Memorial Day 2011

It's Memorial Day 2011.  A lot has happened in the last few months!  As I sit here reflecting on how things have changed, I realize how blessed I am.  I just finished sending an email to Kaitlyn's soccer team.  She's decided not to play club soccer this year.  I'll miss those people - some I've known for several years.  Tomorrow I go into work for the last day - I'll miss those people - some I've known for almost 30 years!  I'm meeting new friends.  I'm walking a lot -  put in 21 miles over the last week.  I'll start cross-training by swimming two days a week now that I have the time.  I'll be working with the band director at Olathe Northwest - looking forward to doing new things and meeting new people there.  And I'll be working out at the Royals and Sprint more - I like doing that also.  So life is changing - I don't think it's slowing down, just changing!  I don't have to get up at 5 a.m. anymore - now if I could just sleep past 6:00 a.m. 

Training is going well.  Despite a nasty-looking bruise on my right leg, I got my miles in this week.  Tuesday took a 3-mile walk in the evening.  Thursday was my reception -I rode the bus to work and came home with my family so my car was at the park-and-ride.  I walked over and picked it up.  Saturday morning I got in a 7 mile walk before the rain, then Sunday evening headed out for a 6 mile walk.  It all felt good.  I've ordered a waist pack to keep things in like phone, chapstick, inhaler, sunscreen, and a snack for the longer walks.  It will come in handy - I don't have as many pockets in the summer as I did in the winter!  I have to admit, I'm NOT looking forward to the longer walks in the heat -  but I will do them.  I've got routes mapped out where I can walk to places to fill up my water bottle.  And I always have my cell phone with me just in case.  And I always let Rob know what my route is.  So I think we're good there.  As the walks get longer, I'll have Rob or Kaitlyn meet me halfway to re-supply me with water and/or have lunch with me.  Plans are coming together!

Retirement - is looking even better.  My friend Judy, who is also retiring after 35 years, and I took our team and a few others out to lunch on Tuesday - we had a fun time!  Then Thursday was a joint retirement reception for myself, Judy, and another friend - David - who has 32 years in.  Between the three of us, we have 96 years of service.  That's a lot of experience walking out the door tomorrow!  Our reception was very nice - my friend Christi did a fantastic job of it all.  She made boards for each of us with pictures of us through our years at Blue Cross.  There were a lot of friends that came in - and I made it thought it all without a tear.  I saw a lot of friends - the lady that hired me, Judy Bond, made it in to say hi.  There were a lot of others, some I was pleasantly surprised to see.  All in all, it was a fantastic way to end 29 years.

Now it's off to the rest of my life - which begins with working at the Royals today.  Go Royals!

Steffy

Retirement!

It' close.  I'm excited, and nervous.  I have plenty to do - I'll be working with the band director at Kaitlyn's school.  She's the sweetest lady and really cares about the kids.  But she's totally computer illiterate - her words - so I told her she could teach music and I'd take care of the computer for her.  There's a lot going on at the school this summer, they have a DCI (Drum Corps International) show coming to the district stadium in July, there's a lot of work to prepare for that.  Then getting ready for band camp starting in July.  And they're taking a trip next year in March, destination to be announced.  She needs a trip manager and I'm it.  I've run enough ski trips and helped with junior high mission trips, I think I can handle it.  I'm looking forward to it. 
But retirement - that's another story.  I guess if you say it's not working anymore, then I'm not ready for it.  So I'll fill my time with working at Kaitlyn's school and working out at the Royals.  And walking - a lot!  NOT looking forward to walking in the heat and humidity, but it's gotta get done.  I am looking forward to the long walks though.  And I can get them done in the morning, when it's cooler.  I like mornings - and I'll have lots of peaceful morning walks.  Also looking forward to having time to do cross-training like I should.  My gym has a great pool (2 indoor and 1 outdoor in fact) and I'm looking forward to some water aerobics and swimming on cross-training days.
So yes - "retirement" here I come, ready or not!

My retirement party at Blue Cross is Thursday the 26th from noon to 2 - come on down if you like!  It'll be a big party, there's three of us retiring at the same time!

Later ----
steffy

Walkin' On!

I'm back on track and feelin' good!  I put in six miles yesterday with no problem, and another four miles today.  And I've been working on donations - I have over 25% of the $2300 I need, and it sure is encouraging.  Some of them are surprising - like a donation from a high school friend I haven't seen since high school.  SO -- if any of you are inclined to help me out, please do so.  You can give on the website or print out a form and send it in with your donation if you don't like to do it online.  It's www.the3day.org, click on "Donate to a Participant" on the right side, then enter my name, Stephanie Goddard.  From there you can either donate directly or print out a form.  Thanks....any amount, big or small, helps me out and is very encouraging for me!
And yes, I am retiring as of the end of this month.  I can work more on my training, and I will also be the trip manager for Kaitlyn's high school band trip next year.  No word on where they're going yet, but I'll be getting them there!  I'm really looking forward to it - I've run lots of ski trips and helped run junior high mission trips.  I love working with kids so this should be really fun.  I'll also be working at the Royals games more since I don't have to get up at 5 in the morning!  So I'll be staying busy, just with different work.  And I'm ready for a change.  My son and his fiance will be here for my retirement reception, and they'll stay over Memorial Day so I'll get to spend some time with them.  I'm looking forward to my reception.  There are three of us retiring and having a joint receeption so we should see a lot of people come in.  That will be the hard part - there are a lot of people I've worked with over the last 29 years.  Someone better have the Kleenex box handy!
And then there's the crazy weather....had the a/c guy come in yesterday and do the beginning-of-season tune-up on the a/c - then I turned around and kicked on the furnace last night.  Sheesh!  But I have to admit it's made walking easier.  Had to dig out my winter hat to keep my ears warm!  Took Retro (my beagle mix) with me today on the four-mile walk.  He loves to go walking but it takes longer when you take along a beagle-nose.  He has to sniff at EVERYTHING! 
Well, will sign off for now.  Take care, everyone!

steffy

He's not finished with me, yet!

Walking is going well - did 8 miles over the weekend and 3 miles today.  Knee feels great.  But I also have some more interesting news.  I turned in retirement papers today and will officially retire on May 31 - of this year!  Our financial advisor said we could do it - so here we go.  Rob's been "retired" since last September. He quit his job because it got so stressful.  I have to say he's  been much better since he quit.  My company has a great pension plan.  I can continue my family health coverage for a reasonable amount, and they even carry life insurance for me for several more years.  I've been there for 29 years.  I kind of wanted to make it to 30 years, but the numbers were too good right now to pass up.  I can spend the summer training for my walk in September. 
I've been thinking about what to do in my retirement.  I'm definitely not ready to sit down!  When Rob and I were both working, we had money to give to whatever causes we determined needed it.  Now that we're both retired, we may not have as much money, but we do have the time.  I've been thinking it's time to give some of that time back.  I'm certain that God will let me know what He wants me to do in His time.  And like one of my favorite songs goes - He's not finished with me yet!
It'll be an interesting change.  And it's scary and exciting at the same time.  Now I'll have the time to do things I've always wanted to do.  I can work on taking and editing pictures more.  I'll have time to volunteer not only at church, but at Kaitlyn's school - I'd love to help the band program out.  I'll continue to work at Sprint, the Royals, and Chiefs - I like doing that, and it helps pay for all of Kaitlyn's activities.  So I'm not going to sit still for long!
And of course - keep on walkin'!  September will be here before we know it.

Thanks for listening and being there....
Steffy

WHEW! Safe for now!

Saw the knee dr. this morning.  Not all bad news.  I do have a lot of arthritis in the left knee - it'll be due for a knee replacement sometime in the future.  He said because of that, a scope wouldn't do much.  But he did give me a cortisone shot in the knee (minor ouch!) and gave me encouragement to keep walking.  He said if the shot didn't work or it gets worse over the summer he can do "liquid cartilege" injections which would probably do the trick until the walk is over.  He said since I'd been walking with no problems, I should be good to go. 
SO IT'S OFF TO THE SIDEWALKS!

And along with that - I need to start my fundraising!  Nothing like seeing that fund go up to give me some encouragement!  SO..if you're so inclined - go to www.the3day.org, click on "Donate to a Participant", and enter Stephanie Goddard in the name fields.  You'll see my name at the bottom of the page - you can donate directly there by clicking on "donate now" or click on my name to go to my page and print out a donation form (at the bottom of the page). 

I have a jar here at home - it's collecting spare change, tip money from working at the Royals and Sprint Center, and various other assorted money I run into.  It's my travel fund - I'm planning on going several days early and enjoying the fall DC weather before the walk, and take in a few sights.  So since I have this jar going, everything you give will go directly to the Komen foundation for their fight against cancer.

The exciting part is that my sister will be in DC with me - she will be a part of the support crew.  I am SO looking forward to celebrating my birtday in the middle of the walk! 

Thanks for going with me!!!!!

One step forward, three steps back......ouch!

I jokingly say that knees are not one of God's better inventions.  For real. 
Last Saturday I walked three miles in the wind and sun - felt good when I turned around and the wind was at my back!  I did disappoint Retro, though.  He was crying when I left for my walk without him - beagle cries are awful!
My "official" training schedule started on Monday - which was a rest day.  Tuesday I walked three miles on my lunch break at work - walked from Crown Center to Sprint Center and wound my way back for three.  Wednesday was supposed to be a rest day, but I decided to walk to church for choir practice - only a  mile so no big deal.  Again, Retro was howling since I didn't take him with me (how does that dog always know when I'm going for a walk without him??).  Got to church, got a drink, went to the choir room and sat down in a chair.  OUCH!  Left knee screamed in pain.  I tried to straighten it out - no dice.  I found I could walk on it without pain as long as I didn't straighten it out. 
Well - this has kind of happened before - knee would lock.  So, got home and applied heat.  Again - no dice.  Still can't straighten it.  Take some Motrin, go to bed.  Several times during the night, woke up in pain when I turned and tried to stretch the leg.  Go to urgent care, probable torn cartilege.  They braced it and gave me prescription-strength Aleve with instructions to take twice a day.  And call the ortho.  Ouch.
So it's a little better now, but still can't straighten it all the way.  I have an appointment with my friendly orthopedic doctor, Dan, for Thursday.  Urgent care said it's probably a tear, and has probably been there for awhile, I've probably just torn it more. 
So much for training schedule.  I'm still determined.  When I see the doctor, I'm gonna push to have it fixed.  I can't afford to have this happen a week before the walk!  Hopefully it's an easy scope and I can get back to the training schedule.  Fortunately, I was up to where I could do a six-mile walk no problem so I should be able to get back to the schedule fairly quickly.  I gotta look at it that way!!!!!
In other news - Kaitlyn has a job and likes it.  She's a hostess at Houlihan's on 119th St.  We were supposed to go to K-State for an open house today, but decided last night not to go.  We're going there on Monday anyway for Junior Day - and she has to work tonight and tomorrow morning.  Makes life easier on all - and saves a tank of gas!
And the Royals are doing well!  I worked the game last night (I think the cold air helped my knee!) and they won 6-2.  Heard the fireworks as I was walking to my car.
Have a great week, all!  And prayers for my knee would be appreciated.  They are NOT one of God's better inventions!

Love to all,
Steffy

Gettin' Ready Now!

OK - I've not been too good at updating so far, have I?  Well, it's about time I did.  Next week starts my "official" training schedule, so I better get with it.  I've still been walking, and can still do a 6-mile walk, but now HAVE to get my feet in gear!  It's gonna be fun trying to get everything in, but with a lot of support and help, I'll get it done!  It's nice having Rob home now - he keeps things going on the home front while I walk and work and work.  I still plan on doing as much of the Royals and Sprint as I can - for two reasons.  One, I like doing it, it's fun for me.  Two, it's a great way to make money for Kaitlyn's band trip, mission trip, and all that other stuff she does.  The people I work with are great and we have a lot of fun.
SO - it's off to walk I go.  Since I'm working at Sprint tonight, I'll do a 3-mile walk today.  Gotta head out, it's gonna get warm today!  THAT I don't look forward to - walking in the heat and humidity.  Oh, well - drink plenty of water, take it easy, and I'll be ok!!
OH - and since my "official" training plan starts next week, my fund-raising will kick into higher gear.  I have $2300 to raise between now and the walk.  Please consider helping me out!  Go to www.the3day.org, click on "Donate to a Participant", enter Stephanie Goddard and you'll be able to help me out!  I also have to raise my travel funds, that's being done by spare change and my tip money from Sprint and Royals (another reason to work!).  Thanks for being there for me...!!!!