Updates

I've got several exciting updates on the Team Dream project to report.

First, Elyse was interviewed on WSB-TV on November 2, 2008 as "the new face of lung cancer." I was interviewed and profiled in the Fulton County Daily Report on January 29, 2009 about my cycling obsession and the Team Dream project (Title: "Fat Chick on a Bike", of course!), and I will be interviewed on March 12 by "Northside Woman" magazine about Team Dream. Elyse's interview and my articles will be linked to this site as soon as I can figure out how to do it.

Next, we've planned the "Lung Cancer Needs a Paddling" River Adventure on May 2, 2009. This will be a family-oriented trip down the Chattahoochee River, picnic lunch included. Of course, all proceeds from this trip will benefit the Team Dream project. Click the link to register or for more information.

Team Dream has added a new Bronze Sponsor. Thanks to Chuck Gabriel's generous donation of $1,000 to the project, The Gabriel Law Firm, P.C. has become a Bronze Sponsor of Team Dream. Thank you, Chuck!

And last but certainly not least, we've now raised over $20,000 toward our goal for this project. Reaching each $10,000 milestone is especially exciting since we haven't started doing formal fundraising; until next January we're only doing "soft" fundraising from hits on the blog, word of mouth, etc. Dan Bloom has volunteered to be our fundraising chairman when the time comes to start hitting up businesses and law firms for sponsorships. In the meantime, we keep riding and keep our eyes on that $100,000 prize. THANK YOU to everyone who has donated so far and has helped us get the word out. We can't do this without you!

Winter Blues

It's been quite a while since I've posted and the world has turned upside down in the meantime. The economy has gone to hell, and the entire country seems paralyzed waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Things also have turned upside down with the Team Dream project. This spring's ride has been postponed until Spring 2010. While disappointed, I understand that given the state of the economy, my practice can't afford to lose its only working partner right now. I've spent the last 2 months struggling with motivation, trying to muster the will to get on the bike. Some days I succeed. Most days I don't. In a good week I'll get in 2 good workouts. Between losing the trip as my immediate motivator, my general sluggishness in winter, and a pretty crazy work schedule the bike slides to 2nd, 3rd, or 4th place in my life.

But things are looking up. This weekend starts daylight savings time, when "Summertime Amy" usually comes out of her winter funk. Riding indoors on a trainer just doesn't hold the same allure as flying down Clifton Road on a quiet weekend morning, dodging cars, dogs, and hairpin turns. And even the best movies and music can't keep me interested in a 4 hour indoor ride.

For now I'll just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Spring can't come soon enough.