Val Vance came out to Clackamas Jazzercise today to drop off some stuff for the race tomorrow. She also disclosed to us a friend she had hiding inside her coat. Lucky is an orphaned squirrel that someone found and gave to Val.

Later in the day on Saturday, I went to a customer appreciation event that a gal from Jazzercise was having for her real estate clients/potential clients. Helen and her band were the entertainment and I would have to say they did a GREAT job. There were LOTS of Jazzercisers there and everyone looked like they had a good time.

Helen's gig got over at about 7:15pm so I went to the store to get the stuff I needed for Sunday and then went home. I am trying to finish Season 4 of "Sex and the City" and have 3 episodes left to watch. Poor Aidan and Carrie just broke up again after he realizes that she's never going to marry him.

I went to bed at about midnight--have to get up early to be at Judy's at 6:15am for breakfast before the race.

We always have Mel take a shot of us before we depart for the race. We have been soooo blessed with great weather each year, and this year was no exception. This year it is warmer than in past years, and forecasted temps in the low 70s, so perfect walking weather.

We had our good friend Diana Wente make team shirts for us (lime green--and individually tailored by request) and we carried smily face balloons to try to stay in contact amongst the hoards of people we know will be doing the race with us.

Front Row: Kathryn Lansing, Karen, Val Vance

Middle Row: Angela Lansing, me, Vicki, Carol Albert, Judy, Muzzy, Julie Harvey, Harleen Gross

Back Row: Greg Talbert

On the route we pass a Portland landmark. That sign used to say Paramount but when they refurbished the theatre and it morphed to the Schnitz, they also redid the sign to say Portland.

In past years the race has wound its way through downtown and then over the Burnside Bridge to the east side for a while and then back over the Burnside Bridge and down Naito Parkway to the finish. This year, because of construction on Naito Parkway and the bridge, we are staying on the west side. I thought it was kind of cool to see the newer parts of NW Portland instead of the industrial areas of the east side. But when you don't cross the river, you don't get the true vastness of this event--you're not on one side of the river looking back at the endless sea of people that are following you. That is quite a sight indeed.

It is always such a sobering thing to see all the people with "In Memory of" placards pinned to their shirts. So many women (and men too) have been affected by breast cancer and I am always amazed at the numbers of young women who have died from this disease. Many are lucky enough to be able to join us in the walk and proudly wear their survivor's pink shirts and hats.

Finally, after we returned to Judy's house and picked up our cars, we went to Lisa Hanson's house for an "after race" brunch. More good food and friends--reuniting with those we couldn't find in the masses of people.

All in all, a busy, fun weekend. I can't wait to get home and take my shoes off!!!

It is the third day of some really gloomy, rainy weather. I'm glad it held off until after the Race For The Cure. As I drove to work Monday morning, the rain was pelting down and I thanked God that this occured on Monday instead of Sunday. It made me wonder how many people would have turned out for the race had it been raining. In general, this photo is a reflection of my ever changing mood. At least we are getting closer to finding out the outcome of the efficiency efforts at work, but until then the roller coaster ride continues.