A celebration of my sisters 5 years!

Few things mark milestones in your life more than your siblings.  I've been blessed with a crazy and diverse family.  Many of my childhood memories are sprinkled with laughter and sunshiny days, and my brother & sisters.
Together, we faced the loss of our mother.  It was as if someone sucked all the oxygen out of the room. In many ways, you are prepared to lose a parent.  But, I was never prepared to face the possibility with my sister, with someone that I grew up with and shared so much.

In 2008, on the heels of a shocking diagnosis of my nephew, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.  Breast cancer.  I doubt there are scarier words ever strung together.  I was there when the doctor said to her "we will do a biopsy, but I can tell you that you have breast cancer."  I was supposed to be there to listen and gather information, but in that second I recalled a warm summer day, driving the back country roads in one of Annie's Chevy Camaro's.  I had my hand out the window and the music was playing loud.  I remembered the smells and the warmth of that summer day.  I knew that no matter what, I was going to be where I was that summer day, right next to her.

Of course, we all know that Annie conquered.  This year marks her 5th year since official remission.  I've always known that my siblings, all of them, are incredible survivors each with their own strengths and weaknesses.  Annie survived with such grace and fortitude that I have carried a deep sense of love and admiration for her.  So, this year I want to mark this fantastic milestone by giving back in her honor.  I've started a fundraising campaign with the National Breast Cancer Foundation.  They provide education and mammograms to women in all sorts of different situations.  I can't imagine a better way to honor a woman that takes brownies to her local police department just to say thanks.

If you would like to join me in honoring her, and so many like her, you can donate here. And, if I raise some money (preferably my goal of $2000 but any amount will work) I will spend the month of October with pink hair, and sharing her story to anyone that asks why I'm walking around with pink hair :)

Carpe Diem!

You may recall from a previous post that I wanted to do a bunch of stuff that is outside of my comfort zone.  Much of that is prompted my 40th birthday this year and my entry into the statistical middle-age (technically that happened last year, but nobody likes a know-it-all).  Ugh.  I wish I were like many of my friends that say they don't feel 40.  I feel forty, in my back, feet, shoulders, legs...

This has prompted some rather rash decisions on my part.  Like the decision to participate in a mud run.  I don't run and I sure as hell wouldn't do it in mud.  The only mud that touches this skin (usually) is the European kind that is painted on by the delicate hand of a well-trained masseuse. But, here is the proof to the contrary: 

I blame my sisters; I will also never forgive them :)  Just in case you were wondering, this is a one and done experience. 

Second, and probably more shocking if you know my overwhelming need to analyze any financial decision against a myriad of factors, was this: 

Yes, I bought a brand-fricking-new BMW.  I call her Sydney.  Immediately following the paperwork signing I drove home in my old car (for sale if you are interested) and had a major meltdown.  Major. Meltdown.  Couldn't breathe, sobbing gag-fest.  Arm-chair psychologists would likely attribute it my feelings of self-worth, nope, it's all about the money.  I'm cheap.  I enjoy being frugal and very thoughtful and analytical in all financial decisions. I am very conservative.  Then I go buy a performance/luxury car.  But, man, she goes.  Don't piss her off, she'll kick your ass--just like her namesake.  I love her like Don Draper loves his liquor.  To hell with the consequences.

Finally, (yes there is more evidence of questionable decision making!), I'm heading to Vegas with some of my best gal pals to celebrate the actual event.  Some of you may be saying to yourself "but you hate Vegas", and you would be correct.  But, after much consideration I deemed it to be the best place to get 1.  a variety of things to do, 2. not freezing/snowy weather and 3. cheap (you thought I was a lost cause there for a minute, didn't you?)

So, here's to Carpe Diem.  Life is too damn short to not run in the mud (once) buy a car you love and celebrate a milestone with friends.