Life's embarrassing moments

I've survived several of life's little embarrassing moments today.
As in... I survived the embarrassment of having several strangers (although they were health care professionals) touch, hold and exam my breast today ( I started to wonder if this is what cantaloupe feels like in the produce section of the grocery store). I survived having several needles of various lengths and gauges (thickness of said needles) poke into said breast (just call me the human pin cushion). I survived the embarrassing experience of shopping for a sports bra so I can wear it for the next 24 to 48 hours plus to wear it at night for the next week (there are somethings that women who have a D cup or larger should not attempt to wear and this IS one of them).  I thought when trying on those stupid sports bras that I was going to need to have the jaws of life remove it from my body because it was squeezing me so damn hard that I could barely breathe. Then I realized that I had the wrong size, I was shaking my head at myself thinking "Now what part of me thought that this was a good thing to try to do?". So I survived the shopping experience- one I hope to not to have to ever do again!
Those anti anxiety pills...I highly recommend them. They don't make you loopy, they just make it so your heart is beating so fast that if you were a humming bird you'd be flying around.
 The more I think about it, the more I wonder who in the mammography department didn't see my naked upper body today?  Seriously, this is just too darn funny the more I think about it. (insert laughter here).  There are times in one's life where you just shake your head and think "Thank the Lord that that is over" and yes folks, today's experience was one of those kinds of "moments".
I still have my humor and am still laughing at how I went in feeling as nervous as I could possibly be and end out coming out of this experience feeling like I'm Erma Bombeck and making fun of the entire ordeal from shopping for a sports bra to wear after the procedure to feeling like Elsie the cow when I had to lie down on a table and hang my breast down through a hole and be squeezed like an orange being juiced so the doctor could stick needles into me like a pin cushion. Oh yeah, Loads of fun here people! BUT and it's a big one too...humor will save you even in the most embarrassing situations (you've just got to trust me on this one). All of the doctors, nurses and technicians were gentle, treated me with respect and even better they all laughed at my jokes :-) If you lose the ability to laugh at yourself, then you lose the ability to enjoy life.  So be well everyone and get out there and laugh at life's ridiculous moments!

quotes of the day

I cook with wine, sometimes I even add it to the food.

W. C. Fields

In the matter of 1 week...

I was writing to a girlfriend yesterday (a real snail mail letter no less) on the subject of "how many things can change in the matter one merely 1 week".

You see, it all started when I received a phone call from the mammogram department of Lahey Clinic requesting me to come in for a 2nd mammogram and they wanted to schedule me for as soon as possible. You see, they found something in my left breast and I had to have yet another series of mammograms of that breast. After a few initial pictures I had to sit and wait until they were read. I waited and waited and then was called back for more "pictures". Then I met with the doctor and well now I'm scheduled for a biopsy for next week. Here's a little tidbit for you- one needs to stop taking multivitamins at least a week before any surgery. Yup it's true!

I'm not freaking out with this revalation that I may or may not have breast cancer. It's just something to deal with as the times comes. I'm going to continue to live my life and do the things I've got planned. I'm not about to sit around and worry about things that I have no control over. Hence my plans for leaving the day after my biopsy for Florida. Yes with a bandage on on my left breast and an ice bag in my hand,I still plan on our taking a trip to Florida. Gutsy huh? Now who in their right mind wants to wait around for a week to get a phone call with the results of their biopsy? Well not me that's for sure! Why not be somewhere having some fun?

Now for more news...

My husband had a successful interview with a company. He's also got a call back for another interview for Tuesday. Sooooo, it looks like we might not be leaving on Tuesday for Florida. I can leave a little later if it means him getting a job :-)

The lovely couple who have rented our house in South Dakota these past couple of years let us know they they will be receiving orders this fall. That means...we get to put our house on the market. I'm excited about that! For some it would be stressful having someone else living in their house while a Realtor is trying to sell it. Not me, I truly like our renters and I adore our realtor.

While our Hannah was fretting over her grades on the report card from her US school that she attended for a handful of months- well it arrived yesterday. All A's of course! That's our girl, setting the grade curve! Her worry was for nothing. Although she was sure that one of her teachers didn't like being a teacher and was wondering if anyone in the class would receive a decent grade for all of their hard work.

Our washing machine crapped out...while a load of clothes were in it. Perfect eh? At least it was on the rinse cycle. Now the real fun begins...the apartment management had it replaced with another one 24 hours later. Now for me to let them know that this replacement isn't working properly. The tub doesn't fill all the way on the rinse cycle. We looked up on line the reviews on it and every one of the people who put in a review complained about the machine and how it "ate up or tore up" clothes. Hello, I've spent a pretty penny on our clothing and am in no hurry to have it all ruined by a cheap machine. Now to get the replacement machine replaced with hopefully one of the same quality as before.

Needless to say my life can get rather hectic in just the matter of a week.

quote of the day

In matters of style, swim with the current;

 In matters of principle, stand like a rock.

--Thomas Jefferson

July 4th and other things of Patriotic nature

As I see it, it's kind of funny that no place celebrates the 4th of July (Also known as Independence day) on the actual day...the 4th of July. It's always held on the day that's most convenient to the military installation or the local community. Yesterday we went to the town of Wilmington and enjoyed a carnival and a  fireworks display. We met up with my husband' old running coach from high school and just enjoy being one of the thousand or so of people in the crowd. It was so nice to not stress about entertaining the mayor of some local community- I'm telling you, anonymity has its benefits!

Today we spent time with the in-laws for dinner. I enjoy being able to spend time with family.My mother in law is a total hoot! She drug out old pictures of herself before she was married and of the kids...my husband has some serious explaining to do about  some of his choices of childhood Halloween costumes.  Afterwards we went to see some of my husbands friends from high school. We've all experienced life's ups and downs these 20 plus years but the bonds of friendship are just as strong as ever. As I see it, it's always nice to catch up with old friends!

Now I'm off to enjoy what's left of this rainy day with my husband and daughter.

quote of the day

The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.

-Theodore Hesburgh

Coffee is my friend

It's true, I have this love of all things coffee. Be it in hot liquid form, ice cream or in Tiramisu...I adore coffee. So it was a sad day when I broke the carafe to my La Cafetiere French coffee press. We've looked high and low for a replacement carafe out here and all we could find was Bodum brand coffee presses. So my new french press is the Chambord by Bodum. One of these days I may break down and buy a coffee maker but until then it's me and my French Press!

quote of the day

What we leave behind

is not what is engraved in stone monuments,

 but what is woven

into the lives of others.

--Pericles

Where has all of my time gone?

So it's more than a little obvious that I've been guilty of neglecting my blog. I've been doing something odd these days- I've been working out at the gym near daily. Hey, one has got to do something with all of this so called "free time". And while I have access to a gym with in walking distance that's also "free" I might as well use it right?

Now with all of the time I've spent at the gym it's got me doing some other stuff- like sewing. Okay  should say doing alterations to some of my skirts. I've also gone out and done something that I haven't in quite a long time, I've bought myself some summer clothes. One doesn't really need summer clothes in England unless you're going to another country for a summer vacation, LOL! But none the less I've done just that. My hard work has not gone unnoticed as my  sister in law the fitness guru  has noticed my efforts at getting into shape (I greatly admire her by the way) and complimented me on my weight loss. I don't know if my husband has noticed but at least someone else has which is a big boost to my ego.
Now I'm off like a dirty shirt- got to hit the  gym before my mammogram appointment.
I promise to be more diligent in my blog posting. I've got several recipes in the works and will get to posting them soon! I've got to make a better effort at kicking my husband off of the computer :-)

quote of the day

Imagination is more important than knowledge.

Knowledge is limited.

Imagination encircles the world.

--Albert Einstein

The crazy things I do...

...to occupy my time. Okay so my Kindle is my new BFF.  The places I enjoy checking out every day on the www are Pixel of Ink and Kindle Nation Daily . Seriously, I've given up on all Internet groups and just read books these days. I read both of these Internet sites daily. I'm up to 24 pages of books on my Kindle (really, I'm not joking). I've started to archive books I've read on my Kindle. Just from the "FREE"  and Discounted books offered and show cased I've discovered so many new to me authors and I've enjoyed it all immensely!

I'm still working on that table quilting project. Actually I got a little fed up with it and put off fixing it. Don't ever think that something that looks simple is simple. I've got a needlework project that I started when we first moved out here in March that's still (as I look at it) in the beginning phase. I have turned into a major procrastinator - that is where crafting is concerned anyway. Slow but sure my craft room is coming together. I dream of one day having a huge crafting space...one that does NOT have to also be used as a guest bedroom which is most inconvenient!

On the job front- we're both still unemployed. I'm almost done with my physical therapy and I am feeling an improvement in the mobility of my arm. I've got a great therapist who really gives me great instructions for exercises that I can do at home. I push myself to work on my arm and it's all paying off :-)

Now for more exciting news...our son is off to Germany for a month of German Studies. He'll be earning college credits and will immerse himself in German Culture. And as a bonus his girlfriend will also be on this trip. She's keeping a blog about the experience and I plan to follow along daily. Days in Deutschland is the name of the blog if you all care to check it out.

Oh and I did do it...It's official I am now a card carrying member of the National Bone Marrow Donor program also knows as Be the Match.  What a wonderful thing to do for others, it really is! I want to encourage others to donate blood and also to sign up to be a bone marrow donor! We, all of us have the power to save a life by giving a little of ourselves. My only regret is that I didn't sign up to do this years ago!

quote of the day

They will envy you for your success,

for your wealth,

 for your intelligence,

 for your looks,

for your status-

but rarely for your wisdom.

--Nassim Taleb

Are we having fun yet?

They say that time flies when you're having fun, I'm not so sure about either part of that last statement.  I've been looking for something worthwhile to occupy my time. I've come to realize just how much I miss being involved in the various spouses groups through the military. I've found that I want to be able to make a difference in peoples lives out here. To become involved in the community. Just how to do that is what was my question until yesterday- when I found an answer.

I'm looking into "Be the Match", which is basically a bone marrow donation program. Yes, me Sandie is looking into being a bone marrow donor. There's a health screening and blood testing and tissue typing. BUT (and it's a huge but) all in all I think this is a wonderful way to give of myself and to help another human being. We all give money to various charities, but sometimes what's really needed is for us (and quite literally too), to give a little piece of ourselves. 

quote of the day

Always seek wisdom of the ages

over knowledge of the moment.

-Jeff Einstein

The Shape of things...

Slow but sure we're making our way through our cardboard jungle. We've never been one of those quick to unpack and put away everything people. We're methodical and we go through every single box, making sure that things are put away or hung up the way we want them to be. I have to say that this time is yet again one of those challenging moves as this place is smaller that we had anticipated and we've got to weed though and downsize yet again. Of course this means re-packing boxes and getting a storage unit. Thank the Lord that the master bedroom is done (well much of it is anyway). We've begun to hang pictures on the walls- that's a sing that we're nearing the end of unpacking. My wonderfully creative and crafty husband has put up some shelves in the lower cabinets to utilize the wasted space there (of which I am very appreciative).


My donate Box has spilled over and now I've got more than one. It's funny how one can purge so much before a move and then after you arrive at your destination you can purge some more. I'm ready to get creative and to start working on some crafty type projects. First victim will be Hannah...OH did I say victim? I meant recipient ;-) I want to work on a lap quilt, I've got the perfect pattern in mind and I'm anxious to find it and get working on it for her.

Now I'm off...I could use a little more coffee and then to get to work on putting more stuff away in my craft room/ guest room.

quote of the day

It's only when you have the courage to step off the ledge

that you'll realize you've had wings all along.
--Gail Lynne Goodwin

finding pieces of me

Moving is rough, living in 3 different places in one year (again) will be insanity in it's best element. So here I am, contemplating my next move (so to speak). After over 7 weeks without our household goods- they have finally arrived. Being reunited with my bed has done wonders for my happiness and attitude. Not that I didn't like my reminiscing of my college days- using a card table as a dining table, and sitting upon borrowed furniture etc...I'm glad to once again to be surrounded by our things (or at least some of them).

Alas, I've got 3, no it's 4 (now) storage shipments around the USA housing my kitchen, outdoor furniture, indoor furniture and yard items. Once we find a house and all...then I'll get all of our things in storage delivered to us. For now it's apartment living and all of the joys that brings (at least we don't have to do yard work).

So as I go through boxes of stuff I'm finding little pieces of myself. I now have a sewing machine, a paper cutter, some paper, 2 sided sticky tape, loads of thread and of course quilt patterns and fabric! Granted I am once again in a country that has reasonable prices for 100% cotton quilting fabric. Not too far from where I'm living now I saw a quilt shop- one that I'd like to go visit.


I've come across my collection of Jane Austen novels plus all of the hardbound Pride and Prejudice spin off novels that I have started collecting since moving to England. I've been adding to my collection since moving back to the USA- Kindle is a wonderful thing. My Kindle has been my companion as I take it everywhere with me. LOVE that 3G network thing it's got too! I can read books, surf the web for free...what's not to like?

I'm still surrounded in cardboard and packing paper but am making major headway with help from my husband and daughter.


I'm surveying my options for employment- I know where I want to work, now for them to have an opening for my to apply for. But for now there are plenty of fun little part time jobs to be had. Places that would be fun for me would be...shoe store, cooking store, clothing store or even a jewelery store. Then again I'd leave for the day owing more money than I had made...so maybe those wouldn't be good options right? OOh but the rewards would be sweet!

quote of the day

Change is the constant, the signal for rebirth,

the egg of the phoenix.

-Christina Baldwin

Are you kidding?

I find myself saying that a lot lately...Are you kidding?

So there we , the spouse and I were getting our new Massachusetts Drivers licenses (our previous state was South Dakota)...

proof of residency in MA- check!

Now for the cost...it was $100 EACH! Holy Catfish! When I did my last drivers license transfer (it was a California license to a South Dakota license) it was $6.00, no joke! Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that it would cost me $100, that's just unreal!

Another one of those "are you kidding me" moments is when I first saw people wearing jammies out in public. This is not cute people, it makes you look like someone who is simply too lazy to take a shower and get dessed for the day.

quote of the day

In a gentle way, you can shake the world.

- Mohandas Gandhi