Yes, it was all good today!
No one at the oncologist's office can believe that both hubby and I have melanoma that is nearly identical. Everyone there was cracking jokes about it being a "family affair". We were right on with our predictions of the type and stage (1A) and all that will need to be done is the wide local excision. There is no lymph node involvement, which is a crucial piece. The surgery will take place next Wednesday.
All the difference in the world knowing what to expect. Today was so different for us than the same visit we had in April. We are confident today; we are knowledgeable today; we are in this together.
So thankful that we have good news.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Sun Savvy at the Zoo...
So, I love our zoo here in Cincinnati. It's more than a zoo, don't ya know? It's also a world renowned botanical garden. Of course, I have spent many hours there (part of my original Master's degree program through Miami University actually held classes at the zoo). I've seen many cool things, learned from awesome people, and had many opportunities here. Yes, I actually got to get into the elephant enclosure and touch the elephants. I've been behind the scenes of several exhibits and have even seen some secret animals that are not on display...When you grow up in Cincinnati, you just assume that everyone has a great zoo like ours! The zoo is situated smack dab in the middle of a city. But, you'd never know it once you are inside.
So, because the sun was out (even though it was only in the low 60's) we all put on the sunscreen...and the hats...and the shades. Everyone is on board- even hubby, who usually is reluctant. A melanoma diagnosis will do that, ya know. I usually feel like a big dork with my big hat. I love my hat and I have the same exact style in several colors. But, I cannot lie; it makes me feel like a goon. This is because I'm usually the only one wearing a hat. Short chunky gal with large hat- you get the picture!
Sunday I was amazed. It was like an epiphany. As soon as we walked into the zoo, I started to notice all the other people who were putting sunscreen on themselves and their kids. Almost everyone had on a hat of some kind. It was amazing. People without hats were the minority. I was not alone. There were women with bigger hats than mine. Now, mind you there were very tanned women with hats on, too. But most of the folks we saw appeared to be trying to be very sun smart. I was happy to see all the little ones covered up as well. Lots of Coolibar wear out there. www.coolibar.com
This was encouraging to me. Being there, outside, in a sunny spot was tough. I remember feeling the sun on my neck (I was wearing a long sleeve top and long capri pants - I'm short, so even capri pants usually hit me at the ankle) and thinking, "I gotta get out of here, I can't be in this sun." It almost caused me to panic. I am reminded that I have to live my life. I had applied sunscreen multiple times, I wasn't in the full sun- there are many areas of shade as you walk the grounds- and, I am not a mole (the underground living kind, not the ones on your skin!). It is ok to be outside. I just have to be smart about it.
Hubby said to me recently that I'm the palest he's ever seen me in summer. This is our 19th summer. I saw a colleague of mine today who has a pool, and has apparently been living in it. She is very, very tanned. That used to be me. For a moment I envied her. But, it was short lived. I used to look like that- the browner, the better. I lived at the pool. But now, that is not my priority. My views are shifting. My opinion of what is healthy and attractive is changing. I love the attention that the media is giving to the celebrities who are not tan. I often wonder if I'm too tan. I don't mean to be tan, but I don't see myself as pale. I do have a darker skin tone naturally; I don't think I'll ever have that beautiful porcelain skin. But I no longer fear wearing skirts or shorts with pale legs. At the beginning of summer I still thought that was not a good thing. It's changing. I have seen all of the doctors at my dermatology office this summer- all 4 of them are female. They are all wearing skirts and dresses. And, they are all very pale. And they look great. I didn't say anything to my colleague- this time.
As we venture one day closer to melanoma Wednesday, I want to take a moment to write about my people. My girls are so amazing. Both of them have embraced this new lifestyle without much complaint. Next week is band camp, and I worry about our JoJo. She burns easily; she will be out in the sun from 8-5 all week. She has assured me she will wear the sunscreen. I am sending her in a hat and I hope the director allows her to wear it. JoJo had an atypical mole excised in early June on her cheek by a wonderful plastic surgeon. It's healing nicely, but it's a reminder of what we need to do from here on out. Our RayeRaye, she is such a hoot. Today, she spurred yet another light bulb moment. She went out into the back yard to play with the neighbor kids. Raye is a sporty tomboy. She would play football if we allowed it. No, we play lacrosse instead. She was the first to express an interest in the UV sleeves. She wears hers all the time. I think they are an XXS. She loves them and thinks they make her look like a pro athlete. So, she puts on her sleeves and then puts sunscreen on the legs, shades, and her big floppy fishing hat. Not 10 minutes into their playing a game of ball, I see the neighbor dad come out. He hands a hat to each of his kids and throws a bottle of sunscreen over the fence to them. I love it! RayeRaye is setting the bar for sun protection in the neighborhood!
These two are our main concern right now. We cannot help but wonder if the genetic link is in place. That is a question we will ask on Wednesday.
My hubby is an amazing man. For almost 20 years now he has not wavered in his love for me. At all- ever. He has always worked hard to support us. The kids and I are his main focus. He would do anything for us. There is no doubt that we are loved. He is everything to me, and I am fortunate to have him. I am thankful that he has chosen to stay beside me all these years. And, I am looking forward to many more years together to come. I hope that this melanoma business helps us to become closer and to make healthier choices in our lives for the long haul. It is scary. But it isn't as scary when you have a partner in it with you. And, man are we in it together. (Love you, honey.)
Photo by JoJo...the new Africa exhibit.
We try to go as often as we can. With the awesome weather we've had, we decided to head down there on Sunday morning. Yes, we skipped church...sorry. We like to get there at 9 when they open. We have found that is the best way to do it- less crowded. So, because the sun was out (even though it was only in the low 60's) we all put on the sunscreen...and the hats...and the shades. Everyone is on board- even hubby, who usually is reluctant. A melanoma diagnosis will do that, ya know. I usually feel like a big dork with my big hat. I love my hat and I have the same exact style in several colors. But, I cannot lie; it makes me feel like a goon. This is because I'm usually the only one wearing a hat. Short chunky gal with large hat- you get the picture!
Sunday I was amazed. It was like an epiphany. As soon as we walked into the zoo, I started to notice all the other people who were putting sunscreen on themselves and their kids. Almost everyone had on a hat of some kind. It was amazing. People without hats were the minority. I was not alone. There were women with bigger hats than mine. Now, mind you there were very tanned women with hats on, too. But most of the folks we saw appeared to be trying to be very sun smart. I was happy to see all the little ones covered up as well. Lots of Coolibar wear out there. www.coolibar.com
This was encouraging to me. Being there, outside, in a sunny spot was tough. I remember feeling the sun on my neck (I was wearing a long sleeve top and long capri pants - I'm short, so even capri pants usually hit me at the ankle) and thinking, "I gotta get out of here, I can't be in this sun." It almost caused me to panic. I am reminded that I have to live my life. I had applied sunscreen multiple times, I wasn't in the full sun- there are many areas of shade as you walk the grounds- and, I am not a mole (the underground living kind, not the ones on your skin!). It is ok to be outside. I just have to be smart about it.
Hubby said to me recently that I'm the palest he's ever seen me in summer. This is our 19th summer. I saw a colleague of mine today who has a pool, and has apparently been living in it. She is very, very tanned. That used to be me. For a moment I envied her. But, it was short lived. I used to look like that- the browner, the better. I lived at the pool. But now, that is not my priority. My views are shifting. My opinion of what is healthy and attractive is changing. I love the attention that the media is giving to the celebrities who are not tan. I often wonder if I'm too tan. I don't mean to be tan, but I don't see myself as pale. I do have a darker skin tone naturally; I don't think I'll ever have that beautiful porcelain skin. But I no longer fear wearing skirts or shorts with pale legs. At the beginning of summer I still thought that was not a good thing. It's changing. I have seen all of the doctors at my dermatology office this summer- all 4 of them are female. They are all wearing skirts and dresses. And, they are all very pale. And they look great. I didn't say anything to my colleague- this time.
As we venture one day closer to melanoma Wednesday, I want to take a moment to write about my people. My girls are so amazing. Both of them have embraced this new lifestyle without much complaint. Next week is band camp, and I worry about our JoJo. She burns easily; she will be out in the sun from 8-5 all week. She has assured me she will wear the sunscreen. I am sending her in a hat and I hope the director allows her to wear it. JoJo had an atypical mole excised in early June on her cheek by a wonderful plastic surgeon. It's healing nicely, but it's a reminder of what we need to do from here on out. Our RayeRaye, she is such a hoot. Today, she spurred yet another light bulb moment. She went out into the back yard to play with the neighbor kids. Raye is a sporty tomboy. She would play football if we allowed it. No, we play lacrosse instead. She was the first to express an interest in the UV sleeves. She wears hers all the time. I think they are an XXS. She loves them and thinks they make her look like a pro athlete. So, she puts on her sleeves and then puts sunscreen on the legs, shades, and her big floppy fishing hat. Not 10 minutes into their playing a game of ball, I see the neighbor dad come out. He hands a hat to each of his kids and throws a bottle of sunscreen over the fence to them. I love it! RayeRaye is setting the bar for sun protection in the neighborhood!
These two are our main concern right now. We cannot help but wonder if the genetic link is in place. That is a question we will ask on Wednesday.
My hubby is an amazing man. For almost 20 years now he has not wavered in his love for me. At all- ever. He has always worked hard to support us. The kids and I are his main focus. He would do anything for us. There is no doubt that we are loved. He is everything to me, and I am fortunate to have him. I am thankful that he has chosen to stay beside me all these years. And, I am looking forward to many more years together to come. I hope that this melanoma business helps us to become closer and to make healthier choices in our lives for the long haul. It is scary. But it isn't as scary when you have a partner in it with you. And, man are we in it together. (Love you, honey.)
Saturday, July 27, 2013
How Much is Too Much?
How much is too much? I spend countless hours reading about melanoma. I know that lots of people find that a tad much. They think that I'm going overboard. However, I find some kind of peace and I really enjoy reading about it. I find a connection to others in reading their stories. It's like a support system in a way. It's different, because you don't actually know the people and they are all over the world. However, the one common thread is melanoma. And, none of them seem to care what stage you are/were. But, boy, do all these people care about each other!
I'm always looking for events about melanoma. It's interesting that there aren't that many in Cincinnati. There is an annual run/walk in the spring each year, in memory of Andy Caress. When I found out about it this year, it was just after my surgery. I could not physically walk a 5k at that time due to the pain in my leg. (It was way more than I expected it to be, the recovery took much longer than we thought.) I plan to do the 5k next spring. Melanoma Know More has an annual fundraiser in August. The Sunscreen Squad (which stems from the Andy Caress Foundation) passes out literature and sunscreen at various events, namely the ATP Tennis Tournament in Mason. There were other things that I missed, because they were early in the spring or early in May. I didn't really get on the melanoma bandwagon until May. I continually look for Cincinnati area events, because I feel like I want to do something. I need to do something. I even wonder if I could put something together? I plan to do some education and awareness at school this year, with hope to initiate a no-tanning homecoming and prom pledge. I want an awareness bracelet and ring. I have found the bracelet I want and am planning to order it- http://www.etsy.com/listing/96175845/black-ribbon-bracelet-9-swarovski?ref=shop_home_active
I wonder if all the information I take in is good? Not long ago, my little one wanted to use the iPad (a gift to me from hubby for Christmas, thanks, hon!) for something, and I gave her permission. When she turned it on, she said something like, "Geez, mom, you have like 5 melanoma tabs up!" Should I not be checking all my sites every day? There are lots of people who are clear for many years after their initial run-in with melanoma. Then, it returns like no one's business, bigger and worse than before. We know a man battling Stage 4 melanoma, right now, in our school community. A few years ago, he was free of melanoma.
I've only had a few people even say to me that they even view my experience as cancer. Most people, when you say "melanoma" they just nod. They think it's like basal cell or squamous cell. You just get that cut out at the dermatology office, right? I remember telling my mom when I was diagnosed, that my friend I teach with who had cervical cancer and had to undergo a complete hysterectomy to rid her body of the cancer, she had "real" cancer. That same friend has told me numerous times that my cancer is real, too. I do not view myself as a "survivor" because I didn't have to undergo treatments- my cancer was removed very easily. I actually think it was removed in the initial biopsy. There was no cancer in the huge chunk of skin they took in my surgery. So, it was already gone when they did it, right?
And now I face this journey with hubby. It's strange, but I think it gives us one more commonality. We both spent a great deal of time in the sun in our lives. We both grew up with pools in the back yard, and hubby was an avid golfer. Neither of us used sunscreen. I even continued to lie in the sun each summer at the pool into adulthood. OK, let's be honest; up until last summer, 2012. I was at the pool at 10am. My kids had sunscreen on, but I was using tanning oil. Argh! Hubby's grandfather also had melanoma- that is how they found the cancer in his lungs. It had spread there.
This makes us concerned for our own children as there is a genetic component to melanoma. Our oncologist says that only about 65% of melanomas are from sun exposure. I've not read that statistic anywhere else- but that is what he told me.
Hubby and I will have similar scars- although hubby thinks his will not be as prominent as mine because of all the Vitamin D he takes. We'll see... He is recovering from surgery #3 since October, on his left hand, currently. The melanoma is on his upper right arm. He has the potential of having 2 bum arms at the same time! But, we will be in it together. I told him today that we will have to take pictures of our scars together- it will be cool. I took pictures of my leg as it healed after my surgery, with little Post-it notes with the date on them stuck to my leg. I just wanted to document the process. I'm sure he will let me do that with his, as well. He also keeps reminding me that it's not a competition, that we will each handle it differently, feel differently, and heal differently. I think that is a big hang up for me. I have about a 5" scar on my thigh. It's a bit keloid (derm thinks she can inject it eventually to help it smooth out at bit...). But, I'm a girl, and I have a big, thick, red, raised scar on my leg. I'm reminded of it a lot. And seeing it reminds me of melanoma.
I will have to remember that ours was caught early, we are fortunate. We will have to be vigilant from here on out. Most people in similar situations do not ever have any further problems. We cannot let this consume us (and by that I really mean me, not us; hubby is not consumed by it...). So, where do I draw the line? I know hubby will be putting the majority of this behind him after his surgery, where I try to hold on to it. He knows the facts and once it's cut out and pronounced "clear", he will move on and not dwell on it.
We all deal with things differently. I guess there is no right or wrong way to do that. We each have to find our own way.
Getting Ready for Melanoma Wednesday
Yes, Hubby's initial appointment with the oncologist/surgeon is Wednesday. However, going into this one we are so much more prepared than when we went in for mine. We didn't have a clue back in April. Now we know what questions to ask and what the answers mean. I am pretty sure that Donna at the derm's office is tired of hearing from me this week, but she was very nice on the phone...
So, we are looking at 0.4mm depth; superficial spreading melanoma; no ulceration; 0/mm2 mitosis. (The oncologist was so excited that I knew what mitosis was at my appointment as I am a former science teacher...PMAT!)
This is all important info that you need. When I got the call on my melanoma in April, all they told me was the depth. I then went on to research, and didn't have the other information. The derm office said we would get all that at the oncologist/surgeon's office. So, when hubby got the call and all they gave him was the depth, I called the derm office to get the remainder of the scoop. Why don't they just give you all the scoop when they call? It's on the same paper. Argh....
Anyway, we are fortunate. According to my calculations (and I did not attend medical school...), we are looking at Stage 1A; wide excision surgery; no further treatment as long as there is no evidence of lymph node involvement and as long as the excised skin comes back clear.
So, that is what we will hope for. We will also hope for a surgery date very soon after Wednesday's appointment. Mine was a week after the appointment. We are hoping for at least that quickly. Then, back to the derm every 3 months.
I'm reminded of the trials others face. Two families in our school community have been hit hard this summer. One, a wife and mother of 3, our building nurse (who monitored me closely after my surgery and kept telling me my scar looked really good...), was diagnosed with liver cancer in June. One week after her surgery, she passed away. The other, a husband and father of 3 was seriously injured in an auto accident and is paralyzed from the waist down and recovering from 2 surgeries. He will then be sent to a rehab facility. Both families' lives have been forever changed.
As my friend Kelly and I often say to each other when we hear of these types of things happening, "I have no problems." When you put it all in perspective, the things that sometimes consume me are really nothing in comparison to what other folks are handling. We are reminded frequently that we are fortunate.
So, we are looking at 0.4mm depth; superficial spreading melanoma; no ulceration; 0/mm2 mitosis. (The oncologist was so excited that I knew what mitosis was at my appointment as I am a former science teacher...PMAT!)
This is all important info that you need. When I got the call on my melanoma in April, all they told me was the depth. I then went on to research, and didn't have the other information. The derm office said we would get all that at the oncologist/surgeon's office. So, when hubby got the call and all they gave him was the depth, I called the derm office to get the remainder of the scoop. Why don't they just give you all the scoop when they call? It's on the same paper. Argh....
Anyway, we are fortunate. According to my calculations (and I did not attend medical school...), we are looking at Stage 1A; wide excision surgery; no further treatment as long as there is no evidence of lymph node involvement and as long as the excised skin comes back clear.
So, that is what we will hope for. We will also hope for a surgery date very soon after Wednesday's appointment. Mine was a week after the appointment. We are hoping for at least that quickly. Then, back to the derm every 3 months.
I'm reminded of the trials others face. Two families in our school community have been hit hard this summer. One, a wife and mother of 3, our building nurse (who monitored me closely after my surgery and kept telling me my scar looked really good...), was diagnosed with liver cancer in June. One week after her surgery, she passed away. The other, a husband and father of 3 was seriously injured in an auto accident and is paralyzed from the waist down and recovering from 2 surgeries. He will then be sent to a rehab facility. Both families' lives have been forever changed.
As my friend Kelly and I often say to each other when we hear of these types of things happening, "I have no problems." When you put it all in perspective, the things that sometimes consume me are really nothing in comparison to what other folks are handling. We are reminded frequently that we are fortunate.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Ah...Friday!
Yep, this is what it looks like here today in Cincinnati. This is the view from Woodland Mound Park in Anderson Township. That is the Ohio River and on the other side of the river is Kentucky. We did a little hiking here this week. There is no humidity (unheard of in July!). It is only going to be in the low 80's. We have had 3 days of this beautiful weather. I love it! I was able to get my morning workout in out on the new patio. I love being able to go out there when it's not too humid/hot and do my little workout.
Look at that blue sky! Makes working out bearable!
We also took a walk-- Peyton knows as soon as the gym shoes go on, it's time to go!
Look what else I ran across on another site that I follow- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jillys-Jems/175466312497924?ref=hl- this is good stuff to remember- especially on days like today.
Sunscreen is just always on my mind. And on my Tervis. And on my car dash and doors.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Sunscreen + Tervis Tumbler= Disaster
Hence the sunscreen on the outside of the cups. The sunscreen will not come off. I tried hand washing, dishwasher, and even a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Nothing. So now we have some cups that appear to have a film on the outside. To most folks, they probably look dirty. Rest assured, they are clean.
And, apparently, they are protected from the sun!!
Melanoma has even indirectly managed to mess with my Tervis tumblers.... geez.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
You've Got to be Kidding...
Hubby arrived home early from work yesterday- this never happens. So, naturally I'm concerned as he asks me to come to the garage to talk. So the kids don't hear. Did he wreck the car? Lose his job? Is someone we know hurt?
He got a call from the derm today about the biopsies from last week. One is positive for melanoma the other isn't back yet.
He tells me that I'm not alone anymore in this melanoma thing; he has it too.
It's early and it's a thin melanoma (0.4mm) but it's still melanoma. And we still have to go through the processes and the surgery. Mind you, he's recovering from a 3rd surgery to his wrist as we speak. It's just a lot to take in.
The good in this? We have been vigilant since my diagnosis. As a matter of fact, I told him that I probably just saved his life (by making him go to the derm again this year...). We have been through this once before, so we know what to expect and we know what questions to ask. We know it's early, so that is good. But, we also know we are scared and this is not something we ever thought would happen.
Aren't we a pair?
He got a call from the derm today about the biopsies from last week. One is positive for melanoma the other isn't back yet.
He tells me that I'm not alone anymore in this melanoma thing; he has it too.
It's early and it's a thin melanoma (0.4mm) but it's still melanoma. And we still have to go through the processes and the surgery. Mind you, he's recovering from a 3rd surgery to his wrist as we speak. It's just a lot to take in.
The good in this? We have been vigilant since my diagnosis. As a matter of fact, I told him that I probably just saved his life (by making him go to the derm again this year...). We have been through this once before, so we know what to expect and we know what questions to ask. We know it's early, so that is good. But, we also know we are scared and this is not something we ever thought would happen.
Aren't we a pair?
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Really...you have to think about the brand of sunscreen??
Who knew? After my melanoma diagnosis in April, 2013, I kind of went into sunscreen craziness. I have gone over 40 years without sunscreen. How hard could it be to choose one? Back in the day, my idea of sunscreen was baby oil with iodine added to it. Shake well, apply, and bake.
Obviously, I paid for all that baking in April with my melanoma 1a diagnosis. And now, well, I am learning how to protect. When I had my little surgery, a dear friend at work brought me a beach basket filled with very cool items. Magazines to read, a pretty plastic cup with lid and straw, a candle, and lots of sunscreen! Spray, lotion, and stick, oh my! My dermatologist and oncologist strongly suggested covering up (they have obviously not ever been outside on a hot Cincinnati summer day...) and wearing sunscreen daily. This is all new to me.
I spent a chunk of change on sunscreens and Walgreen's became my best friend. I think the gal who works there- and she is there every time I go- must think I'm crazy. Each time it's a different brand. She is super helpful and even offers me coupons. The biggest thing for me was the smell. The smell of most sunscreens turn my stomach. Yuck. I'm used to tanning oils that smell like the tropics. Pretty dark brown bottles. No more of that for us! So, I went on a search for good smelling, effective sunscreens. I found some. And then I found this: the EWG's (Environmental Working Group)website.
Obviously, I paid for all that baking in April with my melanoma 1a diagnosis. And now, well, I am learning how to protect. When I had my little surgery, a dear friend at work brought me a beach basket filled with very cool items. Magazines to read, a pretty plastic cup with lid and straw, a candle, and lots of sunscreen! Spray, lotion, and stick, oh my! My dermatologist and oncologist strongly suggested covering up (they have obviously not ever been outside on a hot Cincinnati summer day...) and wearing sunscreen daily. This is all new to me.
I spent a chunk of change on sunscreens and Walgreen's became my best friend. I think the gal who works there- and she is there every time I go- must think I'm crazy. Each time it's a different brand. She is super helpful and even offers me coupons. The biggest thing for me was the smell. The smell of most sunscreens turn my stomach. Yuck. I'm used to tanning oils that smell like the tropics. Pretty dark brown bottles. No more of that for us! So, I went on a search for good smelling, effective sunscreens. I found some. And then I found this: the EWG's (Environmental Working Group)website.
Really- my brand is not rated well. Too many chemicals. (But man does it smell good!) I also recently found and love, love, love a brand called Sun Bum. Pricey; available online only around here; but smells ever so good! I do not see that brand on the ratings but am looking into it further.
I've gathered from the site a few things:
*No sprays (my kids are not happy about this...)
*No retinyl palmitate (aka Vitamin A)
*No oxybenzone
*No super-high SPF's (oops, I bought SPF 100)
It's not easy finding a sunscreen without some of these ingredients, but I was thankful that I could find something that is readily available at Walgreen's! Whew! And it really doesn't smell. I'm going to further check the fine print of my Sun Bum, because I really love it. I hope it passes.
In the meantime, check that site for sunscreen, makeup, lip balm, and moisturizers. You might be surprised at what you find!
Bottom line: Love the skin you're in and protect it. I wish I'd done that years ago...
Countdown to School....already?
Yes, it's that time of summer again. We are dangerously close to August. (Sigh...) But, we are determined to make the most of it and be thankful that we had all these days off! Note to self, we had way too many appointments this summer (thanks, dermatologist!) and maybe next summer we can get those all scheduled in a shorter time frame. I feel like we've run, run, run all summer. And, I feel like the people at the dermatologists' office know us way too well!
Today, this is the perfect reminder:
I saw this as a posting on a blog that I follow and it really does put things into perspective.
As far as back to school goes, I have a pact with a colleague at school for this coming year. Our little school has faced a lot of challenges in the last few years with funding cuts, staff reductions, and staff turn over. We did not end the school year on a positive note. A lot of folks were tired, frustrated, and on the verge of giving up. So, we have decided to be positive- to walk away from gossip and complaining. I think I'll be doing a lot of walking...because I'm usually the one gossiping and complaining if the truth be told....We are going to try to unite the team and have a great year. We will keep trying and not give in to the frustration. Sounds good now; I wonder where we will be by Thanksgiving break? Maybe this year we should really think of the year in chunks of time. I know gals who do that when they can't bear the thought of returning to school after a maternity leave. Just get through to President's Day, then we'll have a few days off...Maybe there's something to that for all of us. Visualize the scheduled breaks as truly breaks and try to keep energized. I really think it's going to take a concentrated effort. But, I'm willing to give it a try and I think it will be great to have some other folks on board as well.
Today, this is the perfect reminder:
I saw this as a posting on a blog that I follow and it really does put things into perspective.
As far as back to school goes, I have a pact with a colleague at school for this coming year. Our little school has faced a lot of challenges in the last few years with funding cuts, staff reductions, and staff turn over. We did not end the school year on a positive note. A lot of folks were tired, frustrated, and on the verge of giving up. So, we have decided to be positive- to walk away from gossip and complaining. I think I'll be doing a lot of walking...because I'm usually the one gossiping and complaining if the truth be told....We are going to try to unite the team and have a great year. We will keep trying and not give in to the frustration. Sounds good now; I wonder where we will be by Thanksgiving break? Maybe this year we should really think of the year in chunks of time. I know gals who do that when they can't bear the thought of returning to school after a maternity leave. Just get through to President's Day, then we'll have a few days off...Maybe there's something to that for all of us. Visualize the scheduled breaks as truly breaks and try to keep energized. I really think it's going to take a concentrated effort. But, I'm willing to give it a try and I think it will be great to have some other folks on board as well.
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