Going Bald for a Cause

I am trying to get back in the groove of writing and this story seemed as good as any to share with you. This started with a friend/coworker revealing her utter obsession with Starbucks coffee by driving to the hospital, in the middle of a snow storm, because it was the only store open. As much as I want to delve into her coffee obsession, I am forced to look at the good things it has produced. 

I have to imagine that she started making connections with the baristas at Starbucks when they questioned her about the countless selfies she was taking. If they didn't ask questions at that point, then I am positive they started questioning when she began posing with a miniature stuffed monkey. Whatever the reason, I am glad the conversation got rolling.

Hollyi (the selfie taking, coffee addict) got to meet Britteni, who is working to raise money for an amazing cause. 

You read correctly. Britteni is going to shave her head on March 16, 2014 in hopes of raising $3,000 to help fight child cancer and support Julia. A few months ago I cut off 10+ inches of my hair so I could sport a pixie cut...and I thought this was scary. Britteni is going to shave her head! I don't know many girls willing to  do this. Another amazing fact is that she's not doing this alone. St. Baldricks Foundation is going to have many people shaving their heads in order to raise money for children's cancer research. While Britteni is definitely amazing for what she is doing, it doesn't compare to Julia and the battle she continue's to fight against the brain tumor.

You can go to St. Baldrick's Foundation to read about the little amount of funding given to research on child cancer. Then you can make a donation in the support of Britteni and child cancer research by using the ID#674795. 

Hollyi is trying to spread the word through her Facebook page The 365 Days of Starbucks. Not only did she have the pleasure of meeting Britteni and sharing her story but she also met Julia and her grandfather, Ernie. This sweet man now brings his therapy dog, Pumpkin, to our work every Thursday so that our children can love on her. We work at a residential facility with children who are definitely in need of kisses filled with puppy breath. 

 I encourage you to follow Hollyi's Facebook page in hopes of being exposed to other wonderful and giving people like Britteni, Julia, and Ernie. 

Saturday Link Up

Surviving the Color Run!!!

The color run started at 43 degrees!! It was so cold, but needless to say by the first mile marker,  I was sweating a nice shade of purple. I was pretty much a lone ranger throughout the race. For someone who had not trained for the run, I was pretty proud of myself for only taking three, 30 second walking breaks throughout the whole thing! (Mind you, I am writing this post from my bed....probably should've taken more walking breaks.) 

The run was to raise support and awareness of Mental Health America of Greenville County, as they recognized that 1 in 4 Americans are affected by a mental illness, each year. This was their first color run and it was great to see so many volunteers giving their time on a cooold Saturday morning. Even though I grumbled all morning about having to run in the cold, I am so glad that I got out there and showed my support. As someone who works with mental illnesses everyday, it is encouraging to see others raising awareness about them. 

My sweet husband was my supportive cheerleader all morning. He cheered me out of bed, at the beginning, middle, and end of the race. Thanks to him, and his frozen hands, I have pictures and videos clips to show y'all!

Freeezing before the race started!

 Halfway there!! Had no idea he was even standing there.

Thank the Lord...the finish line!

Had so much fun! Cannot wait to do it again next year!!

Woofstock and then some...

This past week was full of puppy love! We had Halloween at The Barker Bar and then Greenville's Woofstock for the humane society.

The puppies wore prisoner shirts and Justin and I dressed as "dog snatchers" from the pound. They did a pretty good job of looking pitiful in their stripes.(Please disregard the fact that most of my pictures have a Carolina Blonde beer bottle in them.)

The Greenville Humane society did an awesome fundraiser on Saturday. The Woofstock had several bands, doggy goodies, and numerous beer sampling stations. There were dogs EVERYWHERE!! We had to leave our jailbirds at home. We were afraid their behavior would have landed them in real puppy jail.

 It was super groovy!

Enjoyed being "age verified".





They did such a great job! We are looking forward to next year...definitely bringing some chairs and maybe the puppies. If you are in the area next year you should check it out!!