Busy busy zoom zoom zoom

I am a momma (basketball momma), a wife, a sister, an employee, a 3day walker, a friend and now also a student. I am a busy lady with many plates spinning at one time. Some of my plates are seasonal some are year round. Keeping it all balanced lately has been a challenge especially when one plate needs more attention then what it usually gets like work. I'm blessed to have this incredible sweet man in my life that I adore and love with all my heart. He's my support and my rock. Love you honey. I've put some pictures here for you to see who my treasures are. :-)





Life has been so busy lately.. working 50-60 plus hours a week, keeping up with our teenage girls, working on my wine tasting fund raiser, making sure I'm getting all my school assignments in, making sure everyone is getting enough attention. Finally it dawned on me that I hadn't been training like I should be for the 3day walk so I started walking again.. I thought I was going to die trying to keep up with my parents the other day. So now I'm sore and hobbling around. But I know that soon I'll be getting back into the swing of this again and the soreness will be a thing of the past.

But when I think about all I'm doing and what's going on, I'm living my dream. I'm married to an incredible man. Blessed with two beautiful healthy precious girls. I love my job. I'm so blessed to be healthy enough to be able to walk for miles. I am getting to go to school and have the most incredible understanding professor. Dr. MJ is awesome. She has a class which has quite a few students that haven't been to school in years and years and she gets the challenge of getting us ready for the rest of our classes. To me, she's helping me make my dream come true of graduating from a real university.

Today is my first full weekend off in like forever.. and it's been so nice. Today we walked around Costco's eating the samples looking at all the things that we would love to have. Hey I only need about 10 grand. But I was thinking about stuff as I was trying Kirkland Green Tea..that I am so blessed. I've living my dream. My family is healthy, we are all together. I'm making progress towards my goals. It might not be as fast as some or as early as some. I just need to keep on keeping on and be patient. Both of which I am horrible with but I am making it a point to stay focused.

But when you find yourself busy busy busy.. there are things that you need to remember especially if you have many demands in your life. One thing you need to start off with is your mission statement for you? From there you can make your goals. What are some of your goals? What are your dreams? Your mission statement is something that is short n sweet. Something you can look at when you're feeling frustrated or feeling like you're getting no where.

I'll share mine with you.. since I see you're over there scratching your head trying to figure yours out.

"To be healthy and fit so I can enjoy time spent with my family and enjoy life’s moments being grounded in Christ. To enjoy and embrace learning while attending school, remembering that this is a dream in process coming true. I want to be a positive influence at my workplace and someone who’s always learning, excited to take on daily challenges and be able to provide a productive, fun environment for employees to look forward to coming to."

So get out a piece of paper and write down your very own mission statement. Once you get your mission statement done, you are actually making progress to your dreams in your life.

If you are working towards your dream or living life and life has you hopping all over.. you need to remember a few things.

One- this is the most important. Even when life is going crazy busy remember Jesus in all that you do. Talk to Him, spend time with Him. He will give you the strength to balance the things in your life that you are.

Two- Keep it simple. When I'm going full speed ahead with a zillion projects when I start feeling over whelmed, I step back. I look at everything going on in my life and I look to see what's going on. Sometimes we've put something on us or committed to something that's just too much.

Three- Learn to say NO. Repeat after me.. "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO". Now I'm not saying to say no to every little thing that your kids or husband ask you to do. But you know what I mean. Don't say yes to something that you know you're going to later regret. Remember NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.

Four- and make sure you make time for you. Do something even if it's small for yourself. Like I steal my sister and get a pedicure or go to dinner with parents after I walk. Take a bubble bath, go for a walk. Just something simple that gives you joy.

Five- "The night before rule"- Stay away from time killers. Little things add up when you're trying to make good use of your time. Things like set your coffee pot "the night before". Make lunches "the night before", know what you're going to wear "the night before. Shower, "the night before".

Six- Don't sweat the small stuff and keep your expectations realistic. No, you can't do a marathon if you only have two weeks to train. That's not realistic. Same goes with life, if you are working, or a homeschooling, or doing whatever you're doing- keep your expectations on anything other outside events/activities realistic. Don't be hard on your self if you can't be all to everyone.

Well, speaking of wise time spending... I wish there was a way to save time while putting on mascara. Have you ever noticed how much time that can take at times.

So what's your mission statement? I'd love to hear yours.


Until next time... you can make that dream come true.

Love,

A Taste for a Cure..

Hello my incredible friends,

Wow!! Has the summer zoomed by or what?!? I need you to go mark your calendar because we have some fun planned for you!

The Sole Sisters have a fun event for you all to come to.... we are having our 2nd Annual Sole Sisters "Taste for a cure" on September 12th from 2 PM to 6 PM at Scottsdale WineStyles. Last year we had an absolute blast!

This year we are offering 7 wines and appetizers for the low cover charge of $25.00 a person. You'll hear the stories of the wine makers and how they make their wines. We will be having raffle drawings and maybe some silent auctions. So bring your wallet.

Like any great party, we'd love to meet your friends.. so invite them to come and join in the fun. Every penny made at this goes towards the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Arizona 3day Walk.

If you find you can't attend, please feel free to donate online to be in "spirit" of the event

Scottsdale WineStyles address is:
14148 N. 100th Street
Scottsdale, Arizona

I can't wait to see you all!! It's going to be fun...

Love,
Deb


PS... if you have a business that would like to donate towards our raffles/silent auctions there's still time. Email me snister1@gmail.com

May I have a moment?

Wow!! Time has zoomed by since I last chatted with you. Life has been crazy busy between girls and their basketball, work and now school. Yep that’s right I’m now officially a college student. And let me tell you getting those wheels to start moving after this many years has been an adventure. And boy oh boy have things changed since I was last in school.

I have an awesome incredible life and I have my health. It’s such a blessing and something to never take for granted. There are so many around who don’t. Like my ladies that I’ve walked for.

This year the economy is horrible which has made getting donations challenging. Last year at this time I had already reached the minimum I needed to do the walk. This year I’m no where near. I keep pushing on because even though circumstances are tough. I still need to keep walking, and fighting. Cancer doesn’t stop so we can’t either. So many women and their families have suffered and now is not the time for us to quit. So I decided today to talk to you and rally you my awesome troop.

In less then 97 days is the Susan G. Komen 3day Walk in Arizona. I want to be out there with the other walker on the course walking to make a difference. For those who’ve donated thank you so much. You’re helping me get there and are making a difference. .

I have a few ways that you can support me so I can.

1. Go to my page and make a donation. Its quick it’s easy and it makes a difference. http://www.the3day.org/goto/deb09

2. Are you a business owner or have a cottage industry? Then I need you! On Sept. 12th we’re having our 2nd annual wine tasting and we’re looking to have a silent auction and raffle. We’re looking for businesses to donate gift certificates, baskets of goodies, merchandise, event tickets, or even services that we can use for this.

3. And finally... How about coming to the Sole Sisters 2nd annual “Taste for a Cure” on September 12th from 2 PM to 6 PM. Cover charge is $25 to sample 7 wines and appetizers. Along with some fun raffle/silent auction goodies. So bring your wallet! Last year we had a great time. It’s going to be Scottsdale Winestyles at 14148 N. 100th Street in Scottsdale. Invite your friends to come too. See you all there.

When I think of my ladies that I’ve walked for in my past walks; I think about how much they were treasured by their families, the lives they led, how much they suffered along with their families. I remember the stories I was told about them and they warm my heart. I want to be out on that 3day course telling their stories, showing their pictures and celebrating their lives. So please think about it and see what you can do. Thank you for your support

With much love,






http://www.the3day.org/goto/deb09

It's not too late..

Hello everybody!

Well actually we need your stuff.. then we need you. :-) Our very first breast cancer fund raiser is right around the corner. I know some of you said you had stuff you don't want any more and were going to drop it off.. I just wanted to tel you there's still time!! On Friday you can drop the stuff off at Heritage Lutheran church. Church is located on Gilbert Rd and Ray. The official address is 821 E. Ray Road. We will be there on Friday to pick up your stuff..

If that doesn't work for you we have another place that's available pretty much anytime. Our 6th time 3 day walker Laura has offered her garage for us to use. She lives at 4007 E. Hiddenview Dr, Phx, 85048. This is on 40th street between Pecos and Chandler Blvd. Just text or call Laura at 602-228-6582

And finally #3- if you have stuff and need a pick up service let us know! We can do that too. Please let me know and I'll arrange that for you! Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to clean out your storage room while fighting a huge cause.

Remember also that the 1st annual "Sole Sisters Stuff Sale" is THIS Saturday starting at 5:30 AM... Every penny goes to help us raise our minimum so we can participate in the 3 day walk.

And for those of you that have donated and dropped goodies for us to sell.. thank you so much. We love you!!

Remember proceeds all benefit the Arizona Breast Cancer 3 day walk and the Susan G. Komen foundation

Thank you so much!! See you Saturday!!!

Love,
Your Az Sole Sisters
Deb, Laura and Diane

Sole Sisters "Stuff" Sale

Are you my hero?

Dear family, friends and fans,

As you all know I've been given an great opportunity to raise money to go towards my fund raising goal for the Breast Cancer 3 day walk. I'm needing 6 people on Friday May 8th from 11 to 6ish-7 then 5-6 people on Saturday May 9th from 6 AM to noon. I've gotten a couple of volunteers but need a few more for both days. One of the girls on my team now can't participate so I'm needing more bodies for these two days..

On bended knee I'm asking... can any of you come and help me on these days and be my hero? It's super easy work and the money made goes to a very very important cause.

Please let me know..

Love,
Debs

Click here to visit my personal page.

Hello Arizona...

Hello my incredible friends, family, fans...

As you all know the Breast Cancer 3 day walk is near n dear to my heart. In order for me to walk in this I have to raise $2300. There are so many ways you can help me reach my goal and I'm here today to tell you of some opportunities I have.

On Friday, May 8th from 9:00 to 4:30 PM at Tempe Town Lake- We can work registration for a triathlon called SheROX. It's really super duper easy work- People come up, give us their last names then we give people their racing packets and off they go. Seriously... Just that easy. No fuss no muss.

Then wait!! Yes there's more!! On Saturday, May 9th from 6 AM to 8 AM the day of the SheROX triathlon we can do body marking (writing race numbers on the participants) then from 8 to 12 PM to racing chip removal and point to where the food is.

That's it! Red Rock Co. will then cut a check to the Arizona Breast Cancer 3 day walk in my name so this will count towards my donation goal. I need only 5-6 people. I need some incredible awesome people who can take a little time out of their day to help me make this happen.

Can I count on you?

Love,
Debs

Click here to visit my personal page.

Three....

Three Names I go by:
1.Debs
2. Momma
3. Babe

Three Jobs I have had in my life:
1. Worked at McDonalds
2. Cashier/Trainer at Bashas
3. Mayor in Panama

Three Places I have Lived:
1. Scottsdale, Arizona
2. Republic of Panama
3. Phoenix

Three TV Shows that I watch:
1. Heroes
2. American Idol
3. Extreme Home Makeover

Three places I have been:
1. California
2. Michigan
3. El Valle, Panama

Three people that e-mail me regularly:
1. Boss
2. Penny
3. Patti

Three of my favorite foods:
1. Sister Rachel’s spinach salad and salsa and potato salad
2. Dooby’s chicken Schwarma
3. Anything from Riga Tonys


Three friends I think will repost:
1. Rachel
2. Linda
3. Shayna

Three things I am looking forward to:
1. Gabby’s surgery being over
2. Kiersten getting her special time with her 8th grade graduation
3. Walking the Breast Cancer 3 day again. It touches my heart every time


Love you!!

The Law of the Garbage Truck

I want to ask you this...

How often do you let other people’s nonsense change your mood? Do you let a bad driver, rude waiter, curt boss, or an insensitive employee ruin your day? Unless you’re the Terminator, for an instant you’re probably set back on your heels. However, the mark of a successful person is how quickly that person can get back their focus on what’s important.

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us!, My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really friendly.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital! This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of the Garbage Truck."

He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you.

Today as I was reading this I started thinking... Wow!! What really got me thinking about how often do I let Garbage Trucks run right over me? AND, how often do I then take their garbage and spread it onto other people: at work, at home, on the streets? Today I resolved, "I'm not going to do it anymore."

Today I've started to see Garbage Trucks everywhere. Just like the kid in the Sixth Sense movie said, "I see dead people," I can now say, "I see Garbage Trucks." :) I see the load they're carrying ... I see them coming to drop it off. And like the Taxi Driver, I don't make it a personal thing; I just smile, wave, wish them well, and I move on.

So remember...Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Repeat after me Smile, wave, and move on... Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so... Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a blessed, garbage-free day!

Love you!!

Just Three Things...

I had to take a deep breath, and try to slow down my brain. It’s been racing and trying to process this. I’m not one that’s usually at a loss for words. But last night I received a text that brought me to my knees. It was from Noelle, her breast cancer had spread this was the news I didn't want to hear.

If you want to read more about my Noelle and how's she doing go and check out her blog here http://noellemonteith.blogspot.com/ The moment I heard the news I knew in my heart my job for isn’t finished. Here’s a few things that we need to be doing.

1. Pray pray pray and pray some more for Noelle. I think it’s time for some good news to come her way.

2. Her shoes- well its time for them to hit the road again. Who wants to have them come and visit? They have been such a source of blessing as well as educating and bringing breast cancer awareness. They’ve gone to so many places. I’m working on a photo album for Noelle and there’s a journal too.

3. I had originally signed up to crew this year for the Breast Cancer 3 day. I really thought I had put in my time. Well scratch that Noelle’s shoes and I are walking again. I’m going to be walking, and sharing her story. I can only do this if you can help me. http://www.the3day.org/goto/deb09


I would really love it if I didn’t have to do a zillion fund raisers so that I can focus on visiting our lady and training. Or if I did fund raise it’s would be to help Noelle with her medical bills. But you all know me… I will if I have to.

So remember three things… pray, sightsee, and give.

Love you… thank you.

Debs

25....

1. I actually tried to set up my now husband with my sister. She told me that he was more my type then hers. Been married to that man now for over 19 years

2. I am the first born of 6... and I take my role very seriously so don’t mess with my sibs
I’m a PK and very proud of it

3. Finished high school at 15 however went for another semester the following year so I would graduate at 16

4. My first official job I worked as a janitor for our church when I was 14 then worked at McDonalds

5. My life motto is “Spontaneity has it’s time and place”

6. Working on #6.. This is going take a lifetime. LOL

7. I ran for office and was a Mayor a community named Cocolli for almost 5 years while my husband was stationed in Panama

8. One of the biggest miracles in my life was living in Panama without a home while finishing up our girls adoptions and immigration for almost 18 months. We moved 14 times in a year and a half. To this day the girls thought we were on “vacation”

9 Coming down the termack with our 2 girls was one of my proudest moments. John McCain and KTVK Channel 3 helped make that happen. http://bit.ly/x752

10. Love flip flops

11. Hate clutter. I tend to get over whelmed if there’s a lot of it

12. Hate gum cracking. I can hear it a mile away and will do what I can to get away from it.

13. Loathes cracking of knuckles or any body parts

14. Love to fund raise

15. Excel spreadsheets make me happy

16. I love making lists and crossing stuff off them

17. My best friends outside of my husband are my siblings and mom

18. I still go on dates with my dad and love them.

19. Love to text, Twitter and everything in between

20. I am very much a “fix it” person. If there’s a will there’s a way. I hate the word NO.

21. Hate naps. Would rather walk around tired then take a nap. Yuck!

22. Love college sports. Love the Cardinals. Really love ASU Sun Devils and adore women’s basketball.

23. Have walked in the Arizona Breast Cancer 3 day walk twice. Signed up for my 3rd in 2009 http://www.the3day.org/goto/deb09

24. I love the first couple “Home Alone” movies. I laugh and laugh everytime I see Daniel Stern’s character getting hurt. My husband says I like seeing men in pain. :-)

25. I love Eeyore.. I love him so much I have a tattoo of him.


Now that I've told you about me.. I want to get to know you. Tell me about yourself. :-)

In The Middle

Being in the“Middle”

I watched a video today and the ending of it just kinda stuck to me. Being in that middle place in life. It’s a stage in life I think if not I just made it one.. Like as in the middle of a sandwich in some ways. At times life has you going every which way or where you stop catch your breath and have some wiggle room.

I remember the day when we brought home each of our girls. I remember how tiny and small they were. I use to worry about remembering their immunizations or when to start feeding them. Was it fruit or vegetables? Which was first? I remember worrying about things like diaper rash and teething. It use to be when my girls were babies I felt like I was needed around the clock. Diaper changings, and feedings… and with them being only 11 months apart it seemed to be a lot of each. One never took naps and the other had colic.




























I thought at times I was going to die from the lack of sleep. I would remind myself that I use to work and go to school that I surely could handle these two. I use to take pictures and write the stuff they did on calendars so I wouldn’t forget anything.

Soon they became toddlers still needing me but also still wanting to learn on their own how to do things. “Mommy, I do it” I would have to remind myself that they did have to learn and to give them some space. It was a gentle tap on my shoulder of things to come.



Then I blinked… I knew it was coming but I wasn’t expecting it to be so soon.. Now, my two babies are teenagers. GULP!! They have that word “teen” behind the number. How quickly the time has gone. They are fourteen and fifteen years old. They now can do pretty much everything for themselves. I am the homework checker, basketball momma, a chauffer, the cook, a counselor, the MySpace police, texting mom, monitoring YouTube, and being the provider of chocolate or Starbucks, to being professional going to the mall momma. Still at times needed to do the momma fixing and tending to things, then it flips back to “Mom, I can do that” where I sit back and watch. Watching to see if they can do that then sorta mark it off my life list of things they need to learn.

Now I’m in my 40’s soon hitting my 50s. I’m really looking forward to turning 50 for some strange reason. I now find that I fill some of my time doing things that I never had time to do before. Training for half marathons or walks, going to the gym, fund raising for the Booster club of their basketball team, walking for the Breast Cancer 3 day. I’m finding I have time to do some things then there are still those times where being a momma gets to take front seat. I find myself going from being their only company to going and giving support by getting involved in their worlds to be a part of their world.

I’m hearing words like college, scholarships, traveling the world, futures and jobs. I hear their dreams of what they want life to be for them. I now am realizing that the sand in the hourglass is running low and that there’s still so much that I need to teach them and make sure they know how to do. Driving, cooking more, getting stains out of laundry, how to fish, do taxes, just those “life” things, to also make sure they know how important every person is in our lives, to resolve issues with people and speak truth and life into those we are around. Our job is now to help them reach those dreams. At times I’ve caught my girls doing something and when I asked how did they know how to do that they tell me “by watching you mom” so I guess some things I see myself moving from parent to counselor. Guiding them come up with the right choice. Just being there to listen. Less seems to be more when it comes to teens.


So now I’m in that middle place- that place where I’m re-learning about me while being there for them. It’s almost like when they were learning to walk. Remember when you stood behind ready to catch them while guiding them. That’s how life is with teens in a lot of ways.

This year for me, my goals are simple: to be more “in” the moment. To laugh more, learn to be more spontaneous, to do something to help others, take time to take care of me so that I stay healthy and strong. Instead of making a bucket list I want to make a life list and do all those things NOW and not wait. I want to stay focused on Christ and be a blessing to those around me. I am going to have an awesome incredible 2009.

So for you… what’s something you are going to do in 2009?

Love,
Debs

PS. Here's that video I was talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q

It Started With....

It all began with a pair of shoes….



This year wasn’t my turn to do the Arizona Breast Cancer 3 day walk. It was Nono’s. The shoes were the ones who needed to get out and tell her story. My job was simple- to walk with my Noelle’s shoes and make them a part of our walk. Day 1 was perfect. I had been asked by the 3 day people to carry the Best Friends flag *with* Noelle’s shoes. They had heard of them and wanted her and them to be a part of opening day.






My girls, the Arizona Sole Sisters decided to talk turns walking with the shoes. Noelle was our virtual partner thru her shoes. While I was walking with them across my shoulder people asked why I had a 2nd pair of shoes. I then was able to point to my Noelle on my shirt and let them know they were hers and from there I would tell them about her and the ladies on my shirt. It was really sweet seeing some of my girls walking with the shoes.. Because in the beginning they didn’t know Noelle really but as they walked with her shoes they started bonding with them. Towards the end we were all almost fighting over them. They truly became part of us.




Waiting for the porta potty


Playing with us at a Pit Stop


At another Pit Stop called Hunting for a Cure


Hanging out with Johnny Depp and us. Tric has the shoes here


I talked about Noelle and her where she was in her treatments and her fear of bugs. People would smile and laugh. The bugs are a story I’ll have to share with you sometime. I would walk and talk about all the ladies you sent me pictures of. I told of Terry who taught Shayna to type, to Cyndee and dimples and blogs, and about Dave's incredible wife Ann who also is walking in the 3 day, to our Mary my aunt’s momma to Tammy’s Aunt Crayon to Stephanie’s friend Linda and all the ladies in my both of my brother in law’s family. This year the number of women on my shirt doubled from last year. So much sickness so many more reasons to walk. I walked and talked about every one of the ladies on my shirt to celebrate and honor these women's lives.

The course each day was different and offered many challenges. Day 1 is always easy for some reason. I think because we’re all so excited to be there and are all happy. Day 2 is called Denial Day. Many more miles, a lot more hills and valleys just like someone that’s been diagnosed with breast cancer. Day 2 you feel like will never end. Day 3 you’re semi excited again but now you are sore, or have blisters or both.



This is my friend Susan. I’ve known her since like 5th grade. I swear she always looks better then me. LOL I love her so much. Sue works in crew for the 3 day. She drives a Harley sweep van.




We heart the “Mister” Man… because boy oh boy was it ever hot. He followed us around with his misting truck.. ahhhhhhhh that felt wonderful.




I have to tell you- I’m so proud of my girls. They trained thru the heat of summer, cooperated with me when we had fund raisers to do. They rarely grumbled or mumbled. One of our ladies is a breast cancer survivor her name is Randi. Randi got to carry Noelle’s shoes into the survivors circle for us. The moment we all saw her all of us bawled. We knew our mission was complete.




I did phenomenally well this year in regards to blisters and chaffing. Mike H mailed me some toe socks. Between the socks, the Body Glide along with Blister powder I only got 3 blisters. I mean I did so well I got a pedicure a couple days after the walk. For me that was victory. This year’s 3 day walk was so much fun for me… running into old friends, giving and getting lots of hugs and telling the stories about the ladies on my shirt.


I have so many people to thank it’s hard to know where to begin. My mom- such a trooper such an encourager. She went to everything we did and even did the training walks until we were hitting big numbers. During the summer she was up early and took charge when we started slowing down due the heat. My husband and my girls- holding down the fort while I was out walking or fund raising or emailing or ……my brother in law Bobby for making our brochures and flyers, to my sisters- Amy who helped with my fund raisers, Bec who got Pat Summit from University of Tennessee women’s basketball team to not only sign a basketball but also a shirt for me. People were amazed I had a shirt signed by Pat Summit. My little sister Rachel for all her texts and just words of encouragement to Red Rock who have me so many opportunities to earn money and to all my aid stations, packet stuffer ladies and Patti my Goo girl. You are amazing.

I know I wouldn’t of been able to do it without your support. During the walk so many of you were texting and being such encouragers. You made a difference.

And to my girls- you did it. You conquered those 60 miles. We had some rough times, and some funny times but the most wonderful thing is we truly became a team and became friends for life. The first Saturday after the walk I was sad that we didn’t have a walk to do. I miss you and love you all very much. I have so many happy memories of you.




One other incredible thing… Noelle our lady of honor made it to the closing ceremony. And SAW her shoes up in the survivors circle. And thru some miracle bumped into Randi the two had never met before. They hugged and cried together. Our dream is that one day Noelle will walk with us and carry someone else’s shoes. We want to hear that Noelle meets “Ned” No evidence of disease. I'd love for you to go meet Jen. If anyone can get anyone to lace up their shoes and walk it's her. Please check her out.



So my question is.. Who’s signed up for 2009?

Love you,

Debs

Gettin' to be about that time..

Ok, I'm sitting down holding still for a couple of minutes so I thought I'd drop you all a line and let you know I'm still alive.. life is really rolling pretty fast at the moment. Girls with basketball, husband with new job, me working overtime, training and fund raising. We are busy bees!

27 Days!! Can you believe that?!? 27 days until I hit the 3 day road with Noelle's shoes. We're going to have a great time walking n talking, posing and taking pictures. Well... I'll be doing that while NoNo's shoes are resting comfortably on my shoulder. It's going to be a blast. I can't wait to see everyone. Right now Nono's shoes are vacation in San Francisco. They went and checked out Alcatraz.

First let me start by saying thank you!! Thank you for all of your support, your encouragement, your donations, for the kind words and everything you've done to help me with this. To my girls who walk with me on the weekends... you rock!! From events to those of you who attended the fund raisers and spent money to those of you who've helped me from doing triathlon aid stations to stuffing packets... it's happening because of all of you. You are making this happen. I'm so touched by you all and thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Training is going great... I have an incredible group of ladies that keep me company every weekend. I love them so much.

Still training at "My Lake"



Yes- you have to do 14 miles!



Sorry Randi-



Frown Marianne Frown0 (resident Muffin Momma)



Look you made it halfway!! (we stopped a truck driving by to take our picture) LOL



You're suppose to be stretching!!



Hussle ladies!!



Ta Da!! Done!! And still friends. LOL



Speaking of the 3 day- did you know that YOU can be part of my "Support Squad"? Did you know that you can write me letters or be at the Opening Ceremony or be at one or all the cheering sections or come to the Closing Ceremony?

If you'd like to send a letter to me at the 3 day camp just mail your letter to: Breast Cancer 3-Day Camp Post Office
ATTN: Debbie Evans
Box 409
2040 S. Alma School Road, Suite 1
Chandler, AZ 85286-0987

**Your letter needs to be postmarked by November 4th**

Our Opening ceremony will be at Freestone Park in Gilbert Arizona early early early Friday morning. The cheering section locations I'll know about a couple weeks before the 3day walk. Those are such motivating and encouraging for us the walkers. It reminds us all of why we're doing what we're doing. Try to be at one if you can. Our closing ceremony is going to be at the Scottsdale Stadium on Sunday at 4:30 PM. It's such a moving and touching ceremony. I'd encourage you all to attend one if you ever get a chance.

I still have 2 more opportunities to earn more money to go towards my goal and to help the Breast Cancer 3 day.

1. Stuffing packets for the Soma Triathlon. The packets will contain registration information for each of the runners. We're doing this on Thursday the 23rd starting around 4:30-5:00 at the Red Rock office. It's a couple of hours of work that makes a really good chunk of money that will go towards the 3 Day.

2. The Soma triathlon- I am running an aid station. Need people to help pass out drinks, Gu, and cheer the runners on. It's really a blast and a win win for everyone. We encourage the runners, the runners get happy and come back then Red Rock loves us and pays our charity for our time. We not only are doing something positive for someone else we are also helping find a cure for breast cancer. The Soma takes place next Sunday at Tempe Town Lake at 6:30 AM. This is a half ironman. So the more the merrier.


Don't forget that time is clicking.. so if you said you were going to donate - now would be a great time to zip over to page and do so. And if you have already thank you thank you!! I'm getting closer to my goal of $4400.00. Nono's shoes are almost half way paid for. http://www.the3day.org/goto/DebEvans

I love you all. Thank you for being here for me..

Step by Step,

Debs

The "Ta-Do" List

Hello my friends, fans and family, :-))

I have some awesome news!! Did you hear the latest!?!?! THIS Saturday is going to be fantastic!!! I am so excited !!

We're having a fund raiser called a "Shop for a cure" expo where venders come and sell their goods while proceeds will go to help Noelle with her medical bills and help us get closer to our goal for the 3 day. We'll also be having a raffle drawing going on at the same time. Great for your upcoming tax time too. :-)

Check out who's coming: Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Silpada, Christmas stockings, Tomboy tools, Gold Canyon Candles, Longaberger, Creative Memories, Dove Chocolates, Avon, Cookie Lee, Estee Lauder/Clinique, Andrea's Wreaths, Jewelry by Noelle, Arbonne, Santa letters, Nichole's flip flops, AzBarbeque and Maui Wowi!

Lots of food, fun and shopping for everyone. And all going for a great cause while getting ready for the holidays.

"Shop for a cure" is going to be held at the Dobson ranch clubhouse the one called The Grande Room on September 27th from 6 PM to 9 PM.

Where- La Casita Community Center in Dobson Ranch

2719 E. Reyes Rd

Mesa, Arizona 85202

Located off of Guadalupe Road just west of Alma School.

***Now one final request*****

Please take this bulletin and the flyer and PASS it on to everyone you know!! Let's help Noelle knock out these medical bills and help kick breast cancer out of our lives!!

Oh and if you can't come please feel free to use the link below. In less then 52 days we'll be on our way to walking our 60 miles. Time is flying!!

Love you!!

Debs

Support me as I walk 60 miles to find a cure for breast cancer.
http://08.the3day.org/goto/DebEvans

Sighhhhhhhhhhhhh

Well today was a huge day in my girls lives especially my big one. Gosh I wish time would slow down some. I remember when they were little and the big deal was going to the park. Now today my big one started high school. I thought she'd be nervous but instead she was excited. I thought she'd want someone to be with her at orientation instead she already had figured out the school map and her combination to her locker. I remember the days of blowing bubbles and playing chase. Now it's basketball scrimmages and geometry.

The girls love their new schools... both of them do. I was worried that one or the other would have a hard day or feel alone. But they both found their old friends and formed their own posseys. Kiersten even found old friends from her first school. She actually is thrilled to be at this new school. Both so independent and brave. I know when I was younger I did NOT like changing schools. I am so proud of them and how they were able to so quickly adjust to this whole new adventure.

But today I wish I had some time bottled up when they were little. I miss those days today. I miss them being little and being able to put them both on my lap. It use to be we watched Barney.. now it's football and basketball. I just would like the time to slow down. I feel like I have an hour glass and the sand is quickly draining out. Some many things go thru my mind of things I still need to teach them.. things like checkbooks, and more cooking, or how to take stains out of laundry, stuff that we don't think about.. life stuff. Also right now to them the world is this great big wonderful place. And while they are growing bigger, it's starting to get harder for me to block the shots that the world can throw at them. I'm just beginning to realize that I still have alot to teach them.

Time needs to slow down.

Three Ways to be more productive

I generally think of myself as an extremely productive and difficult-to-distract person, but I’ve recently realized that I’m kidding myself. Sure, I get stuff done, but I procrastinate, waste time, and get distracted often. For all the complaining I do about needing more time in a day I should start by creating more time in a day by wasting less of it. I need to be able to fit 80 hours of life into a 40 hour week!

So here are the three specific things I’ve come up with to be more productive this week — I promise to report back next weekend and let you know how I did:

1. De-activate my “new mail” notifier. Checking email is my biggest time-waster at work, by a long shot. I justify it by thinking that since I work in medical field that does everything online and since most of the people I work with are in different locations, email is essential to my success in getting my job done. All that is true, but it doesn’t mean that I should always keep my email windows open and check new messages as soon as they come in, replying to many that don’t need an ASAP reply. I’ve tried simply limiting the number of times I check email and just closing my email programs, but that didn’t go far enough. So this week I am turning off all of my new email notifications. (Really, I am. Really.)

2. Set defined no-work time zones. One of the biggest downsides of being a super busy person is that I work on things when I get home too thus I can work all the time on something. Outside the few hours a day that I spend being a mommy, a wife I am usually attached to my computer, or my Blackberry working on something for someone somewhere. Some of this is necessary — but some of this is not. Knowing that I can do some of my stuff at sometimes makes me less disciplined during the day. I complain about not having enough time, but I think I might have too much time to work. This week I am setting specific start and end times to my work days, every day. (Yes, my dear husband, this means that I might actually look at you when we talk rather than nod in half-understanding as I type away.)

3. Start the day by getting 3 annoying things from my to-do list done. I think being productive has a lot to do with feeling productive. I know when I get something done that I’m dreading, I feel completely awesome and energized. So this week I am going to tap into my inner Energizer Bunny every morning and start the day by removing the dreaded, the time-consuming, the this-is-worse-than-the-dentist stuff from my to-do list. You know what a great stress relief it is to write something on your to-do list and cross it off? This is that, but spiked with an energy drink. Or so I think.

What are your best tips for being more productive?