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Sunday, February 10, 2013

The End of the Body Invasion

My follow-up ultrasound located something in the left breast. The doctor said it didn't look serious and I could wait six months to see what happens. Well a lot could happen in six months. It could actually be a form of cancer and begin to spread. It could be nothing but my need to end my love affair with caffeine. Was I willing to risk waiting six months? Nope, I rather find out now.

I had two options, needle biopsy or removal of the small node. Because I didn't want to give up my half marathon training, I elected to have the needle biopsy; less down time. The day of the procedure, I was running late, again. The office staff is so friendly, they make you feel like long time friends. They gave me a pink tote bag as a present.

Time for the procedure and the machine wouldn't work. So they swapped machines from another room. The tech made me feel very comfortable by explaining everything in detail. The needle incision felt like a prick. I also choose not to have the marker left in my breast. Even though it was a just in case we need to go back in precaution, I didn't feel the need. The procedure was over within 15 minutes.

Since I couldn't use left my arm for a couple of hours, I had to drive from Plano to home with my right hand, not an easy task. Once home I called Jo to let her know I made it home. Texted Crystal and thanked her for sharing her knowledge. Then I took a well deserved nap.

About a week later I receive a postcard in the mail indicating the node removed from my right side was benign. I looked down at my breast, I had it removed from the left side. Not to panic or worry, I called the clinic. Once I said my name, the reception responded, I was just about to call you because we sent you the incorrect information. Your card should indicate the left side and we are sending a new card today, please forgive us for any confusion. No confusion on my part.

But anyway, the little body invasion was over, nothing to worry about. But the doctor did insist I come back in 6 months. See I knew here wasn't anything wrong with me.

Fabulously Fit 50th Birthday

This girl was blessed to turn 50 on November 17, 2012. No one really knows how much this age really means to me but God does. The road to this age has been hilly, flat and curvy. I have gained some great wisdom along the way. I have done some stupid things along the way. But whatever direction I went, God always had His hands on me. 

I didn't quite know how I wanted to celebrate this year of life, I just knew I wanted something memorable. I did several mini events and two grand events. I attended the Nappiology Nappy Hour and the Nappiology Expo. Studied for my classes. Took myself to a movie. Family night bowling. Had a private fun night with one of my guy friends. Had brunch with a very good friend. Traveled to Atlanta to spend time with my sister and my dear friend Big Mike. And to top the month off, a birthday party in Omaha with my childhood friend Herb. These events meant so much to me and made the month of November extra special. 

I also made a decision to really not to allow other's negativity effect me. Either you accept me for the Lenora I am or keep it moving. Stuff is not that serious anymore. 

I feel good about me, I love me. I've made a serious commitment to obtain a healthy looking body and heart inside and outside. Changing my eating and increasing my physical activity. Staying positive even when the negative comes my way. Working on my relationship with God because He has been with me before I was formed in my mother's womb.
Me and my take it to the grave friend Jo

My sister Crystal, my cousin Nicky and me

I'm Not That Type of Grandmother

I've been a grandmother for 6-1/2 years. Unlike some grandmothers I know, I'm not the type that wants to spend every waking moment with them. Don't get me wrong, I love both my granddaughters dearly. I get excited when I see them, they cause my heart to leap. As much as I enjoy their visits, I enjoy it as much when they go home. If I were ever put into the position of raising them, I wouldn't hesitate; they are an extension of me. The older one is a little mature, she pretty much can entertain herself. The younger one is so rambunctious, we started calling her Chuckie. Yes, after the movie, not the pizza place. The girl is extremely active.

The summer of 2011, I took them on a 10 day roadtrip. We had so much fun together. The young one was only 2, she may not remember it. But the older one, still talks about. Says it was the best summer ever. Labor Day weekend 2012, I took Chuckie on a roadtrip to Omaha for her 3rd birthday. She sang every song on the radio. She talked about whatever popped in her head. 30 minutes outside of Omaha, she mentally lost it, she started screaming at the top of her lungs. I busted out laughing, which in turn caused her to laugh. I couldn't get mad because she had maintained herself for 11-1/2 hours in a car, strapped in a carseat. While in Omaha, she developed a bond with my mother, her Big Granny.

For Thanksgiving 2012, I had a strong need to take them to Omaha to see their other great-grandmother Mary Holloway. I'm so glad I took them to see her and was able to obtain a photo of them, their great-grandmother passed away almost a month later. They will have the photos to remember her. 

We have Granny/Grands days, which consist of me spending time alone with them together or they each get time alone. We have gone shopping, out to restaurants, to movies, plays, etc. Kid stuff fun.

So I do quality things with, I just don't consume my life with them. I did that with my daughters. So when I say I'm not that type of grandmother, I mean I have instilled enough of me in my daughter that it will evidently one day come out. And as each year passes I see more of me in my daughter, their mother.

The Four Seasons Is More Than A Resort and Spa

Today, February 3, 2013, I participated in my first race of the new year, the Texas Half. This race also marked the end of the Four Seasons Half Marathon Challenge, which is to run a half in all four seasons. Today was the winter race. The winter temp for today's start time was in the high 30s, light jacket, gloves and earmuff. By race end, the temps felt like the high 50s or low 60s; which meant chest cold for me. I, along with some of the other BGR members, had no desire to run this morning. We were all kind of like blah, let's get this over with. My goal was to just finish this darn race. If I could beat my first ever marathon time of 2:47 by one minute, I would be satisfied.

My strategy was to run the first two miles, the warm-up miles, nonstop, then start my 5:1 intervals. I was trying to keep it at a 12 minute mile pace, but when I glanced at my watch, I was running 10:36, I needed to slow down. As I made my way pass the crowd of runners that were either having social conversations or walking, I lost Cheryl and Ve. So I thought to myself I'll slow down after the 2 miles. At the 1.5 loop, I saw Cheryl close behind me, but no Ve. I became a little concerned because Ve had indicated earlier she really did not want to run today. So I said a runner's prayer, please don't let Ve quit. Then I see Ve, she was really taking her time.

Shortly before the 5K turnaround point, Cheryl caught up with me...good. We started on our 5:1 interval. We both told each other we were not feeling this race, so we slowed our pace. By mile 9, I had to use the restroom really bad, but no port-a-pots. I started scanning the bushes, but no good spots. So I told my bladder it was going to have to wait.

Finally, we have the finish line in sight, just in time for our one minute break. All of a sudden we hear, it's about time you two started walking. We turn around, we have picked up a new running partner. This lady said she was using us to get her to the finish line but we wouldn't slow down. We told her to come on let's get this done. Cheryl said she wanted to finish by 2:30; I wanted to finish by 2:46. We finished at 2:38:34, I set an official PR. I was too stiff and tired to do my celebration dance. I received my medals, the Texas Half and the Four Seasons Half Marathon Finisher. I was really proud of myself, I came back from an injury and set a PR.