Holidays

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE!!!!

BE SAFE, ENJOY THE DAY!!!

Tragedy

Well, not really a tragedy but...I can't find my 80s, yes 80s, green mood lipstick. One day I was in Big Lots and found a whole discounted tray of it and bought about 10 tubes. However, I am now on my last tube. I know, it never turns the right color, it's green, etc. etc. etc. However, I liked the color it turned on my lips and it pretty much stayed on all day...so now what do I do. I guess I'll have to go on line and see if there are any distributors out there.

I have tried so many expensive lipsticks and have yet to find one that I really like and that actually stays on your lips for more than half an hour. Maybe some one out there will have an idea of what to try.

Anyway, let me know if you come across the GREEN lipstick!!! :):):)

Successful Meeting

I was privileged enough to be included in a meeting last evening with the leadership of Casting for Recovery National.

I love that these two ladies are very powerful, professional woman, But...what I really love is that they are very common ladies. Now I mean that VERY nicely. Not high maintenance...but are attractive, very down to earth, knowledgeable and smart. Easy to talk to, very caring and locked onto the vision of CFR. I can learn a lot from them and look forward to working with them.

I love that even though there is nothing wrong with the organization, they see many areas of change that will be for the better for all. Easier ways to do things, not just for the programs but for the doers as well. Change can be hard but change can also be very good and the spark that many programs need.

I am excited that we will be growning the AZ CFR program. We will be reaching out not just to more and more organizations but we will be able to assist more of the survivors out there with this wonderful education/wellness/recovery program.

Makes You Really Think

Last week I went to a funeral of a young man...43 years old...who was healthy, happy...at the right place in his life!!!! But on Thanksgiving day, he did not feel well, laid down and died....a fatal heart attack. What a shock to everyone, especially his family and loved ones. I did not personally know him but he was involved with a co-worker for a few years who will be in shock for a long time.

It was like most funerals...comments from family, a video, friends, lifting of balloons, etc. but when I left I thought all the way back to work...what will they say about me!

Have I been...am I a good person? Will people have nice things to say about me? Will I really be missed? Will I have left an impression...will "they" know I have been here? Have I given back enough? The questions just continued on and on.

I think at times we all ask ourselves these questions, however, maybe we should ask and live them every day. You just never know......

Powerful

Please go to http://www.castingforrecovery.org/ and on the right side down a bit you will see "Ripple Effect"...click on it and you will see a very powerful CFR presentation. Great Job...and sooooo true!!

How Pretty

I received this beautiful bracelet from my very dear and long time friend Janelle. Her sister sent her one and she ordered one for me as well. It is a cancer bracelet. Each bead color represents a cancer...like black is for melanoma and lung, grey is for brain, lime for lumphoma, etc. etc and of course pink for breast cancer. The silver ribbon hangs between two larger beads of the cancer the color represents...as in my case they are pink. Very nice.

Not the Real Santa....It's Grandpa

So this weekend we took Santa pictures. We explained to the kids that Grandpa was going to dress up like Santa for pictures. The kids even watched him get dressed up. Joe told him he really looked like Santa but Jocie very quickly reminded him that he was still grandpa. They were just so cute...and quite the hams!




However, Brandon slept the whole time so we tried to get him the next morning but he just wasn't liking this Santa outfit at all. He's at the age when strangers dressed up are really pretty scary, even if it was grandpa.

Of course...Ron loved it all!!! :):)

BUNCO

BUNCO is BACK!!!!!

CFR needs funds and it makes sense to have a HUGE BUNCO event! Stay tuned...will probably be in March. Invitations will be coming to all of you!!

I'll be out there begging for donations and auction items. This year we will try to have it in a large hotel conference room. Will be from 1:00 - 5:00. Not sure if it will be a Saurday or Sunday with snacks and drinks. AND, lots and lots of give-a-ways and FUN, FUN, FUN.

It seems that Breast Cancer is so well known and supported but have you noticed that almost 100% of that money goes to research and education. Where's the recovery programs for all of us that have, had and are being diganosed every day? Where are the funds for those of us that need to have that extra help...after all those tests and treatments...when you walk out of the medical office door for the last time...the last time until the next test and the next test...the ones that we wait for each year and are so happy after they are done.

CFR is a wonderful recovery/wellness program for Breast Cancer Survivors. I asked my doctor if I HAVE Breast Cancer OR if I HAD Breast Caner. He said..."You are a Survivor"!

So, I'll be contacting you to participate in our event to be sure that CFR can continue to make available their wonderful retreat for all of us survivors.

Thank you all in advance for your time, consideration and assistance!!!!

Interesting....

Last night our woman's group (GFWC) had our Christmas party and exchange. 31 attended, it was very nice.

When we were ready to exchange gifts, Celene, our President, had us get in a circle and read a little story about the "Right" family. Now when she said the word "Right" we were to pass a gift to our right and when she said the word "Left" we were to pass the gift to the left. Needless to say there were a lot of rights and lefts so we were constantly passing the gifts back and forth. I knew there was the new Nicholas Sparks book (The Last Song) in a bag, way on the other side of the room. I HAD the bag right before the last "Right"!!!! However, guess what I ended up with...a beautiful pink heart ornament with the breast cancer ribbon inside it. How appropriate. I was very pleased. But, isn't that funny that what I really wanted was right there, but it wasn't the "Right" gift for me!!!

Thank You...

....Jennifer. The title area looks GREAT!!!!

It's so nice to have someone that is not afraid of computers and able to do just about anything on and with them.

Thank you!

Cards for My Friend

My best friend Edie is just having a really bad year, health-wise. You wish there was a drug that you just take and wham...it's all better, but there isn't a drug and rest is her best medicine.

She loves to be active and this bed rest is just really hard on her. So...I know she loves getting cards and it would be great if some of you could send her a get well card or note. Her address is 843 W. Victory Street, Cochise, AZ 85606.

Getting older each year is hard enough without having health issues along with it. I know that I feel it each day as do most of us and a little cheering up goes a lonnnnnng way.

Thank you!! :)

Change

Yep, working on changing the Welcome Photo and Title...still got me covered up but soon will have that fixed. It was time to change just like moving the furniture around the house!

Thank you for visiting my blog!

Holidays

Do you believe the Holidays are almost here? In two weeks Thanksgiving and than Christmas!!!

I always think about Beth and Bill and the music they play when Beth starts talking about putting up her decorations and buying this and that and the music gets faster and faster and they start talking faster and faster. That's kind of how it really is.

Every year I make the comment that "...perhaps this year I just won't put up Christmas. It is such a hazzle, etc...." However, after getting the "looks" I go ahead and put it up. Afterall we have little ones and they do love the ornaments and lights. They have their own little tree with unbreakable ornaments that they can move around as often as they want. It's pretty cute.

One tradition I have started for the grandkids is a photo ornament each year for each of them. I get them from Michaels and they are dated. Something I can pass on to their parents and than on to them. They get a kick out of seeing themselves on the tree and I love looking at how much they change from year to year.

3-Day

Sunday was the first time I had ever semi participated in the Komen 3-day walk. Yes, I have donated to many people who have walked but I have never walked myself nor have I ever been on the route during the race until Sunday. A very good friend and I stood on Mill and 7th (actually on 7th) and passed out Casting for Recovery brochures to the walkers, noting that these were for a free weekend retreat for Breast Cancer Survivors. We passed them all out and were very pleased that we did not find many on the street on in trash cans.

BUT...

It is amazing...these people walking. There were costumes of ALL types and t-shirts with all kinds of sayings on them which were very entertaining, and also the ones with photos and names. Pink was everywhere. We yelled and whooped and hollered and clapped our hands and gave high fives. Us and a whole lot of others...cheering them on...thanking them for walking.

They are walking in memory of their loves ones who are waiting for the cure or for those that are gone because there is no cure. Some are walking for themselves. My feet hurt from standing, my hands from clapping but the tears shed made the pain go away and replaced them with returned feelings of what cancer does. She and I are both survivors and we know what cancer does and they are walking to raise money in hopes of finding a cure.

Between the millions raised from the Walk for the Cure and the 3-Day maybe one of those dollars will be the one spent that finds the cure for all of us.

I need to add to this that I was amazed at how organized and how caring everyone that were on the crews working the 3-day were. Breast Cancer sure touches a lot of people.

Time

Isn't it amazing how fast time really does pass us by.

You are looking out of the same eyes and seeing things the same (well, maybe with the help of glasses or contacts) and you feel the same until you look into that mirror and wonder who is that looking back.

The gray hair, the face lines and spots, the droppy neck, the old and so dry skin...and of course the weight...where did they come from?!? It just all seemed to happen so fast.

It's all part of aging...we do in fact start looking a lot like our parents when we were so young to remember how old we thought they were and looked.

However, the aging looks are very manageable...it's the health that time sometimes takes the wind out of us and is not so kind.

They are the BEST

I have talked about them but never got a photo up on my blog. Yep, these are my little ones...5 years, 3 years and 18 months old. You have agree with me...they are prescious!!!!!

In Life

You know how you find out what you DON'T want to do in life as a living...it's pretty easy...you either help out or actually do the job and you find out pretty quick.

I know for a fact that I DON'T want to grow up and to this for a living:

Lay tile...prep for it, buy it, lay it, grout it, clean up after it!

Hand wash cars...rinse, wash, dry, do windows, clean inside!

Yard/Garden...prep the soil, plant, mow or weed...constantly...any maybe have something to eat or looks great!

Sew...pick out the right material/actually know how much to buy...cut it out correctly...put it together and sew it together so that the finish product actually is or looks like something you could really wear or use!

Build using wood...here again, know the right material and how much to buy...measure correctly...cut correctly and have it really look like what you want...measure a hundred times-cut once!

Child care...I LOVE my little ones more than anything in life...but if taking care of children was my job I would sure need a lot more patience and imagination!

Okay, these aren't many AND when you only do them once and a while it's not too bad. I love how our tile looks, and how the yard and garden look, and little ones are the best, and how little projects of sewing and bulding comes out BUT these are mostly projects that Ron does and I just help (yes he even uses the sewing machine) but again, if I had to do them for a living...I wouldn't.

I'm sure we all have found out areas that we just would not excell at or even be able to make a living doing.

Just some thoughts.

Tile Update

Okay...it is ALMOST all down. We have the doorway to the hallway, behind the refrigerator and in front of one cabinet to lay down the tile. Than grout that and from the stove to the refrigerator and we are DONE!!!! (I believe I was doing a bit of wishful thinking when I posted last Wednesday).

Poor Ron, he was glad to see me off to work today so he could get some rest. We actually got a few other projects completed but the tile was the biggest. It really looks great!!!!

So my vacation was not a typical vacation where you go somewhere to visit, site see, or relax. This was my type of vacation...where you complete things. Of course that meant that Ron didn't get to go either...but we are hitting Vegas in November so maybe that will make up for it!!!!

Tile

I can't imagine how much it would cost us to have the kitchen and dining room tiled. We had put down word flooring about two years ago and found out that water leaks are not good for wooden floors. So up with the wood and down with tile.

We figured it would take the week just to get up the old floor but our son came out on Saturday and in 1 1/2 hours time he had the floor up...wow...that was great.

So, here it is Wednesday and we will have the tile all down and ready for grouting. It is looking great. We are very pleased that we went with the tile and Ron actually got a bit of a design down as well. As soon as I can I will get a photo of the floor for review.

We did have one problem. We decided to buy another tile cutter at Imperial Tile, on Main Street just north of Crismon. We paid almost $200 for it. We had purchased our table top type tile cutter there a few years earlier. Anyway, it was not easy to use and not usable for large tiles so we took it back. Get this...they would not take it back. Said that they would have to contact the manufacturer and see about returning it. We were needless to say pissed off. Everyone, well just about everyone, backs their product. We gave them our information for them to send in to the manufacturer however we also told them that we would not be purchasing anything else from them in the future...especially since they did not stand behind their products. Anyway, tell others this so that they will not be caught like us. We decided that we will try to modify the one we bought and see if it is usable.

I don't know if we will be able to do some other projects while I am on vacation this week. But, the floor is a big one and we'll see how the rest of the week goes.

Friends

There are all type of friends.

Ron and I have been married for 42 years and I consider him my very best friend...I can tell him anything...and pretty much discuss everything...and know when not to!! :)

I have work friends. Some you do activities with outside of work but most you do not. I have a friend that I used to work with and we still get together for lunch or happy hour. This is rare because usually when you leave or change work the friends slowly disappear.

I have "old" (for many years) friends. One of my best friends I have known since kindergarden.

I have neighbor friends, both from past locations and current locations.

I have organizaiton friends...we meet...work together...accomplish many things together.

I have family friends. (Just because they are family doesn't mean they are your friend!)

I have male friends and I have female friends...so different in so many ways!

I have a couple of "fly by the night" friends. You very seldom see or talk to them but once in a while they just appear.

BUT...I HAVE Friends!!!!!

These are SO Cute!!!

My friend Edi (southern Arizona) makes these. Are they not the cutest bags?!!!

At first she did not put pockets inside but after using them to travel she decided to put pockets all around the inside.

I love the flat wide bottom so that they stand up. That is one of my definite options when I buy a purse is that it can stand alone and not fall over the minute you set it down.

She makes these out of any and all fabric. I love the long strap one that she uses for airport travel especially...easy to carry and plenty of room...and again the pockets are so helpful in finding items you drop in it.

Anyway...if you are interested...she is selling them at various town festivals, etc. for $15.

FLU

To get the flu shot or not and get the HINI when it's (they are) available?

Being in the health industry you would think that me and all those around me would get it especially when we get it free. However, at least 4 in my office never get them...don't want to get them...never will get them...no way no how!!!

I have gotten them every year in the past and will probably get it again this year. And the HINI too if offered.

Vacation

Here I go again...trying to make up my mind on what to do. This time it is vacation. Ron would love to just get in the car and go...maybe have an idea of where, etc. but than, maybe not. I have to be using up some of my PTO (paid time off) from work.

For some reason I just don't want to travel this time. I came up with this idea that we spend the money we would spend on a vacation on doing the things around the house that needs to be done with that money and time. For some reason Ron was not hot on that idea. However, I do think he is warming up to it a little. Hey, he'll have help...me...instead of doing it on the weekends or during the week by himself. And it needs to be done anyway.

We have to replace our floor. Well, we don't have to but we put down the wood parkcay (sp) and we've had a couple of water leaks and thus the floor has buckled up in a few places. That pretty much did it for Ron. So we are taking it all up and putting down tile. This is something we can do so the cost is just the materials.

We have the door to enclose by the garage walkway...painting the kitchen...yard work...a fire pit to build...a garage to clean out and maybe paint the floor, etc. etc. etc. etc.

Anyway we'll see.

Light Rail

Virgins....yep that's what Ron and I were last night...Light Rail Virgins...not today!!! :):):)

We attended a small event with another couple and we decided to park and ride the light rail. It really didn't take that long to get downtown and it was not overly crowded. I know we could have driven perhaps a lot faster but that's the point...we did not have to drive. It cost us $7 for the roundtrip for both of us.

Actually, I found it was a lot like riding the bus. however I did feel it was easier getting on and off and perhaps a bit cleaner from the last time I rode a bus.

I do think I will take the little ones for a ride. I think they would find it different and perhaps a little exciting...just get on...ride downtown...get off and on again and ride back...but in the daytime so they can see everything. Pretty inexpensive entertainment...and sometime to talk about too.

Labor Day Weekend

Great Weekend!!!


Friday Ron picked me up from work and we headed out for Cochise, Arizona. Yep...it's just about 4 miles from the Cochise Stronghold between Dragoon and Wilcox and a bunch of little places in between. The drive through Tucson is so much better with highway 10 completed.

We arrived at Earl & Edie's about 8:30 (we had stopped in Tucson for a quick dinner). We had not been south or seen them for a while so we visited until late.

Saturday, we took off for Bisbee. Drove and walked all around. Bisbee has always reminded me so much of Jerome but than they are both old minning towns and built up and down on the hills. We actually went to three Bisbees...the tourist/historic...the old town...and the newer part. Everyone usually visits the tourist/historic part but there is so much more. We had reservations to eat at Cafe Roka...wonderful food....very nice atomsphere...overall perfect. There was dancing in the streets and little bicycle/tricycle (no pedals) vehicles to be raced the next day on display. Kind of like the soap box derby only adult type and they did look a bit more dangerous as they had a lot of stuff on them that could hurt you if they crashed. They shut down the main street, everyone dancing...it was fun.
That's us and Edie and Earl in front of the Hotel in Bisbee.

Sunday we were to ride horses, but there was a mix up so we took off to ghost towns and this very unusal place that had everything covered in rattlesnake skins you could every ask for. AND, OMG, the priceless antiques (and junk) hanging and leaning and sitting all over the place. These people had been there since 1979 BUT it looked like they had been there forever according to all the stuff around. It was a museum in itself. This was in Gleeson...a ghost town with lots of old foundations and a restored jail!!!

Monday, Edie and I rode Cisco and Snickers for about 1 1/2 hours. The ranch is gorgeous with huge boulders (kind like the ones on the way to Payson) everywhere. There were 6 of us on the ride and I had not ridden a horse for, oh about 30 years. I had forgotten how big they are. Of course I have a picture!!!!!

That's us on our horses after the ride. I did have an unusal dismount...as the wrangler was leading Cisco for me to get off at the steps (oh so much easier to get on and off with the steps) my saddle started to slide to the left right around the horses' belly and me in it. Now I should have just pushed down on the right stirrup and all would have been well. Who was thinking!!!!! Anyway I just slide down and around and just plopped on the ground. No cameras...no pictures of that thank heavens!!!! I wonder if Cisco took a deep breathe just so it would turn....hmmmm....I did let him eat a lot along the way...he should have liked me......

Not walking funny, not sore, an item off my bucket list!!!!!!


I was glad that Edie rode too. She has always been around horses and had not ridden for a while and she really enjoyed it.


It was time to head back to the real life so we got home late in the afternoon. We were treated like we were in a bed and breakfast...Edie would not let us do anything...friends/guests all rolled into one big weekend.


I hope you had a great one too!!!! :):):):)

BUNCO

I've been thinking....why not? I really think that we could have a BUNCO event and raise more monies for CFR.

I'm going to have to think about this a little more!

2 in 2011

YES, the AZ CFR is applying for a second retreat to be held in 2011...one in May and one in September. How exciting is that!!! ???!!!! :):):)

There is a lot of work ahead of us if approved by the home office. We have to have staff...we have to have the location,...we have to have supplies and all the little things that go into planning and executing the retreat and... the dollars...we have to have all our ducks in order...or why don't we just say "trout" in order.

AND, we will need participants for both retreats...you know that is not a problem...there are soooooooo many women who are Breast Cancer SURVIVORS...and will be able to attend because of the second retreat...

We have to grow in so many areas and continue to grow in order to be able to give these ladies a weekend they will never forget.

More to come...that's for sure!!!

Weekend

I am so looking forward to this Labor Day Weekend. Ron and I are going South to visit our friends, Earl and Edie in the Benson/Wilcox area.

It has been a while since we have been together. We are planning to go to Bisbee for a day of events and than the next day we are going to ride horses for about an hour at a ranch just down from them. If you check my bucket list that is one item I have been wanting to do for a while. I think an hour in the saddle will probably be more than enough for my bottom!! Edie and Earl have both been around horses forever. Now, Ron...not exactly a horse person...so I'm sure he'll wait for us in the ranch's cantina talking to the owners and visitors. He'll have a whole new bunch of friends when we get back! :)

It will be nice to sit out on their screened- in porch in the evening with a glass of wine (morning too with a cup of coffee) and just enjoy the quiet. It is so peaceful there. Just catching up on each other's lives will be fun.

I hope you all enjoy your weekend as well!! :):):)

Growing Up Too Fast!

Why do they grow up so fast???? I know that's life and we really do want them to grow up but it just seems to happen way too fast.

I love the baby stage...you hold them and hug and they totally depend on you. They blow up your heart so full of feelings.

I love the toddler stage (okay not the tantrums) where they follow you around and babble and hug and love on you. Entertainment to them are faces made, noise from the toys...peep-a-boo.

I love this child stage where they are full of questions and expressions (and not the tantrums) and look to you as if you know everything there is to know. They still like to give hugs and kisses and say I love you. They amaze you with what they say and can do.

Tantrums are part of their growing up process. My sister once told me while Jennifer was having a tantrum "... let her have it. She has a right to her feelings too. Don't you get mad sometimes...say things...perhaps throw things? AND...you as an adult know better...so let her have her moment (not an hour, etc.)"

I dread the time when they are too busy to stop and talk or give those hugs and kisses. When you know they love you and they know you love them but there just isn't time to express it.

Like I keep saying...Grandkids are the best!!! :):):)

BUCKET LIST

Why is it so hard to create a bucket list? It just must be me...when I talk to others they seem to come up with lots of things they would like to do and me...I hit that "hard to make a decision" part of me. I went to the internet and I found something from Erma Bombeck...so appropriate...see below:

If I Had My Life to Live Over
by Erma Bombeck
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching television, and more while watching life.
I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.
When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's." More "I'm sorry's."
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute, look at it and really see it, live it, and never give it back.
Stop sweating the small stuff.
Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who DO love us.
Let's think about what God HAS blessed us with.
And what we are doing each day to promote ourselves mentally, physically, emotionally, as well as spiritually.
Life is too short to let it pass you by.
We only have one shot at this and then it's gone.
I hope you all have a blessed day.

Okay...I see that as what I WOULD have done...so I am going to start thinking about what I would like to do...we'll have to see how that goes.

Weekend

Wonderful weekend. Ron and I and another couple went to PineTop to a cabin of a good friend for the weekend. Left Friday afternoon and back on Sunday afternoon. WOW...what a difference altitude makes. I think the nights were in the high 60s and the highest day was maybe 85. Just perfect...almost always a little breeze.
Drove around, fly-fished a bit, worked on a puzzle, read a little and...yes...did a bit of Karoke. And for me to consider another day is really something. I really did just relaxed. I did miss our little ones so the first thing back we had to go see them. Joe is soooooo excited about school and telling us all about it. Joci was a little quiet but was excited to show us what all she had in her new "non-school" backpack. No doubt she misses being around Joe during the day.
Brandon was in the spa with his dad...so happy...he loves the water. His hair was all curls. He was in a great mood.
Than back home, and relax again. I don't know why but we were both exhausted and went to bed early.
Great Weekend!!!!!

Over My Head???

Okay, I need to plan an alumni event for 98 + people. Now not all will attend but I would hope at least 50 attend. How in the world do I do this? I have asked for some suggestions but I'm finding that this might not be a good idea as there are too many ideas. I know...look thru them, pick the best and go with it....!
Organization is the key word! Expense is another key word. This isn't going to be on the government so it will need to have a lot of donations (time, printing, food, drink, location, etc. etc. etc.). I know some really great people and companies that will definitely want to assist and that is such a blessing.

I've looked on the internet...found some helpful information and have denitely decided that I can not do this alone. Sooooo, I guess I need to get busy. I'll keep you informed as to how it is going. I'm not asking for suggestions...BUT...if you have experience and can guide me a bit that would be great.

More to come.....

Julia & Julie

What a cute movie!! Meryle Streep is an excellent actress. When you are watching her on the screen playing Julia Child...she WAS Julia Child. She did not look or act like Meryle Streep...

The movie was really more about the other couple but was most entertaining when you were watching Julia and her interactions with her husband, sister, friends and cooking, etc.
She was so confident in herself and so funny.

I can't imagine typing all those recipes on the old typewriter with carbon paper...no correction liquid/paper...no electricity...no computer???

I want to get the book to read now but it will be hard to top the movie. I would have to say one of the best movies I have seen for a while.

Really makes you want to do something...you know!!!!!

Off and Running

That's what the AZ CFR is doing. In order to grow we have to be very proactive. If you would like to volunteer/help with the program please send me an e-mail or go to www.castingforrecovery.org and sign up as a volunteer.

We had almost 50 women sign up to attend a retreat this year and could only take 14. First of all that says we need more retreats but what it really is saying is that there are so many women, breast cancer survivors that need a recovery program...this recovery program.

AZ CFR is looking foward to many, many presentations to various groups and organizations. Attendance and participation of many, many events...getting information out to both donors and participants. Outreaching to oncologist offices so that their patients can learn about CFR. Involvement of alumni and volunteers.

There is no cure...we are still getting breast cancer...we need to grow so that we can provide more retreats for breast cancer providers.

Is it me or what?

I went to the doctor this week. My family "genes" basically suck. So I decided that I should maybe get a baseline on my heart. I do run out of breath and turn red very easily with little effort so...is this a symptom?????
Anyway, filled out all this paperwork, took it with me, turned it in and paid my co-pay and waited. No problem waiting, that's just normal. Got back in the room and got an EKG. Boy are those different now days...almost portable.
The Doctor came in pretty quick...did not have to wait long. Young (aren't they all) polite but absolutely NO bed-side manner.
He did not take the time to look at my paperwork so I'm repeating questions/answers that he could have known prior to coming into the room. He was continuously flipping around the computer while talking to me with his partial back to me.
You know...I was kind of in the situation where you're already there...what are you going to do.
I'll get my stress test and the echo-gram and see what he has to say. But, if there is something wrong, etc......nah....I don't want him taking care of me.

SO, why are the docs this way? What happened to being caring and realizing that that's what your job is...it's your career...it's what you signed up for!?? I'm not asking for a doc that is kissing my you know what....I just would like to know that while I'm there, they are interested in ME and what can they do for ME!

Planning

The Casting for Recovery Planning Team will be meeting on the 25th. This will be a very important meeting as it is the first time that the group will develop individually lead committees for various areas, i.e. fundraising, outreach, volunteers, alumni, events, etc. etc.

We have our program coordinator who is the lead/decision maker, but this one person cannot do everything. The help she has been getting from the retreat staff has been wonderful but there is a definite need for more assistance. We do not want our program coordinator or the staff to burn out so with various committees created there will be more people to help...new ideas...etc.

The leads of these committees will work very closely with the program coordinator and the goals set for their individual committees of wonderful volunteers. More will get completed and the Arizona CFR group can grow.

We are also going to plan on an alumni event. Isn't that great!!!!! Have a lot of planning to go into this but really want our past participants to be able to gather and meet each other. So, more to come on this subject.

The creation of the AZ CFR newsletter is also very exciting. We are looking at perhaps twice a year with various news from each retreat, home office, events. etc.

A definite goal of this team is future growth to include another retreat. There are so many of our sisters out there that would benefit from a CFR retreat.

The entegrity of Casting for Recovery is of high importance. The sole reason for CFR is to give a weekend of healing and a lifetime of hope. It's not to make us (the team/staff) feel good individually (but what a great by-product!). It's for the Women who continue to get Breast Cancer, there is no cure and once you have faught that battle the ability to spend a weekend in the wonderful outdoors with fresh air and actually learn to fly fish, away from all those daily thoughts is beyond one's imagination. It is the best recovery program I have come across and you most definitely get hooked on this group.

If you want to know more about CFR, go to www.castingforrecovery.org.

So, after our meeting I will have a lot to talk about...more to come!! :):):)

All is Well

Our little one is Okay. He's back home and is spoiled, spoiled, spoiled. Who wouldn't be after being confined to a hospital bed with either mom or dad. So when they leave the room he is a-searching for one of them! We are all so excited that he is well again...such a joy!

Our little 3 year old is quite the little dancer. Of course she is all about what she is wearing too. We took her shopping...trying on shopping. She was so cute. I took the clothes off the hangers and handed them to her and with mom's help she put them on...ran her hands down the sides and back and turned so she could she every angle in the mirror. Mom took them off and gave back to me to hang up and she was ready for another one. We discussed keepers, maybes and no ways. Of course she had to carry her purchases.

Our 5 year old is quite the fisherman now. Grandpa took him to a hachery and than to their pond to fish. You had to use their equipment and pay according to size. He caught a 13", 1 1/2 lb rainbow trout. He was so excited. They cleaned it and put in a plastic bag. We all had to view the catch when we got home. The next night we had trout. Of course grandpa showed him how to cut the head off and clean, dip and fry. He also got to help with the onion rings. Such a proud little one. It was pretty exciting!!

Son-in-law broke a bone in his foot (Ouch) and he is leaving to go back East for some training. Hopefully he is used to the brace before leaving.

Ron is tired of the heat and is planning a berry-picking trip up North. He does it all there...picks the berries, cleans, cooks and makes jelly all outdoors. I think our grandson is going to go along on another adventure. The stories that will be told!!! :):):):)

Grandkids are the BEST!! :):):)

What a Weekend

Bad...our little one is back in the hospital and has had another surgery. Good, he's doing great and I think they have finally fixed the problem. Everything seemed to have gone perfectly and they did not have to do so poking and sticking this time and we are anxiously awaiting his coming home this Wednesday, we hope. We played for a long time with him Sunday (surgery was Saturday) and he was in the best mood and was very excited on giving high Fives!!!

Good...we kept our little ones overnight...3 and 5! They are growing up so fast. Sunday we had a dancing contest in our living room after our little ones were showing off their talents. Well, grandpa, grandma, mom and dad have talents too!! I was exhausted from dancing and laughing.
Than after a great meal we had dessert which was crepes with hot and cold fruit sauces and bananas. Oh and I can't forget the cool whip. We all ate with cool whip on our noses (kind of got a little out of hand for a minute or two) AND of course on the crepes.
By the time everyone left Ron and I departed to bed. We were tired...and very pleased with evening!! :):):)
Grandkids are the BEST!!! :):):)

Crocheting (spelled??)

A while back I was going to learn how to crochet. Well I have figured out how to make a long neck scarf. Lots of trials and errors but by gosh I think I have it. So now the hard part, sitting down very quietly and just doing it. AND on the win side, Christmas presents!!!! :):):):)

What People Don't Suspect

We had a really nice Father's Day. The morning Ron and I did some plant watering and straightening up around the house and got in some groceries.
At noon we went to our son's and enjoyed an excellent lunch and of course playing with our little one (who is doing great now that he is out of the hospital and finishing up his meds!!!)! They love playing cards and have taught us a couple of new games. We hadn't played cards for years and are starting to get back into it. The comments, discussions and of course the "We Won" were very enjoyable.
Than dinner at our daughter's which encluded a very nice meal, playing with our little ones AND being introduced to hero guitar (I think that's the name!)!!!
Jennifer made the remark that I would be the last person she thought would enjoy that but she forgets that I am very competitive, especially when it's just me and not a team. I know, I'm supposed to be a team player and I am when it's necessary. BUT, I do like to try some things and I love it when I can win or excell. I take more dares than you would imagine and I don't mind the embaressment if I get to have fun. Sooooooo, I'll be playing more of this! Now, where's the WII?????

Balance

I was on a live meeting yesterday about balancing your life. How you have to prioritize most everything in life to keep that balance and especially avoid stress.
We do this everyday, but I don't think we know how important it is and how much it rules us. If work is off balance it tends to fall over into your family and outside lives. Actually, each of one these do this to each other.
I also watched Oprah the other night when they were talking about the Circle of Life which is very similar to the balance. You make a circle and put in it the important things in your life and than divide them into the pie size according to importance. This is easy but it is hard. At first you put lots inside the circle but when you are done there isn't much inside. You start to eliminate the items that become very obvious to you that are really not important after all.
Try it.
So what's the result...it gets you to thinking about being happy with yourself and how you do things. Don't be so hard on yourself...don't sweat the small stuff!!!! (and there are lots of small stuff!!!)

42 Years

Yep...Ron and I have been married 42 years today...June 17, 1967. Who would have thought...that Ron Fischer and Donna Urban would still be married after all these years.

Marriage is work and anyone that says differently is just not telling the truth. We both deserve trophies...big ones!!! And I know that lots of people have heard this before but it's the King and Queen theory. In order to be the Queen, you have to treat him like the King. AND...in order to be the King, you have to treat her like the Queen. That's just the best way to put it.

42 years has seen the move from Indiana to Arizona. LOTS of traveling, children, grandchildren, career changes, semi-retirement, health issues, etc. etc. etc. AND an unbelievable number of GOOD TIMES.

I love it when Ron states that if he were to die today he would have to say that he had had a great life with very few regrets. Not many people can say that.

Anyway...Happy Anniversary Fischers!!!!

Our Little ONES

Again...grandkids are the BEST!!!
Ron and Joe had a wonderful time at the cabin last week. It is amazing what kids will ask and talk about. Everytime Ron remembers something and shares we both get such joy from Joe's actions and reactions. He really did not want to come home and wanted to stay longer.
Joci and I had our "girls" night. Once she got on her new little "princess type" dress it took an act of God to get it off her to go to bed and it went right back on first thing in the morning. She is such a strong willed little one and such a little mothering type. In fact, I think that is what one of Jennifer's teachers said about her when she was in the first grade.
Brandon is home from the hospital. WHOO HOO!!!!! He is even more of a momma/daddy boy now and he does not like to have them out of his sight. It will take a while to break the little bad habits that the hospital created. But you can sure tell he is glad to be back at his home. And he is okay health-wise. Still has some meds to deal with but overall doesn't have to be poked and stuck anymore.
All is well with our little ones! :)

Our Little One

I am so worried about our littliest grandson. He was born early with some problems and hopefully because he is so young will not remember all of his hospital visits and stays over this year and a half.
He is currently in the hospital in Phoenix...over a week now and it looks like it could be another week. They know there is an infection and have treated one area but it looks like another area is going to have to be treated. He is on some high powered antibiotics and is now definitely afraid of the color yellow. That's what they wear when they come in to stick, poke, look at, feel, etc. So I wonder if he'll remember why he won't like yellow!
Of course mom and dad are worried and just plain worn out. Mom is living at the hospital and dad is traveling back and forth every night. You can see the worry and tireness on both of their faces and in their bodies. You and see and feel the love as well.
The thing is with kids, they get sick fast and get well fast. We are all hoping that the infections are stopped and they find out why so they can be prevented in the future and that our little guy comes home soon, well and happy!

Grandma and Granddaughter

So, while grandpa and grandson are in Pine Top, it was a good time for Jocie and me to have an evening. Her dad delivered her to me at work and of course she had to say hello to everyone as we walked thru the building to my car. I believe she gathered some chocolate on that walk! :) Of course the first thing we did was go shopping. Joe loves to shop BUT Jocie is just as eager to look and buy. She especially likes to carry the stuff around. Afterall most of it is hers!!
We found some really cute outfits and at a great price. Than home to get our jammies on, which she was very proud that she was able to put them on herself without any help from grandma. Than dinner...mac and cheese AND a diet pepsi. Neither of the kids drink much pop anymore so this was a bit of a treat. We cleaned up the dishes and than on to the most important time of the night...NAILS!!!! Pink of course. We put two coats, toes and fingers. She thought I should also do the pink instead of my boring "shinny brown" but understood that pink was her favorite color, not grandmas.
By that time it was bedtime. She got to sleep in grandpa's bed on his side and with me so that was pretty special.
Next morning it was up, eat breakfast, get cleaned up, dressed and off to the babysitters. She is used to doing all of this later but did really great in getting around earlier.

I love having the kids together but it is always special to have each one separate at times. They are so alike and so different in so many ways. I love that they love to give hugs and kisses and say I love you with such meaning.

I know I've said it hundreds of times but it is so true...Grandkids are the best in the world!!!!!

Grandpa and Grandson

Hopefully I'll have some pictures to attach to this later. I am so bad about getting pictures.

Ron took Joe, our 5 year old grandson, to Pine Top with him for a few days. Just the two of them. Joe is like a sponge...soaking in all the answers to his questions. When I talked to him he was excited that the cabin is actually a house. That the porch goes almost all around the house. He saw Greer Lodge and the fish ponds and the ducks and checked out each one of the ponds which are full of trout. Of course he wants to fish. Ron has been working on some projects at the cabin which belongs to a past neighbor and very good friend. So, they do the work in the mornings and play in the afternoons. Ron did say that keeping up with a 5 year old is not easy. And of course, it's not like grandpa doesn't like to spoil too. Joe will have some great memories and lots to talk about when he gets home.

Why is it So Hard:

to get good, dependable help today? I know that there are a lot of VERY good, dependable help today...but...where are they?!!!!!!
I just hired an assistant which I believe will be excellent in the customer service area but cannot start working until the middle of June. So, I need a temp for about three weeks. This is what is hard. A temp...not a permanent person but someone that will work like a full time person. Someone that will give me 100% and believes that I am in charge not them. Someone that will do the job(s) they are given and not recreate them, or complain about them or just not do them. A responsible, considerate, nice person who gives the same customer service they want to receive. So, hopefully beginning next week this person will be sitting at the desk making an impression that if there was an opening they would definitely be recommended as a result of the work done as a temp.

Okay, off the soapbox...but I'm sure many of you know exactly where I'm coming from.

I'm back

The CFR retreat has come and gone. AND, was very successful. There is so much joy felt when you see the faces of those 14 ladies change as the weekend progressed.

I have to add the below for you to read. Fran read this at our closing ceremony and it is so perfect:

By the time the Creator made women, it was the sixth day of working overtime.
An Angel appeared and said, "Why are you spending so much time on this one?"
The Creator answered and said, "Have you seen the spec sheet on her? She has to be completely washable, but no plastic, have 200 movable parts, all replaceable, run on black coffee and leftovers, have a lap that can hold three children at one time, have a kiss that can cure anything from a scraped knee to a broken heart, and have six pairs of hands."
The Angel was astounded at the requirements for this one. "Six paris of hands! No way! And that's just on the standard model? This is too much work for one day. Wait until tomorrow to finish."
"But I can't" the creator protested, "I am close to finishing this creation that is so close to my own heart. She already heals herself when she is sick and can work 18 hour days."
The Angel moved closer and touched the woman, "But you have made her so soft."
"She is soft", the Creator agreed, "But I have also made her tough. You have no idea what she can endure or accomplish."
"Will she be able to think?" asked the Angel.
The Creator replied, "Not only will she be able to think, she will be able to reason and negotiate."
The Angel noticed something and reached out and touched the woman's cheek. "Oops, it looks like you have a leak with this model. I told you that you were trying to put too much into this one."
"That's not a leak," the Creator objected, "that's a tear!"
"What's the tear for?" the Angel asked.
"The tear is her way of expressing her joy, her sorrow, her pain, her dissappointment, her loneliness, her grief, and her pride."
The Angel was impressed. "You are a genius, Creator. You thought of everything, for women are truly amazing."

Women have strengths that amaze men. They carry hardships, they carry burdens but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in. They stand up for injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a new marriage. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They have sorrow at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world spin! They bring joy and hope. They give compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have a lot to say and lot to give.
YOU are an amazing woman!!!

Reading

I have kept my word and have been reading. I just finished These is my Words by Nancy E. Turner and have started her The Star Garden. They compliment each other and are about the old days in the West...actually Arizona...Benson & Wilcox area. I just don't know if I could have made it back than. I feel that I would have been a strong woman but life was so hard and I wonder how people could actually find any kind of joy with the hardships they had to endure. The books are well written and easy to read and follow and in many ways very educational. I would definitely recommend them.

Breast Cancer, CFR, Etc.

Well...just 21 days left before the 2009 CFR Retreat occurs. There is so much preparation that goes into the retreat before it even happens. Everyone involved are wonderful. They give 100%. The fourteen breast cancer survivors have been chosen and are in for one of the best weekends of their lives.

I have given two "little" speeches and have found those groups to be VERY caring and generous. I would say that they were touched not so much about my speech but by the cause I have chosen to support.

There are soooooo many great causes out there that really need help. Sometimes I think maybe others are more deserving and maybe I shouldn't ask for some things so others can receive those donations. Then I think that each of us have to decide how to give back to our communities and to ourselves. Yes, there are many great causes but we each need to pick out one, or more, that touches us and calls to us for assistance. One that you are passionate about, one that you feel you can really make that difference.

My family has been touched by many diseases as are other families. I have chosen Breast Cancer as my special cause. That does not mean that I do not give to others or assist in others but this is my main cause. I am a 5 year survivor. My neice died from Breast Cancer. I am amazed by how many survivors surround me.

I also support Komen for all of the research and grants that they provide that would not be possible without them. But we are still getting Breast Cancer. There is no cure. So I will fight for the survivors and have chosen Casting for Recovery to truly support as it is a recovery/wellness program for those survivors.

Just needed to say that I guess!!! :0)

Crocheting

I could just kick myself for not learning how to crochet from my mom. She could do those cute little dollies with the tiny little thread while carrying on a conversation.

I got the basic down and actually completed a little neck scarf for Joceyln. Now there are errors if you look real close but hey, I thought it was a good start. I have now gotten thread and thought that maybe I'll make "everyone" a scarf. What is funny is that it is actually quieting and calming. I just didn't think I would have the patience to sit and do this. AND, when I look down at my hands I think of mom.

I looked at a couple of books, which are very expensive, but I think I need to maybe take a class or two...I'm more visual and I think I would pick it up quicker.

I'll wait and see....and...will take pictures of the end result(s)! :)

Catch Up

Wow, it's been a long time since I have typed anything on the blog. So..........

My sister Lorraine, and her husband, Roscoe came to visit. It's been a year since we have seen them. They are from Indiana and have been visiting Arizona since we moved here in 1979. Lorraine is ten years older than me and is like my mom. Roscoe is a jewel and is more like a brother than a brother-in-law. I would love for our whole AZ family to make the trip back to Indiana for a 4th of July get together or a family reunion. There have been so many marriages and births and time passes so quickly.

I actually took off 7 work days without calling ino work and it was great. I did check my e and voice mails but that just helps when you come back to the office from not being so overwhelmed with them. I did stop in and show my sister my office and before I could leave had to do some things, so I got out of there as fast as I could. Afterall, this is a vacation. I told them my cell phone was on but there was no guaranteers as to how fast it would be answered! :0)

Also took some time off from Casting for Recovery. Well, I did do some phone calling and some begging (donations). The retreat is in 4 weeks. There is a lot of prep but the retreat is so worthwhile!

So, I'm back and active!!!!

The Worth of a Woman

This was sent to me and it is so true.....


Women have strengths that amaze men. They bear hardships and they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. They fight for what they believe in. They stand up to injustice. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. They go without so their family can have. They go to the doctor with a frightened friend. They love unconditionally. They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards. They are happy when they hear about a birth or a wedding. Their hearts break when a friend dies. They grieve at the loss of a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no strength left. They know that a hug and a kiss can heal a broken heart. Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors. They'll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning. They bring joy, hope and love. They have the compassion and ideas. They give moral support to their family and friends. Women have vital things to say and everything to give.

HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN, IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

Nervous

I never thought I would be standing in front of a lot of people...talking...giving a presentation. Yes, I have talked in meetings, voiced my opinions, explained a project, etc. etc. But to actually get up and speak...scary!!!

So, next week that is exactly what I will be doing. I am going to present to the Desert Fly Casting Club members a power point presentation and small talk about Castining for Recovery. It's easy to talk about CFR...it's a wonderful program. But, I can just see my tongue getting in the way of the words...my brain racing the words down before I can get them out...perspiration running down my back...you know...and I really don't want to imagine all of them in their underwear!!!! :):):)

I have a week to prepare. I am fortunate though that my mentor, Shirley, will be doing the same presentation to our GFWC meeting prior to the DFC meeting so I plan to copy as much of her presentation as possible. That does smooth my nerves a bit!!

Really, the power point presentation will speak for itself and for me. Shirley does a wonderful job of putting together the right information with the right photos that really does tell the story of CFR.

So...I'll report back how I did!!!!

The Top

I was very fortunate to meet the new National Casting for Recovery Director last Monday. She was visiting Arizona (her parents live in Scottsdale) and it was the best time to introduce herself to Arizona's Casting for Recovery's team. The planning team is from North, South, West and East Arizona so unfortunately only Shirley, Kitty and myself were able to have dinner with her.

I didn't know what to expect. Who I met was a lovely lady that was as normal as me. Not high maintenance, not low maintenance...normal. Someone that listened and someone that talked with not to you. Loads of ideas and information. Very willing to help when and where she could.

I could not have been more pleased. It was unanimous...we like her!!!!!!

Wednesday Fun

Every Wednesday Ron (Papaw) gets to pick the kids (Joe and Joci) up from daycare and take Joci to Dance Class...Ballet. Of course Joe gets to go too!!! Last Wednesday it was Spring Break so when they got there a sign was posted on the door...no class. I got a visit at my office with lots of hugs and kisses and than Papaw took them to Wal*Mart...shopping. Oh they want to buy but with Papaw they take their time looking at everything. 2 hours at Wal*Mart...I can hardly get him to go in and out of a store shopping!!! After looking at everything they had a potty break and Papaw announced it was time to buy and leave. They both picked items under $5. Joci gets a little excited and wants to buy and go but Joe loves to walk around and look at everything. I'll bet he has to touch it too (just like grandma does!).
Next it was to McDonald's for milk, cheezy-burger, apples & carmel and play. Back to daycare and Papaw was pooped. What a fun day!!!! What is it they say......PRICELESS!!!!!!

Time

Giving of time is the absolute best present you can give anyone, anything but especially yourself.

I'm the type that has always needed to cram as much as possible into the time you have. Instead of thinking "there's always tomorrow" I have always thought "get it done today, there might not be a tomorrow" or "what if something else comes up" tomorrow. I have mentioned before that I am getting better at setting down and watching TV or taking a quick nap on the couch. Yesterday I actually laid down on the bed and watched TV almost all afternoon, early evening and than got under the covers...after all it was 9:00 pm. I even could have slept in longer this morning. Now I'm beginning to think I need some vitamins or something! :)
But you know, not once did I think about getting up and cleaning the kitchen or finishing some projects I'm working on at this time. I was lazy and I enjoyed it!

Now Saturday I did work in the front gravel, getting after weeds like I was killing snakes (old term) but I got it done...I stopped often to sit and rest and get a drink of water but I just knew I had to finish it before putting all the tools away.

Saturday was also garden planting day. Our grandson and granddaughter were quite the helpers for Ron. One had a shovel and one a rake and they pretty much touched everywhere Papaw needed a little assistance and than some. They were so excited and of course watering is the absolute best...wet feet and all. Joe found red worms and must have held them in his hand for at least half an hour. Papaw had to explain why it's good to have red worms in the garden. They are like little sponges soaking up all the information on the worms and the whys being answered.

Blogs

Boy do I have a lot to learn about blogs. I have visited many and they are outrageous...lots of photos, information, graphics, links, etc. etc. I am amazed at how detailed some are and colorful. Mine is pretty simple. However, I have put some photos on and am getting a little braver with links, etc. Now if only they had spell check!! :o)

BOOKS

Read a good book lately? That used to be a question often asked. Now it's TV shows, blogs, movies, etc. I can't say I love to read but I do enjoy to read. Time is the factor...taking the time to sit down and read. I love to open a book that is so good that every moment you are thinking about getting back to it. You literally can not put it down. I don't read while driving (although I have seen this) but I have picked up a book at a stop light a time or two. I tend to read fast. A while back I had a job that I needed to condense a legal deposition say 200 pages down to 10-20 pages with only the relative facts. That's where I picked up a scanning habit. But with a good book you don't scan your mind wants to say every word...you have to read it all.
I don't really care about magazines/articles. I have always thought that someone is paid to do an article on a subject that is so many words long or will fit into the appropriate space left open. I assume they do the research but it is still their opinion on the subject not necessarily the facts. Books are stories, stories that you can step into and be part of the background looking on as everything unfolds in front of you.
So, as of today, I plan to make the time to read at least 1 (probably more) book a month.
One of the best things a parent can do is not just take time to read a book but to read to your children.

Cabela's -- March 21 & 22

Saturday and Sunday, March 21 & 22, Casting for Recovery (CFR) will have a table at Cabela's for Great Outdoor Days. They are located in Glendale by the University of Phoenix Stadium. Wendy Gunn, a world known fly fishing woman/champion AND CFR's Arizona Retreat Fly Fishing Instructor/Lead will be doing an intro to fly fishing clinic. Definitely come to see Wendy, she is amazing and stop by our table and get to know Casting for Recovery!!

Gardening

Gardening is a lot of work. My husband has been working at growing tomatoes in Arizona ever since we moved here in 1979. Usually the little cherry or pearson tomatoes would grow but not the type that you grow in Indiana where you taste the dirt...it's a good taste!
This year our little ones helped so our onion and carrot rolls really need to be weeded out a bit and we have a few seeds intermingled. But we have tomatoes...good ones. And, onions, beets, peas, anise, lettuce, peppers, bay leaves, carrots...and they are all big enough to eat! Ron does most of the work but I do occasionally do some weeding and watering and I was there for the planting.
You forget how as a child everyone had a garden, a big one and they ate from it. I don't remember my mom buying vegetables at the store. And, I do remember those big, dirt tasting, bright red tomatoes!!!

Earlier: Do I or Don't I? Now: I Don't but I Do...Confused?

Earlier in my blog I had mentioned it was time to start thinking about our 4th Annual BUNCO for Breast Cancer Survivor event that supports Casting for Recovery. Get out the boxes, go thru the supplies, make lists. Due to the economic conditions I have decided that we will skip this year. I am a bit bummed. It was a lot of work but it was so much fun too. I have so many interested in not only donating to the event but participating too. My family and friends have been involved and so helpful as well. However,

I am still busy working with my various generous donators from the past years...and they have been and still are so generous. I already have received some items donated from them. This year these items will go toward the CFR retreat's Sunday drawing for the participants.

The retreat planning is moving along. There is so much to do in order for this retreat to happen. The women involved are all very strong, positive, and successful and put all this together to bring about the retreat for fourteen very deserving breast cancer survivors. There are no egos, no attitudes, there is only harmony...working together, being caring and supportive and making sure that each and every participant knows and feels how special they each are during their journey. This is what I felt when I attended in 2006. I knew they were there for me not for themselves. However, in reality you do get back...you cannot put a name on how you feel after having met and talked with these women....the tears of both sadness and joy. The strength they all have...we all have in order to complete our journeys.

Another Journey

Ever since I was a participant in the AZ CFR retreat in 2006 I have been "hooked" on CFR. It was one of the best weekends I have every had and definitely a true breast cancer recovery program. I am very honored to state that I have been asked to be the Co-Coordinator for the Arizona Casting For Recovery organization. Actually I will be the Co-Coordinator in Training for a while. There is a lot to learn and I will be learning from the best! Shirley has been the Coordinator since the beginning and does a wonderful job. It is a lot of work and takes a lot of dedication and she gives it her all. She is all about CFR and what it stands for and does for so many breast cancer survivors. I am so pleased that she has asked me to assist her.

American Heart Association Walk & Charities

It's that time of year, February 28th, the American Association Heart Walk and one of the big sponsors is where I work. In the past you have had to register to get a t-shirt, not just from the Heart Association but from work as well. With the economy cutbacks, that is not happening this year. You do not have to register, you do not get a (or two) t-shirts. You donate...however much you would like.
So, how do you ask people for money when so many have been affected by the economy problems. Spouses out of work, homes in foreclosures, trying to keep a place to live, heat, light medical bills, medications and feed the family.....AND you want me to donate money for your charity too?
People who can give will and those who can't...can't. That's just the way it is. All charities will be hurting this year, however if you pick that one charity that you feel stronly about and just give one or two dollars...that's one or two dollars they did not have.

The Health Fight

I feel a bit guilty. I have a very dear, old (I mean in terms of years of knowing each other...since we were in kindergarden) friend that has Lupus. I don't think she will mind me talking about this.

In 2004 (after treatments), she came out to visit and we ended up having a little "pity" party between the two of us and Vodka Gimblets. As we drank our drinks we talked about our health problems. At the end I won the party when I said "yeah, but I could die."

However, if you know of anyone with Lupus I'm not so sure I really did win. It is not a very nice disease. It takes your strength, gives you so much pain, takes your ability to do the simplest things that we all take for granted. It invites all other kinds of diseases and health problems into your body and mind. It can go into remission but the flare ups during this time are very difficult.

My friend had complications from the Lupus and now has stroke type symptoms on her left side. She is a very strong person and is working to get her strength back. You have to...just like with cancer, you have to fight to keep the disease from winning. We visited this weekend and I could see the damage but I also saw her will to survive. She has a very good caregiver in her husband who will see her thru the struggle and help her get stronger.

It's a hard fight and I marvel at how many people everyday encounters this health fight. Cancer and Lupus are just two diseases...there are so many more to be dealth with. Until we find cures that is what we have to do...fight to survive!

Do I or Don't I

Well, it's the time of year when I think about the BUNCO for Breast Cancer Survivors' event. I always think...do I want to do this again this year and than I start looking into the box from last year and boom...yep it is definitely worth the time and effort.
So, I will need to start looking at various restrauants and merchants for items to give a way, raffle and auction. I have some wonderful people that are so giving and this year I hope to tap into another group that want to help.

If you are checking out my blog and want to assist, please let me know. I will start posting more as the event is planned.

Two of My Reasons

I have mentioned Joe and Joci in previous postings but haven't really talked much about them. We have been around them since birth and the bond and love is so strong between us. They truly do make life worth living in so many ways.

Joe is five and so excited that next fall he will start kindergarden. He is all boy but has such a tender heart and soul. When he wants to stop with the hugs and kisses it will break my heart...you know, when they are too "old" to do that stuff. Perhaps he won't get too old. He has an angel face and is very creative and smart. He will be the charmer. His little brain is like a sponge and soaks up everything he sees, hears and reads.

Joci is three and is the boss. She also has that angel face and is so in control. She's the little mom. I can remember the teachers saying that Jennifer wanted to be everyone's mom in school and take care of them...yep that's Joci. She is so girly yet such a little tom boy. She thinks she can do everything Joe does regardless of how physical it is and if she's in pink that's even better. She's a thinker/fixer. She wants to figure it out herself and she usually does and is annoyed if you keep asking if she needs help.

Of course Ron is so wrapped around their fingers. He loves to have them come out and follow him around and ask all those questions. He really loves teaching and telling them things about how things work and how to do things. And of course, rules are different at Papaw's house, he's strict about some things but not many...they pretty much can do and have whatever, whenever, that is of course unless Mom and Dad are around.

I feel so sorry for those grandparents who are not around their little ones and especially the ones that chose not to be. They are missing so much in life.

Little One

I haven't said much about our little one who is 9 months old. He had a really rough start in life and is coming into his own now. His parents, Matt and Kelley, are so loving and guarding and when he cries they are right there. You know how you just don't know how you could love someone so much...they definitely know.
Of course why wouldn't I hold him every chance I get and his grandpa is just as bad...so he loves to be held. He loves lights, noise and movement so he has a lot of stimulation type toys. He will be a year old the day after my birthday...had to have his own day that little one and he came early at that. I feel that he is still playing catch up and will for a little while longer but what a joy he is.

NEW

A new day and future for us all begins today.
I was able to watch a little bit of the festivities today. I can't imagine who would want the position of President of the United States or of any nation for that matter especially in these times. However, it is very refreshing to feel that we are truly on the right path. Not everything that is done will be acceptable by everyone but at least something will be done and I believe changes that have been needed for a long time are now on the way.

Aging Thoughts

I had a very dear friend send me a "Maxine" cartoon with a little paragraph or two about aging. Of course the cartoon was funny and so typical Maxine, but the writing was about appreciating aging. With aging there are some rights that you deserve and there are some rights you take that you shouldn't. I know that pain, aches and hurts come with aging but that does not give you the right to be hurtful to others. That gives you the right to complain, waddle if it feels better, wear those comfortable shoes and clothes that aren't in fashion. Eat when you want, stay up playing computer games all night or sleeping thru the Tonight Show.
Too many times I have been around the aging when it's very hard to have respect. They haven't found the joy in aging. I know...joy? Without aging you wouldn't have had the experiences, the memories, the life and for us our grandchildren. Travels, friends, adventures and yes illnesses, tears, and fears. That is what we are about...all of that put together makes us who we are...while aging.
I know...some thoughts!

Cinderella

Jocelyn, our little 3 year old is having her Cinderella Birthday Party this Saturday the 17th. Her actual birthday was December 29th but with the holidays, etc. it got postponed.
Anyway, I have been looking for a very CHEAP wedding dress that I can dye blue (or whatever color it comes out as in the blue category) and wear as her "Fairy Grandmother." Concept is great...see old wedding dresses at garage sales and Goodwill all the time, right? Nope...since I have been looking I have found a couple but they want $100 for them. Now I know that they were probably only worn once but I am a true "Garage Saler...it's not new...it should be cheap!"
Than Jennifer asked if I had really looked at the book to see what her fairy Godmother was actually dressed like...well I looked at the book but come on, I truly believe that Jocelyn would rather have frills and ruffles.
So, who knows if I'll find one in time, the clock is ticking...

Scarves - Help

I need help. I would love to know how to knit and/or crochet (sp?) but I don't. The weather last year at the retreat turned out really nice. However upon arrival it was sleeting...you know...ice and snow and it was cold. The weekend was still a bit chilly.

So, this year it would be nice to furnish the 14 participants with a Pink knitted scarf...they might even call them boas now.

If anyone is interested in making and donating these please let me know.

Thanks! :)

The Secret

It's been out for quite a while now. There's the book and DVD but I really like the CDs. There's 4 of them in the pack. After having listened to all of them while driving, I keep #2 very close and play it often. After suggesting it to someone they stated that they stopped listening after the first CD mentioned religion. It's not about religion, it's about you. It really is...keeping listening.

What does it boil down to? Believe and honor yourself. It's your universe. You have control over it. You do not depend on others for everything, you depend on yourself.

Ask...Believe...Receive That is what I have hanging on my wall in my office.
When you get up in the morning, before you get out of bed...stretch and ASK for a wonderful day, put yourself in that mood to believe and receive a wonderful day. Be sure to thank your universe for what you have and can do.

Another term I love is "Attitude of Graditude." Always be thankful for what you have. When we look around, really look around, we all have so much to be thankful for in our life.

So there it is...make 2009 a great year....YOU make it a great year!!!!

New Year

Yep, another new year. Isn't it nice that we all get a new year to start over?