Create Memories with your family

I had a "remember when" kind of day today, I took my 16-year old daughter to the zoo! And it was her idea! We had so much fun seeing what's new, taking pictures (now on a digital camera), checking out the petting zoo, and especially remembering our past visits there. Some things have changed - the new lemur house and something like a guinea pig ranch; and some things have not - same old tigers. She even got to pet a rat:)

We probably hadn't been to the zoo for 8 or 10 years together, but it brought back all kinds of memories for both of us, the times we rode the paddle boats, the time she fed the elephants, the nocturnal exhibit, the time my son dropped his toy car into the gopher exhibit, and of course - ice cream! Then we got home and my 19 year old son reminded me of some other interesting memories (and how things in the zoo have changed over the years).

My children are fortunate that we have been able to spend time together doing fun things. That is what makes childhood special, and what creates lasting family bonds. Whether it's at the zoo, other local attractions, long trips, or even special family times at home, please make an effort to make those memories together. Games nights and family traditions are two great examples.

I am so blessed to have a teen who enjoy outings with her mom. At 16 she often prefers to text or chat on facebook, but today - no phones, no computer - just Mom, Rachel and the zoo. Simple times, and a new memory - fabulous!

Why I'm running a marathon

It was my 48th birthday, I was running around the tiny track at the YMCA, with not much on my mind. Suddenly it pops into my head that in 2 years I will be 50 - half a century - wow! Couldn't really believe that, but another thought pops in - I should run a marathon to celebrate turning 50! Why that came to mind I'm not sure. I had seen a poster at the Y for Team Diabetes, and a while earlier had read about someone who did their first marathon at Disneyworld. It actually sounded FUN! I put the two together and thought - I could run a marathon at Disneyworld, support a charitable cause, and still celebrate turning 50 - AWESOME!

That was before I thought it through. But once I told some friends, I found I was quite committed. Started calling it my mid-life crisis. I figure it's a pretty good crisis to have. I found out more about the charitable cause, checked out a couple of different groups, settled on Team Diabetes. I have to raise $4700 in donations, but almost all that money goes towards Diabetes research, care and advocacy. They send me to the marathon, but because of corporate sponsors, can send me there and still have lots left to support their programs. Sounds great.

A bit about Diabetes. This is almost an epidemic in North America. More than 2 million Canadians are living with diabetes - between Type 1 (usually starts in childhood), gestational (occurs during pregnancy but puts the woman at higher risk for developing Type 2 later), and Type 2 (usually happens in adulthood and can be related to lifestyle). Having diabetes means your pancreas isn't working properly. However, that can lead to many other health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease, eye problems, and nerve damage. These complications have a huge impact on quality and length of life. For more information, see http://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/what/facts/.

A bit about me: I am pretty healthy. I started running a few years ago to help lose weight, and have since progressed to triathlons. I have considered exercise to be my "anti-aging" treatment. As a result, I feel great, and everyone says I look pretty good, too - I love when people can't believe I will be 50 next year! As a "warm-up" to Disneyworld, I am training for a half-marathon next month, and really enjoying it (surprised myself). So I am working on the physical preparation.

Now for the fundraising preparation. This is what is more daunting to my mind. But I know I can do it. I am now actively looking for donations. And what can you donate? Money of course - you can go directly to the website: http://www.diabetes.ca/get-involved/supporting-us/donate-online/ and donate in my name. Or you can give me money:). I am also planning a pub night with a silent auction. So I am looking for donations of silent auction items or door prizes. You can even receive a tax receipt for items donated! And I'm also looking for fun people to come enjoy the pub night! Call me if you would like to help in any way:
780-456-3934

I hope this wasn't too long-winded, but I wanted to explain why I'm doing what I'm doing.

My first post

I am now experimenting with some new things on the internet, who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks?

It seems like there is a lot of information sharing on the internet, how do I make that work for me? Not sure. Any ideas are welcome. Here are my goals:
1. I have a fabulous home business that I would love to promote (www.discoverytoyslink.com/ArleneLaskey). It would be great to have a place to post events, special offers and such.
2. I am committed to running a marathon on behalf of Team Diabetes (www.diabetes.ca). I raise money (quite a lot) which goes towards diabetes research and care. In return, they send me to Disneyworld to run my first marathon. Again, I want to have a place to promote events, etc.
3. I love to share information. I would love a format to educate parents about the power of play, share health promotion ideas, and self-improvement thoughts with everyone!
4. I would love to meet new friends.

Will a blog help me reach my goals? Not sure, but it is a start. Now I just need to figure out how to get people to read this:)