MS Walks 2009

This year, I participated in TWO MS Walks, one in Fargo, ND, and the annual walk I do in Minneapolis. B. participated in her first walk this year as well, in Fargo. She raised well over $500 for the cause - awesome!

Why two walks you ask? Well, Amanda lives in Fargo, and she was chosen to be the walk ambassador or grand marshal up there! What an honor! Tons of people from her school community came out and walked for her (Wildcat Walkers), and I think she organized the biggest team by far. I was incredibly proud of her, and I was also very touched to see how many lives she has affected. She is clearly adored by her community, and it was wonderful to be a part of that. What an honor! Really, pretty neat.

The walk in Fargo went really well - the weather was perfect, and the community made a big deal out of it. A drum corps came to lead us, a local radio station hosted the pre-walk, the local mascots cheered us on, and the Walk even made the news (we saw Manda leading us out - pretty dang awesome!). I think they managed to raise a decent amount of money as well, which is the point of the walk after all. Plus, I got to spend the day with my family - everyone but Trav made it there. That was REALLY nice, as I miss everyone. I hate that my sisters live far away. Anyway, the Fargo walk was a great success, and I'm glad B and I could participate!

The Twin Cities walk was also a great success this year, though their fundraising efforts were really hurt by the economy. That sucks, as MS doesn't stop during recessions. Depite the disappointing results, the walk was a blast. Dad and I enjoyed PERFECT weather, I wasn't nearly killed by a flying tent, and we finished the walk in a little more than 2 hours - not too bad for a 6.5 mile walk! I managed to make my fundraising goal, but mostly because of one extremely generous donor - my mom! To everyone who donated, thank you so much! I will be sending formal thank yous and receipts soon - I apologize for the long delay, but the house, work, and the wedding have been kicking my butt! I hope you'll forgive me and continue to support me in future walks. :) I hope to be better next year.

Wedding update

Wedding planning is in full swing! We have booked a photographer and a DJ, the guest list and invitations are almost finalized, and cake has been tasted. We are considering a videographer, and B's ring is being sized as we speak. However, there is still a ton to do: flowers, order a cake, find clothes for me to wear, taste possible dinners so we can finalize the invitations, etc. Dealing with the Radisson Plaza is interesting, as the woman is never available. Good thing the wedding invitations won't take long after we order them - they have to be in the mail in early July! Thankfully, B's mom has graciously and generously agreed to address and mail them for us! Wow! Very nice!

I think we have our wedding participants lined up, which is quite nice. Our good friend Jill has agreed to officiate, which should be perfect, as we just need someone who is Jewish to officiate. We still need to track down a ketubah, but B seems confident that we will be able to do so. There is so much to do, and so little time to do it in! I hope we can pull it all off!

One of the things I'm most worried about? My clothing for the big day! I tried on a cream suit at Macy's, and I just didn't like it that much. We are thinking about renting a tux (pants, vest and shirt) for me, but I worry I will look too manly. We also thought about having an outfit made, but that is crazy expensive for something I will wear just once. So, I'm not sure what I will wind up wearing, but I'm starting to get nervous about it. I never have good luck with that sort of thing. If anyone has suggestions, I'm open! I don't want to wear a dress/skirt at all, so that's ruled out. Okay, go peeps!

Despite all that we have to do, I'm very excited about the big day. B will be beautiful, and we will be married, and ultimately, nothing else really matters! Yay!

Weight Watchers Update

Long time no update! Sorry about that. As some future entries will detail, I've been a little busy! :)

Anyway, as for Weight Watchers, I'm down a little over 46 pounds, though that number may be a bit smaller, as I've been a bit out of control with the food lately. Plus, I missed my meeting last week because I got all mixed up with the holiday: I showed up for our Tuesday meeting on Wednesday morning! Doh!

My weight loss has slowed down a lot lately. I imagine that is because I haven't been great about tracking and like I said above, I've been out of control with food lately. Last night I ate pizza, s'mores, and taffy cracks like nobody's business. Also, with the move, working so much, and wedding planning, B and I have had to eat out a lot more. Once we get settled in the new house, I hope to return to our old, eating-at-home pattern. I think we will, and then I hope the weight loss will resume.

Even if it doesn't, and I stay the same for a while, I still feel pretty good about what I've done so far! 46 pounds is a lot! I look different, and NONE of my clothes fit! None of my suits fit, which is a bummer, as they are expensive and not always easy to tailor. I really need to go shopping for new clothes, but it's hard to justify money on that sort of thing right now, what with the house and wedding and all both entail. However, I can't really justify looking like a fool in public either! Guess I should get some clothes. ;)