Wednesday, September 16, 2009

On The Road Again...

This past week I have definitely had a small case of the unemployment blues. The excitement of a new adventure and working for a new employer is so exciting, but at the same time the rejection and the sense of the unknown can be overwhelming. So... how am I going to deal with this? I'm getting on the road- and heading back to home sweet home- Louisiana! WOHOO!

I'm looking forward to having some time with my family. I know several people were here just two weeks ago, but this time I'll get to see my brothers and some friends. I haven't gotten to hang out with G-Baby since June, which is way too long. So, I'll drive in tomorrow and am planning on spending the night in Baton Rouge on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night and then heading into NoLA for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday night. Stephen has a meeting in Dallas on Wednesday night, so we'll get up early and make the drive then.

I'll get to see my girlfriends from high school and college, and if I'm lucky I'll convince my momma to sing me a lullaby. If you're in the Dallas area, keep my hubby company.

Time to pack my bags... see everyone soon!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

3 Day Expo

Today was the Breast Cancer 3 Day in Grand Prairie. My husband braved the bad weather with me to go check out the event and so I could get more motivation for my 60 mile walk. (My 10 mile walk in the sun kicked my butt this week). I learned how to put our tent together for the event, got all the paperwork I needed so Amy and I know what to bring and what to leave at home, and got an eye full of pink. There were several moments when I teared up at the event.

I was so moved by the magnitude of the event I'm participating in and the number of people who are involved. I was so moved by the number of women who have been affected by this disease. The numbers of survivors brought tears to my eyes- but so did the number of people who are no longer with us today.

At the event, all participants will sleep out in pink tents that are provided by the 3 day organization. There was a white tent though today, for everyone to write on. It was the "In Remembrance" tent. There was were so many names, so many women, so many mothers who are no longer with us. And every name on that tent represents a family, group of friends and loved ones who have been touched by this disease. Each name represents a loss- someone who isn't with us today. The tears flowed freely as I stood in front of this tent. My heart ached for those who have lost someone in their life, and at the same time, my heart was filled with thanksgiving that my momma is still with me today.

It was a powerful moment. It was a beautiful reminder that I am participating in something much bigger than myself, and that I am truly making a difference in this world. Amy and I have to raise $2,300 each to walk in the 3 Day. We're six weeks out from the event, and we've already raised $925. I know we're going to make our goal, and I can't wait to share such a special weekend with Amy.

For all of the women in my life- this is for us. For our mothers, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, daughters... one day, one day... we'll have found the cure.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

A Wonderful Labor Day

I had a bit of the blues heading into Labor Day as a member of the growing unemployed population, but it turned out to be a wonderful weekend.

My mom and dad, sister, Aunt Ellie, Uncle Paul D., Aunt Cindy, and my cousins Jeff, Paul, Ted and Megan all flew into Dallas to celebrate the Labor Day weekend. The kids stayed at the house with Layne and I and the parents had rooms at the Hilton Lincoln Center across the tollroad. They could have easily walked back and forth- if it wasn't for the number of Macy's bags that had to go with them!

In true Reynolds women fashion, we hit up several Macy's to scope out the Labor Day Sales. Abby and Doody got a great deal on a new set of luggage they purchased with money from their wedding, and they sure did need it to get back home. There was one moment when my mom was checking out at two registers at the same time, and a memory of my Granny's laugh came to mind.

It was wonderful to have our family over for dinner and to watch the LSU game. I met Layne 3 years ago on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, and we enjoyed having both of our families together on a day important to the two of us. We enjoyed it even more because both Texas A&M and LSU won. GEAUX TIGERS! WOOP!

I loved watching my wedding video at my house with my family. I never thought I would have that experience. It was such a simple thing, but it made me so happy.

In short- it was nice to have my family at our home. It was like a mini-family holiday together, and Layne and I got to host. I love how my family will just sit around and chat, for hours, all day. And I loved seeing everyone doing it at our island and breakfast nook. I was spoiled to have so many people here, together.

Back to the work week- I'm glad it'll be a short one. Tomorrow is my first walk around White Rock Lake. I'm looking forward to the change in scenary! And this is the final week to sign up for the NFL One Pick game I'm hosting in order to raise money for my 3 Day Walk in Atlanta. Let me know if you're interested!