STRESS --- REST

I love it when people say "...you HAVE to reduce your stress!!!" Now just how do you do that? There is stress in everything you do from the time you wake up until you go to bed.

What do I wear...where are those pants...why isn't my hair doing what it should...why isn't there any bagels...man, I'm almost out of gas...okay, I'll fix the big copier, put postage in the machine...I don't know why the coffee maker doesn't work...change that meeting AGAIN!...I'll just eat these cookies for lunch...is this afternoon ever going to be over...what's with all the traffic...so there's a cop...you just keep driving, you don't stop...I just want to lay on the couch...where's my energy...it's time for bed already...I've been to sleep on the couch how long...etc...etc...etc...etc.?

Is it just me or can any or all of the above cause stress!?! I guess it is whether you let them cause the stress. It definitely helps when you stop and take a breath before moving forward with any response or task.

I will just have to do a lot of breathing and focusing on the "GOOD" happening versus the "BAD" happening at the time. I know I am not by myself and trying to stop worrying about many things is not easy.

BUNCO 2010

Another successful and fun event. This year we held it at the Mesa Hilton in the Pavon room...the old disco from the 80's. VERY NICE. The Hilton people/staff were wonderful and the food was GREAT.

We had a good turnout, however more would have been nice, but those that attended had a really good time. Lots of give-a-ways, raffles were very nice and the auction items were perfect. Lots of excitment and noise in throwing those 3 dice!

All this fun toward raising funds for Casting for Recovery. They could find a cure today, however what about ALL of us out here who already have breast cancer? What about our wellness, our recovery, our journey, our survival? Women are still getting Brest Cancer even with all the research going on. We need to have programs for AFTER!!!!!!

If you or you know of someone who has been diagnosed with Breast Cancer, please go to castingforrecovery.org and check out this wonderful program.

So...BUNCO for next year? I don't know...we will have to wait and see. However, next year we will need your assistance in getting the word out and registrations back so we can raise more for this wonderful non-profit organization.

Thank you to those that assisted in this event with time, donations, participation, etc. You ALL make it happen!! :):):):)

SVT

Supraventricular Tachycardia....basically "racing heart"!!!
One of the most scary things happened to me last Thursday. I could not breathe...I could not get enough air and my heart started working really hard for me and it just went bonkers. The (Baywood ER) actually had to stop my heart and restart it to get it back into a normal beat. Damage to the heart...they don't think so...could it happen again...yep. What caused it...don't know yet. Scared...oh yeah.

I am okay....just weak and lots of thoughts bouncing around in my head.

KUDOS to Baywood...the best (considering the circumstances) care anyone could get. The ER group and the Rapid Unit (can't remember the correct name but kind of like the intensive care unit for chest pains, etc.) staff were beyond wonderful. Patient care/service definitely the norm there. The nurses, Linda, Maureen and Jeff were wonderful. All the techs, transporters, blooddraws, etc....wonderful.

So now what? I'm not sure. I am very weak and get pooped real easily and hopefully I just need to get my strength back. I have to now go to a cardiologist now and am on heart medicine to keep the beat normal. Hopefully we will find something to fix and that will be that (wishful thinking..huh!).

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers...they worked!!!!

NOW...on to the BUNCO event on August 8th. See below to download the registration form. See you there!!!!!!

Bunco for Breast Cancer Survivors 2010 Registration Form

BFBCS Registration Form 2010 -

Indiana Here We Come

Leaving for Indiana tomorrow morning. Driving back the southern route. Hopefully we won't run into any of the nasty weather with toronados, flooding, etc. BUT, we will be leaving the record heat temperatures. Of course we are also going to the sticky, buggy heat!

We have the van all set up bed wise. This year we are taking the "work van without the extra seat. The other van had two back bench seats and we took one out and left the other in which did not give us much moving around room. This van will be so much better. Lots of room. Actually the bed if much better than hotel beds. Okay, the bathroom has a lot to be desired!!! Anyway off we go.

Having lunch with Joe and Jocie and dinner with Brandon so we will have our little one fix but we will miss them terribly. Of course they get postcards as we travel which they enjoy.

Got my work all ready for me to be gone. Some big meetings during that time but I think they will be okay. Everything is ready for them except for the "last minute" rush item. I have 5 ladies that are adding pieces of my duties that cannot wait to their duties which is so helpful and appreciated.

CFR is moving along. BUNCO will be the big push upon my return. Got a lot to do and getting the word out is the biggest!!!!

Well, signing off for now and promise to put some photos on when I return!!!!

BUNCO

Don't forget to sign up for our BUNCO event to be held August 8th. Scroll down and you will be able to download the invitation/registration.

Getting a little nervous...the event is 9 weeks away and I have 2 registrations. Please, please, please get those in which will help for planning of food, etc.

We have so many items to give away and great auction and raffle items. I need to take a photo and post them...I will try to do that very soon.

It's for a great cause...Casting for Recovery...Breast Cancer Survivors!!!!

VACATION

I am very excited this year...Ron and I are going back to Indiana to visit with family this July 4th. It will be good to catch up on all the happenings, the new little ones and additions to the family. To see how the area has changed and to catch up with old friends.

Jennifer got the biggest kick with the look on my face when we told her over the weekend that yes we were going and that I did not have a ticket reservation to fly back yet (We are driving to Indiana and Ron is taking a "drive about" on the way home). I think she described it as pained anxiety. However, not to worry, I now have my one way ticket from Indiana to Phoenix so no more anxiety for me!!!

Back to Ron's "drive about" this year. Believe it or not Ron does NOT like the really hot weather so tries to be gone up north (camping or picking berries) or out and about for a few weeks to avoid the HOT weather. So this year it will be his trip back from Indiana. We both enjoy this time...he gets to see places he wants to go see and I get to stay at home and veg...do some of the things I like to do by myself. We both get a vacation this way. I know some people think that is odd but believe me we enjoy the free time.

I will miss our little ones and will have to take lots and lots of photos to show everyone.

Shirley Johnson Retires from CFR-AZ

Since 2001, Shirley Johnson has served as a key volunteer with the Casting for Recovery program in Arizona. Not only was she instrumental in bringing the CFR program to the state, she has worked hard to build a base of support in the community and build a strong team of volunteers. The result: a program that, in this past month, has successfully conducted its seventh retreat for the women of Arizona. After this season’s retreat, Shirley has decided that it is time to retire from the role of Program Coordinator of the Arizona CFR program.

The Arizona program is one of the most financially responsible programs in the country. Plans are afoot for launching a second retreat in Arizona in the coming year, and the fundraising team has several events planned for the coming months. There’s a lot to do, but with a strong team in place it will get done!

It has been my privilege to work with Shirley and her shoes will be hard to fill. Her letter of retirement outlined many of the efforts that she’s undertaken over the past nine years and her love for the CFR mission makes this a particularly hard decision for her to make.

Moving forward, Kitty Wiemelt and I will work together with the national office as “co-coordinators”, but a plan for succession to appoint a new Program Coordinator is in process. There are many models for a successful CFR Program Coordinator, and Kate Fox at CFR will be happy to answer any questions about this role, or about other opportunities to work to sustain—and build—the Arizona CFR program. Please go to castingforrecovery.org to contact Kate.

Thank you Shirley for all that you have done and continue to do for Casting for Recovery...there are no words that can express all that you have accomplished.

Thank you!

MEMORIAL DAY

I asked our 6 year old grandson what the red-white-blue sprinkles on his donut stood for this morning and he said the flag.

I also asked him what Memorial Day was and he answered to celebrate and remember our military...Uncle Chris is in the Army and we think about him.

This is a 6 year old and he gets it!!! Needless to say I was very proud of him and his parents and teachers who have taught him the true meaning of Memorial Day...not just a "day off" holiday but truly a "memory day" holiday.

THANK YOU....

...Jennifer for putting the BUNCO registration/invitation on my BLOG so it can be downloaded.

Please everyone get your registration into me as soon as you can. It will sure help with the planning of this event. For those of you who have attended in the past...yes, it will be just as much fun and there will be lots of give-a-ways.

For those of you who will be new to this event...prepare for some fun! Please go to castingforrecovery.org to check out what this non-profit organization does for so many women who are Breast Cancer Survivors and you will not only have fun but be so touched by everything you read, especially the stories from so many women who have been able to attend a CFR retreat. I am one of them and believe me when you ask me I will definitely have lots to say.

CFR is in a fundraising mode at this time. We are planning for two retreats in 2011 and have to raise the monies it takes to put on each retreat. We are also setting up at least 5 volunteer groups in Arizona...North/South/East/West and Central. We will have a lead and a group who will be able to bring CFR to everyone in their area. This is very exciting and I hope that we will be able to not only reach every survivor but also everyone that can assist CFR in this journey.

Thank you all for your assistance and please let me know if I can answer any questions or assist you in any way.

Thanks!! :)

BUNCO Invitation

You are invited to participate in the
BUNCO for Breast Cancer Survivors Event
(all profits going to Casting for Recovery)
http://www.castingforrecovery.org

Sunday, August 8, 2010 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Registration Fee: $25.00
Mesa Hilton
Pavon Room
(Snack Buffet Provided)
1011 W. Holmes Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85210

( ) I will be attending the Bunco for Breast Cancer Survivors Event.

Enclosed is my check and registration.
( ) I will not be able to attend the Bunco for Breast Cancer Survivors event.

However, I want to make a donation. Enclosed is my check

Please Print:

Name: _______________________________________

Address: _____________________________________

Phone # _________________ E-Mail Address: ____________________________

BC Survivor? ____ Yes ____ No CFR Participant? ____ Yes ____ No

TOTAL Enclosed: $_________

Please return your registration sheet & fee no later than Monday, July 30th
For more information contact me at: donna.fischer@bannerhealth.com or dfischersurvivor@gmail.com or Cell: 480-580-0766 – FAX 480-497-7100

Note: There will also be door registration.

Mail Registration Form to:

Donna Fischer - 10253 E. Jones Avenue - Mesa, AZ 85208
Please make checks payable to: Casting for Recovery - AZ

For more information, call: 480-580-0766

RETREAT

WOW...it's the WOW experience that we need to get when we do all kinds of things during our life and the Casting for Recovery retreat this year was a WOW!

Great weather, great accommodations, great staff and great participants. What more could you ask for?!

There is not a better feeling than that last hug when the retreat is over and the 14 ladies are loading up to head home a completely different person in so many ways. The hugs are genuine and strong. There are lots of tears. This year I realized and stated that these 14 ladies leave their "home" cancer home and exchange it for the "retreat" cancer...because being a survivor myself, believe me, you are never, ever completely without it. The exchange is wonderful. You get to meet other survivors very much like yourself. Talk about it and feel about it in a completely different setting even though it is still the cancer.

Two for 2011!! Lots to do, lots of fundraising but next year...28 women instead of just 14!!!!!

Three Little Sweeties

Our grandchildren...Joe, Brandon, Joci...

The Bra is completed

Well, here it is. I'm a little disappointed all the sparkles did not show up in the photo but you can get a pretty good idea that when it moves...IT moves and sparkles.

Goes to the highest bidder at the bike run this Saturday, 5/1/10 at the Dirty Dogg!!!!!!!

How Can This Happen?

A friend of ours came over yesterday to tell us that they would be moving that their house has been sold out from under them and they have been evited...WHAT???!!!!!

They got caught in one of the wonderful banking/mortgage scams where the refinancer tells them to stop paying house payments and to pay them and they will refinance and handle everything...meantime nothing happens and they end up losing their home.

Now there are other factors involved but the bottom line is...this is happening everywhere and there is no justice. This person takes the money and runs...our friends lose their home and are evicted...and the new owners probably know nothing about all of this and feel lucky to have been able to buy a home from auction at a lower cost.

You have to treat your finances just like your health. Do NOT depend on others to take care of you. You have to investigate everything, take and be in control of your life.

I hate this...I hate that they are in turnmoil and feel helpless....they and many others!!!!

Happy Administrative Assistant Day

One of the many changes in the business world has been name/title changes from individuals to departments.
So today, Administrative Assistant Day (it was Secretary Day) is for all of you out there that do the grunt work...office wise. Everything from travel, appointments, meetings, fixing the various machines, ordering all kinds of supplies, moving of furniture, computers, files...being a plummer and an electrician and all kinds of other professions along with your regular duties. I sometimes have to really laugh when applying in the past for the "secretary" position and the pay for the position knowing that you do everything from fixing coffee to plunging the toilets..."... and you are going to pay me WHAT"!!!?

However, that is my profession. I have been a secretary/assistant for over 30 years. Sometimes I am amazed at what all I get done and how organized and un-organized I can be at the same time. I do need order and get a little uneasy when there is no order...that is my "Type" personality.

Overall, it's been a very good profession for me. I feel I am successful at what I do and look forward to retirement in the near future. All the skills I have learned over the years I can and do apply to everything in my life.

Happy Admin Assistant Day to all of you "just" secretaries out there. We all know who the real boss is!!!!!!

BIRTHDAY

Yep...today is my 63rd birthday...where did the years go?

I don't feel this old...but when I look into the bathroom mirror, I have definitely aged...who is that person?

Isn't it funny that when you were young this age sure seemed old, but now, not so much. It's hard to believe that in just 7 years I'll be 70...and here again, it that really that old?

Oh well, today is my day. We believe that the day truly is yours to do with what you want. Now a lot of the time you feel like you have to do what the family wants but in the long run you also have to do some things just for you.

I plan to go shopping, of course. I have the day off, and there are some stores I just don't get a chance to visit. Doesn't mean I am buying!!!!

Tonight, Ron is making my favorite meal...veal oscar with asparragus from Indiana!! Of course we will end up with some chocolate and some of the Bowie Red!!!

I won't be able to hug my little ones as they have other activities that they have to attend but a call wishing me happy birthday was wonderful.

Hopefully I'll have some photos to add to this later.

I'm off...to celebrate MY day!!!!

Vacation

South Arizona...my niece Janet is here visiting and we decided to take a short road trip to southern Arizona to visit Earl and Edie. They live around the Dragoon/Cochise Stronghold area...pretty much out in the country. They have neighbors but more like a farming community type neighbors so they aren't out there all by themselves. When we arrived Edie had lunch for us and when Earl got back from playing golf we went wine tasting and kind of a drive about.

We were going to eat at the Triangle Ranch but they are closed on Wednesday nights so we just drove up and around their property, etc. Went to Bowie to their little Winery and tasted wine...WOW...the wine was wonderful and we all bought a LOT. Of course we had to drink some of that when we got back home. We then went to eat Mexican food, which was delicious and had to have some margueritas which were also delicious. Between the drink and the food needless to say we were all ready for bed!!!

Next day we took Janet thru Bisbee and Tombstone and thru Tucson. Ron stopped off and visited the Horizon Wholesaler where he gets most of his spa parts and we ate downtown where they have refurbished an area with restrauants and stores. We got back to Mesa around 4:30...tired and glad to be home...but...we had a very enjoyable drive about.

Many stories for Janet to tell back home!!!!!

Beautiful BRA

I'll bet that got your attention!!! Photos will be added real soon!!

I am in the process of decorating a pink bra with all kinds of sparkles to be auctioned off at the first Casting For Recovery (CFR) "BIKE RUN"...yes I said Bike Run!!!

May 1, beginning at 10:00 at the Renegade Classics Outlet Store (3102 E. Cactus Road, Phoenix) going to Arizona Biker Leathers, Connolly's Sports Grill (lunch), Bartlett Lake and ending up at the Dirty Dogg Saloon. FUN...FUN...FUN!!!!

You don't have to have a bike to enjoy this event. We are also looking for some volunteers to be at the CFR tables at each location. Come on out and support CFR and have a good time too!!!

There will be give-a-ways and the Beautiful Bra Auction at the end. I am definitely going to have pictures on my blog after this event!!!

BUNCO

Get ready everyone!!! BUNCO is going to be August 8th at the Mesa Hilton. We are sooooo excited. Hilton as our host (and a wonderful host I might add) has taken us under their wing and this is going to be the best BUNCO event ever. Some of you might remember the Pavon room...it was a nightclub and is beneath the lobby, restrauant areas. It is huge and beautiful. Has butterflies on the walls all the way down the stairs. Don't worry if you can't do stairs...we will be able to take you down the "freight" elevator.

All proceeds are going to Casting for Recovery. You know how passionate I am about this organization. If you do not know about CFR please go to http://www.castingforrecovery.org/. If you know of Breast Cancer survivor or are one yourself...please go to this website and sign up for a retreat. You will never be the same again!!

Okay...back to BUNCO. GREAT and I mean GREAT Auction Items....a hint....a complete set up of Starbucks...yes the machine, the coffee pods, etc. etc. Also you know I would have a hotel/restrauant package...Also a wonderful fly fishing package...yes, rod/reel/vests/8 hour guided excursion, etc. AND MORE!!!!!!

Registration will still be $25 and there will be a lot of fun, give-a-ways, appetizers, drinks, did I mention FUN!!!?!!!!!

Tell your friends, save the date...we want this to be one of the premier events (we also have a Wine Tasting event on October 2nd...more to come on that) for CFR this year.

CFR has been approved for a second retreat in 2011. This gives us the ability to provide a retreat for more survivors. We had 81 ladies sign up for 14 spots this year. That just won't do...we have to do better. We can do better with your attendance and assistance.

If you would also like to volunteer for CFR, please go on line and fill in the volunteer form. We will be calling you. In order to grow...we need YOU!!

See you at BUNCO!!!!!!

SPRING CLEANING

I WISH I was as good as my one sister on spring cleaning. You can eat off her floors/walls/window sills/you name it. She was taught cleaning by our maternal grandmother and is the best. We are planning on visiting there in July and she is already at it!!

So, this morning I looked around and boy do I have a lot of cleaning to do. It's really hard to stay indoors when the weather is getting so nice and there's all kinds of cleaning and things to do outside. But I have to go thru the closet, thoroughly clean the bedroom. bed, windows, drawers, etc. ...and that's just the spare bedroom. My neice is coming for a visit in April and I will have to find another place to throw my clothes...you know, the ones that are cleaned but you just don't take time to put away when the bed is handy!!!!!

Now, Ron is estatic. He has a new Romba...the little circle sweeper that moves on its own from room to room. It was either a Romba or a dog and you don't have to feed the Romba. You would have thought it was Christmas time and he just got the gift he asked for. I had gone to bed early and he even woke me up to show it to me when UPS delivered it the other evening! He was waiting on a spa part that he needed the next day and the delivery of the Romba was like icing on a cake! So I don't have to worry about the floors in my cleaning.

I really do hate cleaning windows but it is time even if they will be opened. It's also a good time to pitch things and go thru paperwork.

So I think this weekend is going to be very busy!!!

BRANDON 3-21-10

WhenBrandon arrived Saturday afternoon he was not a happy camper. They had been to the Festival, he had not had a nap, he was hungry and he knew Mom & Dad were going to be leaving. However with toys, entertainment, and food he was out cold for the night at 7:30.

When he woke up at 3:30 in the morning he was a very happy little boy. Grandpa had been up earlier on the computer so he had some milk and played with grandpa and the toys. I got up around 5:30 and Grandpa went back to bed for a bit of a nap and Brandon just wanted to play and watch TV with Grandma.

Waffles and ham for breakfast. He was a hungry little boy by the time breakfast rolled around and was still wanting to play with the toys and the books. Grandpa was on the computer and Brandon was going thru the books...he loves books.

Then down for a bit of a nap at 10:30. Mom and Dad came and when he woke up he was even happier. His little face lights up when he sees his mommy. Daddy always walks him around the yard touching trees and talking about what things are. Brandon was also very interested in the boards Grandpa was cutting for Daddy.

Such a sweetie!!!!!

JOCELYN 3-19-10

Grandpa starts Joci on the "sugar" high right off...shopping at Sam's Club and eating a chocolate ice cream sundae!!! Joci is so very different than Joe...and should be. She's a girl and 2 years younger. I could see a lot of what Joe was like at 4 and more. She is definitely her own little person and so in control.

We started out Friday with donuts...homemade out of biscuits. Grandpa is so patient and lets her assist him, only she got a little bit of a grease splatter on top of her hand but she was way to busy with the donuts to worry about it until later.

Grandpa had a spa job so Jocie and Grandma ran errands. We got dressed and Joci decided that she wanted to weat her dress instead of shorts. First to Walmart to get some felt. I needed purple and dark blue but they only had dark blue so we got that and a pair of Cinderella PJs, of course. Then off to look for some sandles. We ended up at JoAnn's Fabrics and got the purple felt and a few other items like the Cinderella wooden doll that needed to be painted.

It was time for lunch and Grandpa wanted to go to run some errands so we stopped and ate at Ruby Tuesdays. Joci has always been a good little eater. She had the salad bar and really loved the spinach dip with the dark tortilla chips. AND, as you can see by the photo everyone thought she was the cat's meow!

Next on the agenda was Pedicures at Walmart at Signal Butt. You would have thought that no one in the place had ever seen a little girl all dressed up. You would have thought she was the queen of England. There were about 10 chairs and we had to wait...pretty much all filled with grandmas. And the staff were making such a big deal over and talking to her, etc. She picked out "pink" (of course) polish and they put flowers on her toes. (Grandpa could not believe how little they were as her toe nails are very little!). While they finished up with me she very politely sat with three ladies and chit chatted like a grown up. When we left she got hugs and waved good by to everyone. So cute!!!!

Home...grandma and grandpa were getting tired but just like Joe, Joci said she was not at all tired. However, after dinner, some ice cream and a bit of TV she was out!!!

Saturday we had to go back to JoAnn's for more fabric. I needed to make a couple of tri-folds/displays for CFR and Joci was my helper. She really did help with holding the material when I cut it and pressing out the bubbles when I glued it. She even had her own little display...hmmm...mommy forgot to take that...I wonder if that was on purpose!! :) She and grandpa also put some rock around the fire pit to make it look nicer. Even though she did not get in the spa she had to wear her green goggles around for a while and helped pick oranges and make juice.

Mom and Joe came to pick Joci up and I think she did miss them a little!
Grandkids are the BEST....

Joeseph 3-17-10

Joe/Grandpa/Grandma: Spring break so grandma took off work and the three of us spent a wonderful day together. As you can tell by the photos there was ice cream, sleeping/resting, using Google Earth to travel around, fishing, shopping, the ZOO, checking out Town Lake's rushing water and a beer (root) at the bar at Dirtwater Springs. Needless to say when I left for work this morning Joe was still asleep. I believe even though he kept saying he was not really tired...he really was tired!

The best was getting Joe his shark tooth necklace at the Zoo which came with 5 other different shark teeth. He now has them all memorized and ready to show and tell! They have been studying sharks at school and I had given him one on a black necklace cord that I had picked up from a garage sale and he could not find it to take to school. So he and grandpa, while googling earth also looked up where you could buy shark teeth and low and behold...the Zoo!!! Ron and I had not been to the Zoo for a long time so it was kind of nice to go, however Spring Break...WOW...lots of kids, groups, grandparents, moms!!!!!!

Joe is growing up so fast and gave us a wealth of information he has learned at school. I was amazed at how much he knows about animals and see why he still wants to be a Vet when he grows up. And when he's quiet you know he is taking in everything around him. I love that he still says I love you and hugs and kisses and says thank you and please, etc. etc. He is such a joy.

Me, I'm tired too...I wish I could have slept in!!!

HEARTS

The generosity given to Casting for Recovery and Breast Cancer Survivors from the Fly Fishing Community is unbelievable and wonderful!!!!!!!!

EVENTS

Mark your calendars and check back for more information:

Saturday, 3/6/10: Bass Pro Shop spring Fishing Classic

Saturday/Sunday, 3/27-28/10: AZ Game & Fish Dept. Expo at Ben Avery Shooting Facility

Sunday, 4/25/10: Desert Sportsmen's In-Store Expo, SW corner of Scottsdale Rd at Gold Dust...just south of shea blvd.

Saturday, 5/1/10: Rise for Recovery Bike Run ... stay tuned for more details soon

Sunday, 8/8/10: BUNCO for CFR at Mesa Hilton's Pavo Room ... stay tuned for more details

Saturday, 10/2/10: First Release ... Wine Tasting Event ... stay tuned for more details

81

...women have signed up to date for the Arizona Casting for Recovery retreat this year. 81!!!!! that is so wonderful in so many ways but also so sad. We can only have 14 survivors at our retreats so that leaves 67 ladies that won't be able to attend...that's very sad.

Even if they found a cure today, this very minute, think how many survivors are out there that need the support and recovery guidance...we will always be out there!!

Next year we will have two retreats...May and September...and that will allow 28 women to have this wonderful experience...which is great! We will continue to work toward more and more retreats so that more and more women will have this opportunity.

That said, we need to GROW...volunteers and funds. We are currently looking for someone to be our "contact" person(s). Be the one that rallies the troops when needed...keeps everyone in the cirlce of "know" as to happenings, etc. ...be that "contact" for the team. Please let me know if you can help us.

Also, keep going to our website, www.castingforrecovery.org They are constantly updating information, etc. and it has really grown as well.

Thank you all for your interest, consideration and support!!!

SUCCESS

OMG...the International Sportsmen Expo was a HUGE success. Our booth was three rows from the pond where they were having fly casting displays and contests. We met soooooooo many wonderful peope from such a wide variety of sports. And of course the fly fishing community was there. Our booth must have become known as the "HUG" booth...I know everyone knew where the "pink" ladies were located!!!

It is just amazing how many people are and have been touched by Breast Cancer. The weekend was a lot about hope. I am 7 years out. Anyone over 7 years is my hope...AND...I am hope for anyone under 7 years...and of course there were tears and hugs!

I got a lot of stuff for our retreat and events coming up and am still amazed by the generosity of so many. Reminds me of attending the "Pink Out" at Skyline High School last month. All you hear about are the "bad" teens. Let me tell you...that night I met a lot of "wonderful" teens.

I am a talker and really don't know too many strangers. I have to leave you with this one happening. As we were leaving Friday night I ran into one of the security guards. Very nice man. I asked if he had seen the "Night at the Museum" movie...about how many "mounted" animals were in the building and I hoped there weren't too many noises. We both had a big laugh...however....I sure would not have wanted to be there all night by myself with all of those animals!!!!!

ISE

International Sportsmen Expo...February 26-27-28, 2010...and Casting for Recovery has a booth/display!!!!!

Our display is ready to go and we are VERY excited about being there this year. Outreach for CFR will be huge let along meeting many, many wonderfull people who are or will become friends of CFR.

Come out and see us...Cardinals Stadium...I will post some photos next week!!!

TWO in 2011

APPROVED!!!!!
Arizona Casting for Recovery will have TWO retreats in 2011. One in May and one in September. Instead of only 14 women, we will be able to take 28 women to Greer for a retreat!!!

This is a big step. More staff trained, more supplies, more paperwork, more, more, more BUT more importantly...more participants!!!!!!

So, we need to get busy, not just with more activities but more fundraising!!!! Please let me know if you want to help CFR in anyway...you would be surprised what you had to offer and didn't even know it!!!!

OUT OF THE BOX

Yep, that's what CFR has done...stepped out of the "comfort zone" box!! This year for fund-raising there are a few new activities. May 1, 2010 will be the first "Bike Run" (motocycle) sponsored by CFR. Details will be coming VERY soon on this activity.

BUNCO has been moved to August (extact date not secured yet). Much bigger and better than in the past!...more details coming on this event.

Wine Tasting (YES...wine tasing) event to be held on October 2. How exciting is that!!!?!!! AND, more details coming on that.

Of course there will be more and more activities. CFR has applied for a second retreat to be held in 2011 and the more funds we have the more survivors we are able to assist.

I will keep you posted on each event and the RETREAT this year will be held May 14-15-16 at Greer.

Lady bugs and a caterpillar birthday cakes. I made three cakes with lots and lots of food coloring in the icing...you could tell who ate what by the color of their lips and some noses, fingers too!!

Joe's and Joci's birthdays are in December and December was sooo busy this year that they had family parties but their play mates came Saturday to celebrate their birthdays.

I'm thinking about 15 kids...they are so cute and so busy and I could never be a school teacher!!! I love kids but my patience is getting pretty old for that many at one time.

Jen had a lot of fun "Bug" games and "Bug" food...very cute. The kids all had fun and should have been very tired by the end of the day!

YOGA

I would LOVE to be able to do yoga every day...and...I could, but I just need to put my mind to it and do it. Kind of like exercising and walking and eating right, etc. etc. etc. Classes I have taken in the past usually have given me more stress than relief from it. Everyone seems to know what they are doing, there's always the small "groupie" crew and I just can't breathe...isn't that what it is about????

Last night I took a class that was wonderful. It was led by Paula Bailey...a wonderful person who is so into "IT"!!!! Now by "it" I mean she just has that wonderful ability to calm and see ahead. (She does massages too and I can tell you...they are great!!!) The class was more smooth, calming yoga instead of stand on your head and balance yoga. (I couldn't do that even with a wall behind me!!).

When she talks it is like she is only talking to you. You feel the words throughout your whole body, not just thru your ears to the brain. It's a work out...I was sweating...but I also was not hurting.

I am so hoping that we can get this for a 6-weeks class in the future...maybe I'll get addicted enough to starting doing this daily...Stress be Gone...that would be great!!!

We Live!!!

As many of you have been from what I hear, Ron and I were both sick over the holidays. Ron has almost recovered after 12 days and I am about 3 days behind him.

I have been sicker in the past but this one just dragged on and was exhausting. It took the wind out of me and I didn't want to go to bed at night because of...the coughing!!!! The coughing that curled up your toes and you had to get up to get any air! So with both of us exhausted and coughing it was just a "sick" house for a couple of weeks.

I even took 2 whole days off work. For those of you that really know me that just doesn't happen. I'm the one that just has to go to work. Although, I do think I'm getting smarter about that as I age. They really can get along without me for a day or two, especially if I can give it to them by going to work.

So, with lots of medicine and bed rest, couch rest and chair rest I do feel better.