Personal Fundraising Goal MET!

This is my tentmate, Val, and me on our training walk last weekend.

Thanks for the picture Sandy!

...

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 are no boys in the back at R. Federman anymore ... because there is NO 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. 

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!

Like everything else ... it'll get done!

...

I am looking at that picture of Val and me.  She is NOT that much taller than I am.  At least I don't THINK she's that much taller!  We were on a hill!

...

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 push them out of the way thank them for giving me something to watch while I am huffing and puffing in the back.  Zumba is so much easier for me!

The end.

Taking the Plunge ... and Purging!

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.

This was not easy for me.

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!

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!

By cleaning out my closet I am promising myself NEVER TO DO THAT AGAIN!

There ... it's in pink and white.

...

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!

I guess that means no pictures for a while ... unless I can get my big Canon to work!

...

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!)

boobies

Let the Fund Raising Begin

This, to me, is the toughest part of the 3-day.

Fund raising!

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:

 "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. 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 at least another 60 miles."  

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!

...

Wednesday night is the best Zumba night.  The instructor is fantastic and the class can be REALLY crowded!  Last night she brought a guest ... a Zumba GUY!  He led a few dances and I was SWEATING!  It was CRAZY!!! (But I loved it!)  

You know you're into Zumba when the songs are in your head and you are moving even when sitting down!

WEPA!

(boobies)

ZUMBA!

When I saw my Zumba instructor, Linda, Monday night, I had just come from WW ... and finally lost 40+ lbs! 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!  Thank you Linda!  You put a BIG smile on my face! (Now I have to work on moving my body like you do!)

...

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.

...

I still have all those cookbooks.  I have to make some decisions and soon ... or else I will ALWAYS have all those cookbooks!!!!!  

The end.