color me pink

Yes, it's Pinktober first, and you know what that means. Gayle will be draging out her pink wardrobe. Walking in Breast Cancer multi-day walks bulks up the pink wardrobe. I have enough, for a whole month, with few repeats. 

So it began today. Pink skirt for work, pink t-shirt and ribbon socks for Zumba. I have enough pink t-shirts for about three weeks. I have more than enough pink reusable shopping bags and no doubt I will succumb to another before the month is over.

Yes, I realize the color pink will not cure disease. And the whole pink thing is a giant marketing scam. Just like dumping water on your head was for ALS. Yes, I also know that there is lots of diseases that don't have a color, month, or even a budget to get awareness out there. If you figure out a way to get your disease noticed, I'll support you. Until then, I'm going to party in pink.

This week has been horrible for my numbers. Unless something dramatic happens I will not make my goal of 87,500 steps this week.  Or 140 floors.

I've been fighting some nasty poison and it got the best of me Sunday. I think the build up of Benadryl hit. I was lazy. But Sunday night, at dusk, I walked up and down my hill about 10 times so I could make at least 10K steps and 20 floors.

Monday I had full intentions of walking after work. But the television didn't work and I had to go to the cable company and then spend two hours on the phone with tech support, ect. But the time the smoke cleared it was dark. I didn't want to walk up and down the hill again. Actually I wanted to eat something really fattening and drown my sorrows. I didn't. Total not much more than 5K

Tuesday we did the North Bethlehem Volkssport walk. I forgot my fitbit, so it didn't count. Another sad day under 5K.

Tonight I will take the scenic hilly route to Zumba. Yeah, it's four blocks away. I'm going to try and make it a mile and a half. Or at least a mile. Maybe I will make my 12,500/20 goals. I hope so.

Today registration opens for the Lager Jogger. Angel would like to do it. It's all hills. And the line is too long to get the free beer.

Saturday I'm thinking about doing Columcille. It's different, and not too far. And I think Megan and Lydia will get a kick out of it. Sunday is the Octoberfest 5K.

Maybe I'll turn into a pink superhero and end the week strong.

i think i've watch too much "law and order"

I didn't go to the Moon Walk. My heart is broken. I so wanted to do it. But I couldn't bring myself to walk next to Central Park, alone, wearing a bra. I've watch too much Law and Order. I know what happens in Central Park at night.

I asked friends / family /random people what to do and all but one said don't go. I posted the question on facebook and got two replies.I expected a large opinionated response.

The Moonwalk people said there would be tons of people and volunteers and police along the route. But the fact remains that doesn't happen when I'm in a half. That happens for the first 75, 80 percent of the people. Those of us bringing up the rear, get nothing. Sometimes not even a finish line. The food is gone, the tents are being taken down, everyone has gone home. It even happened at the Biggest Loser race.

So instead of having to look at pictures of me wearing my outfit, I submit this drawing:

1. The cap they gave me. The top is pink and white stripes with a blue brim. That means half-moon. (the full marathon is the full-moon.)

2. An old black bra (the one they gave me didn't fit. It's in the goodwill box) with a large Sex In The City style flower in the center. I used it for the 3-Day. Also recycled would be recycled magenta beads that I've picked up at cancer events.

Also, I'd be wearing my flesh colored generic Spanxs camisole to cover the belly fat. Really, nobody wants to see that.

3. My HipKlip flower purse. Big enough for ID, phone, a little money, tissues and of course the camera. No backpacks were allowed. When you check your bag they put your stuff in clear plastic bags.

4. Tutu. We were given a mylar blanket and instructed to tie it to our fanny pack or wear it around our waists as a reflector. I cut it up and made it into a tutu. Good thing I had others from the 3-Day.

5. My bib. I'm #2224. We were instructed to attach it to your pants. You have to use a marker and write the number across your chest and on your arms.

6. Black crop pants. Prevents chafing and covers a very ample butt.

7.  Birkenstocks. Don't I wish. No I would have worn my black and pink sneakers. I'm not crazy.

came home to swag

While I was gone a lot of stuff arrived in the mail. (pictures when I find my camera)

Before I left I sent in my Pennsylvania walk book. Twenty Pennsylvania walks in a year. The pin arrive.

Also before I left I sent in my distance and events books. I've done more than 500 Volkssport  kilometers. In that packed I received a 500k patch, a 500K pin, another IVV patch this time black with gold thread, and another IVV pin, this time all gold.

Finally the box came for the moon walk. It contained a hat, t-shirt, bra, personal race bib, string backpack, Mylar blanket, and instructions. This walk is next Saturday night. It begins at 10 pm and happens overnight. I'd probably finish around 2 am. I signed up in a NY minute. But then I couldn't get anyone to come along. I'm in a quandary. Do I go and hope I make a friend, or do I stay home? Don't really relish walking around NYC at night, wearing a decorated bra, "alone". I wasn't really successful making walking friends at the Saunter except for the old couple who I walked with for about an hour.

We'll see what develops. And what else comes in the mail.

walking in circles

Last night was the Phillipsburg Relay for Life at high school stadium. Basically you do lap after lap after lap. The first year I did 50. Last year we did 12 (3 miles). This year we also did 12.

This year's theme was Pirates of the Cure-ibbean. Groan.

When we arrived about 3:30 there was a swinging band playing. They were very good. I have no idea who they were, but they put the swing in swing music. There were also hula hoops, scavenger hunts, and men in drag begging for money. But nothing they can do makes it less mind-numbingly dull.

To count laps, you bought a necklace and each time you past the start you grab a bead. Lydia was smart and did her miles by color. I used all the colors and had to count...a lot.

 Of all the Relays — and there are a lot of them—we do this one because our friend Beth is on the organizing committee.She won an award for fund-raising. One of her jobs last night was selling cupcakes. They were yummy.

Before walking, I took Adonis for his walk. Afterwards, I was going to take him for another, but he wanted to go home!

looks like I'm walking nyc in my bra!

Today registration opened for the July 26th moonwalk in NYC. I wanted to do this event last year. But I found out too late.

From the website:

The Girls are back in town … and the boys, so sign up now for Walk the Walk’s famous Power Walking challenge. Thousands of women and men will be choosing from a Half Marathon (The Half Moon) or go all the way… a full 26.2 miles the Full Moon Marathon distance, and you can be sure that every step that you take is not only going to help you become more honed and  toned…. your fundraising will help to give New Yorkers the best care for breast cancer,  for the best outcome, regardless of their circumstances!

Plus…what make this challenge really exciting and unique, is that everybody will be wearing the charities trademark, decorated bra!  Not what you would expect to do on a Saturday night and  if that takes you slightly out of your comfort zone then think ‘Rockettes’, think magical jewels and feathers to sparkle your way around Manhattan.

I mailed the others in every two feet, and my friend Gail from the 3-Day. Hopefully someone wants to come along. If not, I'll go alone. I signed up for the half, and the 4-5 hour time slot so I can have fun along the way. It went to 7 hours. The times started at 2. Really, 2? Who can walk 13.1 miles in 2 hours? Not even super-walker-Michele can do that! Mostly, it's so they have enough shuttle buses to take you back to the start point.

The walk starts on Randall's Island, the campsite for the Avon. You meet at 8 pm and eat. The food is vegetarian and organic. You had a choice between pasta and rice. (Bonnie, rice...no gluten...just saying.) At 10 pm you hit the streets.

And I only have to raise $150. That's probably already in my spare change jar. But if you want to donate to this insanity, click the half-marathon link above.

If you want to participate in the insanity and join Bonnie's Boobies, than click on this link. The more the merrier! Oh, and the pink footed boobie birds will get a makeover for this race.

"i've never seen so much pink"

My 11-year old niece saw a brochure for the Making Stride Breast Cancer walk at a subway. She convinced her mom, brother, Bonnie and I to join her team—The Pink and Powerful. Mom was the team captain because 11-year-olds don't meet the age requirement.

We decided when to meet. Eryn and the kids would meet us about 9. They live 6 blocks away. I received several texts, the most important being "we are waiting at the pink Camero." She loved that Camero and wants one when she can drive. I told her Uncle Dick had one when he and Auntie got married. But his was blue. I think she was a bit jealous.

It was cold this morning. Thirty-seven degrees when we left my house.  Everyone had lots of layers on. We had about an hour to kill. First the registration line, then we just went from vendor to vendor. We even had our picture taken in a photo booth. Hopefully in a few days I can download the electronic image. They gave each of us a strip. That has never happened before.

Finally it was time to line up. After a countdown we were off. We headed up Lehigh street to the Fahy bridge. Lil Bug had never walked over the bridge and was fascinated by the river. By the time we crossed back, Lil Bug was walking with Bonnie and I was walking with Eryn and KoolJ. We walked around the city center, out Church, up New and down the alley by the city garage. We returned to Main Street and headed down to the Hotel B., down the ramp and thru the historic area. Finally it was out to Union and back Conastoga. There were people in pink as far as you could see. I picked grey shirts because of Kool J. Though we did see one on a guy that was regular green camo and in huge hot pink said "Boobie Brigade". There were all men on the team. I need to keep that in mind for next year. 11-year-old boys aren't comfy wearing pink.

Kool J was tired. I think that's the furthermost he ever walked. Lil Bug asked when she could come with us again.

making strides against breast cancer

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is one of the huge 5K walking event. Your with 10K of your favorite people. You don't walk very fast, and I often run into people I know. I was not planning on doing it this year. Not a big fan of the mob scene. Even if they are dressed in funny pink clothes.

My 11-year-old neice niece (aka half of "the twins") has started a team called the "Pink and the Powerful". (Well, actually her mom did, she's 11). She specifically asked me to go. I can't say no to the children. They know this.

I sent an invite to the other's. Don't know if they will come. I think I'll also see if my new international student wants to come too. I'll have to explain what it is. I don't think they have these in Tunisa. Maybe she has a pink head scarf.

If you want to join us, here's the team link.  No registration fee. They expect you to raise money. I don't raise money. I put in a donation but you don't have to.

Her twin is also on the team. Is this logo too feminine for a boy in middle school? Maybe on a grey or black shirt?

 

 I keep thinking it should be Pink Is Powerful.

Not much walking happening this week. Bonnie and I walked on Tuesday, but not Thursday or today. The rain is relentless. Hopefully we'll go to Collegeville to walk tomorrow.

a month of pink

It's October. We all know what that mean, the world is pretty in pink for breast cancer awareness.

Since I did the 3-Day (this weekend the pink army rocks Philly! Go Gail!) I have amassed a large pink wardrobe. Both fitness and work clothes. Bonnie and I will try to wear pink everyday. I think we can do it.

I should have taken pixs when we started, but the roomie would have thought I was odd.

monday afternoon walk

The heat broke. The rain stopped. The sun came out. And the humidity soared. It was the perfect time for a walk.

I called Bonnie and we decided to go at 2. By two, the clouds were back and dark. I thought we were going to get wet. But we didn't.

Before we left I met Kermit the frog. He was hiding under a bench. As you know, it ain't easy being green. We did 2.5 miles in a drizzle, weaving up and down the streets by her house. We stayed as close as possible just in case it to rain.

Walk The Walk is the same night as the Electric Run so we can't do it. It's kind of ironic they are both at night. I don't remember how I found the UK event this afternoon. I was on a page and clicked something. Oh, now I remember. It was actually the virtual run page on FB. Some lady's profile pix was dark and she was wearing an elaborate bra. I went to her page and could make out what it said. It took me to the UK event. From there I found the American event.
 
If you cannot tell, it's a breast cancer walk. They start at 10 PM at night and walk all over NYC. They start and end on Randall's Island and go all the way down to SoHo. You choose a half or full marathon. And yes, you wear a decorated bra for the whole thing. It looks like a hoot. This is the first year in NYC. If it weren't for the electric run, I'd be there. Next year. Anybody want to come along?

walking in circles

Today was the P'burg Relay For Life. Aka walking in circles. It's held at the high school track which is a 1/4 mile loop. A nice new rubber surface. Our friend Beth (I did the Avon with her) is one of the organizers.

We arrived about four and it had started to rain. There was not many people. Beth said it had been raining all day. Hard to raise money in the rain. People don't come.

We did 16 loops, or 4 miles. Maybe a little more. It was drizzling when we arrive and the black storm clouds were coming in when we left.

I took 78 home thinking it would be easier to drop Bonnie off. There was construction and a 20+ minute traffic jam. It would have been quicker to go thru town!

Tomorrow is the Color Me Mad Race. We're all meeting at the crack of dawn.

(If you zoom in you can see my band aid over my left eye.)

splat!

School's out for summer for the summer. (Cue Alice Cooper!) So I free time on my hands.

Wednesday grades went in. Wednesday night I annihilated all the mutant dust bunnies in my home office that have been growing, unchecked, for the academic year.

Thursday I was out at 6 am gardening. Maybe by August it will look like a garden again. Afterwards, I met with another faculty member and we cleaned our corner of the adjunct office. I had a Frosty for lunch, then spent the afternoon working in my online classes. (2 ending. 2 starting. Love overlap time.) By late afternoon I was jumping out of my skin. I needed to walk.

Besides, I haven't reached 10K steps on my pedometer all week. Need to do better if I'm doing around the world.

The original plan was to make dinner and then hit the streets. Then I remembered Bonnie is home with a busted wrist. So I called and asked if she want to walk after dinner. She said yes.

Now I know that she'd tired of walking in her hood, so I planned a 3.5 mile loop nearby. Starting at 5th street, we'd walk out Dixon, up Delaware, loop around the subdivision, out Mack Blvd, back Emmaus Ave. and then back 5th street.

When we arrive at the Mountainville Park, the children were playing on the equipment, and more children were playing baseball. I said to Bonnie, when we get back, if there's room, I'm going to swing.

And we were off.

It was a lovely walk. We were headed up Delaware and I saw a stop sign. I said to Bonnie, That's probably our turn. It should be Vine Street. I don't know if I was looking at the map or straight ahead but the next thing I knew I was headed face-first to the sidewalk.

My glasses went flying. My new hat went flying. I was a bit disoriented and turned to look at bonnie and saw a yong man with dreads asking if I was okay. I told him I was fine. Bonnie was in full nurse mode asking me to move my arms and legs to check if things were busted. Bonnie asked the young man for ice.

Next thing I know Mama comes running out. Se wants to call the ambulance. NO. I'm fine. The boy comes with the ice. Now dad is out. He wants to call an ambulance. NO. Really I'm fine. Dad helps me up. Mama is survey my damages. She really wants to call an ambulence. Bonnie told her that she'd take me when we got back to the car. A boldface lie to some very nice people. But I don't think we could have left otherwise. I did tell Bonnie that after we cleaned it up, if it was bad, I'd go to the doc-in-the-box.

Needless to say, no swings. (Boo.)

We cleaned it up. Head wounds bleed a lot. It's in my eyebrow. Most likely form my glasses.. I have one on my arm too. Bonnie put a steri-strip on it one-handed. No need to go to the doc-in-the-box.

My camera was in my pocket and it is dead. It's only 6 months old. Clearly not a model built for my lifestyle. I'll need to get a new one before tomorrow.

And my sunglasses are also broken. Thank goodness I had them on and not my real glasses!

Tomorrow is the P'burg Relay for Life. Our friend Beth is one of the organizers. No walking for her since her knee was destroyed in an accident. So now she organizes. We'll walk in circles for a few hours. (Each loop is 1/4 mile) The P'burg High track is rubber. If I fall there will be a soft landing.

Sunday is Color Me Rad. You'll be able to find me easily in the pictures. I'll have the colored bandages on my forehead.

a new challenge

I'd miss so much if I didn't read the newspaper. I'm too lazy to log on to my FREE digital subscription, and have no desire to search for bad news. The ore me go digitial, the more ignorant I will become.

In today's paper was a photo of children walking. It got my attention. The caption said it was BASD school children kicking off a new walking challenge—Get Your Tail On The Trail. That got my attention!

From the website: "It doesn’t matter if you are fifteen or eighty five, physically-fit or a self-proclaimed couch potato, this challenge is for everyone. Get outdoors, get active and explore nature by walking, running or biking the D&L Trail, 165 total miles of natural beauty in our own backyard." I've always wanted to do this, and the AT. So this is the perfect time to start. I have 6 months to finish. Like all these programs you logo you miles via the Trail Tracker and receive free prizes as you achieve your milestone goals.

Just signing up allows the mail carrier to bring you goodies! Travel water bottle, drawstring backpack, flyer with list of key events, information on how to track your miles, D&L Trail Map and of course, St. Luke’s Live Your Life Program Information. The hospital is a major sponsor. Apparently they want people to get healthy so they don't have any customers! That would stop the expansion plans...

Reach your 50 Mile Goal and receive a Get Your Tail on the Trail t-shirt. Reach your 100 Mile Goal and receive a Get Your Tail on the Trail hat. Reach your 150 Mile Goal and receive a Get Your Tail on the Trail cooler. Reach your 165 Mile Challenge Achievement Award and receive a Get Your Tail on the Trail fleece jacket and 165 Mile Challenge car window magnet.

I think this is doable. We'll be training for the half marathon so we'll need distance and space. I don't think you have to do the whole trail, but I'd be game. We've got many sections covered. Kathy has a section of the trail in Mauch Chunk, Angel in Easton, Bonnie in A'town and Catty, Lyd's in Northampton,  Dawn in the slate Belt, and me in the Christmas City.

I signed up today, but the tracker isn't active yet. They better get it working soon. Schools almost over, and I can start serious walking. I have this, the Passport to Fitness, the Walk This Way program. I can kick some walking but this summer. Not to mention my walk around the world. I might post that on the virtual run Facebook page.


Speaking about milestones, I hit the 500 mile mark on my Fit Bit Tracker a couple days ago.

Saturday is the Dirty Girl mud 5K is Saturday in Scranton. Tatalicious is down two members—Bonnie and Lydia. Kathy, Dawn, Bonnie, Lydia and I are still going to get mighty dirty. It benefits breast cancer research.

Sunday is the Lung Assn. Walk For Life at Rodale Fitness Park in Trexlertown. Not sure if we are doing that or one of the Passport walks.

another long walk

Since Lydia is still a sick-o-gal, we canned the 3.5 planned walk and made it longer. What were we thinking?

After Lyd called I was still planning on doing the 3.5 thru fountain Hill and south Bethlehem. But remember the stop at the outlet mall yesterday? Bonnie walks in and says "we're going to the Sands!"  And holds up her credit card and coupons.

Now a normal person would have changed the route, but noooo, not me. I just tacked it on the end. Really Gayle. Do you have no common sense? A long walk is followed by a short one. Your body needs time to recoop. Right? Right.

So off we went. Out Itaska, then Cherry and Sioux. If Lyd would have been with use we would have gone down Lechauweki and out Stanley Ave. Probably with a stop at the swings. But no, macho girl needs to walk up the Dodson Street hill to Graham, and down Graham Street. Then it was out Jeter to Clewell, cross Delaware and out Seneca past the old house.

Once we reached Fourth, we headed down the hill, out Graham Place, to New and out Third Street to Sands Boulevard.

Then we shopped. Bonnie spent enough to get a free tote bag, so we had the clerk take it out of the plastic bag, and put her purchases in it. Then we took turns carrying home. Dig out your teal and peach. Those are the hot colors for spring.

We left the outlet mall, walked around the casino, and crossed Daly to the skateboard park. It had lots of boys using it. Bonnie took some pixs, but this one was the best. Getting moving pictures is hard.

We took the Greenway back to Fourth, then Broadway, then wove our way up the hill and home.

Total mileage = seven.

Lydia, I'm sure, is happy she didn't come along. I was whining a bit at the end. Than goodness I didn't have to take Adonis for a walk.

------

Update on Nome virtual walk:
Arrivals—Gayle, Lydia and Adonis, Sharon, and Megan. Bonnie, Dave and Barb are still on the trail. I heard something about a whiteout slowing them down. I know for sure Bonnie is playing with the dogs. Lydia only stayed in Nome one night, and returned to Anchorage. They are almost back.

Update on Jerusalem virtual walk: 
The last update from Father John had us making land in Morocco around Wednesday. It should be no problem getting to Jerusalem in time for Good Friday.

Update on Dave Brown's Cross Country Trip:
He's past Baltimore in Cooksville, Md. Wish I would have ordered a shirt. When the Liberty Bell Wanderers sent out the order there was no pix so I didn't order. Now I've seen them in photos and I'm sorry I didn't get one. Cute logo.

Logo decision:
With a whopping three votes, the winning logo is "Vitrual Walk Around The World."

really walking the walk

I've walked to Bethlehem and Jerusalem in the middle east, Nome, and come July 1, around the world. When I was training for the 3-Day, I almost made past Nashville, and the next year almost made it to Des Moines. But I really haven't walked anywhere. It's was just virtual tracking. Mile for mile or minute for mile...how the crow flies.

Dave Brown (in safety green) is a member of the Liberty Bell Wanderers, the Volkssport group I belong to. He set-off yesterday on a eight-month journey from Atlantic City to San Francisco to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer Research, in memory of his wife Joan. Real walking. 14-miles a day. It takes a lot of planning, fund-raising, walking and coordination.

I really had wanted to go to AC yesterday with the rest of the group and walk that first 14 mile leg. But I had two jobs yesterday so it wasn't possible.

God speed Dave. Safe journey. Raise that $110K and kick cancer's butt.

If you want to follow Dave's journey, here's the blog or follow him on FB. All the hash tags in the FB posts (#) make me think there is a twitter feed, but I didn't see any. Also there's this interview on Fox. (I borrowed the photo from the blog.)

Me, I haven't even done much walking this week. I'm barely getting 8K steps in a day. I'm in full up-to-my-ears in grading and other commitments time. Today I did a long walk with Betsy and have finally cracked the 10K barrier, but I won't make 15K.

However, it's now the "month that shall not be names" and Bonnie begins training for her mini this weekend, so that mileage should start piling up. Now that it's getting light earlier, and staying light longer, I'll also be able to go back to my first thing in the am walks. So much better. Do it and done. No excuses.

No walks for me Saturday, though. I have an all day GS event, and then I'm driving friends to the airport.

The St. Patrick's Day 5K is on the 17th. Hope I'm ready.

a sea of pink

Today was the Making Strides breast cancer walk. There was a lot of people.

Is anyone familiar with Connestoga Street?  We came down the hill to the historic district and out Old York Road, down Union Blvd., and back Connestoga. When we reached the little bridge, about halfway down, We could see people still coming down the hill! A mile plus solid of people.

Kathy had a death in the family, and Bonnie had a conflict, so Sharon went along and did the first section of the walk. Pooped, and unwilling to walk up both the Center City and New Street hills, she bagged and went back to the start line. Lydia and I finished the route. It was better—we could walk slightly faster, but not extremely fast because of all the people.

The highlight for me was see in my friend Gail, who has been doing the 3-Day for about a decade. We trained together when I did it.

I think I probably did in excess of four miles today. Walking from the parking garage to the site and back, and then walking Adonis on his 1/2 mile route.


Now, it's off to a Mexican joint for dinner!

dirty girl team tee-shirts

I design the logo and the team liked it. One of my students has a t-shirt printing business, so I hired him to print them. I'll tell him to keep the screen.

I picked chocolate brown because we'll get muddy at the dirty girl! Also, we'll stand out in a sea of pink.

I'm wearing mine next week at the Making Stride walk.

zumba party in pink

Friday night I went to the Zumba Party in Pink in Bath. It was 1.5 hours of Zumba lead by five instructors including one man.

Ultimately there was 20-30 people including all the instructors. Almost everyone wore pink. including the man.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it's listed on the website as a Zumbathon, and a party in pink. I think I was expecting more of a party atmosphere. You know, streamers, balloons, pink Gatorade. They did have one raffle prize. I don't even think they played the Party In Pink song—All Around The World by Paulina Rubio.

Overall it was just a really long class. Nothing I was familiar with, so I did maybe 1/3 of it. Very high impact. My knees still hurt. It was actually very similar to the first Zumba class I went to that I hated.

I have plans for the local events in October. The one on the 20th in Allentown sounds more like what I was expecting. But alas, that's half-marathon weekend. So I'll have to pass. There's also one the 28th, which I might be able to make. But it's at the Pig Pen bar. Really, exercise at a bar? But I bet there will be a pink cocktail.

strngth and tone = torture

There's a reason this fat girl likes walking. It doesn't hurt. Usually.

Today I went to the Strength and Tone class. Totally different than the last one. Actually my colleagues say everyone has been different.

Today they dusted off the step platforms from the 90s. I was very afraid. I tried a step class once, and lets just leave it as it didn't end well. The only class I've ever taken—before this summer—that I paid for and didn't finish.

I think this might have been worse. You used the stepper to do crunches and things. What seemed like thousands of them. I cannot do one correctly so now my neck hurts.

My knees are also screaming, but I'm not sure why.

We were supposed to take heavy hand weights, but I took two pound ones. Maybe next time I'll go to three. I'm not interested in being Mighty Mouse. I just want to be able to do the Dirty Girl Run and finish all the obstacles. Build my strength so I can open a jar of pickles.

This is a free class, so I have to do one more before I decide if I'm sticking it out till the term is over.

Speaking of Dirty Girl, here's our T-shirt. Brown with pink letters. Won't stain as badly. I'm hoping to have them done in time for the Making Strides walk in October.

MM from http://oliviaunitycollege.wordpress.com/2011/02/21/mighty-mouse/

the new gym plan

This plan changes frequently.

For the summer the gym at school doesn't open till 7 am. We start work at 7:30. No one else comes in until 9-ish. So the plan late yesterday was to walk then go to the gym for a half hour and stay a little later.

We had even talked about taking gym orientation. (I'd rather clean a toilet.)

Then my colleague sent me an email for something called "sunrise power".  I quote: "Formatted for all skill levels. (They haven't met me!) Calls focuses on resistance and power moves to strengthen, tones and defines every major muscle group in your body.  Burns fat, burns calories and builds lean muscle!" OMG I think I'll die. And it starts at 7:10.

The new plan is to go to work much earlier, work in gym clothes since there was no one else there, go take this class, and return to work before our colleagues arrive. We might still have to stay a little later.

Too bad the dirty girl isn't till fall. I'll be "buff" and ready to go.

Meanwhile today I joined my friends team for the Lehigh Valley Cure Search Walk. It short and slow, but her daughter is battling leukemia, and this is the group they work with, so I volunteered. If you want to donate money to her team go here. I already kicked in the minimum. I hate fundraising.

(I always laugh at the 3-Day commercials when they say "fundraising was the easiest part." Bull.)

bladder cancer awareness walk

Thought this one would be a walk in the park. It wasn't!

Bonnie had to bag-out because of a funeral, so Lyd and I met up with my friend Pam at the event. A friend of hers is one of the organizers. It was also opening day at the Easton Farmers Market. So we had a great place to kill some time while we were waiting.

The 4.2 mile walk began at Pearly Bakers and headed down 3rd Street to Easton's canal park. Then we picked down the Delaware tow path. Problem was the tow path had serious damage from hurricanes and other severe weather—Big pot holes, huge rocks, loose gravel...even a down tree to climb over! It was tough to walk. And a little dangerous.

(Angel and I had thought of biking down the trail, but that's getting crossed off the list till it's repaired.)

We turned around at a washed out foot bridge and headed back over the same terrain. When we got back to the park, we headed out the Lehigh canal towpath. Hurray, it was macadam. Then we turned around and came back to canal park.

At the park they had a balloon release. Probably eco-unfriendly, but pretty.

Then we walked the half mile back to the car.