ANNESYLVIA   114,204
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See ya Monday!

Friday, September 30, 2011

I am sparking off now.
We leave for a two day two night camping trip. No not tents...I am a city girl. Cabins but we have to bring our own sheets and pillows!! That is as campy as I want to get when it comes to sleeping arrangements. I am looking forward to the campfire, games, stories, conversations, hikes and being with nature! (and BBQ food).
Last time I went camping like this was over 8 years ago with Ralph, his son(my nephew) and my dog (Michael had to work). We met friends there and had the best time.

Have a peaceful weekend!

hugs

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ROEBUNCH 10/1/2011 1:00PM

    Enjoy!! Just walking in the woods calms me:) See you next week emoticon

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LIBBYFITZ 10/1/2011 7:38AM

    Have a wonderful time. emoticon

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ONENEL 9/30/2011 8:20PM

    Enjoy your camping trip.

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WISHICOULDFLY 9/30/2011 7:21PM

    You will have a fabulous time and a much needed break from your recent grief. Your kids will love it too! Enjoy! emoticon

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NANT406 9/30/2011 7:10PM

    Have a wonderful weekend dear friend. It's always great to get back to nature. emoticon

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TERRYT55 9/30/2011 5:06PM

    Hope you have a great time and make more memories. My idea of "roughing it" is a hotel without room service so I completely understand your camping in cabins! I too am a city girl.

Don't forget to take pictures so I can feel like I went camping too. emoticon

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KAILYNSTAR 9/30/2011 5:02PM

    If I have to sleep in a tent, I can do that, but I prefer what you are doing.

Have a great time. Enjoy your stay. Make memories.

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SNOOKUMS19 9/30/2011 3:54PM

    LOL...the only stars I want to be sleeping under are 4 star hotels :)...Have a blast! You deserve it!

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BOBINVA 9/30/2011 2:23PM

    Hope you have a great time. Lots of good memories ready to be made.

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JTREMBATH 9/30/2011 2:01PM

    Have a great time my idea of camping is like yours.

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Just read

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Every 60 seconds someone dies from cancer -- every 3 minutes a new diagnosis...

This was in my e-mail box by Health & Fitness by ArcaMax. I only opened it because it read "Coffee linked to reduced depression risk." But the first thing I read when I open it was the above line. What a way to start my morning...I have not even made breakfast for my children or mom yet!

I have no idea how accurate this is I just read and started crying. emoticon

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ROEBUNCH 10/1/2011 9:34AM

    grief hits at any given moment...I lost my dad almost 14 years ago to cancer. And it still sneaks up on me and I feel like I have been punched in the gut. Happened at my daughters wedding. I knew they were doing a video tribute to my dad and the grooms dad. Both died of lung cancer. When I looked up on the screen and saw daddy...the flood gates opened...wide! One thing I have learned, don't hold it in. So I sobbed like a baby and felt much better after. When those moments hit Anne, and they will, embrace it. Cry! Scream! buy a punching bag and write CANCER on it and beat the crap out of it!! Then go hug your kids emoticon and thank God for each day He gives you!!

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LIBBYFITZ 9/30/2011 8:56AM

    It is OK to have a good cry, I know it wasn't what you had in mind, but at this stage little things will trigger your grief. Be kind to yourself and let the hurt wash over you and take some deep breaths. emoticon

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DDESERTDDAWN 9/30/2011 5:28AM

    all the above advice is good good.. and don't forget it is ok and good to complain and shout and cry about the pain, still and forever! We are here to hear!


most of all taking care of you is what counts,
dDawn

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MALKS_ARIA 9/29/2011 3:36PM

    Ouch!! what a rough way to start the morning. . . I hope it went better from there!!

Lots of Love to You and yours!!
aria

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BOBINVA 9/29/2011 2:20PM

    Reopening a deep wound. Healing takes time. Sorry such a harsh start to a day that holds so much promise. Take a deep breath and know that you are loved by many.

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KAILYNSTAR 9/29/2011 11:54AM

    That is not a good way to reduce depression risks for sure.

I am so sorry that things like that keep popping up for you. I know that when a person is hurting, everything seems more noticeable to things that happened to you or someone your loved.

We are here for you.
emoticon

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CBAILEYC 9/29/2011 11:30AM

    Thinking of you honey. Hang in there...
emoticon
C~

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LALEEBEEN 9/29/2011 8:59AM

    emoticon

All you can do is take one day at a time.

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SNOOKUMS19 9/29/2011 8:32AM

    I'm so sorry my friend. Take a breathe. Hug your children tight. Spend every moment loving them today while they are home from school. Take a moment and play a board game with them and watch them laugh while they beat you. Life is happening. Grieve but keep your eyes open and aware of the beauty of those still here with you. You are loved and blessed with an amazing family whom are with you. Drink some tea and one moment at a time my friend.

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Sunday: Update

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Well, I have been trying to get some sort of routine down with school starting over 3 weeks ago and being my mom's temporary care taker. I am a bit overwhelmed with all that has happened. I am also still grieving over my beloved brother. :(...I suspect that will be the hardest to accept.
And now I am sick to boot. I have been sick since Thursday evening yet I still workout on Friday. I knew not to even think about working out yesterday or today. Yet I can't help but to think that some of this aching pain would be alleviated with a warm up and some stretching. A little yoga perhaps?

I also want to thank all my spark friends for your support during my mourning and hectic life. I hope to start visiting all of you soon. I miss the personally touch I enjoy showing and giving.

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MALKS_ARIA 9/27/2011 10:11PM

    New routines and changes.... are always hard to adjust to... then you add being sick to the mix... be kind to yourself... and take it a day at a time-- We will be here when you are back up :)

aria

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LIBBYFITZ 9/27/2011 11:22AM

    Just do what you can. As you are not well just give yourself a pat on the back for keeping with the Spark. We miss you , but looking after yourself and your family is the no 1 priority at the moment.

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NANT406 9/26/2011 11:46PM

    emoticon emoticon Get well soon dear friend. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

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PROUDLILMOM 9/26/2011 5:55PM

    I went through the same thing last week being sick and am still sick but feeling better. Just workout when you are ready. Your body needs time to feel better.*hugs*


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SNOOKUMS19 9/26/2011 9:48AM

    We love you! Rest your body and mind. Yoga may help with that. Breathe. Drink some hot tea. Taking care of mom can be alot. Try to mark out time to spend with some good girlfriends. I know it may seem daunting right now but you will feel much better after some good girl time. We are always here for you my friend.

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LALEEBEEN 9/26/2011 9:15AM

    Don't do more than you are able to. Remember to take care of the caregiver.

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MAMAKITTY10 9/26/2011 8:46AM

  Take care of your self. emoticon dear friend.

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HEIDE69 9/26/2011 7:37AM

    You take care of yourself and get better soon!!!!!! You need anything you have to hollar!

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ONENEL 9/26/2011 6:56AM

    sorry that you have not been feeling well- hope you feel better soon

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DDESERTDDAWN 9/26/2011 4:23AM

    I second the vote on your taking your time, Anne. Yoga is probably a great idea so long as it is not pushing it too much.

Glad you are taking care of yourself.

your spark friend,
dDawn

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SHEILA1505 9/26/2011 2:36AM

    Big hugs
hope you feel better soon and take your time

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Under one of SP's health Articles :(

Monday, September 19, 2011

Just something I read today while sparking.

Health experts and leaders from 193 nations are meeting at the United Nations in New York City to discuss strategies to lower the death toll.

"This will be the first time that the U.N. has actually focused on the major killer of most people," said Dr. Otis Brawley, chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society, and a professor of oncology and epidemiology at Emory University in Atlanta.

"We need this," he added. "We need a chronic disease movement. We need to drive attention toward overall health. Because cancer, for example, kills more people in the world than HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined."

The article mention that the % is rising in prime/productive years. My beloved brother was 50yo. :(

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LIBBYFITZ 9/22/2011 5:17AM

    So sad that your brother died so young. I lost a work colleauge and Aunty to breast cancer. One of my nursing friends daughter has a rare form of the didease and is still recovering from a bone graft operation. Her mother (my friend) has taken her overseas for a holiday as her prognosis is not good. All very sad. emoticon

Libby

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MALKS_ARIA 9/21/2011 11:05AM

    Anne: You are not alone to losing your Brother the way you did... I have lost many in my family this way... and Praying that one day I will not have to medically hear those words again...


aria

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GYMRAT_AT44 9/20/2011 3:35PM

    Truly sorry for your loss! Any females (and males) 30's - 60's and wanting to read up on making some changes, a suggested read is "Ageless: The Naked Truth" by Suzanne Somers. She talks about how depletion of hormones and how we replenish them or choosing not too is a cause of health concerns like cancer... makes alot of sense! But read for yourself. Easy fast read - I did it while on the elliptical!
Sheri

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KAILYNSTAR 9/20/2011 11:22AM

    It's about time that they talk about it. Cancer can be so devastating to family members.

I am so sorry that you lost your brother so quickly to that awful disease.



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ROEBUNCH 9/20/2011 9:03AM

    Cancer stinks!! My dad was only 58 when it took him...he was just beginning to enjoy grandkids:( still praying for you Anne emoticon

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LALEEBEEN 9/19/2011 5:47PM

    Wow, so young, it's so heartbreaking. I'm very sorry. emoticon

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BOBINVA 9/19/2011 3:59PM

    It is a very indiscriminate disease. I hope they do find a way to stop it.

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PROUDLILMOM 9/19/2011 3:04PM

    I'm so sorry again for your loss. A lot of people in my family has been taking from cancer, as well as my fiance's mom who is going to die soon from it. Sorry that it took your brother :( Hoping someday they will find a cure to save more lives. *hugs*

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CBAILEYC 9/19/2011 2:29PM

    We can keep supporting the cause, helping to fund the research for a cure. I'm sorry it'll come too late for your brother, but we can surely continue the work in his honor and memory.
emoticon
C~

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Yesterday.

Thursday, September 08, 2011

Yesterday was my brother's funeral mass. I wrote a eulogy for Ralph. I love him so much I subjected myself to the torture of standing in front of a crowd of people. Both Ralph and I would never do such a thing. But it was important to me to make sure everyone knew how much I love Ralph. What an amazing person he IS to everyone. (no past tense here, because I am sure he has them smiling in heaven too!)

I was just so scared to do this but this would be my last public gift to my brother.

My eulogy in my brother's honor at the funeral mass went well. I only slight broke into tears at the very end. Unfortunately my speech had the whole church crying but mostly because of their love of Ralph and the wonderful memories. And not because he pass away.

RIP my beloved brother, my best friend, my rock and now my personal guardian angel.

hugs and kisses
your beloved sister Anne

  
  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JUDEINTOPS 9/14/2011 12:25AM

    my condolence girl,you will really miss Ralph because of your obvious closeness..his spirit will never leave you although his ill body has . emoticon

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SHEILA1505 9/11/2011 1:05PM

    That must have been such a hard thing to do.
May your guardian angel always protect and love you

Hugs
xxx

and lots of strength

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WISHICOULDFLY 9/11/2011 12:09PM

    I am so proud of you and I know your bother is too. What a wonderful tribute to your brother and your relationship with him. You truly honored him and your whole family. emoticon

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LIBBYFITZ 9/10/2011 11:48AM

    Big higs to you Anne. A very brave thing to do but as you said you wanted to do what was right for your brother. emoticon

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BOBINVA 9/9/2011 8:01PM

    What a wonderful gift to him. He was blessed to have you as a sister.

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KKINNEA 9/9/2011 2:13PM

    Glad you were able to make a final tribute to him - my condolences to you and your family.

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MALKS_ARIA 9/9/2011 4:55AM

    You are amazing!!! I am sorry for your loss, but very glad you took the opportunity to let others enjoy your memories, as well as place a smile on your face to remember the good times!!

aria

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NANT406 9/9/2011 2:45AM

    You continue to amaze me. I'm proud of you. That took a lot of courage. Good for you Anne. Try and get some rest. Take care dear friend. You're in my thoughts and prayers.

emoticon emoticon emoticon

Reyna

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DDESERTDDAWN 9/8/2011 11:13PM

    emoticon

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KAILYNSTAR 9/8/2011 9:53PM

    You did a very, very brave and commendable thing yesterday. To get up and try to keep it together while reading a eulogy. I don't know how you managed it.

Of course there was no dry eye in the church. Everyone is in shock and I am so sure that you pointed out all of the good things about your beloved brother. I'm positive that they could all feel your immense grief.

I grieve with you. One day you shall be comforted. The emptiness surrounding you will be filled with other people and just common day life. Only, for now, a loss so profound...

You do have a personal guardian angel. You always have and you always will.
emoticon emoticon emoticon

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TERRYT55 9/8/2011 8:30PM

    Oh Anne........I was close to tears reading your blog. I can't imagine that there was a dry eye in the church. I'm so very sorry for your loss. emoticon

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SNOOKUMS19 9/8/2011 8:03PM

    So brave of you to do that for your brother. You are an amazing person and I'm sure he was as well. We are here for you my friend. Drink a warm cup of tea and snuggle with your family. You need to rest and take your greiving one day at a time. Be kind to you.

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PROUDLILMOM 9/8/2011 7:59PM

    I'm so sorry for your loss.

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