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| Jess |
What in the world could get this couch loving, sweat despising chick-a-dee to promise to
Got a guess?
No, it's not Michael's Get Healthy Blogfest (which of course is co-hosted by Alex , Dianne & Stephen)
No, the only thing that could get me to make that promise isn't a what...it's a she.
A lovely she who can be as rotten as she is beautiful.
Meet Jess Roberts.
I met Jess when she was a teen. She was ornery and was sometimes a pain in my a**, but she was always charming, always dreaming.
First conversation I had with Jess, I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up...she said a singer...I said it's great to have a dream, but let's say while you are going after that dream, what will you do- what will be your day job? She thought a minute and said, "Meh, maybe a lawyer."
That's Jess. She thinks big and aims high.
And fortunately for her, she had the pipes and all the talent she needed to never have to bother with Law school.
She's the lead singer of an Indie band, the virgins (though this clip is from the plaid iguana project...seems some boy band shares the same name as the virgins and all I could find was half naked guys singing...not complaining, just not what I was looking for!)
So, anyhow...Jess was also always fit...she would practice songs while using the stair stepper so she could sing and move on stage without getting winded. Impressive...I know!
Anyhow...she was going strong. Her dream of becoming a singer was coming true one club, one gig at a time. But, sadly, that damned demon...cancer...is slowing her rise to the top.
But Jess isn't one to give up! She's still dreaming, still planning.
While busy with treatment, she's planning to run in the Cheat 5K.
And she asked me to join her...and only for her would I say yes.
So, now Jess is my motivator. We will
Love you Jess. Stay strong. Stay focused. Keep the faith.
Feel free to friend Jess on Facebook. She will make you think, make you laugh, and possibly be a pain in your a**
:)
Good for you, sending my very best wishes to Jess.
ReplyDeleteIt was my pleasure Suzanne.
DeleteGood luck to you and Jess! She sounds like quite an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteThanks Rachel...who couldn't use a bit of luck?
DeleteGood luck to you both-- always so good to find a partner in our efforts!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Everything is more fun with a friend!
DeleteHi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteToday, with this poignant and powerful message posting by your good self, I shall but leave a short comment.
Inspiration and motivation going hand in hand. Bless Jess and bless you, dear lady.
In kindness and admiration,
Gary
Short, but perfect Gary. Thank you.
DeleteBest wishes to your friend, and have fun on the 5k!
ReplyDeleteHmmm...have fun...we shall see ;)
DeleteI wish I had musical talent. Good luck on the 5K
ReplyDeleteI agree. She writes songs too; that's pretty impressive.
DeleteJess seems like an AWESOME person, Liz. Loved this post. And good luck to you!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous inspiration in your life! Healthy, healthy outlook :)
ReplyDeleteYes she is. Through surgeries, treatments, and bad new...she still does her best to keep her positive spirit.
DeleteHi, Elizabeth. Jess sounds like such an inspirational person. Good luck to you both with the 5K!
ReplyDeleteThanks Susanne! Luck will be needed!
DeleteGlad you found her to keep you going, good luck to you both :D
ReplyDeleteShe has always kept me on my toes...that's for sure!
DeleteJess sounds amazing and very inspirational!
ReplyDeleteGreat post Liz!
That she is...thanks Leigh!
DeleteSinging on the stairstepper - good idea! I play guitar on stage and I'm afraid to move around lest I miss a chord.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a good idea? I was impressed.
DeleteWow! Jess truly is a rock star.
ReplyDeleteperfectly said Susan!
DeleteWhat a wonderful friendship you have! Good luck with the 5K and to Jess.
ReplyDeleteThanks! You can never have too much luck.
DeleteOh man, what an amazing story! I'm totally motivated because of her :)
ReplyDeleteI've started by eating healthier. I keep telling myself to exercise, but I'm still always out of time. But I will get there!
DeleteI loved your post and that friendship with such an amazing girl. Good luck with the 5K. I'm still trying to reach that goal. I know I'm spitting my lungs at 4. Go both of you! Dwarves will be cheering for you!
ReplyDeleteI'll probably spit lungs at 1...can the dwarves carry me to the finish?
DeleteGood luck to the both of you and having motivation is great!
ReplyDeleteJess sounds like a fighter and I'm guessing she'll be a pain in cancer's @$$, as well :)
Perfect Mark!! I hope she is more than a pain, but a kicker in its @$$ as well!
DeleteInspiring. And best of health to Jess.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE survivors like JESS.... KEEP IT UP SWEETS! YOU'LL MAKE IT!
ReplyDeleteMY mom had the same attitude when she got cancer. She FOUGHT and WON.... but sadly another battle she couldn't win got her ... an addiction to cigarettes.
SO STAY CLEAR from the everyone.
I admire your loyalty to a close friend, Elizabeth... WHO KNOWS this may begin your love affair with running. LOL.
GOOD LUCK, I KNOW you can do it! Your boys is an athlete so it must come from somewhere. He'd be a great coach for you... Keep the faith and you will cross that finish line.
THANKS so much for sharing Jess with us. SENDING LOTS OF HUGS and HEALTY VIBES HER WAY!
I know you know all about the beast Michael! And know that even in the darkest of nights, there is hope.
DeleteMy kids got their athletic ability from their dad, but I can give it my best try! Hmm, a love of running? Not so sure that will happen...but it could...stranger things have happened!
Great post! Inspiring!
ReplyDeleteAll the best!
Nas
Thanks Nas!
DeleteGood friends and positive motivation - couldn't ask for more on the getting and staying healthy front.
ReplyDeleteTotally right!
DeleteLiz, you started out by making me cry...sending me to places that scared the hell out of me. Nothing less than I deserved as a spoiled, rebellious girl. These experiences shaped me, molded me into the woman I've become. I wouldn't change a thing!! I always told you...no regrets. I meant that...I still do. All of our experiences, good and bad, lead us down the path of becoming "Ourselves." You saw my light when it faded in the eyes of others. For that, I will ALWAYS be grateful. As for the 5k...I feel so blessed that you've agreed to do this for and with me. But, mostly I'm proud of you for doing this for yourself. May your year long training be as painless as possible and may your heart motivate you in ways in which you didn't realize it could!! As for me...I can't wait to cross that finish line with you.
ReplyDeleteHow did you get so smart? No one would ever guess you were the same little lady who took the agency car for a um, joy ride. So glad you have added wise to your list of wonderfulness and that you didn't lose your zest for life, but found a positive outlet for it.
DeleteAnd yes, doing something to make myself feel healthier is an amazing gift, and I thank you. I know better than to try to cop out...I know from experience that you don't give up! And if there is pain, well, it will be a for a good cause. See you soon...keep fighting...keep smiling!
Wow! That is inspiring! I'll be sending her lots of healthy thoughts--and both of you lots of endurance-type thoughts for that 5K! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteWe need both! Thanks Lisa!
DeleteOh my!
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be so much fun... JESS, you are my new heroine (seriously, for never giving up) but also for getting my CyberSis off the keyboard and onto the streets...
I demand pictures of the training!!
Great job ladies and I'm with you in spirit :)
CyberBrother knows how keep me honest! Pictures? Mark, don't you trust me ;)
DeleteAnd yes, I need to get away from the keyboard a little more...there is life away from the screen.
PS... *When* is the race :)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cheat.org/our-work/cheat-river-festival/cheat-fest-5k/
DeleteDate isn't set for next year...but I'm assuming May.
WOW Elizabeth, you continue to amaze me! I am in awe of you both. Jess certainly sounds like the coolest chick in town - besides you, of course ;)
ReplyDeleteShe's got a fantastic voice.
Good luck to you both!
xx
Isn't her voice amazing? Very Allanis Morset like.
DeleteAnd thanks...I don't get called cool often!
Very inspiring. Thanks for sharing Jess' story.
ReplyDeleteVisiting today from the blogfest
Rhonda @Laugh-Quotes.com
My pleasure Rhonda!
DeleteYou have all made me smile a hundred smiles in less than a day. Thank you so very much for all of your well wishes and kind words. Attitude is everything. I have been blessed to avoid chemo and radiation for the past year. Now...I face it. In less than one month I begin climbing that mountain. I'm preparing myself physically and mentally and look forward to the amazing view of the world as I plant my flag on top. I not only plan to run the CheatFest 5k...I plan on winning it. I set my goals as high as my hopes. And this is definitely a challenge in which I refuse to back down. Jess
ReplyDeleteLove you kid. But you know that. :)
DeleteJess, you should consider starting your own blog as a journal of your journey. You have a gift with words and could teach us all a thing or two...or three.
DeleteA blog would be a good idea. However, I've decided to write my first book. I'm going to start it on the day I start chemotherapy. I've always wanted to write one...my soul tells me that now is the time. Maybe I could get some help from a great author??
DeleteThat's a wonderful idea! Now I know plenty of great authors, but since you already know me...you may as well settle there. You need any help, just let me know what I can do!
DeleteJess sounds like a real trooper. I would've said yes to her too. My paternal grandparents died of cancer while I was in my teens, so I know it's serious business. And thanks for your kind words on my Faerie Tale Blogfest post.
ReplyDeleteYou deserve more than kind words! You're a true friend Sheen-kay!
DeleteI want a friend like Jess! What a motivator. Sometimes you need someone to be a pain in the ass to get you to move your ass. :) Have fun with the 5k!
ReplyDeleteI definitely need a kick in mine to do the physical.
DeleteInspirational people are the worst! No, it's great that you've got someone to motivate you to take on such an active venture. If you need anyone to motivate you to get back on the couch for a marathon Doctor Who/chocolate coated snack fest, I'm ya' gal.
ReplyDelete