Date: 2007-03-19
To: Home Updating 2007
Miles today: 0.0

20012006I have not wrote anything in this journal since 2004. But my dream has never faded and my desire to fill this dream has never left my soul. Lot has changed since I first started this Journal so allow me to update my information from my first post.My family is supporting my goal allot better at this stage in life than they was in 2004. Thanks to Randy my husband and Brandy and Breianna my daughters. I hope my mom and dad will be praying for my safe journey. Not that I will get scared and come home. I say that because they did pray that I would get scared and come home in 2004, when I went on a 4 day backpacking trip to Springer Mountain. Let me just tell you that prayers can be answered so I hope that isn't the same prayer that they will be praying this trip. I love you mom and dad. Thank you, to my Family!!!I am a lot better physical shape than I was in 2004. I had Gastric Bypass Surgery in 2005 and I have lost 150 lb as you can see from the above photo's. Thank you - Dr. Tompkins, Kings Daughter Medical Center!!!I have a new job I work at Sears as a Sales Associate. I work on commission selling appliances. I make allot more money than I did in 2004 and I have a wonderful boss that is going to support my dream by allowing me to go without to much worrying about my job when I return. I am sure it don't hurt that I am good at sales :-) . Thank you - Jason!!!Because my husband also has a better job I can also now afford this dream without stressing any budget! Thank you - Randy!!!The Biggest Thank You to my Lord and Savior for giving me the security of Eternal Salvation. And Thanks for opening the path for me to follow my heart down the big green tunnel called the Appalachian Trail. I also did some stats on entry 2 that has changed in the last few years so this is to update that information:Oldest Thru hiker finished at the age of 81 in 2004 his name was Lee Barry known as "Easy One".Multiple hikes. Approximately 125 people have reported hiking the A.T. two or more times; about 30 have reported hiking the A.T. three or more times.  Day 1: About 3 days ago I told my husband I am leaving this year to backpack the AT trail with no more thought than 2 hours in making my choice. Day 2: The next day I asked my boss if he would hold my job open for me for 4 weeks (just in case - and no I am not going to fail). And if he would hire me back when I return. Jason my boss agreed (I still don't think he believes I am leaving though).I told 2 of my best friends today they both think I am crazy. I think that is the response that is normal on the start but I hope that changes when I finish such a challenging goal in life. I still have 2 more best friends to tell.Day 3: I spent looking for my equipment and searching the net for what I need.Day 4: I updated this journal and taught my youngest daughter how to use QuickBooks to pay the bills and balance the check book. That's scary leaving your finances to a 16 year old - her dad is here to help and you can bet I will stay on top of this from the trail. Ok now your caught up to where I am today is Day 4. Lets hope everything goes well until I leave hopefully around the first of April.