tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71421962169974573802024-03-12T18:11:41.846-07:00Journey to BOSTON!My Next (Susan G. Komen for the Cure) Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk adventureJourney to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.comBlogger381125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-6335393789818829712012-11-25T08:45:00.002-08:002012-11-25T08:48:26.542-08:00Follow Me!I am here: <a a="a" blog="blog" href:="href:" href="http://myjourneytoboston.blogspot.com/" http:="http:" myjourneytoboston.blogspot.com="myjourneytoboston.blogspot.com" new="new">My Journey To Boston </a> Please follow me!<br />
<br />Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-9291447778963628692012-10-28T09:29:00.003-07:002012-10-28T09:30:11.347-07:00Credential<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUgUAHrK9oE/UI1XrUuP3AI/AAAAAAAAB7k/i_-gtUcdFOE/s1600/credential_icon_1764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VUgUAHrK9oE/UI1XrUuP3AI/AAAAAAAAB7k/i_-gtUcdFOE/s1600/credential_icon_1764.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That's a little thumbnail of my credential for Dallas. Mine says "Roberta" and "303821" and "Burt's Babes"</span></span> <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I also know, now, that Val's and my address</span></span> <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">is (pink tent)</span></span> <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">"C-77" and that I have a "Sweet Dreams Treat" from a supporter. So ... it's official! I will be boarding my 7:55 flight to Boston then Dallas (!) on Thursday and the BIG journey begins!</span></span> <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I will begin packing today.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The t-shirts are in and they look good. Maybe Ronnie will take a picture so you can see.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The weather here is beginning to change. The wind is beginning to pick up. The sky is grey and ominous. NYC schools have been closed and all transit is suspended in New York. I finally found D batteries so I have a radio and flashlights, etc. We don't have a generator ... and hopefully we won't need one, although we are being warned of a power outage for 7-10 days.</span></span> <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I checked the flights coming in to NY for Sash, who is in Boca for a wedding. There is a special waiver code for re booking or canceling flights. If she was able to find a flight to NY on Monday, she wouldn't get too far once here. There are no subway, bus, and commuter railroad</span></span> <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">services.</span></span> <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All the cats are in, with the exception of Joba ... and maybe he will finally do that tonight. I am actually feeling a bit nervous about this one. I hope I am wrong!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So that's it for now. More tomorrow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">BOOBIES.</span> </span></span></div>
Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-3420075966230253562012-10-22T20:54:00.001-07:002012-10-22T20:54:52.175-07:00Numbers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YjtAjFCNLiY/UIYScDUeD3I/AAAAAAAAB7U/CvtKtbRXlx4/s1600/last+training+walk+2012+031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YjtAjFCNLiY/UIYScDUeD3I/AAAAAAAAB7U/CvtKtbRXlx4/s320/last+training+walk+2012+031.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">This is my tentmate, Val and me on our last training walk. We were in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prospect_Park_%28Brooklyn%29">Prospect Park.</a> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">I like this picture!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">... </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">Here are a few numbers:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">$5721.50</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">$37,929.82</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">11 days</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">3038281</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">48.8 </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Do you know what they mean?</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sandy will be on her way to Tampa to complete her 60 miles this weekend!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Good walking my friend!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">... </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">BOOBIES!</span></span></span></div>
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<br />Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-75012267885963649872012-10-15T04:25:00.000-07:002012-10-15T04:25:21.859-07:00Darci and Liz ... two more reasons why ...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKGoevpCOlc/UHrSv40m58I/AAAAAAAAB68/EXkU7VYH01Y/s1600/Darci+and+Liz+Merollis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKGoevpCOlc/UHrSv40m58I/AAAAAAAAB68/EXkU7VYH01Y/s320/Darci+and+Liz+Merollis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is a picture of Darci and Liz Merollis.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Darci, mom of the greatest frootbat in the world, Titus, is also Liz's sister in law. This is a message I received from Darci:</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Cancer can take a hike as
far as I'm concerned. But until we get that whipped, then I'm grateful
for the people who donate their time to raising money and work hard at
training to walk 60.darn.miles. My sister-in-law just finished up 18
months of breast cancer bullcrappy. She got her port out today. Some
women aren't so lucky, so us Merollises are feeling pretty grateful
today.</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This is what Liz, Darci's sister-in-law had to say about Darci:</span></span><i><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="userContent">Today is <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1517885777" href="https://www.facebook.com/darci.merollis">Darci Merollis</a>
day. Now that all this stuff is done (forever, I hope), I just really
want to thank her. Not only did she go with me to numerous chemos,
including the first one when I was scared sh!tless, she went to doctor
appoints with me, too (and she took off work to do this). She also made
sure to either call or text EVERY DAY while I was going through my
first hard round of chemo.</span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">She made sure
I ate, drank, took my medicine, checked on me to make sure I never had
any fevers (or any other things that would need a doctor's attention),
she made me laugh, made me feel good about the fact that I had no hair
and always was reassuring me that everything was going to be okay. She
gave me honest opinions on which hats looked good, or not so good. :-) I
really appreciated everything she did and although she never does stuff
to get attention, I feel like she really deserves it. Love you, my
sister!!</span></span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Darci and Liz are two more reasons why I will put on those size 9s and walk 60 miles in November. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">All that stuff is done FOREVER, Liz. I know it!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I love you both.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Thank you! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">BOOBIES!</span> </span></span><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></span></i></div>
Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-58249653632646383402012-10-14T06:09:00.001-07:002012-10-14T06:10:28.634-07:00Penn Station to Coney Island ... 21 miles and Nathan's hot dogs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZrmWDBkaNY/UHq0LMiaE-I/AAAAAAAAB6c/Kw8PyIWEWGY/s1600/last+training+walk+2012+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JZrmWDBkaNY/UHq0LMiaE-I/AAAAAAAAB6c/Kw8PyIWEWGY/s320/last+training+walk+2012+045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am not sure Val could have taken a tighter shot of me eating my Original Nathan's hotdog (with all the trimmings ... except the onions.) </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Val, Burt, and I made the trek to Coney Island from Penn Station in perfect walking weather. It was a huge difference from my last training walk to Coney Island when the weather was in the 90s! We completed the 21 miles in 7 hours with a few stops for pictures and bathroom breaks. There was no whining AT ALL!!!! Here are a few pieces of information that you might or might not find interesting:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I wore a <b>new ... never before worn</b> pair of New Balance shoes and they were PERFECT!!! Thanks to Mark, the manager of <a href="http://stores.newbalance.com/longisland/default.aspx">New Balance in Carle Place.</a></span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The soreness in my left thigh was NOT from the walk. It was from the aerobic dance class that kicked my butt (and thighs) Thursday night!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">A Nathan's original hotdog has over 300 calories and a "D" nutritional grade. I did not eat the buns but I did eat two AMAZING hot dogs ... DELICIOUS! A well deserved lunch after 21 miles!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I canceled my manicure to do this training walk.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I clearly need a manicure.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I received a very generous donation from Darci the other day. More about that tomorrow. I am now very close to another benchmark ... so I have increased my personal fund raising goal to $5500. As of today, the 6 members of Burt's Babes have raised </span></span><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">$36,754.82. Not too shabby. I am really very proud to be a part of this little team.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am posting the following picture for a friend who always liked shots of this location:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ao-QKjS3iYI/UHq5SDujJfI/AAAAAAAAB6s/pEBaKQoN4as/s1600/Copy+of+last+training+walk+2012+012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ao-QKjS3iYI/UHq5SDujJfI/AAAAAAAAB6s/pEBaKQoN4as/s320/Copy+of+last+training+walk+2012+012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">BOOBIES!</span></span></span></div>
Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-42928474234602635432012-10-08T11:28:00.003-07:002012-10-08T11:29:05.050-07:00"In lieu of a favor ..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DGnqiiJsrhY/UHMYOXBUNtI/AAAAAAAAB6M/yAIPDz3XNT0/s1600/Amanda%27s+Bridal+Shower+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DGnqiiJsrhY/UHMYOXBUNtI/AAAAAAAAB6M/yAIPDz3XNT0/s320/Amanda%27s+Bridal+Shower+004.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yesterday, my niece Amanda had her bridal shower. Her Matron of Honor, Megan, asked if she could have the party here in Port as she lives in Massachusetts and Amanda's friends would be coming from NY. Of course my answer was yes. I love Amanda and was thrilled that I could be a part the celebration leading up to her wedding.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Megan showed her appreciation by making a donation, in Amanda's honor, to the 3-Day (I added the notepad and pen ...)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This delighted me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you are reading this Megan ... I thank you again. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It means so much to me, and Amanda's friends and family were pleased as well.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think our t-shirt design is finalized and the order will be placed today. I am sure that Win Goldman, my new best friend who is having the shirts printed, will be happy not to get another "just one more thing ..." email from me. I have a hard time being the one to make the decision. I need a committee and there wasn't one of those this time. Hopefully the finished product will please all those "Babes" who will be wearing it!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Next and final "Burt" training walk will be Saturday ... Penn Station to Coney Island. I did this one once before and, although I whined and whined down Ocean Parkway in Brooklyn, arriving on the boardwalk in Coney Island was amazing!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Stay tuned!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">BOOBIES!</span> </span></span></div>
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Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-37651654126072228172012-09-30T06:52:00.003-07:002012-09-30T06:58:01.017-07:00" ... she lost her battle ..."<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y9J2rJ6uPk/UGhI_YBol0I/AAAAAAAAB58/FED5KF2Hq_A/s1600/yankees+game+and+highline+037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Y9J2rJ6uPk/UGhI_YBol0I/AAAAAAAAB58/FED5KF2Hq_A/s320/yankees+game+and+highline+037.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Highline sky</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There will be a funeral mass for Maureen Flynn tomorrow morning.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mrs. Flynn was 49 years young.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She leaves behind her husband, Kevin and her three children, Colleen, Brian, and Bridget.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Mrs. Flynn battled breast cancer.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I met Mrs. Flynn a number of years ago when Colleen was a 5th grade student. Although Colleen wasn't my student, I liked her very much and Mrs. Flynn appreciated that. I met the twins, Brian and Bridget, when they participated in the recreational bowling program that I helped to coordinate. Last year, when they were fifth grade students, Brian and Bridget joined the Continental Math League, which I co-advise. I have known this wonderful family ... and I know that the past two years have been difficult, as Mrs. Flynn was diagnosed with cancer and underwent exhausting and grueling treatments.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In spite of this ... when I saw her ... she always had a smile. She was always there for her children.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">She was a fighter. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But she lost her battle. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Her kids deserved to have their mom ...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Her husband deserved to have his healthy wife by his side ...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Maureen Flynn deserved a lifetime.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And so ... I will walk with Maureen Flynn in my heart ... just as I will walk with my Mom and my friends who have survived breast cancer in my heart.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Everyone deserves a lifetime. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;">...</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you are reading this and would like to donate to my 3-day walk in memory of Mrs. Flynn, please visit my page.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All donations made until I take my first steps on November 2nd will be in Maureen Flynn's memory. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://secure3.convio.net/npt/site/Donation2?idb=1250595408&df_id=3704&FR_ID=1764&PROXY_ID=3038281&PROXY_TYPE=20&3704.donation=form1&JServSessionIdr004=3waat10kx5.app320b">Donate in Memory of Maureen Flynn</a></span></div>
Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-21851354533714509922012-09-28T13:55:00.001-07:002012-09-29T05:53:50.934-07:00Personal Fundraising Goal MET!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMHu2GgKpn0/UGYIr4V6J7I/AAAAAAAAB5s/Gbl_msZgjyE/s1600/training+walk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" kea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nMHu2GgKpn0/UGYIr4V6J7I/AAAAAAAAB5s/Gbl_msZgjyE/s320/training+walk.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is my tentmate, Val, and me on our training walk last weekend.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Thanks for the picture Sandy!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">...</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Well ... Cousin Baz took me OVER THE TOP and I am now past my personal fundraising goal of $5000! (He said it was from the "Boys in the back at R. Federman" but I know it was Baz... because there <em>are</em> no boys in the back at R. Federman anymore ... because there <em>is</em> <em>NO</em> R. Federman anymore. You can't fool me, Baz.) So ... my fundraising is on track. I still have a lot of training to do. I did about 12 miles last Sunday. We walked from Penn Station to Inwood and the troops, sans yours truly, walked back to Penn Station after a lunch break at Grandpa's pizza. I caught a subway back to Penn so I could get home, shop, and start to cook for Yom Kippur (which was Tuesday night.) The first 12 weren't bad at all ... so I know I could have completed the training walk.</span> </div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Next order of business is team t-shirts. Grey, white, pink ... this shouldn't be taking so long! I had to take control and I hate being the boss!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Like everything else ... it'll get done!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">...</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I am looking at that picture of Val and me. She is NOT <em>that </em>much taller than I am. At least I don't THINK she's that much taller! We were on a hill!</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">...</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">One of my Zumba instructors has left the gym. There is an aerobic dance class in place of the Zumba class. Holy cow ... aerobic dance is a lot!!! My friend Rosalie just looked at me at the end of the hour and we both laughed and laughed! I call the girls in the front row the "cheerleaders" because they're so young and cute and energetic. I want to <strike>push them out of the way </strike>thank them for giving me something to watch while I am huffing and puffing in the back. Zumba is so much easier for me!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The end.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-67404598402471462562012-09-03T14:36:00.000-07:002012-09-03T14:37:45.603-07:00Crunching Numbers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-amGRnLXaOXc/UEUffYDBsaI/AAAAAAAAB5c/_iv_8kwXUeo/s1600/Provincetown+Summer+2012+163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-amGRnLXaOXc/UEUffYDBsaI/AAAAAAAAB5c/_iv_8kwXUeo/s320/Provincetown+Summer+2012+163.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yes, my friends, summer is officially over. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The picture is from Race Point in Provincetown.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We didn't see sharks, but we did see whales and seals.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was great ... and now I have to wait another year to frolic in the National Seashore. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">School starts tomorrow for teachers, and students begin school Wednesday.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm ready!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">OK ... here are the numbers:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There are 60 days until event.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have met 86% of my personal goal of $5000.00</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I have raised $4338.00 ($4438.00 with the check that I am sending tomorrow.)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Burt's Babes (all 6 of us!) have raised $28,162.02 as a team.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Burt is the #4 top fundraiser in Dallas.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Liz is the #5 top fundraiser in Dallas. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Burt's Babes is the #7 top Dallas team. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I am so proud of us!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">boobies.</span> </span></span></div>
Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-15704987959639445942012-08-31T06:52:00.002-07:002012-08-31T06:53:04.050-07:00Taking the Plunge ... and Purging!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FwSuPXjPy_0/UEC9lqfeyAI/AAAAAAAAB5M/S2CDGEq64kk/s1600/pile-donated-clothing-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FwSuPXjPy_0/UEC9lqfeyAI/AAAAAAAAB5M/S2CDGEq64kk/s1600/pile-donated-clothing-large.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Those aren't MY clothes ... but that's pretty much what it looked like on my bed yesterday. I took the plunge and purged my closet.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This was not easy for me.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">My friend Rosa has lost almost 50 pounds and we have talked about the clothes that don't fit anymore. If we throw them out ... that means that we intend to be our new, smaller selves for ... EVER!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Let's be honest, friends. I have lost weight before. 20 pounds down only to gain back 25. 25 pounds down only to gain back 30! It's NOT HEALTHY!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">By cleaning out my closet I am promising myself NEVER TO DO THAT AGAIN!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There ... it's in pink and white.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When I bought my little Canon camera for my second 3-day in San Francisco, I also bought the Protection Plan from Best Buy. Recently I dropped my little friend and cracked the screen. I took it back to Best Buy yesterday and they are repairing the screen for me. One Geek told me I might just get a new camera. That would be sweet! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I guess that means no pictures for a while ... unless I can get my big Canon to work!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">There were five women in my Zumba class last night! That is a VERY small group for my gym. I am assuming the numbers will go up after Labor Day. It was fun to be in such a small class, though. One woman told me she went to a class and she was the only one there! I would take that opportunity to have the instructor help me work on my "sexy!" (WEPA!)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">boobies</span></span></span></div>
Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-88443859572997574712012-08-29T19:42:00.000-07:002012-08-29T19:42:06.819-07:00Back To School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ks5HKcefTA/UD7N-MvOGSI/AAAAAAAAB48/8K9EBy8aRc8/s1600/kids+024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ks5HKcefTA/UD7N-MvOGSI/AAAAAAAAB48/8K9EBy8aRc8/s320/kids+024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">This picture was taken the last week of school in June. These students are going on to the the middle school this year. I wonder if they will be wearing those crazy glasses we gave them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well folks ... it was back to school today to set up the room and get ready for the first day next Tuesday. It has been a great summer ... but I'm ready to go back!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I really love my job. I am so lucky to be able to say that. From the time I was a little girl I wanted to be a teacher. Sadly, there aren't a lot of jobs available in great districts like Commack. There are so many young, talented teachers. It's a shame.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today was a trial run of an almost typical day ... awake at 5:30, drive out to Commack, teach, drive home to Port, do a Zumba class from 7:30-8:30 then come home and get dinner on the table for Ronnie. "Will she be able to do it?" you ask. My answer: "I certainly hope so." Ronnie is going to HAVE to learn how to cook, for goodness sake!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Drum roll for my fundraising total as of today: </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">$3,143.00! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Looking good! </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I brought a good number of cook books to school. I hope that word gets out that those books are SO GREAT ... they are worth a $25 donation to the 3-day!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">boobies</span></span></span></div>
<br />Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-26895534025774957902012-08-27T15:23:00.000-07:002012-08-27T15:23:07.676-07:00Mammo Monday ... and other stuff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6buWHMOTbaE/UDvvDZhU-eI/AAAAAAAAB4s/FM07_yAsZk0/s1600/Berta+Walker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6buWHMOTbaE/UDvvDZhU-eI/AAAAAAAAB4s/FM07_yAsZk0/s320/Berta+Walker.JPG" width="236" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">That's me ...</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Berta walker!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I wish I was still in Provincetown. I miss my friends ... I miss our walks ... I miss that AMAZING Zumba class ... I miss the beach. But, I must say ... I missed my "boys" and am glad to be home!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">... </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Today was Mammo Monday. I had my annual mammography (breast sono, thyroid sono, pelvic sono ...) It was a full afternoon at Nassau Radiologic! The best words I heard were "You will get the results in a week." (after the mammography) and "You can get dressed and go home." (after the breast sono) A few women were called in to speak to the doctor after their tests ... so I guess everything looks good for me. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It's that time again. Time to put together a t-shirt for our team. No logos this year so it should be easy.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I'm voting for "Team Burt's Babes--Penn Station to Dallas" on the front and </span></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>"1545 miles + 60 (in 3-days!)" on the back. I don't know if that makes sense to you. What do you think?</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span>...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span>I gathered up all my courage and went to WW for my weigh-in tonight. I really believed that, after 10 days in Provincetown, I SHOULD have gained weight. I guess the Zumba and long walks paid off, though. I lost a pound and am now down 41+!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span>Yay!<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> Life is Great!</span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">boobies</span> </span></span></div>
Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-38022171900792310672012-08-26T07:59:00.001-07:002012-08-26T09:45:14.360-07:00Back ...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMRMcYJFlMk/UDo0vA9bHnI/AAAAAAAAB4c/3IFZ9JVPOxU/s1600/Provincetown+Summer+2012+101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PMRMcYJFlMk/UDo0vA9bHnI/AAAAAAAAB4c/3IFZ9JVPOxU/s320/Provincetown+Summer+2012+101.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: magenta;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sashi, Roberta, Debra ... 3 reasons to walk!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I am back.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It was an amazing 10 days with family and friends in Provincetown. While there, I either did an hour of fantastic Zumba ... or walked 7- 8 miles with Susan and assorted others (Beth, Sashi, Debra, Hannah, Sonya.) We made it to the beach every day. The weather was perfect. I stayed on program in the beginning ... but, I must admit to "falling off the WW wagon" as we made our way through cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at Kalmar, barbecues, and trips to Provincetown restaurants. Sitting on the beach with coolers that included Cape Cod chips and chocolate chip cookies didn't make it any easier! But, as I said, I am back! Do I want to weigh in tomorrow night? Probably not ... but I will. I NEVER want to go back to where I was October 30th!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">While away ... the donations came in and I am just about to see $3000 on my progress thermometer. My personal goal was $5000. Anything is possible, but I continue to be honored by the support and love given me by my friends and family so far.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">My goal now is to give away ALL those cookbooks! The deal is ... anyone who makes a $25 (or greater) donation to the 3-day will receive a "Step-By-Step" cookbook! The reviews for the book are quite impressive! (Thank you Barbie-Lou ... I know you are reading this!)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">...</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Burt's Babes Dallas</b> is down to 6 team members. (I miss you already Sandy and Lesley!)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">In spite of our small number ... we are a mighty team and have raised </span></span><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">$26,012.02</span>! <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">(That .02 is interesting ... there must be a story behind it!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"> </span></span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We are #8 on the list of Top Teams and Captain Burt and team mate Liz are #s 4 and 5 on the list of Top Fundraisers! Impressive! I am so proud to be a member of this small but amazing group of walkers.</span></div>
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68 days until we take our first step!</div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">boobies.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">...</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Just made it to $3018.00!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yay! </span> </span></div>
Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-74808705525701043412012-08-17T08:58:00.003-07:002012-08-17T14:55:48.291-07:00Walking on Sunshine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqzVySZd4Tk/UC5ju4CWTMI/AAAAAAAAB38/0zcHJnw30dM/s1600/Kalmar+2012+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqzVySZd4Tk/UC5ju4CWTMI/AAAAAAAAB38/0zcHJnw30dM/s320/Kalmar+2012+005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">First walk to Provincetown! It is a perfect morning ... and I walked with my wonderful friend Susan. In the words of Jeter Harris "Life is Grate!" This is my favorite spot ... the tip of the Cape ... by the jetty.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Yesterday I took a Zumba class in Truro. There were about 50 women of all shapes, sizes, ages ... it was AMAZING!</span></span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I am really looking forward to going again tomorrow! What fun. Thank God for Zumba! I am not a lover of exercise and this is FUN! WEPA!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">As soon as I publish this ... I am off the the beach. I told you life is great!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I have now reached over 50% toward my fund raising goal of $5000 and I thank you for helping me to reach this point. This walk is so important to me and I appreciate the love and support you have given me. </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb--hk50Kc0/UC5pdJGeg8I/AAAAAAAAB4M/bxerf-Lqokk/s1600/Kalmar+2012+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Zb--hk50Kc0/UC5pdJGeg8I/AAAAAAAAB4M/bxerf-Lqokk/s320/Kalmar+2012+002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So I saw this mushroom on my walk and had to take a picture for Sarge. He definitely would like it. And to that I say ...<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> boobies.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ps ... I am listening to Cat Stevens as I write this ... find the lyrics to "Morning Has Broken" So appropriate ...</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">look no farther ... here they are: </span></span></span></span><br />
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<b>Morning Has Broken</b></div>
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As Sung by Cat Stevens</div>
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<b>lyrics by Eleanor Farjeon</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<pre style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Morning has broken, like the first morning
Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning
Praise for the springing fresh from the word
Sweet the rain's new fall, sunlit from heaven
Like the first dewfall, on the first grass
Praise for the sweetness of the wet garden
Sprung in completeness where his feet pass
Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God's recreation of the new day</pre>
Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-7277504192559472012012-08-12T20:02:00.001-07:002012-08-12T22:27:13.570-07:00Late Afternoon Stroll on the High Line<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbFe6rlUwmc/UChpsQ-CmfI/AAAAAAAAB3s/AMhrmHAG_tw/s1600/highline+and+...+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sbFe6rlUwmc/UChpsQ-CmfI/AAAAAAAAB3s/AMhrmHAG_tw/s320/highline+and+...+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I just LOVE the High Line.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">TY and I met across from Penn Station and made our way to this amazing walkway above the streets of Manhattan. If you live in New York or plan to visit ... this is a must!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have to say ... it's a bit more crowded since my first visit ... but it's a great walk.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My first fundraising letter brought in <strike>just over $1000</strike> $1185 so far. I'm very pleased and VERY grateful! Add that to the donations made before I sent the letter and I am almost at the minimum of $2300. This year I decided on a goal of $5000. I am hopeful that I will reach that goal.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">... </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I like to read about the top fundraisers who will walk with us in Dallas. Janis Fletcher has raised just under $10,000 so far. She is a breast cancer survivor who shares her journey with her blog readers. She invites you to read her blog ... so here is the link:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2012/DallasFortWorthEvent2012?px=6390827&pg=personal&fr_id=1764"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2012/DallasFortWorthEvent2012?px=6390827&pg=personal&fr_id=1764</span></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">People like Janis make me PROUD to be a part of the 3-Day. I hope we "bump into" each other in November! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">BOOBIES!</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-4250898853321888342012-08-10T15:40:00.001-07:002012-08-10T15:41:34.141-07:00Burt Hits The Windy City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yr91nCnLogo/UCWFm27iFrI/AAAAAAAAB3c/2o_ULBxe5Vs/s1600/Burt+and+Bert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yr91nCnLogo/UCWFm27iFrI/AAAAAAAAB3c/2o_ULBxe5Vs/s1600/Burt+and+Bert.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: magenta;">Bert and Burt</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Our <b>Burt's Babes</b> captain, Burt Lipshie, is walking in Chicago this weekend. It is the first of his two 3-day walks ... lucky number 13 in Chicago and number 14, in memory of his cousin Judy, in Dallas. I will be joining him in Dallas. Burt raised $3475.00 for Chicago and has reached $7316.90 so far for Dallas. I'm not sure of how that compares to what he has raised in the past. I'm sure it's less ... because it appears that many walkers are not raising the funds they have in past years.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">There is an article in the Chicago Tribune that addresses this. Number of walkers: Down Number of donations/donors: Down. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Lauren Bromley, a 54 year old breast cancer survivor </span></span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">who raised more than $13,000 for this, her second 3-day, </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">had this to say: </span></span></div>
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"(I was) quite upset
with the Komen Foundation" earlier this year. But when the organization
reversed course, (I) decided to focus on the larger goal of ending the
disease. I realized that it's my efforts and my fundraising
that would help eliminate breast cancer. If I didn't
walk in this walk, I was going to let politics get in the way."</div>
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Megan Heng, a crew member said:</div>
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"For me, this is not a political issue. I'm
trying to see beyond the politics to all the good that the program is
doing. … I know of too many people who are struggling with cancer or who
have lost their lives to this disease to stop now."</div>
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My letter brought in some very nice donations ... and I sent out some very nice cookbooks. I know I will reach the minimum and hope to get close to my goal of $5000.</div>
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It can be done, yes?</div>
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Yes it can!</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">boobies</span> </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Read the Chicago Tribune story here.</div>
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-komen-race-20120810,0,2366142.story </div>
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<br />Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-63892513081327439872012-08-09T09:33:00.001-07:002012-08-09T09:34:16.188-07:00Let the Fund Raising Begin<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This, to me, is the toughest part of the 3-day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Fund raising!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It is especially hard for me this year, considering Komen's decisions re: Planned Parenthood and the response of some of my past supporters and fellow walkers to it. Within the letter I wrote the following:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> "I understand that some of you were disappointed with Susan
G. Komen and its controversial decision involving Planned Parenthood. I can’t lie … I, too, was surprised and disappointed.
This week changes were made in the organization. SGK’s president resigned and a
new figurehead role for Nancy Brinker, founder of SGK, is being created. <b>My
decision from the beginning, however, was to fulfill my commitment to the
cause. I will continue to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure and I will walk </b></span><b><i style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">at least</i></b><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b> another 60 miles</b>.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">" </span> </span></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am not sure of how appropriate it is to include a statement like that in a request for support of the very organization for which I raise funds. I felt I had to write it, though. I didn't want to offend anyone from my list who no longer supports Komen. Oh well ... it's done ... the letter is sent. Let's see what happens next!</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Wednesday night is the <i>best</i> Zumba night. The instructor is fantastic and the class can be REALLY crowded! Last night she brought a guest ... a Zumba <b>GUY</b>! He led a few dances and I was SWEATING! It was CRAZY!!! (But I loved it!) </span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">You know you're into Zumba when the songs are in your head and you are moving even when sitting down!</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">WEPA!</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(boobies)</span> </span></span></div>Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-60981237529662223732012-08-02T17:51:00.001-07:002012-08-02T17:53:05.373-07:00ZUMBA!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8iZYo9Q6vtw/UBsddQzRK4I/AAAAAAAAB3M/6pTiy4nzYTk/s1600/stuff+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8iZYo9Q6vtw/UBsddQzRK4I/AAAAAAAAB3M/6pTiy4nzYTk/s320/stuff+011.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">When I saw my Zumba instructor, Linda, Monday night, I had just come from WW ... and finally lost 40+ lbs!</span></span> <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I was so excited and shared the news with her. I told her that Zumba was helping me get to my goal. Tonight she gave me this Zumba bracelet and I love it!</span></span> <span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Thank you Linda! You put a BIG smile on my face! (Now I have to work on moving my body like you do!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">... </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Burt's Sunday training walk to Brooklyn was canceled due to a miserable weather report. The weatherman was WRONG, and it turned into a beautiful day. Oh well. Next time.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I still have all those cookbooks. I have to make some decisions and soon ... or else I will ALWAYS have <b><i>all those cookbooks</i></b>!!!!! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The end.</span></span></div>Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-60807547359270570002012-07-23T10:21:00.002-07:002012-07-23T15:49:48.461-07:00COOKBOOKS!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knZOlU8xcRs/UA2FqESnkdI/AAAAAAAAB3A/piQcONrA9zQ/s1600/DSC00706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knZOlU8xcRs/UA2FqESnkdI/AAAAAAAAB3A/piQcONrA9zQ/s320/DSC00706.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Here they are, folks!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">COOKBOOKS!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Sandy ... with minor assistance from Liz and me ... put together this little gem as a fund raiser for our walk in November. Of course, this could not have been accomplished without the recipe submissions made by our friends and family.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Putting together a cookbook ... OF ANY SIZE ... is not a simple task. Once you think you have edited and the recipes follow the format, etc., you find a mistake and have to start looking at all the recipes again. Sandy was so diligent, though, and it looks great!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am picking up my share tomorrow night, then LET THE SALE BEGIN! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am not sure of the price. That will be determined tomorrow.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Each book is filled with lots of love, though! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That's priceless! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I mentioned that I have been under-the-weather. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I am feeling better.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My house guests are driving home after a week's stay.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The flying ant infestation in my master bath is gone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Looks like summer is officially underway! </span></span></div>
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<br />Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-34747538584595941632012-07-22T05:10:00.003-07:002012-07-22T05:10:55.195-07:00A Walk In The Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It was a perfect Saturday ... so Sandy, Lesley, and I met at Penn Station and had a walk in the Park. Central Park, that is. The picture above was taken at the waterfalls in the forest. It's hard to believe this is in the middle of the city. (But I have said that before!)</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sytr83KRDJc/UAvof5VGUPI/AAAAAAAAB0s/hirnYkmmG1w/s1600/training+walk+7-21+014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sytr83KRDJc/UAvof5VGUPI/AAAAAAAAB0s/hirnYkmmG1w/s320/training+walk+7-21+014.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> I haven't had a walk with my "sistahs" in a while. It was great to reconnect.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Just beautiful.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The weather has been so hot and stormy. Yesterday was perfect!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">On the way back to Penn, Lesley and I met up with TY for lunch at Bryant Park.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">All-in-all ... a terrific day! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">...</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I have been a bit "under-the-weather" since returning home from Florida. Hopefully I have turned the corner. I guess it was just general "malaise." I forced myself to go to Zumba and even tried a Yoga class Friday. Tomorrow will be a return to normalcy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">It will be good to be back!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-30646706680480308152012-07-13T15:33:00.001-07:002012-07-13T15:33:42.361-07:00Time to Get to Work ... Get to Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">OK ... I am back. So much has happened, but I just haven't written about it. So here's the lowdown:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I went back to Natick, Massachusetts, and took a walk through my old high school. It was good to see old friends ... and it was good to come home. It was a little bitter-sweet. The old school has seen better days. Enough said!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I returned on Fathers' Day ... which was also our 40th anniversary. I loved being with my family.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The next day I celebrated my "Beatle Birthday." YIKES!</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">School let out shortly after and Ronnie and I celebrated our anniversary in Mexico for 4 days and 3 nights. It was the first time we have taken a vacation like this and it was great.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I had a day between returning from Mexico and taking off for Florida to help mom celebrate her 88th birthday. She had a bit of a "rocky" June ... but looked good while I was there. My friend Phyllis stayed with us and that was a lot of fun. I was disappointed that Bee was under-the-weather. Next time, my friend.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I finally started my summer vacation, at home, last Saturday. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">To catch you up ... I have now lost 35+ pounds and I have become a Zumba princess... doing at least 3 classes a week. (I try to keep up, but I'm just not sexy enough to call myself a Zumba queen!) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">So all is well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I haven't been training, but I have two training walks with my team coming up this month.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">There are 16 weeks until the event.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I haven't sent fund raising letters ... but I will.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Yesterday I received my copy of "Step by Step", the cookbook I helped Sandy and Liz put together. It is wonderful and I am really excited. Pretty soon I will be selling cookbooks!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Yesterday I had lunch and saw a movie with my friend Lynnie. We saw the "Boobies" sticker on a truck in the parking lot. I had to take a picture!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">It made me think of Sarge. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That's it for now.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Jeter and I have promised to keep up with our blogs.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">We will.</span></span></div>
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<br />Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-53110713386750619062012-06-10T05:02:00.000-07:002012-06-10T05:20:46.655-07:00Training Walk to Inwood<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBhh_ybemTE/T9R_YS-0bfI/AAAAAAAAB0E/e7NwjqMYTJE/s1600/Walk+to+Inwood+013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eBhh_ybemTE/T9R_YS-0bfI/AAAAAAAAB0E/e7NwjqMYTJE/s320/Walk+to+Inwood+013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Here we are ... our little group at the red lighthouse under the George Washington Bridge.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">It was great to get out and walk with Burt and the girls. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I left the group just before lunch. Sandy said they walked 10+ miles ... so I'm going to say I walked between 9 and 10 miles.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I will not lie to you. I was tired.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Just as my train was pulling into Penn, I received a text that there was a possible problem with my debit card. A purchase of $5.33 was in question. If I had made the purchase, respond "1" for yes or "2" for no. I responded "2" and, within seconds, I received a phone call from my bank. Around $2000 had been charged to my debit card. So ... my card was immediately canceled. My bank will make good on all the charges, etc., but I was feeling very uncomfortable. Especially since this is the second time my account (not the card ... just the account) has been stolen. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I am going home to Natick for 24 hours next weekend! My high school is being torn-down and there will be a day of events with a gala Saturday night.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">It will be bitter-sweet for me.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">It's great that Natick is getting a new high school ... but "Old Natick High" holds so many memories for me. Most of those memories are wonderful. I loved high school ... loved my friends ... loved the pride we had in our school. When I went to Natick High, times were simple. Life was easy ... life was fun!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">Of all the events that occurred while I was a student in Natick High, the one I will never forget was on November 22, 1963. I was in Biology class when the announcement that our President had been shot came over the loudspeaker. I remember feeling overwhelmed ... scared ... sad. Class was dismissed and, as we left the building, the flag in the quad was lowered.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">That image will always stay with me.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">But I will also remember the Christmas Cotillions and the proms in the cafeteria. I will remember football games and pep rallies. I will remember being a nun (a novice, really!) in the Sound of Music. I will remember walking the halls and passing notes. I will remember Mr. Mitro, and Mr. Englehardt, and Miss Connolly, and Mr. Bachini. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">This week I will be thinking about those high school days ... and how I miss them. For 24 hours I will go back in time. I will imagine having everything the way it was ... everyone we have lost (my grandparents, my dad, my best friend Carolyn) will be with me on my journey home. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">As I gather in the old cafeteria with graduates from 50 years for one last time I will raise my glass and say </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">"Cheers to Old Natick High."</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: magenta;">boobies</span></span></span>Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-11465795663750667092012-05-29T13:38:00.001-07:002012-05-29T15:41:23.556-07:00A Nice Memorial Day Walk In The City with TY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RavMt7pMpaw/T8UxmBLzKGI/AAAAAAAABzU/6YKaJ4Cqo2Y/s1600/jeter+087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" rba="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RavMt7pMpaw/T8UxmBLzKGI/AAAAAAAABzU/6YKaJ4Cqo2Y/s320/jeter+087.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My prize for walking yesterday was the BEST brunch at Veselka with TY.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Can my smile get any bigger?</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">We walked along the water in lower Manhattan before it got too hot. It was so beautiful! The big bonus was that the city wasn't crowded because it was <strike>Labor</strike> Memorial Day! (caught the mistake, Sashi! Pretty funny!)</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I'm not sure of how many miles we walked ... </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I chose to walk in sandals instead of sneakers and my dogs were barking at the end of the day! They were also swollen due to the heat!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Yikes it's hot!!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Tonight is WW weigh-in night. I'm a day late because of the holiday. I hope I do better than last week ... 0 pounds and 0 ounces!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Zumba was canceled tonight because the gym was too hot.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">I HATE to miss Zumba!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">The end.</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">...</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">NOT THE END!</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">Lost over 2 pounds this week! That's a total of over 30 pounds and you know what that means!</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;">120+ sticks of butter!</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">BOOBIES!</span> </span></div>Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-29732653399554564142012-05-20T08:07:00.002-07:002012-05-20T08:55:29.752-07:00First Day Back On My Old Route<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Today was my first ... old ... training walk in Port.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Some things have changed. Some things have stayed the same.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Houses that were being renovated last year are looking great.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The Bay Walk has a "nautical art museum" that adds charm to the stretch along the bay.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The swans are back. It appears to be just the mom and dad. The baby might be on his own this year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A house that sported a "For Sale" sign months ago ... still has the same sign in front.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">The guy with the great posture ran past me on Middle Neck Road. (Although we did not say hello ... it was good to see him.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I walked without my waist pack. That meant I did not have my cell phone and I did not have my camera. It felt great not having that thing around my waist! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I walked with a Zumba song playing in my head! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">That's right ... Zumba! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">My friend Doreen has classes in the gym after school. I have now taken four. I am finally remembering some of the steps and sometimes my feet and my hips and my arms all work together. That's <i>sometimes!</i> I think the fact that the music was in my head means that I enjoy it! I'll have to run that past Doreen. (Who, by the way, lost 50 pounds, and attributes her <i>amazing </i>body to alotta Zumba. I'll start with two days a week, thank you!) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I have lost 28 pounds and some. (That's 112+ sticks of butter, right Bee?)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">People are noticing and, unlike other times I lost weight, I accept their compliments. In the past I would become embarrassed and made light of what others had to say. Now I'm really proud of the change <i>I </i>am seeing in me. I wonder what <i>that </i>means. I'll run that past Doreen, too!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">There is a flag in the bay that always reminds me of Sarge.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">I thought of him as I passed it today.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;">If you're reading this, sir, I want you to know that I miss you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">BOOBIES!</span></span></span></div>Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7142196216997457380.post-38992014574297712032012-04-29T16:15:00.001-07:002012-05-20T08:56:45.653-07:00Training Walk From the Garden to the Gardens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXgVrx-_7Rg/T53IZAV62DI/AAAAAAAAByo/-i1K5mzQeFw/s1600/training+walk+May+29+2012+008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eXgVrx-_7Rg/T53IZAV62DI/AAAAAAAAByo/-i1K5mzQeFw/s320/training+walk+May+29+2012+008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">I finally did my first training walk of the season with Burt's Babes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">We met at Penn Station (Madison Square GARDEN) and walked into Brooklyn to the Botanical GARDENS!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">It was a great walk.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">You might recognize "EYES" (yeah ... sure) This picture is for Sarge!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"> Here we are (minus two VERY FAST WALKERS!) at the Brooklyn Bridge.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Compliments to the photographers I wrangled at Eyes, on the Bridge, and at the Gardens! Nice job fellas!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">I have to admit ... I'm feeling a bit out of shape. At this point I was getting tired! </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"> We finally reached the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">11.22 miles.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">We didn't go in though because we were ...</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">STARVING!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">It's a good thing Lesley and I grabbed a banana on the way. I would have been very cranky!</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;"> </span><span style="color: magenta;">None of the restaurants in the area could accommodate 11 walkers ... </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">We said goodbye to 4 and found a fantastic Japanese restaurant.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">This is most unusual because Burt looks forward to pizza ... but this was different and delicious! The place closed after we walked out! Could Burt's Babes have been too much for the place?</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">By the time we found our way to the subway we had walked around 12.5 miles.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">Not bad for a first walk of the season. </span></div>
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</div>Journey to DALLAS!http://www.blogger.com/profile/17965097149631411806noreply@blogger.com2