My mom rocks.

Those of you who know her probably already know that, but just in case you didn't, here's a little newspaper story to let you in on the secret...

Mom's dream a difference maker ran in the Shawnee Dispatch. The story really shows the effort that Mom had to go to to get Dreams Work off the ground and keep it running, and the support she's received from friends and family all these years as well (they're always the ones we ask for money from first, after all).

You can support Dreams Work by purchasing an opportunity to win this large queen size quilt:

The chances are $1 apiece or six opportunities for $5. If you bought this quilt outright, it would probably be worth a few hundred dollars. It could be yours for just a few dollars if you're lucky!

Send checks payable to Dreams Work, and your name and phone number will go on the ticket. The address is 13717 W. 108th Street, Lenexa, KS 66215.

The drawing will be held on Dec. 3 at the Eighth Anniversary Open House. Need not be present to win!

You can also support Dreams Work by visiting their web site - there is a donate link.

Crawling before I walk

I haven't been running lately. At all.

I've still been exercising, but it's mostly been walking and doing the Jillian Michael's 30-Day Shred videos. I've tried to run a couple of times since this summer, but it just didn't feel right. I think part of it was the heat toward the end of the summer, but I also think I was burned out after the marathon training earlier in the year.

Betsy and Mitzi were over here on Saturday and we were talking about Mitzi's KC 5K experience Saturday morning (it's a great story - you'll have to ask her to find out...). As we talked, I realized that she and I ran two half-marathons and one full marathon since this time last year.

We did the Kansas City Half-Marathon last October, the Olathe Half-Marathon in April, and the Seattle Marathon in June. Of the three, I'd say I had varying results - I finished KC 10 minutes before my goal time, Olathe right at my goal, and Seattle 45 minutes later than my goal. Each time, though, crossing the finish line felt damn good.

Thinking about those three accomplishments has gotten me thinking about running again. Plus, I REALLY want to beat my last year mile total. To do that, I'll have to run about 30 more miles this year. I think that's doable.

Tonight, I ran a TINY bit. Like, just a half-mile. It felt good, and I'm sure I could have done more, but like I said, I just haven't been feeling the running lately. My plan is to keep doing the Jillian workouts, but try to alternate those with walking/running days. I'll just add a couple minutes to each run, and hopefully I'll hit that end-of-the-year goal.

Beautiful weather like we had today certainly doesn't hurt the cause. It was 74 degrees when I left school!

Maybe I'll shoot for Olathe again next spring. I do so much better when I have a race in mind.

Who's with me?