It's catch up time on the blog! Lots of stuff going on, and Baby Itty Bitty is finally taking a nap. So here we go...
To update you on the drama at my school, here's an email we all got from the President of our university (lol):
An event intended to celebrate the end of the semester grew out of control this weekend. While the event was a private party and not a university-sponsored activity, obviously many Kent State students were involved. Today, university and community officials are exploring what happened and making plans to prevent an occurrence like this from happening in the future. We are grateful that no one was seriously injured during the incident. And while the events are disappointing, they only strengthen our efforts to work hand-in-hand with the city to aid in the growth of the greater Kent community as we strive to be responsible neighbors. We have enjoyed an outstanding level of town-gown cooperation in recent years, and our successful work will continue. The actions of those involved should not taint the wonderful work being done daily by diligent and committed Kent State students, faculty and staff. Unfortunately, lost is the news of the great accomplishments this weekend by our students. One example is the student-sponsored Relay for Life event that again raised thousands of dollars to help fight the scourge of cancer. Let's all learn what we can from these events and work to move forward together as a community. President Lester Lefton
There, now that makes everything all better doesn't it? Oh, and we also got yelled at in our weekly email from him, and we got a "safety email" today on "being safe" this weekend. Haha
Down in Nicaragua, there's probably a similar stack of letters with mine to Julenia buried inside. People tirelessly translate these from English to whatever language they need to be. Then when the children write their letters back, they translate those into English and forward them onto the children's sponsors. Isn't it amazing?
Next, let's see... Oh yes, the swine flu. It was just a joke but now it's a reality. As of this morning, there have been cases of Influenza A H1N1, a respiratory flu found in pigs that is now viable in humans, as seen in Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York City, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas. So why do we care? Well I care because I have a myriad of chronic illnesses that make me susceptible to things like this. And many of my readers share my struggle and are in the at-risk population as well. 51 cases alone have presented in New York City. Why? How many people travel in and out of that city each day? Exactly. Then they travel to their home states and bring it to people there. Then those people go on vacation or go out to eat or go wherever and send the nice little swine flu to some others. So please people, cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze. Then throw the tissue away or wash your hands for goodness' sakes. Gross. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Don't bite those fingernails and spare the pretty mascara by resisting to rub those eyes. No picking your nose either. Gross again. Because the person with swine flu sneezes on their hand, shakes yours, and then you yawn and touch your mouth. See how easy this is? But now if you have a cold, no need to worry either. To have H1N1, you'll likely have a temp over 100* as well as a cough or sore throat. You'll also have done one of the following: been in contact with someone with swine flu or someone who was in contact with someone having swine flu, traveled to an area affected by swine flu in the 7 days preceding symptom onset, been in contact (within 6 feet) with someone who traveled to an area affected by swine flu, or are hospitalized with influenza or pneumonia. So just be careful out there, chronic chicks. If you think you're coming down with it, call your doctor immediately. Oh, and obey the Feds and don't go to Mexico! But above all, don't be too stressed over it. Just use common sense. My dad spoke with family friend and world-renowned physician Dr. Alan Chow (who is a MD, PhD, OD and is cofounder of Optobionics, a company pioneering an implanted chip that make blind people see... not even kidding) and he confirmed what I had been suspecting... H1N1 is not a bad flu - it's just the flu, people. You'll be better in a couple of days. The only deaths have come from Mexicans and other people who likely cannot or did not access proper, current medical care in a timely manner. Immunocompromised people, be extremely careful just as if you were around any other bug. Get to the doctor if you show symptoms, and you should be all right. Healthy individuals? Same for you. Either way, utilize the health-smart tips above just like you would for any other bug. It's going to be just fine.
Wednesday beganBaby Time at the local library. I enrolled Baby Itty Bitty and invited our friends Russ and Sam to do the same with their Madison. So Wednesday morning for an hour, I sang goofy little songs, clapped and did motions, and held Baby Itty Bitty as she listened to the stories. (Okay, stared at other babies, etc. while the lady read the stories...) Until she decided not sleeping during morning naptime was a bad idea afterall and began to squirm and fuss. (Don't worry, "Itsy Bitsy Spider" cured the issue...) Meanwhile, Maddie spent the morning stealing the show and determinedly eating her pacifier and drooling all over the place. The next several Wednesday mornings should be fun for sure. Next week, we get a new room and will add toys, more interaction, and a "water table" to our stories and songs. Yay! :)
My parents just got back from Chicago and I'm jealous. But I shouldn't be because I'm leaving for Disney World on Tuesday! Although I'm stressed because there's so much to do and not enough time!
Craigslist and Freecycle ROCK. And thrift and consignment stores, too. Just saying. For the past few months, I've collected a desk, books, clothes, fabric, toys, Easter and Christmas decorations, crafts, a dollhouse, a TV/VCR combo, things to redecorate, Ikea bookcase doors, and so much more.. all for FREE! I've given away toys, clothes, a vacuum, baby stuff, etc., and I've gotten absolute steals on lots of baby gear (swings, DVDs, a BundleMe, a Bumbo and tray...) an Ikea bookcase, Cavs tickets, books, clothes, and I could go on forever. I've sold a chair, baby items, craft items, and even my printer combo. I have tons of pending sales, too, including my parents' old pool pump. Crazy or what? Maybe... but definitely fun!!
Still reading My Sister's Keeperand re-reading A Grief Observed. 2 amazing books. I absolutely cannot wait for My Sister's Keeper's movie to come out this June! (Even if it has a different ending...) I started the book a long time ago and didn't get a chance to finish it, so this is the perfect excuse to pick it up again. You should read it too - this book will move you and shake you to the core. I don't really think I'm biased just because I'm sick and I have a sister and I've lived glimpses of this family's lives. I think it would be unimaginable and hard for anyone, not just someone partially living the life. Can you imagine being created to be a genetic match for a cancer-ridden sister... so your cells and organs and tissues could in many ways cure her most of the times she got sick? Going to the hospital each time she had to? In the book/movie, the girl essentially decides to sue her parents for the rights to her own body... all while she loves her sister. Wrap your head around that one. And of course Jodi Picoult is a master author. So just read it. And check out the trailer:
Oh and I must give a shoutout to my nerdy fiance. Jonathan found this funny video by College Humor called Twitter in Real Life. If you're into Twitter, you'll totally get this... it made me "lol" :)
Speaking of Twitter... you so should be following me....
K, so Grey's Anatomy last night??? Episode 99 was one of the best in a long time! And I'm so, so excited for Episode 100 - if you want a spoiler, click here. Shonda Rimes confirmed that Denny will definitely be in the episode, and she also added, "Just a reminder: He's not a ghost, and we should all remember what his appearance means." Interpret that one how you will... either Izzie's mets are back making her nuts, or well... he's come to take her... they will finally be together. But back to last night. Krista Vernoff came back to write and the scenes with Izzie and her mom, Meredith and little Maddy, Meredith and Richard... well, there were lots of amazing scenes. Even though lately Grey's has deviated from episodes with obviously resonating themes, throughout this episode, a few ideas were repeatedly apparent: acceptance, forgiveness, and making amends. I loved how Meredith risked her job to tell Maddy's mom, "You have to change her story while you still have a chance... for her, but for your little girl, you have to change her story." The whole idea of a little girl shooting her dad 17 times to save her mom from her dad, now that's controversial. For standing up for a 6 year old murderer, now that's Meredith Grey. I love how Meredith is all "dark and twisty," you never know where she's going next or how she's going to react. She's not afraid to surprise people, and she's not afraid to run or hide when it's the best thing she can do. I can relate to Meredith. But anyways, change their stories... Hindsight is 20/20 but I know my story could have been changed, and maybe yours could have been, too. Instead of letting that realization hurt (I'd never in my life thought of it that way), embrace the realization that all adults change the stories of each and every child they ever get to know, and you have the power to give a child a happier ending, a brighter beginning.
Oh and any Private Practicewatchers reading? How about that season finale?! I knew it from the time I saw that psychotic woman appear back on the episode... Chills!
... or forget about it until you're forced to face it... you know, when it hits your mom, your sister, your son, or your friend? It's your choice, but unless we face it now, we'll only have to face it harder later...
K guys... this is BIG:
Official press release:
Stand Up To Cancerwww.standup2cancer.org), a new initiative to raise philanthropic dollars for accelerating ground-breaking research, launches today through an unprecedented collaboration uniting the major television networks, entertainment industry executives, celebrities and prominent leaders in cancer research and patient advocacy. ABC, CBS and NBC will donate one hour of simultaneous commercial-free primetime for a nationally televised fundraising event to air on September 5, 2008 (8 pm EDT and PDT), aimed at rallying the public around the goal of ending cancer's reign as a leading cause of death.
..."For people struggling with this disease, or those who will be diagnosed, scientific breakthroughs can be a matter of life or death -- literally. We want everyone to know that they can make a difference in this fight," said [Katie] Couric. "Television is a notoriously competitive business. For the three major broadcast networks to join forces is a wonderful example of the power of working together, and we're very grateful to have the opportunity to reach people all over the country through this show."
"As a motion picture and television producer, I've learned how incredibly powerful these mediums can be in generating public discourse, sometimes almost overnight. Our goal with this initiative and TV show is to ‘tip' the conversation in this country about cancer – to get people riled up, so they want to do something about the fact that it still takes so many lives," said Laura Ziskin, who will produce the September 5th broadcast. Ziskin is a cancer survivor. Her film credits include the Spider-Man trilogy, As Good As It Gets, and Pretty Woman, and she also produced the 74th and 79th Annual Academy Awards.
The Stand Up To Cancer special will feature live performances by legendary recording artists and stars from film and television who will perform as well as present filmed content giving viewers insight into cancer. Various screening tests will be demonstrated in novel and entertaining ways. "Katie, Charlie and Brian will report on potentially life-saving research, speaking with both patients and scientists. We hope to entertain you, educate you, move and inspire you," Ziskin said.
Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) is a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and was established by a group of media, entertainment and philanthropic leaders, whose lives have all been affected by cancer in significant ways. Stand Up To Cancer is bringing industry resources -- people, as well as mediums such as television and the web -- to bear in the fight against cancer as never before...
"The statistics are staggering," Gibson said. "Cancer claims one person every minute of every day in the United States. Every year in this country, it takes the lives of more than half a million people…worldwide, cancer kills more than six million people annually. There has been progress on both the research and awareness fronts; as a result, there are over ten million cancer survivors in the US today. More work urgently needs to be done so that more people will survive," he said.
...New developments in the laboratory are revealing the way cancer begins, progresses and spreads. Stand Up To Cancer is founded on the belief that now, more than ever, there is sufficient knowledge of the basic science of cancer, and that the technologies are finally available to translate this knowledge into real advances in treatment and prevention. Today's cancer scientists are on the verge of life-saving discoveries. But what they desperately need are the funds required to mount an all-out assault. Stand Up To Cancer is dedicated to providing this much needed new source of cancer research funding...
"Everyone in our country has been touched by cancer in some way, shape or form. The thought that we could, in one hour of television, make a true difference in the fight against this disease was both exciting and inspiring," Sweeney said.
"Television is a uniquely powerful medium and the networks joining forces offer an unparalleled opportunity to communicate loud and clear that we all have a stake in the fight against cancer," said Moonves. "Through the unity of broadcasters, entertainers and cancer groups alike, and the giving spirit of the audience at home, this television event has the potential to make a profound impact on our society's ability to understand and battle this terrible disease."
"We've gone to the moon and pioneered a technology that revolutionized the way the world communicates. Applying that same innovation and commitment, scientists are on the cusp of making enormous strides in their efforts to combat cancer, but they need additional funding to do that. Through Stand Up To Cancer, and the September 5th broadcast, people all over the country can help."
I won't be home, but the DVR is already set. This is so necessary. So BIG. So needed. So NOW. If we all just turned on our TV, said a prayer, gave a dollar... Oncology is a huge interest of mine, and I am all read up on the research. This isn't the media giving you half the story. We're almost there. Almost. But the government is NOT helping. We have the technology, but if you saw the costs, you'd be speechless. Some of these new drugs alone are so high that pharmacies won't even dispense them - the MDs have to pay for them out of pocket, and usually at that they don't get completely reimbursed. Those are the good souls who have the vision. Cancer has touched my life in so many ways - family, close friends, parents of friends... and unfortunately, most of their stories didn't end up with success. That's changing. I truly believe in my lifetime, I'll see the cure to cancer. The more physiology you study and the more you hear about the advanced ideas about treatment options, the more it clicks and you wonder why you didn't think of that! But then you think about how much funding and how many years of research comes next, and it's easy to get discouraged. Well, we've seen what happens on shows like Idol Gives Back, so I'm interested to see what happens when the country and a handful of our hottest celebs get together to make a difference. There's power in numbers. And for just one night, we can forget about being republicans or democrats and stand united for one cause. And those running for office can stand by and watch.... it's about time they realize that despite our differences, we are all humans and we all have a heart for suffering. Yes, our country is suffering. Financially, with our worldwide relationships, and especially with our healthcare. With BIG disease that hit hard. But I hate politics so I'll get back to where my heart is.... health and suffering and MAKING A DIFFERENCE... I had some links for you from their site as well as some facts but due to high traffic, a lot of the site is temporarily down. Here's what works for now, plus some videos. And facts we ALL need to hear.
Tune in tonight. We all can make a difference... how great is that!!
*Where is the money going? Paul Rudd gives us more info about the show and the research...
*Don't forget.... all the STARS are coming out tonight! Here's a benefit song by Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Rihanna, Fergie, Miley Cyrus, Sheryl Crow, Melissa Etheridge, Natasha Bedingfield, Mary J Blige. I believe the single is on iTunes NOW and an album will be in iTunes on Tuesday.
Hard Facts
A 1% reduction in cancer deaths would add $500 billion into the US economy.
Imagine $50 trillion; that’s what we’ll save by conquering cancer.
In 1982 the Surgeon General’s Report stated “cigarette smoking is the major single cause of cancer mortality in the U.S.” This statement is still true.
Tobacco accounts for over 1/3rd of all cancer deaths in the US.
Although more than 40-thousand women die every year of breast cancer in this country that number is going down. One reason is because doctors and scientists are now able to breakdown tumors to the cellular level and target therapies accordingly.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
Smoking is responsible for 87% of lung cancer deaths and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death and is one of the most difficult cancers to treat.
In 2007 approximately 153,760 new cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed.
The five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer detected early is 90%.
Colorectal cancer kills almost 50,000 Americans every year.
We used to have such crazy dreams. The kind of dreams that brought us together, made us not mere mortals, but a movement.
We used to dream we'd get to the moon. And we were crazy enough, fanatical enough, relentless enough, to get there.
We dreamed we'd split the atom. Make smallpox and polio whispers from forgotten history books. Make technology infinite, individual. Connect the world.
All the unbelievable and the impossible, all the can't do and the never will, we overwhelmed them, we overpowered them, we conquered them. They said no and we, well, We said yes. We stood up. We stood up and changed the world.
Stand up when everybody else sits down Stand up when it's easier to turn away Stand up for everyone who can't rise anymore
When the answer seems impossible, stand up When the dream is right within our reach, stand up When the powerful refuse your call, stand up
The moment is now and the time has come to stand up. One out of every two men One out of every three women will face these diseases we call cancer.
Our sisters, our brothers, our fathers, our mothers, our husbands, our wives, our children. Our very best friends and those we've yet to meet.
One person every minute, one person in a moment gets lost, gets stolen, gets taken away.
We are a tapestry of lives touched and brought together by a terrorist we can actually find. And in the time it's taken to read this, three more Americans have died.
Unforgivable.
This is where the end of cancer begins.
When together we become a force unmistakable. A movement undeniable. A light that cannot dim.
When we take our wild impossible dreams And make them possible Make them true
When together we rise as one When we stand up When we Stand Up To Cancer.
Lastly, may this simple video touch your heart.
What do YOU stand for?
Tonight, will YOU stand up to cancer? May this be where the end of cancer begins. ABC . NBC . CBS 8p EST/PST View the celebrity lineup
Never thought the writers' strike would end, but finnnnally, a new episode of Greys! I got the dish & all I can say is this... be ready to fall back in love with the best show evahhhh baby!
I LOVE Victoria Beckham. Always have. I know people think she's grumpy and never smiles, but when she does, she smiles with everything she has. In interviews, she's so so so sweet. She is very successful, puts her family first, and is just all around classy. (I know this because I read her book, That Extra Half Inch, okay? lol)
This pic was on Best Week Ever because Victoria made the word MAJOR into a new buzzword. I don't know if it's from GB or what, but it's a super fantabulously fun word, wouldn't you agree? Majorly cool.
Yes Victoria, Posh Spice (I'll tell you what I want what I really really want!), you areMAJOR!
(Oh yeah, and I think your husband is MAJORLY HOT.... eye candy.... MAJOR delish... )
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c*est moi!
Amanda
I am 22 & currently spend my days nannying my itty bitties + going to college (working on my nursing degree, goal: pediatric oncology) & am honored to be a published writer in a nursing anthology & a contributor to many scrapbooking publications. i love hanging with my amazing friends, sister & family. i love my baby puppy haylie brooke and our silly doggie ri-ri. in my rare spare time, i read & get crafty. i thrive on organization, my mac repertoire, learning & absolute fabulosity. my favorite place in the world is paris. my favorite color is pink. i love being a nurse & i believe each one of my patients is precious. i'm a night owl & wish my lifestyle promoted such habits. i like lazy jammie days. i believe in god and am thankful for his hand on my life. i believe that life is too short to be anything but happy, & i’m thankful that a chronic liver disease + the effects of a car accident have taught me important values that most people learn far too late. i hope that the world will find hope, and my idea of a good day is one in which i made someone smile :)
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