SLEEP WALK 2011

 
 
I’ll never forget today.  I’ve dreamed of a Sleep Walk for the past couple years.  Today – my dreams came true.  
 
Yesterday, I visited craft and party stores in preparation for SLEEP WALK 2011.  Although I love festive creative projects  – a knot clenched tighter and tighter in my stomach as the day went on.  What was I so afraid of?
 
What if no one shows up for the SLEEP WALK? 
My good friend Gail said she’d be there. I knew she would be….
 
What if it rains?
Weather report said 60 degrees and sunny….
 
What if someone laughs at my shirt?
It’s an informational opportunity, Julie…
  
Unable to identify exactly what was worrying me, I tossed and turned all night – dreading the morning. Yes, I was dreading the event I had created and promoted. 
 
Stepping outside this morning into the warm sunlight – I felt energized and jittery.  Once on the national mall, my nerves calmed quickly as new and old friends joined me for the SLEEP WALK.
 
We started our walk in the direction of the Capitol building.  By the Smithsonian Museum, a long line of marching bands played music… Our personal soundtrack to keep us wide awake! We joked that the marching bands were there for the SLEEP WALK, but they were actually part of the St. Patricks Day Parade taking place nearby.   
 
I couldn’t help but smile to myself many times along the walk. I was surrounded by supportive and positively-spirited sleep-walkers – gathered together to celebrate sleep and raise awareness for something that means a lot to me.  
 
Check out the YouTube video:
 
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oH-uKCLg2E?f=user_uploads]
 
A special thank you to those who attended SLEEP WALK 2011.  For those who couldn’t make it this time – we were thinking of you.  This was a memorable and empowering experience and I look forward to leading the way for SLEEP WALK 2012!

8 Comments

  1. Meatloaf on March 13, 2011 at 8:18 pm

    Jules, what a great event! I wish I could have been there to walk with you. I loved the video! Count me in for next year. Xoxo

  2. Carlyn on March 13, 2011 at 9:38 pm

    Love it Julie! So glad I could be there for the inaugural event!

  3. The Dreamer on March 14, 2011 at 9:48 am

    Hmmm, maybe I wish I had gone…. probably would've been better than being home this weekend…and working-ish. Perhaps I should plan to do Sleep Walk 2012, even though I might just be looking for an excuse to be out of town that weekend, so that I can catch some sleep….

    Though it would make see another part of DC that wasn't the hotel I stayed in last year….

  4. The Dreamer on March 14, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    So, how many kisses did you get?

  5. Anonymous on March 14, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    3/14/2011

    Great job Julie. It is too bad no one suggested a raffle/auction to pay for your expenses.Maybe I'll do it for 2012 if I am still around.

  6. NancyU on March 14, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    Maybe sell buttons and the t-shirts for next year?

    Try Cafepress.com. You can design shirts and people can purchase them and you get paid! Use the money for supporting your blog or to donate direct to narcolepsy research. I think that you can even embed the link to the shirt here on your blog.

  7. “Kiss Me, I Have Narcolepsy!” on October 31, 2012 at 4:04 pm

    […] about SLEEP WALK 2011. […]

  8. […] was there – the first year, the second year and the third year. She has generously given her time, folding tables and key […]

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