I am such a proud mama. Tonight Grace counted to 10.
Well, sort of. She was looking at the books on her book shelf and I heard her counting. She got to 6 and then skipped 7 and 8 and said 9, 10. I then counted with her and said 7, she followed with 8. So she knows them all and mostly in the right order.
Wow. My baby's not really a baby anymore.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Fear
This morning when I came to work, I found out that Norma passed away on Saturday. She was one of our Insurance Assistants that was here before I started. I’m not sure when she was first diagnosed with kidney cancer, but I do know she had one kidney removed and seemed to be doing well for a while, before it came back. I watched her go to lots and lots of doctors appointments, we watched as she told us they found tumors in her bones, breasts, brain, spine, and eventually her lungs. She’s been off work since early summer. She always told us she’d come back. In July the doctors told her to contact hospice, but still she held on. She even drove herself downtown to come to our tailgate lunch for the OSU/Michigan game (11/17). She had such an inner beauty and strength. She had faith up until the very end that somehow God would heal her. And today she is gone.
Times like these remind me that cancer is real. It does kill people. People I know, people I like, people I care about. I feel selfish when I think, I just don’t want it to kill me.
Times like these make me sad and afraid. I’ll never be “over” my cancer. It’s not in my body now, but for the rest of my life I must be diligent to be sure it never comes back. The Young Survival Coilition sent me a letter. I don’t remember what it was about. I only remember this line. “The ten year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40, is 50%.” That number scares me. I need to live longer than 10 years. I have plans. I want another baby. I want to finish school. I want to be a doctor. I want to watch my daughter graduate high school, college, and get married. I want to be a grandma. I want to live.
Only 7 days until my next mammogram. I take comfort in the fact that I have doctors checking on me constantly. No more cancer for me.
Times like these remind me that cancer is real. It does kill people. People I know, people I like, people I care about. I feel selfish when I think, I just don’t want it to kill me.
Times like these make me sad and afraid. I’ll never be “over” my cancer. It’s not in my body now, but for the rest of my life I must be diligent to be sure it never comes back. The Young Survival Coilition sent me a letter. I don’t remember what it was about. I only remember this line. “The ten year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40, is 50%.” That number scares me. I need to live longer than 10 years. I have plans. I want another baby. I want to finish school. I want to be a doctor. I want to watch my daughter graduate high school, college, and get married. I want to be a grandma. I want to live.
Only 7 days until my next mammogram. I take comfort in the fact that I have doctors checking on me constantly. No more cancer for me.
Monday, January 01, 2007
And A Happy New Year!
Just returned from our New Year's travels. We drove to Danialle's on Saturday after Eric finished at work and then drove up on New Year's Eve to Erica's for a loy-key evening at home. Saturday Danialle made us meat-eaters some steaks along with mashed potatos and a big salad. After we put Grace to bed, we watched a movie and then hit the sack. Sunday morning we got up, Danialle made breakfast then I showered and dressed while one of Grace's moview was watched. Then we headed to Wal-Mart for a few items. By then it was about lunch time so we picked up lunch before heading home, packing up and heading up to E & E's. When we got there, the guys decided to go to BW3's for a bit and watch the first 1/2 of the Colt's game. Then they picked up some pizza for dinner on the way home. After dinner and putting Grace to bed, we played "Scene It", 3 games with Danialle and Chadd winning each time, followed by about 1/2 of a Trivial Pursuit game. By the time the clock struck midnight, we were all ready to head to bed.
This morning Grace slept until about 8:45 (heaven!), and then we got up packed the car and headed to IHOP for a group breakfast. Then we came home and have been hanging out ever since.
Now the real reason for the post. My 2007 Resolutions! I've included the resolutions from last year and how I did, and the new resolutions for 2007.
Health
1.) 2006: Lose 20 pounds
2007: Done! I actually lost closer to 30 if you count from my highest cancer weight. I'd like to lose another 10 this year.
2.) 2006: Plan meals weekly.
2007: Not so good at this last year. I'd like to give it a try again. It helps me eat better and save money!
3.) 2006: Exercise (by March 1, I'd like to be back up to the old BFL exercise plan)
2007: Not even close. Too busy with school. This year I'd like to try to do the Pilates DVD's 2 days per week.
4.) 2006: Drink 4 to 5 bottle of water daily - At first I'll still allow myself Coke as long as I get all my water in. Then we'll be phasing out those drinks.
2007: Not very good at this. Did switch from Coke to Diet Coke. New goal, only 1 Diet Coke per day until after I drink at least 4 bottles of water.
5.) 2006: Update Diet Blog weekly.
2007: Nope. Not going to continue this one. Too busy with school.
6.) 2006: Don't get any additional diseases or life-threatening illnesses.
2007: Done! More of the same.
7.) 2007: Cook a healthy meal at home on non-school week-nights (3 days per week).
8.) 2007: Get clearance from doctor to begin trying to get pregnant by end of the year.
Finances
1.) 2006: Stay within monthly budget
2007: Didn't even track it. I'd like to redo a 2007 budget and try again.
2.) 2006: Only eat lunch out once per week
2007: Nope. Have an agreement with the girls at work for 2 lunches out per week (client engagements don't count).
3.) 2006: Stop using credit cards
2007: No comment.
4. 2007: Reduce total debt (credit cards, student loans, etc.) by $10,000.
Intellectual
1.) 2006: Take 4 prerequisite courses for med school
2007: Done. Same for this year. Add, get A's in all!
2. 2006: Take 2 CPCU courses
2007: Done. This year, Take 1 CPCU course to complete requirement.
3. 2006: Read 4 books for fun.
2007: I can't remember, but probably not. Going to skip this one, school keeps me too busy.
4. 2007: Research various medical schools and requirements for admission.
5. 2007: Purchase study materials or sign up for a class to prepare to take the MCAT in April 2008.
Spirituality
1.) 2006: Do bible study daily
2007: Fell off after a couple of months. New goal, 3 days per week.
2.) 2006: Update and pray over prayer list daily
2007: Same as above, new goal 3 days per week.
3.) 2006: Memorize a verse each week
2007: Didn't do. Not going to keep as a 2007 goal.
4.) 2006: Tithe according to commitment made to church
2007: Done. Increased commitment for 2007.
5.) 2006: Get involved in some type of group study
2007: Not done. I'll keep my eyes open for a good time, but with school I have lots of conflicts.
Personal Development
1.) 2006: Get a new hair style (just joking!)
2007: Done! No need to renew.
2.) 2006: E-mail a friend each week that I don't already communicate with on a weekly basis
2007: Not done. Too hard to keep up at home with school commitments.
3.) 2006: Send birthday, anniversary and other cards
2007: Not as good as I hoped, so we'll try again.
4.) 2006: Join Young Survivor Coalition or other breast cancer group
2007: Officially yes, but I haven't attended any meetings.
5.) 2006: Review progress at 6 months
2007: Done, do it again.
6.) 2007: Be/feel more Sexy. Starting with shaving the legs twice a week and no cotton underwear except for 1 week per month.
7.) 2007: Update blog at least 1 time per week. I feel like I've been missing out lately, so I want to try harder to keep this updated.
I hope you all have a wonderful 2007 and try to make this year better than the last.
This morning Grace slept until about 8:45 (heaven!), and then we got up packed the car and headed to IHOP for a group breakfast. Then we came home and have been hanging out ever since.
Now the real reason for the post. My 2007 Resolutions! I've included the resolutions from last year and how I did, and the new resolutions for 2007.
Health
1.) 2006: Lose 20 pounds
2007: Done! I actually lost closer to 30 if you count from my highest cancer weight. I'd like to lose another 10 this year.
2.) 2006: Plan meals weekly.
2007: Not so good at this last year. I'd like to give it a try again. It helps me eat better and save money!
3.) 2006: Exercise (by March 1, I'd like to be back up to the old BFL exercise plan)
2007: Not even close. Too busy with school. This year I'd like to try to do the Pilates DVD's 2 days per week.
4.) 2006: Drink 4 to 5 bottle of water daily - At first I'll still allow myself Coke as long as I get all my water in. Then we'll be phasing out those drinks.
2007: Not very good at this. Did switch from Coke to Diet Coke. New goal, only 1 Diet Coke per day until after I drink at least 4 bottles of water.
5.) 2006: Update Diet Blog weekly.
2007: Nope. Not going to continue this one. Too busy with school.
6.) 2006: Don't get any additional diseases or life-threatening illnesses.
2007: Done! More of the same.
7.) 2007: Cook a healthy meal at home on non-school week-nights (3 days per week).
8.) 2007: Get clearance from doctor to begin trying to get pregnant by end of the year.
Finances
1.) 2006: Stay within monthly budget
2007: Didn't even track it. I'd like to redo a 2007 budget and try again.
2.) 2006: Only eat lunch out once per week
2007: Nope. Have an agreement with the girls at work for 2 lunches out per week (client engagements don't count).
3.) 2006: Stop using credit cards
2007: No comment.
4. 2007: Reduce total debt (credit cards, student loans, etc.) by $10,000.
Intellectual
1.) 2006: Take 4 prerequisite courses for med school
2007: Done. Same for this year. Add, get A's in all!
2. 2006: Take 2 CPCU courses
2007: Done. This year, Take 1 CPCU course to complete requirement.
3. 2006: Read 4 books for fun.
2007: I can't remember, but probably not. Going to skip this one, school keeps me too busy.
4. 2007: Research various medical schools and requirements for admission.
5. 2007: Purchase study materials or sign up for a class to prepare to take the MCAT in April 2008.
Spirituality
1.) 2006: Do bible study daily
2007: Fell off after a couple of months. New goal, 3 days per week.
2.) 2006: Update and pray over prayer list daily
2007: Same as above, new goal 3 days per week.
3.) 2006: Memorize a verse each week
2007: Didn't do. Not going to keep as a 2007 goal.
4.) 2006: Tithe according to commitment made to church
2007: Done. Increased commitment for 2007.
5.) 2006: Get involved in some type of group study
2007: Not done. I'll keep my eyes open for a good time, but with school I have lots of conflicts.
Personal Development
1.) 2006: Get a new hair style (just joking!)
2007: Done! No need to renew.
2.) 2006: E-mail a friend each week that I don't already communicate with on a weekly basis
2007: Not done. Too hard to keep up at home with school commitments.
3.) 2006: Send birthday, anniversary and other cards
2007: Not as good as I hoped, so we'll try again.
4.) 2006: Join Young Survivor Coalition or other breast cancer group
2007: Officially yes, but I haven't attended any meetings.
5.) 2006: Review progress at 6 months
2007: Done, do it again.
6.) 2007: Be/feel more Sexy. Starting with shaving the legs twice a week and no cotton underwear except for 1 week per month.
7.) 2007: Update blog at least 1 time per week. I feel like I've been missing out lately, so I want to try harder to keep this updated.
I hope you all have a wonderful 2007 and try to make this year better than the last.
Merry Christmas!
So, I'm a little tardy, but I wanted to do our Christmas post. More pictures in Flickr.
We had a very nice Christmas and we aren't quite done. We still have Christmas with my parents when we go to Iowa for a 5 day visit in just 2 weeks.
Last Friday, my office closed early (1 pm) and Eric called to say he could get off work by 3 p.m. I hurried home, finished the laundry, packed our bags, loaded the car so when Eric and Grace came home, we could hit the road. We drove to Terre Haute and stayed with Eric's Mom. We got in early enough to visit for a bit, and also hung out Saturday morning. Grace even helped with some holiday baking (picture in Flickr). Donna left with Larry (her boyfriend) around noon to head to his families and we put Grace down for a nap. After naptime we drove over to Eric's Dad's to visit and have Christmas. Visiting was very good. Kyle, Leslie, Ashton, Logan and David came too.
Just a side note, I don't want to get into all the details because it isn't our story, but David is my nephew. He's Kyle's son from a previous relationship, although Kyle just learned about him recently. He's 14 years old and seems to be a great kid, so we're embracing him as a new part of the family.
Lots of presents were exchange. Grace got some clothes, a Little People Preschool, and 2 new movies. Eric got some work clothes and a leather Colt's jacket. I got a jewelry box, picture frame clock, and a Bath & Body Works gift card. After eating and exchanging presents, we left to drive to Kyle and Leslies to spend the night.
Donna met us there and after putting the littlest girls to bed, we visited some more and watched some TV. Sunday morning (Christmas Eve), we got up relatively early and opened more presents mostly from Donna. Grace got an American Girl Itty Bitty Twin from Kyle, Leslie, and the girls. Donna got her the matching outfit. It's adorable, so I think next week I'm going to get her 2 year pictures taken with the doll and in the outfit. Grace got some other toys, some clothes, and more candy than we knew what to do with. I got some golf accessories, balls, a ball retreiver, and a practice putting green. Eric got a Colts rug/floor mat and cash. After gifts, we headed to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. It was extremely busy, so we were there for a long time. We came home visited a bit more, Eric watched the Colt's game and then we had a light dinner before hitting the road. We ended up getting home around 8:30 p.m.
Monday morning, Christmas Day we got up when Grace woke up around 7:30 a.m. I think Grace had enough presents because after opening 2 presents, she started asking for cereal and Nemo. We tried to get her to eat her cereal on the coffee table by the tree, but no luck. So, we let her watch Nemo in the front room and Eric and I opened our gifts. I got a couple of sweaters, a pair of dress pants, a new bra and some underwear from Victoria's Secret, a beautiful jewelry box, and a hybrid back-3 club, and sand wedge (golf clubs). Eric got an I-Pod Nano including the "survival kit" that had various chargers and car accessories, dress pants, 2 dress shirts and 2 ties. After we finished opening we took Grace's presents in the front room and opened them while she watched TV. Grace got a small kitchen, a tea party kit, dress up shoes and a purse, the Little People circus, and Elmo Goes Potty DVD. Also some PJs and a sweater. Her big gift from Daddy was a fish tank (pictures in Flickr). We just set up the tank before Christmas and got the fishies the day after. She loves them.
This last week was extremely productive at work. So many people (including my clients) were on vacation, my phone hardly rang and I got lots of work done. It was awesome. Next week back to reality, including school. Organic Chemistry starts on Tuesday.
We had a very nice Christmas and we aren't quite done. We still have Christmas with my parents when we go to Iowa for a 5 day visit in just 2 weeks.
Last Friday, my office closed early (1 pm) and Eric called to say he could get off work by 3 p.m. I hurried home, finished the laundry, packed our bags, loaded the car so when Eric and Grace came home, we could hit the road. We drove to Terre Haute and stayed with Eric's Mom. We got in early enough to visit for a bit, and also hung out Saturday morning. Grace even helped with some holiday baking (picture in Flickr). Donna left with Larry (her boyfriend) around noon to head to his families and we put Grace down for a nap. After naptime we drove over to Eric's Dad's to visit and have Christmas. Visiting was very good. Kyle, Leslie, Ashton, Logan and David came too.
Just a side note, I don't want to get into all the details because it isn't our story, but David is my nephew. He's Kyle's son from a previous relationship, although Kyle just learned about him recently. He's 14 years old and seems to be a great kid, so we're embracing him as a new part of the family.
Lots of presents were exchange. Grace got some clothes, a Little People Preschool, and 2 new movies. Eric got some work clothes and a leather Colt's jacket. I got a jewelry box, picture frame clock, and a Bath & Body Works gift card. After eating and exchanging presents, we left to drive to Kyle and Leslies to spend the night.
Donna met us there and after putting the littlest girls to bed, we visited some more and watched some TV. Sunday morning (Christmas Eve), we got up relatively early and opened more presents mostly from Donna. Grace got an American Girl Itty Bitty Twin from Kyle, Leslie, and the girls. Donna got her the matching outfit. It's adorable, so I think next week I'm going to get her 2 year pictures taken with the doll and in the outfit. Grace got some other toys, some clothes, and more candy than we knew what to do with. I got some golf accessories, balls, a ball retreiver, and a practice putting green. Eric got a Colts rug/floor mat and cash. After gifts, we headed to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. It was extremely busy, so we were there for a long time. We came home visited a bit more, Eric watched the Colt's game and then we had a light dinner before hitting the road. We ended up getting home around 8:30 p.m.
Monday morning, Christmas Day we got up when Grace woke up around 7:30 a.m. I think Grace had enough presents because after opening 2 presents, she started asking for cereal and Nemo. We tried to get her to eat her cereal on the coffee table by the tree, but no luck. So, we let her watch Nemo in the front room and Eric and I opened our gifts. I got a couple of sweaters, a pair of dress pants, a new bra and some underwear from Victoria's Secret, a beautiful jewelry box, and a hybrid back-3 club, and sand wedge (golf clubs). Eric got an I-Pod Nano including the "survival kit" that had various chargers and car accessories, dress pants, 2 dress shirts and 2 ties. After we finished opening we took Grace's presents in the front room and opened them while she watched TV. Grace got a small kitchen, a tea party kit, dress up shoes and a purse, the Little People circus, and Elmo Goes Potty DVD. Also some PJs and a sweater. Her big gift from Daddy was a fish tank (pictures in Flickr). We just set up the tank before Christmas and got the fishies the day after. She loves them.
This last week was extremely productive at work. So many people (including my clients) were on vacation, my phone hardly rang and I got lots of work done. It was awesome. Next week back to reality, including school. Organic Chemistry starts on Tuesday.
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