2008 Livestrong Challenge

The 2008 Livestrong Challenge series has been officially launched!!! There's a great incentive for people who decide to register as one of the first participants: Today (January 16th) there'll be a $10 discount when you enter the code LSC2008 during the registration process.

The dates are:
Portland, OR – June 29
Bay Area, CA – July 13
Philadelphia, PA - August 24
Austin, TX - October 25-26

In case you plan to participate in the 2008 Austin Challenge, please join our team 08 Cancer Warriors, by going to the LAF website: http://austin08.livestrong.org/cancerwarriors

Just click on the "Join our team" and you'll be led through the registration process. It'd be a great honor to welcome you to the Cancer Warriors Team real soon! Thanks for making a difference in the fight against cancer!!!

If you don't plan to participate in the Challenge, please consider making a donation by clicking on the honor roll button or going to my fundraising account: http://austin08.livestrong.org/henrike

This is my 5th year of fundraising for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, and to celebrate, every donor will be included in a raffle that will be drawn during the 2008 Austin Challenge weekend. I'm greatful for each and every amount you can give, whether it's $5 or $100. Prizes include Lance Armstrong and Livestrong items, including books, pens, magnets, shirts, etc. So please help me raise awareness and money for the LAF and make your own personal contribution to help us fight cancer!!!

The 'Big Day'- turning 30

"It is not by muscle, speed, or physical dexterity that great things are achieved but by reflection, force of character, and judgment; in these qualities old age is usually not only not poorer, but is even richer."

– Cicero

Okay, so it finally has arrived: the "big day" of me turning 30!

People keep calling me and keep asking how I feel now that I'm old... or that I look much younger than 30. I guess it's supposed to be a significant change in my life, but to be honest it feels like a normal birthday, spending time with my family and spending most of the day on the phone.

Am I supposed to freak out just because I'm a thirty-something now? Is my life going to go down the drain now? Gosh, I certainly hope not.

One of my friends told me that starting in 24 hours, I am officially closer to 40 than to 20. Sounds depressing, doesn't it?

On the brighter side, turning 30 also means:

• I have become more comfortable in my own skin. I am content with my life, even though there certainly were some big bumps and bruises along the path. But that's what keeps life interesting, right?
  

• I've accepted that I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to, starting with finally getting the signed EWE Baskets Jersey of Rickey Paulding to auction off for the LAF, and bumping into Dan McClintock in the process ;-)

• I’ve learned how to compromise without compromising myself in order to make life easier for both me and other people

• I've learned that I don't have to be perfect. Being healthy and comfortable in my own skin defines me more than anything. That one took some time, but I got there!
  

• I am capable of independence (well, I kind of learned that when I went to Wisconsin in 2000, but it's good to remember it every now and then, I kind of miss the Wisconsin winters, though).

• Doing the right thing, means doing the right thing by my standards, not someone else’s.

• Being a good friend is just as comforting as having a good friend yourself.
  

• Most of all, I've learned to be happy and enjoy life with my family, my mom and dad and my friends. They are invaluable and I just love them more than anything!!
  

I’ve turned 30… So what?! Bring on the next 30 years!