Five Things Friday

5 Things That Have Made Me Smile In the Last Week

1. Have I mentioned how much I love Autumn/Fall? The trees outside our house are slowly changing colors. Looks absolutely beautiful first thing in the morning when I open up the window blinds. Reminds me of a big bowl of Trix cereal.
2. Walking/training was on hold earlier in the week due to the rainy weather Boston was experiencing, but now we're going on 2 days of nothing but sunshine. It's perfect! I love waking up early in the morning before everyone gets up. I have over an hour to myself (well, technically I share my time with my iPod, but I digress) to think and sort out my thoughts. It's great. I'm keeping my training updated on my "In It To End It Tab" at the very top of the page, so feel free to check it out! (Or you can click here). I'm hoping to register very soon.
3. Speaking of AWBC, it feels great to be back in full force for fundraising. I just found out that a fundraiser that I started to plan can continue full force which I'm very excited about. Thank you to the Trinitarian Congregational Church in North Andover, Ma for allowing me to keep a plastic tub in the church kitchen to run a bottle drive. Trying to cure breast cancer one returnable can/bottle and one mile at a time! All updated fundraising events are posted on the "In It to End It" tab up top. (Or again, click here).
4. Sarah continues to talk up a storm and is doing a great job. Sarah's Early Intervention (EI) group suggested to us back in April 2009 when we first started with them to start sign language as a way to communicate. We thought it was strange at first, but we were told that as long as we say the word out loud and sign the word, eventually Sarah would learn to either sign the word or speak it. Either way, she is now signing and speaking words, and it's FANTASTIC! Her favorite is "more" and "help" and as of this week, we're now saying "thank you". The best part was when Samantha gave Sarah a toy earlier in the week when I asked Sarah, "What do you say Sarah?". Sarah automatically gave the sign for "thank you" and even attempted to say it, although all that came out was "yoooou". Hey, I'm not picky, just excited that we're really breaking through the communication wall.
5. Last, but certainly not least. Every once in awhile I witness or hear of something that is so selfless and so amazing. Sometime so selfless and amazing that it really can't be put into words. This week, my friend Sam did that amazing, selfless thing: she donated a kidney to her brother. Seriously, how amazing is that? I've only known Sam a short time, but I have never been so proud. Right now Sam and her brother Shawn are still recuperating in the hospital. I hope Sam and Shawn are feeling much much better and are able to head home today from the hospital. Sam, you truly are an angel and there should be more people out in the world like you. Feel better soon!!!