don't know what the temp will be like where you are camping.

Extra Items

I usually pack a sweat shirt, fleece jacket, hat, sunglasses, and visor.  If there is a chance of rain, I will pack a rain jacket.  If there is not a chance of rain, I will pack a $1 poncho just in case...you never know!!!

Sleeping Equipment

I have done the sleeping bag and the air mattress.  I recommend the air mattress.  (Yes, it's in that bag!)  If you go with the air mattress I suggest getting with your tent mate and one of you pack the mattress and the other packing the sheet and blanket.  Don't forget your battery operated pump and a small pillow!  My air mattress is a Queen size.  The pink tents are 6.5' x 6.5'.  It takes up almost all of the tent.  The 3-Day suggests taking some other things for the tent, but each time I walked we stayed inside the World Congress Center, so we didn't need additional tarps to cover and keep things dry.

Toiletries

You will need sunscreen, toothpaste and brush, shampoo and soap, razor, deodorant, moisturizer, and other feminine products.  Don't forget foot care products too.  You may need nail clippers, small first aid kit, prescribed medications, anti-blister aids, and bandages.  Insect repellent is good too.  I also pack just a little make up, not much.

Miscellaneous Items

Some suggest ear plugs, I have some, but have never wore them.  Alarm clock, I just use my phone. A camera is a must!!!  There are so many things you will want to take picture of and many photo opportunities. 

That's it!! That's what's in my blue bag!  :-)

Packing for the 3-Day...Part 1

So I have thought long and hard about this particular post.  It is mainly for my team mates who will be walking for the first time this October.  Others of you just might be curious too.  I get asked all the time...What do you pack for the 3-Day?  Do you have to carry your bag 60 miles?  Do you really camp?  How do you walk 60 miles after sleeping on the ground for 2 nights?  So now, I'll answer your questions here.  Please, remember that the following is my opinion.  What I pack and how I do things may not be what's best for you.  Always pack for your comfort and of course follow the 3-Day guidelines.  I decided to make a couple of post, just because it could get long....

Packing for the first time in 2011

For the 3-Day, you have the option of staying at a hotel (you pay for it) or sleeping at the 3-Day Camp (which is free).  Camp is amazing and I highly recommend staying there!  It's a part of the experience that you don't want to miss.  Just because I know you are wondering...No, you do not have to carry your bag for 60 miles.  At each 3-Day you are assigned a tent address.  Example: B-36  This is the letter row and number you will set up your tent at.  The letter is also your assigned truck.  When you are dropped off at the Opening Ceremonies, you take your bag and check it in with the truck that has your letter on it (truck B).  The truck take your things to camp while you walk the first day.  On the third day, you load your bag back into the truck and it takes your things to the Closing Ceremony.

 
At most 3-Day events you camp outside.  At the Atlanta event, the last two years, we have camped indoors.

For 2 nights, the above was my home.  How did we sleep on concrete floor?  If you look closely you will see an air mattress.  Yes, it takes up the entire tent, but it sleeps well and you really do need your sleep to be able to walk 20 + or - miles a day!

Camp is one amazing place!  Not only do you sleep there, but you eat breakfast and dinner there too.  You will not go hungry at the 3-Day!!

The above was my dinner on night. They pile it up!!  Camp also, has a store, post office, massage chairs, stretching center, photo booths, remembrance and reflection tent, and more.

Each night there's a camp show.  During the camp show you will sing, dance, laugh, cry, it's so emotional.   Yes, people do dance after walking 20 to 40 miles.  Everyone dances at the Closing Ceremony (yes, that's after 60 miles)!  It is just an emotional experience and the love, joy, and hope of all the people gets you through it!!

This ends part 1!  Come back soon to read part 2!

Fundraising!! Help Me Reach My Goal

We are 6 weeks away from the 3-Day and I still need around $650 to be able to walk.  There is no donation too big or too small.  If you can help, please click here to donate!   I must meet this goal before October 15, to be able to participate.  I'm not worried.  I know my God is faithful and is in this.  This cause is very important to me and I know that God is blessing all my efforts.  Though I am just a small part of this, I know with our efforts combined we are making a big difference in the fight again breast cancer!

I'm also having 2 more fundraisers.  My sweet friend Angie is having a 31 Fundraiser to help me meet my goal.  31 is a company that sales various bags and organizational totes.  These products have additional accessories and can be embroidered.  I love what this company stands for as they strive to encourage and reward others for who they are.  They rely on God and commit to provide women with a fulfilling, enjoyable and rewarding experience one person at a time.  I personally have several of their organizational totes.  They are sturdy, beautiful, and have so many uses.  I love their products and know you will too.  I would love for you to attend my party.  It will be Tuesday, September 10, at 2:45 in my classroom at school.  If you are coming, please email, call, or send me a message.  If you can't attend then you are welcome to shop online.  To purchase online click here. 

I am lovin' the Pink, Black, & White pattern in the top middle of this picture!

25% of the proceeds will be donated back to my 3-Day Walk Account. 

The September Special is...

Spend $35 and get a Organizing Utility Tote for $15 or Super Organizing Tote for $25.




My second fundraiser is with Premier Designs Jewelry!  This company is near and dear to my heart because before I started my teaching career, I too was a jewelry lady.  Again, another amazing company that believes "nothing is more important than service!"  This company's main focus in on people and relationships.  The jewelry line is amazing too.  This is a special fundraiser because the jewelry lady hosting it is my friend Emily who is also participating in the 3-Day walk with me.  This will be her second 3-Day Walk.  Emily is donating 50% of the profits to our 3-Day accounts.





You know you want one of these!!  There's two bracelets here I really want!!

If you are in the Covington area and your interested in purchasing some jewelry to help us reach out goal.  We are having a show on Saturday, September 14, at 6:00 at our church.  Please call, email, message me and I'll give you directions.  If you are interested in purchasing and you are not in my area, please message me and I will tell you how you can place an order.

Not only will you receive an amazing product from either of these two companies, but you will be helping provide awareness and assisting in research towards finding a cure for breast cancer.  Christmas is only a couple months away.  Why not get a jump start on your holiday shopping?

I can't ever thank you enough for your support!  I wouldn't be able to participate in this event without friends and family who support my fundraising efforts and lift me and my team up in prayer.

Thank you for your support!!