A week-long celebration

My friends.  Oh my, my friends.  How I treasure you.

Bike World, the corporate sponsor of 100 miles to nowhere set up a tent in my yard.  Photo by Kathryn Corones  

 On Saturday, two of my friends rode their bikes 104 miles around and around my block.  They intended to ride 100 miles, but rewarded pledges of $200 or more with an extra mile.  My mom was one of those extra-mile donors, but her donation was electronically received right after the bikes were shed following the 103rd mile.  Woops!  My friends got back on their bikes and dutifully rode one more mile.  And look at those smiles!

The queens of going nowhere (among other achievements):  "Norman" (left) and "Panda"

My dad joined them for a casual 84 miles.  

Nothing casual about this guy.  He proceeded to run a half-marathon on Sunday.  Love you, Irondad!

Several other friends, neighbors, and family also rode for various miles.  Ian and the girls probably logged nearly 10 miles, and I pedaled for a mile or two myself.

photo by Kathryn Corones

It was the most beautiful day.  Panda has some more details about it on her blog.  One of the things she said is true for me, too, and that is, "I feel like I didn't have the mental ability or energy to truly thank everyone that came to support."  I felt that way, too, and I wasn't even biking!  I tend to feel overwhelmed as the frequent recipient of the outpouring of generosity and support.  During 100 miles to nowhere, much like during the Huzzah party in June, I found myself trying to enjoy it a bit anonymously, as if I were attending a festival or event that was for someone else or everyone.  The good thing about the anonymous feeling is that being overwhelmed did not spoil my ability to have fun.  The bad thing is that I did not properly exhibit the humility or gratitude that continues to fill my heart.  I had a wonderful day at 100 miles to nowhere, and I won't soon forget it.  Thank you, friends, for doing this for me and my family.  Also, thank you, Carnation Nation, for being such a large and powerful place.  Thank you for being a part of my life.

Saturday was the beginning of this awesome week that is my celebration of life.  My life, which I happily continue to inhabit.  It has once again been proclaimed by the governor that this week is Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) Awareness week.  I'd like to remind everyone that the signs of IBC are different than other types of breast cancer that commonly present as a lump.  IBC often has NO LUMP.  IBC can turn up as itchiness, redness, or firmness that feels like inflammation, or all of these things.  For more information please see www.eraseibc.org.  When in doubt, rule it out!  (If you'd like to buy our T-shirt that says just that, please email me at 30carnations(at)gmail(dot)com.)

Finally, this week will end with my birthday!  I will be 34 on Friday.  I can't wait.  I have always loved my birthday, but I will be particularly happy to celebrate it this year.  I had several low moments this year when, with a certain amount of bitterness, it crossed my mind that I might not make it to my 34th birthday.  Yet here I am!  With lungs full of oxygen and no more breasts to poison me!  Who knew that 34 would feel so good?  

I hope you all are having an excellent week.  Please help me spread awareness of IBC!