Tomorrow, I will do something I haven't done in 23 years. At the same time, a 25 year old dream of mine will come true all because of the kindness of a complete stranger. If you haven't learned the power of pay it forward on this blog, you hopefully will after reading this. Also, if you haven't learned the power of Twitter by reading this blog, maybe you will once again see and learn the amazing nature of that site.
I have been a New Kids on the Block fan for almost 25 years as well documented on this blog. The last time I saw them live was in September of 1990 at Dodgers Stadium with my friend Jackie. Of course, as a young girl I could only dream of meeting the band. When they reunited in 2007, I was beyond giddy ( there's a blog on that) at that time Andrea and I had become friends and discovered our common affection for Joey Mac. Sadly, Marty had just been diagnosed with Renal failure and our life was in turmoil. Andrea bought extra tickets for my cousin Rissa and I to go see the first reunion show with her and I had to turn her down. There was no way I could even travel 200 miles and leave Marty. He promised us that once he was well, we could have a zany adventure.
Last summer, Andrea once again had a opportunity to get tickets with a friend. Unfortunately, she missed out on getting me a ticket by hours. These tickets came with backstage passes too! We were heart broken. Then the day of the concert, the person who got "my" ticket backed out. Unfortunately it was only four hours before the show, I was a sweaty hot mess, had plans with Marty and couldn't make it in July 4th traffic. I sadly had to say no. We were heartbroken but determined to make it happen someday.
Last weekend, Andrea and I had another shot at meeting Joe together at the marathon. Unfortunately, he was just too sneaky and fast and we missed him. It doesn't even matter, given meeting Joe or just cheering on Andrea, I would pick Andrea time and time again. We met a wonderful blockhead Trish outside the Hard Rock Cafe. She kept telling us about this "Town Hall" the next weekend, Andrea and I were stumped as to what she was talking about. Step in Lori aka Blanco Diddy on Twitter yesterday, she is a huge source of NKOTB info and asked Andrea if she was going to the Town Hall and did she want to go? Very sweetly my SotH said, " I can't go without Julie, sorry ladies" and we highly doubted my husband would be up for this after following me to LA last weekend. Within twenty minutes, two sweet girls Andrea and Lindsey had offered to take both of us with them!
I asked Marty and he very kindly agreed to let us have this zany adventure! I was so emotional. Blown away by the kindness of these strangers. Within minutes I was flooded by replies from Blockheads all over the country. Just thinking about how far we had come? When Marty was sick and we had to say no to thing, people would tell us "Someday, you will be able to do those things. Someday it will happen." in the darkness sometimes it was hard to believe that. They were right, thanks to Debbie our donor mom and Jerry our donor, I can leave and do this. Thanks to Andrea and Lindsey, we can go. All strangers with big hearts and giving spirits. This is the second time, via the power of Twitter I have been able to do something extraordinary. That also doesn't count my Fit Tweeps who are helping me lose weight and encouraged me to do my first triathlon.
So tomorrow, not only my dream but Andrea and I's dream together will come true. This is a Q and A that New Kids are hosting for their fans. It's very intimate with around a thousand people. We are told they walk around and this is like a huge meet and greet. I just can't believe this is happening! Dreams really do come true.
I will update you with the outcome on Sunday!
A modern day Pollyanna waxing poetic about her life.
Showing posts with label comeback. Show all posts
Showing posts with label comeback. Show all posts
Friday, April 13, 2012
Monday, December 5, 2011
Two Things I Never Thought I Would Do!
Swim with Janet Evans and put a picture of myself in a bathing suit up on this blog! Today I did both!
Last year while visiting my Dad in the OC, I read a story in the Register about Janet Evans making a comeback for the 2012 Olympics. I thought that was so cool and didn't think much more about it. Growing up in Orange County during her Olympic reign she was the hometown hero. I was a swimming for our high school and of course she was a inspiration. It was great news to hear she was going for it.
During our Atlanta vacation in October, I told the kids the story her passing the torch to Mohammed Ali as we passed the Olympic Park. The kids didn't know who she was but I showed them a video because it was a goosebump moment in Olympic history.
Recently a twitter friend Melissa was tweeting about her love for swimming. We both are pro cycling fans and the season was over, she warned us she would be tweeting about swimming...A LOT. I said that was fine that I didn't follow swimming but used to swim myself. Then I said, " How is Janet Evans doing with her comeback?" and she promptly tweeted that I should follow her and included her twitter handle. I was floored when Janet tweeted back to us.
We had a few back and forth exchanges which led to me telling her " Us OC girls gotta stick together" and she invited me to swim with her. I told her I didn't live there anymore but maybe someday would take her up on that.
As I wrote before, she inspired me to start working out and doing something for myself. She has encouraged me and I like to encourage her. We both rise early for different reasons. Her early rising and working out has led to me working out instead of going back to bed. She is my workout buddy in the mornings!
So this weekend when I mentioned I was in So.Cal for a family function Melissa immediately tweeted Janet and I to ask if we were going to swim together. My first instinct was "NO! I am not ready for getting in a bathing suit in public." Melissa got Janet in on the tweeting and before you knew it, I agreed.
I didn't plan on swimming so I had to buy a new Speedo,borrowed towels and a backpack from my Dad. My cousins Alex and Randon swim so I borrowed a cap and googles from them. I actually was able to wear a Stanford cap that I had bought them while there for Marty's transplant.
I was nervous about the whole thing until I met Janet, she put me right at ease. I cannot tell you enough about how lovely,humble and graceful she is. It was one of those moments in life when you know that you were meant to know someone. She is my kind of gal and I just absolutely fell in love with her personality today. I think I made a new friend today.
I had nothing to be nervous about at all! What a wonderful feeling to swim like that after 15 years of swimming for fun. It was the best workout that I have had in years. It felt so good to be in the water it was like the spark was re-ignited. Janet told me to get out whenever I wanted. I swam in the lane next to her and watched her pass me over and over. I enjoyed swimming next to her. What a great motivator! I swam for about a hour not sure the exact distance because I wasn't paying attention. Then I got out and watched her swim.
I am so glad that I listened, so thankful for this opportunity. Something I never in a million years would have thought I would do. I am actually sad I can't do it again tomorrow! I am on a mission to start a Master's club in my area now. I've been wanting to join one for years and was unable to. Then when I finally could there isn't one in the area anymore.
Today was one of those days when I realized my life is back in motion. My close friend Gaby said " You look so happy" in the picture and I told her " I am happy, I finally have my life back". Last year when everyone said this would be our year, I didn't believe them. Now you can all say " I told you so!"
I look forward to working out and meeting my goals for myself. I am also looking forward to seeing Janet accomplish her goals also. I can't wait to watch the Olympics this summer and cheer her on. Thanks Janet for being who you are and encouraging me, it really means the world to me!
Last year while visiting my Dad in the OC, I read a story in the Register about Janet Evans making a comeback for the 2012 Olympics. I thought that was so cool and didn't think much more about it. Growing up in Orange County during her Olympic reign she was the hometown hero. I was a swimming for our high school and of course she was a inspiration. It was great news to hear she was going for it.
During our Atlanta vacation in October, I told the kids the story her passing the torch to Mohammed Ali as we passed the Olympic Park. The kids didn't know who she was but I showed them a video because it was a goosebump moment in Olympic history.
Recently a twitter friend Melissa was tweeting about her love for swimming. We both are pro cycling fans and the season was over, she warned us she would be tweeting about swimming...A LOT. I said that was fine that I didn't follow swimming but used to swim myself. Then I said, " How is Janet Evans doing with her comeback?" and she promptly tweeted that I should follow her and included her twitter handle. I was floored when Janet tweeted back to us.
We had a few back and forth exchanges which led to me telling her " Us OC girls gotta stick together" and she invited me to swim with her. I told her I didn't live there anymore but maybe someday would take her up on that.
As I wrote before, she inspired me to start working out and doing something for myself. She has encouraged me and I like to encourage her. We both rise early for different reasons. Her early rising and working out has led to me working out instead of going back to bed. She is my workout buddy in the mornings!
So this weekend when I mentioned I was in So.Cal for a family function Melissa immediately tweeted Janet and I to ask if we were going to swim together. My first instinct was "NO! I am not ready for getting in a bathing suit in public." Melissa got Janet in on the tweeting and before you knew it, I agreed.
I didn't plan on swimming so I had to buy a new Speedo,borrowed towels and a backpack from my Dad. My cousins Alex and Randon swim so I borrowed a cap and googles from them. I actually was able to wear a Stanford cap that I had bought them while there for Marty's transplant.
I was nervous about the whole thing until I met Janet, she put me right at ease. I cannot tell you enough about how lovely,humble and graceful she is. It was one of those moments in life when you know that you were meant to know someone. She is my kind of gal and I just absolutely fell in love with her personality today. I think I made a new friend today.
I had nothing to be nervous about at all! What a wonderful feeling to swim like that after 15 years of swimming for fun. It was the best workout that I have had in years. It felt so good to be in the water it was like the spark was re-ignited. Janet told me to get out whenever I wanted. I swam in the lane next to her and watched her pass me over and over. I enjoyed swimming next to her. What a great motivator! I swam for about a hour not sure the exact distance because I wasn't paying attention. Then I got out and watched her swim.
I am so glad that I listened, so thankful for this opportunity. Something I never in a million years would have thought I would do. I am actually sad I can't do it again tomorrow! I am on a mission to start a Master's club in my area now. I've been wanting to join one for years and was unable to. Then when I finally could there isn't one in the area anymore.
Today was one of those days when I realized my life is back in motion. My close friend Gaby said " You look so happy" in the picture and I told her " I am happy, I finally have my life back". Last year when everyone said this would be our year, I didn't believe them. Now you can all say " I told you so!"
I look forward to working out and meeting my goals for myself. I am also looking forward to seeing Janet accomplish her goals also. I can't wait to watch the Olympics this summer and cheer her on. Thanks Janet for being who you are and encouraging me, it really means the world to me!
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