Senior Citizen Flash Mob - Lawrence,KS - Meadowlark Estates

Christmas, Shmistmas

Everyone that knows me knows that I am not a fan of any Holiday, especially Christmas. This is a hard time of year for alot of people. I am blessed for the people and things in my life. I have a hard time getting excited for anything at all these days. I thought this year was going to be different. I even started listening to Christmas music in September. Well here we are 13 days until the big day. I don't have a tree up, no lights or any decorations. I have not bought 1 single gift for anyone. Does it bother me? NO. I wish I could be crafty and excited for holiday like my friend Laura. She goes all out for all of them. I however am the polar opposite of her on that topic.

I had a surgery on my right elbow last week. It is supposed to alleviate the steady pain in my joint. So far I am feeling ok not healed but better. I recieved an amazing 2 yes 2 full meals from my visiting teacher Britnee! Thanks for that! The next day my friend Laura and her daughter came and brought lunch and spent the afternoon just visiting me. I was spoiled. Did this help my sour mood about Christmas? NO.

WOW I am a whiner. I an going to stop this RIGHT NOW!!!! I am in a bad mood but that will end now!!! So here's to a better mood, and life!!!!! Happy Holidays!

Random Factoids!!

Q. Why do men’s clothes have buttons on the right while women’s clothes have buttons on the left?

A. When buttons were invented, they were very expensive and worn primarily by the rich. Since most people are right-handed, it is easier to push buttons on the right through holes on the left. Because wealthy women were dressed by maids, dressmakers put the buttons on the maid’s right! And that’s where women’s buttons have remained since.

Q. Why do ships and aircraft use ‘mayday’ as their call for help?

A. This comes from the French word m’aidez – meaning ‘help me’ – and is pronounced approximately, ‘mayday.’

Q. Why are zero scores in tennis called ‘love’?

A. In France , where tennis became popular, round zero on the scoreboard looked like an egg and was called ‘l’oeuf,’ which is French for ‘egg.’ When tennis was introduced in the US , Americans (mis)pronounced it ‘love.’

Q. Why do X’s at the end of a letter signify kisses?

A. In the Middle Ages, when many people were unable to read or write, documents were often signed using an X. Kissing the X represented an oath to fulfill obligations specified in the document. The X and the kiss eventually became synonymous.

Q. Why is shifting responsibility to someone else called ‘passing the buck’?

A. In card games, it was once customary to pass an item, called a buck, from player to player to indicate whose turn it was to deal. If a player did not wish to assume the responsibility of dealing, he would ‘pass the buck’ to the next player.

Q. Why do people clink their glasses before drinking a toast?

A. It used to be common for someone to try to kill an enemy by offering him a poisoned drink. To prove to a guest that a drink was safe, it became customary for a guest to pour a small amount of his drink into the glass of the host. Both men would drink it simultaneously. When a guest trusted his host, he would only touch or clink the host’s glass with his own.

Q. Why are people in the public eye said to be ‘in the limelight’?

A. Invented in 1825,limelight was used in lighthouses and theatres by burning a cylinder of lime which produced a brilliant light. In the theatre, a performer ‘in the limelight’ was the center of attention.

Q. Why is someone who is feeling great ‘on cloud nine’?

A. Types of clouds are numbered according to the altitudes they attain, with nine being the highest cloud If someone is said to be on cloud nine, that person is floating well above worldly cares.

Q. In golf, where did the term ‘Caddie’ come from?

A. When Mary Queen of Scots went to France as a young girl, Louis, King of France, learned that she loved the Scots game ‘golf.’ So he had the first course outside of Scotland built for her enjoyment. To make sure she was properly chaperoned (and guarded) while she played, Louis hired cadets from a military school to accompany her.

Mary liked this a lot and when returned to Scotland (not a very good idea in the long run), she took the practice with her. In French, the word cadet is pronounced ‘ca-day’ and the Scots changed it into ‘caddie.

Q. Why are many coin banks shaped like pigs?

A. Long ago, dishes and cookware in Europe were made of a dense orange clay called ‘pygg’. When people saved coins in jars made of this clay, the jars became known as ‘pygg banks.’ When an English potter misunderstood the word, he made a container that resembled a pig. And it caught on.

Q. Did you ever wonder why dimes, quarters and half dollars have notches (milling), while pennies and nickels do not?

A. The US Mint began putting notches on the edges of coins containing gold and silver to discourage holders from shaving off small quantities of the precious metals. Dimes, quarters and half dollars are notched because they used to contain silver. Pennies and nickels aren’t notched because the metals they contain are not valuable enough to shave.

source:http://www.lotsofjokes.com/did_you_know.asp

GLEE - Full Performance of "We Are Young" airing TUE 12/6

Another new favorite performance! Lyrics below!



Give me a second I,
I need to get my story straight
My friend's are in the bathroom getting higher than the empire state
My lover she's waiting for me just across the bar
My seat's been taken by some sunglasses asking about a scar, and
I know I gave it to you months ago
I know you're trying to forget
But between the drinks and subtle things
Though holes in my apologies
I'm trying hard to take it back
So if by the time the bar closes
And you feel like falling down
I'll carry you home

Tonight
We are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

Tonight
We are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsfreak.com/g/glee+cast/we+are+young_20990669.html ]
Though I know it I'm not
All that you got
I guess that I, I just thought
Maybe we could find a way to solve the crime
But our friend isn't back
So let's raise the tab
'Cause I found someone to carry me home

Tonight
We are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

Tonight
We are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

Carry me home tonight (Nananananana)
Just carry me home tonight (Nananananana)
Carry me home tonight (Nananananana)
Just carry me home tonight (Nananananana)

Come on, side
I have no reason to hide
So will someone come and carry me home tonight
The end is never right
Where I can,
So will someone come and carry me home

Tonight
We are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

Tonight
We are young
So let's set the world on fire
We can burn brighter than the sun

So if by the time the bar closes
And you feel like falling down
I'll carry you home tonight

Jackson Medley - Glee [Full Performance] [Sectionals]

Glee sectionals! I LOVE this performance!!

10 Things 90s Kids Will Have To Explain To Their Children

While most things we experienced as tots in that headiest of eras seems pretty self-explanatory (plaid was everywhere, Leonardo DiCaprio was the molten ball of light around which the solar system turned, and there was no color too bright for your sweatpants) there are some things that will be a bit harder to explain. Here, a primer for when your future children want to know what the hell you were doing with your boxy, multicolored electronics.
Nov. 23, 2011

By Chelsea Fagan

1. Topanga was at some point in human history considered not only a legitimate first name for a human being, but the kind of name that would inspire in malleable teenage boys a life-long infatuation. Topanga, in our day, was leading lady name-material. Topanga (pronounced Tah-payne-ga, for those who will have only ever seen in it written down) is the name of the quintessential girl-next-door who will live, along with Feeney, in our hearts forever.

2. At some point, we carried around little plastic eggs with tiny screens on them — in these screens lived our hearts, our pets, our raison d’etre, our very own Tamagotchi. We loved them, we listened to their tiny electronic screams of malnourishment, and we occasionally forgot to pick up their poop for long enough that they died a tortured, poop-filled death. They were perhaps our first foray into the life-consuming world of electronics and self-absorption, later to be fully manifested by Facebook.

3. The black Power Ranger was black and the yellow Power Ranger was Asian because…we were so completely ahead of our time and beyond the capacity to even think in terms of something as inconsequential as race that… uh… I don’t know. Casting directors were racist in the nineties.

4. Long before he was spending his days foisting his mediocre children on us, Will Smith was actually the perfect human specimen. He also undoubtedly holds some world record for saving the world the most times while simultaneously delivering flawless catchphrases and giving cool guy nods to the camera. The Men In Black rap song, at the time, was created and received by the public without the slightest trace of irony. Really. He was that good.

5. In some inevitable shift of the time-space continuum in which James Cameron continues to rob humanity of all that is good and sacred in this world, Fern Gully will be known as that movie that ripped off Avatar. It will be up to us to crusade for what is right. It is up to us to explain that Fern Gully was not only a predecessor to Avatar, but far better, in that it contained both Tim Curry as a singing pile of molasses and Robin Williams rapping about animal testing in the pharmaceutical industry. (As a side note, if you have not recently listened to the full lyrics of the “Batty Rap,” I recommend you do, as they are horrifying.)

6. A neighborhood boy who completely disregards your family and puts a ladder directly under the teenage girl’s window to climb up at his discretion is not only acceptable, it’s charming. It’s the kind of stuff that would make said family take the ladder boy under their wing and into their heart. The nineties were a simpler time, one where we didn’t have to worry about things like breaking and entering. Clarissa today would have steel bars on the inside of her window and her father would continually remind her that the next-door boy with his ladder and his touchy hands have no place in his household.

7. Though on the surface, they are the exact same thing in every conceivable way, whether you liked The Backstreet Boys or N*SYNC said more about your character than all of the terrible macaroni art you could ever make for your child psychologist. Essentially, liking *NSYNC meant you liked Justin Timberlake, as he was clearly the Seabiscuit in that race from the get-go. You even liked him with his terrible, icy-blond mini-fro. Liking the Backstreet Boys gave you a bit more of a cultured palate, as there was no clear Diana in those Supremes. Nick was kind of the wholesome, if northern-Florida-redneck safe choice (save for his humiliating younger brother, Aaron). Brian was the shy, sensitive type. AJ was the hottt, dangerous meth addict. Kevin Richardson was mute with sexy, sculpted facial hair. No one liked Howie. Choosing between the two groups was like choosing between two beloved children, but once that line was crossed–there was no going back.

8. “I wanna really really really wanna zig a zig ahh,” has a meaning, and all true nineties kids know it, but we must never share it. Like the Illuminati, it must remain between us, the keyholders. With great power comes great responsibility.

9. Lisa Frank is not the name of a woman, it is the name of a movement, a culture, a way of living. It is a theory, a concept, a belief in something greater than yourself. It is the belief that all girls are entitled to dolphins covered with rainbows, jewel-encrusted frogs, and unicorns in acid-trip colors hugging each other. It is the ideology that no notebook is complete until it literally hurts your eyes to look at from so much color saturation. It is the hope that no school supply, no matter how insignificant, will be left un-bedazzled. It is the knowledge that your eraser cap, and that of your granddaughter’s, and her granddaughter’s after her, will not be some boring little nub–it will be a diamond covered with butterflies in a rainbow of colors. It is the dream of a better tomorrow.

10. Incredibly depressing women in Indiana covered in cats and glass figurines they buy at The Hallmark Store used to troll the web 1.0 to invest thousands of dollars in tiny stuffed animals filled with plastic beans. That happened. Beanie Babies were not just significant, they were the first example most of us had of envy, greed, and wrath. If someone messed up that little heart-shaped Ty tag, so help you God, that was the end of whatever contact you had with that monster of a human being. That tag-less Beanie Baby was now trash, and you had to deal with the consequence. It was at that moment, that de-valued Beanie Baby moment, that most of us accepted the truth… we’ll never have nice things.
source: http://thoughtcatalog.com/2011/10-things-90s-kids-will-have-to-explain-to-their-children/

VazquezSounds Adele- Rolling In The Deep (Cover)

An amazing sibling group. They are so talented.

5 Years

5 years ago today I married my best friend and soul mate. We were married in the Mt. Timpanogoos Temple in American Fork. The last five years have been incredible. We have had our ups and downs be we are stronger than ever! I love you Phil!

Gratitude day 9

I am grateful for days when I actually feel good and not sick. I am nursing a cold and have been for a few days now. I said something at work about not feeling well to which someone said "you never feel good". I have been sick for so long that I sometimes forget what it is like to feel normal, and good. My initial diagnosis was in early 2005. That was nearly 6 1/2 years ago. I have had my ups and certainly had my downs. It is because of all of it that I am grateful for the times when I don't feel sick or hurting.

About Us

Phil and I have been married 5 years on November 17,2011. We met in March of 2006 while we were both attending Stevens-Henager College. We dated and were married November 17, 2006 in the Mount Timpanogoos Temple. We currently reside in Santaquin, Utah. We bought our home in December of 2010. Phil is employed with a company called Prosper Learning. It is an E-commerce coaching company. I work for doba.com which is a product supplier for online retailers. As far as hobbies go we like to go fishing and camping. We also spend a lot of time with our family that is around us. We sure work hard but we play even harder.

LOOK AT YOURSELF AFTER WATCHING THIS.mp4

Gratitude day 8

I am grateful for this man's spirit. He gives me hope. Thank you sweet stranger for blessing my life in ways you will never know. Your positive attitude and pleasant demeanor is an inspiration to me. THANK YOU!!!

Gratitude day 7

I am grateful for heat. It has been cold and we live in a blessed society. Heat is a standard for most Americans. Along with that I am grateful for AC in the summer.

Love is Eternal

Everyone who knows me knows that I LOVE quotes and song lyrics about everything and anything…. I wanted to share a few about love with you.

“Respect, admiration and trust equals love.” Hal Hartley
“Love gives us in a moment what we can hardly attain by effort after years of toil”. Goethe
“So dear I love him that with him, All deaths I could endure. Without him, live no lives.” William Shakespeare, “Romeo and Juliet”
“All you need is already within you, only you must approach your self with reverence and love. Self-condemnation and self-distrust are grievous errors. Your constant flight from pain and search for pleasure is a sign of love you bear for your self, all I plead with you is this: make love of your self perfect. Deny yourself nothing — glue your self infinity and eternity and discover that you do not need them; you are beyond”. Nisargadatta Maharaj

Gratitude day 6

Today I am grateful for the gospel. I love knowing that we can be with our families forever. This picture was taken on July 9, 2005. The day I was baptized in the LDS faith. Here is a talk I wrote after my first battle with cancer. I think it speaks highly of my belief in the church. You may recognize some bits and pieces of it from other blog posts but here it is in full.

My Gethsemane
By Derin Harvey
2006

Some years ago I came across a poem whose message caught my attention. It so intrigued me that I decided I would memorize it. It only took a few months of neglect however for the passages to fade, but the last stanza has always stayed fixed in my mind. It reads:

“All those who journey soon or late,
Must pass within the garden's gate;
Must kneel alone in the darkness there,
And battle with some fierce despair.
God pity those who cannot say,
“Not mine but thine” who only pray,
“Let this cup pass” and cannot see
The purpose in Gethsemane”

Just a few short months later, this passage would take on a deeper, more personal meaning. In 2005 I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. The cancer had progressed to stage four, that being the most severe stage for ovarian cancer. Having spread into my abdomen, the cancer had quickly invaded every space available; constricting the proper function of organs, and wrapping itself around nerves and major arteries alike. The far reaching fingers of the disease had also found its way into my chest cavity, there attaching itself to my lungs. Even a small amount had deposited itself in my shoulder near my collar bone.

Over the next 6-8 months I would spend close to two months in the hospital, being operated on 5 times, and experience two grueling months of Chemotherapy. It is not an experience that I would ever want to relive. But I am grateful for the way the Lord helped me to grow during the experience.

One evening during my second week of chemotherapy treatment, I found myself resting in an over-sized armchair at my adopted family's home. I had recently returned home from having the toxic chemicals of chemotherapy run through my veins for over eight hours. Needless to
say, I was exhausted and extremely tired as the poisons continued their destructive course through my body; indiscriminately killing cancer cells and normal healthy body cells alike. As I sat there without the strength or will do do anything more than think, the question that I had repeatedly pushed aside and tried to ignore came back in greater force. Unable to cast it aside this time, I considered it. Why Me? Why was this happening to me In that very moment sorrow over whelmed me and I could do nothing more than but cry out as Joseph Smith did from the darkness of the Liberty Jail. “Oh God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?”

As the gaping hole of sorrow threatened to swallow me, the gentle and loving rebuke came to my mind, “The Son of man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” Instantly my mind has drawn to remember all the suffering the Son of Man willingly took upon himself
for me. Suffering that caused him, “even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed from every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit.' He suffered “temptations and pain of body, hunger, thirst and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death.”

Lying there in my own pain and sorrow, I gained some sense of the eternal vastness of Christ's agony and pain. And how small my suffering seemed to be when compared to that of the infinite
and eternal! What gratitude filled my heart as I thought about how he loved me so much that he willingly took upon himself my suffering and more! Peace entered my soul as I felt his love comfort and surround me.

How true Alma's words are: “And he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with Mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” I understood and felt that he truly did know what I was feeling, and going though, and he shared in my sorrow. I felt his gentle words “Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion for the son of her womb? Yeah, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.”

As this light and understanding lifted my heart from the depths of despair and sorrow, I felt as Alma the younger when he expressed, “and oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold: yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain! Yea I say unto you... that there be nothing as exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you... that on the other hand, there can be nothing exquisite and so sweet as was my joy.”

I learned first hand that day, that just as the atonement can make our scarlet sins become as white as a fresh white snow, it can also ease our pain and change our sorrow to hope, and peace. As we answer the Lords call to “Come Unto Him”, he truly will “ease the burdens which are put upon our shoulders, that even we cannot feel them upon our backs.”

Life will never be easy. When those difficult times come, it is up to us whether we “curse God”, as Job's wife would have had him do, or trust in the Lord and seek what it is that he would have us learn. Elder Richard G. Scott said, “ Just when all seems to be going alright, challenges of ten come in multiple doses applied simultaneously. When those trials are not the consequences of your disobedience, they are evidence that the Lord feels you are prepared to grow more. He therefore gives you experiences that stimulate growth, understanding, and compassion which polish you for your everlasting benefit. To get you from where you are to where he wants you to be requires a lot of stretching and that generally entails much pain and discomfort. This life is an experience in profound Trust in Jesus Christ,” Through my experience I came to understand many things about myself and my relationship with my Heavenly Father that I would not have gained otherwise.

I never did receive an answer to my question of why me? Perhaps I didn't feel I need to ask it anymore. I had been to my Gethsemane: I had knelt there and gained some sense of what Christ had done for me. I caught a glimpse of the purpose of Gethsemane. I only hope that I can continue to say, “Not as I will, but as thou wilt” and seek to be that which my Heavenly Father would have me be.

Gratitude day 5

Today has been a lousy crappy day. I have been so upset for the majority of my day. That is why today I am grateful for my husband Phil. He is me best friend and closest ali in this world. He has made me a better person over all and continually teaches me. In 2 weeks we will celebrate our 5 year anniversary. I am blessed to have him and I don't know where I'd be without him. I know now that it's not me against the world but us against it!!!

Gratefulness Day 4

I am grateful today for my job. I was unemployed for a year and know how much work it is to find work. I am lucky enough to work for a company that treats me as an individual. I very rarely hate going to work. I love what I do and am dang good at it. I am grateful for that.

Gratefulness Day 3

Today I am grateful for modern medicine. Both that I have been educated in it and that I can receive it when needed. We really live in a blessed time. Fortunately most death causing epidemics have been wiped out. There are lots of serious medical illnesses but through modern medicine the mortality rates are much lower. Happy 3rd of November!!

Michael Jackson - Heal The World

Today I am grateful for music and the feeling I get listening to it and singing it. I once had a dream to become an opera singer. I was on the right track til I picked up a bad habit that made my voice change. Music can do so much for me. It can help my mood and influence my actions. I was introduced to Celine Dion's music at a young age by my dad and she was and still is my all time favorite artist. Nobody else can hold a candle to her talent. Someday I hope to meet her. The song below is by another amazing artist. I love the message in this song. This is a timeless classic and the lyrics are below the video.

spoken:

Think about the generations and to say we want to make it a better

world for our children and our children's children. So that they know

it's a better world for them; and think if they can make it a better

place.

There's a place in your heart

And I know that it is love

And this place could be much

Brighter than tomorrow.

And if you really try

You'll find there's no need to cry

In this place you'll feel

There's no hurt or sorrow.

There are ways to get there

If you care enough for the living

Make a little space, make a better place.

Chorus:

Heal the world

Make it a better place

For you and for me and the entire human race

There are people dying

If you care enough for the living

Make a better place for

You and for me.

If you want to know why

There's a love that cannot lie

Love is strong

It only cares for joyful giving.

If we try we shall see

In this bliss we cannot feel

Fear or dread

We stop existing and start living

Then it feels that always

Love's enough for us growing

Make a better world, make a better world.

Chorus:

Heal the world

Make it a better place

For you and for me and the entire human race.

There are people dying

If you care enough for the living

Make a better place for

You and for me.

Bridge:

And the dream we would conceived in

Will reveal a joyful face

And the world we once believed in

Will shine again in grace

Then why do we keep strangling life

Wound this earth, crucify it's soul

Though it's plain to see, this world is heavenly

Be God's glow.

We could fly so high

Let our spirits never die

In my heart I feel

You are all my brothers

Create a world with no fear

Together we'll cry happy tears

See the nations turn

Their swords into plowshares

We could really get there

If you cared enough for the living

Make a little space to make a better place.

Chorus:

Heal the world

Make it a better place

For you and for me and the entire human race

There are people dying

If you care enough for the living

Make a better place for

You and for me.

Gratefulness Day 1

Today I am very grateful for family. I firmly believe that since we cannot choose our biological families, or maybe they are distant or whatever, we can create our own family of friends. My friends have been there for me when my family wasn't. Family is what you make it. Thank you to all my family members, and to my "adopted families". The Hayes', the Harvey's, the Harper's, the Jessee's, the Roger's, the Couey's, and all the other families that have counted me as one of their own. I truly love you all!!!

Snow number 2

November 1, 2011 ushers in another snowstorm. Today is the second storm of the season. When I left for work at 7:30 it was only raining. This was a couple hours ago. Woohoo.... bring on the winter!!

Also, didn't Phil do an AMAZING job on the new deck/porch and cobble stone(which he made himself) sidewalk???!!!! I married a winner for sure!

An interview about me by Ashley Rose

The photos are not cooperating so I will add them another time.

Ask A [Two Time] Cancer Survivor

by Ashley Rose under Ask A..., Posts with Pictures

There are people all around you that are doing, or have done extraordinary, interesting, amazing things. Some are dealing with unimaginable struggles. Others are accomplishing great feats. All of them have and are still overcoming great obstacles.

I want to tell their stories. I want to build awareness. I want to spread the word. I want people to be more tolerant, more informed, and more respectful.

Today, we are talking to the lovely Miss Derin. I met Derin in 2007 (I think. Give or take a year--time escapes me) when we worked together at Orange Soda. She is an amazing person and an excellent friend. I think we are all aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month--and, though Derin did not have breast cancer, I felt that this was a good month to feature her. I'm sure that everyone is seeing little pink ribbons (and, let's face it, pink EVERYTHING--I saw a pink swiffer mop at the store last night!) everywhere. It's so awesome that everyone is donating and spreading awareness, but did you know that there is also an Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month?? Yup. September. Too bad I didn't know that before! The color for Ovarian Cancer Awareness is teal. LOVE it!

Briefly tell us a little about yourself.

I am officially in my 30th year in this wonderful world! Right now my life consists of Dr. visits, tests, scans, and WORK. I love what I do and I love life! I recently received test results from my Dr. that my current battle with cancer is remission cancer-0 Derin-2. I'm blessed with an amazing husband, family, and the BEST friends EVER!!!

So the feature this month is "Ask a Cancer Survivor" - what type(s) of cancer was/were you diagnosed with?

In 2005 I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. The cancer had progressed to stage four, that being the most severe stage for ovarian cancer. Having spread into my abdomen, the cancer had quickly invaded every space available; constricting the proper function of organs, and wrapping itself around nerves and major arteries alike. The far reaching fingers of the disease had also found its way into my chest cavity, there attaching itself to my lungs. Even a small amount had deposited itself in my shoulder near my collar bone.

Then again in November 2009 it came back with vengeance. Again I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. The cancer had progressed to stage three. It also spread into my pancreas.

What crossed your mind the first time you were told that you had cancer? and how were you told?

I knew it was gonna be bad news since my doctor asked me to come into the office and to bring a family member or friend with me. I asked the first Doctor if he was high. The I was filled with denial. I went through all 5 of the stages of grief:

1. Denial and Isolation

The first reaction to learning of terminal illness or death of a cherished loved one is to deny the reality of the situation. It is a normal reaction to rationalize overwhelming emotions. It is a defense mechanism that buffers the immediate shock. We block out the words and hide from the facts. This is a temporary response that carries us through the first wave of pain.

2. Anger

As the masking effects of denial and isolation begin to wear, reality and its pain re-emerge. We are not ready. The intense emotion is deflected from our vulnerable core, redirected and expressed instead as anger. The anger may be aimed at inanimate objects, complete strangers, friends or family. Anger may be directed at our dying or deceased loved one. Rationally, we know the person is not to be blamed. Emotionally, however, we may resent the person for causing us pain or for leaving us. We feel guilty for being angry, and this makes us more angry.

The doctor who diagnosed the illness and was unable to cure the disease might become a convenient target. Health professionals deal with death and dying every day. That does not make them immune to the suffering of their patients or to those who grieve for them.

Do not hesitate to ask your doctor to give you extra time or to explain just once more the details of your loved one’s illness. Arrange a special appointment or ask that he telephone you at the end of his day. Ask for clear answers to your questions regarding medical diagnosis and treatment. Understand the options available to you. Take your time.

3. Bargaining

The normal reaction to feelings of helplessness and vulnerability is often a need to regain control–

If only we had sought medical attention sooner…

If only we got a second opinion from another doctor…

If only we had tried to be a better person toward them…

Secretly, we may make a deal with God or our higher power in an attempt to postpone the inevitable. This is a weaker line of defense to protect us from the painful reality.

4. Depression

Two types of depression are associated with mourning. The first one is a reaction to practical implications relating to the loss. Sadness and regret predominate this type of depression. We worry about the costs and burial. We worry that, in our grief, we have spent less time with others that depend on us. This phase may be eased by simple clarification and reassurance. We may need a bit of helpful cooperation and a few kind words. The second type of depression is more subtle and, in a sense, perhaps more private. It is our quiet preparation to separate and to bid our loved one farewell. Sometimes all we really need is a hug.

5. Acceptance

Reaching this stage of mourning is a gift not afforded to everyone. Death may be sudden and unexpected or we may never see beyond our anger or denial. It is not necessarily a mark of bravery to resist the inevitable and to deny ourselves the opportunity to make our peace. This phase is marked by withdrawal and calm. This is not a period of happiness and must be distinguished from depression.

What treatments have you undergone in your fight against cancer?

In 2005 after being diagnosed over the next 6-8 months I would spend close to two months in the hospital, being operated on 5 times, and experience two grueling months of Chemotherapy. It is not an experience that I would ever want to relive.

In 2009 I did a course of aggressive radiation, as well as a year of herbal treatments and holistic remedies. I did multiple drug trial as well as chemo booster shots. I flat out refused to do full on chemo EVER AGAIN!! NO THANK YOU! All of which I attribute my current remission to. AMEN!!!

Obviously, there are negative side-effects to certain cancer treatments. What were yours?

With the Chemo from having the toxic chemicals of chemotherapy run through my veins for over eight hours I had terrible pains, and sickness.. Needless to say, I was exhausted and extremely tired as the poisons continued their destructive course through my body; indiscriminately killing cancer cells and normal healthy body cells alike. The radiation drains my energy, causes extreme bone pain and I have major memory loss, thank you chemo/radiation.

How did you cope with treatments and being ill?

Lots of meds!!!!! Hot baths, massage (you need to clear this with your Dr first it can be dangerous for cancer patients), I was blessed with an amazing support system. Having that can make or break your fight. If you are reading this and do not have a support system, please contact me. This is not something anyone should do alone. On that note you also have to LET people support you. This is so hard but once you do you will feel so much better.

What things did you do to keep your spirits up and hope alive?

Singing, I LOVE music and watching musicals they make me smile and take my mind off of the issues I am facing. Educating myself to know what alternative treatments are out there are great ways to stay positive. I know that it is so hard to be strong and positive but when I was and am I feel like I can do anything. When I am sad or depressed or self-pitying, my life was a lot harder to live through. There were times when all I thought about were ways to end my life. I wanted to kill myself before the cancer killed me. Those were my low points.

What kinds of reactions did you get from other people when they found out that you had cancer?

I think the biggest was that people didn't know what to say. Some cried, or stared blankly.

Did people treat you differently after they knew? If so, in what way?

Some people distanced themselves from me while other rose to be the amazing pillars of support that I needed. I get upset when I hear people say things like, I can't deal with you being sick..... HELLO how do you think I feel?

I can imagine your body went through a lot of physical changes throughout the whole process - what were they and how did the changes affect your perception of yourself?

The chemo killed my teeth, I have constant pain in my bones and joints. I lost my hair and most of my taste sense. I still have digestive issues, developed a seizure disorder and am in CONSTANT discomfort.

Do you feel like you changed spiritually and/or mentally since the time you were first diagnosed?

In a huge way. Lying there in my own pain and sorrow, I gained some sense of the eternal vastness of Christ's agony and pain. And how small my suffering seemed to be when compared to that of the infinite and eternal! What gratitude filled my heart as I thought about how he loved me so much that he willingly took upon himself my suffering and more! Peace entered my soul as I felt his love comfort and surround me.


What sort of social stigmas did you encounter, if any?

That I'm too sick to be capable of doing anything. I felt like people didn't want to invite me to do things because they thought I was maybe too sick. Just because someone has cancer doesn't mean they can't be productive in society.

Were there things that people said or did that hurt your feelings?

People would say that they didn't want to get close to me because they didn't want to "lose me". It was hard.

What terms or phrases should we avoid when speaking or referring to those who have been diagnosed with cancer?

I hated when people called me sick, or sick with cancer. I like to think of it as living with cancer or fighting cancer things like that. When you have cancer the last thing you want to hear is someone tell you you're sick. Putting the positive spin on it will keep spirits high and stress low.

What programs, if any, are out there to help people who are struggling with cancer - either financially or emotionally?

These groups can refer you to any assistance that you need. As well as me. I am big into helping spread the word and to teach through my experience.

thecancer.net

cancer.org

cancer.gov

What can we do to help build awareness or assist in any way? (time, money, etc.)

I am a big supporter of Relay for Life through the American Cancer Society. There are a number of things to raise awareness.The MOST common type of cancer "awareness" is for breast cancer. It is frustrating to me that very few people think of the other types. Awareness is key to early detection and higher survival rates. Look at me, I was terminal twice and I am here today alive and breathing. Did you know that there are over 200 kinds of cancers? Well, now ya do!!

I want to thank Derin for being the guest of honor here at Mrs. Rogers' Neighborhood today and for being the star of my newest feature.

A quick recap

A couple of weeks ago we hosted a small scale dinner. Phil made his amazing sweet pork fried soft tacos. Tim and Laura were able to come as well as their cute little one Faith. Ashley and McKay also came with baby Gabe. This was the first time Ashley had been to my home. She is the one that interviewed me for an awesome article on being a cancer survivor. I will be posting the interview in a few days.

This past Saturday I was able to go the the annual Jessee family Halloween party hosted by Laura and Tim! I am generally not a holiday fan, especially Halloween but I had so much fun. They made a fun family feud game Halloween edition. We tore it up!!! You can check out the incredible costumes and such on her blog here. Yes the food tasted as incredible as it looks. Thanks for all the good times my dear friends!

Halloween Light Show 2011 - This Is Halloween

This is so neat and creative. It really shows that someone put hard work into this for others to enjoy. Think about this as you engage with others. Try to reach out to others and do something to simply make them happy. I did this today at work. There is a girl I work with who is getting married soon and has been stressed, nervous, and overwhelmed. I left a simple note on her desk for when she came in. All it was, was a note telling her I am here for you and you can do this. Pay it forward. Reach out to others because you never know how bad they may be feeling. Happy Wednesday!!!

LIFEadvice: Living with an angry teenager By Kimberly Giles, ksl.com contributor

This is a great article I found on ksl.com. I want to share to help and educate others. I found it very informative. What did you think?

SALT LAKE CITY -- Life is a complicated and messy endeavor. Life Coach Kim Giles is here to help you with simple, principle-based solutions to the challenges you face. Coach Kim will empower you to get along with others and become the best you.

Question:

I have an 11-year-old. Her body is changing and so is her attitude. I often find myself stooping down to her level when she says "I am not going to do that!"

Once she starts her daily arguing, throwing tantrums, calling names and/or pushing my husband and I away, I find that my husband and I start to argue with each other over the way we discipline her.

I am so frustrated sometimes I do not want to go home. We have tried time out, taking pleasurable things away, spending more time with her and telling her repeatedly that we love her. I am at a loss of what we should do to turn her attitude around and to make my home a place of harmony.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Ask Coach Kim

Do you have a question for Coach Kim, or maybe a topic you'd like her to address? Email her at kim@lifeadviceradio.com .

Answer:

You and your husband should read the book "Parenting with Love and Logic" by Fay and Cline. In the meantime I’ll give you a few ideas on parenting teenagers.

Most teenage bad-behavior is motivated by one of three things. It is either:

1. A request for love and validation,
2. A request for attention or
3. A request for more freedom

Step back from the situation and ask yourself what is motivating this behavior today?

Once you can clearly see why she is behaving the way she is, you can assess your options for a response.

If she is angry all the time, which is normal for teenagers, she may need a little more space and freedom. If she is asking for validation, she wants you to accept her as she is. If she is creating drama to get your attention, you may need to spend more time as a family.

No matter what you do, you must stay calm and in control when dealing with your teen. You must stay logical and loving. A never-fail approach, no matter the situation, is to have a validating conversation with her.

Ask questions about what she is feeling and what she thinks about this situation. Listen without responding. Validate her right to see the situation whatever messed up way she sees it.

Respecting her right to feel the way she feels — even if she is wrong — shows her she is important and valued. Then ask if she would be open to a little advice from mom or dad? Only give it with her permission. If she says 'no' wait for another day. Respecting her in this way earns respect back.

Studio 5: When Good Kids Make Bad Choices

The best way to validate another human being is by listening to his or her feelings. Teenagers aren’t always in the mood to talk though. You may have to wait for the right moment.

If freedom is her issue, give her the freedom to make more choices. Explain the natural consequences of her choices and then leave it to her to decide.

Remember the desire for freedom is a natural trait in all human beings. It is a fact of life that the oppressed will always rebel. As parents of teenagers we have to find a balance between loving guidance and lots of free agency.

Our children learn their greatest lessons from their mistakes. Don’t be afraid to let a head strong child make more choices on their own. Stay out of their way as much as possible. Care but don’t control. If she is pushing for more responsibility, give it to her. then give her more and more freedom as she ages.

As for the fighting in your home, it takes two to fight. If you refuse to play it’s not nearly as fun.

You and your husband need to stop blaming each other. You are both responsible for these two relationships but the only thing you have any control over is you.

Ask yourself…

• How can I make each of these relationships better?
• How can I step it up and behave more mature, calm and loving?
• How can I stop getting defensive and give love instead?

You must get control over your own emotions if you are going to teach your daughter how to handle disagreements calmly. You must teach by example. This means recognizing everyone is inherently good but scared to death most all the time. Fear that they aren’t loved and respected drives most of their behavior. Have more compassion for your spouse and child. They are doing the best they can with what they know. They just don’t know everything.

Choose to be the love in these relationships.

Focus on how you can make each other feel safe and validated. Once they feel safe, you can have great conversations about making things better.

I hope this helps.

How come it takes so little time for a child who is afraid of the dark to become a teenager who wants to stay out all night?

dumb dumb dadada dumb

Have you ever worked with someone, or had someone you know that treats you, like you are a 5 year old child? How do you deal with it? I tend to put up a wall and sadly, it breaks me. I am a very strong person. I am a person that can be trusted to be there when all hell breaks loose. My grandmother used to tell to handle my business than fall apart later when the storm has calmed. I do both of these things very well. However today I broke. I feel weak, cry babyish, beaten and just plain awful. I vented and now I am going to buck up and press forward. Damn the day anyway.

Words for thought.

Did you know that "ough" can be pronounced TEN DIFFERENT WAYS?

There's "cough" (which rhymes with "off"), "enough" (which rhymes with "stuff"), "dough" (which rhymes with "no"), "through" (which rhymes with "do"), "thought" (which sounds like "awe"), "plough" (an alternative spelling of "plow"), "hiccough" (an alternative spelling of "hiccup"), "hough" (an alternative spelling of "hock"), "lough" (an alternative spelling of "loch"), and "thorough" (which has a different pronunciation in the UK than it does in American English).

Try this sentence: "A rough-coated, dough-faced, thoughtful ploughman strode through the streets of Scarborough; after falling into a slough, he coughed and hiccoughed."

Cole Armour Sings his Heart Out

More amazing natural talent.

Kids, Kids, and more Kids

I just spent 7 out of the last 10 days staying at my sister in law Vanessa's house watching her 3 foster kids while she and her hubby went elk hunting. HOLY EXHAUSTING! Between sibling rivalry, mood changes and crying fits I am worn out. It's nothing that I cannot handle but wow what a trying time for me. I am happy that she trusted me to care for the kids. It makes me feel needed which I thrive on. They are some amazing kiddos and oddly enough I look forward to watching them again even though it wore me out. It's great practice and it helps me to learn parenting techniques. I also grew a little in the patience area which I have very little of.

Vanessa, her hubby, and Our cousin all got their animals... They got the 2 cow elk on opening day and the spike this past Saturday. There is 1 more tag to fill but it should get gotten today or tomorrow.

Unfortunately due to babysitting I had to miss my sweet friend Laura's baby shower :( SAD DAY!!! So shout out to her... I am so sorry I love you and would've loved to be there and share the fun party with you! I can't wait for little baby "Sven" (lol) gets here so I can meet him.

Other than playing mom for a week I did find some time to work, read, and relax. OK who am I kidding I can never relax. That is my goal for this weekend to do nothing but relax and rest.

I leave you with this quote: ( can you tell I LOVE quotes?)
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

You can't fix stupid

I have said this over and over..... YOU CAN"T FIX STUPID!!!!

see more funny videos, and check out our Yo Dawg lols!

New app helps women track ovarian cancer symptoms

This is an article I found on ksl.com

SALT LAKE CITY — The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance has released a free smartphone and tablet computer application to help women learn more about the risks, signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, as well as determine when to visit a doctor.

While there is no reliable early detection test for ovarian cancer, awareness of the symptoms is the best way for a woman to know whether she should be concerned and seek further medical attention.

The Ovarian Cancer Symptom Diary App guides a woman through a short list of questions about risk factors related to ovarian cancer, including family history of cancer and use of hormone replacement therapy. The program can keep track of the most common symptoms of ovarian cancer, which include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary urgency and frequency.

If symptoms are felt and recorded for at least 14 days in a month, the app will send an email suggesting an appointment to be tested for ovarian cancer, which claims a woman's life every 37 minutes in the United States.

"The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often mistaken for other, less serious diseases," said Karen Kaplan, CEO of the National Alliance. "As a result, women are usually diagnosed when their disease is advanced and the odds of surviving are the lowest."

Symptoms of ovarian cancer

Abdominal pressure, fullness, swelling or bloating

Pelvic discomfort or pain

Persistent indigestion, gas or nausea

Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation

Changes in bladder habits, including a frequent need to urinate

Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full

Increased abdominal girth or clothes fitting tighter around your waist

A persistent lack of energy

Low back pain

Source: Mayo Clinic

Kaplan said the app was designed to get more women to see a doctor as soon as symptoms exist, as ovarian cancer is the 5th-leading cause of women's cancer deaths in the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"I know how busy women are. It is hard to take time for your health when you are working and caring for your family and home," National Alliance Board President and ovarian cancer survivor Anette Leal Mattern said in a video demonstration of the application. She said the app makes noticing and recording sometimes subtle symptoms, a lot easier.

The app can be accessed and downloaded at http://www.ovariancancer.org/app/.

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance advocates for women with ovarian cancer and promotes research for the development of an early detection test, improved health care practices and life-saving treatment protocols. The major focus of the group is on educating health care professionals and the public about the risks, signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, which often go undetected for too long, Kaplan said.

"We hope this app will encourage women to see their physicians as soon as possible if they experience symptoms that might indicate ovarian cancer," she said.

Email:wleonard@ksl.com

To snow or not to snow???.....

Yep it happened...... Its rained for a good 12-24ish hours then the UNTHINKABLE happened. IT SNOWED!!!! Not enough to stick but enough that it made a nice short lived white blanket for my grass. I'll be honest, I love it!!! It made my day so happy. I say bring it on mother nature.

Also I received an award at work today. It's a Doba Doozie award. I got for being the most improved customer service agent for the 3rd quarter. Not only does it make me feel appreciated but I feel validated that I am doing a good job and people around me see that. I truly love my job and company even if I have days where work is beyond stressful.

I will leave you with this fun little quote that I think speaks my attitude of the weather perfectly:

“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.”

An Amazing Cover of Adele's 'Someone Like You'

Here is a better version from the Ellen show!!! I love them!

Adele - Someone Like You

Another amazing cover!!!

Oh The Lies.......

Yesterday I was called out!!! A co-worker politely reminded me that my blog title is A LIE!! WHAT??!! It made me laugh. So on response to that here is a "daily" dose of me!

Today it is cloudy and cool out and I love it! Anyone that knows me knows that I LOVE fall. I am planning to drive the Nebo loop in the very near future for some amazing views. I love the smells the rain storms, and the great crispness to the air. I have been sleeping so good with a big blanket or 2 and the windows open to enjoy the fresh air. I am excited to make lots of pumpkin flavored things too. I'm not sure why but I only do this in the fall. Weird or not??

So there you are Mr. Jason.....

And I leave you with this amazing quote:

Live well dear friends
In all you do,
Tho’ paths be old
Or paths be new,
But to yourself
Be ever true,
Live well!

Laugh often friends
Tho’ passing years
Bring, sometimes, smiles
And, sometimes, tears,
For mirth forever
Warms and cheers
Laugh often!

Love much dear friends
For love will bring
The healing joy
And hope of Spring,
Where pain and fear may never dwell
Nor anguish touch….

And so Live well,
Laugh often too,
And more, dear friends,
Love much!

Written by: John McLeod

Blame Game

All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him/her, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may succeed in making another feel guilty about something by blaming him/her, but you won't succeed in changing whatever it is about you that is making you unhappy.

Think before you speak (or act)

The girl you just called fat? She's overdosing on diet pills. The girl you just called ugly? She spends hours putting makeup on hoping people will like her. The boy you just tripped? He is abused enough at home. See that man with the ugly scars? He fought for his country. That guy you just made fun of for crying? His mother is dying.

HALLELLUJAH!!!!!!!!!!

The time has passed. My last blood work results came back today!
I can now say I'm in REMISSION!!!!!!
Did you read that right? REMISSION!!!!!!!!!
Sweet heavens I have been waiting forever for this!!!
I still will be dealing with the terrible side effects for awhile if not forever but YES I did it!!! Who wants to celebrate with me this weekend? Holistic medicine is the ONLY reason I am here today!! And my faith!! And modern medicine... I guess a combination of everything! Thank the good lord for that!

Prosper in all ways

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Prosper book will teach you to:

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Epic Fail

It seems like no matter how hard I try or how much work I put into relationships, I still get crapped on. I must not be trying hard enough. I have lots of "friends" and "family" but when it really matters or when it really counts to me, I am simply not good enough. I must be doing something wrong. For the life of me I cannot figure out what it is. Do you know?

I have so many people who have been so positive in my life over the years. For that I am so very thankful. I also have the negative influences in my life. For that I am also grateful. It has all helped to shape and mold me into the person I am today. However I must not be as good of a person as I thought I was. I am trying to figure out what I keep screwing up.

I have been the type of friend, sister, daughter, whatever that dropped everything the second that my family and friends have called and asked for my help. I have stayed up for nights on end to help my friends get rest while their newborn is colicky. I organize parties and dinners for all sorts of things for others. I throw and attend baby showers when in fact I HATE the fact that I cannot have my own children naturally or at all for that matter. I am the medical person that people call for advice or help with anything. I organize a team every year for Relay for Life to raise awareness and money to fight the leading killing disease in America. I always say that if I have met you even once we are friends, and if we are not friends it's only because we have not met yet. I will pray for you when I think you might need or if you ask me to and I am not a person who prays a lot. I try to be the best friend, sister, daughter whatever that I can. My friends have become my family in recent years as well as Phil's family has become my own. I feel all of this slipping away. I feel as distant as ever. What am I doing wrong? I am at my absolute wits end and am tired of getting crapped on.

Maybe I am just writing all these things to cheer me up, to validate myself. I don't know. I do know that I am so sad right now. My heart is broken. I know there are 2 ways to change things you don't like in this world. Change the entire world, or change yourself. The easiest one is obvious to me. Anyway I have complained plenty and I am sorry for whining. I know I cannot change others but can change myself. Have a blessed day.

Maddi Jane - Rolling in the Deep (Adele)

Simply amazing!

Glee - Light Up the World (Official Full Performance)

I LOVE this song and of course I love GLEE!!!

A message to all women

For all the girls out there,
the ones who stay up all night worrying about their friends,
the ones that wear their hearts on their sleeves,
the ones that don't care what they look like,
the ones that don't care what they say,
the ones that take things one day at a time,
the ones that go forward without looking back,

To the girls that are heartbroken,
the ones that care too much,
the ones that don't care enough,
the ones that say I Love You,
the ones that say I hate you,
the ones that laugh at you,
the ones that laugh with you,
the ones that will give you a hug,
and the ones that will stab you in the back.

Are we all so different? What makes us different? I'm curious. We're all the same version of a WOMAN. We are POWERFUL, STRONG, BEAUTIFUL human beings, whether we be short, tall, fat, skinny, light or dark skinned, well endowed or lacking volume.

We're not THAT different, and if we keep putting our differences in front of us, we'll never see the beauty that lies beyond...take a minute and think about all the beautiful woman in your lives, and be thankful you still have them, you never know when they might just be gone.

Relay for life by Chris Hill

My experience with relay for life is one I will not forget. I don't participate in a lot of things through my work, mostly because student life keeps me busy. However, when Derin Harvey approached me about relay for life, I felt strongly that this was something I needed to do. I appreciate how hard Derin worked to make us all aware of the importance of cancer research and how each of us has been affected by cancer in some way. Upon thinking about how I have been affected personally, I remembered that my aunt, my grandma, and my grandpa had all passed away from cancer.During the opening ceremonies, a woman talked about her battle with cancer and how she would not give up, and she spoke on behalf of thousands of others. There were many Cancer survivors there, including our own Derin Harvey. I was very touched as I thought about all of the hundreds of thousands of fearless people that fight cancer everyday to stay alive; for their kids, their families, and themselves. I loved the feeling of walking and running the track for something that I knew was a great cause. I have a new found respect for cancer survivors and the families of those lost to cancer. I will always be willing to show my support for the fight of cancer. Thank you Derin for including us in this wonderful experience!

Relay for life by Lisa Myrick

My thoughts on relay for life. Is how important life is and not wasting one moment, I have family members myself you fought with cancer. I have 2 uncles that lost their battles with cancer however, my dad is in recovery. This has made me appreciate life and the time that I can spend with him. I am able to to take the time that I have with him and write those memories on my heart. This helped me reflect how important people are; they fighting with cancer everyday so that they can have just one more year, one more day, one more hour and last few minutes with their loved ones; to create those loving memories so that those that maybe left behind will always know how much they are loved. To those that are in recovery, I believe know the importance to life and family it becomes more important. To give the time to walk a few laps was nothing compared to fighting cancer, however I felt like I was there helping them in the fight. On the plus side I also got to know some of my co-workers laughed lots.

Relay for life by Leah Hill

Something that stood out in my mind was the idea of fighting back. Some of the people at the event have battled cancer TWICE (I think Derin was one of them!) I think there is power in numbers and it seems the event gives people camaraderie and the reminder that it is a fight and to never give up hope. It also reminds those battling cancer that there are others supporting them and even looking up to them. I know we look up to Derin for rallying the Doba team together in an effort to show her own personal fight against cancer and support others doing the same. Thank you for letting us be apart of that special event Derin. :)

Relay for life by me

My relay stint this year began around 4pm. The temperature was 104 degrees. I sign in for my team and got our little camp spot figured out. I decorated a few luminaria bags for the luminaria ceremony. I did some for family and mostly for the friends I have lost to this horrible disease that keeps trying to take me down as well.
My maternal grandparents Grandma and Grandpa Martinez were the first ones I did. I was so close to my Grams and lost both of them to this crap. I did ones for my paternal grandparents too. Grandma and Grandpa Gossett who also lost life to this crap.
I made one for my friend Kimmy. Remember her? I was the temporary guardian for her young son Gavin. Throughout my experiences I have met some of the strongest and amazing people. I have also buried too many of them. Out of my main cancer support group that I met with the most there are 2 of us left alive. We started out with 12. 10 dear sweet friends in 1 year. WOW!!! That is so upsetting to write. I am bleassed with amazing medical and holistic care. As well as friends who have become family and my family as well. It is because of those people and things that I am here today writing this very emotional blog post.
Anyway back to relay... I did the survivors dinner, and the opening ceremonies. By this time it was about 7pm and still 104 out. I got so sick. I was dehydrated and throwing up. Stupid heat exhaustion. It was so bad that I was not even sweating anymore. My months of preparation were down the tube. :( SAD DAY!!!
I finally found some shade and laid down to try to conquer yet another thing this cancer was trying to take away from me. No such luck. I called my sweet friends and team members to tell them I am OK if they want to quit since I was too sick to continue. They would hear nothing of it. I am blessed remember! They walked, ran and repeated. I went home to rest. In all the team did about 60ish laps and we raised around $1200 out of that $500 was donated by my work doba.com Thank you to everyone who helped prepare, walk, run, donate and everything else! I know without a doubt that without all of you in my life I WOULD NOT be where I am today! You are all truly amazing.

Relay for Life by Matt Bailey

The Relay was an interesting event. There were plenty of people, plenty of flies, plenty of sweat, and plenty of things to do. The track was almost barren when I got there, but I soon found my place in the 6th lane (The one on the outside). It was good to be running and helping the team. I ended up going around about 22 laps. TAKE THAT CANCER! I will kill you cancer. But, back to reality, It was a motivational and inspirational experience.

A quote for comfort

Always laugh when you can... Apologize when you should... And let go of what you can't change... Love deeply & forgive quickly... Take chances & give your everything... Life is too short to be anything but happy... You have to take the good with the bad... Love what you have... Always remember what you had... Forgive & forget...and always remember... that life goes on...