Balance and Avoidance(that's a word, right???)

So...long time, no blog. Honestly, every time I've thought about blogging I realized that putting up a new post would take Poppy's picture off my page. I miss her. It's weird being a two dog family instead of three. I've started allowing myself to look at rescue pages, so we may be getting closer to getting our pack back. But I miss Poppy.

In other news, I started my new adventure as a Literacy Specialist. There were some "hidden responsibilities" that weren't exactly obvious in the job description, but I think that's true of any job, right? At least any job in the education world, just from my experience! Anyway, I'm loving most of it and adjusting to the rest. One not so lovely part is the earlier morning aspect and the 11-12 hour days...welcome to September! I just keep pushing through, knowing it will even out...hopefully! :)

Today's happy? Fall decorating, football games, and some upcoming 5K walks with friends. Happy Saturday!

 

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New Year, New Discoveries

Thankfully, the results from the needle biopsy were just what we hoped: benign! Now, if only my stinkin' hormones would cut it out....

When I asked the doctor what more I could do to prevent these fabulous fibroid tumors, she said that I was already doing the most important thing.....getting older day by day. Charming! She said as my hormone levels decrease, so will the chances that I develop more of these loves little gems. Glad there's some benefit, right???

Moving on, I decided it was time to count my blessings, stop being a slug, and make my body work for me. So back to Jazzercise I go! Now, before you judge, this NOT the workout you are probably thinking of:

It actually combines dance, weight training, Pilates, aerobic conditioning, and more! A one hour class can burn up to 600 calories and you get to dance to great music and have fun! My goal is to do 3 classes a week until spring break, then I hope to add in some extra conditioning classes as a last push before summer. I've done Jazzercise off and on for over 10 years and it works for me...if I actually go!

I also decided to see if I could find some new products I love, as I've been in a kind of makeup rut. Enter Ulta! Whoa! I love to shop for bargains, so finding a place that offers rewards and coupons for makeup? Score! New favorites so far:

Pop Face Magnet Primer

This primer has caffeine in it, which wakes up your skin, helps to minimize redness, and makes your foundation last like crazy!

 

Ulta brand Lipstick

It goes on so smoothly, the colors are beautiful, and it sells for $8 but was on sale for $4!

 

Ulta brand Tinted Lip Balm

My new favorite thing to keep in my desk at school. Just enough color and lots of moisture. Love!

I think I'm becoming a little Ulta obsessed. What are some of your favorite products that I should try???

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A Merry Christmas and a Titanium New Year

Christmas around here began all holly and jolly! One of the ladies at school challenged me to sport a fun holiday look, so on our tacky sweater day at school, this happened:

It was a hit more so with the adults than the six year olds and I won the contest! Such fun! I can't believe the wiggly eyes stayed put all day and that I managed to conduct a perfectly professional ARD meeting, too. Parents must think teachers are totally nuts.

I got my wish of a pink Christmas tree this year:

I actually managed to get the tree half price after Christmas last year with my sweet sister's help. Score!

David and I enjoyed a quiet Christmas Eve together, starting with dinner at Cheesecake Factory(courtesy of a generous gift card from a precious student) and a little fun in downtown Grapevine to see the lights!

We celebrated with both sides of the family and our own furry babies, too.

One not so fun part of my break however included getting a call after my yearly mammogram that once again, a spot had been found that needed further scrutiny. Back I went for a diagnostic mammogram, followed by an equally exciting sonogram on New Year's Eve. It was then determined that I didn't just have nice clear cysts, but a tiny mass on the left side. Today's fun included a needle aspiration, followed by an ultrasound guided core biopsy. The doctor said it looks to be another fibroid tumor---just like last time, a little over a year ago. Results should come in by Monday, so fingers crossed that I dodge the same bullet twice! And for those keeping track, I now have 2 titanium chips, one on each side---marked for the surgeon "just in case" and so the areas can easily be monitored in the future. Tylenol, an ice pack, and a healthy dose of care and attention from my ever sweet husband make it all better! Here's to starting 2014 in a memorable way, right?

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I Might Be Rushing It a Little...

...but it's almost SPRING! For real! Just a few more sleeps 'til Spring Break, people! Can I get a WOO!?

This past weekend, I banished the hearts and broke out the bunnies.

I also actually pinned and MADE a project...seriously! It was a good weekend.

The "pinned" project (sold on Etsy for $28 plus tax and shipping):

MY version (about $12.00 for supplies with my teacher discount at Michael's...cha ching!)

Take a good look at the bubbly front door....the product of another project of mine...oops! It's getting a nice coat of paint this weekend, along with the rest of the trim on the house. Don't worry...I'm not painting it!

More spring in action:

I found the vintage look linens at Stein Mart (on clearance!) and have been waiting to break them out for spring. And yes, I keep the kitchen table set most of the time. Not sure that David likes scooting the place setting aside when it's time to eat, but I love seeing the pretty linens and dishes out on a daily basis. I mean, hey, if I waited for a dinner party to break out the fun stuff, well, it might never see the light of day.

Going green:

Ahhh, the changing of seasons makes me so happy! Hoping and praying that a few other changes come about...it's a time for new adventures, don't you think?

Happy (almost) Spring!!!!!

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And the Waiting Continues...

So, the needle biopsy is done. How was it, you ask? Well, I would say that it was easier than expected...about the same category as having a crown put on your back molar. If you can get past the initial shots and hold still, while keeping your emotions in check, then it's done before you know it. I was told I "sailed through" and I'm just glad it's over. I came home and slept a little. Tylenol is definitely my friend! I'll hear results on Friday. They wanted me to come back in to get results in person, but I can't handle a third doctor's appointment this week. I talked them into calling me with results. I mean, it's either over or they'll refer me on to another doctor, right? I can hear that over the phone. Until then all I have to do is:

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95% is Still an A, Right?

95% was the percentage that the radiologist used to predict that the "small mass" they found today was NOT cancer. So, it's 95% likely that it's a fatty deposit sitting there like a shiny, ugly pearl among the many, many clear cysts. Even I could see the difference, well, once it was pointed out to me, of course. The cysts are nice and round and clear. The "mass"(I think it needs a nickname...any suggestions?) was not so round, white, and a little angry looking-but that could be my imagination.

So, on Wednesday, I go back for an Ultrasound Guided Core Biopsy. Scary enough for you? Yeah, me, too.

Honestly though, I'm kind of at peace with it. Chances are, it's nothing at all but a minor inconvenience and this will all be over when I get the results on Friday. And if it's more than that, it's teeny tiny (less than 1cm), so that's got to be good, right?

I appreciate all well wishes and prayers. I'm 100% sure that I can use them!

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I'm Seeing Spots...and a Before and After!

Ah, summer! Where to begin?

We had a fabulous trip to New York, I went to Shreveport on a wonderful girls' trip, and then, a few stolen days at the BEACH!

When we got home, I got busy!!! I taught for three weeks at a summer reading program and took on a little guest bedroom makeover. It's funny, really. I like to decorate in a traditional, classic kind of style in the majority of our home...I'll do a tour here one day soon. The funny part is when it comes to the "secondary" bedrooms, anything goes! I see a lot of painting in our future if we ever decide to move. Can you say color?

So....here's the before:

And the after:

It's become my happy, somewhat vintage guest/project room. I still want to gut and reorganize the closet with all kinds of crafty goodness, but that's another day...

I've also been working in my classroom:

School is almost here and I cannot wait! New little people to know and love, routine and purpose all rolled into one!

Phew! OK...almost all caught up...what did YOU do this summer??? :)

 

And The Verdict Is...

...the VersaSpa tan is pretty good! I opted for the "light" which took me from a sickly marshmallow-ey to a nice toasty almond shade. Next time (and there will be one) I think I'll be a little braver and go for the medium application...hey, that's me, a risk taker. :)
In more serious matters, this afternoon we said goodbye to my Aunt Joyce just one week exactly after her husband of 58 years, my Uncle Pike passed away after battling cancer. Since Aunt Joyce had a stroke many months ago, we felt pretty sure she would go quickly after Uncle Pike...one week was quite a shock to me, though. It was so hard watching my dad say his farewells to his only sister. Knowing that my aunt and uncle are together is some comfort.
Hug the one you love tight and live life to your fullest. Aunt Joyce's passport was full, as was her life!

A Touch of Sun or Just Dirty?

So, today I made use of a buy one get one free coupon and jumped into the world of sunless tanning. I tried the VersaSpa system at Palm Beach Tan. Right now, I am "processing" even as we speak. Was standing half naked in a tiny booth being hosed down while striking an Egyptian-like pose worth it? Will I wake up golden brown or in need of a good exfoliator? Stay tuned...Happy SUNday! :)