RELAY FOR LIFE

So, I know I'm a little late on this post, but I thought I would write a little something to let you know how I spent last weekend! Every year myself and a handful of my family raise money all year for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. We started last November with a private showing of Twilight, and did various things throughout the year such as a big 'ol yard sale and selling "feet" and "cupcakes" at locally owned grocery stores. (these would be little paper feet and cupcakes that you could buy for a dollar, and dedicate it to a loved one). All of these fundraisers culminate at the actual event usually held in the summer. I know the name "relay" makes you think that we do some sort of running, but that is absolutely NOT the case! In fact, it's an all night party! We do have someone from our team walking a track at all times to symbolize that cancer never sleeps and neither do we! 

This year we had a Mr. Relay contest which was actually a lot of fun! We only had 3 guys sign up, but I'm sure we can get a lot more for next year! They had a lot of fun (as you can see below, maybe too much fun...) We also had a midnight pizza party, and our team hosted bingo at 1 AM. 

You might ask why we go through so much trouble and spend so much time for some all night party. We do it because we have all lost someone to cancer. We also all know people who have fought cancer and won. Everyone has been touched by cancer. We relay because we have hope that some day we will have a cure. That some day, we won't ever have to say goodbye to someone well before their time. We relay because we are sick and tired of seeing the suffering. We relay to fight back. All the money we raise goes to cancer research. 

Throughout the year, I ask myself all the time "why am I doing this" and "why waste my time, no one seems to care"but as soon as I see all the people dressed in purple with the word SURVIVOR across their back walking that first lap, it all comes back to me. It's not about me. It's about all those people who's lives have been forever changed by cancer. So even though it's a crap ton of work, at the end of the day it's all worth it. 

I encourage you all to join us next year, and be a part of relay in any way possible. You don't have to join our team if you don't want to, but just donate your time or resources to the cause. We are always looking to things to auction off or sell. Anything and everything helps. Come down the night of relay and support the vendors. We raised $18000 this year, and I know we can do better than that. Together, we can all the difference to someone. Together, we can save a life. Maybe that life will be yours. 

Below are some pictures of our fun event this year. Thanks to Christine Nelsen for taking such awesome pics! 

WELCOME!

I decided that today was the day to start my new blog! I've attempted before, but I'm hoping this time it sticks! I've always been attracted to the idea of sending my thoughts out into cyber space as a nice outlet. Maybe I've watched You've Got Mail and Julie and Julia one too many times! I'm actually looking forward to telling you about my life and giving you a little insight on what it's like to be me! It might be a little scary, and you might learn things about me that you never expected, but that's the goal. I chose the name 'confessions of a rockoholic' because rock music rules my world. It's what gets me going in the morning and what helps me survive the day. It wasn't until the last couple of years that music became a way of life for me. I love that music can speak on a level all of it's own. Rock music just calls to me in a way that no other music can. I don't know what that says about me! I travel to rock concerts and festivals basically all year round. Now that I have a blog, I can fill you all in on my awesome adventures. I'm always plotting my next event. My mom and I swore that in 2014 we will slow down a bit and try and recover financially, but I'm not sure that we can slow down! It's a lifestyle that we have definitely become accustomed to. It does get really expensive, but you only live once, and most of these events are potentially once in a lifetime things. Who know if it will be the last time you get to see a band in concert before something happens to them. Plus, it's only a matter of time before they are all old and can't perform any more. Have to get while the getting is good! (If you can't tell, this would be me justifying spending a ridiculous amount of money on these things). Now don't get me wrong, there is more to my life than just rock music, and going to concerts. Sometimes, it just happens to be my favorite part. So I hope you enjoy getting to see life through my eyes, or in some cases, my ears! Rock on <3