But, for now, we're doing an "Ally update"...
She is home and it feels great to have her here. Now, if we can just stop staring at her and jumping every time she moves...
She had a good night and is breathing fine. We have to watch the breathing-if it gets labored (like it was when we took her in originally) then we need to get to Dr. B directly. We know the signs and will watch for them.
You'll see Ally around the Big J starting tomorrow. She'll come to work with A from 11-5 or so..then Mr. P&P will pick her up. We'll have her corralled in the babyroom so both bathrooms can still be used by all of you. Make sure you stop and say HI to her...she's very friendly and calm. Some of you have already met her-now the rest of you will! We can leave her alone, but we'd rather err on the safe side.
Your prayers and positive thoughts (and cookies, thanks Beth F) mean the world to us. We are usually the ones doing the praying and supporting and you just never know how much you are loved until you face something tough, like cancer. We want to say THANK YOU but it doesn't seem like enough. Just know that we deeply, totally appreciate all of it and ask that you keep it coming as we continue our fight.
Treatments are 1x per week, so we'll head to Tufts again each week for them. We're not sure yet if she'll be staying overnight or if it's a dropoff in the AM and pick up in the PM type thing.
For now, we're enjoying snuggling with her, listening to her funny noises and just being happy to have her around.
It's funny how life comes right into focus instantly when you face a challenge like this. So, let's all just enjoy the moment we're in on a lazy Sunday in June!
See you all in class!
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Friday, June 27, 2008
Update
Ladies,
It's been a roller coaster week and we know we owe folks an update.
Ally should have her first treatment today. Yesterday was a good day with her off oxygen all afternoon and getting stronger. So long as that is still happening this morning, we should be on track. Our hope? To bring her home this weekend.
As every family knows, cancer is a roller coaster and each day can bring something up or down. We are learning to live 'in the moment' and keep hope and faith alive along the way.
Our vet, Dr. B is THE BEST and advised us this treatment won't cure, but will give a good quality of life and that's what we want for Ally. We hope to have her with us as long as we possibly can and we will do everything we can to make that happen.
So far, so good.
We appreciate everyone's continued prayers and positive energy as we really begin the fight against cancer. Tufts is an amazing place so, if you are so inclined, please consider giving a $1 to the Cummins Animal Hospital at Tufts. Even $1 can help all the wonderful animals Ally has met while she has been there.
And, should you have a 'four legged baby' of your own-give him/her a huge hug and should you need medical care for them; if it's 'regular' medical stuff please ask us about Dr. B and if it's major...do not pass GO, get yourself and your baby directly to Tufts in N. Grafton MA.
Thank you all for the emails, posts and kindness to us. We won't make it through without all of you. We knew we (and Ally) were loved, but we are truly humbled by how much.
Thank you all!
It's been a roller coaster week and we know we owe folks an update.
Ally should have her first treatment today. Yesterday was a good day with her off oxygen all afternoon and getting stronger. So long as that is still happening this morning, we should be on track. Our hope? To bring her home this weekend.
As every family knows, cancer is a roller coaster and each day can bring something up or down. We are learning to live 'in the moment' and keep hope and faith alive along the way.
Our vet, Dr. B is THE BEST and advised us this treatment won't cure, but will give a good quality of life and that's what we want for Ally. We hope to have her with us as long as we possibly can and we will do everything we can to make that happen.
So far, so good.
We appreciate everyone's continued prayers and positive energy as we really begin the fight against cancer. Tufts is an amazing place so, if you are so inclined, please consider giving a $1 to the Cummins Animal Hospital at Tufts. Even $1 can help all the wonderful animals Ally has met while she has been there.
And, should you have a 'four legged baby' of your own-give him/her a huge hug and should you need medical care for them; if it's 'regular' medical stuff please ask us about Dr. B and if it's major...do not pass GO, get yourself and your baby directly to Tufts in N. Grafton MA.
Thank you all for the emails, posts and kindness to us. We won't make it through without all of you. We knew we (and Ally) were loved, but we are truly humbled by how much.
Thank you all!
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Prayers needed
Ladies,
We are asking for prayers for our puppy (baby), Ally. She is in the hospital with an initial diagnosis of cancer. We are awaiting the biopsy to see what treatments are available to us.
Ally is the light of our lives and we love her very much.
We are simply asking that you send positive vibes and energy to her as she begins her fight.
Thank you so much.
We are asking for prayers for our puppy (baby), Ally. She is in the hospital with an initial diagnosis of cancer. We are awaiting the biopsy to see what treatments are available to us.
Ally is the light of our lives and we love her very much.
We are simply asking that you send positive vibes and energy to her as she begins her fight.
Thank you so much.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
J on the CBS Early show link
Hi Everyone,
Here's the link for our CBS Early Show appearance from Friday 6/13. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVpFXMC7qeo
Here's the link for our CBS Early Show appearance from Friday 6/13. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVpFXMC7qeo
HeartWalk Kickoff event!
Hi Everyone,
Today's HeartWalk Kickoff event went really well-about 50+ people gathered on the steps of Lowell City Hall to 'START' and walk one mile to let folks know about the upcoming Merrimack Valley HeartWalk on Saturday, 10/4/08!
As you know, we do the warmup for the big event and we wanted to be at today's event to help promote something very close to our (pardon the pun) hearts!
Thanks to Jess, Kristen and Maripat (and Alex), Tina and her 2 cuties, Jackie and Susan for all showing up to support not only the AHA but the big J!
Check our your local TV listings for 'Dacey's Divas'. Dacey was there and interviewed me and Jackie!
And, if you couldn't be there today-plan to join us October 4, on the riverfront for a FUN event with plenty of giveaways, the warmup, the walk and let's all work to RID the world of the #1 killer of women-heart disease!
See you all in class!
Today's HeartWalk Kickoff event went really well-about 50+ people gathered on the steps of Lowell City Hall to 'START' and walk one mile to let folks know about the upcoming Merrimack Valley HeartWalk on Saturday, 10/4/08!
As you know, we do the warmup for the big event and we wanted to be at today's event to help promote something very close to our (pardon the pun) hearts!
Thanks to Jess, Kristen and Maripat (and Alex), Tina and her 2 cuties, Jackie and Susan for all showing up to support not only the AHA but the big J!
Check our your local TV listings for 'Dacey's Divas'. Dacey was there and interviewed me and Jackie!
And, if you couldn't be there today-plan to join us October 4, on the riverfront for a FUN event with plenty of giveaways, the warmup, the walk and let's all work to RID the world of the #1 killer of women-heart disease!
See you all in class!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Happy Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to all the dads-Mista, Mr. P&P...and all the Moms that are both Mom and Dad.
Both Mr. P&P and I have lost our Dads and I didn't get to know his (he passed before I met my husband). But, I wanted to take a few moments to tell you a bit about my Dad-RSB, Sr.
Many times in class I've told you that my Dad died, at age 47, of heart disease. I've told you he smoked like a chimney and probably had high blood pressure and cholestrol...but I haven't told you about *him*.
My Dad looked really tough, in fact, just prior to his passing, he sported a Foo Man Choo (not sure if the spelling is right) mustache. But, he was a marshmallow inside (this is where I get my personality). They called him 'Sargeant' (you know, like you all call me). He played chess, was smart as a whip and was funny. Really funny. Oh and he wrote poetry...he'd probably hate me to post THAT on the internet!
Years ago (in the 70's) he told us, "One day kids, you'll hold a computer in your hand. Everyone will have one in their house, in their car...you'll see." We kids thought he was a nut ball. Back then, computers were the size of entire rooms and there was no internet, home computer or cell phone. Well, he was right of course. I'm typing this on my laptop but I could easily be doing it on my Blackberry. Chalk another prediction up to my Dad. He made many-mostly about computers, which was his business.
In High School, I worked at Mickey D's in the drive-thru. I worked the closing shift Fri and Sat nights because I was really organized, fast and, well, anal about getting things done right. (Yeah, well, that really hasn't changed I guess!) Anyway, even though I got my driver's license at 13 (yes, in MT that's when you get your real license-not just your permit) and drove myself to work, he'd come around 10pm each Friday and Saturday night and sit in the dining room while I finished working until 11pm. (That was when Mickey D's restaurants actually closed-they are now mostly open 24 hours!) Anyway, he'd sit there, drinking his coffee and keeping an eye on me. Then, he'd wait until we were done closing and follow me home (my parents were divorced so he didn't live with us), making sure I was safe. It might sound odd, but I always thought it was so sweet. He trusted me, don't get me wrong, he just didn't trust other drivers on the road around his baby!
One night when I was working the DT (that's fast food slang for Drive Thru)...I went to slide open the window (they were BIG windows back then-now they're tiny) and whomever was in the car threw some liquid on me. I screamed (it startled me and I didn't know if it was water or acid or what) and my Dad flew out of his seat to catch the car's license plate (and to try and, ahem, 'talk' to the kid). He got the plate but (thank God) didn't catch up with the driver. And, it was water-but it could certainly have been something else...and dangerous. But, my Dad was there and I was ok so all was well. He was always there protecting me and I always felt safe-just like any child should when Daddy is around.
Only a year or so later my Dad was gone. It happened so fast and, even 28 years later it's hard to believe. One other thing he always told us is that once he went to heaven, he'd visit us as a dragonfly or bird or something, just to be around us and we should look for those signs...whether you believe or not...I do. I see dragonflys that follow me around and really BIG ones, huge in fact. Just like my Dad's huge personality. So, I believe that's for sure.
And today? Well, I have a wisteria bush. It's a beautiful vine that produces purple clustered flowers that look like grape clusters. It smells great and we had a huge one in our SB CA backyard where I grew up. I loved it. I played under it growing up and my bedroom now has those colors. My husband bought me a wisteria bush for my 40th birthday and we keep waiting for it to bloom. It's been 4 years and nothing. The first year we had it the winter was really bad, so it could be a factor-according to the landscaper. So, every Spring I look and wait for blooms. I keep wishing for a wisteria like the one I had growing up.
Well, today is Father's Day and when I took the dog out for a walk before class I saw it...one single clustered bloom on my wisteria (once I figure out how, I post a pic). It had been hiding under the leaves...like a special surprise for me, from my Dad. I'd been thinking a lot about him, as I always do on Father's Day. And you know what? It was pouring rain when I saw it-his favorite kind of weather!
So, I hope you had a great Father's Day, enjoying it with your Dad or remembering him, cuz I sure did!
Both Mr. P&P and I have lost our Dads and I didn't get to know his (he passed before I met my husband). But, I wanted to take a few moments to tell you a bit about my Dad-RSB, Sr.
Many times in class I've told you that my Dad died, at age 47, of heart disease. I've told you he smoked like a chimney and probably had high blood pressure and cholestrol...but I haven't told you about *him*.
My Dad looked really tough, in fact, just prior to his passing, he sported a Foo Man Choo (not sure if the spelling is right) mustache. But, he was a marshmallow inside (this is where I get my personality). They called him 'Sargeant' (you know, like you all call me). He played chess, was smart as a whip and was funny. Really funny. Oh and he wrote poetry...he'd probably hate me to post THAT on the internet!
Years ago (in the 70's) he told us, "One day kids, you'll hold a computer in your hand. Everyone will have one in their house, in their car...you'll see." We kids thought he was a nut ball. Back then, computers were the size of entire rooms and there was no internet, home computer or cell phone. Well, he was right of course. I'm typing this on my laptop but I could easily be doing it on my Blackberry. Chalk another prediction up to my Dad. He made many-mostly about computers, which was his business.
In High School, I worked at Mickey D's in the drive-thru. I worked the closing shift Fri and Sat nights because I was really organized, fast and, well, anal about getting things done right. (Yeah, well, that really hasn't changed I guess!) Anyway, even though I got my driver's license at 13 (yes, in MT that's when you get your real license-not just your permit) and drove myself to work, he'd come around 10pm each Friday and Saturday night and sit in the dining room while I finished working until 11pm. (That was when Mickey D's restaurants actually closed-they are now mostly open 24 hours!) Anyway, he'd sit there, drinking his coffee and keeping an eye on me. Then, he'd wait until we were done closing and follow me home (my parents were divorced so he didn't live with us), making sure I was safe. It might sound odd, but I always thought it was so sweet. He trusted me, don't get me wrong, he just didn't trust other drivers on the road around his baby!
One night when I was working the DT (that's fast food slang for Drive Thru)...I went to slide open the window (they were BIG windows back then-now they're tiny) and whomever was in the car threw some liquid on me. I screamed (it startled me and I didn't know if it was water or acid or what) and my Dad flew out of his seat to catch the car's license plate (and to try and, ahem, 'talk' to the kid). He got the plate but (thank God) didn't catch up with the driver. And, it was water-but it could certainly have been something else...and dangerous. But, my Dad was there and I was ok so all was well. He was always there protecting me and I always felt safe-just like any child should when Daddy is around.
Only a year or so later my Dad was gone. It happened so fast and, even 28 years later it's hard to believe. One other thing he always told us is that once he went to heaven, he'd visit us as a dragonfly or bird or something, just to be around us and we should look for those signs...whether you believe or not...I do. I see dragonflys that follow me around and really BIG ones, huge in fact. Just like my Dad's huge personality. So, I believe that's for sure.
And today? Well, I have a wisteria bush. It's a beautiful vine that produces purple clustered flowers that look like grape clusters. It smells great and we had a huge one in our SB CA backyard where I grew up. I loved it. I played under it growing up and my bedroom now has those colors. My husband bought me a wisteria bush for my 40th birthday and we keep waiting for it to bloom. It's been 4 years and nothing. The first year we had it the winter was really bad, so it could be a factor-according to the landscaper. So, every Spring I look and wait for blooms. I keep wishing for a wisteria like the one I had growing up.
Well, today is Father's Day and when I took the dog out for a walk before class I saw it...one single clustered bloom on my wisteria (once I figure out how, I post a pic). It had been hiding under the leaves...like a special surprise for me, from my Dad. I'd been thinking a lot about him, as I always do on Father's Day. And you know what? It was pouring rain when I saw it-his favorite kind of weather!
So, I hope you had a great Father's Day, enjoying it with your Dad or remembering him, cuz I sure did!
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Uh, I 'heart' the Sox but...
Have we heard about the health code violations with the food vendors at Fenway? Hmmm?
I told you the sausages would 'get' you!
I told you the sausages would 'get' you!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Oasis...
(From dictionary.com) 2. something serving as a refuge, relief, or pleasant change from what is usual, annoying, difficult, etc.: The library was an oasis of calm in the hectic city.
It's hot, gas prices are out of control and, sometimes, it feels like the world is spinning too fast.
Let class be your 'Oasis' every day! We work hard, we laugh and we commiserate together and most of all we get that hour (or 30 minutes) to focus on ourselves and make ourselves stronger to handle what goes on in the 'outside' world!
When you come to the Center, leave all your 'stuff' (not physical stuff, mental stuff) out in the huge parking lot and it might not look so bad when you pick it up again after class.
Today? Stay cool by hydrating your body all day long, staying inside when possible and eating as well as you can. High sugar foods and caffeine drinks can actually dehydrate your body so try and keep those to a minimum. (We know we can't live without 1 coffee a day, right ladies??)
Come to class, get that workout (with our great A/C) and then have an ice cream treat after dinner! YUM.
See you all in class!
It's hot, gas prices are out of control and, sometimes, it feels like the world is spinning too fast.
Let class be your 'Oasis' every day! We work hard, we laugh and we commiserate together and most of all we get that hour (or 30 minutes) to focus on ourselves and make ourselves stronger to handle what goes on in the 'outside' world!
When you come to the Center, leave all your 'stuff' (not physical stuff, mental stuff) out in the huge parking lot and it might not look so bad when you pick it up again after class.
Today? Stay cool by hydrating your body all day long, staying inside when possible and eating as well as you can. High sugar foods and caffeine drinks can actually dehydrate your body so try and keep those to a minimum. (We know we can't live without 1 coffee a day, right ladies??)
Come to class, get that workout (with our great A/C) and then have an ice cream treat after dinner! YUM.
See you all in class!
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Summertime Skin Safety
***This article reprinted from J,Inc.***
Summer Skin Safety: Fact vs. Fiction
(CARLSBAD, CA) – It’s summertime! Beach vacations, outdoor barbecues, and family bike rides may be on your agenda this season. But, do you know how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful rays of the sun?
There are quite a few myths about sun safety, some of them fooling even the most sun-conscious outdoor aficionados. So, take a moment to test yourself on your sun safety IQ. See if you’ve fallen prey to any of these fictional myths.
Fiction: The sun can’t hurt me on cloudy days.
Fact: Up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful rays can seep through the clouds, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Even on winter days, the snow reflects up to 80 percent of UV rays. Make sunscreen a year-round habit, and lather up, come rain or shine.
Fiction: A little sunscreen goes a long way.
Fact: The most common mistake made by sun worshippers across the country is applying sunscreen too sparingly. Be generous with your sunscreen. Use one ounce, about the size of a shot glass, to cover all parts of your body.
Fiction: The best time to apply sunscreen is when I’m getting settled on the beach.
Fact: Apply your sunscreen about 30 minutes before heading outdoors. This allows sunscreens with chemical blockers time for the ingredients to work.
Fiction: I only need to reapply sunscreen if I’ve been in the water.
Fact: It’s always wise to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you’re exercising outdoors. That’s because your sweat can dissolve some of the sunscreen’s active ingredients. Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett recommends reapplying sunscreen at least once every ninety minutes during an outdoors workout.
Fiction: It’s a waste of money to purchase a sunscreen with a higher SPF.
Fact: An SPF 15 blocks out 93 percent of the sun’s rays, whereas an SPF 30 blocks 97 percent. Aren’t those few extra percentage points worth one more dollar?
Fiction: All sunscreens are created equal.
Fact: Some sunscreens are more effective than others. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Many sunscreens will only protect against UVB rays, but broad-spectrum ones offer protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Fiction: Sunscreen doesn’t expire.
Fact: Sunscreen can expire, especially if you’ve left the bottle in your car on hot summer days. Replace your sunscreen every year. In fact, if you haven’t used up your entire bottle in one year, then maybe you’re not using it enough!
Fiction: Applying sunscreen to my face will protect that sensitive skin.
Fact: Using sunscreen on your face is a good start, but it’s not enough. Wear a wide-brimmed hat. And don sunglasses with wider lenses to protect the sensitive skin around your eyes, as well as your eyes themselves.
Fiction: The sun’s harmful rays can’t extend through windows.
Fact: Glass windows only filter out the UVB rays of the sun, but the UVA rays can extend through the glass. So, apply sunscreen to exposed areas of your body before getting into your car.
Summer Skin Safety: Fact vs. Fiction
(CARLSBAD, CA) – It’s summertime! Beach vacations, outdoor barbecues, and family bike rides may be on your agenda this season. But, do you know how to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful rays of the sun?
There are quite a few myths about sun safety, some of them fooling even the most sun-conscious outdoor aficionados. So, take a moment to test yourself on your sun safety IQ. See if you’ve fallen prey to any of these fictional myths.
Fiction: The sun can’t hurt me on cloudy days.
Fact: Up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful rays can seep through the clouds, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Even on winter days, the snow reflects up to 80 percent of UV rays. Make sunscreen a year-round habit, and lather up, come rain or shine.
Fiction: A little sunscreen goes a long way.
Fact: The most common mistake made by sun worshippers across the country is applying sunscreen too sparingly. Be generous with your sunscreen. Use one ounce, about the size of a shot glass, to cover all parts of your body.
Fiction: The best time to apply sunscreen is when I’m getting settled on the beach.
Fact: Apply your sunscreen about 30 minutes before heading outdoors. This allows sunscreens with chemical blockers time for the ingredients to work.
Fiction: I only need to reapply sunscreen if I’ve been in the water.
Fact: It’s always wise to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if you’re exercising outdoors. That’s because your sweat can dissolve some of the sunscreen’s active ingredients. Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett recommends reapplying sunscreen at least once every ninety minutes during an outdoors workout.
Fiction: It’s a waste of money to purchase a sunscreen with a higher SPF.
Fact: An SPF 15 blocks out 93 percent of the sun’s rays, whereas an SPF 30 blocks 97 percent. Aren’t those few extra percentage points worth one more dollar?
Fiction: All sunscreens are created equal.
Fact: Some sunscreens are more effective than others. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Many sunscreens will only protect against UVB rays, but broad-spectrum ones offer protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
Fiction: Sunscreen doesn’t expire.
Fact: Sunscreen can expire, especially if you’ve left the bottle in your car on hot summer days. Replace your sunscreen every year. In fact, if you haven’t used up your entire bottle in one year, then maybe you’re not using it enough!
Fiction: Applying sunscreen to my face will protect that sensitive skin.
Fact: Using sunscreen on your face is a good start, but it’s not enough. Wear a wide-brimmed hat. And don sunglasses with wider lenses to protect the sensitive skin around your eyes, as well as your eyes themselves.
Fiction: The sun’s harmful rays can’t extend through windows.
Fact: Glass windows only filter out the UVB rays of the sun, but the UVA rays can extend through the glass. So, apply sunscreen to exposed areas of your body before getting into your car.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Great ways to SAVE!
Well ladies, things are pretty crazy 'out there' aren't they? Here are some savings tips we can *all* use right now!
-Think about 'brown bagging' your lunch for work-you'll not only save up to $10 per day (WHOA-that's $200 a month!) but you'll save CALORIES too! Yes, it takes a little time but you'll have a trimmer waistline and a FATTER wallet!
-Check out coupon websites online like coupon.com. You can get national brand coupons to print out and take with you to the grocery store!
-Write down EVERYTHING you spend on each week-you'll see just where it all goes and be able to save in small ways that really add up!
-Think about your weekly errands and save gas by doing them in groups. In other words, if you've got errands 'up North', do them all together instead of going back and forth a few times. Check out massachusettsgasprices.com for a rundown of where the 'cheapest' gas is located!
If you'd like to share any money saving tips with your friends here at the "J", please click on comments and leave one, we'll share it with everyone!
See you in class!
-Think about 'brown bagging' your lunch for work-you'll not only save up to $10 per day (WHOA-that's $200 a month!) but you'll save CALORIES too! Yes, it takes a little time but you'll have a trimmer waistline and a FATTER wallet!
-Check out coupon websites online like coupon.com. You can get national brand coupons to print out and take with you to the grocery store!
-Write down EVERYTHING you spend on each week-you'll see just where it all goes and be able to save in small ways that really add up!
-Think about your weekly errands and save gas by doing them in groups. In other words, if you've got errands 'up North', do them all together instead of going back and forth a few times. Check out massachusettsgasprices.com for a rundown of where the 'cheapest' gas is located!
If you'd like to share any money saving tips with your friends here at the "J", please click on comments and leave one, we'll share it with everyone!
See you in class!
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