With just over 2 weeks left til the Weekend to End Women's Cancers Walk in Toronto, I'm feeling very excited and proud to be a part of such an important movement.... and to be walking in honour of such an amazing woman, friend, sister, kind-hearted angel.... Becky.... my heart is overwhelmed with emotion....
I watched this video today for the first time since our team fundraising tea in May. I know that I am a part of something amazing. And I am certain that joining this movement will help the healing.
Becky, you are my inspiration.... We miss you everyday.... And I know come walk day, you'll be smiling down upon us and cheering us on.... Right? :)
xo ;)
Showing posts with label Walk to End Women's Cancers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Walk to End Women's Cancers. Show all posts
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
30 days and counting....
So, I have 30 days left til the Weekend to End Women's Cancers Walk.... I'm ready physically; but, emotionally.... that's a whole other story.
When you lose someone you love so dearly, and at such a young age.... well, the questions are many and the answers so few.
Last night, my friend Kim and I went to tidy Becky's house while her husband and kids were away. It was the first time I've been to the house since Becky's passing. It was tough.
For the first half hour, I couldn't get my bearings. I walked around the house trying to make sense of things; but realized that I was there to help a friend, and that I just needed to suck it up and get down to business.
Being in the kitchen was the hardest part for me. That's where we spent most of our time comparing Mommy notes.
I realized how much I really miss her; and that I haven't really dealt with the reality. I still have moments where I tell myself, "Right.... she's really gone." She still feels so close.
When am I going to be able to make peace with her passing? When will it stop hurting so much? Why, why, why did she have to be the one?
Questions, I know, will never be answered.
I'm ready to walk for Becky. I'm glad that Greg and the kids will be there to meet me at the end.... I wish it were different and that Becky would be there too.
Life can be so unfair.
When you lose someone you love so dearly, and at such a young age.... well, the questions are many and the answers so few.
Last night, my friend Kim and I went to tidy Becky's house while her husband and kids were away. It was the first time I've been to the house since Becky's passing. It was tough.
For the first half hour, I couldn't get my bearings. I walked around the house trying to make sense of things; but realized that I was there to help a friend, and that I just needed to suck it up and get down to business.
Being in the kitchen was the hardest part for me. That's where we spent most of our time comparing Mommy notes.
I realized how much I really miss her; and that I haven't really dealt with the reality. I still have moments where I tell myself, "Right.... she's really gone." She still feels so close.
When am I going to be able to make peace with her passing? When will it stop hurting so much? Why, why, why did she have to be the one?
Questions, I know, will never be answered.
I'm ready to walk for Becky. I'm glad that Greg and the kids will be there to meet me at the end.... I wish it were different and that Becky would be there too.
Life can be so unfair.
Monday, August 1, 2011
The $5 Challenge....
With just over 1 month left til the 2011 Toronto Weekend to End Women's Cancers Walk, I have proposed a challenge to all of my Facebook Family and Friends; which I have decided to do here as well.
I challenge all of my 3 Monkeys Inc blog readers to donate just $5.00 to me to help raise money for much needed cancer research benefiting the Campbell Family Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital.
I've heard many people question where the money goes.... and trust me; I wouldn't be doing this for just any charity. I believe in the work at Princess Margaret Hospital; and I've heard and seen stories of the people who's lives have seen a positive change as a result of the work being done at PMH.
So, come on people! Are you up for the challenge?! Click the link below; then when on my personal profile page, click the Big Green Donate Online Now button - Easy-Peasy-Lemon-Squeezy!
$5 CHALLENGE for 3 Monkeys Inc Readers
Have a great Monday everyone ;)
I challenge all of my 3 Monkeys Inc blog readers to donate just $5.00 to me to help raise money for much needed cancer research benefiting the Campbell Family Institute at Princess Margaret Hospital.
I've heard many people question where the money goes.... and trust me; I wouldn't be doing this for just any charity. I believe in the work at Princess Margaret Hospital; and I've heard and seen stories of the people who's lives have seen a positive change as a result of the work being done at PMH.
So, come on people! Are you up for the challenge?! Click the link below; then when on my personal profile page, click the Big Green Donate Online Now button - Easy-Peasy-Lemon-Squeezy!
$5 CHALLENGE for 3 Monkeys Inc Readers
Have a great Monday everyone ;)
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Makeover complete and a tissue paper pom pom....
I finally took a picture of my dresser and nightstand with the freshly painted hardware attached.... and now, they truly are a happy pair.... this is what they should have been dressed in from the day they were born....
I love the way they turned out. And needless to say, I am now addicted to the idea of spray painting EVERYTHING! Watch out little thrifted lamp.... you're next!
And today, I even dragged my friend Sherry to a thrift STORE.... not the THRIFT STORE of the same name that I adore; but, one that I have been meaning to venture to for some time now. And I was NOT disappointed. The pricing was exactly what I expected, which is to say it was inexpensive and, dare I say, thrifty.... just the way I like it!
I came away with a pair of capri pants, and 3 books for just over $8.... and for a mere $2. and change, Sherry purchased a new-to-her summer skirt and an easter book for my little Hammy (Hammy says thanks).... All-in-all a FaNtAsTiC thrifty day....
And, in other news.... while surfing the wonderful-world-wide-web for inexpensive centrepieces for the THINK PINK Tea Fundraiser that my teammates and I are hosting in May, I remembered this great tutorial for tissue paper pom poms from Martha Stewart. I picked up some tissue paper today to do a mock-up of this pom pom, only I left one side flat so that it would sit nicely in the centre of our tables.... can you picture these in the right shade of pink, THINK PINK pink????
What do you think? Too simple, or simply fun?
I love the way they turned out. And needless to say, I am now addicted to the idea of spray painting EVERYTHING! Watch out little thrifted lamp.... you're next!
And today, I even dragged my friend Sherry to a thrift STORE.... not the THRIFT STORE of the same name that I adore; but, one that I have been meaning to venture to for some time now. And I was NOT disappointed. The pricing was exactly what I expected, which is to say it was inexpensive and, dare I say, thrifty.... just the way I like it!
I came away with a pair of capri pants, and 3 books for just over $8.... and for a mere $2. and change, Sherry purchased a new-to-her summer skirt and an easter book for my little Hammy (Hammy says thanks).... All-in-all a FaNtAsTiC thrifty day....
And, in other news.... while surfing the wonderful-world-wide-web for inexpensive centrepieces for the THINK PINK Tea Fundraiser that my teammates and I are hosting in May, I remembered this great tutorial for tissue paper pom poms from Martha Stewart. I picked up some tissue paper today to do a mock-up of this pom pom, only I left one side flat so that it would sit nicely in the centre of our tables.... can you picture these in the right shade of pink, THINK PINK pink????
What do you think? Too simple, or simply fun?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Fun, Fun, fundraising....
All of my little ducks seem to be getting into a neat and tidy row.... and this makes me very, very happy; and very, very relieved, aaaahhhhhh....
I've previously talked about how myself and 3 friends have joined together as a team to walk in the Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend to End Women's Cancers in September of this year. Well, fundraising events are kicking into high gear.
We've decided to host a THINK PINK Tea and a Rummage Sale for the Cause.... all of the support and donations from friends, family and community have been overwhelming to say the least. It always amazes me at how willing people are to just give. It's a very simple thing, isn't it. Giving.... I've always loved to give things myself. And not in a self-important or self-serving way. I just love giving people a smile every once in a while. And I love how, by nature, people just want to help where they can.
Aaaanyway, so, my mind has been going a mile a minute trying to think of any way that I can raise money for my own journey, as well as for our team. The challenge put forth by the Weekend Walk people for the month of April is to raise $500. I'm taking this challenge on to get closer to my personal fundraising goal. I have some things in mind that I need to get on right away, and I've got to get bugging some local businesses for their help too.... I guess what I'm saying (to myself) is that today, the last day of March, is my final rest day for the next month. Everyday in the month of April, I will devote some portion of time to reaching my $500 goal.... There, I've written in down for all to see that I am very serious about this challenge.... gee, I hope I can reach it ;)
I'm open to any and all suggestions for meeting this challenge....
Have a great day everyone ;)
image courtesy MSN
I've previously talked about how myself and 3 friends have joined together as a team to walk in the Shoppers Drug Mart Weekend to End Women's Cancers in September of this year. Well, fundraising events are kicking into high gear.
We've decided to host a THINK PINK Tea and a Rummage Sale for the Cause.... all of the support and donations from friends, family and community have been overwhelming to say the least. It always amazes me at how willing people are to just give. It's a very simple thing, isn't it. Giving.... I've always loved to give things myself. And not in a self-important or self-serving way. I just love giving people a smile every once in a while. And I love how, by nature, people just want to help where they can.
Aaaanyway, so, my mind has been going a mile a minute trying to think of any way that I can raise money for my own journey, as well as for our team. The challenge put forth by the Weekend Walk people for the month of April is to raise $500. I'm taking this challenge on to get closer to my personal fundraising goal. I have some things in mind that I need to get on right away, and I've got to get bugging some local businesses for their help too.... I guess what I'm saying (to myself) is that today, the last day of March, is my final rest day for the next month. Everyday in the month of April, I will devote some portion of time to reaching my $500 goal.... There, I've written in down for all to see that I am very serious about this challenge.... gee, I hope I can reach it ;)
I'm open to any and all suggestions for meeting this challenge....
Have a great day everyone ;)
image courtesy MSN
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Walking for a cure....
I made the decision last September to participate in the Annual Toronto Weekend to End Women's Cancers Walk.... I've talked about my friend Becky a number of times here on the blog; she is my motivation and inspiration....
There are four of us who have joined together to become Team DARE; each of us has our own reasons for walking.... and the reasons, when boiled down, are simply to find a cure and save lives....
Last Saturday, a teammate and I had the pleasure of attending an information session about the 2011 walk; or movement as it is now being referred to as.... I realized, about 3 minutes into the session, that I am not, and will never be, prepared for the intense emotions that will fill the air that weekend. How can anyone be prepared?
Which brings me to the struggle I've had since finding out that Becky is living with cancer.... I feel angry; I feel lost; I can't wrap my brain around the whole idea of cancer.... and I know my feelings don't even come close to what Becky, and other people living with cancer, must be feeling. I think as friends and family we want to do something; we want to take action; we want to relieve the burden.... I'm doing my very best to reach my goal; because in the end, it's the money raised that will help fund the research to find the cure, and fund the after care and support that is so needed....
Keeping my emotions in check is an impossibility.... I need to find a way to grasp the fact that I can't manage these emotions, and that I will never be able to make sense of a senseless disease....
There are four of us who have joined together to become Team DARE; each of us has our own reasons for walking.... and the reasons, when boiled down, are simply to find a cure and save lives....
Last Saturday, a teammate and I had the pleasure of attending an information session about the 2011 walk; or movement as it is now being referred to as.... I realized, about 3 minutes into the session, that I am not, and will never be, prepared for the intense emotions that will fill the air that weekend. How can anyone be prepared?
Which brings me to the struggle I've had since finding out that Becky is living with cancer.... I feel angry; I feel lost; I can't wrap my brain around the whole idea of cancer.... and I know my feelings don't even come close to what Becky, and other people living with cancer, must be feeling. I think as friends and family we want to do something; we want to take action; we want to relieve the burden.... I'm doing my very best to reach my goal; because in the end, it's the money raised that will help fund the research to find the cure, and fund the after care and support that is so needed....
Keeping my emotions in check is an impossibility.... I need to find a way to grasp the fact that I can't manage these emotions, and that I will never be able to make sense of a senseless disease....
Friday, December 31, 2010
New year's eve.... last chance for the giveaway....
Here we are, the last day of 2010... for me it's been filled with family, friends, happiness, sadness, hope, challenge, and everything in between.... All in all, it's been a pretty quiet year for me, and that's just the way I like it....
First off, my family and I were so excited to be able to watch the 2010 Winter Olympics together, and super-duper excited that they were being hosted by our own home country! We were so proud of our Canadian athletes and their efforts.... win or lose, it didn't matter... we loved every. single. minute. But, also have to say, Sidney Crosby's winning goal in over time to take the gold from the U.S. team was over-the-top!
I started my little 3 monkeys inc Etsy shop, which I have great hopes for in 2011.... I sold several hats before Christmas just by word of mouth, and found they are being very well received....
3 monkeys inc is also now on facebook.... social networking seems to be a great way to drum up business.... and now forces me to be even more of a multi-tasker....
Babies have grown inches and inches over the past year, and I'm sure by the end of next year, I'll be dwarfed by at least one of them... and he'll only be verging 9 years old... and I am left with the same question; why do they grow up so fast? Of everything in my life... this is the one of the things I think I can handle the least...
I committed in September 2010, to walk a 2-day, 60km journey in September 2011 to benefit women's cancer research.... This is a very personal thing for me, as my friend Becky has been battling breast cancer for what seems like eternity.... What do you do for a friend who is going down such a tough road? You stand by her, you hold her hand, you wipe her tears (and your own), you just be a friend.... and still, as friends we are left with a feeling that we need to do something.... I know what I'm feeling is nothing compared to what she is feeling; but, by doing this walk with my 3 lovely teammates, I feel like I'm helping in some small way.... We can beat this.... I know we can....
My family has suffered the loss of some family members, seen some born, enjoyed hearing news of weddings to come, graduations, new jobs, the list goes on and on... not unlike any of your families, I'm sure....
More than ever, my year was filled my little family; Craig, Liam, Marek and Camryn, without you, I would be nothing.... and my best girls; Tasha, Sherry, Becky, Kim, Lindsay, Crystal, Jamie, Nicole, Jane, Jayne, Rebecca, Stephanie... and all of the new friends I have met along the way; you ladies along with my little family, have stretched my heart to the limit, and when I feel I couldn't be loved anymore, you all stretch it just a little more.... Family and friends... that's how my 2010 can be summed up... could anything be better than that?
Best wishes to you all, for a Healthy, Happy and Love-filled 2011 ;)
Don't forget: The GIVEAWAY ends tonight at midnight!
photos courtesy of Getty Images, Stephanie Eidt Photography, and Me!
First off, my family and I were so excited to be able to watch the 2010 Winter Olympics together, and super-duper excited that they were being hosted by our own home country! We were so proud of our Canadian athletes and their efforts.... win or lose, it didn't matter... we loved every. single. minute. But, also have to say, Sidney Crosby's winning goal in over time to take the gold from the U.S. team was over-the-top!
I started my little 3 monkeys inc Etsy shop, which I have great hopes for in 2011.... I sold several hats before Christmas just by word of mouth, and found they are being very well received....
3 monkeys inc is also now on facebook.... social networking seems to be a great way to drum up business.... and now forces me to be even more of a multi-tasker....
Babies have grown inches and inches over the past year, and I'm sure by the end of next year, I'll be dwarfed by at least one of them... and he'll only be verging 9 years old... and I am left with the same question; why do they grow up so fast? Of everything in my life... this is the one of the things I think I can handle the least...
I committed in September 2010, to walk a 2-day, 60km journey in September 2011 to benefit women's cancer research.... This is a very personal thing for me, as my friend Becky has been battling breast cancer for what seems like eternity.... What do you do for a friend who is going down such a tough road? You stand by her, you hold her hand, you wipe her tears (and your own), you just be a friend.... and still, as friends we are left with a feeling that we need to do something.... I know what I'm feeling is nothing compared to what she is feeling; but, by doing this walk with my 3 lovely teammates, I feel like I'm helping in some small way.... We can beat this.... I know we can....
My family has suffered the loss of some family members, seen some born, enjoyed hearing news of weddings to come, graduations, new jobs, the list goes on and on... not unlike any of your families, I'm sure....
More than ever, my year was filled my little family; Craig, Liam, Marek and Camryn, without you, I would be nothing.... and my best girls; Tasha, Sherry, Becky, Kim, Lindsay, Crystal, Jamie, Nicole, Jane, Jayne, Rebecca, Stephanie... and all of the new friends I have met along the way; you ladies along with my little family, have stretched my heart to the limit, and when I feel I couldn't be loved anymore, you all stretch it just a little more.... Family and friends... that's how my 2010 can be summed up... could anything be better than that?
Best wishes to you all, for a Healthy, Happy and Love-filled 2011 ;)
Don't forget: The GIVEAWAY ends tonight at midnight!
photos courtesy of Getty Images, Stephanie Eidt Photography, and Me!
Thursday, December 30, 2010
My journey has begun....
Some of you already know that I have decided to take a 60km walk in September, and some of you have decided to join me.... what a journey it will be.... I will be honoured not only to be doing this to support the great work that the Princess Margaret Hospital does for cancer research; but doubly honoured to be walking for some very special women in my life; women who have struggled through their own battles with this horrible disease and some who continue to fight.
This will be an emotional weekend walking with the great group of ladies who have joined a team with me; and walking alongside many fighters, survivors and crusaders.... I'm anticipating a weekend full of hope, sisterhood, tears and pride.... I can't wait to come across the finish line, knowing that I've helped even just one person in the fight.... and I can't wait to see my little family waiting for me at the end.... these are all of the feelings and emotions that are pushing me to do this, and to do it well.
For my friend Becky, I will carry your spirit in my heart the whole way, and knowing you are bravely fighting will be my driving force. This is a very personal journey for me. Becky you DESERVE to win this fight.... my gloves are on, my shoes are tied, my legs may hurt and my muscles may burn; but it's for you that I gladly, willingly, and proudly do this.... I won't let you down, I won't let me down, I won't let my teammates down, or the millions of other women who we are fighting with....
I'm working toward my goal with the help of my beautiful friend, Kim, who is pushing me and my body with some real kick-ass workouts.... but I need it, I need to push my endurance, push my spirit, and push my ass off of this sofa.... Thankfully I'm not alone, my wonderful husband has chosen to do the training with me, which also drives me to succeed.... I am truly a lucky woman to be surrounded by so many loving people.... thanks everyone for your support in my journey.... I love you all...
Have a nice day all ;) xo
This will be an emotional weekend walking with the great group of ladies who have joined a team with me; and walking alongside many fighters, survivors and crusaders.... I'm anticipating a weekend full of hope, sisterhood, tears and pride.... I can't wait to come across the finish line, knowing that I've helped even just one person in the fight.... and I can't wait to see my little family waiting for me at the end.... these are all of the feelings and emotions that are pushing me to do this, and to do it well.
For my friend Becky, I will carry your spirit in my heart the whole way, and knowing you are bravely fighting will be my driving force. This is a very personal journey for me. Becky you DESERVE to win this fight.... my gloves are on, my shoes are tied, my legs may hurt and my muscles may burn; but it's for you that I gladly, willingly, and proudly do this.... I won't let you down, I won't let me down, I won't let my teammates down, or the millions of other women who we are fighting with....
I'm working toward my goal with the help of my beautiful friend, Kim, who is pushing me and my body with some real kick-ass workouts.... but I need it, I need to push my endurance, push my spirit, and push my ass off of this sofa.... Thankfully I'm not alone, my wonderful husband has chosen to do the training with me, which also drives me to succeed.... I am truly a lucky woman to be surrounded by so many loving people.... thanks everyone for your support in my journey.... I love you all...
Have a nice day all ;) xo
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
In training....
I'm starting a walking diary today.... an in-training manual, I guess.... I have just less than a year to get ready for the Weekend Walk to End Women's Cancers.... Seems like a lot of time, but in reality, it's not.... 60km is a very, VERY LOOOOOONG distance to hike. I know I can do it.... mentally I am pumped, proud, and ready.... physically, you ask? I think I'm gonna need a little help ;) Maybe a walking buddy every now and then, people to help keep me on track and motivated.... anyone willing to be my cheering section, my pat-you-on-the-back friend who's gonna say it's ok that I only walked 2km today instead of 10???
Seriously, just a phone call, text message or e-mail every now and again to remind me that even though my journey is gonna be tough, it's nothing compared to the road that the people I'm walking for have to travel, and that in the end, my small role in this 2-day event is going to help not just Becky, but so many other women, including myself.
I'm ready.... me and my little lady have our walking shoes on and after we say good-bye to the big boys this morning, we'll be hiking, and plodding and trodding through the streets of our pretty little town.... It's raining now, but that can't stop us.... we're determined....
Hope you have a day filled with sun-shiney day-dreams ;)
Seriously, just a phone call, text message or e-mail every now and again to remind me that even though my journey is gonna be tough, it's nothing compared to the road that the people I'm walking for have to travel, and that in the end, my small role in this 2-day event is going to help not just Becky, but so many other women, including myself.
I'm ready.... me and my little lady have our walking shoes on and after we say good-bye to the big boys this morning, we'll be hiking, and plodding and trodding through the streets of our pretty little town.... It's raining now, but that can't stop us.... we're determined....
Hope you have a day filled with sun-shiney day-dreams ;)
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