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?!?!

:-)