Today is officially the first day of marathon training!  Woo!  I ran 2 miles pretty solidly and I feel great!  I also set up my fundraising website and received my first donation! 

I'm running with Team In Training, also popularly known as TNT.  TNT has been around since 1988 to raise money for blood cancer research and to support families whose loved one is suffering from a blood cancer like leukemia, Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and myeloma.  At the kick-off party on Sunday, we heard some pretty amazing stories--cancer survivors are incredible people of all ages.  Fortunately, the survivor rate for blood cancers is steadily rising; however, it is certainly not 100%. 

My personal motto for the next 6 months is, “One more step!” Although each step seems grueling to me, I can’t imagine how hard it must be to go through chemotherapy round after round, or have spinal tap after spinal tap, or feel like my home is a second home—because my first home is my hospital room.  “One more step,” because each step is a little closer to the finish line.  “One more step,” because each step is a little closer to a cure for blood cancers.

For more information, please visit my fundraising website: http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntx/rnrsa08/kandersd6i.

And for the first time ever, I'm going to ask you to please recommend my post.  Thank you so much!

Added April 29: BTW... I ran like a CHAMP today!  :)

ACL is the most anticipated event of the year for any hard-rockin' Texan, and I am damned sore when I miss it. For the third year in a row, my loving father is spoiling me with a 3-day ticket. Does he love me, or what? Although the fest is planned to be held on September 26-28, I already have a sub for my classroom and plans for attendance are in full swing! The lineup was finally revealed yesterday, and in no particular order, this is my I-just-can't-miss-this list:



1. The Raconteurs
Two years ago, I fell in love the moment "Steady As She Goes" was played on the radio. Then I saw them live at ACL in 2006 and was absolutely blown away. Their new album, Consolers of the Lonely, is newly released and fuses practically every genre into a very tasty musical stew. I might go ahead and put it out there that their new album could possibly be my favorite album of 2008. Yet to be proved, seeing as there are approximately 8 months left in 2008.

But this year, I'm really going to lick Jack White's face.



2. The Mars Volta
Absolutely can't miss the greatest band in the last decade. The. Greatest. Band. No shit, not lying, 'nuf said.




3. Gnarls Barkley
I will be dancing.



4. Beck
If there were a god, he would be 2nd to Beck. The promise of seeing Beck live is making my vag quiver with delight. I am so damned excited.



5.Tegan and Sara
Oh, yes, my emo side is emerging. I love these ladies, their eccentric voices, and well-spun lyrics. Poetic, dark, and a little juvenile, but totally a piece of me.



6. Stars
I thought this band dropped off the face of the planet; however, I apparently, am just totally out of the loop. Much to my joy, this band is still lightly rocking and synthesizing some amazing music, and I am giggly with anticipation.

By the way, have I ever mentioned how much I love Canadians? That might now be apparent....


7. Cansei de ser Sexy
Music is my hot, hot sex, too.


8. The Octopus Project
The first time I saw The Octopus Project was years ago with Dismemberment Plan at Emo's in Austin. I loved them, but my friends failed to understand my enthusiasm. I am definitely looking forward to a more mature band, and I hope they get an after-dark set. It's really only appropriate.


9. Silversun Pickups
My little brother has turned me on to this band, and although I'm fairly unfamiliar with them right now, I expect I will be in love by September. I can't wait to have my first concert experience with him either!


10. Heartless Bastards
I saw a very small portion of their set last year, and loved what I was hearing. This year, I intend to go back and stay for the set-- why miss twice?



11. Jenny Lewis
She's the voice of Rilo Kiley, and I imagine her to be a big presence. She's doing her own thing at ACL, and I am curious to see what she can do solo.



12. The Foo Fighters
A '90s band which has survived into 2008. I hope they don't disappoint.

Will Dave Grohl ever not be insanely hot?


There are many other bands I really would like to see, but these are the ones I really hope don't drop from the schedule and/or do not have major conflicts with one another. Other very, very mentionable names include: Robert Plant and Allison Kraus, Erykah Badu, G. Love and the Special Sauce, Flyleaf, Jamie Lidell, Mason Jennings, Louis XIV, Neko Case, Iron & Wine, and Mates of State.

Who's joining me for a weekend of musical debauchery?

I know Dan's (TheTheologiansCafe) not posting, so I thought I would just share my favorite from PostSecret today.













In other news, I'm waiting to hear if my best friend, Natalie, is engaged.  I suspect it may be happening today since her boyfriend is leaving for the Air Force basic training on Tuesday.  I've got my fingers crossed!