Run, Walk, Hope 2012 : personal

Is it mid-September already? Wait! September is almost over?!

We're in the midst of an incredible fall season here in Minneapolis, which means quite a few things. I can FINALLY wear my favorite boot-dolman sleeve-scarf-skinny jean-top knot-sunglasses combo every.single.day. I can say "see ya next summer" to my daily iced soy latte and say "helloooo love" to the hot version at my favorite coffee shop. Their latte art makes me smile. And really, smiling's my favorite.

Another tidbit about my favorite season? Big changes are coming. I know you're anxious to find out what this means and I'm bubbling over with excitement to share. But Mama always said "patience is a virtue" and this time, it's even more true. It's coming, friends. Buckle up!

Something that rings constant in September is the annual Celebration of Hope Gala for the Liz Logelin Foundation. I first blogged about this amazing non-profit last year HERE. To this day, this blog post remains the highest viewed post on my site. I am so blessed by this and hope it's done it's part to spread the love.

The Liz Logelin Foundation gives hope to widows and widowers with young families and if you spend any length of time reading their Facebook page or stories on the website, you will be changed. I promise.

This year, I've become even more involved in this organization and helped to plan the 5K race in June alongside executive director Lindsay Lewis, one of my favorite people on the planet. After a whirlwind spring, this event came up quickly and in a blink of an eye, it was over. But not without tugging at my heart strings and the hearts of so many others. Not to mention helping a lot of families who needed to be reminded they were not alone in their experience.

This week, I've been running around non-stop for the gala and I honestly wish there were more hours in the day to do even more work and help even more. Helping to compile quotes from our recipients and photos they've sent of their smiling faces, with quotes from our supporters and the reasons why they give, my heart is so full. 

This week, there's no place I'd rather be than surrounded by piles of gift baskets and donations by amazing companies and businesses, working on powerpoints and donation websites and putting together programs and assembling frames. Because I'm surrounded by a handful, a dozen, even more people who are all committed to the same thing: giving hope.

You can still get a ticket to attend. Please come and bid on amazing items, listen to heart-filling stories, drink and eat and be changed for the better. I'll be there with my camera and you'll be there with your awesomeness. We'd love to see you! And Matt promises to take a photo with you. He doesn't know it yet, but he will. He's just that cool.

 

 

 

xoxo,

syd.

sydnee@sydneebickett.com

612.293.9096

number one : Instagram Itinerary

Turns out, one of my top five must-haves in life is Instagram. I was cautious at first (who am I kidding? Maybe for five minutes at the MOST) but now? I'm that girl that posts four photos in a row just because. They're mostly photos of my dog, but you know you love those too.

To celebrate this addiction, I'm starting a series of posts called Instagram Itinerary. Because like all English majors, I can't live without alliteration, wit and catchy nicknames. It might be weekly, it might not be. But for this first installment, I think we should get acquainted. If you're going to be coming here every week expecting tea, photos and a comfy seat, you might need a little background... :)

Growing up, I strived and strived to be one of the cool kids. It wasn't until I reached middle school and watched Little Women (you know, the one with Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandon? The one I watch about three times a year and bawl my eyes out? Yep, that one) and the film comes to the part when Marmee says to Jo, "Oh, Jo, you have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life? You're ready to go out and find a good use for your talent. And see what wonderful things come of it."

I've lived my life by this quote ever since. Sure, the road has been challenging and unsure at several points. But one thing remains: live with liberty and live doing extraordinary things.

In the last month, extraordinary has maybe been my middle name. I'm saying this is in the most humble way; out of everyone, I was the one who doubted I'd ever do any of these things. But I did them and I thrived. And now, when I look back on these moments, I'm still in awe that it's me in those photos. I'm standing on the other side of things now, just so thankful for the people who pushed me to run, to show up, to do the work, to be awesome and to live. Thank you.

Now for the list:

I've been running. A lot. I'm that crazy girl who's leaving the house before the crack of dawn in running shorts to get to the lake by 6 am. I ran 13.1 miles on probably the hottest 4th of July ever to prove to myself I was ready for my half marathon coming up a few short weeks. Alice pushed me in the most quiet, patient and encouraging way. Plus she made us medals. I mean, come on. #winning

I attended Live Letters v.2.0 and was finally, after all these years, ushered into the cool kids group. I don't think my mouth shut the entire night, I was so in awe of the Mpls music community. I totally witnessed history. I'm truly blessed to say "oh yeah, I know that girl that started Live Letters. Yep. She's so fabulous." Thank you, Sara. I can't wait for 3.0.

I ran a race and got messy. Really messy. On purpose. (I know what you're thinking and yes, I signed up on my own accord. Yikes!) The Color Run 5k is really truly the happiest run on earth. Unashamed, uncontrolled happiness exuded from my rainbow-colored clogged pores. And I wouldn't have had it any other way. Much thanks and overwhelming gratitude to Eric and Steph for running, jogging, color throwing, screaming, dancing and brunching alongside me that day. I might never get these pink streaks out of my hair but I think that only adds to my new cool factor.

My list of dreams accomplished just keeps growing. And with every dream checked off, another two or three get added. But that's the thing with life. You keep growing, keep moving, keep doing. Otherwise, what's the point? We've been blessed with a life to live. And I'm going to keep living. Who's with me?

Follow me on Instagram here. Let's be friends, share photos and coffee. See you next week!

xoxo,
syd.
sydnee@sydneebickett.com
612.293.9096

the year of the runner: personal

2011 began with stepping onto a treadmill for the first time EVER and resolving to finally, once and for all, get healthy. If my grandparents could embark on a new, thinner phase of life at 70+, I could as a twenty-something. So there I was, not really sure what I was getting into, but my brother assured that "a 5K is only 3 miles, Syd, you could totally do that."

So I started out slowly, then increasing speed and time week by week until a week before the first 5K in June. Having never run outside before, I decided I should probably test out the environment so I ran 3+ miles around my neighborhood two nights before the race in a record-breaking 50 minutes. When I finished, I felt so accomplished! I knew I could do the race then, it might just take me a while. My brother (in all his athletic prowess) assured me that "you'll totally surprise yourself, you'll probably get like 30 minutes." Yeah. Right.

Walking up to the starting line, I was so nervous! All these people around me, looking like pros, and then there's me. Yikes. So the starting gun goes off and we're starting! We're running! Eeek! Before I know it, I'm rounding the second mile and thinking, "what the heck, how long have I been out here for? It feels like we just started!" I get closer and closer to the end and glance at the time clock - 33 minutes. WHAT?! I couldn't believe it. Crossed the finish line at 34 minutes exactly - and the adrenaline rush? Wow. I decided right there and then that this would not be the last time I crossed a finish line.

I proceeded to research 5Ks around the Mpls/St. Paul area and signed up for a race every month until October 2011. 7 races, most of which benefitted a local non-profit. Sweet! At the end of each race, my time was progressively better than the time before. I can't seem to break 30 minutes, but that's what 2012 resolutions are for ;)

Every time I laced up my sneakers, I felt that adrenaline rush and running became "my thing" in 2011. I'm not sure if it was the satisfaction of making a goal and achieving it or the neighbor down the street who yelled "dang girl! You be looking finer than Beyonce by the end of summer!" every time I passed his house (okay, creepy, but motivating, right?!), but there wasn't a night that went by that I didn't run.

I ran alone, with people, with music, without. In rain, wind, heat, humidity and a little fall breeze too. I accomplished my goal (and then some!) and I am a better woman, daughter, sister, friend and photographer because of it.

Let's all cross our fingers collectively that 2012 brings a half-marathon medal :)

Races:

HeartBeat 5000 - June 2011

American Cancer Society - August 2011

Torchlight 5K - August 2011 (should have been in July - rescheduled due to HEAT!)

Harmon Trails 5 mile - September 2011

Twin Cities 10K - October 2011

Runnin' with the Law - October 2011

Monster Dash - October 2011 - this medal doesn't count ;)