So a couple of my ladies and I have decided that retirement is <hopefully> not that far off and it is time to look towards the future. And what do most people do in retirement? Drink, eat, drive a golf cart/3 wheel bike around parks and golf.
So I guess it is time to take up golf since we know how to do the other pieces. We decided to go to the driving range a couple of times to see if we could actually hit the ball before making complete and utter asses of ourselves. Guess we should have thought about that before standing next to people who could hit the ball. I felt the breeze as my club went over the ball and spent a lot of time swatting away black flies. All in all I actually hit the ball quite a few times, even though some of them only rolled down the hill.
We decided golf lessons were needed. We hooked ourselves up with Don the golf guy. Don has a simple method to teaching golf and basically if you set yourself up right you will hit the ball. In the beginning we thought "easier said than done". After our first lesson we were thinking we had done well. After our second lesson DOGG was ecstatic (his actual word) about our progress.
While we are far from joining the PGA tour we might actually make it to a Par 3 course by Fall.
Some things to remember that we have learnt:
1. You may not need to wear golf shoes at the driving range but cute flip flops don't work either and cause the men folk to roll their eyes
2. You bend over to put the golf on the tee a lot so make sure your sports bra doesn't lift up over "the girls" and that your prosthetic is securely in place.
3. Hitting the ball into someone else's box is not an acceptable practice
4. If you don't practice in between lessons...it shows...!
5. There are a lot of "serious golfers" out there who shun the talk of my friends dating life openly...ahh they just wish she was interested in them
6. Using left handed clubs when you are right handed make things difficult but not impossible
7. Squealing from excitement when you hit the ball right causes you to be the centre of attention
8. WEAR BUG SCREEN...you cannot swat bugs with your irons, well you can you just wont kill anything
9. When it is hot out, a hat is good to avoid heat stroke
10. Always golf with close girl friends as they will laugh with you and at you all at the same time
Friday, July 12, 2013
Friday, July 5, 2013
Mixed Emotions
My father has gotten kidney stones almost every year for the past several years, but this is only the second time he has made it to the "blasting zone". Last week he came down at the crack of dawn and was almost home before I went to work. He was to come back a week later at a much more reasonable hour of the day for additional blasting. Yes he looked like he was starting his own beach with the amount of stones coming out of him.
I called down and they said he was in pre-op. So I ventured down to the hospital to go hang out with my momma in the waiting room for awhile. I have not driven to this hospital since my final sign off and had mixed feelings about walking through the doors. Poppa was on the tenth floor and chemo had been on the 11th. It felt odd as the elevator went up the floors.
I am excited to close this chapter in my life and move on and I think this elevator ride was a way to start the closure. Even though my dad had been in and out and the hospitals records had not been updated to show this by the time I got there, I am glad I went to the hospital. Sign off is one thing but closure is a whole other part of healing.
I called down and they said he was in pre-op. So I ventured down to the hospital to go hang out with my momma in the waiting room for awhile. I have not driven to this hospital since my final sign off and had mixed feelings about walking through the doors. Poppa was on the tenth floor and chemo had been on the 11th. It felt odd as the elevator went up the floors.
I am excited to close this chapter in my life and move on and I think this elevator ride was a way to start the closure. Even though my dad had been in and out and the hospitals records had not been updated to show this by the time I got there, I am glad I went to the hospital. Sign off is one thing but closure is a whole other part of healing.
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Ups and Downs
Life likes to throw you curve balls. It has been a while since I have taken the time to sit down and compile my thoughts. Lately my thoughts have been jumbled between home, work and looking out at the rainy weather isn't helping me either. Just when you think "what else can I handle", a ray of sunshine breaks through!
I finally have my consultation appointment with my plastic surgeon. It is the best birthday present I could ask for and maybe I will be getting a boob job for Christmas! Ho Ho Hoooo!
In all of this craziness that is my life a moment of laughter came through:
The other day I decided I was going to mow the front lawn. It has been non stop raining lately and I saw a break in the rain and decided I had better get out there and mow it before it became a hay field. So I threw on a pair of shorts and a snug-ish t-shirt and off I went.
We have a "reel mower= manual" so stopping occasionally to talk to our neighbor and wave at one of our other neighbours gives me a moment to catch my breath. Finished the mowing and was a hot sweaty mess, so I went inside to take a shower and realized that my prosthetic was laying on the bed. I quickly look down and realized that I was currently the "one boob wonder". I guess if the neighbours had ever wondered about whether or not I had had surgery the rumor mill can stop. If it wasn't for embarrassing myself what would we all laugh at. sigh.
I finally have my consultation appointment with my plastic surgeon. It is the best birthday present I could ask for and maybe I will be getting a boob job for Christmas! Ho Ho Hoooo!
In all of this craziness that is my life a moment of laughter came through:
The other day I decided I was going to mow the front lawn. It has been non stop raining lately and I saw a break in the rain and decided I had better get out there and mow it before it became a hay field. So I threw on a pair of shorts and a snug-ish t-shirt and off I went.
We have a "reel mower= manual" so stopping occasionally to talk to our neighbor and wave at one of our other neighbours gives me a moment to catch my breath. Finished the mowing and was a hot sweaty mess, so I went inside to take a shower and realized that my prosthetic was laying on the bed. I quickly look down and realized that I was currently the "one boob wonder". I guess if the neighbours had ever wondered about whether or not I had had surgery the rumor mill can stop. If it wasn't for embarrassing myself what would we all laugh at. sigh.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Changing focus
I think too much of life is focused on the negative, instead of looking around for the positives. I am no exception to this rule. It is easier to see the bad than the good, but it how you refocus your priorities that matter <personal opinion alert!>.
In my earlier life, I was very selfish as most twenty-somethings are. As I matured, I began to think of people around me and what would make them happy. Sometimes concentrating too hard on this and loosing myself in the midst. My forties were a wake up call. I started them with a diagnosis of cancer and then had to shift my priorities. I had to take time for me first and everything else second and further down the line.
I took each day as it came at me and found that I had a lot more peace within myself when I didn't focus on the negative around me but tried to find the positive. Sometimes it is easy to falter and go back into the woe is me attitude, but I have decided to take some advice from myself and make one positive step forward. Each day I will remind myself that no matter what life throws at me I can be thankful for something which brings me joy, happiness and/or peace. It doesn't have to be a monumental thing, it is about looking for something rather than letting it find you.
Today my joy is: watching my sleeping pup with his head on a pillow and not a care in the world. Looking at him gives me a feeling of joy and endless love.
In my earlier life, I was very selfish as most twenty-somethings are. As I matured, I began to think of people around me and what would make them happy. Sometimes concentrating too hard on this and loosing myself in the midst. My forties were a wake up call. I started them with a diagnosis of cancer and then had to shift my priorities. I had to take time for me first and everything else second and further down the line.
I took each day as it came at me and found that I had a lot more peace within myself when I didn't focus on the negative around me but tried to find the positive. Sometimes it is easy to falter and go back into the woe is me attitude, but I have decided to take some advice from myself and make one positive step forward. Each day I will remind myself that no matter what life throws at me I can be thankful for something which brings me joy, happiness and/or peace. It doesn't have to be a monumental thing, it is about looking for something rather than letting it find you.
Today my joy is: watching my sleeping pup with his head on a pillow and not a care in the world. Looking at him gives me a feeling of joy and endless love.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
There is always a reason
A long time ago I read the book the Celestine Prophecy which is basically about one mans journey to enlightenment. What has stuck with me from the book is that each person we meet has a message for us whether we take the time to find it out is a different story. Have you ever been thinking of someone that you haven't seen in years and then all of a sudden see them several times? Basically that is the jest. Nothing is a coincidence but it is what you make of the moment that determines your path.
What am I getting at?
There are good days and bad days. Lately I have been kind of in the dumps and today I had a conversation with a lady who has had breast cancer. She is one of my clients who makes me laugh with her exuberant nature. She is part of a paddling group and keeps encouraging me to come out after reconstruction. Normally we just have a friendly chat when she comes in but today she stayed longer and we spoke more about her "story". People have told me how strong willed I am and how they admire my attitude during my treatment. Well until you have met M you don't know bravery at all.
She went through her treatment almost 20 years ago. Had to have 3 surgeries to get rid of the cancer. Had cobalt treatment as she refused chemo..which makes chemo seem like a walk in the park. Since her surgeries she has had several more for other reasons, severe allergic reactions and recently a broken arm where she was in a cast from her shoulder to her wrist. During her remarkable story she was more worried with others around her while she did not seem to take pity on herself. She is single and is going through all of this with the help of a couple of close friends and a very positive attitude.
I believe M came and told me her story today to lift my spirits and realize that I am thankful for all of the love and support I have. Everyone has good and bad days and now when I get down I am going to think of M and realize that every cloud has a silver lining and mine is named Marilyn.
What am I getting at?
There are good days and bad days. Lately I have been kind of in the dumps and today I had a conversation with a lady who has had breast cancer. She is one of my clients who makes me laugh with her exuberant nature. She is part of a paddling group and keeps encouraging me to come out after reconstruction. Normally we just have a friendly chat when she comes in but today she stayed longer and we spoke more about her "story". People have told me how strong willed I am and how they admire my attitude during my treatment. Well until you have met M you don't know bravery at all.
She went through her treatment almost 20 years ago. Had to have 3 surgeries to get rid of the cancer. Had cobalt treatment as she refused chemo..which makes chemo seem like a walk in the park. Since her surgeries she has had several more for other reasons, severe allergic reactions and recently a broken arm where she was in a cast from her shoulder to her wrist. During her remarkable story she was more worried with others around her while she did not seem to take pity on herself. She is single and is going through all of this with the help of a couple of close friends and a very positive attitude.
I believe M came and told me her story today to lift my spirits and realize that I am thankful for all of the love and support I have. Everyone has good and bad days and now when I get down I am going to think of M and realize that every cloud has a silver lining and mine is named Marilyn.
Monday, April 22, 2013
C is for cookie
I have been a good girl as of late. Watching what I eat and ensuring I am getting healthy doses of all of the cancer fighting foods to make sure that bitch don't come back. I have been walking more, and I have even gotten a yoga class going at work. Who would have thought?
I take a truckload of vitamins to the point where I feel like I am keeping the economy going. ....but every once in a while an urge creeps in...and bursts through my taste buds and dammit..I WANT A COOKIE!
I have never been one to deprive myself of something (my ass proves that point). So I am of the belief that if I want a cookie, I will have a cookie. One slight problem....we have no cookies in the house. My options are a) make a cookie b) go out and buy a cookie or c) no cookie for me. Let's face it, option "c" was never on the table but it looked sad to only have two options. We are still trying to experience spring here and the thought of going out to get a cookie seemed ridiculous...so option "a" it was.
Since I am making the cookie I thought I would look for a "healthier" version to make as opposed to the normal yummy butter laden, sugar coated option. While I am always a fan of picture cookbooks - I like to know what the end result should look like- I decided to grab for my Looney Spoons book and came across two cookies which sounded pretty good but opted for the chocolate chip one because...ahh hello!- chocolate!
I mixed up the ingredients and had a sample of the batter(some one had to be the taster) and thought..these are pretty good. Rolled them into little balls and squashed them with a fork <I am not sure if this part makes me a bit sadistic but I do like squashing the cookies..reminds me of making mud pies as a child> and put them in the oven. After 10 mins I pulled them out and they didn't look a whole lot different than when I put them in.
I waited until they cooled down. I have burnt the roof of my mouth one too many times to eat them hot, and took one bite, which lead to another and I thought...for a little cookie they are satisfyingly delicious. So here is the recipe.
Cookies For Rookies-The Looney Spoons Collection
1 1/4 cups flour
1 cup oats
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Using a mixer, beat together brown sugar, butter, peanut butter and egg on low speed till well blended. Add dry and chocolate chips and mix well.
Using a cookie scoop, scoop out dough 2 inches apart onto greased or lined cookie sheets. Flatten with a fork to 1/4 inch thickness. Bake about 7 minutes. Watch to make sure cookies don't dry out and over bake.
I am already looking forward to the ginger cookie aka Option 2.
I take a truckload of vitamins to the point where I feel like I am keeping the economy going. ....but every once in a while an urge creeps in...and bursts through my taste buds and dammit..I WANT A COOKIE!
I have never been one to deprive myself of something (my ass proves that point). So I am of the belief that if I want a cookie, I will have a cookie. One slight problem....we have no cookies in the house. My options are a) make a cookie b) go out and buy a cookie or c) no cookie for me. Let's face it, option "c" was never on the table but it looked sad to only have two options. We are still trying to experience spring here and the thought of going out to get a cookie seemed ridiculous...so option "a" it was.
Since I am making the cookie I thought I would look for a "healthier" version to make as opposed to the normal yummy butter laden, sugar coated option. While I am always a fan of picture cookbooks - I like to know what the end result should look like- I decided to grab for my Looney Spoons book and came across two cookies which sounded pretty good but opted for the chocolate chip one because...ahh hello!- chocolate!
I mixed up the ingredients and had a sample of the batter(some one had to be the taster) and thought..these are pretty good. Rolled them into little balls and squashed them with a fork <I am not sure if this part makes me a bit sadistic but I do like squashing the cookies..reminds me of making mud pies as a child> and put them in the oven. After 10 mins I pulled them out and they didn't look a whole lot different than when I put them in.
I waited until they cooled down. I have burnt the roof of my mouth one too many times to eat them hot, and took one bite, which lead to another and I thought...for a little cookie they are satisfyingly delicious. So here is the recipe.
Cookies For Rookies-The Looney Spoons Collection
1 1/4 cups flour
1 cup oats
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
1/3 cup peanut butter
1 egg
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Using a mixer, beat together brown sugar, butter, peanut butter and egg on low speed till well blended. Add dry and chocolate chips and mix well.
Using a cookie scoop, scoop out dough 2 inches apart onto greased or lined cookie sheets. Flatten with a fork to 1/4 inch thickness. Bake about 7 minutes. Watch to make sure cookies don't dry out and over bake.
I am already looking forward to the ginger cookie aka Option 2.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Happy Anniversay...to me
It is truly amazing what a difference a year makes. This time last year I was just as happy as I am today. The difference is I was heading into my last radiation treatment with my skin falling apart and today I am back together but still have a slight tan in the radiation region. Over the past year I have concentrated on a healthy mind and spirit and this coming year is going to be continuing but adding in the healthy body part.
I have had great support from my family and friends and strangely from people I have never known before. I am not an emotional person but I do have tears in my eyes as I think of all that I have been given in the past year and how truly lucky I am. Yes I have HAD cancer but I have one year down and many more to go.
I feel stronger than ever and have climbed to the top of the mountain. I have stood and paused for a moment to look out over the land and now I cannot wait for the next adventure to begin as I run towards the finish line.
I have had great support from my family and friends and strangely from people I have never known before. I am not an emotional person but I do have
I feel stronger than ever and have climbed to the top of the mountain. I have stood and paused for a moment to look out over the land and now I cannot wait for the next adventure to begin as I run towards the finish line.
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