Showing posts with label anniversary. Show all posts
Showing posts with label anniversary. Show all posts

4.14.2011

17 years ago today ...

I was in the hospital, awaiting surgery. The month before, a mass had been found in my colon.
At first the Gastroenterologist   thought that the mass was an ulcer, but tests revealed that it was cancer. I was 36 yrs old, with 3 young children.

The surgery was considered a success. The mass, along with 28 lymph nodes, and 22 inches of my colon were removed. **At that time, the number of intact lymph nodes that had been removed was unheard of. Lymph nodes surround the tumor and usually disintegrate, causing cancer cells to migrate through the body.** I was given a 70% chance of living 7 years.

Isn't it funny (not funny  ... ha, ha ... but funny strange) how life goes. I'm sure if you look back in your life you will remember a time that changed the way you look at things. There was a 7 year period in my life (my family's life) where terrible, tragic things happened. The funny thing about those things is how different family members reacted to them. My reaction has been to enjoy life more and the people who are in it. Yes, sometimes that is hard, people in your life don't always want the same things you want. But I learned to value and appreciate those who are here for the moment.

An example:
After surgery, I literally did not have the physical strength to do normal everyday tasks. I could not pick up my daughter who was 2. I could barely walk up a step. I could not push a shopping cart. Pride is a hard thing to swallow, It was hard to admit to other's that I needed help to do the simplest of things. I am so thankful for gracious friends who did those tasks, who called to check on me, even if they just left a message on the answering machine. There were people who I barely knew who fixed my family meals, took me to doctor appointments, who sent me a note of encouragement, a bouquet of flowers, and shuttled my older children to sports practice and school events.

Many of the people who helped me have moved on to other places. Some, I still hear from.

The point is, at least for me, Blogging friends are like those friend's I had 17 years ago. I really don't know who you are, but most of you, if not all, have encouraged me in some way. I read your posts and see what you are doing, even if I don't comment. (Part of that is my weird work hours.) At the end of the day, I just want to relax. Checking in on you (your posts) helps me unwind.

My celebration today ... is celebrating you! Thank you for your comments ( I wish you would do more!!), thank you for your interest in me and thank you for for sharing your world!
XOXO
~Vicki~

OKkkkkkkkkkkkkk...
So working long hours is making me go crazy! I just read through my blog and realized that I did not give the guidelines for the Giveaway.

First , you MUST be a follower.
Second, you must leave a comment.

Because I am working more CRAZY hours this week ( have to be out the door by 4am), I am keeping this Giveaway open until Thursday, April, 21.

I'm sorry if this has caused any confusion!
~Vicki~

Also ... I'm linking this post up to Debbiedoos Newbie Party.





2.27.2011

Anniversary Giveaway # 2

 Last week I came across a blog that was having a Giveaway for their 1 year Anniversary. That got me to thinking and wondering about how long I have been blogging. I went back through all my posts and stats and realized that I have been blogging almost 2 years. 


REALLY??
WOW!


 If you had asked about my blogging before I looked, that certainly would not have been my answer. My first year (2009) of blogging there was a void of at least 6 months. Wonder what was going on then? Last year, there were week long gapes of blogging. For some, blogging comes as natural as walking and talking. For others, like me, it has been a conscience effort. As time goes on, it becomes easier. BUT ... what makes it easier is people responding. 
 Notice ... I did NOT SAY becoming a Follower. Yes, it is great to have Followers! BUT comments are just as much a motivator  as Followers, sometimes even more. So, PLEASE ... if you take the time to visit a blog ... take the time to leave a comment. I know, sometimes it may be hard to think of something to say ... BUT ... it really is a great ENCOURAGEMENT to that person.


NOW ... Let's get on to the fun!!
Because I didn't have a Giveaway for my 1st year anniversary, I am having 2 Giveaways. The 1st Giveaway is for my current Followers. 


This Giveaway  is open to anyone.


THE RULES:
FOR 1 CHANCE~
LEAVE ME A COMMENT


FOR 2 CHANCES~ 
YOU MUST BE A FOLLOWER ~ If you are a NEW follower, please be sure to let me know.


Isn't this little Bunny adorable? All dressed up for Spring  ... which hopefully will show up anytime now!




In a sitting position, this bunny measures about 11.5 inches. If you are already a Follower check out Giveaway 1 .
The winner will be announced on Sunday, March 6.


I'm linking up to Debbiedoos Spring-into-Scents-newbie-party





Anniversary Giveaway # 1

The month of March marks the anniversary of my blogging career. The actual date I started was March 8, 2009.Looking back, there were vast gapes between posts. While I enjoy blogging and looking at what my Blogging Friends have to post, I must say it has been hard for me. I'm one of those people who sits and thinks  ...
Why would anyone want to know that I did ... ?


The event of my first anniversary came and went without mention. (I just recently realized that I have been blogging for almost 2 years.) As a result I am having 2 Giveaways. The 1st one (this one) is open only to currant Followers. It's a special little "Thank You" and I hope you will post a comment and enter.


When you look at some people's blogs, you can tell their taste right off the bat.My taste is kind of  Eclectic. I like a little bit of this and that.


I LOVE THIS LITTLE BUNNY!!!


Isn't SHE sweet?!   Isn't  SHE Vintage looking?!


I may just have to go back and get one for myself!


THE RULES ~
YOU MUST BE A CURRANT FOLLOWER.


YOU MUST LEAVE A COMMENT  ABOUT THIS SWEET LITTLE BUNNY AND WHY YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE HER.


GOOD LUCK!


This Bunny is 2 wooden pieces. When standing, she measures 11.5 inches tall.
The winner will be announced next Sunday, March 6.