Date: 2011-02-19
To: 40 Days...
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: light snow

Wow, my departure date is approaching fast! I'm excited and nervous at the same time! I really believe that I have what it takes to undertake this adventure for the most part. The only thing that really worries me is my pack weight. It's WAAAAAAAY too heavy!!! It's nearly 1/3 of my body weight, and I know that will get really rough. I have pared down as much as I think I can (except for maybe my Kindle, my laptop computer, my MP-3 player, my cell phone, my camera and my French coffee press...and no, I am not kidding...much), but I really can't see where else to cut. I am going to have to make some sacrifices. I think I'll ditch the coffee press and let coffee be a town treat. That'll save about 8 ounces. Whew! Feels better already!I really want to bring the laptop because I want to blog on the trail. That's a high priority to me. The Kindle is because I can't stand not to read every day. It's a compulsion. I could give up TV in a minute, but not books. Music would be nice to pass the time, but I could probably skip it if I absolutely had to. The cell is a necessity for staying in touch and in case of emergency. I wouldn't be caught dead without a camera; that's why my web address is shutterbugtami...taking pictures is another of my compulsions. Ask anyone who knows me well!!!! Let's see...maybe I can skip underwear and go commando? Maybe I can skip the first-aid kit? I know...food! I'll just cut back on the food. Problem solved.I chose April 1st as my day to hit the trail because I'm calling this my Fool's Journey. I think many of the people I describe my adventure to think that of me...that I'm a fool or just plain crazy. Maybe a bit of both...probably a bit of both. Anyhow, April 1st just seems like a great time to start. Part of me feels really selfish for taking this time for myself. I still have two boys at home, although for all practical purposes they are more young men than boys, and I really don't think they'll miss me at all. And leaving my husband to do everything in my absence seems incredibly selfish too, although I know he'll be great without me. They might not eat quite as well, but other than that they'll probably hardly notice I'm gone! Of course I'll miss our ping-pong games. I just hope that they really do support me in this endeavor. I feel like they do, but they may just be being so unselfish themselves that they don't want to tell me how they really feel. I really do want their support and approval. I also hope that my extended family and friends support me in my endeavor. I especially regret that I will miss my brother-in-law's wedding to his dear fianc©e after only 15 years or so of dating. I feel selfish in this regard, but my plans are made and I must move forward. Who knows, maybe I'll poop out by the time of the wedding, but I hope not! I really want to do this...for myself and for Aiden.I wrote a letter to a TV/radio talk show financial guru named Clark Howard today. Here is what I wrote:"My beautiful grandson died in a tragic accident almost one year ago, and I want to set up a foundation in his honor to which I, as well as others, can donate. I intend to use the funds for education and awareness about safe sleep for infants. I will be leaving 40 days from today to hike the Appalachian Trail in his honor, and I want to use my hike to raise awareness of the potential dangers facing infants in unsafe sleep environments. How can I set up a charitable foundation in the next 40 days to receive donations? Please help me! I am trying to turn a tragic loss into something positive as I work through my own grief. I appreciate any help you can give!"I should have gotten on the ball on the foundation thing long ago, and if I can't set up my own in time I have organizations that I'd love for my followers to support instead, but if possible I'd really like to set something up in Aiden's name. If anyone has advice, bring it on! (Of course, so far I have not made my blog public, so as of yet I have no followers...but I hope to!)