March for Babies Walk 2011

I participated in the walk again this year, and like last year, I had an extremely supportive team behind me. Although we didn't raise as much as we did last year (almost $2,000 in 2010), we were able to raise $722.00 for the walk! We walked on May 1st, and it was so beautiful out. The sun was shining down on us, and we were able to walk the 4 miles! Last year we weren't so lucky, and we only walked about a mile because it was pouring rain.

I maintained a stead speed walking, and my friend Amanda and I kept up with each other. My mom and her friend, as well as her husband, were ahead of the game and kept passing us every time we caught up to them. It was quite hysterical, and definitely kept Amanda and I on our toes. My cousin, took her time and ended up being the last of our team to finish, but I was glad we were all able to finish the 4 miles, even if we weren't walking hand and hand to the finish line.

After the walk we enjoyed many delicious and healthy snacks from various sponsors. There were plenty of activities for the kids, and a D.J! We left soon after though, because we were starving. My mom, Amanda, and I went to Applebees and enjoyed a fantastic lunch.

When I came home I went right to my bed to nap. I couldn't believe how tired I was after waking up early, and walking 4 miles, something I haven't done ... ever! I was so proud though of all of my team, of myself, and my sponsors. I couldn't believe how generous some people were, and how extremely sweet it was for people to even donate $2.00, even though they didn't have much money. I am so grateful to have been born healthy, and I hope when I have children they are born just as healthy, and if not I know March of Dimes/March for Babies will be there, just like I was there for them.

March of Dimes/March for Babies 2011

I'm walking in the March for Babies Walk again this year. Last year I formed of team of family members, and friends, and together, we raised almost $2,000.00 for the organization, and therefore, came in 5th place as a Family Team. We were presented with a plaque at the awards ceremony, and it is now hung in my room for all visitors to see. I could not have been more proud of my team, and the effort they put into fundraising.

This year I have a smaller team, thus far, but I still hope to raise over $1,000.00. We are walking on May 1st, and I cannot wait. I'm not a premie, nor do I have any family members, or any friends who have been premies to my knowledge. However, my cousin has been affected twice, having had two miscarriages. I feel for her, and know that she has endured much pain, and I'm hoping that by raising money and walking with the team this year, she will see how many people are in or have been in the same boat as her. I know she can and will be strong enough to move past this, not entirely of course, but just enough.

If you can, please donate to this amazing cause and help mothers every where have a full-term pregnancy, and give babies a healthy start at life. You seriously don't know how thankful I am.

Thank you.

March of Dimes - [ M.O.D Friends ]

Prematurity Awareness Month

Although I'm not a mother, and although I don't know any preemies at this moment in my life, I have this strong bond with March of Dimes. This year was the first year I walked to fight for premature babies and their mothers. Together, with my team, we raised almost $2,000 to help premature babies, as well as to help educate their mothers on how to lessen the chances of this happening to their child. 


I am blogging about Prematurity Awareness Month and fighting for babies, because they are unable to fight for themselves. 

Objective:
Every year, 20 million babies are born too soon, too small and very sick-half a million of them in the U.S. November 17th is when we fight!


Today is the day in which we remember, honor, and/or celebrate special babies. I know not only money needs to be raised, but education in America, as well as around the world needs to be raised. Therefore, I have been searching for a way other than the March of Dimes/March for Babies Fund. Just recently I have changed my major, as most of you know to Child Life Specialist, in which I will assist doctors and nurses in making the hospital a quick and painless process for children. I will not only help them through play, both therapeutic and non-therapeutic, but I will also assess their development and their ability to cope, depending on their situation and treatment. I have also just recently became a volunteer with the Make-a-Wish-Foundation. 


I want to help in any way I can, and if spreading the word helps, I will do it. 


Please look into donating, or even volunteering for this amazing fundraiser. If you are unable to, please just take this with you: Everyday an unnecessary large amount of babies are born premature, you can stop this just by spreading the word that there are places for mothers who need education or advice about pregnancy. This can be stopped. Babies need a chance to live full, healthy lives. Why not give them a chance?

Kickin' It.

Time for Change! This picture is so enlightening and exciting. Perfect for this time in my life.

What an amazing picture from - Shannonpix's Shop - Check it out.

Recently I signed up at CKO Kickboxing for a free week trial. 

CKO KICKBOXING!

Let me just tell you, that even after only taking three classes, I am now ADDICTED to kickboxing. I haven't worked out that hard or sweated that much ever! I used to go to the gym on campus and didn't work out half as much as I do kickboxing. I love the whole instructor telling you exactly what to do, always keeping you moving. At the gym I'd end up taking more water breaks and wondering what I should do, than doing the actual working out. During kickboxing, depending on the instructor, you take a minimum amount of breaks for a few seconds each. The instructors keep you busy by having you punch/kick the bag, push-ups, crunches, sit-ups, jumping jacks, jump rope, and any other exercise to tone not only your arms and legs, but your stomach too! 

I swear by kickboxing. It is the most intense workout I have ever experienced. Although I am extremely sore, I want to keep going! I never went to the gym by myself, but with kickboxing I am all for going by myself. I cannot wait to see my toned body, even after just a week. You're supposed to burn at least 800 calories in the hour long class. 

I intend to sign up for kickboxing when my week is through. Although it's quite expensive at $699.00 a year, there are other packages for three months, each month, 10 weeks, etc. I am willing to spend money on something I know will work. 

I'm also eating healthier!

My New Year's Resolutions # 3. work out more often & eat healthier = more toned & fit .. can be crossed off.

The #6. be more charitable ... is also being worked on. 

Like I've previously said, I will be walking in the March for Dimes [March for Babies]. In April, I will be walking to raise money to support programs in my community that will help mothers not only have healthy, but also full-term pregnancies. For some reason, I feel the need to fundraise, as well as walk for this organization. I just told my family, as well as friends and my boyfriend, and they are backing me up 100%. I'm so thankful. This is going to be a whole new experience for me because I have never ran a marathon or walked for a charity. This is an exciting new chapter in my life, and I feel so very lucky to share this with all of you. 

I also have been signing petitions for animal protection as well as for people, including children. 

This is the website you can use if you want to sign petitions to help too! - The Animal Rescue Site

This is the website you can use if you'd like to donate to the March for Dimes [March for Babies] - MARCH FOR BABIES - DONATE PLEASE! :] 

Please help these great causes, it will be greatly appreciated!