One step for me, one step for Lupus.

Long time no blog... (I know... I could spend an entire blog apologizing about my procrastination issues or I could delve right into the reason I am writing right now...)

For the very first time, Lupus LA will have runners participating in the LA Marathon and the day before the Marathon, I am going to participate in the first Lupus 5K of the year. There are a number of lupus organizations who organize different Lupus Walks throughout the year. The Lupus 5K, in association with the LA Marathon, will benefit "Lupus LA". I am proud to be a member of Team Life Without Lupus. I do not run. I do not jog. My plan is to put one foot in front of the other until I am done. One step for me, one step for Lupus. If the mood strikes me, I will skip along a portion of the course as I realize how lucky I am. Lucky that I am healthy enough to get out of bed and take steps towards funding a "life without lupus". Each time I train (a.k.a. work out) for the Lupus 5K, I remember that there are Lupus patients who cannot walk, so I am walking for them. (To be honest, sometimes that isn't enough of a motivation to get moving--I know, bad Lupie!)

It is those times that I channel my alias, LA Lupus Lady, and know that I need to move forward for Lupus. I can "strut my stuff" while raising Lupus awareness. The notion of "strutting my stuff" comes from the Purple Lab NYC lip gloss "Huge Lips, Skinny Hips" shade Red Sole, whose name was inspired by the bright red bottoms of shoes designed by Christian Louboutin. When I put on this gloss with Hoodia (an appetite suppressant) inside it, even though I am donning my cross-trainers instead of stilettos I feel comfortable in my skin and my stride finds a swagger that was missing before. I find my "Red Sole Strut". The best thing about wearing "Huge Lips, Skinny Hips" while I am in training is that I look good and the gloss isn't sticky, so my hair doesn't stick to my plump pout. I feel the Hoodia working and while I am out on the street putting one foot in front of the other, I remember that I am wearing my Purple Lab lip gloss and I can "train" for 5 more minutes.

The best part of my Lupus 5K training is the "ritual soak" I take after a good long walk. I love combining Epsom salt with an essential oils and linger in the tub. After that I slather on the lotion and conk out. While I have not been remiss in my training for the Lupus 5K, I have been lacking in the fund-raising department... which leads me to post this now.

On March 20th, I am taking steps to raise Lupus Awareness. Please help by donating what you can to my effort for Lupus LA. Click on the link www.firstgiving.com/lalupuslady and donate what you can. Thank You!