I am sitting on the sidewalk near JPL waiting for Endeavor to fly over.  Tomorrow I will be in Santa Barbara and I will “endeavor” (get it??) to walk the full 39 miles of the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. Training for this has changed my life. I remembered that I love to be physically challenged. I found Bikrim Yoga.   Side note, Bikrim is the absolute worst thing ever invented.  It is hot and it is cruel.  My first class I laid there on the ground thinking that I would rather be going through natural childbirth in air conditioning than doing this.  Yet, somehow I keep going back.  Maybe it is because I feel so great after it’s over and I am still alive. However, no matter how hot (and it’s been really hot) and tired I got on my training walks I could always say to myself, “It’s not as hard as Bikrim.”. No kidding it really sucks.

 I feel better than I have felt in years.  My family is pretty happy because I have been happy.  You know, someone really ought to do a study on the connection of exercise to depression.  I think there might be something to it.  Best of all I have received so much support, both in donations and kind words from good friends and even friends I haven’t seen in years.  It means so much to me. I am really blessed to know so many generous caring people.

Peggy, Jodi, Shawna, Cath,  Linda N., Linda J, Jo Ann, Lee, Christina, Joani, Nancy, Jaime’s Mom, Patrice’s Mom  These names are written down on a piece of paper that I will carry with me when I walk. If I feel I can’t walk any further I will take out this list and remind myself of the strength and determination of these women who fought and survived.  The least I can do is take a few more steps.

I challenge all of you to endeavor to try something new.  I highly recommend it.

I’ll be Facebook updating from the road with a few fabulous photos of moi and I will let you know how it goes.  Again, thank you to everyone.  You are the best.  And, special thanks to my husband Don for picking up the slack for me when I needed to train, taking care of the kids this week end and the never ending love and belief in me.  You have all met me so you know what patience and strength  it must take to live with me.  He is the best man I know.