03/13/2015

In the past two days I received request denied letters from both Qantas Air and New Zealand Air.  The letter from Qantas had me feeling sad because it was clear in the reply that no thought at all was given to the request for sponsorship.

It basically said that they are an iconic organization that supports many large and small causes. Then it was a basic form letter that after it told me how great they were, consoled me for my loss and said there were compassionate fares for domestic travel.  Seriously?  I might have said we were not youngsters working to attain the goal to do the RAW Challenge together, but I’m sure I did not imply one of us would keel over from the task!

Last night I then received the New Zealand Air rejection Letter.  In contrast it began:  “Thank you for contacting at Air New Zealand regarding possible assistance with flights to enable you to take part in the 2015 Raw Challenge. My name is Shelley Crawford and I assess all philanthropic and sponsorship requests
received by Air New Zealand.”

She went on to name some of the non-profits and organizations that they sponsor and that after consideration would not be able to assist me. She apologized and hoped that I understood their position and wished me luck.

I replied to Shelley and let her know that it is a good job when you tell someone no and still leave them with a positive feeling and thanked her for the consideration.

The difference between the two was like having a date with a guy who let you pay and afterward didn’t remember your name and having a date with a guy who you both shared some stories but in the end he admitted he was committed to someone else but left you feeling that perhaps another time in life it could work out.

I am far from defeated and hope to finalize some dates and plans and go ahead and purchase a ticket soon.

Yesterday, I was admittedly a bit down and Wilma commented, “Always a great post, no matter the topic. I think that you should keep up the workouts because it’s good for you, and you will appreciate the changes you make in yourself. Keep the dream alive! But even better – I have a thought for you – there’s another Raw Challenge in November, which might be more doable for you. So keep pushing for May, and if you need to adjust, I promise to do the November challenge with you (maybe). Sending you a Hug and a Pint”

Wilma, I love you that you would go so far as to commit to this lunacy of the obstacle challenge twice, but I don’t want to put it off.  First of all, it would give me time to put off training whereas right now, I know there is no time to put anything off.  And am I to write a daily blog until November?  Good grief I don’t think anyone wants to hear that much of the stories.  No, let us continue for the May challenge.

Today I got in my 2 miles while having a wonderful conversation with a friend. I did the weight bar exercises, planks and finally tried the squats with the jumps added on.  Good times.  Thank you for the phone call tonight.  It was good to hear your voice and thoughts of the trip.

Love Betty