The 2009 MS Walk

As many of you know, my mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1992. Since that time, she has gone from being able to walk, to walking with the help of a walker, to being confined to a wheelchair.

This Saturday, April 4, my father and I will participate in the MS Walk, which is hosted annually by the National MS Society. This will be our 15th year to participate and in that time, we have raised approximately $25,000.

I am asking for your help this year in reaching our goal of $5,000. All donations are tax deductible within IRS rules, and all the money raised goes directly to MS research. The National MS Society spends more money on MS research than any other MS organization in the world. Since its foundation in 1946, the Society has allocated more than $500 million to MS research.

The Alabama chapter of the National MS Society is dedicated to serving nearly 4,000 people in Alabama with MS. Funds raised though campaigns like the MS Walk allow the chapter to continue providing innovative and necessary support to people affected by multiple sclerosis.

Any amount you can contribute is greatly appreciated, and I’ve made it easy for you – all you have to do is click the donate button below and make your donation through PayPal.

Thanks in advance for your help in this effort.

Weekend Road Trip: ECU vs. UAB

Tony's pretending to have a good time at the game.

Thanks for being a trooper!

This past weekend, Tony and I traveled down south to Birmingham to watch East Carolina vs. UAB softball. Why? Well, I once worked as an assistant sports information director at East Carolina University. While there, one of the sports I covered was softball and I became good friends with the softball coaches, Tracey and Natalie. It is rare that I get to see Tracey and Nat, so, whenever their team plays close by, I try to venture down to watch the games and catch up with the girls. ECU won both games of the doubleheader, by matching scores of 3-1. I don't think Tony was thrilled about going, but he did, and I appreciate it. It was nice to have company.

Here Tracey is talking to one of her players on third base.

It almost looks like she's giving the ump a piece of her mind.

Relaxing at the game.

While there we saw a man dressed like a dragon. We referred to him as dragon man. UAB's mascot is the "Blazers" and I guess he decided to be the mascot for the day.

Dragon Man

It was a beautiful day and I actually got some sun for a change, and it was really great to see Tracey and Nat. They always make me laugh!

Tracey, Me and Natalie

It's me and Tony

(I took this photo - which is why it looks stupid)

25 Random Things About Me

I apologize for not having updated this blog in the past week. As most of you know, since most of my readers know me personally, this past week has been hectic to say the least. My grandmother passed away and my brother got into more trouble – it’s the story of my life. I am not on facebook, but almost everyone I know is. Recently on facebook, people have been sharing 25 random things about themselves. So, I figured, I would do that here and hopefully things will be back to normal on this site soon. So, without further ado, I present to you, 25 random things about yours truly. I didn't say they would be interesting.

1. I really did catch the fish in that picture.
2. I didn’t like Tony when I first met him.
3. I tear up almost every night at the end of NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams.
4. When Brian Williams says goodnight at the end of his broadcast, I say to my TV, “Goodnight, Brian.”
5. I really like NBC News.
6. I once tried out for Big Al at the University of Alabama.
7. I have been skydiving (as if you didn’t know that).
8. I love to go white water rafting.
9. I love to cook.
10. I have hated my thighs since junior high school.
11. I am terrible at painting my toenails.
12. I almost constantly worry over what to cook for dinner because Tony is the pickiest eater I know.
13. I wish I had a really big kitchen – I’m jealous of PW’s big ranch kitchen.
14. I am on my third pair of New Balance 993 tennis shoes – they are the best!
15. I love to read, but have to be in the mood for it.
16. I like to get up early and have an early start to the day.
17. I like hanging with my dog, The Tide. She is the best snuggler!
18. I have seen Pride and Prejudice (The Keira Knightly version) about 100 times.
19. I love chocolate chip cookies.
20. I love Lucky Jeans.
21. My biggest regret in life is changing colleges.
22. I love to give gifts, it’s a much better feeling than receiving.
23. I wish I had the money for a backyard makeover.
24. Jackie is my oldest and dearest friend.
25. The end of football season depresses me.

The Circus: A Good Time For All!

Last Thursday night we went to see the opening show of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus – also known as The Greatest Show On Earth. I have been a HUGE fan of the circus since I was a small child. My dad is also a lover of all things circus. So, I guess I got my circus love from him. My mother always goes to the show with us, but she could take it or leave it.

The circus arrived in town on Tuesday night, but because I had to work late, I was unable to go downtown and greet the performers and animals as they arrived in our fair city. Finally Thursday arrived. We got to the arena about an hour and 15 minutes before show time. They open the doors an hour before the show and spectators and circus fans can go out onto the arena floor and get up close and personal with the circus folks. There was a huge line to get in and once they opened the doors, it took us a good five to 10 minutes before we were inside. My dad and I trotted down to the arena floor and saw things like this:

And this:

A few minutes before the show was to start, everyone had to clear the arena floor and find their seats. After a bathroom break and a nacho run, I headed to my seat next to the lovely Tony. My parents were a few rows up from us because they have to sit in the handicapped section due to my mother being in a wheelchair. This year’s show was titled “Zing Zang Zoom.” Now, keep in mind that EVERY time the circus comes to town, we go. I have never missed a circus in all my years of living. The past few years, we’ve been a bit disappointed with the circus. It’s just been somewhat mediocre. The circus did a lot of marketing and entertaining around a clown named Bello, who quite frankly wasn’t all that great – at least in my humble opinion. So, we were anxious to see how this new circus show was going to be. Well, it was fantastic. There was a magic mix to this year’s show, which included making an elephant disappear and making a tiger appear (two separate illusions). Along with the magic, the other performances were also great – including the elephants, who never fail to disappoint! They are my favorite!

In short, should “Zing Zang Zoom” come to your hometown, make it a point to gather up the young and old and head on out to see it – you won’t regret it! And may all your days be circus days!