Guten Morgen!

I’ve been home for a few days now and I’m still replaying my trip over and over in my head. Luckily I can relive the Ellen Experience on my TV, thank you DVR! There are a few main things that keep playing over and over though, and those are all of the people that I met on the trip and those who I must thank for giving me the support to make this trip possible. So today I would like to list as many people or groups that I can and give them a huge thank you. I blame the a.d.h.d. if I left anybody out.

My mom, dad, Jason & Carrie, Adam & Marcy and Baby Kacey..Thanks for the never tiring support, love and laughter!

Uncle Bob..we spent more days together than we have in a long time and you don’t even know how much that means to me. Oh and the morning oatmeal and coffee was the best. Aunt Aly for giving up Bob to me for this trip!

Uncle Doug and Nick..You know…L-O-V-E.

Tyler girls- The constant support via email, text or call made me smile and laugh the whole trip.

Maisie- Somerset Lululemon Store- Thanks for facilitating all of the Lulu stops cross country, you went above and beyond for this and it was awesome! You are top notch.

Justina- Michigan Ave Store Chicago! Nice welcome and send off..we’ll get that You are Amazing sign back.

(Ann) Mason- Denver Lululemon- Thanks for sparking my relationship with Lulu and throwing the coolest welcome party/reunion for me. How’s the fireplace?

Pizza House, Delta, UT- Thanks for the free pizza. Much needed and appreciated!

Somer Love- We finally met and were able to hang a few times and laugh so hard our cheeks hurt. Mucus makes cystas stick together..forever!

Stefanie- Las Vegas Lululemon- Meeting at the Welcome to Vegas sign was priceless. Yoga the next morning was much needed.

Patti Russo- Cher/Vegas- Thanks for the tix and hanging after.

Heather- Planet Hollywood Hotel- Thanks for the speedy check in, the upgrades and the friendship. Glad we finally met.

The Goatheads!!!!!! Words cannot even describe. You can ride my Vespa anytime!

Monica and the Brentwood Lulu’s and the Glendale Lulu’s. Thanks for hanging and welcoming me at my final stop. Good conversation with a few yoga poses and a squirrel attack. You guys are awesome and 1/2 marathon Cali style next year for sure!

Henson- Thanks for sharing my dream with me! I don’t see you enough but when we do get together the memories are priceless. 15 years of friendship now and I haven’t grown an inch!

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation- This a big thanks to the Metro Detroit Chapter, National and the other chapters. Thanks for the support, friendship and never ending efforts to make my life and the lives of the other CF patients better each day. I love you and you are the reason I am alive today!

Carol and Dick Spratt- Thanks for the “Fun”-D-Raising party in Phoenix!

Cysticfibrosis.com- Thanks for hosting the www.e2e4cf.com site. It came in handy as I received a lot of messages through the site. Awesome.

Ellen R from Ellen- You made my dream come true and all I can say is thank you x 1 million!

Ellen DeGeneres- Thanks for being you. You’re inspiring beyond belief and the funniest person out there. If you ever get too busy or need a fill in for the show I am here for ya. My friend Somer says I’m your doppleganger..sounds German and awesome. Thanks for making my life! Oh and thanks for dinner!

Again..just because it’s awesome!

Lastly I need to thank YOU. All of you! Everyone from around the world who followed my journey through the ups and downs, luckily there were only a couple downs. Your letters of support to Ellen really paid off and I was able to live my dream. Most importantly your letters to me kept me going and striving for more. Hearing from CF patients and families were unreal and I held each of you with me everyday. We are all in this fight together and one day CF will stand for cure found.
Rock CF,

Emily

Emily and Lowell’s Excellent Adventure

Originally uploaded by Let’s Rock CF

Here ya go…this is when my dad decided that the unpaved road on the map would make a great shortcut to Sedona…

Emily at Ellen Show Highlights!

Originally uploaded by Let’s Rock CF

Oh this is funny…my commentary from when I watch the Ellen show for the first time. Look closely after Ellen dances across the row of people and up the aisle by us.

IMG_4241, originally uploaded by Let’s Rock CF.

This has never happened to me before!! I had a weird feeling, actually a very hopeful feeling that my best friends (Reebs, Steph, Corinne and Crystal), Jay, Carrie and Diane would be at my house with my mom when I got there. When I talked to them all this morning and yesterday they all either had to work or were really busy and couldn’t see me until this week sometime. “Fine” I thought..”I’ll just go home, unpack, relax and hang.”

When my dad and I pulled into the driveway I didn’t see any cars. This definitely confirmed that there was no “yay Emily” party..not that I was expecting one or anything BUT I just wanted to see everyone!

Dad and I, both being a teeny bit obsessive compulsive and not wanting to leave a car full of luggage, started unpacking the truck. Dad and I couldn’t wait to give mom her present so we took care of that first, check her out:

We got just about everything unloaded and took Blitz down from the back. Diane and her daddy named Nono pulled up and I thought, “cool I can at least see and eat with two of my favorite people!”

We continued to unload when out on the sidewalk I see my bro Jason and Carrie (one of my two favorite sister in laws) holding a glass a wine. I got so excited and even cried a little..shhh. YAY! Two of my other favorites were here. So now my Mom and Diane are getting pushy saying “well lets go in and eat, I have food out for you!” As I head inside I see a person in the house. It’s Corinne (Becca and Steph mama)..and I look behind and coming in to the house with me are my best friends Reba, Steph and Crystal.  How’d they get behind me! THEY GOT ME!! How dare they!!!

Inside was a Congratulations sign that had “e2e complete” on the back.

On the stove were two pots of chilli, one for the meat eaters and the other was my favorite, Corinne’s black bean chili. How did they all know I was craving some chili? Greek yogurt for topping and some fresh crusty bread to dip…I was in heaven!

We had a great champaign toast and my mom picked up some of my seasonal favorite Sam Adam’s Oktoberfest. Thanks mom!

The girls brought a cake, chocolate of course and it even had roses! We all had cake while re-watching the Ellen show. Ellen’s head not at me was a personal and party favorite so we rewound and watched that fw times. We all laughed so hard because my face is just priceless..and of course I cried once again.

Again..my family and friends are amazing. I was gone a total of twenty days and while technology is incredible, there is nothing like seeing, laughing and hugging the people you love. I LOVE you all.

The only thing that would have made today better is if Adam, Marcy and Baby Kacey were here. Hopefully I’ll see you all very soon!
Rock CF,
Em

Sedona!, originally uploaded by Let’s Rock CF.

On the road again…this time heading east! You know after seeing the icon/eagle on the GPS unit head west for 15 days, it’s so weird to see it fly east. I thought we were going the wrong way yesterday when I was driving the truck.

Thursday night my dad and I drove to Phoenix from LA because my former golf coach, high school teacher (that I never actually had as a teacher) and former Grosse Ile family invited me and my dad to stay at their house on our way back. Meet Dick and Carol Spratt.

Not only did they put us up for the night but Carol cooked a great dinner for us after we all watching my Ellen debut. That was great seeing it on the big screen in Arizona none the less.

After dinner Carol had friends and neighbors over for what she called a “Fun”-d-raising Party. A lot of wonderful people showed up for this and I was able to really educate a whole new crowd about cystic fibrosis. Also we raised a big chunk of money. Thanks a lot everyone!
Here are some pics of the whole crew. I gave everyone at the party one of the new red Rock CF signature bandana’s. I instructed them all to put on the bandana anyway they want and it would really show their personality. This is what I got:

After a bowl of fresh apple and cinnamon oatmeal, dad and I headed north to see Sedona before cutting over to Amarillo, Texas. Did we ever have an adventure…I’m not going to go in to details because I will be posting a video up here in a little bit. BUT, here are some words of advice…some people tell kids to stay in school..I tell them, Stay On the Interstate!! Picture this; Chevy truck with Vespa in the back traveling next to Jeeps, the ones that people pay $50 for an hour tour of the Red Rocks….just wait for the video.

Destination today? Home.

Wait for the full recap of the Emily to Ellen Experience this week. What a ride it has been!
Rock CF,
Em

Dreams do come true.Today I met my hero, Ellen DeGeneres.

On our way to the show!

We had VIP tickets to the 4pm taping of the Ellen show today. Guests=Clive Owen, Joely Fisher and 9 year old singer/songwriter Anna Grace.  I have to give a big thanks to the fabulous Ellen R. (one of Ellen’s incredible producers) for setting me up with VIP tickets and supporting my cause and myself. My dad and Jennifer aka Henson were my +2’s and we were ready to rock today. When we got to the holding area, one of the Ellen crew members came up and told me to come with her because Ellen R. wanted to meet me. The very tall crew member (6 ft to be exact) took me to meet Ellen R. in a trailer behind one of the buildings. Ellen and I had talked many times before about my ride and my life but it was so awesome to finally meet her, what a great great person! She reassured that I had great seats and said she would see me later. Cool. Funny thing…when we walked in to the waiting area I got some curious looks from some audience members..did they think I was Ellen hah? My dad did hear an older lady tell her daughter “that is Ellen!” Funny stuff there. Henson noticed it too..kills me.

Ellen water..it tastes funny!

Got my dance on as we walked across to the studio!

My dad, Henson and I move into the waiting area inside with a big group of people and again the very cool and tall crew member took me to outside to chat with Ellen R.

This is me walking…haha.

Ellen and I chatted for a few and then it was time for us to move inside to our seats. While waiting to go inside I could hear some tasty guitar licks happening and I knew that they were being played by a seasoned veteran but couldn’t figure out who! Just wait….

The crowd files in, people are dancing and singing and learning how to be an audience..I’m just having the time of my life. Good dancing, songs and great times. Ellen should be out any moment now. The big moment comes..”and here she is now..Ellen DeGeneres!” Really? I’m here right now?!?! I’m not a screamer but I unleashed a few half screams or whooops today when she came out. WOW!

Now to the guitarist..doors open and Joe Perry from Aerosmith comes out and he is just wailing away,  I am dying..Joe Perry! He and Ellen do a really funny opening segment,  Joe exits and then Ellen does her signature dance through the audience…as she comes down the row of people she is right across the aisle from me.. we lock eyes and she gives me a huge wink..well the more I think about it, it was more like a head nod, smile and wink…like a “yeah I know you” kind of thing. I was like was that to me? Henson, My DAD?!. THEN..she dances up a few rows behind us and on her way back down she stops at me and gives me Joe Perry’s guitar pick! WHAT!??! So crazy..I love Rock and I love Ellen. Come on, you’re killin me.

Ok it gets better. First segment happens and during the commercial break I see Ellen hop out of her chair and head up the aisle..to drum roll……..ME.  She gives me a big hug and we have a conversation about my trip and how she knows about it and how cool it was that I ended at her show. I told her that being at her show was the icing on the cake and it means the world to me! I then told her I was going to Leno tomorrow night, making it sound like I was hitting the circuit and she was like “oh really? cool!.. I said.”naw just kidding, this is the best!” Good laugh!

Next segment happens and she comes back up to me seat and says “I want to buy dinner for you and your friends tonight, ok?”..again..really?? Exchanged a few more words and laughs… It was just so cool. Ellen is such a sincere and real person, which reiterates why she is my hero. If more people were selfless, our world would be a much better place. Thank you Ellen.

Jump to the end of the show. The show wraps and Ellen gets on the mic for a minute to thank the audience for coming and traveling to the show. She then says “some people traveled by bicycle and Vespa” and smiled over my way.That’s it. Enough. WOW!

Oh..on to dinner. Ellen’s peeps made reservations for us at Morton’s Steakhouse around the corner from the studio. My dad was in heaven because he loves a good steak. Uncle Bob did his soup and salad usual and Henson and I ate as many vegetables as we could. Gooood stuff! Here’s me with the Beefsteak Tomato salad:

Thanks Ellen! Good Vegetable at Morton’s!

Just telling this story to the many people today makes he choke up..actually I’m tearing up big time right now. Man I’m tellin’ ya…today was the best day of my life!

Again, we are rocking cystic fibrosis so hard that I know CF will one day stand for “cure found”, I strongly believe this and will work my butt off for the rest of my life to make this happen.

Thank you Ellen, Ellen R and the rest of the Ellen Staff! I bought myself an awesome Ellen gray hoody and left with a bunch of other cool things too. The show gave me a goodie bag with a Flip Cam, iPod, Ellen mug, teeshirt and Ellen Underwear…there’s a lot of room in the front of these things… Over the top. Thank you again Ellen Show!

Rock CF,

The happiest girl in the world right now,

Emily

P.S. Watch Ellen Today/Thursday October 8, you will be able to see Ellen hand me the guitar pic at the top of the show. Also look for us dancing and laughing throughout the show. When she interviews the couple who went to Bora Bora we are sitting right behind them!

IMG_4166, originally uploaded by Let’s Rock CF.

Today at 3:53 I pulled Blitz into the parking lot of my hotel in Studio City, CA and was greeted by 5 girls in familiar athletica clothing standing by yoga mats…hmmm..oh yeah the LA area Lululemon gals showed up to welcome me..sorry we were a little late!

Dad and I had a great start to the day. Nice riding in the am, sunny and good temps. We made it 125 miles and then Uncle Bob met us in Santa Clarita and helped guided us into town. He used to live out here and decided to fly back in to be on the receiving end of my trip, so cool! He basically qualifies to be one of the bus drivers on the “Star Tours”…he’s that good at getting around town. In Santa Calrita we grabbed a quick In N Out “Grilled Cheese” then hit it across the valley to the hotel.

The girls from the Brentwood and Glendale store were here and after the incredible welcome we talked a lot about my trip, CF, running, getting bit my squirrels and much much more. Oh and we did some quick yoga because ya know, that’s what we’re supposed to do. Apparently I have good hip flexors..I beg to differ.

So much fun and it’s great to meet a group of very sincere people share my positive attitude toward life. Thanks girls..see you soon when we all run the Disneyland or Malibu half!

One of my very very best friends, Jennifer aka Henson, lives about an hour from the hotel and she drove in to go to dinner with us tonight. So good to laugh with her again, something that’s a guarantee when we’re together. She is actually coming back in tomorrow to go to the Ellen taping with me and my dad!! Can’t wait.

Off to the Ellen taping tomorrow at 4pm. The show will air on Thursday so look for me in the audience busting my moves!
Rock CF,
Emily

P.S. Stay tuned for my blog about the Ellen experience and also a full recap of the trip…I can’t believe it’s almost done…

IMG_4121, originally uploaded by Let’s Rock CF.

I’ve been getting a lot of hype about Death Valley since I started to plan this trip..your shoes melt, you see mirages, dinosaurs attack you, vultuers will get ya, etc…well I was pretty disappointed by the lack of heat today people! I was wearing 5 layers, including 2 jackets when I hit the tip of the park. Halfway through I was down to 3 layers and a bit chilled. You guys are killing me here..it felt like I was in a refrigerator that had been unplugged for a day.. lame Death Valley. A little more heat and I could have had a better story about you.

Mid August, I am going back with a sign that says Bring It Death Valley, I’m ready…perhaps I will be carrying a ton of water with me and wearing a bathing suit but I am going back!

(Blitz and her Death Valley sticker)

All in all today was a great day of riding. Actually riding through Death Valley Park was beautiful and fun. I got Blitz to cruise over 60mph for a while and did a lot of twisting and turning up and down mountains. My kind of riding!

250 miles and a long day of riding. I’m going to sleep!!

Last day of riding Tuesday as I head into Burbank. What a trip..can’t wait to recap everything that has happened.
Rock CF,
Em

Click the pic to see the video of my desert roadside meeting with the Goatheads from Arizona. I LOVE these guys.

Rock CF,

Em

Let me just tell you about tonight. One word. CHER! That’s right. Patti Russo, one of Cher’s back up girls hooked me and my dad up with tickets for the show tonight. Thinking I only knew two songs, I wasn’t sure what to expect about the whole deal but I was still very excited. Well well well..during the opening number “Still Haven’t Found What I’m looking For,” Cher flew in from stage left across the audience in what she calls the “deathmobile” and lands down stage center. I was dying! It was magical to see her in head to toe yellow flying through the sky as the bands just nailed the opening tune. It was almost like a dream..flying Cher, If that is not and opening number what is!
The show only got better…Two Bob Seger songs at the top of the show, “Love Hurts” by Nazareth, Gypsy’s Tramps and Thieves (dad’s fave) and did you know she sang that song “After All”??? I was pumping my fist for that one. She finally busted out “Turn Back Time” and I wanted to fly out of my seat but the crowd just couldn’t get into it with me..not sure if they were in awe or not used to live entertainment (darn TV’s) but it was definitely a Sunday night crowd..you could almost hear crickets as the dancers, band, and singers (Patti included) and Cher busted their butts to put on one of the best show’s I have seen. I am a changed lady. I am now…A CHER FAN!! Whoa..

Show closed with “Do you believe in life after love?”..do you?
Wow. We met Patti after the show in Caesar’s for a drink and to catch up. Great time!

Patti from Cher!, originally uploaded by Let’s Rock CF. (p.s. look at the guy in the background haha)

Off to California tomorrow.
Rock CF,
Em

By The Way, I must clarify that Cher indeed says “Turn back tie-ohm” not “turn back time.” I hear it with my own ears tonight..only one and a half of my ears work but trust me on this.