Taught To Hate

I encourage everyone to check this film out.  A past bride turned friend told me about it.  It looks really good.  Oh and Justin her brother is casted in this film.  :-)

My Heart is Smiling :-)

Sometimes we have bad days.  I try not to.  I always try to see the glass half full vs. half empty.  I love to feel happy.  Who doesn't?  Yesterday I had one of those days where not matter how I try to look at things I felt so unappreciated.  I guess I will be the first to admit; I am human.  I have feelings that get hurt.   What is awesome is that I was so frustrated I had to let it off of my chest. The responses brought tears to my eyes.  The tears that make you smile; you know that kind of smile you feel all over.  The kind of smile that makes you feel like your heart is smiling along with you.  That happy feeling in your chest.  I love that feeling.  Who wouldn't?  So I just want to let everyone that responded with happy I appreciate you comments that I appreciate you so much too!  Thanks for being an awesome friend!  Now here is one of my cheer up messages I received.  I sound like a broken record but "I HAVE THE MOST AWESOME BRIDES"  I am SO LUCKY!  Thanks Jennifer for the awesome cheer-up, you really went the extra mile.   Take a look, this cracked me up. 

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A note from My little brother; Michael

Click here to find out more about what my little brother Michael is gearing up for.  

Thanks,

Val :-)

Racing to Save Lives

Dear Friends & Family,

Without a doubt, I am getting ready for one of the most fun challenges of my life. On September 12, 2009, I will be racing in an Olympic distance triathlon in Pacific Grove, CA! That's a .9 mile swim, 24.8 mile bike ride, and 6.1 mile run, and yes all in one day. Luckily, I am not doing this on my own. I have joined the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program. Through this program, I have great coaches, mentors and teammates whose support will help me cross the finish line.

More importantly even than my physical commitment to the program is my commitment to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in its effort to battle Leukemia and related cancers. These diseases strike some 107,000 Americans each year and acute leukemia is the number one cause of death of children under the age of 15.

One of the greatest contributions of the Society is toward research. Significant progress has been made in the treatment of this disease, and researchers are now optimistic that they will find a cure within 6 years!

I am not only competing in this race for the Society, but also in honor Esther Fluke, a Baby Boomer and a mother of three girls and two grandchildren. Esther was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in June 2005, along with fighting T-Cell Lymphoma, which was found in 1992.

Research is the key to finding a cure, and funding for this research is essential. I have set a personal goal to raise $3,200 toward this effort.

As I compete in this Olympic distance triathlon, you will be with me in spirit, and your sponsorship will inspire me to train harder and faster to the finish line. Whatever you can do to contribute matters it all adds up! With over 75% of your donation going directly to research, you truly can make a difference.

Please send your donation along with the enclosed pledge form by June 19th so I can monitor my fundraising efforts.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity!

Michael Burnias

FOR EVERY COMMENT LEFT SUPPORTING MY BROTHER MICHAEL; VAL MCCORMICK PHOTOGRAPHY WILL DONATE $1.00 PER COMMENT!!!  HOW MANY COMMENTS WILL WE REACH? (One comment per person ;-)  )

Please accept my apologies

*UPDATE: The spot seen is believed to be benign. The doc feels that with Jan's frail state it is too risky to biopsy it. She will have another scan next month. Our hopes are that this tumor will stay the same and not continue to grow. Under normal circumstances it would be removed by surgery. The MD does not feel she will withstand surgery. Please keep her in your prayers. The power of prayer, good hopes and positive vibes is so powerful. Thanks so much.

Just a little note to all of my friends, colleagues and clients. The last two weeks have been filled with out of the ordinary surprises. Not that happy kind of surprise. The kind of surprise that is defined by the unexpected. I have had trouble sleeping, have been having random bouts of crying but then I bounce right back because I realize all the positive things I have in life. Best of all YOU! My supportive family, my friends and my awesome clients turned friends. I would hate for any one of you to ever feel that your not important to me.

Let me share with you someone VERY special in our lives, Janet. Janet is my husband Jack's Aunt technically; but in reality she is his mother. You see when Jack was a toddler his mother unfortunately lost a battle to MS. Jack's father was left to raise his two children alone. Working nights made this nearly impossible so Jack's two aunts stepped in to help raise him. The family suffered another loss this time to cancer leaving only Aunt Janet to raise Jack. She basically dedicated all of her time to raising my husband. Never marrying or having any children of her own. Jack is her son.

Janet is the most kind and caring person you will ever meet. Anyone that has had the pleasure of meeting her could tell you what a kind gentle spirit she is. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful mother in law. Janet has not been herself lately. This Tuesday the day started with a visit to her doctor. During the visit this nagging won't go away cough was mentioned. After having an chest X-ray the doctor called with concerning news. A spot was seen on one of her lungs that was not there on previous X-rays. After of series of events she had a CAT scan today. We will not hear the results until Tuesday.

As I type this I can't help to think what will we do without her? I pray that it is something very simple, something that can be fixed. I believe in the power of prayer, in positive energy, in good vibes whatever it is you can send our way would be TRULY appreciated. I am so thankful for all you.

Janet with my youngest Aedan.