Thursday, March 31, 2011

You try your whole life to avoid it, then when you are ready...you fall short!

I am talking about #pregnancy! I have known people who have gotten pregnant young, not married, no insurance, careers not in place and while the situation sucks, you always hope the baby ends up being "a blessing" and it usually does. For me and for many, many people this was one of my biggest fears. I always had a plan and while I knew life never went exactly according to plan, I thought it was better to have one than not.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Amazing stories...Dog sniffs out woman's cancer!







Dog "Sniffs Out" Walnut Grove Woman's Breast Cancer (VIDEO)

3/23/2011

Carol Witcher and her dog Floyd Henry are practically inseparable. It's a strong bond, one that defies explanation, she tells 11Alive News. And what he did for her almost defies reason.

"He nipped my nose and then pushed against my right breast. And I said, 'what are you doing?'" the Walnut Grove woman remembers.

"He pushed again and stood back and looked at me right in my eyes like, 'there's a problem here.' Then, he raised his right front foot and pawed at my breast. And I said, 'uh oh.'"

She checked, and what doctors found launched her into a battle for her life: breast cancer in the exact spot Floyd Henry touched.

Now, three years later, Carol is living cancer free.

"He saved my life," she says. "He truly saved my life."

And some doctors at Emory's Winship Cancer Institute say there may be some truth in that claim.

Dr. Suresh Ramalingam, Winship's director of medical oncology, is leading a study that connects cancer detection with breath odor.

"The types of gases exhaled in our breath sample can be used to detect cancer," he says. "What the dog shows is proof that this is possible."

A similar study shows the correlation between breath patterns and breast cancer patients in a sample group of patients. Through his study, Dr. Ramalingam is looking to do the same with lung cancer.

"The breath specimen is easy to get and it does not involve any expensive procedures," he says. "So it's readily there. If we can use it to detect cancer, that would be a major advance."

The studies are still in their early stages, and Dr. Ramalingam stresses breath detection would not take the place of traditional screenings, but add to them.

As for Floyd Henry, doctors say sniffing out the specific location of cancer is possible, but highly unlikely.

Carol, however, has all the proof she needs.

"I'm here today, I know, because of the grace of God, and that dog," she says.

 

This story is particulary close to my heart, because I swear my dog Oreo has these same type of super powers for me, her mommy! When she was about 7 months old and I was living in my first apartment on my own she saved my life (maybe not necessarily physically, but emotionally for sure).

One night, about 3 months into my lease after I let her out and we were going to sleep she was acting very anxious and alert. She wouldn't rest and it was very unusual, she was on guard. It was making me very nervous, so I decided to turn on the alarm, which I never did by the way.

After I turned on the alarm, I shut the TV off about 30 minutes later to go to sleep, she was still on guard. Then, about 5 minutes later the alarm went off. I freaked and hit my panic button in my bedroom which went straight to the police. Then, I called my dad who was out of town in tears as I hid in my closet with my dog. Finally, the police officer got there.

My front door at this point was wide open, my balcony door wide open and the door on my balcony with the water heater- also wide open. This door was supposed to be locked by maintenance from the inside.... looks like when I was walking my dog, he walked in my front door and hid in that little closet until I went to sleep, then came in. LI never returned to sleep here again and the lessor wanted to make me pay to break my lease...are you kidding?? The police said that he was probably watching me for months and since I was very routine and didn't lock the door when I walked my dog right out front, he probably came right in. When we filed police reports and everythign, we found out that about a month earlier, there was a rape reported in the complex...ugh, hello, they were supposed to notify the residents. Then, we found out that after being highly screened and income checked for these nice, new apartments, that they had 1 building they were renting out to people recovering from drugs/alcohol...what?? really? you don't think you need to disclose this? This is the only thing that saved me from the $2k to break the lease, but that night, my dog saved me too! Our bond will always be a special one!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Random Facts about me

I was a very shy child (in my opinion anyways )

My grandparents lived next door and my grandpa drove me to preschool every day

We had tons of pets growing up (dogs, cats, rabbits, horses, gerbels, fish, etc)

I have a sister who is 18 months older than me- with blonde hair

My parents are from Brooklyn, NY

My grandma was from Italy and a very feisty, catholic woman who never got her license

I was in PC in elementary school (which was for smart, creative kids)

I won the Math Bee in 5th grade and 2nd place in the Spelling Bee

I took dance class from 3yrs of age to like 15 and was an all-star tap dancer

I lettered in Volleyball and track in high school and even sported a letterman jacket

I dated my high school boyfriend for over 6 years- it was a learning experience

My first car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, 96 I think

I was supposed to go to GA State, but the dad vetoed it when my sis’s friend had a break in the yr prior

I got my Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Kennesaw State University

I also get my MBA from Kennesaw State University; I was the youngest in the program which required 3 years work experience

I bought my first house at the age of 22- which I should have waited, but hey…

I worked full time all through college, but it paid off, the day after I graduated I was already making over $50k

I regret not going to study abroad, but plan to move internationally for work with my family someday- only for a year or 2

I have studied probably less than 20 hours in my entire life

I never strived to make all A’s, I was fine with getting by and thought other things were more important to success

My parents got divorced when I was like 16, it was a horrible experience for me

I now have a wonderful step family who I adore

I have had my appendix, gallbladder and colon removed.

When removing my gallbladder they cut my pancreas and I almost died

They compared my colon surgery to open heart surgery, it was intense

I met my husband at work, he asked me out 3 times before I finally caved in for a drink

By the 2nd date we were falling fast

I knew I was in love at the hospital when I saw AL every day- after only 3.5 months of dating

We got engaged after 9 months of dating and married after a year and half of dating and a little over a year of living together

We said I do in Key Largo in a small, intimate wedding with 60 of our closest friends and family, our 2 boston terriers were also in the wedding

Oook, I think that is enough for now.

Tax Season

So by now, most of us have or are in the process of filing our taxes and as this is my first year filing married, I must say, it SUCKS!!! Holy crap, when you are married and make a combined income of $150k or more, you get no deductions. I was expecting quite a large return. My executive MBA cost a pretty penny and so I have been trying to quickly pay off those student loans. Well, nope, can't take the interest deduction if you are over $150k. The husband and I both have our old houses that we use as rental properties...nope, if you are over $150k can't take rental deductions...ugh, everything is limited. I know making over $150k as a couple isn't too shabby, but it isn't exactly balling either. I mean we are both young, 26 & 33 and we are at a point in our careers where we are climbing, so this was quite the bummer. I am pretty sure last year's limitation on married was $250k, but o well. I am glad I have enough knowledge and experience to research the tax laws for us and allow us to take our best situation, but to all you newlyweds- prepare for tax season and take more taxes out now!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Good Life

No, not Kanye West's version, although I do love it, but my version. Work is a little slow today and I am just sitting here thinking about how great life is. My husband and I will be celebrating our 1 year wedding anniversary in April back at the beautiful spot where we said I do, Key Largo! We have such a beautiful home and the greatest family and friends anyone could ask for. We happen to pick our house in a neighborhood with neighbors who we adore and hang out with often. We are all at about the same point in our lives and it is fun! We have both been blessed with wonderful careers and while many people are struggling with their finances, we are at a very comfortable point and never take that for granted. We have some wonderful and very exciting things going on right now and I just cannot imagine being happier. Not everything is always roses, but overall, Life is Good!!

Stay positive and count your blessings!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Happy Friday Everyone!

I don't know where you are around the world, but here in GA, it is BEAUTIFUL! I am looking forward to getting out of work in about 30 minutes and having a great weekend with my family.

Tonight's agenda- dinner and a pizza- Hawaiin. YuM! Maybe a fire pit later...??

Tomorrow- Breakfast, of course, then some errands and a relaxing day. Need to get some cleaning done and put up Allan's new closet system. (We did mine a few months back and his and hers have to match).

Sunday- Emma's baptism, fun day with friends...maybe cookout that night.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Football

One of the great mysteries in life is why “football” means something different depending on where you are in the world, and how it mostly refers to a sport that only sometimes involves kicking a ball.  For lovers of football and sports, it can be interesting to discuss the similarities and differences between the football codes.

In the USA and Canada, football is played by big guys and extremely big guys, mostly carrying and throwing a pointy-ended ball towards a “goal” line.  Kicking the ball is just what you do when you fail to do that.  The American and Canadian games look similar but have some differences.

In Europe, South America, Asia, Africa and basically everywhere else in the world, football is played with a round ball that gets kicked around towards a rectangular frame (the “goal”).  Handling the ball is not allowed but using your head and body to move the ball is okay. 

In Ireland, football is also played with a round ball but players are allowed to handle the ball with their hands.  Carrying the ball is also allowed but only for three steps at a time.  The objective is to kick the ball between two goal posts or into a rectangular goal, scoring more points for the latter.

In the northern states of Australia (Queensland and New South Wales), football somewhat resembles the American game in that the idea is to carry and throw the ball towards a goal line, but the ball is less pointy and players are only allowed to throw the ball to the side or behind them.  Like the American game, kicking is usually just a last resort. 

In the southern states of Australia (Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania), football is played on a massive oval-shaped ground with 18 players on each side.  The ball (less pointy than the American version but pointier than the North Australian version) is kicked around and players are allowed to handle the ball but not throw it – you have to propel the ball with your fist.  The goal is to kick it in between four white poles, scoring your team more points if the ball travels in between the middle pair of posts.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Bachelor News

Wow, so Brad chose Emily! Do you think he made the right decision? I don't. Don't get me wrong, she was a really, really sweet girl and very pretty and about 3 episodes ago when he told her he loved her, I knew he was picking her. But, she is too young and her story is a little odd. Yes, she got pregnant at 17, so while I am sure she felt very in love and was very devastated from her boyfriend dying, I don't think there was as much history there as it seems. She is too young for Brad and too unsure of what she wants- as seen in the "After the Rose" special.

Now there is Chantal, who I thought was a good choice for Brad and who seemed in love with him, but has now already found love again, with a very attractive guy. Good for her! That left her out for the next Bachelorette, so Ashley, the dentist will be the next Bachelorette. I think it will be good, she is cute and outgoing and her family was pretty nice, so I will definitely be tuning in.

What did you think of last night's show?

Monday, March 14, 2011

St. Patty's Day

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17th, as a religious feast-day and the anniversary of his death in the fifth century. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for over a thousand years. On St. Patrick's Day, which falls during the Christian season of Lent, Irish families would traditionally attend church in the morning and celebrate in the afternoon. Lenten prohibitions against the consumption of meat were waived and people would dance, drink and feast—on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds in the United States, Canada and Australia. Although North America is home to the largest productions, St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated in other locations far from Ireland, including Japan, Singapore and Russia.  Chicago is famous for a somewhat peculiar annual event: dyeing the Chicago River green.

Facts about Clovers

  • According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the highest number of leaves found on a clover is 14!
     

  • One estimate suggests that there are about 10 000 regular three-leaf clovers for every lucky four-leaf clover.
         

  • Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.


Monday, March 7, 2011

My Weekend update

So this weekend was filled with fun activities. Friday my friend had a passion party. Then, Saturday we started the morning bright and early by taking our car to the BMW dealership. It was making this weird ticking noise and they needed to keep it so they gave us a loaner. They are very smart people, they put us in a 2011 BMW 335 with ALL options! Sports package, navigation, everything! It was niiiice! Then, we went to Douglasville to hang out with my best friend, her husband and their new baby. The boys began drinking scotch at 10:30 am while we chatted and spent time with baby. Then, we met up with our other best friend and her fiance and baby boy for dinner at one of Allan's Douglasville favs- Texas Roadhouse. Sunday was a much more relaxing day, we met friends for brunch at J Christoper's, took the dogs on a walk, went to the grocery store and out for dinner. It was a busy, but nice weekend. Now, this week we have lot's of exciting things in store as well including our 11 month wedding anniversary (which we have something very special planned), my little sis's 13th b-day and a dinner with friends this weekend. I hate having to come in to work on Monday's, but looking forward to weeknight's and weekend plans.

Have a good week everyone!

Bachelor Monday's

So tonight is the Women tell all episode of the bachelor and I am sure we are all looking forward to seeing what crazy Michelle has to say. I will defiinitely be tuning in.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Bachelor Monday's

First off, OMG, South Africa is beautiful! Lions, riding on elephants, sleeping in the middle of the jungle....AMAZING!!!

My top 3 choices were on last night's episode and now my top 2 are left!! Woohoo!!! I am so confused right now on who he will pick though. He basically told Emily he loves her and he told Chantal he misses her rich family and is most comfortable around her. This finale is going to be good! Next week the ladies tell all and I am sure there will be some craziness from Michelle.