I'll never capitalize cancer

I have alot going on in my life, more than just cancer and chemo. Sure it's a big part of my life right now, but it's not the most important part of my life. You will never see me spell it with a capital "c".

I'm a Wife and Mom. I love my Family. I have good Friends. We do fun stuff and dumb stuff and sometimes we argue and then we laugh again. We go to work and to the grocery store and we go swimming and have birthday parties and get ready for the first day of school.

I keep saying that I don't want ovarian cancer to define me, but sometimes I just can't help it.

A good friend put it this way for me "cancer may be defining your life for the moment, but it is not your entire life. You seem to just make time for it." That made me feel better.

If you want to see it from the beginning, my cancer story begins in March.

The rest of my story is happening now.

Friday, August 29, 2008

ABC's of Back to School

I have been half heartedly preparing for a possible Hurricane evacuation. I looked through the pantry to see what we should eat now in case we lose power and refrigeration; and what kind of snacks we would need for a road trip. I suppose if we absolutely have to, we could survive on Meal Replacement Shakes, Spark, Muscle Gain, ReHydrate - Just add water. Throw in some Snack Bars and Fruit & Vegetable Formula and we're good to go!

This also got me thinking about having to pack lunches for school again. Of course, my daughter only has school a couple of times a week, but still, I want to be sure she gets the good stuff - and LIKES it!

Maybe I am overthinking it, but I remember when I was in school and sometimes my tummy would get all rumbly, or I would get sleepy or cranky and just not be able to pay attention.

Sure, I have a few ideas, but I also want variety. A couple of my listed Blog favorites have some great recipes.

Recently, our friends at Advocare have written some great articles relevant to Kids and Back-to-School. They can be found on SupplementalScience.com. Here is one that offers some guidelines for helping Kids make healthy choices.

As our long, hot summer draws to a close; it’s time to start making those plans for back to school. Today, we would like to make available Dr. Lisa Hark’s advice on the ABC’s of back-to-school nutrition for parents and children. “Learning to enjoy nutritious foods and be physically active in fun ways are life lessons that parents can teach their children to help them develop healthy habits they will carry through their school years and on into adulthood,” Lisa advises.

  • ACTIVITY is essential to staying healthy
Limit TV and video game time to less than 2 hours a day. Studies show that the more children are exposed to TV ads for junk food and sweetened drinks, the more likely they are to consume large amounts of unhealthy food.
Work in at least one hour of activity every day. Children spend most of the school day sitting, so get them outside for some play time after school. To get moving, choose activities like baseball, frisbee, jump rope, dancing, hula-hoop, and tag.
Use weekends for active family bonding outings. Hiking, biking, walking, and sports all count, so get out, get moving, and have some fun!

  • BALANCE your meals throughout the day

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Some healthy choices to start the day off on the right foot are low-sugar cereal with 1% low-fat milk and fruit, or whole grain waffles with low-sugar syrup and a small glass of orange juice, or one slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and jelly and a glass of 1% low-fat milk.
Don’t rely on school lunch options. Pack a healthy lunch at least 3 times a week. Healthy choices include whole wheat bread or a small whole grain wrap with turkey, ham or tuna salad, low-fat yogurt, fruit, and a water bottle.
After school is a great time to get children to eat their vegetables because they are so hungry. Try baby carrots, cut up cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes, or celery with low-fat ranch or French dressing. You will be surprised at what they eat!
Everyone is busy at the end of the day, but it is important to plan ahead and prepare a healthy dinner at least 3 times a week. Include fresh vegetables and salads, lean meats such as poultry or seafood, and whole grains such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta. Skip the soda and juice and serve either water or 1% low-fat milk every night.
A healthy meal and time with the family is a great way to end the day, teach children about socialization, and catch up on the day’s activities!

  • COOK and shop with your children

Create a healthy shopping list with your children at home before going to the market. Before you leave, help children understand that, “If it’s not on the list, we’re not buying it.” Remember that it is okay to take control and say no to your children, especially when it comes to junk food and sweets. You are the boss.
Make shopping a fun and educational outing. Use the produce section to teach young children about colors, shapes, and expand their vocabulary of fruits and vegetables. They will be more likely to try new fruits and vegetables when you get home.
Get children involved in safely preparing healthy foods such as vegetables for salads, scrambled eggs, turkey burgers, and smoothies. Children will be excited to eat what they’ve made and proud to share with others, as well!

“Children and teenagers are experiencing medical complications, such as high blood sugar levels, diabetes, and high blood pressure at alarming rates due to sedentary lifestyles and consuming too many calories,” says Hark. “By setting a good example, providing healthy foods in as many settings as possible and being active with their children, parents can play a huge role in improving their children’s health now and in the future.

Follow the ABC’s for a wonderful 2007-2008 school year.

Dr. Hark, PhD, RD, is Director of the Nutrition Education Program at the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine, hosted TLC’s show “Honey, We’re Killing the Kids”. PENN Medicine consists of the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine (founded in 1765 as the nation’s first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Just for Fun

When you just have absolutely nothing better to do, check out these Bears and move your cursor over them.

Another Amazing Weekend!

Do you know about the AdvoBus?

It's a HUGE Rock Star bus filled with sample products and ice cold, free flowing Spark! Great Marketing and just alot of FUN.

Well, this rolling Advocare sign and on board party is in Houston this weekend and will be travelling east down Interstate 10.

Look for the AdvoBus in Humble, Clear Lake, Houston Memorial, Beaumont, Lake Charles, Lafayette, New Orleans, Spanish Fort AL, and Pensacola. Then back along Interstate 20 to Monroe LA and Shreveport before heading to Dallas.

Oh yeah, Hurricane Gustov also is heading toward Interstate 10. I will keep you posted if any of the events are cancelled.

Never a dull moment around here!

Monday, August 25, 2008

An Amazing Weekend

Amazing in how the adventure continues!

Friday afternoon I got a call from my Agent asking if I could work in Dallas Saturday. Sure - car's fixed, new tires & ball joint, pick up a few things at the Advocare warehouse, stay at Mom's (I'll pick up the phone charger I left last weekend), quick trip back to IKEA (without my little distraction) - a one day turn around. No problem.

I packed a little suitcase and just enough
MNS Max Energy, Spark, Meal Replacement Shakes and Muscle Gain to get me through the weekend.

I left early Saturday so I had enough time to stop at the outlet mall in Corsicana. I got a bagful at the Russell Stover Chocolate Outlet, and a few things at the Vanity Fair Outlet.

I was called in to work an event Saturday evening at the North Texas State Fair in Denton. Tradeshows and festivals are so interesting. Of course it's always fun to people watch.

But, the types of people you meet as a Vendor, other Vendors, are facinating. Entrepreneural free spirits. You get to know them really well for a few hours and then you may or may not ever see them again. Everyone has a great story.

A little storm blew in, but it was a nice event. Lots of Cowboy boots.

Sunday morning, breakfast with Mom then off for a brief run through IKEA and then I am back in Beaumont by 10PM.

On my way to IKEA, I made a quick stop and when I got ready to leave, my car would not start. OK - not a problem. Called my dear level headed lives close by friend Barbara to come rescue me.

After a few hours in the hot sun, some rusted lug nuts and a new battery, we realized it probably was the starter. So we had it towed to a mechanic who could get to it first thing Monday morning.

Here is what makes it "amazing":

  • The reason I pulled over was to take a picture of a billboard that featured a huge head that I recognized as my friend Sean McGraw. Really - it freaked me out a bit & then I laughed out loud.
  • I got more offers to help after I put the hood down.
  • I was able to answer all of the questions about my car that the guy at Auto Zone asked me.
  • I had tools, Barbara brought more.
  • My battery is behind the left front tire. Us 2 girls could have done it by ourselves except that the lugnuts were rusted and we just needed more power.
  • I actually got a wrecker on a Sunday evening within an hour of calling him. If you need a tow in Dallas call London & Sons Towing 972-889-2908.

OK - it's all fine, I can handle this. Then, Monday morning we find out:

  • The mechanic is closed because a family member was either having a baby or a liver transplant.
So, I am delayed another day.

Thank goodness for cel phones, laptops and finding a good wireless connection.

I really miss my Husband & my Daughter.

And thanks to my family and good friends like Barbara who don't sweat even the medium sized stuff. As well as her network of strong arms and good mechanics, and her freezer full of organic meat and veggies, and a pantry filled with Advocare products. I chugged a Rehydrate first thing when we got in.

Now, I'll drink another Spark, and take advantage of some uninterrupted time to do a little business.

Or maybe I'll just continue sitting here in my pajamas eating chocolate Santas, watching daytime TV and web surfing!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Webinar

Thursday Aug 21
900P EST, 800P CST, 700P MST, 600P PST

Thanks again to our friends in Florida who do such a great job of sharing their strories about Advocare. Hear how the products and the opportunity have changed lives.

BeADifferenceMaker.com: Upcoming Events

Even if you don't have a computer, dial in for the audio.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Things I learned about myself while visiting my Family

I made a trip to Dallas this past weekend to visit my family. Some things I already knew. Like, that I don't leave on time for trips. Actually, I am pretty much late for everything. I know it, I think everyone who knows me knows it. We usually plan on it. I planned on leaving Beaumont at 9AM and if I got out by Noon I would be happy.

At 1030AM I headed out. Made it about a block down the road and heard a terrible noise. A flat? I just got 2 new tires! But the tire looked fine except that it was kinda splayed out. Hmm, maybe I lost some lugnuts. So I called Joe at Joe's Tires on College and he came out to check on it (one of the benefits of living in a small town). Nope - Everything's fine. Except for the busted ball joint.

So much for getting out of town by Noon.

Thanks to Two Amigos my car would be fixed, but it wouldn't be till the next day - they had to order the part. So we layed around the pool until Brian got off work & I took his car to Dallas.

Here's what I learned:
I prefer driving at night. I really like to be around my Family and familiar things. That includes the Downtown Dallas skyline. I've gotten used to driving 65 MPH, especially since I see how much gas I save. I'd like to learn more about Asian cooking so that I could make sense of the Oriental Grocery store. I don't have as much patience as I used to have. But I still can be flexible. I wish I was a better photographer. I miss not having a good wireless internet connection. It is impossible for me to go to IKEA just to look at one specific item and leave without buying anything.



There may be a few other things that I learned, but I probably should keep them to myself.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Phone Mixer

Wednesday, August 13
903P EST, 803P CST, 703 P MST, 603 P PST

616-597-8000 pin 256873#


Phone Mixer

Learn more about the products, the business and the company....this call is perfect for you and your new prospects.

Monday, August 11, 2008

Tonight's Conference Calls

OK now, grab your phone and get ready for exciting information on these conference calls tonight. This will totally be worth your time.

At 800 PM CST we have the Rookie Bonus Earner call. Hear some great information, motivating stories and find out which 7 hardworking Rookie Advisors will receive Fed Ex packages Tues morning with a check for their share of $20,000 in bonus money.

Call into the Listen Only line 866-427-1344.

The replay begins at 900 PM CST on 866-477-3865 and is available for 24 hours.

Then at 1100 PM CST, listen to Diane & Danny McDaniel wrap up an exciting weekend with their Post Success School Webinar & Call and 90 Day Plan of Action to Achieve your Goals!
Space is limited. Click here to reserve your spot!
Audio Only:
712-580-1100
Passcode: 494889

Learn about fantastic new incentive that began Aug 6. An all expense paid trip to Peter Island Resort in the British Virgin IslandsGet an update to the Cozymel Cruise Standings.

And get valuable training from Wayne Johnson on your 90 day plan of action and how you find yourself in the Virgin Islands in May.


Post Success School Conference Call

Monday, August 11
930 pm EST, 830 pm CST, 730 pm MST, 630 pm PST
641-715-3840 pincode 320037#

Find out what happened this weekend at Advocare Success School in Dallas.

Post Success School Call

Join us for our post success school recap call...and hear all of the exciting updates (new products, new incentives, etc.)

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Newest Product




OK - now that I have a signal, I can post something about the exciting new product that was introduced this weekend at Success School.

MNS Max 3

Just click the above to find out more. Meantime, I will finishing off a Spark, unpacking, and then I'll get back online to fill you in on all the details.

Oh yeah - I gotta get ready for a Monday morning event. Nederland ISD Back to School Health & Wellness forum.

This may require another Spark!

This Weekend

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Seasonal Support

This months product spotlight is on Seasonal Support.

Boost immune protection for the best defense against occasional upper respiratory challenges*

What is Seasonal Support?
Seasonal Support is a natural formula containing a potent mixture of nutrients and herbal extracts designed to help support immune function.* This powerful formula equips you with an arsenal to defend your body against many environmental stressors.*

Why Seasonal Support?
As the seasons change, so do our bodies, and there’s no better time to increase your immunity than during times when our bodies will experience such environmental stressors as climate change. Seasonal Support includes echinacea, goldenseal, zinc, and other adaptogens to help you cope with these environmental stressors.*

Who needs Seasonal Support?
• Anyone wanting to respond to occasional upper respiratory challenges
• People looking to boost their immune protection
• Anyone who prefers to be proactive about their health and wellness

What are the benefits?
• Helps support immune function*
• Contains herbal blend of echinacea and goldenseal extracts*
• Enhances immune response*
• Contains amino acids that support the body’s immune response*

Monday, August 4, 2008

Hurricane Edouard

A nice little Hurricane is always good to clean things up. Blow out the dead leaves and junk and then wash it all away.

I have straightened up my patio and swept the porch and all of the bicycles and plants are secured. Other than that, there really isn't much else to do except watch the Weather Channel for major changes.

Brian is in Galveston covering the story. Of course he has his Spark and Rehydrate, some ThermoPlus and a few Snack Bars.


I kinda envy him. It's an exciting News story. You get the facts with the weather and tracking coordinates. And then there is the personal aspect, how are people feeling and reacting?

Since my days living in the Pacific Islands, I always have thought these big storms are pretty awesome. On Guam we would meet in an old WW2 quanset hut with Civil Defense, First Responders, Government PIO's and other Media outlets. Thinking about it again, it's difficult to describe the buzz and intense calm of so many capable people coming together to make sure that everyone is safe and informed.

I have been in Super Typhoons with winds 180 to 200 mph. I actually have seen pane glass windows bend with the wind. The day before is just so exciting and you can feel it when the barometer drops. Everyone getting things in order, and then just waiting and watching for the storm to come in. Most would watch from the beach, with a big BBQ. I mean, you know the power is going to go out so you have to cook up everything in the fridge and drink all the beer before it gets warm. Then you stand at the shore and watch the surf and try to fall into the wind and take crazy pictures of your clothes and your hair blowing all over the place.

It's a bit different for me now, I have another little person that I'm responsible for. She knows that the storm is coming into Galveston and that is where her Daddy is, but he's OK and he won't get blown away because he takes his vitamins everyday and it makes him strong. And we can see him when he updates tonight and during Good Morning SE Texas.


By the way, I am aware that storms are not all fun and games. I have seen and been affected by some incredible devastation. Be prepared, be safe and then be Wow'd by the power of Mother Nature.