My Susan G. Komen 3-Day Journey Begins

The journey started on Saturday, September 12, 2009 while Tammy and I were riding around Everett. We started passing all these walkers, mainly, women. Most all had on some sort of pink. Some even had on pink outfits like tutus, wings, halos, bras on the outside. They seemed incredibly excited, motivated, totally enjoying themselves. They were waving at all the cars that drove past . . . so we waved back. That got them even more excited. Go figure!

At one point we were on Airport Road near the Boeing plant. Had to figure that some part of this was a Boeing project but Boeing had none of the big tents up around the plant. I had to know what was going on. Not knowing was killing me. We did see a lot of pink ribbons on t-shirts so we knew it was something to do with breast cancer. I slowed down so Tammy could read a few shirts. She saw "breast cancer, walk, 3-Day". After we got home it was time for Google to the rescue.

You can guess I found the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. I was intrigued by the event. Somewhere I think I had heard of it but that was about it. I started thinking. First, I was not new to breast cancer. My mother was diagnosed in 1972 when I was in the 5th grade. That long before Komen. I now refer to that time as the dark ages. After my mother was diagnosed she was given a radical mastectomy, 6 weeks of radiation, and basically wished the "best of luck". That was it. A lot of things have changed in the treatment of breast cancer. My mother lived another 31 years free of cancer. She was one of the lucky ones.

At the time was already working on getting in better physical condition. Walking was not new to me. I had done a little hiking. Thus I thought combining goals and accomplishing 2 things at the same time would work well together. It was all quite rational and logical. I would get in better physical condition and help fight breast cancer. Well I did not know all I was getting into. I did not remain rational or logical, and it became more than a little emotional and it did change my life.

I was still nervous. I held off registering till somewhere around March, 2010. I just had to think about it but once a made the commitment there was no turning back.

At the time I registered I weighed over 260 pounds. I was working out at Bally's but not making very much progress. My first training walk route was 1.5 mile up and down route in my neighborhood. That first 1.5 miles took almost an hour for me to walk. I started walking as much as I could but not as much as should have. Through June I walked primarily in and around Everett.

I did one official training walk with Penny and Kindred Spirits but for some reason I never really connect with anyone. I remained an independent, solo walker. I did not join any team because I was gun shy. Joining groups had never been a big plus for me unless I was in control or in some form of leadership. My own control issue. Also I can be a little withdrawn. Most people see the extrovert side of me but that usually only shows if I am sure of myself and in control. If I am not in control, I can become a little introverted. Most people laugh at that.  I will admit that due to the 3-Day and Kindred Spirits that has changed.


I did walk though! I walked in and around Everett with walks and hikes. I helped to start a hiking club at the high school where I teach, thinking that would help and get me out more. We traveled a lot that summer so I walked in airports, Mexico, Canada, Oregon, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Not really exciting, just walking by myself. I walked a lot but still haphazardly and alone. I was never totally sure I would make it.

The one thing most people worry about, raising $2300, was never a concern. I did get a late start on the fundraising but I made it. While I was walking the 3-Day in 2010 the last checks cleared.

Since 2010, I have also completed the Seattle 2011 3-Day Walk and for 2012 I am currently registered for Seattle and Arizona.

You are invited to join in the fight to end breast cancer by donating now. Please see the following links.

Seattle 2012 - http://www.the3day.org/goto/TommyPriceSeattle12

Arizona 2012 - http://www.the3day.org/goto/TommyPriceArizona12

NEXT Entry: I Really Did It - 60 Miles in 3 Days - Seattle 2010

Please do more than just read . . . I very much desire your comments

A Favorite Walk ---- The Everett Waterfront

I got out this morning for a walk on one of my favorite routes - The Everett Waterfront. This is an easy 3.55 mile loop that I find very refreshing. This route always motivates me and always reminds me of why we moved to the Northwest. You always see Canadian Geese, Sea Gulls, Blue Heron and other waterfowl. It is also possible to see Harbor Seals, Bald Eagles, and Peregrine Falcons. This morning was not right for the eagles and falcons. I did not see any Harbor Seals but I could here them barking out on the south end of Jetty Island. I hit this route about once a week. Enjoy the pictures!

Looking west . . . Fishing boats docked behind Anthony's

The Fisherman's Tribute

Looking north at Boats docked in their slips in the North Marina

Boats docked in their slips in the North Marina

Looking west over Jetty Island with Whidbey Island in the background.

The boat launch looking west over Jetty Island with Whidbey Island in the background.

Looking NW toward Hat Island, the San Juan's and Canada. A small log float with a couple of boats heading out.

Looking east from the dock toward the trains and the bluff that is part of original Everett.

Looking west with boats docked in the South Marina

Looking SW toward Mukilteo

Looking west over Jetty Island with Whidbey Island in the background.

Looking west over Jetty Island with Whidbey Island in the background.

A few Canadian Geese swimming near the log float docks

Looking west with boats docked in the South Marina

A docked crab boat

Looking southwest with boats docked in the South Marina

Looking southwest with boats docked in the South Marina

Fishing boats docked behind Anthony's

Fishing boats docked behind Anthony's

Boats docked in their slips in the North Marina

Looking west at Jetty Island and the Olympics behind the clouds

Looking NW toward Hat Island, the San Juan's and Canada

Fishing boats docked behind Anthony's

Behind Anthony's looking at the South Marina

This is one of my favorite training walks or jogs. Training walks are walks that I lead to train walkers for the Seattle Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I have walked in Seattle in 2010 & 2011. In 2012 I will walk Seattle & Arizona. Please see the link below if you would like to help me in the fight to end breast cancer.

Help in the fight to end Breast Cancer. Click on the link to explore and donate.             http://www.the3day.org/goto/TommyPriceSeattle12

What a Friend is . . . What a Friend is not

The following was posted on Facebook today by Tommy Pecanic. I saw it due to a friend who shared it. Then my best friend text-ed me to say, ' This is what you do for me." Actually she and I do this for each other.

Please read . . . I will comment at the end . . .

"I would like you to read this and take away what you can. For some of us a change of direction or friendships may be just what we need to "improve" our lives, the less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve. Any time you tolerate a mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity. An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative acting people. As you grow, your associates will change. Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you, will eventually decrease you. Consider this: never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how. Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person. Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere. With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest in it. Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life. Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with the Eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like, is shown by the kind of friends he chooses. The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whom you closely associate. For the good and the bad. Note, be not mistaken; this is applicable to family as well as friends. Yes.... Do love, appreciate and be thankful for your family. For they will always be your family no matter what. Just know that they are human first and though they are family to you, they maybe a friend to someone else and will fit to somewhere in the criteria above. "In prosperity our friends know us. In adversity we know our friends." "Never make someone a priority when you are only an option for them." "If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing..."

One of the first things I thought of when I read this was "if you are the smartest person in your group of friends, you need a new smarter set of friends." That sounds hard but it is true. I have lived it. Four years ago my wife and I were involved with a group of people that we did love but we had to let them go for our own sanity and health. They were good people but we were pulling them along, hoping they would eventually catch on and grow. All the while they were pulling us down and sapping us of all of our energy. On the last time we met, someone asked if we could still be friends. I answered that with doubtful "I'm not sure." For them having a friend meant someone to call on to help them out. They were clueless on true friendship.

About the time that ended I had a family member in hardship move in with us. We thought we could help them but after a year and a half of trying we had to draw a line and ask that family member to leave. They wanted help but did not really want to do what it took to change and improve. We have had a limited relationship sense then. They are still family and we still love each other. This person never grew and the only thing I could learn from them was everything not to do in life. Otherwise it was an energy sapping negative relationship.

My wife and I have spent the last four years rebuilding us. Then I got involved in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure. Through the Walk I have met some amazing people, many of whom have become friends. Through this experience I have a very special best friend. She and I push and motivate each other. We talk, we share, we grow . . . together. It is a mutual friendship and a very strong one. It is equal from both sides. We enjoy each others company, walk together, and talk online in friendship and mutual growth and support of each other. For me this type of friendship is a rare find but one to be treasured. This is lasting friendship that will grow. This is what a friendship is meant to be.

I am very tired tonight. Hope this makes sense.

Thanks for stopping by! As always your comments are welcome!

The Dash of Life

The Dash

I read of a man who stood to speak

At the funeral of a friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

From Beginning . . . to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth

And spoke of the second with tears.

But he said that what mattered most of all

Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time

That she spent alive on Earth,

And now only those who loved her

Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own:

The cars, the house, the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard,

Are there things you’d like to change?

For you never know how much time is left,

(You could be at the “dash mid-range”)

If we could just slow down enough to consider

What is true and what is real.

And always try to understand

The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,

And show appreciation more.

And love the people in our lives

Like we’d never been loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,

And more often wear a smile,

Remembering that this special dash

Might only last a while.

So when your eulogy is being read

With your life’s actions to rehash . . .

Would you be pleased with the things they have to say

About how you spent your dash?

Author Unknown

I first saw this some years ago while preparing a sermon. I remember thinking nice polite thoughts about it. I did find it interesting. However at this part of life, more than 15 years later, I find it much more than just interesting, I find it intriguing and contemplative. I contemplate The Dash along with my life as I have lived it and how I will live it. What I am doing. What I will do. How will I be remembered? Sometime even will I be remembered. I have to admit that there are parts of my life I do not wish to be remembered for. What concerns me is what will I be remembered for. Have I been significant. Will that significance overshadow the other parts. Just like all of us I want to be remembered in a positive way. I am sure those close to me would say that have been but I do not necessarily agree with them. I think my challenge is that I tend to remember the negative too much, too often where as others see the positive in me. I do desire to move away from that negative side. I have made much progress in the last 4 years but there is much to work on still.

The challenge that I face is what's in the Dash, what's the Dash all about. My hope is that I will continually have a re-examine my life for that Dash of Life is all that I am on this earth. That Dash that will be on my tombstone is the sum of an earthly life.

What's in your Dash?

26 Random Things About Me . . . Tommy Price

26 Random Things About Me . . . Tommy Price

This list will be changing, growing, and updated periodically.

1. I am originally from Greenville, MS which is about 150 miles south of Memphis, TN. Located on the Mississippi River
2. I have an eBay business called Hound Dog Trading Company. We hope to expand to other sites.
3. I am a former church planter and pastor. After seminary I pastored in Missouri. We moved to Everett in 1997 to plant a church. We disbanded in July 2006.
4. I have 3 children that were all adopted as older children. John was 12, now 32 and married. Mimi was 9, now 26, married with 4 children . . . 2 boys, 2 girls. Crystal was 8, now 24 with one son.
5. I have lived in 4 states: Mississippi, Louisiana, Missouri, Washington.
6. I have visited 34 states though some were only airport layovers or flight changes.
7. I have been married almost 26 years to Tammy, the love of my life.
8. I have 2 Basset Hounds that we adopted from Basset Rescues. Elvis is 11years old, Beagle-Basset mix, blind from loosing both eyes to glaucoma. Rosie is 9 ,all Basset, and we are pretty sure she has some emotional or behavioral disorder.
9. Both of my parents have past away. My father in1986 and my mother in 2003.
10. I married my mother to her high school sweet heart a few years after my father past away.
11. I have 2 older half- sisters. Carol Ann lives in Snohomish, WA  and works for Catholic Services and Comcast Event Center, Everett. Betty lives in LA and is a professor at the Masters College.
12. I will start my 7th year in 2011 as a Special Education Teacher.
13. I have had some form of facial hair continaully since the summer of 1983. My children have only seem pictures of me without facial hair. They would probably not know me if I shaved. My wife has seem me without facial hair for only 2 weeks in 1983 after we started dating.
14. I used to be in the Louisiana National Guard. I was an electrician, an engineer that could drive most military non-combat vehicles, lay and disarm land mines, and make many things blow-up and go boom.
15. My favorite shoes are my Grocs. I just can't wear them as much as I like too.
16. I like to wear baseball caps as much as possible.
17. I have long hair just passed my shoulders. I plan to let it grow. The last time I cut my hair my family told me i was moving out till it grew back. I was told I was too hard to live with.
18. I have no tattoos yet but I am working on it.
19. I have two piercings in each ear. More to come.
20. I am into social networking for friendship and business on Facebook and MySpace. Need to start twitter.
21. My mother was a 31 year breast cancer survivor.
22. I am a Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walker for the Cure to Breast Cancer. My first walk was Seattle 2010. Next 60 miles will be Seattle 2011.
23. We bought our first house in 2005. Now not sure we should have.
24. We would like to move to Bellingham, WA
25 Enjoy travel to just about anywhere. So far 34 states, Canada, and Mexico.
26. I enjoy hiking but have a lot to learn. I would like to hike the Triple Crown: Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Appalachian Trail

Trapped in Life Part 2

How did we get trapped in life?

*Expectations were set too high

*The speed at which expectations were to be met was entirely to fast

*Lost focus of the original goals

*Imbalanced priorities

*I made myself indispensible – became Super Man

*Did not allow ourselves to say no

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF BEING TRAPPED IN LIFE?

*High blood pressure

*Depression

*Emotional eating

*Overeating

*Weight gain

*Lack of exercise

*Always tired
*Sleep disorder

*Increased anger and frustration

*Argumentative about everything

*Lack of satisfaction with what has trapped you

*Running away, pretending there is no problem

*Bringing it home

*Constantly searching for something

*Decrease in positive communication

HOW DO WE GET OUT OF THE TRAP?

*Possible choices:

            -Wait till it all comes crashing down on top of you

            -Hope for a way to get off the planet

            -Grab the emergency brake

            -Find an action that changes your course

            -self-realization that you are trapped in

For us it was:

*the emergency brake - we disbanded the church plant

*an action helped change our course – we took an Alaskan Cruise with family

*a self-realization that we were in trapped – started while on the Cruise

Thanks for stopping by to read and visit. Your comments are most welcome. Please stop by again sometime.

Trapped in Life with No Way Out

Have you ever been trapped in life? Maybe felt trapped by life. You could have been and never knew it. I was! Man was I clueless about it! More than clueless! Whatever has you trapped may be a very wonderful activity. One that benefits others, one that may even be Godly and have a special calling but if it has you trapped it is of no benefit to you and probably not even those you want to serve and help. I found out the hard way.


We arrived in the Northwest in August, 1997 to plant a new church. I was the pastor. Tammy was the worship leader. It took 5 years of hoping and planning to prepare for a life move. We were moving to the Northwest, no turning back. Our first visit in 1992 cemented the desire to move and to plant the church. The church would be planted but there was so much more – mountains, lakes and rivers, the Sound, the ocean, beaches, hiking, camping. We were going to do it all. Once we arrived I even set a 5 year goal to climb Mt. Rainier. I was going to use all the smaller mountains in the Cascades to train. We even planned to take an Inside Passage Cruise to Alaska.


Once on the scene we went to work planting the church and working our jobs outside the church. We did go to the ocean a few times during the church work. Even bought a tent and all the camping stuff you need and went camping as a family and a little as part of the church. Maybe a few hikes in 10 years but nothing else that I or we had to do as a part of living in the Northwest.


After many struggles and challenges along with the positives of this kind of work, we were burned out, inside and out. We called an end to this work in mid-2006. Tammy and I collapsed. This positive work had absorbed us and blotted us out. We had no existence, almost no individual personhood outside of our church ministry. When it ended we did not even know how to function without the work. That was sad! We had to take an inventory of the personal results. We discovered that all of our personal goals had long disappeared. There was family damage with our 3 teen children - we lost them for a while. There was personal damage to both of us. We were beat-up, disheartened, discouraged, I was even depressed. We had imploded as a result of the work. We had to struggle and fight our way back to the surface for fresh air.

Everything just sort of floated by till the spring of 2008 when part of Tammy’s family planned to come to Seattle for a cruise to Alaska. We had to, money or no money, we would find a way. This was our chance. We had always allowed church work, other work, children, and lack of money to stand in our way. Those in our church needed us. It would fall apart without us. Now we finally felt like something could really change. It might be possible to not just float and survive. Maybe we could swim and thrive.


We found the money and let nothing stand in our way. Excitement grew as the Saturday sailing approached. A dream, a hope, a plan was going to happen. I am not sure how to express what we both felt but we both knew this was the change, the turning point. Life could really happen in a positive personal way.


That cruise meant so much to our lives that I can still see everything, still taste, still smell, even writing this brings back all the sensation of that cruise. Now we knew we did not have to struggle in an endless ocean with no beach in site. We were no longer going to function like the ball in a pinball machine, rolling out of control, reacting to every bumper in the game of life, seeing the end, hoping to make it to the bottom passed the final flippers to respite, only to be depressed and learn that it only started over again.


The saddest part is I see people every day that go through this endless cycle thinking this is how it has to be. I learned different. My goal is to help others learn the same. Nothing should consume who we are at the core or our created being.



Stay tuned for more to come.