Trick or Treat

Although I am fairly competitive; I really try not to get caught up in competitive parenting. You know, when one parent says "look what Johnny can do." Or better yet, "Johnny, have you showed Suzie how you can...?"; I love it when folks talk through their kids. I know we are all proud of our kids, and no one blames us for wanting to show off their new tricks. It is kind of funny though, when the kids get tired of being puppets. Take for instance, Little Man. He has a new puppy trick that I have been "practicing" with him. He loves to do it with me but has a hard time doing it for others; even Nana! The whole reason I taught him this "trick" was to (a) capitalize on his fabulous memory, (b) try to supplement the silly tricks "we" (meaning hubs) teach him like saying "pay up sucka" while pointing to his hand, and of course (c) teach him the states.

Just remember Little Man, unless you are going into organized crime, I think my trick will serve you better than "pay up sucka".




(By the way; I know he has GA and FL swapped. Give the kid a break! We still have 35 to go so I will of course add more as applicable!)

What tricks do your kids have? You know you want to tell me....

Trick or Treat

Although I am fairly competitive; I really try not to get caught up in competitive parenting. You know, when one parent says "look what Johnny can do." Or better yet, "Johnny, have you showed Suzie how you can...?"; I love it when folks talk through their kids. I know we are all proud of our kids, and no one blames us for wanting to show off their new tricks. It is kind of funny though, when the kids get tired of being puppets. Take for instance, Little Man. He has a new puppy trick that I have been "practicing" with him. He loves to do it with me but has a hard time doing it for others; even Nana! The whole reason I taught him this "trick" was to (a) capitalize on his fabulous memory, (b) try to supplement the silly tricks "we" (meaning hubs) teach him like saying "pay up sucka" while pointing to his hand, and of course (c) teach him the states.

Just remember Little Man, unless you are going into organized crime, I think my trick will serve you better than "pay up sucka".


(By the way; I know he has GA and FL swapped. Give the kid a break! We still have 35 to go so I will of course add more as applicable!)

What tricks do your kids have? You know you want to tell me....

Manicures, Pedicures, Massages, Oh My!

I love to get massages. Not the kind my husband gives me. Although they are good, it is not like the kind you pay for. My father in law in a massage therapist. He really is more of a massage repairist. He does a lot of work on folks with chronic issues or injuries. You would think it would be nice to have him around at our every whim, but my mother in law has to pay someone else to rub her down. I feel bad asking, but there are times I ask my father in law to work on a kink I might have. I have yet to get a full massage from him. Something about him rubbing on my nakedness and then eating a meal with him seems odd to me.

The thing I don't like about getting a massage is the talking. Yes, I am a talker, but when I am naked and being rubbed on by a seemingly total stranger, I kind of want silence. I am not sure if I give off the impression I want to talk, or if I just talk out of naked nervousness. I really just want to lay there and listen to the "soundscapes soundtrack" and smell the lavender oil. What I usually leave with is more info about the therapist's love life than their own family and feeling like I was hit by a bus.

To aid in my dilemma, I have decided to go to one of those massage places where they don;t speak English. When I told hubs my idea he laughed and said, "I am not sure that place gives the type of massage you are looking for".

I got my idea the other day when I spoiled myself with a 35 dollar pedi. In preparation for my trip to FloriBama, I needed to have pretty toes. As I sat in the chair, feet being beaten up, legs being scrubbed with sugar; I realized this is the way to do it. The only thing I understood from my new best friend was "Very ticklish" and a giggle. There were no expectations; on either of our behalves. The language barrier we experienced gave her the opportunity to work efficiently, and it gave me the opportunity to read a book. A BOOK! One that did not have pictures and had full sentences. One with a complex storyline that will take more than five minutes to finish! A real adult book!

I digress.

Part of me felt bad when she told me the total (35.00) for:

1. The best massage I may have ever had....from a chair too!
2. The best looking toes this side of the mason Dixon.
3. A mani with clear polish.
4. Time to myself...priceless.

To make up for it I gave her a big tip. I just may have to do this once a week. I think I will take my husband's advice though, I don't want to know how, but I think he knows what he is talking about.

Manicures, Pedicures, Massages, Oh My!

I love to get massages. Not the kind my husband gives me. Although they are good, it is not like the kind you pay for. My father in law in a massage therapist. He really is more of a massage repairist. He does a lot of work on folks with chronic issues or injuries. You would think it would be nice to have him around at our every whim, but my mother in law has to pay someone else to rub her down. I feel bad asking, but there are times I ask my father in law to work on a kink I might have. I have yet to get a full massage from him. Something about him rubbing on my nakedness and then eating a meal with him seems odd to me.

The thing I don't like about getting a massage is the talking. Yes, I am a talker, but when I am naked and being rubbed on by a seemingly total stranger, I kind of want silence. I am not sure if I give off the impression I want to talk, or if I just talk out of naked nervousness. I really just want to lay there and listen to the "soundscapes soundtrack" and smell the lavender oil. What I usually leave with is more info about the therapist's love life than their own family and feeling like I was hit by a bus.

To aid in my dilemma, I have decided to go to one of those massage places where they don;t speak English. When I told hubs my idea he laughed and said, "I am not sure that place gives the type of massage you are looking for".

I got my idea the other day when I spoiled myself with a 35 dollar pedi. In preparation for my trip to FloriBama, I needed to have pretty toes. As I sat in the chair, feet being beaten up, legs being scrubbed with sugar; I realized this is the way to do it. The only thing I understood from my new best friend was "Very ticklish" and a giggle. There were no expectations; on either of our behalves. The language barrier we experienced gave her the opportunity to work efficiently, and it gave me the opportunity to read a book. A BOOK! One that did not have pictures and had full sentences. One with a complex storyline that will take more than five minutes to finish! A real adult book!

I digress.

Part of me felt bad when she told me the total (35.00) for:

1. The best massage I may have ever had....from a chair too!
2. The best looking toes this side of the mason Dixon.
3. A mani with clear polish.
4. Time to myself...priceless.

To make up for it I gave her a big tip. I just may have to do this once a week. I think I will take my husband's advice though, I don't want to know how, but I think he knows what he is talking about.

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

I have had writer's block lately. We have been really busy; trying to cram the last few days of summer in before it's actual end date has distracted me from my writing. Not only am I preoccupied, there really has been very little to motivate me to write. Until yesterday.

One of my oldest and dearest friends is a hair stylist. Funny thing about me and hubs; we have been good friends with all of our hairstylists. We have pondered which comes first; friend or hair. After all, you need to get in good with the folks that you trust with what may be your prized possession. While in college in SWMO before I met hubs, I worked as a receptionist for a salon. I became friends with a few of the stylists but when I moved to NC I lost touch with them. There was Kathy in KC. Brad and Kathy went way back. When I moved back to KC and met Brad, I was lucky enough to met my new hairstylist that quickly became my friend. There was Nikki in Florida. Nikki owned the house we bought in Florida. When we did the final walk through with her hubs, I asked what they did for a living. He worked for FedEx and Nikki was a stylist. Although Nikkie refused to come in her old home for at least six months, in fear of an emotional breakdown, I got to know her in the chair and we became fast friends. Now back in SWMO, I reunited with my one time friend/co-worker Jeena. Not only did I work with Jeena, but hubs went to high school with her and her hubs works at the fire department with my brother in law.

The reason I am taking you down hair lane is so you understand that these women are not just stylists; they are my friends. So it should come as no surprise to you that upon arriving at Jeena's house yesterday for my appointment, I entered her lower level salon addition and went upstairs to the kitchen to find her. The salon and house were silent when I got there so I had checked the book to make sure I had the day and time right. I noticed Jeena had lots of time on her book before me open and then after my appointment as well. I looked forward to a leisurely cut and blow dry and maybe time to talk with a friend I don't see enough. I walked to the kitchen thinking she may be making herself something to eat, as it was around the lunch hour.

As I said "hello", I heard a little giggle and saw my good friend appear from behind the wall that separates the kitchen and living room. I guess her fire man husband was not at the station that day. The beauty of moving her business to her home is she get to keep more of what she makes and she gets to spend more "time" with her family.

I giggled and asked if her hubs was home then I heard a high pitched "hello" from the other room. Although Jeena and I scurried to the salon, fire man later appeared a little glassy eyed and anxious for me to leave. Much to their dismay, Jeena's next client arrived early, even before I got out of the drive way.

I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

I have had writer's block lately. We have been really busy; trying to cram the last few days of summer in before it's actual end date has distracted me from my writing. Not only am I preoccupied, there really has been very little to motivate me to write. Until yesterday.

One of my oldest and dearest friends is a hair stylist. Funny thing about me and hubs; we have been good friends with all of our hairstylists. We have pondered which comes first; friend or hair. After all, you need to get in good with the folks that you trust with what may be your prized possession. While in college in SWMO before I met hubs, I worked as a receptionist for a salon. I became friends with a few of the stylists but when I moved to NC I lost touch with them. There was Kathy in KC. Brad and Kathy went way back. When I moved back to KC and met Brad, I was lucky enough to met my new hairstylist that quickly became my friend. There was Nikki in Florida. Nikki owned the house we bought in Florida. When we did the final walk through with her hubs, I asked what they did for a living. He worked for FedEx and Nikki was a stylist. Although Nikkie refused to come in her old home for at least six months, in fear of an emotional breakdown, I got to know her in the chair and we became fast friends. Now back in SWMO, I reunited with my one time friend/co-worker Jeena. Not only did I work with Jeena, but hubs went to high school with her and her hubs works at the fire department with my brother in law.

The reason I am taking you down hair lane is so you understand that these women are not just stylists; they are my friends. So it should come as no surprise to you that upon arriving at Jeena's house yesterday for my appointment, I entered her lower level salon addition and went upstairs to the kitchen to find her. The salon and house were silent when I got there so I had checked the book to make sure I had the day and time right. I noticed Jeena had lots of time on her book before me open and then after my appointment as well. I looked forward to a leisurely cut and blow dry and maybe time to talk with a friend I don't see enough. I walked to the kitchen thinking she may be making herself something to eat, as it was around the lunch hour.

As I said "hello", I heard a little giggle and saw my good friend appear from behind the wall that separates the kitchen and living room. I guess her fire man husband was not at the station that day. The beauty of moving her business to her home is she get to keep more of what she makes and she gets to spend more "time" with her family.

I giggled and asked if her hubs was home then I heard a high pitched "hello" from the other room. Although Jeena and I scurried to the salon, fire man later appeared a little glassy eyed and anxious for me to leave. Much to their dismay, Jeena's next client arrived early, even before I got out of the drive way.

Enough About You

There have been a lot of blog awards flying around lately. With all the love going back and forth, most of us haven't been tagged or tagged anyone for a meme in a while. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. My dear friend Piper recently tagged me so I must oblige with more useless information about me. What better topic than Six Unspectacular Quirks about me?

1. I have been known to cut off swollen taste buds so I will stop rubbing them against my teeth. I rub and rub and rub until the taste bud is swollen and red. The only way to stop the madness is to snip it. Once it is gone, so is the discomfort! I know, weird.

2. I am a little bit of a medical marvel. Kawasaki disease at age 5. My first case of gout when I was 18. Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed at age 30. Can you say autoimmune issues?

3. I like to sneak into my friend's and family's homes and clean them. I really like to clean; it is my therapy. Cleaning the homes of those I love is just my way of showing them how much I appreciate them. I am careful though and only choose those that are not as neurotic as me; I would freak if someone did it to me!

4. I get the hiccups from eating McDonald's fries and drinking Sprite. Every time. Never fails.

5. I have a secret thing for easy listening. You know the music stations you get on Dish or Satellite? I like the Cool Jazz.

6. I remember numbers very well. I still remember my phone number from grade school. Overall I have a fab memory. Hubs tells me it is time to do a disk defrag.


Bonus Quirk:

I am a controlled rule breaker. I don't think I will tag anyone this time!

Enough About You

There have been a lot of blog awards flying around lately. With all the love going back and forth, most of us haven't been tagged or tagged anyone for a meme in a while. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. My dear friend Piper recently tagged me so I must oblige with more useless information about me. What better topic than Six Unspectacular Quirks about me?

1. I have been known to cut off swollen taste buds so I will stop rubbing them against my teeth. I rub and rub and rub until the taste bud is swollen and red. The only way to stop the madness is to snip it. Once it is gone, so is the discomfort! I know, weird.

2. I am a little bit of a medical marvel. Kawasaki disease at age 5. My first case of gout when I was 18. Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosed at age 30. Can you say autoimmune issues?

3. I like to sneak into my friend's and family's homes and clean them. I really like to clean; it is my therapy. Cleaning the homes of those I love is just my way of showing them how much I appreciate them. I am careful though and only choose those that are not as neurotic as me; I would freak if someone did it to me!

4. I get the hiccups from eating McDonald's fries and drinking Sprite. Every time. Never fails.

5. I have a secret thing for easy listening. You know the music stations you get on Dish or Satellite? I like the Cool Jazz.

6. I remember numbers very well. I still remember my phone number from grade school. Overall I have a fab memory. Hubs tells me it is time to do a disk defrag.


Bonus Quirk:

I am a controlled rule breaker. I don't think I will tag anyone this time!

What Happens At The Backyardigans...

Must not be exciting enough for hubs. While Nana and I took Little Man to see the Backyardigans on Sunday, hubs was driving to the state line to get a new cat. Why did he drive to the state line and not to the north side of town you ask? Oh, you mean the north side of town where the Humane Society is located? Well, you see, we had a cat once. Picatso was her name. Hubs and I got Picatso on Valentine's Day in 2001. We were not cat people but really liked little Pic. She was just sassy and feisty enough for us and was super cute. She moved all over the country with us but we had to put her to sleep in Florida. We were about to move back to Missouri when we were told she had feline leukemia. It broke my heart but the vet said the trip back would be too much for her.

We tried to get a new kitty before The Babe arrived. Little Man was about 16 months old and the kitty was too jumpy and bit a lot. I got tired of hearing Little Man say "bite, bite". He got bit enough at daycare; he didn't need to worry about it at home. So Frankie the kitty went to "a friend".

Hubs and I have been debating a new kitty for a while. Little Man really wanted one and when a new one showed up at his friend's home he was dead set on it. Hubs said if it was going to happen then hubs would pick it out. OK fine. Hubs fell in love with a curly haired kitten on line at a Humane Society in Arkansas. The woman said she would even meet him half way; but if she were to go to that trouble we had to be sure. So, hubs drove to the state line and missed the Backyardigans but it was worth the delight on Little Man's face when we came home.

Little Man named our new family member Poco. I thought this was cute since that seems to be the name of all his stuffed animals. All except the two stuffed dogs. Those are named Suzie and Dimitri for my dad and step-mom's dogs.

Poco is such a good girl and the boys are very good with her. Little Man loves to play with her but is still very watchful of The Babe. Today the three of them were playing and Poco was getting excited. Little Man said "Poco, be careful with The Babe, he's my guy" and stepped in between the two.

What Happens At The Backyardigans...

Must not be exciting enough for hubs. While Nana and I took Little Man to see the Backyardigans on Sunday, hubs was driving to the state line to get a new cat. Why did he drive to the state line and not to the north side of town you ask? Oh, you mean the north side of town where the Humane Society is located? Well, you see, we had a cat once. Picatso was her name. Hubs and I got Picatso on Valentine's Day in 2001. We were not cat people but really liked little Pic. She was just sassy and feisty enough for us and was super cute. She moved all over the country with us but we had to put her to sleep in Florida. We were about to move back to Missouri when we were told she had feline leukemia. It broke my heart but the vet said the trip back would be too much for her.

We tried to get a new kitty before The Babe arrived. Little Man was about 16 months old and the kitty was too jumpy and bit a lot. I got tired of hearing Little Man say "bite, bite". He got bit enough at daycare; he didn't need to worry about it at home. So Frankie the kitty went to "a friend".

Hubs and I have been debating a new kitty for a while. Little Man really wanted one and when a new one showed up at his friend's home he was dead set on it. Hubs said if it was going to happen then hubs would pick it out. OK fine. Hubs fell in love with a curly haired kitten on line at a Humane Society in Arkansas. The woman said she would even meet him half way; but if she were to go to that trouble we had to be sure. So, hubs drove to the state line and missed the Backyardigans but it was worth the delight on Little Man's face when we came home.

Little Man named our new family member Poco. I thought this was cute since that seems to be the name of all his stuffed animals. All except the two stuffed dogs. Those are named Suzie and Dimitri for my dad and step-mom's dogs.

Poco is such a good girl and the boys are very good with her. Little Man loves to play with her but is still very watchful of The Babe. Today the three of them were playing and Poco was getting excited. Little Man said "Poco, be careful with The Babe, he's my guy" and stepped in between the two.

The Editor Never Sleeps

This is one of those puzzles that comes with a car. There is a little groove on the puzzle and when put together correctly, the car drives around the puzzle. The puzzle in this case is a map of the United States. I was psyched about this puzzle because Little Man is learning his states and can currently sing the states in alphabetical order from Alabama to Iowa!





Today, while Little Man and I were talking about our upcoming trip to Gulf Shores Alabama, I noticed something. Did we change the abbreviation for Kentucky? No wonder the previous owner was so willing to give it up in a garage sale!




I don't seek out things like this, I just see them! It is like the sixth sense; "I see spelling and grammatical errors!" I know I am not the only one...what have you noticed lately?

The Editor Never Sleeps

This is one of those puzzles that comes with a car. There is a little groove on the puzzle and when put together correctly, the car drives around the puzzle. The puzzle in this case is a map of the United States. I was psyched about this puzzle because Little Man is learning his states and can currently sing the states in alphabetical order from Alabama to Iowa!





Today, while Little Man and I were talking about our upcoming trip to Gulf Shores Alabama, I noticed something. Did we change the abbreviation for Kentucky? No wonder the previous owner was so willing to give it up in a garage sale!




I don't seek out things like this, I just see them! It is like the sixth sense; "I see spelling and grammatical errors!" I know I am not the only one...what have you noticed lately?

Not for Nothing

I hate to admit it, but Putz was right. He said I would not make the 100 comment mark to commemorate my 100th post. Although I wasn't sure if I would make it either, it was certainly fun to try. During the process of the contest, I was introduced to some really cool blogs and bloggers. One of my new favorite blogs even passed an award on to me! If you haven't already been over to see Sex Diaries of A Mom you should; her site is fun and sassy, just like me.

I am passing on the love to a few of my fav kick ass bloggers.

Your Favorite Neighborhood Rev

Busy Dad

Emery Jo

Tranny Head

Not for Nothing

I hate to admit it, but Putz was right. He said I would not make the 100 comment mark to commemorate my 100th post. Although I wasn't sure if I would make it either, it was certainly fun to try. During the process of the contest, I was introduced to some really cool blogs and bloggers. One of my new favorite blogs even passed an award on to me! If you haven't already been over to see Sex Diaries of A Mom you should; her site is fun and sassy, just like me.

I am passing on the love to a few of my fav kick ass bloggers.

Your Favorite Neighborhood Rev

Busy Dad

Emery Jo

Tranny Head

Don't Fence Me In

Little Man attended Vacation Bible School last week with one of his friends. Part of our bedtime routine each night is to talk about the events of the day and what is planned for the next. One night while Brad was putting Little Man to bed, Brad asked what they talked about at VBS. "Oh, God and stuff". Brad asked for more specifics and Little Man then told Brad that he is a sheep and God is his Shepard. Impressed with his memory, Brad inquired further. "What does a Shepard do?". "Keeps the sheep in the yard" Little Man said.

His answer got me thinking about my children and the boundaries we have set for them. Children need limits and boundaries. I am not saying you have to be strict, but research shows that children feel safe when they know they have limits. Children feel protected when they know someone is looking out for their best interests. Unless it is related to safety, I don't think I can make my boys do anything; I am merely their guide. Hopefully I will provide them enough knowledge and experiences while I have them in my care that will provide them the knowledge and confidence to make good decisions.

My relationship with God is kind of like this. I know where the boundaries are and I know he is looking out for me. Like my boys, I do not always heed his advice or warnings. I think I know what is better for me, which is so not true. How many times did I hear my parents say I would "get it" when I had my own kids? How many times have a I hoped my boys would "get it" one day.

Growing up I hated to be tied down or fenced in. As I get older I around a lot and tested the limits. We moved back to our home state in 2006 to raise the boys; evidence that you can actually go home. I know my boys will want to move away for a while and I will encourage them to do so, but I do hope that they too will come home again.

Don't Fence Me In

Little Man attended Vacation Bible School last week with one of his friends. Part of our bedtime routine each night is to talk about the events of the day and what is planned for the next. One night while Brad was putting Little Man to bed, Brad asked what they talked about at VBS. "Oh, God and stuff". Brad asked for more specifics and Little Man then told Brad that he is a sheep and God is his Shepard. Impressed with his memory, Brad inquired further. "What does a Shepard do?". "Keeps the sheep in the yard" Little Man said.

His answer got me thinking about my children and the boundaries we have set for them. Children need limits and boundaries. I am not saying you have to be strict, but research shows that children feel safe when they know they have limits. Children feel protected when they know someone is looking out for their best interests. Unless it is related to safety, I don't think I can make my boys do anything; I am merely their guide. Hopefully I will provide them enough knowledge and experiences while I have them in my care that will provide them the knowledge and confidence to make good decisions.

My relationship with God is kind of like this. I know where the boundaries are and I know he is looking out for me. Like my boys, I do not always heed his advice or warnings. I think I know what is better for me, which is so not true. How many times did I hear my parents say I would "get it" when I had my own kids? How many times have a I hoped my boys would "get it" one day.

Growing up I hated to be tied down or fenced in. As I get older I around a lot and tested the limits. We moved back to our home state in 2006 to raise the boys; evidence that you can actually go home. I know my boys will want to move away for a while and I will encourage them to do so, but I do hope that they too will come home again.

The Icing On The Chemo

I am not sure how she does it. I feel like I take copious notes and I know I do not get all the information she gives me. How does my mom keep track of the schedule, the drugs, the tests. How does she pay attention to what the nurses are telling her while she sits in a recliner dressed up like a science experiment?

I have been bad about documenting mom's progress. It is true, "out of sight, out of mind". I suppose after our visit to DC in April I felt relieved. Mom had energy and responded well to the treatment. The inflammation was decreasing and the tumor was not growing. I felt safe. Don't get me wrong, I knew "we", meaning mom, was not out of the woods. I didn't want my thoughts, or our phone conversations to be surrounded by this intruder. That is how I looked at this cancer. The intruder that took my mother's immortality. Isn't that what we think of our parents? That they will live forever and be just a call away forever? Or is that what is known as "taking it for granted".

They finally figured out the intruder had a name. Not just cancer. We now now the intruder's full name. You know how the media tacks on a middle name or initial to the criminal. Lee Harvey Oswald, John Wayne Gacy, etc. Mom's intruder, AKA Adenocarcinoma of the lung. This type of cancer is very common and is typical in non smokers and you guessed it; those that have quit. Makes you think twice about quitting huh?

The new information has allowed mom's doctors to have a more defined approach to her treatment. The new regime includes three weeks of treatment; one on each Friday. Then a Friday off. The desire is to shrink the tumor to a very small size. Hopefully small enough that other methods can be introduced to the fight. Radiation and Cyber Knife are two that are in the discussion fold at this time.

Although it is a base line, her blood work is looking good. The real story will be told with a CT scan being done in four weeks.One of the cancer factors that was 1996, dropped to 589, then to 529, went up to 645 and now is 208!! That is great news. The LDH that was at 25 is now at 16.9. So she currently has good factors. The white cell count had dropped below 1000 but corrected itself and is now up to 1108. They will not give her shots until after it stays below 1000 for 2 weeks. This concerns me a little because mom is prone to infection anyway. She always has a sinus infection and for the last year or so was always on an antibiotic. The red blood cells are good but a little thin-they are running a new lab test this week to determine if they want to start mom on liquid iron. This is not that surprising since mom has had issues with thin blood as long as I can remember. What can be an issue here is hemorrhaging. Mom hemorrhaged pretty badly giving birth to my sister at only 5-ish pounds and was experiencing some nose bleeds when they changed her treatment a few weeks back. She had a staph infection in her nose and they ended up having to cauterize some blood vessels up there. As if she didn't have enough going on.

The doctor is very pleased with the results to date and is in shock mom is still working 10-12 hour days while going through chemo. He mentioned in his whole case load he has two patients that are still working.

Oh wait! Make that one...Mom got FIRED today.
*That is all I am allowed to say at this point. I will update you all when I can.

The Icing On The Chemo

I am not sure how she does it. I feel like I take copious notes and I know I do not get all the information she gives me. How does my mom keep track of the schedule, the drugs, the tests. How does she pay attention to what the nurses are telling her while she sits in a recliner dressed up like a science experiment?

I have been bad about documenting mom's progress. It is true, "out of sight, out of mind". I suppose after our visit to DC in April I felt relieved. Mom had energy and responded well to the treatment. The inflammation was decreasing and the tumor was not growing. I felt safe. Don't get me wrong, I knew "we", meaning mom, was not out of the woods. I didn't want my thoughts, or our phone conversations to be surrounded by this intruder. That is how I looked at this cancer. The intruder that took my mother's immortality. Isn't that what we think of our parents? That they will live forever and be just a call away forever? Or is that what is known as "taking it for granted".

They finally figured out the intruder had a name. Not just cancer. We now now the intruder's full name. You know how the media tacks on a middle name or initial to the criminal. Lee Harvey Oswald, John Wayne Gacy, etc. Mom's intruder, AKA Adenocarcinoma of the lung. This type of cancer is very common and is typical in non smokers and you guessed it; those that have quit. Makes you think twice about quitting huh?

The new information has allowed mom's doctors to have a more defined approach to her treatment. The new regime includes three weeks of treatment; one on each Friday. Then a Friday off. The desire is to shrink the tumor to a very small size. Hopefully small enough that other methods can be introduced to the fight. Radiation and Cyber Knife are two that are in the discussion fold at this time.

Although it is a base line, her blood work is looking good. The real story will be told with a CT scan being done in four weeks.One of the cancer factors that was 1996, dropped to 589, then to 529, went up to 645 and now is 208!! That is great news. The LDH that was at 25 is now at 16.9. So she currently has good factors. The white cell count had dropped below 1000 but corrected itself and is now up to 1108. They will not give her shots until after it stays below 1000 for 2 weeks. This concerns me a little because mom is prone to infection anyway. She always has a sinus infection and for the last year or so was always on an antibiotic. The red blood cells are good but a little thin-they are running a new lab test this week to determine if they want to start mom on liquid iron. This is not that surprising since mom has had issues with thin blood as long as I can remember. What can be an issue here is hemorrhaging. Mom hemorrhaged pretty badly giving birth to my sister at only 5-ish pounds and was experiencing some nose bleeds when they changed her treatment a few weeks back. She had a staph infection in her nose and they ended up having to cauterize some blood vessels up there. As if she didn't have enough going on.

The doctor is very pleased with the results to date and is in shock mom is still working 10-12 hour days while going through chemo. He mentioned in his whole case load he has two patients that are still working.

Oh wait! Make that one...Mom got FIRED today.
*That is all I am allowed to say at this point. I will update you all when I can.

Don't Misunderstand Me

Due to my ever constant pursuit of self improvement and realization, I recently took a little personality test. I remember taking a much longer version of the Myers-Briggs while I was pursuing my undergrad. My first results were a little different than those below but I recall they were just as accurate then as now.

According to the results, as an ESTJ I am "The Guardian". This title makes me think of that Top Gun like movie based on the Coast Guard starring Costner and Demi's man. I was of course a fan because I think the USCG is underrated and a poorly represented branch of the armed forces. My dad also retired from the USCG so I am somewhat biased.

The results go on to say...

You're a natural leader and quick, logical decision maker. (Can you say, Bossy?)

Goals are important in your life, and you take many steps to achieve them. (Why do I have to take so many? If I make such quick decisions, what is the holdup?)

You enjoy interacting with others, mostly through work related activities. (What, I have no social life?)

Your high energy level means you are great at getting things done! (This must be why hubs calls me a hummingbird on crack)

In love, you tend to bring stability to relationships. (Couldn't tell you but I think the fact that hubs stole my extra key when we were dating so he could have heat and a phone may be a good indicator)

You feel comfortable being in charge, and you enjoy being a provider. (Not so much)

At work, you take charge. (Again, back to the bossy thing)

You thrive in structured environments and don't mind enforcing the rules. (Oh no, nobody likes a narc)

You would make a great teacher (not enough patience), judge (give me the gavel!), or police detective (oh yea, give me a badge and gun and I am good).

How you see yourself: Realistic, stable, and pragmatic (So true)

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Rigid, bound to rules, and a bad listener (So true, and I am a bad listener. What can you expect from a woman that talks to a three year old and 20 month old all day!)

So tell me how your results turn out. Are they accurate?

Don't Misunderstand Me

Due to my ever constant pursuit of self improvement and realization, I recently took a little personality test. I remember taking a much longer version of the Myers-Briggs while I was pursuing my undergrad. My first results were a little different than those below but I recall they were just as accurate then as now.

According to the results, as an ESTJ I am "The Guardian". This title makes me think of that Top Gun like movie based on the Coast Guard starring Costner and Demi's man. I was of course a fan because I think the USCG is underrated and a poorly represented branch of the armed forces. My dad also retired from the USCG so I am somewhat biased.

The results go on to say...

You're a natural leader and quick, logical decision maker. (Can you say, Bossy?)

Goals are important in your life, and you take many steps to achieve them. (Why do I have to take so many? If I make such quick decisions, what is the holdup?)

You enjoy interacting with others, mostly through work related activities. (What, I have no social life?)

Your high energy level means you are great at getting things done! (This must be why hubs calls me a hummingbird on crack)

In love, you tend to bring stability to relationships. (Couldn't tell you but I think the fact that hubs stole my extra key when we were dating so he could have heat and a phone may be a good indicator)

You feel comfortable being in charge, and you enjoy being a provider. (Not so much)

At work, you take charge. (Again, back to the bossy thing)

You thrive in structured environments and don't mind enforcing the rules. (Oh no, nobody likes a narc)

You would make a great teacher (not enough patience), judge (give me the gavel!), or police detective (oh yea, give me a badge and gun and I am good).

How you see yourself: Realistic, stable, and pragmatic (So true)

When other people don't get you, they see you as: Rigid, bound to rules, and a bad listener (So true, and I am a bad listener. What can you expect from a woman that talks to a three year old and 20 month old all day!)

So tell me how your results turn out. Are they accurate?

Cart Cardio

My sister in law told me today that she has lost 14 pounds since June by eating Weight Watchers. She has not added a workout routine to her lifestyle change just yet, but she is seeing results based on her current efforts. One of my friends works out at the YMCA nearly six days a week in her quest for fitness. My workout routine currently includes chasing my three year old and 20 month old around the house, park, pool, zoo, library, grocery store, bookstore, 1.5 acre yard, and of course, the kitchen. I am pleased with my results and decided to kick it up a notch. I now beat up hubs every night on Wii boxing. I had one boxing related injury that placed me on hiatus for a few days, but I am back at it. I have to tell you, if you are going to have a boxing marathon, make sure you wear shoes. I know how easy it is to get sucked into the game, but the soles of your feet will thank me later. I think I had some sort of hairline fracture in the ball of my left foot from all of my floating and stinging.

I think it is important to change up the workout routine to avoid boredom and plateau. My cousin in CA has recently changed his lifestyle including smaller portions and a drinking hiatus as well as his fitness routine. I saw him at a wedding in May and he looked amazing. Check out his routine. I am going to try it the next time I am at the store without the boys.

You wondered why we call it "Our Crooked Tree"....









This guy is crazy funny like this all the time. Imagine what Thanksgiving dinner is like!

Cart Cardio

My sister in law told me today that she has lost 14 pounds since June by eating Weight Watchers. She has not added a workout routine to her lifestyle change just yet, but she is seeing results based on her current efforts. One of my friends works out at the YMCA nearly six days a week in her quest for fitness. My workout routine currently includes chasing my three year old and 20 month old around the house, park, pool, zoo, library, grocery store, bookstore, 1.5 acre yard, and of course, the kitchen. I am pleased with my results and decided to kick it up a notch. I now beat up hubs every night on Wii boxing. I had one boxing related injury that placed me on hiatus for a few days, but I am back at it. I have to tell you, if you are going to have a boxing marathon, make sure you wear shoes. I know how easy it is to get sucked into the game, but the soles of your feet will thank me later. I think I had some sort of hairline fracture in the ball of my left foot from all of my floating and stinging.

I think it is important to change up the workout routine to avoid boredom and plateau. My cousin in CA has recently changed his lifestyle including smaller portions and a drinking hiatus as well as his fitness routine. I saw him at a wedding in May and he looked amazing. Check out his routine. I am going to try it the next time I am at the store without the boys.

You wondered why we call it "Our Crooked Tree"....









This guy is crazy funny like this all the time. Imagine what Thanksgiving dinner is like!