Red Deer Massacure

So guess what?

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=105928922784360&ref=search&sid=660921997.66735779..1&v=info

Red Deer is hosting its first Hair Massacure, which will be managed and whole heartedly supported by Costco out there.

Late January a nice man contacted me (Darcy). We had found out about us and was toying with the idea of duplicating the event in Red Deer. He had educated himself a bit about us first, and had been following my blog, became intrigued.

The man does his homework and had already inquired with Stollery and Miracle Network to see if his company (Costco) could support this without conflict (as they already support the Children's Miracle Network in the Miracle month of May). We talked on the phone for a bit and then I realized the only way for him to understand a Massacure, he would need to be in the midst of one - so I invited him to cone out Feb 12. I knew this would make it or break it.

He came, with an associate. He looked like a boy in a candy shop at the event, and his wheels started to turn.

For the past few weeks, Darcy has become a human sponge absorbing every detail I could throw at him. I'm not sure what vitamins he takes, but I want some!! I also wonder what his wife's understanding is about how this is going to change her life. I thought back to the days when an enthusiastic Gord ran around like a maniac, and I thought he was nuts. This was HIS baby. Back then I was not so involved and had dug my feet more than offered to help. All I knew was that it involved chaos and I was still dealing with Kali's treatments and my support group so could not handle more on my plate. Oh, how things change..... I would have never thought I'd see this day.

Anyway, Darcy thinks big too and wants to raise a ton of money his first year. I believe he will. The pinking campaign starts tomorrow and he has over 250 signed up already! Yikes! Darcy has already hit the schools and has 2 Academies, Chatters and various salons on board.

Kyrsti, Kali and I will go out to the Pinking at Marvel College.... and it starts all over.

I havent yet recovered from the last one..... yes, this is an admission - but at the same time kinda compelling.

The sweetest thing about this one is that Costo is behind it. Many of their staff are already pink, and they are running our 2010 video at the front (making customers cry and take home a pledge package). They will take the pledge money at the tills (on the day of - May 29) and the shave will take place in the parking lot during the Show ' n Shine. How slick is that?

I think Darcy is now realizing that he's in trouble. He's hooked and his life will soon resemble mine, if this thing takes off and heads south. His heart obviously rules... I'm very proud to know this man is representing us.

I wonder if he needs a pink poodle? Oh Frrrrrreeed......

Million Dollar Massacure!

Well folks, we did it!!

Today as of 12:30 pm, we can officially refer to ourselves as a "Million Dollar Event".

Funny story.... but not really.

Last week I had a small "girlie" celebration for Nicki with some of the wonderful captains that worked closely with her, as it was her last week with me. :(

During our gathering on the patio at Earls, Jaime Caza surprised us with "THE" cheque from McDonalds (for the sale of paper Kali Bears) totalling 12,000. Weeeeeee!!!! Our math determined that THIS cheque had put us just over. I KNEW that Jaime had pushed for this cheque to come before our year end on April 30. Gotta love my friend.... Christie Peters announced (rather boldly) our totals and we toasted to it. Gotta love her too!

For a few days I was secretly dancing a jig over the good news until I was informed that we were misinformed about the final total.

Of course I resumed the fretting position and developed a couple more wrinkles (one for THAT, and one for the many glitches around our school concert next week).

Every night this past week I pulled out the whale sounds, passionflower, St. John's Wort, Lavender, the new puppy and Pepto Bismal to help me deal with my spinning world.

None of that helped anyways... in fact the puppy is causing me to consume more pepto, so yah.

This morning all I could think of was year end and that we've been skunked. According to accurate calculations we were 1,200 away from 1 M.

The 3 cheques we were expecting to come this week had not arrived. I was praying that today the postman would bring great news.

I decided to tend to other matters involving year end and asked the school who did our banners for us (MCHS) to please invoice me today for the cost as I had to hand it in before 4:30. They of course gave me a great deal, but above that surprised me with 1,000 dollar news (they had a cheque for us that they had fundraised in the coin well). Yipeeee!!!! I was all giddy, my legs went weak...... until they realized the cheque was not signed and I could not take it with me until next week when the principal returned from out of town.

So I dragged myself into Make-A-Wish hopeful that the mail included those cheques. They did not.

4 1/2 hours away from year end and we did not hit it. How could we get that close? I almost felt sick.

I loaded my van with pink hair colour for tomorrows pinking event in Red Deer to distract my disappointment. Meanwhile and a man walked into the office. He was from City Pro and dropped off an envelope containing 1,600. All of us at the office squealed and jumped, - it was like WE had personally won the lottery! 4 hours away and we did it!!

Meanwhile Nicki is on a well deserved vacation and completely unaware that after we hit it, we didnt, then we did again! She missed the stresses of this week, she missed the glitches with the concert, and I am so glad.

I will be publicly announcing our good news through CISN and all forms of media next Friday, so stay tuned.

Now, I have a new thing to worry about. Thats my silly promise to become "influenced" by liquid strength. Way back I made a statement that I was going to tie one on if we ever hit the million. (Haven't done this before). Feeling fairly safe about my statement (due to Haiti) I did not see this day coming, but now it's here and my peeps think this is quite funny and exciting. I'm kinda nervous, as I am not 18 anymore and way past that, but I cant get out of it so it should be interesting.

Nicki my dear.... hurry back!! We have some celebrating to do!!

Back from a break

Hi folks,

took a bit of a break with the kids and it was wonderful.

Kali's battle actually offered something as it took something, this was knowledge.

I learned more from that experience than everything else that has followed ever since. My senses feel heightened and my head is no longer in the clouds.... sort of speak (unless I am driving, karate class, dance....). My point being we are "living".

We all went away for a much needed holiday and I have to say that this was the very first time I left work and communication at home. I was without phone service, GPS, and internet (for the most part) and despite how I thought I would react in that situation (as this was NOT planned), I actually enjoyed the freedom very much. It was opportunity to just soak up my time with the girls (cause as we all know - this flies by very quickly - kids growing up and then away....).

Our idea of a get-away is NOT lying on a beach or a cot by a pool. It's exploring God's land - seeing, experiencing, taking in everything unlike our version of the norm.

There is a whole world out there that I would give everything to see and show them- and my girls all share this. Any given opportunity, I'll take it.

I put myself into a corner by promising to take them somewhere, and then I dedicate myself to honouring that promise. Nerve-wracking but it always works out. I will keep doing this for as long as they comply. My oldest (Megs) and I have a deal (our yearly mother - daughter get away) it is coming next month and I am so looking forward to it. Those precious moments that you cant get back - take them while you have a chance.

From what I have seen over the years, I realize how important opportunities are, as life can be very short.

Now I'm back. A little out of sorts, but back to the grindstone now preparing for another Massacure in Red Deer (in May) and finishing up our year end.

This is my last week with Nicki (until Nov 1st). I will miss her very much. She is a real pleasure to work this closely with. Now she will go to another boss (Lori) who will fire her everyday (as I did) for enduring various "age" comments. We have a perfect arrangement - Edmonton Queen (Riverboat): spring - fall, Massacure: fall - spring. We both love her and I think we are pretty darn lucky.

Nicki, enjoy your holiday coming up. Last day Friday. You did an amazing job kiddo! Thank you for the best year EVER.

PLEASE get back on the plane and come home.......

it's coming to that time...

KLEAN UP - and yes, I’m purposely making it more exotic by spelling it with a “K” – is a little depressing, although I am sleeping more… - but just think, I won’t be sitting at my desk, with maps of the rink, school contact information, news articles with the Rush all around me. I won’t be living in my car (poor Marjorie!), where the passenger seat, back seat and trunk are all filled with pink dye, Kali Bears, touques, baseball caps, and a spare change of clothes… or two, or the extra signs, or the extra pair(s) of comfortable pink shoes... Nor will I be talking to Tam 2 or 3 or 20 times a day.

Yes, I will be running around like a madwoman (no comments please) at the Edmonton Queen Riverboat (insert shameless plug here), doing info tours with school kids and taking money from old people.. I mean booking seniors’ tours. And spending a huge amount of time with my Goddaughter, which I can not wait to do!

But I am already missing the crazy number of emails and messages as I sit down at my desk after being away for... 2 hours. Or the voice of a child who has reached their goal and is looking forward to dropping it all off. Or the email of a frazzled teacher who’s kids passed even their expectations and now has more cash in their desk than they know what to do with. Or the many emails from people wanting to volunteer, or just even telling me what a difference this event has made in their lives.

At this point I have two weeks left to “klean up” and finish sorting photos with Tam, finish updating reports and procedures, and finish up ideas and meetings regarding next year. PHEW! I feel like I should be hussling, but I’m honestly putting some of it off. I know that writing procedures is not my strong point, but I figure that if I never do them, I’ll never improve. Or at least that’s the idea... even though I’m writing this rather than doing it…

Anyways, there are three people leaving the Stollery in the next few weeks, plus me, and I guess I’m a little sentimental about these past few months coming to an end. I look forward to switching things up and being back at the ship – and then coming back (if y’all will have me) in the fall. (but first... HAWAII!)

nick

Update

Hey y’all.

So Tammy is away for a bit, and I’ve been super sick so not much has been getting done this past couple days – and hence no new posts!

I just wanted to let you know that Tam isn’t going to be shaving... there just hasn’t been any big bites for it – so we’re going to accept what our final total is in three weeks (April 30th is our cut off).

I will let you all know that at this point we are soooo close... like $7,000 close. So if you know of anyone who hasn’t brought in their donations, or would still like to make a donation – let’s do it!!

Online donations are still accepted at www.hairmassacure.com and cheques or cash can be brought into the Make-A-Wish office at 16007-118 Ave. Remember that any donation over $25 gets you a tax receipt!

I have faith that I will not have to dip into my line of credit too much because the people associated with our cause are all so wonderful and giving (feel the love? hehehe)…

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to call me (780-431-4621) or email me (questions@hairmassacure.com) and I will get back to you asap!

Anyways, just wanted to keep you all on the up and up and let you all know that without your help and generosity we wouldn’t even be this close!

Nicki

Good Friday

Good Friday has always left me with a sinking feeling, much like anyone else who shares the faith.

Even if you don't, there is always opportunity for reflection upon those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the betterment of mankind. The type of sacrifice that would alter the mindset of the masses and leave behind a deeper appreciation for a greater good, a higher power.

I think about how Christ, in his human form, foresaw the bigger picture and knew what had to be done in order to wake people up. I believe us humans need frequent reminding about the bigger picture as we get distracted about day to day living and tend to prioritize a lifestyle that may not be reflective of is really important. Avatar takes me to this place, best movie ever in my opinion. We as society are all guilty to some extent of becoming detached - some more than others. I think thats my whole point in todays blog - "detachment". This is what Christ (and all of the other great spiritual leaders) was trying to teach us - synergy and connection to spirit.

I think about the children (and adults) in my personal life that have suffered and or passed and how their journey made a huge impact on ours. I wonder if it was pre destined that some were to be that sacrifice in order to teach us about life?

Have a reflective Good Friday folks and a wonderful Easter.

Pimples and fundraising

My Kali is starting to get pimples. With my degree at Hogwarts, a trained practitioner would see pimples as a side effect of whats going on within the body - whether it be stress / diet / hormones, its considered to be an issue.

Oddly enough I am seeing something else.

My daughter is actually old enough to have pimples - this alone is cause for celebration. Also symbolic of the fact that this is a typical stage of pre teens and I am so thankful for that. If this is the only side we have to deal with nowadays, I'll gladly take it. So, I am stoked for normalcy but don't kid yourself, I still have to deal with the break outs because I cant help it.

10 years ago, I prayed for this day (teen years). Other parents did too, but sometimes their prayers were unanswered, which I still have difficulty getting my head around.

Seems that every decade there is an improvement in either treatment or results.

My hope is that in 2020, we are celebrating the successes found to save our babies and children.

Kali still remains tight with her fellow survivors, in fact had a play date with her long time friend Natasia yesterday. Both girls giggled and played Wii, joked about their silly moms while Carol (My friend and fellow cancer mom) and I reflected on the days when life was all consuming with little evidence that we would ever experience "normal" again (like pimples...).

My friend now battles cancer. The irony of that situation is mind boggling. She was diagnosed when her little girl hit her 5th year remission status. Her little girl still faces many residual complications from side effects so it hasn't left the house yet. I will never forget the day when she told me of her diagnosis and her upcoming orientation at the Cross Cancer. Automatically I offered to go with her (even with the memory of the place and my promise to never return). We went and opted out of the tour because we could have lead the tour ourselves. Instead Carol cracked wack jokes about her cancer, and my wack sense of humour found it funny so that day kinda worked out for both of us. Her treatments there are ongoing - this not so funny.

Carol and I once ran the support group for families through Kids With Cancer Society. We called it "Familes Helping Families" and held a monthly Sunday afternoon event for 2 years.

We were also the parent liaisons and jumped at given opportunities to help a newly diagnosed family or ones going through unbearable conditions (which was pretty much most of us). The two of us still faced our own children's battles at that time, but we did it together and were able to lean on each other through those times where no one else seemed to understand or were strong enough to step up to face the music with us.

Eventually we both dropped the support group for reasons beyond our control (mostly due to lack of support) and opted to delve into fundraising events instead. We felt that this had a much bigger impact on our cancer community. Carol remains in touch with the families to this day and I connect with her to keep updated, as my schedule no longer allows for this type of commitment to stay connected, nor do I have the stamina or desire to remain immersed in "cancer" on a regular basis.

Carol is now retired from running her event "Small and Mighty". All consuming for her - as I fully understand. It eventually took a toll on her health and general well being, something that gets me thinking quite a lot.

I think it's a double edged sword. A cancer family, or any person / family that is personally attached to any particular cause is the perfect ambassador because of their investment and passion for the cause. They will go to the end of the earth to make things better than what they had endured. Their knowledge and ongoing commitment is the very life breathed into that cause. On the other hand, because of the personal investment - it's too close. It's all consuming for the body, mind and soul and eventually leaves the person / family drained with little to no hope for replenishment.

So that's the scoop on that. All I think is wouldn't it be nice if there were no longer a reason to pink and shave our hair? Wouldn't it be nice if the biggest health concern for our kids was pimples?

To shave or not to shave...

Well.... I am sitting here in contemplation. Do I shave in a desperate attempt to get us to that 1 M? We are so very close folks.

As you know I opted out of shaving this year, and chose to keep the hair as it is still a novelty for me.

I was, however planning ONE more shave in the future, just hadn't planned on one so soon.

I am using desperate measures to push us over. Kinda feels like being skunked in crib.

IF I do this, I am looking for 12,000 for my noodle - so this is not yet set in concrete. 12,000 will safely get us over and then we can officially refer to ourselves as a "Million Dollar Event".

If we can sneak there without me having to reveal how much grey I have, then I will say pfew... but I have a feeling this will not happen and the BUZZ will be ON my head.

I will be doing this in late April if I can find last minute sponsorship for it. Our year end is April 30, any money after this date will not apply to the 2010 event and will be kept in the bank to collect interest for the following year. The cheques will be issued out to the 2 charities on this date as well. Kinda a neat feeling to write out cheques for this amount when I am used to the 12.00 Schoolastic fees for books, or hot lunch....

I am definitely gonna get killed by daughter #1 (Megs) and she was not privy to this hair brained idea of mine. Her efforts in the stylist chair will be a reminder to her as to why she has forbidden me to do this. Gotta love our stylists!!

Much like everything else, my spontaneity is going to weigh heavy.

I will keep you all posted on this plan. Either way it works out - I will need some good luck.