Just Rambling on
Tuesday, December 9, 2003



Shopping Savings:
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As promised, here's a long entry. :-)

I've changed the font color to a pale blue. Does this look better to anyone, or would anyone prefer the cream/pale green color? Constructive criticism is welcome.

I have a lot to write about, and I'll start with the sad, bad, and/or frustrating stuff.

Just over a week ago, we found a dear friend of ours has colon cancer. Her doctor felt there was a remote possibility and the tests confirmed the bad news. She goes in for surgery next week. Her husband died of colon cancer about ten years ago. She's appears to be taking this very well, much better than I would. I'm at a loss as to what to do to help her through this difficult time. She's a very good person and has always had a healthy life style, and it just doesn't seem fair. What a way to spend the holiday season! She's definitely in my thoughts and prayers.

On November 29th, we had new neighbors move into the apartment above us. Although they are not heavy metal rockers, they're not exactly quiet either. The place we are renting is an old farmhouse that has been remodeled into apartments. There isn't any sound proofing, so noises go right through the walls, floors and ceiling. So, we have two heavy walking adults, a 9 month old that it's in the jolly jumper stage, and 2 dogs above our heads all day. They also play their stereo constantly. Part of their living room and the baby's room is right above the bedroom we use as an office, and the other half of the living room and part of the master bedroom is above our bedroom. Irregardless, you can hear their radio throughout our apartment, so it's been stressful trying to get used to the noise. After all, we moved to the country for the peace and quiet.

I found a large lump in my breast about a month ago. Usually, this would be no cause for concern, since I've gotten them off and on for years, and they're just cysts from excessive coffee drinking. (One of my other bad habits, besides smoking.) However, this one did concern me and my doctor because it had kept getting bigger and was very painful. It was even more of an issue because I didn't have insurance. I had my first mammogram ever last week, and had to go almost two weeks with no caffeine, including chocolate. As most of my female readers will concur, it's hell going without chocolate while you're PMS-ing!!!! I had always pictured a mammogram machine being like vice grips, and it wasn't like that at all. Maybe it was because I imagined being in total agony, but I was surprised when I barely felt a thing. 
"You put your right boob in,
You put your right boob out;
You put your right boob in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the Hokey-Pokey,
And you turn yourself around.
That's what it's all about!
You put your left boob in,
You put your left boob out;
You put your left boob in,
And you shake it all about.
You do the Hokey-Pokey,
And you turn yourself around.
That's what it's all about!"

Anyhow, after all that concern, it was for nothing. The results were good. My breasts are perfect (according to the radiologist anyhow), with the exception of the large cyst, which was most likely from excessive caffeine and stress, and is gone now.

I've reduced my intake of caffeine and cigarettes, working toward eliminating them totally. That has made me very moody lately.

The job search has been frustrating. It's either no response, "sorry, we have no openings at this time", "sorry, we have no full time positions", "although your qualifications are impressive...", blah, blah, blah... Whatever...!

Changing subjects, to get on a more positive note....

MacKenzie is healthy and happy, with the exception of occasional tummy troubles. Kevin was eating rice cereal and applesauce by this age, but times have changed. Her doctor is saying nothing but formula until 4 months old. I guess the doctor knows best. ???

Kevin and Ashley are getting along better, and it isn't changing from day to day. I hope they continue building on their relationship so it has a strong foundation.

The Buffalo Bills have been winning football games! A few weeks ago they looked hopeless, and now they still have a chance to go to the playoffs. It's nice how things can change for the better after it appears there is no longer any hope!

John and I decorated the Christmas tree last week. We have a 6 and half foot artificial tree that we bought over ten years ago, and it shows it's age. However, once all the decorations are on, it looks great. There's nothing under the tree, but the cat likes to lay underneath it to remind us that she is a gift. (lol)

I have been working on sending out Christmas cards for the past week. The cards from Pinetree Designs were the first ones out, and I had lots of boxed cards left over from last year. Would anyone like to join me in Caring Cards program? Here are the details:

Everyone enjoys opening their mailbox to find holiday cards from friends and family. Unfortunately, many that live in nursing homes will not receive any holiday cards this season. However, this year you can help. FOX Rochester has teamed up with Value City Furniture to help spread holiday cheer through our Caring Cards Program. Submit your holiday cards and we will share them with people in area nursing homes (St. John's Home, The Jewish Home, The Episcopal Church, The Friendly Home and St. Ann's Home). It is a perfect project for your class or community group. You can drop your cards off at any of the two Value City Furniture locations or mail them to:
FOX Rochester, PO Box 30031, Rochester, NY 14603.
For more information call 232-3700 X: 214.
LOCATIONS 3160 West Ridge Road Rochester, NY (585) 453-0760 1000 Hylan Drive Henrietta, NY (585) 424-6650

It's nice to know there is a way to help people that are sad and lonely this holiday season. As bad as things may appear to be for one person, there are always many more people that are in even worse situations. One little card could make a big difference to someone that has nothing to smile about this time of year.

I have more to ramble about, but I'll have to continue on another day.

Thanks for reading!
Ann Marie



ONE YEAR AGO
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