Wanna know what's cool? Here are 5 things...

Countdown - 34 hours!

Want to know what will really make you feel good?

1. When my story hit The News-Sentinel (or more accurately, hit their website) on Wednesday afternoon, I was immediately contacted by Facebook friends and others who wanted to express their gratitude for what I was doing. Immediate and instant gratification!

2. This morning, when Frank Gray's column had barely been a few hours old, a dear old friend (in fact, my daughter's babysitter's mother) contacted me with all sorts of praise. First amazement at what I was about to do, then real gratitude. It would seem that two of her grandchildren have Crohn's.

3. I got a call at work from an 84 year old woman from Columbia City. She wanted to tell me how great my story was and ask me a little about my route. What a charming and dear woman!

4. Frank Gray calls me late in the afternoon to find out if there is some sort of 'send off' party for me. Apparently he had gotten a call about his column and some folks wanted to help send me on my way on Saturday morning. When I told him I'm just basically rolling down the driveway quietly (so as not to wake the neighbors) he actually sounded a little disappointed.

5. I got a call from a woman tonight at home who just wanted to thank me for undertaking this adventure. She -like many, many, many others- have told me about a friend or loved one that is suffering from Crohn's or Colitis. That's a recurring theme. It continues to show me how pervasive these diseases are. Now since we know many people are affected, let's work on getting a cure going!

Did I mention that I actually packed everything but my phone charger and laptop on the bike already? Am I anxious or what! Tick tocking it's way to -almost- 33 hours to go now!