A Year of Random Acts of Kindness: Week 3

$1,500.

That's how much we have to pay in car repairs over the next few weeks.

But- it could be worse! At least we both have good jobs. And we are alive.

So...

Despite the (always) unexpected hit to our bank account, The Year of Random Acts of Kindness must go on!

On Saturday, I spent the morning with my girls drinking bloody mary's and mimosas.

Ann and Ashley.
Day drinking.

I needed that morning of laughs, especially after our car news.

"Animals are not allowed to drink from the well."
We are grown-ups. I promise.

On the way home, my friend Ann and I stopped at Taco Bell.

Always a good idea after a few drinks, right?

(Wrong. I ended up getting sick after eating Taco Bell. Never again). 

"Ann!" I said. "I need to do my random act of kindness today! I'm going to buy this guy's lunch behind us. And your lunch!"

"What if his bill is really expensive?" Ann asked.

"Well- then Justin will lecture me and I'll remind him...that it was just meant to be!" I said.

We both laughed- knowing that Justin would shake his head if he heard me say that...

I pulled up to the window and said, "Hi! I'd like to pay for my order and the guy behind me!"

The young girl smiled, "Okay!"

"And just tell him that I said 'Have a great day!'"

The young girl smiled again, unsure what to say next.

I always love seeing the reaction to people during these random acts of kindness.

Ann laughed, "You sound so diplomatic!" 

"What does that even mean?" I asked. "Is that good or bad?"

"Good!" Ann said. "Well, I guess good. But you kind of sounded like a crazy ex-girlfriend. 'Hi my name is Carol- and you go ahead and tell my ex-boyfriend back there I said HAVE A NICE DAY!"

We started dying laughing.

"Okay, well now I have to sussy someone," Ann said.

(By the way, a sussy is a gift for no reason. Click on the link above to learn more about The Sussy Project).

Guys, that's the best thing about these random acts of kindness- they are contagious!!

We went to Marsh and saw the most ADORABLE little boys selling discount cards and 3-D sports cups to raise money for their basketball team.

A prime target.

"Hi!" Ann said. "What are you selling?"

The little kid went into a huge sales pitch about the cups and discount cards. The other kids next to him would chime in if he forget to mention something or mispoke.

The dad, who reminded me of Jessie from Breaking Bad (aka I had a crush on him), was smiling at Ann and I the entire time.

"Okay, we will come back and get some cups when were are on shopping," Ann said.

We walked away and she said, "There is my sussy. Expensive cups...and I'll give them to...who knows?"

I loved that Ann was inspired to sussy someone- she supported the kids and bought 3-D IU cups.

Also, this was the result of day-drinking.
A 6 p.m. hangover.

Later that night, I went to Starbucks (hoping the caffeine would eliminate my "hangover headache" and planned on buying coffee for the person behind me.

But no one came in, so I didn't have the opportunity to keep spreading the love. Instead, I smiled knowing that my purchase was helping raise money for World AIDS Day, which Starbucks was supporting all day on December 1.

Sussy Saturday was a great success. 

And I'm looking forward to making even more people smile this week.

If you have any good ideas for my charity to support for December, comment below or send me message! As a reminder, I'm donating $26 to a different charity each month.

Go out and make someone smile today.

And everyday. 

Much love,
Ashley

The Power of a Dream

1 in 8. Those were the odds of my little brother making the coast-to-coast traveling baseball team. My mom was texting me two weeks ago at his tryouts, saying how amazing he was doing. We both talked about how proud we were of Devin. Whether Devin made the team or not, he was following his dream and that is inspiring.

I think every boy dreams of being a professional sports player at least once in their lifetime. But Devin hasn’t given up on this dream once. Below are a few pictures that sum of Devin and his passion for baseball:

Mom & Devin when he was a baby baseball fan.

You're safe!

How can you NOT smile when you see this picture? I love it.

Good sport.

Look at that smile!

Stud.

So cute!

High school! Holy cow, where does time go?

Almost 16 years-old and he is ready to play for the big leagues. And this past Saturday, we learned that he is a few steps closer to this dream. HE MADE THE TEAM! I couldn’t help myself, I started crying with excitement.

I later told my sister Sarah, “This is such a big deal for him. I am so proud and I will do whatever it takes to help him raise money to play. I mean seriously –this is really his dream. And he is making that happen when he is only 16. That is like me becoming a star on “All That” with Amanda Bynes on SNICK when I was his age.” 

What, you didn't have dreams of being on SNICK!?

So what’s next? 

We need to raise about $1,700 to get him to Florida Dec. 27 to the 31. I’m racking my brain with creative ways to help my brother follow his dream. A few ideas we have now include:

• Pitch & Catch-athon (people sign-up to play catch for X many hours. They would get people to sponosor them and donate money based on how long they said they would play pitch & catch).
• For his 16th bday this September, his bday gift could be donations of $16 for his trip.
• Local sponsorships
• Devin could volunteer for a local company or organization if they would sponsor him through donations - This show he understands he has to work for what he wants in life-  a valuable lesson.
• For my 25th bday, try to get people to donate $25 to my brother's fundraising as a bday present!

If you have ANY fundrasising ideas or would like to make a donation, please message me online via Facebook, Twitter or my gmail: ambedwell@gmail.com- even the smallest amount can make the biggest difference!


Thank you so much for your help and consideration!


Much love,
Ashley

 

Letting the Pictures Tell the Story

I’ve had so many emotions surrounding the softball benefit for Brittany, which is why it’s been very hard for me to write about it.


I could write from some many perspectives.

I could share stories about how it started.

I could write about the day itself. The happy faces. The amazing food. The talented band. The generous donations. The beautiful weather. The memories shared of Brittany. I could go on forever...

I could write about how much work and heart Kristin Matthews and the Raymond family put into planning the event.

I could write about how much I want to cry when I think about all of the people who donated and supported the cause.

I could write about how amazing my team was during the softball benefit; a team that started as friends – some strangers – and transformed into a family.

I could also write about how I haven't ever been so sore in my life...and I couldn't run for a whole week afterwards because my muscles refused to move. But it was good to know I wasn't alone:

But instead of trying to find the right words – which has been really hard for me. I thought I would let these pictures and conversations on Facebook do the talking for me.

Team Spirit

She amazes and inspires me beyond words.

Setting up the tents!

Oh logistics.

Jeff, were you hungover?

One of my favorite pictures of the night...after the championship game.

beautiful.

surrounded by love.

thinks makes me hungry again...

intense.

amazing.

beautiful smiles; loving hearts.

Battle wounds from @jozzyj

The CHAMPS!

Runner's up & super proud!

Good action shot!

My favorite picture of the entire event. Perfect.

 There are so many more pictures available on Kristin Matthew's profile. Check them out.

Thank you to everyone who participated, sponsored, donated or came out to celebrate Brittany's life at the Brittany Raymond Arnold Grand Slam benefit. It truly was a beautiful event that will have a lasting impact on so many lives.

Much love,
Ashley

Make It Your Passion

Nothing makes me happier than when my friends come to me for advice on running and races. Today, I got this text from one my best friends (Kelly Geb):

"Soo I have decided today that I want to try a mini marathon. Since you are the master... :) Is there a mini one in Fort Wayne or where do I begin?"

Where I do begin? I remember asking that same question nearly a year ago.

***

I decided I needed to lose weight about this time last year. I had actually been waiting to lose weight fo years, but this time I was ready to take action. No diet pills. No gimmicks or crazy workout DVD's that I could barely keep up with...I would do exactly what you NEED to do in order to lose weight...eat a healthy diet and exercise.

After asking countless of healthy, fit friends and family members about how they maintain their weight, I kept hearing the same exercise: running.

So I tried it. My first time was an epic failure. I don't think I went 50 seconds without stopping. I felt like I was going to pass out because I couldn't breathe. I didn't know how I could go a minute longer. I think I finished my mile that day in about 14 minutes. But I was inspired. I wanted to do it; I wanted to keep going. In order to make sure I stayed on track, I told my friend I would do a mini marathon with her that Fall.

Mini marathon? 13.1 miles? How in the world will I ever do that if I can't even run for 50 seconds, let alone more than 2 hours in a race?! I didn't know the answer, but I was inspired to find out.

Where did I begin? I began by making it my passion.

I blogged about running.

I made a goal to run, bike and walk 2,011 miles for 2011. 

I asked my friends who ran for advice.

I started following runners on Twitter like @cubicledad (who inspired me to start fundraising for the American Heart Association)

I started reading running blogs like See Meggie Run (she is incredible - you absolutely must read her blog- you will be inspired for LIFE!).

I bought running magazines, like Runners World.

I went to movies about running, such as Hood to Coast, which is an incredible documentary that features 4 teams competing in the world's largest and longest relay race.

I bought better running shirts and pants.

Rocking my running clothes!

I got fitted for running shoes (SO IMPORTANT).

My hubby fitting me for my shoes, which are from the best shoe store ever (Esmond's Shoe Store).

I ran with the best personal trainer ever (and cutest).

Rain or shine; Bandit and I braved the run.

I signed up for any race I could get my hands on.

After my first mini marathon with my running partners, Sabrina and Brittany.

Nothing beats running with both family and friends; this one was for my mom's bday! :)

While this wasn't my best running performance, I was glad to participate in the largest mini marathon in the states.

 I signed up to join the American Heart Association's Start! Running Team and raised nearly $800 for heart and stroke disease research and education.

Simply put, I made running my passion. Right from the beginning...

So, I sent her links to races in her area and the training schedule that I use. And I text back:

"Seriously- make it your passion :) Buy good running shoes, get amazing running clothes, buy body glide because you will chaff in places you never knew you could chaff. Buy books or magazines or follow blogs about running and races! You will love it and I promise crossing that finish line is one of the best feelings in the world!"

Oh and good music and headbands can help with long runs too. But as Brad King will tell you, sometimes its just nice to listen to the sounds around you, smile at the people who pass you and have converstations with those runners along side you.

Much love,
Ashley

My Hope

Sister, Sister - two way twister.

Earlier today, I text my little sister Brittney and asked her if she wanted to go for a run / walk with me when I got into town. I don't like to run at night, especially in Indy. But I don't like to run in the dark alone ever. She agreed, but quickly said she would walk - running was not on her agenda.

A few minutes later, she said that there was a Relay for Life event at her high school. I can't believe I am saying this, but I've never been to a Relay for Life event. Ever. So I was really looking forward to this event - to celebrate survivors and honor those who have passed before us....

As I looked around the track, I saw familiar faces.

I caught up with friends from school and fought temptation of sweet snacks and salty treats.

But more importantly, I felt alive.  I felt inspired. I felt a sense of connectedness with every single person I walked by. A simple smile and I felt touched by their soul...

I saw survivors of all ages. It melted my heart. I quickly realized that cancer has no age.....

During one of our laps, we heard a story about a young woman who was battling leukemia. Her boyfriend was in law school, but he wasted no time putting his education on hold to support his girlfriend. He even donated bone marrow to her this past September.

I couldn't help but cry...she was so young. So looked so happy, yet she was struggling for her life. She wrapped her arms around him the entire time the announcer read her letter. They looked up at each other and you could not only see- but feel their love. She leaned up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. You could tell he was proud to be standing next to her; proud to support her; proud to help her live another day.

He received an award for being an outstanding caregiver. The crowd started clapping and I cheered loudly for this young couple. At that moment, my sister looked across the field and saw the candles spelled out a word. A word that fit so appropriately for this moment. For this event. For this couple.

It said:

Hope.

Every cancer patient needs hope. Every mother - daughter- father - son - brother - sister - friend - cousin and even complete stranger...needs hope to get through. They need hope to fight the toughest battle of their life. They need hope to better days. They need hope for a brighter, healthier future.

And my hope is this; I hope that you understand there is always something you can do to make a difference.

You can donate time your time.

You can give a smile, hug or kiss; the cheapest and best gifts of all.

You can support the cause through monetary donations or fundraising efforts.

You can use your own social connections to spread the word.

You can give something. Anything. You might feel that you don't have enough time,  money or energy, but you do. You just have to dig a little deeper, try a little harder or sleep a little longer.

You can be the person who gives and spreads hope to those in need of it; and I hope you do.

Much love,
Ashley

504 Miles & An Important Purchase

Last night, I hit 504.5 miles for the year. Obviously, I am behind in my 2011 mile goal. I should average 5.5 miles a day or 170.5 miles per month.


As of June 1, I should be at 852.5 miles. But with my training schedule, injuries and life getting in the way – it was hard to keep up. I need to catch up by348 miles. I think I can do it. For the next three months, I am going to try to run and bike more…averaging 9 miles per day. Now, I know that number sounds high– and really it is. But in 30 minutes on the bike, I can complete at least 5-6 miles. I can do this. I will do this.

Last night, I did think about giving up on my 2,011 mile goal. I won’t lie. I felt like I would never catch up, learning that I was so many miles behind. But then my friend Sarah Frey told her husband Dusty to post this video on my wall. It inspired me to keep going – stop making excuses and keep going.

But in order to keep going, I made an important purchase. A purchase that I felt was necessary after one of my co-workers and friends lost his brother-in-law this past weekend. Zach was running in the Chicago half marathon last Saturday – he was extremely healthy and according to the articles I read, running 13.1 miles was a breeze for him. The heat that day Saturday was unbearable. I believe they eventually stopped the race because it was so hot.

Unfortunately, Zach passed away while running in the race. It was his passion, he loved it. He died doing what he loved, but that doesn’t remove the sadness from the situation. His death really opened up my eyes about the importance of listening to your body and stopping when weather conditions are not favorable. I am not sure what Zach’s cause of death was, and while I never had the opportunity to meet him – I am inspired to continue raising money for the American Heart Association until I hit $1,000.

His death also made me realize the value in purchasing a Road ID, which is a wrist band that I can wear that lists my name, information and 3 emergency contacts. I also included my mantra, “Brave the Run!” I understand the wrist band won’t save my life, but it will help any rescuers talk to me by name and contact my family immediately.

If you are interested in purchasing a Road ID, I’d encourage you to do so. You can receive $1 off your purchase by entering in this code at check out: ThanksAshley5785965 – Also, a portion of all purchases go a charity of your choice (you can select from 10 charities). What are you waiting on? Get your Road ID today….

Please be safe and listen to your body- only YOU know when you have pushed yourself too far and need to slow down.

Much love,
Ashley

13.1 Miles: A Lesson of Acceptance

There is a certain peace about 5 a.m. in the morning that I can’t explain (mainly because 99.9% of the time I am sleeping during that early in the morning). But as I kissed my husband goodbye and asked Bandit to give me some good luck, I was overwhelmed with relaxation. I walked outside, and the sky was still dark. I saw an older man walking alone in a bright orange vest. Was he warming up for the mini marathon? Maybe. I smiled.

I met my friends / running partners, Brittany and Lexi, in Fishers. I ran inside to get Starbucks – nothing fancy, just a bold coffee. We hit the road discussing our expectations, worries (well my worries) and funny stories.

I didn’t really get nervous until we got downtown and I started seeing everyone. Hundreds of people – all walking towards the start line- which was filled with thousands of people. All the while, I was still looking for some suspicious activity as the news reports questioned the safety of runners after bin Laden’s death. I could have worked for the FBI that morning because I was looking in every hotel window and down every grassy knoll.

When the gun went off, I reminded myself not to get too excited. I was in corral V – and I was warned it would take at least 30-45 minutes just to reach the start line. By the time we crossed the start line, it was 28 minutes into the race. (But our time didn't start until we crossed the start line).

We started to run, but quickly turned it to light a jog. There were so many people and it was very hard to pass anyone. So we just took it easy.

The first person I saw performing on the side of the road was a man with a megaphone talking about Jesus. It took me back to my Ball State days – I wondered if it was the same man, and kept running. The next few bands I saw were awesome. There were even kids – totally rocking out to songs like "TNT". Another band was singing about breathing – and that was the first time I thought of the people who’ve passed before me. The people I am running and raising money for through the American Heart Association. I’m breathing, I’m alive. I threw my arm in the air as I passed them and yelled, "Thank you!"

I was doing pretty good until about mile 5. That's when I noticed I was asking for walking breaks more often. My back started hurting pretty bad, but I tried to fight through it. Lexie started to press against my back and rub.

"I am not sure if I am helping or if I am just pushing you along," she joked.

Once we got off the track, we stopped for fruit snacks and a stretch. I mentally told myself to "lock it up" and I tried to take myself to a positive place.

"THIS IS AMAZING!" I said. "I feel great- these fruit snacks are really hitting the spot and this stretch feels great."

But that burst of positive excitement was short lived. I quickly reached behind me and grabbed my back; It hurt so bad. 

We didn't even run half a mile and I was already wanting a break again. I felt awful for them. I really wanted Britt to get a personal best and Lexie to enjoy her first race. I really wanted a personal best, but more importantly - I wanted HER to get one if she physically could...I knew I probably wouldn't hit my best time.

"You guys.." I said. "Just go. Please just run ahead of me and get your personal best. I'm not sure we will make it." 

"Ashley, stop it!" Brittany said sternly. "If we wanted to run ahead of you, we would have stayed in our corral. We are staying beside you and we will finish together."

I didn't accept that answer.

"Brittany," I said. "Seriously- if you can do better - do better - I just feel so bad and guilty - I want you to.."

"Ashley!" Brittany said. "Stop it - you are making me mad. I've made my decision."

At that moment, we crossed the 10 mile marker. 

And it was settled. We would finish together. But it was also during this moment that we realized we would not be getting a personal best. In fact, we would be cutting it close to even reach our time at the last race.

And I got really sad - How would I explain that I did better at a race when I was limping in pain, had bruised ribs, and scraps on my body?  

We walked the final 3 miles, but made sure we were always running before and slightly after a mile marker. When we weren't talking, I was trying to answer that question in my head the whole time.

We got to victory mile. It didn't feel like much of a victory for me. I felt defeated. Weak. Discouraged. I was holding back tears the whole time. I felt like I let not only myself and running partners down, but everyone who donated. I told myself I should have trained harder and gave it more. 

We ran the final quarter mile.  I'm not sure what I looked liked when I crossed the finish line. I wanted to smile through my pain, but it was even harder knowing I didn't have my husband to run to and friends to hug on the sidelines. Thank goodness I had Britt & Lexi there to make me smile and laugh. Our afternoon was a little crazy after the race, but looking back - I can't help but smile. I'm so glad they never gave up on me....

If I would have wrote this blog immediately after the race, it would have been awful. I was miserable - not only did I feel sore physically- I was an emotional wreck.

But the moment I reached for my phone, I couldn't help but be inspired! SO many people left comments on my split time status updates! I had messages of encouragement and pride written on my wall. People told me I was such an inspiration and that I did such a great job. YOU ARE ALL AMAZING. Thank you so much - for every comment, text and phone call - you all truly made a huge difference.

When I went to lunch at McAllister's, the manager gave me a discount for wearing my medal in. He didn't ask me what my time was once. He simply gave me a big smile, huge high-five and told me great job!

Even better, I came home to an inspiring video my husband left me. He reminded me that I  can't beat myself up after every single race. You'll always have a better or worse time- it gives you motivation to do better in the future. With tears streaming down my face, he closed by saying this:  "Nobody cares about the time you ran - no one donated money to you beating your last time- everyone is proud of you and that is what everyone thinks." ♥

Later that night, I went out with my friends for Delanie's bachelorette party.

And I proudly wore my medal out all night long.

I view those 13.1 miles on Saturday as acceptance. I am accepting that I have my work cut out for me in the future. However, I am also accepting the fact that I accomplished something huge. I still beat 10,000 other people. I still finished. I still ran / walked / limped with heart across that finish line.

Much love,
Ashley

Words With Friends Contest

The love and support I’ve received from my family, friends and even complete strangers during my journey to complete this half marathon and raise money for the American Heart Association have been unbelievable. My initial goal was to raise $500. Within a month, I hit that goal – so I increased my goal to $700. I am happy to report that because of your loving donations, I have not only met my goal – I have exceeded it! I have raised nearly $750 for the American Heart Association.


Now it’s time to have fun and pay it forward to you everyone who has supported me and my goals through monetary donations, kind words and hugs! While taking a shower last night (where all brilliant ideas occur because you have no paper to write them down), I thought of a contest that combines four of my top loves:

• Writing

• You (my amazing and loving supporters)

• Starbucks

• Justin

The Words with Friends Contest is simple.


1. Write down an inspirational message to me for race day. It can be funny, inspirational, sweet, encouraging, etc.

2. Once you come up with your message, write it on a piece of paper, a larger sign, pizza box, etc. & take a picture of yourself holding up the sign. Include your family, friends, hamster, fish, dog in the picture – I don’t care. Take the picture inside or outside. Take it jumping in the air or running. The more creative, the better.


3. Post the picture on your Facebook page or Twitter account & tag me in the picture.

4. Justin & I will judge the inspirational / hilarious / motivating posters. The top 3 will win Starbucks gift cards and ALL pictures will be posted on my blog to celebrate your thoughtful messages.

I am really looking forward to seeing your messages! You truly have NO idea how much it means to me. I know that when I am running 13.1 miles on Saturday morning, I will smile and think of each and every message from you all. If you haven’t learned by now, I am actually the true winner of this contest – because I get to keep your love and messages forever.

Much love,
Ashley

Running & Fundraising

I never thought the day would come when I would enjoy running. Let alone the day when I would decide to complete 2,011 miles in a single year. But once I created this goal, I got inspired to do more. Make a difference. I'm pleased to let you know I'm officially on the Start! Running Team for the American Heart Association. My goal is to raise $500 - and if I exceed this goal, I'll continue to raise more money.

Why the American Heart Association? For a number of reasons really, but really it boils down to my Grandpa and the fact that the disease takes so many lives.

My Grandpa Larry's heart stopped working in his sleep. I want to celebrate his life. And while running, I'll fill my mind with great memories of my Grandpa- the only thing I have left. I might cry, but I will also smile remembering our fishing trips and breakfast dates after church. I'll always think of him when I eat oranges or peanuts in bed. I'll always remember that the easiest money I ever earned was giving him a backrubs with a pound of lotion. I'll close my eyes even tighter and remember his laugh and picture his smile. When I do that, I feel his spirit come visit with me in my mind, and more importantly- in my heart.

While he went peacefully, his death is a proven statistic that cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States. I want to raise money to provide research and education for heart disease.

So with teary eyes, a happy heart and a lot of hope- I'm ready to do this. I'm ready to run. I'm ready to raise money for such an important organization for an issue that really hits home for me. Maybe you too.

I'd be forever grateful for your support, both financially through donations and emotionally through your encouraging words. Every dollar makes a difference and brings me closers to my goal. You can visit my donation page to learn more about my efforts, make a donation and see my progress. Also, online it seems you can only make a donation of $25 or more. To make a donation of $24 or less, please mail checks directly to me. Please call me or message me on Facebook/Twitter/Gmail for more info.

Another way to help me reach my goal: Tomorrow- I will be placing an order for red wristbands that say "Run With Heart" -- I'll be selling them for $3/one or $5/two -- please let me know if you are interested in buying a wristband so I have an idea of how many to purchase! :)


Much love,
Ashley