T minus 1 week!

Just wanted to thank everyone again for all your support.  I ran 20 miles this past Saturday (11/20) and I would not have been able to do it without knowing that you, my dear family and friends, were behind me the whole way in spirit.  No headphones, just me and the rain and my thoughts of thankfulness that I am able to put one foot in front of the other ... towards a cause greater than myself! 

I hope that this post finds you all in good spirits and health.  We have so much to be THANKFUL for, yah? 

It is T-minus 1 week for me to get all my fundraising in, so this is my final hat-shaking to you ... remember all donations are tax-deductible and puts your name in the "good karma" jar!  JK

I'm still recovering from the 20mile jog, luckily I had to go to work bright and early Sunday morning so I was walking all day, which I believe is fostering a speedy recovery.  That and a lot of glucosamine!  I am in awe that I did not catch a cold running in soaked spandex.  I think my angels were fighting with me!

Below is a photo that makes me look like a "runner" and I keep telling myself, although I am not built like a gazelle like my teammates (this body was made close to the ground to maybe pick rice, I don't know? Ha!), it was still able to carry me through mile after mile - and for those of you thinking about signing up for a marathon, I say DO IT.  And choose a cause that you feel is worthwhile and meaningful to YOU.  It is the one thing that will keep you going.  Through the blisters, ugly spandex pants, and waking up at 430am to run, popping vitamins, glucosame, glutamine, etc etc. 

12 weeks of training and I'm almost there.  Again, I'll be running this marathon on 12/12 for Jaden and Team42, and for all of you who believe in our fight against blood cancer.

So stay warm, stay healthy, and hug ALL of your loved ones this week!   
Love and gratitude for days and days!!!
gemma

ILML. I Love My LIFE.

GRATITUDE & love to everyone who made it out last Friday.  Your energy and support meant so much.
Special shot outs to the SAC'team who rolled deep.  :)  The honorees were able to make it and show us their dancesteez (KuyZ!IeTikiPoleD'cer &'TeGrace) as well as the Ry/Lels/Chella/Mark/..with special moves performed by JackieBB&hubCB...Wuh?  
DJ's JoeDobo & DJGoodJourney spun us through dance frenzy, thank you for donating your talent & time.
Special thank you's to Steph&Lounge3411 for the space. 
Zae&K, thanks for the door.  Kev&MelBoy, you're awesome as evers.  Thank you to JayAr and the "I'm so pogiBoys"for showing love.
Oh!  Dances with Wolves - Jason Catorini gets the "Who's Dances with Wolves?" award.
 *****

The picture below is from the 12mile run.  I realize more & more it really does pay to run without any music.  It allows for the best meditation.

****
Please support us this Saturday as our favorite trainer, Peter Tapao- with Charity Fitness.  They have so kindly volunteered their time and energy and SKILLS by holding a BOOTCAMP FITNESS CLASS to our cause.  100% of proceeds go to our fundraiser AND WE ARE STILL *hurt* for donations! 
So get off that bootie and kick your own butt while kicking Cancer butt.  Come work out with Pete and team at Mission Peak Fitness in Fremont at 11a this Saturday:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH, 11AM
MISSION PEAK FITNESS
3755 WASHINGTON BLVD / FREMONT
1 HOUR OF BOOTCAMP FITNESS, DONATION $5+


That's all folks for now.  T-2 weeks before fundraising deadline.  Please visit my fundraising page if you would like to donate.  Or just spread the word to someone you think might!!

donate to gemma & click here

Heart bubbles (a'la CYLAgirl)
gemma

This past weekend's 12mile meditation.

Raffle! Raffle! Raffle! And celebrate w/us at Lounge3411 next Friday- Nov12th (10p-2a)

Family & Friends!

Please come out and support next Friday, November 12th @ Lounge3411 in Oakland.  It's a fundraising event for the marathon benefiting Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in honor and memory of our family's angel, Jaden.  Team42 (Zeus&Gracie) will be driving down from Sacramento to join us, please swing thru! 
-All door$ donations ($5+) go directly to fundraiser
-November 12th, Friday @ 10p-2a
-Ages21+ (%of bar proceeds will also be donated to the cause)
-Music by DJ.Joedobo and DJGoodJourney

*RAFFLE!*

$1 donation = 1 raffle ticket if you donate @Lounge3411

If you can't make it to Lounge3411, donate online :  $2 donation = 1 raffle ticket
PRIZES:
- Video Portrait or Business Profile service personalized for you! -by manalocinematic.com, with filmmaker Gregory Manalo
- Elegant dinner for 2 ! @ Oakland's restaurant:  NO WORRIES Filipino Vegetarian Cuisine by Chef JayAr Isagani Pugao
-  Graphic print design /Logo -personalized for you!  -by Gem Mateo (graphic designer for Levi's & Creative Director for SF's Invisible Stripes)
- More prizes TBA

**Raffle online donation due date:  Nov12th/Friday/5PM

1)  click here:  Raffle Online Donations

2)  select "Other"

3)  depending on how many raffle entries, enter donation amount (two$ : oneTicket)

4) if you want to verify your # of raffle tickets, please enter it in the 'comment' section

5) smile :)  !  you've donated into the 'good karma' jar and also of course, to benefit current patients afflicted with blood cancers.  you're awesome and we love you for supporting the cause!
 
*Raffle 'in person' donations will be sold all night at Lounge3411 during the party
*Raffle will be drawn at Lounge3411 as we celebrate
*Unlimited raffle ticket donations; 1 prize per person
* You don't have to be there to win, you just need to have donated for raffle tix ;)

Love & gratitude,
gemma