Sunday, March 22, 2009

A weekend of random ramblings.....


Started Saturday morning off with an 8 mile run and 90 minutes of lifting. Amazing how mind clearing a run can be and yet how many more questions one can come up with.

Everything will be okay.
What are we going to find out April 6th?

Splenda is so remarkable, he's handling this so well.
What if he's not and just can't let it show?

I need to be a nicer wife.
Why do I have to get irritated so easily?

I hope the baby didn't wake up when I left.
Will Tuffy remember he agreed to watch her?

Splenda is actually pretty healthy, this has to be very slowly progressing.
What if it's not?

Why is it so much colder outside at 6:30am than 5:30?
Am I really ready for a half-marathan?
Could I really run another hour straight?

3 hours and a body full of sore and fatigued muscles later, I am feeling hopeful and happy. There is something to be said for exercise and depression. Seriously. Give it a try if you don't already.

Sissy and I spent the morning together. We first hit up the Aquarium. It's a fun little place that she can run around and climb up to see all kinds of different fish and marine life. Her favorites are the sharks and the jellyfish. A hour staring at fish tanks, and $20.00 later in the gift shop and she is one happy little girl.



Of course, a day out with Mimi is never complete without a trip to McSlop shop. She has a new fascination for dipping her fries and chicken nuggats in her chocolate milk.


Huh? Whatev - she at least ate them and after getting lost in the massive playland tunnel, we had to call it a morning.


Had dinner with some good BFF's that night at Texas Roadhouse. Did you know you can just ask for some rolls to go and they give them to you?! No charge?! Sweeeeeet! that means we can drop some off to the sick Shark for a nice get-better prize.

Sunday morning dawned bright and too darn early. Really! With Splenda and Tuffy out the door at 7:30 for early morning Priesthood meeting, that means me and Sissy getting ready all on our own. YIKES!! We went flying in skidding sideways before the opening hymn. Yeah us!
Today was the farewell of one of Splenda's boys - he's going to India! His particular area happens to include one of the worst slums. All I could think about is Slumdog Millionaire. The boy is in for an adventure!
It was also the homecoming of one of our oldest son's really good friends. These boys grew up together, hung out and though went different directions, stayed friends and in touch. C came to hear him and it was so nice to have all 4 of us there. Just missing Elder L! Isn't is amazing to see how these boys/men change in the 2 years that they are gone? Crap! It is just remarkable! Thinking of Elder L......

Sunday night was Birthday Celebration continued..... Sissy's was last Monday, her Daddy's is Tuesday so we threw a little combined celebration with all the fam coming over for cake and ice-cream. And when I say all the fam, I mean ALL THE FAM! My mom and siblings, spouses and children. Splenda's mom, siblings, spouses and children. My house just ain't that big. I think bodies were scattered in every room of the house. LOVE IT!! LOVE IT!! LOVE IT!! Nothing like fam right? Although, not gonna lie, the noise level was a tich out of control. Especiall when Tuffy started in on the drums and the two extra dogs came for a visit. You've seen the movie My Big Fat Greek Wedding? You get the idea.








Had time to process lots of my thoughts about Splenda's diagnosis. First of all, my heart hurts for him. He is ultimately the one facing this and it's hard. Second, I like to think I am a positive thinker and try to look at the bright side, but I am also a realist. It's been a little frustrating with some of the different reactions. I understand everyone reacts differently, but sometimes, others attempts at downplaying the severity, or suggesting miracles, or trying to find loopholes, while I appreciate their good intentions, do nothing other than invalidate our feelings right now. Splenda and I took some time to talk about just that tonight. And we both agree, love the positive thinking, love the expressions of concern and offer of prayers and good thoughts. It means the world to us. Also, love when someone just simply validates that this sucks. 'Nuff said. Just sucks.

I think we are ready to face the next week. We have a while to wait until we meet with the doctor and get more information and proceed with the next steps. Until then, we just go on. Life keeps moving forward and you just have to make the most of every single day.

Things learned over the past two days?
1. Never take life for granted. You really just don't ever know.
2. Research is good, you get lots of helful information, but on the other hand it can also be very disheartening and discouraging. Sometimes you have to back away from the google.
3. Don't make carrot cake from a box mix. It's just not that good. Spend the money and get it from Costo.
4. And finally, Splenda is my hero, my best friend and my one true love. I will literally do anything I can to make this easier for him.

And with that, here's to another week.........

20 comments:

Kristina P. said...

I think it's a hard thing for people to get sad and upsetting news. No one quite knows how to react.

Thinking of you!!

Pedaling said...

great post with interesting ramblings.
i am so sorry about the news of your husband which most certainly affects the whole family.
like kristina says it sad and upsetting and how to react takes time.
yes, we are all thinking of you.

Becca said...

You really are an inspiration. Yes this sucks. It bites and it blows too! Yet you are facing it with a can-do positive attitude, which is a true testament to you and your character.

And if you can take this on with an attitude like that, the half marathon will be a breeze. Just use all your anger and frustration for fuel and you will rock that race!

And last but not least..skip the Costco carrot cake. Homemade is the way to go. I have a great recipe. Just give me a shout out if you want it and I will send it your way!

Just SO said...

I love big family gatherings. I have been thinking about you and Splenda all weekend. ((hugs))

foodie said...

on "being a nicer wife"
Darrell and I watched the movie Fireproof this morning, starring my favorite childhood actor, Kirk Cameron.
While ignoring the religious undertones we certainly enjoyed the message and we were inspired. Check it out. Love ya!

tammy said...

Carrot cake from a box does suck. Costco all the way.

I know what you mean about people meaning well, but trying to downplay it. They don't get it unless they've been there.

Hang in there kiddo. We're here for you.

LaurieJ said...

You know I have a special place for Becca but the girl is too motivated. Go with the Costco :-)

Ok, what are you talking about running for another hour? You are going to run that half in about 15 minutes past that 90. I am pretty good at predicting...so make me right :-)

Vanessa said...

I've been thinking about you all weekend. I'm so sorry that this is happening. We are all here to listen to your thoughts. Hang in there!

LaurieJ said...

Soo..I got confused in thinking you were running for 90 and thinking you were going to be an hour past that. Duh.

Anonymous said...

Great rambling list! You are an inspiration!! I hope you have a good week.

Trevor, Brianna, Alivia, Tayvree, and Avynlee Hansen said...

A LOT in this post! That pic of Chloee wanting to 'attack' the camera with her cake frosted face is PRICELESS!!! ANDDDDD I LOVE the fact that she dips her chicken nuggets and fries in her CHOCOLATE MILK!!! That is TOO funny!!! IT's seriously those little joys that can make a day!!!! lololololol!!! anywho thanks for the party last night!!!

Erin said...

I'm so sorry about your husband. I am thinking about you and will be praying for him!

And Becca beat me to the punch, but I have an awesome from-scratch carrot cake recipe too (my mom made wedding cakes professionally for years and it is her recipe.) Let me know if you are interested.

kado! said...

....all this talk about yummy carrot cake is not good for my thighs...I just came back from a 2 hour workout at the gym and I don't need those burned calories to go towards cream-cheese frosting...or maybe I do...NO I don't....OK, maybe I do....NO, NO, NO....do not go buy a carrot cake....OK, I think I talked my self outta that one...whhho!

...and I too love that time with your self when you are running and where your mind can wander and you can answer your own questions and come up with too many more...it is so theriputic...and it's just what you need some-days...sometimes the voice of reason & answers is actually the voice in your head! =)

rychelle said...

oh, melissa, i am thinking about you and your family.

wishing and praying for good news.

AS Amber said...

As a two-time cancer survivor I can relate just a bit. I know how the unknown is much more difficult than the actual diagnosis. And I also know that you and Splenda will spend the majority of your time consoling others. It doesn't make any sense, that one. You're the ones dealing with this, but for some reason, people will be looking to you for comfort and strength. And sometimes...you'll just wanna give 'em the finger.

And although I survived, it was still the worst thing I've ever had to endure. But the best thing I got out of it was a strong testimony of faith and prayer and my relationship with the Lord was never stronger than it was then. Kinda makes me feel guilty for being completely inactive now.

You and Splenda are so freakin' lucky to have each other. No one knows this more than you two.

Sher said...

Isn't is amazing how liberating and theraputic running can be? Are you doing the SL half? I'm considering signing up for it, just for fun. I'd love to run it with you!
p.s. You sound like you are in a good place with everything that is going on. You are asking questions, exploring possibilities, but not in denial and not freaking out.
Splenda Daddy is a lucky man to have such an amazing woman as you.
We'll keep praying for you!
Love you!!
Sher

Sher said...

p.s. the pics of sissy are darling.
She's a cute girl!

veronica said...

Thinking of you. And praying for you & Splenda.


Strange question: Was Tuffy in St George over the weekend? I swear I saw him at the ball park. If not...he has a long lost twin out there somewhere! :)

tiburon said...

You weekend - while shark free - still looks pretty good.

Omgirl said...

Next time you go to Texas Roadhouse without me (and this better not happen often), would you at least drop off a dozen of those rolls and a pint of that cinnamon butter at my house??? Sheesh.