If Tables Could Talk

I have spent the last 2 and a half years serving, WORKING with and getting to know some of the most AMAZING people I've ever met. I've come to know them so well in fact, that I feel like I'm losing some of my FAMILY by leaving.

If the tables at Rumbi could talk, they would tell you, that in the midst of one of the HARDEST times in my life, these great co-workers and dear guests rallied around me to offer a STRONG support system and advice.

Everyone of my relationships with these people is UNIQUE and DIFFERENT.

Those tables would say that there are certain people that I'd talk to if I was having a BAD day.  I could sit with them, for just a moment, and they'd make me laugh, INSTANTLY.

The tables would say that I cherish the fact that I'm more than just a manager in a restaurant but, rather, a FRIEND. I am there to lend a listening ear, a word of ENCOURAGEMENT, or sit and LAUGH.

They could tell you that some people come into the store with a BURDENED heart and I'll sit with them and they TRUST me enough to talk to me about the DIFFICULT things that are going on in their lives.

Over the years, GREAT stories of engagements, weddings, graduations, and pregnancies have been shared across the table, as well as,TRAGIC stories of death, heart break, and divorce.

These are the most INTIMATE places of someones heart and I have the honor of being able to hear what they have to say!

I have had the most amazing TIMES with you all!  

THANK YOU so much for being a part of my life and allowing me to be a part of yours. I'm going to MISS seeing you (some of you daily)! I'll miss hearing all of your stories, sharing in your secrets and laughing with you.

I LOVE YOU ALL...

But for now, lets just be GLAD that the tables at Rumbi CAN'T talk and that our secrets, tears, and laughter will be held in safe keeping!

Josh's Story

Josh and I meeting for the First time at the Miracles In Motion Kick off party

Just one month before his seventh birthday, Joshua was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia,a type of blood cancer that is most common in children under age 15.

He went through 40 months of chemotherapy at the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Phoenix Children's Hospital, making monthly trips from his Goodyear home to Phoenix. "It was pretty scary when they first said I had cancer, but I think I’m pretty strong and I think I’m going to be okay. Everyday there are so many needles and so many meds that make me feel crummy, but the worst is that I’ve spend LOTS of time in the hospital. Much of it I don’t remember because my body got too tired to work and they had to use machines to keep me alive," said Josh.

Joshua's family endured other types of hardships throughout his treatment as well.

Paul, Josh's dad, lost his job in the construction industry, so his wife, Meredith, went to work full-time as an event coordinator (she loves to teach dance,though). They switched insurance a few times and paid thousands of dollars in medical bills.

"We had seen the worst there was to offer," he said. "I've realized that even though something like this happened, it could be worse."

 In the four years since he was diagnosed, Joshua, 10, has become a spokesman for research to cure leukemia!

Joshua is now finally "chemo free"! Thirty-nine months of countless pills, pokes, prods and very uncertain months in hospital, he has remained hopeful that tomorrow would be brighter - not just for himself, but for all of those facing blood cancer.

Joshua has most recently been chosen to serve as Arizona's Ambassador through the Children's Miracle Network.

"I’m not sure what I want to be when I grow up, but I know God has a really big plan for me. For now, Ill just try to help find a cure so we can get rid of this stinkin’ disease."

Me, Meredith, Paul, Joshua and Elijah at Dave and Busters

Currently, this AMAZING family of four, live out in Goodyear where Josh goes to Estrella Elementary where he loves to learn about science. Additionally, while he's resting from saving the world, he also enjoys playing soccer (and so does his little brother too!)

Little Brother, Big Brother
Elijah and Josh

Who knows, maybe he'll become a doctor and be the one to find a cure for the very disease that he had to endure.

 If you are encouraged by this story, please click on the icon, FirstGiving, and help me raise money (its tax deductible!), as I will be running in honor of Josh in the P.F. Chang's Marathon!

My name badge! I'm running 26.2 miles in honor of Josh and his family.

I Bid Thee Farewell...

The nice thing about running in a group is that you don't need to take music with you. You just enjoy the run with your group and now more than ever, I appreciate that.

My iPod, Percy, died today only a few hours after our practice today.

It went something like this:

   Still plays music but the forward button doesn't work.

After that, someone at work went to see what song was playing and the screen turned insane colors and then shut off.

                                      MOMENTS LATER

                           Farewell Percy!

Group Run #1

Did you know that less than 5% of the population will ever complete a half marathon or marathon?

Today was my first group run with Miracles in Motion (p.s. I'm still in DIRE need of sponsors) and it was fun. Originally, we were supposed to start at 6 am but when I arrived at the park, aside from Coach Rick, I was the only one there.We did a group stretch and hit the trail at Kawains Park at about 6:30.

I was able to complete the 4 miles scheduled today in 30 minutes! Although, my legs were tight this morning I had to work through it. I was foolish and ran 3 miles on Friday and also did yoga (nuts!!!) While I'm no Flo Jo, I'm excited to see the progress that I will make over the next 6 months.

When we finished our run, there was a man from the Runner's Den there to talk with us about somethings. He was there to talk to us about what the magazines tell us we need and what we actually need. Here is what he recommended:

1. PROPER RUNNING SHOES
• a good shoe that provides great support rather than looks stylish.
2. HYDRATION AND NUTRITION 
• water, water, water. If you are going longer than 90 minutes take water with you. If less, hydrate before and after. 
• Use flue bars, gels, or other forms of energy past 90 minutes and every 40 minutes thereafter.
3. PROTECTING YOUR DANGLEY BITS: 
• Ladies:
1. A good sports bra does NOT come from Target. Protect your ladies. 
2. Never put your sports bras in the dryer. 
3. Most important, your bra should NEVER have a birthday! 
• Men: 
1. purchase shorts with lining because you don't want to wear a jock strap for 26 miles!
2. Buy laytex free band-aids and cover your nipples, so they don't bleed from your shirts rubbing them raw during a long run
4. SUN PROTECTION
• wear a hat 
• use sunscreen
5. CHAFFING GEL
• reduce your friction!!!

I hope that you find this as useful as I did.

Where the Sidewalk Ends

This morning, I was out for a run at, what I believe, is the one of the best parts of the day, SUNRISE. I decided that I was not going to do my normal, Pecos Park, run but  I wanted to try a different trail.

I headed down Frye Road, turned at 40th Street, and made it up to Ray Road. It wasn't until I was coming back and crossed Chandler Blvd. that I was ALMOST hit by a car. The car was making a right hand turn out of the Safeway parking lot, she made a quick glance to her right, so I thought that she saw me coming. After all, I was wearing a NEON pink shirt and yellow shoes, its not like I was wearing muted colors.

I kept running, in the bike lane (I don't run on the sidewalk, it's bad for your knees), and it wasn't until I was in FRONT of her car that I realized that she hadn't seen me. She took her foot OFF the break and started to inch forward, I hit the HOOD of her car and a look of HORROR came over her face. I was the one who had the right of way, I even looked both ways, just like my MOMMY taught me. So while I may feel slightly bad about hitting her car, she needs to learn to pay attention to what's going on around her. If we were all a little more ALERT the majority of accidents could be prevented.

This is my PLEA to you: be careful when you are driving because you NEVER know when runners, walkers, or bikers are going to appear.

To you my FELLOW runners, walkers, and bikers, be alert, because ANYTHING can happen where the sidewalk ENDS.

A Stick Of Deodorant

Today, I took my first official run of the season! I have been doing maintenance running through the summer and because it's so hot, everyone runs indoors. It is now starting to cool off and there are a lot more runners out on the road. The one great thing about there being so few runners outside during the summer is that you don't pass people that have a "smell" or people that have a lot of perspiration.

Most of you know that I don't sweat a lot and that I have this ridiculous paranoia about having body odor. If you know me very well, you know that I apply insane amounts of White Citrus lotion from Bath and Body Works and carry deodorant and a pack of Altoids, at all times. It never fails that where ever I go, there is someone around that has b.o. (that's why I assume that it's me).

Today, I passed a fellow runner that could have knocked a cactus over with his body odor. I don't understand how he could have even left the house smelling like that. Doesn't he know someone that would say "Hey, Friend, you stink!" For that matter, how could he not smell himself? 

As I ran further along, another runner passed me that was sweating so bad that when he exhaled through his mouth i saw the sweat fly from his mouth (and swear that it came 2 inches from me)! Now while they may not be trendy, Sir, you must invest in a sweat band!

Phoenix Children's Hospital

I did it! I finally did it and because you are reading this blog this makes it real. I have made a commitment to raise $1,500 for the Phoenix Children's Hospital at the

Most of you know that I have been running for the last year or so and that I was going to run in last years race but it didn't work out.

This year, I wanted to run in the marathon but do it for a good cause. I've become painfully aware, over the past couple of months, of how self-centered I am. I want to run but not just for myself. I want to do this marathon for something or someone beyond myself.

At first, I was considering Breast Cancer and other major organizations, but they have a lot of people that run for them and do fundraising for them. After doing my research, I finally landed on raising money for the Phoenix Children's Hospital.

I have a heart for children and the thought of a child suffering breaks my heart and beyond that the burden that is placed onto the family, especially financially. Its hard enough to watch your child be suffer, much less, not being able to pay all of the medical bills.

While I may not know every child's story or may not be able to pay every bill, I can certainly volunteer my time and run for something that is worth running for. Joining the Phoenix Children's Hospital's Miracles in Motion team, means that I will actually get to meet the child that I will be raising money for on August 28th!!!

If you are interested in helping me raise money for my honor patient please visit this site:

www.firstgiving.com/analisacervantez

I am so excited for this journey!