Friday, March 8, 2013

Friday rain

Today it is raining. Right now the rain is soft and light. I see people running for cover as if they were going to be stained or harmed. In contrast, I stand in the rain and feel it on my skin. The feeling is a reminder for me that I am alive and reminded of power and control greater than me. We cover up to shield ourselves from nature because that is what we have been taught. Yes, I told my kids to put on jackets before they left for the day. 

At the end of today, when it is time to start the weekend, I hope the rain is coming down in big drops. I will park the car far away from the front door, take jackets away and let them run through and dance in the rain. Hearing them giggle, laugh and yell out about how wet they are getting, this one memory will be etched in their history forever. We often forget that life is more about the times when we are given permission to go against how we "should" behave. Connections are made true and deep through our experiences and how they make us feel.

#1585 - Do the unexpected to surprise and delight someone else. Make a meaningful memory today.

I love your guts!

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Consistency - only when it is on my schedule

Most people want consistency in their lives. The clock goes off at the same time during the week and we know it is coming because we have been conditioned. However, when we are in a hurry to get somewhere, the power goes off and the clock freaks out and your settings are all off.

So maybe that was a wasted paragraph, but I blurted it out to say this...I am consistent when it I want to be. Consistency is based on choice. We choose to go to the work out class and not eat greasy foods afterwards to negate the time you spent to tone your body. We choose to make the gas in our tank go a few extra miles before coasting into the nearest gas station. (Yes, I took my tank down to less than a gallon of gas.) We choose to actually use all those vegetables in the fridge for juicing and not slicing up for salad or to be used on a sandwich.

I love juicing because I feel powerful when I drink it, though it looks like green sludge with an orange glow from the carrots. I am not a fan of doing it every day because it is a lot of work. Back to consistency - I do not even follow my own advice. I tell my kids that they need to do their work, clean their room, make their bed, etc. I do *most* of these things but I could be better with making consistent choices to benefit my health. 

So, the next time you see me, ask me when I last juiced. Or ask me how much I love giving up counter space as a reminder that I need to juice. Or volunteer to come over and make me juice and then freeze in containers so I can just zap them in the blender to be a fruit/veg smoothie.

Or...I could just stop making excuses. Be consistent. 

And juice every day.

I have one life. And every minute I have is on loan to me from God. I am thankful for fighting like a girl this past year and need to put my gloves back on and JUST DO IT!

You said tomorrow yesterday  - NIKE  (Oh so true!)

Looking back - it was a year ago today that I had my surgery to remove the lump and go through radiation only. I guess in my mind I thought if it was gone from my body, that the job was done. Lo and behold, the job had just begun. Oh reality, you slapped me in the face like a wet noodle. A lasagna noodle!

Item #15686: Drink more water. Soda is a filler and not natural. We are made mostly of water and soda will never quench your thirst.

I love your guts!

Monday, February 25, 2013

Where is the end of the tunnel?

I am about 4 months out from surgery removing my orange sized ovary and its friends - non-cancerous cysts. I made a decision made on faith and my conservative nature, I only opted for single ovary removal, thinking the rest of my organs would behave. Well...they are not complying with my demands and appear to be out of my control. 

Non-graphic info coming next. So you can close the page or keep reading...at your discretion. 

My uterine lining is not thin, but not too thick to be concerned. And my right ovary has a few visible cysts on them that "should work their way out" within the next couple of months. SHIT! Didn't I just hear this back in September???? Give me a break! I just need one ounce of good news. My doctor (GYNO) was positive and said that I need to come back in 2 months to check the status before he can "officially" give me the all clear. (Insert more cuss words out of frustration here.)

Apparently the news I got in October with the tissue results coming back as non-cancerous does not mean I'm out of the woods. He doesn't seem to think that there is cancer present but would like to monitor me and recheck in 8 weeks. At this point he can make the final declaration. Newsflash - I heard the declaration back in October and I'm feeling pretty good.

No, I do not want cheese to go with my wine. I need to whine about this because I am a control freak. I want things how I want them and that is that. When I let go and let God, perhaps I did not let go all the way. I was probably still hanging on to the wheel of life. When you see me next time, please give me a gentle shake and remind me who is in charge. I'll love you a little more for the reminder.

Deep breathing and lots of water drinking. In with the good and out with the bad.

I love your guts!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

I am back!

Many of you may have noticed that I had not posted anything since the end of September. Well, let me bring you up to speed. Buckle up!

  • October - removed left ovary that was the size of an orange with multiple cysts (no cancer detected)
  • November - we sold our home and moved into a new home just before Thanksgiving
  • December - we hosted our family for Christmas Eve celebration
  • January - my 1 yr mammogram appointment went well (ALL CLEAR!)
  • February - I am now in deep with lots of projects at work. I am taking the 40 day yoga challenge (30 classes in 40 days) to get my health back in check. 


Today is Valentine's day and this is a perfect time for me to spread the love back at those that care for me.

Thank you Jeff for encouraging me and keeping me focused on what is most important. And for reminding me how little and insignificant irritants in my day are because I kicked cancer in the ass.

Thank you to my parents for keeping the kids an extra hour or so in the afternoon so I can get my classes in after work. And for the unwavering support you have shown me.

Thank you to my extended family that are here for me at a moments notice to listen and give me words of encouragement.

Thank you to my friends that I see in person and in the digital space. I feel the love and appreciate you!

Thank you to my kids. When mommy isn't always feeling great, a smile,  hug or your silly words make my day great!

And to my guiding angels that are my reminder how fragile each day is and realize their sacrifices and love they gave me  helped shape who I am. I am strong. I am worthy. I am stubborn. I am free.

My words for you...shake off yesterday. Stand tall today and give your best in everything you do and everyone you meet. 

Remember, I LOVE YOUR GUTS!