Women over the age of 40 are recommended to have a mammogram every 1-2 years. My Mom books an appointment every year without fail. Every year, I find out she is completely healthy and I breathe a very thankful sigh of relief.
On September 6th, my Mom had her annual mammogram. Two days later, they phoned to request that she return to take more magnified pictures from different angles. She has now returned 3 times for more pictures. They have found tiny white specs called calcifications in her right breast. The fear is that these specs might be an early sign of breast cancer. (more images)
My Mom says that if it becomes the big "C", she is not afraid of dying since death is certain for us all. Her greatest fear is the pain and suffering of enduring the medical treatments and the possibility of deteriorating slowly if the treatments do not work. Of course, there is no reason for us to worry about such things because we have not arrived at that bridge. The results thus far, based on the images, indicate that they are likely non-cancerous. They did not find any lumps or require a biopsy of any sort. She will need to keep an eye on these calcifications so her doctor has requested a follow-up mammogram in 6 months time. I suppose this is very good news, yet I still find myself holding my breath, praying, and waiting.
...it's the last Sunday of summer beach volleyball
Autumn begins this Thursday September 22nd. It seems that the summer doesn't want to end with all the warm temperatures and sunny days. And so beach volleyball will continue into the Fall! Here are some shots from our last summer beach volleyball session:
T&T Supermarkets never fail to provide the best examples of Chinglish. I've provided examples in a previous posting in April. Yesterday, while having lunch at the Promenade's T&T, Jenet and I discovered yet another fine example.
It's already Labour Day Weekend. Summer has passed so quickly. We've been so fortunate that every Sunday has brought excellent weather for beach volleyball this season. With exception to the last 3 weeks, this summer has been extremely hot and humid. With the heat fighting ability to mist cool water...enter Spritzer Girl!
Break it down, it's Ham-mer Time! Jenny Ham was in town all the way from Calgary to enjoy the longweekend with us. Somehow the infamous Bunny Ear Boywas out to attack her. He has been known to seek out reluctant volleyball players who insist on relaxing in the shade on beautiful Sunday afternoons.
After 5 hours of beach volleyball, what better way to battle our hunger than with a BBQ? Roasted corn, roasted pork, burgers, weiners, skewered veggies, macaroni and potato salad! OH MY!
This posting was originally created on April 16, 2005. Again, just like my last post, since I did not know how to post videos I was unable to share it. (Thanks again Tim!)
Remember Scarlet O'Hara's performance in Gone with the Wind?
Well check this out... Passing the Wind Starring Toilet O'Hara She's not just a toilet from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport!
Appreciating the automated toilet liner refreshers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (Video taken: October 13, 2002)
This post was originally created April 14, 2005 but because I didn't know how to post video footage, I was unable to publish it. Now, I can finally share it with you all! (Thanks for discovering YouTube Tim!)
With Samson filming and providing the beats, I providedSlothson's breakdancing moves. NOTE: This was unrehearsed and completely improvised!
Slothson breakdancing. (Video recorded: June 12, 2003)
In order to save money, I often pack lunches for Samson. I love leaving little surprises! Sometimes I attach silly pictures on sticky notes. Other times I arrange food to look like faces or body parts. For this corned beef sandwich I decided to leave him a honey mustard happy face inside! I've seen similar devices used to suspend broken arms and legs over hospital beds. I couldn't stop giggling over the picture on the packaging. Could this be for suspending heads?!! Can anybody clarify what this is used for?
While in Chicago's Chinatown in July, Samson and I decided to get a bubble tea. I was almost afraid to try it after being confronted by this strange sign at the counter where we placed our order.
Yesterday, Jenet & I went to the Nike warehouse sale at the International Centre. My aim was to find gear for running in the anticipated cooler weather of autumn. The prices of technical gear did not quite fit into my budget. I think I could do better by searching at MEC, Action Sports Outlet, or Running Free which all have great discounted stuff.
Some samples of the pricing found at the Nike warehouse sale.
I was looking for good deals on reflective wind and water resistant jackets, long sleeve moisture wicking tops and bottoms. Although, I didn't find any of these things which would fit my budget, I did end up getting Samson and I each a hat, a headband, and a t-shirt.
