...Anything But!

Someone asked yesterday, "Won't your life seem boring now that the challenge of the SkateAThon is past?" Her question surprised me, and I have reflected on it. After a big trip, challenge, project, or holiday-our time and focus configures itself again...and we get back to 'normal.' Perhaps it's quieter and the thrill of challenge has abated,but suveying the 'normal' of the life you are building at this moment is a good practice....

So, since I am up... My panorama photo above is one that my brother Phil from Phoenix created, and we'll start my survey there. It reminds me of today- 24 hours- a stage waiting to be graced.

Today, ten minutes in the hottub is bliss - muscle stiffness fades as I gaze at the world and sky.

36 years ago- we each had just one best friend stand up for us at our wedding- Barb and Bim. Last night, we had a fabulous dinner with Bimbo ( no explanation of that name coming) at Flemings. Today, Barb and friends arrive from Steamboat Springs to stay here, while celebrating her mother's 90th Birthday. Today, I celebrate lifelong friends.

Today is Grandparent Day at Preschool, so I enjoy 3 grandchildren, children of Cristen & Jenny!

Today, my response is due- son Daniel in NYC, asked me to read something, offer suggestions. (that's a thrill for me)

Today, is my first day of a new clinical trial, taking a PD medication - they won't find answers in research unless we help.

Today, I meet with 3 friends for a prayer/spirituality/breakfast group ( in 1/2 hour)

Today, my spouse Ted goes up to Duluth Minnesota to play Pond Hockey (google it- I had never heard of it either) out on Lake Superior with friends, staying with daughter Michaela and family. Yes, he's got it- bad! Brrr!

Today, reviewing catering bids for daughter Mary's wedding, I pray for their new life together.

Today is trash day for our neighborhood. And today I am thankful for their cold hard work.

Today..is all any of us have. and surveying the panorama...Skate out on each minute of this brand new day, makiing unique lines on the clean surface. It is more than enough.

Miracles On Ice!

Sometimes when I walk down the hall past the den, I hear the hoarse excitement, the yelling dialogue and recognize that stirring music. The story never grows old for Ted, he can watch the movie "Miracle On Ice" once a week. And more often than not, I sit down to watch- again.

In 1980 the US won their first gold medal in hockey... if you aren't into skating, you may not know how their achievement sent excitement and hope through much of the country. Thirty years ago, trying to describe the unlikely victory over a dominant Russian team, announcer Al Michaels coined the phrase " Do you believe in Miracles??" goosebumps come every time....

Human beings, when striving with dedication, working hard with proper coaching- can achieve more than they ever thought possible...more than anyone thought possible. No one person could set this event up or skate for 24 hours. But caught up in the enthusiasm and comraderie with others, a special 'spirit' was created, everyone did their part-and it worked, rather easily.

For me, the idea of ice skating on a cold night, with lots of people around- was intimidating. When my feet get cold or my medicine wears off, my left foot cramps and turns under and my balance is poor. Add some stress, and ice skating looks like a long shot....but it worked fine.

Others who came told us they couldn't skate, or hadn't for years- and then did! It is exhilarating to be watch or be part of things like that- we all love a win.

That's what we're hoping to acccomplish with the PHD Program too- helping people who are facing a tough opponent in PD know that they are not alone, to connect them to activities that can actually improve functioning. With hard work, practice and proper coaching- bouyed by the camraderie and commitment of others, they can accomplish much more than they think is possible...just like last weekend....or that moment in 1980.

So cue the drumroll, and let the breathless announcer call out the stunning results:

• The donations just hit $10,120.83 !! Unbelievable? Not any more!
• 312 people attended, and more skated this year than ever before.
• Checks to the Michael J Fox Foundation = $1,035.00 so far.
• No one, not one person- got hurt. Isn't that remarkable??

Do you believe in miracles? SCOOORE!

Once in A Blue Moon

Once in a great while, the universe lines up in a certain way and takes on a special light- like the second full moon of the month we saw on Dec 31st...or my experience of the SkateAThon.

But trying to explain a peak experience ( the sight of the Grand Canyon, the electricity of a Springsteen concert, rushing the court after a last second shot, or the miraculous birth of a baby)...you know that the sum is greater than the parts, and words can't convery the chemistry or "magic" of the event. But here are a few memorable 'lights' for me:

• Our relief after several fuses blown early in the evening ( think Chevy-I-never-met-an-extension-cord-I-didn't-like Chase in Christmas vacation....and lights twinkled all night.



• Cutting the ribbon to skate with Ted, as newly appointed Grand Marshall Doug in his Marley-dreadlocks hat and toting champagne, rang the bell for our Opening Ceremonies.

• One little girl, reluctantly persuaded to try on skates and use our system of pushing a 4 legged kitchen stool...later skating all on her own, with a grin as big as the discarded stool.



• A line of little kids and adult players in full gear all swaying side to side as they sang the National Anthem and O Canada...then diving across the ice yelling "Let's play hockey!"

• The beaming smile of a Marian coach, surrounded by several girls on her 2000 State Championshiup team, now catching up with friends while juggling babies and toddlers.



• A newly married couple coming just to skate after seeing the KMTV interview, looking up as she put on her new skates, and found a good friend- one of our married daughters.

• The enthusiasm of one young man on his way out the door, digging in his jeans pockets for crumpled bills while saying, " I had such a blast- I need to put in more money!"



• The soft glow on 40-50 faces, crowded closely in the light of Birthday candles on the cake, all outside singing Happy Birthday to Mark, Emily and Johnny at 1 am.

• Watching Ted's face, his enjoyment in seeing the big tent full of excited skaters anxious for their turn...and even our shuttle drivers in the street could hear the crowd cheer.



• Walking across the ice holding the arms and seeing the smiles of dear friends Monnie and Helen, the co-inspirations of the PHD Program, to be together in one of the group photos.

• A friend, wide-eyed at the panorama of fun, offering to connect me to a wonderful yoga teacher for the Program, and another offered to professionally create a PHD website.



• Fighting back tears of joy as we stand with his parents, watching their son who fought a life-threatening illness recently, now a visible answer to prayer skating in the morning sun.



• And Travis sleeping soundly in a chair.

Tune in Monday for the complete results and an announcement about our lofty goal.

The next blue moon won't occur until 2012...but the glow from this one will easily last 'til then!

MCHL Heroes- by Ted Wuebben

I told someone the other day when I started hockey, I watched (much like a child) as you MCHL players walked out of the locker room toward the ice and the benches...no sound under the skates, just a soft squeak from the rubber mats....but a distinct air about them, almost warrior-like on their march to do battle. Wow, if only I could learn enough so I could walk in my skates without buckling my ankles or waffling back and forth! Never did I realize the fabulous people that filled those skates.

It was very apparent this past weekend at the PHD SkateAThon. The entire 24 hours was filled with skaters, but Friday night was special. 40-60 teammates friends and foes crowded the deck to watch others do epic battle in ten minute 3 on 3 games.

The enthusiasm and sportsmanship of hockey would be hard to match anywhere. BUT what will never be matched is the generosity of the MCHL players in donating to the PHD Program. As Colleen and I sat on our bed to record and count money, I was overcome with emotion not only with the money aspect- but the participation of those who gave. So many of you, if not 100% of those who attended ( and many who did not) donated from their wallets and their hearts...all I (we) can say is Thank YOU,,,maybe now I know why you walk with such an air about you, it has nothing to do with the skates.

Winning the Weather Lottery

Working in the rain tonight, unstringing the tiny lights that added so much ambiance in the tent on the deck during the party, I realized something - (other than the fact that it can't be legal to write that many pronouns in one sentence) We should be buying lottery tickets, we are so lucky!

In case you aren't as hard-wired into analyzing the weather with an eye toward outdoor skating, let me remind you ... last Friday morning, as we ran errands to prepare, we listened nervously to forecasts that the fog would lift and give way to sunshine and high 30's by noon. Which spelled Disaster with a capital D for 24 hours of good ice for us. Thankfully, the fog kept the temps down and the sun away longer, and the whole ice rink was perfect for the 6 pm start ( in the photo I am cutting the Grand Marshall's ribbon with my skate blade!) Late into the wee hours Friday night this tent was packed with happy people watching hockey, because it was comfortable- cold, but not windy or wet, and the frosting glistening on the trees was magic.. and then Saturday dawned sunny and stayed perfect for the brave souls and energetic kids outside all day. In short, the conditions could not have been more perfect-- for the whole 24 hours!

Just a few hours later on Sunday morning as we sat in the hottub, Ted and I almost didn't recognize the place... misty clammy air, standing water on the rink, the trees look barren and wet and dull- not a trace of magic!

Faced with predictions of rain and ice tonight, we dropped off our son Daniel at the airport, hoping to get back to NYC, and waved goodbye as daughter Michaela and her husband and 3 sons (all under4!) left driving for Duluth ahead of the storm. What a difference a few days make!

So for 2 weeks before (remember our venture well below Zero?) and the days since, there have never been another 24 hours that a SkateAThon would have worked! So now as we take the tent down before the coming ice does it for us- we shake our heads at our incredible luck....How much is that powerball up to now>??

SkateAThon 2010 Rocks!

If a picture is worth a thousand words, we would need a huge file of photos to really capture the heart moving moments, the generous giving, the fun skating, the unique late-night hockey experience and comraderie of this 24 hour event. First few shown here: the crowd that was here at 5 pm, on the deck / then the crowd here for the final lap and toast at 6 pm Saturday, raising our stick in celebration/ happy MCHL skaters after one of the many 3 0n 3 games skated Friday night/ Colleen & Ted with Cookes and Hancocks.

As I am still challenged by the technical issues and interface of computer files- one of my children will create a public photo album on Facebook and Snapfish, so you can scope out the panorama of fun.

So many people have asked "How did you do on the SkateAThon?" So here is a partial answer-

Funds raised online- blog button $3,840.

Funds raised on site at the event $ 4,732.

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an astonishing $ 8,572.00 !! ( and more arriving each day)

People in attendance: 286 +

Our funds raised will be shared between the start of the PHD Program locally and the Michael J Fox Foundation...and most importantly, Every donation will help create hope and options for the individuals and families affected by Parkinson's Disease- so we salute all of you by raising our sticks in celebration again!

The Day After

The above photo comes as an explanation and serves as an apology for my delay in getting full results and photos posted for the SkateaThon. That group, posed in front of a Zamboni at Motto ice rink, is our clan.

In discussions at Thanksgiving, I let them know that with developing the PHD Program and planning the SkateAThon, that shopping for Christmas just wouldn't fit in...refer again to the size of the group. Graciously, they all understood and agreed to wait. Every one of them were here for, and played such a big part in, the great success of our adventure.

So today, tired relieved and joyful, our 5 children ( from Omaha, Duluth and New York City)

their wonderful spouses and 10 grandchildren gathered for Christmas dinner and gift exchange.

The living room was almost as loud as it was during the packed event the night before!

So our 'blogging, planning, ice rink creation' hats were exchanged for Grandma Colleen and Daddy T for today...cleaning up, cooking dinner ( huge roast that was a gift from Doug & Amy, that was so big, Ted joked it should have come with a saddle!) and we enjoyed each other and the other gifts. Although I inexplicably lost one package...and grandson Oscar helped me look for it until we gave up...so that means one more shopping trip to go.

We did have over 270 people sign in and have totaled well over $8,000! And now I have 455 pictures to sort through and share...I promise not to lose those for you. Tune in tomorrow.

24 Hours Complete!

This could not have been a more successful and fun event- we are both overwhelmed with the response...from those who attended, provided great food, all the many skaters, the Grand Marshall, to the perfect weather, our great neighbors, and the laughter joy and and the donor's amazing genorosity...We are so grateful.



And among our blessings was the chance to witness the complete dedication of our children, siblings and Mickey- to every detail over every minute....It was Awesome! Will post results within a day ....but when we get to add up the number of people who came and funds raised, I think it will confirm what WE already know- SkateAThon 2010 was successful beyond our wildest dreams...again, Thank You!



But wait...speaking of dreams, I am not even really awake....I just came out for a glass of juice- Back to bed.
" I in my kerchief and Papa in his cap...have just settled down for a long winter nap."

Day 1 - Check

(For all you hockey fans, no pun intended)

What a spectacular 1st day!! The weather stayed below freezing all of Friday. We had over 200 people cycle through the house on Friday night / Saturday morning! Family, friends, family of friends, friends of family and neighbors. Even those who didn't skate took the time to learn how or just to watch. And to get warm we had plenty of food, drinks and games. Our raffle winner took home a 1 hour massage and another lucky winner received 2 tickets to the Symphony for Saturday night.

Dad's hockey friends started arriving around 11pm, but needed to wait for ice clean up. The storm of 40 were bouncing around on the deck like little kids on Christmas morning, itching to open their gifts. For the next 2-3 hours, they kept the ice warm -- don't worry, not too warm -- with their 3 on 3 games.

Still later in the night-- er, early this morning -- Emily, Mark and Johnny celebrated their birthdays with 30 of their closest friends. More one-handed hockey kept the rink filled with skaters as we completed the first 1/2 of the Skate-A-Thon.

For those of you on the Mickey watch, she's still going stro-.......well, she's still awake. Note the clock picture at 1:42 AM documenting such insanity!

So we enter Day 2 having raised over $5,000! Thanks to all of you who came by last night, who have donated time, money, energy, food and support. We couldn't have done this without each of you!

There is still time for you to stop by on Saturday. With the warmer weather predicted this afternoon, kids would be a welcome addition on the ice. Let's hope the forecast was a bit off and we can stay below freezing for another day!

On The Eve

Tonight's last minute preparations and announcments, and some photos:

1) Parking on our street is limited- So there will be a shuttle to and from St Leo's parking lot on the corner of 102 and Blondo. Come to our house to drop your passengers off if desired, then park on the west side of that lot, near Blondo. Or simply park in the lot with your lights on so the van can fiind you. The shuttle van will loop every 5 minutes Friday night, and have walkie talkie communication with each other. Someone will be in our driveway giving directions,.

2) Due to the warm temps, later Sat. afternoon, (2-4?)we may need to plan on only small children skating much for a few afternoon hours, to avoid getting the ice too soft.

On to the fun stuff- today was full of Nacho Average Party Preparations. The photos include

Mickey sweeping snow/ David Cooke and Ted putting up the tent, and using a propane heater to dry the criveway !??) Brother Phil from Phoenix shoveling snow/ trying out a mini- zamboni / Colleen Still working on the goal / Jenny & Jolly Molly's fabulous Skate Cookies are here!

Post a comment if you have questions- we'll check hourly...Wish us luck, please.

This Is " Nacho" Average Party!

No one prepares for a party like this- we throw ourselves into having people have fun!
First, some MCHL buddies came to shovel the whole rink and then play, a dry run to 'condition the ice' and try the firepit. My personal trainer's mother, in town from Cozad, offered and is now busy helping us out.

In the morning I open the curtains to find Ted, shoveling a huge drift to uncover the bleachers(yes, we have our own) and throwing the snow INTO the hottub to melt...if you missed the story of his other creative snow removal ideas- do check out the previous post on Willy & Ethel...and between fits of laughing and a little tremor, I was lucky to get the shot! ( digital cameras with stabalizers are my new best friend) Then imagine tireless daughter Jenny and I pouring buckets of water and sweeping out the garage- so tables of extra food can be out there- no refrigeration needed.

Finally, the hockey goal pictured on the deck, next to the snow rake they used to scrape off the excess ...well, you know if you live here. Finally, notice that goal- how the net is not attached yet to the post. So guess who, with careful detailed instructions given before he left for the Crieghton game, is out on the deck stringing that goal at 9 pm??? Anyone? Anyone?

Can't Wait To See You!

Hold the Bleu Cheese

Have you ever really wanted something, and then find that when you are presented with the opposite- that it actually is far better? The 'electricity' is crackling- the secret is getting out! People from several states have called, written, donated or asked for info for a friend with PD -- all from this little patch of ice in Omaha! The donations total hit $ 2,500.00 today and we haven't even laced a skate! We were interviewed on Midday TV, saw the event mentioned in the paper, and people from yoga to the hardware store are asking for info for someone with PD, reliving memories of ice skating as children, or asking directions. Yet...this is the absolutely the Opposite of what I wanted, when I first heard those shocking words.

For most of us, PD is an intense, rather private journey. Awareness of unpredicatable motor fluctuations and subtle internal changes hums like Muzak in the background, threatening to intrude on center stage. And how we try to avoid the spotlight of attention to our new companions- whether tremor, gait problems or even the tiny handwriting. In our own grasping for answers just days after hearing this diagnosis, before we told anyone- we read MJ Fox's book, Lucky Man...and reading that he had hidden the news for 7 years, I was absolutely determined to keep this a secret.

Fortunately, the only person I was willing to consult was the right one. My wise mother knew that secrecy would only trap us- each with our own heartache and fears, insulated from cutting edge information or loving support from others...which has made all the difference! How lucky, to be given what we need, rather than what we want. Now, four years later, life is so good. And so we skate, as we have for years- the simple flowing motion brings us pleasure, gathers friends and family (those are just Some of my brothers and sisters!) and now promises hope for others. ....Never mind my order...just bring me the Special.

Follow The Money

If you're new- Welcome! In folksy cyberspace, we speak of many things...turning our backyard into a frozen playground, what Parkinson's disease is, how the SkateAThon works, and creative snow removal (check out the past posts) but today, let's talk about Money.

The past 2 SkateAThons raised over $ 11,000. for the Michael J Fox Foundation, the largest single funder of Parkinson's research. This year, the proceeds will also start the PHD Program(Parkinson's Health Development) to offer holistic exercise and activities to persons with PD, at affordable rates. While research into causes and cures is important for progress in the future, this year our focus shifts to those real people in Omaha facing PD- now. Often careers have been cut short, insurance is costly or denied, medical and pharmacy bills escalate, and the financial strain looms, in an illness made worse by stress.

All we have is now- this day. Even though research shows that the course of our PD can be positively affected by specific, intense, frequent and cognitively challenging exercises - finances can be such a stress that even accessing services that could help the course of your illness (since they aren't covered by insurance) can seem out of reach. The PHD Program, run BY people with PD, FOR people with PD, can be part of the answer- bringing hope and options within reach.

The PHD Program will work with teachers in a variety of disciplines: yoga, tia chi, personal training, dance, boxing, meditation- to schedule classes at accessible sites, at optimal times for partcipants, at reduced cost. Then PHD will supplement the cost of the activity, to make it more affordable for individual with PD and family member. With our exceptionally high incidence rate of PD in Nebraska, it will make a difference. Skate along with us toward this goal.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." M Mead

What Goes Around, Comes Around

In the dizzyness of preparations for the SkateAThon, a moment to wonder- How did we get here...three years of skating in circles, laughing and shivering, for a good cause? Who dreams up 24 hours of ice skating? Oh, if only you knew Doug...

Climbing up the bleachers to say Hi to every person in the stands at a game, he's the first to simply show up, pray or offer to help, while making anything more fun with his shenanigans.

As Ted and I tried so hard to think of a fundraiser that we could pull off to benefit the Michael J Fox Foundation he just laughed, "Just use what you've got, and no one else has a rink."

Now it might seem comical to have a Parkinson's Disease event outside in the cold (which can trigger stiffness or tremors), with an activity that depends on balance ( often a challenge) and that lasts 24 hours straight ( for those of us with sleep disturbances!) But so much fun, and so much good, has come since his remark... and memories piled higher than the snowbanks that now surround the rink. There, in his words, is also the best way to live with PD, or any challenge.

Whether supporting the fight against Parkinson's, or striving to live well with it-

"Use what you've got": your good friends, your mucles, your humor and hope, whatever it is and then keep going, even if it is in circles!

"Where Everyone Knows Your Name"

Isn't it fun to walk in a room and the people are truly happy to see you?....... "NORM!"

Well, that is the way SkateAThons have been in the past. Friends gathering for a great time, by the ice, around a fire, with food and drink in hand....Sounds nice doesn't it?

No need to have skates, we have plenty.....no skating experience necessary....we had none when we started. So contact your friends or family and pick any time you want to gather and sign up.
24 hours is a long time...and we still need names to actually write down.

The group-party hours for the MCHL hockey league, Woody & Emily's birthday party and Marian are all filling quickly- thank you! Attending with your friends is more fun, for you and them, so let's check with each other and create community while supporting a good cause, just pick any of the 24. Oh, and the closing ceremony has been known to include popping a cork or two... Let us know if you are able to help fill in some of our empty slots!

If you have trouble trying to RSVP or sign up on the blog, just shoot me an email with your shift preference: cwuebben@cox.net. and Your name will be here. ..and we can't wait to see you!

The Temp is Rising

...not outside of course, the wind chill still rules with a single digit fist.
But inside, preparations for the SkateAThon are cookin' and people are getting excited. Our family is pretty laid back, but hosting parties and having fun- is very serious business. Actually, that's how Ted and I connected- just after our first date, he asked me to help him get ready for a party...a college kegger ( you know the type- 200 kids and nary a potato chip to be found) All legal, I hasten to add, because the age was 19 then. So we spent an afternoon giggling while scooping and hauling ice, free, from the CU Bus Ad building, with his infectious shoestring creativity "It's Saturday, no one's here to use ice anyway!"

To all getting involved for a good cause- Thank you!

• Organizing a shuttle service, because our street is now snow clogged, so you can park nearby and get a quick ride to and from your car safely.
• Friends in the Metro Classic Hockey League are turning out in force 11pm-1 am to play (to hear them last night, it will rival the Stanley Cup)
• Micki K, Hostess, stayed 24 hours last year...is now getting sponsors for her marathon devotion, tracked by hourly webcasts to sponsors.
• Marian High alums are gathering Sat. morning at 10 am. with rumors of the Class of 2000 dominating turnout- just as they did State- X 5! Children are welcome.
• Our future son in law, Mark, stepped to the plate by hosting his birthday party in the Wee hours- when friends do their best work, and we could use DH skaters.
• Offers for supplies ( thanks Randy!) food & beverage donations flowing in, we may have a premier of a new hot spot's menu, if it's a good night.
• Ice skates all labeled with sizes, written on blue painter tape- guess who?
• Donation total= an amazing: $ 610. 00! It's getting warmer all the time.

SPENDING MORE TIME ON THE ICE THAN ON THE ICE!!!

By Theodore H. Wuebben

That might seem strange but its true with all the snow, ice and rain, maintaining the ice has been a constant chore.

As you can see from the pictures. What a difference a few weeks make.

Thanks go out to all the people who have helped with this chore. R. Mullen's new ice scraper is not fun to use but it has been necessary, as the wind and snow have worn grooves in the ice. ...Strange. and I thought all we had to do is "add water"

BUT IT'S READY NOW!!!!!!! Can't wait to see all of you here.