Hold your breath and count to 5.
I thought that at the very least there would be some time for reflection at the end of 2009 or maybe even at the beginning of 2010. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for some) there was not this time around. I was able to come up for breath for about 2 days right on the 25th. And then I headed right back under on the 27th. Yes, 2010 is in full gear and I am not sure that I have my seat belt on yet!
I realized the week before New Year's, that the first half of my year is already planned out in full to the point of no return. That's a good thing, but an admitted challenge for me in the juggling and sanity process. I feel as if I am walking around with a million "to do" lists in my head, trying desperately not to forget anything. Regardless, I am extremely thankful that my to do list is weighed down with things that are very important to me. They are so important that not one is worth moving for even the sake of a small much desired breath.
I kicked off the New Year with the approval of our non-profit status from the State of TN for Hooping for Hope. Making this adventure a bonafide non-profit has been a dream of mine for the past 2 years and I am thankful that we can finally begin to fund raise and search for grants. I feel so fortunate to have two dear friends walking me through the process the past couple of months. In order to celebrate the recent accomplishments, I created a new website that you can check out here.
Next in line is the prompt kick-off of the training for Hooping the Half Marathon. With over 35 girls fully registered and a team of fabulous trainers, I think we are about ready to roll. The weather is not forgiving, but the excitement is infectious and I know these gals will be rockstars! We will spend the next 3 1/2 months training and perfecting our hoop walking skills in preparation for the big day, April 24th. {Of course you can follow updates on our progress on the above mentioned blog.}
I will continue to hold by breath as I diligently train and prepare for one of my largest personal adventures... co-producing a show at the Belcourt Theatre on February 12th. This particular show has been a vision of mine for some time and I am again incredibly thankful to be sharing the spotlight with an amazingly and inspiring woman who will co-produce with me. This show is like none other that I have seen in town and to top it off I have set some pretty high challenges for myself personally. I am admittedly neither producer, dancer or aerialist, and yet I have decided to tackle all three. I guess that's what happens when you see the years start to go by quicker and the drive to accomplish more steadily increases. Oh, and yes, we have created a website for this adventure too... the Blind Tiger Dames.
In proper fashion, I will then hold my breath a bit longer as we move to the next adventure... a vintage clothing swap/benefit for my friend Amy Patterson, "Giving Threads for Life" on March 21st. Amy has been inspiring this past year in all that she has faced and as a fixture to the vintage community, attaching my vintage swap as a benefit to, well, directly benefit her was a no-brainer. There will be more details to follow- and yes, of course, this event has it's own website too... ecochicswap.com.
One month post swap, you will find me then leading a team of women in the 2010 country music marathon in a sea of pink hoops. Yes, almost 4 months of training will be paying off in 4 short hours of hoop walking. I wait all year for this event to come around again and look forward to the women who decide to partake in this crazy little adventure.
Upon completion of the half-marathon, on month five, I will hold my breath a little more while I venture out on a mini-vacation with my oldest daughter, Fiona. Taking one day off from work gives me anxiety attacks. Don't get me wrong, I love vacation just as much as the next person, but the idea of all the work that happens while I am gone... that waits for me to return... that I have to then catch up on... well, that keeps me pretty well buckled in!
In closing of my reflection of the next 5 months to come, it is obvious to me the common thread that binds them all. The people closest to me are the ones who will make all this a possibility for me to achieve in the coming months ahead. Hailey & Kelly will guide me through Hooping for Hope. Laura will hold my hand in my first production while the cast cheers me on. Stephanie & Carrie will be instrumental in the smooth flow of Amy's benefit. My husband David, Fiona, the team leaders and the entire team will make Hooping for Hope a reality and last but not least, the little friend inside of me will let me go off for a few days to go play and have fun. I wish you all a productive and prosperous New Year and hope that you will find your schedule filled with helping those around you because I promise, your friend could not do half of it without the support and love of someone like you.
