I Go 100

After a lot of thought and soul-searching, I decided to wrap up igo100 on Friday, July 16 – which is 4 days from now.

I made this decision with a heavy heart, because I am reluctant to let it go. To let it go means that it’s over – the feeling of striving to achieve something bigger than myself, toward a greater purpose. To end it means that I’m back to regular life. To take a bow and get off the stage before the guy with the hook yanks me away.

This past year has changed me. But I don’t yet quite understand how or to what extent. In a way I’m more content and free. But I’m also irritated at myself for not shining quite as brightly as I thought I would. That’s my ego talking, my pride. My pride is wounded and perhaps it needs to be. This is part of the lesson.

What’s next? I’m not sure. I’m a bit befuddled. Mixed up. And that’s okay. It’s okay to be here, imperfect and human. There are some things going on in my life that need attending to, and some special people who need my attention now. It’s all good.

Wow, where has the time gone? It’s already been a week since I last updated the blog. My family and I went away for 4 days last weekend, and since we’ve been back I’ve been busy cleaning up. Yes, cleaning up the house, cleaning up paperwork, cleaning out the closets, cleaning up everything I’ve neglected for 10 months. There is still a lot to do, and it feels great to start catching up.

Thank you, Ed – you’ve put up with a lot from me this past year. Thank you for picking up the slack when I was spending more time with the computer than with you. And when I wasn’t on the computer I was working away on the rowing machine in the basement, or huddled on the couch too tired to have a conversation. Thanks for understanding when I was preoccupied and stressed out, and for listening when I was discouraged. You are a wonderful husband and father.

I also want to thank the wonderful people who were on my support team on June 19. Without your help, I would have had a really tough time getting through the day – you made it a great day. Thank you Linda Franche, Heather-Anne Elliott-Martin, Cindy Bain, Cathie, Erin Jefferis, Lorne Sundby, Lynn Smith, Myrna Houle, Juanita Ottens, Robert Lutes, Ed Toy, Sandy Babiuk and Sandy’s niece.

Thanks also to all of you who cheered me on, through email, twitter or in person. And to those who supported me and encouraged me through the past few months.

And a special thank you goes to all who donated your time and your money to help build a school in an impoverished community. I know there are a lot of charities who need help, and it’s impossible to commit to giving to every one – choosing igo100 will make a tangible difference in the lives of hundreds of children. These children will become empowered through basic education, and acquire the tools they need to help pull their families out of poverty.

I’m expecting to receive an update on the construction of the school shortly, and will post the news when I receive it.

Regarding the fundraising goal, I am still in the process of deciding my next steps. As you can see on the right, I’m currently at 43% of my goal, which is $40, 000. The school construction is going ahead, regardless of the total amount I raise. However, I’m going to leave this open for 2 weeks and then make an announcement.