Flavor #2 - Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

Raise money for The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure - Robert Burke, Sarasota FL

One of the 31 Flavors is especially meaningful to me. On September 26th, I will join thousands of other Chicagoans in the fight against breast cancer by walking in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

My grandmother was first diagnosed with breast cancer in her late 20s. She was in remission for more than 40 years until its aggressive return which claimed her life. She was a kind, giving and talented woman. Mother to 4 boys, and grandmother to 28 grandchildren, family get-togethers at her house were busy and wonderful! I have lovely memories of pumpkin (squash) pies, costume fittings and sing-alongs around the piano. Though our time together was cut short, I am so grateful to have known this amazing woman.

Her birthday was on December 12th, so I am hoping to raise $1,212 in her name. If you would like to donate, please follow the link below:

http://komenchicagoraceforthecure.kintera.org/grandmaloismay?faf=1&e=2697485826

Any amount gets us closer to a cure.

Thank you all for your friendship and love! This is going to be a year to remember!

Love,

Kelsey

The List

Overall I received more than 120 suggestions from family and friends--ideas ranging from exploring the jungles of Africa to sending a message in a bottle. I am tickled and honored by the thoughtfulness that went into these ideas, and I wish that I had the time and the means to include all of them...well, almost all of them. :)

One conflict I had while forming this list was whether to include 6 very literal takes on the 31 theme like, "Try all 31 flavors on one cone." After a little debate I conceded that they were just too delicious to pass up, so I added the 6 to my already very flavorful assortment...as sort of the sprinkles on top.

For the 31, I tried to compile a list that would challenge me to experience life from a variety of angles. Eventually I settled on 27 ideas that varied from simple to complex, steap to cheap, silly to profound. I left 4 spots open for any stirring suggestions I get along the way.

So here they are, in no particular order. Though I must admit that some of the list has me a tad nervy, I am excited to embark on this journey of self-exploration!

The Flavors

1. Go down to the lakeshore and write down all of your blessings - TiffanyFortna,Chicago IL
2. Perform at an open mic night - Amy Dunlap, Chicago IL
3. Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure - Bob Burke, Sarasota FL
4. Zip-lining - Me
5. Learn to quilt - Teria Brooking, Ogden UT
6. Go to a city meeting on a political issue - Amy Jensen, Suffolk County, NY
7. Write a children's story or song - Linda Shearer, Idaho Falls ID
8. Indulge yourself in a wildly extravagant meal - Philip Zinn, Western Colorado, CO
9. Audition in New York - Dana Atkins, Pocatello ID
10. Organize a service project for a pediatric ward - Linda Shearer, Idaho Falls ID
11. Learn to play Golf - Bob McGuire, Oswego IL
12. Build a piece of furniture with your dad - Dale Shearer, Idaho Falls ID
13. Start one day at 4 am on purpose - Catherine Ramirez, Houston TX
14. Visit Amish Country - Dave Coffman, Idaho Falls ID
15. Learn a skill at the Actor's Gym - Blair Robertson, Chicago IL
16. Take a helicopter ride - Jon Moran - Elmhurst IL
17. Crochet an afghan - Deanna Rasmussen, Ogden UT
18. Read a book that pertains to our family - Linda Shearer, Idaho Falls ID
19. Learn to play the Ukalele - Me
20. Take a pole-dancing class - Jason and Elizabeth Hopkins - Chicago IL
21. Collaborate with me on a song - Lindsey Lloyd, Pocatello ID
22. Learn German and visit Germany - Me
23. Take an art class - Linda Shearer, Idaho Falls ID
24. Fly a kite as an adult - Janie Wallace, NYC
25. Visit a prison - Neal Schmidt, Chicago IL
26. Go through the Temple with your family - Brett Shearer, Inland Empire CA
27. Use only one hand for an entire day - Joy Crenshaw, Chicago IL
28. Start a blog - Me
29. Attend the Oprah Show - Kristine
30. 
    

The Sprinkles

1. Try 31 Flavors on 1 cone - James Lloyd, Pocatello ID
2. Pay it back 31 times but keep it your secret - Tracy Callahan, Ogden UT
3. Laugh 31 times in a day and record it - Linda Shearer, Idaho Falls ID
4. On December 31, give 31 dollar bills to 31 individuals less fortunate than you - Jan Hillman, Sacramento CA
5. Write a letter to your offspring to read when they are 31 - Lisa Niedermeyer, NYC
6. Write 31 influential people and thank them - Jan Hillman, Sacramento CA

31 Flavors

I awoke to thunder. Snuggling deeper under the covers, I acknowledged with a stretch how rested I felt. It didn't take me long to realize that I felt that way because I had set my alarm for 7 p.m. instead of a.m, and had only 6 minutes to get ready. I flew out of bed, took a shortened version of a spit bath, and threw on some clothes. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught my reflection. My outfit was clean but very crumpled, and my hair...well, I had moussed it the day before and it was pretty much unsalvageable. So far 31 was not looking very pretty. With a sigh of resignation I reached for my umbrella, only to realize that I had left it at work the day before. Happy birthday to me.
Feeling ugly and awkward I stepped out into the classic Chicago drizzle. As I turned the corner I caught a glimpse of familiar white at the stoplight. Brilliant! If I caught the bus maybe I could avoid getting completely soaked! I broke out in a sprint, arriving at the corner just as the light turned green. Desperately, I waved at the driver and to my relief, he looked straight at me. Encouraged, I timidly stepped out into the street, only to have him roar through the intersection. In fury I stamped my feet like a toddler, and blurted out a very adult phrase. Great, my first word as a thirty-one-year-old was a swear word.
Near tears, I sloshed towards the train. In my mind I began plotting how I would punish the universe for making this the worst birthday ever. Of course, in actuality that meant I would punish everyone around me and especially myself by refusing to find any joy in the rest of the day. I felt my my tantrum transfer from my feet to my entire being, and I gave in willingly. I knew I was being ridiculous, but I didn't care. My regrets, doubts, and anxieties about this birthday rained on me with full force.
Just as self-pity was about to consume me, my delicate inner voice spoke up. It candidly pointed out that realistically, nothing truly tragic had happened to me this morning. All of these supposed catastrophes were figments of my silly, poisoned, perspective. Then, this voice lovingly reminded me that it was I who actually controlled my perspective. I stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, and shook my soggy head. Yes, this would be the worst birthday ever if I didn't grow up and find some humor in this situation.
At that moment, I glanced across the street at a Baskin Robbins
...and smiled.

I would try 31 new things before I turned 32. 31 new flavors for each year of my life.

And then a crazy thing happened. My mind, flooded with negativity only seconds before, began churning with all sorts of possibilities. This year could really be something. This year I could stretch my boundaries and truly grow!
...Now, I cautioned myself, to ensure this year be as newfangled and fabulous as I imagined, a few things were crucial:
1. There needed to be a list. Something on paper that I could commit to.
2. To truly step outside of myself, most of the ideas needed to come from family and friends-perspectives other than my own.
With a grin, I unwound the bun on my head and let the rain tangle in my hair. I felt renewed in some way. I was filled with gratitude...as well as a slight craving for mint chip ice cream.
Suddenly 31 was looking pretty sweet.