Life lessons learned from Up!

Tonight I had the privilege to present with other marketing/pr professionals to the University of Dayton PRSSA students (Public Relations Student Society of America) on how our organizations use social media. I always learn something new and am inspired by others.

I have not blogged in quite some time for a few reasons - busy, lack of feeling creative, felt like I couldn't bring anything interesting to the table. I was reminded again that I don't have to be an expert on every topic - that I can use my blog to just write. Yes, just write.

This past weekend I watched 2 1/2 movies - I haven't finished August Rush yet. If you have not seen the movie Defiance, please do so. It is a true story about the Jews during World War II. Wow.

Then I watched the Disney movie Up! I've heard so much about this movie and couldn't wait to see it. (I don't go to the theater very often, so I waited until it came out on DVD). Another amazing movie about life, love, loss and moving on. I think we can all learn a lot from Carl and Russell about unconditional love and determination.

Two inspiring movies that can teach you so much. It's truly rare when I can find that.

Blog it!

Dayton Children's was featured in Beth Kantner's blog on how non-profits use social media. Great publicity for our small children's hospital.

Read Beth's blog now.

Adventure at King's Island

Last Saturday, I finally gave in and went to King's Island with my husband and our friends. Scott has been bugging me about going to King's Island since we moved to the area. I have avoided the trip because I'm not a huge fan of roller coasters for two reasons - 1. I get motion sickness very easily and 2. I'm a big scaredy cat! The last time I was on a rollercoaster was 10 years ago at Cedar Point where my friends finally convinced me to ride the Magnum. 10 years ago the Magnum was the biggest rollercoaster. Today, not anymore. I was terrified riding the Magnum, but I did it and told myself that I could go to King's Island and tackle my fear.

We arrive at King's Island on a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon. I'm feeling a bit anxious, but I keep telling myself that I can do this - "The rides last only for a few minutes, I'm not going to die and I MUST be brave for Scott and our friends."

Scott suggests that the first ride we go on is the Diamondback. I look up at the coaster, see the ginormous drop and say "ok" - all the while giving myself a pep talk the entire time in line. I say and think - "If I can ride the Magnum, I can ride the Diamondback." Did I realize I rode the Magnum 10 years ago!!?!?! Obviously not. Supid/naive me doesn't realize the Diamondback is one of the top 5 largest rollercoasters in the world - bigger than the Magnum! (I learn this after the fact when I googled it on my BlackBerry) OMG - I thought I was going to die! You sit in these seats with only a plastic bar that comes up between your legs. There's nothing over your shoulders holding you in! As the coaster is "click, click, clicking" up the first hill I turn to Scott and say "Oh my Gosh, I'm going to die!" and then close my eyes tightly. The first drop was terrifying! Then there's another ginormous drop - I don't know what was going on around me because I had my eyes closed the entire time and white knuckles from gripping the bar so tightly. The coaster finally stops, we get off and I think I'm going to barf. Scott and friends are laughing. I am not. But, I did it!

I think to myself - "I would be completely content without riding one more ride today." Then Scott says, "Ok, let's walk around and then go on some more rides." I quietly walk through the park thinking "I can do this, I can do this."

So...by the end of the day I am proud to say that I rode almost every ride. Was I terrified? You betcha!! Each and every time. Every ride I got on I closed my eyes tightly and gripped the bar thinking "why am I doing this to myself?!"

I'm sure I was a good laugh for the people around me. I kept looking at all of the 7, 8, 9 and 10 year olds going on all of the coasters and thinking - "If they can do this, why can't I?"

The next day, I could barely move. Riding rollercoasters in your 30s is completely different than in your 20s! Holy smkokes!

I'll never forget my adventure at King's Island. :)

Relentless for a cure - Light the Nigh Walk, Oct. 1

I am participating in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk on Thursday, October 1.

I am walking in honor of my brother, Paul, and in honor of my new friend Ally Barnett from Beavercreek, OH. She was diagnosed with ALL on my birthday, May 28.

I appreciate your support.

Donations can be made here: http://pages.lightthenight.org/soh/Dayton09/sbrufuswoods

Please send this message to whomever you think would be interested.

Relentless for a cure!

Remembering...

Last week, my grandpa passed away. This is my mom's dad. I went to see him in ICU, but I don't think he knew I was there. I keep seeing the image of him in the hospital, in pain and out of it. I wish this image would go away and I could remember him as my jolly grandpa.

I will always remember the smell of his pipe and his million-dollar smile. I think of grandpa often and worry about my mom. Both of her parents are now gone. Life is beautiful and tragic all at the same time and I know life always goes on, but sometimes....it's just not easy.

Rest in peace, grandpa. We will always love and remember you.

Cheers to Germany!

It's been awhile since I've posted a new blog. I've been extremely busy and actually now I'm sick. I think I pushed myself too hard.

Last weekend, I had the privilege of being involved in my best friend, Carla's, wedding and baby shower. She married a wonderful man, Patrick, from Germany. His family was such a delight to meet. I loved them all. I am saving my pennies to fly to Germany one day to spend time with Carla and Patrick and the Franke family. :)

Carla and Patrick are going to have a son in November. I'm so happy for them. I cry tears of joy everytime I think about it. Carla has been through a lot in the past few years. She deserves to be happy, loved and well cared for.

Cheers, to my new Franke family! You've taught me so much about life and love. May we meet again soon.

Carla, I love and miss you dearly!

Nottoli prepares for Chicago marathon

My brother Paul was featured in the Kalamazoo Gazette today. He is training for the Chicago marathon to raise money for the Non-profit Chiropractic Organization to help people in third world countries that don't have access to health care.

I'm a proud sister! Read the article here. Way to go, Paulie!! :)