29 January 2010

More shout outs and catch up...

So, time flies when you take a vacation.  Hawaii was beautiful, but now it is time to get to work.  Much to do!  This is a very busy time of year for me (I seem to manage to say and mean that at any point in the year), but I am hoping that all the time put in for training will simply act as an outlet for stress.  Most importantly, it is never forgotten that those for whom I am doing this would love if 'busy time of year stress' was all they faced. 

Shout outs go to Steve Warren and Agnes Ramos!!!
The amount of support I have received from business associates is incredible.  I am so lucky to work with such generous people.  Most recently, Steve Warren and Agnes Ramos have donated to LLS.  Thank you so much.  I already enjoy working with each of you and now, well, now I am simply warmed by you.  Thank you.

Training starts in earnest on Saturday.
This Saturday is the first group ride.  I missed the kick-off party, so I have yet to meet my teammates in person.  I am excited to meet them, as our exchanges through email and our group site have shown that this will be a great group.  We will ride a nice short and flat ride around Sauvie Island.  A couple of teammates are meeting at my house and we are riding out to Sauvie to add a few miles to our day.  Without much time on the bike this month, I have a feeling that this usually easy ride will be a bit tough.  At the very least, the on-ramp to the St Johns bridge coming back will be a killer.  I love-hate that on-ramp.  Really.

Thanks for all the support.  I am one-tenth of the way to my goal, thanks to all of you.  You're awesome!

13 January 2010

Shout out!!!

I am very happy to give my first shout out to Bank of the West and Richard Pickwick!  Thank you soooo very much for your donations.  Thank you, Richard, for submitting my sponsorship packet to the bank and for your personal donation on top of theirs!  You and your company rock and on behalf of all those that are so desperately hoping for that cure, I thank you from my heart.  We all so very often take our mundane lives for granted, until something like cancer threatens to take it away.  Your generosity helps to fight back and say that each person's life means something...   thank you.  :)

12 January 2010

Everyone's Favorite Topic: Fundraising

Stuff you should know:

  • More than 75% of funds raised goes directly to LLS for Cancer Research and Programs
  • 100% of your donation is tax deductible
  • Even a $5 donation helps!  If you can, donate $5/month during the course of my training and you will have donated $25!  (A wee factoid: cappuccinos are not tax-deductible and have not been proven to do anything to fight cancer, but often cost more than $5.  Isn't that interesting?)
  • WATCH THIS SITE!!! I will be posting details of any fundraising events I hold (at least one wine tasting will be coming up), so keep an eye out. 
If you are wondering how to donate, just click that Donate Now button in the right side column and it'll walk you through it.  Super duper easy.  If you prefer to donate by check, please let me know and I can tell you where to send it.

If you want to join the cause or simply join me on one of my individual training rides, let me know...every kind of support helps!

If you know me, you know I am not a salesperson AT ALL and one of the things I hate most is asking for money.  However, this is a good cause that sells itself (in my opinion).  If you want more information, please visit the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's website.

08 January 2010

The Beginning

Regrettably (well, somewhat), I will miss the first group training session on 23 January, as I will be on a flight coming back from Hawaii (I know, no pity).  So, my first group training will take place the following Saturday, 30 January.

I will attempt to document how the group training rides were and throw in some entries for my individual rides from time to time, too.  I will also use this site to thank each and every person that supports me in this endeavor whether through a donation to LLS on my site (see My Fundraising Site link on the right) and/or just being there to cheer me on, inspire me, and put up with my whining!  Let's be honest, there will be whining.

So, here we go...wish me luck!