So it’s been awhile.  Life has been hectic, disappointing and simply just sad. You know, when you get to 50+ years old and experience any kind of health issue you start to re-examine your life. You realize that you’re now on the side of less years ahead of you than behind you.  I figure you have 2 ways to look at your life, either with hope or with regret.  I try to live my life with no regrets.  Having no regrets sometimes means you have to step outside of your comfort zone.  If you’re a Christian you more than likely live with hope.  Living with hope doesn’t mean life is always going to be perfect.  Living a life as a Christian has taught me to rest in peace and know that I don’t have all the answers.  Keeping your eyes and heart open for God’s direction is key.  When things don’t go the way I’d hoped they would, I have to rely on God, that He has my best interest at heart.  He has a plan for my life just like He has a plan for your life.  Life doesn’t always make sense, but if you look back on your disappointments haven’t they always turned out better for you in the long run?

I am heavy hearted because a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with stomach cancer earlier this year and she is not doing well.  We have known each other for over 30 years. She is my age and has 2 beautiful daughters in their 20’s who have moved back home to help take care of their mom.  Another example of life just not making any sense.  She is a strong, independent, loving, kind, caring woman and her life has been cut wayyyy to short.  I believe she has lived a life with no regrets.

None of us know what the future holds.  I never thought in a million years that breast cancer would touch “my” life, but it did and it changed me.  As I look forward and forward is the way to look, what I know for sure . . . . . . . life really does go by in the blink of an eye . . . make the most of everyday your given . . . laugh a lot (it’s good for your soul) . . . love the people who love you back . . . don’t take those that you love and care about for granted . . . don’t sweat the small stuff . . . . . . . .  step out of your box!! . . . . . . . take a risk!!! . . . and be thankful for everything you have.  The New Year is just around the corner . . . can’t wait to see what God has for me! What about you?

A “MUST” have!!! Released at Target today!! Wow – it’s great! Rod Stewart is the only one who can sing a Christmas song and have it sound romantic! (Well . . . maybe Blake could – LOL)

Soooo, I just had to comment on the CMA’s last night.  I’ve been listening to Country Music for a few years now and am totally addicted.  I’m never good with their names or the real names of their songs . . . I just know which ones I like (you know like that one that guys sings about . . . ).  A couple years ago one of my friends (hey, Pat) had just bought Blake Shelton’s new CD “Red River Blue”. To be honest I’d never heard of him (remember, I never remember their names), anywhoooo she let me borrow it.  She told me to listen to track #1 because that was his most popular song at that time. Ok . . so I listened, it was “Honey Bee” and at that moment I was crushin’ on Blake Shelton. There is not a bad song on that CD,  “Honey Bee” . . . “God Gave Me You”. . . “Drink On It”. . .  “Sunny in Seattle”. . .  “Over”. . . I love them allllll!!! He and his wife, Miranda Lambert won the “Song of the Year” award for the song they wrote together called “Over You” about the loss of his brother when Blake was 14 years old. It was the most “real” moment I’ve seen on an award’s show.  When they accepted the award, there was not a dry eye in the house (or at my house – lol).  So here’s to Blake Shelton!!!!!! Yahooooooooooo

“You never know how STRONG you are until being STRONG is the only choice you have”.

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Sooooo,  Saturday was my birthday and for the last 5 days I’ve had a horrendous cold & pretty much been cooped up at home. I think “possibly” the radiation treatments depleted my immune system & it wasn’t working at its normal effectiveness (which is normally pretty darn good).  This cold hit me like a ton of bricks. The biggest issue has been not being able to breath through my nose. Seriously, plug your nose and try having a conversation or try eating. It just makes me crazy . . .  Afrin = Heaven!! Just sayin’ . . .

P.S. I’ve decided to postponed my birthday by one week – LOL