Want to talk about the weather?

It seems like that's ALL anyone is doing these days. And for good reason, I suppose. If you haven't turned on the TV or radio in about a week or two, you may want to know that the mid-Atlantic is getting the biggest snowstorm of the year...decade...century...millenium. Oh, you hadn't heard?

Fortunately, we just keep Rompin' and Rollin'. The work schedule has had everyone in a tizzy and we've had to cancel Saturday classes two weeks in a row. Friday's classes were cancelled this week as well and we will have to see about Sunday. Most of our birthday parties have simply been rescheduled (rather than cancelled outright) and we even had some brave souls who came out in the rain and sleet yesterday for Max's 2nd birthday party. It was a blast! Roger and I hadn't worked a party together in ages. Open Gym was hoppin' earlier that day too before the weather got too nasty.

Yes, work has been busy and it's been a very good distraction. I think I've said that before but I think it also bears repeating. We have also been rolling along with the Foundation stuff. Our bylaws were approved by our Advisory Council/Board this week which means we can now begin to officially work with the IRS on our non-profit status. The members of the Board have also been meeting in their subcommittees to get things rolling. We have heard the requests and I promise that CJSTUF t-shirts and other merchandise are all coming soon!

With all of this going on, it's a sharp reality check to realize that today is February 6th and tomorrow will mark one month since her death. It really blows my mind. This month has been so busy that I honestly feel like it's been a lifetime since her death. I miss her every day. I see her in everything I do. I am sad but not distraught. I am so glad that Roger and I have something like CJSTUF in which to sink our energy. It definitely keeps the misery at bay. I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts yesterday: This American Life. If you've never heard it, it's a fascinating and fabulous public radio magazine with stories wrapped around a theme each week. Their show from the first week of the year was called 2010 and it contained stories surrounding "predictions" for the coming year. The first story is by Shalom Auslander about his neighbor and friend who was dying of cancer. The story really touched a nerve for me (in a good way) and I encourage you to take a listen (you can click on the link to get to their website and archive).

So now that I have your attention with our latest blog post, I will make sure you know about a few important announcements:

1. The THUMBS UP BALL is Saturday February 13th from 4:30-7 PM at Shady Grove Methodist in Mechanicsville. You can't get in without a ticket but you can get tickets at any Romp n' Roll location for just $10 each. This is a family event with food, live music, a visit from the Dance Fairy, a silent auction with lots of great sponsors (bring your checkbook!) . I am sure it will be a blast! Huge thanks to the MOMS Club of Mechanicsville for putting this together. I am hoping that it will be successful enough to turn it into an annual event!

2. If you are running for TEAM CJ in the Monument Ave 10K, don't forget to download your pledge forms. We have over 57 runners taking part in this event, not to mention the cheering squad that is forming as well.

3. Good news on the ReeseStrong front: she had her latest MRI on Friday (2/5) and continues to be cancer free. She got a very clean bill of health from the docs and we are so happy for them!

I think that's it for now. Roger is upstairs working on some music stuff and I'm sifting through emails, paperwork, and correspondence while I laze by the warm fire. If you're somewhere surrounded by snow and ice, stay warm. If you are somewhere warm, count your blessings!