Still snowed in...

Today is the day after Christmas and the third day of being house bound due to a blizzard in the midwest.  We have watched more than 25 movies, baked cookies (as shown in the picture), eaten, napped, did laundry, napped, eaten, eaten, eaten. 

In between all this, in my attempt to get started on my daughter's scrap book, I starting going through pictures. Trying to decide what all to include.  Of course there are B.C. photos and A.D. photos. (Before computer and after digital photos).  I didn't get very far. It is a process, I know.

Daughter's high school scrapbook. One and a half yrs. and counting.

Two and a half years ago, my daughter was a freshman in high school. It was then that I decided to start making her own scrap book.  Well, she just finished her first semester of her junior year in high school and I have not one page done. 

I guess it is such an overwhelming task for me to think about.  Where do I begin? What all do I include? How many tears will I shed?

Now, I am thinking about all the other tasks that may be involved in preparing for her graduation, preparation for college, preparation for her leaving the nest.  I guess this is as good a time as any to start.  I still have time and if I blog about it, maybe it will help me stay on track.

Wish me luck....

Christmas Past

This is the eve of Christmas Eve. This year, we have no presents under the tree. It saddens me. I remember the Christmas' Past.

But then, tonight, I received an email from a friend of mine. She was thanking me for the support I've given. Because this Christmas year she not only has fewer presents under the tree, but she also has one less child. She lost her 15 year old son in a car accident March 8, 2009. She told me again how hard this Christmas is for her and I can't imagine her pain and how she goes on. My heart breaks for her and her family.

So, when I look under our tree and see just the red skirt, I am reminded not that it is empty but rather how much we do have.

Amazing Resource for School Projects!

I am amazed at the number of projects my kids have had to prepare, especially in high school. They usually get to choose how to present it and in the past have done scrapbooks, story boards, videos and more. Needing a new venue my daughter, who is a junior in high school chose to make a website. A lot less cutting and pasting and even though it still is taking a lot of time, not nearly as much as the other types she has done. The time spent this way is more on the actual content and not the project.

After several searches for free website design we landed upon MoonFruit. This site is easy to use, a has all the bells and whistles for making a sweet website! They have a free version, but since my daughter's project needed multiple pages (more than the free version allowed) we had to purchase the basic version for a very affordable $4.95. A lot less than scrap book supplies.

Not only is she using it, but she has referred several of her classmates after they came crying to her about their woes of other sites that left them frustrated and/or required more $$$.

I can't say enough about this site in that they have made a huge contribution to the education of middle and high school students!

Help my challenge and join my community......please

Please join my community and help The Children's Hospital at the same time! BlogFrog is sponsoring the "Give the Gift of Community" challenge to its members to inspire blog readers to connect with their peers in communities this holiday season. If this blog gets 20 new participants to start or reply to a community discussion, BlogFrog will donate $10 to The Children's Hospital, one of the top 10 hospitals in the country for kids and teens.
What do you need to do? Don't be shy, click here and hop on over to join my community.

What I look at everyday, outside my window

Last Sunday, on Sunday Morning (CBS), I saw a piece about Matteo Pericoli. He draws landscapes out side of people's (mostly famous, I guess) window. It was quite interesting. You can find the piece at http://http//www.cbsnews.com/stories/1998/07/09/sunday/main13562.shtml?tag=contentMain;contentAux

I also visited his website: http://http//www.matteopericoli.com/ if you want to see his work. Anyway, I thought I have a pretty sweet view outside my window. This is a picture outside of my office in my room where I do closed captioning. The balcony over looks our yard and a small lake/pond. As you can see here, ther is about 2 1/2 feet of snow and the pond is frozen. I will post another photo of the good weather view soon.

This is one of two offices. The second office where I do all the bookkeeping for the construction business, my husband and I run is on the main floor and has a similar view.

I love my captioning job and the view! I don't particularly care for the other job, but I still love the view. Of course, working with your spouse has many challenges. I will have to blog about that some day also.

Product Review: Maytag Washer and Dryer

More than 10 years ago, my husband and I need a new washer and dryer. We had the standard, cheapest ones and I don't even remember what brand they were, now. We didn't want to invest anymore money fixing the ones we had, so, we decided to invest in new machines and we wanted the "cream of the crop" this time. With kids now, we need heavy duty machines that would hold up to running non-stop.

I remembered the Maytag commercials. Poor repairman, was out of work, because they never had any repairs. So, I thought to myself, that is what we want!

One month after the purchase, we had problems with both machines. Thankfully, we had warranties. They came and fixed both. Of course, it took a week before they could get to our house. With a family of 4, not being able to do laundry for a week-plus was irritating at least.

Repair after repair. Our washer was decided to be "lemon" and they replaced it, because it needed to be repaired more than 5 times with-in the same year.

Since then, even with the new machine, we have had to have the washer repaired at least twice per year. Once, the transmission was replaced and the repairman told me, in essence, I now have a new washer. Right, I thought. Then, you come and take care of my laundry every time I have to have it fixed and have to wait at least a week for the repairman to come, and possibly another week or two waiting for parts!

When the time came to renew our warranty and up-grade it to a five year, I didn't even hesitate.

Here it is, today. All the warranties have expired. I could buy another warranty for $500 they tell me. Are you kidding me? I should have taken the initial warranty money and combined it with this $500 ,which I WILL not buy, and use it to buy a new machine!!!

Unfortunately, at this point in our economic times, we cannot afford to buy a new machine. We can't afford to have it repaired. So, every load requires coaxing and re-arranging just to get it to spin.

When the time does arrive that we are able to replace the machines, we will run as far away from the Maytag aisle and hopefully find our selves in front of a machine willing to stand up to it's duty. Any comments on your favorite washer and dryer would be greatly appreciated.

Men and going to the Doctor

I told my husband in May. Time for a physical. You haven't had one in a couple years and you are 55 and not only that, but you need your baseline colonoscopy. AND, we have already met our deductible for this year, so you have to get it done this year. Yes, honey, he replied. Ok.

June. Okay, honey. When can you fit in your doctor appointment....
He tells me just to call and make an appointment. I will but I need an idea of when might work for you. Anyway, why do we need a middle-man (woman). I just have to go back and forth and back and forth. Grrrr.....okay, now "I" put it off.

July. Honey. Your doctor appt.

August. September. October. November.....AND December. Now, we are panicking, because here it is, the end of the year. So, we got his appointment set. December 28 is his physical and December 29 is the colonoscopy. Whew, with 2 days to spare.

Well, at least he is going, right?

My Early Christmas Present

Christmas is two weeks away and I am reminded of last year about this time. I was recovering from breast cancer, and much too tired to put up Christmas decorations. Getting them up was one thing to be overwhelmed about let alone taking them down just a few weeks later.

This year, I find myself not far from the same feeling. Just so tired. Should I put up decorations or not. Maybe just the tree. Every day, I tell myself, maybe just the tree... Tomorrow....

After a long work week. Friday afternoon--cleaned. Saturday, time for groceries. I will go early, to beat the mad crowd shopping at Walmart. I leave my teenager son to his x-box games (Call of Duty, Halo, etc.) and my high school daughter still snuggled up with her Shitzu and asleep in bed. Hubby, most likely in the basement estimating yet another construction project.

Walmart is busier than I expected. I take a deep breath a prepare myself for the crowd. Two hours of foraging through the aisles and dodging people, families, stockers.

What the heck!!!! I do not understand why people have to bring the entire family to shop for groceries. The husbands trailing behind like they have been drugged and bribed to assist. Although, I see absolutely no assisting. The kids hanging from the basket and wandering back and forth across the aisle grabbing items as they ask, "can we get this?"

As I enter each and every aisle, I am required to strategize how to get to the other end. Groups, and I say groups of families. People going down the aisle on the wrong side of the street. All of them, all the while, oblivious to anyone else in the aisle or the possibility of anyone wanting to pass. I am baffled at how they can be so blind to everything else going on.

I am baffled, because I am completely aware of my surroundings trying to keep out of the way of some one else. Some of them even have their iPods plugged into their heads, so you can't even get their attention with a gentle, "excuse me".

Okay, people, can we establish some road rules? And, can we please integrate a diamond lane for people who have more than two people on board? Don't the rules of the road apply in store aisles as well.

After 2 hours in the trenches, I head for the check-out. Thanking my Father in Heaven for a lane with only one person of which is almost done checking out. As I load my heavy laden basket onto the belt, I spy the bottle of Captain Morgan's treat I grabbed myself and started to salivate at the though of popping the cap and taking a swig. I look at my watch. Soon, I tell myself. Soon!

Next, the trek out to the Walmart parking lot. Agh! Two hours in Walmart, followed by unloading the basket to the belt, followed by loading them back to the cart, followed by pushing the cart with all my might through the snowy parking lot, followed by unloading the cart to the car, followed by unloading the car to the house, followed by putting the groceries away, followed by cooking them! Sheesh, no wonder I don't have the energy to put up Christmas decorations! All I want to do is hit the couch with a little Captain Morgan's. I am about in tears.

Once in the house, I yell (okay, scream) to the kids to unload the car. Passing my daughter in the hall, she stares at me directly eye to eye. "WHAT?!" I ask. She looks past me. I turn, and there stands the Christmas Tree all lit up in its glory! In a split second, my hectic week, my hectic Walmart trip rushed away and I had a smile that made my lips burn.

THANKS KIDS, YOU'RE THE BEST!

Don't burn your bras...just yet.

I miss my Victoria Secret Ipex bras.

After learning about my diagnosis (invasive ductal carcinoma) and weighing all my options, I decided to go with a double mastectomy as my form of treatment. My mom beat breast cancer twice. It was kind of a no brainer for me. The surgeon thought I would be fine with a lumpectomy and radiation, but this is what went through my mind...

• My mom got it. She treated it with lumpectomy and radiation.
• My mom got it again. Same treatment.
• I am relatively young (47 at the time)
• My aunt got it young too (40).
• My aunt's came back with a vengence.
• It killed my aunt.
• I have young kids (13 and 16)
• I don't want it coming back
• I don't want to have to deal with this again - or at least reduce my chances as much as possible

Once I made this decision there was no turning back and I experienced emotion after emotion.

• Fear
• Loss
• Anger
• Sadness
• Lonliness

One of the things I did just a few days before my surgery was I rounded up all my Victoria Secret Ipex bras and threw them all in my bathtub. There was a pool of bras. I didn't realize how many I had. At least 15. Maybe more. My thought...they won't fit me again anyway. I donated them to my cousin who came from Illinois during my recover to help with my family. They didn't work for her, so she donated them to the women's shelter.

Now that all was said and done...my breast were removed, my breasts were reconstructed, I realized what a mistake I had made. I asked my plastic surgeon for a smaller size (I was a 36D in the Ipex) such as a 36C or even B.

I must have left two of my bras in the laundry somewhere because I still have two of my 36D Victoria Secret Ipex bras and they still fit perfectly. It was the only bra I could find that fit pre-mastectomy and now the only one that fits post-mastectomy. Great bra, great fit!! So now, the remorse I have for giving up my upwards toward $500 worth of lingerie is painful. The only consolation is that they were donated to a good cause. Too bad it was not my cause because now due to our financial situation I cannot afford to buy one of the Victoria Secret Ipex bras. Also, I think the particular style has been discontinued.

If you are ever in my situation, hang on to your bras. If you must, just pack them up in a box and store them in the attic, at least for a year. Then decide.

Getting it off my chest

On September 17th, 2008, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am now a breast cancer survivor. I still can't get used to saying(writing) that. I was 47 (I'm 48 now) years old, with two teen age kids and it still makes me mad that I got it.

I am thankful for the fact that I was diagnosed early. I very easily could have put off getting my mammogram and then my story would be completely different. One month prior to my diagnosis I had a hysterectomy. I was in the hospital for two days and of course the recovery time and the follow up doctor visits and yadda, yadda, yadda. When the time rolled around for me to get my mammogram, I thought, "grrrr, I don't want to, I'm not in the mood for any more doctor visits. I think I will just wait or till next year". I reconsidered when I reminded myself that it was very important I go every year as recommended because my mom has fought breast cancer twice. She too is a survivor.


So, I decided I would just go. I mean how long does a mammogram take? Minutes. It's kinda like getting stamps or gas. You just do it cuz you have to and you're in and out. This time seemed different. I couldn't put my finger on it while I was in the waiting room. When I got to the exam room, I changed into the gown and sat and waited. This time I noticed the pictures of all the women who had gotten breast cancer. I never noticed that before. I started looking at their faces. Noticing how many looked my age or looked like they could have a similar life and lifestyle as me.


We went through the squish and squash. The technician left to be sure she got good shots. She gave me the thumbs up and I left. When I got home I had the curiousity to research what my odds might be that I would get it. I went to all the breast cancer sites I could google. I even took a questionairre. Two days later, I got a call. "We found something suspicious. We just need another, better picture. We get this a lot. Don't worry."


Okay, I won't worry. But, I had this feeling. Went in again. There were "suspicious spots" in both breasts. They were able to make one go away. If they are able to squish it out enough to shine light through, then that means it is nothing. Not so on the other one. The tech stood looking at it and said, "I usually can say for sure that it is nothing, but I can't with this". I knew what I was looking at. I had seen my mom's pictures. She told me she would send it in and they would call me in a day or two.


I waited.....Two days later, I got a call. "We want you to see a surgeon". I was in Herberger's department store when they called. My heart and my stomach dropped to my knees. All I could think was, "I need my mama. I have to call my mom."

Hysterectomy

In August, 2008 I had a hysterectomy. One month later I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I wrote a poem about my hysterectomy. I will write in the future about my breast cancer and mastectomy. Maybe if I write a poem about that too it will help me get it off my chest.

Hysterectomy
by Lisa Culey

To my baby-maker
I bid farewell;
For you have provided me
Two kids that are swell.

Your leaving me now
Is a bittersweet;
Though your oven worked well,
Your pain – not a treat.

I look forward to days
Without PMS,
the bloating, the cramping,
the incontinence.

Thanks for the memories,
‘Tho cursed they may be;
They only remind me
That now I am free.
Aug. 4, 2008

The Birth of my Blog

Today, my blog was born. I didn't just today decide to create one. This came after several weeks of gestation. I would have to say the hardest part of creating a blog is deciding on a name. What a stressful commitment it is to have to choose a name you have to keep forever. I have the same stress when choosing user-names for websites, not to mention my email address. It's like choosing names for kids and pets. I'm just not gifted at choosing clever names, and I hate commitment--can you tell? I start to hyperventilate thinking I can't change my mind. My family knows all too well this commitment problem, because I am forever rearranging furniture, dishes in the kitchen cabinets and even planted plants in the yard. My mom gave me one of those wall stencils about three months ago. I'm pretty sure I know where I would like it to go, but the fact that it would be in this place permanently completely freaks me out. So instead, it has found a permanent home tucked behind the kleenex box on my kitchen counter, which by the way will most likely be moved very soon.

The name "zippitz" for my url leapt in my head while hangin out this Sunday afternoon with my two teenage kids. After spending weeks trying to come up with something clever for a name and choosing a specific subject to blog about, I was amazed when I was inspired by this word. It's an abbreviation for quick tid bits I plan to blog about--Tid bits from all aspects of my world (sorry, I just can't commit to one subject). As I mention above I have two teenage kids, I am also mother to a toy poodle, and I have been married for almost 19 years to the same man! I know. I can hardly believe it myself. I can honestly say, I have stayed committed to him and him alone although I am sure he will say that I have rearranged him several times!

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