Runner’s High

 

What was once this….

• 5K on Jan 22: Chilly Chase Vancouver  {32:54}
• 8k on March 25: Harry’s Spring Run Off {54:06}
• 10K on April 15: Vancouver Sun Run {1:04:32}
• 10K on April 29: Victoria Times Colonist Run {1:03:43}
• 10K on May 27: Run for Water
• 10K on June 9: Starbucks Run for Women
• Half-Marathon on June 23: Seattle Rock n’ Roll Marathon Series

Is now THAT plus THIS…

• 5K on June 15: North Shore Credit Union Longest Day Road Race
• 11K on June 16: Jog for a Jug
• 10K on July 1: Canada Day Rock 
• 10K on July 21: Running Room Summerfast 
• 5K on August 4: Warrior Dash 
• Half-Marathon on August 11: Lululemon Seawheeze
• 5K on August 18: Color Me Rad
• 14K on September 9: The Coho Race
• 10K on October 7: BMO Okanagan Marathon 
• 10K on October 13: Energizer Night Race 
• 7 Miler on October 21: Rubber Ducky Half

When I first set my running goals… I had full intentions that they would end on June 23rd when Haley and I completed the Half-Marathon in Seattle. Now that I’m running, I’m actually enjoying it. Haley and I have had a number of successful races and we’re continually achieving personal bests. We are making progress — and progress is motivating.

This weekend I volunteered at the BMO Marathon and Half-Marathon in Vancouver. I cheered on thousands of people as they crossed the finish line. I gave thumbs up, high fives and ran beside people to get them moving and push them to finish the last 200m.

Watching all these people of different sizes/shapes, age and degree of training gave me  hope that Haley and I will rock out the Half Marathon in June.

It’s only 21.1 km.

Only 10km x 2 (and a bit).

Only 2 (and a bit) hours of running.

Only 2 (and a bit) albums of good tunes.

Only Stanley Park (and a bit) twice.

It’s not 25km, 42km, 50km. Just 21.1km.

Everyone who completed yesterday’s BMO Marathon and Half-Marathon dominated the pavement. It gave me the motivation {and perhaps inspiration} to continue the journey towards becoming a runner.

Congratulations to everyone who completed the race yesterday. #RunVan was a complete success.

 

The Life Checklist – Circa 2012

I’m a big fan of setting goals… not SMART blah blah blah goals, but real goals that I can practically touch! I have to be excited about them and be able to see the end goal. I’m still ironing out my goals for 2012 (stay tuned personal board of directors), but had a chance last week to update my bucket list. Yep, bucket list. That list of things you want to achieve in your life — that are critical to who you are as a human being.

So here we go. Deep breath.

The super human, Jenny Blake likes to call this a  Life Checklist. Jenny is totally Type A and Google docs obsessed, so the fact that ‘checklist’ was a word she adopted into the bucket list exercise doesn’t surprise me in the least. :)

Writing goals, resolutions or something like a life checklist are extremely reflective exercises. While I sat in a Starbucks last week in Toronto writing these out, I couldn’t help but think about Tony Robbins’ seminar last year {blogged about it}. We discussed the ‘wheel of life’ and this was my result:

• Strengths: physical body; emotions and meaning; work/career/mission; celebrate/contribute.
• Weaknesses: relationships; time; finances.

Still accurate if I do say so myself. Progress has been made. I’m about to hire an Accountant. Woop! And I’m done dating dirt bags. As for time… let’s just say a goal this year is to sleep more and truly figure out the golden question… ‘How much is my time worth?’

My life checklist has been in some form of an another since my late teens. It’s always evolving. This year it grew substantially as I’ve had a lot of clarity in the last 18 months. I used to encompass career and community all in one, but I’ve decided to separate the two as community is something that completes me and I needed it to be an integral part of the picture! I took out relationship goals… because it seemed crazy to me to write down that one day I hope to be married and have a baby. I don’t ever want to check those things off a list… and same goes for a dog or a white picket fence {of which I need neither}. I’d prefer to be a good friend, daughter and sister — of which I hope I don’t need a list to keep me on track.

Anyways that’s it… a mighty big list but one that I can’t wait to tackle. I better get to work. Well actually, I better get to sleep. Insomnia last night meant I’ve been up for 39 hours. So much for a strength being ‘physical body.’ ;)

Happy Tuesday.

PS – Sending love and hugs to Haley for always sticking by my side. xo

Running Forward

At the start of every year I set goals that revolve around relationships, career, health and travel. I send a copy of them to my personal board of directors — they do their best to keep me on track and hold me accountable. By far, my best year was 2010. It was an amazing year, not even in results — but in progress. I was focused, determined and had direction.

2011 was a bit of a crapshoot. Yes I ignored my mentors. Yes I quit my corporate job.  Yes I moved to Vancouver… but still, something has been missing. Life has been up and down — and for the most part I let the unknown hold me back. I spent a lot of the year incapable of making a decision. Many amazing opportunities were presented to me, but I just couldn’t make a move. 2011 was 100% my year of being stuck.

Well stuck no longer…

Major changes have happened in both career and life.  I feel blessed to be surrounded by amazing colleagues. I love that I’m continually challenged and learning every day. I live in Vancouver… one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

I feel very lucky.

I’ve been thinking about my 2012 goals for last 3 months. I’ve been excited to end this year and start fresh with a new year. For the last few weekends I’ve been wanting to write my goals, but I told myself that I have to catch up on my email before I’m allowed to. {If you’re waiting for one… only 353 left…!}

Right now my goals are in my head — and in the next week, I will put them on paper.

Yesterday I told my coworkers that one of my 2012 goals is to run a half-marathon. Then I was told disgusting stories of what runners go through. Like disgusting. Still in shock {don’t click here}. So anyways, today I googled ‘how to run a half marathon‘ and was surprised to find out that 5K and 10K runs exist. I didn’t know this! I knew they existed out in the wilderness, but not like a proper race!

So now I feel like my goal is lofty… but I’ve said it out loud so I must PUSH FORWARD.

I’ve never been a runner. Perhaps it’s because of my Scoliosis — but it’s probably because I lived in freezing cold Alberta for the last 9 years. My only complaint against running is that I get bored — and I don’t particularly like to be alone with my thoughts. Music gives me momentum, energy and last of all, life.

Since moving to Vancouver I’ve ran 4 times. Yes, that’s not very much. The difference between Calgary and Vancouver is that this city makes me aware of my health — every single freaking day. I think about how I don’t go to the gym in my building. I think about how I don’t walk 4 blocks to run on the seawall. I think about how I don’t run to work instead of walk to work. I think about the guy who lives down the hall from me who always look ass tired and he still runs. I think about how beautiful the weather has been this winter, yet I’m still not running.

Lifestyle City. Lifestyle City. LIFESTYLE CITY.

I am better at life when I write things down, check off boxes and have something to look forward to. I know that I’m not capable to hit the ground running and jump on the marathon bandwagon without training. At the same time, if training becomes a chore, I will 100% quit quit quit. So what’s going to likely work for me? Some cute running pants, a few events to look forward to and consistency.

So here’s the plan:

• 5K on Jan 22: Chilly Chase Vancouver - Charity: Local Community Partners
• 8k on March 25: Harry’s Spring Run Off – Charity: Vancouver Prostate Centre
• 10K on April 15: Vancouver Sun Run - Charity: Vancouver Sun Raise-a-Reader Campaign
• 10K on May 27: Run for Water  - Charity: Hope International Development Agency
• Half-Marathon on June 23: Seattle Rock n’ Roll Marathon Series - Charity: American Cancer Society

At the end of this, I have no expectations to be a runner. Nor do I even think I’ll make it through the half-marathon without leg cramps. My goal is to test my heart, mind, body and soul. Yep, that’s it. Maybe I’ll fail. Maybe I’ll succeed. All I know right now is that I’ve give it a damn shot.

See you on the seawall?

Jillian

PS – I’ll obviously be the one rockin’ the neon pink running pants. ;)

at last… the top employer experience

Things I learned yesterday…

• Be proud of your brand (whether personal or professional)
• If you get fired, pick yourself up & think of a badass company to create
• When in Guatelmala, watch out for well-dressed biker gangs (… they will rob you)
• Live today, not for the future
• Embrace creativity & the bizarre
• From time to time, step outside your box & enjoy someone else’s comfort zone
• The most successful people understand that relationships are the bottom line of business
• Making a difference & fun are #1

… and a hell of a lot more. Full story to come.

Amazing experience with Rogers Communications, Starbucks Americas, SteamWhistle Brewery, Gap Adventures, and KPMG Canada.

A huge thank you to Nadir Mohamed, Colin Moore, Greg Taylor, Bruce Poon Tip, and Bill Thomas, and their respective teams. Special shout out to Brandon Lewis from KPMG Canada and Kate Morawetz from MTV Canada for being patient with me. ;)

Stay tuned for coverage from the day (yes it was filmed) and a write-up on the whole “Top Employer” experience!

For history & how all this came to be, click here.

With love!! T-2 days till Belize!

opportunity

We’re 9 days into the new year… and I haven’t blogged! What is wrong with me?!

The good news? I’ve been having some necessary *me* time. I have been getting sleep, going to yoga, and putting some serious thought into what’s in store for 2011.

I was very happy to close the door on 2010 and start a new chapter with the new year.  During the last week of December, my intentions were to reflect on the year, write my new goals, make my dream board, and start the new year organized. Well… that hasn’t exactly happened.

Life has been full tilt. I was given the opportunity to go on a new project at work and started three days before Christmas. With a new role comes a whole load of learning – and it didn’t help matters that I booked off three weeks of vacation within my first month of work! The good news though? I am doing employee engagement every day, all day – and I absolutely love it.

In addition to starting the new role, I’ve got a bit of my social life back. In December I finished 7 years of university. Yes, SEVEN. I have been going to uni full-time nights and weekends; it took a wicked amount of time away from my friends. I’ve been taking the last few weeks to reconnect with friends and meet some fabulous new people. Immersing myself back in the social environment (which is totally my scene), just showed me how much I missed it.

I have met some excellent HR contacts (and friends) over the past few weeks.  They ooze with passion and dedication towards the profession – and two ladies that I couldn’t be more proud of. I also recently tweeted that I was overwhelmed by web design and how to create a website. Well I was blessed to have a friend of a friend respond to my plea for help and he’s supporting me through the process. Hopefully by late Spring I’ll have a new site up!

I feel as though my life has been disorganized for months, if not the whole past year. I spent this past weekend cleaning my house, organizing my life, and trying to get things sorted. I had a massive stack of unread mail, ridiculous amounts of business cards to look through, textbooks to sell, and laundry up the ying. I have been procrastinating so many tasks for months… putting them at the bottom of the list of priorities. Yet, since completing everything I’ve putting off, I feel at peace. Funny how that works. ;)

This week is going to be busy, but I feel prepared to take it on. In four days I leave for Toronto.  KPMG is flying me out east to meet with the CEO’s and Executives from the “Top Employer” competition this Fall.  On January 18th, I’ll be meeting be the CEO/President’s of Starbucks, GAP Adventures, Steamwhistle Brewery, and KPMG (meeting with Rogers CEO is on January 10th via tele-conference). The other days that I am in Toronto will be spent meeting with various Executives at other companies, people I respect & admire, and catching up with a few friends.  I’ll be running from coffee date to meeting to lunch date to meeting to meeting to dinner date to – hopefully, a glass of wine. :)

I then fly from Toronto to Belize for a little more *me* time.  2010 was honestly a very overwhelming year.  There was absolutely great success and massive achievements, but also a few major rock bottom moments. I want to get 2011 started off on the right track. In order to do that, I need some time with my mind. I will be spending 2 weeks in the sunshine – sunbathing, swimming, reading, and living freely. I am looking forward to the opportunity to both disconnect and reflect.

From a blogging standpoint, stay tuned for:

• My reflection on 2010
• 2011 goals & dream board
• “Top Employer” experience
• Trip to Belize

I’ll leave you with this…

Someone recently asked me what were my expectations of my trip to Toronto and the “Top Employer” experience. All I said was… “opportunity.” I honestly threw together a video, uploaded it onto the Top Employer site, and never thought for a moment that I would win. Yes, I was confident with my response and stood behind it proudly.  To me though, my opinion on the workplace of today  is the same response I’ve had for years. It wasn’t special, unique, or an idea that I had been brewing for months.

Tomorrow is my first “Top Employer” meeting and guess what? I’m nervous. I think I find it odd that these executives would want to meet me and/or have any interest in what I have to say. I mean… I am pretty cool ;) but seriously – why? [Rhetorical]. :P I’m looking forward to participating in this experience. It is absolutely once in a lifetime, and I’m prepared to learn a massive amount.

I hope that you have had a chance to think about how you want your 2011 to look. Always remember – you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

With all my love. xo

PS – A few questions I have recently been asked….

1) Are you going to wear a suit to the CEO meetings? No.

2) Are you going to ask them for a job? No.

3) Are you going to ask them to give me a job? No.

4) Are you going to ask Starbucks about their new “branding” or Rogers about their cellular service? No.

If you have any other questions about the experience or the meetings just let me know. ;)

you know it and i know it

beyond pink 2010

On October 9th, I blogged “Land of Opportunity,” and I announced that I would be speaking at Young Women in Business’ (YWiB) annual “Beyond Pink 2010” conference. The theme “Make your brand, leave your mark.”

So the conference is this upcoming weekend, in fact, it starts in 4 days, and I am NERVOUS.

In the past, when I have presented to colleagues, professionals, management – it has been about the future of work, generations in the workplace, work-life balance, social networking, personal branding, and HR related topics.  Recently I held a breast cancer awareness event, and when I spoke about such a personal topic – I burst into tears.  I don’t usually present to inspire.  I don’t usually present to my exact demographic (young women in business).

I know I am capable of it… I wouldn’t have asked for the opportunity if I didn’t think I could do it. Although not completely finalized, my presentation is well underway, full of great advice for young women.  I know that I will be able to engage my audience, I know that they will laugh, and most importantly I know they will learn.

My workshop is called “Set Yourself Up for Success: Become a Hot Commodity.”

How can you differentiate yourself from your peers? How can you stand out in the workplace or community? Becoming a hot commodity is about being the whole package. Learn more about the importance of being well-rounded, integrating social networking, and real life examples from a young woman who has set a standard for Generation Y’s in Canada.

My major role at the conference will be engaging with young women at the Entre-Carnival, attending the Mentor Dinner (my location is Zachary’s on Robson by the way), and holding two workshops (60 delegates each on Saturday, Nov 20th from 3-4pm and 4-5pm).

Last night, my best friend, the one and only, Haley Lonsdale, announced that she will be attending the conference – ahhh I couldn’t have been more happy. Most of you know that she recently moved from Calgary to Victoria (enrolled in UVic’s management program), so she’s going to head over to Vancouver for 3 days – and it will just add to an already fulfilling weekend.

Back to the conference…

YWiB has quite the event lined up. Blow Me Dry Bar at Four Seasons Vancouver is offering blow-outs at 15% off all day Friday. A fabulous keynote, Michelle Rupp, will open up the conference on Friday afternoon. Various workshops will be offered throughout the day and then the Entre-Carnival begins. They have also organized a Mentors Dinner at 3 locations, an opportunity for the delegates to connect with various speakers and sponsors. Day 1 will conclude with an evening event held at Gossip nightclub, titled “Cause I’m Bossy – Office Party“. Luxe Lashes will even be on site providing free lashes before midnight! Day 2 begins with a session titled “Laughter Yoga” – and an early 8am start! A power couple panel (brilliant idea by YWiB) will comprise of 3 couples sharing the pros and cons of a relationship, balanced with a successful business.  The rest of the day will be spent at a networking brunch, case competitions, various workshops, and the night will conclude with a silent auction and gala!

For a list of the speakers presenting at the conference, please click here.

I’ll be tweeting (and maybe blogging) throughout the conference. Follow #BP2010 on Twitter if you’re interested in staying in the loop.

So yep, I’m still nervous… I’m flying out to Vancouver on Thursday night, so I still have a number of days to get these nerves under control.  I love Vancouver – LOVE LOVE LOVE, so I’m looking forward to getting a bit of relaxation and fun over the weekend as well.

This weekend will truly be a weekend of inspiration.

Now to decide what to wear… :)

land of opportunity

So more about this conference I’m speaking at… I have been following Young Women in Business (@YWiB) for the past year or so on Twitter.  They are an amazing organization… AMAZING.

More about YWiB:

“The Young Women in Business [YWiB] network is a non-profit society for emerging female leaders in Western Canada. The network acts as the central forum to connect ambitious, young women from a variety of careers, industries, and backgrounds. YWiB hosts a variety of events that provide our members with opportunities to develop relevant skills and knowledge, so that they have the insight, support, and capability to reach their fullest personal and professional potential.”

The organization truly gives me warm fuzzies. YWiB holds an annual conference called, Beyond Pink.  As per YWiB’s website, “it is a multi-day conference focused on encouraging personal and professional growth through passionate speaker presentations, educational workshops, engaging delegate activities, innovative tradeshow exhibitors, and inspiring networking opportunities.” The theme for the 2010 conference is “Make your brand, leave your mark” and it’s taking place on November 19 & 20, 2010 in Vancouver, BC.  In addition to keynote speakers and a  workshop series, this year’s conference includes:

• Power Couple Panel & Networking Brunch
• Case Competition
• Entre-Carnival
• Mentor Dinner
• Silent Auction & Gala

I have been asked to speak at a Workshop Series and participate in the Entre-Carnival.  The Workshop Series will include speaking to approximately 60 delegates, including university students, passionate entrepreneurs, and aspiring professionals.  I have requested to be part of Day 2 – “Leave your mark”… and have BRILLIANT lessons I will share with these young women. [I will absolutely blog about the experience post-conference].  The Entre-Carnival is about celebrating entrepreneurs and inspirational people.  The goal is to share the stories of those that inspire with those who will inspire the future.  Ahh, warms your heart doesn’t it?

After I announced on Facebook that I would be speaking at this event, a friend of mine, Gregg, writes: “I know the previous organizers very well!!! Amazing event! You will fit right in!” When I first heard of Beyond Pink and YWiB, I immediately identified with both the conference and the organization.  I have been looking for a similar organization in Calgary with no success.  At one point I thought being in a different province would keep me from being involved in YWiB; now I know that it’s entirely possible.

I truly believe life is about finding and creating opportunities.  A large part of what I will bring to the Beyond Pink 2010 Conference is what I have accomplished in one year… a single year has defined my future.

Opportunities surround all of us each and every day – but it’s up to each of us to take action and often take a risk.

“Of all the people I have ever known, those who have pursued their dreams and failed have lived a much more fulfilling life than those who have put their dreams on a shelf for fear of failure.” – Unknown

When I think about where I was at a few years ago to where I am now, I reflect on how much I’ve grown.  By no means was I in a bad place, just a different place.  I have learned to expect a lot of myself.  I can see my potential.  I can see the influence and impact I have on others.  Yes, I love to relax and have low-key moments, but I owe it to myself to show the world my capabilities.

Sometimes I get told… “ugh, stop winning things”… “you’ve been given what?”…. “you’re going where?”…. My response?  You have to hold yourself accountable.  At the end of the day, no one is looking for you other than yourself.  If you want the world, GO GET THE WORLD. Your family and friends will always try to make sure you have the basic necessities (food, water, shelter), but will they continually push you to be the best you can be?  I doubt it.  [Shh.. they have their own agenda ;].  But maybe you only want that average job with average responsibility and a whole lot of free time to watch TV and internet roam?  That’s absolutely fine, but you’ve got to stay quiet.  Accept what you’ve dictated your life to be and support others on their quest to great.

 

At the end of the day, we all need to hope for support in whatever paths we choose.  I look for and create opportunities constantly.  My mind is constantly wandering to – what’s next?  No it doesn’t need to be a career move or a relocation… maybe you want to write a book, volunteer for a particular organization, give back, travel, support your family, or learn a new hobby.

Photographer: Madigan Reilly - May 2010

This photograph was taken by a brilliant friend of mine, Madigan Reilly.  She instructed me to create a sign that said “She…” and left the rest up to me.  It was taken at about the 6 month mark in my journey, and I’m truly impressed that the first thing I thought of was “She believed in me.”  I have a lot of wonderful women in my life and I’m truly appreciative of each and every one of them.  This charity photo shoot was my way of thanking them for building me into a passionate leader, true friend, and inspirational young woman.  At that point I truly realized how far I had come and how important it was, to not only me, but to all the wonderful people in my life, and of course the community.

I truly believe in the good and brilliance of people.

My role at Beyond Pink 2010 will be to inspire these young women to achieve great, while managing the adversities of life.

I am honored to be included in an event that truly has lasting impact on young professionals in Western Canada. ❤

“Passion and purpose go hand in hand. When you discover your purpose, you will normally find it’s something you’re tremendously passionate about.” - Steve Pavlina

moving forward

Well it’s been an intense few days.  I have no idea why I intentionally add such stress and pressure to my life.  I knew my designation exam was October 2nd, yet I still chose to go “live” with all the health stuff on October 1st.  Regardless of removing myself from technology, I knew that my attention wouldn’t be on the exam.  Le sigh.  I guess the good news is that the exam is over and now I have a few months to wait for marks.

I have felt at peace with the health stuff over the past few weeks – from what I kept telling myself, truly at peace.  Then Thursday happened.  I was nervous, unsure, and scared to go public with any of it.  I kept on telling myself that so many people (and women) in this world go through so much worse than I had been through.  I started to realize that a large part of worried was that it wasn’t about what I’d been through, it was about that I’d hid it from everyone.  Many people in my life see me as a driven, career-focused, community-oriented, young woman.  They see me, I smile… I pretend everything is fine.  Life isn’t fine… but it’s getting better.  I am making progress every day and for that I’m thankful.

On Thursday night, I stayed up until almost 4am editing the blog post… I wanted it to be perfect.  I wanted to ensure that my message came across the way I had intended.  The last thing I wanted was for someone to say “I’m sorry”… I wanted people to reflect on what I’d written and make positive change in their lives.  Whether that means you are a woman who is going to TOUCH. LOOK. CHECK more often, or a friend who will truly offer support the next time someone is in need, or you are going to donate your money or time to a cause that is relevant to you.  My primary goal in writing my story was to make a difference.

A lot happened during the last few months – there is much more to the story than what I have written, but throughout my writing, I realized that health was the most important.  All the other “life” stuff was no longer important; all the garbage just reinforced to me that I needed to come out of this situation on top.

I published the blog post, sent off a quick email to close friends with the link, and forced myself to sleep.

Friday was overwhelming.  The last time I shed so many tears was during the unknown diagnosis weeks of June and July.  These tears were different though.  They were not filled with angst, fear, and stress.  By publishing my health battles, I made myself vulnerable.  My tears came because I didn’t realize how much love and support I truly have.  As confident as I can be, I have been scarred from the past.  I have been screwed over quite a bit in the past few years.  I have been backstabbed, hurt by friends, and not supported in so many facets of my life.  I just keep on telling myself that no one else matters… “Jill, you are what’s important.”  Keep focused, make progress, and eventually everything will come together.  For years I have been waiting for a support system and I’m finally thrilled to say that I think I have one.  It’s unfortunate that it took this situation to make me realize that.

I received a phone call late Friday afternoon.  Tony, Marketing Manager at Melrose, had called to confirm Ming as my venue for “Pretty in Pink: A Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit.”  I couldn’t have been more thrilled.  Little did Tony know, but this was just the distraction I needed to once again re-focus and look toward the future.  I have a short three weeks to plan a memorable event, a glamorous pink wonderland.

In less than a day, I had 307 views of my blog post – my highest view count to date.  I will admit (even though I was supposed to be studying), I did consume myself in the messages of support, inspiration, and love.  Just thinking about a few of them brings tears to my eyes.  It’s funny how in situations like this your true friends always come to light.  I have read every email, text message, blog post comment, and Twitter mention or message.  I have absorbed every ounce of good everyone had to say.  I have been surprised over how honest people are – and potentially, so in tune with who I am as a person.  A huge thank you to Shannon Hilton Photography for utilizing Rethink Breast Cancer as the charity of choice for her recent photography promotion.

What do I plan to take away from this experience?  I fully intend to live in and cherish the present.  I have realized how important it is to surround yourself with good people; people who truly have your back.  In order to achieve my hopes and dreams, I am re-prioritizing quite a few people in my life.  I naturally put a lot of effort into both relationships and life.  I need to be surrounded by people who truly do the same.  I am very goal driven – and function best when I have something to look forward to.  In the short term, I’m competing in KPMG’s “What Makes a Top Employer” video contest (ends October 18th), hosting “Pretty in Pink: A Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit” at Ming (October 21st), attending the JCI World Congress in Osaka, Japan (early November), and I will be speaking at the Young Women in Business’ (YWiB) annual conference, “Beyond Pink” in Vancouver (November 20th).  In the long term, I have no idea, but intend to start thinking about my 2011 goals as we move through the next few months.

All that’s left to say is – thank you.  Thank you for the support.  Thank you for the love.  And thank you for believing in me. ❤

August 2010 - Still healing. Photo taken by a fantastic friend named Madigan Reilly.