Welcome everyone, to my very first official BLOG! This is my first experience at blogging-I'm not exactly sure how this all works, but the most important thing I want to accomplish is to share the excitement and as much of the "behind the scenes" activity as possible. After all, this journey wouldn't be nearly as fun if I kept it all to myself, so I want to share it with YOU! Are you ready to embark on this adventure with me? GREAT, because I'm counting on you, your support, and your prayers!

So how did this all happen and why am I going on this walk? I was working with Olivia Newton-John to secure an interview for the fall 2008 breast cancer issue of diane magazine. You may remember that 15 years ago, Olivia battled breast cancer, and she has since become an advocate for research and treatment. Well, during a conversation one day she told me about the Walk. The more we talked about it, the more it made sense that I go along. She invited me and I accepted. Who wouldn't? This is an opportunity of a lifetime!

Until then we had only talked on the phone. Then, she invited Gary, me, and our daughter Shilah to come to Los Angeles and attend the "G'Day USA" Australia Gala as her guests-and even sit at her table! I have to admit I was a little star struck. Not for long though. It was a matter of minutes before I realized not only were we sitting at her table, but all her close friends were there, too! I got to know the real person she is and the lovely friends she surrounds herself with. She's the real deal-kind, friendly, happy and genuine!

And just in case you were wondering-yes-we met John Travolta! What can I say...he's a nice guy! As a matter of fact, we had a fun conversation with him about one of his recent movies, "Wild Hogs," where he takes a Harley road trip with his buddies. It just so happens that Gary is a devoted Harley rider, complete with the buddies too! I told John that Gary and his buddies had discussions on which characters they represented. There was much fun debate-they all agreed that Gary was the John Travolta character. We had a good laugh over that and it was quite funny when John looked over at Gary and said, "So... you would be me?" It was great evening and one we'll never forget.

The trip was also a great opportunity to introduce Olivia to the Curves workout, since she wanted to add strength training to her exercise regimen to get ready for the Walk. So the next day we planned a photo shoot at the Malibu Curves and she had her first Curves experience. We all had a blast! Curves President Mike Raymond, his wife Beth, and our corporate communications manager Becky Frusher were all on hand to lend their support, as was our team from diane magazine.

We all came home excited and committed and it wasn't long before Olivia accepted my invitation to be my guest at our ranch. As a matter of fact, it was the very next weekend.
Gary and I hung out with Olivia and her boyfriend. We showed them some Texas hospitality, complete with a great home cooked dinner. We also did some training-working out at Curves in my hometown of Gatesville (guys included!) and hiking on the ranch. It was such a pleasant time.

So, I said yes to this extreme journey and spent some time with Olivia in January, and now it's March and the reality is sinking in-it's only 30 days before I leave!
My Curves workouts have certainly been a great foundation to my training. They've provided me with the endurance and strength to do lots of other things that will get me ready for the walk-like hiking, climbing steps and walking a bunch. I've had a great support team. Gary has been a tremendous help to me. He encourages me to push myself and makes sure I'm eating healthy. He joins me on most days, which is wonderful. I have to admit I'm going to miss him a lot-we truly are soul mates!

But I won't be alone-Becky Frusher has agreed to join me! We'll be walking alongside each other for the entire 142 miles! This has certainly added to my comfort level! She's been on our Curves team for a while now and we're also good friends! We have been encouraging each other and holding one another accountable.

We've also put together a team of walkers from the office, as well as family members. We have committed to a 5 mile walk each week, usually along a paved path that runs along the Brazos River. What a pleasant way to spend the early evening. I quickly learned of the added benefit that the camaraderie provided. I suspect it will be much like this on the "real" walk. The social aspect adds a nice element, and it seems to make the walking go by faster. I hope they all continue while I'm gone! On a more personal note, I have to tell you that my dad is probably my favorite fan. He has gone on every group walk and wants to be included in everything! He even said that he would go on the China walk to carry our stuff and protect us! It's a wonderful "EXTRA" that I'm enjoying.

Well, the big press launch for the event took place in Australia on February 19. It was a great hit and our staff in Australia-Kim and Brendon McQueen, and Leslie Hayden, participated in the event. They placed Curves water bottles on the media table and handed out Curves bags filled with goodies to the media and all the walkers that were present.

We're doing our own local kick-off in Waco on March 8-The Great Walk to Gatesville 2008! So far we have almost 100 participants, and we're inviting local media, city officials and of course, our local Curves owners and their employees. It's going to be a lot of fun and create a ton of excitement for all involved.

Thanks for reading, and be sure to check back often. You won't want to miss any of the details and the tell-all photos!

Keep Shining,
Diane