tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16340735424112604312024-02-06T19:29:45.255-08:00Taking it One Day at a TimeDocumenting the journey for our family as 2 of us tackle melanoma...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-24599057537445562442014-05-08T17:14:00.001-07:002014-05-08T17:14:42.960-07:00Block the Sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We will be participating in the ACMF Block the Sun 5K on Saturday, all 4 of us are walking! Looking forward to it- love supporting this foundation. Great folks, always fun events.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-57277719809475469662014-04-21T16:44:00.004-07:002014-04-21T16:44:45.916-07:00No-Tanning PROMiseToday was the kickoff of our no-tanning pledge for the upcoming prom. I was disappointed that we didn't have more kids at our sign up table at lunch....maybe tomorrow? We had cool shirts printed up, and many teachers were wearing them. I don't know....it was just disappointing.<br />
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But, we put an announcement on for tomorrow, so maybe that will bring more kids to us?<br />
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We'll see. <br />
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I'll post photos soon.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-84923895782496571612014-01-16T14:42:00.001-08:002014-01-16T14:42:54.120-08:00Melanoma Know More and My Little High School<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://melanomaknowmore.com/"><img alt="Melanoma Know More" class="logo" height="200" src="http://melanomaknowmore.com/wp-content/themes/melanoma/images/MKM-logo.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
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Yes, today we met at school about a possible partnership with Melanoma Know More which includes education, awareness, No-Tanning pledges, and more...We are applying for a grant to build a shade structure for our students and community to use. Very exciting stuff! Lots of great ideas were bounced around with those who met today, and I'm looking forward to this, and hoping it works out!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-36224837821061064692014-01-12T09:39:00.001-08:002014-01-12T09:39:19.910-08:00What Was I Thinking???Remind me next time I register for 3 classes in one term, to NOT DO THAT!!!!<br />
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Literally spending every free moment working on (or putting off) multiple assignments. Will be another busy week this week. Crazy busy. <br />
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So far I've scored well on all things. Not pleased with a paper I submitted last night, as well as a podcast...hoping that they are good enough. Finally just said, "I'm done, and I'm turning it in and not going to worry about it." Whew.<br />
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Big exam this coming Saturday. YIKES!!! Haven't taken one of those in about 20+ years. It's over 12 chapters from a super boring book on direct reading instruction. <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-81339683429386372922014-01-07T12:10:00.002-08:002014-01-07T12:10:50.807-08:00Brrr....baby it's cold in here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, I awoke this morning around 3am and thought, "Man I'm cold..." It just wasn't right. So, I got up, went downstairs, and yes, the thermostat read 65 degrees. So I woke up hubby and he tried to get the furnace going, but no luck. Thankfully, the repairman was here by noon (down to 50 degrees by then- mind you, it's subzero outside and has been for 2 days) and the blower on the furnace had to be replaced. But, it's done, and we are in business! Whew!</div>
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My beautiful little Christmas cactus has bloomed!! Yea!!!<br />
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A few days ago, when it was warmer!!!! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-23875529863774376582014-01-06T12:30:00.001-08:002014-01-06T12:30:17.089-08:00Date NightSo one of the Christmas gifts for hubby was that I promised (in writing!) to secure a date night at least once a month. We have never done this. Yes, I know, I know. We should have. We didn't. So, better late than never??? We have been married almost 17 years. JoJo was born 9 months and 2 days after our wedding, so we've really not had much time without a child in our marriage. The kids are older now and we can go do things for a while without a babysitter, so I thought this would be a cute idea.<br />
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Saturday night was our first venture out. We'd been invited to an appreciation type dinner from the Andy Caress Foundation, since we'd volunteered this past year. We went, had fun, met some people, connected with others because of melanoma. It was fun, great cake (yum!) and good food. Very odd, though, sitting there. Most of the folks there were family or friends or the family. We did not know Andy, but were connected just through the volunteering. Difficult to sit there, too, two of us with Stage 1 diagnoses; and Andy's gone. He was in his early 20's. His family is so generous and great to work with. I can only imagine that Andy was just like them. They have raised and donated over $100k to MD Anderson in Houston. I hope we can continue to work with them for many years to raise awareness for melanoma. <br />
<img alt="" class="landscape" height="130" src="http://www.andycaress.org/wp-content/themes/andycaress/images/photos/ATC046.jpg" width="200" /><img alt="" class="landscape" height="130" src="http://www.andycaress.org/wp-content/themes/andycaress/images/photos/IMG_0237.jpg" width="200" /><a class="irc_mutl" data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=0kLo2uDICwfQVM&tbnid=l47xo7IDaGu9RM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.karavita.ca%2Fblog%2Findex.php%2Fpage%2F2%2F&ei=phHLUqOtC8XNsQSl4ILgDQ&bvm=bv.58187178,d.eW0&psig=AFQjCNHQut80U4q-RQVMFct1t8Dj1Zyjpw&ust=1389126423782118"><img class="irc_mut" height="129" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSIbf0Ke-Hg9DmJQ-RgzH3erDUFuOWH6UYNLZFrzjIapQ-fwz-W" style="margin-top: 244px;" width="180" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-82111319206901135872014-01-03T14:08:00.002-08:002014-01-03T14:08:57.955-08:00Happy New Year!I have read all of the blogs that I follow and most of them that deal with melanoma have summarized the past year and set the tone for a healthy 2014. I had intentions of posting holiday photos and writing, as I haven't written in quite a while.<br />
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A lot has been going on. Today is the last day of Christmas break. Yes, we had a full two weeks off of school (yay!) and have managed to stay very busy! It was nice to stay up late and sleep in, and Monday's alarm will come way too early! We had great news right as break began- JoJo got the part of Fiona in the spring musical, <em>Shrek: The Musical</em>. So, we are super excited about that. And, all we've been watching and listening to would be the DVD and the soundtrack. Raye got a bb gun from Santa, and has been out in the back yard practicing her marksmanship...she is pretty good. Of course, the gun is camo, so that makes it that much better...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiona ears...the real deal is in April!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the grandkids together...and smiling!<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I have used a great deal of time over break to work on the Master's classes...what a headache that has been. And, I was hoping to get ahead...yeah, not so much. Will try to do more this weekend. It's just a lot to keep up with.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Had my 3 month check today with derm. For the first time ever, no cutting! Whew. But, she took a ridiculously long time checking the lymph nodes. Then said that she didn't like the way they felt. The word she used was "grainy." Wants me to follow up with my family doctor if he's "good". I explained that he isn't very pro-active...she didn't like that. So, I called my oncologist and Miriam said that my family doctor would send me there anyhoo, so why don't I just "scoot on over here around 1 today so you don't have to worry about this?" So, Raye and I went on over (we had 2:30 hair appointments, so had to leave straight from there to make that appt...didn't really want her to have to go with, but she is a trooper). Dr. said he's not real worried about it, nothing really jumps out at him, and my melanoma was a stage one. Not likely that it's in my nodes. But, he then says, "Why don't I just follow you for a while?" Come back in about 4 weeks. OK. Geez. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So, we wait and watch. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-51590593308734597002013-11-19T06:53:00.001-08:002013-11-19T06:53:30.116-08:00Ah...a few minutes to write!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yes, it's morning, on a weekday, and I'm writing! Unfortunately, JoJo started barfing around 3am this morning, so we are staying home from school. That is a whole other fiasco, as there is no sub for me. That means others have to take my students. No one likes to do this, but we at pitch in when it needs to be done. I'm trying to not worry about it. JoJo has not missed a day in 2 years. She frets about missing and is already worrying about what she is missing. But, it is what it is. Raye decided she didn't want a free day, and wanted to go. So, I drove her over (about a 25 min. drive) and I'll go pick her up later today. She is too funny. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We have been so busy. Classes wrapped up this past Saturday, so I have a little free time until they begin again in December. Mom and dad's 50th anniversary is this weekend, we are driving north to meet my brother and his family for dinner out. They didn't want a party or gifts, but I managed to write a letter to ask as many friends and family as I could, to send a card this week. I hope that is a nice surprise for them.</span><br />
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Nature Trail at school</div>
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In the melanoma world, I'm trying to decide if I'll do the Thanksgiving Day race downtown. I wouldn't hesitate if it were a 5k. It's a 10k. I've done it before, but just not feeling it right now. The 4 of us originally were going to, but Hubby's knee is hurting and so is Raye's. Not sure if they can last 6 miles. Melanoma Know More has a team, we were going to walk with them. I still can. All my friends have other plans that day. Not sure if I want to walk by myself.</div>
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Our school may be in the running for a sun shade structure. This would be super-cool. More to follow on that.</div>
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The man I know from our town, alumni from the school where I teach, has stage 4 melanoma and is under hospice care. So sad. He is about 5 years older than me; has 2 sons. It just doesn't make sense and it's not fair. </div>
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Definitely puts things in perspective for the rest of us, huh?</div>
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Punt Pass and Kick- 3rd place at Sectional with mom and Grandpa (dad taking photo!)</div>
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Fall Fun!</div>
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My 3 Girls</div>
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Horsin' Around</div>
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Band Buddies...</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-37069517412791184412013-10-16T16:25:00.000-07:002013-10-16T16:25:36.416-07:00Weary...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It's been such a crazy couple of weeks, with all the school stuff and kids' activities. We are worn down at the crazy place (aka school) because of politics, low morale, high expectations, ridiculous requirements, and overall over-stressed people. It's so sad to see such great folks just plain ole worn out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Had my 3 month check with the derm, and only had to have one mole biopsied, which is good. Also, it's been 3 days and I haven't had a call from them, so that is good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The temps are set to fall tomorrow, and leaves are turning, so that's good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's already dark right now....I don't like that!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Headed downstairs for a glass of wine. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-24681247114481557122013-09-29T08:04:00.000-07:002013-09-29T08:04:02.833-07:00Proud Mama...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">JoJo was elected to Homecoming Court for the sophomore class, so this weekend was a huge deal... in the parade, at the game, and then at the dance last night. Super busy around here, and everyone is exhausted today. However, so proud of my girl- for so many reasons. She is such a good kid, she works hard, she is polite, she had a heart for others, and she always does the right thing. Here is a picture...</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMx_82ugNSuoBanNE1JDVYP-zN0m_S7IupDWm80bIzr1yXEVF70C48FOrFYOX4KWddaqCiVCA2ezIESqpM_6_hvYGfNuuDQlsfuezjgmsLW7-YzmEDb73j0TiqmN6GMu0jFkTgmEfeeau/s1600/Homecoming,+Etc+219_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMx_82ugNSuoBanNE1JDVYP-zN0m_S7IupDWm80bIzr1yXEVF70C48FOrFYOX4KWddaqCiVCA2ezIESqpM_6_hvYGfNuuDQlsfuezjgmsLW7-YzmEDb73j0TiqmN6GMu0jFkTgmEfeeau/s320/Homecoming,+Etc+219_crop.jpg" width="253" /></a></span></div>
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Representing in the band uniform...of course!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sfnNZ2fa6CtulPKAEGozYUS2aUMgeRHM-c8tlxbcYRtg5Jflhu1jOuI6YZM0A85HBF7e41iQ1bVHp6upNTtA_Zw-buyzpFWC9TELE9CJM5tmDPl3BpR1V1GfIompLWKOZKz88Tmmclob/s1600/Homecoming+012_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_sfnNZ2fa6CtulPKAEGozYUS2aUMgeRHM-c8tlxbcYRtg5Jflhu1jOuI6YZM0A85HBF7e41iQ1bVHp6upNTtA_Zw-buyzpFWC9TELE9CJM5tmDPl3BpR1V1GfIompLWKOZKz88Tmmclob/s320/Homecoming+012_crop.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
And her pretty dress for the dance!<br />
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The theme was "Southern Nights", so what more reason do you need to wear your boots with your dress?? Boots were popular last night. Since I teach at JoJo's high school, we always chaperone (have for years) and of course, JoJo does not mind- because she is so awesome! So, we had a busy weekend full of making signs for the parade cars (trucks!), decorating for the dance, hair appointment, etc. She thanked me about 100 times for helping. She is on Student Senate, and they put on the homecoming, so she was involved in several projects. Glad we could help, and just so glad that she is so amazingly sweet, kind hearted, and genuine. <br />
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And, of course...here is Raye with JoJo....my girls!!<br />
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The 2 of us...19 years into this thing... xoxoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-80263550981378246432013-09-22T11:56:00.000-07:002013-09-22T11:57:23.865-07:00Busy Weekend...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">And so it goes...super busy (just like everyone else) and feeling like I'm too old to be doing all this running around!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Pouring rain at the game Friday, but the band was awesome! They were soaked! One lightning delay of 30 minutes, and then they were out there again!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Saturday was the 5K, which was fun. Scott saw our oncologist, but said he was talking to someone, so he didn't go up to him. I didn't see him, or I would have gone up to him! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here we are: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9bdGV8fE2s8SOBuj5O8nYqwSHg4z2JX4Sf-3VPIEP3bI8SXycVSLxdAFE7wwciMHb5izxos8O9YYjz0vAxsLPFZMvD4kOtLqw0lzR_pm1WH8uxkGzTk6Cx4Ociq2wYUBwXlY_t3mlShe/s1600/Sept+phone+052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9bdGV8fE2s8SOBuj5O8nYqwSHg4z2JX4Sf-3VPIEP3bI8SXycVSLxdAFE7wwciMHb5izxos8O9YYjz0vAxsLPFZMvD4kOtLqw0lzR_pm1WH8uxkGzTk6Cx4Ociq2wYUBwXlY_t3mlShe/s320/Sept+phone+052.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Had fun, and was good to be there to support our friend and his family! Got to meet Deanna, my friend's sister, who is also a melanoma girl. They are all on board to come to the melanoma 5k in May through the Andy Caress Foundation!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Last week, JoJo won the groove belt, which is awarded to the band person who "grooves" the best during the performance. Our band is a little unlike others around here, as they are quite "dancy", if you will? Our director went to OU (Ohio University) and apparently, this is how they do it there. Anyhoo, it's a big deal to get the belt...</span><br />
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So, very happy about this!</div>
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Also helping out preparing for a benefit tomorrow at a volleyball game. Proceeds go to the scholarship that is being set up in the name of our school nurse that we lost in July to liver cancer.</div>
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Made a Diet Coke themed basket for the silent auction, and making over 100 green ribbons to pin on our shirts in support.</div>
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Don't judge my messy kitchen table, I know it's messy! We are working like crazy around here on homework, laundry, a sick doggie, school work, etc. It's crazy! But, glad to be able to do my part. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-16057006893976928842013-09-19T14:06:00.002-07:002013-09-19T14:06:31.117-07:00Reminded of an old Ozzy Song....<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">No, I'm not a fan of Ozzy. I am a fan of Sharon, however. Loved her on AGT...Back in the day, Ozzy had a song and the lyrics went something like this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"I'm going off the rails on a crazy train..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yes, my work life is crazy. People have referred to our building as a "train wreck." The situation there is a bit crazy. Morale continues to plummet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What is one to do? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Overwhelming at times. Then add in all the other normal life stuff and it's becomes very overwhelming. I am so glad, though, that I work with folks with whom I can be honest. Lunch time is a venting time, but bouncing thoughts and ideas off these women is amazing. I am thankful to work with such awesome people.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">You have to worry about what you can control. This is hard for me to do. I want to control everything. And always around the corner is the thought of melanoma. Again, I know I'm in the group of folks with great numbers and great chances. But, you cannot help but think of it. I think of it every day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I think of it when I stand up and my leg still hurts; when I put on sunscreen and my big hat to walk across the parking lot to pick up Raye from school; every time I see my scar (read: go to the bathroom or change clothes); and every time one of those shooting pains strikes (several times a day).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's never far from my thoughts. Yet, I have no control. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I have no control over the crazy train either. But, it's my world from 7am-2:30. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">All I can do is try to make my stop, Room 101, be a good stop on the train ride for these kids every day. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Toot, toot!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-12035076793310972152013-09-17T15:43:00.002-07:002013-09-17T15:43:45.579-07:00Cancer is Everywhere...<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=XAkjSMz3wpxwKM&tbnid=eEUL2H4Sdi56oM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cancersupportcincinnati.org%2FFundraising-Upcoming-Events.aspx&ei=dto4UtnyIdit4AOW0YH4CA&bvm=bv.52164340,d.dmg&psig=AFQjCNEohdRir7WdUHfBGBNTtiHa6yEtgg&ust=1379543872830437" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor; clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img height="190" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.cancersupportcincinnati.org/images/power.jpg" style="margin-top: 166px;" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today at school, I heard from the Guidance Secretary that the dad of on of our custodians was diagnosed with melanoma. She told him that he just had to come talk to me! I gave him a call when I got home and left a message for him to feel free to contact me. That initial diagnosis can be so scary.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Saturday, the 4 of us will participate in the Ovarian Cancer Awareness Power Teal 5k here in Cincinnati.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">A colleague of mine lost his mom to ovarian cancer last year, and his family is getting a team together. We've been good friends for a while and I really enjoy working with him. His sister is also a melanoma girl. So, there is a connection there. I've not met her, but will meet her on Saturday. I'm looking forward to making a melanoma friend while honoring and remembering women who are fighting the teal beast.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-11718874293365941952013-09-14T15:32:00.003-07:002013-09-14T15:32:43.348-07:00Tanning Bed Shut Down<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I went for a pedicure and hair color today (I needed the color. The pedi was a splurge!) and when I got to the door of the salon, there was a sign that said:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Tanning beds closing October 1</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I talked to my pedi person about it. She is the daughter of the owner of the salon. She said that new laws and regulations are making it too much of a hassle to keep them. She also said they aren't much of a money maker for them. They are putting massage tables in their place. We discussed tanning by minors, and she agreed that it should be regulated.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The bad thing is that the owner is taking one bed to her house and another stylist is taking the other to hers. Neither of them can be convinced that they should have their skin checked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">At least one salon here is banning the indoor tan.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-61471389312166053052013-09-12T16:44:00.002-07:002013-09-12T16:44:27.422-07:00Did Someone Say 70 Degrees???<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Holy Moly a cold front is approaching! High of 70 tomorrow- whatever will we do? I mean, it's been 95 all week. Geez Louise. Most of us in my building are heat and humidity overloaded, so I'm hoping for some giddy craziness tomorrow! It will be a beautiful night for football...I mean for marching band! Our band is 100 times better than our football team, so it's the highlight of the night!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Had an interesting experience this week. There is an organization here in Cincinnati called Melanoma Know More. They offer free skin cancer screenings once a month at local hospitals. The hospitals and physicians donate their time/space. It's super cool. So, I copy the dates that are on a nice little flier/flyer (how do you spell that word??) onto bright yellow paper and put them into everyone's mailbox at school with a note saying that there is still time to schedule their free screening this year. I also send it via email with an explanation of why it's so important to me and that I was diagnosed in April. I attach Giada DeLaurentiis' PSA. I love how the email looks and sounds. I send it to the elementary and middle schools, and to the admin office.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Guess how many responses I get? From the entire district?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2 people say thank you for sending me this.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I know, I know. 2 is good. I just wanted more people to be interested or to care. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">But, I guess if I'd gotten that yellow paper in my mailbox a year ago....would I have said anything?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-44646972629980998152013-09-05T15:37:00.001-07:002013-09-05T15:38:38.630-07:00Causing Quite a Stir...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, not really, but generating some questions and odd looks. Yes, that's me wearing my hat around our campus. Yes, that's me applying sunscreen in my classroom before I head outside. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I got to meet a colleague's best friend, who lives in another part of Ohio today. She is a breast cancer survivor. My friend is an cervical cancer survivor. They were talking on the computer (I am still stuck in the 80's...I talk on the phone...) and I could see her face. She was like, why are you wearing a hat? My friend told her I was part of the cancer club...I had melanoma. Ah, she says. OK, I get it now. I'd just come in from a grueling walk with 2 pals. Grueling because it was hot out there on the track, it's black and it was sunny. And it was about 80 degrees. And I was wearing a navy blue shirt. No humidity, though. So, I wear the hat to walk over to Raye's school to pick her up, too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I've had several people ask- what's with the hat? All you have to say is "melanoma" and everyone's like..."Oh..." then silence. "You wanna see my scar???" "Uh, no, thanks..."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Chicken.... :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Just registered today for the Ovarian Cancer awareness 5k here in town in a couple of weeks. Another colleague lost his mom to this disease, and he's put a team together. Yep, I'm in.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Your fight is my fight... Cancer is a moron.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-83136443701565018882013-09-01T11:54:00.003-07:002013-09-01T15:11:54.140-07:00Days Like Today...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I guess I must have been addicted to tanning, or something like that. Days like today really get me. The sun has been out all day and I still long to be lying in it in the pool. I miss the smell of the tanning oil and the coolness of the pool water while baking in the hot sun. Those memories are my first thoughts always on a sunny day.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Then, the panic sets in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">On days like today I have little anxiety attacks in the car- the sun is coming in on my legs; walking from the car to the building...and there is still that longing to be out in it. I guess because I did it for so many years. I'm even tempted at times to just lay out <em>once.</em> But, I think I'd barf with guilt if I did.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Most people don't understand and have no clue the changes that we have made since melanoma set up shop at our house. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Heck, I don't even understand it half the time. But, it's just what we do. And we hope that we never see it again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">How do you keep those thoughts away? No hat, shirt, or sunscreen can do that.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-61110532112110290452013-08-31T09:23:00.001-07:002013-08-31T09:23:20.070-07:00Another Website with Lots of Good Info<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I keep forgetting to mention that when I met with the gal from the local organization called Melanoma Know More, we talked about all the websites we look at (at which we look, I guess would be more grammatically correct. Sorry...). I had not been to this one, but she mentioned it, and I think it has a TON of great info. It's the New England Melanoma Foundation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<a href="http://mfne.org/">http://mfne.org/</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Speaking of New England... Tim Tebow was cut from the Patriots. I know, I know. He has not been performing. But, he's such a good guy. A stand up guy. Really, I hope another team picks him up. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's also Labor Day Weekend. The official "end" of Summer. Ah, the kids in Michigan and Wisconsin have to finally go back to school! :) Weather here is supposed to cool off next week, which will be such a welcome change to those of us who teach in the un-air-conditioned high school <strike>of stress. </strike> Oops, I slipped. I forgot; trying to be positive!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I do try to lift up my coworkers in small ways. I was not a good example yesterday; I was a complainer with the rest of 'em. JoJo made me a flamingo (love love love them!) by paper quilling this past week. I asked her to make a few more animals, which she was glad to do. We then glued them to cutout paper apples, and Raye delivered them to some of my colleagues with a message of, "Have a good week!" They loved them, and it was a quick, easy way to encourage them. We have to that this year, or we'll never make it to May!! :) </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-8332038911069571882013-08-31T09:10:00.000-07:002013-08-31T09:10:05.788-07:00I'm too old for working the concession stand....<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Oh. My. Goodness.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Headed out to drop of JoJo at the game. The band reports at 5:30, game isn't until 7:30. We don't live in the district, the kids are open enrolled there because I teach there. So, it's really too far to drive home and then back for the game. So, Raye and I decided to stay and I was sure someone would need some help doing something.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">What was I thinking?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">They didn't have enough folks signed up to work the concession stand. Sure, I'll help. (I was thinking they would need me for, like, just a little bit...) Uh, no. The whole game. Like, I saw nothing. I <em>heard</em> the band (they sounded great!) but I saw no game, no band. I did, however, see about 900 hotdogs and 450 burgers. And yes, I put them on buns and wrapped them in foil. Raye got drinks out of the coolers and handed them to the customers. Her little arms are so sore today. It was 92 degrees, so I was very thankful to have my visor on. It worked as a sweat catcher in the booth. :) Yikes. I have newfound respect for the folks who do this every week. It takes so much to make it happen. And yes, I'm signed up for 3 more games.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I think I'll see if I can pay someone to take my shifts. Seriously.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I feel like I've been through the ringer... someone under 40 needs to be doing this! ha ha</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We did have to put sunscreen on- yes, people were looking at me like I was weird. Oh well, I guess I'd better get used to that. It's just what we do now.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm thinking nap today...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-73002275021019745852013-08-30T13:06:00.002-07:002013-08-30T13:06:40.686-07:00It' Friday...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It is Friday. But, it was an in-service day. It was stressful; confusing; slightly unorganized; mildly annoying. Oh, wait. Sorry, I forgot. I'm being positive this year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Let me begin again.... We had an in-service today.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">See, there. I can do it. I didn't have anything nice to say. So, I'm saying nothing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In a nutshell, there are new requirements for teachers in our state. However, the details on the requirements are confusing, it's all new, and everyone is pretty much stressed out and freaking out. I saw 2 veteran teachers in tears today. How's that for your Friday of a long weekend? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My parents took the kids to the Y since the students did not have school. Everyone worked out and swam. No sunburn! My kids are so good at this. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The first football game of the season is tonight. That means that the first marching band performance is tonight. That's why we go. JoJo is in the band. I do feel badly for them- it's 92 degrees outside. A tad toasty in the big band uniform. Report time isn't until 5:30- pre-game at 7:00. So, we shouldn't need sunscreen at the game. But, will still be wearing our hats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Excited to see them. Go Rockets! Go Marching Rockets!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-19204802723808216672013-08-26T16:22:00.000-07:002013-08-26T16:22:07.658-07:00I'll be Your Plus One!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Today I was asked the most wonderful question. A dear friend with whom I teach asked me to be her "Plus One" to the Cancer Survivor's Day at The James (which is the cancer center at Ohio State University). She had cervical cancer about 10 years ago and had to undergo (in her 20's) a complete hysterectomy. She said that she hadn't been to this event in a few years, but thought I'd like to go and wouldn't it be fun to go together??? Well, yeah!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So, it's in early October and I'm just so flattered that she picked me to attend with her. There are apparently booths, food, speakers, and all kinds of things. Like a cancer survivor's fair. And, hey, anywhere with her is a fun place!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-21906159373528372672013-08-25T12:06:00.001-07:002013-08-25T12:06:57.306-07:00Back to School Blur<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I did mention that I teach in a building that does NOT have air conditioning, right? :) It is supposed to be even hotter this week...yippee. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't know if it's the heat or the change of routine, but my left leg was so swollen and sore after school started. Very odd. The left one is the one where I had the surgery- it was a very minor surgery. But, the incision site is so sore right now. I cannot figure it out. And it's not swollen today or much yesterday. Maybe here at home I can move more freely or sit when I feel like it, but at school it is very uncomfortable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hubby goes for his post-surgery follow up on Tuesday. His incision is almost unable to be noticed. I cannot believe it, and I'm sure that Dr. P will not be able to either. I told Hubby that I was feeling like that wasn't fair (because I have a huge, raised, bright red scar on my thigh- resembles an earthworm under the skin...not cool) that his scar is basically not even a scar. He replied that it wasn't his fault, and could I please not be mad at him? He told me I'm not allowed to lift up his shirt sleeve any more... grrrrrrr... :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In reality, I'm thankful that all is well. I'm just jealous that I don't heal as nicely as he does!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My mother in law even offered to pay for plastic surgery to revise the scar. She said that it just "shouldn't look like that." Hmmmm, I guess it does look kind of bad. But, I told her "no thanks" it's my reminder to take care of myself...</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-14046922605926425332013-08-19T15:05:00.001-07:002013-08-19T15:05:12.335-07:00Back to School Monday...<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">OK, so technically we aren't back to school. Today and tomorrow are work days. That means I have to go, and the kids get to go to grandma and grandpa's! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Good to see all my friends today, although we could've done without the training. Yawn...Teachers are the worst at sitting still and being quiet. Kind of ironic, huh? :) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">One of the elementary teachers, who lost her sister to melanoma some years back, asked me how I was feeling. I don't know why, but it just felt so good to have her ask me that. My response was, "Great; really great!" Because I do really feel good. Thanks, Carla!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Got the ok for Raye to keep sunscreen and hat at school for recess/PE class. That makes me feel good, wasn't sure how much of a hassle that was going to be. I hope she is a trend setter over there. She wants to start a melanoma club (God bless her, I told her no one would want to actually be <em>in</em> the melanoma club...ha ha. She rolled her eyes at me, of course, saying maybe it should be called a sun safety club...). Love that they are on board with this. JoJo is already planning where to stash her sunscreen and hat (marching band is the last class of the day, so she'll be in the sun). My hope is that we stay the course and truly continue to make this our lifestyle- even if we go years with clear results.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Of course, loved showing off my new ring. :) :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I even had sunscreen in my bag and a football coach and my friend the art teacher both took it and applied at the end of the day as they were headed outside for practice and a run. While they teased me saying, "Thanks, mom!" they know I've got their back. At least in the sunscreen area.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Maybe that can be my new name- Sunscreen Stege-mama.... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=Gxl6L4URURy0OM&tbnid=vg0t-4RYxy7RgM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftrustthebum.com%2Fus%2F&ei=apYSUs_DLK6-4AP_m4GQDg&bvm=bv.50768961,d.aWc&psig=AFQjCNG254D7D0v5vSvyIspuIi6uj0NRYg&ust=1377036139665961" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="398" id="irc_mi" src="http://trustthebum.com/wp-content/themes/mad/img/ape.png" style="margin-top: 43px;" width="508" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.trustthebum.com/">www.trustthebum.com</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-36331131266815593962013-08-18T17:03:00.000-07:002013-08-18T17:03:03.273-07:00Amazing Birthday Today!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was an amazing day today at the Western and Southern Tennis Tournament. It was the men's finals...so we actually got to see Nadal warming up! Super exciting! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We were very busy handing out sunscreen for the Andy Caress Melanoma Foundation <a href="http://www.andycaress.org/">www.andycaress.org</a>. We got to meet his family- what a really neat group of people. We were honored to be able to work with them today, and hope to be able to do so again in the future. Visit the site and learn about Andy's story and see what a great guy he was.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I handed some sunscreen to a group of young ladies with Lake College Tennis t-shirts on. One of the gals took it, then recognized the name on the logo on our shirts and the sunscreen packet. She is from Colorado, and Andy had been her tennis coach there. She is playing tennis at college in Illinois. It was an amazing moment for me- such a small world. Here is this young girl who actually knew Andy-- and she is here in Cincinnati watching world class tennis. And we meet. I made sure that she went to the booth to talk with Andy's family, they were so happy to meet her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hubby said that he was able to use his recent surgery as an example several times when men said they didn't want the sunscreen, but handed it to their wives. One said he was 45 and didn't need it; Hubby responded by saying that he didn't think he did either at 47, and pulled up his sleeve to show his scar from surgery, saying that he just had a run in with melanoma. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">One group with 2 teen girls stopped and the mom and dad took sunscreen. The mom told the girls to get some, they didn't want to. I told the girls that they didn't want to end up like me, I have a big scar from melanoma. The one girl asked if my scar was on my leg- to which I replied, "yes...". She went on to say that she thought her parents knew me...we talked further and yes, we do know each other. She knew my story. Then both teens took some sunscreen :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">This family does so much for melanoma awareness and research. I am so glad that we were able to connect with them. I am also so thankful that I got to spend the day doing something so important, with my family by my side. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Not everyone wanted the sunscreen. But, many did and many kept saying what a great idea it was and thanked us for having it. The booth had big gallon size bottles of sunscreen, and hundreds of folks stopped there to put on sunscreen on their way in to the match. It's interesting to watch people and to see their reactions to the offer of sunscreen. Many couldn't believe it was free.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I cannot wait to do this again next year. Thanks, Caress family, for letting us be a small part of what you do. It truly was amazing!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1634073542411260431.post-16333304572767163082013-08-16T13:56:00.004-07:002013-08-16T13:56:55.014-07:00 Another Beautiful Friday<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Very busy day for us today- hiked yesterday with grandpa to a waterfall that was a bit piddly...need more rain here! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MQLKGzvnF3i0YjvVeOhZPWMAf5_LEuJPf9T1KvnB7ktUVS6q805ifXH3dpsLPKEMKZdJL_MymYq_fso4e30pOCmwbrbpNkpfLBwY7UZ9Uz4JveeFcNhlOaQWs_8cL1EZtAopnyAocYHq/s1600/Fallsville+Falls+028_crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6MQLKGzvnF3i0YjvVeOhZPWMAf5_LEuJPf9T1KvnB7ktUVS6q805ifXH3dpsLPKEMKZdJL_MymYq_fso4e30pOCmwbrbpNkpfLBwY7UZ9Uz4JveeFcNhlOaQWs_8cL1EZtAopnyAocYHq/s200/Fallsville+Falls+028_crop.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they cute?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It really is a big waterfall area- would be quite impressive after a heavy rain. A steep hike down to the creek bed and this is out in the middle of nowhere. Glad that my dad went with us to navigate!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hiked today at the Cincinnati Nature Center with a teacher friend and his 2 young boys. I won't complain about the hike, I didn't have a 25 pound toddler in a backpack on my back like he did (but he's also 10+ years younger than me!). We saw a deer near the trail today- and saw lots of places that would be good photo spots. I'm always looking for Christmas card material. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Speaking of which, don't you think this would be a good one? </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My leg; his arm. Mela-couple!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But here is the best of all. Hubby has given me my birthday presents early this year. He typically has not been able to ever keep anything until the birthday or Christmas... this year it's a melanoma themed day. We are headed to the Western and Southern Open in Mason, Ohio to be part of the sunscreen squad. All 4 of us will be wearing our Keep Calm and Get Your SPF On t-shirts and will be handing out sunscreen to the folks at the tournament. It's through the Andy Caress Foundation- <a href="http://www.andycaress.org/">http://www.andycaress.org/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So glad to be spending part of my day doing something worthwhile! And, so glad that we are doing this as a family. Thanks, peeps!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I digress...as usual. Anyhoo, hubby gave me melanoma awareness jewelry for my birthday. In his defense, he bought a new vehicle a couple of weeks ago (he hasn't owned a new vehicle in over 15 years...he was due), which he affectionately calls his "cancer truck." :) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So, my bracelet (which I love, love love) comes from <a href="http://www.silveradojewelry.net/">www.silveradojewelry.net</a> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this, and see my Reebok step? I really do try to exercise!</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">My beautiful black diamond ring...this I love and I cannot tell you how beautiful it is. I wanted a black diamond ring for my middle finger, right hand. I'm a chunky chick, it's hard to find a size 10 ring. And, it's hard to find one with black diamonds. We did a lot of searching and found this one, which I cannot tell you how much I love! I went to school today and was showing everyone who had eyes. To them, it's just a birthday gift. To me, it's a melanoma reminder; which for me means to be mindful, thankful, vigilant, and aware. It also serves as a reminder of the melanoma connection to my hubby. Love you babe. Thank you...</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14569784874317482619noreply@blogger.com0