The Princess Guide: It's All About the Clothes

The first year Lisa and I walked the 3-Day, we learned three very important lessons.

1.  It's all about the clothes.
.
2.  Stop & Shop.

3.  Leave no walker behind.

Those lessons are a part of me to this day!  Today's shirt sports our well-used Tiara Bling.  (The same bling was on the back of my shirt at the Tri.)

Tiara Bling Rocks.

Like KISS.

The Princess Guide: Moisture-Wicking Only Gets You So Far....

Today is Biggsy's #39 Birthday, and in a very Bucket List-type move, we did the Team Tiara Charity Relay at the Fairfield Triathlon this morning!  Our friend Nadine did the swim, I did the bike, and Biggsy did the run.

It was great!  BUT it was WET!  It threatened to rain right up to start time, but didn't really open up and do so until about Mile 7 of my bike ride. About the time I was passed by the 50th or so competitor. 

That part really cracked me up.  The first person to pass me was about 8 years old, and after that it was a steady stream.  Being the Team Tiara Turtle, I'm used to being passed on the route.  And it still brings a smile to my face when other participants give me an encouraging, "You're doing great."  If only they knew I was just fine with being passed!!

This isn't the best picture ever, but you can see that my bike and I were completely decked out.  I don't know if you can see my cute Tiara earrings (Turquoise to match my sparkle skirt.)  And isn't the bra on my bike basket a nice touch???

I think the best part was having them write my number on my arms and my age on my right calf.  People, this is as close as I'll ever get to having Tatts. I'm cool.  Of course, I had them fix the 40 and make it 40:31.  "Those who Hope in the Lord will renew their strength." 

I know for many of you biking in a Tri Relay hardly sounds like an accomplishment.  And I do think I'll be searching for new team members for next year -- I have a feeling Biggs and Nadine are going to move up to the "Real" event.

But if you knew me....  If you knew that four years ago I didn't even own a bike and had no idea what exercise looked like, you'd know this was an event that I am very proud to have accomplished! 

Four years ago I had no idea what moisture-wicking was.  Now, I wear it head to toe.  Which leads me to some VERY sound advice for my fellow 3-Day walkers!

Moisture-wicking is your friend!!!

Make sure your socks, shirts, bras, bike shorts, etc. are of a moisture-wicking fabric.  It will make ALL the difference in your experience.  It really cuts down on the chafing.  And I'll tell you what -- this is my SIXTH 3-Day walk. I've never had a blister. And I promise, wearing moisture-wicking socks are the reason!

Moisture-wicking will only take you so far. And in downpours like we've had for most of today you're still going to come out looking like a drowned rat.  But dadgummit, we'll take the rain -- and more if God sees fit to send it.  We have been praising God in this storm!

The Princess Guide: Save Second Base!

Is this shirt a hoot, or what???

Saturdays in Biggsville are all about sports -- so I thought it only appropriate to show you a REALLY cute Saving 2nd Base shirt!  This came from the Rue 21 shop up at the Outlet Mall, and I think it's just way too fun!!

As for Sports Saturday, Kait's team won their soccer game this morning against a team sporting LOTS of Kait's friends and former teammates. 

Abbie's team didn't win their softball game today, but they still did great. Abbie's pitching is really coming along.  AND she stole home!  Great game for Abbie-girl!

The Ags play tech tonight.  Now, I've hung in there with my Ags this season.  And I've watched them Tank in the second half.  I'm still hanging in there with them.  But if that happtens tonight, we're going to have issues.

Beat the Hell Outta Texas Tech!

Biggsy's HS Reunion is tonight, so I've gotta go get gussied up for that. 

By the way.... Tomorrow is Biggsy's birthday!   Just wait till you see the shirt I'm modeling for HIM!

The Princess Guide: Pink It Out!!!

Tonight is Waller Pink Out, and I am sooooooo jazzed!!!

If you're anywhere near Waller, Texas, I highly recommend you head over there tonight for a Pink Out Extravaganza!!!

I have to tell you, though, my Pink Heart is heavy today.  Sweet Bridget of My Big Girl Pants posted some tough-to-swallow news today. 

Bridget is fighting for her life -- at 28.  In the world of Pink Warriors, she's one of the strongest women I know of. 

I read Bridget's post while waiting to grab the Bigglets from school. And while I sat there reading, with big, fat tears in my eyes, all I could think was that I wish I'd walked in Boston this year.  I wish I could have given her a huge hug.  Man.

But I'm right there with her on the whole Pink thing -- you know I am.  I love hearing how the boys on our middle school football team are wearing pink socks. I love hearing that the teachers at our school were Pinked Out yesterday.  I love hearing about all of it. 

The impact that Pink is making -- each and every day -- is HUGE.  These kids are growing up with an awareness that we didn't have growing up.  And awareness that will save lives on down the road.  I am so glad to be a part of that.  For my Mom, for myself, for my girls, for Bridget and for all four of you.

Update:  Here we are with our big PINK check from tonight!!! Many, many thanks to the students, teachers, administrators and parents from Waller High School who work to help us fund the CURE!!

The Princess Guide: In Support of the 4-H Club Motto....

...  To make the Best Better....

When I looked at this picture, that's the absolute first thing that came to mind. What a hoot!  How many times have I struck this same pose to make that pledge that's still so dear to my heart.

We haven't been able to get the girls involved in 4-H yet, but I still hold out hope that they will be someday.  And I can't help but think my experiences in 4-H were just a few of the things that have made Team Tiara a possibility. 

Do you know the pledge?

"In support of the 4-H Club motto, 'To Make the Best Better,' I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalties, my hands to larger service for my club, my community, my country and my world." 

No, I don't get up every morning and say the pledge before I start my day (although the crowd I went to High School with probably thinks I do!)  BUT I do try to live my life by those same tenets. 

I think that's what the 3-Day community is all about -- making the best better.  Looking beyond ourselves to a greater loyalty.  Using our heads and hearts and hands to make a difference far beyond our own communities -- a difference that is impacting the world. 

How cool is that???

I've had this shirt for about three years!  I bought it at the New Balance outlet.  I'm headed there again today to look for shorts to wear under my sparkle skirt on the 3-Day!  Whoo-Hoo!

Ready for Pink Out at School Today!!

Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

The Princess Guide: Kindess ROCKS!

Talk about the "deer in the headlights" look!!!  YIPES! If I hadn't already sent my photographers to school, we might be doing retakes on this one.  And no, I haven't had time to do a single thing to my hair.  Don't panic, Khristy Carley -- I'll get to it in a bit!!

Or maybe not!

So... Today's "Kindness Rocks" shirt is one of my very favorite shirts from the 3-Day, and I have to say it's probably the most-complimented shirt in my closet!  Every time I wear it, someone says something about it!  I LOVE it!

And it's soooo appropriate for today!  After last night's drama with my truck, so many people stopped to help.  Biggsy went to Wal-Mart and got a new battery -- didn't work.  So... this morning I called up some people who really personify "Kindness Rocks" and asked them for their help!

For those of you in Houston, Webb Automotive over on Mueschke is DA BOMB.  They know how crazy life is -- especially my life!  This morning they came and got my keys, arranged for my truck to be towed in, and are now in the process of replacing my starter (which is why the new battery didn't work!)

Tracie and Roy Webb are great supporters of Team Tiara -- they sponsored a hole at our Tee'd Off Golf Classic last month, and are just really incredible people.  Tracie is a SURVIVOR and definitely has a heart for what we do!!!

In keeping with the "Kindness" route, I was trying to think of some of my favorite examples of kindness on the 3-Day.  It's so hard, because to me that's just what the entire weekend is all about. 

The med tent guy who humored me and taped up my feather last year would have to be at the top of the list.

The first year I walked, another walker's Mom was everywhere we went.  I can't even remember her name, but she took care of us just like we were her own -- down to giving us band-aids.

A couple of years ago I lost my water bottle on Day 3. A family near White Rock Lake gave me a Gatorade bottle.

All the people who have let me pee in their bathrooms along the route.

Starbuck's Grande Chai Latte brought to me at camp.

Team members who have walked sloooooowly with me -- even though their paces are much faster!

The Tent Angels who set up our tents long before we get to camp.

Those are SUCH small examples and come nowhere near exhibiting the vast generosity you experience on the 3-Day!!!  Kindness ROCKS!

The Princess Guide: Today Started with Such Promise....

Today started off with soooo much promise!

I have to tell you, I've had a blast thinking about which shirt to wear each day. Today started off inspired -- I'd wear this cute top that I bought at HEB (of all places) and talk about how important it is to take care of your feet when you're trekking 60 miles in three days.  If the shoe shirt fits, wear it -- right?

(As I type this, my children are having a food fight with hummus in the kitchen.  Oh my stars.)

So.... I get up this morning with my brilliant plan for today and find that NONE of the khaki shorts in my closet fit anymore. They're all falling off me.  Good problem to have.  So.....  I start digging around and find the shorts in this picture.  These are pre-Abbie.  Really.  How cool is that??

I know they probably weren't in style back then, and they probably aren't now -- but who cares??  It's not like I'm a fashion maven or anything.

I got all the kiddos to school, then I was off to see my orthotics guru -- John Ross at OPA in Bellaire.  John is God's gift to my feet.  He keeps me walking. And off the carts at Wal-Mart.  John Rocks.

He made some minor adjustments to my old pair of orthos and did the molds for a new set, and I was on my way....

To see Khristy Carley -- God's gift to my hair. I'd been looking like SUCH a hippie, and Khristy worked her kind of magic, and I'm not a hippie any more.

Promising day, still.

Came home, did a few things around the house, and after school my DI friends came over. Spent a LOVELY hour with them while they did their planning, then it was off to Kait's soccer practice.

Went well -- Read some of a new book, got ready to leave, and BAM! 

There it went.  My promising day.

As I type this, Biggsy is attempting to replace the battery in my truck, and I'm fairly certain we have a date with Webb Automotive tomorrow morning.  Joy!  Such Joy!

BUT.....   I mustn't get totally distracted from my purpose!  You've got to protect those feet!!! 

Just a few tips.....

Bring moleskin in your fanny pack. I cut mine in little strips that are ready to roll.  Or you can bring scissors. You can get moleskin at Wal-Mart with all that cool Dr. Scholl's stuff.

Use Body Glide.  It's smoooooooth.  You put it anywhere and everywhere you have friction. I mean ANYWHERE.   Especially on your feet.  Slap that stuff all over your feet before you put your socks on, and you'll be soooooo glad!  I carry a little thing in my backpack and have big things (shaped like deoderant) in my luggage.

Bring a fresh pair of socks for lunchtime.  Put them in a Ziploc in your fanny pack. When you swap, put the stinky pair in your Ziploc.  It keeps all those PB&J Graham Cracker Sandwiches that you're not hoarding from getting stinky, too.

Listen to your feet. If you start to feel a hot spot coming on, break out the moleskin.  Apply it. THEN Body Glide all over the top.  Moleskin will not stick to Body Glide, so it goes on first.

DO NOT for any reason, get a full pedicure until after the 3-Day. You NEED those calluses on the bottoms of your feet -- they're as good as gold!  Sure, go ahead and girlify your toes -- just keep the calluses. 

New shoes MUST have 20 miles on them BEFORE the 3-Day.  Only then will they begin to be broken in.

Don't just stretch your legs -- stretch your feet. Calf raises are great for this.  You can pick up a bajillion stretches just by watching other walkers on the walk. Learn from them. Especially if they look like they've been doing this all their lives.

Okay. In my totally frazzed, "what is tomorrow going to look like?" state, those are all the tips I can think of!!  If I come up with anything else, I'll let you know!!!

One note: I'm pretty sure I'm going to run out of pink shirts before I finish all 38 Pinktober posts. If you design/ sell/ shop for pink ribbon shirts, and you just happen to want to send one my way, I will not turn it down!!! With a big, fat smile on my face, I'll happily tell everyone just where I got it!!! 

The Princess Guide: I've Got Talent!

I couldn't get very far into my 38 days of Pinktober without wearing my Talent shirt.  Yes, I know it's gray.  But today has been anything but gray around here!

It's the most beautiful Fall day. Not too hot at all.  Sunshine on my shoulders and all that jazz.  I've spent the day decorating for Fall and watching two very able guys install my new dishwasher.  It's so quiet you can't even tell it's on!!  REALLY GREAT DAY!!!

So yes, I know this shirt is mainly gray -- but there isn't a more "PINK" shirt in my closet.  This shirt represents one of the most incredible experiences in my life.  An experience that continues to shape me.  An experience that was 100% God-breathed.  An experience like none-other.

In November 2007, four short months after we lost my Mom, just a week after I walked 60 miles in three days in her memory, I flew to LA for a fairy-tale experience.  You can read more about it here:

http://tinyurl.com/4x6834e

You'll want to start with the post on October 31 and read forwards through the experience.  It was incredible.

You can see the commercial here: (I'm the Crazy Beautiful Girl)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHcqDM4k7Hk&feature=player_embedded



THE Amy Stoker originated the "Crazy" quote --  she's a star!

I know some of the four of you are walking the 3-Day for the first time this year.  And I know you're wondering what on earth you've gotten yourselves into.  I don't know that you have a nation-wide advertising campaign in your future.  But I do know that you have an amazing experience ahead of you.

The 3-Day is every bit what it's cracked up to be.  It's 60 miles of ministry.  A 60-mile buffet.  Sixty miles of smiles and laughter and love and hugs and blisters and graham cracker sandwiches and feather boas and porta-potties and pink and sisters and friends and so much more.

It's the most powerful experience ever.

If you or someone you love has been touched by breast cancer, or even if you haven't, there is still time for you to join us!  Go to www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiararocks and click on "join team.  Or check out www.the3day.org/goto/teamtiara2012 to join us for next year.

You might just find out you have Talent!

The Princess Guide: Pinktober 3rd!!!

Off to see Dolphin Tale with my DI team today!!!

HUGE cheers for Nadine Lefkof today!! She did her first 15-mile training walk yesterday! What did you do???

THIS Pink Shirt is the ONLY thing I own from Calvin Klein.  My partner-in-crime Sherrie Webb and I bought these last October.  It has sparkles.  I like sparkles!

The Princess Guide: I LOVE This Shirt!!

Pinktober 2 (Also known as October 1)

Bought this shirt at Rue 21 yesterday and LOVE it!!! One thing I didn't love -- while the salesguy was more than happy to tell me a percentage of the sale goes to "Breast Cancer," he had no idea who, where or how much.
Come on, people!!! I know it couldn't have been much on a $10 shirt, but I'd still like to know.

If you want to make a donation where you KNOW where your money goes, check out www.teamtiara.net. We are a 100% volunteer organization. NO ONE takes a salary. ALL of our proceeds are directed to breast cancer research, awareness and survivor support!

One note:  I'm pretty sure I'm going to run out of pink shirts before I finish all 38 Pinktober posts.  If you design/ sell/ shop for pink ribbon shirts, and you just happen to want to send one my way, I will not turn it down!!! With a big, fat smile on my face, I'll happily tell everyone just where I got it!!! 

D'Lupe, Team Tiara, P.O. Box 2433, Cypress, Texas 77410-2433.