Breast Cancer – Page 4 – SeasonedSistah

A Grateful Breast Cancer Survivor – Part IV

Celebrated MY 71^st birthday on Monday, November 11; and, I declared this as MY Sabbath Day.

“Sabbath as that uncluttered time

and space in which we can

distance ourselves from our own activities

to see what God is doing.” (Eugene Peterson)

This day of solitude was “to see what God is doing” in my life. Did He hear my prayers for happiness, peace, love, and tranquility?

In celebration of MY 71^st Birthday, I selected 71 Statements from MY 2013 Daily Journal to confirm why I believe MY prayers were heard.

And, I AM GRATEFUL to God for…..

Waking me up this morning after a restful night.
The beautiful day. Sunshine and nice weather.
The daily calls from each of my children.
The love of my husband.
Manicure and pedicure today. So grateful to have this biweekly outing with my Hubby. It’s a time for both of us to relax.
Lunch with Hubby, tasty broccoli cheddar soup from Panera’s for only 300 calories.
Peaceful and enjoyable day.
This day of acknowledgement and recognition of the President, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Medgar Evers, Rosa Parks and other civil rights leaders.
Living this season of my life in our Florida home. Today it was 75 degrees in Florida; and, 4 degrees in Wisconsin.
Identifying MY Purpose during this Season of MY life.
Meditating, listening to music, so relaxing.
Love my hour daily respite. It rejuvenates and revitalizes ME for the remainder of the day.
Completed weekly wash – devote remainder of weekend for self-development
Audio books when I am lazy and need somebody to read to me.
Beautiful and relaxing Sunday.
Two-dozen red and white roses for Valentine Day from Hubby and bouquet of flowers from children.
Five-year anniversary as a breast cancer survivor.
God answered my prayer and returned ME to a good place.
Giving a ride home from the hospital to our next-door neighbor who is battling Stage IV breast cancer.
Avoiding conflict and not letting anyone steal my joy.
Abundant love of my children.
Enjoyable outing at the Holy Land Experience with friend and sister breast cancer survivor from Milwaukee who is visiting her son in Orlando. Great Day.
Beautiful sunny day spent at my desk putting the final touches on this week’s post while at the same time taking peeks through the window at the green trees in the conservation area. Patio door open and a cool breeze flowing through.
Venti, skinny decaf hazelnut latte from Starbucks.
Showering and going to the YMCA. Really felt terrible this morning – up good part of night with excruciating shoulder pain. Followed Hubby’s expert advice to do something to distract and not to focus on pain. Worked.
Hot oatmeal, fruit and turkey bacon prepared by Hubby.
Re-starting my monthly breast exams.
Controlled pain levels most days. This makes today’s excruciating pain easier to manage knowing pain-free days are ahead through the grace of God.
Beautiful Friday. Enjoyed outing to Home Depot to check out plants for the lanai and house.
Staying calm in the face of negativity.
Loving and forgiving God who guides and watches over me.
Opening the door to my creative side. A little scared but I will not be swayed by the FEAR of criticism.
Starting second week of Oprah’s and Depak’s 21-day meditation challenge.
Enjoyable telephone conversation with older daughter.
Stretching before going to exercise this morning eased joint pain.
Cleaning laundry room and hall closet.
God’s unconditional love.
Granddaughter, 21-years-old, place a hold on her life to love and be in the presence of her paternal grandmother throughout her stay in home/hospice care.
Words flowing while writing this week’s post. Hope the re-read makes sense tomorrow.
Moving toward living peaceful and productive life.
Dinner out with Hubby celebrating 53^rd Wedding Anniversary.
Restarting morning gratitude project and this journal.
The beautiful flowers and plants that surround and comfort me daily.
My home it is my haven and brings ME peace, joy and serenity.
Beautiful “Be Still Day” following morning yoga class and grocery shopping.
Sunshine after days of clouds and rain.
Beginning MY de-cluttering project by unsubscribing to the outrageous number of emails I have to plough through daily.
Living, learning and loving today.
Taking the time to write in this journal. This is a stress reliever.
Living and enjoying this season of MY life in Florida.
Spending time to focus on inner peace.
Restarting healthier eating habits.
Pacing my activities today.
Getting up at 5:00 a.m., sitting on lanai, enjoying a cup of coffee and listening to audio book, Simple Abundance:
Following the path to find joy, peace and serenity.
Joining on-line early morning service at Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, Illinois. Enjoyed sermon..
Serenity and tranquility in my warm home environment.
Sixty minute massage – so restful and relaxing.
DVD from Arthritis on water aerobics.
Aqua Zumba class.
Embracing the present moment and eliminating the fear.
Opportunity to express MY views and voice MY opinions through MY blog.
Spending time with Hubby today. Enjoyed the movie.
Outing at Home Goods my favorite place to buy things for the home.
Exercising one hour at the YMCA.
Honoring God and expressing appreciation to Him for watching over and protecting ME.
First yoga class.
Stretching before starting my day.
Cortisone shot and knee pain relief.
Celebrating MY 71^st Birthday in fairly good health striving to improve the quality of my life.

Listed under one Gratitude Statement, the 71^st thing that I am Grateful for on this 71^st birthday is that I am . . .

Walking – but, it is sometimes painful;
Breathing – sometimes allergies make it difficult;
Seeing – while eyeglasses needed for distance, they are removed for reading;
Hearing – though my left ear bothers me, the right ear is fine;
Feeling – loved by God, Husband, Children and Grandchildren, extended family, friends;
Learning – to live in accordance with God’s plan;
Journaling – expressing gratitude at the end of each day; and
Blogging – I am not a writer, but I have a lot to say and a desire to connect with like-minded people.

Closing this post with MY favorite quotes for the week:

Gratitude – “Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer and let faith be the one bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good.” (Maya Angelou)
Happiness – “… is not something ready-made it comes from your own actions.” (Dalai Lama)
Peace – “If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten that we belong to others.” (Mother Theresa)
Love – “I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, but only love.” (Mother Theresa)
Tranquility – “Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.” (Dalai Lama)

A Grateful Five-Year Breast Cancer Survivor – Part 3

If the fear of cancer keeps you from moving forward,

enjoying life, being with loved one, laughing,

then the cancer won, even if it never comes back.

But if you reclaim your life, then even if the

cancer comes back, it didn’t win, because YOU, the PERSON, survived.

Lisa Weissman, Hematology/Oncology

October 1, 2013 the beginning of Breast Cancer Month, I made the choice to eliminate the fears about MY condition.

For more than five years, after a diagnosis of Breast Cancer, I lived in fear of the unknown —–

Fear of monthly self-breast exams;
Fear of periodic mammograms; and
Fear of appointments with the oncologist.

Since MY diagnosis, these unknown fears always ended with “no sign of cancer recurrence.” A welcomed, temporary reprieve until I had to undergo the next monthly self-breast exam, mammogram, and/or oncology visit.

Last month, as I prepared to write this four-part series on MY Breast Cancer Journey, I visited a number of blogs written by breast cancer survivors as well as breast cancer organization websites. These blogs and websites served as MY first introduction to Metastatic Breast Cancer and a new fear to deal with. The question is why MY oncologists never once discussed this condition with ME. Rest assured, on my next scheduled visit in December this will be MY first question to the oncologist.

While, I am Grateful for the excellent treatment provided by MY oncologists; I am a bit disappointed that they failed to discuss and explain Metastatic Breast Cancer. I may have made different lifestyle choices if they had shared information like the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance facts:

“Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer to different parts of the body: bones, liver, lungs or brain.
early detection does not guarantee a cure. Metastatic Beast Cancer can occur 5, 10, or 15 years after a person’s original diagnosis and successful treatment checkups and annual mammograms.
An estimated 155,00 Americans are currently living with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Metastatic Breast Cancer accounts for approximately 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S.
20% to 30% of people initially diagnosed with early stage disease will develop Metastatic Breast Cancer.
Metastatic Breast Cancer is not an automatic death sentence. Although most people will ultimately die of the disease, some will live long, productive lives.

Despite the above-information, I overcame the FEARS of Breast Cancer. How?

Rather than focus on fear, I seek information, encouragement, and self-empowerment by connecting with:

Fifty-eight (58) Amazing Breast Cancer Bloggers
The Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance Website
Metastatic Breast Cancer Network Website
Living Beyond Breast Cancer Website
National Breast Cancer Foundation Website
Sisters Network
Sisters4Cure – Milwaukee

Rather than focus on fear, I seek spiritual uplifting, inspiration, strength, serenity, happiness, and peace through MY daily readings:

100 Perks of Having Cancer – Plus100 Health Tips for Surviving It, Florence Strang, B.A., B.Ed., M.Ed. and Susan Gonzalez, R.N., B.S.N.
The President’s Devotionals – The Daily Readings that Inspired President Barach Obama, Joshua DuBois
Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, Sarah Ban Breathnach
The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin
Simple Abundance Living by Your Own Lights (Audio Book), Sarah Ban Breathnach
Happier at Home, Gretchen Rubin
The Pink Bible an Invitation to Hope

I have chosen to “eliminate the fears” and “embrace the present”……..

“With the past, I have nothing to do; nor with the future, I live now.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
“Forever is composed of nows.” (Emily Dickson)
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future,, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” (Buddha)
“We are always getting ready to live but never living.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
“Today is life – the only life you are sure of. Make the most of today.” (Dale Carnegie)
“We steal if we touch tomorrow. It is God’s.” (Henry Ward Beecher)
“If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.” (Morris West).

I am Grateful for the positive changes in MY lifestyle since the Breast Cancer diagnosis.

I am most Thankful to the Divine Spirit for guiding ME to write about MY Breast Cancer Journey.

A GRATEFUL FIVE-YEAR BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR – PART 2

INTRODUCTION

I designated October as the month to read everything MY 70-year-old brain could absorb on Breast Cancer. Also, the goal was to write a four-part series about MY five-year journey as a Survivor.

Relying on Google searches, I visited Breast Cancer:

Organizations
Personal Blogs
Support Groups Online
Support Groups for Family
Forums and Discussion Groups

But, before I could finish Part 2 of the series, a bout of bronchitis entered MY space and gained control. For almost three weeks, I was totally out of commission. But thanks to an excellent primary care physician, nebulizer inhalations, antibiotics, and cough medicine; I am bronchitis-free, feeling great, and ready to complete what I started.

###########

PART 2 – SURVIVING AND OVERCOMING BREAST CANCER

In the beginning of my Breast Cancer journey, I was frustrated, depressed, anxious, fearful and just plain angry.

Without warning, this “unwelcome” and “unfamiliar” condition, Breast Cancer, invaded MY body and changed MY life. There were so many unanswered questions about life expectancy, diagnosis, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Did I really want answers? No, denial and rejection of any topic related to Breast Cancer served as MY safety net. I chose to make Assumptions rather than face Reality.

Assumptions:

MY Five Year Survival Rate for Stage 1 Breast Cancer was 97%.
Stage 1 Breast Cancer was serious but not life threatening.
After five years, Breast Cancer was no longer a risk.

Sadly, for more than five years, I relied on these Assumptions.

But I was left with no choice but to face Reality as I prepared to write this four-part series on Breast Cancer. After reading a number of blogs written by Breast Cancer survivors and caregivers as well as visiting different Breast Cancer organization websites, I confronted —

Reality

American Cancer Society – “The five year survival rate refers to the percentage of patients who live after their cancer is found. Of course, many people live much longer than five years.”
Oncology Practice, Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Global Patient Survey – “Worldwide, one-third of patients who present with early-stage breast cancer will go on to develop metastatic disease.”

Now, I must face the Reality that MY

98% five-year survival rate has ended; and
despite an early diagnosis of Stage 1 Breast Cancer, I may be among the one-third who develops metastatic Stage 4 Breast Cancer.

As I continue down the path of this Breast Cancer journey, I will strive to improve the quality of MY life, on a daily basis, through:

Exercise
Meditation
Pacing
Distractions
Sleep Health
Diet and Nutrition
Massage Therapy
Aromatherapy
Spiritual Growth

I plan to put forth an extra effort to remain optimistic and stay positive in preparing to write Part 3 of this series on metastatic Stage 4 Breast Cancer. It’s a topic that I fear but I no longer will rely on Assumptions to avoid Reality.

Expressing Gratitude for the positive changes in my life after Breast Cancer. Everything happens in accordance with God’s Plan.

Also, Appreciation and Thanks to Amanda, Living in Another Language, for creating the new blog design.

A Grateful Five-Year Breast Cancer Survivor

First in a Series of Four Posts

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And, I am a Grateful Five-Year Breast Cancer Survivor choosing to share my journey by: (1) stepping outside of my comfort zone; (2) moving beyond the “mere act” of wearing pink; and (3) writing this blog series.

First and foremost, I express gratitude to God for the Gift of Life since my Breast Cancer diagnosis in February 2008.

SEEKING ANSWERS

In the early stages of my journey, frustration, anger, fear, and depression prevented me from expressing gratitude and appreciation to God or anyone else. Instead, I was seeking answers —

HOW? I had a clean mammogram seven months ago.
WHY? There is no history of breast cancer in my family.
WHAT? Is my survival rate?

TREATMENT

While I never received a clear medical answer to the HOW and WHY; my five-year survival rate is 97% based on the success of the following treatments:

Lumpectomy (Left Breast) – removal of the cancer and some of the normal breast tissue around it. (Medline Plus)
Chemotherapy – IV Injection, eights hours one day per week, for 12 weeks
Radiation – Five days per week for eight weeks.

Prior to the Lumpectomy procedure, they warned me about the possible pronounced and disfiguring breast asymmetry. For me, this was not an issue. At the time of diagnosis, I was 66-years-old, married to Hubby for more than 48 years, and knew HE would continue to love ME as well as MY lumpy and disfigured left breast. The size difference between my breasts never concerned me. If I had been younger, it might have been different.

Beyond the five daily treatments, irritating skin burns, and feeling worn out; there were no significant problems with Radiation therapy.

I faced several challenges during the Chemotherapy phase.

Challenge #1 – After working for almost two years coordinating a Family Reunion scheduled to take place in our city, I could not attend. Two days earlier, based on lab findings, the Oncologist placed me on home quarantine; and I was told to continuously wear a surgical mask. Not because I was dangerous to “others,” but “others” were dangerous to ME. Feeling miserable and alone with over 200 family members arriving for a full weekend of fun and activities, Hubby and the Middle-Aged Kids allowed those who were closest to visit me at home for a short time. No hugging, no touching, no bodily contact and they were only allowed to stand outside of my bedroom door. Not sure if my Oncologist would have approved. But, in this case the benefits outweighed the risk – at least I thought so.

Challenge #2 – I did not complete the full 12 weeks of therapy as ordered. In Week #7 the Oncologist cancelled my chemo; after, I reported unusual sensations in my feet and toes. The Oncologist said this was a side effect of one of the chemo drugs. I was diagnosed with Peripheral Neuropathy (Nerve Pain). I knew there were side effects. But, the benefits of the chemo drugs outweighed the risks. So, I now must live with another chronic condition for which there is no known cure.

Challenge #3 – I was depressed. It was difficult to watch my hair fall out braid-by-braid, a little more everyday, and, finally total baldness. Eventually, I was able to overcome the depression by repeating over and over the proverb, “This too will pass.

Ever Grateful to God

for the

Gift of Life

Weekly Wishes #6

Unfulfilled Wishes from Week #3, #4 and #5

Whoopee!!!! Hooray!!!! Finally, I fulfilled two of the three remaining Wishes from Weeks #3, #4 and #5:

On Saturday, I Exercised in the Pool for 45 minutes for the first time; since, I quit the Aqua Zumba class at the YMCA in August to go on vacation. Wish Aqua Zumba was offered year-round; I will miss going to my “pool party” every Saturday morning. I loved everything about this class. Especially, the “salsa/hip hop music;” “low impact aquatic workout;” and, I had the “greatest time” with an “energetic and enthusiastic” group of women. Since the pool will soon close at the YMCA, I will have to exercise “solo” in our pool at home. Unless, I can get Hubby to join me.

Grateful for Exercising in the Pool and until the cold days arrive in Florida; I plan to merge water aerobics into my overall exercise program.

I Prepared a Healthy Meal from a Recipe, Fried Corn Zucchini Medley

Thanks to Grandma Loy’s Kitchen for sharing this quick and easy recipe on her blog. I wanted a vegetarian dish as a side to grilled, skinless chicken breast; so, I omitted the bacon topping as she suggested.

Photo Taken on My IPAD

I urge you to visit Grandma Loy’s Kitchen for her recipe as well as a beautiful photo presentation of the dish posted on August 30, 2013. I know you will not be disappointed. Grandma Loy has collected recipes for over 50 years; and, I am so happy to have access to her Holiday Cookie Mix recipes when the Grands come for Christmas.

Sadly, I failed to fulfill my Wish to Learn About My New Digital Camera. But, I did overcome my anxiety about digital camera technology. At the beginning of last week, I removed the camera from its packaging, read the directions, and charged the battery. Then realized, I should have purchased a “memory card.” So, I placed an on-line order, which arrived on Friday. I will revisit this project next week.

Fulfilled Wishes from Week #5

I did fulfill my two new Wishes for Week #5 to make blog connections with caregivers and survivors of Breast Cancer and Chronic Pain. I toured Blogosphere and subscribed and/or joined:

12 Chronic Pain Blogs
34 Breast Cancer Blogs

My stay at each blog site was very brief; given the thirty-four that I located and visited over a seven-day period. But in the coming months, I plan longer visits to each blog.

As a survivor of both Breast Cancer and Chronic Pain, I am excited about connecting with other survivors with the Wish of sharing and learning about the personal experiences, opinions, attitudes, and/or sentiments of survivors, families, and/or caregivers.

My Wishes for Week #6

Prepare a Healthy Dessert
Review YouTube Videos on Canon Digital Cameras
Calendar of Activities: Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Post Breast Cancer: A Grateful Survivor – Part 1
Visit and Comment on Eight Breast Cancer Blogs
In Support of Sisters Network-Milwaukee Chapter: Display Pink Wreath on Front Door

Weekly Wishes #5

Week #4

I had every intention of fulfilling My Wishes to:

Exercise in the Pool
Learn About my New Digital Camera
Prepare a Healthy Meal from a Recipe

But, I did’nt!

Fulfilled A Different Wish

I opened up, reached out and embraced a new opportunity.

I participated in the Week-Long Commentathon Event hosted by Blogelina.

The prospect of introducing new readers to SeasonedSistahs2 was both exciting and challenging.

I submitted my Weekly Wishes #3 post for comments.

The number of bloggers who commented was surprising. Within a week, SeasonedSistahs2 connected with over 50+ new blog sites.

But, after commenting on several posts, I wanted to know more about the bloggers who commented. Not only did I read the assigned Commenthaton posts; I read About Pages and other Posts that tweaked my interests on:

Young Children

The Masters Daughter – “Black History Month,” February 5, 2013
We Know Stuff – “Our Good Deeds Chart: Encouraging Positive Behaviors in Kids,” September 4, 2013
Education Possible – “Literature Lessons from Disney’s Magic Kingdom,” September 9, 2013

Discussions on Race

I’m Just Sayin . . . (Damn) – “The Skin I’m In – A Natural Born Suspect,” July 21, 2013

Homemaking Tips

More Than Mundane – “My 10 Essentials for A Homemade Home,” September 9, 2013

Beauty and Health

Fluster Buster – “Household Tips: 21 Uses for Honey,” September 9, 2013
Bernetta’s Style – “Sour Cream Facial,” September 11, 2013

Elders

Life’s A Lesson – “10 Places for Help So That Elderly Can Live In Their Home and Still be Safe,” September 8, 2013

A Forgotten “Wish”

Until Blogelina’s Commenthaton, I had forgotten the Wish made in my very first post, “My Final Season: How I Choose to Live It” on January 12, 2012 where I stated:

So many things I want to do.

Yet, sometimes I feel there is so little time.

As a beginning I want to create

a blog as a connection to the diverse

range of people in blogosphere.

Consumed with writing a blog to express my views these past months; I totally neglected to follow through on My Initial Blog Wish … “to create a blog as a connection.”

Weekly Wishes #5

Yes I am confident, this will be the week for me:

Exercise in the Pool
Learn About my New Digital Camera
Prepare a Healthy Meal from a Recipe

Also, I Wish to make blog connections with survivors of:

Breast Cancer
Chronic Pain

A survivor of both these conditions, I recognize how important it is for ME to stay informed, involved, and connected with these communities – on-line and off-line.

My Recent Chronic Pain Flareup

For the past 18 days, I have been pain-free. Well, that’s not true. Having lived with chronic pain for more than twenty years, I experience some level of pain everyday. But, I have been able to manage and control my pain condition with non-narcotic prescription medications and utilizing my cadre of self-management tools:

Sleep – 8 hours a Night
Pacing Activities
Rest/Relaxation
Distractions (Music, Blogging, Facebook, E-Mails, Reading, Journaling, etc.)
Exercise
Meditation
Yoga
Aqua Zumba
Music

However, around Thanksgiving last year, I had a severe pain flare-up in my right knee. The pain was agonizing, constant, and never-ending.

Though, I continued to take the prescribed meds and use my self-management tools; I had no pain relief.

Despite the continuous pain, I refused to see a doctor until July 2013. Ridiculous, Really, Are You Serious, Why? — just a few of the comments I heard from friends and family. There is no plausible answer other than FEAR of a knee replacement, hospital, surgery and anesthesia. In a two year-period, I survived two life-threatening conditions — Breast Cancer in 2008 and Epiglottitis in 2010.

Frankly, at 70-years-old, I was not ready for another round of treatments, hospitalization, or a long-term recovery period. All of which would be required with a knee replacement.

In July, I visited the Adult Kids and Grands in Wisconsin; and, I also kept the bi-annual follow-up visit with my long-term rheumatologist. Of course, ME having been described as “stoic” by more than one health care provider; underreported my pain levels. But Dr. O noticed me “limping” and “grimacing” as I made my way on and off the exam table.

Caught in the Act. Busted. He immediately ordered an x-ray and, after review, recommended a referral to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss a knee replacement.

My response, “Well, I’m heading back to Florida in a day or two, I will look into seeing one there.” Thinking, knee replacement it’s not going to happen.

Prior to the follow-up visit with my rheumatologist, a YMCA friend had noticed me “limping” and “grimacing” around the exercise room for months. Several times he suggested that I schedule an appointment with the orthopedic surgeon who had done his knee replacement.

Finally, after more than six months of constant and unrelenting pain, I scheduled the appointment with my friend’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. M.

After reviewing the x-rays, Dr. M said my chronic autoimmune disease (Mr. Arthur-Rheumatoid Arthritis) had severely attacked my knee joints and a future knee replacement surgery was inevitable.

Good News

I experienced immediate pain relief following a cortisone injection by Dr. M.

Even Better News

Dr. M prescribed four weeks of physical therapy

to build up my muscles in preparation for the future knee replacement.

Bestest News

I overcame the FEAR of a knee replacement.

My “Aha” Moment

The quality of my life is more important

than the fear of a knee replacement.

Weekly Wishes #3

Last week, my “Wishes” for “Week #2” were to:

******

Smile and Laugh More – During most of my pre-teen and teenage years, I sported a cavity right between my two front teeth. For fear of embarrassment, I would seldom “Smile” or “Laugh.” Finally, when I was about 16-years-old MAMA managed to save enough money to pay for capping both teeth in porcelain. Gold caps were cheaper, then, but this was totally an unacceptable option for “her daughter.”

Old habits are hard to break. But, this past week, I made an effort to “Smile” or “Laugh” when:

– Meeting people face-to-face

– Reading e-mails, Facebook notifications, and blog posts

– Conversing on the telephone with family, friends, telemarketers

******

Each Day Give Something Good to Others – I made it a point to say a warm and heart-felt “Thank You” to everyone who provided ME with a service – including, but not limited to the:

Cashiers at the grocery store who always asks, “If I found everything I was looking for.” Understandable, since Hubby and I shop for groceries almost every day of the week.

Physical Therapist even though, on this first visit, he took me through a grueling hour of stretching and balancing exercises.

Nail Tech for a relaxing pedicure and lovely manicure as well as showing patience when I fell asleep in the manicure and pedicure chairs. I always go to sleep; and, with a very light touch she lets me know when I need to do something.

Customer Service Representative at PayPal who was so patient in assisting me with accessing my account to pay the invoice for the redesigning of my blog by Amanda at www.livinginanotherlanguage.com

To one of my BFF (Best Friends Forever), a grandmother, struggling with whether it is feasible to pursue her long-time Wish of going back to college, I Give to BFF words of encouragement by sharing the following quotes:

The only thing that will stop you from fulfilling your dreams is you. (Tom Bradley)
If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things. (Albert Einstein)
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. (Henry David Thoreau)

******

Express Gratitude Daily – For a short period, I stopped writing down what I was grateful for at the end of the day. This past week, I am back on track and Expressed my Gratitude by writing before I retired for the night in my Gratitude Journal.

Stay in Touch with Extended Family and Friends – Over the years; I have been remiss in staying connected with people who I love and need in my life. I feel proud of my “outreach” efforts this past week. I …

telephoned and had a long conversation with a former neighbor and friend in Wisconsin.
reached out, by sending warm messages via greeting cards, to four of my closest friends in Wisconsin.

******

Rest and Relax – Did I ever. Every morning, I rose at 5:00 a.m., with the exception of two mornings at 7:00 a.m., to sit for an hour on our rear screened-in-lanai. The serenity and tranquility enhanced by listening to the audio book by Sarah Ban Breathnach, “Simple Abundance: Living by Your Own Lights,” with soft sounds of background piano music played by Kelly Yost.

The music put me in such a relaxing state; I didn’t hesitate to place an order for the CD. Sadly, on backorder, and, I can’t wait to receive it.

Weekly Wishes #3 improved the overall quality of my life and I will strive to continue down the path that these Wishes led me to.

******

As I begin Week #4 my Wishes are to:

Perform small acts of kindness.
Exercise in the pool swimming pool.
Learn as much as I can about my newly purchased digital camera.
Prepare healthy meal from a recipe.
Read each day a passage from “Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy,” by Sarah Ban Breathnach.

******

Today is Better than Yesterday and Tomorrow the Possibilities are Unlimited!!!

Luv My Transitioning Neighborhood

“Transitional Neighborhood is a neighborhood that is “changing” it can be from good to bad or bad to good, but usually it is from bad to good.” (Wikipedia)

When our youngest daughter left for college in 1985, Hubby and I became “Empty Nesters.” We enjoyed the down sized apartment style of living until 1999. Then WE got the “home ownership bug” again.

WE found the perfect four-bedroom tri-level home in a nearby suburb of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Originally built as a model for the Parade of Homes in 1962, this house ticked every box on “our wishes and needs checklist.” It, also, met our “must haves”?

Quiet Neighborhood – Eight homes on a dead-end street separated by spacious lot sizes on both sides.

Scenic Views – Rear of home backs up to wooded conservation area.

Lower Traffic – One street entrance and exit. Limits unknown people and vehicles passing through.

Like-Minded Neighbors – Empty Nesters

Our “Cul-de-Sac” House

Hubby and I were the newbies.” All of our neighbors were now “Empty Nesters” who had lived in the neighborhood since before the 1970.s We heard stories about how alive and active the “cul-de-sac” had been back in the day when their children were growing up. But, when we arrived in 1999, the “cul-de-sac” was an “Empty Nesters” haven.

Somewhere around 2009, the house across the street from ours sold to a young couple with a 2-year-old little girl. Even with this younger household, the “cul-de-sac” continued to serve as a sanctuary for “Empty Nesters. ”

Then, in January 2012, the neighborhood began to shift toward becoming a “Transitioning Neighborhood.” Our Son, a single father with a 4-year-old daughter, rented our home; which had been empty since Hubby and I retired to Florida in 2010. Now, there were two little girls living in the “cul-de-sac” attracting children from the adjoining cross street.

This summer Hubby and I visited our Son. I spent most of my time sitting in a wicker chair on the front porch. Watching the neighborhood children – playing, riding bicycles, tricycles, scooters, and other four-wheel battery-operated vehicles took me back to my childhood. I was not only an onlooker, but the:

ü Mediator of disputes,

ü Judge for competitive activities; and

ü Nurse with the band-aid who kissed the “owies.”

Two Car Garage: Granddaughter’s “Cul-de-Sac” Transportation

Son and Granddaughter Playing Around in the “Cul-de-Sac”

“Cul-de-Sac” Neighbors

“Cul-de-Sac” Race

Granddaughter’s Favorite “Cul-de-Sac” Transportation

Granddaughter’s Other Mode of “Cul-de-Sac” Transportation

Granddaughter’s Front Porch Flower Garden

I enjoyed the changes in the “cul-de-sac.” But, I no longer live there. I return for several weeks each year to visit my children and the grands. However, I was curious about how the remaining “Empty Nesters” felt about the influx of children in the “cup-de-sac”. Seeking an answer from at least one of the neighbors, I approached my next-door neighbor an 88-year-old, widowed about six years ago, who lives alone. When I asked about the “changes” in the “cul-de-sac”; she said, “I love to sit at the window and watch the children play. It brightens my day.”

Like me, she sees the “Transitioning” as “good” and not “bad.” Our “cul-de-sac” is welcoming in a new generation.

Unlike, the following quote by Jane Jacobs, the Death and Life of Great American Cities:

“Neighborhoods built up all at once change little physically over the years as a rule…[Residents] regret that the neighborhood has changed. Yet the fact is, physically it has changed remarkably little. People’s feelings about it, rather, have changed. The neighborhood shows a strange inability to update itself, enliven itself, repair itself, or to be sought after, out of choice, by a new generation. It is dead. Actually it was dead from birth, but nobody noticed this much until the corpse began to smell.”

Weekly Wishes #2

Last week, I was confident that I would breeze right through my “Wishes” for “Week #1.” In fact, I felt a little guilty. After all, had I not been following these same practices for months, maybe even years? But, I quickly realized routine and simple things are not easily attainable even when you make a “Wish.”

Things Happen!!!!

Excruciating knee pain interfered with my plan to “EXERCISE” daily for 30-60 minutes. But after getting a cortisone injection last Monday, I experienced immediate pain relief; and, was able to exercise between 45 and 60 minutes at the YMCA for three days.

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“MEDITATE” didn’t “Happen.” Other than spending more time than planned writing my “Mother–Daughter Vacation” blog post this past week, I can’t pinpoint anything else.

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On Thursday, Hubby and I went to dinner with a very nice couple that we met at the YMCA. Hubby doesn’t drink. For ME, it’s no fun drinking alone. There are times when I will have a social drink when in the presence of others. Because our friends ordered cocktails, I ordered my favorite — Margarita on The Rocks. The one alcoholic drink and the late night changed my routine; as a result I did not “SLEEP” the normal 7-8 hours Thursday night. But, I had a great time socializing with Hubby and friends.

Without realizing it, we seemed to have moved away from “being in the presence of others” since retiring in Florida more than three years ago. Not sure why, I will need to dig deeper into this with Hubby.

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The dining out with friends along with a long-term addiction to carbonated soda, I was unable to fulfill my “Food Wish.” I ingested carbs, sugar, fats, and soda. But, my coffee and soda drinks were all caffeine-free.

But, Some Wishes Come True!!!

“HYDRATE,” was easy – but expensive. I took “HYDRATION” up a notch and added fresh lemons to my 10-12 glasses of water. Currently, at my local grocery stores three lemons costs $1.99. But, from what I have read the health benefits of adding lemons to water outweighs the cost.

whoopee!!! Whoopee!!! Great Job!!! – I completed one of the five things on my “Weekly Wishes #1” list. But, I am staying positive — rejecting negative.

“Today is Better than Yesterday and Tomorrow The Possibilities are Unlimited.”

Excited to begin “Weekly Wishes #2.” I plan to continue working toward fulfilling the “Wishes” I made in “Week #1”.

In addition, my “WISHES” for “Week #2 ” are to: