Heavy day

How does one describe heaviness?

Its all consuming, crippling our ability to experience and process joy, humor, excitement, gratitude.

I felt heavy today as I sat in Peds Oncology at the Stollery awaiting results of Kali's blood tests and the final verdict from the doc regarding a suspicious lump.

I felt heavy for her, reflecting on the number of relapses I have witnessed over the years, admiring her beautiful long hair and trying to get my head around how we would handle a second go.... how would she.... more importantly - how could she/we? I felt sick.

I felt sick for 2 reasons, for 2 people.

Meanwhile Kali sat quietly for a long spell with a hospital brochure in hand (studying a younger picture of herself on the front cover).

Her thoughts were: I know Im fine, and I'll take the day off of school any day to hang out with mom. She worried, but for someone else - our friend who was recently diagnosed this weekend with Leukaemia.

Its true that ignorance is bliss.

After bloodwork, pager in hand - we were released for a bit to grab a bite and visit our friends (on that note, after 8 years I am finally able to eat at the hospital again).

We connected with our friend and learned a bit more about his wife's condition.

She was too weak for a visit, but we listened intently while he talked, voice trembling trying to keep strong.

Back to "ignorance is bliss"...

I knew what was ahead of him. I wished I hadn't, and I knew that in time he will wish he hadn't either.

Today is his birthday, and his biggest hurdle of this day is telling his boys.

I wanted to tell him it will be ok. I knew it would be a lie.

I raced back and forth in my head from Kali to my friend. Deep down I felt Kali was going to be ok, but I didn't trust it because it tricked me the first time.

For my friends, I spent the day wondering what we could do for this family. They have done so much for us, in fact very much involved in Hair Massacure.

Kali was released with no traces of evil in her body.

I felt a huge weight off, then felt bad that my friend would not feel the relief I was granted.

I thought about the new research project our event is now funding - Leukaemia.

I wanted to share this news, explaining that adult cancers benefit from paediatric research.

I decided to leave it alone as it is not relevant at this time and will not release the pain this man is feeling for his wife, his family.

I fished for something positive to tell him. All I could say was that we would pray.

I could not offer any of the resources that I have affiliations with (as the patient is not a child).

Could not mention Ronald McDonald House when they go to Calgary for 3 months for a bone marrow transplant, no Kids with Cancer Society, no Make-A-Wish.

I felt that I had nothing to offer other than a crash course on what to expect with Leukaemia (when they're ready).

Thats not very positive.

The outcome may be (and I pray it is) but the roller coaster ride is not.

I thought about all of the issues with Hair Massacure Ive been griping about this past few weeks.

In retrospect, I'll gladly take 'em.

Reasons....

This week was another twitcher. No posts due to procrastination, however I am here now an in a state of sheer emotional exhaustion and yet I feel compelled to write. This is why...

I watched a video today, sent to me by my adopted son Dusty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9pHISnIj2Y&feature=youtube_gdata_player.

It gave me that extra burst of drive to get me through these next 2 weeks of insanity. This video (which I encourage you to please watch) was created by a cause in B.C that benefits young cancer patients.

The talented young lead singer herself is a survivor - very compelling, very sad and highly motivating for me when I reach that exhausted state.

Not to mislead you, my love for the event is not to be confused with my level of endurance. Sometimes our children make us tired too, yes even exhausted - but we still love them.

Sometimes we need a little something that offers us the strength to get across the finish line.

For me, consistently when I reach this state, God sends me reminders...

I received news today from a good friend who's also quite involved with the event.

As I received the phone call, I felt an unusual surge of tears trying to force their way out (I say unusual because I typically dont cry as I have trained myself in the most unhealthy and unnatural manner to choke them back).

Hearing the words Leukaemia is difficult enough, however when applied to a friend or loved one, its unbearable.

I will be making a visit tomorrow to the U of A hospital for 2 reasons.

1 - to visit my friend.

2 - to take Kali to her Oncologist to have a lump in her armpit checked.

Kali was hesitant to show me this lump as she knew this would stress me, especially after the news of my friend and watching the video.

Honestly, I feel that I could throw up right now, so I focus on writing and it seems to help.

It will be a long night until morning hits, the only thing that will sooth the situation is that its probably a little cyst (for Kali) BUT this does not make me feel any better about my friend.

Going to the hospital will typically set me back for days. I dont have days to set back - the push is NOW and the event is next Friday.

My focus to this point is two things: Raise over one million dollars and pray that everyone involved is happy.

Real quick update this week:

Monday - Bought wedding dress for daughter. Returned ladder to Canadian Tire....

Primeau in school pinking. Lots of fun but I was a little disappointed that Emily would not let me pink her Sheltie, boasted about my creative "pinking" to stylist daughter (Megs).

Tuesday and Wednesday - more twitching, damage control, stocked a staff member at Stollery, recharging Iphone halfway through the day, eating Baileys liquor chocolates, pacing,

excessive gum chewing, re-pinkings, and bad driving (in billboard).

Thursday - school presentation in Devon. Brought Pink Dog, shocked entire school, Kinehan family shared their story. Daughter with pneumonia.

Friday - Billboard needed brakes (back in November actually....) workday with Nicki and Brandi at Starbucks (our office last year) and picked up toques from Unicon Concrete to bring to Make-A-Wish. Hernia not happy....

Saturday - Pinking at Save-On Foods. Pinked Collin Parker (our sponsor for Johnsonville and distributor for Kali Pink) pink tipped my girlfriends sister (LONG LONG hair).... who I will make MY friend too.

Flat Weazie and Flat Christie in attendance - obviously NOT a dull moment there. Laughed to much, hernia still unhappy. VERY motivated employees at Save-On. Really cool....

Today.... just sad, and tired.

Week 3 / Miss Gina

I am relieved to say (as I knock wood) that the week from H E double hockey sticks is over.

Tonight - in discussion about this nuts week (and the full moon) I discovered that January 18 is the most depressing day of the year (that is for anyone who would not have a legitimate reason to be depressed on this day). Ok, makes perfect sense.

I literally contacted our registration captain Pat (who's lovely AND amazing at her job) and asked her if I could register a time to cut my head off.

I wanted to know if I could still get a toque for my head and if I could donate the head (not that anyone in their right mind would want mine), then asked if I could register a time with a friend (Nicki) - cause she's ready to cut her head off too.

Pat is quite used to my crank calls, but this one was for real, and it came from MY phone - undisguised.

Its been that kind of week.

My "Full moon post" explained Monday and Tuesday. Brandi said it would get better on Wednesday and it.

Our commercial shooting went well, however planning was still chaotic through till Friday.

Friday we (Nicki, Brandi and I) met at WEM to sign contract and go through the entire Ice Palace. We ate lunch at Timmies over top the Ice Palace and planned some more.

Nicki told a story about her mom almost leaving the house wearing 2 different shoes.... I felt it was wise to just shut up. How would I have known that I would do that again today?

A lengthy Executive meeting at Make-A-Wish finished off the day. Its gruelling, but necessary and a good thing I like everyone. Its a great group that consists of us 3 gals, senior members of the charities, Gord and Jaime (rep for Ronald McDonald House). Typically before these monthly meetings, I eat poorly and expose myself to available viruses in hopes of a legit excuse to reschedule. Im never successful.

There are always many issues to resolve (which I why I hate meetings of this nature). More often than not, we collectively find solutions BUT its still yucky going through the tedious process.

At the end... relief.

Today I was simply unmotivated to do any work. We ditched house cleaning and enjoyed a farewell coffee with Miss Gina (Gina Macarthur).

I met Gina 4 years ago when she took over the new editorial position at our local paper.

I called her up, referred to her as "the new girl" and suggested she come to my house for tea as we were going to be working together so we aught to get to know each other first.

She heard we ran a charitable event and likely rolled her eyes on the phone with me, BUT she humored me and came out to the house. What a good sport.

WE just got FRED and Gina not only fell in love with him, but our story, the event and my girls... and I think me too. It was reciprocated. Her articles about HM were outstanding.

I was very sad when she left her position for a Spruce Grove opportunity ...

ironically the switch lead to me hiring Brandi. (Brandi was a co-worker of Gina and came highly recommended. After several applicants - Brandi was chosen. I trusted my gut, I trusted Gina).

in 2008 Gina joined Rooke Karate School (our school).

During tests I got to hit Gina and make her wince - it was fantastic. Her bruises were my trophies.

Gina was the funny Newfie in the class and livened things up - soon had a following.

She always supported the Massacure (with her son Ian) and last year was involved as a co-captain helping out in the planning process.

She fit right in (considering the personalities of our group) offering great ideas and her crazy sense of humour.

I invited Gina to pose in Bald is Beautiful for 2 years running. This is featured on our 2011 video (with her son in the black and whites) AND in the funny pics as her crazy self.

In 09 Gina tried to convince me to write a book with her.

With her strengths with the English language and my memories, we would partner up.

We attempted a couple of writing sessions (her note book on hand) at Timmies.

I wasnt emotionally ready to spill AND usually too felt too scattered or exhausted to organize a thought.

On a good day with me (prior to Ritalin) I cant imagine retrieving single organized memories and thoughts - I've always had 10 going on at any given time.

Gina announced last summer that she was likely moving back home to Newfoundland.

She and I both knew that this book was never going to happen (unless she followed me around 24 - 7 picking my brain for memories). This became the catalyst for my blog.

On November 1st last year - Nickis first day - I wrote my first blog with her in Second Cup. Nicki walked me through it. I was ready.

I believe one day I will select these entries, organize them (well... with help) and create a book.

I will think of Gina.

My friend flew back home today (after a well deserved trip won through our largest Sponsor CISN Country). I (we) will miss her more than she realizes.

Miss Gina, thank you for everything. I love ya, and for the record ...I really did enjoy hitting you.

TGISaturday

So you know those days.... the days where nothing is going wrong per say but it just takes you three times longer to do something than any other day. That was me yesterday.

It stated off by trying to put my boots on..more than once. I was on the phone, and trying to put them on at the same time (don't shake your head - I'm a woman I think I can multitask) after realizing that I was trying to put them on the wrong feet I waited until I hung up to try again, unfortunately my cell rang again as I grabbed my left boot and then proceeded to try to put it on my right foot. Again! After the second time I conceded that it was going to be a one thing at a time kind of day.

I'm driving to my first meeting with Tammy at West Edmonton Mall when I finally put my phone down. Now I'm almost there, and for those who don't know - I normally put my phone in between my legs when driving (not as weird as you'd think - but think twice before borrowing someone else's cell...) and I feel a little cold. I realize that the plastic on my phone cover is actually touching my leg where I should have pants. So now my day is full of meetings and I have a hole in the thigh of my pants. Great. Well... it's kinda the crotch of my pants. Even better.

Get to West Ed and met with Tam - who didn't have any mishaps with peeing on things today - PHEW! and the meetings went well. Met with Brandi, went over the ice surface - that's all good. We all went to Make-A-Wish and had our Executive meeting, which went good... so the day is shaping up .

I then try to head over to Gologo to pick up a sweatshirt... and please remember that I'm back to being on the phone for the next hour and a half solid... I take a "shortcut" because this long way is crazy with traffic... run into a dead end. So I do a couple quick "well that looks like a real road" and take those until I hit an actual main drag. Just get to Gologo and realize that the building is empty. The only thing in there is some paint and a ladder... Tammy tells me that they've moved. Oops. Guess since I'm ten minutes late and at the wrong location, that I'll pick it all up on Monday.

Get back on the phone - and the road - and head to meet my dad for supper. Im running late due to traffic, and then as I get out of the car.... oh look there's ice, so I've already chipped one of my new bright pink nails. Darnit! I love falling in the middle of parking lots. ARGH!

The rest of the night was supposed to be filled with checking email, changing passwords, and the like, except my typing skills had completely left me and it was taking a half hour to write a two minute email. Needless to say, I quit early and went to bed.

Thank goodness that today is already shaping up to be a bit easier...

Commercial

Today I attempted again to take the morning off to find a state of zen before our trip to CTV to shoot a psa kindly donated by the station.

What silly portion of my brain thinks this is possible?

This is day 3 where I notify Nicki and Brandi that I need a day. Seems relatively simple - just shut off my phone and stay away from the computer. At this point, the price of the step away is far greater than daily twitch is what I'm thinkin'.

The building (CTV Globe Media) is a familiar place in January for Kali and I as we do our yearly noon hour interviews, or radio spots on the Bear, or Easy Rock.

Today we had a Kyrsti in tow. I opted out of the commercial as I felt the kids could knock that out of the park (14 takes later they did).

Kyrsti was a natural up there, no surprise. Kali, tentative - eventually overcame deer-in- headlights. Erin Isfeld and Maria Orydzuk demonstrated much encouragement and patience for the gir.... uh Kali. I could not help but wonder if Kyrsti was in her niche (media), although she seems to have many niches - this one fit so well it was almost a premonition.

Kali has had media in her life for the last 10 years. What would seem like "old hat" to her is not necessarily the most comfortable. I still believe its a genuine humbleness, and thats not a bad thing.

We were all treated very well, it was so nice to feel the support in the building - Maria in particular (who's lovely), showed a level of investment in us and our cause - it surprised me.

Erin is absolutely flawless in presentation, yet quite done to earth.

I wondered how she'd deliver a speech in my environment (belching dog, hair clippings in bra, random kindergarden shout outs, farting dog, falling zipper, mall chaos, pinking distractions, Fred nurturing himself) ..... my thoughts today were - with perfection.

After editing and approval, CTV will air the clip until the event. Next week Kali and I will come in for an interview at noon. Kali wont blink and I will fidget. Wonder what Kyrsti will be doing?

Thank you CTV for the great promotion.

The Pink Takeover

Well, I've been here a month now and PINK is taking over my life! I think I'm even dreaming in pink...

I don't want to be the first one to state a countdown, so I won't. But suffice it to say that momentum is growing and we are closer to Feb 11 than not :)

I love watching this campagin grow. Every time I'm in a school there are a few pink heads. And then a few more. And even a young man at the bowling alley last week. It's taking over the whole region.

I've now made it through the pink kick-off, the volunteer orientation, two school presentations, one school pinking, my OWN pinking, my kids' pinking (that was fun), and am anxiously awaiting my first Board meeting and an onsite meeting at the mall tomorrow. I have met stylists, captains, survivors, sponsors, and FRED. They're all great - though most are not quite as cute as FRED (sorry). I have answered a few dozen emails aboaut registering online, how do I donate my hair, and where do I find the pledge package? I have been able to be there for the announcement of two great incentives for schools and teams. I can feel the excitement and energy growing on a daily basis.

Tammy thinks I am mere days away from the "twitching" but the truth is, I love it. Yep, there's LOTS to do. Yep, there are fires to put out and stuff to figure out. Yep, it seems like there aren't enough hours in the day, but when I see how pink is taking over everywhere I look, I know we are doing alright. Our message is getting out there, and we're going to be GREAT!!

Are YOU pink yet?

Full Moon

This was my Facebook status today: "Full Moon, please take some Ritalin and quit creating chaos".

Thankfully Brandy reminded me about the full moon thing yesterday and today - so Im not going crazy... or am I ..... and using little planets as excuses?

The great parts of these two insane days:

The school pinking at Sturgeon Heights school.

I enjoy that very much - connecting with the kids / parents / staff. Pinking is always fun for me as I get to play "hairstylist" for the day, and "accidentally" pink any promising new victims.

At suppertime Kali and I scooted over to McDonald corporate office to eat (thank you Jaime) and present HM to all of the corporate managers. The goal - to inspire all of the restaurants to sell in access of 500 Kali Bears each.

Jaime Caza - I call her the big / little cheese (cause she's the boss, BUT she's short) lead the meeting. This is my remarkable 4 hat friend I spoke about in a recent blog.

Kali Bears were her brain child among other ideas and offers she's implemented into our event.

Think the restaurants will do well. Should feel for an Angus Burger (best burger EVER btw), or a yummy salad, please consider buying some bears and tell your friends to do the same. The more bears we sell, the more we can give to Ronald McDonald House. They also have yummy new banana chocolate pies - feed the pie hole, buy a bear or two - feed the soul.

Went home feeling pretty good about the meeting. Of course Flat Christie entertained us again. What I have learned about McDonalds is that its a great company to be involved in, oh and in case it didn't register the first time - they have amazing Angus burgers.

The not so great parts: Driveway played joyride with billboard. Billboard scraped Mandys car.

5 ft residential snow wall blocked billboard from leaving driveway. Shovelled. Said colorful words, felt better. Used hammer to break up ice mountain on driveway, hammer found shin. Said more colourful words. School bus kids waved at me.

Ugly dog brought frozen special treat into house, think it belonged to FRED this morning. Brushed ugly dogs teeth, said colurful word.

Bad bird screaming. Searched for spray bottle, bird repeated colourful word.

Website and HM emails down, back up, down, back up, down .... phone not working.

Daughter sick, 1,500 bottles of Hair dye still missing, lost count of glitches and problems (attached to HM). Had coffee with Baileys - Baileys sour.

Ended evening with tea with Ginger (captain). Had a great visit. Felt inspired.

Drove home, snow wall removed, house cleaned up, bad bird sleeping...

Could tomorrow be nicer? Gosh I hope.

OH! The good ol' Hockey game, is the best game you can name. And the best game you can name, is the good ol' Hockey game.

Last year, massacurians were pleasantly surprised when hockey teams came out of the woodwork in droves! All of a sudden 20 kids with matching jerseys were shaving their heads – for other kids! It was a wake up call for us, as organizers, that there is another group of people wanting to participate and we should not only accept, but encourage their participation.

This year we wanted to do something special for our hockey teams!

May I present to you - - JASON STRUDWICK! He is our number 43, he is our 6 foot 4 inch defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers!!! So the winning hockey team – chosen by most money raised per team member – will get a practice and signing session with Jason.

This may just be a small thank you from us, to our hockey teams for all the things you do, but we appreciate it all!

Oh take me where, the hockey players, face off down the rink.
And the Stanley Cup, is all filled up, for the champs who win the drink.
Now the final flick, of a hockey stick, and the one gigantic scream.
"The puck is in! The home team wins!", the good ol' hockey game.

*Thanks to Stompin' Tom Connors for the wonderful lyrics.

Neil M Ross

This morning we braved horrendous roads to attend a plaque presentation to Neil M Ross (our winning school - elementary - in St. Albert).

This particular school has always been a "thing" I do with my daughter Meagan.

Meagan insists on playing the Kali Bear (only for this occasion) while I chat up the kids. We have fun and the energy is quite high.

My daughter leans on the quiet / polite side... until she slips into a bear.

Like Jim Carrey in the Mask, she takes on special powers where all the rules fall out the window.

The many lectures I have received when my levels of immaturity surpass the last should be held against her as she pole dances at an elementary school or puts children into head locks.

The bears personality is crucial. He's a "he", determined that in 07 when I developed his personality at a RUSH game (what happened at the RUSH game stays at the RUSH game).

There are only a handful of us that can portray him as Dennis the Mennis with fur - its so much fun when its our turn. Every year I fight over him with all of my girls.

Back to Neil M Ross...

Brandy came out for support, camera around neck.

She's learning rapidly on this crash course and despite her many talents, I anticipate the twitching will eventually find her.

The kids at the school were pumped and again we were greeted with screaming. Gotta love that.

Meagan forewarned me that IF I announce again to the kids "where my daughter works" (to pink their hair) she would hurt me. Apparently she's already a little busy with pinkings.

Whether this school reaches top fundraising again (as they set the bar pretty high) is irrelevant.

The fact that they are still wanting to support (after 3 years) is really meaningful.

The kids genuinely love the event.

Had a nice little visit with Brandi and Meagan (after loosing them in St.Albert),

then a trip to Megs salon where I lost at least a pound of hair to her scissors.

Years of bleaching and pinking eventually caught up and the decision was made - I looked like an old witch.

Combine witch hair with bloodshot bags under eyes... not cute.

If only Preparation H worked on pink straw. Next to shaving (which is NOT an option or she will for sure seriously hurt me with wedding coming up) was the next best thing.

Tomorrow, Pinking at Sturgeon Heights school.

Talk to you soon!

A Wish for Taylor

http://landonmindytaylor.blogspot.com/

A blog following a true miracle and her parents. It's moving and insightful and wonderful.

Volunteer Orientation

Today we all braved what now seems to be our traditional "snowstorm orientation". Gross.

A great turnout considering. Thats dedication.

This cause is most fortunate to have such a following, and I am lucky to associate with these people.

The sweet surprise today was to see little Taylor and her pink parents (Mindy and Landon). I write about Taylor in a previous blog back in November, and how ironic that her dance was held at the same location as our orientation. Guess we have a mutual friend to thank for that - the infamous Miss Christie (who is involved in everything).

Taylor was intrigued with the pink pooch and I think Fred liked her right back. Who wouldn't - she's just so cute.

This little girl has won the hearts of so many, it was most effective for all of us to see 3 survivors in the room today (with Dusty and Kali). Thats the reason we were all there.

Most of our captains were in attendance, but they usually are cause they are awesome.

Jaime Caza (bearer of 4 hats - friend / sponsor / wish mom / volunteer coordinator) was introduced to day as our new coordinator, with my 14 year old daughter as youth coordinator and sidekick to Jaime. Its a HUGE job, and they are doing a superb job organizing it, with the personal touch that accompanies this cause.

There were representatives from all 3 charities, this impresses me to feel their support.

For the first time EVER, I was able to attend an event such as this with minimal stress and responsibility.

In years past, after creating and documenting the volunteer positions and selecting my captains, I would arrange the meeting, solicit for a venue and food, pick up the food, round up the troops, send out reminders, and create a list of to do's (that would keep me up at night).

How far we have come.

Delegation is possible when you have great people in place. Im blessed to have a Nicki and Brandi who work so hard, a great team of captains, busy daughters, and recruited members of our charities. Less twitching, more fun.

A shout out to everyone who supports this event. Thank you and God bless.

Now get to work...

CISN Announcement / Marvel Mass Pink Off

This Monday we had our yearly "Mass Pink Off" at Marvel College where 35 "pinkees" united for the shear purpose of initiating the campaign.

Our host of the past 8 years - the infamous Bridget Ryan brought us live to CITY TV viewers on Breakfast Television (http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/745812710001.000000/its-time-to-get-pinked/),

Shaw TV (Angelika Gawronski) and CTV (Maria Orydzuk) were also present catching clips of the morning for later promotion.

Romy Yamsuan (Romy Young photography) graced us with his presence and true to his outstanding reputation - took creative and incredible pinking shots! Check this out:

http://blogromy.com/2011/01/2011-hair-massacure-pink-off-edmonton-event-photographer/

Before I ramble on about the details of the pinking... how do these media personalities get up in the wee hours of the morning and perform?

I realize there is likely coffee involved, which is the very reason I started drinking it regularly a few years ago.

We were up at 5, as it is a good hour to get to downtown edmonton. I have a system for early morning media spots, which my daughters are now using consisting of Preparation H (for bags under eyes), cover up (f0r zits and shiners), visine, sweet coffee, cookies, Vicks (when applied on select tender spots - is quite effective), even Mr. Fred was groggy and unmotivated to leave his spot to pee on an icicle at 5 in the morn. Torture...

In attendance of the pinking Im going to mention a few folks of particular interest (not that they werent all), but that would make my blog too long.

Darcy Ouellet - or Red Deer organizer for Hair Massacure at the Bower Mall (Feb 5).

He braved a snowstorm the night before with bleached hair to appear on BT with Bridget (as I requested an interview). Darcy is on some funky vitamins, not sure where he finds the energy to collect 8 schools and 11 salons his first year. Im worried that he's gonna kick my butt and make me look like a slacker.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=105928922784360

The editor of City TV - that was a cool surprise! Full on hair and beard! Check out these details:

http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/745812710001.000000/its-time-to-get-pinked/

The Kinahan Fam (benefited from all 3 of our charities - they are interviewed on our home page (http://hairmassacure.com/main) all 3 boys and dad Brian (an edmonton police officer) PINK!!

Bennette and his brothers have done this before, I believe its a few years now. The boy is such a ham, its great to see considering he is a cancer survivor, more importantly a recipient of his own stem cells (so he is considered a cure). Bennette's most striking feature has got to be his tongue. I have been taking his picture for years now, the tongue showcased everytime!

Next - Paul Liimatainen and his sister and nephews. This grandpa / boilermaker is on his 4th year of participation and is the personal organizer / inspirer for a total of 150,000 (called K3 for the kids, collected at Keephills, AB). Huge.

Sturgeon Heights School (their 4 year of participation), an insanely organized school where every child earns a Kali Bear (with the support of the staff).

Mayfield School (lead by Miss Christie - our charismatic captain). We feature several pics of Christie simply because she's a poser and quite good at it. She wonders where the serious pics are of her.... hmmmmm (do we have any?) Christie is a ham but also is very involved in the event (as a planning committee member). Look for her on roll up banners as "Flat Christie".

Gord - his 9 year preparing for his yearly shave, 7 th pinking, and our whole gang including FRED, despite the frequent belching, stole the hearts of many of the students at the College.

So here's how it rolls...

Marvel College is offering free pinking (to offset the cost of parking), and our list of salons on the website are raring to go - just book your appointment.

Thank you Marvel for being so accommodating!

Kali Pink is distributed in most of the Save-On foods (including 2 in Red Deer), and 4 participating Sobeys.

Pink Hair is a great way to show you care, so lets got it our there. Sounds like a Country song...

SPEAKING OF WHICH

Drum roll please....

On Friday an announcement was made (which Nicki last blogged about)

CISN Country (our largest sponsor) has announced our school incentive.

This particular wish comes yearly with prayer, crossed fingers, begging to the heavens - that an artist would say YES to providing an in-school concert. Of course one cannot count on this 100% (unless there is painful coercion involved, and I cant go there cause its not nice).

Chris Sheetz does an incredible job of promoting the cause and the idea of the concert - so without further adieu...

GORD BAMFORD!!! Male Vocalist of the year (for the CCMA) and participant. Yes - not only our entertainment at our chosen school (with highest level of participation) , but he will be at the Massacure under the clippers.

The previous winning schools who have shown the highest level of participation for this concert have been Gibbons School 2 years in a row (with 44,000 and over 50% participation, mostly shaves), the Neil M Ross last year with 74,000 and 117 students!

We have had Johnny Reid, Emerson Drive and Doc Walker (and lets not forget Jessie Farrell who flew out to perform at HM, and Quanteisha - outstanding young girl with a big voice and big reputation). Wow!! Its overwhelming for me to process this...

This year the schools are already gearing up for winning this incentive. The concert will take place in their gymnasium and due to the timing (early March or early April) an outdoor concert will not be possible.

In past, the 2 follow up schools have been invited to partake (a noble gesture started by Gibbons school), however with head count this may not be possible depending on the size of the gym in the winning school.

Details will work themselves out at a later date.

I am stoked! Let the competitions begin!

Was anyone listening to CISN this morning?

Well…. Today was the big announcement that GORD BAMFORD is going to be giving the winning school of HM 2011 a free in-school concert this year. He joins an amazing group of performers who have done so in the past – Johnny Reid, Emerson Drive, and last years Doc Walker. These performers give an amazing concert, full of high fives, t-shirt signings, and hugs along with the upbeat music with the kids (and most of us adults) singing along.

Last year, with Doc Walker, I was incredibly sick and only remember parts of the concert – thank you to extra strength Advil – but I remember the feeling. There was constantly a buzz about the place as the stage was being set up and the mics checked… and then when they came out.. WOW! And you think your kids are loud?!

I am so excited to welcome the CCMA’s 2010 Male Artist of the Year to our little event! Word has it that he’ll be at the mall on February 11^th to shave his head too…

First Week back

I have officially survived my first week back from a short leave due to health issues back in December.

Admittedly I was concerned with how I would manage my this first week in January (considering the pace and chaos that erupts immediately after Christmas break). Well, I did, and actually I feel pretty good compared to one month ago.

While Nicki, Brandi and Darcy Ouellet (Red Deer Massacure) dealt with 101 items, my week went something like this....

Adrenaline Monday morning 8:00 am - emails and phone calls flooded in and out as I scrambled to get ready. Put eye liner on one eye and picked Kyrsti up from school for 2 volunteer meetings. Slipped on 2 different boots and attempted to leave my house 4 times that morning.

That evening, calls to volunteers - Jaime Caza (our new volunteer coordinator) and Kyrsti touched base with all volunteers that had contact information.

Tuesday Meagan pinked my hair so I'd be ready for the pink off on Monday. Phone stuck to face entire time, daughter patiently prepping me while I worked on my little black prosthesis called IPhone.

Wednesday - morning meeting prior to 2 school presentations. Tried to dazzle V.P. with my "plan of action", leaned real hard onto the arm of my chair (to create the illusion of comfort) and fell off. Note to self - check future chairs for arms.

Met a friendly girl who knew the 3 girls on my van. Her mom is dying of cancer. Did a web cam presentation, transitioned into deer in headlights, said "um" a hundred times. Distracted by the girl. Had a really nice visit with my friend Christie who has the BEST stories about her oldest daughter Rayne. We were both burnt that night but motivation drove us to each other as we compared notes of our bodily and personal disfunctions. Christie did her first school presentation and rocked it out.

Thursday had a Kali Pink meeting with Collin. All Kali Pink in place in Save On Foods (including 2 in Red Deer) and 4 Sobeys thanks to this nice man. Stollery was my next date. Hadnt been to the charities in a while so it was nice to touch base there and see my peeps. Next week Make-A-Wish.

Adrenaline Friday more running around with prosthesis stuck to face. Left house 3 times.

My daughter Megs and son in Law Steven did deliveries to schools and salons, both spilling adrenaline. Our phone calls sounded like this "hey...yah... un huh... uh huh....kay...love you bye".

Answered and delivered 37 phone calls and 58 emails while on the fly.

Picked up hoodies from Go Logo for Monday's tv spot and raced for Morinville to PINK the dog (F.R.E.D) at Krazy Klipz (Fred's stompin ground) THE place to get a great groom.

In black clothes I made my way there with 6 bottles of food colouring, 2 spray bottles and coffees.

Mandy and I had a system - each of us with a blaster (high pressure blow dryer) and a spray bottle with diluted red food colouring. We sprayed and blowdried at the same time. Fred stood still for 3.5 hours while we accidentally turned him purple (perhaps the wrong mix), washed him out, panic called Melynda for extra set of pink hands, and voila!

As much as Fred drives me crazy, he really is a great dog. He also knows he's pretty and soaks up the attention particularly after a groom.

With pink hands and face, I dropped off pink splattered daughter and pink dog and made my way through a snowstorm to meet my friend Tina (whos in charge of our merchandise). Even with a hernia, I was able to suck up half litre of a frozen lime margarita in what seemed like 5 minutes (neither of us drink...).

Today - slept in (ahhhhh) and woke to a 3 ft snowdrift on deck against back door. Wiener dog looking worried about where (or how) to pee. Kali and I frantically hip checked door until it opened, shovelled path off deck while wiener paced (wishing she could cross 2 inch legs).

Meanwhile a kind neighbour cleared my driveway with a snowblower so I could get out. Made cookies for neighbour and off to meet my friend Andrea who owned the late Paliden (our 3rd pink therapy poodle mascot seen at the Massacure). It was great to sip coffee with another woman who has ADHD worse than I.

I got everything she said. I was inspired by her and her energy, as I dream about getting all of my mojo back.

Tomorrow... I will pink my Mandy and my Nicki so we're good to go for Monday. From what the weatherman is saying looks like I will be shovelling again.

Touch base Monday!