$500. Let's Do This.

It's a double post kind of day, because I just received a HUGELY generous donation to my charity : water well. For the next $500 I raise, my dad will match $6 for every $1 donated. This means that if you donate $20, he'll donate $120, and instead of serving one person with your donation, we'll be able to serve seven.

I.am.ecstatic.

He is the best!

Every day things get me really, really excited. But that normal, day to day happiness has been completely blown away by the incredibly generous donations of my friends and family during the last few weeks. Yes, when XXX happens at work, or in my personal life, it's great. But being supported and wrapped in love by all of you, and being able to give that love to those in need, is so much more fulfilling.

I really cannot begin to express how excited I am, and would greatly appreciate your continued support. I'm at $1,704 now, so until we hit $2,204, Dave's matching program has officially begun. Let's go! :)

THANK YOU DAD!!!! I love you!

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set in stone. for now.

Last week I overheard someone say this: Just because this wasn't in your life plan, doesn't mean this isn't exactly where you're supposed to be right now.

I think about how frequently I've revised my life plan during the last year and couldn't agree more. No matter how many times I've fooled myself into thinking I'm in total control, I've been rocked and shocked over and over, reminded that I can't control a thing. In fact, all I can do is sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Oh! Tuesday!

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magapalooza

This weekend can be summed up most effectively in one word: Magstravaganza.

Maggie was in from Chicago and the whirlwind weekend was just splendid.

Friday night was a little bit like a Series of Unfortunate Events book, in that we couldn't make anything happen how it was supposed to. Fortunately, it was still really happy, unlike the books. After dinner, we went to the Dogwood Festival in Piedmont Park around 9:55, only to learn that it ended at 10. The bands and rides were shutting down just in time for us to say goodnight. Fortunately, we convinced one sir to let us ride the swings, sans tickets, which pretty much fulfilled my taste for carnivalism.

After that, we put on our 80s garb to go hear Yacht Rock at Park Tavern. We arrived at around 10:58, and discovered that the concert ended at 11.

So, we hopped in a cab to go to a new ice bar in Buckhead, which opened Friday. Upon arrival, we were denied entry because of our 80s gear. For real!

Luckily, I was just happy to be with Maggie, so we stayed in good spirits. :)

Saturday, we went to our first ever crawfish boil. Apparently this is a standard activity in the south, but Maggie and I were in awe. I was skeptical to try the little crawbabies at first, but they were really good. They tasted just like shrimp!

After that, we headed to Candler Park for 420 Fest.

It was so great to have Maggie here, and on the way to the airport, she told me that she was pretty sure she could live in the south. I've officially found my mission! Move Maggie to ATL 2k12 - here we go!

Thank you so much for coming Mag!!

The Water Project: by Mrs. Gentry

The support I've received for my triathlon has been completely overwhelming, to the point that I have had moments where I just want to cry with happiness.

Yesterday, I experienced this feeling when my dear, dear friend Megan informed me that her elementary class was doing an entrepreneur project, where they each start their own businesses, and will be donating their proceeds to my well. From hearing her talk about how they're worried about the kids who have to walk four hours to get water, to them asking if it would be OK if they donate all of their money (as opposed to the recommended 50 percent), my heart is overflowing. I had goosebumps when she told me about their excitement. 

I am so grateful to have her support, as well as all of yours. It's a lifelong fear of mine that I can't adequately express gratitude, and this campaign has me in overdrive, but I hope you all know how truly thankful I am. I am so excited about the upcoming weeks, and want to reiterate that I am truly, incredibly grateful for your continued support. 

I cannot wait to see all of the amazing projects Mrs. Gentry's class delivers and will be sure to keep you posted on their progress. Check out photos from the project below - they'll make your heart melt!

Thank you again!