CHANTILLYS

Still with the jeans and jackets, where is the time of swimsuits, shorts and flip flops?
Mom and Dad came to Florida, but the Sunny Florida weather did not. It was fun having them here, we went out to dinner, went sight seeing and shopping. Dad played in the Foundation Tournament with the owner of Black Diamond (Stan Olson) and tied for Third place - making him some cash and gave a few lessons to the members (they love him at BD). The cold kept us off the water and off the Golf Course. We didn't have time to play alot of golf so we play more golf with him when he returns to visit in May! Dad left one day before his Birthday - Happy Birthday Dad! I promise it will be warmer in May!

I dont know who ticked off Mother Nature, but it wasn't me. At first this was kind of neat, even fun - a little snow in the back of the truck I can handle, my water pump freezing up - I handled; McGiver style I might add - I wrapped my water tank with a heating pad, then placed a blanket over that and then put a Garbage can over the top, worked like a charm. OK, I can't take all the credit - a friend came up with the garbage can thing. But today I come home from a long cold day at work to a burst pipe in the back yard. The landlord is fixing that tomorrow. This is Florida, our pipes shouldn't have to be buried.

I've worn my Sheepskin leather coat this entire week. It's cute but again it's purpose was not for Florida, although my fur boots and that coat looked really cute together the other night. OK, maybe the weather isn't that bad and my life is great so I'll just stop complaining. It'll warm up again someday, maybe when Mom and Dad get here to visit.

Sometimes you just need a day away - I had a great day away today. I decided to do my Christmas Shopping and a little "Girly self" Shopping. So me, myself and I went shopping in Tampa and then went to the Clearwater Beach for a run and then wandered slowly back to Lecanto Florida stopping at little shops along the way. It was a little cold (60 was the high), but once I started running and then walking around - it was perfect.

I really like Clearwater and St. Pete and a small town called Dunedin. Once I finished my run I walked around Clearwater, looked at the shops and met a few of the local business owners (I asked one to take this picture for me). What a great place. And, yes family/friends in Utah, this picture was taken today...December 21, 2009. What's it like it your side of the world? Smiles!!

Hello all, I took the PGA Players Ability Test at the Vinoy Rennisance Golf Club in St. Petersberg Fl and....I passed. I shot, 76, 74 for a total of 150 - the target score was 159 so it was nice to come into the final holes with a cushion, with alot of thanks to my caddie who kept me calm and helped me make good decisions. The Vinoy is a great golf club. The holes suited my game very well. I already have my PGA books that I am working on and soon I am going to start competing in North Florida PGA section events. I am running a 1/2 marathon in November and again in January.

Hi Mom - Here you go! She wanted to see my newly blond hair.

Yes I went Blond and Yes Blonds have more fun because Blonds get more attention. I know this for a fact

When I find another picture that shows it better I will post it instead. This is me and Christina at McCrays

The Marathon is just 5 weeks away and it is time to begin the fundraising part of the adventure! I have been asked why are you running a Marathon? - I started this adventure believing I was running a Marathon for My Life, to ensure I remain strong, healthy and driven. I am running for those reasons, but while I've been training - I found a whole new purpose, a purpose that will make running 26.2 miles easy compared to what this little boy you are about to meet is facing - So now - I am running for Leaf.



Just to give a quick rundown on me and why this is so important....just a little over two years ago I was a smoker, a heavy, pack and half a day smoker, I was 43 lbs heavier, extremely unhealthy and extremely unhappy with myself and my direction in life. I am now a Non Smoker of two years and counting, I am stronger and healthier than I have ever been. I have a clear sense of direction, I know exactly what I want in my life and I know I have the ability to give great love and dedication to achieve it. But right now my focus is on giving all my blood, sweat and tears to help ease just a little bit of little boys challenges.


This is how my "Run for Leaf" works - I am running in the Logan Marathon on Saturday, September 19th (26.2 miles) and I will finish all 26.2 miles. I am asking you to donate any denomination of money for each mile I finish - A dime a mile, a dollar a mile, ten dollars a mile...every bit will add up and help get Leaf back to China for another treatment. Please keep reading to learn more about Leaf - click on any picture to go to his personal blog, and if you decide to donate- simply click "comments at the bottom of this post with your name and what you are willing to donate per mile. Or a "username" if you would like to remain anonymous, and once the Marathon is over I will post my results and the address to where the donations should be sent.

If you prefer to mail a check rather than an online pledge, please use the following address:1099 Main Ave., Suite 500, Durango, Colorado 81301 please make checks payable to "Sight for Leaf".



Now let me tell you about Leaf and his Mom, Stephanie: I am pleased to introduce you to my little cousin Leaf Gibran Baxter, an angel sent down from God for me to fall in love with. Anyone who has met this little man knows exactly what I am talking about. He is truly an Angel, it is no wonder he was brought to one of Gods other Angels - My beautiful cousin and one of my very best friends- Stephanie. Stephanie is one of those people that is truly beautiful inside and out - it is very rare to meet someone and know someone as wonderful as she is. She has the most calming nature about her you can't help but smile when you are around her. To learn more about Leaf and his wonderful family click on the following link: http://www.sightforleaf.blogspot.com/.

Leaf was born on November 3, 2007. Within hours his little system stopped working and doctors struggled to keep him alive. After weeks of tests Leaf was finally diagnosed with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) and Hypopituitarism. This means that he has significant visual impairment and he doesn’t make his necessary hormones. Most of the hormones can be replaced through fabulous medical progress in the area of synthetic hormone replacement therapies. Leaf’s parents are researching and providing all necessary therapies and medical interventions possible. He receives acupressure, physical therapy, hyperbaric chamber therapy, and vision therapy. But, there is nothing they or the doctors can do about helping him see. However, The Beike Institute in Shenzhen, is conducting a study which has, so far, produced notable results in young children. CLICK ON THE PICTURE OF LEAF TO READ A POSTING BY HIS MOM AND DAD DURING HIS FIRST TREATMENT IN CHINA



Thank you for your time, your consideration and your donation. Please note that any donations are not tax deductible since the moneys will be used for taking Leaf to China for his second treatment. Please post this link http://chantillys.blogspot.com/2009/08/run-for-leaf.html" on your webpage, blog, facebook or myspace page. Thank you again and happy running!

My Quit
Quit Date: 6/9/2007 10:00 AM
Time Smoke-Free: 731 days, 43 minutes
Cigarettes NOT smoked: 18276
Lifetime Saved: 4 months, 19 days, 14 hours
Money Saved: $3,188.99