Over used words and phrases

Today I was thinking about some phrases and words we use that have become acceptable.  Now you may think I am referring to bad words or phrases. I am going to disappoint you because these are nowhere close to being bad or offensive. 

Before I get started with the list, I am bringing this to light because my perspective has been put to task over the last twenty months. Come along for the ride and nod or shake your head.

"I am too busy..." Really? You are too busy? Then pause or stop what you are doing and think about how you can restructure your day, week or priorities. You may be "too busy" because you have a hard time saying no. I have data (non-scientific) that indicates that most women cannot say no because we have a need to please or help others. I am one of those people and need to remind myself to stop.

"I am so tired..." OMG - I do not like hearing this at all! Yes, I feel that way frequently. I felt it most when I was going through treatment. I know other women who are not as fortunate to have such a great support system as me. When I hear this, think this or sometimes catch myself saying it out loud, I take a moment to evaluate if I am truly tired from a lack of sleep or food. Or if I am doing too much during the day/week beyond my true capacity. If I answer no to these questions, then someone should flog me with donut holes or mud pies.

"I'm just saying." Well, yes, when you speak, you are saying something. There is no need to follow any statement or story with this phrase, ever! Please stop saying this phrase. 

"I couldn't care less." Wow. Listen to the phrase again, I couldn't care less. This is what is known as a double negative. This statement emphasizes that you do care. 

Irregardless - For the love of Pete (St. Peter), please stop using this word. This word is a double negative. Let me break this down for you. The word regardless stands alone meaning without regard or some say willie nilly. When you add the prefix "ir" to the beginning of regardless, you are saying with regard. Your sentence or statement would probably be fine without the word. Try saying or writing your statement without this irritating word. [stepping down from soap box]

Thank you for listening to my rant. I have more, but will reserve it for another time.

I hope you got a chuckle about the crazy things stuck on my mind. There is so much more but it is usually sport related and I am not sure that is what you want to read about. Go forth and share this list with others. They may not be aware :)

I love your guts!

Soak it in

I am soaking in the simple things around me. Tonight I am reminded that life can be taken without warning. Hang on tight and know when it is time to let go and ask for help. We cannot be strong alone. Together, we are always stronger. Those that have known me for more than ten years know that these two little ones were all but a dream for us. Now they have been in our charge for just over eight years. What a journey to get one here and we were blessed to get another.

Just take a moment to see what I see and feel the connection to something greater than us.

And yes, I painted this picture and it hangs in our home office.

I love your guts! 

I am feeling stronger

I was able to walk with my team at work to help raise funds and awareness about children's childhood cancer. My belly is still a bit swollen but in due time, my body will finish healing on the inside. 

Walking 30 minutes a day goes by fast. Try it some time, you will feel great.

Working from home affords me to eat whole foods, fresh foods and I know exactly what I am consuming. I cannot stress how important that is for me and my health. I am still thinking about those meatless tacos I had with my awesome friend. Tonight is soccer practice for both kids and I'm splitting parent duty with another mother. Her son and Brett are playing on the same team this season and our girls have played together for three seasons now. Activities like this make me feel normal and back to my old self. I am blessed to have this experience and do not overlook how simple or cumbersome this may be for others. They do not know how so many people would give up almost everything they have to be in their shoes. 

#986: Remember today that you are luckier than others around you. Stop and take in the world around you. Enjoy. 

I love your guts!

Lab results...

Well, your prayers and positive thoughts came through for me. The extensive tests ordered by my GI specialist came back relatively positive. Enzyme levels went down. Yay! Glucose levels, also down. Woot! And for the final item...I am anemic. I have very low iron and has affected my red blood cell count. The doctor recommends that I take iron supplements for 6 weeks and come in for lab before my next appointment in a few months.

I feel like I won a mini-spa vacation after listening to the lab results. I will treat myself to a mani-pedi next week in celebration of these results.

Today, I am surrounded by the strength of those who came before me and those that stand by my side to support me. Thank you for all you do!

I love your guts!

Best non-beef beef tacos

I was just treated to a great lunch by one of my closest friends who knows my journey and always makes me laugh. As we sat at her kitchen table, we watched the squirrel and birds in her back yard. Between our conversation and chowing on the awesome taco, I looked outside and said, "Hey, there's a mouse out there." She was grossed out and promptly got up and went out the door to throw a rock in his direction. She said, "I don't know where he lives, but he cannot stay here." We laughed and I was so tickled. 

Thank you for the great lunch, conversation and awesome friendship. Feeling the love and still waiting for results from lab work on Monday.

Item #290: Today is Patriot Day. I am proud of those who protect and serve our community and country...every day. I am not just referring to our military, but our EMS, police, fire and volunteers that support emergency situations. Take a moment to reflect on how lucky we are to live in a country where these services are in place to protect us when we are in need.

I love your guts!

I just want to cry

I want to cry - probably tears of joy and fear all wrapped together. This morning, I got up feeling great. Looking great. And the whole time knowing I had to go to the lab this morning and get a bucket of blood drawn to test for 2 sheets worth of items, as prescribed by my GI doctor. He says to stay positive, which I am saying good things about the visit and results should take only 48 hours.

Today, I pray for good news from the blood work and that I can keep pushing forward to a healthier me.

Item #4187: Embrace the moment. Treat it with care because it will not come again. 

I love your guts!