A Baby Boomer's Second Life
What They Used to Call a Mid-life Crisis
A Baby Boomer's Second Life
Take the 3-Day Journey With Me
Prepping for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure
I am thrilled to be signed up for my 7th 3-Day Walk for the fight against breast cancer. I'm back with my team, Fight Like A Girl, and can't wait to do the Walk with them again. In a previous post, I explained that I had to miss 2009, so I am excited to rejoin my team.
Starting Early
I need to get myself back in 3-day, 60-mile shape so I have next Saturday, March 6th, as my start date for training. The Fight Like A Girl team is participating in the San Diego Walk. It's not until November 19 -21, 2010, but, hey, this old, out-of-shape body needs all the time it can have!Since the whole point of this blog is my journey since taking on my second life, I'll use this blog (instead of my usual 3-Day Newsletter) for keeping everyone up to date on my prep for the 3-Day journey. Now my supporters and contributors can just ignore the link to my blog instead of my newsletter!
Need Your Support
I plan on starting with my pleading, begging, pitiful tugs at your heartstrings for contributions soon. You didn't think you would get off that easy, did you?
We have to raise a minimum amount (this year it's $2,300) to even participate in the Walk. I have always had the most supportive people in the world. Even the smallest amount helps. But, if you are unable to contribute, I do ask you for your mental support - Lord knows I need all the mental help I can get - but I was thinking more along the lines of "think good thoughts." Like no blisters!
We have to raise a minimum amount (this year it's $2,300) to even participate in the Walk. I have always had the most supportive people in the world. Even the smallest amount helps. But, if you are unable to contribute, I do ask you for your mental support - Lord knows I need all the mental help I can get - but I was thinking more along the lines of "think good thoughts." Like no blisters!
Honoring Your Loved Ones
Whether you contribute or not, I would be honored to wear the names of loved ones you would like remembered on the 3-Day Walk - survivors or those you have lost to cancer. They are the reason we walk. I am happy to say my sister, Terry, is doing great as a multi-year breast cancer survivor. So, send me your loved ones' names and they will take the journey with the Fight Like A Girl team.Details...Details
So, I'll let you know when I post an update. If you would like to help, just visit my Personal Page of Cathy Miller at the San Diego 3-Day for the Cure.
There are all kinds of payments accepted - credit cards, debit cards, monthly payments.
If you want to pay by check, I would be happy to handle the paperwork. Just make the check payable to Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure and send it to me. I fill out the paperwork and take care of the mailing. If you need my snail mail address, drop me an email at cathy@millercathy.com or give me a call at (858) 344-9959.
Thank you, as always, for your support. Walk on!
Live...Laugh...Love
Cathy Miller
There are all kinds of payments accepted - credit cards, debit cards, monthly payments.
If you want to pay by check, I would be happy to handle the paperwork. Just make the check payable to Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure and send it to me. I fill out the paperwork and take care of the mailing. If you need my snail mail address, drop me an email at cathy@millercathy.com or give me a call at (858) 344-9959.
Thank you, as always, for your support. Walk on!
Live...Laugh...Love
Cathy Miller
Miss You Dad - Love Your Daughter
All my life I have been told,
“You have beautiful blue eyes.”
And my response is always,
“Thank my Dad.”
I like to think that was one special
connection between my Dad and me.
But more than the God-given
blessing of blue eyes
When you looked into my Dad’s eyes
you saw his greatest gift.
You saw kindness and caring
And the wisdom of time.
You saw the twinkle of humor
And the integrity of an ethical man.
You saw his pride in his family,
his country, his home.
But more than this
You saw his greatest gift
In those beautiful blue eyes
You saw his love.
I love you, Dad.
I always did and
I always will.
Douglas M. Miller
May 2, 1919 - February 15, 2007
Who Took January
I'm Not Finished With It Yet
I know this blog has been about my journey through my second life, but does it have to fly by so quickly? It was just Christmas with family and now February is smacking me in the face.
I have my new business site/blog (http://simplystatedbusiness.com) and health care blog (http://simplystatedhealthcare.com) published, but I am not ready for "prime time" marketing. I just signed up for Facebook with a personal account and my Facebook Marketing for Dummies just arrived. Hey, I recognize my limitations.
I resisted Facebook for quite some time. If it wasn't for the business side of me, I'm not so sure I would be on it now. It's not that I am technophobic. For a baby boomer, I think I do a pretty good job of keeping up. I think it has more to do with the fact that I have never been one to do something because everyone else is.
I Want To Be Me
I am sure a psychiatrist would have a field day with my psyche. My resistance to "follow the crowd" goes way back. I was probably the last person on earth to get a microwave, VCR and a cell phone. The up side of that quirk is by the time I purchase a product, it's gone way down in price.
I know what many are thinking. If I got on board sooner with the latest technology, I would be more efficient. I wouldn't be wondering what happened to January. It would be recorded for all to see on Facebook, Twitter, my blogs and whatever other social media I should be on.
No Turning Back
Well, I guess I can't get January back so I suppose I'll march on with Facebook. When I become wildly famous, I'll let someone else watch the calendar. Who's watching yours?
Live...Laugh...Love
Cathy Miller
WAHM I salute you!
Who could resist this?
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. My oldest sister, Terry, her daughter, Joanna, and her granddaughter, Sunniva (the cutie in pink) flew in from Ohio - to Idaho. And my younger sister, Beth and her husband, Mike, and son, Keegan, also came by. They also live in Idaho - not Ohio - not Iowa - Idaho. Okay, I've run that into the ground.
Sunniva the Diva (as her Mom calls her) is 17 months old and a total bundle of energy. She smiles all the time and is unbelievably happy - of course, I'm not prejudiced. However, she IS 17 months old. Foolish Great Aunt that I am (the "Great" designates I'm old - not necessarily "great"), I thought I could make significant progress during the holidays on my prep for my new business blog. This is where the WAHM comes in.
WAHM
For my non-freelance writing friends (which is just about everybody), this new career of mine is like most. It has its own set of acronyms and lingo. I did not know that WAHM meant Work At Home Moms. I don't know if that's because I didn't freelance until the last year or because I've never been a Mom--working, at home, or any other kind. Apparently, there are plenty of WAHM scams out there. Now, I ask you, is there no honor amongst thieves that they would target WAHMs?
As Sunniva reminded me, being a Mom is hard work. Being a working Mom, well, I just can't imagine. And then try to be a WAHM! Babies don't relate to deadlines, closed doors or business calls. So, here's a shoutout to all the WAHMs - I salute you! I wish for you a baby as good-natured as Sunniva because, hey, who could resist?
Happy 2010 and continued success to all - whatever path you take. As this blog likes to reflect - it's all about the journey.
Live...Laugh...Love
Cathy Miller
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. My oldest sister, Terry, her daughter, Joanna, and her granddaughter, Sunniva (the cutie in pink) flew in from Ohio - to Idaho. And my younger sister, Beth and her husband, Mike, and son, Keegan, also came by. They also live in Idaho - not Ohio - not Iowa - Idaho. Okay, I've run that into the ground.
Sunniva the Diva (as her Mom calls her) is 17 months old and a total bundle of energy. She smiles all the time and is unbelievably happy - of course, I'm not prejudiced. However, she IS 17 months old. Foolish Great Aunt that I am (the "Great" designates I'm old - not necessarily "great"), I thought I could make significant progress during the holidays on my prep for my new business blog. This is where the WAHM comes in.
WAHM
For my non-freelance writing friends (which is just about everybody), this new career of mine is like most. It has its own set of acronyms and lingo. I did not know that WAHM meant Work At Home Moms. I don't know if that's because I didn't freelance until the last year or because I've never been a Mom--working, at home, or any other kind. Apparently, there are plenty of WAHM scams out there. Now, I ask you, is there no honor amongst thieves that they would target WAHMs?
As Sunniva reminded me, being a Mom is hard work. Being a working Mom, well, I just can't imagine. And then try to be a WAHM! Babies don't relate to deadlines, closed doors or business calls. So, here's a shoutout to all the WAHMs - I salute you! I wish for you a baby as good-natured as Sunniva because, hey, who could resist?
Happy 2010 and continued success to all - whatever path you take. As this blog likes to reflect - it's all about the journey.
Live...Laugh...Love
Cathy Miller
But It's Just Family
So Why Am I Working So Hard?
It's the Saturday before Christmas and I just sat down to my computer. I have been working my tail off most of the day clearing out "stuff" from my bedroom. I thought I got rid of all that "stuff" (see previous post). Somehow, I never got completely moved in - 4 months ago! I know, I know, you're supposed to finish what you start. Nice theory - in my case, anyway.
So what got me off my duff and sorting and trashing and hiding (you didn't hear that!)? My oldest sister, her daughter and granddaughter are coming to our place for the holidays. What's that got to do with my bedroom, you may ask. I know I did. It seems my 17-month-old grandniece does not stay asleep if someone walks into her room. She needs a room to herself and we have just 3 bedrooms - my Mom's, mine & the guest bedroom.
Little Sunniva (my grandniece) gets the guest bedroom all to herself. She'll sleep in a crib so there will be a nice big bed completely empty! My sister and my niece are night owls. I am not - majorly NOT! So, I'm giving up my bedroom to my niece and I'll sleep on one of two couches. This one happens to be in my office so if you see any middle of the night musings, you'll know it's not just my grandniece who is not sleeping. My sister will be on the other couch. When I get up at my usual early morning time, I won't be waking up my niece who probably went to bed a few hours before I get up! Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration.
Protecting Our Own
Throughout the day I kept thinking, "It's just family," so why am I doing all this crazy cleaning? It's not like we have something to hide from family. I guess just because I have midnight maneuverings in my room down to a fine science, it's really not fair to expect my niece to enter my booby-trapped room unarmed. It was either clear a path or design an obstacle course guide and provide night vision goggles.
Since I have been furiously working on trying to finish my new business blog for roll-out, I figured the path of least resistance (pardon the pun) was to just clean my room. Now, there's a childhood flashback! So, it's done! Doesn't it feel great to have a goal accomplished?
Now, if I can finish my business blog, I'll be a happy camper. After all, it's the business that pays the bills. My Mom stopped paying me to clean my room a long time ago. Wait a minute, my parents never did pay us to do chores...hmmm....could that be why I have so many unfinished tasks? Well, that's for another day, another blog.
Wishing all of you a very happy holiday and a rocking 2010!
Live...Laugh...Love
Cathy Miller
It's the Saturday before Christmas and I just sat down to my computer. I have been working my tail off most of the day clearing out "stuff" from my bedroom. I thought I got rid of all that "stuff" (see previous post). Somehow, I never got completely moved in - 4 months ago! I know, I know, you're supposed to finish what you start. Nice theory - in my case, anyway.
So what got me off my duff and sorting and trashing and hiding (you didn't hear that!)? My oldest sister, her daughter and granddaughter are coming to our place for the holidays. What's that got to do with my bedroom, you may ask. I know I did. It seems my 17-month-old grandniece does not stay asleep if someone walks into her room. She needs a room to herself and we have just 3 bedrooms - my Mom's, mine & the guest bedroom.
Little Sunniva (my grandniece) gets the guest bedroom all to herself. She'll sleep in a crib so there will be a nice big bed completely empty! My sister and my niece are night owls. I am not - majorly NOT! So, I'm giving up my bedroom to my niece and I'll sleep on one of two couches. This one happens to be in my office so if you see any middle of the night musings, you'll know it's not just my grandniece who is not sleeping. My sister will be on the other couch. When I get up at my usual early morning time, I won't be waking up my niece who probably went to bed a few hours before I get up! Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration.
Protecting Our Own
Throughout the day I kept thinking, "It's just family," so why am I doing all this crazy cleaning? It's not like we have something to hide from family. I guess just because I have midnight maneuverings in my room down to a fine science, it's really not fair to expect my niece to enter my booby-trapped room unarmed. It was either clear a path or design an obstacle course guide and provide night vision goggles.
Since I have been furiously working on trying to finish my new business blog for roll-out, I figured the path of least resistance (pardon the pun) was to just clean my room. Now, there's a childhood flashback! So, it's done! Doesn't it feel great to have a goal accomplished?
Now, if I can finish my business blog, I'll be a happy camper. After all, it's the business that pays the bills. My Mom stopped paying me to clean my room a long time ago. Wait a minute, my parents never did pay us to do chores...hmmm....could that be why I have so many unfinished tasks? Well, that's for another day, another blog.
Wishing all of you a very happy holiday and a rocking 2010!
Live...Laugh...Love
Cathy Miller
Zero Value
Making Lemonade Out of Frozen Lemons (or something like that)
The view outside my office window
I woke up yesterday and looked through the kitchen window at the outside thermometer. It sat squarely on "Zero," as in nothing...nada...no pulse! And to think my last post was talking about 38 degrees. I grumbled over how stupid "Zero" was. It means nothing. It's the clothes size of most Hollywood actresses. Get real! Why do we have Zero?
But, since my second life is all about being positive (something Zero has trouble with), I decided to come up with why I really like Zero. I really, really like it.
Top Five Reasons I Like Zero
The view outside my office window
I woke up yesterday and looked through the kitchen window at the outside thermometer. It sat squarely on "Zero," as in nothing...nada...no pulse! And to think my last post was talking about 38 degrees. I grumbled over how stupid "Zero" was. It means nothing. It's the clothes size of most Hollywood actresses. Get real! Why do we have Zero?
But, since my second life is all about being positive (something Zero has trouble with), I decided to come up with why I really like Zero. I really, really like it.
Top Five Reasons I Like Zero
- It looks really good after the word "Balance" on my credit card statement.
- I love when it hangs out with 5 or 6 of its friends and follows a $ sign and some other number.
- It looks good leading % Down.
- It rocks under the score of any football team playing the San Diego Chargers.
- In front of "Worries," it makes me smile.
It could be worse - much worse. My sister, Beth, lives on a farm in southern Idaho and they have been without heat for about 10 days!! She and her little miniture schnauzer, Kali, have been shivering under an electric blanket. I can't imagine! I am making a wish for Beth and her family that Zero follows at least an 8 very soon!
How about you? What do you like about Zero? Let's love Zero - today when the tempature was minus 3 degrees, I thought Zero was looking robust!
Live...laugh...love
Cathy Miller
Not Exactly Beach Weather
Just When Did I Start Adjusting?
I had something come out of my mouth this morning that I just don't believe. I told my Mom, "It's not that cold. It's only 38 degrees." Say what?! Just when did this woman who has spent the last 20 years living within 3 blocks from a southern California beach decide 38 degrees was "not that cold"? Can senility be far behind?
Minneapolis Cold Blast
I was born in the Midwest and lived 24 years there before moving to California (the 1st time). The last Midwest winter I lived through was in 1985 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You now probably understand why that was followed with 20 years on southern California beaches. While in Minneapolis, I owned a rose-colored down coat - you know, the ones that make you look like a sunburned Michelin Man. No, that is not me in the above picture - but then again, maybe it is. Who can tell?
When I left Minneapolis, I gave that coat to my Mom in Boise and told her, "I never want to see this thing again!" Of course, what was the first thing I saw when I opened my Mom's hall closet? You guessed it, that blasted coat. How long will it be before I follow the fashion advice of two morning D.J.s in Minneapolis that advised, "When you move here, throw fashion out the window. It doesn't matter if it matches. It only matters if it's warm." Experience your first 30 degrees below (WITHOUT wind chill factor) and you will quickly see..err...make that feel the wisdom of their words.
Everything's Relative
One of my Dad's favorite sayings was, "Everything's relative." So true, you don't know cold until you live in Minneapolis. So, see, I really wasn't so far off. Thirty-eight degrees is a practical heat wave! Break out the shorts.
We humans are an adaptable bunch. It really is quite amazing what we adjust to - even heat waves of 38 degrees. I've had a lot of adjustments over the years, some pretty major, others, not so much. It helps to keep it in perspective and not sweat the little stuff. Which, when you think about it, is easy to do in 38 degrees.
So, as this Thanksgiving rolls around, I am thankful for my family, my friends and yes, even 38 degree weather. Happy Thanksgiving. Stay warm - or cool. After all, everything's relative!
P.S. Congrats to my Fight Like A Girl Team (Sue, Penny, Martina, Michelle & Jana) who completed the 3-Day, 60-mile Breast Cancer Walk in Phoenix last weekend. You rock, Girls!! Let's sign up for 2010---San Diego is nice. And a shout-out to Sylvia for working the lunch crew at the 3-Day in Phoenix. Loved the hat with the giant fork through it!
P.S.S. The San Diego 3 Day Walk is this weekend - go ladies & gents!!
Live...Laugh...Love...
Cathy Miller
I had something come out of my mouth this morning that I just don't believe. I told my Mom, "It's not that cold. It's only 38 degrees." Say what?! Just when did this woman who has spent the last 20 years living within 3 blocks from a southern California beach decide 38 degrees was "not that cold"? Can senility be far behind?
Minneapolis Cold Blast
I was born in the Midwest and lived 24 years there before moving to California (the 1st time). The last Midwest winter I lived through was in 1985 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You now probably understand why that was followed with 20 years on southern California beaches. While in Minneapolis, I owned a rose-colored down coat - you know, the ones that make you look like a sunburned Michelin Man. No, that is not me in the above picture - but then again, maybe it is. Who can tell?
When I left Minneapolis, I gave that coat to my Mom in Boise and told her, "I never want to see this thing again!" Of course, what was the first thing I saw when I opened my Mom's hall closet? You guessed it, that blasted coat. How long will it be before I follow the fashion advice of two morning D.J.s in Minneapolis that advised, "When you move here, throw fashion out the window. It doesn't matter if it matches. It only matters if it's warm." Experience your first 30 degrees below (WITHOUT wind chill factor) and you will quickly see..err...make that feel the wisdom of their words.
Everything's Relative
One of my Dad's favorite sayings was, "Everything's relative." So true, you don't know cold until you live in Minneapolis. So, see, I really wasn't so far off. Thirty-eight degrees is a practical heat wave! Break out the shorts.
We humans are an adaptable bunch. It really is quite amazing what we adjust to - even heat waves of 38 degrees. I've had a lot of adjustments over the years, some pretty major, others, not so much. It helps to keep it in perspective and not sweat the little stuff. Which, when you think about it, is easy to do in 38 degrees.
So, as this Thanksgiving rolls around, I am thankful for my family, my friends and yes, even 38 degree weather. Happy Thanksgiving. Stay warm - or cool. After all, everything's relative!
P.S. Congrats to my Fight Like A Girl Team (Sue, Penny, Martina, Michelle & Jana) who completed the 3-Day, 60-mile Breast Cancer Walk in Phoenix last weekend. You rock, Girls!! Let's sign up for 2010---San Diego is nice.
And a shout-out to Sylvia for working the lunch crew at the 3-Day in Phoenix. Loved the hat with the giant fork through it! P.S.S. The San Diego 3 Day Walk is this weekend - go ladies & gents!!
Live...Laugh...Love...
Cathy Miller
Remembering Our Veterans
A Simple Gesture That Means So Much
Today is November 11th, Veteran's Day. It seems to be the forgotten holiday. It was not moved to a Monday to extend our weekends, and for many companies, it is not even one of the paid holidays workers receive. Thankfully, there are reminders.
I was sitting in my office working on copy for an insurance continuing education course. And, let's face it - looking for a distraction! I looked out my window and saw several small children and a couple of adults stop at our mailbox. I couldn't tell what they were doing or what had them so fascinated with our mailbox. I asked my Mom if she knew why they stopped. She told me they were the pre-kindergarten children from our neighbor's daycare. Our neighbor had asked my Mom if she would mind if the children hung one of their drawings to thank my Dad for his time in the service. They have been doing this for years. My Mom said, "You know my husband died." Yes, they knew, but wanted to honor him anyway.
So now our mailbox has the beautifully, colored ribbon with the simple message, "Thank you Veteran." I wish my Dad was here to see it. Nothing was more of an object of pride for my Dad than his military service - well, maybe his family. My Dad, like so many veterans, loved his country, his family, and would do almost anything to protect both.
Douglas M. Miller, Veteran of WWII
and his lovely bride, Marjorie E. Miller
There is something special about veterans. We saw another unfortunate example in the retired veteran who was one of the victims in the recent shooting at Ft. Hood. They don't make a big deal about their service and don't even expect a simple, "thank you." But, they do appreciate it and some could really use it. As a Baby Boomer, I grew up in the Vietnam era. My brother, Martin, fought in Vietnam. It was many years before we remembered to thank those veterans. I am thankful that despite political views, we no longer seem to punish our veterans and our military men and women for controversial wars.
So even though you are probably not at a barbecue or watching a parade today, take a moment to remember our veterans and to imitate the children from down the street with a simple, "Thank You!"
They certainly deserve it.
Live...Laugh...Love
Cathy Miller
Today is November 11th, Veteran's Day. It seems to be the forgotten holiday. It was not moved to a Monday to extend our weekends, and for many companies, it is not even one of the paid holidays workers receive. Thankfully, there are reminders.
I was sitting in my office working on copy for an insurance continuing education course. And, let's face it - looking for a distraction! I looked out my window and saw several small children and a couple of adults stop at our mailbox. I couldn't tell what they were doing or what had them so fascinated with our mailbox. I asked my Mom if she knew why they stopped. She told me they were the pre-kindergarten children from our neighbor's daycare. Our neighbor had asked my Mom if she would mind if the children hung one of their drawings to thank my Dad for his time in the service. They have been doing this for years. My Mom said, "You know my husband died." Yes, they knew, but wanted to honor him anyway.
So now our mailbox has the beautifully, colored ribbon with the simple message, "Thank you Veteran." I wish my Dad was here to see it. Nothing was more of an object of pride for my Dad than his military service - well, maybe his family. My Dad, like so many veterans, loved his country, his family, and would do almost anything to protect both.
Douglas M. Miller, Veteran of WWII
and his lovely bride, Marjorie E. Miller
There is something special about veterans. We saw another unfortunate example in the retired veteran who was one of the victims in the recent shooting at Ft. Hood. They don't make a big deal about their service and don't even expect a simple, "thank you." But, they do appreciate it and some could really use it. As a Baby Boomer, I grew up in the Vietnam era. My brother, Martin, fought in Vietnam. It was many years before we remembered to thank those veterans. I am thankful that despite political views, we no longer seem to punish our veterans and our military men and women for controversial wars.
So even though you are probably not at a barbecue or watching a parade today, take a moment to remember our veterans and to imitate the children from down the street with a simple, "Thank You!"
They certainly deserve it.
Live...Laugh...Love
Cathy Miller
Happy Fall Memories
Top Ten Things We Love About Fall
I love my new home office. This photo is my little view on the world - at least my Boise view of the world. It's right outside my office window and the leaves were turning their beautiful fall colors. Growing up, Fall was always my favorite season.
Midwest Memories
I was born in the Midwest - Hammond, IN - you know, right next to Gary? You know - Music Man - Gary, Indiana, Gary Indiana - sung by little Ronnie Howard before he was Opie. Okay, my Baby Boomer friends have deserted me once again. But, I digress...
Some of my favorite memories of growing up in the Midwest centered around the Fall season. After living in Indiana, my family moved to a three-story house in the Cleveland, OH area - Lakewood, to be exact. We had great trees and I loved the fall colors that kidnapped the green to turn it into red and gold.
Our next door neighbor had a beautiful tree that stayed wine-colored all year round. Yes, I had tree-envy. It would stand proudly different throughout the spring and summer months, only to welcome the other trees to a kaleidoscope world in the fall. It was like waking up on Christmas morning to find packages with brilliant wrappings and festive bows beneath a sturdy trunk.
Even when the leaves began to fall, there was great joy in what that meant. We would rake them up into huge piles then take a running start to leap spread-eagle, backwards, into the center of the pile. I later wondered why we never cracked open our skulls - probably that hard-headed Miller noggin!
So, when I took this picture outside my office window, I journeyed back to those days and what I liked best about Fall. Have I ever told you I am easily distracted from work? I came up with my Top 10 Things I Loved About Fall. They are in no particular order (kind of like eliminations on Dancing With the Stars).
P.S. To my San Diego friends, I remember getting my Fall "fix" by driving down Highway 163 this time of the year, headed toward Balboa Park. Yes, San Diego has its own version of Fall.
Top Ten Things I Loved About Fall
Live...Laugh...Love...
Cathy Miller
I love my new home office. This photo is my little view on the world - at least my Boise view of the world. It's right outside my office window and the leaves were turning their beautiful fall colors. Growing up, Fall was always my favorite season.
Midwest Memories
I was born in the Midwest - Hammond, IN - you know, right next to Gary? You know - Music Man - Gary, Indiana, Gary Indiana - sung by little Ronnie Howard before he was Opie. Okay, my Baby Boomer friends have deserted me once again. But, I digress...
Some of my favorite memories of growing up in the Midwest centered around the Fall season. After living in Indiana, my family moved to a three-story house in the Cleveland, OH area - Lakewood, to be exact. We had great trees and I loved the fall colors that kidnapped the green to turn it into red and gold.
Our next door neighbor had a beautiful tree that stayed wine-colored all year round. Yes, I had tree-envy. It would stand proudly different throughout the spring and summer months, only to welcome the other trees to a kaleidoscope world in the fall. It was like waking up on Christmas morning to find packages with brilliant wrappings and festive bows beneath a sturdy trunk.
Even when the leaves began to fall, there was great joy in what that meant. We would rake them up into huge piles then take a running start to leap spread-eagle, backwards, into the center of the pile. I later wondered why we never cracked open our skulls - probably that hard-headed Miller noggin!
So, when I took this picture outside my office window, I journeyed back to those days and what I liked best about Fall. Have I ever told you I am easily distracted from work?
I came up with my Top 10 Things I Loved About Fall. They are in no particular order (kind of like eliminations on Dancing With the Stars). P.S. To my San Diego friends, I remember getting my Fall "fix" by driving down Highway 163 this time of the year, headed toward Balboa Park. Yes, San Diego has its own version of Fall.
Top Ten Things I Loved About Fall
- The first splash of color I saw in the season
- The nip in the air that reddened my cheeks
- The piles of leaves that became our landing pad
- Halloween! I LOVE Halloween! (notice present tense)
- Friday night football games at my brother's high school
- Hot Apple Cider
- My Dad's homemade soups we called his "concoctions"
- Racing around the piles of leaves with our Labrador Retriever
- Pulling out my quilt made by my Grandmother
- The first fire in the fireplace
Live...Laugh...Love...
Cathy Miller
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Think Pink!
Julie, Sue, Me, Penny - San Diego 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk
Those of you who know me may be surprised that you have not received my annual begging for donations for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. Sad to say, I cannot participate this year as my Mom is having knee replacement surgery in early November.
I participated in the 60-mile, 3-Day Walk six years in a row. So, I am really going to miss the event. Since this blog is all about the journey, allow me to share this one with you.
How It Started
I was living in Channel Islands Harbor (Oxnard/Ventura area of CA) and used to see the Avon walkers coming down the coast. I so admired their drive and every year I said, "I want to do that." Like so many of us, my heart was in the right place but I always managed to wait too long to sign up. Then I heard my older sister, Terry, had breast cancer. It was time to get off the couch.
San Diego 3-Day Walk
By this time, I was living in San Diego. It was 2003, and I heard an ad on the radio for the 3-Day. I signed up. At the time I was on a huge work project traveling all over the U.S. but I was not going to let that stop me. I trained on many treadmills in hotels. The project was for the Fairmont Hotels so I feel somewhat guilty that those treadmills were in the beautiful Fairmont properties - including the Kea Lani in Maui and the Plaza in New York! Talk about suffering for the cause.
I trained "by the book" and was ready for my 1st Walk. Because of my crazy schedule, I was walking on my own. On the second day, I was walking behind 3 lovely ladies from northern CA when I overheard Penny talk about her sister-in-law. Penny used her sister-in-law's full name. Turns out I had worked with her for 11 years at Prudential. What are the odds that I would be in that place, at that time and Penny (who never used her sister-in-law's full name) used it that day?
Penny saw me behind them and asked me to walk with them. So I did and they walked right into my heart. Penny was walking with her best friend, Sue, a breast cancer survivor, and their friend, Diane. Despite a billion blisters, the event was the most inspiring, fulfilling thing I had ever done.
Can't Walk Away
I had business cards with me and asked Penny to write down her address and phone number on the back of one. We promised to return to the 3-Day Walk in 2004. So I signed up for the Walk. Somewhere along the way, this Baby Boomer brain misplaced the business card with Penny's information. But I knew I would see my northern CA friends at the Walk.
I did the Walk in 2004 but was unable to find Penny, Sue or Diane. I was so mad at myself for misplacing that business card. Then once again, fate stepped in. A client sent me an email saying, "I just noticed that your business card you gave me had an address on the back." She sent me Penny's address!
I sent a Christmas card to Penny and received one back. There was a very good reason they were not at the 2004 Walk. Penny had developed breast cancer. Sitting here now, I have goosebumps all over. I am happy to report that my sister, Terry, Sue and Penny continue to be the strong women I knew they were as breast cancer survivors.
Penny told me they would walk again in 2005. From 2005 through 2007, my northern CA walker buddies would come stay at my place and we would all do the San Diego 3-Day together. Diane missed a few years due to back problems but others took her place with Penny, Sue and me. We had Michelle, Kristin and Julie - more new friends! What a joy!
In 2008, they reopened the 3-Day in San Francisco so my buddies signed up for that Walk. I was injured in training so I settled for the Head Cheerleader role and flew to San Francisco to cheer our Fight Like a Girl team that had grown to Penny, Sue, Julie, Diane, Jennifer, Kristin, Martina, and I so hope I'm not forgetting someone!
I was able to transfer to the San Diego Walk later in the month so I did participate in 2008 but walked without my team. Well, that's not entirely accurate. My Blackberry dinged with the many text messages they sent my way throughout the Walk. And I managed the last two years to beat the blisters! MBT shoes (the sandals) did the trick (and prayers to the great No Blisters god!)
Support the 3-Day
My northern CA walker buddies are continuing the Fight Like a Girl tradition in the Phoenix Walk in November. They are seeing the USA the 3-Day Way. My heart, prayers and thoughts will be with you, my friends. You ladies rock! I love you all!
So all my good friends, family and supporters, if you haven't already, consider donating to this great cause. Here's a link to my team's web page: Fight Like A Girl
I could go on forever with the stories I have from 6 years of participation. Truly inspiring! Please join me in supporting all the survivors, walkers, volunteer and crew of the 3-Day Walks. And special thoughts to my sister, Terry, who continues to inspire me. I love you!
Live...Laugh...Love
Cathy Miller
Julie, Sue, Me, Penny - San Diego 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk
Those of you who know me may be surprised that you have not received my annual begging for donations for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. Sad to say, I cannot participate this year as my Mom is having knee replacement surgery in early November.
I participated in the 60-mile, 3-Day Walk six years in a row. So, I am really going to miss the event. Since this blog is all about the journey, allow me to share this one with you.
How It Started
I was living in Channel Islands Harbor (Oxnard/Ventura area of CA) and used to see the Avon walkers coming down the coast. I so admired their drive and every year I said, "I want to do that." Like so many of us, my heart was in the right place but I always managed to wait too long to sign up. Then I heard my older sister, Terry, had breast cancer. It was time to get off the couch.
San Diego 3-Day Walk
By this time, I was living in San Diego. It was 2003, and I heard an ad on the radio for the 3-Day. I signed up. At the time I was on a huge work project traveling all over the U.S. but I was not going to let that stop me. I trained on many treadmills in hotels. The project was for the Fairmont Hotels so I feel somewhat guilty that those treadmills were in the beautiful Fairmont properties - including the Kea Lani in Maui and the Plaza in New York! Talk about suffering for the cause.
I trained "by the book" and was ready for my 1st Walk. Because of my crazy schedule, I was walking on my own. On the second day, I was walking behind 3 lovely ladies from northern CA when I overheard Penny talk about her sister-in-law. Penny used her sister-in-law's full name. Turns out I had worked with her for 11 years at Prudential. What are the odds that I would be in that place, at that time and Penny (who never used her sister-in-law's full name) used it that day?
Penny saw me behind them and asked me to walk with them. So I did and they walked right into my heart. Penny was walking with her best friend, Sue, a breast cancer survivor, and their friend, Diane. Despite a billion blisters, the event was the most inspiring, fulfilling thing I had ever done.
Can't Walk Away
I had business cards with me and asked Penny to write down her address and phone number on the back of one. We promised to return to the 3-Day Walk in 2004. So I signed up for the Walk. Somewhere along the way, this Baby Boomer brain misplaced the business card with Penny's information. But I knew I would see my northern CA friends at the Walk.
I did the Walk in 2004 but was unable to find Penny, Sue or Diane. I was so mad at myself for misplacing that business card. Then once again, fate stepped in. A client sent me an email saying, "I just noticed that your business card you gave me had an address on the back." She sent me Penny's address!
I sent a Christmas card to Penny and received one back. There was a very good reason they were not at the 2004 Walk. Penny had developed breast cancer. Sitting here now, I have goosebumps all over. I am happy to report that my sister, Terry, Sue and Penny continue to be the strong women I knew they were as breast cancer survivors.
Penny told me they would walk again in 2005. From 2005 through 2007, my northern CA walker buddies would come stay at my place and we would all do the San Diego 3-Day together. Diane missed a few years due to back problems but others took her place with Penny, Sue and me. We had Michelle, Kristin and Julie - more new friends! What a joy!
In 2008, they reopened the 3-Day in San Francisco so my buddies signed up for that Walk. I was injured in training so I settled for the Head Cheerleader role and flew to San Francisco to cheer our Fight Like a Girl team that had grown to Penny, Sue, Julie, Diane, Jennifer, Kristin, Martina, and I so hope I'm not forgetting someone!
I was able to transfer to the San Diego Walk later in the month so I did participate in 2008 but walked without my team. Well, that's not entirely accurate. My Blackberry dinged with the many text messages they sent my way throughout the Walk. And I managed the last two years to beat the blisters! MBT shoes (the sandals) did the trick (and prayers to the great No Blisters god!)
Support the 3-Day
My northern CA walker buddies are continuing the Fight Like a Girl tradition in the Phoenix Walk in November. They are seeing the USA the 3-Day Way.
My heart, prayers and thoughts will be with you, my friends. You ladies rock! I love you all!So all my good friends, family and supporters, if you haven't already, consider donating to this great cause. Here's a link to my team's web page: Fight Like A Girl
I could go on forever with the stories I have from 6 years of participation. Truly inspiring! Please join me in supporting all the survivors, walkers, volunteer and crew of the 3-Day Walks. And special thoughts to my sister, Terry, who continues to inspire me. I love you!
Live...Laugh...Love
Cathy Miller
