Relieved

On the way to school in another downpour I was relieved.

This time last year, I taught in a portable. On a day like today it would have had hundreds of little muddy footprints all over the place, students (and myself) would be slipping from the gathered water puddles on the floor, and the constant wet/dry clothes from tromping to the school building for activities.

Now I sit snugly in my big classroom. We can watch the rain from our tiny window and proceed with our day nice and dry. Sometimes we don't even realize it is raining. Strong.

Saying little prayer of thanksgiving this morning...

Tiggered Thoughts

So I have been reading this book called "I'm Too Young To Have Breast Cancer" by Beth Leibson-Hawkins. It makes me feel normal.

Recently, I have let my schedule get really busy. I think it has helped my spirits somewhat, but after having an evening at home tonight I am realizing how tired I am. It is a real struggle to balance my busyness that I am accustomed to and getting real rest. The book I am reading is full of stories about women going through the same battle. Some women have come to realize that being still is nice and they take drastic actions to slow down. Others keep doing what they have always done. This is my tendency. It makes me (and the women) feel more alive and more like the person I was pre-cancer.

My life feels turned upside down. I find myself needing to sit down more. There is a noticeable change in my arm strength. I almost cried when I could not hold my nephew Jakson for more than just a few minutes. My face is breaking out again. I find myself getting more impatient. After walking on Saturday, I could not move the rest of the day. This is not me. It is not who I want to be.

I know things will change. I know they will get better. Pep talks are huge and needed. I have not gone to my support group lately. I haven't felt like it. I am thankful the girls still come to my treatments though. I just don't want to be in a group setting talking about cancer right now. I am starting counseling next week. Hopefully, one on one will be more beneficial. I find encouragement in the books, blogs, and articles I read. There is hope for good things after all there is a lot of good surrounding me now. I just need to keep in mind the physical stuff will change again.

Change... I think that sums up my life.

Cake Decorating

Tried my hand at cake decorating to celebrate some big events for my friends. Let's just say I'm no Martha Stewart when it comes to making cakes. It's the thought that counts!

Our friend, Daniel loves corn. In honor of his birthday...

Our friend, Josh will be receiving a saucer for his achievement. From us, he gets...

(Yes, that says "200" not "zoo" ;) )

Love you both.

Fall Is In The Air...

Sunday afternoon at Owen Brothers Farm in Chapmansboro, Tennessee...

Pumpkins,

Hayrides,

Cool Weather and Good Friends,

Fall is in the air.

Race for the Cure

This morning we got up early and headed to Maryland Farms for the the Race for the Cure. It was amazing to see so many people turn out for the cause. I heard there were over 12,000 people who came!

After parking what seemed forever away, we met up with the rest of "Beth's Buddies" team. We definitely were the best-looking team with our great shirts! I did not truly plan on completing the race, but I did cross the finish arm with arms linked with my friend Robyn. The teammates who had got much further ahead than slowpoke Beth were there cheering loudly. While it was a good feeling, it was a tad sad thinking that this time last year I was running in races. Nothing to be ashamed of through after a chemo treatment yesterday.

Along the way, I met and talked with two other survivors. One woman, Robin (not my Robyn) came up and put her arm around me. She is finishing her treatments on Monday. :) She was super sweet. Another survivor raved about our shirts. She has been a survivor for 12 years and was walking strong. She reminded me that better days are ahead. Personally, I thought today was a good day.

I really can never complain about being supported, when I have so many who encourage me daily. Thanks to all of those who came out to the race, donated, or just showed support in whatever way you could. Overwhelmed with love.

Busy Weekend

Three days of fun events!

Last Friday night, we headed to the Ryman for two great bands. The Plain White T's were opening for Snow Patrol. I was so excited to see the Plain White T's because "Hey There Delilah" is one of my top ten songs. Great memories of singing this song at the top of my lungs in the car with Caitlin and then of course "Hey There Beth Quarles". Snow Patrol was pretty good too. We had seen them open for Coldplay a few months ago. They are surprising because you just don't realize how many songs they have that you already know. They did play some of their new songs from their album coming out in November and I wasn't as impressed. Overall, fun show and good tunes.

On Saturday, I had to go to a training for Metro for hours. Ugh. But the day quickly got better because I got to go to the Auburn/UT game! Justin and I headed to Knoxville to be one of the few screaming "War Eagle." After watching UT play, there might be some more Auburn fans. With the score of 26 to 20, Auburn winning, I was a happy girl. We couchsurfed which was an entirely different experience than my past surfings. The quick trip ended well with a stop in Cookeville to have lunch with Caitlin. We also made the first Christmas ornament purchase of the season. :)

When we got back to Nashville, I had time for a quick shower and then it was off to the circus with Brad. I am always amazed at how the circus has become such a big part of my life. (Mostly thanks to Brad.) Honestly, even though this was a cheap production of a circus, it was one of the best. We got to see elephants, tigers, motorcycles, trapeze artists, and a 67 year old human cannonball. Amazing.

It really was a fun weekend, but required some recovery. I truly am a blessed girl to be able to get to do such fun things and be surrounded by such good people.

International Milk Day 2009

It's here again...

Happy International Milk Day!

This is the fourth annual day of celebration.

We did it up big in Miss Quarles' class. Our "Mystery Word of the Day" was calcium. We drank milk and enjoyed Sideways Stories From Wayside School. At the end of the day, we filmed a short video. (The Spanish and Arabic can be translated as "We love milk.")

Tonight Amy, Brad, and I will be getting milk-faced.

This is dedicated to all of those who have lived/live in the Middle Kingdom and know what it means to really appreciate milk.

To my fellow Yichangren... Wish we could all be together to celebrate over a glass of milk. Thinking of you all today with much love.