Traveling Again

I am packing my bags again, this time to go to Germany for a week. Since I have been complaining about the direct flights from Raleigh to Los Angeles a few weeks ago, I am looking forward to travel part of my vacation with mixed emotions.

I got plenty of advice on how not to get sick, and this time I am hedging my bets with a combination of Airborne and tea tree oil. The agenda on the other side of the Atlantic will not be as hectic as going to a conference. I will spend three days with a dear friend who has three dogs, and I am anticipating long walks and even longer talks.

After that, I will go to the city of Hannover where I grew up and lived until the age of 26. UP to my mother’s death two years ago, I went often. This visit will probably be my last, and I hope to see a good number of friends.

Another much anticipated event is my 40^th High School Reunion. I had little contact with old class mates except for one person, and while I look forward to meet them again, I dearly hope that I will see some of my teachers. It’s such a shame that one has to be at least 25 years out of school to truly value what they have done and how they have influenced one’s life. I could never have imagined 40 years ago that I would be sitting here in Raleigh, NC, writing a blog, having had an 18 year career with IBM, and now being in my 18^th year as a fitness trainer.

Time flies ……..

25th Annual Walk for Hope

I have just registered a team for the Walk for Hope as I have since 1996.

The Foundation of Hope is a charity which raises money for research into mental illness.  The way they distribute the money is to give so-called ‘seed money’ which enables researchers to do the work necessary to apply for grants for comprehensive research. By using this method, the Foundation of Hope has been instrumental in securing millions of dollars to find cures or relief for those suffering from mental illnesses.

As the only charity to raise money for this cause, the Foundation of Hope is unique. It is also important to me to know that just about every dollar donated to the Foundation of Hope actually goes to the cause which – regrettably – is not the case with all charities (but there is a website from the American Institute of Philanthropy where you can check the rating of the charity you have in mind http://www.charitywatch.org/index.html).

The event will be Sunday October 13^th at 10 AM, starting at the Angus Barn in Raleigh. There will be several options for running, walking or just strolling around the little lake, just enough to work up an appetite for the party which showcases the Angus Barn’s legendary ability to feed crowds.

Please check out the website www.walkforhope.com and decide whether you want to get involved.  Needless to say, money is always welcome but I’d rather have you register yourself or get a few friends to go with you and register a team.  

Hope to see you there.