▪▪ CHEETAHS ▪▪ Fleet feet vibes to Jackie! (HM Sat.)

[RunninTeach]

Good morning, everyone!

Wanna get this posted quick so Jackie might see it before she leaves...

Jackie—our Chic and QUICK Cheetah——I’m so pumped for you and can’t wait to read in your race report how you busted that under-2:00!!! J WOOOO! Best of luck! We’re with ya in spirit all the way!!

Will be back with the rest of the personals in a bit...

 

[RunninTeach]

A little race humor:

OK, now onto the rest of the personals...

Jackie—The kids who applied are HS students from all over the region, so with one exception (a former student I recommended), I don’t know any of them well at this point, but yeah, they do seem excited. Me, too!…You had me laughing when you said you won’t be having any of that tossing your shirt or wearing shorts business. I was amazed during Chicago at the piles of stuff that people just DROPPED right in the middle of the course before and at the start. We were stepping over sweatshirts, wrappers, banana peels, prescription pill bottles?!? Ooookay. *lol*...The recipe looks de-lish. Cut and pasted that one into the recipe file right away.
Carole—Um, yeah, I did completely miss that.

DUH! *lol*

Christine—I can relate to Kimo very well. *lol* Too, too cute about Jimmy doing downward dog with you. That is right—I’d forgotten about the company band. I just love how they do things in Cal-ee-fawn-yah. Your weather really is wacky out there right now. Hope that headache is history by today.

Posh— at your Friday celebrations. I have to say, I think bosshole is my all-time favorite term you’ve introduced us to. Just love your colorful expressions! *lol* Hmm. Never knew professors went along for Study Abroad. That is something I wish I had done in college. I tried to, but by then, it was too late in the program, and the coursework didn’t align with my degree. Ha! That is so funny—I asked my kids if it was a full moon or something. They are gettin’ fired up for break already. Gonna ask the cafeteria crew to put some sedatives in the Kool-Aid or somethin'.

Linda—Squeeze easy? Wow that some folks think that. I find the lower body work in the original to be some tough stuff! IA, mixing things up is good. I am the same way when I take a break from Cathe, though. After awhile, I'm anxious to get back...Yes, this is the organization that goes around the world…The group I am working with now will be going to France, Italy, and Greece for 20 days. I hope I get to go, too!

Judy—great job getting out there in below-freezing temps! Who can resist GS Thin Mints? No, it’s not a school trip; it’s with a well-established third party organization. There are some scholarships available, but generally, the family is responsible for the cost, and there is no formal fundraising that is done. One girl we interviewed is a local H.S. junior returning for her third trip; she pays for them herself through the two PT jobs she’s maintained. Very impressive kid.

Shelly—So, I guess your FIL hasn’t become more active since his previous health scare? That is too bad. The interviews have gone very well. These are really cream of the crop kids, some of whom already have resumes! *lol* I am with you on being behind in the Christmas shopping. I am usually done by now, but things have been a bit too busy.

Brighton—I love, love, love your flashy new siggy! Can’t seem to get mine to appear the size it used to be, dangit. Hope you had a good run.

Wendy—Nice job wit da bells yesterday. All about wine these days? What happened to the Martini-Drinkin’ Cheetah ?

Warm hellos to everyone else!

An unexpectedly late night at school yesterday left me with no gas in the tank. Got a big hut on fire there that is kinda draining, but it'll get addressed. Anyway, I confess I blew off my workout. Today will be bi's & tri's, and the abs I missed plus a short, easy run. Hate to do it, but I will be walking the hills to see if that makes any difference to the ITB.

Hope everyone enjoys her Saturday!

 

[Brighton]

GO, JACKIE, GO!!!!!!!!

Good morning, Cheetahs!

Insomniac Cheetah reporting for duty... Arrrgh. Woke up at 4am this morning with a pinched nerve in my back & a sore throat-- and couldn't ever get back to sleep... Soooooooo, I'm catching up with some computer stuff and sipping some Yogi Tea for my throat. Mmmmm. Love that stuff.

Well, Cathy, I'm right there with you with the dropped workout yesterday... I had good intentions, but the day just had a mind of its own. So, despite having a holiday bash to go to today & dinner rolls to make (& bring), and seemingly a million other holiday errands to run, I'm still gonna get my little cheetah derriere out the door for that 6.5 miler I had planned for yesterday. Hoping that it works the kinks out of my back... ow!

Cathy: Thanks re:sig-- it was fun... You are always too funny with all your cute animated gifs and attachments (lol about the "whoosh" today!)-- you always make us smile! Oh, and ITA about Thin Mints. I get some every year-- because, "hey! gotta support the girl scouts!" but they are so addictive we end up eating them a sleeve at a time!!!! I think we have a box hidden in the freezer right now. And hey, if you are able to go on the trip through Europe with your students can you make room for your Cheetah pals in your suitcase??? Sounds like a blast!!!!! I'm sorry you had a late night yesterday-- hope the *fire* isn't too big.

Judy: Love the digital photo album idea-- my sister did that for our parents last year and it was a really big hit! Yay for being done with Christmas shopping! I'm right there with ya-- such a good feeling! And I think anyone that can do ONE chin up after a run doesn't qualify as a "wimp...." That's something that has NEVER been easy for me!!!

Wendi: Hope work eases up a little for you today!!!

Carole: Yep, we got the cheerios & milk cleaned up without too much trouble -- though why she thought that was "to go" food, I'm not sure.....

Christine: LOL... Yes, I am learning how to fake confidence as well. Was doing okay until I got out of sight of my parents (horse's owners)... then it was like the horse thought... "Hmmm-- let's see what this greenhorn can do!" Faked confidence-- gone. LOL... But getting better, definitely! Hope your hamstrings are happier today.

Linda: Awesome workout yesterday! Work it, girl!

Jackie: Sending lots of PR vibes your way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shelly: How's that DOMS today? Seriously, I think Cathy is on to something. You think you could come up with a "Shelly Dust" prototype for the rest of us???

Posh: Hope you had a terrific Friday! Are you cranking those Frank holiday tunes?

Wendy: Great workout yesterday! Hope you had a good time un"wine"ding down last night.

Hello to Gloria, Dallas, Karen and anyone I may have missed... (blame it on the insomnia! ) Have a great weekend, everyone!!!!

 

[Fit_mommy]

Good Morning Cheetahs.

I'm feelin' some mild DOMS from the bells. Today should be my rest day as per the rotation but I'd rather take it tmrw so I'm stickin' in an extra work out this morning. I'll hit the gym for a short run or some time on the EXT and then take the Centergy class. It's a new month so I have to get those classes in!

Cathy: Hey, I like to get around. I don't stay faithful to one of booze for very long. I still like my martinis and will indulge in AC over NYE for sure but the wine is nice when I just want one drink after dinner. Besides, it makes me feel all growed up. I hope you figure out what's triggerin' the ITB issue so you can get it resolved soon. Check your PM's girl. I sent ya one the other day. Oh and just so you know...the invite is there for you to take a ride to AC at the end of the month for some hang time if you'd like.

Guess that's all for now but I'll BBL.

 

[Fit_mommy]

Brighton: Posting at the same down. LOVE LOVE LOVE the "wine"ding down comment! Too funny! I'm gonna have to use that one! Sorry you are feeling the crud coming on. My crud is just heading out the door finally. Ofcourse now DH is feeling it coming on but he went to the doc pronto so hopefully he'll be better in a flash. Enjoy the party today!

 

[Mckmain]

Good morning Cheetahs

Cathy...yeah I guess you did miss that..Sorry about the crap and late night at school...Hope you enjoy your workout today.

Brighton...That is cute DD thought cheerios was a "to go" food, but messy! Love your new sig!!

Christine...One reason I never like DH hunting alone is the other drunk goofballs out there! We had fog on Wed, when I went out to run it was 49 and then the fog rolled in and when I got home the temp was 40!! I am worried about our warm weather now, very unusual and we need so much rain! Sounds like you enjoyed PP upper x 3.

Wendy...I will probably get some shopping done this weekend. Not sure sis's situation will improve until Mom has moved out!

Linda..That is great you feel so recovered from the marathon. Holiday season seems a busy time for getting in long runs. I bet you will be back at it after the New Year.

Jackie...

Can't wait to hear how things go. That pie recipe looks way yummy.

Shelly...I really do not have much shopping to do, mostly my clients. I should get some cards though......Way to go with the GS series. I have had some DOMS from 4DS upper this week.

Posh...WOW, you hit all those stores on friday!! Thanks Posh....I appreciate your vote of confidence!

I am doing Amy's kickbox today and abs I missed yesterday. One more day at Mom's old house to pack the remaining things up for the dump. I cannot tell you how tired I am of this...The new owner gets the house mid week next week. I met her and she seems like a nice lady...

Have a great day...

 

[cwsoxfan]

Hi Girls!

I wanted to quickly check in to say, GO, GO JACKIE!!!! Can't wait to read your race report.

I signed in y-day to post and then had to sign right back out. I did get GS-CT (have DOMS today) , CM#3 and Janis Saffel's lower body pilates y-day. Today, I had an early MT appt, so I'm about to do some cardio and whatever else floats my boat. The MT said she doesn't think it's anything serious, but that it's still "crunchy" in there. Whatever that means? I sure could feel it. It's funny I thought I was pain free until she started poking around in there. LOL I won't run until I know this is really behind me. That will be hard, but I want to be ready for spring training. ha ha

I'll come back at some point today to do personals. We have one soccer game this early afternoon, so it may be after that. "Baby it's cold outside"...I want to hibernate!

Have a good one everyone!

 

[andtckrtoo]

Good Morning Cheetahs! Happy Saturday!

GO JACKIE GO!!!

Wendy – yes, I love PP UBx33. Headache seems to be gone now, thankfully! Love KB DOMS! Enjoy your run and class!

Linda – I do really like PP UBx3 – although I don’t like the inverted shoulder presses, so I subbed the overhead presses there.

Cathy – LOVED the cartoon! How funny!! Yeah, we have wacky weather this time of the year. But, it’s usually 65 in January (when it’s not raining), so I’m not complaining too much. Hope the ITB feels better! That’s no fun!

Brighton – Yeah, horses will test you. It’s kind of funny. Smart creatures! I’m feeling pretty good today! I can feel the work from yesterday, but it’s not too bad. I love that feeling – especially in the abs.

Carole – I don’t blame you for not liking DH to hunt alone! I know – we desperately need rain, and down here there is no rain in the forecast for the next ten days! I’ll bet you’ll be glad when the house is cleaned and signed over to the new lady, even though it’s tough to see your childhood home go to someone else. {{{HUGS}}}

Man, I have rarely been so happy for a Saturday. Work is simply killing me. But, I’ll get in a good workout and feel better today! I have to get Jimmy to the vet between 12 and 1 for a shot, so I’m thinking I’ll just take him out for a run. I’ll do the 5 mile loop that I used to walk him. I’m sure I’ll be walking some of it, but that’s fine. Then it’s grocery shopping and all that fun stuff. Have a great day all!

 

[trooper15]

GO JACKIE!!!!! The Cheetahs are with ya! You are so very well trained and ready for this one!!!!!!!!


Hello all! Had a busy but fairly nice nite at work and said by-by to Ma and Pa in law this morning when I got home Ahhhhh. Nice to have the sound of silence in the house and not having the TV blaring all the time!

Well, my set of whole body DOMS is now almost complete.... just nothing going on with the biceps, but it's nearly impossible it seems for me to get sore there. Any other cheetahs experience this?

Was gonna run today but decided to wait it out and go a little longer tomorrow.... for 7-8 miles or so. So instead I'll have fun with Amy's ITR kickboxing and later go for 40 minutes on the EXT.

Posh- Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say I "enjoyed" my in-laws visit... let's just say tolerated! But I'm happy with that! DH would love for me to interact with them more but what do I say to people who's sole topic of conversation is what they watch on TV (I only watch the news) and what they have eaten recently. (They are not into clean eating at all and don't understand my vegetarianism at all) sigh.... They are however truly NICE people so I really can't complain. Hope you are enjoying your weekend... that was quite a shopping trip for you yest. So jealous you have a Whole Foods to go to!!!!

Brighton- Fabulous signature! Love it!!!!! I have to get my "fancy" signature back. Never did retrieve it after they changed the website. Oh NO hon.... you don't want none of that crazy Shelly dust, you need to stay SANE (LOL) Already getting back into those double run/swim workouts? I'd say you are one awesome tough lady yourself!! Hope you get in a great run today!

Wendy- Amy actually has three KB workouts. KBextreme, In the Ring, and Rumble. My fav is In the Ring. It was GSL that fried my LB the other day. Because of my marathon training I had taken it easy on the lower body for several weeks and this was my first foray back into some serious LB weight work.... hoooboy! Looking forward to that STS.... (if it will ever come that is!!) Have a great run and class today!

Christine- Your aunt and uncle sound so inspirational. I LOVE hearing about people considered very elderly who are still very active.... definitely MY goal too!! Great job on the PP UBx3!!!! I'd say a run would be fabulous therapy for you today to cure that work related stress. My seemingly quiet "nothin much happens here" hospital has been exploding and crazy the last few months. I guess I brought the crazy busy vibes with me from Philly!!

Cathy- Our unfailing official cheetah cheerleader!!! Can always count on you to open up with an inspiration message for any cheetah racing that day! OMG... that runners' cartoon was hysterical!!!! Where do you find these things? But it should have been a pic of a cheetah, not a lion (being picky I know) Okay , since I know you're behind on the Christmas shopping too I definitely feel better now! Hope that fire in the hut is contained soon (love your descriptive phrasing) I didn't realize you were having ITB problems... not real serious I hope.

Carole- WOW- and I though DH and I had allot of STUFF. You Mom just may have had us beat. You guys have been bustin your tushies there now clearing it all out forever it seems! Can't blame you for being REAL tired of it!!! A good round with Amy's KB will work off some of that stress.... think I'll do some myself!

Dallas- woohooo... sharing that great GS DOMS with ya! Good plan of action to hold off on the running for now and getting some great massage therapy it seems! Stay Warm!!!!

I think that about catches me up for now. I'll check back later to see if Jackie posted.

 

[fitg]

Hi there ladies!

Dallas: Sending you a recipe is not invading my time. In fact, I will just post it below in case any of the other girls want to try it.

Black Bean Chili

1 onion diced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 lb. ground turkey
3 (15 oz.) cans black beans
1 (15oz.) can crushed tomatoes undrained
1 1/2 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. dried oregano
1 tbsp. dried basil
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar

Cook onions and garlic. Brown turkey. Mix everything else in. MMMMM good! Hope you like it! It is really cold! Yes, actually I do make it a habit of sitting around in my snowmobile suit. I am always cold. You are in my thoughts Dallas.

Cathy: Thanks for the Friday smile! I so hope you get to do the travel program! What an amazing opportunity. You really do inspire me. I would be happy to ship some of our snow down to NJ! That is funny you say that about running around the playground with the kids. I thought about it while I was out there, but didn't have the proper shoes on. The wedding was great. Of course I cried. They are perfect for each other. Two of the kindest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. They are the kind of people who have your back, even if you do something really stupid. They would still be there. I am so lucky to have such great people around me.

Judy: Thank you for the info. on the baba. You are busy! Glad you could squeeze in workout.

Hi Wendi!

Carole: Pip and Ellie are out for the count. They played like crazy last night with the BF's dogs. I am enjoying this quiet time. My DH goes hunting by himself too. He has not had trouble with the rowdy croud. He is lucky though, he has a 100 (?) acre parcel of private land to hunt on. It is river property too. The people who own it are really old. They are trying to make the arrangements for their children to inherit it, but they are running in to some problems. Apparently it has something to do with taxes and what not. Even though their kids are upper middle class, they would not be able to afford the taxes. I hope that gets worked out. It would be so unfortunate to see it developed. I signed up for my first marathon yesterday and thought of you, the veteran. Is Napa in March? Great workout!

Christine: I think you and DD15 would love the book. I messed up the title. It is A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray. So good. The author is currently writing a sequal. I am dying for that to come out. It is hard to get mad at the critters, especially when you are doing Yoga for Happiness. By the way, I noticed the dog in the 30 min. quickie for the first time the other day! I am sorry your headache is lingering. I also am feeling overwhelmed at work. There is always something. Your workout should help relieve some stress.

Linda: Does you DH tie flies? My DH is down at a fly tying show in Lansing. Awesome workout! You are doing so well post marathon!

Jackie: I know you are probably done running right now, but I have been thinking of you this morning! Can't wait for the race report! I had a hard time finding the phyllo dough too. It is in the frozen foods section next to the pies and what not. I have been eating soup every day! The hotter the better. The wedding was so nice, thanks.

Shelly: I am feeling great having the day to myself. I have to admit that I am a bit selfish and like my "me" time. This fall DH and I were making preparations for winter and I felt like a squirrel or something. LOL! The kids play outside because they don't have a choice. A lot of them were asking me if it was time to go in yet because they were so cold. We're not so tough as you would think. I hope I am still on the go in my 80s! Yeah for your parents! Where do they live in AZ?

Brighton: I absolutely love your new siggy! It is so cool!

Wendy: That would be great if you and Cathy could get together. I did have a nice time at the wedding. Everyone cried. We are a tight group.

Posh: Isn't it funny how we remember those things about school. Our read aloud time is cherished. We can't do it on Monday and Wednesday because of our schedule. The kids don't like that. I turn down the lights and the kids are allowed to "sit back and relax." They always say "Mrs. Partlo, you always stop at the best part!." I am not close with my parents, but I will never forget them reading to me every night and telling me stories. I hope you are having a great weekend. Your workouts sound great!

I am so cold. I like winter for its beauty, but this 11 degrees in the afternoon is for the birds! I am getting sick of Pip getting into the bathroom garbage. It is like a sick fascination with her. I am going to put it up so she can't get to it.

Sorry for being so negative. I just had to get that off my back. I ran 5 miles yesterday and today's workout is yet to be determined. The after effects of the wedding are impairing me right now. I think a nap will do me some good.

Have a great day Cheetahs!

 

[Fit_mommy]

Just poppin' in quickly to repeat my sentiments from last night....

GO JACKIE GO!!!!!

I neglected to do that this morning. I guess I wasn't awake yet.

Have lots to do but hope to pop back in later on for personals!

Bye for now!

 

[jamarba]

Hi ladies!

I survived and I'm happy with my time. We finished the race unofficially in 2:08:47. I met and surpassed my original goal of a 10:00 minute mile. :clap But, just couldn't break that sub 2:00. The temp started out about 30 and the sun didn't come out until an hour into the race. I was dressed appropriately. I carried a jacket with me to keep me warm until the start of the race and then I tied it around my waist. We started out in coral #9 which was the 10:00 minute group. The big group kept us from going out any faster. We took walk breaks at the water stations so we wouldn't spill it on our gloves. At mile 10, my feet started going numb again and that slowed us down some. I was determined to get through the last 2 miles. Foot started cramping the last mile and I took a few seconds to walk it out. I ate some oatmeal and a half banana before I left for the race and ate a Cliff Blok at mile 10. Maybe pushing the pace caused the cramps. I don't know. We had to climb steps to get to the post race food. My leg started cramping so bad I had to sit down and stretch some. The entertainment was good and we took a picture with Elvis. They served some decent food too. There was soup, pizza, hot chocolate, donuts, bagels, cookies, water, sodas, milk, bananas and a few other items. It all gave me indigestion. I do know I wouldn't have done as well had it not been for my running partner. He only ran 2 days a week and was able to complete the race with no problems. I've had a hot bath and I'm tired now and I need a nap.

Cathy - Thanks for the title in my honor today. I was surprised at the stuff people shed today. And, it looked like some good stuff too. Hope you had a good workout.

Brighton - Feel better. I was awake at 2:30 this morning. Must have been pre-race jitters. I didn't get up until 4:00 though. Enjoy the party. Did you get that run in?

Wendy - The KB workouts are whipping you into shape.

Carole - I hope you got things finished up at your mom's. Nice to know that it's sold and the new owner is just waiting to get the keys.

Dallas - How is Janis Saffell at pilates? Hope you're able to run again soon.

Christine - Hope you have a nice relaxing weekend so you'll be ready to tackle work again on Monday.

Shelly - Nice to have relatives to visit but even nicer to have peace and quiet. Don't have any problems with DOMS in the biceps especially when I increase the weigh a little.

Gloria - The chili recipe looks good. Never thought about adding wine. Nothing wrong with having a day for you every now and then. Hope you warm up some. Pip likes the trash, huh? Guess she's bored. Good job with the 5 miles and hope today's workout was just as good.


Thanks everyone for all the good vibes for my race. That had to be a part of the reason I got through it. I'm just so tired now. I feel good about the race but it took more out of me than I thought. Forgive me for being so brief. As soon as I get the official time, I'll post it.

Enjoy your Saturday.

 

[fitg]

Jackie: 1,000 CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!!!!!!! I think you would of fared well even without your running partner! Thank you for your response. You are right, Pip is bored. DH hasn't been able to take the dogs out hunting. The snow is too deep. Thanks for putting it into perspective for me. I think you are one stellar lady!

I just woke up from a 2 hour nap. Think I am going to jump on the tm.

 

[trooper15]

Jackie- Congratulations on an awesome performance for your half marathon!!!!!! Job very well done indeed sounds like it was a well organized and fun race. Perhaps taking in more electrolytes during the race- i.e. sports drinks or more clif bloks would have prevented the cramping. I usually chow down 4-5 clif bloks for a half mary.
Congrats again!!!!


Gloria- So... nice to know that the folks up their in the frozen north, including the kids or human too! Sending you some nice warm thoughts! that is frustrating having your Pip be so fascinated with the BR garbage.... but at least he doesn't try to eat the kitty litter all the time like mine do.... so it could be worse!! congrats on making the big step in signing up for your marathon BTW!!!!! Yes, I am quite proud of my parents, they live in Prescott, Az (northern part). That's where I was living up til last May, so I am used to colder temps and some snow.

Caught up for now... had a great time with ITR and tacked on the heavy bag drills from Rumble

 

[RunninTeach]

Afternoon, cheetahs!

First…a huge congrats to Jackie!! That is one helluva time! The feet going numb and then the cramps must have been tough. Fantastic race despite the discomfort. Enjoy the high & some well-deserved rest! What a spread they had, too. (Sorry it gave you indigestion.)

Brighton—Oh no on the pinched nerve and sore throat. I hope running didn’t exacerbate it! I tried to fool with my siggy again. It kept telling me the remote file was too large. Is there a trick to it you could share? Hope you sleep better tonight.

Wendy—thanks very much for the invite, but AC on NYE just ain’t my style. I’m sure you’ll have yourself a rockin’ good time, though!! Must’ve missed your PM somehow. It was a crazy week.

Carole—wow, that was quite a temperature drop you had while you were out on your run. I hope you get the much-needed rain soon. So this is it then on the packing? Perhaps a virtual toast will be in order??

Dallas—I snorted when I read your post b/c my MT last time said I was really “crunchy," too. *lol* Interesting term! Looking forward to scheduling an appt. after the holidays. I completely understand where you are coming from. It kind of sucked not to be able to run the hills today.

Christine—(((HUGS))) Let's count down til our upcoming (much needed!) breaks, shall we? Hope you had a great, refreshing run with Jimbo.

Shelly—I don't usually get biceps DOMS, either, even when I go heavy as I can...Oh, the “huts on fire” expression is another of Posh’s! Must give credit where it’s due. Not sure where I found that cartoon. It was in my pictures folder, so I guess I stumbled upon it sometime and saved it. Unfortunately, the ITB issue is for real. So, will you be seeing any of your fam over the holidays?

Gloria—the chili recipe looks yummy. Another recipe saved. Oh shucks. Thank you for that compliment. I really admire what you do as well… I had to smile about your description of Cid and Sandy. Those kinds of friends are priceless and rare. Congrats on officially signing up. Woo-hoo!! *lol* about Pip’s “sick fascination” with the garbage. You are so NOT negative!

The after effects of the wedding are impairing me right now.

That made me laugh out loud! You are too funny!


I did 4DS bi's and tri's (hit 'em hard), KPC abs, and a 3 mile run. I did two things differently: 1) I ditched the heel insert given me by my chiro, and 2) I forced myself to walk the hills. As frustrating as it was (yeah, I'm one of those sickos who, even when they're killin' me, actually enjoys hills), I think it helped. The discomfort was minimal compared to last time.

Have a great night, all!

 

[karenvictoria]

Congratulations Jackie You did just great. Take a nice bath and enjoy all that you accomplished.

 

[karenvictoria]

Dad and my dh are going to make pre-arrangements for mom. Things are progressing rapidly. Yesterday was terrible and caught me so off gaurd I had to leave and come back. "My mom did not know who I was". I came in from doing their grocery shopping and she asked for me. I told her it was me and she looked right through me like a stranger. It was so sad and scary at the same time. I went out the door again and pulled my hair down. It was was in a baseball hat and came in again and still she didn't know me. She asked me who her kids were and when I got to me, she said, "Yes that is who I want". I said " It's me mom Karen" I put the groceries away and then came back down again 20 min later and she knew me. I am happy my dad was there so she wasn't scared thinking I was a stranger or something. This morning again she knew me so I was happy. Actually I was afaird to go down there for fear she wouldn't know me again. It was the worst feeling EVER.

We have opted to not go any futher with the brain specialist. She is due to go back in two weeks for another spinal but we have decided not to do that. Back then she said she wanted to fight if she got cancer in the brain fluid but now her mental state is so far beyond what it was two weeks ago ( not that it was good then but I think she knew what was the matter mostly and now she doesn't seem to realize she is sick) She knew she had cancer but said long before this time that she would not want this ( hospitals and doctors) at the end. We just want her happy. She talks about the oddest things and then will just cirlce a conversation over and over again and then fall into a trace almost. Then somtimes she is clear but the times she is clear are less and less. She doesn't ever want to leave the house because it is to painful to move. When all this happened to my mom not knowing me yesterday ,I got on the phone with her oncologist and told her what had happened and she said it sounds like she is going into the end stages of cancer. I asked her about the specialist and she told me again she just wanted another opinon about what it was they saw. She said the brain had cancer but the fluid did not show cancer. What the hell does that mean. I feel like I have to carck a code with them or something. With the not knowing/confusion, not eating, not moving, cracked lips, weight loss and now hair loss, I looked it up on the website what that all entails and she has all the signs. We are just going to let her be hear with us and continue on like nothing is a matter and that she will get better if only in our minds. I am sad and pissed off all at the same time. I am sad to see my mom like this and pissed that this summer they didn't say it would be this bad. I know logicaly they can't tell me the future but damn it I think they should not have told me it was going to be ok and I had more time. Her oncologist told me the cancer must have skipped the spine and went directly to her brain in the matter of time from Aug when she had the Pet scan until Sept when her face started to swell. All the oncologist on the phone kept saying to me was that they were very sorry and if we wanted her to stay with us and not come in anymore for treatment she would agree with that. She also mentioned having hospice come it but I will cross that brigde when mom needs it more than I can do for her.

Another thing that pisses me off while I'm at it and not crying but more ticked than anything is that I'm eating like a cow/ pig whatever you want to call it. I can see all that cancer is doing to my mom and still I'm shoveling it in. I have to get with it. Everyday I begin a new and then somthing takes me back and I resort to food. I am exercising so at least there is that. My weight is maintaing but I eat whenever and not good at all. Today I ate two slices of pizza and three candy bars. Good Lord did I say that. Yes, I did and it's true. I really do know the power of nutrition since my mom was cancer free for 9 years prior to this and she exercised and ate pretty good. So I think I just need sometime and then am going to try and find myself again when this calms down. I think I'm trying to cope most days. All I keep thinking of is Wendy's friend who jsut went through this a month or so ago with her mom dying of cancer and me telling Wendy in a personal I would be her friend one day. How in the hell did I get to be that girl already. It also reminded me of how great Wendy was to her friend and sat there listening to her and so that is what prompted this long email. Talking to my sisters is getting to be a cry fest. Not that my eamils sometimes don't turn into them for me but this time I'm not crying just matter of fact more or less. So thanks for making it though this eamil if you got that far. I'm going to be ok. I just need to write it all down. Excuse the typing.

 

[andtckrtoo]

Hey all!

Jackie – WAY TO GO!!! What a great time!! Especially with the numb feet. Mine go numb, too with distance. Enjoy your nap and your rest! Sounds like you had a great race!

Dallas – you snuck in there on me. Hope you get to run soon! Heard y’all got a bunch of snow.

Shelly – I do know what you mean about the TV blaring all the time. DD19 lives in front of the tv. Drives me batty. Glad you have a full set of DOMS – wouldn’t want anything left out! Yeah, my aunt and uncle are pretty inspirational – a wee bit odd, but in a good way. They are card carrying members of the granola set. The ride worked almost as well as a run. I do want to get a run in soon. Hope things calm down for you at work!! Those crazy busy vibes HAVE to calm down soon!

Gloria – oh, that sounds good! Yum. I will get that book, thanks for recommending it! Yeah, I love the little dog in YFH! He’s so cute. Nothing like a good workout for stress relief, I tell ya! I’m not a big cold weather fan either – you’ll have to come visit me for a while. Hope you enjoyed your nap!

Cathy – Yes – I think we both need our breaks. Only two weeks – we can hang in there for that, can’t we? Didn’t get a run after all – ended up riding today – reason below. It was a good ride – chilly though. I was dressed in a turtle neck with a fleece vest and my bright yellow jacket (I always wear that so cars see me) and I was still cold. Sounds like a good workout today! I like hills on the bike if it makes you feel any better. And I LOVE downhills!

Karen – Not much I can say other than {{{{{HUGS!!!}}}}}. I’m so sorry you are going through this . I lost my mom a few years ago, and it’s one of the hardest things I have ever gone through. I will say to contact Hospice sooner rather than later. It has nothing to do with you not being able to do for your mom – I know you are a fabulous daughter to her – but the services they give go so far beyond just help. And the hospice in your area is incredible. My mom lived in your town when she passed away.

Ended up going for a 30 mile bike ride instead of a run. DH wants to go for a hike tomorrow and I wanted to get in a ride this weekend, so I had to do it today. I did take Jimmy to the dog park so he could get exercise as well. He's nice and tired now.