Friday, July 11, 2008

Really? That is what you have to ask me?

I have been working at The Lance Armstrong Foundation for almost 2 months now and I can't even begin to express how much I LOVE my job! New challenges each week, a lot of personal growth, tons of inspiration and a great team to work with and for! It's a dream to be 33 and know that the job I have...could be a pretty long term commitment for me!

What is funny to me are the questions that said friends and acquaintances choose to ask me....like, Do you think he was a doper during the Tour? Is he really dating Kate Hudson? How long do you think that will last and my personal favorite...Is he really an asshole? ("he" being Lance of course)

Let's clear some things up...I am NOT his personal assitant nor the leak to US Weekly Magazine, I work with Grassroots Fundraising...I help those that want to raise money for the Foundation that will fulfill the manifesto: Unity is Strength. Attitude is Everything and Knowledge is Power. The Foundation strives to improve the quality of life for cancer survivors, increase research funding and advance cancer prevention methods. Bottom Line...that is what I help see through.

Let's look at the facts...Lance right now could be in France enjoying the Tour as the former 7 time winner BUT this weekend he will be in San Jose for the LIVESTRONG Challenge riding 100 miles with supporters.

No wonder Armstrong gets frustrated that there is so much focus on other things - namely, doping accusations and girlfriends. Whatever he is - or whatever you think he is - there remains this truth: Probably no other athlete has used his fame to do more for society. Armstrong has raised $250 million through his foundation. He has brought hope to millions who suffer from cancer and its effects. He has helped shape national health policy. These are enormous accomplishments.

When it comes to the Foundation and Lance all I have seen is 150% commitment to raising awareness and cutting deaths from cancer. He loves the work that the Foundation does and he won't quit until leadership starts providing funding to see research through.

Armstrong is climbing a different mountain now...and it is amazing to be a part of that fight every day.

The Hollywood gossip has gotten out of hand...rather than wonder what he is doing in his personal life (which is personal) how about you go and purchase some LIVESTRONG gear where 100% goes back to the Foundation or sign up for a LIVESTRONG challenge near you? That might be better use of time....I can help you with that, but I can't keep up with the accusations and gossip.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Life is precious

I guess sometimes it is true...death comes in 3's.

First was Allan Goldberg, a former employee of the Lance Armstrong foundation that lost his battle with cancer on June 22. He was 40, a triathlete and two-time cancer survivor who was executive director of a nonprofit organization that introduced young cancer survivors to outdoor adventure sports. Allan defined the word survivor. He battled this disease for more than 20 years. He spent his life giving back and helping others. He lived strong each and every day.

Second was Michael Argall- an athlete and coach in the Austin community that was killed when hit by a car whle riding his bike this past weekend. His memorium is here. I knew him briefly with the marathon training group I started with this past fall and then met him again at the church I attend. He was 45, an incredible man and leaves 3 children that are 21, 18, and 14. So very sad...but no one can say he did not live his life to the FULLEST.

And third was a letter that I opened up last night. I had adopted a little girl, Rosemary, from Uganda through an organization called World Vision. This organization helps villages in Africa by teaching them how to build community, AIDS awareness and providing education. Rosemary was 7 and she passed due to health issues. When I got the letter...it was tough...I had never met her, but looked forward the letters I would get from her.

Don't go to bed angry because no one is guaranteed tomorrow. No one.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

KT...you are so right.


Was chatting with an old friend today and telling her about my week (she called to send well wishes on the Ironman, she could tell I was down and out...got out what I needed to and then she sent me this.

"Why waste your energy on those who treat you with disregard when there are so many others who want to give you the world?"

So true. I am focusing on the wrong things. People make mistakes...me being one of them and I can't let myself feel like the bad person anymore. I am pretty easy to talk to when it comes to things like this and I always want to grow and learn like the rest of us. But disregard sucks and it doesn't feel good. However, I should focus on those that want to give me the world...and thankfully there are so many of you out there.

Time for some goal setting cause I get motivated by that.

Thanks KT...you are a good friend!

Grace..

U2 said it right...sometimes we all just need a little grace. This week has been a tough one, but as always...I will get through.


Grace
She takes the blame
She covers the shame
Removes the stain
It could be her name

Grace
It's a name for a girl
It's also a thought that
Changed the world

And when she walks on the street
You can hear the strings
Grace finds goodness
In everything

Grace
She's got the walk
Not on a wrapper on chalk
She's got the time to talk

She travels outside
Of karma, karma
She travels outside
Of karma

When she goes to work
You can hear the strings
Grace finds beauty
In everything

Grace
She carries a world on her hips
No champagne flute for her lips
No twirls or skips
Between her fingertips

She carries a pearl
In perfect condition
What once was hers
What once was friction
What left a mark
No longer stains

Because grace makes beauty
Out of ugly things

Grace finds beauty
In everything

Grace finds goodness
In everything