Someday (Thursday Thirteen)

Today's post is brought to you by Wishful Thinking!

13 statements to complete "Someday..."
1. Someday I want to publish a piece of writing.
2. Someday I want a career other than teaching.

3. Someday I want to retire.
4. Someday I want to see my dad again. I guess that will be in Heaven.
5. Someday I want to sleep ALL DAY without feeling guilty about it.

6. Someday I want to feel thin.
7. Someday I want a hot tub and deck in my back yard, maybe even a pool.
8. Someday I would like to hire a housekeeper.
9. Someday I want to win an award voted by my peers.
10.Someday I would like to go to Europe (like my daughter).

11.Someday I want to sing and dance in front of an audience.
12.Someday I would like to be able to afford season tickets to see the Houston Rockets.
13.Someday I hope I don't have to worry about money.

Link up with Thursday Thirteen.

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Random Tuesday

I'm linking up with Stacy for Random Tuesday Thoughts.

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I had a pretty good weekend.  I was at a scrapbook retreat with my sister and about 20 other women, some of whom we knew, and some of who we now know.  And since it was a rather peaceful weekend, spending time doing something I love, Monday was a shock!

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Some of my students were completely nuts today!  A few were actually rude!  And my intern didn't get the papers graded - grades are due today at 4!  Eeeek!  Guess what I did for a long time last night?

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When I was at the post office getting stamps, I paid for them (using the automated machine because the windows were closed), and the machine said it was printing my postage.  I heard it printing, but my stamps never came out.  I bet there's little hope that they will actually believe me.

I needed to go to the bank to complete a transaction I can't do online.  I got to the bank exactly 1 minute before they closed.  They already had the glass door closed and the lights in the customer area turned off.  This teller just looked at me and said, "We're closed."  I'm thinking about changing banks.

PLUS, my car has been at the dealership for one day short of a week.  I finally was able to pick it up today.  They repaired my hood latch (recall) and they replaced my AC compressor, all warranty work, but they didn't fix the problem I took it in there for.  It's so frustrating!

I am SO GLAD Monday is over!

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Breast Cancer Awareness

October is the month to "pink out" in honor of breast cancer awareness.

 Houston is the home of MD Anderson Cancer Center, rated #1 in cancer treatment by US News. But more importantly, my mom is a survivor of breast cancer as is my mother-in-law, so this is a topic that hits close to home.

 Some facts:
1. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life.

2. With early detection and treatment, most people can lead a normal life.

3. Breast cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide.

4. Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women after lung cancer (which my mother has also had - early detection is important).

5. Hormone replacement therapy after menopause can lead to a higher risk of breast cancer.

 6. Death rates from cancer have decreased in the last 25 years.

7. When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the 5 year relative survival rate is 100%.

8. The National Breast Cancer Foundation funds research for breast cancer treatments (MD Anderson is one of 3 centers that receive funds). They are having success with gene therapy that will hopefully lead to a vaccine.

9. There are about 400 cases of breast cancer in men each year.

10. Breast cancer risk doubles if a first degree relative has had breast cancer.

11. Symptoms vary: lumps (usually painless), swelling, skin changes such as dimpling, pain, redness or scaliness.

12. Diet is thought to play a part in some breast cancers. Obviously, no food will cure it, but when you're body is healthy and your immune system is boosted, your risk is lower.

13. There is NO scientific evidence to support the claims that antiperspirant (this is not my personal opinion) or bras increase your risk of cancer. There is also NO link between blood pressure medications and risk of breast cancer.

 My doctor recommends monthly self exams, yearly exams by your doctor, and mammograms starting at age 40. Think pink! Link up with Thursday Thirteen here.

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Random Tuesday

Stacy hosts Random Thoughts on Tuesday.

This day... October 10...

My dad passed away 13 years ago.

It was sudden.  He wasn't sick.  He was in good health, except for a subarachnoid hematoma that no one knew was in his brain.  His only symptom was a headache.

  He had even taken a CPR class at the fire station that morning.

My mom says I'm still in denial, and she's right.  If I don't accept it, maybe I can convince myself it's not true.  I never got to say goodbye.

And people will wonder, "Is she still not over it?"  Ummmm, no.

My role model, my hero, my pal, my father, my confidante.

And, as if this emotional roller coaster wasn't enough, I'm having other personal problems.  Life feels so insecure right now.  Perhaps I'm the type of person who needs to be alone.  I don't know.

So, here's a kitten picture to make you smile!

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Have a good week!

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(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

Meet Sam Houston, aka The Raven

67 feet tall on a 10 foot base

Linking up with image-in-ing and Wordless Wednesday.

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