Blue Wave Raider Swim Meet

This past Saturday my Masters Swim Team, The Blue Wave Raiders, hosted our first home swim meet. We've worked steadily, since last October getting ready for it. It was sanctioned through our national organization, United States Masters Swimming. We had 60 participants, which is really good for a first meet. Luckily, all of our planning paid off. The meet went off without a hitch, and everyone had a great time! My swims that I've been training for went really well too! I took first place in the 200 Backstroke, 100 Backstroke, and the 50 Backstroke. Overall it was a wonderful meet, and we can't wait to do it again next year!!

Earth Hour 2011

I am really proud that Nashville is again participating in Earth Hour this year. Casey and I have participated in Earth Hours, since 2008. To participate, you simply turn off your lights for an hour. Why don't you join us.

To learn more visit:

www.earthhour.org

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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Oh, and from my sweet friend, Bessie, too!

Disaster Relief for Japan

The disaster in Japan this past weekend is just horrible. I can't begin to imagine the loss and suffering of the people and animals there. I just did something to help. We sent a couple of simple text messages to send funds to help!

The American Humane Association has sent their Red Star Animal Emergency Services to help the animal victims of the Japanese disaster.

To make a donation to these services:

Text PROTECT to 85944 to donate $10 to support efforts to provide aid to animal victims of disaster.

(A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Messaging & Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on most carriers. Donations are collected for the benefit of the "American Humane Association" by the Mobile Giving Foundation and subject to the terms found at http://www.hmgf.org/t/. You can unsubscribe at any time by replying STOP to short code 85944; Reply HELP to 85944 for help.)

I also texted funds to help out all the humans who are affected by the disaster. We did this by texting the American Red Cross.

Here's what you need to do:

Text REDCROSS to 90999 to Give $10 Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami.

(Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message & Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 90999 to STOP. Text HELP to 90999 for HELP. To see the full terms applicable to donations, please visit www.mgive.org/T. Receipts for donations are available at www.mgive.org/receipt.)

A Wonderful Poem!!

A friend of mine posted this on her Facebook page. It was so moving, that I thought that I'd share it here. HERE IN THIS HOUSE

I will never know the loneliness I hear in the barks

of the other dogs 'out there'.

I can sleep soundly, assured that when I wake

my world will not have changed.

I will never know hunger, or the fear of not knowing if I'll eat.

I will not shiver in the cold, or grow weary from the heat.

I will feel the sun's warmth, and the rain's coolness,

and be allowed to smell all that can reach my nose.

My fur will shine, and never be dirty or matted.

Here in this house...

There will be an effort to communicate with me on my level.

I will be talked to and, even if I don't understand,

I can enjoy the warmth of the words.

I will be given a name so that I may

know who I am among many.

My name will be used in joy,

and I will love the sound of it!

I will never be a substitute for anything I am not.

I will never be used to improve peoples' images of themselves.

I will be loved because I am who I am,

not someone's idea of who I should be.

I will never suffer for someone's anger,

impatience, or stupidity.

I will be taught all the things I need

to know to be loved by all.

If I do not learn my lessons well,

they will look to

my teacher for blame.

Here in this house...

I can trust arms that hold, hands that touch...

knowing that, no matter what they do,

they do it for the good of me.

If I am ill, I will be doctored. If scared, I will be calmed.

If sad, I will be cheered.

No matter what I look like, I will be considered

beautiful and thought to be of value.

I will never be cast out because I am too old, too ill,

too unruly, or not cute enough.

My life is a responsibility, and not an afterthought.

Here in this house... I will belong. I am home. ~ author unknown

Wordless Wednesday