Mommy, Daughter Date Night

I was stumped. Out of ideas for tonight's date night with Miss Roo. We live in a small town and I was certain we were tapped out of things to do together.

When taking a quick scan of my Facebook feed a local cafe had posted they were having live entertainment early evening. The singer, a local girl, was just 13 so I thought it would be just perfect fit our date!

We arrived and picked our spots. Right up front in two cushy chairs. Then I went up and ordered it goodies. Two kiddie hit chocolates and a giant Nutella cookie to split. Total cost was under $5.00

I expected a cute tween singing radio crap with an average voice. What we got was a beautiful young woman, with a rich voice starting what I'm certain is the beginning of a brilliant music career.

This is Jessica Lockwood with the cafe owners after her performance.

Jessica sang radio songs yes, but she added her own flair to them in a way that made them richer. 

You can see her sing Ed Sheeran's song The A Team here

A really unexpected thing happened afterward. Something So incredible and beautiful. Roo came straight home and asked Aussie to borrow his guitar. She wanted to learn how to play guitar. She saw this beautiful girl sing and play her guitar and was inspired to follow suit. Adorable!

Roo trying to play her brothers guitar.

 Have you ever been inspired by someone to try something new?

Relay For Life 2013

This past Friday was our local Relay For Life. As a survivor of a year and a half I participated for the second year. I raised just over $500 this year and knew I would attempt to walk the entire night. Last year I was still not strong enough but this year I was determined to do it. Sadly I did not have my own team again. People just aren't interested but that's OK, because I did it alone. I had company for the survivor dinner, hubs joined me as he was my primary caregiver while I was sick, he earned that dinner. Afterwards Roo joined us as did my best friend and her kids. Roo walked with me until midnight, she really stuck it out but was exhausted so hubs took her home. I was left with my bff for company until 1am.

Beyond that I was truly alone. Walking lap after lap, freezing cold and exhausted but I kept going until finally the last lap was announced at 7am. I saw people reaching the finish line and collapsing into hugs from loved ones who were proudly waiting for them to celebrate their accomplishment. I had no one waiting for me so I skipped the last bit and headed straight to my car. It was really bitter sweet. I did it, I walked non stop all night so I was proud of myself but it really hurt me to finish alone with no one waiting to congratulate me. Next year I hope that will not be the case.

I'm still recovering, but hot baths and muscle rubs coupled with pain killers is helping!

Here are some photos of this years event:

Do you relay? If so, who do you walk for?

Wordless Wednesday