Cold front

Well there is absolutely nothing going on, other than the wind really kicking up and it being cold. Work is work....I was once again reassigned to a whole new set of responsibilities. We shall see if it is good or not.

No walk

Well I didn't make the walk after all. I am in Chicago with my mom for surgery. She had it yesterday and all is well so far. Dad is dealing with it all in stride as well. For the next couple of weeks I will be helping them out. I sure miss my pup!!! Next year will have to be the year, and maybe I will go to some totally different city. I would love to go out west, and be on a team. On the bright side, i was able to raise $1100 for breast cancer. Yesterday I met a fellow knitter, who was waiting for her husband. He was being treated for breast cancer, and using one of those robots for the surgery. Technology is so advanced now, it is amazing.

Team of 1

My teammate bailed on me yesterday. It was kind of a surprise but not. I am still bound and determined to do this, because with the Fibromyalgia who knows what next year will bring. I hope that I learn to manage it, and less flair ups. We shall see....I need the challenge and 60 miles will be. I can't wait to take pictures, and make new friends!!!

Set backs AGAIN

Alright, totally frustrated with this Fibromyalgia stuff.....the Lyrica was working, now its not or something else is going on in my body to aggravate it. The doctor has tried me on Celebrex, and now off of that and on some corticoid steroid pack for a week. I have been off of work the past couple days, just getting to go in and give it a try this afternoon. Anyone ever have a day where you could be somewhere else? It would be great to be on a warm, sunny beach right now...soaking up the sun and not having to move. We can dream right :)

Til later

Nothing new to report

I still love my shoes.This weekend was restful. I did lots of baking, cleaning, and sleeping. The pup managed to help himself to some sugar cookies, which he enjoyed :) Now he is sleeping away. I have a couple walks planned this week, but this weekend will be military duty again.

More walks

Well the weather has been great. It is starting to turn into fall here, and I love the cooler weather. I am starting to put the summer clothes away and break out the light jackets and long sleeve shirts. This weekend will put in a couple ten milers if lucky. Will let you know how that goes, and share some pictures hopefully. Hope to hear from someone or anyone....

Tonya & Rommel (my pup)

Another week

Over the weekend, I got some miles in and felt good. Other than that was working on knitting, playing with the pup, and doing housework/repairs. I did get to do some flower planting and it brought back good memories of growing up. Dad and I used to garden and do flower planting together. The weather was terrific.

Back to Normal

Hey there,

This was has been long, but thankfully well again. No problems with the Fibro either. So thankful, you don't even know how thankful. Last night I tested my new shoes out and walked 7 miles. I wanted to make sure and know if they rubbed anywhere, and if they would be good for the walk. They are going to work wonderfully for the walk. While my teammate was in her NB walkers, I had on my klunky looking Garmont "Nasty" shoes. She was having problems with her knees and ankles hurting toward the end, while I was still going strong. Thank you GearTrade.com :)

I want to share another site from a new friend involved with the 3 day. She walked in San Francisco and is from Alaska. I can't wait to have my own photos to post.

http://3daysanfrancisco2008.shutterfly.com/

Check out Kara's photos and you will see how big the involvement is for this cause. It is pretty inspiring. Speaking of which, still trying to come up with more funds...God will come through somehow.

Have a great weekend, have to go the Alabama vs. Arkansas game just started :)

flu or something

I was feeling great.....getting exercise, knitting away, and not missing work. Then I go to the Alabama football game, on the way back eat somewhere and get really sick. Now that it has started, can't seem to keep anything down and throat is killing me. Chest hurts too.....anyone else have this? Co-workers were sick last week, maybe I caught their junk but darn I can't stand being sick all the time. I have tried everything to get and keep my immune system up. Maybe it will eventually catch up....

So anyways, enough on that. On a good note I am trying some new shoes which should arrive tomorrow. I will let you know how that works out. You can find great deals on geartrade.com. I bought these slightly used shoes for a lot less than new ones, and a 2L Camelback for the walk. I only have a small one and that won't cut it.....you need enough water and a little room to carry the necessities without carrying a ruck sack :)

On another good note, I finally got my first order of washcloths knitted, and my mom who has been helping has also completed another 10-12. In the process of this, I have discovered metal, plastic, or bamboo needles make a huge difference in how my hands work. So I will be donating my set of metal needles to a charity overseas that I read about in Guideposts. The women are taught to knit and this gives them a chance to be self sufficient, and the goods are sold here in the US but the money goes back to them. What better cause then helping out some really strong women who endure harsh living environments and other things we can't even imagine. Oh, what makes this organization even more cool is that it was started by some college guys who at first thought "oh my gosh, my rugby playing brother is knitting.....what is wrong with him!!" Then they learned and got into it, making hats and scarves and eventually selling them. They felt the calling to do mission work and that is how the organization came about.

Yes in case you can't tell, I am an optimist and love to help others if I can.

Productive weekend

well I didn't get any walking in this weekend, or knitting but finally got to do some homeland functions. I am in the National Guard and we got to help hurricane evacuees go back home. It was great to do something that helped others. The meds for the fibromyalgia are working so wasn't in pain either. I feel pretty blessed, now sending some to my mom for her upcoming shoulder replacement surgery (4th one).

I am posting another picture of my baby....he was cooling off after playing all day with his friend at doggy day care. If you ever get to Huntsville, you have to look up Petagree Pet Center. They are great with the animals. Rommel loves it there and getting to play with other dogs.

Restful weekend, lots of knitting!!!

Ok, 7 washcloths of 10 for the first order. I have a LONG ways to go yet. The savings grace is that I get to change up colors. I did find a different pattern variation and might try it once I am done with the first batch to see which is quickest and prettiest. You will have to be the judge!!

I am also doing sewing to break up the monotony. Today I found material and patterns for skirts and vests. I am also working on sewing a dress for work. It really helps to get a little reprieve from knitting :) I will take pictures and post so you can see my work. Will be making curtains for friends as well. This is going to be a very, very busy month or two. Atleast it is a good stress reducer. My military unit has asked for a fit for duty evaluation on me, to see if I can continue on or not. I have almost 20 years in service, I'm not ready to get out yet. So please say some prayers, I want to stay in.

Have a good night. To J., look forward to reading your blog and hearing all about your judo stuff.

Sweet dreams everyone

Knitting, Knitting, and more knitting

Rommel and I are enjoying a very low key holiday weekend. I have been busy knitting washcloths. I am up to 49 orders, and recruited my mom to help as well. I have some great ideas for fund raising for next year, but not any immediate answers. I have been doing more cross training than walking. Biking with varying tensions and such, along with weights seems to be helping more than actual walking. I know I can do 15 miles with no problems. So far the best shoes for the distance have been my summer combat boots. My feet swell too much for the hikers, walking, or running shoe but I have not given up on finding a good training shoe. I need to get one ASAP, or I will be wearing my boots for the entire 60 miles and I want a back up plan. Any suggestions?

Off to bed for me, tomorrow is going to be more sewing and working out.

Amazing response

I have been busy knitting. So far I have orders for 39 washcloths. There is a little less than 2 months to the walk. I am getting psyched. In the course of selling some washcloths, I have made friends with other walkers from Alaska, Ohio, Texas, etc. Their walks are before mine, some first-timers like me but others having 3 in.

On another note, this morning I start a clinical trial for Fibromyalgia. I had the initial screening over the phone, and go in for the exam/interview portion this morning. Maybe they will be able to help, and I will be able to help others as well. In case you haven't figured it out yet, I am all about helping others. You can't get anywhere in life alone.

Today I take the pup to get evaluated by a K9 trainer. Rommel (my dog) needs to be put to work. I will write more about the training for him later. Have a great day.

The Upcoming Week

The weekend has once again, flown by and Monday morning is approaching. Lets hope it is a good week, and that the weather will cooperate for training purposes. The event is held regardless of weather, and I don't mind rain or wind but I will not be a human lightening rod. You don't mess with mother nature.

I bowled for Junior Achievement last night with my training partner. I haven't bowled in a while but it was great fun. I completed another washcloth. Hopefully some other orders will come in as well. I was thinking of auctioning off or having a raffle for one of my doilies. Just not sure if anyone wants or uses doilies anymore. I think they are beautiful and enjoy making them. I will post a picture of one here.

Training Walks

Good Morning,

The 3 day site has a really cool feature, the bulletin board. As you can figure, you connect with other participants there. Also on the site, is the ability for training walk leaders to post a training walk. This is the second one I have posted, and once again no one showed up. It is a perfect morning for it. So it is back home for me, to pick up stuff for the gym and going there.

I am doing great selling my books on Amazon.com. That will really help me with my fundraising. Someone did contact me about buying some knitted washcloths. Today is going to be a good day, with my pup and I hanging out and bowling tonight.

It is off to the gym for me. I am going to do about 3-4 miles jogging on the treadmill or 15 miles on the bike, depending what is open and then some weights.

Tonya

Knitted Washcloths

These are my latest projects..... knitted pink ribbon washcloths. I have no idea if anyone will want to buy them, but going to give it a shot. I have three different colors available in cotton yarn. Solid medium pink, solid light pink, or a variegated pink and white. Here are pictures. If you know anyone interested, have them contact me at tonya.aldridge@gmail.com

Tomorrow is my second posted training walk, so far no one has RSVP for it. I will show up of course, but not looking promising for group participation here. At least I will have some fun tomorrow night, bowling with my teammate for JA. I can't wait :) Just what I need after a LONG day at work.

Good night for now

Frustrated and need a kick in the pants

These past few days have been pretty intense with the Fibromyalgia. I am off work today because I couldn't straighten my back out, and was getting nauseated from pain. I broke down and took a pain pill, it isn't working. Thankfully I start physical theraphy on Friday, working in the pool. I will let you know how that goes. This condition is ticking me off....when you are used to being active and could do all sorts of things with no problems, and then you can't. Like writing or wearing a watch, who knew they could cause pain. That is just crazy!!

Tomorrow is back to training, regardless of what is going on with my health. I can walk 6-8 miles comfortably but need to up it. I so want to do this walk, for my friends and for myself. Who knew it would be even more significant when I signed up. My prayers are with Jeanette today, more than usual. She started her treatments. Please pray for her and her family.

Great walk

Yesterday I was to walk with my teammate and another participant of the 3 day event. I showed up at the alloted time, and coudn't find either one. So I walked on my own. It was a humid 90 degrees, but the breeze and scenery were excellent. I went to Big Springs Park here in Huntsville. They do fun things like "A Movie in the Park" or summer concerts. The Art Museum and some other cool things are there as well. I can't wait to go back, with or without my teammates for the event. I did about 4 miles last night, tonight should be better. I donated blood yesterday, so that slowed me up a bit.

My friends had their ports/shunts installed, with one lady having her lymph nodes removed. She went to the doctor knowing she was getting the port/shunt but not expecting the lymph nodes removal. This guy seems kind of surgery happy and I have tried to convince her to go for another opinion. It is easy for me to say, she must be overwhelmed with the news and not want to make further decisions. Soon she will start chemo/radiation and then have one breast removed. The other friend had a lumpectomy and the port/shunt installed. Scary stuff this is.......

Good day

Last night was rough with pain, so much so that I could  not sleep and nothing was working. I finally got to sleep, went to work and then home again. I am feeling human again, with energy and minimal discomfort. It has been so long since a good day like this that I don't know what to do :) Lets hope this continues, as tomorrow is a 5 or 6 miler.

The pup is crashed out on the couch. He had a playmate at doggy day care, another Shepard. They played themselves out. I will have some pictures up soon of their play time. It was great, next best thing is seeing him at work out in the woods and wanting to track. The scary thing he did tonight was accidentally swallow a racquetball.  Nothing like doing the Heimlich on a dog, and having a slimy ball come flying out. I don't know how some people get through raising small children or big pets that can get into all sorts of mischief.

I am off to bed, I made some struesel baked french toast for a breakfast at work tomorrow. I LOVE to bake and cook. Everyone should know about allrecipes.com. When you are single like me it is great because you can scale the recipes to the servings you need.

Incredibly Nice

Sorry I haven't written much, I have been busy packing and shipping books. I have already sold 13 books in a day and a half. The mailman is my new best friend. I had the most amazing thing happen. Over the weekend another lady participating in the 3 day contacted me to walk with her, and we actually spoke for the first time tonight. Keep in mind that we have not met face to face, and after talking to me she went onto the site and donated $150. That is so amazing.....there are still good people out there and that is so great to see and know but I didn't expect it to to be something direct through me (normally it is someone else). I am not finally over the 500 mark of the 2200 I have to raise. 76 days to go....Keep me in your prayers....this weekend I am going to try hitting up a bunch of businesses and see if they donate prizes or something, or money for that matter. Wish me luck!!! Other than that, trying to stay sane at work and deal with personality conflicts. 

back from MA

I was out of town for work. It was good, and MA was much cooler than AL. I walked a cemetery that had people buried in the 1790s. That is just amazing to me. I would love to go back and travel to the historical sites when not on a timeline. I think we are always on a timeline however.

It is good to be home, and the pup is really happy now. You won't believe this but someone stole my outside lightbulb while away. How crazy/ignorant is that? I will be back in the training mode this week. The doctors have doubled my Fibromyalgia medicine, and trying me on some sleeping and pain pills. I hope to not have to take them, as I don't want to be drowsy all the time.

Fund raising is hard right now, no one has anything extra to share with gas prices. I have started knitting some dishcloths and will sell them at work or online. They are pretty cool, cotton and has the ribbon pattern knitted in to the washcloth. Tonight I posted a bunch of books on Amazon to sell. Hopefully I can get some takers, clear my bookshelf and put everything toward the fundraising goal. October 24-26 will be here before I know it.

At a loss for ideas

My pup is finally better, and I am battling pain yesterday and today. It is funny how we take the little things for granted.  Not being able to open a jar, type, or write because your hands aren't working is frustrating to say the least. I am going out of town and scrambling to get things in order. The pup is patiently waiting for our long walk/hike. I am sure he will change his mind with the 95 degree heat.  

Anyways, as for progress with the event and training I have been calling local restaraunts to see if they will donate or sponsor something to raise funds. I have had luck with Nothing but Noodles. They are one of my favorites, and I was happy to hear that they are generous and helpful. I will keep plugging away at the fundraising aspect. The training is fine, Rommel and I will go walk as far as we can today. He normally wears out before me, because he has all that extra fur to heat him up. This was him the other day after he took all that medicine. 

Hopefully someone will read this :)

Scary night

I ended up leaving work early because I thought I was having a low blood sugar moment and was going to pass out. I did everything you are supposed to and still didn't feel any better, so I came home to just lay down and wait it out. Today was supposed to be my follow up with the doc, but that didn't happen because my German Shepard got into my bottle of Lyrica and ate most of them. You have to keep in mind, he loves opening bottles of any type and thinks medicines all taste good (because his do evidently). My doctors appointment is canceled so I can monitor the dog. THANKFULLY there is a pet poison control center that you can call, staffed by vets and they tell you what to do. There is a little bit of a fee for it, but it is worth it. My dog, Rommel is resting finally. He is staggering around like a drunk and agitated. Not the best thing to happen to a 16 month old puppy, but thankfully he is big and healthy. Has anyone else ever had this experience with their pet?

I will keep you posted on how he recovers from this. Employers allow you to take sick days for your family members being sick, they need that for pets as well. What do you think? Anyways, will get some training in tonight or first thing in the morning. Yesterday was my off day.

First attempts

My friend Jaime suggested I start a blog.....so here I am. This October I will walk an average of 20 miles per day for 3 days to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. My co-workers think I am crazy, shoot even strangers think it crazy. The only people who don't think it insane are other walkers, past and present and their family and friends. I managed to find one other person in the area (Huntsville, AL) to make a team. Now we have to raise this crazy amount, of which I am worried I won't be able to....$2200. That is more scarey than walking 60 miles. 

I am determined to do this though, I have friends past and present with breast cancer. My co-worker has just started her journey and with prayers and medicine hopefully she can beat the odds. On another level, I need to do this walk because I was just diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. If anyone knows anything about it, or someone with it who could offer suggestions I would so greatly appreciate it. I am a very active person, or I was....until I started feeling like I was 90 years old and my bones and muscles hurting to the point of tears. The medicine Lyrica seems to work and I have been able to resume my training. I walked 7 miles today in 2 hours. I will let you know how I feel tomorrow or if I am walking like Frankenstein :)

If anyone reads this, please let me know what type of information you would like to see on the site or if you have your experiences from a 3 day walk with the 3 day organization or with Fibromyalgia.

Until next time