#445 Prepare for Take Off In 2016!

METAvivor

2015 is slowly drawing to a close and the end of the year has been phenomenal for our family.  Baby news, wedding news, job news--all good stuff as we approach the next year.

 Speaking of which, even years have not been kind to me since 2012 and although we have nothing but joyful things to celebrate in 2016, a little whispering in my ear reminds me that: 1. I will still have cancer. 2.  It may behave itself and not disturb the other healthy cells 3. or it may not  4. Too many lives were lost in December and that reminds me that this disease only takes away 5.  My screaming and ranting about this disease must now ramp up to high speed.

With those whisperings in my ear, I also hear the good things and that's what I will continue to focus on because cancer will not dictate how I will live and thrive.  Right now Heather is murmuring in my ear--"Every day matters"-- and that will be my mantra as 2016 unveils its future self.  

As always, get a tax donation in 2015 and help our future by donating to One Woman Many Lakes helps METAvivor and ACS.

Thanks for reading # 445 of 7777.

#444 Four Fore For

Although I do not consider myself a math person, numbers have always fascinated me in some strange math obsessive way.  When I typed the 444 in the title of this blog, I was led on a scavenger hunt of the possible significance of  that number.  Below is a small sketch of the findings. Find out why it isn't the Chinese's favorite number by going to 

 travelchinaguide.com .

A brief look at the history of #4. 

Wide Use of No. 4
In China’s long history, 4 has been widely used as a number to classify something with the same characteristics or of the same category. Here are some typical examples:
1. Four Seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter
2. Four Directions: east, west, south, north
3. Four Inventions of Ancient China: paper making, printing, compass, gunpowder
4. Four Skills of the Ancient Chinese Scholars: playing zither, playing chess, calligraphy, painting
5. Four Classic Novels of the Ancient China: Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Kingdom of Wei, Shu and Wu), Outlaws of Marsh, Journey to the West, A Dream in Red Mansions (The Story of A Stone)
6. Four Sorts of the Well-known Embroidery: Su (Suzhou) Embroidery, Xiang (Hunan) Embroidery, Shu (Sichuan) Embroidery, Yue (Guangdong) Embroidery
7. Four Famous Pavilions: Penglai Pavilion in Yantai of Shandong, Yueyang Pavilion in Hunan, Tengwang Pavilion in Nanchang of Jiangxi, Yellow Crane Tower in Wuhan of Hubei
8. Four Plants in Chinese Painting: Plum Blossoms, Orchid, Bamboo, Chrysanthemum
9. Four Grottoes: Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, Yungang Grottoes in Datong, Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, Maiji Caves in Tianshui
10. Four Famous Buddhist Mountains: Mt. Wutai in Shanxi, Mt. Putuo in Zhejiang, Mt. Emei in Sichuan, Mt. Jiuhua in Anhui

Thanks for reading #444! of 7777.

#443 Keep It Coming

$103,100

+

$81,135=

$184,235

You did it.  Fundraising that began in October, 2014 until December, 2015 raised that grand total for METAvivor and American Cancer Society.  UNBELIEVABLE!  

Not only did the swims generate the cash flow but everyone seemed to come out of the woodwork and offer to do something for my cause.  Beginning with the Coaches vs Cancer campaign in October to multiple fundraising events ranging from reiki sessions to numerous restaurants participating to Silpada parties and swim-a-thons at two local pools.  Oh, and then there were garage sales, jam sales and holiday giving parties.  It didn't stop and it was all because YOU believed as strongly as I do that we--the 155,000 of us--should not be forgotten.

From all of us living with this disease who want one more day, one more year to be with our families...we say thank you.  You may have saved our lives.

Donate today and let's keep the ball rolling--One Woman Many Lakes

Thanks for reading # 443 of 7777.

#442 Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer

"For me, being alive and advocating for research is holding on to hope."

Susan Fariss

HOPE

Mets Monday today and Susan Fariss' article,  Hope in the Face of Death: Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer rings true for those of us in the clutches of this disease.  Understanding, educating and then doing something about it.  That is our plan of action.

Please read: Cure Today and then go to  One Woman Many Lakes +METAvivor + ACS = Hope to donate. Pass this on.


Thanks for reading # 442 of 7777.

#441 Smelly Feet and Runny Noses--Ha!

Enjoying a good pun together with a friend.

I felt a need for some pun humor today.  Every single time they crack me up.  These were located at Pun of the Day.

Smaller babies may be delivered by stork but the heavier ones need a crane.

I once heard a joke about amnesia, but I forgot how it goes.

I used to be addicted to soap, but I'm clean now.

Some people's noses and feet are built backwards: their feet smell and their noses run.

Sleeping comes so naturally to me, I could do it with my eyes closed.

When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.

Did you hear about the crime that happened in a parking garage? It was wrong on so many levels.

If towels could tell jokes they would probably have a dry sense of humor.

What's the definition of a will? (It's a dead giveaway).

I was going to buy a book on phobias, but I was afraid it wouldn't help me.

Thanks for reading #441 of 7777.

#440 Ahhhh! Life Is Good.

The happy couple

Life---wonderful, silly, difficult, sad, happy, glorious, unpredictable and on and on.

  Our life in 2016 --right now at this moment-- is shaping up to be pretty spectacular.  Our daughter received a stunning diamond from her boyfriend yesterday with a plan to be wed in August or September of this year.  This event follows Aaron and Gillian's announcement of our very first grandchild arriving in May.  Shouts of joy have been pouring out of our house along with some pretty crazy happy dancing.

This roller coaster of life is definitely on the upswing and we are grabbing and enjoying every minute of it--as every day should be.  Now I will try and wipe this smile off my face because I'm looking like a very happy drunk.

Back off cancer because there's a lot of loving and living going on in this household.

Thanks for reading # 440 of 7777.

#439 The Funmeister!

Big Packer fan!

It's Fav Friday and I dug up last year's tribute to my eldest son.  For thirty-four years I have carried this child (he will always be my "child") close to my heart. My sage grandmother once told me after reporting she was worried about something my seventy year old father was doing, "You never stop being a mother."  Aaron, guess what?  I'll never stop caring, worrying, loving, thinking about you.  That's just the way it is.  Love you forever. (And now pay backs are coming your way :)). Your Mama

# 74 Merry Happy Birthmas

Merry Christmas to all my family and friends.  May this day be joyous and full of goodwill as you make merry on this glorious holiday.

and a special Happy Birthday to my eldest.

Who would have thought that 33 (now 34)  years ago this little bundle of joy born at 2:08 AM would grow up to be the comedian who makes his sister stop breathing from laughing so hard and a rebel rouser to his easily influenced younger brother.  Aaron, the funmeister, who also is smart, kind, generous, engaging and is the shining star in our lives.  I could go on and on about this gem of a man, but will  stop here to avoid the parent prerogative of embarrassing him--even at his advanced age.

We love you.

Thanks for reading # 439 (77) of 7777.

#438 Happy Holidays

 Happy Holidays to our friends and family.  

To keep me and my metastatic sisters and brothers living our dreams and literally living every day, please consider giving to METAvivor or ACS-- both are giving 100% of the donations to metastatic research.

More living to do

More time with our families

More is all we want.

Give today to give us a little bit more.

Thanks for reading #438 of 7777.

#437 #Metstivus

Why a bedbug you may ask?  Why not--it's METSTIVUS! Cancer sucks.

This was posted on Facebook. It isn't too late to chime in and tweet or post any grievances you have.  If you are fortunate to not have MBC but know someone who does, post a grievance/miracle for them.  Don't forget the hashtag #metstivus.  Let's get the world talking about METASTATIC BREAST CANCER!!!

My Metstivus grievance is losing a beautiful friend to this disease.  The miracle was she gave incredible insight on how to live life and make every day matter.  Thanks Heather.


You've heard of Festivus, right? The Seinfeld-created holiday on December 23, during which we air our grievances and engage in feats of strength and celebrate around a metal pole? Well, we're stealing it for metastatic breast cancer and renaming it Metstivus. How can you participate in this special holiday? Tweet or post on Facebook about any grievances you have, like the time a Komen advisor told you that they won't invest in more research unless metastatic patients fundraise for them. Or that your toenails fell off from your drugs. Or, share a nice photo of your metal IV pole. Or, share a Metstivus miracle, like making it out of bed. Use the hashtag #metstivus in your posts so we can all follow along with the festivities. And get your friends to participate by sharing/retweeting!

Thanks for reading # 437 of 7777.

#436 Extraordinary!

We are back from the bottom of this big sphere we call earth.  When you look at a globe or a map of Antarctica it is literally at the lowest part of the "diagrammatic representations of an area" vastly stretching across the underside of a big globe.

Travel consisted of hopping on and off four airplanes and then catching a bus to carry us back home thirty hours later from waaaay down under---and that's not counting the two day Drake Passage crossing to get to the beginning of this long odyssey.  No complaints.  The wondrous beauty we were able to observe was worth the agonizing travel ordeal.

I could google some extraordinary words that might describe this latest venture but it is beyond narration --it is simply that amazing.  If you believe in bucket lists, this one should rank near the top.

Without further ado I'll post a few pictures... you know the saying about pictures being worth a thousand words--this nails it on the head.

Penguins on an iceberg--their own little floating bar

Icebergs are literally the coolest things around

Rob called this his "tenor trio" .  They were a noisy bunch.

Adorable and everywhere we looked

Thanks for reading # 436 of 7777.

#435 One Cool Woman

Heather

Two Metsters

Yes, it is Mets Monday and today's blog will be dedicated and written by my friend, Heather McManamy.  Her husband shared her last post on Facebook and today it will be shared here so everyone (those of you not on FB) will be aware of Heather's unbelievable coolness factor.  Screaming for more funding is too late for Heather and the others who died last week, but it isn't too late for those of us still hanging around.  Let's not let one more succumb to this disease.  Be a part of the solution and donate to Let's find a cure today.

From Heather's Facebook page:
Wow, just wow. I can't believe the outpouring of support from all around the world. Thank you all so much! It's easy to forget sometimes, but seeing all of these posts and messages show how much good there is in the world. I am posting Heather's obituary and celebration information. 
- Jeff McManamy
I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is, apparently, I'm dead. The good news is that if you're reading this, you are most definitely not (unless they have wifi in the afterlife). Yes, this sucks. It sucks beyond words, but I'm just so beyond grateful that I lived a life so full of love, joy and amazing friends. I've never written an obituary before, so bear with me...
I was born in West Allis, Wisconsin (Stallis!) on Nov. 30, 1979, to Roman and Carla Sikorski, wonderful people who raised me surrounded by unconditional love and unwavering support. I grew up and had a blast with my brother, Ryan Sikorski, and those memories were ones I always held close. He's an awesome dude. My amazing aunts and uncles, Lauree, Chuck, Don and Pat also made sure we weren't short on fond memories of childhood. After graduating from Milwaukee Pius XI in 1998, I moved to Madison to attend the UW, where my diploma tells me I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology in between visits to State Street Brats and the Terrace. Most importantly, that was where I met the love of my life, Jeffrey McManamy, on a Badger Saturday and my life truly began.
Jeff and I were inseparable from the moment we met and every day was full of love and laughter. We moved to Jeff's hometown of McFarland and were married May 20, 2006. After years of fun, binge drinking, irresponsibility and countless awesome adventures, we welcomed our daughter, Brianna Noelle McManamy, into our family on April 22, 2011 (the happiest day of our lives). That is when the fun really began. I loved every second of being Bri's mommy and will love her with my whole heart and be proud of her for all eternity.
With my stage four cancer diagnosis in 2014, we made the decision to live life, rather than focus on the unfairness of the universe. And live, we did. I was unbelievably lucky to live life the way I did, in the moment and appreciating every day. I retired from my research specialist position at UW-Madison SMPH to focus on what's important in life: my family. And we created memories that are so incredible; I often have to pinch myself to make sure it was reality. My life was a dream and, despite cancer, often too good to be true. From our magical Disney trip to Mommy Mondays to our Badger Football excitement, to simply snuggling and having dance parties at home, every moment was cherished. I love nothing more than being Brianna's mommy. And I truly believe that the laughter and love we shared will live on forever. It's all still here. My love and support will embrace Brianna eternally and I will always, always be proud of her. Brianna, if you close your eyes, I will always be right by your side. I'll whisper I love you in the wind that blows your curls and as you keep moving on, my love for you will never die, it will always stay strong.
Most importantly, I was unbelievably lucky to spend over a decade with the love of my life and my best friend. True love and soulmates do exist. Every day was full of laughter and love with Jeff by my side. He is genuinely the best husband in the universe. Even on the worst days you could imagine, we found a way to laugh together. I love him more than life itself and I believe that a love like ours is so special it will live forever. Time is the most precious thing in this world and to have shared my life for so long with Jeff is something I am incredibly grateful for. I love you, Jeff. I believe that the awesomeness that is Brianna is our love brought to life, which is pretty beautiful. It absolutely breaks my heart to have to say goodbye. If it's half as sad for you as it is for me, it breaks my heart over again because the last thing I ever want to do is make you sad. I hope that with time, you can think of me and smile and laugh, because, wow, did we have a magnificent life. Go google Physicist's Eulogy and know that it is a scientific fact I will always be with you and Bri in some way.
I hate making people sad, so please don't think of me with pity or sadness. Smile, friends, knowing that we had a blast together and that time was amazing. Please laugh at the memories we made and the fun we had and tell Bri stories so she always knows how much I love her and how I wanted nothing more than to be here with her (and make me sound waaay cooler than I am please). And don't say I lost to cancer. Because cancer may have taken almost everything from me, but it never took my love or my hope or my joy. It wasn't a "battle" it was just life, which is often brutally and randomly unfair, and that's simply how it goes sometimes. I didn't lose. The way I lived for years with cancer is something I consider a pretty big victory.
I came to discover that as you age, your family includes all those you love and ours is far too extensive to list here. But, you know who you are. Thank you for making our life so full of happiness, hilarity and love. Next time you open a bottle of wine to soak in a sunset, please think of me and smile.
I want to especially thank Dr. Sanyal, Dr. MacKay, Dr. Moore, and the AMAZING team of nurses at Dean Oncology and Agrace Hospice. You were there on the worst days of my life and I couldn't have done this without you all. I was able to enjoy life knowing with full confidence that I was getting the best care possible and you were fighting for as much time as I could get with Bri and Jeff. Thank you for taking such great care of me while respecting our priorities.
I love you all, friends, and thank you for the most wonderfully awe-inspiring life. From the bottom of my heart, I wish you long, healthy lives and I hope you can experience the same appreciation for the gift of each day that I did. If you go to my funeral, please run up a bar tab that would make me proud. And there had better be a dance party at some point. Celebrate the beauty of life because you know that's what I want and I believe that in a weird way, I will be there too (you know how much I hate missing out on fun). Know that I want you to wear whatever makes you happy (yes, I mean those ridiculously cute shoes that you never have the occasion to wear). The service should be a celebration. I look forward to haunting each one of you, so this isn't so much a goodbye as it is see you later. And please remember to take a moment now and then during this crazy life to remind yourself that every day matters. And, lastly, a book: Cards for Brianna: A Lifetime of Lessons and Love From a Dying Mother to Her Daughter, written with multiple inspiration book author William Croyle. The timing couldn't have been crazier, but talk about an amazing alignment of the stars to have something so positive and fun to focus on.

Thanks for reading # 435 of 7777.

#434 Whispering Hope

It's not a bear but an adorable penguin.

 We arrived in Madison after a thirty hour marathon airport jaunt and made it in time for Heather McManamy's Celebration of Life.  Right now fatigue and raw emotions are keeping me from composing a heartfelt tribute to her.  Eventually it will be written.

 In a nutshell, she blew me away in so many ways from calling me a badass the first time we met to cheering me on as I swam.  I do believe she is perched on my shoulder saying, "Let's go Badass, keep raising funds and kick cancer's butt out of our lives."  Let's stop this dying now...

and you can help.

Go to my website www.onewomanmanylakes.org and donate for a year end tax deduction or holiday gift to honor Heather and the rest of the 109 who died on December 15th and those who will continue to die every day until we all stand together and say, "No more" .

If you listen carefully you will hear her whispering a thank you in your ear.

Thanks for reading # 434 of 7777.

#433 Powerful Women

Sue, The Queen of the Staministas

Sue, the wonder woman who definitely has earned her own title of Staminista, wrote this entry that does indeed embarrass me but will post it anyway. She is a doer, a pusher, a challenger, and on and on and on.  So, from one Staminista to another, let's go toast our titles and conquer the world!

Knowing a Staminista

Since my friend, Mary, is far away in Antarctica, I will share a title that I have bestowed on her.  If her checks are turning red, it is from the crisp Antarctic breezes (or a true polar plunge) rather than being caused by embarrassment from reading this guest blog.

I first encountered the word "Staminista" in an article in O,The Oprah Magazine. It was titled "Secrets of the Staminista's: Women Who Do it All."  As soon as I read the title I thought that it perfectly described my friend Mary.  In the article three "powerhouses" tell Dorothy Foltz-Gray what keeps them going.  

Two of the subjects became the first women (Liv Arneson & Ann Bancroft) to cross Antarctica on foot - the equivalent of skiing from New York to Denver in minus 30-degree weather - each dragging a 250-pound sled of supplies.  Hopefully, Mary will not take up that same challenge during her trip!  Her numerous swims across lakes to raise money for Metavivor is enough for her to be a "Staminista" in my eyes.  A quote from Ann Bancroft in the article perfectly describes Mary:  "You have to have a personality that's willing to adapt to the situations that present themselves, because sometimes you have good days and sometimes you don't. You have to honor that and still make the push."

The third "Staminista" in the article is Sarah Susanka, a best selling author.  In 1998 her first book, The Not So Big House, became a best seller.  It's about making optimal use of your living space.  She has since written more books with a similar theme.  After her initial success, she fended off a minimum of 15 requests a day for interviews and speaking engagements.  Sarah realized the importance of staying balanced and calm as well as setting priorities.  She achieved this through daily meditation and not accepting commitments that interfere with it.

So back to my favorite "Staminista" who takes on the physical challenge of lake crossing and writes a daily blog, as well as doing interviews and speaking engagements!!!  All of these accomplishments would make her a "Super Staminista" if Oprah needs another article for her magazine.

Click here for more Inspiring Stalinists: Secrets to Staminista

Power Women O The Oprah Magazines Power List

Thanks for reading # 433 of 7777.

#432 Besties

Besties--all of them!

Swimming bestie

Fav Friday today and I am missing my friends so will devote this one to them.  Besties--love that word and what it means.

                                                                     Friendships

From December, 2014 blog # 78  

The degree of social support you experience even affects the likelihood of cure if you do wind up sick.  A University of California , San Francisco study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology investigated the social networks of nearly 3000 nurses with breast cancer. This study found that the women who had been socially isolated before their breast cancer diagnosis had a 66 percent higher risk of mortality from any cause and a twofold risk of breast cancer mortality.  The nurses who went through cancer alone were found to be four times more likely to die from their disease than those with ten or more friends supporting their journey.  In fact, the data suggests that friendships may be even more health-inducing than having a spouse. In the same study, having a spouse did not show a survival benefit--but having many friendships did.  
From the book, Mind Over Medicine: Scientific Proof That You Can Heal Yourself,  by Lisa Rankin.

Regarding that last sentence, no, I have no desire to rid myself of my top notch by my side spouse, but found the study a no-brainer when it comes to friendships. I've been fortunate to be surrounded by the most supportive and loving women on the universe.  When I was diagnosed last June, they encircled me like the wagon trains of old with their unconditional love--and it keeps on going.  Everyone should be so lucky to have a set of besties (thanks, Chelsea, for that word) in their lives to pick them up and push them forward.  That's what they do for me.  Push me forward.  Thanks, buddies.  I owe you one...or two... or three...times over on whatever you need.  You are saving my life.

Thanks for reading # 78 and now #423  of 7777.

#431 Autumn Nights

Colour box

David Sangrund is a gifted poet whom we met on our India trip last year.  I love the images he evokes when describing the passing seasons.

the water lilies of summer are gone. they are no more.

nothing remains but their umbrella leaves.

the chrysanthemums of autumn are fading.

their leaves droop in pale colors.

the beauty of the year is only a solemn memory.

soon the bite of winter will be felt

II.

the autumn night is clear

after the thunderstorm.

venus glows on the river,

the milky way is white as snow.

the dark sky is vast and deep.

the moon like a clear mirror

rises from the great void. when it

has climbed high in the sky, moonlit

frost glitters on the chrysanthemums.

Thanks for reading # 431 of 7777.

#430 Down The Chimney He Goes

What Does Santa Say When He Goes Down The Chimney?

This is from my lovable husband who puts up with me through thick and thin and an occasional Christmas carol blasting on the airwaves. 

Raising Jewish children in a mixed marriage

When Mary and I got married we talked about having a Jewish home even though she was Methodist. So our house was only decorated with snowmen, winter themes and Hanukkah items during December. No tree or stockings. But the problem always arose when we would go to Grandma and Grandpa’s house for Christmas as of course they celebrated Christmas along with Mary’s sisters and their families. We would even join the family for Christmas Eve services.

As a parent I was worried that we are confusing our kids as to why we didn’t celebrate like the rest of the family. But one year when we asked them if they were disappointed that Santa never came to our house their reply shows me how wonderful a child’s mind works as to how to accept and relate things.

“No Dad, of course Santa doesn’t come to our house. We don’t have a fireplace or chimney. Santa can only go to houses with chimneys like Grandma, Aunt Susan and Aunt Kathy’s”.

Another major child rearing crisis averted. Now how to teach good Jewish kids Christmas carols.

Rob

Thanks for reading # 430 of 7777.

#429 Happy and Grateful

A Horse Checking Out The Frogs

High School friends come and go out of our lives but because of that ever present force called Facebook, I have reconnected with Gale Younglove Mafia. I asked her to submit an entry due to her witty and insightful posts--wish we could all live her idyllic life.


Ellie made a comment to me the other day... she said... "..... you're happy all the time"... I felt surprised because no one has ever said that to me before. But after thinking about it, I realized she was right! And why not! I have NO stress.. no job that I am always striving to make a boss happy or makes me crazy... I work when I want to, I play when I want to... I pretty much do whatever I want to do. I'm discovering my natural eating patterns and I eat food from local farmers markets. When I wake up in the morning I'm always greeted by the quiet of living here.. nature is right outside my door and I feel energy of the trees and soft breezes of the morning. I walk to the pond and hear the frogs jumping into the water. I walk in the rain, I play with the goats give treats to the horses, I take pictures of mushrooms! I listen and feel the silence. I feed the animals twice a day - my biggest responsibility. The responsibilities of a house are behind me. I don't know how long it will last but I am enjoying every second here. And yes... I am happy.... and grateful.

Thanks for reading #429 of 7777.

#428 Quality vs Quantity

Antarctica is the craziest place on the planet!

Mets Monday and I'm still out on the ice so read and educate yourself on this article about quality versus quantity of life for metsters.


Go to Huffington Post

Thanks for reading #428 of 7777.

#427 Be the Candle or the Mirror

You can't have too many best friends

My friend Di is certainly one of a kind and she has also brought out the best in me with our friendship.  Read her entry and substitute "Di" for "Mary" and you will see why we have connected as friends for life.  

Hi!  It’s me again, Di, author of blog #151, “Strangers Become Friends.”  It’s about time I listen to Mary’s plea for blog entries so she can enjoy a break.  During this season of Thanksgiving, I want to share one of my best days, as Mary suggested as a topic for her readers to write about.  Honestly, one of the best days ever for me was the day I met this wonderful woman.  She is a friend who has changed my life.  

Edith Wharton, author, said “There are two ways of spreading light…To be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it.”  Mary is both the candle and the mirror.  She is not afraid to be the source of light, motivating, teaching and inspiring us to do something about Stage IV.  Sometimes that light becomes burning heat when her feistiness takes over, as it should.  When she’s mad, she’s powerful!  Other times, she is the mirror, reflecting the love and joy she receives from those around her.  She has the gift of bringing out the best of others.  I, for one, wouldn’t want to waste time with Mary being crabby or pessimistic.  I am happy when I am with her and my heart smiles when I think of her when she is not around.  Mary has opened my eyes to new opportunities and has inspired me to stay positive and never give up, no matter what your mission in life is.  I have been so touched by all of Mary’s friends and family members who I have met in recent years.  What a wonderful and caring circle of loving people!  I am truly thankful for my treasured friendship with Mary, one that I know will continue to spread light into my life each and every day.  Happy Thanksgiving, dear friend, to you and your family.  I love you. 

Thanks for reading # 427 of 7777.

#426 Glass Half Full

Deb's Half Full Glass

Deb Moyer is one of those special people who, after a call for a blog entry, sat herself down and wrote this positively uplifting piece. That is just who she is--always there when I need her.

BEST DAY

best/adjective

1.  of the most excellent, effective, or desirable type or quality.

"the best pitcher in the league"

synonyms: finest, greatest, top, foremost, leading, preeminent, premier, prime, first, chief, principal, supreme, of the highest quality, superlative, par excellence, unrivaled, second to none, without equal, nonpareil, unsurpassed, peerless, matchless, unparalleled, unbeaten, unbeatable, optimum, optimal, ultimate, incomparable, ideal, perfect

When Mary asked for writings on our "best" day, I was stumped.  What constitutes the "best".  I sought Wikipedia for assistance.   What is the definition of a word that has probably been in my vocabulary since age 3.  It did not help.  I learned what I already knew.  I also went to the web to see how to have the best day, ever.  It listed things such as having a good night sleep, taking the day off, staying positive, seizing the moment, do something you love, invite a friend or loved one over...  All great ideas!

The dilemma for me was how do I rank something amongst so many "bests".  I tend to be a "glass half full"  type of person, thus I see many days as the "best".  To be honest, if we all would take time to recognize the little things each day, we will discover many "bests".  

I decided to make a list of my "bests" (which are in no particular order). 

1. Meeting my husband
2. Getting engaged
3. Wedding day
4. Getting into PT school
5. The birth of our 3 daughters
6. Holidays, especially Christmas
7. A sunny day
8. A beautiful sunrise or sunset
9. A great walk or hike in nature
10. A fun day spent with family or friends
11. Time spent on my bike
12. Completing my first triathlon 
13. Seeing the kids I work with learn a new skill
14. Learning we would become grandparents

Make today your best😉

Thanks for reading # 426 of 7777.