#1 : Apex, NC, USA

Date of Shot: 15 April 2019
Location: Apex, North Carolina, USA
Court: Apex Community Park

Starting off my trip maybe a little rusty, but ready to warm up quickly and take on the world.

I spent a busy last few days in North Carolina, frantically getting everything together and enjoying the comforts of home. I probably drove a car for the last time for a while. It turns out a month at home isn’t nearly enough time to do everything you want to do. There are so many people, events, places I wanted to see that I didn’t really get a chance to visit. Hopefully most of it will be there when I find my way back.

 It’s funny how you think packing for a big trip is going to be completely chill and easy - I’ve done it multiple times by now. I had a detailed packing list, I was completely intent on traveling light. Then suddenly, three days and 5 packing variations later, you’re stressed and frustrated and you forgot to pack the presents you have for your nieces.

Life is hard! ;)

But this is the life I chose, so. One of these days I’m certain I’ll have it down.

On the day we shot this, I had been running around trying to accomplish all of the errands I had laid out for myself. Evening was setting in and I wasn’t sure we would have the right sunlight for the shot. I was pushing to go to the gym instead of finding a court to play on.

Luckily, Sara was insistent that we shoot some hoops. By the time we reached this court in Cary, the sun had about 45 minutes to an hour of light to offer us. There was a slight chill in the air, but nothing a few minutes of running around and shooting wouldn’t cure.

Many thanks to my sister Sara for the videography + support. I can’t say how nice it was to spend this past month with family.

That said, it’s time to embrace being a nomad and set some intentions and goals for my trip. I want to come back in a few months not only with stories, but with a feeling of progress, growth and accomplishment.

I want to come back having raised money to help cure cancer.

I asked Sara who her $5 is for and she said it’s for my dad, Bruce, who had a melanoma when I was young. He is doing well and I couldn’t be more grateful for the medical professionals who fixed him up for us.

Cancer won’t be cured without research. We can make a difference.

You can donate to the cause by going to https://pledgeit.org/count-the-makes-2 and making either a one time donation or by donating per shot.

NEXT UP: St. Paul, MN

Thank you so much for your support and much love,

Rae