Illinois ladies facing bc

sounds like we have a mixed bag of ups and downs in here lately...so prayers and hugs to everyone. I try to catch up on everything in the evening since work during the day ...I do see signs of spring coming...which is good...the sunshine does a body good.....still planning on meeting some of you the week of June 13th in Lombard...Hope everyone has a good day.   Denise

Good morning from southern Illinois.  It is going to be nice here, but nice this time of year does often bring rain.  As Wendy states....as long as it is warm.  Still waiting for the larger trees to bud out ( they are probably there --  I just haven't had time to get close ) but it happens fairly fast.  I don't have my table out yet --- little bit of uncertainty as yet, but should happen soon and hopefully I will be outside doing more and will want a place to rest.  Along with other things...a lot of the outdoor things are  just good for the waist-line.

Spring is such a pretty ( if way too much pollen ) time and seems to come just when my frustration level is the highest.  Even though we have to wait and wade through several harsh months it comes to prove that every day  is a chance for a new beginning and when winter is harsh or lasts longer than I want, I need that kind of reassurance -- that life goes on and keeping my eyes open to the opportunities to experience as much that is positive is my job.  It is my joy.

Like what you said about that Wendy.....that life is waiting and indeed it is.

I'm with the rest Navy....count me in on celebrating with you.

Bj....how's your dd liking her new digs? 

Well, here's a couple of things I learned in class.  No Salt ( especially if anyone is trying to restrict salt intake is ok but best to check with your Dr. because it has so much potassium and  like so many things -- it is a matter of balance.  As well, most Kashi cereals, along with their breakfast bars are fine.  The Nutritionist says she purchases some herself.  Most of us probably already do this --- but for the record anyway.....she says if you read the food labels ( and new guidelines -- when are they actually going to get here ) should make that a lot easier but good rule of thumb....lots of ingredients and too many names you can't pronounce are a strong indication that it may not be wise.  Salt will go down to 1500 mgs a day.  So....salt is a big thing to watch for on the labels.  Butter ( unsalted kind ) though I personally would use some margarine for limited things in limited amts.  I think Earth Balance was mentioned.  More sweet potatoes in the diet would be good. A little Flaxseed sprinkled into things is fine.  I'll have to re-read my notes.  Great thing is.....having taken this class, if a question comes up later we can call into the dietitian/Nutritionist and she will get an answer to us.  These people are serious about helping us out here that take the NEXT wellness class.

Enough for now I think......hope you all have a stunning day.

Hugs, Jackie

Wow-Lots going on.  Julie,thoughts and hugs and we are here. 

Navy, such good news.

Rita, I am hooked on Jungle Jewels and I see you are ahead of me ......THIS WEEK.

I have about 8 days left of work and then back to retirement.  I love these kids and I love the staff...but I love the opportunities retirement offers to me.

 I am looking forward  to my road trip with my DD in New Mexico. We have never traveled together (alone) so this will be an adventure.  Laura, thank you for the road trip info.  DH and are now looking to do one going to Birmingham, Alabama  (Civill Rights museum) and then to Vicksburg (battlefields) and other Civil War battlefields.  The flights to these relatively remote cities is so expensive that even  with gas prices being what they are, a road trip works out better. 

 The Memorial Service for Bill is on Friday.  Dh is doing so well now and we are confident he will be able to deliver the eulogy with love and grace.  He needed time to process, grieve and then to talk publicly. I see a value with Memorials that occur a few weeks later over funeral services that occurs with 48 hours of loss.

Thank you , Jackie, for the wonderful quotes.  Buddy, good to hear from you.  Love to all!

Got up this a.m. and it is one of those days when you just want to sing " O' What A Beautiful Morning...  It's not quite there yet, but Spring is so ready to burst out.  Should be warm here all week though the trade-off for it this time of yr. is rain.  Though I don't like too much gray right now I say who cares as long as it finishes ushering in Spring. 

Susan....what fun to do road trips.  Will you be going anywhere near Las Crueces, NM?  ( my ex who is still very good friend retired with his wife there ) The pictures he sends always looked so pretty...the flat is desert and then the Organ Mt's. behind. 

Adey....hope today is all good for you.

Onward....not too much longer.  Some days are meant to be crabby ones, aren't they ??? 

Hope it is pretty where all of you are.  If not please feel free to take some of mine.  See you all later.

Hugs, Jackie

Woke up fogged in on the 17th floor in the city.  Some of the city has reappeared as the morning progresses.

Adey hope your US show healthy ovaries!

Navy great news!

Joan sounds like you're feeling OK.

Had my final expansion yesterday. I had them put in a little less. I'm not in as much discomfort as last week but still popping the Aleve. Hair still growing… still not used to the almost black & gray hair with the black eyebrows. I used to have dark brown hair (and of course some gray) but the black is new. Can't wait to dye it. Right now my make colors are off and many of my shirts don't fit. I never thought this former A/B cup would have an issue of shirts not fitting over her chest.

Hope everyone is doing well. 

Yay Lisa!  I remember being so excited to be done.  Then I was pissed 2 days later when I started to feel crummy.  Hopefully, you won't feel too bad on your last one.  Wow - you have a busy schedule - no time to feel crummy!

I have a busy birthday weekend - DD is 10 on Saturday.  Kid's laser tag party tomorrow night, one friend sleeping over, movie Saturday, family dinner Saturday night, extended family celebration on Sunday!  Whew!  Luckily, she just requested Chinese food for Sunday, so that will be easy - just pick up the phone!

Have a great weekend everyone! 

Morning! Dark and chilly and rainy out, but 70 tomorrow and 83 on Sunday! My little white legs will be showing themselves....the poor little things are so pale. And why do I keep saying "little"???? Oh well....I can dream ....



BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR WONDERFUL BLACKJACK!!!!! I still remember the first time I met you....you were one scary, mad as hell chick over BC! But then I realized u put a voice to everything I had felt and still feel sometimes. Thank you so much for everything you do. I treasure our connection and the friendship that had grown out of this bc mess! Have the BEST birthday ever and many, many more healthy ones!



Lisa.....DONE! I did my happy dance for you yesterday....rads will go fast, it's just the everyday thing that gets to us!



Joan....will you behave yourself???? Jeesh....tennis? Now??? Girl....knock it off!!!



Jackie....our trees/bushes have little buds that are just popping since yesterday where there was nothing last week. Life returns....I have never appreciated Spring more than I do this year and not because of our Winter. Just seems so precious this year. Any Spring quotes?



Connie.....a very Happy Birthday to DD! Laser tag does sound fun....hey girls, now that could be a fun outing!



Hope everyone else is doing well, wherever you are in tx....I think about you all, everyday...and treasure this group of terrific women! Can't imagine my life without you...



Julie....as always...thoughts are on you! And yes....you are stronger than you know! We all know that.....and we are amazed at your calm right now. You go girl, you are one tough IL gal....

Happy Birthday Michelle!  Hope it is truly wonderful, and brings you a joyous year. 

LisaMomOfFour Congratulations on last chemo. Happy Dance!

hAppY biRThDAy BJ!