A New Chapter

So, it has been more than a year since the last time I visited (contemplated) to blog. A lot of things had happened since then. I got married (November 14, 2009) and it was wonderful wedding. Although my sister could not make it.... My dad made it up by holding a small reception at Sonya's Garden in Tagaytay. Friends and families who could not make it, was able to share our special day during the reception. Horacio and I are truly blessed. We are deeply thankful to God. I also found myself in a cake decorating class. Something that I had been wanting to do for quite a while now, but never got the chance (or the time) to do so.

Now, I start this blog not to (only) digress in the past, but also to let the blogsphere (and soon to be followers... hopefully) about the new challenge that I have taken upon in my life.

I joined and will be running a 13.1 mile marathon on December 5, 2010.

Yes, I will be running. For those who know me well, knows that me and the gym does not go on the same sentence. At first, it was more for a personal benefit - cardio, tone my body, get more active. Then I went to the meeting to register, and I was just inspired. By the way, I am running with Team Challenge to help raise funds for Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. The "speaker" told us about the runners who participate have Crohn's or ulcerative disease and they run half marathon after half marathon. I looked at myself - here I am healthy as I could be, yet I have done nothing. Sure, I am a nurse and I help people each day... but for some reason, having that as a job does not really count. I get paid to help them. It is my job.

So, thankful that I got talked into attending the meeting (I also got a friend to join), I signed up right then and there.

Here I am now, few hours after my first two mile run (actually it was just 1.8 mile according to our team coach). It was a challenge. But I finished it without throwing up, fainting or sitting down to take a breather! I also finished it under 30 minutes - which at first I thought would be impossible. But yes, I am proud of myself to have finished it and am looking forward to build up my endurance and run more miles. Each mile I run, I dedicate to the cause.

Have I mentioned that this was a fundraiser? Yep, it is. Your donation to the cause will be greatly appreciated, and remember, this is a tax deductable donation! If you wish to donate simply visit: www.active.com/donate/lv10nyc/LVJOng. Eighty cents of each dollar you donate goes directly to Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America to find cure and improve the quality of life of children and adults suffering this disease. Approximately 1.4 million American children and adults are diagnosed with crohn's and ulcerative colitis, and more are suffering in silence.

Again, thanks for your support!!