Friday, May 31, 2013
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Change Your Life By Changing Your Thoughts Quote
"The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind." William James
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Fat Ass Fudge Coupon
We all know how much I love this fudge. But it is not just the "fudge" that makes this company so much fun, the owner also has a blast doing what she does and you can tell. Her new coupon code for $5.00 off is "Huge Jackman" Wonder why? Well he stopped by her booth and bought some fudge.
Order some today at Fat-assfudge.com and remember to use coupon code: Huge Jackman to receive $5.00 off.
Offer expires July 31, 2013
Order some today at Fat-assfudge.com and remember to use coupon code: Huge Jackman to receive $5.00 off.
Offer expires July 31, 2013
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Happy World Thyroid Day
Happy World Thyroid Day. If you feel something say something. Be sure to have your Dr check your thyroid during your exams. If you ever face a Thyroid issue know you are not alone! Learn more at Thyca.org
Happy World Thyroid Day
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Don't Expect People To Always Understand
I have learned a lot these past couple of months. I have learned what matters to one person does not matter to the next. I have learned that those who are strongest sometimes get dealt the weakest hand. I learned what's your priority will not be the same for someone else.
I had surgery for Thyroid Cancer. Whenever I told and tell someone about it I found/find myself comforting them, like "hey it isn't a big deal. I had the surgery and after treatments and regulating my medicine everything will be fine." Every time I heard my self say it I thought what the hell is wrong with you. You're a new mother again, you dealt with cancer while pregnant, your body has changed, your treatments involve being away from your husband and kids for a while, your meds regulating means on your bad days you need to still smile so your kids don't know you are sick. You hid your scar so people don't pity you. You have to go to Yale and sit through appointments about what is happening to your body that you can not control. The month of June you have a calendar filled with notes and appointments to heal yourself.
Yep, What the hell is wrong with me. I do not expect people to understand. I do not want pity. I do want this to be a lesson to always put yourself in the other person's shoes when you expect something from them or get angry with them or are not getting your way. We all do not want or need the same things at the same time in life.
Right now I need to live for today. I need to wake up and take care of my kids and check my calendar for what appointment I have or meds I need to work and prepare what's for dinner. I cannot think about tomorrow. There is too much still going on and needed of me for tomorrow that makes me too tired to think about.
I am strong person, I have self control and like to be happy and don't play the "woe" me card. But today I learned the next time someone says it is a big deal with what I am going through I will agree with them. And the next time I expect something from someone else that is going through a rough time I will think twice and put myself in their shoes. Because I don't expect people to understand, and you should not either, but I do expect people to think before they speak and to have a little patience.
I had surgery for Thyroid Cancer. Whenever I told and tell someone about it I found/find myself comforting them, like "hey it isn't a big deal. I had the surgery and after treatments and regulating my medicine everything will be fine." Every time I heard my self say it I thought what the hell is wrong with you. You're a new mother again, you dealt with cancer while pregnant, your body has changed, your treatments involve being away from your husband and kids for a while, your meds regulating means on your bad days you need to still smile so your kids don't know you are sick. You hid your scar so people don't pity you. You have to go to Yale and sit through appointments about what is happening to your body that you can not control. The month of June you have a calendar filled with notes and appointments to heal yourself.
Yep, What the hell is wrong with me. I do not expect people to understand. I do not want pity. I do want this to be a lesson to always put yourself in the other person's shoes when you expect something from them or get angry with them or are not getting your way. We all do not want or need the same things at the same time in life.
Right now I need to live for today. I need to wake up and take care of my kids and check my calendar for what appointment I have or meds I need to work and prepare what's for dinner. I cannot think about tomorrow. There is too much still going on and needed of me for tomorrow that makes me too tired to think about.
I am strong person, I have self control and like to be happy and don't play the "woe" me card. But today I learned the next time someone says it is a big deal with what I am going through I will agree with them. And the next time I expect something from someone else that is going through a rough time I will think twice and put myself in their shoes. Because I don't expect people to understand, and you should not either, but I do expect people to think before they speak and to have a little patience.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Friday, May 17, 2013
Make a Difference...Start with your Children
Want to make a difference in this world? Start by raising amazing kids! It's easier than you think. I hate to be that parent that blames another parent for a bad child because we all have our moments where we try our best and it back fires. BUT for the most part it is our responsibilities as parents to mold our children to have morals, good manners, be creative and have goals.
Goals is what drives a person. Let your children be children. Help their imagination run wild yet push them to excel and use their minds to their full capacity. When I play with my daughter I try to push her creativity to the max.
Ex: Flash Cards
Do the standard rules. Next line up 4 flash cards and with the pictures have your child make up a story. Then spread out 8 cards. Make them tell you which things you will find outside, or are round or, have the color blue in the picture... etc. See what you can so with one box of flash cards
Ex: Alphabet
Make a chart, have them write the letter that starts with different animals ex: Cat, then tell them to write the letter that starts with the word Cat. Then have them fill in the blank. ex: _at is a fury animal, that meows. Have them draw in the missing letter C.
My daughter is 4 1/2, she is very active and gets bored easily. It is my job as a mother to push her intellectually while making it fun. I truly believe there are not a lot of "dumb" children , there are children who have not been pushed intellectually. It takes time and patience but parents it's your job to help your children excel. Children's brains are like sponges they are eager to learn. Take an hour a day and spend time with them.
I promise you they will shock you! Enjoy your life, enjoy your children and children are your chance to give back to society to create inspiring and intelligent people.
Goals is what drives a person. Let your children be children. Help their imagination run wild yet push them to excel and use their minds to their full capacity. When I play with my daughter I try to push her creativity to the max.
Ex: Flash Cards
Do the standard rules. Next line up 4 flash cards and with the pictures have your child make up a story. Then spread out 8 cards. Make them tell you which things you will find outside, or are round or, have the color blue in the picture... etc. See what you can so with one box of flash cards
Ex: Alphabet
Make a chart, have them write the letter that starts with different animals ex: Cat, then tell them to write the letter that starts with the word Cat. Then have them fill in the blank. ex: _at is a fury animal, that meows. Have them draw in the missing letter C.
My daughter is 4 1/2, she is very active and gets bored easily. It is my job as a mother to push her intellectually while making it fun. I truly believe there are not a lot of "dumb" children , there are children who have not been pushed intellectually. It takes time and patience but parents it's your job to help your children excel. Children's brains are like sponges they are eager to learn. Take an hour a day and spend time with them.
I promise you they will shock you! Enjoy your life, enjoy your children and children are your chance to give back to society to create inspiring and intelligent people.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Five Tips for Hassle Free Family Travel
By: Kendra Thornton
Spending time on a summer getaway with your husband and children can be a lot of fun. And preparing well in advance for your summer vacation can help you avoid some of the stresses that always seem to accompany a family trip. Here are some tips for vacation preparation that will ensure a relaxing trip.
Book it Early!
Planning to fly to a destination with the family this summer? It's wise to book a flight that leaves early in the day. This lessens the chance that the flight will be delayed or tied up in runway congestion. Not surprisingly, a flight that is delayed can leave parents frantic for sufficient entertainment, snacks and even diapers for their little ones. Added stress of missing a connection or shuttle service can make you wish you hadn’t left the house in the first place. Of course, leaving early does not guarantee your trip will be without any hiccups. However, booking your family on an early flight can start a trip off on the right foot.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
By making reservations at a family-friendly hotel, you can save yourself a lot of trouble. A hotel with a refrigerator in each room can be extremely important for those needing bottles for traveling infants or for keeping healthy snacks like fruit, cheese and yogurt. This keeps the kids from raiding the vending machines and saves you from unnecessary sugar highs. Other family-friendly hotels have playgrounds, pools and babysitting services. If you’re looking for the full package, look into a kid friendly resort. My family stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Resort in Oahu, ranked amongst the top hotels in Honolulu, and we were thrilled with how many options they had for every member of the family. From the exotic animals, to their luxurious spa to surf and sailing lessons, this resort truly kept my entire family engaged and entertained.
Move on Back!
Finally, if you are taking a flight, you may want to request seats in the back of the plane. In the back, kids are kept away from the noise in the mid-section of the plane. Alternatively, if they are restless, the noise is somewhat confined to that area. Plus, the back of the plane may have more room for kids to move. They are also closer to the restroom, which can be handy for potty breaks, restless little legs and quick outfit changes.
A Lift to the Hotel
After a smooth, non-delayed flight, the last thing you need is to wait in line for a taxi or at a car rental counter. Making arrangements ahead of time for a rental car or even for a ride from a friend can save parents some aggravation. Many cities also have zipcars, which just expanded to 8 additional airport locations as of May. Going straight to the hotel without delay means that the children can begin to settle in, nap and eat a full meal. Once again, preparation can save a family a lot of headaches. It can also save you money to book a car ahead of time.
Plastic Bags are a Must-Have
Unfortunately, every vacation has to end sometime. But if you plan ahead, unpacking can be a lot less painful than before. A gathering of plastic bags can prove invaluable. Plastic bags can be filled with wet bathing suits and towels as well as dirty clothing. This keeps these items away from the clean items, with less work to do upon arriving home. Most parents understand how quickly these items can get mixed up in a suitcase. In addition, if you do a load of laundry over the vacation, you know exactly what items need attention. Plastic grocery bags are ideal, but if sand is involved I recommend sealable bags. If you’re conscious of your plastic use, I recommend a reusable wet bathing suit bag, to keep the sand and chlorine at bay.
Spending time on a summer getaway with your husband and children can be a lot of fun. And preparing well in advance for your summer vacation can help you avoid some of the stresses that always seem to accompany a family trip. Here are some tips for vacation preparation that will ensure a relaxing trip.
Book it Early!
Planning to fly to a destination with the family this summer? It's wise to book a flight that leaves early in the day. This lessens the chance that the flight will be delayed or tied up in runway congestion. Not surprisingly, a flight that is delayed can leave parents frantic for sufficient entertainment, snacks and even diapers for their little ones. Added stress of missing a connection or shuttle service can make you wish you hadn’t left the house in the first place. Of course, leaving early does not guarantee your trip will be without any hiccups. However, booking your family on an early flight can start a trip off on the right foot.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
By making reservations at a family-friendly hotel, you can save yourself a lot of trouble. A hotel with a refrigerator in each room can be extremely important for those needing bottles for traveling infants or for keeping healthy snacks like fruit, cheese and yogurt. This keeps the kids from raiding the vending machines and saves you from unnecessary sugar highs. Other family-friendly hotels have playgrounds, pools and babysitting services. If you’re looking for the full package, look into a kid friendly resort. My family stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Resort in Oahu, ranked amongst the top hotels in Honolulu, and we were thrilled with how many options they had for every member of the family. From the exotic animals, to their luxurious spa to surf and sailing lessons, this resort truly kept my entire family engaged and entertained.
Move on Back!
Finally, if you are taking a flight, you may want to request seats in the back of the plane. In the back, kids are kept away from the noise in the mid-section of the plane. Alternatively, if they are restless, the noise is somewhat confined to that area. Plus, the back of the plane may have more room for kids to move. They are also closer to the restroom, which can be handy for potty breaks, restless little legs and quick outfit changes.
A Lift to the Hotel
After a smooth, non-delayed flight, the last thing you need is to wait in line for a taxi or at a car rental counter. Making arrangements ahead of time for a rental car or even for a ride from a friend can save parents some aggravation. Many cities also have zipcars, which just expanded to 8 additional airport locations as of May. Going straight to the hotel without delay means that the children can begin to settle in, nap and eat a full meal. Once again, preparation can save a family a lot of headaches. It can also save you money to book a car ahead of time.
Plastic Bags are a Must-Have
Unfortunately, every vacation has to end sometime. But if you plan ahead, unpacking can be a lot less painful than before. A gathering of plastic bags can prove invaluable. Plastic bags can be filled with wet bathing suits and towels as well as dirty clothing. This keeps these items away from the clean items, with less work to do upon arriving home. Most parents understand how quickly these items can get mixed up in a suitcase. In addition, if you do a load of laundry over the vacation, you know exactly what items need attention. Plastic grocery bags are ideal, but if sand is involved I recommend sealable bags. If you’re conscious of your plastic use, I recommend a reusable wet bathing suit bag, to keep the sand and chlorine at bay.
Guest Blogger Bio: Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
BRCA Gene Awareness
BRCA Gene testing has been around for quite some time, every year the process becomes easier and easier. Currently in the news Angelina Jolie came forward that she had a recent double mastectomy due to being diagnosed as a BRCA 1 gene carrier. By doing this preventive surgery she decreased her risk of developing Breast Cancer in her lifetime from 87% down to 5%.
In 2005 I tested positive for being a carrier for the BRCA 2 Gene. I decided to get tested because my Grandmother passed away from Breast Cancer and my mother developed it in her mid thirties. Gratefully she has been cancer free for almost 20 years. I had to go to Yale to meet with Genetic counselors, after a blood test my results came back. At first I was in shock. No one wants to know they are at greater risk and MAY develop Breast and/or Ovarian and again people must be aware that if you carry a gene mutation it does NOT mean you will develop Breast and/or Ovarian cancer. It just means your risk is greater than a person who does NOT carrier the mutation.
A positive BRCA1 result gives a woman a 60% to 80% lifetime risk of breast cancer and a 30% to 45% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. A positive BRCA2 result gives a woman a 50% to 70% lifetime risk of breast cancer and a 10% to 20% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. * Again it does NOT mean you will develop this type of cancer.
After I was tested I had a routine Ultrasound, Mammogram, and MRI. They found a lump in my breast and after a biopsy gratefully my results came back negative. Ever since then every 6 months I get screened. Being Gene positive has allowed me to receive extensive testing as a preventive.
At first the diagnosis bothered me. Being so young every time I had any test done nurses would ask a lot of questions. I did NOT have any trouble getting health insurance but you can have difficulty getting LIFE insurance if you test positive. When I was trying to get pregnant my specialist said that some people have opted to have this Gene removed so their unborn child would not be at risk.
The crazy thing about this is I always go to my doctors appointments and testing for this so when I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer I was so confused. I get mixed answers if being a carrier put me at greater risk of getting Thyroid cancer.
If you or a close loved one has had Breast or Ovarian cancer please speak with your Doctor about finding out if you are a BRCA Gene carrier. When I was tested I had to go to Yale, now my OBGYN does the testing in their office.
My mother left it up to my sisters and me if we wanted to be tested. I chose to and although the doctors appointments could be annoying the thought that if I were to ever develop this type of cancer it would be early on is reassuring. Take care of your body! Learn more about BRCA Gene Testing Here*
In 2005 I tested positive for being a carrier for the BRCA 2 Gene. I decided to get tested because my Grandmother passed away from Breast Cancer and my mother developed it in her mid thirties. Gratefully she has been cancer free for almost 20 years. I had to go to Yale to meet with Genetic counselors, after a blood test my results came back. At first I was in shock. No one wants to know they are at greater risk and MAY develop Breast and/or Ovarian and again people must be aware that if you carry a gene mutation it does NOT mean you will develop Breast and/or Ovarian cancer. It just means your risk is greater than a person who does NOT carrier the mutation.
A positive BRCA1 result gives a woman a 60% to 80% lifetime risk of breast cancer and a 30% to 45% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. A positive BRCA2 result gives a woman a 50% to 70% lifetime risk of breast cancer and a 10% to 20% lifetime risk of ovarian cancer. * Again it does NOT mean you will develop this type of cancer.
After I was tested I had a routine Ultrasound, Mammogram, and MRI. They found a lump in my breast and after a biopsy gratefully my results came back negative. Ever since then every 6 months I get screened. Being Gene positive has allowed me to receive extensive testing as a preventive.
At first the diagnosis bothered me. Being so young every time I had any test done nurses would ask a lot of questions. I did NOT have any trouble getting health insurance but you can have difficulty getting LIFE insurance if you test positive. When I was trying to get pregnant my specialist said that some people have opted to have this Gene removed so their unborn child would not be at risk.
The crazy thing about this is I always go to my doctors appointments and testing for this so when I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer I was so confused. I get mixed answers if being a carrier put me at greater risk of getting Thyroid cancer.
If you or a close loved one has had Breast or Ovarian cancer please speak with your Doctor about finding out if you are a BRCA Gene carrier. When I was tested I had to go to Yale, now my OBGYN does the testing in their office.
My mother left it up to my sisters and me if we wanted to be tested. I chose to and although the doctors appointments could be annoying the thought that if I were to ever develop this type of cancer it would be early on is reassuring. Take care of your body! Learn more about BRCA Gene Testing Here*
Monday, May 13, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Happy Mother's Day
As a Mother we wear many hats, sometimes it is tough, sometimes it is stressful but MOST of the time it is the most rewarding job you will ever have! Happy Mother's Day to all the great Moms and thanks for all you do!
Happy Mother's Day!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Talk....To Me!
My incision is healing so wonderful on my neck and soon you will not even notice I had my thyroid out and besides my achy body nothing else really changed expect for one thing: MY VOICE!
I lost my high pitch tone, at first it really bothered me. I can not sing and my voice is very hoarse. But luckily
it does get better everyday and my surgeon said in 6-8 weeks it will be back to normal and if not I can do voice therapy.
People I meet for the first time is shocked when I open my mouth. It doesn't fit my image and to be honest I think I sound like Marge Simpson's sister or a person who smoked too much. People who know me say it is very sexy and it even sounds like a phone operator's voice.
Not the type of Operator when you hit the number 0, the other type of operator that you pay to speak with like somone in the song below. So my joke to deal with this temporary change to just tell people if I wanted I could change my profession in a silly, kind of way, ha-ha would never really do it but might as well laugh about it kind of way.
Happy Friday All!
I lost my high pitch tone, at first it really bothered me. I can not sing and my voice is very hoarse. But luckily
it does get better everyday and my surgeon said in 6-8 weeks it will be back to normal and if not I can do voice therapy.
People I meet for the first time is shocked when I open my mouth. It doesn't fit my image and to be honest I think I sound like Marge Simpson's sister or a person who smoked too much. People who know me say it is very sexy and it even sounds like a phone operator's voice.
Not the type of Operator when you hit the number 0, the other type of operator that you pay to speak with like somone in the song below. So my joke to deal with this temporary change to just tell people if I wanted I could change my profession in a silly, kind of way, ha-ha would never really do it but might as well laugh about it kind of way.
Happy Friday All!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Some Days May Be Bad...And That's Ok
I always try to have a positive outlook in life. I used to really believe "Everyday can be a Good day" I even wrote a post about about that but now that I am older and wise my new motto is "Some Days May be Bad and being angry and upset is ok but then learn to look for the Good in your day."
See we all think we are doing something wrong if life doesn't turn out as perfect as we planned. But reality is life is unpredictable. Never in my wildest dreams I thought I would be diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer while pregnant. After I wrote that post "Everyday can be a a Good day" my daughter fell down a flight of stairs. She was less than two years old. I was getting dressed, had a gate up and somehow she pushed on it and all I heard was a crash. She slide down 13 steps while holding on to the gate. I was in shock! I thought to myself I better go delete that post. She turned out fine, thank goodness, but that post was a reminder that yes you will have good days but there are bad days too and you have to learn that is ok.
All we can do is be good people, do good things, turn our bad luck around into good luck. The worst thing you can do is not deal head on with a bad situation because then you will not be allow you to move on.
Recently I woke up with the intentions that Every can be a good day and then my fire alarm went off, my dog had an accident in my dining room, I received a bill in the mail that I should have been billed for and a pen exploded in my draw and all over my hands. I know these are all minor things but when you are home with two little ones and all this happens first think in the morning you think forget coffe I need a drink. BUT THEN I realized 5 weeks prior I had cancer in my body and knowing it was gone made me feel better.
My whole point is people have situations worse than yours and it does not mean you do not have the right to say you had a bad day. BUT deal with your bad day and move forward, move on and try to create better days!
See we all think we are doing something wrong if life doesn't turn out as perfect as we planned. But reality is life is unpredictable. Never in my wildest dreams I thought I would be diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer while pregnant. After I wrote that post "Everyday can be a a Good day" my daughter fell down a flight of stairs. She was less than two years old. I was getting dressed, had a gate up and somehow she pushed on it and all I heard was a crash. She slide down 13 steps while holding on to the gate. I was in shock! I thought to myself I better go delete that post. She turned out fine, thank goodness, but that post was a reminder that yes you will have good days but there are bad days too and you have to learn that is ok.
All we can do is be good people, do good things, turn our bad luck around into good luck. The worst thing you can do is not deal head on with a bad situation because then you will not be allow you to move on.
Recently I woke up with the intentions that Every can be a good day and then my fire alarm went off, my dog had an accident in my dining room, I received a bill in the mail that I should have been billed for and a pen exploded in my draw and all over my hands. I know these are all minor things but when you are home with two little ones and all this happens first think in the morning you think forget coffe I need a drink. BUT THEN I realized 5 weeks prior I had cancer in my body and knowing it was gone made me feel better.
My whole point is people have situations worse than yours and it does not mean you do not have the right to say you had a bad day. BUT deal with your bad day and move forward, move on and try to create better days!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Rabbit Rabbit Rabbit...1st of the Month Has a New Meaning
The 1st of the Month will always be special to me; today marks my 1 month being cancer free and my baby girl turns 2 months old. Happy 1st of the Month!
1 Month Cancer Free, 2 Months old
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