A Gold Canyon Candle Fundraiser!!!

So my friend Cindy Peach is a VERY SUCCESSFUL Demonstrator for Gold Canyon Candles. She told me about a fundraising opportunity that I couldn't pass up!

I will be selling candles (really great Christmas gift ideas!!) for the next two weeks. I will benefit from 40% of the candle sales (well, not me personally, but The Arthritis Society)!!! Any dollar amount raised will help me to finally get to my $5,600 goal!!

Please check out this link to see what I'm talking about!
 https://essentials.goldcanyoncandle.com/GOLDCANYON/CMS/Portals/0/springfundraisingflyer_CDN.pdf

If you would like to purchase a candle (or five), please contact me. Or if you would like to help me out by selling a bunch for me (please, but I don't want to sound like I'm begging), I can get you an order form and a really cool scratch 'n' sniff flyer to pass around. (I know you do it with kid's chocolate bars for school...)..

Thanks again!

I'm ALMOST FAMOUS!!

Please check out my story in the Barrie Advance, published Thursday, November 4 !!!

"She’s on the run for arthritis"

BARRIE - Call it a strong determination to better oneself and a devotion to help out someone you love.

http://www.simcoe.com/sports/article/897589--she-s-on-the-run-for-arthritis

Personal Best!

Okay, so I have to brag for a quick moment...
On Saturday, I did something fantastic! I left my house, and went for a run. Wait. It gets better.

I went for a 10km RUN!!!! I have never done that before!! Oh yeah, I was a bit proud of myself!

It only took me about 90mins (which is one comedy album and one playlist on my ipod.). My bodyguard came with me for the first 4km, our usual run, then asked to be dropped off at home, because he was bored. Thanks again Jake for the motivation. Here's where the honesty kicks in. I really wanted to just go in the house with him, and make up an excuse to not finish the whole 10 like I had planned. And I almost did that. But I decided to at least try to get it done.

I'm sure I looked like a bit of a nut job in my neighbourhood, because by the end, I was running out of streets to reach the full 10km, so I was almost running laps around the block. I did make it, I didn't pass out and man, was I proud of myself when I got home. I did however freak out my mom and Wayne becuase I had gotten dyhydrated on the run. My face and lips swelled right up, I could hardly talk, and my fingers looked like sausages (even more than usual!). Let's just say, I was looking pretty hot! lol. It's all about the learning! I didn't even know that could happen. It was no big deal, and I even managed to internet diagnose myself, thank you very much.

I think the craziest thing about this whole running experience is how it's changed me. One night last week, it was pretty hectic and wild at my house after dinner. And by that, I actually mean I was very cranky (yes, I can admit that like a grown up!). So instead of unleashing more crazy on my poor husband, I went for a run. Wow. Six months ago, that wouldn't have even been a thought. Now, I was smiling by the time I got home! I was much calmer when I walked back in the door. Running has become my way to "fill my cup".

(If you've ever heard or talked to our pastor at our church, you know what I'm talking about. When life gets crazy and you're feeling overwhelmed, he says it's becuase your emotional cup is empty. You need to find a way to get it filled back up, to get yourself balanced. It could be reading a book, watching a movie, going for a drive, whatever it is that will make you feel better. Amazingly, mine has become running. Isn't that a kick in the head?) It's great advice, just don't tell him I said that!

So what's my point? I think I lost it somewhere back in the first paragraph. Oh yeah, the point is, I took on this crazy challenge five months ago, and I'm amazed and blessed everyday at where it has taken me. I truly wish for anyone reading this that you will have the courage to step out of your box, and try something wild and crazy for yourself. I've learned that it's not the actual action of running that I'm most excited about, it's the unexpected "personal bests" that I've accomplished that keep me going further every time.

I'm not above begging...

So folks...I'm going to put it out there...

I need help! I need more donations!

I'm $2,600 away from my 100% goal, and I need to have this raised by November 15, 2010.

If you are taking the time to read this, perhaps you can forward this on to your friends!

Please help me reach my goal!

49 MORE SLEEPS!!!

Yep, that's right....49 more sleeps!!!

Holy cow! Where did that time go? I thought I had forever to get ready for this adventure. But in true life fashion, time goes faster when we're busy.

So it's been awhile since I've written a really good update. So where to begin....fundraising or running? 

Well I'm most excited about my running adventures. When this began, I had really big plans. I was certain I would be a lot lighter by now, and running 10kms in my sleep. While that's not the case, I am still so very proud of where I am today.

I have hit a few personal milestones that just make me smile. From my front door to the end of Ardagh Rd (at Cnty Rd 27)and back is 3.3km by vehicle, and 4km by my nike shoe thing (more on that later...LOVE IT!!)..The very first day I went running (for a whole minute...), I said to my hubby, "can you imagine when I can actually run to the end of the road without stopping?". Deep inside I don't think I truly believed I could do it. Well...I DID IT!! Yep, a few weeks ago! It was the funniest thing. It was almost dark, and here I am, all by myself at the end of the road, hitting the street sign and giggling like a school girl. I had made it. All by myself. I was pretty proud of me, since it's about 1.9km to get there.

The next milestone was to run for 2km straight. Again, I made this one about two weeks ago. Yeah, I'm really behind according to the training schedule, but I've decided that it's going to have to be on my family's schedule that this gets done. Right now, I just simply don't have the opportunity to run 5 days a week, while I'm juggling two little boys, one husband, and one full time job. So I've accepted what I can do, and I'm okay with it as long as I'm trying my best. And believe me, I am trying.

My latest milestone was doing a 4km run and actually running for 3.5 of that 4km. I very realistic goal for me now is to be able to do a 10km run by the time I get to the Caymans. So I've got 6 1/2 weeks (holy crap) to get ready.

I do have to tell a story that happend to me last week on a run. I fell. I know, right?  Actually, I'm surprised that it was the first time I've done that. Anyways, I was running on a new sidewalk, and my toe caught a rise, and down I went. Very gracefully, I'm sure. Even with the crazy girlish scream as I hit the sidewalk. It was nothing major, just a few scrapes and a pulled calf muscle, and bruised side, but thank goodness my bodyguard was with me. Yes, I'm secure enough to admit that I run with a bodyguard. He's great. He's about 4 feet tall, 50lbs and likes to point out how slow I run compared to all the other runners we meet. Very motivational indeed. I bring him so I won't get stolen.

You might remember from earlier posts, that I am afraid of the dark (and dirt, and shag carpeting..but I'm working on it). So, I take my 6year old son, Jake with me for protection. He rides his bike, and I run. Truthfully, when I fell I was glad he was there. He was a perfect gentleman, found my ipod for me (which flew out onto the road), then found my nike adapter (which flew the other way), and insisted he carry my water bottle home for me, becuase my hands were scraped and bleeding.

I know I've said this before too, but I am loving the time I'm getting to spend with Jake. My youngest son Ian is 17mths, and takes alot of our attention. So in times like this, when it's just Jake and I, my heart gets full, and I say a special prayer of thanks for Jake. You could say this is reason #47 why doing this challenge has become so important for me and my family.

I guess you get the picture...I'm still running, trying, and getting better everyday. I have alot of people to answer to, so there's no turning back now.

So on to the fundraising side....man it's a lot of work!

As of today, I am at $3,000!!! Whoo-hooo!! Only $2,600 left (well $2,700 because if I go over my goal by $100, I'll get a jacket).... I would like to say thank you to every single person who has donated, or come to one or all (the Boose family & Doreen from Dover) of my events to help me out. I am so blessed to have such great support and friends. So far, I've hosted a car rally, a bowling night, a bbq, and a comedy show. These events have been alot of work, but alot of fun too!

That being said, I still need some help! I've got a big goal left, and one more really big fundraising event planned.

The Second-Ever Scavenger Hunt for a Cure!!!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Start time: 2pm

Entry fee: $50/team (max. 6 people per team)...

I will have more details to follow, but if you are at all interested in joining us, please message me, leave a comment or whatever and we can chat.

If you have a team already, mix it up a bit, and challenge another team! Grab some friends and do boys against girls, or co-wokers against co-workers....whatever you want!

Team names and uniforms are welcome!!!

Please help me register 20 teams, so I can hit my pledge goal!

Check out my earlier posts to see picutres from the first hunt...it was a blast!

If you can't make it to the Hunt (I'm sorry you can't)...perhaps you would consider donating to my campaign. All donations over $15 are elegible for a tax receipt. The money raised will be helping millions of Canadians like my mom, Cracker who suffer every day with Arthritis. Every dollar raised is so important.

Thanks for taking the time to read this! Drop me a comment if you like! I would love to hear your thoughts!

Comedy for a Cause ~ A Funny Fundraiser!

I'm sure by now you all have seen or heard about this show! Well, I'm in the home stretch now, it's coming up next Friday night! And I still have alot of tickets to sell! So I'm putting this out there, to anyone who is reading this!!! If you can come, I would love to have your support! The seating is tables of 4, so please bring some friends!!

Comedy for a Cause ~ A Funny Fundraiser

Featuring the very funny Steve Levine

Friday, October 1 @ 8pm

(doors open at 7pm)

Essa Rd Banquet Hall

41 Essa Rd., Barrie

TICKETS $20

There will also be a Silent Auction and 50/50 Draw!!

Presented by Funny Fundraisers

All proceeds to The Arthritis Society

A Little Inspiration...

Happy Thursday!!!
I know it's been a while since I've been on here, but I promise I am still running and raising money!

In the meantime, I came across this awesome video, and I need to share it with you. Please watch the whole thing, it's less than 5mins...and my prayer for you is that you feel inspired to do one small thing you didn't think you could do.

Let me hear your thoughts!!!!
k

I made it!!

So I may have mentioned by now that I have to raise a bit of money to run this half-marathon. Each month comes with it's own fundraising goal within a goal. For September 1, I was to have raised 35%, or $1,960. I did need an extension, but today managed to be an awesome day!

Before I get into my acceptance speech, and thank all my donors, I have to tell you what I've been up to in the fundraising department. Trust me, there is not one day that goes by that I'm not working on this (you can ask my co-worker Laura, she sadly has to hear about it Monday through Friday)...

This past weekend, Labour Day, my new best fundraising friend Nancy, her boyfriend Brent, and me and Wayne planted ourselves outside of Zehrs in Barrie to do a fundraising BBQ. Oh right, before I get into that I have to finish my first thought.

Without giving away all the details about the Giant BBQ that wasn't...let me say this. When I woke up this morning, I was still $297 away from my September 1st goal of $1,960. Yep, a bit of panic set in as I resigned myself of having to ask for another extension, or eating only kraft dinner for a week if I had to pay that myself.

So before I did that, I did the next obvious thing. I started begging on facebook for donations. Shortly after I changed my status to begging, I checked my email, and almost fell on the floor. I received a VERY GENEROUS donation from a very, very dear friend. Whoo-hoo!!! It was only 1pm, and I was now only $197 away from my goal!!!

So what did I do next...I put on my big girl pants... and called my mom. She listened, as she always does, and I listened to her as she gave her advice, all the while thinking of ways her ideas wouldn't work. So after a great pep talk from her, I changed into my running clothes (which magically make me feel 20lbs lighter)...and decided to go for a run. Then it rained as I walked out the door. Long story short (I know, too late..), I did my run of 3km..(oh, and found a new running song to add to my playlist, "Dancing Queen"), came back, cooked dinner and started into the boys' bedtime routine. In the middle of that, I get a call from my Aunt Phyllis who's on vacation in PEI (let me give you another glimpse of the Halbert household..I had to take the call in my closet, just so I could concentrate)...

And ta-da....I am now...

PAST MY GOAL, BY $205!!!!

My mom and my Aunt Phyllis worked their magic, and rounded up a few donations from a couple of my very generous (and now favourite, lol) Aunts!!! Thank you! Thank you to my Aunts Phyllis, Darlene, Barbara and my very special Gram.

So my fundraising total as of today, is $2,165!! Which leaves me only $3,435 away from the finish line!! Does anyone have any great fundraising ideas?

Things I've learned so far...

Today is day 79 in this journey, and this is what I have learned so far... "Shoop" by Salt n Peppa is the best running song ever! The song just makes me smile! Coming in at a very close second is "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson. I've been through quite a few songs on my ipod since this started, so I thought I would share with you some of my "wisdom"....hahaha.

I have also learned that it is impossible for me to run without music. I need to drown out the sound of my panting as I struggle to keep going. Everytime I meet someone on the sidewalk while I'm running, I have to hold my breath so they don't call 911 for me.

I have learned that blisters on my feet are my friend. This means I'm working towards my goal.

I have learned that I still know nothing about running. In the past few weeks I have heard terms like lactic acid buildup, protein power shakes, edible gel (not really sure about that one...), and breathing from the top of my lungs. I've decided that I need to get a book to learn about running. My husband said I should just research it on the internet. I've decided against that because I'm certain I will accidentally diagnose myself with a fatal disease while searching. (Yes, I've had some bad internet search experiences).

For as much as I still have to learn, I do know this...there is the right way to run and the wrong way to run. Last night I experienced the "wrong" way. Coming from someone who hates to exercise, I've realized that this running thing is as much about the mental preparation as it is about the physical training.

Let me tell you why. I'll be honest, this past week has not been good. I haven't been running as much as I should. So last night, I was FORCING MYSELF to get out and run. My intent was to go for 4kms. I might have forgot to mention this, but I can now run a full kilometer without stopping!! (Yep, in 79 days I have gone from not being able to run 1min to now doing a 1km.) Anyways, I was prepared to run the first km, and then run/walk the last three. Ummm...that didn't happen.

Why? By the time I got home from work, picked up both boys at different places, got supper ready, one boy out the door to swimming lessons, the other in the bath, supper dishes done and a quick phone call, it was almost 8:30. And, my knee was really hurting. But I knew I had to go. So I quickly got ready (and couldn't find my favourite running capris...yes, that does make a difference)..and ran out the door. I was trying to beat the clock, it was getting dark (remember my fear?). I only did a couple of stretches, and was off. And in my hurry I didn't warm up like I usually do. I usually walk at a fast pace for about 5mins to get going. Last night, I was in a hurry. So long story short (I know, too late)..I only made it just over 1km and let me say I WAS DYING!!! I had stitches in my side so bad, I didnt' think I could turn around and get home, and I was limping with my knee.

Why am I telling you this? Because it's important. I beat myself up all the way home because I didn't do what I was supposed to. I told myself I was too out of shape, I wasn't losing any weight, and got upset at all the things at home that needed to be done, and wondering if I could somehow just give up. By the time I reached my street, I felt a kick in my butt. I couldn't believe I was thinking all that negative stuff, and totally forgetting what I had just done! I HAD JUST RUN 1km!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I had chose to get changed, and leave the house, and do something! I had made a great choice! It didn't matter that I didn't make the 4km last night, because at least I tried! What was my other option? I would have put on my pj's and ate the last of the chips in the cupboard.

So I've realized that the right way for me to run is to get my headspace where it needs to be, get my good clothes on, get my music, and take my time! And if I have a bad night, I must cut myself some slack, and realize how far I've come in 79 days, not how far away from the finish line I am.

A FUNNY FUNDRAISER!!!!

About a month ago, I came across a company called Funny Fundraisers. They are in the business of making people laugh for a good cause. I was totally interested, so I contacted them right away. Basically, this company sets up a comedy night, including booking a professional stand-up comic for a 90min show. The owner, Marc Sauve has been awesome to work with. Within a couple of days, he found a great location, booked the comedian, and had the tickets ready for me to pick up. The company's fees are paid from the ticket sales, and the sales profit goes straight to my fundraising campaign. People, this is a win-win!!!

Here are the details....

Friday, October 1, 2010

Essa Road Banquet Hall

41 Essa Rd., Barrie

Showtime is 8pm

Doors open at 7pm for the

HUGE silent auction and 50/50 draw

TICKETS are $20/each

Featuring the very funny Steve Levine

Contact me for your tickets

Please come out for a night of great laughs!

And for those who need an extra boost...for every 10 tickets you sell/buy before Sept 15, you get a chance to win a foursome of golf at Horseshoe Highlands!!!

I NEED YOUR HELP to sell all the tickets, to make this event a HUGE SUCCESS!!!

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love to laugh. I think people think I'm funny (when I say people, I mean everyone but my husband :) ..but that's another story...). So that's why I'm so excited for this event! Throughout this adventure, I have been trying to do events that are are inline with my personality, but most importantly, fun for the people who are coming out! Obviously I need people to support me by giving to my campaign, but I truly want them to enjoy themselves!

 

Thanks Marc!

You mean I actually have to run?

So yesterday I received a very shocking email. It is my Half-Marathon training schedule. People, this is where it gets serious. Up until now, I've been trying to run every other day. I have averaged 2 times a week. I know, I need to commit more. But I'm still trying to figure this out! Remember? Running with potatoes? I can't always get out of the house to run. Especially by myself.

But, I digress. Anyways, when I first started this nonsense, I could not run for one minute. Honestly. I was so out of breath and out of shape. And to put your mind at ease, no miracles happened that now I can run forever. But I can now run for 4mins straight, then walk 1min, and even repeat that! All the way to 3kms. That's progress people!

In case anyone is wondering how I'm going to build up to running 21kms, I will show you the training schedule I have been provided with. And no, you are not alone if you faint. I did too. Seeing it on paper means it's real. I actually have to do this. And I'm scared. Not just of the distance, but the amount of time this is going to consume. I am truly freaked out about this. It's been hard enough to get 1hr to run by myself that's not between 12am and 4am. Oh, and have I ever mentioned a small thing that might hinder this whole operation? I'm afraid of the dark. And of being stolen. Yep, don't know how I'm going to run by myself, in the dark, when the time changes, and it's dark by the time I get home from work. I know, very irrational, but not unlike my deep-seeded fear of dirt and shag carpet.

(While I was writing this post, I realized that I don't know how to attach something in a table format, that's not a picture. So when I figure that out, I will post the schedule! More for shock value, than anything).  :)

Still doing it?

And the answer is...I'm still going strong! Each day I'm getting closer to reaching my goals! It's been awhile since I posted, but I want to let you all know, I'm still working on it! Between you, me and the fencepost I didn't expect there would be this much work to this. Now I know why the slogan is "Challenge Yourself, Help Millions".

Lots of good things have been happening these past few weeks, I haven't had time to talk about them. I have two great things to share, actually three. And probably by the end of this post, I'll have more to say.

So last week, I had the best experience I've had since this started. I was returning books at the Law Library, and I met a great lady there. It was the first time we had met, so we started chatting (I know, big shock from me, eh?). Anyways, we got to talking about volunteering, fundraising and this half-marathon. Next thing I know, she asked me if she could give me a donation. Imagine! Asking if I would take her donation! Let me say, I almost cried. But wait, it gets even better! She then thanked me for doing this! Seriously? I wanted to hug the woman, but that would probably scare her off. I managed to get out to my truck before I cried.

Raising this much money is hard work! And sometimes it's easy to get down about it, especially when you haven't received a donation in a while. See, there are fundrasing limits that have to be met every month. Yes, it's a great way to keep on track to reach the goal, but it's also pressure to keep at it. So needless to say, this complete stranger changed my day, and my week! And it just reaffirmed to me that there are people out there who will give to a charity just because. She didn't need to know all the details, she just gave with her heart. I truly hope that every Joints in Motion team member gets one  (or twenty-five) of these donations!

And on to my next story, my in-laws came over for Sunday dinner, and my mother-in-law pulled THREE donation cheques out of her purse!  A total of $125!!! When I started this adventure, I had given her a few of my pledge letters, and brochures to take with her, to show to some people, and she's certainly been doing that! Three donations from three strangers! Thank you so much Sheila for believing in what I'm trying to accomplish, and talking to people about it!

And last but not least....I held another fundraising event this weekend, a USED BOOK SALE! But I've just decided that I should post that separately. So stay tuned!!!

More Scavenger Hunt Photos!

So I have to post these photos, from the winning team, Hawaii 6-0!

And I am very happy to say, they have already signed up for the next SCAVENGER HUNT FOR A CAUSE! to defend their title!!

Best decorated car!! And the surfboard stayed on the whole time!!

Another group tub shot!

Three people in a shopping cart. I see that every time I go shopping!

Thank you again to team Hawaii 6-0 for your awesome uniforms, car decorating and just your enthusiasm! I can't wait to see you at the next hunt!!

Stay tuned for more team photos!

Strike Out Arthritis!

My second event was a joint effort with my new friend and fellow Joints in Motion team member, Nancy (she's much braver (or crazier) than me, she'll be running a full marathon this October in Greece).Nancy and I met through a facebook group, and haven't looked back! I love sharing ideas, stories and pain with her.

Nancy and I before the night started!

But, I digress...so on Monday, August 27 we hosted a bowling night, Strike Out Arthritis! here in town at the Barrie Bowlarama. It was a huge success! We had roughly 65 people out bowling, and again, my good friend Marsha was there by my side. Some people came all the way up from Toronto, and more from Base Borden. Talk about support!

And the great news, is between Nancy and I, we raised just under $1,000!!!

I just want to say again, a HUGE THANK YOU to my friends who have consistenly supported me in this crazy journey! I can't even begin to tell you how much it means to me.

My First Event!

So I held my very first fundraising event on Saturday, July 17,  a Car Rally / Scavenger Hunt. I had five awesome teams participating, and my very good friend Marsha helping me judge! On hand I think there were about 25 people.

Everyone met at my house to get their instructions and lists at 4:30pm. They left at 5pm sharp, with very strict orders to report back to Boston Pizza at 8pm SHARP, stuff in hand! Marsha and I waited anxiously for three hours for them to be finished. We actually drove around Barrie trying to find any teams. We did meet up with the "Gangsta Gals" at one point (I don't know if this was before or after they broke into a construciton site)...

The teams ended up at Boston Pizza at 8pm sharp with too many funny stories to share! Some of the ones that stick out are someone getting stuck in a shopping cart (Doreen...) and someone asking the lady at Wal-Mart to page his lost mother, Rhea (um...Shawn Gibson....).

So in a nutshell, each team was given a list of 100 items to find or take pictures of. Each item had a different points value. The team with the highest total would take home the trophy. Some of the items included picutres of your team member in a grocery cart, on a pirate ship, and in a canoe. Other things were take out menus, report cards, old prom photos, and such. I do have to pat myself on the back for a minute, because THE LIST WAS AWESOME!!! Each team told me how fun it was to find that stuff. Here are some of the photos....

I will post more photos as the teams send them to me!

I have to mention that the teams were to give themselves names, and were supposed to come in uniform. The names were great! The Pottogibs, The Gangsta Gals, Two and a Half Men, Team Brownie, and Hawaii 6-0.

So all told, everyone had a great time, and we raised $430!!!

And the winning team was Hawaii 6-0!!! It didn't take the Pottogibs long to challenge them to a rematch!

And the good news is, WE'RE DOING IT AGAIN!!!

So look out for your invitation to the second "Car Rally for a Cause" in September! Thank you to everyone who participated, and made the event so special to me. I can't wait to do it again!

So this is new....

This was a whole new experience for our family. It was 8am on a Saturday, and already very humid. Here the four of us were, outside running 4km!!! My oldest son Jake was riding his bike, my one year old son Ian was in his stroller, with my husband pushing, and I was running! And we managed 4km before 9am!

We are your average family. I wouldn't say exceptionally active, but not total couch potatoes either. But being outside that early, and doing that was certainly new for us. We survived, there were no meltdowns from the kids (or myself), and we actually laughed and had a good time!

This is part of the reason I named this blog running with potatoes. My goal to raise the money, train for and run the half-marathon sounds great in theory, but sometimes reality hits.

How am I going to find the time to do all of it, and still be a present mom, wife, friend, sister, aunt, employee, board member, etc....?

This experience is going to be all about balance. Between now and December, I am going to learn how to do it all - and hopefully still manage to have my sanity, my husband, and my friends at the end of it! This blog is my way of keeping track of the changes that are happening.

For those that will continue to read this an keep up with me, I cannot promise that it will always be positive, but I promise I will always be honest.

This early morning run almost brought me to tears, just because of the change that is slowly happening in our family. The impact that this challenge is going to have will last long after December and the event. I am going to be changed, my family will be changed and I know that all the money I will raise is going to change 4.5 million lives!

Let me try to explain...

Thank you for taking the time to check in with me! Before we get too far into this, I guess I should try to explain what this is all about, and answer that crazy question...what am I doing?

So for those of you who know me, my best (and craziest) ideas come to me in the middle of the night. So about two months ago, I was feeling a little blue for lots of reasons, and none at all. I think I was just needing something that I could call my own. For all those moms out there, I'm sure you can relate. I have two boys, ages 6 and 1, and I was just starting back to work after my maternity leave. I was feeling busy, distracted and unhappy about the way I looked. I knew I needed to change, but I also knew I needed the proper motivation. So that nagging feeling stayed with me for a few days.

In the meantime, my mom (who lives with me, and yes that's a VERY GOOD THING!!) had just started a new drug for her arthritis. It's called methyltrexate, but it was presented to her as a chemotherapy drug, and scared the pants off of both of us. So I started to research this crazy drug that was going to make her hair fall out, and make her really sick. The first place I started to look was The Arthritis Society's website, http://www.arthritis.ca/.

And here is where the story really begins... I happend to see a tab to the Joints in Motion program. Right away the light bulb went on! I remembered that my stepmother had run three marathons with this team (she's been to Switzerland, Hawaii and Bermuda). I got pretty excited thinking that I could do it too! Why not? How hard could it be? I watch the Biggest Loser too, and saw those people do it. Surely I could too!! So I quickly signed myself up for all the information I could get.

Whithin a few days, I was registered and excited to get started on this journey. Then reality hit me, and I realized I should tell my husband and my mom what I was about to do. So in our family's typical fashion, my husband Wayne was 100% supportive, and my mom cried (because she cries at most things). But then the panic started. Now I was committed to training, and committed to fundraising. This challenge is the best of every world! I have a committment to change myself, and the motivation to keep doing it until it's done. Along with my training, I get to fundraise for a cause, which I love to do! And for the perfect cause! When I think about how I'm going to change my mom's life, I get tingles! With the money I raise for more research and programs and the influence I'm having on her gettting more active, it's just a win-win!

For those of you who know me, the fundraising wasn't the scariest thing. I have been fundraising for charities and not for profit places for years; it's just what I like do. I am very fortunate and proud to have been the President of the Barrie Chapter of volunteers for the Heart and Stroke Foundation from November 2008 to May of this year. So fundraising I can do. However, $5.600 is very new to me!

I am not a runner. I don't like it, I'm just going to put it out there. This will be the biggest challenge of my life so far. I think I would rather give birth to five more babies! It is taking all my determination to do this and my friends can tell you so.

Please stay with me on this journey to see how I'm going to accomplish this goal! Running with potatoes means trying to fit this all into my life. Between my husband, my boys, my job, my free time, my friends, and my other committments, I'm not totally sure how I'm going to do it. But I know I will. And hopefully along the way I will inspire or encourage someone else to step out and try something big, to make an impact!

Thank you for sharing this with me!!