Although I'm just going to post the questions to start with, I intend to answer them in the near future. I have to think about them for a while --- especially the last movie I watched --- does Richard Scary or Ella Enchanted count? Oh! I know-- it was The Nutcracker (Barbie style) !
1. What inspires you?
2. What's your most recent triumph?
3. What's the last movie you watched and how many stars would you rate it?
4. What scares you?
5. What most recently made you laugh out loud?
6. If you were to move to a remote island, what three things would you like to take with you? (Basic needs will be provided)
7. What's the best life lesson you've learned so far?
8. Can you whistle?
9. Which do you prefer -- cookies or cupcakes?
10. What would you title your autobiography
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Later On
Been having lots of thoughts run through my mind while my eyes have been wide open through the night because of the pre-chemo steroids. I've been making a list of things I will probably post about later on today. I'm hesitant about it because I don't want to be negative or a complainer so I've got to think about it during the day.
Sure love you all.
Sure love you all.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Interesting Article
Aren't you lucky you have the benefit of my chemo reading? Here's an article from Monday's visit:
"Meditation is nothing more than focused attention, inward or outward -- to the breath, for instance, or to an external image or to a silently spoken word or phrase," says Andre Weil, MD, author of Healthy Aging. Whatever your focal point, the object is the same: You are cultivating your ability to concentrate on the present moment. (I think this is one reason the article caught my attention. I've had more trouble concentrating with "chemo brain").
The idea is to stop ruminating about the past and fretting about the future so you mind and body can relax, explains Peter Degnan, MD, an integrative medicine physician at Equinox Health and Healing in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. If you make meditation a habit, studies suggest, you may feel calmer and more in control of your life. (hmmmmm, is it like slowing down so I can hear the still small voice?)
There are many types of meditation, but you don't need to practice a particular form to set your mind at ease. To learn how to live "in the moment," simply try one of the easy exercises featured in "Paths to Peace" (at end of article). All you need is a quiet place free of distractions, a little patience and some understanding of the challenges of meditation so you don't give up before you get comfortable doing it. For instance...
Think of meditation as a calming ritual, instead of a mystical experience. Though meditation helps some people connect with their spiritual side, you may get discouraged if you expect instant enlightenment or something momentous to happen. (although I am firmly convinced it can and often does). Your goal is to stay anchored in the here and now, so thoughts of what you have to do today or the argument with your spouse fade away.
Expect your mind to wander.(I can relate to this one!) Meditation doesn't mean making your mind a blank. The trick is to let thoughts drift by like clouds without getting caught up in them, which can be difficult to do . Your aim is to acknowledge your thoughts without judging or analyzing them (it may help to give them a neutral label, such as "thinking about work").
Whenever you get distracted, redirect your attention to your focal point, such as your breathing, a movement or a meaningful word -- or mantra --like "peace."
The best form of meditation is the one that helps you stay focused.
If you're agitated or athletic, walking meditation may be right for you. Arty types may find knitting calming, while prayer can be hypnotic for those who are spiritual. But since the soothing power of repetition is at the heart of meditation, any rhythmic activity that can be done on automatic pilot may produce a meditative state, including ironing, brushing your hair or stroking a pet.(I think rocking/bumping fits in here). "The trick is to be aware of the motion, the rhythm, your breath -- and nothing else, says Dr. Degnan.
Consistency is more important than the time you clock. Like any skill, meditation requires practice. It's better to meditate for a few minutes every day rather than to devote an hour a week. "Even short periods of meditation can be relaxing," says Dr. Degnan. Start practicing for five minutes and then try to work your way up to 20 minutes or more.
PATHS TO PEACE - Here are four easy ways to focus your mind and ease anxiety.
CONCENTRATE ON A CHORE. No time to meditate? Turn everyday activities, such as washing dishes and folding clothes, into opportunities to be mindful, suggests Jeffrey Brantley, MD, author of Five Good Minutes. Focus on the movements required to do the activity. Then "take a moment to fully experience the satisfaction of completing the task," says Dr. Brantley. I wonder if that's part of why I enjoy folding clothes -- I like the stacks to put away.
SAVOR A SMALL BITE. Note how a morsel of food looks and smells before you put it in your mouth. Then chew it slowly and taste with attention; think about how it feels on your tongue (smooth, cold, crunchy) and then experience the flavor (spicy, sweet, a hint of cinnamon). I'm looking forward to experiencing flavor again one day !!!
MEDITATE ON THE MOVE. In a safe, traffic-free area, walk slowly and focus on your movements and sensations: lifting your foot, swinging your leg, putting your foot down, shifting your weight from your back foot to your front. If you find it difficult to concentrate, try silently saying "lifting, swinging, placing, shifting, as you perform these movements.
Pace too slow if you focus solely on your stride? Then zero in on your breath instead of your steps by thinking "in" as you inhale and "out" as you exhale.
PRAY. Repeating a prayer over and over can serve as a type of meditation and confer similar health benefits. According to a British study, reciting the rosary slows breathing, which can help lower blood pressure. Maybe I'll try reciting the Articles of Faith or a favorite scripture for this one, along with prayer! End of Article by Mary Elizabeth Terzella in Caring Today magazine, May 2008
So there it is for what its worth; at least it is something to think about.
"Meditation is nothing more than focused attention, inward or outward -- to the breath, for instance, or to an external image or to a silently spoken word or phrase," says Andre Weil, MD, author of Healthy Aging. Whatever your focal point, the object is the same: You are cultivating your ability to concentrate on the present moment. (I think this is one reason the article caught my attention. I've had more trouble concentrating with "chemo brain").
The idea is to stop ruminating about the past and fretting about the future so you mind and body can relax, explains Peter Degnan, MD, an integrative medicine physician at Equinox Health and Healing in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. If you make meditation a habit, studies suggest, you may feel calmer and more in control of your life. (hmmmmm, is it like slowing down so I can hear the still small voice?)
There are many types of meditation, but you don't need to practice a particular form to set your mind at ease. To learn how to live "in the moment," simply try one of the easy exercises featured in "Paths to Peace" (at end of article). All you need is a quiet place free of distractions, a little patience and some understanding of the challenges of meditation so you don't give up before you get comfortable doing it. For instance...
Think of meditation as a calming ritual, instead of a mystical experience. Though meditation helps some people connect with their spiritual side, you may get discouraged if you expect instant enlightenment or something momentous to happen. (although I am firmly convinced it can and often does). Your goal is to stay anchored in the here and now, so thoughts of what you have to do today or the argument with your spouse fade away.
Expect your mind to wander.(I can relate to this one!) Meditation doesn't mean making your mind a blank. The trick is to let thoughts drift by like clouds without getting caught up in them, which can be difficult to do . Your aim is to acknowledge your thoughts without judging or analyzing them (it may help to give them a neutral label, such as "thinking about work").
Whenever you get distracted, redirect your attention to your focal point, such as your breathing, a movement or a meaningful word -- or mantra --like "peace."
The best form of meditation is the one that helps you stay focused.
If you're agitated or athletic, walking meditation may be right for you. Arty types may find knitting calming, while prayer can be hypnotic for those who are spiritual. But since the soothing power of repetition is at the heart of meditation, any rhythmic activity that can be done on automatic pilot may produce a meditative state, including ironing, brushing your hair or stroking a pet.(I think rocking/bumping fits in here). "The trick is to be aware of the motion, the rhythm, your breath -- and nothing else, says Dr. Degnan.
Consistency is more important than the time you clock. Like any skill, meditation requires practice. It's better to meditate for a few minutes every day rather than to devote an hour a week. "Even short periods of meditation can be relaxing," says Dr. Degnan. Start practicing for five minutes and then try to work your way up to 20 minutes or more.
PATHS TO PEACE - Here are four easy ways to focus your mind and ease anxiety.
CONCENTRATE ON A CHORE. No time to meditate? Turn everyday activities, such as washing dishes and folding clothes, into opportunities to be mindful, suggests Jeffrey Brantley, MD, author of Five Good Minutes. Focus on the movements required to do the activity. Then "take a moment to fully experience the satisfaction of completing the task," says Dr. Brantley. I wonder if that's part of why I enjoy folding clothes -- I like the stacks to put away.
SAVOR A SMALL BITE. Note how a morsel of food looks and smells before you put it in your mouth. Then chew it slowly and taste with attention; think about how it feels on your tongue (smooth, cold, crunchy) and then experience the flavor (spicy, sweet, a hint of cinnamon). I'm looking forward to experiencing flavor again one day !!!
MEDITATE ON THE MOVE. In a safe, traffic-free area, walk slowly and focus on your movements and sensations: lifting your foot, swinging your leg, putting your foot down, shifting your weight from your back foot to your front. If you find it difficult to concentrate, try silently saying "lifting, swinging, placing, shifting, as you perform these movements.
Pace too slow if you focus solely on your stride? Then zero in on your breath instead of your steps by thinking "in" as you inhale and "out" as you exhale.
PRAY. Repeating a prayer over and over can serve as a type of meditation and confer similar health benefits. According to a British study, reciting the rosary slows breathing, which can help lower blood pressure. Maybe I'll try reciting the Articles of Faith or a favorite scripture for this one, along with prayer! End of Article by Mary Elizabeth Terzella in Caring Today magazine, May 2008
So there it is for what its worth; at least it is something to think about.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Been a While...
Posting to the carepage each week has taken my thoughts away from the blog, although there are things which are more appropriate on one than the other.
One thing I've been thinking about the last couple of weeks is what my cravings have been. Who ever knew going through chemo would give you cravings for strange things? Most of the time there aren't many things which sound good to eat at all so I guess when one does crop up, it becomes a quest to see if you can secure it and if it will taste as good as it sounds.
The first one occurred a few weeks ago when all of a sudden, garden beets with greens --cooked and topped with butter and lemon juice -- sounded delicious. I checked with my friend Gail but the rabbits had eaten her beets. Melanie came to the rescue, asking her garden buddy Bud Strupp if he could spare a few ==== MIGHTY FINE, I tell ya! Just what I had hungered for so that's what I had for three meals in a row. Last week Joyce Strupp sent over some additional ones which she had frozen and then were good, too! Next came tuna fish -- don't know why but those sandwiches have been tasty...Dave even served one to me in bed -- how's that for room service! A few days ago, a batch of artichoke dip for french bread was just beckoning to me, but then found the artichoke hearts had been hijacked from the cupboard during someone else's snack quest and I was out of sour cream. Shalee came to the rescue on Wednesday when she whipped up a batch for me and even toasted the bread. Hit the spot! V-8 and toast is something I can handle just about any time, especially if the V-8 is cold.
In looking back over these items, I don't know whether they could combine for a "balanced" meal or not but at least they are not from my usual favorite food group -- sugar, although I do hear a batch of dream bars calling my name.
One thing I've been thinking about the last couple of weeks is what my cravings have been. Who ever knew going through chemo would give you cravings for strange things? Most of the time there aren't many things which sound good to eat at all so I guess when one does crop up, it becomes a quest to see if you can secure it and if it will taste as good as it sounds.
The first one occurred a few weeks ago when all of a sudden, garden beets with greens --cooked and topped with butter and lemon juice -- sounded delicious. I checked with my friend Gail but the rabbits had eaten her beets. Melanie came to the rescue, asking her garden buddy Bud Strupp if he could spare a few ==== MIGHTY FINE, I tell ya! Just what I had hungered for so that's what I had for three meals in a row. Last week Joyce Strupp sent over some additional ones which she had frozen and then were good, too! Next came tuna fish -- don't know why but those sandwiches have been tasty...Dave even served one to me in bed -- how's that for room service! A few days ago, a batch of artichoke dip for french bread was just beckoning to me, but then found the artichoke hearts had been hijacked from the cupboard during someone else's snack quest and I was out of sour cream. Shalee came to the rescue on Wednesday when she whipped up a batch for me and even toasted the bread. Hit the spot! V-8 and toast is something I can handle just about any time, especially if the V-8 is cold.
In looking back over these items, I don't know whether they could combine for a "balanced" meal or not but at least they are not from my usual favorite food group -- sugar, although I do hear a batch of dream bars calling my name.
Monday, June 30, 2008
The Unknown
Wouldn't you just rather know what to expect than to wonder what is going to happen? In Dennis' finance class at church one of the principles he teaches is that "if you keep doing what you're doing, you're going to keep getting what you are now getting"... so operating on that theory, I don't want to keep getting what I've been getting so I'm going to do something different !
In just a few hours I will be undergoing my first chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. The oncologist put his arm around me as I left there last Thursday and took me to the chemo nurses saying... "now look, Laurie is my friend. You'd better treat her well." It was a nice gesture but completely unnecessary. I've never seen a staff so attentive and compassionate and never had so many hugs from people I do not know... nevertheless, I am suffering some trepedition this morning as we head into the unknown. Lots of people have done it before, I'm telling myself, and they are all around me at church, in the stores, everywhere I go ... and my mind understands that but my mother's heart just wants to know what will happen from here. Will I be able to finish sorting out the Visiting Teaching routes to pass along to the new R.S. Pres or will my brain be mush and not able to concentrate on anyting --- oh, wait, --- too late on that one~! Will I be able to still hold Hadley and Kameron and have a tickle party with Kyle? How can I explain things to Brianna so she won't worry ? Will I be enough of myself when our granddaughters come from Michigan that they will think I am the same Grandma? Will our "Pocatello kids" have a wonderful experience in Moscow like we are praying theyand feel that they will ? Do all of our children and their spouses and our grandchildren know how much we treasure them and love them with all of our hearts? Do they know our most fervent wish for them is to live the gospel, to be sweet and patient with one another ? Do they know that I KNOW THE GOSPEL IS TRUE and THAT I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THE OUTPOURING OF BLESSINGS WE ARE RECEIVING IN OUR LIVES? Do they know that I KNOW GOD IS OUR FATHER AND HE IS IN CHARGE OF THINGS AND GAVE US HIS GREATEST GIFT IN HIS SON JESUS CHRIST TO ATONE FOR US...NOT JUST FOR OUR SINS (which is a HUGE gift in itself) BUT ALSO FOR OUR MALADIES AND SUFFERING IN THIS WORLD. I love our Savior, Jesus Christ, and know that He is watching over all of us. Do they know? Maybe I'm not going too far into the unknown after all.
In just a few hours I will be undergoing my first chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. The oncologist put his arm around me as I left there last Thursday and took me to the chemo nurses saying... "now look, Laurie is my friend. You'd better treat her well." It was a nice gesture but completely unnecessary. I've never seen a staff so attentive and compassionate and never had so many hugs from people I do not know... nevertheless, I am suffering some trepedition this morning as we head into the unknown. Lots of people have done it before, I'm telling myself, and they are all around me at church, in the stores, everywhere I go ... and my mind understands that but my mother's heart just wants to know what will happen from here. Will I be able to finish sorting out the Visiting Teaching routes to pass along to the new R.S. Pres or will my brain be mush and not able to concentrate on anyting --- oh, wait, --- too late on that one~! Will I be able to still hold Hadley and Kameron and have a tickle party with Kyle? How can I explain things to Brianna so she won't worry ? Will I be enough of myself when our granddaughters come from Michigan that they will think I am the same Grandma? Will our "Pocatello kids" have a wonderful experience in Moscow like we are praying theyand feel that they will ? Do all of our children and their spouses and our grandchildren know how much we treasure them and love them with all of our hearts? Do they know our most fervent wish for them is to live the gospel, to be sweet and patient with one another ? Do they know that I KNOW THE GOSPEL IS TRUE and THAT I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR THE OUTPOURING OF BLESSINGS WE ARE RECEIVING IN OUR LIVES? Do they know that I KNOW GOD IS OUR FATHER AND HE IS IN CHARGE OF THINGS AND GAVE US HIS GREATEST GIFT IN HIS SON JESUS CHRIST TO ATONE FOR US...NOT JUST FOR OUR SINS (which is a HUGE gift in itself) BUT ALSO FOR OUR MALADIES AND SUFFERING IN THIS WORLD. I love our Savior, Jesus Christ, and know that He is watching over all of us. Do they know? Maybe I'm not going too far into the unknown after all.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Ramblings
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood, will you be mine, will you be mine, won't you be my neighbor ? Good old Mr. Rogers... I couldn't help thinking about that song with the bright sunlight streaming through the office window and the iris blooming outside -- it is, indeed, a beautiful day in the neighborhood ! (Even if Mean Melanie lives across the street!) What makes it even better is that I pulled out the Cougar Fight Song and played that CD several times and I'm up ready to go! I love motivational music!
Someone emailed earlier to "watch Dennis" so that's what I've done -- I've watched him go right out the door to work at the bank. We wouldn't want him to change too much, we couldn't take the surprise of it all !
You are all so articulate I probably should just put these ramblings on a journal entry for myself. Surely enjoy reading what you post!
Someone emailed earlier to "watch Dennis" so that's what I've done -- I've watched him go right out the door to work at the bank. We wouldn't want him to change too much, we couldn't take the surprise of it all !
You are all so articulate I probably should just put these ramblings on a journal entry for myself. Surely enjoy reading what you post!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Just Thinking
As I was returning to Rigby last night after being with Dad at the hospital, I stopped at the ATM outside Zions Bank to get some funds. No one was around so I pulled in horizontally across the parking spots to be as close as possible. Of course, as soon as I got to the machine, two or three others pulled up to use the ATM. As I proceeded back to the van, a lady on the sidewalk kind of shouted at me "Don't you know how to park?" Taken aback, I said "no" with a smile and got into the car and left. I wanted to say "look, my husband is in the hospital, I have cancer and am starting chemo tomorrow." I didn't and I am glad I didn't, because it was my fault in the first place. Just because no one else was around when I arrived, I didn't have any right to take up three parking spots making it inconvient for others. We need to be aware of people around us and use consideration and kindness no matter what we are thinking or feeling ourselves. I think that's what President Hinckley did and look how much good he accomplished. So, today, June 19, let's set out to speak kindly to those we meet and give others around us the benefit of the doubt. We truly don't know what is going on in their life either. I have a wall plaque which says "Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a difficult battle." I think it's true. We are all struggling with difficult things in our own lives but those around us are doing the same. I choose today to be a blessing to others.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Okay, okay, being the senior member of this blogspot, I'll do some follow up on the first blog --even though it will illicit [more] unwelcome comments regarding my age.
I remember when Dwight Eisenhower was President.
Home phones used to have party lines where neighbors could listen to everyone's business
New in this day and age is the highest speed on a car speedometer --used to be 80
Disposable diapers --- I think Dan was the only one which got to use them and I was so glad to have them but now cloth diapers are coming back in the LDS culture as part of preparedness.
Digital cameras
Cell phone cameras
Dehydrated food and mixes -- everything used to be cooked from scratch
I remember the day that John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I was in gym class in high school.
Lots of medical advances -- we're grateful Hadley wasn't born a generation ago. Amazing -- successful heart surgery on an 8 month old; and many other advances in other areas.
Temples are dotting the earth and the gospel is rolling forth
There are so many more but duty calls. I'll try to be more original in the next post.
I remember when Dwight Eisenhower was President.
Home phones used to have party lines where neighbors could listen to everyone's business
New in this day and age is the highest speed on a car speedometer --used to be 80
Disposable diapers --- I think Dan was the only one which got to use them and I was so glad to have them but now cloth diapers are coming back in the LDS culture as part of preparedness.
Digital cameras
Cell phone cameras
Dehydrated food and mixes -- everything used to be cooked from scratch
I remember the day that John F. Kennedy was assassinated. I was in gym class in high school.
Lots of medical advances -- we're grateful Hadley wasn't born a generation ago. Amazing -- successful heart surgery on an 8 month old; and many other advances in other areas.
Temples are dotting the earth and the gospel is rolling forth
There are so many more but duty calls. I'll try to be more original in the next post.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Progress
I was thinking the other day about the lists which had been posted previously and thought we should have one about the things we've seen transpire in our lifetime. Dennis and I were around to watch man land on the moon but most of you had the computer and microwave invented since you came to earth. What about it? What progress has been made or technology developed, etc?
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