We Are Pleased To Inform You...

"Opportunities are often things you didn't notice the first time around."

-Catherine Deneuve

Slowly, but surely, I am getting my thought process and creativity back. Sigh. I am not sure why it is taking me so long, I don't know, maybe grieving gets more difficult as we get older. Anyway, don't think I am over here in a big ball of sadness, that's not the case at all, in fact, both Alan and I have found some light moments, or is it moments of light? LOL. It's just that it seems to me, like it is taking me longer this time.

It has been important to keep to a normal schedule whenever possible, but a good healthy diversion along the way helps too. Last week, Alan and I had made plans for a night out together. We still date. Can you believe it? Married 17 1/2 years, and he still asks me out on dates! LOL. He likes me a little I guess. Anyway, we had planned to go see a good friend of ours participate in a comedy competition. We love our pal, and we were really happy to support him, so we got the tickets and made the reservation, just a few days before Darryl passed away.

The day of the competition, I asked Alan if he still wanted to go, to which he replied a resounding, "YES." I was a little surprised, I wasn't in the mood to laugh, not one little bit. Nope. But there was Alan, holding me as I cried, and still looking forward to having our night out. "Carly, Darryl would be the first one to say "Go, have fun." I shook my head, and reluctantly agreed with him. "yeah, I know." So, off we went to the comedy club. Alan needed me to be there for him. He was needing this night out. It was all he was asking me to do, so how could I say "no."

We had a good time. Bad nachos, YUM, great comedy, and we got to feel good about being there for our friend. After we got home, Alan started looking up other Bay Area comedy clubs. Tommy T's, Rooster T Feathers, Muggs just to mention a few. All of them sound like fun, but the Taco Tuesday at Tommy T's sounded like the most fun, so that is our next adventure. For the price of admission, you get 3 taco's, a margarita, and lots of comedy. WooHoo!! I will probably substitute a diet Coke, I have to think of my Type 2 Diabetes after all. I am pretty sure we will be going there soon, humor heals like nothing else can. :) And there is nothing like a night out on the town with the guy you have been dating for the last 20 years! Tee Hee.

Alan has been really quiet about Darryl's death. He is dealing with his grief very slowly, which is good I think. We are both kind of moving in slow motion I guess. And the time change today, really didn't help matters. Why did Bush have to move the time change up. It did nothing in the way of energy conservation. It would be nice if the next president put it back. Please. LOL. See, even in my grief, I can still find something to complain about. LOL. And something to laugh at! ;)

Mr Squishy's Profile :)

Oh yeah, about the title of this entry. I completely forgot to do a follow up entry about my mammogram. I got a little card in the mail from Kaiser which reads as follows...

We are pleased to inform you that your mammogram showed no signs of cancer. Please remember to schedule your next mammogram according to your usual screening schedule.

I knew it was probably going to be fine, because I am diligent about these things. I do self exams, and I stay current with the latest information. I love owning a computer, because I can have any health care question answered almost immediately. I am taking care of myself, and Alan, and Elvis. That feels good, and it's so much easier to do so then ever before. :) So no excuses!

Yum... my favorite lunch... salad! :)

So tell me, do you have a favorite website you use as part of your wellness routine? I would love to know about your favorite websites for living a healthy lifestyle. How about for Diabetes or Fibromyalgia management? Do you have a fun website that makes you laugh? What about one where you play online games for relaxation? How about gardening or pet care? What is your favorite "health" food? Share it with me... I am always looking to expand my horizons!

-OndineMonet
"A Moment Of Zen"
Japanese Tea Garden
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, California
March 3, 2008
Afternoon

My Upcoming Date With Mr. Squishy

"The patient should be made to understand that he or she must take charge of his or her own life. Don't take your body to the doctor as if he were a repair shop."

-Quentin Regestein

I can't believe it has almost been a year! But it has. Time for me to go back for my annual Mammogram. Do you remember how spooked I was last year? I had just found an unusual lump in my breast, that hadn't been there a month before when I did my breast exam. It scared me. And Good that! I was over 40, and had never had a Mammogram before. I had never put much thought into it. Sometimes in life, things creep up on you. Time goes by really quick, whether you are having fun or not! I had been asked by my regular physician to schedule an appointment for myself, and somehow I had managed to avoid doing so. Sigh. Not too wise. You can bet, when I discovered that lump, I found the time! I went in, whining a good bit all the way, and lucky for me, it was a lump that could be dealt with. It wasn't cancer, but over 200,000 women every year aren't as lucky as I was, including one of my favorite singers, Sheryl Crow.

"I encourage all women everywhere to advocate for themselves and for their future. See your doctor and be proactive about your health."

-Sheryl Crow

I read earlier this week, that there has been a decline of the number of American women who are getting this important annual test. What's up with that girls? I no longer believe that anything is more important then getting myself checked. Nothing. So what might be holding you back? If you are one of my regular female readers, or if you have a lady in your life that you love dearly who hasn't gotten her exam for the year, I want to encourage you to make that appointment! The test doesn't hurt, and it is vital to early detection. I found out a lot of useful information about Breast Cancer, and I learned why I am at a slightly higher risk then most to get it. I learn factors for keeping myself well, and what to watch for as far as symptoms of the disease are. I am being proactive with my own health...I hope you are as well.

According to the CDC, one reason many women skip getting this exam is complacency. After taking the test, year after year, and being given a clean bill of health, many believe that their chances of contracting the disease are so low, that the yearly exam is no longer needed. Wrong! Ladies we must care enough about ourselves, to continue getting this test. So what do you say? Anyone care to take my challenge, by getting your yearly mammogram in the month of February along with me? Don't make me go to the appointment alone. Come on, schedule the appointment on Monday, and come back here and let me know when it will be, by leaving me a message in the comment thread for this entry. Better yet, share your experiences at the doctor in your blog. I will link on my sidebar, to anyone who helps spread awareness about breast cancer, by getting a mammogram and sharing their story.

There are everyday things we can do to take care of ourselves. I was reading my latest issue of the MayoClinic Newsletter this past week, and they always have wonderful easy to do tips for living better, more healthy lives. Also, each issue has some yummy recipes. In the last issue, there were recipes for, Balsamic Roast Chicken, and Melon Fool. Too tasty for words. If you haven't visited their website, do so, and sign up for their weekly newsletter, you will be glad you did! Come on ladies, make me proud! Go be proactive for your health! I like my friends, and I want to know you a long time! :) Make those appointments!

For More Information on Breast Cancer...

Susan G. Komen - For The Cure

Toll-Free Breast Cancer Care Helpline
Monday-Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST

1-800 I'm- Aware (1-800-462-9273)

My Appointment Date
Thursday, February 8th.

-OndineMonet
"My Date With Mr. Squishy"
February, 2006
Late Afternoon
Hayward, California