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?