Monday, December 11, 2017

Holiday, Hearts and Home Benefit Concert Fundraiser for Puerto Rico relief efforts is TONIGHT!

Don't miss this amazing one night only benefit concert at Arena Stage, 1101 Sixth Street, SW, Washington, DC, to assist with relief efforts to Puerto Rico! 

Holiday-Hearts-and-Home benefit concert is TONIGHT, Monday, December 11th, 2017 at 7pm. All ticket and cash bar sales will go towards supporting local chef Jose' AndrΓ©s’ charity World Central Kitchen (worldcentralkitchen.org/) as well as #ChefsForPuertoRico, providing relief efforts to Puerto Rico following the destructiveness of Hurricane Maria.

Tickets are available at the door this evening or online for $40: Holidays Hearts and Home benefit concert for Puerto Rico.

Victor Wisehart is the actor, who currently plays Charley, the Fix it Man, in the Pajama Game, that spearheaded this fundraiser event. Holidays, Hearts, and Home was created by, directed and produced by Victor Wisehart. I spoke to him about this event, after seeing him perform in the The Pajama Game at the Arena Theater, a week ago. "It is important to give back to the community and do good when the opportunity arises."

It will be a magical evening! Hosted by four-time Helen Hayes Award-winner Ed Gero and featuring amazing talent, who are cast members from The Pajama Game, as well as, guest stars of the Washington, D.C. area theater community, including Natascia Diaz, Britney Coleman and Tim Rogan. They will be performing beloved holiday classics and musical theater songs.  

METRO: Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater is only one block from the Waterfront-SEU Metro station (Green Line). When exiting the station, walk west on M Street toward Sixth Street, and the main entrance to the Mead Center is on the right.

PARKING: Parking is available in Arena Stage’s on-site garage for $22 on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons can also park at the Public Parking Garage at 1101 Fourth Street, one block from the Mead Center, for $14.



Saturday, November 11, 2017

How are you?

Well,

Hello, there.

It's been awhile.

I just checked in, since 4/10/17. And you guys are still stopping by.

I have to say...that Boston Marathon charity team, well, I'm still processing. I should probably be in therapy. I SO want to post "Confessions of a Boston Marathon Charity Runner."

And, of as, right now, I'll leave it at that, because I simply do not have the energy or time but maybe, one day. Right now, I would advise you to stay away. If you need me to elaborate, I'd be happy to respond to a personal message.

And here we are, at 3 in the morning. WoW! It's a partay on my blog!

I'm all over the place. I've had the yearning to write but I always seem to be falling asleep in my contacts.

I just need to write. It's in my soul. I need to let it go. Like when I listen to live music and I become a dancing queen.

Pain. Doctors. Tears. Healing.

For the first time since December 2009, I DO NOT HAVE A RACE ON MY CALENDAR! I sorta feel like I'm floating in outer space.

confession: I'm #11 on the Umstead 100 Miler waiting list. Would I go if they said
"You're up"??? Hell ya. And my goal would be to make it past the 50 mile line. I haven't ran more than 5 miles since September but that's how I rock n roll.

IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD.

Hey, did you see Shalane Flanagan WINNING the NYC marathon?? YES, this is amazing. But what is even more amazing is that she is a foster Mom. You win my heart. I was once, a long time ago, in foster care. It was the highlight of Boston, to meet Shalane and tell her THANK YOU.

DREAM BIG. CHASE YOUR DREAMS.

More and more, I whisper this to myself as I chase a career that is full of rejection and self doubt. Be true to yourself, I keep saying over and over again, as I submit one more self audition tape.

The truth is I've been very lucky these past two years and have worked really, really hard to be where I am in my acting career and there is a stepping stone that is next that I'm not so sure of...

I'm either ALL IN or all out.

My world is spinning in all sorts of directions. But for the first time in a long time I realized I don't have anything I am truly looking forward to or excited to cross off my bucket list.

As I stay quiet and reflect, more and more, my inner voice yells "run for office."

And these are just a few thoughts.........

HOW ARE YOU????







Monday, April 10, 2017

On Line Fundraisers for 261 Fearless are ending TODAY & TOMORROW!

261 Fearless Boston Marathon Charity Team Fundraiser 
A quick fundraising update before I head out to my bake sale this afternoon!
I woke up today & was SO thankful to see three friends had donated to 261 Fearless! I'm slowly reaching my goal but still have a LOONG way to go before my fundraising deadline, APRIL 13th!! Right now, I'm at $3,926 & need to reach $7,261! I have a bake sale TODAY, 3-7pm, at Giant, Northpoint Shopping Center in Reston.
*261 Fearless On-Line Fundraiser orders are due TODAY for Pampered Chef & Stella and Dot! The BeautyCounter fundraiser orders are due TOMORROW!  A great way to get your Mother's Day shopping done early! 
You can order through TODAY APRIL 10th:
Pampered Chef
You can order through TODAY APRIL 11th: Beautycounter


Click on 261 Fearless to donate directly to my fundraising page!

🌟 MY FUNDRAISING DEADLINE IS APRIL 13TH AT MIDNIGHT! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! πŸ’™πŸ’›πŸ’™πŸ’›

Friday, March 17, 2017

You're Invited! Monday, MARCH 20th, 5-8PM, Piero's Corner Giveback Event to benefit 261 Fearless

Hi Northern VA Friends! Please Save the Date! 


What: Piero's Corner Giveback to 261 Fearless Boston Charity Team
When: MONDAY, MARCH 20th
Time: 5-8PM
Where: PIERO'S CORNER, located: 
Franklin Farm Village Shopping Center, 13340 Franklin Farm Rd, Herndon, VA 20171. 

This is a Public Event! Reservations are strongly encouraged! 703-707-6400.  

On 3/20, from 5-8PM, a portion of every DINE IN and TO GO sales will be donated to 261 Fearless Boston Marathon charity team! πŸ’™πŸ’› Please remember to mention "261 Fearless" to your server!

Why should you dine at Piero's Corner on MONDAY, 3/20?

  • It's HALF PRICE NIGHT for TEACHERS & MILITARY! (Dine In only)


  • Piero's serves fresh, delicious Italian food and has a great selection of wine! Don't forget dessert: gelato, tiramisu and cannoli!


  • There will also be raffle prizes from local vendors: Piero's Corner, Little Lords & Ladies consignment shop, Baskin Robbins, Giant, and PR & Partners!


  • Piero's Corner is a family/ kid friendly restaurant! A kids menu is available!


  • My friend Lisa (a fellow Lyme Warrior) from Stella & Dot will be there too with a gorgeous collection of accessories! 20% of your purchase will be donated, so you can updated your spring look for a great cause! Can't make it in person? You can shop online here towards the fundraiser.

PLEASE SHARE this blog post! PLEASE INVITE your family and friends! THANK YOU for your support! I can't wait to see you on Monday night! 😊 

Amy 
#LymeWarrior

*If you are unable to attend this fundraising event but would like to read my story on how I run Fearlessly with chronic Lyme disease and/or to make a donation and support me on my Fearless journey to the Boston Marathon 2017, check out my 261 Fearless Boston Charity Team link. 

EVERY DONATION IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE AND SO APPRECIATED!!! 😘 MY FUNDRAISING DEADLINE IS APRIL 15TH, 2017! THANK YOU!

You can also send a check: 
Make a check payable to "261 Fearless, Inc.
On the memo line of the check, please indicate that the donation is for "TEAM BOSTON & Amy Fitzgerald

Please mail check to: 
261 Fearless, Inc. c/o Lipset 
18 Longwood Road Port 
Washington, NY 11050-1260 
Attn: TEAM 261 Fearless Boston

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Lost and Lonely

Do you ever wish you could stop time and be still for awhile? Relish the moment and take it all in?

Lately, my life has been topsy turvey and I feel pulled in so many directions, as my emotions are all over the place. I have to keep it all inside. Maybe one day I can share all these emotions with my family and friends? But right now, I feel very alone.

This is about raw truth. painful emotions, trying to find acceptance of the unknown. Have you ever been in that place, where you felt like no one could understand everything you are going through?

I have purposefully not been submitting for casting calls because I honestly feel like I will bust out in tears at any moment. I haven't felt this fragile in a long time. Maybe I should be looking for roles describing a "40ish woman who is on a soulful search."

How can life appear to be so good when so much is wrong?

You have to accept the goodness and be thankful for waking up to the sunrise each day. There is a college sorority sister of mine who may not wake up to see that awesome sunrise tomorrow. The news was delivered this week, on the birthday of a dear friend, who had passed away from the same exact illness. Breast cancer, spread to the lungs, and then to her brain. The nightmare is repeating itself.  

As your world collides, you have to put it all in perspective. You are not sure about the answers but you know your life is going to be different, from here on out. 

Sometimes, like tonight, I wonder how I got so lucky with my family? How did God know to match us up perfectly.and ever so, imperfectly? I was an orphan without a home and then I found my forever family, only later in life, to be blessed with my husband and kids and a rescue pup.

Life will never make sense, Life will never be fair. So when those ride them high wave days arrive, you have to savor every moment. The trick is stopping and looking around and seeing the simple things turn extraordinary.

I have been so consumed with grief and worry and a general sense of unhappiness that I feel like I have lost my way and I am desperately searching to find my way back. 

I am running. It is what I always do when I am searching for answers. But my body is all wacky and I don't know why? I am usually so in tune with my body and listen to it carefully. But I can't pinpoint what's wrong. I feel slow, dull, lifeless, with each step.  Maybe it's because I'm carrying so much extra weight on my shoulders?

The (Shamrock) marathon I'm running this weekend is kind of a big deal. It will be the longest I have ran since Marine Corps Marathon, October 2016. I don't want to finish in the back of the pack. I will try my hardest to run at the pace I'm supposed to be running. 

I will think of all those who cannot run and I will run for them. 

I will be thankful for each step. I will try to savor each moment and not focus on the pain. I will find my way again. It is guaranteed I will have a good cry after crossing that finish line. Only one small hurdle I will have accomplished. As the future will remain uncertain.

Amy








Monday, March 6, 2017

Athleta Shop For A Cause 261 Fearless March 7th

Athleta Reston Town Center Friends and Family!
Running Boston: 261 Fearless Charity Team 
Shop For A Cause! 

Tuesday, March 7th - All Day


Come pre-shop the Friends and Family Sale and get 25% off* your purchase! RSVP requested but not required. 703-668-0256. Phone orders also welcomed! 

PLEASE MENTION "261 FEARLESS" AT CHECKOUT! A portion of each sale will be donated to 261 Fearless charity team for the Boston Marathon! Please share with your family and friends! Click here for more information about 261 Fearless

There will be Fun, Refreshments and Raffles! 

Athleta will validate parking using RTC app (for any garage) with ANY purchase!
*Some discount exclusions may apply.

*If you're unable to attend the fundraiser but would like to support 261 Fearless and my fearless running journey to the Boston Marathon, please consider making a tax deductible donation! EVERY donation is SO appreciated! My fundraising goal is $7,261!! 

https://www.crowdrise.com/261fearlessboston2017/fundraiser/amyfitzgerald

THANK YOU! 

AMY
#LymeWarrior


Monday, February 13, 2017

Happy Valentine's Day 2017


Happy Valentine’s Day 2017! 




Dear Family and Friends! 
How are you? I wanted to send out a holiday card, and then a Happy New Year’s Day card but then, that never happened! I think I may have started a new tradition?! I haven’t written a letter in two years so this will be a recap of our crazy lives for 2015 & 2016!

We have enjoyed family summer trips to the Outer Banks the last two summers and visiting with Uncle Brad and Grandma and Grandpa Fitzgerald! A special treat this year was a trip to Corolla to see the wild horses! We went just before sunset and it was an awesome adventure, successfully sighting several wild horses!

In 2015, the kids spent time at the cabin in Ely, MN, with Grandma and Grandpa Pope and Preston and I planned a last minute trip to Ireland! It was a whirlwind trip, as Preston drove around the entire country and we hardly slept! We had unbelievably fantastic weather and the entire country had spectacular views! We spent the night in a castle and it was like a fairytale come true! Some of our favorite sights were up North while exploring Giant's Causeway (definitely worth the trip), the Cliffs of Mohr, Conors Pass and the quaint town of Galway. One of our last outings started at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin and then dancing all night in the Irish pubs! We never slept before heading to the airport at sunrise! Sleep is overrated!

This summer, instead of taking a vacation separate from the kids, I traveled to Minnesota with the kids and we stayed in Minnesota for a week, visiting with Grandma and Grandpa Pope. I haven't been there in forever so it was good to be back. The sauna was a highlight and daily runs along the dirt path were soothing to the soul. The air was fresh and the lake views were beautiful. Dave and Adrienne's visit overlapped ours so we spent lots of quality time together! We enjoyed family meals, going into town, swimming in the lake, and as a special treat, lit a campfire one night, under the moonlight!

I was a chaperone for the band/chorus field trip to Hershey Park, last Spring. I rode the roller coasters with my "Mom" friends since the twins didn't want to hang out with me! We also planned a family "surprise" trip to Busch Gardens this summer and had SO MUCH FUN! Even the littlest one was riding the roller coasters! We are definitely an adventurous family!

For the kids big Christmas present this year, I was able to plan a last minute get away to Disney! I planned our vacation in 30 days (which I'm told is a nearly impossible feat)! I hired a Disney vacation planner and sought advice from my Disney fanatic friends! We managed to keep quiet about the trip until the big reveal, a few days before we left! We had them put together a puzzle that had a message on where to find clues. Eventually they found the last clue, their magic bands! The trip was an amazing adventure! We had great weather and rode all the rides except for the ones that were being refurbished. The Rock n Roll roller coaster (my fave) and the Big Thunder Mountain (Preston's fave) were both closed. But we made the most of our trip, riding everything else while exploring Disney! Our favorite park was Epcot and one night we took the kids to the restaurant where I used to work as an intern, The Coral Reef. The 2nd largest fish tank in the USA is located here and the kids were mesmerized! The staff was so nice and I saw someone that I used to work with! 

Before heading home. I ran the Wine-nDine Disney Half Marathon, a new race for me! It was a great race but getting up at 3am is never fun! I almost rode Test Track at Mile 12 - it would have been a repeat of the Walt Disney World Half Marathon roller coaster stunt that I pulled off! The employee was lifting up the red ropes for people to go into the park, right as I was running by...I was tempted but then thought "been there, done that, let's finish this race!" 

The kids are doing great and keep us busy with all their activities! The twins started middle school, Fall 2015, and have been thriving in a fantastic academic environment.  It’s hard to believe that “our babies” will be in high school, Fall 2017! They turned 14 last month! Both Caitlyn & Connor have started to babysit for local neighbors and are enjoying having some extra money!  

Caitlyn’s artistic abilities are mind blowing and we (along with her art teacher) are amazed at the art she creates! If anyone has connections with Pixar, please let us know! Caitlyn has continued with Girl Scouts and playing basketball with CYA. Her team is currently in first place! Hello playoffs! She also sings in her school choir and is a worship leader/singer in the Full Circle band at church.

Connor continues to play on a travel soccer team and plays indoor futsol.  He had to switch teams this past year because of new age rules but is fine tuning his soccer skills with his new team! Connor has played the trombone the last four years and is considering playing in the high school band. I really hope he does! I have so many great memories practicing/performing with the band when I was on the flag corp! He loves playing video games and often beats Preston! Connor also enjoys watching sports (especially VA Teach) and is full of sports facts. I have no idea how he memorizes it all! Fall 2015, Preston and Connor took a boys trip to Blacksburg to watch the Hokies play football!

Kiley started 5th grade this year and is doing so well in school, along with her speech, it was recommended during her IEP meeting that her speech hours be decreased. She is turning into quite the chatterbox and overcoming her apraxia! Kiley has also continued participating in her Girl Scout troop and playing basketball with CYA! Her nickname is “Kiley long legs!” She is almost as tall as me! Last year she played the violin and decided it wasn’t for her. This year she joined the school choir and is not quite sure she was born to be a singer. She joined the drama club at my persistence. Kiley is a natural born actress but she hasn’t realized it yet!

Preston’s work has been a bit crazy. He was with Dell for 5 years. And then, April 2016, the company downsized and unfortunately, he was laid off. He bounced back and accepted a sales job with Verint, a company that sells software to call centers.  Preston has been working out in the mornings and running sporadically (he will admit it is not his favorite sport). One of his biggest accomplishments is learning how to play the guitar! He takes on-line lessons and turns our basement into a rock show at night when he practices!

Lucky “pup” thinks he is a human and I’m convinced in his previous life he was a Prince!  He is the most pampered, snuggling dog ever! He turned four years old last month and still acts like a puppy bringing love and kisses to everyone he meets!

I don’t even know where to start with me! I’m all over the place! I decided to pursue acting, after being on the House of Cards, Season 4, as a hair double and having my own trailer and receiving my first SAG waiver (you need 3 to join the Union).  This happened the Summer of 2015 and exactly one year later, after a roller coaster year of acting and being offered an amazing SAG acting opportunity, I was invited to join the Actor’s Union. I officially joined SAG-AFTRA this past November!  I was recently appointed to serve on the SAG-AFTRA MOVE (political action) subcommittee and to be an alternate member to the SAG-AFTRA Actor/Performer Committee.  I’m excited to take on these roles within the Union!

It has been an incredible year and half and I have been fortunate to work on several TV shows such as VEEP, House of Cards and many shows on the ID Channel (Investigation Discovery), as well as, a few movie sets – TRI (indie film), Jackie (with Natalie Portman), and a Bollywood movie coming out this March! I just wrapped filming my first co-star role on an indie horror student film. I will keep you posted when this is released!

My writing has taken a backseat and my goal is to write more often this year. I really do miss it! So please keep checking back here and look for new blog posts! 

I have continued following my passion to run and successfully finished the Umstead 100 Miler in March 2015! It took me 29 hours and 36 minutes to complete! I finished with frostbite feet but went on to run the Big Sur Marathon a month later and finished with American Olympian, Jeff Galloway! I also ran my 5th Marine Corps Marathon in October 2015, which qualified me for the MCM Runner’s Club (yay! I get to skip the MCM lottery)! I also finished my 3rd JFK 50 Miler in 2015! have honestly lost count how many ultra’s/marathons I have run. 

I continued to run in 2016! My proudest moment was being asked to be a guest speaker at the Loudoun Lyme 5K/10K, a cause that I’m passionate about raising money to find a cure! I ran the Shamrock Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon. I also attempted to run Umstead 100 again but Preston could not travel with me to be my crew. I made it to Mile 75 before I had to call it a race because of medical reasons. The medical doctor saw the blisters covering my feet and did not a repeat from the previous year. I'm suspicious that I have Raynaud's Disease.

A big accomplishment that has been on my bucket list is to become a RRCA Certified Running Coach! I was able to successfully pass the test and now I'm certified to train you! If you are looking for a running coach to help you achieve your running goals or begin a training program, please let me know! I'd love to help you! I'd also love to help others move again who are dealing with chronic pain, as running has brought so much healing to my body.

I'm excited to be returning this year as a DC Ragnar Ambassador and also, as a ZOOMA Ambassador! Registration is open for both races! 
My discount code for 10% off any ZOOMA race is: AMY2017

This year I’ve been invited to run the Boston Marathon 2017 with the 261 Fearless charity team. To learn more about 261 Fearless: www.261fearless.org  It is one of the featured charities of the Boston Marathon and I’m extremely honored to be running with Kathrine Switzer (founder of 261 Fearless and the first woman to run the Boston Marathon) and the 261 Fearless Boston Marathon charity team members! 261 Fearless is a non profit that is empowering women through running all over the world. There are run clubs, workshops and training groups set up for women that would otherwise, not have access to these resources. 261 Fearless has also partnered with Reebok to provide running shoes to these women. 261 Fearless is changing the lives of these women as they become more bold, more brave, more courageous, more fearless, by allowing 261 Fearless to take them to new places and reach new goals through running!

My fundraising goal is $7,261 and I have two months to meet this goal! I must raise this money in order to run the Boston Marathon on April 17th!!! It is a gigantic goal and I feel like it is the biggest hill I’ve ever run but I know I can achieve this fundraising goal with your support!  I joined the team because the organization is supporting women around the globe to be FEARLESS through running! Every donation amount is appreciated and tax deductible! Thank you for your support to help me fulfill my dream of running the Boston Marathon! 

Most likely this will be my ONE and ONLY chance to run this amazing race because of my daily battle with chronic Lyme disease will not allow me to run as fast as I wish I could to BQ (Boston Qualify)! Please donate today! Thank You so much for your support and Thank You to those of you who have already donated! You are Awesome! 

For local Friends, I'm hosting a few fundraisers! Please save the dates! THANK YOU!
Shop For A Cause at the Athleta Reston Town Center on TUESDAY, MARCH 7th, ALL DAY! RSVP and receive 25% off your purchase! RSVP by calling the store (703) 668-0256 or send me a message/e-mail. You must RSVP and mention that you are shopping for the 261 Fearless fundraiser! A percentage of your shopping total will be donated to 261 Fearless Boston Marathon Charity Team! Phone orders will be taken and parking validation at any RTC parking garage will be offered with purchase! 

Dine Out at Piero's Italian Restaurant on MONDAY, 3/13, 5-9pm, located in the Franklin Farm shopping center (Herndon)! 50% off for military and teachers on Monday's! You must mention you are dining for the 261 Fearless fundraiser! A percentage of each check will be donated to 261 Fearless Boston marathon Charity Team. **There will be raffle prizes at this event!

Glory Days Dining Dollars, Northpoint and FoxMill (Reston) locations, NOW - April 27th! **Save your itemized food/drink receipt and drop off in the receipt container, labeled for 261 Fearless Boston Marathon Charity Team, located at the front of the restaurant or message/e-mail me and I will pick up from you. 10% of every receipt will be donated to 261 Fearless Boston Marathon Charity Team.

We wish you much joy, love and peace for 2017! 

XOXO,

Amy, Preston, Caitlyn, Connor, Kiley and Lucky "pup"