December 2006
What does Love mean? A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds, "What does love mean?" The answers they got were broader and deeper than anyone could have imagined. See what you think:
"When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
Rebecca- age 8
"When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You just know that your name is safe in their mouth."
Billy - age 4
"Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."
Chrissy - age 6
"Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
Terri - age 4
"Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK." Danny - age 7
"Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My Mommy and Daddy are like that."
Emily - age 8
"Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen."
Bobby - age 7
"If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate,"
Nikka - age 6
"Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, and then he wears it everyday."
Noelle - age 7
"Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."
Tommy - age 6
"During my piano recital, I was on a stage and I was scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore." Cindy - age 8
"Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken." Elaine-age 5
"Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."
Chris - age 7
"Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
Mary Ann - age 4
Did you know this about Christmas?
1. The Christmas season begins at sundown on December 24 and lasts until sundown on January 5. This is why it’s known as the twelve days of Christmas.
2. Charles Dickens’s original phrase for Scrooge was “Bah, Christmas,” not “Bah, Humbug.”
3. The first Sears, Roebuck and Company Christmas catalog was published in 1933.
4. The average American household mails 28 Christmas cards each year.
5. The first Christmas card was created in England in 1842.
6. More than three billion Christmas cards are exchanged each year in the United States.
7. Alabama was the first state to declare Christmas a legal holiday, in 1836.
8. Franklin Pierce, the 14 th U.S. president, was the first president to have a Christmas tree in the White House.
9. “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” was created in 1939, by author Robert May.
10. The first electric tree lights were manufactured in 1903 by the Ever-Ready Company of New York.
11. The Christmas carol “Silent Night” was sung for the first time in the village church of Oberndorff, Austria, on December 25, 1818.
12. How many gifts would you have if you received all the gifts mentioned in the song “The Twelve Days of Christmas?” The answer is 364.
13. Before the fourth century, when December 25 was uniformly adopted as the date for the observance of Christmas, Christmas had been celebrated by various peoples, on 135 different days of the year.
14. Thomas Nast is the illustrator credited with the modern conception of Santa Claus. His sketches of Santa appeared in Harper’s Illustrated Weekly in 1866.
Personal Experiences
(Treatments)
The word treatment comes to us in the act of treating, usage and application of remedies. There are different forms of treating cancer. Several of the common forms are through chemotherapy (anti-cancer drugs) radiation or surgery.
For many solid tumors, surgery is the primary and most effective treatment. For very large tumors, Radiation or chemotherapy is often used before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor, and make surgery safer for the patient.
Chemotherapy is treatment with anti-cancer drugs. These drugs may be taken by mouth (pills or liquids), or given by injection into a muscle, vein, or just below the skin. These are the different ways of getting the medication into the bloodstream so that it can be distributed throughout the body. The chemo-port implantable ports are designed with the surgeon, oncologist, nurse and patient in mind. The port is easy and safe to implant, simple to access and convenient and comfortable to use.
Radiation therapy is treatment by high energy X-rays. The basic principles of radiation therapy is simple: X-rays, radium, and other sources of ionizing radiation are used to destroy cancer cells. Radiation may be used alone, or in combination with surgery or chemotherapy, or both. There is no pain or discomfort during the treatment. These are some of the methods used in the treatment of our cancer, but we must remember that there are also side effects to these different kinds of treatments. Always ask questions when your doctor suggests that you have one of the above mentioned treatments.
(Decisions)
Decisions, something we make all our lives. It is an act of deciding; judgments, settlement. It can be hard to make decisions at times, when we don’t know what we want or how to decide on a certain problem or matter that has been brought to our attention. I think cancer decisions are thought out more because of the shock. When we face a form of death; we are forced to decide in a much quicker but more complex way. We know that what we decide will be a very big part of what will take place in the next few months or years to come. Here are some questions I faced during my experience with cancer.
1. Should I have surgery to remove the mass of cancer?
2. After surgery, do I take the drugs or treatments that the doctor says I need?
3. Do I tell my family everything I know about my illness, and my fears?
4. Should I return to work? How will people treat me now?
5. Do I look to the future and dream or make plans?
6. Should I ever think or believe I am cured?
7. Will I ever be somewhat normal again? What is normal, now?
8. Will this cancer affect my marriage, and the rest of my life?
The question on surgery was a hard one for me. I knew that if I let things go the problem would get worse and be costly for both me and my family. In my case, surgery was the first best step, to remove the cancer. I knew that for 30 years I was blessed with two breasts but now I had to decide to have the diseased one off at whatever price. I wanted to save and take care of the one I had left. It wasn’t easy, but I learned to make the best of it. Being alive is a blessing.
Drugs and treatments is another very strong decision. I must say I don’t even like to take a simple baby aspirin; but without the chemo treatments that the doctor was recommending to me things could get worse; would I really have a chance to get better without the treatments? What might happen if I don’t take treatments that are strong enough; to kill the bad cancer cells that are still inside of me? This is where fear comes into play again, and your mind goes on over load.
Read, ask questions, it is our right to know what to expect. I knew I couldn’t dwell on what may never happen, but if I choose to do nothing who knows what could happen. It is up to us to take care of ourselves. Talking to others can help more than you can image, but remember no two people are the same, or are we exactly alike. God made one mold for each of us, that is why we are each so very special.
Be honest with the family. If we tell the truth to our families right from the start then they won’t try to second guess us or the doctor, and will handle this new illness along with us. Keeping things from family members doesn’t help anyone or spare anyone’s feelings, it just makes for lots of hard feelings later.
I decided that with my new illness, I was going to pretend that I was planning a trip. I wanted my family to get together to see if we had forgotten anything. We asked each other if we could think of anything else I might need to remember before boarding the bus to chemo cancer camp. I didn’t shut the family out, I let them discuss and plan along with me. A strong family stays together. (Remember, not all family members are the same and some might not want to be a part of your new life, don’t force anything on anyone. Make an offer then let them make the next move.)
Work is something that is needed to keep our minds busy, and not let us lose our direction. Many people do treat you different when you come back to work, but I think it is because people don’t know what to say and sometimes things come out wrong. Keeping this in mind, will help you get through the rough spots. I made myself and my mind stay busy it helped me not to dwell on all those little things. If the doctor tells us we are very sick and we just let go of our own daily habits, then before we know it we have let go of life. I forced myself to go to work. I knew that if I kept my mind busy and kept active, I had a good chance of getting well. Some mornings I was so sick I could hardly move. It would take me over an hour to just get up, because I was so sick the night before. I found myself starting so many projects that I wondered if I would ever get them all done. But by doing this, I kept my mind from wondering off on some depressing thoughts. I found that by helping other people it became good therapy for me.
Looking towards the future is sometimes hard. There were days I couldn’t look beyond the hour or the day. I had to remember that our future is in God’s hands, and all we really own is the second we are living and breathing in. Really, that is all any of us have, it doesn’t matter whether we are ill or not. I do believe and feel a life without plans and dreams would be empty. When I would get depressed, I would plant a living tree. Several years later after chemo I was shocked to find I had planted two large fruit orchids, a strawberry batch, a blueberry field and a rose garden. Don’t let your plans and dreams die hold on to them, they help when you are feeling blue.
Being cured from cancer is like saying “I never had it.” There are two terms we often hear, one is remission and the other is active. All of us that have had cancer, would prefer to be in the remission state. Doesn’t that give us something to look forward to? It does me! I certainly hope that if you have to make decisions concerning your health you look at the big picture. Don’t forget to have dreams.
The question, will I ever be normal again? I would have to say not in the same way. What is normal for one person is abnormal for someone else. Things don’t go back to the way it was, sometimes life will be better sometimes worse. Each person has to see where he or she is coming from and where they are heading. Things that happen to us in our life make us who we are and who we will become.
Life is what we make it, we as humans don’t like change. We like to keep things the way it was when we were satisfied and happy. I tried to always remember that change can be good; we can grow from what happens to us. Living in the past and not moving on when it is time can be crippling. These thoughts helped me get through a lot of the rough times, I know you can and will too.
Yes, this cancer did affect my marriage and it changed me. Your spouse will change too. There are times that will be good, and times that will be better. Then there will be times you pray that you can forget, but if you love one another you can work through anything. Communication is so important; don’t let a wall build between the two of you, sometimes that wall is hard to tear down. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day and your relationship will have to rebuild and this will take time. The things that was so important to you once will not be so important to you now. It will never be like it was so get over it and move on.
My life after cancer is nothing like it once was. I can’t wear the clothes I use to wear. My lower cut tops are a thing of the past I have to make sure the buttons on my blouses are just right so other people don’t see what I don’t want them to see. The two years of chemo put extra weight on me. I have learned how to live in a heavier body. I must remember a part of me is not attached so I can’t do just any sport or activity like I use too.
The new me, is different. I’ am more caring, understanding, less critical of others, I share my feelings, I treasure the moments each day, and I look at life as a new adventure, my body has healed both on the inside and the outside by each experience I have had the opportunity to live through. Thank You God, for allowing me to grow and become who I am now.
Written By: Mary D. Johnson
The story about popcorn
Did you know that January 19 is National Popcorn Day and that Americans ate over 70 quarts of popcorn per person last year? Most of the world now gets its popcorn from Nebraska and Indiana . Popcorn was very popular in the United States from the late 19th century through the middle of the 20th century. It was available in parks, from street vendors, and near theaters. During World War II, when sugar was rationed, Americans changed their snacking habits—they ate three times as much popcorn as they had before. There are five different types of corn, and of the varieties (sweet, dent, flint, pod, and popcorn), popcorn is the only corn that pops. Once popped, popcorn has two basic shapes: snowflake, which pops big and is shaped like a cumulus cloud; and mushroom, which pops into a round ball. But just what is it about popcorn that makes it pop? The answer is water. The popcorn kernel's general composition is carbohydrate (principally starch), protein, fat and water. Water is stored in a small circle of soft starch in each kernel. As the kernel is heated, the water heats, builds up pressure and takes up any available room. The harder surface surrounding the starch resists the water pressure for as long as it can. When the outer surface gives way, the water further expands, causing popcorn to explode. The soft starch pops out, the kernel turns inside out, steam inside the kernel is released, and the corn pops. Proper moisture level is the reason it's important to store popcorn properly. Use an airtight container and store popcorn in a cool cupboard. Stay away from storing popcorn in the refrigerator. Air inside a refrigerator contains very little moisture and can cause the popcorn to dry out.
A popcorn kernel is actually a seed. Like other seeds, inside it has a tiny plant embryo (a life form in its earliest phase). The embryo is surrounded by soft, starchy material that would give the embryo energy for growing into a plant. A hard, glossy shell protects the outside of the seed. The soft, starchy material holds some water. When the kernel is heated to a high heat (400 degrees F), the water inside the kernel turns into steam. The pressure from the steam causes the kernel to explode. The soft starch inside bursts out at about 40 times its original size, turning the kernel inside out. This creates the fluffy white area of a popped kernel. The ideal popcorn kernel contains about 14 percent moisture. If the popcorn is much drier, it will not pop. Popcorn kernels should be kept in a tightly sealed jar so that they will not dry out.
Tens of thousands of years before there were movies, there was popcorn. Archaeologists have found 80,000 year-old corn pollen below Mexico City. Because this pollen is almost exactly the same as modern popcorn pollen, researchers believe that "cave people" most likely had popcorn. Popcorn probably grew first in Mexico, though it was also used in China and India hundreds of years before Columbus reached the Americas. The oldest popcorn ever found was discovered in the " Bat Cave" of central New Mexico. It is thought to be about 5,600 years old. In tombs in Peru, archaeologists found ancient kernels of popcorn that are so well preserved that they can still pop. Sometimes, conditions can preserve ancient popcorn so perfectly that it still looks fluffy and white when the dust is blown off of it. In a cave in southern Utah, researchers found surprisingly fresh-looking 1,000-year-old popcorn. Popcorn was probably an important part of life in the ancient Americas. On a 1,700-year-old painted funeral urn found in Mexico, a corn god is shown wearing a headdress of popcorn. Decorated popcorn poppers from around the same time have been found in Peru. Native Americans brought a bag of popped corn to the first Thanksgiving. A common way to eat popcorn at that time was to hold an oiled ear on a stick over the fire, then chew the popped kernels off it. Natives throughout the Americas also made a popcorn beer. Some made popcorn soup. After learning about the fluffy food, colonists began enjoying the first puffed breakfast cereal—a bowl of popcorn, served with cream or milk.
Is popcorn nutritious? Absolutely! Popcorn is a good source of carbohydrate energy and fiber. For individuals of normal weight, carbohydrate is the best source of body fuel. Fiber is not used for energy but is an important health factor which is insufficient in most American diets. There are two kinds of fiber - soluble plays a role in regulating hunger, cholesterol and blood sugar, and insoluble is important in gastrointestinal health. Popcorn has no artificial color or flavor additives and is surprisingly low in calories. One cup of popped popcorn has 31 calories if eaten plain or seasoned with herbs; 133 calories if drizzled with a tablespoon of butter, margarine, or oil; 34 calories if sprayed with butter-flavored oil; 35 calories if sprinkled with a butter substitute. Many medical groups feel popcorn has a nutritive value. Popcorn is a wholesome, fun food which aids digestion by providing necessary roughage.
Hope you have enjoyed the story on popcorn and found this information interesting. When wanting a little something to snack on try some white fluffy popcorn.
Top 10 New Year's Resolutions
New Year's Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year. It's a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to follow through on those changes.
1) Spend More Time with Family & Friends: Recent polls conducted by General Nutrition Centers, Quicken, and others shows that more than 50% of Americans vow to appreciate loved ones and spend more time with family and friends this year.
2) Fit in Fitness: The evidence is in for fitness. Regular exercise has been associated with more health benefits than anything else known to man. Studies show that it reduces the risk of some cancers, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood, lowers blood pressure, and even improves arthritis. In short, exercise keeps you healthy and makes you look and feel better.
3) Lose Weight: Over 66 percent of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese, so it is not surprising to find that weight loss is one of the most popular New Year's resolutions. Setting reasonable goals and staying focused are the two most important factors in sticking with a weight loss program, and the key to success for those millions of Americans who made a New Year's commitment to shed extra pounds.
4) Quit Smoking: If you have resolved to make this the year that you stamp out your smoking habit, over-the-counter availability of nicotine replacement therapy now provides easier access to proven quit-smoking aids. Even if you've tried to quit before and failed, don't let it get you down. On average, smokers try about four times before they quit for good. Start enjoying the rest of your smoke-free life!
5) Enjoy Life More: Given the hectic, stressful lifestyles of millions of Americans, it is no wonder that "enjoying life more" has become a popular resolution in recent years. It's an important step to a happier and healthier you!
6) Quit Drinking: While many people use the New Year as an incentive to finally stop drinking, most are not equipped to make such a drastic lifestyle change all at once. Many heavy drinkers fail to quit cold turkey but do much better when they taper gradually, or even learn to moderate their drinking. If you have decided that you want to stop drinking, there is a world of help and support available.
7) Get Out of Debt: Was money a big source of stress in your life last year? Join the millions of Americans who have resolved to spend this year getting a handle on their finances. It's a promise that will repay itself many times over in the year ahead.
8) Learn Something New: Have you vowed to make this year the year to learn something new? Perhaps you are considering a career change, want to learn a new language, or just how to fix your computer? Whether you take a course or read a book, you'll find education to be one of the easiest, most motivating New Year's resolutions to keep. Challenge your mind in the coming year, and your horizons will expand.
9) Help Others: A popular, non-selfish New Year's resolution, volunteerism can take many forms. Whether you choose to spend time helping out at your local library, mentoring a child, or building a house, there are many nonprofit volunteer organizations that could really use your help.
10) Get Organized: On just about every New Year resolution top ten list, organization can be a very reasonable goal. Whether you want your home organized enough that you can invite someone over on a whim, or your office organized enough that you can find the stapler when you need it, these tips and resources should get you started on the way to a more organized life.
Mistletoe
Here’s a short story about the plant many of us have in our homes at Christmas time. The plant is called Mistletoe it grows on willow and apple trees (and in garden centres!). The practice of hanging it in the house goes back to the times of the ancient Druids. It is supposed to possess mystical powers which bring good luck to the household and ward off evil spirits. It was also used as a sign of friendship and that's where the custom of kissing under Mistletoe comes from! As the legend goes, the ancient Druids considered the Mistletoe plant to be sacred for its use in curing illness, as an antidote for poisons, and as protection from witchcraft. Whenever armies met under the mistletoe in the forest, they had to lay down their arms and observe a truce until the next day. From this comes the ancient custom of hanging a ball of mistletoe from the ceiling and exchanging kisses under it as a sign of friendship and goodwill, a custom still found in many European and North American countries.
When the first Christians came to Western Europe, some tried to ban the use of Mistletoe as a decoration in Churches, but many still continued to use it! York Minster Church in the UK used to hold a special Mistletoe Service in the winter, where wrong doers in the city of York could come and be pardoned. The custom of kissing under Mistletoe comes from England! The original custom was that a berry was picked from the sprig of Mistletoe before the person could be kissed and when all the berries had gone, there could be no more kissing!!
Poinsettia
The most popular Christmas flower is not even a flower. Those bright red flame-like petals are actually leaves. The flower itself lies within and is composed of tiny red and gold blossoms. It is named after Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first American minister to Mexico, who took a liking to the plant in 1825. It was introduced to him by Mexicans who called it La Flor de la Noche Buena (the Flower of the Holy Night). It was brought to the United States in 1836, and was cultivated in the 1890's by Albert Ecke in California. Today, the city of Ventura, California, is called the " Poinsettia City".
In Mexican legend, a small boy knelt at the altar of his village church on Christmas Eve. He had nothing to offer the Christ Child on his birthday because he had no money, but his prayers were sincere and a miracle gave him the present that could be bought by no one; the first Flower of the Holy Night sprang up at his feet in brilliant red and green homage to the holy birth. It is said that the poinsettia is native to Mexico and is believed to have first been used in connection with Christmas in the 17th century when Mexican Franciscans included the flowers in their Christmas celebration.
Rosemary
The flowers of this plant supposedly were once white and odorless. In honor of the Virgin Mary who threw her purple ((blue)) robe over a rosemary bush during the flight to Egypt, it changed its color to dark lavender. Rosemary was once the most popular Christmas plant in England. Today we can enjoy this herb as a decorative plant or as a spice in cooking many of our favorite recipes.
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