A Date 2 Remember

Stepping outside of your box to help someone else...that's one of the hardest and scariest things to do. But I have determined that my passion lies in helping others, whether it is working the Race for the Cure, talking to people about breast cancer, or simply raising money for a good cause that's what I enjoy doing. So when a friend told me to apply to be an on-stage participant in the Columbus Young Professionals premier social fundraising event, I jokingly said "OK but they won't pick me". Little did I know less then 3 weeks later I am knee deep in preparing for A Date 2 Remember that will be held February 22, 2014.

This event is a fashion show combined with a live auction containing amazing "experience packages". What's an experience package? Well this years packages haven't been released yet but last year they had a "Get Wild with Us" package complete with 4 tickets to the Columbus Zoo, behind the scenes/up-close and personal tour with the animals, 4 tickets to The Wilds, and 4 tickets to Zoombezi Bay with Cabana rental. They also had a "Salute Your Sports" package that included a OSU bracelet from the Diamond Cellar, 4 tickets tot he Nationwide Children's Hospital 200, a behind the scenes tour of Ohio stadium, 4 tickets to a Columbus Crew game, 4 tickets to a OSU women's basketball game, 4 tickets to a Ohio Machine game, and throwing out the first pitch at a Columbus Clippers home game. Needless to say these packages aren't just your everyday dinner with friends and a movie, they are things that you can't buy (well unless you are super rich!!).

But what I love the most about all of this is every year the money raised will go to a Columbus area non-profit. Since starting 6 years ago the CYP has raised more than $200,000 for A Kid Again, Capital Area Humane Society, City Year, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Flying Horse Farms, Junior Achievement, Miracle League, United Cerebral Palsy, and the United Way of Central Ohio. The 2014 charity will be the YP360, a new non-profit that supports the development of the next generation of leaders while strengthening the community of Columbus.

I am super excited about taking part in this adventure that requires me to step outside of my protective box and help others. I am even more excited about being able to share this experience with friends and family. If you would like to attend the event please see me for discounted tickets. I have tickets for $25 (if paying with check or cash) and $26.50 (if using a credit or debit card). If you would like to purchase the ticket from me using a card please click on the "Buy Now" button and enter your payment information. If you would like to pay with check or cash we can arrange a time to meet or I can send you my mailing information. VIP tickets are also available for $50.00 each.

I hope that you all can attend because I would love to be able to look out in that crowd of 1,200 people expected to attend and see smiling faces of people I know!!

For more info about the event and to see pictures from previous years check out:
http://date2remember.org/

:-)

Stop and smell the roses

You know it is funny how life pushes you to mature even if you aren't ready. Exactly 2 weeks ago I was in a car accident and I am okay. I was able to walk away from it with minor injuries, my car was not totaled, and I learned a very valuable lesson. Let me just say the accident was not my fault, I had the green light. However, through all of it I learned that life can change in a matter of a second so you have to enjoy each one. I have noticed so much more, I take time to breath, I take time to smile. I am learning to enjoy each hurdle and delay. It is a very free feeling when you can not get mad at having to sit in traffic for hours! Even though this cuts into my 1/2 marathon training it's ok I still will have 2 months by the time the doctor releases me *crosses fingers*

Smile everyone there is someone who loves you dearly :-)

Adjusting...nicely

So it has been a little over 3 weeks since I cut my hair (longest layer 9 and 3/4 inches; shortest layer 8 and 1/4 inches). The adjustment has been so hard and then I realized the last time I cut it my hair was longer so I could leave more in the front to have a "bang". Now it is just short all over!! But slowly I am coming to terms with it and I think it has a lot to do with my brother's barber in Winston-Salem, NC who lined me up and evened everything out. After he did that I looked at myself and was like I can do this. I will say that short hair has been great on days it's really hot and whenever I have to wash it! And I am so proud of my sister because she cut her hair too. Although I think she did it because she was tired of longer hair but still proud of her for taking the big chop.

The winner of the basket was Kelley Eatmon from Milwaukee, WI (CONGRATS AGAIN!!) she was almost dead on with her guesses!! The total value of the basket ended up being about $200. I am so thankful and grateful to everyone who donated items to the basket.
hOOpLALA (The BOMB earrings)
Carmacazzi (That amazing Ohio t-shirt)
Nontle Jewelry (The Necklace)
iResolve Fitness Club (T-shirt)
Susan G. Komen - Columbus Affliate (basically everything else in the basket lol - a vest, socks, bracelet, coffee mug, hair and skin products, plus informational packets)

Here is what she received...

Done

I have been up since 4 am...I have been on my feet most of the day...I am now bald headed...but it all makes for 1 memorable day. The Race for the Cure is over, downtown is back to normal, my hair is cut everything that needed to be done this week was done. I still have money to count but that can wait until tomorrow. Tonight this girl and her ponytail, which now lays next to me in a bag, is going to bed.

Last time

I  wrapped my hair for the last time tonight...okay not last time but for a long time. Goodnight tomorrow is the day!

Whose cutting my hair???

There has been so many questions centered around who has the honor of cutting my hair off and well ok I will give you some background on a few of the individuals. First and foremost, my wonderful sister Ashley. I am not sure if she is doing more for the cause or the fact that she will get to cut my hair. Whatever the reason, she is doing it as representation for my family. Ms. Tina Bauer will also have the honor of cutting off my hair. Tina was a really good friend and coworker of my mom. She was there at the beginning, going with her the day of the mammogram, to the end helping us handle last minute funeral and repast details. My dear friend and colleague Nikki Seagraves and her mom Melba have also agreed to partake in this special day. I don't think words can express how much I love Nikki and admire her as a wife, a woman, a daughter, a scientist. Just a mere 5 days after I lost my mom to breast cancer, she lost her dad to liver cancer. Then on top of that her family found out just this year that her mother has cervical cancer. I love her family for their strength and constant positive energy. But more importantly I love Nikki because she is walking proof that you can be a darn good scientist and have a strong grounded faith in God at the same time!! So I just ask that everyone please keep their family in your prayers as they wade through this familiarly different territory.

There are others who will be cutting off a portion of my hair but we will save that for another day!

3 days!!

So originally I was thinking I would write a piece everyday this week...hahaha...nope. Isn't it funny how life has a way of changing your plans. However, some pretty awesome thing have happened and I just have to share them.

First I went to lunch the other day and this is what my fortune cookie said:

HAHAHA! Pretty cool right! Then I realized this weekend that the gift basket was largely geared toward women and I had to change that. Almost half of the guesses have come from men so I really needed to add something they would enjoy. And then 2 amazing Columbus, Ohio based artists blessed me beyond measure!!!

• Nontle Jewelry is doing a custom set for the gift basket that will consist of 1 male piece and 1 female piece!! She rocks for volunteering her time and craft for this cause...check out her webpage at http://www.nontlejewelry.com
• Carmacazzi has graciously given a male t-shirt for the basket as well. Carmacazzi makes custom eco-conscious clothing for all ages. I met him on Sunday but I am now a fan for life. Many thanks to Carmacazzi for helping out http://www.carmacazzi.com/

As this week winds down my emotions are in full swing but I think I am more excited about cutting my hair now more than ever. My brother has me even more pumped and excited for the race because he was able to raise over $800.00 for the Komen Northwest NC Race for the Cure®!!! I wish he could make it for our race on Saturday but I know how busy he is at work. Regardless I am so proud of him for what he was able to do and I will see him in a couple of weeks!

Also I was finally able to see the commercial and I got the magazine!! If you guys live in Columbus pick up the May/June issue of Capital Style and also check out Channel 10 for the Race for the Cure commercial.

Happy Mother's Day!

It has been 2 years since we were last able to tell you Happy Mother's Day and that sly smile creep across your face. You always said we shouldn't have brought you anything but I think deep down you knew that whatever you even mentioned would be a cool thing to have you would get! I think you enjoyed being spoiled! But it was fine with us...whatever you wanted we wanted you to have. Each year you wanted new flowers for your birthday and Mother's Day, each year you got it. We would all go pick out the most colorful flowers and spend half the day planting and watering under your watchful eye. Ironically something's never change...I think dad has it programmed in him to get flowers around this time because last weekend we were planting flowers! I hope you like them.

As many questions that I have for you, days like today makes me realize that when I do see you again  all I want to do is say happy Mother's Day for all the years we missed. I know you couldn't be happier however, being up in heaven healthy and whole, reunited with your mom and your grandma. So that brings comfort to my rough days but I still get jealous and selfish sometimes. I want you here. I struggle to answer questions I know you would breeze through, I stumble trying to support someone through a tough time, and a totally drop the ball when it comes to reading things before they happen. You had a touch, a knack for things that is greatly missed. Things are different and they never will be the same...we have had to find a new "normal" without you. I hate to even call it normal because without you it isn't normal but the experts say you have to find a new normal so that's what we are doing lol.

You know my favorite saying is "Isn't it funny how life pushes us to grow even when we aren't ready" while these last few years have taught me that it isn't just funny it is hilarious. I know you are looking down and just shaking your head sometimes. You probably told God you don't know where my attitude came from and He just laughs cause He knows exactly where...from you and Mrs. Dorothy Carroll!! Lol...I can lecture almost as good as you and I got that cuss you out with a smile down, that is all the Carroll's coming out! But I also got your love and compassion, I got your drive, dedication, and strength. I am glad that I am learning how to balance it all...slowly.

Anyway way mom as I embrace this new normal I just really want to say Happy Mother's Day! We love and miss you. I hope that as you look down on us you are smiling and proud of the individuals we have become.

Oh yeah today is Grandma Jennings' birthday can you give her a kiss from us?!?!

:-)

19 days and counting!

Man time is flying. Mixed emotions of anxiousness, nervousness, and excitement are running through my body each day. But I know that everything I am doing is for a good cause and someone else will be blessed from my actions. My hair will grow back and I will do this again...in 19 days things get real!!

Remember you can still donate to this fundraising effort. Just Jewelry consultant, Deanna Frazier, has also agreed to donate any proceeds from the jewelry sales between now and May 18 to my fundraising efforts!

So what more could you ask for...find you a great new necklace to wear or finish your Mother's Day shopping AND donate to a good cause...at the SAME TIME!!!

Please check out her website at www.itsjustjewelry.com/beautiful4u

For orders please call or email Deanna Frazier, I can also take messages to forward to her as well. She accepts all major credit cards and checks.

Thanks guys!!!

The beginning

For those that are just now starting to follow my journey here is the letter that started it all...

Cancer is an awful disease. I speak on this from a personal experience, because it will not leave my family alone. Many of you know my story, but for those of you who don’t, I’ll give you a short overview:  Cancer has been a part of the Jennings’ lives for a while now. My maternal grandmother died of cancer in 2009, my mom died of breast cancer in 2011, my dad’s cousin died of lung cancer in 2012, 2 of my mom’s uncles & an aunt had colon cancer, and four other aunts of hers have breast cancer, one of who just recently passed away in January of this year.

Because cancer has impacted our lives so heavily, my family regularly participates in numerous cancer fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. This year, however, we wanted to do something different and unique. 

I have decided to once again donate my hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths with a cut-off date of May 18, 2013. This program, partners with the American Cancer Society to distribute FREE real-hair wigs to women with cancer. Not only am I going to donate my hair I am going to give my friends and family the opportunity to guess how long my hair will grow by donation time. By guessing my hair length people will have the opportunity to win prizes, and even cut off a portion of my hair!

On December 18, 2012, I had my hair straightened and measured; the longest layer was 7.5 inches, the shortest layer was 5.5 inches. Between now and May 18, my hair will be protected and maintained regularly to ensure maximum growth.

For every guess, I am asking for a $10.00 donation. The individual closest to the correct length by the cut-off date will win 1-month of personal training along with a 1-year gym membership from iResolve Fitness (Columbus, OH) or a gift basket valued at $100.00. In the event of a tie, the individual who guesses the amount closest to the total amount raised will win. For those that are interested in cutting off a portion of my ponytail, the minimum donation is $100.00. Of course if you would just like to make a monetary contribution, then any amount is appreciated.

All the money raised from this event will be given to the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen.

This journey called life has been a rollercoaster of emotions but I am so blessed and thankful to have a strong support system around me. I would like to thank you for playing a role in my life whether it was by encouraging me, supporting me, praying for me, or just talking me through this. I am excited about the possibility of being able to contribute to a cause that is so near to my heart, and I hope that you will consider supporting me in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Jennings 

P.S.- If you would like to donate you can do so through the secure portal on this blog or by contacting me for address information.

Count down

There is only 45 more days until cut-off date! Not sure whether I should be nervous or not but I am having a blast meeting new people along this journey. :-)

Love, such a wonderful love

As I sit here on this Resurrection Sunday I am so grateful for the love God has for me. It is by far the greatest feeling ever, to know that you are loved. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16)...He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed... (Isaiah 53:5).

I rejoice in that but it took me some time to understand just how much God loved me. For a while I was angry with Him, angry at the string of events that had occurred in my life. I couldn't fathom how someone could love me but take away such a vital piece of my life, my heart. And then one day He made it oh so clear to me. He didn't take my mother away, he called her home...much like a parent calls their child in from outside when it gets dark. Who was I to question what He did with His child, she didn't belong to me...she belonged to Him. Did I know the plans He had for her? Did I understand her prayers? Was I there for her entire journey? And much like Job, I couldn't do anything but repent and admit that "I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know..." (Job 42:3). I quickly learned that God does love me and He loves me more than I love myself. Even when I walked away from Him He kept me safe, He kept me clothed, He kept me fed, He kept me. That love is what keeps me going day in and day out, on the dark days it lights a path, when I am weak it gives me strength. It is a wonderful feeling to be loved and know it.

I still miss her everyday, just wanting one more hug, one more kiss, one more chance to hear her yell "Kimberly". But each day I get stronger, each prayer makes me calmer. And I know that she is proud of all of us. One day I will see her again and when I do we have so much to talk about!

Why?

Have you ever sat back and wondered why me? Why am I in the spotlight? What is it about what I am doing that attracts so many people? As I journey through this process I find myself questioning why a lot. Today I had the chance to do something amazing and yet the whole time I was thinking "why me"? Why not her? Or him?

I'm just an ordinary girl who is on a mission. A mission that began in April of 2009 when my family found out our mom, Debra Jennings, had cancer. On that day we knew a war had begun. While it had affected our family before, this time it became personal. Surgery, chemo, radiation, more surgery, more chemo, clinical trials...it was a battle between us and that disease. She had a very resilient form of breast cancer called Triple Negative. Then suddenly, out of the blue in July of 2011 this woman who gave her all to her family passed away, still fighting the entire time. Throughout the entire journey our mom showed extreme strength and grace. Even now, looking back, I am in awe that this woman who I looked up to all of my life was even greater then I could have ever imagined. She is and always will be a hero to my family. God has truly blessed us by placing her in our lives. 

Losing my mother was the last straw...I can't sit back and watch cancer take away people prematurely. I can't. I won't. So I made a vow to do everything I could to save lives. I do not want another family to have to endure the pain we feel everyday. I don't want another daughter to not have her mom there to shop for wedding dresses, or a son who has no one to dance with during the mother-son dance on his important day. That's all I want...to save a life, to find a cure. And I know I am not the only one who feels that way so again I ask why me? Then a funny thing happened, as I was talking to a friend they proceeded to ask me..."why not you"? As I stumbled to answer he told me "every message needs a messenger for delivery and regardless of the messenger the message doesn't change. Why you and not someone else is simply because that is how God planned it. For His purpose which is bigger than we can imagine you are His messenger...so sit back and rejoice that you are blessed and highly favored." This whole experience is humbling. I am so grateful for the people that have given their support and encouragement. I just ask that everyone please bear with me as I learn to appreciate this journey by not questioning why...

What life has taught me so far...Happy Birthday to me!

As I get ready to turn 30...again...don't judge me... I can't help but think about my life. I have been through so much yet I am so far from perfect. I am still learning, still growing.  I've done things that shouldn't have been done, said things that shouldn't have been said, seen things I shouldn't have saw, and known things that should have remained unknown. At times I have been a bad person, a bad friend. I have turned my back on people who needed me, doubted others efforts, even spoke ill of some. Occasionally I just plain suck at life. 

I want to apologize to everyone I have let down, everyone I may have hurt...my mom, my dad, JJ, Ashley, Celina, Kia, Angie, Deanna, Selena, Tutan, Alicia, Danielle, Joseph, Dre, Kim, Aja, Shedarra, BJ, Romel, M.A.A., Shannon, Kahn, Cory, Mike, Shannon, Heidi, Tony...this list could go on so let's just say my family, my friends...I am so sorry. To those I have not failed yet, I apologize because I will fail you one day.

But I am so grateful, thankful that God forgives. Some may never but He always will.

30 taught me about death and grief, 31 taught me about life, I don't know what 32 will bring but I am sure ready for the ride. How did I get here? It's been a journey, one that has caused me to relearn my ABC's...

A - At the end of the day, when it is all said and done we are family. We fight, we laugh, we cry, we are in this together.

B - "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

C - Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30

D - "​Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened."

E - “Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons."

F - "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn."

G - "Gentlemen may prefer blondes but it takes a real man to handle a redhead."

H - He who thinks before he speaks is wise.

I - Isn't it funny how life pushes us to grow even when we aren't ready.

J - Just because everyone isn't your friend doesn't mean you can't be a friend to everyone.

K - "Kill them with kindness and bury them with a smile?"

L - Live, love, laugh.

M - "My grandfather told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group, there was much less competition."

N - "Never underestimate the power of human stupidity."

O - Opposites attract.

P -Psalm 23: The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Q - Quit trying to please others if you can't please yourself.

R - "Respect is earned not given."

S - "Some things I regret, there are some words I wish had gone unsaid...some starts, that had some bitter endings, been some bad times I've been through, damage I cannot undo...some things, I wish I could do all all over again, but it don't really matter...Life gets that much harder, it makes you that much stronger...Oh, some pages turned, Some bridges burned, But there were... Lessons learned"

T - "Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You."

U - Unhappiness depends on attitude. 

V - "Veni, vidi, vici" (I came, I saw, I conquered)

W - "Will you do it for a Scooby snack?"

X - Xcept for God (Don't judge me lol)

Y - "You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut."

Z - "Zen's greatest contribution is to give you an alternative to the serious man."

Trimming nightmares

I got my ends trimmed last night. And let me just say for me the hair trimming process is a painful one. I think it all began when I went to a hair school to get my ends trimmed a few years ago. I sat down in the chair and the student began to trim, then she trimmed some more, and she trimmed some more. Finally I asked if something was wrong and she said no she had to make sure it was even. Long story short I lost 4 inches that day getting a "trim" and have been rather picky about my hair ever since.

Sadly that wouldn't be the only time I would lose significant inches during a "trim". It happened again in 2011 during a visit to a salon I was referred to. Needless to say I always get anxious when it is trimming time, especially now when I have so much to lose with 1 bad trim job.

Anyway back to last night, my hair was washed, conditioned, and straightened...then she brought out the scissors. My heart skipped a beat. Even though I have been going to her to get my hair trimmed for awhile the whole process still makes me uneasy. It went smooth, I can breath easier for another 6 weeks.

So for those who might be keeping track of my hair process, here are some before and after shots :-) 

Thankful

I am so thankful for all of the responses I have received from this project. Numerous people have offered monetary support, some have offered prizes for the gift basket, and I have even had people agree to cut off their hair with me! This journey has been amazing!!

I have no clue what the next few months will bring but I am certain that I am going to be okay...bald and all lol

2013 Canady Conference for Future Doctors and Dentists

Taking a step away from my journey for a quick second, I want to tell you about this wonderful program that the Columbus (OH) Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is holding this year. It is the 2013 Canady Conference for Future Doctors and Dentists. Dr. Alexa Canady was the first African-American woman in the United States to become a neurosurgeon at the age of 26. She still practices medicine in Florida and her interests are Hydrocephalus, Congenital Spine Abnormalities, Skull Abnormalities, brain and spinal tumors. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

The purpose of the conference is to inspire young women to pursue the highest levels of academic achievement, service, advocacy and leadership in a dental/medical field. Young women in grades 7-10 from all backgrounds in public, private, parochial, charter and home schools are invited to apply and all activities are FREE of charge to the students.

Today there are too many young women, especially Black and Latino that are on the wrong side of health care statistics: obesity, pregnancy, suicide, domestic violence, diabetes and depression. As a pre-emptive strike, this program seeks to link girls to the leading women in every field of medical and dental practice. Through the four-day program girls will learn and change their behavior and attitude towards: physical & mental health (anti-obesity, anti-depression), academic achievement & career exploration (anti-poverty), women’s health and hygiene (pregnancy and STD prevention), plus courage and character development (anti-bullying, critical thinking).

 

The applications for this program are due by March 11, 2013. 

There is a parent's meeting April 1, 2013; the opening retreat will be held April 5-7, 2013; VIP reception is April 9, 2013; the conference will be April 10, 2013.


For an application or more information email to dstfuturedocs13@yahoo.com or call the Delta Hotline at 614-470-1913.

February Volunteer of the Month

So honored to be named the February volunteer of the month for the Columbus Affiliate of Susan G. Komen.

Ask yourself what do you really value in life? Are you just out here trying to make money? Or are you truly trying to make a difference in the world? Don't get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of today that you forget what afforded you that opportunity yesterday.

http://komencolumbus.wordpress.com/2013/02/04/february-volunteer-of-the-month-kim-jennings/

Journey of a girl and her ponytail…

Cancer is an awful disease. I speak on this from a personal experience, because it will not leave my family alone. Many of you know my story, but for those of you who don’t, I’ll give you a short overview:  Cancer has been a part of the Jennings’ lives for a while now. My maternal grandmother died of cancer in 2009, my mom died of breast cancer in 2011, my dad’s cousin died of lung cancer in 2012, 2 of my mom’s uncles & an aunt had colon cancer, and four other aunts of hers have breast cancer, one of who just recently passed away in January of this year.

Because cancer has impacted our lives so heavily, my family regularly participates in numerous cancer fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. This year, however, we wanted to do something different and unique. 

I have decided to once again donate my hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths with a cut-off date of May 18, 2013. This program, partners with the American Cancer Society to distribute FREE real-hair wigs to women with cancer. Not only am I going to donate my hair I am going to give my friends and family the opportunity to guess how long my hair will grow by donation time. By guessing my hair length people will have the opportunity to win prizes, and even cut off a portion of my hair!

On December 18, 2012, I had my hair straightened and measured; the longest layer was 7.5 inches, the shortest layer was 5.5 inches. Between now and May 18, my hair will be protected and maintained regularly to ensure maximum growth.

For every guess, I am asking for a $10.00 donation. The individual closest to the correct length by the cut-off date will win 1-month of personal training along with a 1-year gym membership from iResolve Fitness (Columbus, OH) or a gift basket valued at $100.00. In the event of a tie, the individual who guesses the amount closest to the total amount raised will win. For those that are interested in cutting off a portion of my ponytail, the minimum donation is $100.00. Of course if you would just like to make a monetary contribution, then any amount is appreciated.

All the money raised from this event will be given to the American Cancer Society and Susan G. Komen.

This journey called life has been a roller coaster of emotions but I am so blessed and thankful to have a strong support system around me. I would like to thank you for playing a role in my life whether it was by encouraging me, supporting me, praying for me, or just talking me through this. I am excited about the possibility of being able to contribute to a cause that is so near to my heart, and I hope that you will consider supporting me in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

Kimberly Jennings 

P.S. - If you would like to donate to this cause please let me know and I will mail you a donation slip.

Straight? I think not

The braids and sew-in came out this past weekend (Tameryn I lasted a month lol)! And I was quickly reminded why, since going natural, I rarely straighten my hair. First the path I have to take to get from A to B is never a straight path. Then once I get to B I am there for all of 1 day -_-  Bootcamp Monday afternoon completely erased any hope I had of it lasting all week. I can only hope Robin can get me in for a deep conditioning and trim soon, then it is back to braids and a sew-in. May will be here before I know it!

Ready or not...and I'm not

I'm not a blogger...heck I don't even really like writing. But I have been through enough to make a Lifetime movie. Good things, bad things, hills and valleys, I got stories for days. But something happened in 2013 that made me step back and look around...made me question what am I doing with my life and am I working hard enough.

In 2009 my maternal grandmother died, in 2010 my paternal grandmother died, my mother died in 2011, and 2012 brought the death of my dad's cousin. Then 19 days into 2013 my family lost another link...my mom's Aunt Phyllis. She, like my mom, had battled breast cancer for years, she was a fighter, a survivor, and a hero. But in the blink of an eye it all changed, she went home to be with our Lord. I find comfort in knowing she is up there with my grandma, my mom, and the rest of the Davis clan having a grand party, actually that thought makes me jealous. I pray that my cousins find peace through this journey but I really pray for a cure. I don't want another family to experience the loss we have, I hate not being able to tell a young girl with 100% confidence her mom will survive this disease, I really want to be able to say we kicked cancer's ass.

So am I working hard enough? Am I doing everything I can? Stay tuned this journey isn't over yet.