A lot has happened the last couple of weeks! I got behind in training again thanks to a fairly mild case of bronchitis - but bronchitis nevertheless. Then it got hot again (skycast is orange today and I think tomorrow, not walking outside with that!). But I have been busy at school! The marching band is sounding great! Sometimes I walk around the track while they're practicing in the morning. This weekend should be good for walking.
Ah, the quilt raffle. The beautiful quilt that my friends Christi and Tama made for me was raffled off - Christi and I did the drawing today. And the winner is........(drum roll please).......Victoria Becker. Victoria works at Blue Cross, and from what I understand is having her own battle with breast cancer. Victoria - wrap the quilt around you and feel the love from the hands that made the quilt and the friends that supported me! I'll most certainly be walking for you also. Victoria works in the building across the street from the main building, and happened to be in the support area and just happened to have money with her to buy a raffle ticket for the quilt. She was supposed to win it! I'm so glad she did.
I have a friend, Keith Flanders, who lives in DC and participated in the walk last year. He's walking again, and has also worked on the crew for the Boston walk. We've been talking, and are looking forward to meeting each other. He's "adopting" my sister and I for our stay in DC - it'll be nice to have a friend who knows the area! He really has a heart for the 3-day walk and I get energized just talking with him. He's someone else God has put in my corner!
I leave in three short weeks. I need to start my packing list! I'm getting very excited. The last year has been so awesome, and I have lots of people to thank for it - but most of all, I thank God I'm able to undertake this task. God bless all!!
steffy
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Komen Race for the Cure
Where to start?? This morning was fantastic in all respects. The weather was gorgeous. I walked with old friends and new. I was part of the survivor's walk. So AWESOME! And this is small compared to what I will be doing in September - is that next month already??
This morning I participated in the Susan G. Komen Kansas City Race for the Cure. It's the first event I've done since becoming a survivor. It was so beautiful. There were live bands cheering us on at almost every corner. Pink balloons everywhere. As I neared the finish line, I was handed a pink rose. My friends took lots of pictures - I FORGOT my camera. I was going to take my small one, but alas, forgot. Oh, well - that's what friends are for. I'll post pictures when I get them from them. We were all happy just to be together and see each other again. The drumline from one of the Shawnee Mission schools (sorry, forgot which one) led the survivor's walk - it was so awesome!
Yesterday I completed a 17-mile walk in two phases. Did a 9-mile walk, came home, rested, ate lunch, then headed back out for an 8-mile walk. The 8-mile was a little tough, I ran out of water and didn't plan my route as well as usual. I went to a pizza place (which shall remain nameless but I'll never go there again!) and asked for ice water. They didn't have ice, which I said was OK, but then he tried to give me a story about the health department and not being able to give me water out of the faucet since if it's contaminated I could get sick. HUH????? OK, one, isn't any place of business required to have drinking water available and not for purchase? Two - since when could the water out of the faucet, which I'm assuming since they're in the city is actually city water, be contaminated to the point that it would make me sick? He finally relented and filled up my water bottle about halfway with tepid water (which was better than nothing!). I then was able to continue and make it to one of my favorite gas stations - they gladly let me have a bottle of ice water.
I was getting tired, knee was acting up, but I kept putting one foot in front of the other. As I was nearing home, I saw a kid riding a skateboard. He was crossing the street. He was dressed in a black pair of pants and a tank top, and had a Sonic hat on - and was coming from the direction of Sonic. He was also smoking a cigarette. Now - I have a not-so-good attitude about smokers, especially young ones. But as he passed me, he gave me a big smile and asked how I was doing - to which I replied that I was hot, tired, almost home, but good. He asked me how far I'd walked and I told him I was finishing up 17 miles. He then asked me what I was walking for and I told him (I was wearing the white Komen run shirt so he suspected something along that line!). He then stuck his hand out and told me to keep going, he admired me. I took his hand and said thanks - and remembered that I really try not to judge kids no matter how they look or what they do. His encouragement got me back home when I was almost ready to give up! I now remember why I like working with kids so much. I used to work with the kids in our church youth group - and now work with the kids in the marching band. I love them so much! He really made up for the pizza guy who didn't want to give me any water!
Songs - they play with you sometimes! I usually walk alone, which I don't mind. I don't have to worry about keeping up with someone or someone keeping up with me. I don't carry an IPod or anything else - it's just me and my thoughts. But there's usually a song running through my head. On yesterday morning's walk, it was Brandon Heath's "Give Me Your Eyes". I think that was trying to prepare me for the afternoon. Then in the afternoon, for some reason the National Anthem started going through my head. I didn't want to listen to it for 8 miles, so forced it out. Then "Sing, Sing, Sing" started up and I walked with that the rest of the way. Kaitlyn's marching band is doing that song as their opener in their marching show this year so I was hearing their version, drum line and all. It was great!
Dear God, thanks for the blessings of cooler weather! Thanks for the friends you've placed in my life. Thanks for the ability to try and make a difference. Help me to do your will even if it conflicts with mine. Guide me to the right path for my life. Amen!
And Amen!
steffy
This morning I participated in the Susan G. Komen Kansas City Race for the Cure. It's the first event I've done since becoming a survivor. It was so beautiful. There were live bands cheering us on at almost every corner. Pink balloons everywhere. As I neared the finish line, I was handed a pink rose. My friends took lots of pictures - I FORGOT my camera. I was going to take my small one, but alas, forgot. Oh, well - that's what friends are for. I'll post pictures when I get them from them. We were all happy just to be together and see each other again. The drumline from one of the Shawnee Mission schools (sorry, forgot which one) led the survivor's walk - it was so awesome!
Yesterday I completed a 17-mile walk in two phases. Did a 9-mile walk, came home, rested, ate lunch, then headed back out for an 8-mile walk. The 8-mile was a little tough, I ran out of water and didn't plan my route as well as usual. I went to a pizza place (which shall remain nameless but I'll never go there again!) and asked for ice water. They didn't have ice, which I said was OK, but then he tried to give me a story about the health department and not being able to give me water out of the faucet since if it's contaminated I could get sick. HUH????? OK, one, isn't any place of business required to have drinking water available and not for purchase? Two - since when could the water out of the faucet, which I'm assuming since they're in the city is actually city water, be contaminated to the point that it would make me sick? He finally relented and filled up my water bottle about halfway with tepid water (which was better than nothing!). I then was able to continue and make it to one of my favorite gas stations - they gladly let me have a bottle of ice water.
I was getting tired, knee was acting up, but I kept putting one foot in front of the other. As I was nearing home, I saw a kid riding a skateboard. He was crossing the street. He was dressed in a black pair of pants and a tank top, and had a Sonic hat on - and was coming from the direction of Sonic. He was also smoking a cigarette. Now - I have a not-so-good attitude about smokers, especially young ones. But as he passed me, he gave me a big smile and asked how I was doing - to which I replied that I was hot, tired, almost home, but good. He asked me how far I'd walked and I told him I was finishing up 17 miles. He then asked me what I was walking for and I told him (I was wearing the white Komen run shirt so he suspected something along that line!). He then stuck his hand out and told me to keep going, he admired me. I took his hand and said thanks - and remembered that I really try not to judge kids no matter how they look or what they do. His encouragement got me back home when I was almost ready to give up! I now remember why I like working with kids so much. I used to work with the kids in our church youth group - and now work with the kids in the marching band. I love them so much! He really made up for the pizza guy who didn't want to give me any water!
Songs - they play with you sometimes! I usually walk alone, which I don't mind. I don't have to worry about keeping up with someone or someone keeping up with me. I don't carry an IPod or anything else - it's just me and my thoughts. But there's usually a song running through my head. On yesterday morning's walk, it was Brandon Heath's "Give Me Your Eyes". I think that was trying to prepare me for the afternoon. Then in the afternoon, for some reason the National Anthem started going through my head. I didn't want to listen to it for 8 miles, so forced it out. Then "Sing, Sing, Sing" started up and I walked with that the rest of the way. Kaitlyn's marching band is doing that song as their opener in their marching show this year so I was hearing their version, drum line and all. It was great!
Dear God, thanks for the blessings of cooler weather! Thanks for the friends you've placed in my life. Thanks for the ability to try and make a difference. Help me to do your will even if it conflicts with mine. Guide me to the right path for my life. Amen!
And Amen!
steffy
Sunday, August 7, 2011
One more day.....then COOLER!
It's supposed to be 100 degrees today also. This weekend is a "back-down" weekend, 8 miles on Saturday and 6 on Sunday. I chose to do cross-training on Saturday (swimming) and probably will today also. Now for the good news - cooler all week, although rainy. I don't mind the rain - it's better than the heat! I'm planning on putting my miles in on Monday and Tuesday this week. Next weekend is a long one - 17 miles on Saturday and 13 on Sunday. I'm ready! Right now weather forecast looks good - high of 87 on both days. But that's a week away, we all know how weather forecasts can change! But it does look like cooler weather is on the way.
I've been having a wonderful time working with the band directors at Kaitlyn's school. We just finished up two weeks of band camp - this year's halftime show is going to be great! It's called "The Jazz Effect" and the numbers are Sing, Sing, Sing followed by Caravan. The last song is When A Man Loves A Woman (otherwise known as WAMLAW). It's really gonna be a good show.
Kaitlyn's wisdom teeth did well - no problems with dry sockets or anything. She's back to normal!
Remember all my buddies walking in Chicago today. There's walks going on pretty much every weekend now. I can't wait for mine!
Walkin' on!!
steffy
I've been having a wonderful time working with the band directors at Kaitlyn's school. We just finished up two weeks of band camp - this year's halftime show is going to be great! It's called "The Jazz Effect" and the numbers are Sing, Sing, Sing followed by Caravan. The last song is When A Man Loves A Woman (otherwise known as WAMLAW). It's really gonna be a good show.
Kaitlyn's wisdom teeth did well - no problems with dry sockets or anything. She's back to normal!
Remember all my buddies walking in Chicago today. There's walks going on pretty much every weekend now. I can't wait for mine!
Walkin' on!!
steffy
Sunday, July 24, 2011
IT'S STILL HOT!!!
Not a lot to report except - it's STILL HOT! I did get a 12-mile walk in at the Great Mall yesterday (BORING!!) and will try to put some miles in a little later. Got a strange red rash on my leg - had a rash yesterday after walking the mall, then after working the Royals it became a bright red. Hmmm...been putting cortisone ointment on it, may involve a trip to the dr! I have been keeping up with cross-training and getting outside to walk when I can but it hasn't been easy. The Boston 3-day was this weekend - the first day was cancelled and the second day was cut short due to the heat there. I have a friend who is helping out with the crew in the Boston 3-day - Keith Flanders. He's walking in the DC 3-day and we've been corresponding. He lives in the DC area and walked the DC 3-day last year - I can't wait to meet him when we go to DC! If anyone would like to see his website and donate a little to his cause - it's www.the3day.org/goto/keith if you'd like to support him. His slogan is he "Fights Like a Girl"!
Speaking of fundraising - drumroll please - with HUGE thanks to Christi Koelzer and Tama Putthoff for making the most amazing t-shirt quilt - I've reached my $2300 donations needed to walk in the walk! I've been selling raffle tickets for the quilt pictured in my last update - and have enough now to send in and meet my goal. The money now raised will help pay travel expenses, then after that's done (and my sis and I are well on our way to having them taken care of!) the money will go to my fundraising account at Komen! I am SO EXCITED to be able to share this news! If you'd like to buy a raffle ticket for the quilt let me know!
Family updates - Kaitlyn had her wisdom teeth pulled out last Tuesday. She was hurting for a couple of days but is doing well. She's been able to eat McDonald's hamburgers but not the fries so far. She's begged off playing her saxophone - I think I'll let her get away with it for another day or two...!
Well - time to clean the kitchen (I couldn't talk Retro into doing it for me...) and off for a walk.
Later friends!!
Steffy
Speaking of fundraising - drumroll please - with HUGE thanks to Christi Koelzer and Tama Putthoff for making the most amazing t-shirt quilt - I've reached my $2300 donations needed to walk in the walk! I've been selling raffle tickets for the quilt pictured in my last update - and have enough now to send in and meet my goal. The money now raised will help pay travel expenses, then after that's done (and my sis and I are well on our way to having them taken care of!) the money will go to my fundraising account at Komen! I am SO EXCITED to be able to share this news! If you'd like to buy a raffle ticket for the quilt let me know!
Family updates - Kaitlyn had her wisdom teeth pulled out last Tuesday. She was hurting for a couple of days but is doing well. She's been able to eat McDonald's hamburgers but not the fries so far. She's begged off playing her saxophone - I think I'll let her get away with it for another day or two...!
Well - time to clean the kitchen (I couldn't talk Retro into doing it for me...) and off for a walk.
Later friends!!
Steffy
Sunday, July 17, 2011
IT'S HOT!!!!
It's been awhile again, I don't mean to not update, there's just a lot going on.
And there has been a lot going on since my last post. Kaitlyn went to Guatemala on her youth group mission trip with 24 other 11th and 12th graders and 6 sponsors. They had a fantastic time - she wants to go back! They worked on a couple of rebuilding projects, did a vacation bible school for some of the kids, and played with other kids. According to her pictures, the kids (the little and the big kids!) had a blast. Lots of smiles all around.
While Kaitlyn was in Guatemala, her grandfather (Rob's dad) came home from the hospital under hospice care. While she was on her way back, he passed away. While it was not unexpected, it's still a loss. Also - the Wednesday before that, Rob's brother-in-law Steve (his sister Melanie's husband) suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at home. Fortunately, Melanie is a nurse and was right by his side when it happened. She started CPR and called 911 right away, paramedics had to administer 5 shocks to get him going again but were successful. He spent a few days in ICU undergoing hyperthermal (I think) therapy - they cooled him down to about 90 degrees to let him rest and heal. He did just fine and after surgery to implant an internal defibrillator, he's now home resting. Really scary!
And yes, it's been HOT here! Last Wednesday I woke up to a cooler morning and instead of going to the gym to do my water aerobics, I decided I had to head out for a walk and put in a 7-1/2 mile walk! This weekend I'm really busy with activities up at school - the band is sponsoring a DCI (Drum Corps International) show on Monday so we're wrapped up getting everything in place. Bryan Busby is directing the national anthem before the show with kids playing from all four Olathe high schools. Should be great! It will also be hot, but I'm working in the VIP area - where it's air conditioned! I will also be taking pictures from up in the skybox - should be a fun time! The kids are really looking forward to it and watching the DCI shows. There are nine DCI corps performing - should be a fantastic evening! But I digress - since it will be hard to get walking in this weekend, I need to get a couple of long walks in next week. It'll probably be Wednesday (Kaitlyn gets her wisdom teeth out on Tuesday, fun times!) and I'll have to get up EARLY and head out to get a walk in. Plenty of water/gatorade and not be in a hurry and I should be fine.
Saw "Guys and Dolls" out at Starlight last night. It was hot, but I've been out there when it's been worse. There was a bit of a breeze occasionally, but the a/c in the car felt good on the way home! The show was great - I really like going out to Starlight. They're announcing next year's lineup and so far all three shows they've announced are new ones - haven't even heard of two of them. I hope a couple of the others are oldies but goodies!
That's enough for today - stay cool!!
steffy
Thursday, June 30, 2011
New Shoes!!
Lots has happened lately! I'll see if I can remember it all to put it in here.
I bought two new pairs of shoes yesterday. My other two pairs are beginning to break down. I knew I'd need new ones before the walk. Found them on sale yesterday - the f irst time I've seen them on sale, even on the internet. They had one pair in my size and ordered the other. Got another pink pair (of course!) and a black pair. Now I just need to go to the Walking store and get two more sets of orthotics and I'll be set!
Went to the oncologist for a checkup on Tuesday. It was all good news! She took me off of the medication I'd been on to help with the complications from the radiation. She said I've lost 10 pounds in the last three months (YEA!) and the follow-up mammogram done two weeks ago looked great! I left that office very happy. Have a checkup with the surgeon today then I'm good for awhile.
Had some problems with what I think is tendonitis in my knee. Went to the store where I got Kaitlyn her ankle brace for soccer - they fitted me with a knee strap and what a difference it makes! I did a 10-mile walk last week and while I did feel twinges in the knee still, I made it through the walk with no problems. It's amazing what a little strap will do. There's still some swelling in the knee, I ice it sometimes. I also have some stuff called BioFreeze that also helps a lot.
And yea, I completed a 10-mile walk last Saturday! I started after the storms left the area, it took awhile. Went through three bottles of water, but it was good. Pretty warm when I finished. An 11-mile walk is this weekend. I think I'll do it on Friday since I have to pick up my mom at the airport on Saturday. And since there's an excessive heat advisory, I think I'll go out to the Great Mall and walk. Could be just as interesting! On my walk last weekend, saw a tree about 20-25 feeet high with a trumpeter vine growing all the way up the tree. The vine was blooming and it was really beautiful!
Fund raising - it's going well! I have about $650 to go. I had a garage sale that I got about $160 from, that's going to my travel fund. Speaking of travel, airline tickets for me and my sister have been purchased, and hotel reservations are made. Whew! I've been getting some pretty good tips from working at the Royals, and those go to the travel fund. If anyone should want to make a donation, see my Facebook page for instructions! It really feels good to have the support of friends and family on this journey.
I've also been busy keeping up with Kaitlyn - or at least trying to! She was at band camp last week and had a fantastic time - met a lot of new friends and learned a lot. She's home this week and in the wee hours of Sunday morning I have to have her at the airport to leave with her youth group on a mission trip to Guatemala! She's also been working at Houlihan's and working with the band leadership team. I've also been working with the band diectors - we're having such a good time and getting lots done!
Well, whether or not I've remembered everything, I think this post is long enough.
take care friends!!!!!
steffy
I bought two new pairs of shoes yesterday. My other two pairs are beginning to break down. I knew I'd need new ones before the walk. Found them on sale yesterday - the f irst time I've seen them on sale, even on the internet. They had one pair in my size and ordered the other. Got another pink pair (of course!) and a black pair. Now I just need to go to the Walking store and get two more sets of orthotics and I'll be set!
Went to the oncologist for a checkup on Tuesday. It was all good news! She took me off of the medication I'd been on to help with the complications from the radiation. She said I've lost 10 pounds in the last three months (YEA!) and the follow-up mammogram done two weeks ago looked great! I left that office very happy. Have a checkup with the surgeon today then I'm good for awhile.
Had some problems with what I think is tendonitis in my knee. Went to the store where I got Kaitlyn her ankle brace for soccer - they fitted me with a knee strap and what a difference it makes! I did a 10-mile walk last week and while I did feel twinges in the knee still, I made it through the walk with no problems. It's amazing what a little strap will do. There's still some swelling in the knee, I ice it sometimes. I also have some stuff called BioFreeze that also helps a lot.
And yea, I completed a 10-mile walk last Saturday! I started after the storms left the area, it took awhile. Went through three bottles of water, but it was good. Pretty warm when I finished. An 11-mile walk is this weekend. I think I'll do it on Friday since I have to pick up my mom at the airport on Saturday. And since there's an excessive heat advisory, I think I'll go out to the Great Mall and walk. Could be just as interesting! On my walk last weekend, saw a tree about 20-25 feeet high with a trumpeter vine growing all the way up the tree. The vine was blooming and it was really beautiful!
Fund raising - it's going well! I have about $650 to go. I had a garage sale that I got about $160 from, that's going to my travel fund. Speaking of travel, airline tickets for me and my sister have been purchased, and hotel reservations are made. Whew! I've been getting some pretty good tips from working at the Royals, and those go to the travel fund. If anyone should want to make a donation, see my Facebook page for instructions! It really feels good to have the support of friends and family on this journey.
I've also been busy keeping up with Kaitlyn - or at least trying to! She was at band camp last week and had a fantastic time - met a lot of new friends and learned a lot. She's home this week and in the wee hours of Sunday morning I have to have her at the airport to leave with her youth group on a mission trip to Guatemala! She's also been working at Houlihan's and working with the band leadership team. I've also been working with the band diectors - we're having such a good time and getting lots done!
Well, whether or not I've remembered everything, I think this post is long enough.
take care friends!!!!!
steffy
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
I'm halfway there!!
When I retired, I received several monetary gifts. I decided to put those gifts into my 3-day account since I had $2300 to raise just to go on the walk. I'M WELL OVER HALFWAY THERE! I only have $805 more to raise - and a lot more people to ask! I'm so excited....AND.....plane and hotel reservations are made! Kind of brings it all into reality now. My sister and I are flying to Washington DC on the 17th of September - we're going to spend a few days sightseeing and taking a little vacation time before the walk. We'll come back home on Tuesday the 27th - gives us a couple of days to rest up after the walk. I'm having a garage sale this weekend in conjunction with the neighborhood sale. That money will go towards my travel fund. My mom has graciously given my sister and I some money to go towards our travel fund. My sister is doing some babysitting this summer for a friend and is putting that money towards our travel fund. I have a jar that we drop change into - and also my tips from working at the Royals and Sprint. Kaitlyn and I took it to the bank the other day and there was over $200 in bills - and $233 in change! That plus what mom gave us more than pays for our plane tickets, now we just have to work on our hotel stay. I think we'll be fine and be able to have an enjoyable time.
Walking is going okay. Had a slight setback with the ole' knee, but a couple of days of rest, an ice pack, and a brace has helped. I did get six miles in during the Relay for Life, and another two on Saturday. Rested Sunday - that's when it swelled up big time! Rested Monday but was able to walk three miles today. Will do water aerobics tomorrow then see how it does on Thursday. This weekend will be strange - need to get one 10-mile walk in and an 8-mile walk, but the garage sale is Saturday. Might swap and do the shorter one on Saturday evening, then the 10-mile on Sunday. That might even be easier on the knee.
Kaitlyn leaves Friday morning for a week in Muncie, Indiana at a Leadership weekend and Jazz camp. She's going up with her band director and the drum majors from her school. I hope she likes it - she was originally signed up for drum major camp, but didn't make drum major (her band director had other ideas for her!), so instead of her not going at all we changed it so she could do the jazz track. I think it will be good - their marching show this year is "The Jazz Effect" so it should help. She may even end up with a solo - who knows!
Off to bed so I can get up and do aerobics tomorrow. Still can't sleep much past 6:30 in the morning, oh, well. Some mornings it's better to go ahead and get up and get my walking done before it gets real hot outside!
Take care ---- and thanks for being there for me!
steffy
Walking is going okay. Had a slight setback with the ole' knee, but a couple of days of rest, an ice pack, and a brace has helped. I did get six miles in during the Relay for Life, and another two on Saturday. Rested Sunday - that's when it swelled up big time! Rested Monday but was able to walk three miles today. Will do water aerobics tomorrow then see how it does on Thursday. This weekend will be strange - need to get one 10-mile walk in and an 8-mile walk, but the garage sale is Saturday. Might swap and do the shorter one on Saturday evening, then the 10-mile on Sunday. That might even be easier on the knee.
Kaitlyn leaves Friday morning for a week in Muncie, Indiana at a Leadership weekend and Jazz camp. She's going up with her band director and the drum majors from her school. I hope she likes it - she was originally signed up for drum major camp, but didn't make drum major (her band director had other ideas for her!), so instead of her not going at all we changed it so she could do the jazz track. I think it will be good - their marching show this year is "The Jazz Effect" so it should help. She may even end up with a solo - who knows!
Off to bed so I can get up and do aerobics tomorrow. Still can't sleep much past 6:30 in the morning, oh, well. Some mornings it's better to go ahead and get up and get my walking done before it gets real hot outside!
Take care ---- and thanks for being there for me!
steffy
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