Resolutions and Presents...er, Presence

With only 1 day, 7 hours, and 19 minutes (give or take) until the new year...I can safely say that I will complete these 2,015 miles. I have 3 miles (truthfully 2.93) left and I plan to finish them out tomorrow morning on a nice walk with pleasant company to my favorite destination throughout this whole process...my local Starbucks. Realistically, I planned to finish on Monday and just really nail this thing but for those of you not in the know - Chicago had an ice storm. That's right - an ice storm. It was horrific. And, again, I declared over and over and over again that I am moving to Florida. But, I won't. 

So, today in order to stay on top of my miles - I went out in to a snowstorm (just a tiny exaggeration, but it was snowing) and got 5 miles done. Now, it's just those tiny 3 (2.93) left.

Clearly happy about the cold morning walk

So, a lot of you have asked if I will have post-goal depression - like when a marathon runner finishes their run after months of training. It's an interesting question at this time of year when so many of us are searching for resolutions to start out the new year. I have never been huge on resolutions - but this year I do have one. I want to be more present. Not so scattered or distracted. I love my life and I want to be a part of it. I think so many of us multi-task and handle so many situations that we don't ever enjoy any given one. I'm done. Or, at least, I'm going to try to be. ;)

Now, I am going to turn the question on you - what are your resolutions? Anyone angling to do 2,016 in 2016? If so, I want to hear all about it!! Anyone have any health goals in 2016? Anyone looking to host any Epilepsy Awareness events? Tell me more!

Thank you all for the continued support - there's definitely another post coming tomorrow when I cross that "finish line".

Until then...if there isn't an ice storm...get moving!

It's the most wonderful Mom of the year...

Oh! It's that time of year again - the excitement, the wonder, the stress! Yep, that's right...I said it, the stress. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the holidays - but it sure does come with a whopper-size helping of anxiety and stress (2 things that I have doctor's orders to avoid). So, what's a girl to do when that perfect present/holiday/dinner is just not happening? I bet you think I'm going to say walk - but, no, I call Mom.

Sigh. My Mom. Truly the reason behind this whole project. Behind the 2,015 miles in 2015 for Epilepsy Awareness. No, she doesn't have Epilepsy - but she is my biggest cheerleader and she IS the biggest walker I know. And, she's the reason I started walking.

You see, about 5 years ago my Mom surprised all of us when she had to undergo open-heart surgery. This vibrant woman - my hero - couldn't possibly need this. But, it was going to happen nonetheless. And, watching her go through it was terrifying for me. In a way, I realized it was probably how it was for my Mom watching me struggle at times with my Epilepsy - such a role reversal. At that moment, I realized I was completely uninterested in a life without my Mom so I was going to do anything to make sure she recovered completely. And the doctor's prescription was to walk - and walk a lot.

The first day was just the hospital room, then the hallway, then at home it was half a block, then around the block and so on. Sometimes her "spicy" attitude came out when she wasn't feeling like it - but I loved pushing her. And secretly, I know she loved it too.

Mom and I celebrating recovery in the most magical place on Earth

My Mom has never looked back on that surgery. She herself has easily walked as many miles as I have this year - since she is often my walking partner in crime. And her purpose now is to selflessly get me to my goal - how the tables have turned. :)

AND - I am almost there. 1,964 miles and counting. That leaves me with 51 miles to knock out before we turn over to 2016. Ma, are you with me?