This morning I'm going with my friend Cathy to San Francisco to participate in all of the Super Bowl hype. Cathy has connections to media passes, which will get us into pretty much anything we want. I'm excited for this adventure, especially because Carolina Panthers are in the Super Bowel.
We are going to do a little touring on Wednesday when we get there; Golden Gate Bridge, Fishermans Wharf, whatever we find time to see and do. We are going to go to concerts, attend parties and mix and mingle with athletes and stars. And of course we are going to get our 10,000 steps in each day!
I'm hoping and praying that I'm feeling better soon or Cathy is going to have to carry my bags. I wretched my lower back somehow Saturday morning and I've not been the same since. I even had to have Cathy come help me make my guest bed up yesterday, because I was in so much pain. I'm in pain mostly to sit, bend and lift. Even sitting down on the toilet hurts (I know TMI). I've applied ice, heat, gotten a massage, used a tense unit, taken ibuprofen and yesterday morning it was even worse, but last night it felt a little better. Come on healing...PS. This is a different pain than my ovarian cancer pain, thank goodness, because I'm done with that.
We could go to the Super Bowl itself, however because it is going to be on a Sunday we aren't going. I asked my Bishop yesterday about going yesterday before church. His response was, "listen to my talk today." The first thing he said in his talk was, "How much do you love the Lord?" He continued to talk about keeping the Sabbath Day holy. His conclusion was if you love the Lord, you will keep His day holy. My answer to my question of should I go to the Super Bowl? No I love the Lord so much that I want to keep His day holy.
Sunday's have always been my favorite day and the day that I recharge to get through another week. When I was once trying to decide on taking a job where I had to work every other Sunday, I had someone ask me where I usually got answers to my prayers. My reply was in church. I am fortunate to not have to work many Sunday's given there are many who actually like to work Sundays. When I lived in Charlotte I use to work every other Friday and Saturday nights so that I could attend church after my shift Sunday morning. And of course I love that I play the piano in church. Playing the piano while the children sing is the best thing.
I'm actually excited to be returning to Phoenix on Saturday to spend the evening with my friend Sarah, who will be coming to Phoenix for her daughters gymnastic competition. It will be fun to see her and catch up, since I haven't seen her since I was in DC in May.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Monday, February 1, 2016
A Visit To Spokane
Sunday evening after cancer camp, I flew to my sister Tristens to spend the week with her and my nieces while her husband was out of town for work.
Monday the girls woke me up by getting in bed with me, bad breath and all! We went to the gym, took the girls to school, took the girls to dance, which was super cute and relaxed. The girls played beauty shop a lot this week with my hair and gave me plenty of foot massages, which I enjoyed immensely.
Tuesday we went to Coeur D Alene, had lunch, did some shopping and then I let the girls pick out their favorite candy at Winco for our movie night.
Wednesday while Bridget was at school, Aidree, Tristen and I tried an Indian resturant. It was pretty good, but I've had better. Aidree wasn't so sure about Indian Food. When we had a break from the rain we took the girls on a pretty long walk, which helped me get my 10,000 steps in. And then it started raining again.
Thursday we went to a General Conference study group where we talked mostly about faith. It rained all day. Bridget wanted to wear her cat ears to study group. She is a doll!
We walked around the track while the girls did gymnastics. That night we went to happy hour and got cupcakes for $1 a piece, not the most delicious, but pretty good nonetheless.
Friday we went to the gym and to downtown Spokane where we had lunch at this great soup shop, which was perfect because it was cold and raining. We also did a little shopping. When Mitch came home we went to CDA for ice cream.
Saturday we had breakfast, went out for hot chocolate and Italian soda's and then I flew back to Phoenix. I have the cutest nieces ever. They say and do the funniest things. I had such a relaxing, fun week with these girls, we will have to do it again soon.
PS. Every Monday Becky sends us a picture of Graham. I love Monday's and I love Graham. He is getting so big. Here he is today at 9 weeks old. I think he looks like Tenielle's baby pictures in this picture.
Monday the girls woke me up by getting in bed with me, bad breath and all! We went to the gym, took the girls to school, took the girls to dance, which was super cute and relaxed. The girls played beauty shop a lot this week with my hair and gave me plenty of foot massages, which I enjoyed immensely.
Thursday we went to a General Conference study group where we talked mostly about faith. It rained all day. Bridget wanted to wear her cat ears to study group. She is a doll!
Friday we went to the gym and to downtown Spokane where we had lunch at this great soup shop, which was perfect because it was cold and raining. We also did a little shopping. When Mitch came home we went to CDA for ice cream.
Saturday we had breakfast, went out for hot chocolate and Italian soda's and then I flew back to Phoenix. I have the cutest nieces ever. They say and do the funniest things. I had such a relaxing, fun week with these girls, we will have to do it again soon.
Cancer Camp
Last weekend I went to Portland to attend a cancer camp. I was a little hesitant about going to spend a weekend with a bunch of people I didn't know all of which had cancer. The camp was located outside of Portland above the river. It was beautiful, even when it was raining.
Friday we were picked up from the airport and taken to the camp. We were assigned rooms with 2 other people. One of my roommates was currently undergoing treatment for an inoperable brain tumor. The other was 5 years out from breast cancer. This cancer camp was for people between 18-39, yes I just barely met the cut off, even though there were a few people who were 40. Most of the people were around my age. I was surprised at how many people in their 30's who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Others had brain cancer, testicular cancer and lymphoma. We had family style dinner and then played some get to know you games before going to bed.
Saturday we woke early to do Yoga at 6:30, had breakfast and then started our classes. Basically our classes were group discussions. We had classes on Saturday and Sunday on Practical Matters in work and career, Becoming Advocates, relationships after and during cancer, late effects of cancer treatment and creative writing. I also had my first acupuncture. I don't think it really did anything for me though. I really enjoyed the classes and the things that I got from them. We also went on a very nice hike. It was beautiful and I enjoyed the scenery.
Some of the quotes that I liked from my classes are these:
~Don't think about the end goal, think about your first step towards that goal.
~Cancer is an individual experience.
~This is where I am at right now. Quit waiting for what will come.
~Is this what I'm doing getting me to where I want to be?
The one thing I realized from this camp was that I'm in a great place. I'm grateful to have my belief in God, that he hears and answers prayers and that I have a positive attitude. I felt that there was some anger among some of the participants, which I have never experienced. I did meet some great people and came away with more growth and encouragement.
Friday we were picked up from the airport and taken to the camp. We were assigned rooms with 2 other people. One of my roommates was currently undergoing treatment for an inoperable brain tumor. The other was 5 years out from breast cancer. This cancer camp was for people between 18-39, yes I just barely met the cut off, even though there were a few people who were 40. Most of the people were around my age. I was surprised at how many people in their 30's who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Others had brain cancer, testicular cancer and lymphoma. We had family style dinner and then played some get to know you games before going to bed.
Saturday we woke early to do Yoga at 6:30, had breakfast and then started our classes. Basically our classes were group discussions. We had classes on Saturday and Sunday on Practical Matters in work and career, Becoming Advocates, relationships after and during cancer, late effects of cancer treatment and creative writing. I also had my first acupuncture. I don't think it really did anything for me though. I really enjoyed the classes and the things that I got from them. We also went on a very nice hike. It was beautiful and I enjoyed the scenery.
Some of the quotes that I liked from my classes are these:
~Don't think about the end goal, think about your first step towards that goal.
~Cancer is an individual experience.
~This is where I am at right now. Quit waiting for what will come.
~Is this what I'm doing getting me to where I want to be?
The one thing I realized from this camp was that I'm in a great place. I'm grateful to have my belief in God, that he hears and answers prayers and that I have a positive attitude. I felt that there was some anger among some of the participants, which I have never experienced. I did meet some great people and came away with more growth and encouragement.
Friday, January 22, 2016
My First Fabulous Friday of 2016
I totally admit I've been a blogging slacker, especially when it comes to Fabulous Friday and I'm not going to promise anything going forward, just saying.
1. Friday and Sunday I spent time with my aunt, uncle and cousins. I can't believe how big their kids have gotten in just a few months since I've been out of town. We played a fun game which involved some of these gems!
2. I've worked-out every day since I've been back to Phoenix except for the few post chemo days. I even worked-out before having chemo last week. I feel so much better when I work-out. I have a goal to meet my 10,000 steps every day. My Christmas gift fitbit is totally motivating. If I don't have my 10,000 steps in at night I walk until I get them.
3. I admit I've done a little shopping this week at Talbots. I bought another dress for the Colleens Dream Gala, even though I already have 2. I really like this one the best. You'll just have to wait for February to see it.
4. Speaking of Colleens Dream, I had lunch with Colleens daughters on Wednesday. These ladies are awesome and I'm so grateful for all they do for Ovarian Cancer research. I'm excited for the gala too.
5. I bought some new running shoes this week which are teal and bright yellow. I love new running shoes. They make me want to work out more.
6. Yesterday I met up with my hiking buddies. We haven't hiked together since May. I've missed them and love them each so much. Unfortunately one of them moved to Kansas City, but she came to town yesterday. We really talked more than we hiked, which was just fine, because we had a beautiful view the entire time and had a lot to catch up on. Isn't this the coolest hole in the rock?
7. I'm going to Portland today to attend an athletes for cancer camp. I'm excited to meet others my age who have experienced what I have and to learn what they have prepared to teach me which will make me a better post cancer person. We will also do yoga and hike. Sunday I'm going from Portland to Spokane to visit my sister Tristen and her girls for the week as her husband will be out of town (and she doesn't like to be home alone). I'm so excited to see them.
8. I've been talking with a group called Dributts about going to Haiti the end of February. I'll find out more information this afternoon, but I plan on going. They take special diapers there and teach hygiene to young mothers so that they can prevent diseases like cholera and dysentery.
1. Friday and Sunday I spent time with my aunt, uncle and cousins. I can't believe how big their kids have gotten in just a few months since I've been out of town. We played a fun game which involved some of these gems!
3. I admit I've done a little shopping this week at Talbots. I bought another dress for the Colleens Dream Gala, even though I already have 2. I really like this one the best. You'll just have to wait for February to see it.
4. Speaking of Colleens Dream, I had lunch with Colleens daughters on Wednesday. These ladies are awesome and I'm so grateful for all they do for Ovarian Cancer research. I'm excited for the gala too.
5. I bought some new running shoes this week which are teal and bright yellow. I love new running shoes. They make me want to work out more.
6. Yesterday I met up with my hiking buddies. We haven't hiked together since May. I've missed them and love them each so much. Unfortunately one of them moved to Kansas City, but she came to town yesterday. We really talked more than we hiked, which was just fine, because we had a beautiful view the entire time and had a lot to catch up on. Isn't this the coolest hole in the rock?
8. I've been talking with a group called Dributts about going to Haiti the end of February. I'll find out more information this afternoon, but I plan on going. They take special diapers there and teach hygiene to young mothers so that they can prevent diseases like cholera and dysentery.
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