I came across this story on CNN about Modest Needs, a charity that helps low-income families with a one-time expense that threatens to push them into the public welfare system. After browsing the directory of requests for help, I have a new appreciation for utility bills, broken cars, and rent.

Each request is vetted by the staff of Modest Needs and checks are sent directly to the utility company, landlord, repair shop, etc. You can view every request for help and decide where to direct your donation. I think it's a brilliant idea.

Just like the name, Modest Needs, it only takes a modest donation from lots of people to help someone out.

1 Day Till Book Club!

We will be reading The Autobiography of Santa Claus by Jeff Guinn and meeting at Jen Nielsen's home in Ewa Beach. This month's 4th Monday falls on December 28 and Book Club will begin at 6:45 PM as usual.

December's Book Club will also include a "White Elephant" book exchange! This is the perfect opportunity to regift an amusing book choice of Christmases past.

If you are new to Book Club, you can email Rosy (rosyc11[at]yahoo.com) to be added to the Book Club Evite list . The Evite will include directions to Jen's home.

January Restaurant Club

We will be going to Indigo in Honolulu for January's Restaurant Club.

Opened in 1994, INDIGO restaurant offers a signature blend of modern Asian, French and Mediterranean cuisine, creating a balance and harmony that delights any palate.

The restaurant is located on the edge of modern day Honolulu and Historic Chinatown, in the heart of the culture and arts district.

We will carpool to Honolulu from the Leeward side. Dinner will be on Tuesday, January 12 at 6:30 PM. Check your email and RSVP via Evite.

L.E.A.N.

* Are you frustrated by dieting?
* Looking to improve your habits and lose the weight?
* LEAN is an 8 week program that will teach you how to achieve sustainable results. You will learn positive, healthy behaviors in small steps.
* This is not a quick fix or an 8 week bootcamp. No calorie counting required.
* Let this be the last time you set a New Year's resolution to lose weight!

Check your email to view the participant questionnaire and to sign up for LEAN. Registration is open through January 6 for the full price of $199 (Stroller Strides members).

Class begins Thurday, January 7 and will be held in Ko Olina, 7 - 8:30 PM. Nursing babies are welcome to come with you to class.

Questions? Call 258-0402 or email Joni at joni[at]strollerstrides.net. I'm happy to help explain LEAN in more detail.

I hope you'll join us!

Honolulu Marathon

4 moms at Leeward Oahu ran the Honolulu Marathon on Sunday... Fit Moms Rock! Congratulations to the women who rocked it.

Stephanie (OP)
Rayna
Michaela
Stephanie (CORP)



From Stephanie, OP:
"I had a great first marathon experience. I finished in a time of 3:51:48. I felt good most the run. My quads started to hurt around mile 23 and I slowed a bit. Running back up Diamondhead Hill Road was not fun either. But I finished strong."






Rayna, Michaela and Stephanie came to class today at CORP (active recovery?!) and we were able to get as close to a group shot as possible. Since the marathon had at least 25,000 runners, no one was able to meet up at the race.

from left to right, Michaela, Rayna, Stephanie

From Rayna:
"I personally felt very strong throughout the race and did not hit any "walls." I ran a strong 9 min mile most of the time. But I finished strong and I already want to do another one!"

And More Baby News!

From the Hendrickson ohana:

We are so very proud and blessed to announce the birth and arrival of our beautiful daughter, Aubrey Elise Kalea. Tania went into labor Friday evening, and Aubrey was born on Saturday morning (12/5) at 7:11 am. She weighed 6 lbs, 9 oz, and she was 18 inches tall. Both mom and baby were happy and healthy, so the hospital released them the next afternoon.

She's gorgeous! Congratulations Tania!

More Baby News!

Celeste had her baby boy, Curren, on a Sunday morning, December 6. He weighed 7 lbs 11 oz & measured at 20 1/2 inches long. Congratulations to Celeste and her family! We can't wait to meet Curren at class soon.