2013 -- A Review

Here we are, the last day of 2013,  and wow, what an amazing ride it has been.

First and foremost, I would like to wish my wonderful mother a very happy birthday. Without her and my father, many of the wonderful memories I've had in 2013 would not have been possible.

I figured it was time to post again on this blog about my adventures because 2013 has been full of them. I have met some amazing people, experienced some rollercoaster days, checked some things off my bucket list, and most importantly, I have lived a life that I love.

The purpose of this post is to review all of the crazy happenings of 2013, both personal events and worldwide events. We've all been through a lot this year and I think it is important that we reflect on what we've accomplished, witnessed, and learned.

December 2013:
Top World-Wide Headline: Nelson Mandela Dies at Age 95



"A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of." - Nelson Mandela
photo: forbes.com 

Former South African President, Nelson Mandela, was potentially one of the most influential figures we have witnessed in our lifetimes. As a leader, a prisoner, and freedom fighter, his words and inspiration will live on well past his physical existence. Hopefully, we can all be bettered by his example and his life.

Top Personal Headline: Deciding on a Career

Yikes. What a scary, exciting and adult thing to do! And I guess it is about time I finally point my life in a certain direction instead of wandering aimlessly through each day (not to say I haven't enjoyed these last 24 years of wandering). Through much soul searching and many heart felt discussion with those close to me, I have decided to work towards a Masters in Physicians Assistant Studies. I've got a long road ahead of me, but when this career was suggested by a friend, I did some research and really felt called to fill such a position. It will give me the chance to help people daily and also allow me to still be involved in volunteer and charity work that I hold so close to my heart. I can't wait to embark on this next phase of my life!


November 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Typhoon Haiyan Hits Philippines

photo: globalpost.com

This one hit particularly close to my heart. A long time friend of mine is currently living in the Philippines volunteering a year of her life to those who are blessed to meet Miss Abigail Kraft (check out her blog here: http://mindonmymissions.blogspot.com/). At the time of the typhoon, Abby had lived in the Philippines for about 2.5 months. As I anxiously awaited to hear if she was okay, I read nearly every news article I could find and was completely floored by the amount of devastation this country had just experienced. This typhoon was the deadliest to ever hit the Philippines, killing nearly 4,000 people.

Top Personal Headline: Turning 24

photo: Jordan Williams

There were some days in the last 5 years that I wasn't totally sure I would see the age of 24. While that sounds a tad bit dramatic, and maybe it is, I've seen some dark days. However, on the day of my 24th birthday, I sat on the beach staring off into the waves and thought to myself, "damn, I am one lucky, happy girl." I honestly can't remember a time in my life where I have been so happy and full of life. While I am ever-craving adventure, I am also completely content with where I stand and where I am heading. I am blessed to have an amazing family, supportive boyfriend, and friends that keep me laughing on the hardest days. Here's to the last 24 years and the next 86, because I sure plan on living until I am 100.


October 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Healthcare.gov Disaster

photo: dailytech.com

I honestly don't even know where to begin on this topic. What a fiasco this turned into. After so much hype, both positive and negative, you'd think the website would actually work. The staunch opinions of Republicans completely bashing the hopes of and plans of Democratic leaders, claiming that Obamacare is a colossal waste of money and resources. Democrats scrambled to make improvements and hopefully 2014 will lead to some sort of compromise on the matter.

Top Personal Headline: Reuniting with Best Friends/Being Featured in Crimson and White

I couldn't decide on just one for October.
1. After MONTHS away from my best friends, we all gathered in Tuscaloosa for the Alabama v. Tennessee game. Throughout college, these girls were a rock for me. They helped me through tough times and were always there for me, bottle of wine in hand.

2. After attending University of Alabama for 4 years, I finally made it into the paper as an alum. And thankfully for something I am proud of accomplishing. Check out the article here: http://cw.ua.edu/2013/10/14/ua-grad-bikes-cross-country/


September 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Government Shutdown/Westgate Shopping Mall Attack

photo: content.time.com

1. The U.S. government began a partial shutdown on October 1, potentially putting up to 1 million workers on unpaid leave, closing national parks and stalling medical research projects. (chicagotribune.com) This is something I honestly never believed could happen, especially in the United States. The idea to shut down the government was so foreign to me, and throughout the 16 day shutdown, I struggled to wrap my head around it.

photo: theguardian.com

2. On September 21, unidentified gunmen attacked the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi, Kenya. The attack, which lasted three days, resulted in at least 72 deaths, including 61 civilians, 6 Kenyan soldiers, and 4 attackers. The attackers held hostages and later engaged in gun battles with Kenyan security forces. Over 200 people were reportedly wounded in the mass shooting, with all of the gunmen killed. The Islamist group al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the incident. (chicagotribune.com)


Personal Headline: Throwing a Successful Surprise Party

This one might seem a little bit silly, but I am sincerely proud of myself for organizing a surprise party for Jordan. He does so much for me, supports my crazy dreams, and loves me even when I fall flat on my face. The look on his face when he walked in and saw his closest friends and family made all of the work and secret keeping completely worth it.

August 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Syrian Sarin Attacks

photo: nytimes.com

Several areas of Demascus, Syria were attacked with Sarin gas on August 21, 2013. There are guesstimates that over 1500 people were killed due to these attacks, potentially making it the deadliest use of chemical warfare in the 21st century.

Top Personal Headline: Beerfest

After traveling across the country over the summer, it was awesome to get back to Mobile and experience the culture of the city I have grown to love over the last two years. Visiting restaurants and bars I had never stepped foot in, and getting to reunite with friends I had missed over the summer. I loved walking down Dauphin Street and seeing a lively (perhaps intoxicated) bunch of Mobilians enjoying their city and what it has to offer.

July 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Asiana Plane Crash

photo: businessinsider.com

An utterly heart-wrenching moment for families and friends of those aboard the Boeing 777 from Seoul, South Korea. Two people were killed and over one hundred passengers were hospitalized. Since the crash, Asiana Airlines has offered $10,000 to the 200 survivors of the crash, which in my personal opinion, is a pittance to what they experienced.

Top Personal Headline: Bike and Build Finish

My goodness. This is where my top personal headlines get difficult. July 23, 2013 was the proudest, most emotional day of my life. On that day, I biked to the La Jolla in San Diego and dipped my bike wheels into the Pacific Ocean with 26 members of my Bike and Build family. We had overcome many obstacles (including gigantic mountains), celebrate milestones, cried on each other's shoulders, offered hugs and snacks when needed most, and biked across the country together. What an amazing finish to a summer I'll never forget.

June 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: DOMA No More/Firefighters Lost to Wildfire

photo: thedailybeast.com

1.What an incredibly exciting day for the United States and for many people I hold close to my heart. Seeing that DOMA had been struck down by the Supreme Court made my heart well up with pride for the progress being made in the United States. Love is Love is Love.

Photo: Scott Lewis (bike and build)

2. Less than 2 weeks after the fire in Prescott, AZ claimed the lives of 19 firefighters, our Bike and Build route rode through the middle of the damage. We visited the Fire Station and left a token of our love and appreciation for those heroes. Though this is also a personal headline, it hit the hearts of many around the country.

Top Personal Headline: Conquering the Ride into Wake Forest

I'm not sure there is a group of people that will ever have a place in my heart the way these 4 people do. On an 84 mile day riding in Wake Forest, battered by rain and wind, struggling with bonking and dropped chains, Erin, Steven, Lo, Emily and I made it into Wake Forest, NC in one piece. The support, encouragement and love we showed for each other that day is what made me fall in love with Bike and Build. I will never forget the moment we arrived at our host, put down our bikes and embraced.

May 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Moore, OK Tornadoes

photo: huffingtonpost.com

This one is a tough one for me. After being in the April 27, 2011 Tuscaloosa Tornado, I will never feel the same way about big storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters. My heart will forever be breaking for those who had to experience such devastation and loss. However, I am proud to say that another Bike and Build route was able to change their path and go through Moore, OK to help.

Top Personal Headline: Embarking on Bike and Build

Dipping my wheels into the Atlantic Ocean was exciting and nerve wracking simultaneously. I was unbelievably excited to be taking on this challenge of biking from coast to coast, but also very nervous to be tackling such a daunting task. There is nothing in this world I would trade for the memories I have from this trip.

April 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Gay Marriage Legalized in France

photo: msmagazine.com

Another win in my book of progress. It warms my heart to see acceptance of others being spread throughout the world. So happy for those in France who can now marry the ones they love.

Top Personal Headline: Meeting Boyd Tinsley of DMB

For those of you who don't understand my obsession with DMB, you can skip this part. Meeting Boyd Tinsley is a highlight of 2013 that I will never forget (he also follows me on twitter and mentioned me about Bike and Build -- bonus points). My love for DMB is unrivaled by any other band that has ever existed. I could gush about this moment forever, but I will spare you (unless you ask me, and then I won't hold back).

March 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Pope Francis is Elected

photo: theguardian.com

Though I am not Catholic, many of my friends and family are. The Guardian has my favorite live feed of the election process. Here is an excerpt. 

"It's a shock decision: Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires. He is the first Jesuit pope of all time. Like many Argentinians, the new pope is of Italian descent. The Catholic News Service reports he has chosen the name Pope Francis I." (theguardian.com)

Top Personal Headline: Celebrating Our One Year Anniversary

My original caption for this picture sums it up nicely, "Happy anniversary and St Patricks day to us :) May the luck o the Irish bring us plenty more years of love, health and happiness!"

February 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Meteor Explodes over Russia

photo: chicagotribune.com

On Feb. 15, a small asteroid exploded in the atmosphere over Chelyabinsk, Russia, leaving more than 1,500 people injured by flying glass and debris. That same day, an unrelated asteroid passed just 17,200 miles from Earth, closer than the networks of communication satellites that ring the planet. (chicagotribune.com)

Top Personal Headline: First Mardi Gras in Mobile

Fun fact: Mobile is actually the birth place of Mardi Gras in the United States. This year was my first year to experience it! What a blast, from parades to balls and everything in between, my first Mardi gras in Mobile was a success.

January 2013
Top World-Wide Headline: Alabama Standoff

photo: ksoo.com

While this may not be considered "world-wide" it definitely hits close to home -- literally. This standoff took place only about 3 hours from Mobile. Jimmy Lee Dykes took a 5-year old boy hostage and held him underground in a bunker for days until law enforcement entered the bunker, killed Dykes and rescued the young boy.

Top Personal Headline: Celebrating a New Year

2012 was a pretty incredible year - I graduated from University of Alabama, competed in USA Triathlon Collegiate Nationals, moved to Mobile, met an amazing guy, got a job and started my life as a post-grad. Ringing in 2013 with Jordan was so much fun and a memory I hold dear to my heart. It was the first of what will hopefully be many more New Years together.

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That wraps up my 2013 and as you can see, I had some pretty great memories. I hope that each and every one of you had a happy, healthy year and are ready to bring on 2014 because it is coming quick, fast and in a hurry. Hold the ones you love close to your heart, make memories, laugh until it hurts, take spontaneous trips, and do something incredible.

Here is one last song for 2013: Blessed - Brett Dennen

Retrospective on Tennessee Rides

First off, I'd like to apologize for my lack of posting. It has been a crazy/hectic few weeks so I have much to update on! The last time I posted, we were in Waynesville, NC. I am now in Dodge City, Kansas! 

After leaving Waynesville, we started our trek to Tennessee by way of the Blue Ridge Parkway into Gatlinburg. Holy cow, what a climb. Due to still recovering from a fractured rib, I could only complete the first half of the ride. But, I sure am proud of being able to climb to 5820 feet. What an incredible view and experience. 

After leaving Gatlinburg, we headed to Maryville, TN! Along the way, we swam in any body of water we could find. A group of us ended up at a small river with a rope swing, which we took full advantage of! 

Once we arrived in Maryville, we were greeted at Cycolgy Bike Shop and were treated so well. They helped us check and clean our bikes and the local habitat affiliate provided much needed snacks. 

In Maryville, we thought we were going to have a build day, but sadly we got rained out. However, that day ended up to be great as we watched old Disney movies on VHS, made cotton candy and had endless games of basketball knockout and hide and seek. 

After leaving Maryville, Cleveland, Dunlap and Sewanee. The day into Sewanee turned out to be a rainy, stormy mess. But, Claire, Sam and I made the very best of the situation and settled in at a Mexican restaurant for some warm chips and salsa until the storm passed. Once we arrived in Sewanee, the view could not have been more gorgeous. We stayed at St Mary's of Sewanee in the old convent where we had BEDS. What an awesome surprise that was! And the best part was getting to see this:

After leaving Sewanee, we traveled to Pulaski, where they claimed to be the best hosts we would ever have! When we arrived, we were greeted with a slip-n-slide, people to clean our bikes, a bike mechanic, a chiropractor, a HUGE spread of amazing food, and beds again! It's a treat any time we don't have to sleep on our thermarests. 

The morning we left Pulaski, we were heading to Adamsville. This day was probably my favorite of the trip so far. This day was slotted to be a 94 mile ride. I rode with Sarah, Amelia and Erin. The ride was gorgeous, even with a slight rainstorm, and the company was great. Once we got into Adamsville and saw our odometers at 94, there was no way we could stop without doing another 6 miles to reach 100. So we rode to downtown Adamsville, which was only 1.5 miles away. We enjoyed a delicious Mexican feast in celebration of our soon to be first 100 mile ride. We got back to the church at 97 miles and proceeded to ride around the parking lot for 3 miles in order to reach 100 miles. In case you were curious, you can sing the entire Star Spangled Banner in .25 miles and hit the last note at the exact right moment. 

Needless to say, we slept well that night.

The next day we headed to Bolivar! Getting so close to Memphis and my excitement was growing. This was a very short day and we arrived in Bolivar by lunch (which was a delicious spaghetti meal provided by the church). That afternoon we had watched a movie and made ice cream sundaes. Not a bad afternoon, if you ask me! 

Then we were FINALLY headed to Memphis! I was so excited to be heading home. Not only would I get to see my family, but it was also our first day off for the trip! The night we got to Memphis, my amazing parents fed us all delicious BBQ. Even though it sprinkled some rain, we were all so happy to be able to relax. After dinner, a group joined with me and my sister at the Levitt Shell in Overton park. I was so happy to be able to show my team parts of my city! I also was happy to be sleeping in my own bed that night. The next night, Gina Bargiachi and her parents got us all tickets for the Redbirds baseball game. Also a huge treat! 

I hated to leave Memphis, but the trip had to continue. 

I'll post next about Arkansas and Oklahoma! Thanks for your patience and I promise I will update more often! 

We're All In This Together

The most recent days of the trip were spent in Asheville, NC. Yesterday we had a build day and the group worked with two different organizations. My group worked with Mountain Housing Opportunities (http://www.mtnhousing.org) while the other group worked with Asheville Habitat for Humanity. MHO is an extremely fascinating group to work with and their goals are inspiring. It's very community driven and is worth reading about on their website. After a day of priming multiple rooms, my group joined up with the group at the Habitat build site for a wall raising. 

The wall raising was one of the most amazing things I've been a part of while working with Affordable Housing Groups. We witnessed the first wall of a home being raised, the family getting to see that, and a community joining together. 

Today was my first day back on the bike after finding out I had a cracked rib. I don't think I've ever been so excited to be on a bike. 

The first thing this morning, my friend Emily woke me up with the words "you get to ride today!!" and the biggest grin on her face. Nearly everyone in the group hugged me or high fived me this morning out of excitement for me to rejoin the ride. Those encouraging words and actions meant more to me than my team members will ever know.

We rolled out of Asheville, NC around 8:30 this morning on our way to Waynesville, NC. Only about a 30 mile ride with some relatively hefty hills. It was such a beautiful ride coming through the mountains and getting to see some gorgeous views. Well worth struggling up those hills. 

I rode with a wonderful group today that was careful to go a speed I could keep up with and would not fatigue myself too much for fear of reinjuring myself. We took a few breaks at the tops of huge hills and also at a carnival. Sadly, it was closed but we still got our picture taken! 

The entire group opted to meet at Lake Junaluska instead of going straight to the church where we are spending the night since we had about 4 hours to kill. It was so gorgeous and created a time for us all to hang out without the pressures of chores, biking, or trying to get enough sleep. After a lunch of whatever we could scrounge up in the coolers, we waded in the lake, some hung up hammocks, others napped under the trees, and all just had a relaxing afternoon. 

Before heading to our host site, we had our "town hall meeting." This meeting is weekly and consists of "highs and lows," switching chore groups and just general announcements or messages from the leaders.

This past week was a challenging one for everyone on the trip, whether emotional, physical, or mental. The point of sharing our highs and lows is to create an open forum where we all can be honest and share our thoughts from the previous week. It's an emotional experience hearing everyone's low because it makes people vulnerable but it's also emotional to hear their high because you know they've conquered something. At this point in the trip, we are all invested in each other. We want each other to succeed and accomplish this great feat of biking across the country. 

While sharing with each other, I was completely shocked to hear a few of the highs ... That included me. I never imagined my actions towards others made such an impact and helped them. Hearing that I had a part in somebody's high moment for the week moved me to tears. Especially once I revealed my low. My low for the week was riding in the van. The rides that I missed were some of the toughest our group will encounter. People bonded over those achievements and I was an onlooker. I felt like I couldn't share those moments with them and like I was an outsider. For people to tell me I had a part in such a pivotal moment for them, whatever that moment might've been, my heart couldn't have been happier. They were all included in my high: putting on my Bike and Build jersey again for the first time in 9 days. And seeing people be completely overjoyed and excited for me to bike with them again. 

These are the moments I'll never forget. These moments are what Bike and Build is all about. We all struggle differently, but we are all a group, a team, a family. We are all doing something incredible, and the best part is that we are doing it together. 

Triumphs and Setbacks

I haven't posted in a few days but there has been tons of stuff going on, so I hope you're ready for a huge update. 

Leaving Greenville to head to Wake Forest was a hell of a day. 84 miles. Pouring rain. Aching body. Flat tires. Dropped chains. A few near bonks (aka "hitting the wall"). And countless other things that could've ended the day early had my group given up. But, we didn't. My group stuck together through all of those things, encouraged each other endlessly up what seemed like endless mountains, communicated like professionals while navigating through traffic and monsoon weather, and made it safely to Wake Forest after a grueling 9 hour journey. Making it up that final hill into Wake Forest was probably one of the most rewarding feelings. Every single person in my group cried at least once during that 84 mile trek, but those tears were never caused by hitting a breaking point. Those tears only fell because of the pride and accomplishment that we all felt in each other. I've never been more proud or invested in the success of people I had only known for a few short days. But, I will honestly never forget the hug that we all shared at the end of that ride when we arrived at our destination. 

The next day, we rode from Wake Forest to Chapel Hill. While this ride was only 39 miles, it was probably the longest 39 miles of my life. After completing that ever challenging ride the day before, the thought of rolling hills (okay, only uphills) was not pleasing. I thought my body was tired heading into Wake Forest, but that was nothing compared to the fatigue I felt heading to Chapel Hill. The ride definitely had some great moments (convincing CVS to donate a medical kit, finagling our way into a free lunch at Firehouse Subs, beautiful scenery, and some good laughs). But, the ride also had a few crashes, my chain fell off my bike and I ended up with a fractured rib (which went undiagnosed for a few days, but I'll get there). 

We eventually made it to Chapel Hill looking pretty ragged after the last two days, but Chapel on the Hill Church welcomed us with open arms and a delicious meal. The hospitality that we have experienced on this trip has been absolutely incredible.  After we all got cleaned up and rested that night, the next day was our first build day of the trip. We joined up with Orange County Habitat for Humanity and Brush With Kindness. Half of the group went to a home and put on a roof while others painted a new home and the rest of the group went to a home to help rebuild a back deck. I was in the group that helped with the deck. We worked with Brush with Kindness - a branch that works with Habitat in order to help revitalize homes that are in surrounding neighborhoods. It keeps the homes looking nice and also gives homeowners a since of pride in their homes. 

We worked with a lady named Ms. Bradshaw and she was quite a character! She told us so many stories of her past and her family. Our group could hardly contain our laughter. Meeting the people whose homes we work on has to be one of my favorite things. You really get a sense of who they are and it builds a special connection each and every time. At the end of the day, we were covered in mosquito bites, mud, and sweat but it was 100% worth it to see how happy she was with the progress we had made at her home. 

After working all day, we were extremely happy to find a potluck dinner waiting for us after our showers. Members of the church, family of riders and also past B&B riders all joined together to feed our never ending appetites. It was so great getting to hear stories of past B&B summers and learning what we have to look forward to over the next 9 weeks. 

The next morning, I finally admitted to my leaders (and my mother) that I had been experiencing some pain in my abdomen and my right side, especially when trying to breathe. I was immediately whisked away to an urgent care where X-rays were taken. While my oxygen levels were still good (thankfully), I did in fact have a broken rib. During a crash on Tuesday, my elbow had jabbed into my right side just right to fracture my 10th rib. After a tearful conversation with the doctor, I have been restricted to no biking for preferably a week. I was heartbroken. I came on this trip to ride every single mile and in the first week, I'm already setback. But, it's something I can't control. 

I've never been good at allowing injuries to heal (note 11 weeks in a boot because I kept running on a stress fracture, 8 months out of the water because I kept swimming on a messed up shoulder). This injury seems no different since I'm so anxious to get back on the bike. But, I'm trying to allow my rib to heal so I don't end up fracturing it worse and potentially displacing it. Talk about frustration! 

The last two bike days, I've ridden in the van. It's heartbreaking to not be out on the road with my fellow Bike and Builders  and suffering all those miles with them. I feel like I miss out on so much as a result. 

Today was another build day in Charlotte. I am limited in what I can do on build sites which only adds to my frustration. I came on a trip to bike and build, yet I can hardly do either right now. 

I knew this trip would be incredibly challenging, but it is challenging me in ways I never expected. I also try to find glitter in each tough situation, but so far, not so much luck on that. I'm hoping to be back on the bike in a few days and then the challenge will be to not over do it. And I promise I'll update more! Thanks for patiently reading this long post! 

100 mile update.

Over the last two days, we've biked a little over 100 miles. And holy cow do I feel every single mile of that. 

Leaving Nags Head, NC was one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. We arrived at a beach access where various donors, sponsors, and Bike and Build reps spoke. After this small ceremony, we all took our bikes out onto the beach and dipped our wheels in the Atlantic Ocean. As we rode our bikes out of Nags Head with a police escort, people stood in their driveways and waved while cheering us on. What an awesome way to start this adventure! I'm a huge sap, so naturally, I got all emotional and my heart welled up with joy and excitement.... If only I couldn't kept that feeling for the next 67 miles. 

In case you didn't know, there is NOTHING between Nags Head and Swanqaurter. I repeat, NOTHING. Well, except swamps and flat, straight, boring roads. That was probably the longest 67 miles of my life thus far. Especially in blazing sun and 90 degree temps. Good thing it's only just the beginning! 

When we finally arrived in Swanquarter, we were welcomed with open arms and warm hearts by the small church community of Soule Methodist. After a COLD shower in a high school gym, the feast the church ladies prepared for us was heavenly. Though I'm not quite sure about the keyboard sound effects with the praise music after riding so far and with a full belly. All I wanted was sleep! 

7 am this morning came WAY quicker than I'd usually hope, but the bike calls! Luckily today was only 35 miles. The majority of the group stayed together today which was a blast. We conquered a good sized hill and hit up a yard sale where we found some quality items for B&B prom (date TBD). 

After arriving in Belhaven early afternoon, people in the church community opened their homes to us for showers and laundry and even meals or naps. I don't know if a hot shower has ever felt so good. We then came back to Trinity Methodist where we feasted on a huge meal, again prepared by church ladies. I could get used to all this awesome cooking!! 

Tomorrow we have a ride of a little over 50 miles followed by an 82 mile ride on Monday. The challenges keep coming but, the challenges we face are less than those we are helping. That's what keeps me going. 

First Day!

I couldn't think of a clever title for this post... Not that my others were really that clever. But, today was the first day of our orientation for Bike and Build! To say I was nervous driving up to the location is a complete understatement. There were so many emotions and thoughts flooding my mind and heart. 

While I'm obviously nervous about the whole biking across the country thing, the biggest thing rattling my nerves is the idea of meeting 27 new people and spending 70 days with them... 24 hours a day. 

It was an incredible feeling for that fear to melt away the second I walked up at the drop off. Immediately people started introducing themselves and the excitement chatter just grew and grew. I realized it was silly to have that fear of not fitting in because these people are like me. We're all here to make a difference in the world, even if the world is just the life of one person. To that person, it's their world. 

First impressions are such a critical point of life these days. Whether you're interviewing for jobs, meeting a blind date or just encountering others on a daily basis, that initial impression is one that will last forever. It's important to not permanently judge others on these first impressions. 

For me, walking up to 27 strangers and introducing myself was a huge hurdle because I fear first impressions. But, I'm so happy to report that I am already madly in love and obsessed with these individuals. I can't wait to see how our bonds and friendships grow over the next 10 weeks.

For now, let's just try to be open minded and love one another in this world without making assumptions on those first impressions. 

Ants in Your Pants

So, here I am. Less than 50 days away from the biggest adventure of my life (thus far) and I'm stuck at less than 50% of my fundraising goal. How frustrating. The last 4-5 months have been a rollercoaster of thoughts in my head and I won't lie to say it has been easy. In fact it has been the opposite.

I find myself brainstorming at all hours of the day and night thinking of different ways to raise money, creating mental packing lists, worrying about coming back to work afterwards, missing my family, friends, boyfriend, coworkers, and simple daily life.

On the other hand, I can hardly sit at my desk many days because of the excitement creating ants in my pants. That's the part I'm opting to focus on -- the excitement, not the ants. It's the excitement that overpowers the fear, the worry, and the stress. It's the excitement that gets my brain in gear to strategize more fundraising possibilities. And it's the excitement about helping others that reminds me why I am doing this.

The most recent fundraising idea has actually come from my Aunt. She surprised me by making Chan Luu inspired bracelets to sell and raise money. Below, you'll see the pictures of the bracelets and a description of each. Right now, there is only 1 of each, so be sure and order quickly! They will be $40 each and the money can be deposited directly into my fund for Bike and Build. Once, I see your donation, my Aunt will mail you the bracelet - free shipping!! If you have your heart set on one and would like to check before donating, please email me (margarett.frisby@gmail.com), otherwise it will be a surprise!

White 6 mm stones on Brown Leather. Pewter Rabbit button closure. Fits 7 - 8 1/2 " wrist

 

Turquoise dyed Howlite 6mm stones. Brown Leather with Pewter Rabbit button closure.

Fits 7-8 1/2 " wrist

White 6mm stones. Tan leather with Pewter Rabbit button closure. Fits 7-8 1/2" wrist

 

 

Blue lapis 6mm stones. Brown leather wit pewter Rabbit button closure. Fits 7-8 1/2" wrist.

 

Amethyst dyed quartz 6mm stones. Brown Leather bracelet. Pewter Rabbit button closure.

Fits 7-8 1/2 " wrist.

 Pink Quartz 6mm stones. Brown Keather with Pewter Rabbit button closure. Fits 7-8 1/2" wrist