September 18th I run.walk for them

Good morning friends,

Sunday September 18th has changed my life.

WHY? you ask

Well, on Sunday September 18th 2016, i participated in Canada's ARMY RUN in Ottawa Ontario, i needed a day to focus on the achievement that i have made. 

7 years ago, as you all know, I had a double lung transplant. It's nothing to scoff at, that's for sure. But as I stood at the starting line, waiting for the silent start, i looked around me, and saw Soldiers with prosthetic limbs, let me re-phrase that, i saw HEROES with Prosthetic limbs. And i thought to myself, these selfless men and women fought pretty damn hard to get where they are today, and so did I. It was an honour to race amongst them, it was an honour to race for them. #ArmyRun

Starting line rumble!  Yeah they all ran by me!

I finished the race in 59 minutes and 43 Seconds. I personal best for me, because I have never done a 5K for a reason since transplant. I will get stronger, and I wore my #RockCF shirt with pride. My time would have been faster had I not stopped to shake the hands of every Soldiers along the way.

It meant something to me, knowing that while I was running with all these wonderful people, that the money raised is going somewhere good.  It is helping Military families in Canada who have gone through the imaginable, losing limbs, losing family.

I have always felt the need to serve my country, in some way.  Military was always a first choice for me, since joining the Army Cadets in 1992.  I did well, love the discipline and the reaction I felt when I did the unthinkable.  I was denied access to the 2 week camp my first summer, I was devastated, but with perseverance, some letters from my Phys. Ed teacher Mr. Gatien, a letter from my Doctor at the CF clinic, and i was there.  Stunning them all with ow awesome I was.

Now I venture on a new project, since 2001, after the WTC came crashing down on New York, my calling came to me in the form of Policing or Firefighting. I am working on it!

Back to the Run!

Haming it up for the camera guy!

I have never cried at the National anthem before, at least for a good reason. But on Sunday, I couldn't keep the tears in, knowing so many families are depending on my donation and contribution.  I ran for some of my great friends, my high school buddy Grant, who serves in Petawawa, and a new friend Mike Ieropoli who is also serving it Petawawa.  I ran in honour of SD&G native Sgt. Marc Leger who served with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry and served our country until April 17th 2002.

It benefits me to know that his contributions have not gone un-noticed, that all their hard work doesn't fall the side lines, it's people like me, and the over 25000 runner, in the 5K alone, who run for these brave men and women.

I will keep on keeping on, knowing that in Canada, we sleep at night, we wake up in the morning to the sound of birds chirping, and in my case Geese honking.  I thank them for giving me the time to reflect without the sounds of bombs going off in the distance.

Dear Canadian Forces... WE GOT YOUR 6

BACK IT UP!!!!

Well hi diddly Ho, Neigborino's.

I am in the process of cleaning out my computer. Examining the photos that I have yet to remove from the system, and you wouldn't believe some of the old stuff i have found. I a talking old school. here let my show you, old school of me as a wee bitty baby, and how cute was I. Buddah belly and all.

This is my favorite picture of all times. I am in my blue (favorite colour) footsie pajamas, eating (my favorite hobby) and sitting in our awesome Cow couch, what more could you ask for. I feel so nostalgic. Those were the days. If you think this is cute, wait until I show you some others. 

 Old time photos bring back such fond memories of being a child, having no worries, and being able to eat what you want when you want. Now, it's all because of anti rejections that you have to learn a whole new way of eating. Here's another picture of me as a child, here you can really see my little Buddah Belly, oh how I loved it them it was cute... now... not so much. There I am in my pink overalls, carrying what I think is some kind of stuffed... alien maybe??? Who knows. 

 As i was slowly growing, very slowly, i realized that i am pretty damn cute. i have a wonderful family, with whom I respect dearly. My mother and father, have put up with a lot as a grew up. Lot's physio, medications. There was a time, when we had to pay for all our meds, and that was not cheap. Luckily for kids in Canada, as far as I know, we do not have to pay for medications that will save our lives. We owe that to Mila Mulroney, the wife of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and mother of Ben Mulroney. 

O Canada, true north strong and FREE. Time goes by, so slowly, when you listen to Madonna. Change it up listen to Dave Matthews,. I know totally off topic... ANYHOW!!! According to the pole i had up on my blog last week, 66% of you think I should get my port replaced... well I think i am just going to get it removed, so when I do get sick, which won't be for a long time, I can just get a picc line. Ask Ronnie, they aren't so bad... RIGHT!!!???? 

Please hold, while I transfer some more documents on to a disc... 

Your patience is appreciated... 

15 minutes later... 

Okay, I am back. How eventful. So now i am going to just mention that i am now a member of TEAM BOOMER. for those of you who don't know, Boomer Esiason is a former NFL Quarterback, who's some was born with CF, he has since started a foundation to help raise funds to support families and research. Check it out at www.esiason.org. 

 Today in the mail, I got my TEAM BOOMER t-shirts and I am so excited to wear them to the gym. CF all the way baby, CF ALL THE WAY!!!!!! Well, I just noticed that it's pretty damn late, and I have to work in the morning, i will keep you all posted about my Port when I find out more. Cheers and pleasant dreams to you all. 

With love Ali