Orange Food and Fat Naked Animals

I'm picking up Manvale from the airport in 4 hours, and I've made all the necessary provisions.



If I wasn't biking to the airport, I would've picked her up a Big Gulp (yup, they have those here), but I thought it would be unwise to bike one-handed on a 6-lane highway.

In other exciting news, tomorrow is the last day in my foreseeable future as an employed person, as well as the day I'm moving out of my apartment. Here's hoping my whole life weighs less than 20 kg so I don't have to pay any extra baggage charges. And then on Thursday, we're going to celebrate my lack of employment by going swimming with elephants. That will be followed by visiting the largest outdoor market in the world (35 acres) and a trip to a 7-tier waterfall.

A part of me is just in utter disbelief that any of this is actually happening, that my life isn't just going to be continuing in the same way it's been for the past year, that this may be the last time I live in Thailand, that all these e-tickets and itineraries I just printed are for actual flights that are going to take me to new places. And then the realization hits and I get SO EXCITED. I truly cannot wait to be on the same continent as all of you again. 55 days until I'm back on US soil.

Madre is a Badass

DUH. Like you didn't know that already.

But Madre felt the need to further prove her badass-ness, so she's doing a half-marathon in December - her SECOND. I really need to step up my game because I'm now the only member of the Ruch family that hasn't done one. Anyway, the bottom line of this post is that she's awesome, she's doing a half-marathon for a really good cause (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis), and she needs to raise money to do it, so send everyone you know here. Tell your friends! Tell your family! Tell your coworkers! Tell anyone who will listen! The Ruch family will be forever grateful.

And now, in Madre's own words:



Dear Friends and Family,

On December 6, 2009, I will be doing the 13.1-mile Las Vegas Rock and Roll Half Marathon to raise money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America as part of the Team Challenge program. One of the greatest contributions of the Foundation is towards research to find a cure and funding for this research is essential. I have committed to raise $3,800 in donations for The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America to help with this research funding.

Please help support me in this commitment by giving as generously as you can…just visit my webpage at www.active.com/donate/lv09newjersey/linda to donate online or mail your donation (payable to CCFA) directly me at Linda Ruch, 166 Union Place, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660. With over 83% of your donation going directly to research and patient support, you can truly make a difference and your contribution is 100% tax deductible

If your company matches charitable contributions, please include matching forms with your donation.

As I walk the 13.1 miles, you will be with me in spirit, and your sponsorship will inspire me to walk stronger and faster to the finish line. I know times are tough right now but I can’t do this alone and every bit helps…$10, $20, $50 or whatever your budget will allow…it all adds up!

Not sure what Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are? Check out this link. (If the link isn’t working for you, go to the end of this letter for more information.) When I saw the video of the 8-year-old boy preparing his own feeding tube so he could get enough nutrients to survive, I felt I wanted to get involved. Finding a cure for these diseases will mean a long, healthy life for this boy and others like him.

Thanks so much for your support and generosity! And, of course, many thanks for your good wishes to sustain me in my training through to the finish line.

If you know anyone else who would like information about the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America, please feel free to forward this letter.


With warm regards,

Linda

www.active.com/donate/lv09newjersey/linda
www.ccfa.org


What is Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are collectively known as inflammatory bowel diseases. Crohn's disease is a chronic (ongoing) disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Although it can involve any area of the GI tract, it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or colon. Ulcerative colitis on the other hand, affects only the colon. The inflammation involves the entire rectum and extends up the colon in a continuous manner. There are no areas of normal intestine between the areas of diseased intestine. In contrast, such so-called "skip" areas may occur in Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis affects only the innermost lining of the colon, whereas Crohn's disease can affect the entire thickness of the bowel wall.

It is estimated that as many as 1.4 million Americans have IBD; however, many more suffer in silence due to potential embarrassment and alienation. Crohn's disease may occur in people of all ages, but it is primarily a disease of adolescents and young adults, affecting mainly those between 15 and 35. However, Crohn's disease can also occur in people who are 70 or older and in young children as well. In fact, 10 percent of those affected -- or an estimated 100,000 -- are youngsters under the age of 18. On average, people are diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in their mid-30s, although the disease can occur at any age.

www.ccfa.org