2005 ROCK-TOBER CHEMO GIRLS

Thanks for your encouragement!

1 more thing about self-tanning: really important to exfoliate before you start! Remove all the dry dead winter skin. A good exfoliant has lots of grainy bits in it to slough it all off! Happy tanning! LOL

Gosh - i dont know enough about anything to talk about it for 3hours ! Well i could but it would be drivle.
You must be a serious contender or they wouldnt be spending that much time on you.

Mother hen is sending out the search party! Where are all the elephants?

Good Evening my Elephant Sisters,

This has been a real wirlwind week, we looked at 2 homes last night and now have bought a beautiful 3 year old 2 storey home in town conditional on selling our home by June 7th. The closing date is July 27th, talking about stress city…something else to think about besides bc for a change.LOL.

Hey Paula, the owners of the home we bought are moving to Australia in July. They have had their home on the market for 79 days and had overpriced it thus no offers until ours as they had dropped the price $20,000 from when it was first listed.

While we were out looking at our new home and at our real estate agent’s putting together our offer an agent called wanting to show our home between 8-9:00 p.m. last night. The real estate agent’s office who wanted to show our house finally reached us at our agent’s office at 7:30 pm. and we indicated that we would like for them to be at our home about 8:15 a.m. as we still had to drive back home to take the dogs out of the house. We finished with our offer and raced back home, got the dogs out, floor swiftered and then sat in the driveway for 45 minutes as it got dark and no one showed up….argh!! We were so pissed….

We talked to our agent at 9:45 p.m. and found that the owners of the home we wanted to buy had accepted our conditional offer but wanted a price change. We finalized everything today conditionally. Our agent said that the agent showing our house did not get confirmation from our agent’s office until 8:30 pm. and it was too late then but they didn’t have the courtesy to call and let us know…

We hope that we will get more showings on the weekend and maybe an offer too!

My dh is out cutting the grass right now, it is so green and looks nice for a change.

Hoping to get a little bit of rest this weekend, body is so tired and I am worn out from lack of sleep and running myself ragged. Even cancelled out on going to my support group retreat which was tonight, so glad I did as I would have not enjoyed it feeling the way I do tonight.

Tracyseattle – I say whatever way you want to wear your hair should be it. OMG an interview with 11 people looking at me I would have heart failure.LOL. The best of luck, as they say “break a leg” sister.

Graycie – my dad is a hockey fan, don’t care much for it…but go Sabres go, hee heeJ

Laura – I am afraid to go to suntan salons now and really watch the sun and my sunscreen. Never tried sunless tanning. You do have a lot of colour though. You go sister, a 39 mile walk. I had read a lot of Janis’ posts she seems like a really cool lady!
Ha, ha love the lighthouse Moma hen!

Victoria – sounds like you had a wonderful trip, cant wait to see the pictures. Welcome back.

Paula – nice to see you back, hope you get released from the hospital soon. It must be a relief to have the surgery behind you now, now to just get that last drain out…

Hello to all my dear sisters….will write this weekend.

Have a super Friday.

Love you all
Michele

Paula!!! Good to hear from you, we were getting worried!

The interview is split up into 3 1 hour sessions - 3 people the 1st hour; 5 people the second hour (the team I would be working with) and then 3 people the last hour.... YIKES! I am so afraid they are going to ask me technical questions that I can't answer!

Then on my way home from work today, I got a call to schedule a phone interivew with Boeing on Monday also!!! Working at Boeing would be awesome because it is really close to home!

OK Elephant Sisters - I need your positive thoughts!!!

I am so glad the weekend is here. Tomorrow is Postal Carrier's food donation day. We are working at the Food Bank to sort the food that they bring in. Then I am a judge for the Miss Aquafest Pageant.

I am just too darn busy these days! I am going to spend my time in Vegas next weekend sleeping!

I hardly know where to begin. First, I have caught up with at least reading all your posts.

Paula, so happy to hear from you and that you’re impressed with your “new puppies.”

Tracy–looks like you’re going to be able to leave that unrewarding job. I have all the confidence in the world you’ll ace the interview and it will be even better if you have two jobs to choose from.

Michele–hooray for finding a house. Keeping my fingers crossed that yours will sell fast!

Cindy–I read that article some time back and was really impressed with the quote. I considered using as mine at the time and now I think I will. Looks like you were able to add an avatar. Looks great. You and your DH seem to be great match in the humor department.

Amy–sure hope you can make it to the get-to-gather in Aug.

Laura–pictures of your second trip to Mexico were not boring.

Deb–hope the thyroid meds are helping your fatigue.

Mary–To color or not to color. My temp. NY color had faded-bit the bullet and did the three color foil thing and am loving it.

Kelly-read the posts you had on the reconstruction site. How is your “lifted” side doing? I’m having lift and reduction on that side as well. Just want to know what to expect.

Mary-Anne–not only a beautiful daughter but bright as well. When is graduation?

Debbie–What day in May is Catherine’s birthday?

Welcome back Victoria. Hope to hear more about your trip.

Now let me tell you about my trip. I had been invited to a wedding of a very special young man who does business with our company. I’ve been to his little town in Alsace (France) several times and he comes to visit us once a year in November. He has had his own business since he was about 15 and he is now about 30.

Last summer, when my cousin Mark and I were in Germany for another cousin’s daughter’s wedding, we took a side trip to Alsace to search some of our own family history. We stopped to visit this young man and went out to dinner with him and his girl friend.

In November when he was visiting he told me he was engaged and that the wedding would be in May. I kidded him and asked if he was inviting me and he said if I would come I would be invited.

So a week ago Wednesday, I flew to Stuttgart, visited with my cousin in Germany a couple days and then drove to Strasbourg for the wedding. I have to say it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The wedding was in the Synagogue de la Paix at noon on Sunday. This was my first Jewish wedding and I don’t know if it was typical or not. I could have used Deb beside me to explain things. The music was incredible–harp, organ, violin and some wind instrument. Beautiful singing. What wasn’t in Hebrew was in French. The flower decorations were hundreds of calla lilies and green grass arrangements. The material on the top of the chupah extended to the very high ceiling and back down the aisle. The four corners were decorated with more calla lilies. The bride wore the most elegant simple dress. Although later we would see it was strapless for the ceremony it included a shoulder wrapped piece that stood up around her face like her own calla lily. She also wore the simplest veil. The one part of the ceremony I recognized when it happened was the breaking of the glass, which was accompanied by shrill screams of the young women in the front.

The wedding was followed by a “lunch” at a resort just out of Strasbourg. I say “lunch” because it should have been called a feast. Two fifty feet long tables with salads. There were whole salmons with cucumber scales and every kind of salad I could possible imagine and more. There was a wall of hot dishes which included chicken kabobs, sausages etc etc. There was a huge round table with a mountain of fresh fruit which was totally devoured in less than an hour. Later this would become the dessert table. Champaign and wine never ran out.
.
We went back to our hotel for the afternoon and then returned to the resort for a sit down dinner for about 250 people. The three course meal started at about 9:00 and dessert was buffet style on the deck at about 1:00 a.m. There was a lot of traditional dancing between courses. At one point the groom’s father invited me to come with him. I thought we were just going get closer to the action but then he pushed through the crowd and I found myself dancing with him and the bride. What fun!! We were also treated to fireworks and after the main course the violinist from the band played selections from Fiddler on the Roof at various tables. I could go on in greater detail but will post some pictures when I get them. (Long story about my ever-elusive camera, which was missing at the wedding.)

Got back to the hotel at 2:00 in the morning and left for Stuttgart at 5:00 a.m. for the flights home.

Stayed in Fargo Monday night, had my quarterly check up with my onc. Potassium is a little low. Had cholesterol and thyroid checked. Cholesterol is borderline. Thyroid o.k. Have lost 10 and 1/2 lbs since last check up. I’m feeling really good.


Enough about me. Hope you all are having a wonderful weekend.

I am tired and am going to bed but just wanted to comment...Cathy..that was one heck of a wedding! Sounds amazing. One thing I'd love to do is go to a synagogue in Europe. I found a synagogue (orthodox) in Barcelona when I was there..a beautiful synagogue but it wasn't at a time when there were services. I'd love to see a service and hear the mixture of Hebrew with Spanish or French. Of course, in the States it's Hebrew with English but that's not special! In Israel it is of course just Hebrew! I would find it fascinating to hear the other language mixed in.

Sounds like a wonderful trip.

I gotta go to bed..am really beat.
G'nite y'all.

Graycie -
Thanks! I thought for a change, I'd show a pic of me and the dh instead of being solo!

Cathy -
Wow! YOU REALLY ARE THE WORLDLY ONE! I nicknamed you very appropriately! You really get around...good for you!

ravdeb -
Unfortunately, it does come off in chlor. water. So, in Feb. at Mexico, I just reapplied it when I got out of the pool. But when I was in Mexico for the second trip, I had established a base tan, so I just applied it after my shower in the evening. Diligence...is everything!

Brenda -
Hi to my little Asian sister!

Where's KELLY?

I think TaDah is island hopping in the Virgin Islands. TaDah - I hope you're having fun!

-------------------------

I worked by butt off today in my gardens. Living in a forest is not easy! Lots of work...never ending...Hope you're all having a great weekend. I think the world of you!

Oh...my friend Barb who lives across the road just called me. She invited dh and I to come over, jump in the hot tub (it's in her yard) sip martinis, etc! Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...I think I've earned the right to indulge! C-Ya!

Okay..so I need to get out in the sun and tan a bit so that when I jump into the pool..not sure when that will be, people won't think a ghost has emerged afterwards! Too funny. My daughter noted my tan legs yesterday. I wore my skirt despite the bruise marks I have. When this bruise goes away I'll have others. I need to just live with them.

Tracy..that sounded like a decent pageant. I'm also not too into pageants. On the one hand..I love seeing beautiful young women and wishing I was built like them! On the other hand..I don't like the emphasis on what is on the outside. Some of us were not handed such great wrappings but what is on the inside can be a true gift. I'm glad that you were judging both. I agree..poise and public speaking are wonderful assets for a young woman. Makes sense.

I had an amazing day yesterday and as I go over it in my mind...I now understand why I did it. I was part of a group of 8 women who did a group Bat Mitvah. I had one when I was 13. Did I tell this story already? At any rate, several friends yesterday asked me why I was doing it again. One of the reasons was that it was special because it was in our synagogue in Israel and I wanted to be a part of this group of women as I'm very much a feminist within our synagogue (not necessarily in the rest of the world but within my religion..and I have reasons and sources to back me up). But more than that..I felt like it was a renewal since my diagnosis. That I was given a second chance at life and this was a way of showing that to myself spiritually. So, it was really nice.

I frowned when they asked that we each wear a white shirt. I didn't really like that idea but when I arrived and we were each wearing white..it gave a special festive feeling and bonded us as a group as we began the ceremony.

There were many other things that we did as it was part of a celebration for our synagogue's 10 anniversary. It was, all in all, a wonderful day and I'm so glad I took part in it in this manner.

It energized me. I mean..I was zonked when I got home and woke up with my usual headache and tiredness, but I feel more energized today despite that. The fatigue is still there but my mind is feeling less foggy.

My favorite cantor who was our part time cantor a couple of years ago, was there and sang a melody that she wrote to a familiar prayer. She is absolutely amazing and I miss her. She may be coming back to help us out this coming year as our rabbi is leaving. I am soooooooo excited when I see her. She is about my age and hasn't left hippy mode! She is an amazing musician who plays unusual instruments from the baroque era with a voice to match. She herself sounds like flute at times.

Okay..enough of this. Just thought I'd share my evening with you all.

Have a good day.

Happy Mother's day to all you Mom's. I hope everyone is enjoying your day. I spent the day at my mother-in-law's and it was very nice. Since it was a nice day we spent the day outside. She lives in the wood's so not much sun get's through the tree's so I am still tanless......lol

Ravdeb, So glad you had such a nice time yesterday. I think you needed that to take your mind off of things.

Amy you are so lucky you can go to the beach.

Hug's to everyone,
Graycie/Gail

Her's an article on Self-tanner's, pretty much what Laura said.

Steps to a Perfect Sunless Glow

Let's face it: relying on the sun for that bronzed beauty look is not only an impractical time waster, but also very unhealthy. Did you know that melanoma, the deadliest of skin cancers, is the No. 1 cause of cancer deaths for women in their 20s?

Tanning in the sun may be a big no-no, but don't worry about not being able to attain that sun-kissed look. Thousands of affordable and effective sunless tanning products are available for you to spread or spray onto your skin.

Which type to choose? Oftentimes the decision is based upon personal preference. Various types of tanners and their ingredients affect each individual's skin differently. What remains a constant, however, is the preparation routine one should follow each and every time she gets ready to self-tan.

To minimize streaking and for the most natural look, check out the below steps to a perfect sunless glow.

1. Exfoliate
Since self-tanner is a solution, it adheres only to the outer layer of your skin. Without exfoliation, that layer might be full of patches of dead skin, causing an uneven tan. To prevent streaks, use a body scrub or a loofah all over your body to remove the dead skin.

2. Shave
Shaving is strictly an AFTER exfoliation step (doing so before will cause irritation), but it helps to remove more dead skin, and it creates a silky smooth surface to tan.

3. Moisturize
Towel dry and apply a moisturizing lotion or gel. Smooth, hydrated skin helps the solution spread more easily.

4. Apply
After reading the directions to make sure that your choice of solution doesn't have any special application instructions, spread the cream or spray in an even, continuous motion, starting from your feet and working your way up your body. Why start from the bottom? To avoid stomach creases in your tan from bending over! Using a cloth or wearing plastic gloves while tanning might seem to slow down the process, but they are useful in helping to avoid the dreaded "tan hands." Also, if you're close enough, tanning with a friend is always helpful, in a "you tan my back, I'll tan yours" kind of way.

5. Detail
Afterward, take a cotton swab and touch up areas where extra solution may have caked up, such as your ankles, knees and elbows. If you didn't use gloves, wash your palms and use a cotton swab to make sure your fingernails are free of tanning lotion.

6. Wait
Often the most difficult step, being patient until the solution has completely set into your skin is crucial when trying to obtain an even, lasting tan. Not waiting long enough will not only ruin your tan, but your clothing may also suffer. To speed up the process, blast your skin with a blow dryer set to cool.

7. Tweak
Color turned out too dark? Exfoliate often, and your tan will soon fade. Not dark enough? Apply another even layer. Still not satisfied? Try a different product next time. Every company has its own formula, and you might find that some work better than others on your body.

Brenda, What a nice picture......Your hair look's wonderful and so do you. Your boy's are so cute. They look just like Mom.

Thanks, Graycie.

Nice picture, Amy. Thanks for sharing.

Amy & Brenda - Love the pictures!

MaryAnne - Amy might be sharing our room if she decides to come. Maybe V wants to join us too??

We had a good Mother's day today. Dave & I picked Mom up and took her to the Farmers Market. Then we did a little shopping and went to her house where my son & Dave grilled dinner for us - we had: Salmon, Pork Roast, Portabella Mushrooms (all on the grill) then asparagus and salad. Berry pie for dessert! YUM!!!

Now I am home, getting my interview clothes ready, completing the job application and studying up about some of the tools that they use so that I can appear half way intelligent about them..... I am getting nervous - PRAYERS AND POSITIVE THOUGHTS PLEASE!!!! It feels good to know my Elephant sisters will be gathered around me.....

Hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day! Love you all!

Good Morning Dear Sisters,

It was a busy weekend, usual everyday stuff and then we wallpapered our ugly office walls. Started at 3:00 pm. on Saturday, worked on it for 5 hours and then continued after I got home from Mom’s yesterday, dh took over after he got home from work as he saw how frustrated I was getting.

Happy Belated Mother’s Day to all the moms out there, hope you had a special day. I went to my Mom’s and we ordered Greek food for dinner..yummy!

We have another showing tonight from 8-9:00 pm., this was booked on Saturday afternoon so it must be some serious buyers. Fingers crossed….

I have my Zoladex injection this morning and will ask my oncologist about the pros and cons of chemical versus ovary removal.

This upcoming weekend is a long weekend, Monday being the holiday. It is official trailer opening weekend as well. My dh and is brother are leaving on Friday to go to the trailer and put in a fence on our back part to keep the pups in. I have decided to stay home and watch the dogs and my older sister is coming to spend a few days with me.

I am starting to love my curly hair as it is getting longer, as long as it is pinned back it is not so wild and really good conditioner/hair wax do wonders.

Tracyseattle – all the luck in the world –ace your interview and blow that room full of people away. I bet you will be telling us in a few days that you got the job!

Laura – I am looking forward to that calgon bath, could have used some last night when I snapped at my dh as he was trying to tell me how to hang the wallpaper. I said stop criticizing me since I have done ¾ of the room on my own and was doing just fine. He then took over the wallpapering duties. God I felt like crap after saying that but the stress level was building up knowing that we have another showing tonight and are so hoping for a buyer before our conditional offer expires on June 7th on the other home. Seriously though my dh didn’t deserve it and I told him so…..he had worked the whole weekend day shift, up at 4:30 a.m. each morning and 12 hour shifts. Me being the fix it all women decided to start wallpapering this room at 3:00 pm on Saturday---had I known it was going to take so much time—wouldn’t have done it.

Love your new avtar – you look great!

Did you get all your landscaping done? A country property is a lot of work, we have done it for the past 14 years and have had our “share” of it and are ready to pass it onto someone else.

Debbie – I cant believe you were allowed to stay in the hospital for your surgery for so long. Here it is an outpatient surgery and they send you home with the drain and have a VON nurse come in everyday to change the dressing and make sure no infection as set in.

Your day yesterday sounds amazing!

Cathy – you should post a picture of your new hair colour, sounds great. Foils are quite expensive here and I have so much hair…they charge by the number of foils. The wedding in France sounded like a lot of fun. You live up to your name of “worldly one”.
Congrats on the 10 pound weight loss! Are you still walking every day?

Gracyie – normally you are given 2 weeks on a conditional offer when it is the sale of your home---we got 4 weeks. We do know that the house had been on the market for 79 days so the owners are a little frustrated not having any offers but they priced it too high to start off with as it is a beautiful home. We just happened to go and look at it the day that they dropped it an additional $10,000. They are moving to Australia and have bought another home there. I have a good feeling that we will sell ours in time otherwise we will be one sad couple as we cant afford to pay for two homes and will have to back out of the deal if that happens….

Amy – I love pancakes especially banana ones. Hope you and your mom enjoyed the day! Love the picture of you and your best friends.

Brenda – what a wonderful picture of you and your boys! Your hair is getting long…

Maryanne – yummy cheese fondues and red wine—a woman after my own heart. It must be nice to be able to escape to the cottage on the weekends…so peaceful. I cant wait to get up to our trailer this season. I will try and see if I can post some pictures of our new home but probably wont be until Tuesday night as I have physio and we have a showing tonight.

Victoria – love the Hawaii pictures.

Hello to all my sisters and anyone that I may have missed after all it is 4:30 am. in the morning.

Love you all
Michele