Happy Birthday!!!

Okay, so I am a day late on this post, but...

Happy 12th Birthday Lupe!!! Can't believe that little puppy is now 12 years old!!! Ryann and I took her for "Frosty Paws" ice cream which she loved. She got a new toy from Courtney and Co. and two bags of special yummies from me. She is such a sweet girl so here's to 12 years and hopefully many more!!!

Happy birthday Poo-bear!!!

Minor Meltdown

Okay, I know this is silly and strange to post, but I had a minor meltdown this morning. Since finding out about Julie's breast cancer, I've been trying to get the nerve to perform self exams. So, today was the day I stopped procrasinating and decided to do it. I couldn't!!! I freaked out and cried instead.

I know they say ignorance is bliss, but this isn't something to be ignorant about. I remember being so upset at my Mom when she told me that she knew about her lump for over 6 months but was too scared to do anything about it. I also know that early detection saves lives, cases in point, Julie and Randi. So why can't I suck it up and do it? Am I afraid of what I may find? Well, yeah, who wouldn't be?! Or is it just being scared of what Julie is facing? Or maybe both?!

So I'm thinking that I will set the 24th of each month as my day to check. 24 is a significant number in my life (parents' birthdays and anniversary) and its a date I won't forget. Now, to just get the nerve to do it... *sigh*

Say hello to Sugar

So, my phone rings at midnight, of course I'm sleeping, its my Dad so I answer it. He starts babbling about me having to check my computer (email) because he sent me something but won't tell me what it is. I should have told him to call me in the morning but I didn't. I turn on my modem and computer (I don't leave them on) and wait for it to boot up. I finally ask him what type of dog he got and he seems surprised that I know what he is calling about. Meet Sugar, a 12-week old Maltese puppy that my Dad and Mary bought yesterday. She should be ready to come home on Friday after she receives her last shots.

Yeah, she's cute and she will probably make them both very happy, but I'm just concerned because they really don't understand the whole training thing and that a puppy needs boundries and consistency. I'm hoping for the best with this one...welcome to the family Sugar.

Thoughts, prayers and hugs

Well, today is the day that my friend Julie's battle over cancer takes the first major step forward. She is currently at UCLA waiting for surgery for a double masectomy. She has decided not to mess around and is "shutting down the cancer playground," her words not mine. I don't blame her and would do the same thing.

Julie's attitutude and drive over the many years I have known her is something that I have always admired. She is strong, vocal and doesn't take crap from anyone...including breast cancer. Its going to be a long road for her, but her strength and the love of those who care about her will get her through this.

So, my thoughts, prayers and hugs are with Julie and her family today, tomorrow and for as long as they need them. Julie, you say others have inspired you to fight as hard as you are, but you are an inspiration now. Love you girl!!!

In loving memory...

Friday, I was with a dear friend as she went through the horrible decision of putting her dog to sleep. Nigel was a sweet boy who unfortunately wasn't well and a prisoner in his own mind. He was Lupe's first friend after we moved and they hit it off so quickly. Nigel was calm and happy when Lupe was around. We took them for walks together and made up stories about what they did when we were not around.

Today I found out that another dear friend and co-worker lost one of her dogs last night. Riley was a doll and just a happy guy. Riley helped me through a really horrible point in my life by reminding me that there is a thing called unconditional love. When I couldn't have Lupe with me, Riley was there. He was always happy to see me when I got "home" from work and even after I hadn't seen him a while, he remembered who I was.

My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families. I will truly miss them both and hope that they are in that forever dog park in the sky.

The Ride of My Life

Yesterday was the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure. New route this year, new location and new outlook. I had a slight mishap at the starting line, got nudged by a volunteer with one of my feet locked in and feel over. Couple of cuts and bruises but I cleaned up the blood and rode on.

It was an AMAZING ride. Weather was perfect, beautiful rolling hills in spots, awesome downhills, killer uphills, fantastic shade, nice breeze, you get the point. At the end, a 1 mile sprint to the finish line on the verge of tears of pride and joy (I know she was riding with me all along and I really felt her presence at the end). A couple of friends came up to watch me finish and Dad and Mary drove up for the afternoon. It was just fantastic!

Mind you, I'm completely exhausted, but not sore. The 6 months of spinning definitely helped. The support I have received for this over the years means the world to me. I had rider number 46 which means out of all of the riders last year, I was the 46th highest fundraiser. Woo hoo! Go me!!! If you haven't donated for this year's ride and want to, please let me know because fundraising doesn't end until the end of the month. The money isn't important, its all of the support and caring that people have showed me that means the most. Although the money does go to a good cause and hopefully will help cure this horrible disease.

Looking back at 36

So, tomorrow I turn 37, although I've thought of myself as 37 for a couple of months already. 36 was a tough year but I think I came out on the other end just fine. I've learned a lot about myself and others. I've learned that I can stand on my own two feet, that I am respected at work, that my family adores me, that I have some amazing friends who would do anything for me and that no matter what, you have to have faith in yourself and your decisions. I consider myself truly blessed and happy, don't know when the last time I really could say that and mean it.

So long 36, thanks for a year of struggling, surviving and living...here's to 37!!!