Spring Cleaning

"Above all we must realize that each of us makes a difference with our life. Each of us impacts the world around us every single day. We have a choice to use the gift of our life to make the world a better place - or not to bother." - Jane Goodall


The end of February means a few things.
First - that the worst of winter is over... fingers crossed
Second - that spring is around the corner... fingers crossed
Third - that it is spring cleaning time!

I love spring cleaning. I am a mild hoarder and Danny will be the first to tell you that I have a problem. Spring cleaning means you have a chance to sweep out all the dust from under the bed and discover what is down there! I know I have some books in bags under my bed and I'm excited to pull them out.

This spring I am also going to do some personal spring cleaning. I am going to focus on improving myself. I am to the point where I eat breakfast every morning, I have time to dry my hair (at least mostly) and I am following Weight Watchers with much detail. All three of those were goals of mine in November. Now it is time to add to the resolutions I made 4 months ago.

This spring I am going to start running. This is entirely new to me. The only running I have done is to the train when I am late for something. But I want to get in shape and I have many friends who run and I think it is a great sport.

On August 1st, 2010 I will run in the Chicago Rock n Roll Half Marathon. This will be a first for me and I am nervous but excited. Besides getting in shape and having a hobby to share with friends this half marathon will be for something more, something greater; my cousin, Evan.

Last April, Evan Witty passed away while serving at the Palm Tree Orphanage in Cambodia. Evan was a extraordinary person who put a smile on the face of everyone who had the chance to know him. He was caring, selfless and inviting and has been dearly missed every day. This race will be for him.

Official training starts in April but in March I will be doing "prelim" training because I need to be able to run for 5 miles in the first week of official training. Those of us running in honor of Evan will be raising money for Cambodia's Hope, the organization he was working for.

The Palm Tree Orphanage is home to 93 children from age 4 to 18. The kids take classes in English, accounting, computers and dance as well as music lessons and a Cambodian curriculum. The children have room to learn, play and exercise at Palm Tree. They have a band practice room, and a large arts, crafts and ceramics room. There is a large play area for soccer, volleyball and other activities, and a spiritual meditation room on site as well. Cambodia's Hope maintains the orphanage as well as fund all of its operations.

Please visit www.cambodiashope.org to learn more about the group and how you can help. I am hoping to have people sponsor my training and donate $1 per mile I run from April to August 1st. If you are interested in running or donating please let me know!

I look forward to sharing my journey with you for the next 5 months.

XOXO - Rickert