Thoughts and Ramblings of a Cancer Survivor/Thriver & Stay at Home Mom of 2 teen daughters. I am a Reality TV ADDICT! My daily goal is loving, caring & providing for my family, all while undergoing chemo, school projects, dinner, laundry & getting my daily fix of reality tv gossip, and spoilers.
(This blog formerly known as: SpoiledMom Happiness Is Not Material...which is still active, but covers the Casey Anthony trial.)
Unfortunately, BJ Penn took several hits to the back of the head after repeated "warnings" by ref Herb Dean. Herb Dean finally called the fight per doctor's advice, even though, Penn had not given the okay to stop the fight.
BJ Penn is requesting an overturn of the fight.
There were several decent fights on the card, however, with Penn's loss, I felt as if $45 was tossed. Thank God for Tivo and DVD burners.--heh We can relive both losses back to back now. Penn will be back and good as new. On an aside..Penn looked remarkably "smaller" than GSP, even at GSP's fight weight of "175lbs". Still questioning GSPs "true" weight...we will never know.
In addition to keeping up with kids, laundry, housework, chemo, cancer, and two blogs. I have started another book club. At the moment, I am reading the new release by Kristen Hannah,"True Colors". It is a book you want to really delve into. The cover is beautiful and immediately transports you to the small town in Washington State, where the story takes place. It is a juicy, gossip filled, read that I can not put down. It centers around three sisters, who long ago made a vow, "Sisters trump men.". The three are nearly torn apart by rivalry, social injustice, and a town where gossip spreads like wild fire. Early on, the three sisters lose their mother and form a tight knit bond, becoming sisters "in crime" so to speak, but only on the fun side. When the oldest sister, Winona, loses her long time crush to her younger, more pretty sister, Vivi-Ann, the three face challenges and fights of their lifetime. It is wonderfully romantic, and at times heart wrenching. You come to know the characters and want to continue on with them long after the book is over. If you have the opportunity, I highly suggest this book.
Go Green
Conserve Power with your computer, use your PC's "sleep mode" to save energy. Set your computer to "sleep" when it is not in use. To power it back up, simply click the mouse. This feature can cut your computer's electricity use in half, saving you $25 to $75 a year. To enable it in Windows, go to Start, Then Control panel, then Power Options. On a Mac, got to System Preferences, then Energy Saver.
Mood Lifters
The following are tried and true examples of lifting your spirit, no matter what has you down.
* Stir up some lemonade and relive sweet summer memories. Summer not on your mind yet? Warm up apple juice or cider and add mulling spices, (cinnamon, cloves, allspice). Stir and enjoy. It will conjure up warm memories of winter or that extra special Christmas memory you cherish.
* Give Money to a worthy cause. Spending cash on or buying for others boost your happiness level. Many find that when they spend money on themselves, afterwards, they feel an overwhelming sense of guilt for making the purchase.
* Flip through your child(ren)'s baby book(s), or view your wedding video. Photos and videos always makes us feel warm inside by viewing times when we were at our happiest.
Weekend Chill Time:
We all love to sit back, popcorn, soda and candy, and spend family time watching a movie or two together. The best way to do this now, since time is limited and money is more tight, Movie Night at home is become more and more popular among families. With the "On Demand" feature of some cable and satellite companies, a newly DVD release can , at times, be "rented" On Demand, the same day as the release to the video store. All of this for a fraction of the price. The price for On Demand Varies, but usually you can rent a movie for 24 hours for under 5 dollars, and that includes the entire family. Family Movie Night makes for perfect chill time.
Website of the Weekend:
For the Website of the Weekend, I have picked the website www.Kids-in-mind.com which provides detailed information about movies including inappropriate scenes, profanity, violence and so on. It allows the parent to make an informed decision regarding movies for tween to early teen age children. It also just happens to fit in with Weekend Chill Time.
Friday, January 30, 2009
It has been a while since I have touched on Jon and Kate Gosselin. From my other blog, readers know I have mixed feelings on this family. Kate is my biggest pet peeve. I feel for Jon, and I adore the kids. While I do enjoy watching the show, I am in the majority of people that believe the children are being exploited on the show and am not afraid to say it. From past posts, and episodes, we have seen a change in Kate, not only physically,( from that free tummy tuck) but emotionally, or mentally, as well. My feelings are Kate has risen above herself through the show. She has distanced, as well as totally removed herself and her family from several family members. The current episode is a perfect example. The Gosselin's have moved from their current home in to a new, larger home just outside of Wernersville, PA. As Kate says, "they have outgrown their current home." Although it is not mentioned in the episode, I have read other articles that state the same.
On the current episode of JK+8, , Kate says that she wants the kids to know that they are very privileged and blessed to be able to move to the house and grow up there, and that they really need this house for them.While doing Leah's hair, Leah asks Kate, "How many dollars does it take?"(meaning the new house)..a Kate contrived moment at its best; Kate answers, "Lots. That's why Mommies and Daddies have to work everyday". Immediately after that, Leah asks what are you going to do today, and Kate responds, "Today is Mommy's free day, to do whatever I want. We are going to show you the house." Exactly what do the kids see Kate and Jon doing for "work" and what will they expect for employment as they age? At the house, the kids are running around having a ball, exploring, playing and so excited. Albeit a 30 minute show, there is only a second of Kate taking snapshots of the kids running upstairs in the new house. Otherwise, Kate is yelling at the top of her lungs about poop and spends 20 of the 30 minutes cleaning "the filthy fridge". Kate blasts out rules saying that Cara and Maddy's room is off limits after today. Another fine moment is when Kate approaches Jon to tell him it is time to show the kids Jon and Kate's room and Kate is going to "give strict rules that they are never to be in there again." (meaning the kids) Kate loudly instructs the kids that "upon the penalty of severeness"..(??) they were not to come in our room, they were not to set foot on our carpet, they need to stand at the door and knock and they may not come in period." In the scene of the kids seeing Jon and Kate's room for the first time, Kate very authoritatively, states, "You see, this room?" Jon, in the background, says, "It's the last time you will ever be in it." Kate continues, "Honestly, you will never open this door and come in here again. If you, severe punishment. Mommy and Daddy need privacy and we haven't had any for a good four years now." Who's fault is that Kate? Who had the kids?I could never see myself telling my children they are never allowed into my room ever. But of course, I do not hide out in my room as you are known to do. Kate continues to scream, "Excuse me, I'm talking." Jon is wandering around with the kids, so she starts in on him. "Jon, why don't you come in here and talk instead of wandering." Kate repeats the "severe punishment, we need privacy" all the while the kids are just mulling around. The only effect I can see from this little "Kate's guide to parenting", is that before long, the other children will be locking their doors and screaming at the other kids that they need privacy and the continuance of screaming and locking doors will occur, so as Kate can have something else to bitch and moan about. I can already imagine Kate purchasing a bullhorn for the next season because the house is so big. She will probably have many bouts of laryngitis.During the interview montage, Kate constantly whines about how filthy the home is and how much time it is going to take her to clean it and get it up to her standards. I would have enjoyed seeing Kate and Jon exploring the house together with the children, picking out whose room would be where, or seeing them walk "the acreage" together as a family. Instead, we have a scene of Kate standing in front of the kitchen window, waving her yellow Playtex gloved hand across the view from the window, stating "Mine, it's ALL MINE".
Watch out Jon and Kate Gosselin, "Mom and Dad + 14" are on your heels.
And to think, just after you picked up and moved to your new, multi-acre, multi level, multi bedroom home. The home that your 8 kids, or, in due respect, the sextuplets, made it possible for you to purchase. The children whose "first" everything have been exploited documented on "your" show, Jon and Kate + 8, which airs on TLC. The show has become such a hit, you quit your nursing job at the dialysis clinic, and your husband, Jon, left his software/hardware tech job, to stay home to "work". Work meaning "being filmed", on 3 out of 7 days of the week, as you have confirmed. Work that has included trips to Orlando to visit Disneyworld; to Utah, for a luxurious snow skiing trip and lodging at a beautiful, log, million dollar winter home, that was so generously "donated" to you and your family for use. And on the flight there, you broke down worse than your children because an impeding snow storm caused a flight diversion and delayed the flight. When you arrived at this magnificent home, you stayed in bed for a day and a half, while your husband took all of the children, on his own, to the bunny slopes for their ski lessons. You got "sick" in Orlando as well, didn't you?
Let's not forget the grandest "gift" of all. While on the trip to Utah, you just happened to mention, "Next time we are going to Hawaii"... surprise, Jon and Kate go to Hawaii and "renew their wedding vows". Hawaii wasn't enough though. There had to be a stop over in San Diego. I understand the entire jet lag delima, I flew several times with my children when they were younger. I understand you were going to a beautiful island with a six hour time zone change. I do not understand why it was necessary for a 5 day lay over in San Diego, just to get the children adjusted to the time difference. To explain to those who didn't catch the episode, the gang flew from Pennsylvania to San Diego, which is a 3 hour time difference. Kate's thinking was get the children used to the 3 hour difference then continue flight to Hawaii, which is another 3 hour difference from San Diego, for a total of 6 hours time difference from Pennsylvania. In other words, they left Pennsylvania at 4am for about a 5-6 hour flight to San Diego. It was actually about the same time when they arrived as when they left home, give or take an hour. If they had flown straight through to Hawaii from Pennsylvania, they would have arrived in Hawaii before they left Pennsylvania...confused? HEH... Ever think of this Kate...sleep on the plane...
The stop in San Diego was filled with fun and sun and LegoLand for the kids. (My children are dying to go to LegoLand and I have family in the area, but haven't made it..remember my "little cancer issue"?) The Gosselins had another beautiful beach home that was made available for their use, in exchange for "mention" (advertisement) on their show. The home was spectacular with its own beach, a grassy area for play, and secluded. We know how Kate wants her privacy. Not like the other massive North Carolina beach home the brood enjoyed a 2 week stay over 4th of July. They had to walk to the beach area. Although that home came furnished with an Olympic-sized pool, in which the kids were given swimming lessons from area swim trainers.
The Hawaiian wedding was beautiful, I must admit. I am not a hater. I am happy for both Jon and Kate. I do enjoy watching the show and seeing the kids and how they have progressed. I just have a problem with Kate, her attitude and how she has manipulated people in her life (from what I have read). By all appearances, the shows popularity has changed this couple, for the better, by all means, if you are speaking financially. If you are speaking in terms of morality and family dynamics, in my opinion, I would have to say that the show has done more harm than good. I do not see how these children can be living a "normal" life, as Kate continuously says she wants for them. "Normal" children are not on TV every day. We have seen from past child stars what can become of them as they mature.
It was sad to me to see that their had to be "episodes" made for Jon and Kate to partake in a one on one with each child. Kate exclaimed at the end of this "A day with.." series, "We have decided that we are going to do this every year. Set aside a day for each child to pick what they want to do and spend the day with just that child." Why would you only do that "once a year"? I can hear Kate now, 'Do you know how hard it would be to do that every month with 8 kids?' I'm sorry Kate, I do not have 8 kids. I do have 2, however, and I do not consider any day that I spend time with them "hard".
As I stated before, I only wish the best for you and your family. I am happy that you have found a niche in which you can be at home for your children. With only two children, I have found that being a stay at home mom, the most fulfilling job I have held. Like, you, I was a nurse prior to the birth of my first daughter. I returned to work when my second daughter was two, then three years later, after the death of my husband, I decided I needed to be at home with my children and that is what I did. I am not on any type of "assistance". We live a comfortable life, however we are not afforded the same luxuries as you and the trips that you are able to give your children because of a TV show.
In the beginning, your show was centered on the difficulties of having sextuplets, in addition to 4 year old twins. The show has swayed very far away from that direction. If anything, each week, we see how easy it has become for your family, in the fact that now both parents are at home, all the trips and travel, (which Kate calls "work"), and now, the move to the new home.
I do admit, I am intrigued by this new mother that just delivered octuplets, in addition to the 6 previous children, of which multiple births occurred. It is not my position to say whether it is right or wrong that this woman has this many children. I, personally, would not choose to, but to each their own. We do not know if fertility drugs were used in her pregnancy, and honestly, it is none of our business what this woman does with her body. I do agree that there is a matter of moral judgement in this story. The could haves and what ifs are numerous. All that matters at this point is that the children are healthy and continue to thrive. At posting, they were all breathing on their own.
It is reported that the mother and father of these children live modestly in a three bedroom home in California. If anyone needs help, it would be this family.
I can't help but think of all the items Kate sold at her "yard sale" that this family would have benefited from. I am aware that Kate's yard sale profits went to help fund cancer trials, and that was a wonderful gesture on the Gosselin family's behalf. It could be that the Gosselins were not aware of the family at the time of the yard sale. I find it odd, however, the yard sale happened to coincide with the move of their family.
I await the homecoming of these beautiful octuplets and pray for their health, as well as for strength for their mother and father. Hopefully, we will get a glimpse into this families life. A "real, modest, working family" who happens to now have 14children. I wonder though, if we will. That is where television is partial to what we see. The Gosselin's were and still are, by appearances, "the perfect TV family". They look beautiful on TV and the voyeurism into their lives at the time the series began was strong enough for the show to become an overnight hit. The Duggar 18 have followed suit, as well as others. The Duggar's, however, I am not going to touch in this posting.
Snow day, schmo day. The ice was wretched today. No school, no cable, no phone, NO INTERNET, NO BLOG.
After my last update, I heard a "crrraaaackkk", a thud, then everything went silent. Seems the ice was too hefty for a tree limb right above the cable and telephone lines. Slient, peaceful, bliss. No tv, no phone ringing, no internet distraction...(although I did wonder about you readers....)
But not for long.
Funny how cell phones work during outages. Good thing, maybe. If you are stranded or in need of help. Neither of which I was. Except perhaps when I used my cell to notify the cable and telephone companies of my predicament. My oldest, however found it her relief in "the most terrible of situations" she could have been in on a snow day. How dare the internet go out!
Luckily, my electricity, and my heat, was saved. Although, I did keep the fire roaring hot. SpoiledBrat and I popped corn the old fashioned way in the fire, then we cuddled up for a movie. I was loving the great quality time with my youngest daughter.
But not for long.
She started getting texts, then emails, then calls. I have to admit, I became just a "smidgen" jealous that the girls had some form of internet connection.
However, I did survive. SpoiledBrat returned after her important social impediment on our movie date. We drank hot chocolate, ate popcorn and finished off the muffins from earlier this morning. I enjoyed spending the time with the girls, laughing and watching movies. Time well spent. They even took the initiative to "silence" their cell phones during the movie, and for some time afterwards. I am glad that they have not become too consumed by all the technology of today.
It was too slippery to even get outside to capture the beauty on camera. No pictures other than the one I got this morning.
Not to worry though, there is more snow and ice coming tonight. I feel another round of hot chocolate and muffins coming. Just pray for no falling tree limbs.
I awoke at 5am to find this outside on the power lines connecting to my home:
Originally posted @ 5:20am Tuesday, 1.27.09, updated 8:30am 1.27.09
I asked for it, I got it. LOL Actually, I asked for Snow! But as long as everyone is safe, and I don't lose power, I'll be fine.
I have a fire roaring, my coffee w/creme brulee creamer, my favorite candle burning, and the kiddos are still sleeping in....for a while, I hope.. There are a couple of old movies I want to watch. Yes, they are on Lifetime Movie Network...yes, I am a LMN junkie, its a running joke among friends. If only it had been Rosanne Marathon Wedensday on Oxygen.....LOL Better still, I received the new seasons of Jon and Kate + 8 and Little People, Big World for Christmas. (I have an eclectic taste in television) I really don't like Kate that much either. There's a story for another day.
Days like this make me want to bundle up with a hot cup of coffee or tea, my favorite blanket and watch old movies all day. It is so dark outside. The snow is coming. (Yippiee) I feel just like my daughters and I am not even in school. Most parents dread snow days, but I love having my daughters here with me. We have the best times. The freezing rain is still coming down. I have my coffee, blanket, Daisy-my shih-tuz-on my lap, and my laptop. I just feel giddy like a child. I love the scents of the fire, coffee, my gingerbread candle, the smell of blueberries from the muffins, and the wood of my home. I find it very soothing and relaxing. The girls are sound asleep for now.....Snow Day! Woo-hoo!
I have been up for a while this morning due to the ice and snow. I already have homemade muffins-blueberry and chocolate chip-and a carafe of homemade "Mexican" hot chocolate awaiting them for when they rise. Mexican hot chocolate is wonderful, if you love cinnamon. Just make hot chocolate as usual and add a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice. You can also buy the Mexican chocolate wafers that already contain the spices. To make: boil your milk, pour into a glass blender, add the Mexican chocolate wafer, and blend. It is very delicious, and I love it. It may be an acquired taste, although my girls seem to love it. However, I prefer my own recipe for homemade hot chocolate and then add the spices--if the girls want them--depends on their mood. They also love to use my French Vanilla or Creme Brulee creamer for a different twist.
By the way, the picture that I added to the blog above, I emailed it to the local news station and it was aired during the weather segment...I'm famous! I received a phone call from my father asking if it was from me. He was joking, though, as if I am the only "Chrissy" in my town. I told him his autograph was in the mail
As I have already been awake for four hours now, I think I will try to catch a nap or a movie before the girls rise and the day begins.
Have a great morning and I'll update on the weather later. Keep Warm!
What are some of your favorite ways to spend a snowy day inside, or to just relax when you have some time for yourself? Would love to hear your ideas!
Don't forget to tune into Jon and Kate +8 tonight to "see the big reveal of their new home!!" I am on pins and needles to see what these children have bought them...
I am also hoping for the snow with accumulation that the weather forecasters are calling for in my town. Yippee! Snow Day!!
to be concluded
HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR!!
YEAR OF THE OX!
TO: Gram Em; Uncle Peter; Uncle David, and Aunt Kelly! And Happy Birthday, Uncle David!
(Now I can rid of this crazy background...LOL) That's what I get when I decide to to themes...come on snow day!)
I do not like labels and I most certainly despise stereotyping. There is a lot to be said about being a mother. Much of that is not found in the list below. However, in doing some research, I came upon this list, found it interesting and started thinking.
Working mothers at times envy stay at home moms, because of the time stay at home moms have with their children. Stay at home moms sometimes envy working moms because working moms have a career, a life. Working moms seem to hold some type of mysterious power over stay at home moms. We feel inadequate, at times, because we think we can't pull off having a career and raising a child.
All the while, some working moms look at stay at home moms as perfect moms with perfect homes and perfect children because that is what we "supposedly" do. If we are at home, we have time to make all that happen, right? Wrong.
I believe it is equally as difficult on both working moms and stay at home moms. We each have our vices. We each have our desires and wants for our children. The only easy answer is in what we do to obtain that.
Please read the following. It is hard to believe it is from only five years ago, but I hope to believe that some of these "stereotypes" have long since dispelled. Maybe, maybe not. None the less, keep in mind, it is not my list. So please don't send me hate mail.. heh
From 2004:
Mothers & More created a list that included the 8 most common deadly stereotypes of moms - here is their list -
Stay at Home Bon-Bon Moms Stay-at-home moms don't do anything all day but watch TV and eat bon bons. Stay-at-home moms are loving and nurturing but their brains are mush.
Career-Crazed Mom Working moms are selfish careerists who neglect their kids. Working moms are competent and intelligent but cold and uncaring.
Supermom Supermom is the perfect nurturing mom - always attentive to the kids, doesn't miss a school event, bakes the brownies from scratch -- plus the Do-it-All Mom is the perfect professional career woman -- always available for work, stays on the fast track and makes it to CEO - plus she has a perfect marriage, perfect sex life and perfect kids.
24/7 Bliss Mom Bliss mothers love every minute of it, never feel ambivalent, never have a bad day, never yell at their kids, and are always smiling, relaxed and in control.
Martyr Mom Martyr mothers always put their family's interests ahead of their own. Martyr mothers do not have their own needs and interests, and do not seek their own fulfillment.
Glam Mom These are the mothers who are glamorous; young, attractive, perfectly fit, designer dressed, perfectly coiffed - and so are their children.
Domestic Goddess MomGood mothers love to do housework, are obsessed with cleaning. Only mothers are capable of housework. Good mothers have a spotless house and do everything from scratch; home-cooked meals, perfect birthday parties, and crafts.
Soccer Moms Soccer Moms, or any type of sport mom, dedicates every available minute of her life to her child's sport. Weekends, after school, summers, whenever the sport calls, the child, (and mother) follow. Some mothers (and fathers) have become too obsessed with "winning the game" and have lost focus on "being in the game".
This is the perfect example of why I despise stereotypes.
There is but one definition of "mother". A mother is one who loves her child unconditionally. A mother cares, nurtures, and loves her child and teaches her children to become the best they can be. A mother does not expect great expectations of their child, nor of themselves. A mother knows that quality time is just as important as quantity time.
As for me, I can take a piece of all the "stereotypes" above and conclude my own version of myself. A "Mother to two beautiful and smart daughters, who dare to dream what they can be."
How do you feel about the stereotypes listed. Do you think you belong in any of the categories or do any of your friends or acquaintances see you in that light?
I can't help to feel a mixture of emotions today. It has been a long time since I witnessed an inauguration. The last one, as you can already imagine was President Clinton. I was all of 20 years old at his first inauguration and I felt about a quarter of what I feel today. Oh, I was excited, and the thrill from my being able to vote for the first time in that Presidential election was still deep within me. Today, however, it very special. Something extraordinary. I wanted to keep the girls home from school today to witness this event. I believe their classes are going to be airing the festivities during class today. They should. This is history in the making. If only Inauguration Day could have fallen on Martin Luther King Day. That would have been awesome!
I do not want to get into a political post. I believe that each his own, this just happens to be mine. My family has always been blessed, but during the last year the economy has touched our lives personally. My father, a corporate man, lost his job of 35 years last Spring. After quickly finding another position within a different company, a company, upon my father's hiring, boasted that they had never had economic problems and did not foresee any in the near future, closed their offices six months after hiring my father. It is a scary feeling. Even though I am fast approaching 40, to know your "daddy" is out of work, is upsetting not only to me, but I can imagine the stress and pressure that has put on my mother and him.
Truth be told, I believe my father like being at home. He has all the time to do the things he wanted to do when he worked. He loves to fish, garden, piddle around in the yard, visit friends, visit his favorite (and only) daughter. They are secure enough thankfully, that he does not have to assure that he has a job by a certain time period as some people do. My heart goes out to those people. So many have lost their jobs, their homes, their security, sense of self-worth and respect.
I gladly accept our new President Obama. I want to watch this moment of history. The first man of color accepting the position of President of The United Sates. Some said it would never happen. I, for one am glad it did.
I remember taking my girls to play dates and watch in amazement at how they would interact with other children, including children of color. You could tell, they did not seem "to see" the difference. My girls never asked why "little Billy" was a different color than they. I was proud of them, and of my parenting and my raising. Children are so accepting, I used to wonder, when does the hate enter a person's life. Then I knew, it is learned. I was raised, thankfully, to not notice differences in people, we are all God's children.
Sure along the way, in school, on TV, and in books, I learned that there are people that insist that to make themselves feel better, they must belittle and degrade those around them. Most of the time it has nothing to do with color. It just happens to be whomever is the target for the day.
Keep our troops in your hearts an prayers, today and every day. Wish them home soon.
I am going to TiVo the Inauguration to watch again when my girls get home from school. It is a moment I want to share with them. I can not wait for tonight, either. I love to see the fashion, and the Inaugural Balls. A little overdone, I have to admit, but this one, it is special.
Those of you that follow a lot of the blogs, and haven't yet heard, Queen of Spain (Erin) had the fortunate opportunity to attend. She is checking in on her IPhone via BriteKite and on Twitter. You can follow her on Twitter @QueenofSpain. Also, check out her blog at Queen Of Spain. She's a cool mom and she ROCKS!
I will be Twittering during the day, as well. So follow me, if you like @ SpoiledMom on Twitter.
Troy Polamalu, Steelers Safety, celebrates with a #1, Sunday, after Steelers become the AFC Champs
STEELERS = AFC NATIONAL CHAMPSand SUPER BOWL BOUND
I may be a Tennessee Girl, but I grew up with Pittsburgh in my heart. Pittsburgh Steelers' football that is. Now,the Steelers are Tampa bound.
Long before the Titans came to Nashville, my father and I would would watch the Steelers and the Jets every Sunday. So, I guess, it's in my blood. However, I did hate to see Philadelphia miss out on their opportunity to Arizona on Sunday I am an Eagles fan as well.
Here's a small recap of the Steeler's game: (SpoiledMom style)
Final: Steelers 23, Ravens 14
Pittsburgh's dominating defense beat the Baltimore Ravens 23-14 in the AFC championship Sunday.
Santana Holmes scored on an electrifying 65-yard catch-and-run in the first half, and hard-hitting safety Troy Polamalu returned an interception 40 yards for a clinching TD with 4:24 remaining for the Steelers (14-4).
Jeff Reed kicked three field goals for the Steelers, who will be seeking their sixth Super Bowl title.
The Pittsburgh franchise is a veteran to the championship game, heading to their seventh Super Bowl, while their Super Bowl opponents, the Cardinals are finally making their first trip to the big game, the first of which was played in 1967, 19 seasons after the Cardinals' last league championship.
There was also a serious injury to Baltimore player, Willis McGahee. During the game McGahee suffered a helmet to helmet crash that did not look, nor sound good. It was a few long moments of nail biting, even though he is on my opposing team, it is always scary to see these big guys go down.
McGahee was carted from the field on a stretcher after colliding with Steelers safety Ryan Clark. The play occurred in the fourth quarter of Pittsburgh's 23-14 victory. Although he had significant neck pain, McGahee had movement in his arms and legs after the hit. He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh and held overnight for observation. McGahee was released early Monday morning and back in Baltimore by early afternoon, at his home.
McGahee returned to his Baltimore home Monday after spending the night in a Pittsburgh hospital recovering from a helmet-to-helmet hit in the AFC championship game against the Steelers.
Both teams played a great game. Now on to Tampa.........
Another year has come and gone. Every year, at this time, as I start to reflect, I stop and think, "Where the hell did the year go?" Where did the time go?
All the plans I had made, then didn't "plan out". I started blaming Cancer for all of it. Cancer became an excuse, a crutch. Everyday things that I enjoy, suddenly came to a halt due to health constraints. I was either too tired or too sick to join a friend for coffee. I missed several of my daughter's school functions due to Cancer.
Just recently, I missed my oldest daughter's Christmas Concert because I had just underwent a chemo cycle the day before. She plays clarinet. If she doesn't continue band next year, in high school, it was the last opportunity for me to see her Christmas performance. I did, however, attend her Jr. Beta induction in October. I was so proud of her achievements. That was something, no matter what it took, I was going to be there and relish in her moment.
I missed out on my youngest daughter's 3 day, 2 night field trip. Something that her grade does every year for the students. They travel to a nearby national park and spend three days and two nights in cabins. I was able to attend with my oldest daughter when she was that age. It was a memorable trip. The children have a great time hiking, crafting, ghost stories, making 'smores, and spending time with their friends and classmates while learning about wildlife, conservation and nature.
I became guilt ridden because I could not attend. It did not seem fair to me that I was able to enjoy this with one daughter, but not the other. My youngest daughter, quite more mature than I at times, told me "You have cancer, Mom. I understand that you can't go, but you will be with me in my heart." I cried the entire time she was gone. She brought her camera with her and took a lot of pictures to share with me.
After she returned home, she connected the camera to my laptop and shared with me a slide show of everything she and her friends did. She told me story after story of the happenings and it seemed as if each picture had its own story. She later told me she did it so that I could feel as if I was there, to have memories of my own. Children amaze me at times. When you think they possibly can't understand, sometimes, they understand better than you, yourself.
Even though we have enjoyed all the holidays since my diagnosis this year, they have not been as elaborate as I have made them in the past. After I got past the guilt, I discovered that sometimes, less is more. Simple is better.
At my youngest daughter's 12th birthday party, she opted for a birthday cake "from scratch". She told me, however, if I didn't feel like making it, I could get a store bought cake, as we normally do. Something about the fact that she asked for a homemade cake made me more determined to make her one. Not one ounce of pain was going to stop me from making it.
The morning of her birthday, which fell on a Sunday this year, I made her favorite breakfast of waffles and fruit and sausage. Later that morning, she asked if she could help in making the cake. We both had a fun time making her birthday cake and spending that amount of time together. It was more important to her than just buying one at the store. (and it tasted wonderful as well...)
As time went by,I learned to gain a greater appreciation for small things in life. Everyday things that may easily go unnoticed in our fast paced, hectic life. Things I know that I had not been so aware of daily, at times. Health. Energy. Strength. Pride.
In 2009, I am going to say goodbye to my guilt. I pray to say goodbye to my cancer. Nonetheless, I am bound and determined to have the energy, no matter how much or how little, to spend with my children. To bake a dessert, make dinner, watch a movie together or play a game, and know that I did all I can do. As long as I am with them and spending quality time with them, I have succeeded. I want them to continue to be my positive, my will to beat this cancer. I did it once, I can do it again.
