Dreaming Big!

I had the most exciting dream last night. I am talking all out action-adventure ( with a little romance) .he-he!
When I woke up this morning I thought for sure that I had a best seller on my hands should I decide to write it down. I'm serious. I was all set to turn it into book! Then I sat down and did some bullet points just so I would remember it. Blech. Let's just say it would not even pass as a Harlequin romance. No offense if you enjoy them. I enjoy a good page turner every so often. Oh well, I guess that one will stay in my journal. I remember having a dream not so long ago when I was signing the most beautiful song. I mean, I was sounding good and the words were perfect. Now anyone who knows me or has sat near to me in church, knows that I can not carry one single note. Dreams are pretty interesting, aren't they? I was exhausted by that one last night, I needed to rest when I woke up!
I'm trying to think of a connection that I can make about dreams and how real they can seem, and everyday crisis that may seem like a huge deal, but then you wonder, once you stand back and survey things, why in the heck was I so worked up about that?
Did that sentence make sense?
I know in my own life,problems have seemed insurmountable, but theyl are ummm, surmountable with the Lord. All of them. Every single scary diagnosis or surgery or test or test result. I can do all things with Christ. I am so thankful.
Hey, maybe he'll help me with that book!

I'm alive!

That's good news for me! I decided to start blogging again. Just because I need to blab, or whatever. Things are pretty quiet around the ol homestead. My boys are in crew at their HighSchool, and my daughter is riding horses like a crazy woman. Life is actually pretty sweet. No new news on the health front. We are keeping an eye on a lump I found in my collarbone area. The Drs don't seem to know what to make of it. We are just watching it to see if the lil bugger grows. So far, all is stable and the rest of my innards look healthy.
It's coming up on the ten year mark for me and my first diagnosis of BC. Five and a half since I had my mastectomy and the big bad diagnosis of twenty six or something positive lymph nodes. I can't even remember how many, isn't that strange?
Well, I have been keeping sort of busy, and have recently discovered that I enjoy horses, all thanks to my little girl. It's a great feeling to be out at the stable and being around them. Who would've thunk it?
Oh, I have a new dog since the last time I wrote. His name is Scmitty, pound puppy, and he sheds like a pro!
Rick and I are fine, a few changes here and there as far as business ventures but as always, the Lord provides for us. Well, just easing into the blogging again, so, whew, I'm worn out. I'm typing on my iPad(love it),but I don't think it's up too snuff for being flexible as far posting neat-o things, but I will adapt!
Well, joann-out.
....wait, I shall leave you with a scripture
Psalm 18:1-2. I love you, Lord, my strength
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Amen.

Dear Friends and Family,
As most of you know in 2001 , I was diagnosed with breast cancer. During my treatment and recovery, I came to realize that I am blessed with an amazing circle of family and friends. I am also extremely fortunate to have a good healthcare plan, and live in a city where great doctors and quality care is readily available.
On March 15th and 16th I will proudly walk in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Boston as a 9 yr survivor. I walk for those who are not as fortunate, for those who can’t afford proper medical care, for those who are seeking a cure for this disease.
I will walk a marathon and a half(that’s nearly forty miles) and I plan to raise at least $1,800 but hopefully more. To do this, I will spend the next few months training and fundraising. I am one of thousands of people all over the country who will be doing this to raise funds for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade and support their mission to advance access to care and find a cure. I’m honored to help others get the same chance at survival that I have. I’m looking forward to a special Avon Walk Weekend of celebrating my own survivorship among a community of people who are just as passionate about this cause as I am.
Please help me-and all who are impacted by breast cancer-by making a tax-deductible contribution. Just visit my fundraising page at http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/Boston?team_id=76100&pg=team&fr_id=1920
If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and send it to me at
409 Franklyn Ave
Indialantic FL 32903
As I cross that finish line as a survivor, I will carry with me the hopes of each and every person who has helped me thrive since that life-changing day when I first heard the diagnosis. And that includes you! As my Doctor told me yesterday “No one should die from Breast Cancer”, and he did have some encouraging news about new medicines coming.
On behalf of tens of thousands of people whose lives may be saved by your actions, thank you.
Warmest Regards,
Joann Rootsey

A letter from My sister in law

Hello friends and family, you know me, I am not a high tech person and barely understand email and could never really get blogging so here is my own Gillespie blog as I am so concerned and outraged (actually...) about this new government report today regarding mammograms and breast cancer. I am sure you all heard that a "government report" was issued yesterday that said that women under 50 do not really need mammograms and even over 50 maybe every other year! ANNNd that doctors don't really need to spend time teaching women about self breast exams as they really don't find much and if you feel a lump it "causes undue anxiety in women and needless biopsies". I can hardly speak about my thoughts on this never mind blogging! (That is what I think blogging is all about) So hear goes, please let's not kid ourselves that this is a way to limit health care in a major way. This is what this is about. And since I am actively in the health care field this is getting really scary. Now the insurers will not pay for these before 50 because of a study like this never mind the woman that may miss early detection.

Several years ago I was at a major health care meeting is Washington DC on health care and Brain Injury. This was a historic meeting that I am proud to say I was present even though some of the results were not at all positive. One "statement" that came out of the conference was that there was not enough evidence to show that cognitive rehabilitation for brain injury worked. The field is working to document this. BUT right after that BC/BS wrote right into their policy that they "do not reimburse for cognitive therapy" Patients and families still loose out because of this ruling today.

Also, while I am on this getting really scared kick, I may have shared with some of you the unbelievable high increases that my company had to face this fall with 24 - 78% increases in purchasing health care for my staff. I went on and on about that too that this was how we are really paying for everyone in MA to have health care for all. And yes the governor and the President can say that there is no real effect on our pocketbooks, because small business's is MA are paying the bill. My company's roster of staff is young, single, female and hasn't really changed in the last few years but our rates went up so high. WELL... this weekend in the front page of the Boston Globe was an article on just that, it sounded like my work partner and I wrote the article and I urge you to read it. (I have copies or you can google the globe the front page Sunday). Last week Eileen and I went to testify before a state committee for insurance in MA about this issue - there was only a handful of insurers there! This is scary....

So what can we do - I urge you to speak to friends and colleagues we can't just sit by and let these things happen. Call or write your congressmen and senators. If you have any great ideas let them be known.

Whew I feel better. This surely must be what blogging is all about......Yours always AG

new blog

www.TenGoodThingsToday.bogspot.com
I am trying to come up with ten good news stories or inspiring articles on a daily basis. It's harder than I thought, sadly. I would love some help. please contact me here or on FaceBook for your ideas. if you are a create person and would like to contribut(book reviews, local stories, thoughts ideas) please let me know. I'm counting on you.

Happy Nineteenth

Rick and I had a great anniversary yesterday. Nineteen years!
Can't wait til 20!
He's stuck with me now for sure.
Life is pretty quiet here at our home. Still working to get our house back together. We are sort of at a stand still as far as painting and building. Sort of burnt out.
am homeschooling my middle son and it is a bit challenging at times. We sort of get on each others nerves, like right now, and I am taking a break.
Breathe-
We are hoping that this year will boost his confidence for High school. He has such a hard time focusing. He has fallen behind and many times I blame myself because I was so wrapped up in my own issues with cancer , that my children took a backseat. Well, hopefully , this is what is neded to help him and get him back on track.
As you can tell, I am a bit stressed right now. I love the kid but boy does he know how to push my buttons.
Well, in just a sec we are going to move onto Language Arts, that should be fun.. Working on Indirect objects today --wahoo!
I feel confident that this is the right thing for him. I have been praying and this neat opportunity presented itself. It's also a blessing that Rick has been home with us, so I have a little back-up at the moment.
Well, time to start LA, farewell!

I love this kid

I am still here

Hi there. I am still here. Just a little discombobulated.
Our house was flooded by a slab leak in April and we have still not recovered from the damage. We're getting here though.
Not enough drama in our life so ....
Anyway, I got a pretty new tile floor and new paint job in all the rooms @-@.
Sarah and I took off to Maine for the summer and left Rick and the boys home to do distruction work on the house and get it back to a livable state. Us girls had a grand ol' time driving around the east coast and stopping at lots of neat things. Lots of pictures but I won't bore you. Someday I'll get a few good ones onto Flickr. We loved our summer and Sarah got to spend time with all of her Aunts and Uncles and some cousins. We both made new friends and read a lot of books.
Back to reality, and boy-howdee, is it ever.
Well, just a short update on us. every one is healthy and happy and back to school already. I am homeschooling Charlie this year. I am excited aobut it and , surprisngl, he is too. Only for this year, then he's at High School, but we want to get those grades up before he goes there and I think this is the best way, one on one. We are going through the K12 progam, so it follows the county curriculum and it's all pretty planned out. Pray for us...

well, off to bed I go.
Jo X 2 out

Just checking in

Hello, long time, no write.
Been pretty busy here. Trying to organize issues with our home and getting kids all set for summer. It's going to be a fun one.
Our home is in shambles since our little flood after we got back from the Grand Canyon. Still waiting to get rolling on the tile and bathrooms. Yuck. I don't like living on cement, but what can you do?
My kids are all fine. Charlie just auditioned for the Brevard Symphony Youth Orchestra ( sounds impressive). I hope he makes it. (praying)
Jimmy is well also, still drawing Anime and super talented at it.
Sarah is still obsesses with all things horse-y. Trying to find a good instuctor for riding lessons. When school starts hopefully she will be settled into that. ShRick is ok, the economy is hitting us a bit hard with the business, but God has a plan so we are trusting in that as always.
I am feeling healthy, trying to soose some lbs, what else is new.
We had a great weekend going to Disney Studios with our friends. It was Star Wars weekend so that was totally right up my alley.
Got another treatment of Herceptin this week. Got to find out about getting treatment in Maine this summer since I will be up there for a long time.
Other than that , everything is sort of status quo.
Oh, I got a Kindle for Mother's Day and absolutely love this thing. I was having a very difficult time reading because of vision issues and chemo-brain, lack of concentration and memory loss ( I am a mess)! But I am really enjoying reading on this gadget. I think because I can enlarge the print, It's light,, easy to hold and I can jump from book to book! Well, I love it! I just finished The Host by Stephanie Meyer and it was pretty good. I love science fiction with a bit of lovey dovey stuff thrown in there.
Well, that's it for me. Waiting for tile guy to come.
Much love,
Joann

Very excited to go watch Star Trek

Hello All,
I haven't really posted very much lately because , honestly, I am tired of writing about myself..
There's been a lot going on in our home. It's been a bit crazy since we got home from our trip. Our house was completely flooded when we got home. Floors are torn up, bathrooms had to ripped out, dust and drywall everywhere. It's all a bit overwhelming. Rick and I are keeping it in perspective though I think.
Rick's a bit fried, mentally , with running the company and then having to take care of all of this. I'm not much help when it comes to the physical work. We got home from church last week, both of us ready to tear out the bathrooms and I came down with a touch of food poisoning, then got a head cold. I am starting to feel better.
I felt the cold claws of depression starting to sink into the back of my neck but so far have been able to shrug it off. I would appreciate prayers for our family.
Onn the bright side...new floors and new bathrooms and such! Should be nice.
I am also thinking abut homeschooling Charlie next year for eigth grade. He is having a difficult time in middle school, so I think I may try this at least for next year to get him up to speed and maybe build up his confidence a bit. Prayers for that also if you think a bout it, because I am not a patient person when it comes to school work, or an organized person as far as that issue goes.
Another positive is that Sarah and I will be going up to Maine to spend most of the summer with my Mom. I love her so much. It's going to be wonderful. The guys will be down here but wil come up to visit once or twice. I am so thankful to be healthy this summer, have hair and energy. I have started exercising and feel better about my body. It's a bit torn up but it's God's so I am not ashamed of my scars anymore.
I am thinking that our home being refurbed is going to be just the beginning of a new life for us all.
I am excited to see what God has planned.
I have been a little dismayed about what is going on politically lately, and don't mind any discussions about it. That's all I'll say about that.
Jimmy got his learner's permit, very excited for him, very scared for all of you.
Well, only a few more weeks of school and then freedom. Can't wait.
Love to you all.
Joann ,<><

what a mess

We had a fantastic trip ut west. Got home to a flooded home. Bummer. Two inches of water in every room. All our floors have been taken up but what a mess. Probably wont be blogging for a while. Everything is great wih me health wise and other wise! Ready for summer break. Take care. Contact me on FaceBook since I check in there more frequently.

Just checkin in

Hi, Not much going on. Just sittin here while Charlie reads and the other kids are doing...I don't know what. Got to keep this boy reading though. He is sort of into the Bleach manga books which are not the greatest but at least he will finish them. The boys did not do too well on their report cards which really stinks because they are very bright. UGH, I don't know, it's so hard sometimes,,,
I wish I were better at keeping up with homework and classwork, but I let it slide too often. Hmmm.
Waiting for Rick-ster to get home. He is out with a couple of friends so we had Frito-pies for dinner!
I am so excited about spring break. Big trip to the Grand Canyon. Very excited!
We are tent camping and we have not done that in a while so it should be interesting.

I had a great time with my old roommate from Boston this weekend. She's not old, just seems like so long ago that we were young!
It was wonderful. she has not changed one lick. Still looks terrific and is so soothing to be around. Sarah and I spent the afternoon with her and it was great. Can't wait to see her again! Road trip!
Well, I have a lot to do to get ready for our adventure but as usual , I procrastinate.
I forgot to reschedule my medicine day too.oops! Go some scans coming up but i am not that freaked out yet. I will keep praying that it stays that way. God is always working on that with me. That's a biggie! FEAR.yuck.
I always look at the ring I got in Israel that has Isaiah 41:10 on it. Very helpful.
Well, having a bit of red wine currently. Hence, the bad typing ;P
Ohh, have been plumping my lips with cinnamon oil, very effective but hurts like a "you know what". but I kinda like it!
Have a great evening.

Whazzup!

Wow, I have not posted here in a while. I just have to say, first off, how good God is. My friend kristi, who is battling ovarian cancer got a very , very good report yesterday. Praise God! You go, kicking cancer bootay, sister!
You ROCK!
So i am sitting here waiting to boil some potato things for Jimmy's German class. There are , oh, so many other things I should be doing right now, but I am enjoying a nice cup of coffee and just browsing.
We had a fantastic weekend, at UCF with Jimmy's robotic team. it was pretty cool. He is involved with FIRST Robotics, and it is a wonderful organization. Check it out on NASA.gov, if you feel like it. Everyone is healthy...that's a plus!
Other than that, everything is pretty calm and quiet here. We are planning a trip to the Gr. Canyon for spring break. (tent camping). I am very exctied about that, I can hardly stand it! Rick has been planning to take the boys for the last two years but I have been ill with recurrences of BC, so we had to put it on hold, but this is the year! It's going to be great. When I look back over the last eight years, I am so amazed at how the Lord is working in our life. I am so thankful and amazingly blessed. All of it is Him. I am so thankful.
I am speechless....well, not really.
I have been on FaceBook a bit because I enjoy the back and forh with friends. So that's where I have been spending my computer time. I am also on Twitter, but that's more for Political gripes.
I guess this is more of a diary.
Oh yeah, Happy St. Patrick's Day!
@_@
What else....?
Oh yeah, going to meet my Mom tomorrow after I get my medicine. I love gong to spend time with her. Whenever you are with her , you feel like you are sitting by a warm fire. She's lovely!
I have been having a lot of dreams about my Dad lately. I guess that will go on for a while. I wonder if any one else has dreams like this , when they have lost loved ones?
Whoops, just forgot I have to take Blue to get a shave. Got to go.

Here is a link to an exceptional movie about how the Bible fits together and how Christ fills in the blanks and answers so many questions. It's longso you might want to download to your hard drive or iPod. Our churchis showing it on a huge screen in two weeks. I hope you watch it and know that the Lord wants to answer your questions and relieve your doubts

The Hope Project

Hi

I have not been writing that much here mostly because there's not much to write about but also because I have been on FaceBook a bit, so feel free to send me a friend invite if you are on there too. I also have been on SmartGirl POlitics a bit. It's a forum like facebook. Hope you are all well. We are having anice weekend so far. Sarah washed the minivan for me!Yes!
The boys are off playing(or hanging out) they are teenagers now, I guess they don't really play anymore. Rick spent the morning at a wildlife reserve shooting pictures with a group from church. My mom came over today and we had a nice visit.
See, I told you there was not much to write about. Hope you enjoyed the video.
Love,
Joann

What a chilly day

Wow, it was cold here this morning. Nothing compared to up north, but it was pretty brisk. I wish I had just one more sweater, this ol brown one is getting a lot of use this year.
We had a terrific weekend. Friends from the Orlando area came, some that we haven't seen for about 19 or 20 yrs( is that possible), a couple we had not met before :).
My friend , Penelope ha a birthday so we threw a little party for her. How fun it was to see everyone and their little kids. Very sweet. Rick's home now, got to go serve dinner. I will add to this post later-Gator.

a poem

WHEN I SAY, "I AM A CHRISTIAN"
When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost! That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian," I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian," I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian," I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian," I do not wish to judge
I have no authority--I only know I'm loved


Copyright 1988 Carol Wimmer

Hi

Man , Is this blog boring or what?
I guess that is good that there is no new drama in my life.
I am thinking about planning a Spring Break trip to DC?
Is that too educational?
I don't care. I loved my trip to DC with my Mom and Dad when I was a kid. I went with my sister Gayle and Rance , they were sort of mean to me if I remember correctly, but have since made up for it. We went in our Chevy DynaVan in the 70's I think, around Easter , on the way to FL. It was cool, going to the Smithsonian and the Lincoln Memorial. I wish I had a clue about what my parents were exposing me to, but I still remember it fondly.
I will have to keep that in mind when my own kids complain about museums. They will remember it.
Boy did they gripe in New York last year, while going through the MET. Anyway, if anyone has any inside info or good trip tips, please let me know.
A very quiet weekend here.
Rick took Sarah to See Coraline. I wouldn't go, it looked too creepy, and Sarah wouldn't let it go , so Rick took her. Neither of them seemed very impressed when they got home.
Charlie and Sarah were both sick last week. There is a couple of nasty bugs going around.
Jimmy likes to brag that he has a superior immune system, therefore he never gets sick, but he never misses school, so he tries to hug and drink out of Sarah's cups when I am not looking.
My Mom came over this weekend and we watched MaMaMia. It was pretty cute.
Can I just say, I have the coolest Mom. She is the strongest
most resilient gal I have ever known. Love her!
Well, I told you this was a boring blog.
Talk to you l8r.
Joann

Hi-ya

I don't really have anything to write about.
Just sitting here while Sarah plays a little X-Box. She's got to turn it off in 10 minutes.
Her sweet little guinea pig,SnowBall died this weekend. she was heartbroken. We had a little burial in the backyard but she was to distraught to come out to see him planted so it was just me, Rick and Blue.
She wore back for the rest of the day. Poor thing.
But, what can you do?
So...well, I have nothing to talk about.