Memory Walk

what a day. there were so many wonderful things going on in this 24-hour period i swear, they could fill up a year's worth of this blog.

but, for the sake of space, i'll just make a list.

2a - woken up to the loudest yet most adorable snoring. lola was sound asleep on her back half on her bed and half on the floor.

4a - alarm goes off - time to head to cal state fullerton.

430a - on a desperate hunt for coffee. gas station #1 turns me away. circle k across the street welcomes me with 6 freshly brewed pots all calling my name.

515a - shivering in the dark on a metal folding chair with the early morning dew still fresh. waiting patiently for my sponsors to arrive and praying that they don't flake on me.

7a - breathing a sigh of relief because they didn't.

730a - registration opens. so many faces, all still weary from the early morning wake up call, begin to arrive.
8a - three cups of coffee later, in desperate need of a bathroom break. as i enter i run into an unfamiliar walker. i say, "good morning! thank you for joining us today!" she replies, "no honey, thank you for giving us a reason to be here - all together." she leaves. i get choked up and forget that i've been up for four hours already.

10a - walk countdown begins. families head to the start line. i secretly thank god for the chance to sit down for a whole 10 minutes. i decide to get out of myself for a minute and notice all of the bibs on everyone's shirts - they say, "walking in honor of my mom, my best friend" and "walking in memory of my nana. i miss her." i actually cry a little and decide to instead, thank god for the chance to call this "my job." how i am blessed.

11a - 3,500 walkers approach the finish line hot and thirsty but very excited to be a part of something so big.

1130p - overhear the band playing an eagles song in the background. smile because it reminds me of my wedding day.

12p - closing ceremonies. let the breakdown begin.

1215p - chef from el cholo worries that i hadn't eaten all day and brings me six tamales wrapped in a napkin to share with my husband. i have an overwhelming urge to hug him.

1p - wrap up complete. air-conditioned car is like heaven on earth.
2p - driving home with lola asleep on my lap feeling very fortunate to be so inspired - and very tired.

245p - open the door to folded laundry, scented candles, freshly made bed and vacuumed house - my husband is my hero.

3p - enter shower - good thing because i stink! as i dry off, mike returns home with a burrito and horchata to feed his hungry wife (someone stole my tamales during clean-up. it was the low point of the day).

315p - nap

7p - sitting on the balcony, glass of wine in hand and lola on my lap. watching as mike cooks dinner and enjoying an evening chat with my honey.

10p - turn on pirates of the carribean in bed.
1001p - embark upon the best night's sleep i've had in a long time.