We spent Friday night and Saturday with my wonderful friend Debbie and her girls Amanda and Emily. The girls are on their towns YMCA triathlon team and our little town had an event Saturday morning.
I know I've run two half marathons but there's no way I would ever do a triathlon. Mainly because I can't move my right arm in a circle to swim correctly. I bet the other competitors would laugh at me if I was dog paddling.
But these girls have started young and accomplished amazing things.
My girls and I went out Saturday morning to watch them. They swam in our community pool (I guess it's not a good idea to have young children doing open water swims), road their bikes around the neighborhood, and ran laps around a local park. I.was.amazed. There were children of all ages. My girls were also amazed and I even heard a few comments of how they'd like to do it. And then a teenage girl crossed the finish line and threw up. No one said anything after that.
Still, we had a wonderful time with Debbie and her girls and we're so proud of them!
Now we need them to come back and just spend the day floating with us in the pool. I'm worn out from watching them:c)
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Monday, June 27, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Shimmers After Hours
We got a nice surprise last night. Our sweet friend Debbie and her girls Amanda and Emily came to visit! I had been noticing her Facebook status updates and knew she was in a different town than the one she lives in, but didn't know where. When I got a text asking if I wanted to go to Shimmers, I knew they had to be in our town! They were close enough to buy a few things to help with dinner, and far enough away that I had time to pick up our cluttered house! After a dinner of grilled pork quesadillas we sat down to talk but soon knew we had to head to Shimmers. It's a tradition.
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In the car.
In the grass.
In the storm drain.
In the parking lot.
And when the sprinklers started, they played in the galoons and gallons of water that poured out of the broken sprinklers.
Um, gallons.
Right next to the little building that Shimmers is in there is a small grassy area with tables. There are probably 4 sprinklers there. 3 don't do anything, and 1 pours water over the curb and down the hill of the parking lot. It was a river of excitement for the 3 girls. They did pretty well in staying dry, mainly just got their feet wet. That was good since they had an hour and a half trip home. But then it happened...the fountain.
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I really think they need to check the sprinkler system in this shopping area.
Know what happens when 3 girls who have been playing nicely in a river of water see a fountain? They instantly get wet.
Soaked.
To the bone.
And had an absolute blast doing it. How could we stop them?
Debbie had blankets in the car for her girls but I didn't know what to do. We don't keep anything in the Eos for these situations. But when I opened the trunk I saw Shawn's emergency scrubs. Since he's always on call he put those in their to ward off call-ins while we were out breaking in the new car. So Reagan got wrapped up in those. And looks pretty stinking cute!
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And another interesting tidbit about Shimmers...I received an exciting comment on a post about Shimmers. You can read it here. Yep, I consider her a celebrity and love that she found my blog! Maybe she'll find this one and know to have the sprinklers checked!
This should help get the info passed on to the right people:c)
Shawn had somewhere else to be, and McKinley and Kennedy were both gone for the night, so Reagan and I took Amanda and Emily in the Eos and Debbie followed in their car. I don't remember what time we got there...but we didn't leave until it had been closed for about 2 hours. After sitting at a table and eating we slowly walked to our cars...and talked for the next 2 and a half hours. And the three girls? They played.
In the car.
In the grass.
In the storm drain.
In the parking lot.
And when the sprinklers started, they played in the galoons and gallons of water that poured out of the broken sprinklers.
Um, gallons.
Right next to the little building that Shimmers is in there is a small grassy area with tables. There are probably 4 sprinklers there. 3 don't do anything, and 1 pours water over the curb and down the hill of the parking lot. It was a river of excitement for the 3 girls. They did pretty well in staying dry, mainly just got their feet wet. That was good since they had an hour and a half trip home. But then it happened...the fountain.
Know what happens when 3 girls who have been playing nicely in a river of water see a fountain? They instantly get wet.
Soaked.
To the bone.
And had an absolute blast doing it. How could we stop them?
Debbie had blankets in the car for her girls but I didn't know what to do. We don't keep anything in the Eos for these situations. But when I opened the trunk I saw Shawn's emergency scrubs. Since he's always on call he put those in their to ward off call-ins while we were out breaking in the new car. So Reagan got wrapped up in those. And looks pretty stinking cute!
This should help get the info passed on to the right people:c)
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Nike Women's Half Marathon
It's that time of year again. Time to sign up for the Nike Half Marathon in San Francisco. I would love a second chance at that race. Without a broken foot. I'd love to visit that city again. I'd love to get another Tiffany necklace. I'd love to see the views. I'd love to take a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge. The boot and the overwhelming pain the day after the race prevented that. Well, that and I didn't know about it until the day after.
As an alumni I would only have to raise $2950. Not exactly a good deal for me since last time I only had to raise $2500. But certainly cheaper than $3500 all the newbies have to raise. But....I can't fund raise again. You all don't want me to. My friends, neighbors, and family don't want me to. All the people I've ever known in my life that have an address I can find don't want me to. I know people are tired of seeing my letters in their mailbox, and inbox, and seeing me in person. Fund raising twice in a little over two years is a bit too much. I know. But to those of you who gave me money for either one, I am so eternally grateful. I loved doing my part to help find a cure.
But I don't feel like I'm done with these organizations. Since I lost my mom and grandma to breast cancer my loyalties lie there. So I will continue to run the Race for the Cure every year. But someone questioned me when they heard I was doing so much for leukemia research and asked why I didn't do that for breast cancer research. I really didn't know what to say to that. Then I found out that a drug that was funded by a LLS grant by TNT raised money is being used for breast cancer. There you go, it's all working together. That made me feel so much better.
But, I still can't fund raise again. So when I got an e-mail asking if I'd help plan the kick-off program, I was all for it. After two meetings picking themes, colors, decorations, and food, last night it all came together. I was in charge of pictures. Fitting, don't you think? I took pictures from previous races, turned them black and white, and then re-colored in one or two colors. Since we run in purple singlets, it was an easy choice. I then had them printed and matted them on colorful scrapbook paper. I'd love to show you pictures of this...but I didn't take any. Want to know why?
Because I was taking pictures of, and eating, these.
As an alumni I would only have to raise $2950. Not exactly a good deal for me since last time I only had to raise $2500. But certainly cheaper than $3500 all the newbies have to raise. But....I can't fund raise again. You all don't want me to. My friends, neighbors, and family don't want me to. All the people I've ever known in my life that have an address I can find don't want me to. I know people are tired of seeing my letters in their mailbox, and inbox, and seeing me in person. Fund raising twice in a little over two years is a bit too much. I know. But to those of you who gave me money for either one, I am so eternally grateful. I loved doing my part to help find a cure.
But I don't feel like I'm done with these organizations. Since I lost my mom and grandma to breast cancer my loyalties lie there. So I will continue to run the Race for the Cure every year. But someone questioned me when they heard I was doing so much for leukemia research and asked why I didn't do that for breast cancer research. I really didn't know what to say to that. Then I found out that a drug that was funded by a LLS grant by TNT raised money is being used for breast cancer. There you go, it's all working together. That made me feel so much better.
But, I still can't fund raise again. So when I got an e-mail asking if I'd help plan the kick-off program, I was all for it. After two meetings picking themes, colors, decorations, and food, last night it all came together. I was in charge of pictures. Fitting, don't you think? I took pictures from previous races, turned them black and white, and then re-colored in one or two colors. Since we run in purple singlets, it was an easy choice. I then had them printed and matted them on colorful scrapbook paper. I'd love to show you pictures of this...but I didn't take any. Want to know why?
Because I was taking pictures of, and eating, these.
Holy calorie load Batman, they were fabulous. The amazing Ruth made them. She is a leukemia survivor and an award winning baker, cake decorator, and sugar artist. Click here to read more about her. The last paragraph is my favorite. She's done 5 of the last 7 Nike races. So her necklace collection? Amazing. She wears them all on one chain with spacers between them. So to entice people to sign up, she put a edible silver charm that exactly matched each necklace on a cookie, on top of the amazing parfait. Why she weighs about 70 pounds I'll never understand. She must not eat anything that she eats.
I ate this one. It has my necklace on top. It. Was. A. Maz. Ing.
So I ate the parfait, and quite a bit of pita chips from the snack table, and didn't sign up. It was hard not to. The kick-off meetings are so inspirational. But I didn't. But I did sign up to be an assistant coach for the fall season. So I still get to be apart and don't have to raise money. The best of both worlds!
And I still get to spend time with amazing people like Ruth.
How can you say no to that??
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Prom!
Remember me telling you about my fabulous friend Jalene? And that we were shooting prom together? If not, pay attention!
Kidding:c)
Prom was Saturday and I must say, it was so much fun! I attended the same school but we weren't allowed to have proms because of an old will, a man of many beliefs, and a church. It's too much to go into now. We had banquets. They were fun...but now I know what I was missing.
Jalene handled the posed pictures and I shot candids. I fought off and on with my external flash, but finally when all the lights were turned off for dancing (except some strobe lights, don't worry) I got it. But what I found out about high schoolers dancing is, they dance toward the center of the room. I have a lot of pictures of behinds. And the two times I pushed through to the middle? It was dangerous! I still got some good shots though. Jalene on the other hand? Not many people wanted posed. Sad really. Those that did didn't have money with them. From what we've heard about the previous photographers, people weren't impressed. Hopefully we can build trust and show them how awesome we are, and by the Fall Ball (that we also get to shoot), they'll know we rock!
I could share some of my favorite pictures from the evening, but instead I wanted to share the most popular one.
Kidding:c)
Prom was Saturday and I must say, it was so much fun! I attended the same school but we weren't allowed to have proms because of an old will, a man of many beliefs, and a church. It's too much to go into now. We had banquets. They were fun...but now I know what I was missing.
Jalene handled the posed pictures and I shot candids. I fought off and on with my external flash, but finally when all the lights were turned off for dancing (except some strobe lights, don't worry) I got it. But what I found out about high schoolers dancing is, they dance toward the center of the room. I have a lot of pictures of behinds. And the two times I pushed through to the middle? It was dangerous! I still got some good shots though. Jalene on the other hand? Not many people wanted posed. Sad really. Those that did didn't have money with them. From what we've heard about the previous photographers, people weren't impressed. Hopefully we can build trust and show them how awesome we are, and by the Fall Ball (that we also get to shoot), they'll know we rock!
I could share some of my favorite pictures from the evening, but instead I wanted to share the most popular one.
This is the picture I put on Facebook to ask which shoe was better.
It got a lot of comments. And the results were split almost down the middle. Luckily I was too distracted after I took the picture to take them off so I picked the bow one based on comfort. Sadly an hour and a half in they were no longer comfortable. Thank goodness I'd worn flip flops there to set up and switched into them before the dancing started:)
And about the dancing. I'm a good little girl who never really learned how to. My church didn't condone dancing so I just never did it. Times have changed and now it's okay. Sadly it's too late for me. I can step touch, but that's about it. But you know what happens when you're taking pictures of dancing teenagers for three hours? You have to let it out! I busted out a few step touches every once in a while. It felt so good!
Don't worry, it was dark and I doubt anyone saw me.
They were blind from my flash:c)
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Why I Love My Boss
My boss sent me this message on Facebook tonight. It seems she's having problems with our company Twitter account.
Let me lament my problems:
1.) My picture is still an egg. It won't let me change. Seriously.
2.)Everytime I login, I have to change my password. Every. Time.
3.) While Facebook knows me and loves me, Twitter, is a cold, dark place.
4.)I stumbled upon the OKCMAR site and managed to follow about 18 people, but unlike Facebook where I've met them in real life, I only have a virtual relationship. Am I stalking?! And if so, is that OK?
5.)I am reminded of the scene out of "My Best Friend's Wedding" where Julia Roberts is chasing after her best friend, who is chasing after his bride and Julia's friend says, "Who is chasing her?" She replies, "He is." "And who is chasing him?" She replies, "I am." "And who is chasing you?!" She replies, "No one."
That is me! I'm the girl as the end of the line in Twitter.
Do you see why I love her??? She cracks me up all the time. My cheeks hurt after spending time with her.
The upper ones:c)
Let me lament my problems:
1.) My picture is still an egg. It won't let me change. Seriously.
2.)Everytime I login, I have to change my password. Every. Time.
3.) While Facebook knows me and loves me, Twitter, is a cold, dark place.
4.)I stumbled upon the OKCMAR site and managed to follow about 18 people, but unlike Facebook where I've met them in real life, I only have a virtual relationship. Am I stalking?! And if so, is that OK?
5.)I am reminded of the scene out of "My Best Friend's Wedding" where Julia Roberts is chasing after her best friend, who is chasing after his bride and Julia's friend says, "Who is chasing her?" She replies, "He is." "And who is chasing him?" She replies, "I am." "And who is chasing you?!" She replies, "No one."
That is me! I'm the girl as the end of the line in Twitter.
Do you see why I love her??? She cracks me up all the time. My cheeks hurt after spending time with her.
The upper ones:c)
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The Weddding!
I had the absolute pleasure of being the matron of honor at the wedding of two high school friends recently. Jennifer and Monty. I've told you about Jennifer before. I was so excited when I found out that after Jennifer got on Facebook (because of me), got reconnected with Monty on Facebook (because of me), and got engaged to Monty (sort of because of me). I thought it was only fitting that I got to be in their wedding:c)
The girls and I hit the road for the 3 hour tour. I mean trip. These cute piggies were the silver lining of one of the worst gas station bathrooms we've ever used. You know when you feel the need to hand sanitize your entire body?? Yep, that bad.
Jen had told me to just pick a black dress to wear for the wedding. That was hard for me! There was one other bridesmaid and I didn't know what she was going to be wearing. Also, the bride and the bridesmaid are tiny!! Angela has had three children, one a few months ago, and she looks wonderful! My baby is eight and....moving on.
Jen told me what she was wearing but until I saw it, I couldn't even imagine it.
Sequined leopard. Yep, she was not a conventional bride.
But certainly a beautiful one:D She was replying to a text from Monty saying he'd need help with his tie when he got there. So cute.
Because of all the comments that The Pioneer Woman says about Spanx, I knew this was the point in my life when I'd need a pair. Also because of McKinley. When she came into the dressing room to zip me up she saw my tushie she said, "Oh, huh-uh." I promised her that I would be purchasing a 'supportive device' of some sort. I have my mothers behind, it's genetic. McKinley however didn't get it. Lucky duck.
So can you tell that I'm wearing anything at all to hold in round parts? No! My stomach is still protruding! And I'm going to let you in on a little secret, I'm wearing two different 'supportive devices'. Luckily I'd not only packed my Spanx, but a much cheaper version that I've had for years. Promise you won't tell anyone. Ree has confessed to wearing four pairs at once! I love that dress though. It's just not very forgiving. And I'm beginning to wonder about the mirrors at JC Penney because I looked a lot better than what you're seeing here!!
Moving on.
Enough discussing my jiggly parts. Besides, with a bride in a sequined leopard dress, who would be looking at me??
(Pardon the poor quality, this was taken with my cell phone so my Facebook friends could see our beauty.)
In spending a few minutes exploring the bed and breakfast where the wedding was held, I found the Presidential Room! I of course had the girls stand in front of the door.
Jen was waiting patiently for me when I got back. Okay, I'm lying. She was waiting for Monty. They saw each other before the wedding and exchanged personal vows just for each other to hear.
The girls and I headed downstairs to wait for the wedding to start. Kennedy had the camera. Here's one of the pictures I got. I do love those shoes. Sadly I may never wear them again because they hurt so stinking much! And since we've discussed my large tushie and stomach, should we discuss my large calves?
Okay, maybe later.
As we waited the cake arrived. Now for an unconventional bride wearing a sequined leopard print dress, what type of cake should we expect?
Leopard of course.
It was papaya/mango filled. Hello another pair of Spanx. It was delish.
Monty has three children and a nephew that he helps to raise. Because they were coming together with Jennifer he made a family puzzle for them. Each piece has the word family on it in a different font. Just as everyone in the family is a little different. The pieces came apart and each was a necklace. He explained this to the children as he handed out their necklaces.
Sadly his oldest son Logan was killed in a four wheeler accident last summer. His picture was placed where the best man would have stood during the ceremony. It was moved inside for the reception and Logan got his own necklace.
The typical feeding happened with no smashing. I hate it when they smash. The bride is looking her loveliest only to have cake smooshed into her face. Monty did a great job letting Jen continue to look stunning.
She was nice as well.
The drinks though...the foot height difference made it quite funny.
And the guest book? Hello gorgeous wood carving. Lasering? Chiseling? It was amazing.
As we moved outside for the goodbye, I feel in love with the front porch of the bed and breakfast. How had I missed that before? Guess the Spanx were beginning to disturb my blood flow.
Awww....I'm so happy for them. If it hadn't been for Facebook...if it hadn't been for me...:)
Okay okay, I kid. If it hadn't been for Facebook God would have found a way.
He knew they needed each other:c)
The girls and I hit the road for the 3 hour tour. I mean trip. These cute piggies were the silver lining of one of the worst gas station bathrooms we've ever used. You know when you feel the need to hand sanitize your entire body?? Yep, that bad.
Jen had told me to just pick a black dress to wear for the wedding. That was hard for me! There was one other bridesmaid and I didn't know what she was going to be wearing. Also, the bride and the bridesmaid are tiny!! Angela has had three children, one a few months ago, and she looks wonderful! My baby is eight and....moving on.
Jen told me what she was wearing but until I saw it, I couldn't even imagine it.
Sequined leopard. Yep, she was not a conventional bride.
But certainly a beautiful one:D She was replying to a text from Monty saying he'd need help with his tie when he got there. So cute. Because of all the comments that The Pioneer Woman says about Spanx, I knew this was the point in my life when I'd need a pair. Also because of McKinley. When she came into the dressing room to zip me up she saw my tushie she said, "Oh, huh-uh." I promised her that I would be purchasing a 'supportive device' of some sort. I have my mothers behind, it's genetic. McKinley however didn't get it. Lucky duck.So can you tell that I'm wearing anything at all to hold in round parts? No! My stomach is still protruding! And I'm going to let you in on a little secret, I'm wearing two different 'supportive devices'. Luckily I'd not only packed my Spanx, but a much cheaper version that I've had for years. Promise you won't tell anyone. Ree has confessed to wearing four pairs at once! I love that dress though. It's just not very forgiving. And I'm beginning to wonder about the mirrors at JC Penney because I looked a lot better than what you're seeing here!!Moving on.
Enough discussing my jiggly parts. Besides, with a bride in a sequined leopard dress, who would be looking at me??
(Pardon the poor quality, this was taken with my cell phone so my Facebook friends could see our beauty.)In spending a few minutes exploring the bed and breakfast where the wedding was held, I found the Presidential Room! I of course had the girls stand in front of the door.
Jen was waiting patiently for me when I got back. Okay, I'm lying. She was waiting for Monty. They saw each other before the wedding and exchanged personal vows just for each other to hear.The girls and I headed downstairs to wait for the wedding to start. Kennedy had the camera. Here's one of the pictures I got. I do love those shoes. Sadly I may never wear them again because they hurt so stinking much! And since we've discussed my large tushie and stomach, should we discuss my large calves?Okay, maybe later.
As we waited the cake arrived. Now for an unconventional bride wearing a sequined leopard print dress, what type of cake should we expect?Leopard of course.
It was papaya/mango filled. Hello another pair of Spanx. It was delish.
Monty has three children and a nephew that he helps to raise. Because they were coming together with Jennifer he made a family puzzle for them. Each piece has the word family on it in a different font. Just as everyone in the family is a little different. The pieces came apart and each was a necklace. He explained this to the children as he handed out their necklaces.Sadly his oldest son Logan was killed in a four wheeler accident last summer. His picture was placed where the best man would have stood during the ceremony. It was moved inside for the reception and Logan got his own necklace.The typical feeding happened with no smashing. I hate it when they smash. The bride is looking her loveliest only to have cake smooshed into her face. Monty did a great job letting Jen continue to look stunning.She was nice as well. The drinks though...the foot height difference made it quite funny. And the guest book? Hello gorgeous wood carving. Lasering? Chiseling? It was amazing.As we moved outside for the goodbye, I feel in love with the front porch of the bed and breakfast. How had I missed that before? Guess the Spanx were beginning to disturb my blood flow. Awww....I'm so happy for them. If it hadn't been for Facebook...if it hadn't been for me...:)Okay okay, I kid. If it hadn't been for Facebook God would have found a way.He knew they needed each other:c)
Oh, and you know all those jokes about Arkansas weddings?? As I was pulling away from their house after saying goodbye I realized I hadn't signed the marriage license. I rolled down the window and said, "Hey, I didn't sign anything. Are you sure you all are married?" To which Jen replied, "It's Arkansas, you don't have to have witnesses."
Insert any joke here that you want.
I have a few if you can't come up with one!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Garage Sale Fun
In preparing for a garage sale the thing that I always struggle with is how to hang the clothes. I know no one that has a rack. And believe me, I've asked. So this time I had it worked out. I had a plan. A PVC pipe and an opening in the bricks and the iron work in the garage.
I know you're impressed. But I have a confession. I had to add a pool pole to get it long enough. But I had a sag in the middle. That's okay, I had a crutch. And when that turned our to be too short, I added a little chair someone had donated to sell.
I know, I'm a genius. I of course didn't make any money on the chair, but I was proud. Until someone bumped into the crutch. I had to be brilliant again. Aha! Bicycle hooks and an old rope.
I know, I know. Pure genius. It held the entire four days.
Before I redid the girls' room they had wooden blocks that spelled their names up in a bookshelf. It was so cute. Since McKinley, Kennedy, and Reagan's names decrease by one letter they were all stacked up on each other. But with their more sophisticated room it just didn't fit. So they went into the garage sale. A big basket of blocks didn't show well so I set about displaying them to their fullest potential. I couldn't spell the names because then people wouldn't want to buy them. So...
And before you question the LN, he was my uncle. It was short for Lenes. Neither one of those would have been my choice for a name, personally. But he was an amazing man.
When my amazing friend Debbie surprised me by driving almost 2 hours to bring her family to help, her daughter did this.
Mangle. Always a good word. And let's not compare a 4th graders words to a grown ups words please. I happen to like 3 letter words.
Garfield and his friends were entertained by all our word play.
And my favorite thing? This.
Because of the box I pulled it out of I'm pretty sure it was Mitchell's. It was a hit.
I know you're impressed. But I have a confession. I had to add a pool pole to get it long enough. But I had a sag in the middle. That's okay, I had a crutch. And when that turned our to be too short, I added a little chair someone had donated to sell.I know, I'm a genius. I of course didn't make any money on the chair, but I was proud. Until someone bumped into the crutch. I had to be brilliant again. Aha! Bicycle hooks and an old rope.I know, I know. Pure genius. It held the entire four days.Before I redid the girls' room they had wooden blocks that spelled their names up in a bookshelf. It was so cute. Since McKinley, Kennedy, and Reagan's names decrease by one letter they were all stacked up on each other. But with their more sophisticated room it just didn't fit. So they went into the garage sale. A big basket of blocks didn't show well so I set about displaying them to their fullest potential. I couldn't spell the names because then people wouldn't want to buy them. So...
And before you question the LN, he was my uncle. It was short for Lenes. Neither one of those would have been my choice for a name, personally. But he was an amazing man.When my amazing friend Debbie surprised me by driving almost 2 hours to bring her family to help, her daughter did this.
Mangle. Always a good word. And let's not compare a 4th graders words to a grown ups words please. I happen to like 3 letter words.Garfield and his friends were entertained by all our word play.
And my favorite thing? This.
Because of the box I pulled it out of I'm pretty sure it was Mitchell's. It was a hit.Thanks to all of you who came out and supported our garage sale! And to those of you who donated items for me to sell. And to those who came and helped me so I didn't lose my mind. You are more loved than you'll ever know!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Curve Ball
You know how life throws you curve balls? Well, I thought the whole Easter Debacle was mine.
Then I got an even bigger one.
I lost my mom to breast cancer. She died at the age of 53. She lost her mother to breast cancer. She died at the age of 53. Five of my grandmothers sisters have had breast cancer. One has survived. Wish you were me? Didn't think so.
When I had a breast reduction three years ago at the age of 34 my plastic surgeon was shocked that I hadn't started getting mammograms. I told him that every year when I went to the gynecologist I would ask when I needed to start them. He would always say at age 40. I would then remind him of my family history and he'd still say 40. The plastic surgeon told me it was absolutely necessary to have one before the reduction to get my baseline. As I checked out the cashier mentioned that my insurance probably wouldn't pay because I wasn't 40 yet. When I told why I'd started she said that still wasn't enough reason for my insurance. She then asked if I had breast cancer in my family. I let her in on the 411. She said she'd have a doctor call me. When the head doctor called she asked if I'd like to join their study group. I of course said yes. Well, because of an insurance change shortly after that it wasn't possible. But I went again for my mammogram the next year I was asked again. The doctor assured me she would convince my insurance.
And she did.
Yesterday was the day for my first MRI. I have that once a year and six months later a mammogram. A week out I was thinking it was a simple climb in the tube and lie still MRI. But then I got a letter from them. I had to have an IV. Yuck. I am not an easy stick and I hate needles. I always get through it, but it's not my favorite thing. So I went in a little jittery. I had two wonderful nurses who put me at ease and after three different tries in three different places I finally had an IV. Oh, and blood drawn. That hadn't been in the letter. Because they were inserting dye into me they had to check my kidneys to make sure they could get the dye out. I passed with flying colors. I went into the MRI and spent 28 minutes listening to muffled music and horrendous startling sounds. Those things are so annoying! I did like that this one (compared to one I had on my wrist) had me lying on my stomach. It was a lot like a massage table with a hole for my head. But I've never seen a massage table with boobie holes:c)
Four hours after my appointment I got a phone call from the radiologist. That can't be good. She said there was an area that worried her. It was only my first MRI! They weren't supposed to find anything! I guess they didn't know that. She said she wanted do an ultrasound to check it out. She then asked when I was available. Hello? I would run there if needed as soon as possible. Luckily they had an 8:30 appointment today.
I'd put on Facebook that I was having an MRI and I was worried I was overwhelmed with 13 comments from friends and family supporting me. Five hours later when I put that I had to go for an ultrasound on a questionable area I had 25 comments saying they'd be praying for me. I went to bed last night with such a peace about a situation that should have had me freaked completely out. I know it was the sweet people lifting me in prayer.
This morning I was thrilled to report that I have a fatty deposit wrapped around scar tissue from my reduction. Can I get an Amen for fat?? I've never been so happy to have a fat problem! I was shocked to have 39 likes and comments on my 'All Clear!' status. I have been in tears so much in the last 33 hours and it hasn't been because I've been scared or worried, it's been because of the outpouring of love I have felt. From my Aunt Marcia who sent a text almost as soon as I posted something, to my aunt and grandmother who called as I was driving to the ultrasound...the friend who whispered across the room during a meeting today that she'd woken up at 2:45 and started praying for me...and the friend I ran into at Hobby Lobby who said she'd been so relieved to read that it wasn't bad....I have been carried. I can never thank the people in my life enough. I'd be lost without them.
And to the sweet friends here who commented on my Easter Debacle posts, thank you. I am still overdoing it daily but that's because this is the busiest time of year for me. But each night around 7 I am able to sit down and completely relax and take care of it. I am also anticipating an uneventful weekend that should be just what the doctor ordered.
Hopefully tomorrow we will return to our regularly scheduled funny, picture filled posts. If there are any more curve balls headed my way I plan to duck. Just hope I don't get goosed.
Love you all!
Then I got an even bigger one.
I lost my mom to breast cancer. She died at the age of 53. She lost her mother to breast cancer. She died at the age of 53. Five of my grandmothers sisters have had breast cancer. One has survived. Wish you were me? Didn't think so.
When I had a breast reduction three years ago at the age of 34 my plastic surgeon was shocked that I hadn't started getting mammograms. I told him that every year when I went to the gynecologist I would ask when I needed to start them. He would always say at age 40. I would then remind him of my family history and he'd still say 40. The plastic surgeon told me it was absolutely necessary to have one before the reduction to get my baseline. As I checked out the cashier mentioned that my insurance probably wouldn't pay because I wasn't 40 yet. When I told why I'd started she said that still wasn't enough reason for my insurance. She then asked if I had breast cancer in my family. I let her in on the 411. She said she'd have a doctor call me. When the head doctor called she asked if I'd like to join their study group. I of course said yes. Well, because of an insurance change shortly after that it wasn't possible. But I went again for my mammogram the next year I was asked again. The doctor assured me she would convince my insurance.
And she did.
Yesterday was the day for my first MRI. I have that once a year and six months later a mammogram. A week out I was thinking it was a simple climb in the tube and lie still MRI. But then I got a letter from them. I had to have an IV. Yuck. I am not an easy stick and I hate needles. I always get through it, but it's not my favorite thing. So I went in a little jittery. I had two wonderful nurses who put me at ease and after three different tries in three different places I finally had an IV. Oh, and blood drawn. That hadn't been in the letter. Because they were inserting dye into me they had to check my kidneys to make sure they could get the dye out. I passed with flying colors. I went into the MRI and spent 28 minutes listening to muffled music and horrendous startling sounds. Those things are so annoying! I did like that this one (compared to one I had on my wrist) had me lying on my stomach. It was a lot like a massage table with a hole for my head. But I've never seen a massage table with boobie holes:c)
Four hours after my appointment I got a phone call from the radiologist. That can't be good. She said there was an area that worried her. It was only my first MRI! They weren't supposed to find anything! I guess they didn't know that. She said she wanted do an ultrasound to check it out. She then asked when I was available. Hello? I would run there if needed as soon as possible. Luckily they had an 8:30 appointment today.
I'd put on Facebook that I was having an MRI and I was worried I was overwhelmed with 13 comments from friends and family supporting me. Five hours later when I put that I had to go for an ultrasound on a questionable area I had 25 comments saying they'd be praying for me. I went to bed last night with such a peace about a situation that should have had me freaked completely out. I know it was the sweet people lifting me in prayer.
This morning I was thrilled to report that I have a fatty deposit wrapped around scar tissue from my reduction. Can I get an Amen for fat?? I've never been so happy to have a fat problem! I was shocked to have 39 likes and comments on my 'All Clear!' status. I have been in tears so much in the last 33 hours and it hasn't been because I've been scared or worried, it's been because of the outpouring of love I have felt. From my Aunt Marcia who sent a text almost as soon as I posted something, to my aunt and grandmother who called as I was driving to the ultrasound...the friend who whispered across the room during a meeting today that she'd woken up at 2:45 and started praying for me...and the friend I ran into at Hobby Lobby who said she'd been so relieved to read that it wasn't bad....I have been carried. I can never thank the people in my life enough. I'd be lost without them.
And to the sweet friends here who commented on my Easter Debacle posts, thank you. I am still overdoing it daily but that's because this is the busiest time of year for me. But each night around 7 I am able to sit down and completely relax and take care of it. I am also anticipating an uneventful weekend that should be just what the doctor ordered.
Hopefully tomorrow we will return to our regularly scheduled funny, picture filled posts. If there are any more curve balls headed my way I plan to duck. Just hope I don't get goosed.
Love you all!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Facebook Funnies
It's that time again! Time to share some of my hilarious Facebook friends with you. I know you've been missing it.
Mark. Oh Mark. My friend from high school who I now serve on a Board with. He has one of the driest humors of anyone I know. He just throws things out that make me snort.
-I was just sitting on the toilet installing the game of Craps on my phone. Now THAT is ironic.
-Why are the bags of Raisins resealable? Are they afraid they might dry out?
-Skorts are to clothing what a mullet is to hair. Business in the front and party in the back.
-Ever wonder if the words "it cannot be contained" ever get mad or feel slighted and replaced by the word "uncontainable"?
-Loving the famous condiment ketchup while hating real tomatoes is a lot like loving Hannah Montana but not liking the real Miley Cyrus.
-I am all for second chances. But Cured Ham? I think i would prefer to know exactly what former disease the poor pig suffered from before placing it in my mouth.
Bailee-my friend Kristi's daughter. She is a beautiful human being who cracks me up. Her constant drastic hairdo changes and sense of fashion make me wish I could grow up and be her.
-Oh man, God definitely has a fairly twisted sense of humor. That or he's using me as a test subject for how much a person can take before going nutty.
-needs a caffeine i.v. .....Stat. I think i'm flat-lining.
-is sipping wine with a psychic. No seriously.
-can't wait till Valentines day. It's gonna be a bloody massacre. You'll see. There will be pictures.
-hates mornings with a fiery passion that can never be quenched.
Julie-I went to high school with Julie. She cracked me up every single minute of every single day. Thanks to Facebook she still does!
-My son learned to tie a full Windsor from a youtube video. Technology is amazing! Anyone have a link to a video about how to clean your room?
-Cinderella was a shoe-in for the crown.
-I have decided if I grow old and haven't traveled as much as I'd like, I would ask the assistance of my friends to help me fulfill that dream. Just cremate me and ship me UPS to each other. When I arrive at your house, throw a party and send me on. Thank you in advance.
-According to my scale, the 13 cookies I ate last night weighed a pound and a half.
-Stop making funny posts people! I'm trying to take a test and don't have the self-restraint not to reply.
-Ordering "chicks on a raft and a cup of mud." maybe I'll just have "dough well-done with a cow to cover." Naw. Eighty-six that. (Anyone speak diner lingo?)
Karen-Our middle school secretary.
-Driving around today with my top down. Beautiful weather!! Then I remembered that I don't have my Firebird with T-tops anymore. Maybe that's why people were looking at me.
-Watching GI Jane this afternoon. I'm glad Demi Moore made that movie so I didn't have too.
-So the vacuum caught on fire today. That sucks.
-Why is it ok for a guy who has man-boobs to go without a bra?
Amy-I grew up with Amy and always knew she was funny!
-A personal trainer individual I know said in regards to losing weight the First Rule: Stop putting so much freaking food in your pie hole. (Well, he said it nicer than I did.)
-I am terribly non-photogenic...I really don't like that about myself. I've come to terms with the rest of me...but still I wish I could take a nice picture.
-Dear Current and Future Teachers of Campbell: Could you please commission the help of Jack White, The Edge, and Jimmy Page to teach all subjects deemed "boring" to Middle School boys. Also, have them hold guitars and occasionally play a rif in order to give mathematics/reading comprehension/social studies/science more credence. Sincerely, Mom
-is not a fan of crack sweat.
-My afternoon of shuttle service begins in a few minutes...I despise toting children around...it really sucks...I think my mother was insane for having 6 children...but perhaps that is why she put 17 years between the 1st and the last...so she could make someone else drive. Campbell is as tall as a short woman...maybe we could get him to drive...
-Okay...it's Friday...what new stupidity of Amy's can we discuss today...Oh, I once told a co-worker to, "Mellow out and stop shaking so much". Some of you smart folks have already figured out...he had Parkinson's Disease. There really is no way out of that one gracefully.
So now do we all understand why I have a slight addiction to Facebook?? Good, now someone explain it to my husband:c)
Mark. Oh Mark. My friend from high school who I now serve on a Board with. He has one of the driest humors of anyone I know. He just throws things out that make me snort.
-I was just sitting on the toilet installing the game of Craps on my phone. Now THAT is ironic.
-Why are the bags of Raisins resealable? Are they afraid they might dry out?
-Skorts are to clothing what a mullet is to hair. Business in the front and party in the back.
-Ever wonder if the words "it cannot be contained" ever get mad or feel slighted and replaced by the word "uncontainable"?
-Loving the famous condiment ketchup while hating real tomatoes is a lot like loving Hannah Montana but not liking the real Miley Cyrus.
-I am all for second chances. But Cured Ham? I think i would prefer to know exactly what former disease the poor pig suffered from before placing it in my mouth.
Bailee-my friend Kristi's daughter. She is a beautiful human being who cracks me up. Her constant drastic hairdo changes and sense of fashion make me wish I could grow up and be her.
-Oh man, God definitely has a fairly twisted sense of humor. That or he's using me as a test subject for how much a person can take before going nutty.
-needs a caffeine i.v. .....Stat. I think i'm flat-lining.
-is sipping wine with a psychic. No seriously.
-can't wait till Valentines day. It's gonna be a bloody massacre. You'll see. There will be pictures.
-hates mornings with a fiery passion that can never be quenched.
Julie-I went to high school with Julie. She cracked me up every single minute of every single day. Thanks to Facebook she still does!
-My son learned to tie a full Windsor from a youtube video. Technology is amazing! Anyone have a link to a video about how to clean your room?
-Cinderella was a shoe-in for the crown.
-I have decided if I grow old and haven't traveled as much as I'd like, I would ask the assistance of my friends to help me fulfill that dream. Just cremate me and ship me UPS to each other. When I arrive at your house, throw a party and send me on. Thank you in advance.
-According to my scale, the 13 cookies I ate last night weighed a pound and a half.
-Stop making funny posts people! I'm trying to take a test and don't have the self-restraint not to reply.
-Ordering "chicks on a raft and a cup of mud." maybe I'll just have "dough well-done with a cow to cover." Naw. Eighty-six that. (Anyone speak diner lingo?)
Karen-Our middle school secretary.
-Driving around today with my top down. Beautiful weather!! Then I remembered that I don't have my Firebird with T-tops anymore. Maybe that's why people were looking at me.
-Watching GI Jane this afternoon. I'm glad Demi Moore made that movie so I didn't have too.
-So the vacuum caught on fire today. That sucks.
-Why is it ok for a guy who has man-boobs to go without a bra?
Amy-I grew up with Amy and always knew she was funny!
-A personal trainer individual I know said in regards to losing weight the First Rule: Stop putting so much freaking food in your pie hole. (Well, he said it nicer than I did.)
-I am terribly non-photogenic...I really don't like that about myself. I've come to terms with the rest of me...but still I wish I could take a nice picture.
-Dear Current and Future Teachers of Campbell: Could you please commission the help of Jack White, The Edge, and Jimmy Page to teach all subjects deemed "boring" to Middle School boys. Also, have them hold guitars and occasionally play a rif in order to give mathematics/reading comprehension/social studies/science more credence. Sincerely, Mom
-is not a fan of crack sweat.
-My afternoon of shuttle service begins in a few minutes...I despise toting children around...it really sucks...I think my mother was insane for having 6 children...but perhaps that is why she put 17 years between the 1st and the last...so she could make someone else drive. Campbell is as tall as a short woman...maybe we could get him to drive...
-Okay...it's Friday...what new stupidity of Amy's can we discuss today...Oh, I once told a co-worker to, "Mellow out and stop shaking so much". Some of you smart folks have already figured out...he had Parkinson's Disease. There really is no way out of that one gracefully.
So now do we all understand why I have a slight addiction to Facebook?? Good, now someone explain it to my husband:c)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
You've Been Warned
We are blessed at our school to have a wonder, amazing, awesome choir teacher for K-6th grades. She is also a friend of mine and we attend church together and are in the same Sunday school class. I love her. It's that time of year though when she is over committed. With two honor choirs and over 50 students involved she spends a lot of time at school after hours. McKinley and Kennedy have three practices a week from 3-4. After these choirs are over it's time for the All School Musical. She puts in many long hours for that.
Reagan and I really enjoy staying for the practices. The students singing are the best at the school so it's a really good sound coming out of them! I had to run in her office to borrow something recently and saw this.
I love it!
Since I am going to be out of town five of the next nine days because of choirs, I can understand perfectly!
Reagan and I really enjoy staying for the practices. The students singing are the best at the school so it's a really good sound coming out of them! I had to run in her office to borrow something recently and saw this.
I love it!Since I am going to be out of town five of the next nine days because of choirs, I can understand perfectly!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Some more suckers!
Okay, they're not suckers...they're a sweet family we go to church with:c)
Since my friend Beth and her family took a chance on my photography and editing skills and liked the outcome, apparently she's been talking. One of our mutual friends asked me to do theirs! We worked for almost a month for the weather, clothing options, hair appointments, and life to align and finally got together last week.
Since Craig is a local football coach we headed out to the field for some awesome end zone pictures. Awesome in my head; not awesome in real life. Apparently here in Oklahoma, grass dies. Who knew? The end zones weren't painted and there was no signage at all with the schools name on it. Luckily having the coach with us helped. He got the wrap out of storage that goes around the bottom of the goal posts. Guess it wouldn't feel very good to run right into a big hunk of metal. Personally I've run into a brick wall and lived to tell, so I think that tough football players could handle it.
Caleb wasn't really sure that he wanted anything to do with me at first. For every calm picture I took I had to promise him two silly ones. After a while though he started posing for me and striking the most hilarious poses. I finally whined enough that Craig and Amy even joined in. Rocket ended up being the hardest one to photograph. Apparently when you call a dogs name to look toward you he actually wants to come toward you. When the dog is taller than you when standing on its back legs, this can pose a problem.
Still, I think we got some good shots. I'm still not a professional by any means but I'm cheap and fun to work with! And so far I've been blessed with good friends or family who are willing to take a chance on me.
Since my friend Beth and her family took a chance on my photography and editing skills and liked the outcome, apparently she's been talking. One of our mutual friends asked me to do theirs! We worked for almost a month for the weather, clothing options, hair appointments, and life to align and finally got together last week.
Since Craig is a local football coach we headed out to the field for some awesome end zone pictures. Awesome in my head; not awesome in real life. Apparently here in Oklahoma, grass dies. Who knew? The end zones weren't painted and there was no signage at all with the schools name on it. Luckily having the coach with us helped. He got the wrap out of storage that goes around the bottom of the goal posts. Guess it wouldn't feel very good to run right into a big hunk of metal. Personally I've run into a brick wall and lived to tell, so I think that tough football players could handle it.
Caleb wasn't really sure that he wanted anything to do with me at first. For every calm picture I took I had to promise him two silly ones. After a while though he started posing for me and striking the most hilarious poses. I finally whined enough that Craig and Amy even joined in. Rocket ended up being the hardest one to photograph. Apparently when you call a dogs name to look toward you he actually wants to come toward you. When the dog is taller than you when standing on its back legs, this can pose a problem.
Still, I think we got some good shots. I'm still not a professional by any means but I'm cheap and fun to work with! And so far I've been blessed with good friends or family who are willing to take a chance on me.
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