For some time I have wanted to break my workaholic cycle and give back to the world in non-paid ways. I figured age 50 should be a turning point in that regard. Many causes draw me, but animal welfare/rights seems to be an especially strong sensitivity. Overall, my quest to kayak the 72-mile shore of Lake Tahoe represents several goals. I want to encourage healthy physical activity, especially among older adults, as well as a love for nature. I also want to encourage volunteerism and giving to the community. And I have always liked a physical/mental/spiritual challenge. "Many moons" ago nine schoolmates and I broke the world record for playing basketball 49 hours straight. In 2001 I backpacked nine days on the Tahoe Rim Trail as a novice backpacker just after the onset of significant back trouble. This summer will be my 18th year in a row (and final year) playing in a three-on-three basketball tourney in the Midwest with grad school buddies. Because the aging process is an unknown for any individual, I wonder whether I can continue to find similar but age-appropriate challenges to inspire me throughout my life. I sure hope so.
The amount of work I have put into this Paddlin' for Paws event to date is staggering. Although it has set me back personally and professionally, I wouldn't change a thing. This trip has become an obsession of sorts, and I have learned a great deal during the planning process. Something as simple as opening a bank account for this type of event was no easy feat. To my surprise, my bank of 12 years wouldn't allow it. Only after filing for a fictitious firm name at the County Courthouse and acquiring an Employer Identification Number through the IRS was I eventually able to open a bank account with another bank (thank you, Wells Fargo!) as a holding place for garnered funds. I ran into continual roadblocks because this is a third-party fundraiser designed to serve six organizations, but after months of work, it is full steam ahead.
Now for PR work. I need to get the word out so we can bring in some bucks. Any help spreading the word (such as linking paddlinforpaws.org to MySpace accounts) will be much appreciated.
Another thing on my mind at this point is my lack of physical preparation for this event. I had projected that I'd get in awesome "iron-woman" shape, lose some weight, and be ready to tear up the lake. But this hasn't happened. I am far too busy. So, some of the more challenging parts of the lake in terms of length and potential winds are slightly unnerving. I suppose I'll cross that bridge when I get there. I am only an occasional recreational kayaker with no safety training, but I have purchased the recommended safety equipment. If only there were underwater cell phones!
One other personal challenge during this time has been my struggles with my nine-year-old cat Sophie. Sophie had been losing weight steadily and thus underwent numerous tests that finally revealed greatly enlarged lymph nodes, which could mean lymphoma. Although aspirating lumps in Sophie's stomach have (thankfully) shown no cancer, it is possible that the needle missed a hidden cancer. I was a "basket case" for some time over this but am now holding out hope that all will turn out well. Sophie has been on antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory, and she has been gaining weight. It will be months before a diagnosis is likely. Prayers and good thoughts are welcome. It is fitting that I dedicate this animal-welfare venture to Sophie (and anyone else's pets with a health risk).
So, that sums up a flurry of recent activity. If you have questions you'd like me to consider addressing in this blog, feel free to suggest them in a posted comment or contact me at paddlinforpaws@yahoo.com.
