The 3 Day is Back!

Yes! It's that time of year again! Time when thousands of people, dressed predominately in pink, take to the streets and walk for 3 days and a total of 60 miles to raise funds to help find a cure for breast cancer.

As most of you know, I walked in 2006 and 2008. I wanted to walk again this year, but I was pretty sure that I was going to have to have surgery on my left foot...well, the good news is that I didn't have to have the surgery after all, the bad news is that by the time I figured that out, it was too late for me to try to raise the funds, and start my training...

So, instead of being a "street walker" this year, I am a "Walker Stalker" - meaning I'll be out there all 3 days cheering on my friends that are walking, and the 3,800 new friends I'm making! I remember distinctly the warm feeling I got when I was walking and random people along the way cheered, high-fived me, and clapped. I wanted to give these walkers that same good feeling, so Bear and I got up at the crack of dawn, pink ribbon signs in hand, jumped into the Smart car, and headed west. The route on the first day follows the coast from lovely Del Mar, through La Jolla, and on to Crown Point. We found a spot to park near the beginning of the route, got out of the car, and preceded to say "Good Morning" and "Thanks for walking!" to about 3,800 people. When the majority of the walkers had gone by, we hoped in the car, moved south, and found another spot to park. Rewind, repeat. Lots of high-5's, lots of clapping, and lots of emotion.

It's hard to explain the kind of emotion I feel when I am among the walkers. Whether I am walking or cheering, I feel a strong bond, and I would almost say that it's like being a part of a very special sisterhood - only there are men, and lots of them, that are walking too. They walk in honor of their wife, their Mom, their sister, you name it. So I guess if it's possible for men to be a part of a sisterhood, these men are. It is an incredible, heartwarming feeling! I longed to be on the road with them this morning, and as Bear and I were talking about it (we walked together last year, along with our lifelong friend, Shirley), we both agreed that if there was any doubt about us walking again next year, this morning cleared that up!

Here are just a few of the images we caught while we were out there today.

This is a bit blurry, but you can still get a feeling for the sheer number of people participating in this incredible experience. Trust me, once you are part of the 3 Day family, it will always be in your heart!
I met up with my friend and mentor from the 2006 walk, Raellyn. This was her 10th walk! Talk about dedication! She is one heck of a spitfire! (Yeah, I look like "Gigantor" next to her, but it's because she is super petite...honest!)

Bear found her friends too!

Every shade of pink you can imagine, for as far as the eye can see!

A friend from my Golden Group was walking this year!

Gotta love the tutus!

The organizers gave a pair of "Energizer Bunny" ears to each walker, and this guy took the bunny idea to the next level.

I am looking forward to the next two days more than I can put into words. If you live in San Diego, and are looking for something to do this weekend, why not come out and cheer with me. I guarantee you'll come away with a new appreciation for these dedicated walkers.

Serious Randomness

This post has no rhyme or reason to it...Hey, remember, my blog is called Random Ramblings for a reason!

I thought I'd share a couple of random pictures that I've taken in the last day or two...

First, my Pulmerias... I thought it was a bit late to get blooms on these babies, but I was pleasantly surprise to see these beauties when I was in the backyard yesterday.

Gorgeous colors, and aroma too!

Next...we've all heard of "security blankets" right? How about "security shoes"?? I think Kona has a little fetish going on...whenever I am out of the house, he goes in search of one of my shoes to keep him company...such a silly boy! And last, but not least, a picture of Harley, taken last night that made me smile...she had perched herself on the couch and was sleeping hard when I came up with the camera. Her sleepy face is adorable, and I could just kiss her!

By the way...I've posted a new favorite quote of the moment, in the upper right hand corner of my blog...if you're interested.

(Nearly) Wordless Wednesday - The Life Saver

These pictures just go to show that there are wonderful people in the world. This is one lucky dog!

(What a great young man to help this poor pooch and his Momma!)

From Service Dog to SURFice Dog

Remember the story I told you note too long ago about one of my Golden Group members and her four-legged wonder - Ricochet, aka Rip Curl Ricki?

Here's an update - you'd better grab some Kleenex!



Thanks to all of you, Ricochet's fundraiser for Patrick was very successful, so the two of them are paying it forward by "virtually" tandem surfing to raise money for another young boy, Joey with a spinal cord injury. But, this time... all you have to do is click!!

Ricochet's owner used a snippet of their tandem surfing video, and entered a Eukanuba contest! So, can you please click on this link to watch the video as the number of views determine the finalists...

And then watch it again, and again, and again, everyday until November 30th, posting it to mailing lists, blogs, facebook, etc. It's only 30 seconds, but, if they win... $5000 will be awarded (or there are four $1000 runner up prizes), and the prize will go towards Joey's therapy at Project Walk.

There is also a spot on the link where you can vote for "I love it", so be sure to click on that. And, please forward this to everyone you know, and have them repeat the steps above, and then forward the email again! Right now, the top video has over 1600 views so they have ALOT of catching up to do.

Joey is 14, a freshman in high school this year, and was injured 7 months ago in a bobcat (dirt moving tractor) accident while building bmx dirt jumps. He had pelvis fractures and spinal cord injury at T11. Was ranked #1 ISF surfer (shortboard) in SD for his age group just prior to his accident and was in ICU at Childrens hospital when his teammates competed in the state championships the week after his accident. We live in Encinitas and he and his dad have surfed together since he was around 4 yrs old. He has a caringbridge website: caringbridge.org/visit/joeyabicca.

Thank you so much for your continued support of my friends - Judy, Ricochet, Patrick, and now Joey!

A-Z Mondays - "H" is for "Health"

There are few things in life, if any, that are more important than our health, and the health of those we love.

On this Monday, in particular, I am extremely happy for the improved health of my Dad. He had been in the hospital for the last 9 days, and was able to come home yesterday.

I am happy, and hopeful that his health continues to improve, and we will have happy holidays together.

This is one of my favorite pictures of my Dad, taken on a family cruise in 2006.
If you'd like to see what other bloggers are doing for A-Z Mondays, be sure to stop by Jen's blog here.

Have a great Monday!