Special Olympics TX Polar Plunge

There are so many things on my bucket list, and one day I hope to be able to cross off most of my adventures.  See I say most because my list is on going.  I love to go on adventures.  A couple of years ago I was watching tv and I saw where some crazy people were jumping into cold water in the middle of a lake, who does that.  But guess what, I added that to my list-polar plunge. 

Alba's Bucket List

-Polar Plunge

Yes, I got to cross this off just recently.  About 2 weeks ago, my plunging adventure was completed.  But the reason for me freezing goes way back to a special person in my life, Brandon.  Brandon has Down Syndrome and he is my son's step-brother.  For a short period of our lives, he lived with us.  He thought me a lot about life, love, and seeing things through his eyes changed my life.  I was so happy to be able to fundraise money to support the Special Olympics. 

Special Olympics is a global movement of people who want to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities.

Intellectual disability (ID) is a term used to describe a person with certain limitations in cognitive functioning and other skills, including communication and self-care. These limitations can cause a child to develop and learn more slowly or differently. Intellectual disability is the most common developmental disability.

You know I love to do my part to help causes that are dear to my heart.  I had a great reason to be freezing but I really didn't need one.  We all need to give back to others.  Whether we give money, donate, volunteer, or fundraise.  In December the saying, there is a reason for this season and it seems like everyone is in a better giving spirit this time of the year.  But we should carry that all year long.

That was my 10 seconds of outreach...on to the fun stuff. 

My day started in Houston.  When I got in my truck it was a warm and in the 50s, left garage into the 40s, and when I arrived to Katy it had gone down to 30s.  As we made our way to San Antonio, it kept going lower and lower.  It is crazy how the Texas is actually going through a winter freeze exactly when I am doing a polar plunge.

Even before the event started I was all smiles.  I could not wait to polar plunge but I did not do it alone, I was joined but a Wild bunch part of my Wildsiders Family.

And there were 130 people who signed up also.  Due to the weather hazard some did not make it but we went on without them.  There is always next year right?

So we waited for our teams to be called.  With all the anticipation I do not think we realized how cold and how crazy this really was....and then they called us...

Thanks to a fellow Wildsider, Julie Pippert who caught it all on video, check it out:
Seaworld Aquatica Special Olympics TX Polar Plunge

We did it!  We conquered!  This was the best ever...I am so glad I did it.  And even happier these ladies were there by my side to accomplish this bucket list adventure.  Freezing for a Reason, anytime.  We were ready to do it again, right after we came out.  Some just dipped their feet in and ran back.  We went all the way to the line and back!  I can't wait to do it again.

I am a Wildsider!!!

OK Survivors Need our Help-Join #TXBLOGGERS Raise Much Needed Funds

Join us #TXBLOGGERS and together we can help our neighbors

#TXBLOGGERS are joining together trying to raise money for the Oklahoma Tornado Survivors.  Though we cannot understand why somethings happen, we can do something to help.  If you are looking for a way to help those in need today, please consider one of the following:

->United Way of Oklahoma - The United Way of Oklahoma is accepting funds that will then be redistributed to the organizations working directly on the ground for this tragedy. You can go here to donate.

->Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief Fund - The Southern Baptist Convention has a disaster relief fund set up to benefit any disasters in Oklahoma. Any funds you give currently will go towards relief of this current disaster.  Those interested in helping can make a tax-deductible donation to the BGCO's Disaster Relief ministry online or call (405) 942-3800. You may also send checks to: BGCO Attn: Disaster Relief 3800 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
->Feed The Children Disaster Relief - Feed the Children is vowing to help bring people the everyday goods that they need to survive after many of them lost everything. You can help them provide these goods by donating here.

->The American Red Cross-The American Red Cross is helping people in the Midwest with shelter, food, relief supplies and emotional comfort after tornadoes over the weekend destroyed homes and left thousands without power. (source-http://www.redcross.org/news/press-release/Red-Cross-Helping-Tornado-Victims-Across-the-Midwest) Text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, donate online, or donate by phone at 1-800-RED CROSS.


->Salvation Army-The Salvation Army is activating disaster response teams and mobile feeding units to help residents and rescuers in Moore, Okla., as well as in other locations in the Plains and the Midwest that were impacted by tornadoes. Donate online or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army's relief efforts or make a donation by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY. If you're sending a check make sure you put the words "Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the check, and mail it to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK., 73157.

Please pass forward this on to your friends and family