My Mom, My Hero, Part 1

In February of this year, I took a business trip, and when I got home, I got horrible news.  My mom called me and told me that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  Weeks before she had her annual mammogram and they called her to tell her they had found an abnormality and she needed to come in for more tests.  After these tests, the breast surgeon she was put in touch with felt 99% sure that it was malignant, and they were going to perform a biopsy.  The surgeon also stated that even if the biopsy came back as benign, she still wanted to perfom a lumpectomy to be on the safe side.  The biopsy would be in a couple of days.  My mom had not told Karen or me about this earlier because we were both going to be out of town, and she didn't want us to worry.

My first thought was sheer terror, my mom is my rock, she and my grandmother are the two strongest women I have ever known, I felt like I was 10, and I immediately fell apart and cried.  Then, as my mom started to comfort me, my mature, mother side kicked back in and I pulled myself together.  The next thought I had was if it were me, I would do everything possible I could to make this ok for my girls, and I didn't want my mom to worry about me.  I asked her where she was and got in the car to go see her.  I needed to see her, to see that she was just as beautiful and strong as she always was, and when I saw her, that was exactly what she was. 

My mom has always been the type to put her family first, to make sure everyone was alright, and this time was no different.  She worried about my dad, about how my sister and I were doing.  She took comfort in knowing that we had a support system of each other as well as amazing friends and if she was worried about herself, she didn't show it at all.  I only hope and pray that I am able to be that same source of strentgh for my family if I ever have to be.

The next month was an emotional roller coaster, first bad news, the tumor was malignant, then worse news, it was the worst kind it could be, then amazing news, IT HAD NOT SPREAD, followed by more good news, mom was able to have the shorter round of radiation therapy and no chemotherapy was required.  After her surgery and treatment, she was declared in remission, music to everyone's ears. 

Karen, Nathan and I put together a "care package" for mom when she was getting ready to have her surgery that had books, a blanket, a bag for her things, a necklace, and this was my favorite thing we did for her:

It is important that I share with you the fact that our family had no history of breast cancer until my mom's this year, and that without this regular screening mammogram, we may not have been so lucky. Please share with any woman that you love to take care of themselves. As mothers we often put ourselves last, our appointments are the hardest to fit in among children's appointments and activities, days off to care for them when they are sick, but the best thing we can do for our families is to take the time to take care of ourselves as well.


Mom took the time and it saved her life. This inspired me to start taking better care of myself, this is what got me back into working out, got me to make sure I am scheduling regular check-ups and getting the tests I should be getting. Thank you mom, I'm 33 and I am still learning from you.  I love you more than I can put it to words, and I'm sure that I don't tell you that often enough.

Six Months

Last week marked six months since I started working out; since I embarked on a mission to take better care of myself and get in shape again.  It has been a tough six months, but it has been so worth it.  When I started I wasn't the least bit interested in running, and now I find myself registered for a 10K race in October, and a 5K the following weekend!  What has happened to me?!?!  Whatever it is, it is a good thing. 

Six moths after I made the decision to kick my butt into shape, I find myself 18 pounds lighter, 18 inches less round, 3 pant sizes smaller, and most importantly feeling great!  I have more energy, I'm sleeping better, and best of all, I no longer feel like I can't keep up with my girls!

I still have more weight to lose, and inches too, however I am looking forward to the next six months, and seeing what I get to report back on then!

First Face Plant

Although this is months old, I still had to share.  My baby had her first face plant.  Thankfully Sammie has yet to have this happen, but not our little Brenna, our little adventure, lead with her head, no hands in front of her girl.  This girl, has no fear, and knows no limits.  As much as it pains me to watch her bruise and bump her beautiful little self up right now, I can't help but hope that she keeps this same confidence and attack for life in all that she sets out to do...

The Run - The Results

My first "competitive" run was yesterday.  I have been training for it, running outsdie 3 to 4 times a week trying to build up my endurance and adjust to running outside, and on average go about 3 miles.  Yesterday's run however was for 5 miles.  Needless to say I'm sure, I was starting to panic about my ability to finish, and was hoping and praying not to come in dead last, which became my two main goals.  I said that I wasn't going to worry about time, but in my head I was secretly praying to finish below 1 hour 15 minutes, or roughly a 15 min pace.

There is something to be said for adrenaline.  Not only did I finish, and not finish last, but I managed to finish at 1 hour 3 minutes, running around a 12 minute 43 second pace, which is admittedly slow, but for me, is my best pace ever.  I felt great, and can't wait to do another.  I had the wonderful support at the race of my fellow runners - Dad, Karen, Rachel, and Jamie, and our own personal cheering section, Mom.  Thanks to all of you!  I couldn't have done it without you!  Pictures to follow soon!

July Challenge - Results

Here are the results of my July challenge, it did not go as hoped. I did not work out for 31 days straight as planned, as a matter of fact, I started off HORRIBLY slow… and did nothing for the first five days but celebrate the 4th with great (but not healthy) food…


1 – Nada

2 – Nada

3 – Nada and I ate badly at a great BBQ

4 – Nada and again ate badly

5 – Nada

6 – Yoga Meltdown challenge (and let me tell you, Ole Jillian is not messing around…)

7 – Ab Challenge and 2.7 mile run/walk

8 – Yoga Challenge

9 – Ab challenge and 2.7 mile run/walk

10 – Yoga Challenge and 15.5 mile bike ride (which left my back and butt in agony for two days…)

11 – Nada (gave my poor back a break after the day before)

12 – Ab Challenge and ran 1.2 miles (would have been longer if not for the thunder and lightning that started .5 mile in, boo)

13 – 1 hour weight training at the gym – arms, legs, core

14 – Yoga Challenge

15 – Ab Challenge, Run 3 Miles

16 – Yoga Challenge

17 – Run 3 Miles

18 – Yoga Challenge

19 – Ab Challenge, Run 2.5 Miles

20 – Yoga Challenge

21 – ab challenge, 3 mile Run

22 – Nada

23 – 2.75 Mile Run

24 – Nada

25 – Nada – came home sick as a dog!

26 – Nada – still sick

27 – Nada – sensing a pattern, so pathetic…

28 – Nada

29 – 2.75 mile run

30 – Yoga Challenge

31 – Yoga Challenge

So the results are 19 of 31 days I worked out; I won’t call it a failure, cause working out period is success, but I blew it on the challenge front this month. I have discovered that while the Yoga Meltdown was a good workout and I think benefited my balance and flexibility, I get very bored with video work outs.

Today is my first official run, the Flat Five. I’m nowhere near where I thought I would be for this run as far as training goes, so I hope to finish, without making a fool of myself.

Next up, the August Challenge! Same idea as the month before, alternating regular work outs with an additional challenge; this month’s focus, buns & thighs!

Grandma's Bowling Birthday

For my mom's birthday this year, my grandparents flew in from our old home town of Cleveland, so we decided to celebrate with a Cleveland family tradition and go bowling!  It was Sammie's first time and she had fun, although was frustrated that she wasn't perfect, wherever does she get this competitive streak I wonder???

Friends

You know those great friends I mention from time to time?  Just one more thing I love about them?  They love my girls and my girls love them...