Andi's Movement Towards Change

A while back, a friend of mine told me about a race he participates in every year, the Detroit Turkey Trot. I had heard of this race, but only through mentions of local television reporters who would air the story as I'd sit back on my reclining sofa snuggled up in my comforter and plush morning slippers. This year has been somewhat of a turning point in my life, where I have found myself having changed from an occasional yet somewhat sedentary athlete to someone who can't go for over a week without doing some kind of blood pumping activity. That is why hearing of the race peaked my interest. I knew I'd have to run throughout the winter, so why not obligate myself to do so by entering myself in yet another race? I knew it would be fun (races always are), and I figured I'd see friends at the site that day too. Thus, it was decided. I was going to race in the Detroit Turkey Trot on a brisk Michigan Thanksgiving morning. Fast forward to November 22, 2007, 6am. I woke up to...

I was priviledged to attend an amazing event today, a benefit concert in honor of my friend Vesna. When I walked through the doors of St. Clair of Montefalco in Grosse Pointe, I expected to see about a hundred or so people who were friends of Vesna or patrons of the Vienna Cafe. Instead, I walked into a full church with well over 800 people. I quickly realized that there were so many people that were just like me, who considered Vesna a friend regardless of how long they've known her. In a short six-week time span, a few of Vesna's dearest friends, Barbara Ogar and Mr. Fishman pulled together an amazing benefit concert that included musicians from all walks of life. Some were from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, some were local muscians who performed with the Grosse Pointe Symphony, some were children who have played on Vesna's piano in the cafe, and some were complete strangers to her who had never met her yet who volunteered their talents for this special cause. Regardles...

Today was the first group practice of the new season. Around 40 of the 70 athletes that have signed up so far to participate in the Team in Training triathlons in May showed up bright and early at the Cranbrook Natatorium. Though there was a football season chill in the air outside, the inside of the building was unusually warm and tropical-like. It made huddling up at 7:45 that much easier! Our practice started out with some words from Coach Anne, and then the floor was turned over to me for a few minutes as I was given the opportunity as a team mentor to dedicate this day's practice to an honored hero. Having found out just a few weeks ago that my friend Vesna was diagnosed with stage-4 non-Hodgkins lymphoma, it was only natural to highlight her as our honored hero for the day. I was so happy to be able to dedicate today's practice to her, especially since this was truly the launch of the new season. It was symbolic in a way. Here, all of us are facing a long ang grueling tra...

Back in late August, my husband was out of town for a few days on a photoshoot. When it's just the girls and I, we often go out to dinner at the restaurant of their choice. I joke that the girls are taking me out on a date, and it's a wonderful time of bonding and special moments for us. My daughter Lindsey, even at a mere five years old, had asked that we go one of my favorite places, The Vienna Cafe, for dinner. As with all of the other times we have visited there, we were welcomed with open arms by Miss Vesna, as the girls call her. She is the owner of the Cafe, a place that we have frequented since Lindsey was just a little baby. Vesna Dulbic has been able to watch the girls grow up as the years go by, and she celebrates that by posting their yearly school photos on her beloved wall of patrons' children. Most of the time when I am at The Vienna Cafe, Vesna is a one-woman show. She waits the tables, she cooks the food, she does the dishes. With all of that, she always ta...

The new triathlon training season is less than a week away for our Team in Training. It has taken me some time to get back into the swing of things. I've found the time off to be welcomed and frustrating at the same time. During this downtime, I've had a couple more precious hours to spend with my family, and that is always cherished especially because my girls will be all grown up in what will seem to be the blink of an eye. On the other hand, I feel that my body has gone into hibernation mode. Since the triathlon in Washington DC, I've gained a few pounds and surely have lost some muscle. My will to exercise has been hard to find, and I have found myself starting to slip into the habit of finding the sofa more comfortable than hitting the pavement. That is why this past weekend couldn't have come at a better time. I headed down to sunny Florida to spend some time with my wonderful cousins. One day was spent in Miami with family from my mother's side, and that was ...

It ain't easy being green... At least I was able to raise some green for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Today I headed up to East Lansing, Michigan, the home of the beloved Spartans. My objective today wasn't to see the 100th rivalry game against the U-M Wolverines. It wasn't to spend the early part of the day tailgating, either. Today was my first ever "Bead Drive", where I spent many hours giving away beads for donations to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. There couldn't have been a better day for tailgating, football games, or fundraising. The weather was cool but not uncomfortable. The bright sun offset the slight breeze that would have otherwise sent a chill down a spine every now and then. And the atmosphere on campus was one of hope and optimism regardless of where alliances laid. I was a bit nervous when I first started heading into the crowds, not just because of the always-present fear of rejection (which I know I can usually quickl...