Memorial Day

I'd like to take a moment to honor all our men and women who have served to protect our Country and our freedom.  In keeping with that, I salute all our brothers and sisters who continue to battle cancer on every from.  All of you give us hope to continue our personal battles.  Thank you.

Korea and Prostate Cancer

Do North Koreans have more prostate cancer than South Koreans?  I don't know, but check out the following video created by my nephew Sean and his friend Andrew. Conflict causes stress.  Stress is associated with disease.  Therefore, which Country is more susceptible to cancer?  Another one of my long stretches regarding prostate cancer.

Recovery

I've realized that I've been off topic regarding my blog. I apologize and promise to get back on track.  Thinking about my recovery, I must say that it all comes in "baby steps."  Don't expect anything else. At first, you think you'll never get through it, but you will. Establish goals for yourself and try to keep them  realistic. If you've just had surgery, you'll be in pain and may be incontinent for as long as six months to a year. Even longer. Be patient and try to stay in the moment. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I'll do my best to answer.

Time And Punishment

I was taught by Felician nuns for 8 years. This was back in the 50's, and definitely a different time. Yet, for the Felicians they were very busy teaching and disciplining us. They had there own sense of morality and it was very strict.  You could not talk, or walk, or run if they didn't think you should. If you did, you might get punished. Punishment often came in the form of a swift punch, or being hit with a ruler, or slammed with a pointer. This was considered acceptable because they were disciplining us, according to our families. Anyone who has been taught by nuns remembers it.  It's impossible to forget it. But now that I am older, I wonder how healthy that really was. It seemed everything was wrong.  If it wasn't a mortal sin, it was a venial sin and I always seemed to be sinning.  All of us did, according to them. Of course, there was confession, to cleanse our souls. But I keep coming back to the word punishment. I wonder how many others incorporated punishment into their value systems. I often question my actions or words, hoping they don't hurt others. What I often forget, is that others may be hurting me. In a way, I think the nuns made us expect punishment. Punishment for everything. What they have left me with is self-punishment. It is often difficult to reward myself. I often don't feel I deserve it. I've become better with this, but I wonder if what they did wasn't more of a crime of the time. Think about it. Yes, they taught us, but at what price?  I almost feel guilty for writing this but not guilty enough or I wouldn't be doing it. For any of you reading this who went through similar experiences, I encourage you to reward yourself for difficult tasks. You may be the only one doing it and you deserve it.  

I'll Miss Her

Oprah's last show is next Wednesday, May 25th.  I've been watching some of the last episodes and it reminds me of all the good work she did. Living in Chicago, I always felt like she was my neighbor or a good friend.  She always made me feel like she was talking to me and if not, she was sharing some important topic that I felt I should know about.  It's hard to believe she's been doing her show for 25 years. Like all good friends, I'll miss her, but we've been lucky to have her this long. It's time for her to move on and I know she will.  Besides her own network, I have a feeling she's going to end up on a lot of shows and making statements that matter. Today, Mattie Stepanek, a l4 yr. old who died from a rare disease was listed as one of her all time favorites. Oprah's connection with him was quite clear and he touched the hearts of all of us. As Mattie said in one of his last appearances, "I'll miss you Oprah." 

You fill out a form first and then you wait in a line

This is one of the lyrics from Paul Simon's new album. This song was called "Afterlife."He's still one of my favorite artists. My sister always wanted to marry him. Fat chance. Ha. Although, it would be nice to have him in the family.This has nothing to do with prostate cancer.  It does have to do with going to heaven where "you fill out a form first and then you wait in a line.... Check out the link under Paul Simon.

Journey- Don't Stop Believing

Needed a little Journey tonight.  Nathan The Dog and I are playing air guitar.

Favorite Foods

They are so bad for you and probably have a pound of salt and 300 grams of saturated fat. I'm just craving  french fries. I'd love to have french fries and live in an oceanside home in Nicaragua. This is part of my new campaign of, "If you could, what would you want...."

Self-criticism

There are times when I can get into self-criticism. It seems (in my mind) that I can't do anything right. As a writer, I know that this is my internal critic. The one that sits on my shoulder and says,"You can't write.This is all garbage. Who would want to read this?" I've become better when it comes to my writing but it's the other times, everyday living, that can get difficult.  Criticism, in itself, can be constructive if the person giving it, is trying to help improve you. But, if you're a bit doubtful, you might accept criticism because of low self-esteem. It also manifests itself in depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and perfectionism. The trick is trying to get yourself to a healthy place, feeling good about yourself, so that you can easily brush it away. I often try to use affirmations or suggest others use them.  A repetition of positive traits can help one's self-esteem.  Also, try thought control. This takes some practice but what it boils down to, is catching yourself when you're on a run of negativity. Realize what you're doing and then tell yourself to stop it.  With time, this gets easier to do.  Self-criticism leads to stress which can affect our thoughts and physical well-being. I also suggest working out, which allows me to stop thinking about anything and just exercise.  Afterwards, I always feel better.  Natural endorphins are the best drug.  So, my friends, I'm going to walk the dog and make sure he has a perfect poop , which I will then clean up so that area looks like it has never been touched.     

Eric Clapton Acoustic Blues

Anyone with cancer knows the blues.  Anyone, regardless of anything, knows Eric Clapton.

Say It With Tulips

To all the mothers out there, I wanted to wish each and everyone of you, a Happy Mother's Day. One day does not seem enough to honor you for being who you are.  Because of you, children and adults around the world are disciplined, loved, and nurtured. To those of you who fight for our rights when we are ill, to those of you who fight for our Country for our freedom, and for those of you who work in everyday life for our safety, I honor you.  God bless you for all your work, love, and patience.

In The Mood by Glenn Miller

If you weren't in the mood, here's something that will certainly do it.  One of my favorites. You have to do the swing, while listening.  Doing the Swing helps prevent prostate cancer,

When It's All Too Much....

Bridesmaid Grace van Cutsem let everyone know how she felt.  And we could all relate to it.  I know I could.  Aren't there times you want to shut it all out?