Thankfully, it's Thursday

I feel like there's so much to do.. two days to go and we've helped raise $5,290 for The American Foundation of Suicide Preventation.

I want to update more, but I don't know how to use words to explain how I feel. It's nuts. Completely insane.

<3

Thank you Rocky, “It ain't about how hard you can hit. Its about how hard you can get hit, and how much you can take, and keep moving forward.”

I can't believe the walk is less than a week to go!! Holy home strech!!

So far we've helped raised $4,500!! Really that's almost double our team goal. I can't believe that one.

I was reflecting on how this walk is effecting me and how I started this journey one night durning dinner with my Ma in the Bahamama's. I remember we started brainstorming and writing ideas on a napkin. From that one napkin we've unlocked unbelieviable streghten and determination, along with forgivness and acceptance. My parents are growing together and changing the house. It looks so beauitful! It seems simple but I understand change is hard to accept and I am so proud of them.

I can't believe I've had dinner with my sister. I sat next to her for the first time in 13years. I know it set me back emotionally and I feel like I've been closing up again. I can't, I need to push myselt to go forward. I can't wait to spend summer days with her.

My relationship with Mikey has changed completely. I look forward and feel lucky with the time we have together. We no longer fight and I am incredibly happy for him and Tre. They are such a loving happy couple and I can only hope for the best for their marriage.

As for my friends who have supported me, I thank you for your unconditional love and support. It means the world to me. A special thank you is for Laura for providing everything from a shoulder to cry on, drinking wine by campfire and pushing me to write and journal everything everyday. I know my writing isn't as strong as hers, but she has a way with words lady, never forget that. To Lauren, I know your a homebody and that's what I love about you. You've been there since day one and you haven't given up. To Rich, Adam, Christopher,Eric and Daniel who are never far from my thoughts. We've known eachother for way too long.

And to Brendan, for being genuine and incredibly supportive. You've done more than I could ever ask. You desever more credit then you recieve. I would love to explain how much you have helped me, you make me speechless. There is too much to list. Thank you for letting me be a part of your world.

My life has taken a wonderful turn for the best. I don't know what's going to be next but I know this adventure isn't done yet. I know that there is still something bigger and better out there for me and I have yet to find it but I do know a large chapter of my life is going to be closed soon. I don't know what's next but I'm prepared for anything.

Pain is weakness leaving the body

Note to self.. check weather in the morning.

Weather 1 Diane 0
Awesome.


Moving on.. pictures really do enhance blogs!

Diane vs. Weather....Round 1

The walk was almost perfect yesterday. I do love walking the Charles close to sunset with the right company. We did 6 miles. Oh boy are my legs killing me today, but no that didn't stop this one from riding her bike from Woburn to work in Boston. And no, I did not check the weather before I left my house.
Sometimes, I think because it's June, it's going to be beautiful all day every day. Nope. Then I remember that we live in New England. The sky is darker, the trees are moving with the wind and I'm crossing my fingers hopeing these little legs can pedal that single speed as fast as I can home without getting stuck in the rain. It's going to be race.

Thankfully, I did remember to bring an extra sweatshirt. Always planning ahead. My plans for this evening have been rescheduled and I think I might bake cookies tonight. I haven't in a while, I could try cupcakes. I will have to evaulate how tired I am after I get home. I do have a few pictures over the past few walks that I should post because they are beautiful.

The countdown begins

It's t-minus 19 days before the walk and my father just registered! I'm so proud of him! So far we've raised $4,200 for the American Foundation for Suicide Preventation! HOLY MOLY!!!I can't believe it. I remember about a month ago I was in tears because I didn't think I was going to reach $1,000. It's amazing!
Now the training is back on. I'm going to stop eating out, from now on it's Diane's home cooking, and I'm going to be riding my bike to work everyday. (Looks like I'm living off of chicken and rice, ha!) I need to invest in a helmet and a new backpack which should happen within the next 24 hours!
This past weekend help revived me a little bit. Sometimes you need that extra push. I was able to take a really nice walk on Saturday afternoon. I wasn't expecting my afternoon stroll to effect me the way it did, but I guess that's a good thing.
There's so many events and activities coming up with the next few weeks. Life's going to be getting super busy!! I can't wait!

Let This Be The Year I Was Waiting For

Let This Be The Year I Was Waiting For

I feel like Miss. Cranky today

I wish I had a camera... pictures makes blogs more interesting....

I went for a spin the past two days and had some really amazing moments to reflect. All I do is think and think some more. I am really tired of thinking. I feel like all my thoughts and ideas are just group together in one big pile. Maybe it's because I haven't allowed myself to take a day off since the 3rd. Today is almost over and then I am only one day way from having one day off.

That's what I really need, is a day to sleep in, have breakfast in bed, and then clean my room. There's something about clutter that I hate. When something is a mess, I need to put everything back in it's place or else it just doesn't make sense to me. I hate it when my room look like a tornado went through it, because it really does. I hate when my bathroom's a mess and I can't find anything..

...maybe after Monday I'll have a stronger thought process...

Where ever you go no matter the weather, always bring your own sunshine.

I love . It has so many different stories and quotes that can help lift my spirits when I need it the most.

On Tuesday evenings my parents and who ever else want to join do a training walk around the Charles River. It was so amazing out. I don't know if it was because of the company, or the new found motivation that I have discovered, but there was something about walking that just made me so happy. I think it was knowing that I am changing my life. I am growing and exploring. (I tried my first BBQ chicken sub this afternoon..it was delish) I finally feel like I am doing what I want to do. I'm not being manipulated by anyone else's ideas, dreams, or power. I have found my own power and it's beauitful.
We took pictures yesterday. It's been a long time since, I've been in front of a camera and since I've held a camera. I hope those two activities happen more in my life. I can't wait to post some of the pictures from the training walks on here. Blogs are always more fun with pictures!

I can't believe the amount of support we've recieved for The Overnight. It's t-minus 1 month away and I've reached $1,821.81. Do you know how amazing it feels to know that many people care about my brothers or my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It makes me want to cry each and everytime I see a new donation.
<3

To kick things off...

I knew I needed to keep on track with this blog... Sorry friends! Diane's back! I've had a pretty intense weekend which made me realized the qualitiesI have. To be honest, growing up with such trauma has an effect on. It can alter perception about one's self. I've always been extremely hard on myself and never giving myself enough credit. I'm done being extremely hard on myself.
I owe a huge thank you to everyone in the last 6 months of my life have helped me get to the place I am now. A special thank you is owed to my friend Laura. I remember when she first started a blog and she explained to me that she was going to be a writer. Well Laura, a Congratulates. You are an amazing writer. This piece proofs it. I love you lady..

A Brother's Love Lives Forever
By Laura Paine


It isn't very often that I find myself to be genuinely proud of someone. I've watched a number of people with great potential fail to recognize and exercise that potential. Often times, they have been people I dated, but in just as many cases they have been friends. Lately, I have been watching a good friend of mine make some really big changes in her life.

My friend Diane has had a really rough go at it. Without getting into details that are not immediately available to the public, I will simply talk about one of the things in her life that she has been working hard to move forward from.

When she was ten years old she lost her oldest brother, Robert, in a car accident. Three months later, her brother Joseph committed suicide. She felt ashamed that her brother felt he couldn't continue living with Robert and it is something that her and her family have had to live with and work through for the last thirteen years. Ever since I first met Diane, this has been an issue that was still having a major impact on her life, because in a way, she never really dealt with it. She was too young to fully understand when it happened, but old enough to know that her life would never be the same.

A few months ago she asked me to write a press release for her because she was going to be taking part in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Out of the Darkness walk. She told me that she couldn't let this hurt her anymore.

"This is what I am doing for myself and my family to move forward. This organization is helping change the preconceived notions of suicide -- that it shouldn't be viewed as a negative, but to change the ideas and embrace the lives of those lost,” she said. “I understand there are a tremendous amount of causes in the world to help out people here and there, but this cause is about life, the very foundation which we need to build and help out one another every day. By supporting this cause it could make a difference of a sister getting the pleasure of watching an older brother scare off a boyfriend or a date to the prom.”

I have seen Diane in some of her worst states and I am so grateful to say that I have seen her in some of her best. She has raised more than $2,500 for her team, A Brother's Love Lives Forever, and has taken some serious strides in helping herself move forward from the psychological and emotional issues it has caused. I have had the pleasure of seeing her discover new loves in life, like working for non-profit organizations and I have had the chance to listen to her tell me about how she finally feels beautiful. I've had the honor of reading and editing her college essay so she continue her education to become the kind of successful woman she has always wanted to be.

The reason I am writing this is because today, Diane sent me a text message saying that she is going to her first survivors meeting. No matter how many times I say it to her, I do not think it is enough. So here it is, for everyone to see.

Diane, I am so incredibly proud of you. Watching you take control of your life and helping you in anyway I can has been such an amazing inspiration. It is not every day that I see people who have experienced extreme grief, loss or hardship overcome the sadness and struggle to really make their lives what they want. It is hard to take ownership of things that have happened to you, that are outside of your control, but you have done it.

I'm so excited to continue helping you through in any way that I can and I look forward to sharing many more bonfires and bottles of wine with you. I'm glad that, despite our rough patches, we have remained friends. I am always comforted by the fact that if I need support, I know I can lean and cry on your shoulder.

You're an amazing, inspiring young woman. You have all of my love and support.

To anyone reading this, if you feel compelled, please donate money to A Brother's Love Lives Forever by clicking here.

I know I'm a slacker with this

Oh man, what a beautiful day outside!! I haven't moved from my bed yet, but it looks amazing. ha, I know I can be lazy and I'm super lazy this week. Not good. Anyways, Sunday I did ride into work and I loved it. It took me just about an hour to get from Woburn to Brookline and an hour and half on the way home because I was so tired. It wasn't a bad spin on the single speed. I know I need a road bike, but I do love the pink gangster bike.

Yesterday was amazing for a workout. I took a spin around the pond. It's so nice to be around such a beautiful place in the morning. Afterwards, I ran some errands and then I ended up walking the Charles with my ma. I loved it! It was so much fun and perfect out. I do love spending time outside and enjoying the weather.

Speaking of, I need to get out of bed and get my riding stuff together. It looks too nice out to stay in doors all day. I can't wait!! I've also been reading an amazing book "How to be Single" by Liz Tuccillo. I would high recommend it.

Also, Honey Moon has hit the shelves!! I was so excited on Monday night when I made that discovery. It was perfect for the Bruins game.
Until next time blog world.

What a few days!!

First, Thank you to everyone that came out for the Dough Raiser at Uno's on Thursday night! I don't know the actual amount, but I do know the amount of sales we're over $1,000 which means the AFSP will recieve over 20%, plus I believe we get a bonus because I work there part-time. Please, stay tuned for the results!!


Now, I've fallen off of my exercise track trying to balance life. I've become so lazy this past week. I wanted to ride into the city this morning for work but I over slept. There's something a little difficult trying to wake up at 6am on a Saturday morning. haha. Tomorrow I will be riding into the city. I promise. I work along the Walk for Hunger's route, I would really rather not fight with traffic or parking or closed streets.However, I am really excited to people watch tomorrow!

Personally, I feel like this walk is starting to take me on an adventure that I never expected. I kinda of love it!

Dear Friends,

On the night of June 26-27 2010, my mother and I will be joining thousands of others in Out of Darkness Overnight, a 20-mile walk throughout the night. Our goal is to raise funds and awareness about suicide and depression. But, to achieve this goal I need your help. I am asking you to lend your moral, emotional, and financial support to my ma and me.I have never felt comfortable asking for money. However, this cause is very important to me. I walking in memory of my brother Joseph and Robert.I feel like it’s time for the world to hear their story.

In January 1997, Robert was leaving a party on New Year’s Eve in Somerville to pick up Joseph at the House of Blues in Harvard Square, where Joseph worked as a waiter. Robert never made it to the House of Blues. He was struck by a drunk driver and passed away less than 2 days later. Robert was just under 21. Less than 3 months later my brother Joseph took his own life. I always remember waiting up for Joe to get home from work so we would sit on the couch and watch the Discovery Channel. My brother Joseph always took care of me without any question. I am walking for Joseph and Robert. I know he would be so proud of me and he would try to give me a piggyback ride when my feet get tired on the June 26-27th. Joseph would always call me his Cutie and would always encourage me to laugh from my heart. It’s been 13 years since Robert and Joseph left our family. I’ve struggled with depression since I could remember, and now I’m ready for a change. I’m ready to help others who have been in my place and help prevent other families from experiencing it.

Please support my mother and me in our fight to end the silence about suicide and mental illness. Will you consider helping us with a tax-deductible donation of any amount. I am going all out in an attempt to collect as much money from as many donors as possible. Your contribution along with the donations of thousands of others will have a serious impact for this cause. Net proceeds will fund the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's research, education, survivor and awareness programs - both to prevent suicide and to assist those affected by suicide. Also, the proceeds help support programs like the Samaritans of Boston which I was just accepted into their 9-month volunteer program.

I know I am asking for a lot. But it will take a lot to help end the overwhelming silence that surrounds suicide. When you have made your decision simply go to www.TheOvernight.org, click "Support a Participant", and look up my personal fundraising webpage to donate online. Our team name is “A Brother’s Love Lives Forever.”

From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your support. I will certainly keep you posted on our progress as my ma and I train and prepare for this event.

Sincerely,
Diane Welch
Team Captain
A Brother’s Love Lives Forever

“Experience: that most brutal of teachers. But you learn, my God do you learn.” C.S. Lewis (1898-1963); Writer, Theologian, Scholar

I know I've been neglecting you lately.. I'm sorry workout blog. I did ride today..I decided that the rain was going to ruin my spin this morning. It was amazing.. I enjoy riding in the colder weather there's something about it that feels right. Maybe it's because I started really riding in the fall, or because I live in New England and spent the majority of my life in colder weather. haha.. I
I am hosting my first fundraiser event at the Uno's in the Woburn Mall. I'm super nervous but that's the point... if your not nervous about something where's the risk in doing it? It starts at 6pm and goes until whenever. All you have to do is come into Uno's and eat dinner, at the end of your meal please give the server a coupon. At the end of the night, if the total of amount of sales is under $1,000, Uno's will donate 10% of if it's over $1,000 Uno's will donate 20%. So the more business the more money we can make! Ready, set go to Uno's on Thursday.. :)

On a personal note, I saw Streetlight Manifesto the other night. I've wanted to see them for a very long time and everything just worked out so well, I felt like it was worth noting.

Okay, I promise another update by the day's end.

Another epic riding adventure.. I think so!!

Dear Diane... What were you thinking when you agreed to clean out your brother's garage? You don't even clean your own!!

So this morning's workout adventure... I'm riding to my brother's house in Revere. I have never rode that way and I'm super unsure of the route to take.. I might just take the super long way because I'm afraid to ride over by Rt. 1.. It just doesn't seem safe. I wanted to update this with pictures, but considering I don't own a camera, self portraits taken by my mac book pro will have to do! I'm running super late.. oh well.. I hope he won't notice!

Today was my first day off in almost 2 weeks. I I accomplished two miles on the treadmill this morning. Man do I hate the treadmill. I should have walked the pond with my ma. Oh well, maybe I'll walk the pond tonight....

So I went out to eat at Uno's with my ma and submitted the form for a Dough Raiser on April 29th at 6pm. It's a simple way to raise money for The Overnight. All you have to do is give the server a dough raiser coupon at the end of your meal. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention! Woohoo. I want to make fundraising as simple as possible and I think it's a great idea for all of my friends and family to come together and enjoy a night out!

In other news, the Bruins are playing tonight. EK! I'm so excited, I have a day off and I can actually watch the Bruins game!! All I need is good company and a cold beer. I wonder if Honey Moon hit the shelfs yet......

Dear New England, it's April, please don't be cold. Love, Diane

With that being said, I said in the office all day watching the weather change from sunny to rainy all day. It was really entertaining I have to admit. All day I just wanted to ride my bike. I needed to go for a spin rain or shine. I was a woman on a mission! Once I got home from work, I took the baby out. We went from Woburn, Winchester, Arlington, Medford, Somerville, and back. It took me about almost 2 hours.
I loved riding through Winchester Center, I never realized how many cute little stores are there. Oh man, it was an epic adventure, I do like riding in the cool weather, I was just happy it didn't rain. The best part of the ride was in Medford on Rt. 38, It was a long stretch of road and a police speed radar and as I rode by it clocked me at 16mph on my single speed bike haha! It was kinda priceless..
Now, tomorrow is my treadmill, jump-roping and weights training day. I don't mind the treadmill, I just have to get into my groove and the art of going nowhere. ha! I need to keep myself motivated this week with a workout schedule. So if you haven't seen Alice in Wonderland I would highly recommend it.

"I try to believe in as many as six impossible things before breakfast. Count them, Alice."
It's one of the best quotes to keep me going. Nothing is impossible, On Friday I accomplished 4 out of my list of 6 for the day. It's not complete, but it's a good motivator! woot! So tomorrow's first impossible... 3miles on the treadmill. Wish me luck!

It's not raining on my day!

I didn't remember my ear muffs the other night. I should have, it was freezing! I thought it was April!! My training is starting to pay off! I noticed it at work the other night. I lifted a full tray of dinners the other night and didn't even strain a muscle. It was great! As for training, yesterday I ran on the treadmill for 3.5miles at a steady rate. I feel like it's getting easier, but that's also because my body is moving! It was a workout though. I started with 20minutes of jumproping. Now, jumproping may seem really simple and cute, but hot damn is it a work out! I try to run and jump at the sametime. Trust me, it was very funny to watch this hand-eye-plastic rope coordination happening all at once. It's a lot harder than it seems. haha
I was excited to receive an e-mail from Nicole, my walking coach, she add my blog to the blogroll with AFSP! woot!
Other news on the fundraising front, I am planing a dough-raiser at Uno's in the Woburn Mall within the next two weeks, so stay tuned for more details. I might try to set-up a raffle too! Let me know of any good ideas!
I now have another team member! My ma is walking with me! I'm so excited, I couldn't be more proud of her! Yes, I do love my ma to pieces.. it happens!
So far together as a team we've reached $450! Woohoo, I can't believe it! Almost to $500. I think when that happens I'm buying myself coldstone ice cream!!
I'm working today in Brookline, so instead of working out I decieded to wear heels. Now, my thinking is that heels makes the legs stronger and work harder so I will be running up and down stairs all day and down coblestones.. That has to count for something, right?!

AFSP - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

AFSP - American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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Day Two..

Wow! I made it to my second day of blogging.. It's going to be quick only because I need to ride my bike to work.. Oh yes, the bike that is getting me around the world and in shape for the walk.
It's interesting what two tires and some metal can do to a person's life. It's amazing.. I know it's going to be cold out tonight so I'm debating about wearing ear muffs and a scarf.. call me crazy, but i would rather be toasty then freezing. I don't have a camera just yet.. until then my camera on my mac book pro will have to do...Enjoy!

AFSP - AFSP - See Who's Made Online Donations

AFSP - AFSP - See Who's Made Online Donations

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Here we go..

Hello Bloggers!

Welcome to Diane's little piece of the blogging world!! I am walking in The Overnight for Suicide Prevention and Awareness on June 26th to 27th. This 18-mile walk around Boston is to bring light to such a dark subject. I am a very self motivated person, but I need something more to keep me going. This is it. A good friend once explained that anyone can blog. Well I'm going to try. Please excuse my poor grammer and mis-spelled words. My goals for blogging is to help train for the walk, by tracking and venting. Also, including any adventures I encounter over the next few months. My mind, body and voice will become tired over the next few weeks, but everyday I will be updating this blog.

I am afraid of commitment and I realize and understand that needs to change in my life. I need to committ to myself first and by committing to The Overnight and this blog will help me overcome my fears of commitment. My next goal.. a twitter account.I have never used it before. Oh boy! The adventure with technology continues!

I started training about two weeks ago, oh boy am I out of shape. To kick off the training, I decided it would be a smart idea to ride my single-speed mid-60's pink columbia bike from my house in Woburn to the Boston Commons. What an amazing adventure, I started in around noon and made it to the Commons around 1:30-2ish. Amazing. The best ride I could have done for myself and an amazing way to kick off the training process. Now, I need to keep the motivation going.. wish me luck!!!