8 weeks: 4 days Until I Depart Cow Palace

http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/timothymeehan

It's been almost a month since my last post.  I'm learning how few and far between my posts have been since I started this effort in January.  Much like this ride (during the busiest year of my graduate school career), I'm also finding out how much I am feeling as though I'm biting off a bit more than I can chew with everything going on.  Thanks for all of your patience.

A few updates since I last posted:  I am officially no longer a full-time employee anymore.  As mentioned before, this decision was made to commit more time to training for the ride, devout more time toward school expectations (class and community service), and to prepare for my upcoming Clinical Internship this Fall.   I'm happy to report that scaling back work has lifted some weight off my shoulders, to a degree:  not having to commit to 40+ hours of work per week on top of everything listed above is saving me from insanity.  I am, however, working part-time, which is bittersweet:  it certainly limits my spending habits but it's return is overall happiness.  Now that I have a bit more time on my hands - and with the weather turning around in Chi-beria, I plan to get out and train/ride more...as well as post more.   So, standby for scenic Chicago photos from my daytime lakefront jaunts.  (Instagram: @MeehanU)

A big shout out to my entire family.  All of them have been so extremely supportive throughout my journey the past (almost 7 years) and even more supportive of my decision to complete this ride.  I don't know where I would be without each and every one of you (even you, Dad).  My mother (Karen Meehan), sister (Molly Meehan-Scuglik), twin bro (Terrence Meehan), and cousin (Gerry Slattery) have committed to watching me cross the finish line in LA on June 6th.  Having a support system in CA to watch me complete this 545 mile journey means a great deal to me!  I can't promise I won't be emotional seeing all of you there ... but know that some of that emotion will come from true exhaustion too.  ;-)

Now comes the trip-planning, which includes more clothing for the ride, securing my r/t bike shipment, hotels, packing.   Thank you Bruston, for your guidance this week while visiting Chicago.  (Sorry FIRST WIVES CLUB was a bust).  

Folks - As always, the fundraising does not cease to amaze me.  Given my lack of posting and, therefore, marketing my efforts - I've still managed to raise $375 in the past month.  To date, I'm so proud to announce that I've raised $4,321....far surpassing my original goal!   I continue to thank all of you for your continued support.    I could not have done this without you!

Shoutout time:

Jayne (Barry) Corcoran:  3 young children, a beautiful Beverly home, a CPD husband, a dog named Ellie and your own career.  I'm honored you made time to think of me and so appreciative of your donation.  You are a true beauty... a natural Bernie (on weekends), and one hell of a gal whom I share so many great memories with from over the years.   Thank you for supporting me and my efforts!  xo

Lucy (Bansley) Riles:  How many milestones have we been through together?  High-school, your family (need I say more?), we moved to LA together as poor college graduates, lived in a 1 bedroom apartment with 2 other people and a St. Bernard.  I'm proud to say that I'm the only boy that was allowed in your bedroom during high school....but even more proud of how much our friendship has lasted so long.  With everything you've been through, I have to sincerely thank you for taking the time to donate to my ride.  You BETTER be at the finish line in LA!   xo

Roy Ardizzone:  My New York roomie!  I never thought I would gain a friendship like ours when I moved to NYC!  I was / am so thankful to have you as my support while in the Big Apple.  You took me under your wing and gave me some great memories, good laughs, and friendships that will last a lifetime.  Thank you for your support, Daks!   We're long overdue for a reunion...which will happen soon!

Jessica Bloodgood:  Let me just reiterate the text message I sent you at 6:45pm tonight:  "Dude.  What?  Your donation.  Jessica!  So so generous."  And  "It is WAY beyond a donation.  It's like a car payment.  I'm so so grateful!"   And I mean it.  The only beef I have is that we live 4 blocks from each other and I still never see you.  Tell Berta to let you loose once and a while.  From the bottom of my heart....I can't wait to show your support for the BOSTON MARATHON on April 20th (that's right folks....we've gotta BeanTown Marathoner in the house!  what WHAT?!?)

Ok folks.....I'm leaving you with a favorite of mine by Mumford & Sons.  To me, this song is about being fully aware of how vulnerable one is being and how feelings can overwhelm a person (causing him to stumble repeatedly into his cycle of isolation and fear)... in order to continue being vulnerable without this, one feels compelled to ignore his openness.

"Watch me stumble.  Over and over."

Onward.  And Thank you!

She's back home

http://www.tofighthiv.org/goto/timothymeehan

After being stored at VisionQuest for classes over the past 8 weeks, Yikesss (that's her name) is back home and ready to start road-training once Mother Nature begins to cooperate in Chi-beria.  I have a tendency to run out of class when it's over and last week, I ran out without being aware that it was my last class of the session -- and left my bike in storage.  Shout out to Dave Noda and the VQ Team for the endurance training I've been doing since October!  Dave - I will take you up on a long outdoor ride once the weather turns....Another big shout out to John Wright for the support throughout the past few months, as well as introducing me to this training program and for the very thoughtful Christmas gift to help sponsor my 8-week session.

It's been a few weeks since I last posted and there's been quite a bit happening in my world:  mid-terms, clinical internship interviews, and I quit my job!  While the latest news is somewhat bittersweet, I am officially now just a graduate student for my last year of school.  In all honesty, the demands of my program were becoming a bit overwhelming:   School based community service hours (approx 10 hours per week), 8 credit hours of classes this semester, internship interviews for Fall placement, ALC ride training....as if that isn't enough on top of a 40 hour work week.  Something had to give.   Before coming to this decision, I researched all possibilities and focusing on my last year of school seemed to be the best option for me at this point.  I've worked my tail off throughout these past two years (3.98 GPA ... damn you A-).  My clinical training will be great (no matter where I end up) and this will give me the opportunity to put my skills and knowledge to the test.

A huge (and continued) thank you to all who have donated and supported me so far!  I've surpassed my goal of $3500.  Obviously, this is for a great cause...and one that is near and dear to my heart.   There have been some exciting medical advances recently -- keep an eye out in the media for more info!

Shoutout time.  While this list is short, it's strong!

Terrie McDermott -- you've been such a support for me (and my Dad) for so many years.  I am so grateful for your generosity toward my ride...and even more grateful to still have you in my life!  I know Dad would be happy to know that too.  You are an angel (along with him)!  xo

Maggie (Daly) Davis -- beauty!  We teased hard in college.  We teased even harder while living in NYC together!  (Learned from the best!)  You're so kind and generous for donating what you did!  You may be several states away in CO, but your teasing ways will always be with me!  I can't wait to celebrate with you soon!  Love and thanks to Matt and Catherine!

Trina (Gillen) Murray -- You're right.  It sure has been a while!  I have nothing but the fondest memories of our friendship while we were kids doing theatre around Chicago.  You're a natural talent...and you still prove this by your support for causes like this!  Let's not let so many years pass...when you're in Chicago next, we'll grab a drink!  Love and thanks to your family, too!

Bridget McGowan -- Bird!  Fairfield for LIFE!  I'm so happy we've remained friends throughout the years.  Truly.  Your donation was very thoughtful and generous!  I need to make more trips to Beverly to see you and Olivia....and Phil (I guess).  (Kidding Phil!)  Miss you guys terribly!

Danielle Calabria -- hopefully you're not asleep under a desk in your cubicle at Sony.  Kidding.  You know I love my Long Island Lolita!  Who else has visited me from Sony?  (Nobody)....just you!  Thank you for the love...and the support throughout the years!  Miss ya like mad!

Sarah Lorenz -- one of my first "bosses" in LA!  And now, we both live about 5 blocks from each other in Chicago and I never see you!  (I know...I suck at life!).  But, I'll make it up to you.  I promise!  Thank you for thinking of me.

Maria Fritz -- my work BF!  I'm going to miss you and our long daily chats!  Thank you for your everlasting and constant support...with EVERYTHING over the last 2+ years.  You've kept me so grounded when things got tough (and unmanageable).  I'm indebted to you!

Until next time, folks!   Keep donating!  I promise -- it's worth it!

Onward....