Saturday April 16th, 2011 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cadillac Junior High School in Cadillac, Michigan

Door Prizes

$2 admission fee with half going towards the Cadillac Art Building Fund

ImpressArt letter stamps

Check out this great stamp giveaway from Pretty Little Things!

I had symptoms.

I told my doctor.  Granted that my symptoms didn’t present themselves in one visit.  It was over time.  But I reported most of them that should have been connected by someone.  I’ve been seen by my doctor (yes, the same doctor) for anxiety, depression, heart palpitations, trouble sleeping, fatigue, high cholesterol, light headed periods of skipping heartbeat that bring me to my knees before I faint, unexplained weight gain,  etc.  So am I a hypochondriac or is there really something wrong?  There is something wrong.

He didn’t connect the dots.

And I’m not smart enough to have done it myself.

Thyroid issues.  Hmmmmm, what the hell does the common person know about the thyroid and what it does?  NOW I know more, but I suppose we’d all have to become doctors or endocrinologists in order to understand it’s importance on the human body.

I recall about a year or so ago, when I’d wake up in the morning I’d go directly to the bathroom.  I’d find myself having to breathe very deeply for some reason and felt a little rattle way down by my sternum.   I attributed it to smoking for so many years, certainly not my thyroid.  I knew my thyroid was somewhere in my neck.  This was a symptom I never told my doctor.  The rattle would go away the more I woke up, so it must have had something to do with sleeping and smoking.

Recently, I’d say within the last 3 months, I noticed it had moved* up further.  Hmmmm, wonder what this is, but again, it would disappear after I was awake for awhile.

Then there was the throat clearing, mostly after I ate and the slight cough.  This I did share with my doctor.  He attributed it to sinus drainage.  Ok, so I live with that.  My sinuses sure do drain alot, and after eating?  Hmmmm, wonder why?

Then there are the older symptoms.  It was probably 3 or 4 years ago, I shared with the doc about fatigue, low to non existent libido, and some trouble swallowing.  He did a thyroid function test and found I had hypothyroidism and put me on synthroid.  Regular function tests were done yearly and the thyroid seemed to be normal in his words.  I don’t know what normal is, but I should.

Unexplained weight gain and an inability to lose it I figured were symptoms of old age.  According to the research thyroid issues don’t have anything to do with weight gain, so this one is still up for discussion.  All I know is, I did Jazzercise, some strength training, dieted, and nothing changed; I mean nothing.  Not one pound gained or lost.

I had a tightness in my throat.  Reported it to my doctor, and he blew that off as an “I don’t know” sort of response.  Hmmmmm, probably should have pushed a bit more.

Hot flashes have been occurring since I was 41 during the course of chemo and radiation after breast cancer.  Then of course menopause.  So that must be why after 12 years I’m still having hot flashes?  Hell, I don’t know!

Then just before my yearly exam a year ago, I noticed a hard lump just in back of my jawbone under my ear.  I had it written down on my list, so I had the doctor look at it.  He pushed, squeezed a little, rubbed it, and said basically nothing and alluded to a swollen gland.  Over the next year it would swell up and down, so yeah, must be a gland.  Of course my medical knowledge was limited.  Oh wait!  My medical knowledge is nil.

At my yearly appointment this year, I pushed a little harder on the lump thing.  He finally referred me to an ENT but still believed it was a swollen gland.  The ENT scheduled a CT scan at the hospital.  I truly hate the contrast dye.  That warm feeling that lasts only a brief moment makes me feel like I’m going to pee my pants, and then it’s over with.  She believed it to be either a clogged perotid gland (salivary gland) or lymph node, but the CT scan would tell us more.

Fortunately I didn’t have to wait for long as there was a cancellation in her office and we discussed the results.  In the course of finding the lump and determining it was a clogged perotid, the CT scan revealed something else. She took me into the area where the nurses station was, off the lobby waiting area and turned on the computer.  There was my head, looking like an alien, all white and black.  She rotated the CT scan and discussed each turn with me, comparing both sides of my head.   There, on my thyroid on the left side was a mass.  What?  A mass?  A mass of what?  That’s the million dollar question.  What the hell is that?

The next words were, “The clogged perotid does need to be removed as over time they tend to get larger and larger and can cause other issues with surrounding tissue”.  Ok, so what I heard her say was “If you don’t get it out, you’ll look like an elephant on one side of your body”.  Ok, then yeah, let’s take it out.  Buttttttt…….her next comment threw me, “But we need to see what this is on your thyroid first.  That’s the more concerning of the two.”  I’m standing there, in that nurses station, three nurses standing around acting like they are not listening, but they are.  One was even leaning not 3 feet from me against a counter as if she was part of this conversation.  Was she?  No.  So why is the doctor doing this?  Why isn’t the computer on a rolling cart that could have been brought into a more private room?  The tears at this point are coming to the surface, but I’m squinting and biting my lower lip to hold them back.  I crossed my arms, leaned against the counter and asked her point blank, “If I were your mom, what would you advise her to do?”  She responded as I knew she would, “I’d tell her to get an ultrasound and take a biopsy”.  So, that’s what we’ll do.

Then we went into a private room.  Huh?  Ok, just move forward.  I asked, so what causes this? She responded looking at my file at the same time, flipping pages, ” Some studies indicate that possibly exposure to radiation, you haven’t had alot of exposure to radiation have you?”  Wait!  I know you don’t know me very well.  We’ve seen each other exactly two times, but really?  Are you at all familiar with MY medical history?  Did you actually STUDY my file?  Or is it just too much for me to ask that you actually UNDERSTAND my medical history before you make decisions to cut into my body?  I’m sure my response had a smart ass tone to it, but, “Well yeah, I’ve had breast cancer with chemo and radiation therapy!  Isn’t that in my file?”  “Oh yeah, that’s right she said”  I rolled my eyes.  What the hell am I dealing with?

I came home, gathered my family and told them.  Of course everyone is positive it will all turn out ok.

Introduction to WebMd.com

Chances of this being cancerous: 5 in 100; ok, 5%  I can deal with that

Post therapy range from radiation, chemo, iodine, etc depending on the severity

Symptoms include:  throat clearing, trouble swallowing, hot flashes, anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, dry skin

Weren’t those symptoms I had reported?  Yeah.  So why didn’t someone put them all together?

“This great regulator of body and mind sometimes goes haywire, particularly in women. Getting the right treatment is critical to feel your best and avoid serious health problems.”  http://women.webmd.com/slideshow-thyroid-symptoms-and-solutions

Symptom: Weight Gain or Loss

An unexplained change in weight is one of the most common signs of a thyroid disorder. Weight gain may signal low levels of thyroid hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism.

• Check – told the doctor – he weighs me every year doesn’t he?  Hmmmm

Symptom: Changes in Energy or Mood

Thyroid disorders can have a noticeable impact on your energy level and mood. Hypothyroidism tends to make people feel tired, sluggish, and depressed. Hyperthyroidism can cause anxiety, problems sleeping, restlessness, and irritability.

• Check – told the doctor – saw him for several of these symptoms

Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can also cause additional symptoms, such as:

• Muscle weakness or trembling hands
• Vision problems
• Diarrhea
• Irregular menstrual periods

• Check – These were not reported to my doctor, and I quit having periods long ago due to chemo, but I did have my gall bladder out after a severe case of  diarrhea after eating. So maybe he gets a pass on this one.

Thyroid Disorder or Menopause?

Because thyroid disorders can cause changes in your menstrual cycle and mood, the symptoms are sometimes mistaken for menopause. If a thyroid problem is suspected, a simple blood test can determine whether the true culprit is menopause or a thyroid disorder – or a combination of the two.

• Check – He did test my thyroid and put me on synthroid.  So the blood test was done.

Who Should Be Tested?

Everyone should be screened for thyroid dysfunction every five years, beginning at age 35, according to the American Thyroid Association. People with symptoms or risk factors may need tests more often. Hypothyroidism more frequently affects women over age 60. Hyperthyroidism is also more common in women and in people over 60. A family history raises your risk of either disorder.

Thyroid Neck Check

A careful look in the mirror may help you spot an enlarged thyroid that needs a doctor’s attention. Tip your head back, take a drink of water, and as you swallow, examine your neck below the Adam’s apple and above the collarbone. Look for bulges or protrusions, then repeat the process a few times. See a doctor promptly if you see a bulge or lump.

Thyroid Disorder Complications

When left untreated, hypothyroidism can raise your cholesterol levels and make you more likely to have a stroke or heart attack. In severe cases, very low levels of thyroid hormones can trigger a loss of consciousness and life-threatening drop in body temperature. Untreated hyperthyroidism can cause serious heart problems and brittle bones.

• This one scared me; really bad.

What About Thyroid Cancer?

Thyroid cancer is uncommon and is among the least deadly. The main symptom is a lump or swelling in the neck, but less than 10 percent of thyroid nodules turn out to be cancerous. When thyroid cancer is diagnosed, it is most often treated with surgery followed by radioactive iodine therapy or external radiation therapy.

• The bold type is reassuring and positive.

So now I’m home and dealing with the wait period until we “find it, fix it, and move on”. It all makes so much more sense.  The mild sore throat, the lump in my throat, trouble swallowing, hot flashes, the fatigue, forgetfullness, weight gain; all of them.  I’m mad at my doctor.  I think he’s gotten too comfortable with me over the years.  He blew off my symptoms as “that’s my personality; she always has something wrong with her” kind of attitude.  I need to find a new doctor.  Someone who will have a clean slate with me and will listen to me.  I’ll also push harder if I get the opportunity to advocate for my own health.

I’m worried.  Cancer is not the word I want to hear.  I’m praying.  I have faith.  I have friends praying.  But I’m also realistic.  The symptoms have gone on too long.  It should have been caught earlier.  Earlier is better.

I just love this picture from WebMD.  It fits how I feel, and how I’ve felt for a very long time:

Best Description of How I Feel

Read more:

http://women.webmd.com/slideshow-thyroid-symptoms-and-solutions

Working mostly with metals (silver, copper and brass), concentrating on textural qualities and asymmetrical balance, my intention was not so much a trendy steam punk vibe, but one that draws the viewer from one element to another.

I’m also working on other geometrical and organic shapes to round out the collection.

I am fortunate to be surrounded by an extremely creative group of women.  When we visit with each other, I walk away feeling like I need to upgrade my hard drive in my brain  just to keep the thoughts in order.

This Love Just Keeps On Giving

What I love about working with both glass and metal, is it gives me a moment to step away from one, to take a rest.  While working on glass, I’m thinking about new metal ideas; when working on metals I think about new glass ideas!  It’s so exciting, but frustrating at the same time.

I told my friend Tracy, that I wish I could install a recorder in my mind that I could view later, projected on the wall.  I don’t talk outloud when I’m in my creative process.  I see* design ideas in my head.  I talk to myself, but not outloud.  This process usually takes place when I’m working with my hands and can’t grab a pad and pen.  I know, I know, you’re thinking, “Get one of those hand held recorders!”  That would solve my problem.  It doesn’t.  I have one.  I don’t use it because it’s clumsy.  I want something voice activated, that’s with me all the time, actually IN my head.  Something to draw what I’m thinking as I think it, WHILE I’m doing something else.

I think I’m ADHD.  Do you?

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We’ve added a family member with a new Grandson in January and another expected in March, 2011. Grandchildren are so fun. You get to spoil them rotten and then give them back to their parents.

I’ve been able to travel to see my son in the Marines, stationed in North Carolina at Geiger three times. The first to be there for the birth, and the others just for visits.

In June I did finally decide to retire, but under duress. I didn’t let anyone know until July when I was required to report it to the state. It was a very difficult decision, but I seem to be adjusting quite well. It’s definitely a good feeling to not have to get up until I want to, and hang in my jammies all day if I feel like it.

This has given me time to work on my new line of jewelry coming out next year too. I’m excited to introduce it. I’ll still be working with my lampworking, however, I will also be adding metals to my repertoire.

So the year has had some changes, but I would also call them challenges. Moving in a new direction after going to school since I was 5, leads me to a new path. When fall came around and the busses starting moving, and commercials were filled with back to school supplies, I felt an emptiness. However, that first day of reporting for teachers brought text messages for me to remember the ungodly hours spent in inservices which for the most part, taught me very little.

Drinking my first cup of coffee in the morning without having to worry about it spilling in the car or down my shirt on the drive to school, is a good thing.

So as this year comes to a close, I see nothing but great opportunities before me. I say farewell to 2010, and hello to 2011.

I wish the best for this country and the world in the new year. May we come to be patient and kind to one another and appreciate our differences without malice.

I’ve also updated most of my website and still have some work to do on it.
Check it out if you get some time!

Thanks to the wonderful, and benevolent Governor Granholm, governor of the State of Michigan, and Budget Director, Bob Emerson, I just may not have a choice. My opinion, idiotic. Putting a bandaid on a leaking dyke.

I have 32 years in as a state employee. I’ve never been in this profession for the money, I’ve been teaching because I love my job, and I know I’ve made a difference in so many children’s lives. As I’ve approached the time I am able to retire, sure….I was happy that I could look forward to a nice pension. I feel I’ve earned it. But now, it looks like, whether I’m ready or not, I HAVE to retire. I’m being forced out, ready or not.

What happens if I stay?
I flip into a new “hybrid” retirement plan. HYBRID? Now we’re being compared to cars that run on both corn and petrol? It will be a plan with some* of the old and most* of the new plan.

I risk losing 5% of my annual pay, get taxed an additional 3% to help pay for a retirement, and then, essentially be responsible for paying for my own retirement. Now, wait? Haven’t I been working for this all my life?

I also would have to purchase my own dental and vision care.

So you say, if you dont’ want to quit, then stay. With the above, I lose.

So why do you feel you have to retire then, you say? Well, this way I get to keep my dental and vision care, my retirement pension would be about 51% of my current income, which is pretty good as far as retirement goes.

So why dont’ I feel I can retire? My husband has NO income whatsoever, no pension, no social security, nada, nothing. I have a daughter finishing up her 2nd year of college with 3 to go. It would be nice to be able to help her out when I can, but if I retire, I won’t be able to.

I did a pretend retirement calculator, and it said I would have to save “billions” this year to make it the rest of my life comfortably.

I think I need to move to a deserted island and just waste away and not be a burden to anyone.

Jeesh, I hate this budget.

How about grandfathering those of us with 30 or more years in, change it for those that are younger so they actually have time to save for retirement, and allow us with 30 or more years to decide when to leave ourselves?

So what happens to almost 10000 state employees, most being teachers, when they are forced to retire? They have to find jobs, and we all know that isn’t going to be in Michigan. We have the highest unemployment rate in the nation and people have been leaving Michigan in droves for a few years now for employment. So now, those employees that are forced to retire, will leave this fine state to teach somewhere else. They will draw their pension from Michigan, and work in another state, and hopefully put in 5-10 more years and draw another pension, from yet another state.

Let’s see, I’d be 60 in 5 years, and 65 in 10. Not really what I was looking at, but it might be an option.

I just don’t see how Governor Granholm figures that losing citizens from Michigan will help save the state money, while concurrently losing revenue? I’m not an extremely intelligent woman when it comes to finances, but even I can see that number.

The current budget recommendation coming to a vote is under attack, by the constituents. According to the MEA website:

Despite constant polling results that say the public wants a balanced solution to the state budget crisis, Gov. Jennifer Granholm is joining the chorus of short-sighted politicians in Lansing calling for more cuts targeted at public employees and their families.

This time the political target is public employee retirement plans. For school employees in particular, the governor wants all employees to increase their retirement contributions by 3 percent, up to a cap of 6.9 percent. She also wants to cap service credit at 30 years and eliminate dental and vision insurance for new retirees starting in October. And she is pushing a tiny early retirement incentive to move veteran employees out of the system. You can read the details of Granholm’s plan in a memo from State Budget Director Bob Emerson.

Gov. Granholm, along with Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop and Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, need to take a step back and think about why Michigan voters are angry. It isn’t because a half a million public employees earn enough to have a middle class lifestyle or retire somewhere above the poverty line. It isn’t because the billions of dollars in concessions made by public employees aren’t enough.

It’s because voters are sick and tired of the political games and gimmicks that still haven’t solved our decade-long budget crisis.

Instead of more politically motivated nonsolutions, some are proposing real reforms. MEA is a coalition member of A Better Michigan Future, a group proposing four simple reforms to ensure that everyone is paying their fair share as we fix the broken tax structure that has caused the past decade of cuts. It’s time for real reforms and common sense changes — auditing government contracts and tax incentives for efficiency, closing corporate tax loopholes, expanding the sales tax to some services, and implementing a graduated income tax that would result in a tax cut for 90 percent of Michigan families.

Those are changes that make sense. But adding taxes just for public employees — which is exactly what both Granholm’s 3 percent retirement increase and Bishop’s 5 percent pay cut are — are senseless stunts that aren’t supported by the 3 out of 4 voters who don’t want more cuts to schools, public safety, health care and other basic services that our leaders in Lansing continue to target.

It’s time to say enough is enough. Contact Gov. Granholm today and tell her to withdraw these attacks on half a million Michigan families. Tell her to reject the flawed concept that continuing to take from public employees will fix our flawed tax structure. Tell her to show real leadership and call for implementing the balanced solution proposed by A Better Michigan Future. And share that message with your state representative and senator as well.

So make the call will ya?

517-335-7858

Memo from State Budget Director Bob Emerson

Additional information about the retirement incentive plan will be posted on the Office of Retirement Services Web site at www.michigan.gov/ors

As I was driving home from yet another adventure this week, thoughts of how very fortunate I am,  encompassed me.  Over the years I’ve been blessed with great groups of women that I trust and love.  Some people have close friends, and some wish they had more.  So what makes a great friend?

1. I believe that you have to love yourself, in order to love others.
2. You have to BE a good friend, in order to have good friends.
3. You have to be able to keep a secret and then not use it against them in the future for personal gain.
4. You have to MAKE time to be with those that you love.  The dust bunnies can wait.  Life doesn’t always wait.
5. Be willing to take chances
6. Give from your heart
7. Gather your friends for sunsets and take LOTS of pictures!

Each one of these women have played unique rolls in my life.  None of them are the same, or even close to the same.  They are the kind of friends, that even though time has passed since you’ve talked, it seems that the conversations just pick up where they left off.

I love being able to share with them the joys AND the pitfalls in life.  My only hope is that we ALL have more JOY to share than pitfalls, but either way, I’ll be there for them, just as they are for me.

I’d like to have a gathering to honor each one of them publicly.  To let them know how very near and dear they are to me.  I’d like to be able to give them some wonderful gift to remember that moment by, just like Oprah did with the earrings at her gathering of women a few years back.  My group would of course be different than Oprah’s.  The women in my group will probably never sing on stage at a concert in front of thousands of people, star in a movie, or save a group of starving children in some far away country, but they make a difference each and every day to someone in their lives.  I know they make a difference in my life just for being who they are.

So here’s to all the great women in my life, which are too numerous to mention.  I love you all with my heart and soul, and I am blessed to be able to call you my friends.

And I’ll share some images of my summer 2009 adventures.  I’m sure there will be more to come.

Peace and Love, until next time

And then she had to mention THAT GUY in the restaurant! Jeesh Brenda!

Suki thought her hair looked like crap in the first pic. So this is a "doover"

Johnny Carson was there on June 23rd, 2009 when Ed McMahon entered the Pearly Gates. He welcomed him and asked him to go golfing after he got settled in with God and got caught up with his long lost relatives.  They set up a tee time for Friday morning, June 27th.  When they met up at the PGGC (Pearly Gates Golf Course), Johnny just stood there, leaning on his club, arms folded, shaking his head, with that grin on his face, looking Ed square in the eyes.  Ed thought Johnny was going to say something like, “It’s good to see you old friend, it’s been way too long”.  But no.  Johnny’s words were typical Johnny.  “Ed, you stupid fool!  You couldn’t have chosen a worse week to die.  People are going to be saying for years, “Who were those other two celebrities that died the same week as Michael Jackson?”  They both laughed, embraced, and teed off at #1.

And together, Johnny and Ed next welcomed Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Farrah seemed to only have about 15 minutes of fame for her final demise, which is sad.  At least she had that special on a few weeks back which has re-aired several times.  She had her time with us, her fans.

Billy Mays, best known for his hawking of products such as Orange Glo and Oxyclean, also passed away this morning. Many complained of his voice when it came on TV.  He was loud, annoying, but hey, he sold product.  That’s the point of being a Pitchman.  He was only 50 also, much too young.

I can already see a Saturday Night Live skit coming.  Fodder for sure, but sad for the celebrity world

All were important icons in our lives.  They all made a difference.

I grew up with Michael Jackson. No, not literally, but he and his family were ever present in my days spent as a child, and well into my adult life. What is so powerful about his music, is that it has transcended time and generations. It’s pretty cool to be a 54 year old mom, and when a Michael Jackson song comes on the radio with your 18 year old daughter, you’re both singing along, and actually know all the words, at least to the chorus. My three male grandchildren wouldn’t even think of being so uncool to sing along with Grandma, but I know they know the songs and the lyrics.

I found the following two links via a friend on Facebook which may or may not change your mind about some of the media blitz that has been circulating. What stuck out most was wondering if people truly remember when Michael was acquitted of child molestation charges, or was it simply the fact that he was accused, more than once, which makes him outright guilty in many mind? Do we have that much doubt in our judicial system that those even remotely accused of molesting children, are always guilty, no matter what a judge and jury says? Is there always that element of doubt lingering in our minds?  The media and public imprisoned him for life. The verdict might as well have been guilty, because apparently you can’t be forgiven of such a crime in this world, no matter what.

Me? What do I think? Really doesn’t matter, but since you asked…..
I believe that Michael was obviously haunted by something in his youth. His life was odd from the beginning, in that he was famous from a very early age. Some people can handle it in a way most would call “normal”, and some people can’t. In a society that claims to be so diverse and accepting of differences, we certainly tend to jump up someones craw when they go against the norm, of what WE* would do.

I believe Michael just wanted that raw, pure friendship of youth. I remember friends from my childhood that weren’t ever judgmental, could laugh at my guffaws and their own, without worry or repercussions. Why wouldn’t we want to latch on to those moments in life, and recapture our youth? He had younger friends, he enjoyed the laughter and pureness of children. So what?   Yes, it’s unfortunate that some may have misconstrued his relationships, but if I were to bet my life savings, I would venture that adults with ulterior motives were behind the accusations, and not the children. They told their innocent stories, and then the masses swarmed with a vengeance.  The greed was overpowering.

We live in a society where everyone is entitled to their own opinion.  I praise God each and everyday that I live in America for that and many other reasons.  Read the articles I’ve linked below.  It just may change your mind, or not.  That’s totally up to you.  Or continue to read the tabloids.  They suck you in, and that’s right where they want you, no matter what the cost.  As long as you buy and read, that’s all that matters to them.

Peace and Love,

Chris

Postcards from Row Land » Blog Archive » MJ.  Another WordPress Blogger

Gotham Chopra: Writing Songs With My Friend Mike.  Co-Founder of Liquid Comics

Two boobs are being reduced.

One boob is having a biopsy.

And …….. well, one sphincter is being explored, via colonoscopy.

All have their risks, but one needs more thought and breeds more angst than the other two. My dear friend had her mammogram done and the results came back with something “suspicious”, so she’s heading back for more tests.  Been there done that.  Fortunately, most biopsies come back benign, and I’m praying that’s the case with my friend.

So what’s the big worry you might* ask? Well, she put off her mammogram for a variety of reasons.  My point is, don’t put it off no matter what.  If someone asks you to do something during the month that you are supposed to have your mammogram, then the mammogram trumps everything.  I’m not faulting my friend, she knows I love her, and most importantly, she knows she screwed up.  If SHE could be talking to you right now, she would tell you the same thing.  She’s pissed at herself, but what’s done is done.  As my friend Ellen says, “Find It, Fix It, Move On”.  That’s what she will do, no matter what happens.

The waiting is the hardest part, well, no, it’s not the hardest part if the biopsy comes back malignant, but you know what I mean.  We just want to know so we can deal with it, no matter what.  Most of the women I know are strong women.  They can handle anything that comes across their plate.  I’m proud of each and every one of them.

I’ll be here for her when it’s all said and done and I’m here for her now.  If she reads this, she will cry, which is not like her at all.  She’s scared.  Scared of the unknown.  Every moment of her life, past,  present,  and future is going through her head.  She’ll be fine.  She has a great support system and we all love her dearly.

But it’s still not easy.  Nothing like this is.

And my other friend? She’s been suffering for years with back problems, early stage osteoporosis, knee problems, etc.  This is all because of HUGE boobs.  So now, after years of suffering, she’s finally having the reduction operation done.  She just retired, and now it’s time to take care of her.  She’s making herself number one on her list for a change.  I’m proud of her for so many reasons.  She’s another strong woman and has  faced some challenges in life, but she always comes out on top.  She has the best sense of humor, and finds some quirk in everything you say or do.  She can turn something completely innocent into the most indecent thought in the world.  And that’s why we love her so much.  I wish her the best, and pray that this solves her problems and gives her the quality of life she deserves.

Now the sphincter. Colonoscopies aren’t fun, but they do save lifes.  I’ll be at that surgery, rooting* for my friend (get it? rooting???).  They will get to the root* of the problem.  Oh, I crack myself up.

All three will be fine.  I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my bones.  God will prevail and protect and give each one a clean bill of health and many, many years of happiness.

I believe they will all live well into their 90′s.

1. Never put off your mammogram.  Mammogram trumps everything!  Mammograms save lives!
2. Big boobs?  What can I say.  If you dont’ like them, are uncomfortable as hell, check with your insurance company and see if it’s covered.  If you have met all the criteria, it should cover the operation, so go for it!
3. Have a colonoscopy!  It could save your life!

In the end, there are some things we say, and some things we only think.  I do both.  Another very close friend said to me once, “Chris, you say outloud what other people only think.”  Yeah, well, so be it.  Get brave and just say it already.

So here’s what I think, and now I’m saying it.

Boobs suck. I hate them.  We’re never happy with them.  We always compare our own to someone elses.  Men love them, but most never have to deal with all the crap that goes with them.  The pain, the bras, the mammograms (although men need to get them too), etc.

Cancer Sucks BIG TIME!  Whether it’s in your arse, your boobs or anywhere else on your body. Someday, in my lifetime, they will find a cure.  Click on that link over to your right, or donate to The American Cancer Society, or Susan G. Komen, or wear your jeans on National Lee Denim Day.   Just do whatever you can to stop cancer.

So you can take these boobs, and shove them up your arse!  That’s the moral of THIS story.

Find it, fix it, move on!

Breathe!

Just gotta be.

Peace and Love,

Chris