The Sheetz hits the Road (and trail)

The Sheetz fundraising books are in and ready to be purchased.  Please drop me a line to pick up a few.  For every book purchased, $4 goes to JDRF to support research toward a cure.  Just ask me how to get the most out of these books.  I must say that I am really good at being cheap !

Training is going really well right now.  Bruce and I are probably headed back to Ridgway in a few weeks.  Although, if the water is like last year, we are NOT paddling.  In retrospect, in was probably not the smartest thing I ever did, but not the dumbest either (unfortunately).  I need to get the bike outside and see the world.  I have watched a lot of movies while riding the trainer, but somehow the wind feels different actually being outside.  Hmm.

I need to get my bottom in gear and hit the fundraising harder.  So, don't be surprised when I show up with my palm out.  Whenever I see or hear about the tough times that people are having because of their diabetes, it makes me want to work that much harder.  With the advances in our understanding and of technology, it should not be beyond us to prevent the neuropathy, kidney issues and heart disease that result from abnormal blood glucose levels.

Let me know how you like the new layout and format of the blog.  It has been pretty much the same for a couple of years, so I thought I would try something new.  Quite a leap when you look at my wardrobe!

Thanks to all who have provided encouragement and support.  It is easier to push through when I know I am being held accountable.

More soon!

Egg Hill and Tradition

First, what a great guy Joel is.  He noticed that the results were off for his team's classification and he went directly to the timers and asked them to correct the results.  Yes, I know, he said that it was the truth so no big deal.  Trust me.  Honesty and integrity are NEVER no big deal.  Thanks, Joel and Nick.  You truly have started "The Other Tradition".

I loved, as usual, the Egg Hill Run today.  What a wonderful group of people, and the Penn's Valley track team is a great group to benefit.  It was great to see the kids out there cheering on all of the runners. 

I'm not going to mince words.  Give to JDRF.  Now.  Today.  please !

I am really looking forward to Ridgway and doing the event with Bruce.  I am hoping for less water on the river and a more comfortable water level.  I will never do this event the same way after last year.  Praise God that Pat made it through.

I've got Sheetz coupon books on the way.  What an awesome deal for the buyer, and a great way to bring money to JDRF.

Thanks so much!

Training and Generosity

The training has been going well, and I am beginning to get really excited for the JDRF run.  I hope the middle of May holds the same weather as we’ve been having this past week or so.  With morning temps in the 40’s F (5º C) and afternoons around 70ºF (21º C), it would be a crime not be outside.  The woods are pretty dry, so the mud isn’t making things rough, yet the ground is soft.  This week, the frogs have been calling and it amazes me how many there must be.  I am really looking forward to the family taking Jorunn on a hike to hear them.  Being from Norway, she has never seen frog eggs or heard them calling.  It has been very eye opening to interact with her and learn how different our countries are.  The things that we are accustomed to are unusual, but the reverse it true as well, of course.  Last week was Dr. Seuss’s birthday and this week we watched 2 Dr. Seuss shows.  I was amazed to learn she had never heard of Dr. Seuss.  BUT, I had never stopped to think that I had never heard of the authors she mentioned, either.  Ah.  Point of view.

So the school had the annual health fair this week.  Several students from State College High School  shared their experiences with diabetes with the middle school kids.  Most of the high school kids are, themselves, diabetics.  We also began the process of getting kids involved in organizing a school walk to raise funds for JDRF.  It has been a challenge because of the immense amount of attention given to THON.  The THON events began in September, and continue through the PFMS mini-thon in April.  There are several kids who have been touched personally and so want to make the event a success.  I want to help them reach the goals that they have to help provide a better lifestyle for those with diabetes, and eventually to find a cure.

 Next weekend is the Egg Hill Run in Spring Mills.  What a nice event.  Really well organized, a great time of day, and wonderful people (especially the Bastress clan).  Hope to see some of you there!

Thanks to Carter and Ruby for their generous donation to JDRF.  Not only are they great people, but they are awesome dance instructors!  Molly and I have been learning from them.  We've gotten into the waltz, cha-cha, foxtrot, rumba.  We've gotten much more comfortable on the dance floor and I can't wait to take my wife out for a night of dancing, although I plan on it being out of town where we won't be known :)