Monthly Archives: March 2011
03.24.2011 Posted 6:33 pm
To know Her Was to Love Her – Alyssa Ann Acquafredda (1986 -2011)
It’s ironic that right after I had the privilege of celebrating the gift of life and turning 40, my dear friend lost her battle at the way-too-young age of 25.
Alyssa and I met through my doctor at 2010’s Cycle for Survival. My doctor who rarely gets effusive about anything said to me, “You must meet an extremely special person.” That was the understatement of the year.
Alyssa was the most positive person I have ever met. Despite dealing with an extremely aggressive form of cancer near her heart, she never, ever gave up hope.
Her two last Facebook posts are symbolic of that optimism and cheer.
March 3rd – “Bad things are like waves. They’re going to happen to you, and there’s nothing you can do about it. They’re part of life, like waves are a part of the ocean. If you’re standing on the shoreline, you don’t know when the waves are coming. But they’ll come. You gotta make sure you get back to the surface, after every wave.”
March …
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03.21.2011 Posted 12:09 am
Happy 40th to Me!
I am the happiest person in the world to be turning 40!
A few months ago, I wouldn’t have believed you if you said I would be alive for this milestone (neither would my doctors!). I am extremely blessed and grateful to be alive for this momentous occasion!
In honor of this special day I had a very special dinner with my nearest and dearest friends and will be getting a LONG massage and another special dinner with Dave tomorrow.
And back by popular demand, another dance video!! This is my Wahoo I’m 40! Celebration Dance. I hope you enjoy it and if you’d like to celebrate with me, here’s a short playlist of songs that will definitely make you get up and groove!
Wow – Kylie Minogue
Breathe Life – Radboy Vocal House
I’ve Got a Feeling I’m Doing Fine – Black Eyed Peas and Mary J. Blige
Raise a Glass – P!nk
She’s Got Me Dancing – Tommy Sparks
Somebody to Love – Justin Bieber featuring Usher
Sweetest …
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03.17.2011 Posted 9:49 pm
Creating Our New Story
When I was very ill a few months ago I spent a lot of time engaged in visualization exercises. For those of you who aren’t familiar with visualization, it is a practice that encourages you to form mental images that relax and motivate you.
Research has shown that the same neuro-pathways in the brain are as activated when you vividly imagine experiencing something as when you actually do it. Using your mind to create an image of what you want creates a strong impression on the brain and helps improve performance and get results.
In addition to providing relaxation benefits, visualization has been shown to improve irregular heart beats, aid with digestion and promote a greater sense of happiness and satisfaction.
Many of you know that I love the beach. I have always been a water baby (for those of you out there who are astrological folks, I am born on the cusp of Pisces and Aries which explains why water serves such a critical function in my life).
However, it wasn’t until …
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03.12.2011 Posted 12:05 am
Off for some much needed R&R
Dave and I decided to take a spur of the moment trip for a few days to Turks and Caicos to celebrate the success of Cycle for Survival, my 40th birthday and my improved health status. I am so excited for this trip given that there were a few months in late 2010 that I really thought I wouldn't live to see the beach again. I have no doubt that seeing the beautiful waters of the Caribbean will be very cathartic and healing for both of us. I am beyond grateful for all that I have been given. I will write when we return.
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03.7.2011 Posted 12:42 pm
Cycle for Survival West Coast – A San Francisco Treat!
Dave and I just returned from the inaugural San Francisco event and it was fantastic! Over 200 riders showed up for the cause and they raised as much as year I New York City did 4 years ago – truly amazing!
The Equinox downtown location is the old stock exchange building and it was such a beautiful space. Everyone from the Equinox managers, instructors and participants put their "all" into the event and it showed.
It is amazingly rewarding to see that a city 2500 miles away from the original birth place of Cycle for Survival could show as much passion for the cause as they did. We can't wait to make 2012 bigger and better!
We got home late last night because I need to go to chemotherapy. So this blog is short but I wanted to post some videos and pictures as soon as I could! I will keep adding to this blog post as I receive more pictures!
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