tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78291305130189260702024-03-07T20:43:21.221-08:00Candice's Marathon QuestCandicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-53251431280297201472009-06-11T17:48:00.000-07:002009-06-11T18:00:53.712-07:00Almost Time!Well I did it. I've raised nearly $10,000 for the<a href="http://www.diabetes.ca/"> Canadian Diabetes Association!</a> I've trained for 6 months & I have raised awareness of diabetes. There was an <a href="http://www2.canada.com/surreynow/news/story.html?id=3941dbe0-9162-44cb-ac2b-65092916d483">article written about me</a> in the local paper, unfortunately they miss spelled my web address to here, so nobody visited :( But i know tons of people read the article in their weekly newspaper! I finished the 2009 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">BMO</span> Vancouver Marathon in a whopping 7hrs 32min. 32min longer then my goal, but hey - I DID IT! I crossed the line standing up! It was tough, i won't lie - but once i hit the 33km mark, i was done, my body couldn't move any faster - but that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">didn't</span> stop me. There was no quitting, sure there were tears & i couldn't have done it without <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">everyone's</span> support - and Sarah who put up with my complaining the entire 42.2km! If you want to see photos of me during the <a href="http://www.bmovanmarathon.ca/">Vancouver marathon </a>- check out <a href="http://www.marathonfoto.com/start_cobrand.cfm?RaceOID=05912009W1&Language=en&BFI=sb2o1oha4v&Frames=true&Flash=true&FlashVersion=10&Height=800&Width=1280&Index2Home=true"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">marathonfoto</span></a>.<div><br /></div><div>Well, i ended up spraining my ankle on the marathon, and i still haven't figured out how or when! But i was finally given the okay to start training last week - for Australia. It took a lot of consideration, but I will be doing the Gold Coast Half Marathon instead of the full. With my ankle injury, i never would have healed in time to train to cut more then an hour off of my time for the full marathon. Instead i need to cut 30min to complete the half marathon in the 3hr time limit. I am glad i did the Vancouver Marathon, and now the half marathon in Australia, and i can say - i just might do this again. Yes, i said again. Maybe. You see things differently after completing a marathon. I started thinking, hey - i just finished a 42.2km marathon - why can't i do this or that. Anything is possible. I am setting my sights on future marathons in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div>I still haven't figured out how to put photos up on here - - so if i don't figure it out while i am on the plane in 18 DAYS!!! Then i will just set them all up on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">flickr</span> acct - and send you all over there!</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways - If i have enough time prior to my flight to Australia on June 29 - <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">i'll</span> write another post - otherwise <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">i'll</span> see you down under! :0)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-87440828421059049492009-04-10T21:31:00.001-07:002009-04-10T21:40:45.974-07:00Goal Reached!!!!!!!THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Words cannot express how much all of your support has meant to me. I had my final fundraiser - which I am so happy about - it has a been a long year, as i am sure my mom would agree with me. The pub night I held last weekend, raised over $3900!!!! I think the entire pub was filled with guests for my fundraiser (except for the odd 3 i saw on the patio). The Mattias Ohlund jersey we had for the silent auction - only went for $150 - i still can't believe it! Why didn't i bid on it?! Oh well, at least i know it went to someone who loves the Canucks - and will let me borrow it *wink wink*<div><br /></div><div>Anyways I plan on posting my pictures from the pub night on flickr (soon as i can remember all my login info i will put the link up). </div><div><br /></div><div>Please keep watching the blog, as i will be keeping you all up to date on training progress, my trip to Australia, which i am extending and anything else i think you'd want to know!</div><div><br /></div><div>again, THANK YOU!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-51297652083433520192009-02-10T19:20:00.000-08:002009-02-23T18:04:18.546-08:00PUB NIGHT!!!!I have a pub night booked!!! If you are interested in coming, please message me as tickets are only available through me (or my mom if you know her). <div><br /></div><div>Please come & support my quest for Team Diabetes Canada. As most of you know, I have been fundraising for some time now - to raise $9000 for the Canadian Diabetes Association. I am ALMOST there with just over $3000 to raise! Training was going great! I was training with the running room 3days a week - i lost 7lbs in the first 3 weeks & i felt great about myself and why I was doing this. It wasn't has hard as it seemed! The last week - well, i haven't trained - off injured with an injury due to icy conditions. I hoping to be back and at it in a week - so long as my body agrees and lets me go back without injuring myself more. Anyways, pub night details are as follows.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday April 4, 2009</div><div>The Hook & Ladder Pub in Surrey</div><div>Dinner @ 7pm (you will want to arrive early for seats)</div><div><br /></div><div>Tickers are $15 - and includes an all you can eat pasta buffet (2 types of pasta, 2 types of sauce, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Ceasar</span> salad & garlic bread). </div><div><br /></div><div>I am planning to have a raffle draw & silent auction (depending on the number of donated goods i can get together). Also thinking of a 50/50 & a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">toonie</span> toss.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you would like to bring your significant other or friends - not a problem, just make sure to pick up a ticket for them as well. Remember no ticket = no dinner.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can purchase your ticket online <a href="http://teamdiabetespubnight.eventbrite.com">here.</a></div><div>Just remember to pick up the OFFICIAL ticket from me personally.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are interested please send me a message.</div><div><br /></div><div>Candice</div><div><br /></div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-26017084064127532412009-02-04T21:49:00.000-08:002009-02-04T21:57:44.386-08:00A Small PleaDear Friends,<div><br /></div><div>As you probably already know, diabetes affects me personally. My mom has diabetes and it has been in our family for 3 generations. What you might not know is that there are over 2 million Canadians living with this disease. You might know know about the complications that can occur as a result of diabetes, including heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, strokes and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">neuropathy</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>A pub night fundraiser is currently in the works for late March/early April to raise money for the Canadian Diabetes Association. What i am asking of you is for donations of items to help with the raffle, door prizes and silent auction. To make this event successful we are in need of the following:</div><div><br /></div><div>-new items that you may have gotten as a gift and will not use</div><div><br /></div><div>- concert tickets, Tim Horton's, Movie Passes</div><div><br /></div><div>-gift cards that you don't plan to use</div><div><br /></div><div>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">airmiles</span> (you could order merchandise or gift cards)</div><div><br /></div><div>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">HBC</span> rewards points ( you can redeem them for movie passes. they take 3 days to be delivered to your home or redeem your points for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">HBC</span> gift cards right at the service desk, 80,000 points will get you $10)</div><div> </div><div>-If you have a business or a service, donate a gift certificate or merchandise</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, please mention what i am doing to your friends and family - they might be interested in helping out. All items should be new items only as we will be using them as prizes and in the silent auction.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you in advance for any items that you may be donating!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-971226227946136022009-02-04T21:28:00.000-08:002009-02-04T21:45:02.783-08:00A New Year, A New GoalWell I hope everyone had a grand start to 2009! It's only Feb 4 & I have been quite busy! Mom & I had a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">hotdog</span> sale a few weeks back - I am happy to say we raised $454 that day! That was a lot of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">hotdogs</span> & fried onions - not sure if i can eat another <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">hotdog</span> for a long time <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">haha</span>. I started my training at <a href="http://www.runningroom.com">The Running Room</a> in South Surrey. I joined the walking marathon clinic - when i signed up - i thought i would learn to walk the 42.2km marathon. Boy was I wrong! i am actually learning to power walk the full marathon! Let me tell you - power walking is TOUGH! It is great though - 3 weeks in and i am down 7lbs! I have convinced 2 friends to join us on our walks AND do the <a href="http://www.bmovanmarathon.ca"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">BMO</span> Vancouver Marathon</a> - which has been nice. I like to think them joining us for our train is helping to make their lifestyle more active. I have since decided to add the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">BMO</span> Vancouver Marathon as my first marathon, for the experience and well - just to do it on May 3. Then my Gold Coast Marathon July 5. <div><br /></div><div>Today I was speaking to someone, that I never used to talk to. Today she brightened my day and we had a nice talk. She let me know that she had just be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes & that she wants to change her lifestyle to help with it. She also told me i am inspiring. I have never had someone tell me that - and she has made me extremely proud of what i am doing - knowing i can inspire someone on the other side of the country is amazing. Thank you for making my day today!</div><div><br /></div><div>My next deadline is FAST approaching! Next Friday Feb 13, 2009 to be exact! I am currently at $5000 in my fundraising! More then halfway to that $9000 deadline in April! How great is that! A pub night is in the works for end of March early April - keep an eye out on details for that! If you would like me to contact you personally about the pub <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">nite</span> - send me a message and let me know!</div><div><br /></div><div>Please don't forget to go online and make your 2009 donation today!</div><div><br /></div><div>Candice</div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-21345868105178137272008-12-24T11:29:00.000-08:002008-12-24T11:37:06.132-08:00UPDATE: Bake Sale total!Just wanted to let everyone know my bake sale was VERY VERY successful! I was hoping to raise about $500 or so. Well thanks to everyone's help who baked something for the sale and for those who bought some of the baking - THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH. Mom & I braved the cold temperature at the front of the store for 8 hours selling what we could. I think it wasn't as busy as we had hoped - that could've been due to the frigid temperatures outside. The only other down side (the first being the freezing temperatures near the door) was that we didn't sell out. If we sold out - we were looking to raise about $1300 or so. <div><br /></div><div>I am happy to say that we were able to raise $960!!!!!!!! i think that surpassed my $500 goal by a long shot!!!! Here are some <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/candyass1980/3106372022/in/set-72157611228363312/">photos </a>from the day.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay tuned for more fundraisers. We think another bake sale might be in the works again, since it was so successful! And maybe a hotdog sale as well.... I am also working on getting a big ticket item *fingers crossed* that i am hoping to raffle off! Will keep you update!</div><div><br /></div><div>Merry Christmas to everyone!!</div><div>Candice</div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-41070926171178600992008-12-11T21:24:00.000-08:002008-12-11T21:40:09.677-08:00BAKE SALE!!This Saturday Dec 13, 2008 - a bake sale is being held at the Zellers Central City Location in Surrey. For those that don't know - thats the old Surrey Place Mall. All funds raised goes to my Team Diabetes fundraising for the Canadian Diabetes Association - come check us out - i'll have forms there if u want yo make just a donation and not buy the yummy goodies that was all baked for YOU! We're hoping to raise $500 - some come say hello - and get my treats - and if you've had my baking - yo know whats in store! we are starting about 10am i believe - until we sell out! so act fast! we are selling them in 2 different size boxes - so they are great if u want to take them to a party that your heading to but don't know what to bring - as they are assorted baking in each box!<div><br /></div><div>a sample of the goodies:</div><div><br /></div><div>rice krispy squares</div><div>gingersnaps</div><div>chocolate chip cookies</div><div>homemade peanut butter cups (they are HEAVEN)</div><div>butter tarts</div><div>cupcakes</div><div>shortbread cookies</div><div>sugar cookies</div><div>brownies</div><div><br /></div><div>thats all i can list off the top of my head!</div><div><br /></div><div>even if you come say hi - and show your support i would greatly appreciate it!</div><div><br /></div><div>See you all on Saturday!</div><div><br /></div><div>Candice</div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-46437346115961801982008-12-05T17:58:00.000-08:002008-12-05T18:24:53.214-08:00There's always another wayA bit ago I joined <a href="http://twitter.com/Candyass1980">Twitter</a>, to keep those updated on my progress of my fundraising - alternatively i have made more friends - gotten some great fundraising ideas and well - i have a blast all day on twitter at work - venting (sorry about that guys) chatting, meeting knew bloggers out there and well seeing what everyone else is up to and has to say. One day i stumbled upon <a href="http://www.johnchow.com/">John Chow</a>. You really should check him out - he makes his living with his blog - i can only wish! <div><br /></div><div>John Chow his holding this <a href="http://www.johnchow.com/6000-contest-from-john-chow-and-xrcom/">AMAZING contest</a>! He is giving away $6000 in cash! $5000 will be donated to the charity of your choice & $1000 would be for you to spend however you like! Now with the holidays already here (i still can't believe it!) who wouldn't want to help out a charity and go spend the rest on yourself! Personally, I would donate the $5000 to the <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">Canadian Diabetes Association (part of my Team Diabetes fundraising of course!)</a>. And after thinking about it - that extra $1000 - I would probably put part of that to side for me for some spending money when i do my marathon in Australia - then the rest - since it is the season of giving - I'd like to help out a few other charities out there - the Surrey Food Bank would be one for sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>This contest that John Chow is holding is being sponsored by XR.com. I checked them out - its actually pretty cool - they take your super long URL's (like mine http://candicesaustraliamarathon.blogspot.com - what was i thinking!?) and they make it into a <a href="http://www.XR.com">tiny url</a>!! Mine becomes http://xr.com/4ax. SUPER COOL! I use it whenever i can now!! You should check them out!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-91606642764947584022008-12-05T17:36:00.000-08:002008-12-05T17:55:16.107-08:00Upcoming fundraising eventsCan you believe its already December?! Where has the time gone?! Well today is the first deadline of my fundraising - i needed to raise $3000 by today - AND I SURPASSED IT! Thank you to everyone who has helped me out this far! I still have a long ways to go though - next deadline is in February! <div><br /></div><div>On that note...</div><div><br /></div><div>The hotdog sale that was planned for tomorrow Dec 6 has been postponed (probably till Dec 20). Mom has come down with a terrible flu - and i need her there to help out during the day - as it is happening at her place of work. anyways - i am pretty sure it will be the 20th of Dec - will let you all know asap. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am still looking for anyone willing to donate anytime of baking for the bake sale Dec 13. I will need all baking by thursday dec 11 (i can come pick it up during the week after work - then it will just go in the freezer at the store till we are ready to sell on saturday) or feel free to bring the baking to me on the 12th if you need to - i will be at Zellers after work (3pm) till whenever - as we are taking all the baking and sorting it all into boxes and selling the baking that way. perfect to buy if u are going to an open house or party that weekend - and don't want to bake yourself? come purchase a box or two or three :)</div><div><br /></div><div>The bake sale (and hotdog sale when we do have it) will be at <a href="http://www.zellers.com">Zellers</a> Central City (aka Surrey Place Mall). We will be located inside the store at the main entrance! </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember - all proceeds from both sales will be going to the <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">Canadian Diabetes Association</a> - so even if you aren't interested in buying - please drop by and donate what you can - i will have forms if you are interested in donating cash instead (always welcomed).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>One more little thing, not sure what to get someone for Christmas, why not make a <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">donation</a> in their name to the <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">Canadian Diabetes Association</a> through my <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">Team Diabetes fundraising</a>! Not only do you help out a great charity but the person you donate for will get a tax receipt! ($15 and more gets a tax receipt)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I am sure i will be on here a few more times before Christmas - so enjoy your shopping, come buy some amazing baking and say hello to me! you can even meet my mom!</div><div><br /></div><div>Happy Holidays!</div><div>Candice</div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-81309012864498102592008-11-24T20:58:00.000-08:002008-11-24T21:21:49.419-08:00Surprises, deadlines & a hotdog/cookie saleSo this past friday I got my reminder email from Rebecca, my Team Diabetes co-ordinator, about my first deadline on December 5, 2008. I was $1049 short of the $3000 needed for Dec 5th. Ok - not bad - I had just mailed out a cheque that morning for $335 - then i knew i had to really push it to raise the rest of it before the deadline. Saturday evening i went to my mom's work Christmas party, where i was surprised to learn that all the proceeds from the raffle draws were going to be donated to Diabetes association fundraising i was doing! I cried - but in amazement that this was actually happening! Thanks to <a href="http://www.zellers.ca">Zellers</a> Central City $500 was raised that night! THANK YOU!! Plus a few extra donations that came in on the weekend - i have no surpassed my Dec 5th Deadline! <div><br /></div><div>Now i have to start planning for my February 2009 deadline - $6000 (april 2009 i will need $9000). I am holding a hotdog/cookie sale on Dec 6 @ the front entrance to Zellers @<a href="http://www.centralcity.ca"> Central City Mall</a>. come see me - i will be there all day till the hotdogs & HOMEMADE Chocolate Chip Cookies are sold out!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-14985268575134455342008-11-19T20:04:00.000-08:002008-11-19T20:08:04.939-08:00How To DonateJust wanted to give everyone a heads up. The website for Team Diabetes has changed a bit - so when you click on the link - it will automatically take you to the diabetes association website.<div><br /></div><div>Basically go to </div><div><a href="http://www.diabetes.ca">http://www.diabetes.ca</a></div><div><br /></div><div>click on DONATE NOW in the upper right hand corner</div><div><br /></div><div>then click on Pledge a Team Diabetes Participant</div><div><br /></div><div>Then enter my name - Candice Chamberland</div><div><br /></div><div>and there you go! Just please make sure to double check that when you are on the page to enter your credit card information - that it says my name at the top of the page.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't have a credit card and would like to donate with cash or a cheque - Please email me - and i will make arrangements to come pay you a visit (or you can email me if you like)</div><div><br /></div><div>candice.chamberland@shaw.ca</div><div><br /></div><div>With all of my heart THANK YOU to everyone who is helping me along my journey and who is following me and supporting me!</div><div><br /></div><div>Candice</div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-84191294019364474722008-11-14T19:02:00.000-08:002008-11-19T20:09:35.530-08:00World Diabetes DayToday, Nov 14 has been declared <a href="http://www.worlddiabetesday.org/">World Diabetes Day</a>. I spent my morning working - and updating my facebook status & <a href="http://twitter.com/Candyass1980">twitter </a>status every 30 minutes with facts & myths about <a href="http://www.diabetes.ca/">diabetes</a>. I really am not sure how many actually my <a href="http://twitter.com/Candyass1980">twitter</a> updates or facebook updates - but even if i reached a dozen people - those people have taken in something they did not know about diabetes and are now able to share that information to others - and well - i am hoping those people share it with others and so on. I spent my afternoon visiting the offices in the area I work, using my connections trying to spread the word about <a href="http://www.worlddiabetesday.org/">World Diabetes Day</a> and trying to get more <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">pledges</a> for my <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">Team Diabetes Fundraising.</a> I also spent a few minutes with <a href="http://www.buzzbishop.com/blog/">Buzz Bishop</a> of <a href="http://www.95crave.com/">95Crave</a> telling him my story about why I am doing what i am doing - you can read that in an earlier blog <a href="http://candicesaustraliamarathon.blogspot.com/2008/07/real-reason.html">here</a>. Thanks again for letting me share my story Buzz! <div><br /></div><div>On a side note - if you live in Surrey - or pass through you probably have seen the World Diabetes Day flag that is flying high and proud in Guildford - here's a few <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/candyass1980/3030127868/in/photostream/">photos</a> i took this morning<br /><div><br /></div><div>So there is exactly 3 weeks from the December deadline and i am $1200 short of the deadline amount - panic is starting to set in - but luckily - the panic is just brought more and more ideas - who wouldnt love to do a hot dog sale on a saturday right before Christmas! Bonus for hungry Christmas shoppers in a busy <a href="http://www.zellers.com/">department</a> store! Gotta love my connections! Please everyone - if you have been thinking of donating - there really is no excuse to wait - today is World Diabetes Day! I find it a very fitting day to place those donations - and well for everyone else - i KNOW it was payday today and its YOUR payday next week too... PLEASE click <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">here to donate</a> . </div><div><br /></div><div>Some info for you, that you may or may not already know - Please share we need to spread the word!</div><div><br /></div><div>So you know there is Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes - BUT did you know there is a third? Yup - gestational diabetes can occur in pregnancy - and is actually temporary.</div><div><br /></div><div>Approx. 2.4 million Canadians have diabetes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Someone is diagnosed approx every 50 seconds.</div><div><br /></div><div>Myth: Eating too much sugar causes diabetes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fact: Regular activity helps your body lower blood glucose levels, promoste weightloss, reduces stress and enhances overall fitness.</div><div><br /></div><div>Diabetes can also cause Heart Disease, Kidney Disease, Eye Disease, nerve damage & impotence.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fact: YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE Please help me reach my fundraising goal for <a href="http://www.diabetes.ca">Team Diabetes .</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-11680041575747328802008-09-04T17:41:00.000-07:002008-09-22T21:21:19.328-07:00update - time flies!Hello all!! I am so sorry for lacking in the daily blog department. I cannot believe how fast time has gone by - its September 4!! 20 days till my birthday! Just thought i would let you know i just tallied up my cash donations & my 3 trips to the bottle depot ($61) - mailing it off tomorrow - sending in donations for $536!!!! SWEET Thank you to EVERYONE who has helped me out so far - and to those that are going to help out - hopefully sooner rather then later. Really - why wait to make a difference when you can make one now.<div><br /></div><div>I have decided to join the running room training clinics. I am going to the store in South Surrey this weekend to get more information - I want to start with the half marathon - then continue on with the full marathon - thats what i think will work best. BUT best to leave it up to the pros. I am finding it so difficult still to get up and go and run by myself - so Running Room clinics here i come! </div><div><br /></div><div>and a BIG THANK YOU to <a href="http://www.miss604.com/">Rebecca (www.miss604.com)</a>for the spotlight in her <a href="http://www.miss604.com/2008/09/social-media-for-change-team-diabetes-run-in-fun-places-and-raise-funds-for-a-good-cause.html">recent blog</a> about my quest - very VERY much appreciated! For those of you who haven't checked out her blog - you should - its great!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">- people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing neuropathy or nerve damage, especially in the extremities. Signs are numbness, tingling or pain in the legs and arms.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">-people with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing retinopathy, which may lead to blindness</span></div><div><br /></div><div>To donate to my campaign to raise funds for the Diabetes Association <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">click here. </a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-52759000439011056092008-08-13T19:41:00.000-07:002008-09-22T21:20:50.049-07:00Catching upHello! Well - i have seriously been lacking with my blog posts since July. Incase you are not aware - i have started up a bottle drive - so far i have only empited out my bottles and my friends - and im up $12 - and i still have numerous houses to visit with empties waiting for me! If you are interested in help me out - please leave a comment and i will contact you directly!<div><br /></div><div>This wekend is going to be hot - i have been trying to convince Geoff to walk around the seawall a few times - he's not interested - so if anyone wants to go for a nice long scenic walk around the seawall a few times let me know! </div><div><br /></div><div>Currently - i have about $700 raised - with another $200 on its way to me right now. still a long way to go to reach my goal of $10,000! </div><div><br /></div><div>Did you know - that women you have gestational diabetes have a great risk of developing type 2 diabetes within 10 yrs.</div><div><br /></div><div>To help me reach my goal, <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">please click here to donate. </a></div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-75800464727767682372008-07-26T17:49:00.000-07:002008-09-22T21:20:02.541-07:00Aldergrove LakeSo i am still working out the bugs - learning how to run this whole blog "thing" Amanda T has been kind enough to make me a banner and a button for my blog - but she can't seem to get it to work on here - so if anyone out there can help - let me know! Thank you!<br /><br /><br />Anyways, Geoff & I decided to go for a lengthy walk today, we were originally going to go for a 9 or 10km walk. We debated between walking the 4.5km one way walk out the Jetty at Iona Beach down near YVR - that would have been a good 9 km walk. We also thought about doing either the West Dyke trail in Richmond from Garry Point Park in Steveston up to Terra Nova in Richmond ( i think its near YVR) or walking the South Dyke Trail which goes from basically #2 road in Steveston out to the George Massey Tunnel along the river. Both Dyke trails being 5km one way - that would have been a good 10km walk as well.<br /><br />After some discussion, we decided to head east today - to Aldergrove Lake. It was the same length of drive from our place in Surrey - plus it would include a pit stop at The Domaine De Chaberton Winery. The park is in the GVRD district and is located on 8th avenue & 272nd street, about 10 min from Hwy 1. Aldergrove lake is a nice quiet park. It has a small "lake" that you can go swimming in (personally -i still don't see how something so small is considered a lake). We walked a trail that was 4km - they give you an hour to do it, personally... i would REALLY need to doddle and stop and take my time to make that an hour walk - but it was a nice 4km walk, winding up to the highest point in the park to back down to the parking lot. There are horse trails, there is a off leash dog part as well. No bikes are allowed on this trail - yet some guy decided to ignore the signs - and made ME move out of his way as he came speeding around a corner. We even got to see local wildlife - granted - they were garter snakes! I think Geoff & I will have to make a trip back out there really soon - and try all the other trails. A 4km trail walk was too easy for me - should've gone around twice <div><br /></div><div>I have some really nice photos from the walk - i just have to figure out how to add them into this blog (again if someone knows how, please help) :)</div><div><br /></div><div>We ended our advenutre in the East (i know i make it sound so far away) with a stop at the <a href="http://www.domainedechaberton.com">Domaine De Chaberton </a>Winery on 216th & 10th in Langley. I had never been before, Geoff apparently a few times - and i still made him take the tour. I thought it was pretty cool. I think my favourite part was going into the Oak barrel room (i have photos, and will eventually put some up). The smell of the cedar building was so fresh. Anyways, i am not a wine expert - and probably sound like a fool haha. We ended up walking away with 3 bottles today, a white, rose & red. Now the real dilemma was what to make for dinner and what wine will we have tonight?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>reminder: i am currently fundraising for the <a href="http://www.diabetes.ca/">Diabetes Association</a> - my goal is to raise $10,000. <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">Click here to donate</a>.<br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=mhdlpc&s=4" jquery1217222135729="11"></a><a href="http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=mhdlpc&s=4" jquery1217222135729="11"></a><a href="http://tinypic.com/" target="_blank"></a></div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-4257508455115925552008-07-25T17:02:00.000-07:002008-09-22T21:16:38.681-07:00The Real ReasonJoining Team Diabetes was a big decision - a somewhat hard, yet easy decision. The hard part was knowing I would have to raise a significant amount of money & the idea of running (completing) a full marathon. It took me about 2 weeks to make up my mind - I wanted to make sure I had the support from my friends and family - a lot of them are very optimistic - a few of them - not so much. I wanted to help those people with diabetes - I have seen what it can do to people first hand. My mom is diabetic - as well are numerous family members. I used to work at the Diabetes Centre at Vancouver General Hospital for a few years as well, which allowed me to learn a lot about diabetes. Because of my mom, family and my experience at an old job, i felt more driven to do this. <div><br /></div><div>My mom was diagnoses with type 2 diabetes about 6 years ago - so 2002 i think. I only recently just learned that my great-great-grandmother had lost her life to this disease. Recently a close family friend lost his father to his diabetes. I have been lucky - up until March of this year, i had never had to experience my mom having a diabetic episode. We were at my great-grandmothers' funeral the friday before Easter. Mom kinda "went into another world" she "zoned out" - those are the only ways i can explain what happened, a few minutes passed and she came too. The entire time she just sat there staring - you could've spoken to her, but she wouldn't have heard you. This was honestly the scariest thing i have seen so far - because it happened to my mom - it makes it that much worse. I remember back when she found out she was diabetic - her Hemoglobin A1C (Hgb A1C) was at 19.0 - a normal person's A1C is anywhere between 4.0-6.0 . We took a day trip to Victoria one day - and i remember her being so happy because she tested her sugar levels (which she does numerous times a day) and it came out at 12.0 - she was so excited because that was the lowest her sugar had been down to. </div><div>Mom just had her 3 month blood work down - her A1C? 6.4 - how was is that!!!! She has been controlling her sugar levels through diet and pills.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't told my mom why I am doing this marathon & fundraising - she knows' that i am doing it to help people with diabetes - but she doesnt know the reason i signed up. I am doing this for her, because of her. The day at the funeral back in March was an eye opener for me - scared the crap right out of me. We don't have the closest relationship that a lot of mother/daughters do - but we have our own. So its official - mom - i am doing this for you. There i said it - i have been able to tell people why i am doing it - it has brought me to tears explaining to people the real reason - heck it brings me to tears now. Its out in the open - and even though im writing this on here - it was not an easy thing to do - cause its admitting the real reason.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>So everyone please find it in your hearts to donate - <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">http://www.teamdiabetes.ca</a></div><div><br /></div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7829130513018926070.post-25242575944062992872008-07-25T16:13:00.000-07:002008-09-22T21:15:53.023-07:00My First Blog!!Well I have never even considered writing a blog before. Ever. I figured facebook and word of mouth was good a enough way for everyone to keep track of my life. You will have to bare with me over the coming X number of blogs I will be posting - my spelling and grammar is not the greatest - infact I am expecting to hear a lot from Geoff about how I said something wrong - whether it be phrasing or spelling. I get it a lot from him. I am constantly reading blogs all day - my favourite? www.miss604.com. Becky has even talked me into joining Twitter - another way for friends to keep track of me - but it doesn't help when she is the only friend i have on twitter - so sign up everyone - i need more friends to follow and have follow me! <div><br /></div><div>So I decided today - after a little - ok, a lot of persuasion from Amanda - to start my own blog. So this is it - my first blog - my first post - I never thought I would be able to keep writing - but I guess i can! So i hope that you enjoy following my <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">progress</a> - i now have no excuse to slack off now as I'll be posting as much as i can! Please comment as you wish - I look forward to your comments - and i guess i can look forward to criticism. </div><div><br /></div><div>To help me on my way to my goal of raising $10,000 please go <a href="https://ocp.diabetes.ca/Pledge/csPledge.asp?tId=9508&oId=1216992">here</a> to donate.</div><div><br /></div>Candicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10494323915736326904noreply@blogger.com