ALS Walk 2013

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is the reason my amazing grandma died at a young age of only 69. It was absolutely horrible to watch her suffer- losing her ability to talk, losing her ability to chew and eat the foods she liked, eventually needing to be put on a feeding tube, and not to mention- the emotional heartache of it all. Let me mention though, she always trusted God's plan through her whole battle. And now she lives with Him.
The Happy Ending to a not-so-happy battle.

Each year since my grandma's passing in 2006, our family has participated in the ALS Benefit Walk, to raise awareness and money which could lead to a cure. Right now, there is no cure for ALS. My heart breaks for the people battling the nasty disease, as well as the families who suffer through watching their loved one slowly deteriorate. I'm telling you, it's hard.

Last night was the 2013 ALS Walk in Orlando around a beautiful lake. The family was there and we enjoyed each other's company as we walked in memory of an amazing woman; our grandma, mom, mother 'n law, sister, and friend.

Gone Fishin'

I'm not sure you could actually say I went fishing today considering the location and my inability to cast the line...but since fishing was the goal, the title will remain as is. Ha!

I went to Sarasota today to hang out with my family. Mom and I got pedicures, then we went to my favorite sub shop, Jersey Mike's, with my sister, Korinne, and after dinner Korinne and I met up with our sister, Keleigh, at Orange Leaf (self-serve ice cream).

I know my dad likes to casually fish in the small lake in their backyard. I rushed my mom out of the nail salon so that I could do some fishing with my dad before dark. {By the way...I'm so ready to set the clocks forward because I'm ready for the extra hour of daylight!} We had just about 15 minutes of attempted fishing.

My dad mentioned several times during my attempted fishing efforts, "I taught you to fish!" To which I replied, while laughing, "Yeah...about 20 years ago with a very small Barbie fishing pole."

Needless to say, I didn't do too well fishing in the short amount of time we had before dark. But I want to get better at fishing. It seems as though there's a feeling of excitement to be had when you catch a fish! Ha. I'm also at a stage in life where I think I need to be trying new things and creating new experiences and memories for myself. My life can't just revolve around my job- even though most days I like it! Haha.

All photos captured in this event are credited to Korinne...haha.

I'm probably too girly for fishing- who poses with a fishing pole? Ha!

A little father-daughter activity (He LOVED that I asked him to fish with me) :)

When you mess up the line each time you cast, this is what it looks like, in case you were curious. Ha!

This is what I looked like the whole time basically...confused.

Maybe this summer I'll have another "Gone Fishin'" post with some actual photos of me and a fish or two I was able to catch! First, though, I have some fundamental fishing techniques to brush-up on.