Girls on the Run/DC Ragnar Update

Many of you know that I am deeply committed to Girls on the Run Northern Virginia (GOTR NOVA).  The program they offer to our young ladies is so inspiring, and filled with such a great message that I just can't say no to them!  So, over the past few years, I have been coaching at my daughter's elementary school and spreading the message anyway I can.  Let me take you on a journey...

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a non-profit organization that provides our young ladies with activities and lessons that encourage a high self-esteem, confidence in their abilities/talents, and most importantly, tools to get through the trials and tribulations of growing up as a girl in today's society.  Many girls in our area cannot afford to participate in GOTR without financial assistance.  GOTR NOVA has ensured thousands of girls have been able to take advantage of the many wonderful lessons that the program has to offer season after season.  They can't do that without fundraising!!!

So...

there I was, reading about an opportunity to raise funds for my favorite non-profit organization while participating in this thing called the Ragnar Relay.  HOLY SMOKES!  I don't know what I was thinking when I said "I can do that!" but here I am telling you...  once again.... I can do that!

For those of you that don't know, the Ragnar Relay is a 200 mile (yes I said 200 mile) relay race that spans approximately 36 hours.  We are going to start in the hills (I really mean mountains) of Cumberland, Md and end at our very own National Harbor.  Let me tell you, you never know what you are capable of until you just commit!

So, in 36 days, I will begin the race of a lifetime!  I, along with 11 others, will begin our 200 mile journey on September 21st.  I cannot wait to tell you all about it!  For now, I will just keep you posted on my training and how hilarious it is!

So, for my first GOTR/Ragnar Update... I post my latest pic from a training run with my very loyal partner... Barley.  (Deb, I miss you!  Heal up so you can join me!)

Barley and me just returning from a 5mile night run.
Yes, that's a headlamp.  Even better, I have a "butt" light too :)

If you feel so inclined to donate to the cause, please feel free to hit up my crowdrise page (see links on the side of my blog).  It's super simple to donate, and every dollar counts!  If you don't have the cash, but have some time to spare, check out my other links.  Both organizations (GOTR and RAGNAR) need volunteers to ensure the success of their program. 

In the mean time, follow my blog and I guarantee you will enjoy this journey with me :).

The new catalog is out!

I know many of you were not able to get to my Dine and Drool last Friday night.  Here are a few details of what we went over while munching on some delicious dinner and drooling over all the new Close to my Heart (CTMH) product!

CTMH has really outdone themselves this year!  The new line of home decor paired with the updated new consultant kits are amazing!   This month, while supplies last, CTMH is offering a free bag worth $50 if you sign on as a consultant...

As my newest team member said.... "This is a no-brainer!  I get a great bag, $130 worth of product for $49 and a fantastic discount on all my favorite items!

If you think you don't have time to complete some of these amazing works of art, check out Workshops on the Go (WOTG)!  Each one comes with what you need to complete the project along with a time estimate to complete listed in the catalog.  Next month we will be working on the Scholastic WOTG!  Call me if you are interested in joining me.  Order by 15 August if you intend on joining me on the 1st of the month.

Finally, if digital scrapbooking is for you, check out the latest in Studio J!  We have a new line of Express Collections that will truly save you time and still showcase your most precious memories in beautiful and trendy layouts.  Create an account with me, and get a free layout when you purchase your first project!  If you need me to walk you through your first project, let me know!  Once you get started, you won't be able to quit!  You are going to love it!!

What an Awesome Week!

What a week!  It seems as though as I have been playing catch up since we got home from vacation!!!  It's been a bit crazy, but a lot of fun! 

I started the week off strong with a decent run around the neighborhood Monday night.  It was a bit crazy since it was a new route I was experimenting with.  Note to self... It's not fun to run around giant deer carcasses.  And... Do not run all the way to Rte 50... I never realized that I would have to run down the center of the road just to be seen!  On a good note, I only went off roading through giant weeds once and I came home in one piece!

Tuesday night I hit Tae Kwon Do again for the first time in about 7 months.  Holy sore muscles Batman!  It was fun, but I will admit... I am not 20 anymore.  After "warm-ups" where they proceeded to kick my booty, we moved on to drills where you had to soar (yes, I said soar) over obstacles...  It wasn't long before I decided it was time to drop down a few lines (I joined the short people line) to ensure I would live to fight another day!

Then, I had the opportunity to work on some of the latest Workshops on the Go from Close to my Heart!  I cannot wait to share them with everyone during my catalog kick off party next Friday night!  I know many of you are on vacation during the actual shin dig, but do not fear!!!  I will make time to share them with you another day. Call me to schedule a time!

My fellow Girls on the Run RAGNAR Relay Teammate, Deb Cobb, joined me Saturday evening for an amazing race.  We ran the WO&D 10K!  It wasn't my best run, but it sure was fun!  We made some new friends (yes I talk to everyone!) and possibly managed to drum up some free samples for our relay team!

We ended the week on a great note!  We finally broke down and tried a new church.  I think this is going to be the beginning of a wonderful journey with my family.  It was a beautiful mass.  We were able to witness a new member of the community receive her baptism and had Muffin Sunday!  My girls were hoping for Do-nut Sunday, or Breakfast Taco Sunday... but I had to remind them this isn't San Antonio.  Maybe we could volunteer in the kitchen and show them how its done!  I'll have to think about that one...

It was a fun filled week all around!  Next week, I should be posting some artwork.  Follow my blog to see the latest!

Until then...

Home Sweet Home!

Well, I just returned home from Texas and I am glad to be back!  I had a blast at the CTMH Convention in Dallas followed by a very relaxing vacation at our timeshare in Bandera, TX with the Hassall family!  The entire clan hit the water park just about everyday!  We played basketball, tennis, went horseback riding, fishing, rode wagons and hit up Sea World in San Antonio!  It was busy, but relaxing all just the same :).  As much as I am glad to be home, we already miss our friends and family from TX!

Anna with her first fish

Sarah hoping for one to

Now that we have caught up on laundry and are nearly prepared for the week, I get to open the shipment from CTMH!!!  My convention items are in!  I cannot wait till I can sit down and work on my new projects in preparation for my Open House on August 3rd!  I love the latest in home decor and scrapbooking products!  Can't wait!!!