Posts filed under ‘Everything Colon’
Semicolon Thankfulness Post
If you ever invite Mike and me somewhere, you can plan on the “Burgess 15.” Sometimes we’ll surprise you and arrive closer to the start time, but typically (at least if we need to arrive together, and especially with Mae), we run a little tardy.
So in true fashion, I thought I’d do a thankfulness post. My friend Luckie Leah was a rock star and posted one reason she was thankful each day of November. Many other buds posted on Facebook throughout the month. And while I’m way to all-over-the-place to actually stick with something like that, I thought I’d do it in our traditional Burgess fashion, just a little late.
As a cancer survivor, when Thanksgiving rolls around I don’t have enough hands to count my blessings. And that was especially true this year as I sat with a busy 14-month-old and watched her annihilate my mom’s famous corn casserole recipe. She’s a perfect fit – as we all love it, too. I indeed am blessed.
While this in no way will be all-encompassing, here are several things that top my list of gratitude in 2011:
I’m thankful for God’s love.
I’ve still not totally grasped this, and I don’t think I ever will. But this year probably more than ever I’ve seen God work, watched His plans become WAY better than mine, discerned His clarity, and heard his calling.
First Mavs game!
I’m thankful for Mike and Mae.
This fall Mike & I have been together for 11 years – married almost 7 in May. Holy cow. That’s a long time. And the great thing is I still love it. He’s my best friend. We’re a good pair. Even when put to the test by becoming parents in the same amount of time it takes to microwave a TV dinner. Well, not really that fast, but it felt like it at times. But through this whole thing, we’ve been blessed with a beautiful daughter, Mae, who’s the happiest kid I’ve ever met. She loves to read. She’s on the go. Yet she still makes time to cuddle. She’s the best.
I’m thankful for our Families.
I think we seriously have the most supportive families in the universe. I know we felt it before this past year, but we feel it even more now that we have a family of our own. Our families have supported us in every way possible as we’ve transitioned into parenthood. From all of the grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles (and even great-aunts and uncles) that Mae has, we’re abundantly blessed.
I’m thankful for our open adoption.
Never thought I’d ever type that one. But indeed, it tops the list this year as something I am very thankful for. Not only has knowing Mae’s birth family been helpful in having some of her background; but it’s also brought many surprises to us – in good ways. These guys are our biggest cheerleaders. It’s like another extended family for us. They’ve taught me so much about love. And I wouldn’t have this any other way.
I’m thankful for Friends.
I know – aren’t we all, right? But seriously, I’ve got some amazing friends. This year the meaning of true friendship has been so evident to me through some buds who are technically my friends but feel more like family. They rake our leaves. They stay at our house. They’ve babysat. They pray for us. The list goes on and on. And it’s not really about what they do for us at all – it’s who they are. And we’re truly grateful.
I’m thankful for The Avenue.
The Avenue is our church home, which is really like an extension of our family. Serving with the leadership team over the past few years as been a rich experience. This year I especially felt a re-confirmation that we are in the right spot, and this church is exactly where we are to be. It allows us to serve with our gifts (Mike rocks it out on the worship team, I still keep all of the communications going), it gets us involved in serving others, and I couldn’t imagine life without such a great community.
I’m Thankful for Semicolon Communications.
Who starts a business in a down economy? This gal. But really, I felt like God was growing my business and leading me to dive in full-time this summer. And I am so grateful for this. It’s allowed me the flexibility to hang at home with Mae a few days each week. And to volunteer for the Colon Club. Through this business, I have the opportunity to be a marketing consultant for a few companies, and then be a copywriter for another. All while getting to keep first things first. Thank you Lord.
I am thankful for my health.
I’ve had a cancer-free year. All scans and tests have been clear. I’ve never been so thankful to be healthy.
Meet Beckett! He's handsome!
I’m thankful for a lot of other things, too.
I have a new nephew! We’ve got two running cars. I made some writer contacts. We vacationed to the beach. We went to a family reunion. My brother and sis-in-law came home several times from Louisiana. Oh so many things that I’m so thankful for.
So here are some list toppers for my year. I have to say, one of the best yet.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4
Absolutely Honored – Phoenix Undy Run
There have been a few bumps along this cancer journey that have made some of the hard days “worth it.” Hot air balloon ride? Worth it. Colondar shoot? Double worth it. And yesterday, I felt absolutely honored by my mom’s best friend, Terri, and her hubby, Bruce, who drove hours just to run in the Phoenix Undy Run in my honor (and left at 5am by the way…). Triple worth it.
To have people go out of their way to run on my behalf still has me speechless even now. I’m honored in a way that I can’t describe, except that it feels really good and really humbling. I don’t only feel so loved, but I feel like some of the hard days that I went through might be able to help someone else. Whether it’s giving them stamina to run or raising awareness that colon cancer can happen in young people, too – it’s awesome to see the message getting out there. I’m absolutely honored and humbled.
I’m thankful for the Colondar that opened the door for me to start talking about my experience, and that it got my story “out there.” (Terri met someone at the race who said she often tells my story to people she talks to in Arizona.. crazy!) And I’m so thankful for great friends who help carry on the message of colon cancer awareness … and hope for survival … from city to city, and in this case, state to state.
Thanks again Ahlfs, you absolutely made my day! (enjoy a few pics I stole from Terri’s Facebook!)
Bruce at Phoenix Undy
Terri at Phoenix Undy
Their sign for me... this rocks.
Bruce holding a copy of the 09 Colondar they got at the race!
Life Updates
Wow, sorry long time no post. Life gets busy and … yeah done with excuses.
Since its been so long and my fingers are tired – here are a few pics for a photo update on life lately.
Baby Girl Turned 1!
Family pic!
Small shower for my sis-in-law because I've got a nephew on the way!!!
Shiloh & Mae - they're getting so big!!
We got a 3rd dog! (Just for Halloween)
Certitude, Mystery & Cancer Stuff
A study that I am in covered this last week:
“Certitude – a certainty greater than circumstances warrant – and absolutism are an anxious response to the reality of pain. A voice of certitude is one that claims to control the means by which we might be safe and happy. In order to deliver safety and happiness, the voice of certitude must be in control of – or appear to be in control of – any situation that potentially impinges upon safety and happiness.
This language of control is one of categorizing, measuring, and analyzing. Mystery, precisely because it can’t be categorized, measured, or analyzed, cannot be controlled. Thus, mystery is a perceived threat to the voice of certitude’s pretense of delivering safefy and happiness.
In a world dominated by the voice of certitude there is no room for mystery, and therefore no room for the God of the Bible who remains, above all, a vibrant dynamic mystery.”
– Walter Brueggemann & Steve Frost, Psalmist’s Cry by House Studio
Hmmm….
My first thought – I’m not sure this dude Walter ever had cancer. But, he’s got some good nuggets in here that have really challenged me.
I’m a gal of faith. I became “all about it” in Junior High, and it’s just been a big part of me ever since. But even with my strong faith, this kind of stuff challenges me. Do I want certitude – a mindset that I try to create that gives me peace that the future is pain (and disease)- free? Absolutely. But is that masking the pain and fear that I really feel about it all? Probably.
Walter here argues that certainty butts out God, who is all about mystery. So he’s saying embrace mystery and drop the desire to control and convince yourself of the whole “grass is greener” stuff… because following a God of mystery is vibrant and dynamic. (Regardless of what happens.) Again – good points. And I’m not sure he’s had cancer.
But – ultimately, even if my friend Walter has had cancer, his points are true. Just hard to swallow sometimes. Honesly, sometimes I DON’T want my life to be vibrant and dynamic – I’m cool with the whole boring, stale (nothing bad’s happening) days. But I do realize that’s not what we’re made for, and that God offers us more. The key is trusting in that – and not trusting in whatever circumstance we think will or won’t be happening. Because having a God of mystery directing my days and my path will lead to the life that I know I was made for.
So Okay, Walter, I’ll hear you out. But I’m not going to say it’s easy.
And aren’t you proud of me? That might just be my most intelligent post yet…
Survivor Playlist
So I took a jog around the neighborhood a few nights ago. And then again at the gym last night (well, I ran at the gym, not around the gym.) And I realized something revolutionary. A good playlist can make all the difference in the world when running. (I realize that’s why the whole iPod craze caught on, but bear with me, I’m slow…)
So, in addition to some workout and worship playlists (don’t judge – they both help me keep going when I’m jogging) – I’ve created a survivor playlist. And let me tell you, it’s one of the best things in the world. If I’m having a rough day, running up a hill, having to head to the doctor’s office or even have a routine scan, I’ll put on my playlist and start jamming away. The songs are very carefully selected, and either bring back a memory of why to persevere, or just bluntly tell me to keep going.
Danielle’s Survivor Playlist
I couldn’t tell you I had a playlist without telling you what’s on it! Here are the songs I’ve added to my “survivor playlist” so far, and I’m sure there will be many more! Also see that although one of my biggest pet peeves in life is internet videos, I’ve decided to be trendy yet again and post links to videos so you can hear the songs and have something to look at. (And yes, I realize that YouTube is nothing new, either…) Maybe I’ll catch on sooner one of these days.
Enjoy!
We Trying To Stay Alive | Wyclef John
I Will Survive | Gloria Gaynor
Stellar | Incubus (thanks to Guitar Hero, this one’s on there.)
Lucky | Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
Since U Been Gone | Kelly Clarkson
Life Is Short | John Reuben (ignore the cooky video, only one I could find with the song.)
Have any new suggestions for me? Leave a comment and let me know of songs you think I should add!
Blood work and Boat Napping
Pretty awesome post title, huh? Blood work and boat napping pretty much sums up my weekend and past few days.
Although my visit to the oncologist was somewhat dramatic last week, at least my blood work was not. Good news, CEA levels are normal. Not that they’ve ever really spiked – even when I had a stage 3 tumor – but you know, every bit of good news helps. Here’s some info if you’re not sure about what I mean by CEA levels.
In addition to having a good report on my blood work, I had another exciting experience over the weekend. I feel asleep on a boat. And Mike, well he fell asleep in a raft. And man was that nice. You see, life seems to be crazy around the homestead for us, and so getting away with a friend and relaxing was just what we needed. I often blame my crazy schedule and go-go-go personality on the fact that I did have cancer, and that I want to pack as much into life as possible because I know it’s short. But once in a while I do remember to slow down and take it easy. I’m not exactly a “good relaxer” but this weekend I didn’t seem to have any trouble watching a movie, eating and sleeping – even sleeping on a boat.
Taking Life For Granted?
So I heard that it’s best to blog a little every day than try to come up with long posts now and then. Revolutionary, right. So, I’m going to try that approach. As I mentioned before, I’ve become what some might call a “professional blogger” in the sense that I am paid to write blogs for other people all day long. So thus, this poor Semicolon blog gets abandoned. But maybe these new blogging tips I ran across may help.
So for today’s quick post, I am going to throw out something that’s been on my mind a lot – taking things for granted. We say it all the time, “don’t take it for granted.” From our electricity to the few years we have with our children as babies – our culture is known for this ‘don’t take for granted’ catch phrase. But when I was doing my hair the other day, in my air-conditioned house, with a baby crawling around my feet, I tried to figure out what that meant. How could I not take for granted in that moment my conveniences and my blessings. I wasn’t wanting to take anything for granted, but was I doing so by mindlessly using something or going about my day without really considering the blessings in it all? Deep thoughts for a blog about poop, I know.
So, here’s what I’ve come to the conclusion with so far:
- We all don’t want to take things for granted.
- We all do take things for granted.
- We usually don’t take things for granted on purpose.
- Being mindful of something is a way to not take something for granted.
- Offering thanksgiving or stepping out to show appreciation for something is a way to not take things for granted.
So – that’s what I’ve got so far. I’ve been through enough life experience to know to be thankful for each day, and that each day is a gift. But this concept of not taking it for granted really has me wondering what that practically means. Ring in on this with me, because I’m really trying to figure it out. How do you NOT take things for granted?
Oh Yeah… My Blog!
Wait – I have a blog? Oh yeah…
Sorry guys, in the midst of working for the church, growing my small business and um, getting the hang of this mom thing – good ole’ Semicolon Stories has gotten the shaft. But don’t worry, you’re not alone. Our dogs feel the same way too.
But, I’m just checking in to say hello to the blog world, and that life here is good, busy, changing, yet good. Let’s see here… for a few updates…
- My hubby is about ready to change careers and bring his teaching gig to an end in about a week. He’ll be joining me in the website arena and working on CSS for a website company.
- Mae’s doing great. She’s doing this awesome rock-n-roll, I’m about to crawl thing now. She’s really great at getting on all fours and then lunging. I love it – it’s not pretty but she doesn’t care. She can get anywhere she wants these days – except out of her bed and onto my plate.
- I’m doing well! Health-wise, I got the “all clear” again this week after another CT scan. Docs wanted to make sure that the pelvic activity showing up on the scans is still just scar tissue. The CT last week didn’t show any concerns. Hallelujah.
- I’m working like a beast – that is my imagination of how a beast would work. I’m also in the midst of approaching a healthy balance between my full-time job and side business, so in the meantime I’m keeping rather… active. But don’t worry – it will be changing soon. Promise.
- And my last bit of WAY exciting news for now-
(no we don’t have another kid stashed away or anything like that…)
But – I am headed to NEW YORK again in a few weeks for the 2012 COLONDAR SHOOT!
Oh my friends, I am so excited, honored and in awe that I get to return to the magical place of all-things Colondar. I’ve been asked to write the bios for the new 12 calendar models. I can’t wait to meet them, to write their heroic stories, to make more friends who’ve also experienced colon cancer at a young age, and to return to see good friends at the shoot.
So, that’s a short and quick update! I’ll make it a goal to post more soon but in the meantime, we’ll just be chilling in a laundry basket.
Cancer Scares
One part of survivorhood I never really prepared for was the cancer scares. Sure, I knew that I would need to keep a healthy lifestyle and make sure I went to routine scans, but for some reason the element of the constant scares had never crossed my mind. That is, until about a month ago.
It’s never fun when your doctor calls to personally to deliver the CT scan results. He was concerned, sent me for a follow-up PET Scan, and about a week-and-a-half of anxiety ridden days and nights, I finally got the news that all was clear once again. Apparently, being operated and radiated on as a 17-year-old can have some residual effects like scaring in the pelvis that looks questionable.
While I’m thankful that in this instance, all was clear, it opened my eyes to the long journey that I, as well as all of my fellow cancer survivors, are on. Especially for those of us who’ve been hit with the disease twice or more; it’s an eye-opening and sobering experience to realize that you’ll be fighting a disease for the rest of your life. When I first realized this after my second diagnosis, I was angry. My anger has subsided these days, but it’s still shocking to me sometimes when I realize the risks associated with just living life. I realized as I waited for my PET scan results to come in, that even if all was clear, this wouldn’t be the last time I’d have a scare like this. Unfortunately, this is a lifelong journey.
As I went about church and life group yesterday; however, I began to see a comforting parallel between living with Christ, and my life as a cancer survivor. Both require a “wartime” mentality, as we must always stay on guard for the next attack. We mustn’t be surprised by it, but rather, anticipate that the enemy will work to get us down… whether it’s sickness, debt, rough relationships, sinful temptations, etc. We won’t have these “scares” subside until we reach heaven. So until we’re there, we must anticipate them.We must stay in the fight, and remember that we’re at war.
I found encouragement yesterday in remembering that I serve a God that is here to help. Christ didn’t come down to earth to leave us hanging. He sent the Holy Spirit to get us through tough times, give us unity among one another, and bring about a perfect peace that gets us through any trial. While we can’t always change our thoughts or make ourselves feel differently, we can plug into the source who will “guard our minds and our hearts” with only the peace He can bring. Whether it’s a cancer scare, or any other life problem that gets us down, we must keep pressing on and hold the line in this war.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Facts About Poop
My friend Brian sent me a link to this site the other day. A-mazing. Some of what we’ve covered here on the Semicolon blog before is also on this awesome graphic; but some of it’s new info. While I realize that not everyone loves talking or thinking about poop as I do, I try to share the love with you because who knows – it just might save your lives one day, too.
Enjoy!
Via: OnlineSchools.org
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