Time Management and A Trip Down Breast Cancer Memory Lane

Time management has become a terrific sore spot in my life.  I do not know what the issue is or if I even have an issue.  I do not have time to make a To Do List <smile>.   All I know is I cannot seem to get things done like I did in the past.  Things that I know needs to be done, things that I really want to do ... have a garage sale, clean out the garage,  get the 1 1/2 wooden pallets out of my garage and to the back of the shed where I plan to use them.  Oh and laundry, I seem to have trouble just getting the laundry finished on the weekends.  Grocery shopping ... who needs groceries if you have a carton of eggs and a loaf of gluten free bread.  NO NO NO ... it's not supposed to be this way.  I am the QUEEN of organization.  I am the person who has to buy her groceries every Saturday morning, I am the person who starts her laundry on Friday afternoon when I get home from work to get a jump start on it, I am the person whose yard has always been picture perfect. I've always been that person with great organization skills and good time management.  I am now into letting grocery shopping go and if I eat a good lunch, who needs a good dinner ... just fix myself a bowl of grits, add some cheese, butter, salt and pepper and call it good.  I am now leaving laundry not only in the dryer but in the washer all weekend after I get it started Friday afternoon.  I am now looking at my yard and saying ... OH I'll do that NEXT weekend.  I do not think that life is supposed to be this way ... the way I am talking about is letting our TO DO list take over our life and when we do not get those things marked off we beat ourselves up.  I often think maybe it's my age ... but wait, I told myself I would never let sitting and watching The Pioneer Woman control my life on Saturday mornings ... no, there's way too much to do.  Well it happens and by the time she goes off, I've gained five pounds and I'm out of the mood to clean out the garage.  <laughing> Yes, I'm laughing at myself as I type.  Time management plus getting things done has always equaled MY NAME.  I'm here to tell you ... not anymore.

Saturday was my THREE year cancer free anniversary.  Praise God Praise God Praise God ... I am where I am today because of Him.  That is one anniversary which a cancer survivor will never forget.  I hope when someone tells you how many years of survival they have had, you will be as happy as they are.  Unless you have walked the cancer road (and my prayer is that you haven't), you cannot begin to know how much these anniversaries mean.  God is good ALL the time.  Today I want to take you on a little picture tour of my journey ... beginning with family pictures we had taken in September 2011 after I found out I had bilateral breast cancer.

 

 Holding back the tears that day as I held these two precious grandbabies.  

 

My hope stone given to me by the nurse navigator at Joan Katz Breast Center.  Sheree was the first person I talked to after my diagnosis.  She answered all my questions, held my hand as I cried, calmed my fears and slipped this stone in my hand on our parting hug.




After surgery (not pretty)


Up and about

  First real clothes after surgery




Four drains/four measuring cups.  One of the bulbs at the bottom of each drain that pulls fluid out of surgery site.

Dr. Alan Johns ... breast cancer survivor.  Tells a mans version of breast cancer.











Above:  Hooked up for the first time to chemo

One section of the Chemo Room
Short and spikey preparing for bald.  

 Reddish wig.

BALD is beautiful.

 I have probably exceeded my picture quota on my blog for the day so I'll stop.  CANCER stinks.  BUT I am a walking testimony with God by your side, you can even smile through the baldness.  I tear up just looking at these pictures and remembering how God walked beside me all the way and on those days I could find the energy to walk, He carried me.  Thank you Father for loving me enough to hold me no matter what.

Philippians 4:19  My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory.

Blessings !!!

genam44@charter.net

I Love Holiday Mondays

Today is a glorious cool holiday for me and I'm so thankful.  After waking with a major migraine on Saturday and literally not doing anything all day which meant getting nothing accomplished, it's good to have an extra day.  While having an extra day off makes me think more and more about retiring in December 2015.  I have some financial goals that I am working on to make this happen.  When thinking about retirement, it really is a flip flop decision for me.  I have worked since I was 16 years old so working is pretty much all I know.  I am praying for God's guidance in this big decision.

One thing I do know for sure is that God loves me and guides me in all my decisions.  When I try to make decisions on my own, things just do not seem to always work out the best.  Psalms 31:3 For you are my rock and fortress; For Your names sake You will lead me and guide me.  Isn't that an amazing scripture knowing that God is in control?

I got up at 5:00ish this morning and got going.  I mentioned Young Living Essential Oils (YLEO)  in my last post so I wanted to show you what I made this morning.  --- Little cosmetic background about me.  I began selling and then using Mary Kay products over 12 years ago.  I stopped selling because it was such a hassle and began ordering with family and friends just to get the discount.  I decided over a year ago to let my Mary Kay discount go and would use Merle Norman products.  That didn't really fit in my budget at ALL.  So I decided that was not what I wanted so I joined up again with Mary Kay for $35. to get the discount.  And then decided I didn't want to order that stuff when I could make my own using YLEO.  I made my first batch of face cream about 6 weeks ago and loved it.  So this morning, I have made another jar of face cream and used the jar from Merle Norman (that cost $54.) to put it in.  The ingredients ... Organic Coconut Oil and YLEO Frankincense.   It's awesome I tell ya!  While using the face moisturizer I made, I was using up the last of my MK face scrub knowing that I could make my own with YLEO.


So next came the face scrub.  I've been searching Pinterest for just the right recipe for face scrub using YLEO.  After reading the recipes, I made a batch and let me tell you that it is literally AMAZING. The ingredients ... Organic Coconut Oil, 12 drops of YLEO Frankincense, 3 drops of YLEO Peppermint for aroma and about 1/2 tablespoon of white sugar for the exfoliate.  I used some of this on the back of my hands to test ... and as I said it is AMAZING.

After the face scrub, it was time for YLEO Thieves Foaming Hand Soap.  Has anyone read anything about YLEO Thieves Oil?  There is an awesome story how YL Thieves oil came about. My recipe for foaming hand soap, I used 3 tablespoons of Dr. Bronners Castille Soap, 3 drops of Vitamin Oil and 7 drops of YLEO Thieves oil and topped off the container with filtered water from the fridge.  I used a Dial Foaming Hand soap decanter - after I poured all the Dial out - shook and waa-laa you have the best foaming hand soap ever.   I have this soap at all of my sinks in my house.  My grandbabies all know that it has Thieves in it and they love using it.

After a trip to my local Sprout's for Aloe Vera Gel and distilled water, I will be making Thieves Hand Sanitizer and Thieves Spray to keep in my purse for use on grocery carts, public toilets, etc.  After that I plan to make Thieves Sore Throat Spray for my girls and their families.  I am blessed as I do not get sore throats often but I want to help my family.  [Side story]   I found out when I was pregnant with my first daughter that I didn't have tonsils.  Ladies you know when they are taking your history about previous surgeries and ask the question ... when you had a specific specified surgery? Well I was ask at that time when did I have my tonsils out?  I didn't have them out ... so it was determined I was born without them.  [My family would probably tell you that I burned them out with all the spicey foods that I eat and love. <smile>]

YLEO also has Thieves cleaner that you can buy.  It is so concentrated that I think you use 1 to 20 (or something like that) portions.  YES, there is a spray bottle of Thieves cleaner in the kitchen and both bathrooms.

The information I've shared on my blog today is a mere tip of the iceberg so to speak with Young Living 100% guaranteed pure Essential Oils.  You can cook with YLEO too.  Let me know when you are ready to hear more and we can get together one on one or you can gather family and friends and we can have a class.  I teach great classes with lots of humor and experiences with YLEO.  My classes are not boring I promise.

During the night we experienced some storms [I may or may not have heard the thunder but my little pooch, Tootie did.]  So we got up this morning to a clean, cool and refreshing morning.  Leviticus 26:4 Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield her fruit.  [Side note from me ... notice the use of the word 'her' ... God realizes how hard we 'hers' work.] <smile>

Prayer request:  I believe we ALL need to be praying for the folks experiencing dreadful health issues, especially those who are infected with or going through the possibility of being infected with ebola.  You may think it's all hype about this but the state in which our nation's health care is in is scarey.  All the more reason I use YLEO.

Blessings for a great week.

genam44@charter.net

Nice Cool October Day

God sent a wonderful cool front rolling across Texas last night bringing a good rain.  During the night, I heard one big clap of thunder and turned over and went back to sleep knowing the rain had arrived and the glory of cool fall days.  This is my favorite time of year.  Watching the leaves changing to gold and red while some take their sweet time to lose the green.  This is God's gorgeous paint pallette and He allows us to see the preview of His painting all the way through to His finished product.  The beauty of it all ... what an amazing artist He is.  This picture combines two of  my favorite sites ... a wooden bridge and changing leaves.  Beauty!

Life continues to be busy busy busy. I do believe there are times that God says you really need to slow down.  At those times, I have to agree with him.  My health seems to suffer during those times, primarily with the horrible migraines that I get when my week has been rush rush rush.  AND these blooming headaches always happen on either my day off or Saturday morning.  Life comes to a complete stop for me until the headache subsides, then all is right with my world again.  I have been reading a book by Lysa Terkuerst titled "The Best Yes".  I know this book was written for me.  I tend to say 'yes' to so many things and end up over booking myself.  I was able to put in practice what I have learned from this book this past week.  It is not that I didn't want to accept the invitation but it literally was not going to work with my schedule.

It's been a lazy relaxing Saturday watching the cooking shows and enjoying the cool air coming in the window.  I walked across the street earlier to chat with my sister and it was actually more than cool outside, it was cold (YES, I just said it was cold...that doesn't happen very often in my world. <smile>)

In October 2013 I began using Young Living Essential Oils and they have proved to be the best investment in my health and such a blessing.  I have never been one to like or want to use any type of presciption or OTC meds and most often have had side effects.  I started my oily journey with the Premium Starter Kit which includes 11 of the most commonly used oils, a diffuser which is awesome in getting the oils dispersed in the air, samples of the oils and brochures and helpful information.  Both of my girls are using the oils as well and I am happy to report that my precious grandbabies have not been to the doctor for anything other than a check up since before October 2013.  If we do not take control of our health, who will?  At this point, the state of health care in America is scarey.  If you want to know more about Young Living Essential Oils which are 100% pure (no additives what so ever), let me know.  I have a $20 coupon off the Premium Starter Kit if you are interested in beginning your oily journey.

Psalm 13:6  I will sing to the Lord; for He has been good to me.
Blessings!


gkmorrison12@gmail.com

A New Look

I've spent most of my evening working on the background of my blog and changing the look up things up.  I'm not sure that I'm 100% on board with it and I would love to know what you think. Leave a comment or email me at the address below.

October 1 is the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.   I got good news today from my 4 month check up so I'm praising the Lord.  I will continue on a 4 month check up for now and I am perfectly OK with that.

I've got lots of exciting things to share but those will have to wait for future posts.  I'm tired and ready to get in a more comfortable chair tonight.

Blessings!

*** Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.***  Hebrews 13:8


gkmorrison12@gmail.com

When The Game Is Over ... All The Pieces Go Back Into the Box

If you are in Texas, you know what I am getting ready to say ... THE HEAT IS ON.  While some might thin it is not too bad, I personally think it is hot.  It is like walking outside into an oven when you leave an air conditioned place.  Personally I immediately begin sweating ... yes, sweating not glistening when I step out.  Certainly not fussing because I thank God everyday that He has allowed me to be here and do the things He has laid before me.  And to think I used to be a sun worshiper.

The Long Way Home

The days run by like a train on a fast track.  It always
seems there's so much to be done and never enough time to do it all.  Why
is it that we feel such pressure all the time to get here, get there, get this
or that done.

Catch Up Post ....

It's been four months since I sat down here at my computer to write and share and I realized I missed writing when I revisited my blog.  Four months seems like a long while but in essence it's really a mere blink of an eye.  It seems the hours, days, weeks, and months go by so quickly that before we know it another year is come and gone.  Do you ever stop and think about a memories you made?

It is so important for me to make memories,

Stay Tuned ...

I am returning to my blog.  I realized just how much I miss writing so I am coming home to a true love of mine.  Stay tuned.... don't leave me now.  Much writing forthcoming and probably a NEW look for the blog.

Blessings!

genam44@charter.net

Following Through

For a long time now I have had this topic on my mind but could never figure out how to approach writing about it.  Today I came across something that gave me the answer on how to approach it.  The subject is prayer.  I am on FB <if you are reading this from the link, you know I'm on FB> and so many times someone post that they need prayers.  Many times there are lots of responses that person gets. Things like ... I'm praying ... Prayers ... Girl, you're in my prayers ... and the comments go on and on from folks who say they are praying.  Do we actually take the time to stop and pray?

The Best Laid Plans ....

Remember the saying "best laid plans of mice and men" ... well that is where I am today.  I had planned to blog more this year but as the days and evenings wear on, it seems the time escapes me.  Oh how I miss being able to share and write more however, I am not beating myself up ... I will just write as I can.

Life is going well for me.  The weather here in Texas has been rather 'iffy' ... it doesn't know "if" it wants to be cold or warm so I am just taking the days as they come along ... whatever the weather. The grass is all dormant so it's pretty brown and crunchy and I am kinda glad.  I've working in the house ... cleaning, organizing and YES purging.  I don't want to think myself a hoarder but it does seem in some respects I might be ... NOT a hoarder like is on that TV show - Hoarders: Buried Alive. If you know me personally, you know that I would NEVER ever be that way.  I'm a Type A personality about my house being clean ... open a closet or cabinet door and you might see differently <just kidding>. Currently I believe all my closets and cabinets are neatly organized.  Due to the fact that sometimes it seems absolutely impossible for me to get everything done anymore, I have actually hired a house cleaner.  Today is her first day to clean and she is AMAZING and she is so sweet and easy to talk with.  She works hard and has cleaned so well.  And my house smells amazing ... which I love.  AND I didn't have to do it.  I am by no stretch a lazy person at all but I am tired of trying to keep up with so much.  So for now, I am allowing myself a house cleaner.  Judge me if you want ... and when you are finished judging <smile> contact me and I'll give you her contact information.  <smile>  She's great!

I go back for my four month oncology checkup the end of this month.  I am in my second year of survival.   I am currently trying to lose some weight <I'm not obese but my BMI is above the good mark of 25>.  Besides my clothes have gotten a little snug and I don't like that.  I started walking again and that in itself makes me feel good plus I believe I will begin to see a difference in my weight.  In February I go for my six month check up with my surgeon.  The doctors offices all tell me that they like my personality and bubbly disposition so they want me to keep coming.  <smile>

My grandbabies are growing like little weeds and they are learning things right and left.  I believe I probably have the cutest and smartest grandbabies around.  I'm sure you may think the same about your grandbabies.  <big smile>  I have a good friend who sent me a little poem and I want to share it with you.  I know all grandparents who read this post will agree with me that the poem captures a grandparent very well.  My prayer is that if a young parent reads this, they will realize just how important the young years of their wee ones are and will also take time to spend with their children.

You know I love the technology world as much as anyone <well for the most part> but it has really begun bothering me when I constantly see young people always on their cell phone while eating with family or friends or when they are sitting beside their little child who is probably just begging to be recognized.  These cell phone addicts cannot sit in a family circle and talk face to face for fear of missing out on something in other people lives.  I would like to tell them ... There is NOTHING going on in anyone else's life more important than your own.  Put the phone down and realize how blessed you are that you have family and friends ... and don't forget that little one who craves as much attention as you give your phone.

I have embarked on something new ... well not really new because I've had them before but it has been years.  I bought a 15 gallon upright aquarium and I absolutely love it.  I put it all together last Saturday, got my first two fishees <smile> on Tuesday and today I found one of them dead.  After having my water tested at the fish place, it is testing out good.  YEA!  When I told Marianne at the fish place about my black phantom tetra dying last night and handed her my baggie of aquarium water to test, she said did this just come out of your aquarium?  I said, yes ... why?  She said it's kinda cold.  COLD ... I have a heater in there and was told by someone <not a fish expert> to keep the temperature between 72 and 76 ... well that's not the case.  The real fish expert, Marianne, said the water should be between 78 and 80.  HELLO~! The poor little fishee probably died from hypothermia.  If it had to happen, I'm glad it was him because he cost $4.99 as opposed to $9.99 like the one that survived.  I am currently heating the aquarium to a more desirable temperature for the little fishees.  

I have also been painting the inside of my house.  I've painted the den and the kitchen and what a difference it has made.  Of course painting always does.  I plan to get through most of the remainder of the house by the spring and I want to get my covered patio caulked and painted and set up like I envision it.   

Something that has been weighing heavy on my mind for a while now is ... bullying.  We hear so much about young children being bullied in schools these days and that is such a tragedy.  Have you ever stopped to think that bullying is not just about children ... it is also about adults.  It has happened to me twice in recent times by adults and it is absolutely awful.  Terrible!  I cannot even begin to imagine being bullied as a child after my experiences as an adult.  The bullying I have experienced in both situations is yelling and screaming when the person doesn't get their way or they know they are incorrect about something so they yell and scream to back me down.  I have tried desperately to keep the bully(s) from yelling and screaming at me and was just trying to with flow.  But there are times that it gets too much to handle.  I am a person that when I've had enough, I've had enough.  I would like to say today ... I've had enough.  I will no longer be bullied by anyone.  I am a firm believer that you should treat others the way you want to be treated --- that we should follow the laws and rules that are set before us --- that you should appreciate the kindness of others and show kindness to ALL ... not just certain few and last but NOT least --  that no one deserves such wrath as that which a bully can hand out.  It's hard ... it's very hard to be bullied, it makes one cower down and want to escape but sometimes there is no escaping.  Bullying can happen anywhere ... school, home, work, social events, sporting events ... anywhere. Bullying is not always physical, it is verbal and emotional also.  So if you are being bullied or your child says they are being bullied ... take action.  NO ONE deserves to be bullied.  Speak up and speak up loudly. 

I am so enjoying the Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class that I am now attending.  I have learned so much and made new friends who love Jesus and love studying His word.  I believe God puts us exactly where He wants us to be when we need to be there.  I know that I am where I am supposed to be. While we are on the subject, I have moved my membership to a new church recently and am ready to get involved.  I'm looking forward to what God has in store for me.

Proverbs 16:9 ... The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.  

Thank you Lord for leading me with Your almighty wisdom.  

Blessings!  

genam44@charter.net

A New Book ...

A new book, that is how we can look at the new year.  The new book has a very significant author ... YOU.  As you flip through your new book all the pages are blank.  Day by day, we and we alone, will write our book.  It will be in our own words.  At the end of the year, will the book be written so we would be proud for others to read or will it be one that we would prefer to tear the pages out one by one and throw in the burning fireplace.  We all have choices about how we handle each and every day of our lives.  Yes, life throws us curve balls ... we have a choice as to how we handle those curve balls. It is my prayer that anything life throws my way, I will hold my head high and handle it with grace and not allow a circumstance take me down.   

I will not look back at the year gone by but instead I look forward to the new year with excitement and anticipation.  Yesterday is gone.  Mistakes made I have lived through, blessings I have received have been rejoiced.  It is now time to look toward the new year ... I make no resolutions, no promises ... but instead I chose to live every second of this incredible life's journey as it comes.  I hope you do as well.

In this life we are all walking up the mountain and we can sing as we climb or complain about our sore feet.  Whichever we chose, we still gotta do the hike.  I decided long ago that singing made a lot more sense.  -- Author Unknown 

So my friends ... here's to singing as we walk and climb.  

Love and blessings.        HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 genam44@charter.net