"We want to be in charge, and when we can't be, we worry. We need to humble ourselves before God and let Him have His way."
-L.W.

A Staggering Statistic

Join the Journey is an event/group that raises awareness for breast cancer. They also raise money for prevention education, for cancer patient care, for research, and to publish/hand out a book with questions and answers about the cancer, treatment and coping with the disease. They do a lot!

The 10-mile walk was yesterday and it was impressive! There were 965 registered walkers and over 100,000 dollars was raised! Both of those numbers are astounding, but the other set of numbers is what got me. Literally took my breath away.

5-10% of breast cancer cases are inherited. 5-10%, people!! Inherited! That means that 90% of cases are from diet, lifestyle and whatever else is being studied and blamed these days. I thought it was the other way around. I thought my biggest fears, my ONLY fears were skin cancer and heart disease. Both of which I will inherit, but both of which I can keep at bay for a very long time. I make healthy choices. I make smart choices. I eat properly, I exercise, I wear loads of sunscreen.

But for all the good choices I make, I don't do one big, huge, ginormous thing to keep myself healthy. A REGULAR self exam. Ladies, this is the most important thing you can do for yourself. Once a month. That's it! Fellas, you love your sisters? Wives? Mommas? I know it's awkward, but ask them, remind them, slip them the info. Would you rather discuss breast exams or funeral plans?

http://cms.komen.org/komen/AboutBreastCancer/index.htm

As staggering as the statistic is. As much as it has made an impression on me, one other thing was staggering. I saw more "In Celebration of..." signs than i saw "In Memory of...". It's fantastic! Strides for prevention and early detection have been a huge part of that. I pray that this pattern continues.

Sis-in-law, Mom and I had a great afternoon of speed walking (swing those arms!) and talking. Of paddling a dragon boat and of stashing loaves of bread into butt-bags (funny if you were there). I'll look for you all next year! Peace and love my friends!





This man's celebration sign made us go "awwww". Pitter-patter went our hearts! It reads "In Celebration of ... My Wife/BFF"

Rosie's Newest Accessory

I have lived, played and worked in MN long enough. I decided it was time to "cross-over". Plus, my tags are about to expire and I was supposed to do this seven months ago. 'Oops' (she said sarcastically)


I also realized this week that this blog has deviated away from its original purpose. My apologies! I have a few things in the mix that will hopefully put the Adventure back in Microgirl! Till then... a few random local wanderings.

I took part in a study that compares soccer player legs with the everyday man's legs. Apparently all my ligaments are still attached (a load off my mind!) and my left leg bends further than my right. That was a big deal I guess, because the two doctors making measurements were all "Really?! Wow!". Sadly, I couldn't take the award for furthest bent leg. That honor goes to Big Bro. Still beating me! He just can't let me win! :) Some of the reading of the release form was pretty funny. i.e. "You will not be billed to be part of the study." Thank goodness! I get charged to help them right a silly paper?! "Why take part in the study? The reimbursement may be a motivating factor." Well yeah. I already know that soccer players are superior to everybody else. I was paid better for my not-quite-an-hour spent at the study than I would've being at work! Which made me think that I need to find more studies to be part of.

There are two MASSIVE spiders sitting around the homestead. One is making a web directly outside the front door. I'm not allowed to remove the spider b/c the family wants to see how big it gets. The web isn't totally blocking the door yet. So, there's really only one problem. The last time I was bit by a spider, I was paralyzed and spent a good amount of time in a hospital. So, I offer this challenge. Whoever identifies this spider wins a lunch. (I'm praying that you live in Italy!)

Yes. It is eating a bee. Very cool! I just don't want it to eat me. And I believe it could.

Beautiful Fall

I LOVE coaching! I love walking the sideline with a scratch pad and pen in my hand. I love cheering on the girls. I love getting them motivated. I love teaching them how to play the game. I. Love. Coaching.

There was a little bit of chaos at the game, but that's what happens with the way that the league is set up. 22 girls. One practice team. Break the group into two teams at gameday. Can't make a great lineup, since I'm not sure who will show. But, I had a general one made up and changed it as we went!

Granted this is only the first week, but I think we'll do great. Lots to work on, but that's what practices are all about. Even the slightly crazy girl had a smile on today!

<><

ps. does anybody else get choked up when watching 'The Incredibles'? Especially the ending.

A Brief History of Labor Day

The holiday originated in 1882 as the Central Labor Union (of New York City) sought to create "a day off for the working citizens".
The End.

Things accomplished on this weekend of non-Labor in Sioux Falls @ a music fest:
1) Spent loads of time with BFF Rachel. (she forgave me for not remembering her b-day. probably b/c i was holding her child on a leash.)
2) Spent quality time with Tom, Mike and Yuri (aka MxPx) Great show as always. They sure can rock for being over 30!
3) Checked out, loved/disliked some new bands -- Sorry guys, I'm just unable to enjoy Michael W. But John Reuben was sweet!
4) Ate raw s'mores -- too windy for fires
5) Learned new ways to not be bored at a festival -- people hurdling
6) Learned proper etiquette of Lifelight -- no showering allowed
7) Dancing cardboard robots rock
8) Jolly Green Giant -- nuff said
9) Road. Trip.
The End.