as long as I know how to run, I know I'll stay alive!!
He he!
I had lots of motivation when I headed out for my long run today. The main reason why is because I did some balancing of bank accounts beforehand and I saw that somebody donated $100! Last week my sister commented to me that she was feeling a little down not seeing the "total raised" increase, but I told her not to worry God will prevail when we need it the most. He surely did today! Thank you so much to the generous donor. Your support means so much!
I met my friend Michelle at 9am and we quickly headed out the door to start our run. We ran with her dog for the first 6 miles and then decided to drop her off at home because it was way too hot for her. I was feeling good as we started the 10 mile loop, but the hotness and lack of water really began to catch up with me at mile 12 or so. The pace did slow down a little, but we kept on going. It definitely became a mental game for the last 4 miles. The whole time I was asking my dad to give me energy as I pushed myself, because I knew that even though it hurt it surely didn't compare to all that my he endured. My bright morning and the memory of my dad's strength brought me successfully to the end of 16 miles. Oofta!
I am proud of myself to think of how far I have come since my training started in June. My dad continues to show me day in and day out that he is proud of me. I also have to thank all of you out there for your support.
Michelle and I plan to run a race next weekend that goes around Lakes Harriet and Calhoun. It is a total of 15.5 miles so it will be a good warm-up race for me. I can't believe that the marathon is only 5 weeks away! How crazy! Time flies!
Wish me luck, not only as my training becomes more intense but as I start teaching on Tuesday. I will have a lot going on in my life. Please pray that I will be able to find balance so that I won't grow weary.
Much love,
Lacy
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
"Black Saturday" determined not to revisit...
So today is what my family likes to refer to as "black saturday", the day the kids were told about my dad's fatal illness. One year ago was truly a dark day and it makes me sick to my stomach to remember the hopelessness and helplessness. I can't believe how much time has passed. It often feels like this never happened, like it was just a bad dream. Other days it feels like it just happened yesterday and it is so vivid in my mind. However, to reflect back on where I was then to where I am now all I can do is praise God!
I wasn't able to post a message on Friday, but I decided to take the day off and do things for myself. I needed the pick me up so I went for a 2hour+ bike ride and once again, it was absolutely beautiful. As I biked I my mind was solely on my dad. I was off in my own world talking to him...he was right by my side. I felt so comforted...like I was floating on air. What a great ride! Then I decided to go visit my mom and on my way to her house I stopped at my nephew's day care to spend some time with him. It was at that moment when he looked into my eyes and gave me a big smile, that I once again felt my dad so near. Love just radiates off my nephew. He fills my life with so much light! My dad is definitely embracing us through him. It is so amazing!
Anyway, I was determined not to relive the past today, but instead make it a new day...a "bright saturday". I certainly didn't sleep in, but woke up at the crack of dawn to go get my hair cut. I needed a new, more sophisticated do. It definitely feels refreshing to have a change. Then, I went into school and worked for several hours in my classroom organizing my files and I definitely didn't get as far as I wanted to, but that's ok. I know that I can't do it all. I called it quits and headed over to a coworkers house where we had a little get together. It was fun chatting with my new work friends and eating good food. It was even more fun when we decided to head downtown to go salsa dancing. My mom and sister have always told me that I don't have rhythm, but I certainly rocked it on the dance floor. I can't say that I knew what I was doing, but I was having fun. However, I had to leave fairly early because I knew I needed sleep for my big run tomorrow.
Please be praying for me tomorrow. I will be running 16 miles with my friend Michelle and I'm a bit nervous about it. I have never ran that far and this week has been really exhausting as it is...I don't know if I'm up for it. I need your prayers.
Much love,
Lacy
Ps. I want to send a big "thank you" and "hug" to Betty K. who is an amazing woman that I met while being a volunteer in Guatemala. Since then, she has been a great spiritual mentor not only with my dad's illness, but also with teaching and all. Your card touched my heart so much and lifted my spirits. It was a reminder that I needed to why I'm doing this. Some days life just gets too far ahead of me and I sometimes feel like I'm getting nowhere, questioning if I'm doing a good job with all of this. Your encouragement and support was so needed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
I wasn't able to post a message on Friday, but I decided to take the day off and do things for myself. I needed the pick me up so I went for a 2hour+ bike ride and once again, it was absolutely beautiful. As I biked I my mind was solely on my dad. I was off in my own world talking to him...he was right by my side. I felt so comforted...like I was floating on air. What a great ride! Then I decided to go visit my mom and on my way to her house I stopped at my nephew's day care to spend some time with him. It was at that moment when he looked into my eyes and gave me a big smile, that I once again felt my dad so near. Love just radiates off my nephew. He fills my life with so much light! My dad is definitely embracing us through him. It is so amazing!
Anyway, I was determined not to relive the past today, but instead make it a new day...a "bright saturday". I certainly didn't sleep in, but woke up at the crack of dawn to go get my hair cut. I needed a new, more sophisticated do. It definitely feels refreshing to have a change. Then, I went into school and worked for several hours in my classroom organizing my files and I definitely didn't get as far as I wanted to, but that's ok. I know that I can't do it all. I called it quits and headed over to a coworkers house where we had a little get together. It was fun chatting with my new work friends and eating good food. It was even more fun when we decided to head downtown to go salsa dancing. My mom and sister have always told me that I don't have rhythm, but I certainly rocked it on the dance floor. I can't say that I knew what I was doing, but I was having fun. However, I had to leave fairly early because I knew I needed sleep for my big run tomorrow.
Please be praying for me tomorrow. I will be running 16 miles with my friend Michelle and I'm a bit nervous about it. I have never ran that far and this week has been really exhausting as it is...I don't know if I'm up for it. I need your prayers.
Much love,
Lacy
Ps. I want to send a big "thank you" and "hug" to Betty K. who is an amazing woman that I met while being a volunteer in Guatemala. Since then, she has been a great spiritual mentor not only with my dad's illness, but also with teaching and all. Your card touched my heart so much and lifted my spirits. It was a reminder that I needed to why I'm doing this. Some days life just gets too far ahead of me and I sometimes feel like I'm getting nowhere, questioning if I'm doing a good job with all of this. Your encouragement and support was so needed. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Took the words right from my mouth...
I received this moving email today from Nikki who contacted me several months ago after reading my blog. CJD took her mother almost around the same time as my father. It is strange how only a year ago we were walking the same journey, different stages, but with the same horrible end. As the 1 year anniversay of "black Saturday" approaches, the day the family was told of the fatal diagnosis, all that I can think of is my dad's incredible humility. After reading Nikki's message below, I can see that her mother was and continues to be such an inspiration for her just like my father is for me. She took the words from my mouth! Few people have been to where we have been with CJD. We need to be here for one another and others who will one day endure the same fate.
-Lacy
Hello to my CJD family,
Today marks one year that my Mom, the woman who meant so much to so many people, was taken from us all due to this horrible disease. I have journeyed down a horrible path over the last 18 months or so, beginning with her illness and then trying to find my way through this world without her. I've said that this was my year of survival. Just making it through has been a miracle. I now begin my year of healing. I hope that it won't take the full year to then begin my years of hope and joy. My Mom taught me to find the good wherever I can and to give it away to others. I try hard every day to do that, some days better than others.
I believe we are meant to learn a lesson in everything that happens in our lives. As Mom's illness was progressing, I really struggled with that. What kind of knowledge is to be gained by watching a woman so full of love and mercy suffer such a cruel fate? What good can come from a person like this dying and leaving so much good work unfiinished? I grew to realize that the lesson was not her illness, not her death. The lesson was, and always will be, her life - the causes she believed in, the way she loved and forgave, the way she always left things a little better than before she was there. That is her legacy. I only hope that my life will be as meaningful.
I reach out to you all this evening because you all have been in a situation similar to mine - all of our situations are unique in their own ways but you all know this beast, CJD. In losing my mother, I have found all of you. This is a blessing beyond measure. You all inspire me and challenge me to never give up in this fight for treatment and for cure. I wish that we never had to meet under these circumstances but I feel honored to share this journey with you all.
I wish you love, peace and healing,
Nikki
-Lacy
Hello to my CJD family,
Today marks one year that my Mom, the woman who meant so much to so many people, was taken from us all due to this horrible disease. I have journeyed down a horrible path over the last 18 months or so, beginning with her illness and then trying to find my way through this world without her. I've said that this was my year of survival. Just making it through has been a miracle. I now begin my year of healing. I hope that it won't take the full year to then begin my years of hope and joy. My Mom taught me to find the good wherever I can and to give it away to others. I try hard every day to do that, some days better than others.
I believe we are meant to learn a lesson in everything that happens in our lives. As Mom's illness was progressing, I really struggled with that. What kind of knowledge is to be gained by watching a woman so full of love and mercy suffer such a cruel fate? What good can come from a person like this dying and leaving so much good work unfiinished? I grew to realize that the lesson was not her illness, not her death. The lesson was, and always will be, her life - the causes she believed in, the way she loved and forgave, the way she always left things a little better than before she was there. That is her legacy. I only hope that my life will be as meaningful.
I reach out to you all this evening because you all have been in a situation similar to mine - all of our situations are unique in their own ways but you all know this beast, CJD. In losing my mother, I have found all of you. This is a blessing beyond measure. You all inspire me and challenge me to never give up in this fight for treatment and for cure. I wish that we never had to meet under these circumstances but I feel honored to share this journey with you all.
I wish you love, peace and healing,
Nikki
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
No worries...I'm still alive!
Wow...I don't know where the time goes. It's crazy! I've been consumed with so much at school by the time I get home all that I want to do is sleep. I don't even have the energy to turn on the computer to update my blog. It's like I'm a walking zombie!
However, with each day that passes it is getting better. I went for a 5 mile run on Tuesday around work, because I desperately needed a break. God continues to bless me left and right because there are some awesome trails right near my work. They go for many miles and they are gravel so good on the knees. I ran from my school to the city of Excelsior and back and that was about 5 miles. Such a beautiful run and it was shady too!
I took it easy today because I had a pretty packed day and then open house. I met all of my kids except one, and all of their parents too. Most of them are precious and well-behaved from what I noticed, but there were a few that seemed a bit out of control. That's typical though. They are all so adorable! It was pretty interesting for myself and probably even more so, for the parents that I could only speak to them in Spanish. There was a lot of improvising going on. It was pretty comical, but all went well. I am nervous for it all, but I'm even more so excited! It's going to be a great year!
Thank you for your continued love and support!
-Lacy
However, with each day that passes it is getting better. I went for a 5 mile run on Tuesday around work, because I desperately needed a break. God continues to bless me left and right because there are some awesome trails right near my work. They go for many miles and they are gravel so good on the knees. I ran from my school to the city of Excelsior and back and that was about 5 miles. Such a beautiful run and it was shady too!
I took it easy today because I had a pretty packed day and then open house. I met all of my kids except one, and all of their parents too. Most of them are precious and well-behaved from what I noticed, but there were a few that seemed a bit out of control. That's typical though. They are all so adorable! It was pretty interesting for myself and probably even more so, for the parents that I could only speak to them in Spanish. There was a lot of improvising going on. It was pretty comical, but all went well. I am nervous for it all, but I'm even more so excited! It's going to be a great year!
Thank you for your continued love and support!
-Lacy
Monday, August 25, 2008
The testing begins....
One year ago today my father was admitted to the Veteran's hospital to get a further examination of his ailments. Little did we know that he would be there for 1 week undergoing test after test after test. It started out that he may have Lyme's disease, then menengitis, then ....the list went on an on. He was like a freak of nature to the doctors. Something they have never seen...a mystery to be solved.
How is CJD Diagnosed?
There is currently no single diagnostic test for CJD. When a doctor suspects CJD, the first concern is to rule out treatable forms of dementia such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or chronic meningitis. A neurological examination will be performed and the doctor may seek consultation with other physicians. Standard diagnostic tests will include a spinal tap to rule out more common causes of dementia and an electroencephalogram (EEG) to record the brain’s electrical pattern, which can be particularly valuable because it shows a specific type of abnormality in CJD. Computerized tomography of the brain can help rule out the possibility that the symptoms result from other problems such as stroke or a brain tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans also can reveal characteristic patterns of brain degeneration that can help diagnose CJD.
The only way to confirm a diagnosis of CJD is by brain biopsy or autopsy. In a brain biopsy, a neurosurgeon removes a small piece of tissue from the patient’s brain so that it can be examined by a neuropathologist. This procedure may be dangerous for the patient, and the operation does not always obtain tissue from the affected part of the brain. Because a correct diagnosis of CJD does not help the patient, a brain biopsy is discouraged unless it is needed to rule out a treatable disorder. In an autopsy, the whole brain is examined after death.
Scientists are working to develop laboratory tests for CJD. One such test, developed at NINDS, is performed on a person’s cerebrospinal fluid and detects a protein marker that indicates neuronal degeneration. This can help diagnose CJD in people who already show the clinical symptoms of the disease. This test is much easier and safer than a brain biopsy. The false positive rate is about 5 to 10 percent. Scientists are working to develop this test for use in commercial laboratories. They are also working to develop other tests for this disorder.
Obviously, more research needs to be done for CJD. It was such a draining experience for my dad to spend 1 whole week behind the cement hospital walls, not seeing the light of day. It was even more painful to be put through numerous tests with no definite result and stupified looks on the doctors faces. Worst yet, to walk out of the hospital with a terminal "your on your own" diagnosis. All the while, feeling very sick. It just tears at my heart to remember back to these days and all that my dad went through. Yet, he always remained so humble and so calm. Amazing!
Please help me to find out more about CJD. This is not for me nor my dad, it's for you, your family, your friends. One may never know.
-Lacy
How is CJD Diagnosed?
There is currently no single diagnostic test for CJD. When a doctor suspects CJD, the first concern is to rule out treatable forms of dementia such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or chronic meningitis. A neurological examination will be performed and the doctor may seek consultation with other physicians. Standard diagnostic tests will include a spinal tap to rule out more common causes of dementia and an electroencephalogram (EEG) to record the brain’s electrical pattern, which can be particularly valuable because it shows a specific type of abnormality in CJD. Computerized tomography of the brain can help rule out the possibility that the symptoms result from other problems such as stroke or a brain tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans also can reveal characteristic patterns of brain degeneration that can help diagnose CJD.
The only way to confirm a diagnosis of CJD is by brain biopsy or autopsy. In a brain biopsy, a neurosurgeon removes a small piece of tissue from the patient’s brain so that it can be examined by a neuropathologist. This procedure may be dangerous for the patient, and the operation does not always obtain tissue from the affected part of the brain. Because a correct diagnosis of CJD does not help the patient, a brain biopsy is discouraged unless it is needed to rule out a treatable disorder. In an autopsy, the whole brain is examined after death.
Scientists are working to develop laboratory tests for CJD. One such test, developed at NINDS, is performed on a person’s cerebrospinal fluid and detects a protein marker that indicates neuronal degeneration. This can help diagnose CJD in people who already show the clinical symptoms of the disease. This test is much easier and safer than a brain biopsy. The false positive rate is about 5 to 10 percent. Scientists are working to develop this test for use in commercial laboratories. They are also working to develop other tests for this disorder.
Obviously, more research needs to be done for CJD. It was such a draining experience for my dad to spend 1 whole week behind the cement hospital walls, not seeing the light of day. It was even more painful to be put through numerous tests with no definite result and stupified looks on the doctors faces. Worst yet, to walk out of the hospital with a terminal "your on your own" diagnosis. All the while, feeling very sick. It just tears at my heart to remember back to these days and all that my dad went through. Yet, he always remained so humble and so calm. Amazing!
Please help me to find out more about CJD. This is not for me nor my dad, it's for you, your family, your friends. One may never know.
-Lacy
Sunday, August 24, 2008
A little overdue...
Wow...what a draining week! I sure hope next week slows down a little. My weekend was basically spent at the school putting together and organizing my classroom. For being a first year teacher, I sure do have a lot of stuff. I'm sure my dad would would call it junk, like he always did when he helped me to move during the college years. However, one person's junk is another's treasure! My mom said that I better stay at Minnetonka for awhile or find a guy to help me move all of my stuff, because she sure isn't going to be of much help. My dad was always the one to help me move, now I'm sure he is smiling down from heaven happy that he gets to get out of this one.
I didn't do as much mileage as I should've this week, but that's ok. There was no way I would've been able to run more with how exhausted I was when I came home from teacher orientation. I'm glad I gave my body a little bit of a break, because when I ran 10 miles today it felt so good. It was crazy, but the run went by so quick. I definitely could've kept on going. It's wierd to think that 10 miles is an easy run for me. Crazy! My running partner, Michelle says that I'm doing a very good job with my training. We finished 10 miles in under 1 1/2 hours so that means we were running 9 minute miles. I think that's pretty good.
I'm going to be more vigilant this week of sticking to my running. I need to remember to take time for me!
I'm going to place the order for the t-shirts this week so this is your last chance to tell me if you'd like one. As of right now, only 3 people have expressed interest in a shirt. Please let me know.
Blessings,
Lacy
Ps. A little note to my dear Marsha. Thank you for your heartwarming comment. It must have taken you a long time to get all caught up with my blog. Thank you for taking the time to see what I've been up to. Your prayers and thoughtfulness are very much appreciated!
I didn't do as much mileage as I should've this week, but that's ok. There was no way I would've been able to run more with how exhausted I was when I came home from teacher orientation. I'm glad I gave my body a little bit of a break, because when I ran 10 miles today it felt so good. It was crazy, but the run went by so quick. I definitely could've kept on going. It's wierd to think that 10 miles is an easy run for me. Crazy! My running partner, Michelle says that I'm doing a very good job with my training. We finished 10 miles in under 1 1/2 hours so that means we were running 9 minute miles. I think that's pretty good.
I'm going to be more vigilant this week of sticking to my running. I need to remember to take time for me!
I'm going to place the order for the t-shirts this week so this is your last chance to tell me if you'd like one. As of right now, only 3 people have expressed interest in a shirt. Please let me know.
Blessings,
Lacy
Ps. A little note to my dear Marsha. Thank you for your heartwarming comment. It must have taken you a long time to get all caught up with my blog. Thank you for taking the time to see what I've been up to. Your prayers and thoughtfulness are very much appreciated!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
There is not enough time in the day...
I did stick to my plan and slept in a little bit and went for a run this morning. It was still hot and sticky out and my legs felt incredibly heavy, but I did it! For some reason, it was a much more difficult run than my 14 mile run last Sunday. Strange!
I wanted to lay on the couch the rest of the day, but no such luck. I had Smartboard training for 3 hours at Minnetonka. I am very thankful I went. I learned a lot of stuff that will be beneficial for me in the upcoming year. The Smartboard is sure a great source of technology to have in the classroom. I feel so blessed!
I did get lots of work done when I went to my classroom after the Smartboard training. I feel much better about the layout. Now all I have to do is organize my desk and decorate my classroom. I do have a busy day tomorrow, but hopefully I can organize my desk. I know I'm crazy, but I will be going to the school this weekend to do my decorating. I just can't seem to think of another time to do so.
Please pray for me that I can stick to my running plan with all that I have to do here at school. I do plan to run 10 miles on Sunday with my running partner Michelle. It's hard to find time for myself these days. Please pray for me that I will be able to better manage my time and not put so much stress on myself. My body and my brain can't handle it.
I hope all of you are enjoying your last week of summer!
Much love,
Lacy
I wanted to lay on the couch the rest of the day, but no such luck. I had Smartboard training for 3 hours at Minnetonka. I am very thankful I went. I learned a lot of stuff that will be beneficial for me in the upcoming year. The Smartboard is sure a great source of technology to have in the classroom. I feel so blessed!
I did get lots of work done when I went to my classroom after the Smartboard training. I feel much better about the layout. Now all I have to do is organize my desk and decorate my classroom. I do have a busy day tomorrow, but hopefully I can organize my desk. I know I'm crazy, but I will be going to the school this weekend to do my decorating. I just can't seem to think of another time to do so.
Please pray for me that I can stick to my running plan with all that I have to do here at school. I do plan to run 10 miles on Sunday with my running partner Michelle. It's hard to find time for myself these days. Please pray for me that I will be able to better manage my time and not put so much stress on myself. My body and my brain can't handle it.
I hope all of you are enjoying your last week of summer!
Much love,
Lacy
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
I can't catch up....
I'm officially "out of it" with everything that I have going on right now. My brain seems to stop working around 4pm and it sure takes a long time to get it going in the morning. It doesn't help that I'm yawning almost every minute of the day. I'm sure every teacher would say they felt the same way during their first week of training. The training isn't all that bad, it is all the other stuff like setting up my classroom, communicating with parents, preparing curriculum, organizing stuff, etc that is suffocating me. Yesterday and today I spent several hours in my classroom sorting through things and trying out different layouts. Don't get me wrong, I was having a lot of fun doing it...I barely even stopped to take a drink of water. However, I've had the intention to go running both days but by the time I get home I feel so incredibly exhausted. I walked in my house today around 6:30pm and went right into my room to put on my pajamas and take a nap. It definitely felt good, but here I am now trying to catch up on things again. It doesn't stop. With that, I ask for your prayers. May I remember that I can't do everything and surrender to God all that is burdening me. May He give me the strength and energy to go on and reassurance of when to be done and go home.
With that, I have decided to go for my run tomorrow morning. I was going to go in to school and work on my classroom a bit more, but I'm pretty sure that will only make me feel worse. Tomorrow morning I'm going to focus on me so that I can have a more productive afternoon. I don't want to stress out my brain any more than I have to. If you read below, it definitely has a altering effect. To this day, I do believe that it was the stress of my grandpa's passing that triggered my dad's sickness. My dad died only 4 months after his father!
Why do we need to give our brains a break?
Numerous medical and psychological studies have suggested a large proportion of visits to the doctor's office are due to psychological problems, many the result of acute or chronic stress.
Stress is a normal process we use to appraise and attempt to cope with emotional threats and challenges. Stressors--events and situations--may be blamed for the uncomfortable effects of stress. But the way we perceive stressors determines whether stress is experienced as a panic or a challenge. While normal stress protects the body in times of threat, prolonged stress may potentially damage the body, including the brain.
When a stressful situation occurs, the body reacts with an outpouring of hormones (adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol). These hormones increase heart rate and respiration, send more blood to skeletal muscles, dull pain, stimulate the immune system, and turn sugar and fat into energy.
The stress response is the body and mind's normal mechanism for addressing stressors. In most cases, the response occurs for a limited time to aid the individual in dealing with a specific stress situation then the body returns to a normal, non-stressed state.
Sometimes, however, the presence of sustained stressors--abuse, combat, perceived unrealistic pressures, illness, anger-producing situations--can have markedly damaging effects on the body and the brain. Robert Sapolsky at Stanford University, and others, have investigated stress and health and report that a prolonged flood of stress hormones can actually cause shrinking in certain brain areas, particularly in the hippocampus.
A major role of the hippocampus is in memory. It is not unusual for persons with prolonged stress to report forgetfulness and difficulty learning. A hopeful discovery is that certain portions of the hippocampus can recover once the stress response is reversed.
Since catastrophes, life changes, conflicts, and the myriad things that produce a stress reaction are a part of most people's lives, it is how we learn to interpret and control stressors that is crucial.
Coping with Stress
Exercise strengthens the body. It can reduce the experience of stress, depression, and anxiety. Dozens of scientific studies have demonstrated the relationship between exercise and mood. Exercise promotes arousal and relaxation, and improves quality of sleep. These conditions help the body recover from the stress response.
Relaxation through meditation, biofeedback, and a variety of other activities and techniques promotes lower blood pressure, slower respiration, reduced metabolism and muscle tension. These counteract the effects of stress.
Social contacts, friends, and family relationships can help in creating emotional trust, support, and relaxation. Even caring for a pet can provide significant emotional comfort that helps reduce stress.
Attitudes of confidence, positive ability to solve problems, and balance allow the cycle of stress response to resolve now and then instead of being sustained.
Healthy lifestyle--not smoking, minimal use of alcohol, balanced nutrition and weight control, and slowing down and taking time to smell the roses--promotes a sense of peace and control over one's life. Stress is often related to the anxiety caused by a feeling of being out of control.
Source: www.brainsource.com/stress_&_health.htm
With that, I have decided to go for my run tomorrow morning. I was going to go in to school and work on my classroom a bit more, but I'm pretty sure that will only make me feel worse. Tomorrow morning I'm going to focus on me so that I can have a more productive afternoon. I don't want to stress out my brain any more than I have to. If you read below, it definitely has a altering effect. To this day, I do believe that it was the stress of my grandpa's passing that triggered my dad's sickness. My dad died only 4 months after his father!
Why do we need to give our brains a break?
Numerous medical and psychological studies have suggested a large proportion of visits to the doctor's office are due to psychological problems, many the result of acute or chronic stress.
Stress is a normal process we use to appraise and attempt to cope with emotional threats and challenges. Stressors--events and situations--may be blamed for the uncomfortable effects of stress. But the way we perceive stressors determines whether stress is experienced as a panic or a challenge. While normal stress protects the body in times of threat, prolonged stress may potentially damage the body, including the brain.
When a stressful situation occurs, the body reacts with an outpouring of hormones (adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol). These hormones increase heart rate and respiration, send more blood to skeletal muscles, dull pain, stimulate the immune system, and turn sugar and fat into energy.
The stress response is the body and mind's normal mechanism for addressing stressors. In most cases, the response occurs for a limited time to aid the individual in dealing with a specific stress situation then the body returns to a normal, non-stressed state.
Sometimes, however, the presence of sustained stressors--abuse, combat, perceived unrealistic pressures, illness, anger-producing situations--can have markedly damaging effects on the body and the brain. Robert Sapolsky at Stanford University, and others, have investigated stress and health and report that a prolonged flood of stress hormones can actually cause shrinking in certain brain areas, particularly in the hippocampus.
A major role of the hippocampus is in memory. It is not unusual for persons with prolonged stress to report forgetfulness and difficulty learning. A hopeful discovery is that certain portions of the hippocampus can recover once the stress response is reversed.
Since catastrophes, life changes, conflicts, and the myriad things that produce a stress reaction are a part of most people's lives, it is how we learn to interpret and control stressors that is crucial.
Coping with Stress
Exercise strengthens the body. It can reduce the experience of stress, depression, and anxiety. Dozens of scientific studies have demonstrated the relationship between exercise and mood. Exercise promotes arousal and relaxation, and improves quality of sleep. These conditions help the body recover from the stress response.
Relaxation through meditation, biofeedback, and a variety of other activities and techniques promotes lower blood pressure, slower respiration, reduced metabolism and muscle tension. These counteract the effects of stress.
Social contacts, friends, and family relationships can help in creating emotional trust, support, and relaxation. Even caring for a pet can provide significant emotional comfort that helps reduce stress.
Attitudes of confidence, positive ability to solve problems, and balance allow the cycle of stress response to resolve now and then instead of being sustained.
Healthy lifestyle--not smoking, minimal use of alcohol, balanced nutrition and weight control, and slowing down and taking time to smell the roses--promotes a sense of peace and control over one's life. Stress is often related to the anxiety caused by a feeling of being out of control.
Source: www.brainsource.com/stress_&_health.htm
Monday, August 18, 2008
Tell me more about prions!!
Small regions within prion proteins regulate their ability to cross species barriers
Researchers have known for decades that certain neurodegenerative diseases, such as mad cow disease or its human equivalent, Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease, result from a kind of infectious protein called a prion. Remarkably, in recent years researchers also have discovered non-pathogenic prions that play beneficial roles in biology, and prions even may act as essential elements in learning and memory.
But although prions have received a great deal of scrutiny, scientists still don't understand many of the most fundamental mechanisms of how prions form, replicate and cross from one species to another.
Now, through studying non-toxic yeast prions, scientists at Whitehead Institute have discovered small but critical regions within prions that determine much of their behavior.
"These findings provide a new framework for us to begin exploring properties of prion biology that, up until now, have proven difficult to investigate," says Whitehead Member and MIT Professor of Biology Susan Lindquist, senior author on the paper, published in Nature.
Proteins are the cell's workhorses, and they need to fold into complex and precise shapes to do their jobs. Prions are proteins that start out normally, but then at some point misfold - rather like an origami swan that comes out looking and acting instead like a vulture.
But prions have another characteristic that enables them to wreak havoc. They recruit other, properly folded proteins into misforming along with them, a process Lindquist calls a "conformational cascade." In many organisms, this conformational cascade creates long fibers called amyloids. (The brains of animals that have died from prion infections are literally packed with amyloid clumps.)
In order to glean insights into the mechanics that enable amyloid formation, Peter Tessier, a postdoctoral scientist in Lindquist's lab, used peptide arrays - glass slides covered with thousands of tiny protein fragments. Traditionally, these arrays are used for finding binding sites within well-behaved proteins. Here, Tessier designed the arrays so that he could observe protein folding and amyloid formation in real time.
Tessier covered the array with peptides from baker's yeast and then added prion protein to the array, also from the same yeast species. He found that a small cluster of peptides recruited the prion proteins to misfold into an amyloid structure. This region of the protein, which Tessier called a "recognition element," constitutes about 10 percent of the prion. Tessier repeated this experiment with peptides and a prion taken from pathogenic fungi. The results were the same.
While this prion is a laboratory construct not found in nature, these findings provide researchers with a new way to approach old questions, such as why some prion diseases can jump from one species to another but others can't. Tessier and Lindquist say it is likely that natural prions contain more than one recognition element, and recognition elements can slide into a neighboring region. Many external factors can determine which recognition element is activated, in turn influencing the downstream behavior of the prion.
FINDINGS
Scientists at Whitehead Institute have found that small regions within prion proteins are responsible for their infectious properties. Moreover, these regions regulate the ability of prions to cross species barriers.
RELEVANCE
Prions are highly robust and infectious proteins, most notable for their central role in bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly called mad cow disease. But very little is known about how prions form aggregates of malformed proteins that ultimately result in disease. This study provides initial insights into how prions recruit and distort healthy neighboring proteins.
"These findings are remarkable for two reasons," says Lindquist, who is also an investigator for Howard Hughes Medical Institute. "For one thing, this is the first time that these peptide arrays have been used to study protein folding. We've taken this platform to a whole new level. Also, we've seen just one small part of this prion inducing proteins to fold. This is an entirely new concept."
Earlier research from the Lindquist lab, published in Nature in 2005, identified the amino acid regions where prions connect with one another to form amyloids. Those interaction regions turn out to be the same regions Tessier identified as recognition elements - further confirmation that these regions are key to prion activity.
Tessier and his colleagues plan to further investigate this process in mammalian prions, such as those responsible for mad cow and Cruetzfeldt-Jakob diseases, as well as in other non-prion proteins that can also form amyloid structures.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/70530.php
Researchers have known for decades that certain neurodegenerative diseases, such as mad cow disease or its human equivalent, Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease, result from a kind of infectious protein called a prion. Remarkably, in recent years researchers also have discovered non-pathogenic prions that play beneficial roles in biology, and prions even may act as essential elements in learning and memory.
But although prions have received a great deal of scrutiny, scientists still don't understand many of the most fundamental mechanisms of how prions form, replicate and cross from one species to another.
Now, through studying non-toxic yeast prions, scientists at Whitehead Institute have discovered small but critical regions within prions that determine much of their behavior.
"These findings provide a new framework for us to begin exploring properties of prion biology that, up until now, have proven difficult to investigate," says Whitehead Member and MIT Professor of Biology Susan Lindquist, senior author on the paper, published in Nature.
Proteins are the cell's workhorses, and they need to fold into complex and precise shapes to do their jobs. Prions are proteins that start out normally, but then at some point misfold - rather like an origami swan that comes out looking and acting instead like a vulture.
But prions have another characteristic that enables them to wreak havoc. They recruit other, properly folded proteins into misforming along with them, a process Lindquist calls a "conformational cascade." In many organisms, this conformational cascade creates long fibers called amyloids. (The brains of animals that have died from prion infections are literally packed with amyloid clumps.)
In order to glean insights into the mechanics that enable amyloid formation, Peter Tessier, a postdoctoral scientist in Lindquist's lab, used peptide arrays - glass slides covered with thousands of tiny protein fragments. Traditionally, these arrays are used for finding binding sites within well-behaved proteins. Here, Tessier designed the arrays so that he could observe protein folding and amyloid formation in real time.
Tessier covered the array with peptides from baker's yeast and then added prion protein to the array, also from the same yeast species. He found that a small cluster of peptides recruited the prion proteins to misfold into an amyloid structure. This region of the protein, which Tessier called a "recognition element," constitutes about 10 percent of the prion. Tessier repeated this experiment with peptides and a prion taken from pathogenic fungi. The results were the same.
While this prion is a laboratory construct not found in nature, these findings provide researchers with a new way to approach old questions, such as why some prion diseases can jump from one species to another but others can't. Tessier and Lindquist say it is likely that natural prions contain more than one recognition element, and recognition elements can slide into a neighboring region. Many external factors can determine which recognition element is activated, in turn influencing the downstream behavior of the prion.
FINDINGS
Scientists at Whitehead Institute have found that small regions within prion proteins are responsible for their infectious properties. Moreover, these regions regulate the ability of prions to cross species barriers.
RELEVANCE
Prions are highly robust and infectious proteins, most notable for their central role in bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly called mad cow disease. But very little is known about how prions form aggregates of malformed proteins that ultimately result in disease. This study provides initial insights into how prions recruit and distort healthy neighboring proteins.
"These findings are remarkable for two reasons," says Lindquist, who is also an investigator for Howard Hughes Medical Institute. "For one thing, this is the first time that these peptide arrays have been used to study protein folding. We've taken this platform to a whole new level. Also, we've seen just one small part of this prion inducing proteins to fold. This is an entirely new concept."
Earlier research from the Lindquist lab, published in Nature in 2005, identified the amino acid regions where prions connect with one another to form amyloids. Those interaction regions turn out to be the same regions Tessier identified as recognition elements - further confirmation that these regions are key to prion activity.
Tessier and his colleagues plan to further investigate this process in mammalian prions, such as those responsible for mad cow and Cruetzfeldt-Jakob diseases, as well as in other non-prion proteins that can also form amyloid structures.
Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/70530.php
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Wow...what a run!!!
I had a hard time getting up this morning and I was yawning the entire way as I drove to my running route. However, as soon as I started and my blood starting moving I felt great. I ran along the Mississippi River and it was such a beautiful day! It was steamy out, but the path was shady for the most part and there was a little of a breeze. I listened to praise music the whole time and prayed that God would give me strength and energy to finish the 14 miles. If you know the cities you'll understand how long of a run I did. I started out on Frankline Ave and ran several miles into the Fort Snelling National Park. It was quite a hefty run, but I could've definitely gone further. There was a strange thing that happened towards the end of the run when I ran across the Franklin bridge. There were all these cop cars blocking the street and lots of people stopped to gawk. Everybody was looking over the bridge and I couldn't really pick out what they were looking at...I sure didn't see anything. However, I saw that the cop was standing by a pair of sandals and I came to the conclusion that somebody must've jumped off the bridge. I did ask a spectator, but she didn't seem to know much. What a crazy thing to do, but please pray for this person that he or she makes it out ok.
Also, once again I'm going to ask for your prayers for me as I start my first official week as a kindergarten Spanish Immersion teacher for Minnetonka. There is so much to learn and so much to do. Eventhough I'm very excited to start, it is all very overwhelming and suffocating at times. Please pray that I stay calm and centered through it all.
One last thing. Please let me know if you are interested in purchasing a t-shirt and what you would like it to say (loved one or father, walk or run). I need to get a rough guestimate for an order in asap. Thanks so much!
Much love,
Lacy
Also, once again I'm going to ask for your prayers for me as I start my first official week as a kindergarten Spanish Immersion teacher for Minnetonka. There is so much to learn and so much to do. Eventhough I'm very excited to start, it is all very overwhelming and suffocating at times. Please pray that I stay calm and centered through it all.
One last thing. Please let me know if you are interested in purchasing a t-shirt and what you would like it to say (loved one or father, walk or run). I need to get a rough guestimate for an order in asap. Thanks so much!
Much love,
Lacy
Saturday, August 16, 2008
New life...
Uncle Ray went home peacefully early Friday morning. I'm glad that I went to go visit him when I did. It kind of feels like he was waiting for me, just like my dad waited for him. I didn't think it would all happen this fast, but I couldn't be happier for him that he is finally free. Please continue to pray for Uncle Ray's family. I know that they will really miss his heartwarming presence, I know I will.
Also, please send some prayers out there tomorrow morning for me because I will be running 14 miles. I have never ran more than 13 miles so I'm a little bit nervous that it will all go ok. I had such a great run last weekend...I just pray that God confirms to me that I can do this. I'm going to go to bed pretty soon here so that I will be all rested up. Wish me luck!
One more thing, I need to know if any of you out there would be interested in purchasing a shirt and if you want, you can order it with "Loved one" instead of "father" and you can even replace "run" with "walk". Please shoot me an email and let me know. I don't know of the exact price yet, but the cost will include for the shirt, printing, for Holli and a little donation to my dad's account. It will most likely be more than $20 I'm thinking. I just need to know how many are interested so I can place an order and they can give me a bulk price.
Check out this Fox 9 News Story. It is frustrating how much CJD goes misdiagnosed and incorrectly reported. Even though only 8 have passed away in Minnesota from CJD....I'm pretty sure the actual number is much higher. It is here and we need to know more!
Misdiagnosis: CJD
Last Edited: Thursday, 14 Sep 2006, 3:13 PM CDT
Created: Wednesday, 13 Sep 2006, 5:17 PM CDT
AP
FOX 9 -- Her daughter say their mother sparkled in her golden years, but when Shirly Rassieur turned 68 -- it was like someone flipped a switch.
She lost the ability to walk and talk. Suddenly, she couldn’t figure out how to work the thermostat.
The doctors diagnosed Shirly with Alzheimer’s, even though some of the symptoms didn’t fit. Shirly didn’t just slip away -- her decline was abrupt and brutal.
When she dies in July of last year, her daughters demanded an autopsy.
They found their mother dies from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Didease, or CJD -- often referred to as a human form of mad cow disease.
Like British mad cow disease, which is transmitted through contaminated meat, the disease is caused by the same microscopic and indestructible protein.
No one knows what causes cases of CJD in the U.S., which afflict about one in a million.
The Minnesota Health Department has been tracking CJD deaths since 1991. Last year eight people died from the disease, but the health department bases that number on death certificates.
Shirly Rassieur’s death certificate still says Alzheimer’s -- her doctor refuses to change it.
It’s a disease that stole the sparkle from the woman they love, and her daughters can’t help wondering how many other cases may be misdiagnosed.
Source: www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=60D2D47D0B02B08E3FD1CD1EAF6614F9?contentId=876930&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1
Also, please send some prayers out there tomorrow morning for me because I will be running 14 miles. I have never ran more than 13 miles so I'm a little bit nervous that it will all go ok. I had such a great run last weekend...I just pray that God confirms to me that I can do this. I'm going to go to bed pretty soon here so that I will be all rested up. Wish me luck!
One more thing, I need to know if any of you out there would be interested in purchasing a shirt and if you want, you can order it with "Loved one" instead of "father" and you can even replace "run" with "walk". Please shoot me an email and let me know. I don't know of the exact price yet, but the cost will include for the shirt, printing, for Holli and a little donation to my dad's account. It will most likely be more than $20 I'm thinking. I just need to know how many are interested so I can place an order and they can give me a bulk price.
Check out this Fox 9 News Story. It is frustrating how much CJD goes misdiagnosed and incorrectly reported. Even though only 8 have passed away in Minnesota from CJD....I'm pretty sure the actual number is much higher. It is here and we need to know more!
Misdiagnosis: CJD
Last Edited: Thursday, 14 Sep 2006, 3:13 PM CDT
Created: Wednesday, 13 Sep 2006, 5:17 PM CDT
AP
FOX 9 -- Her daughter say their mother sparkled in her golden years, but when Shirly Rassieur turned 68 -- it was like someone flipped a switch.
She lost the ability to walk and talk. Suddenly, she couldn’t figure out how to work the thermostat.
The doctors diagnosed Shirly with Alzheimer’s, even though some of the symptoms didn’t fit. Shirly didn’t just slip away -- her decline was abrupt and brutal.
When she dies in July of last year, her daughters demanded an autopsy.
They found their mother dies from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Didease, or CJD -- often referred to as a human form of mad cow disease.
Like British mad cow disease, which is transmitted through contaminated meat, the disease is caused by the same microscopic and indestructible protein.
No one knows what causes cases of CJD in the U.S., which afflict about one in a million.
The Minnesota Health Department has been tracking CJD deaths since 1991. Last year eight people died from the disease, but the health department bases that number on death certificates.
Shirly Rassieur’s death certificate still says Alzheimer’s -- her doctor refuses to change it.
It’s a disease that stole the sparkle from the woman they love, and her daughters can’t help wondering how many other cases may be misdiagnosed.
Source: www.myfoxtwincities.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail;jsessionid=60D2D47D0B02B08E3FD1CD1EAF6614F9?contentId=876930&version=1&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1&sflg=1
Thursday, August 14, 2008
No vacation for me....bummers!!
I found out last night that my new teacher orientation actually started today!! I was thinking that the ball started rolling on Friday, but I was wrong and boy am I glad I realized that. After my last night class, I headed out to sing karoake with my good friend Tracee. It was a night to celebrate not only because I successfully finished my two summer courses, but also because it was Tracee's birthday. I sang "Can't fight the moonlight" and "Let's hear it for the boy". I had a lot of fun singing the second song and I plan to sing it to my future husband one day. If that ever happens...hehe!
It was an early night though, because I had to be in Minnetonka for training at 9:30am. It was a good first day and I learned a lot of beneficial information, but at the same time everything I have to do and know is so overwhelming. Please pray for me! Tomorrow will be an even longer day...I have to be there from 8am-4pm oofta! Anyway, after my training was over, I picked up my grandma Hladky to go out to lunch and visit my great uncle Ray who is in the hospital.
Just a little bit about Uncle Ray. He is truly an amazing man. He took care of my dad and his siblings a lot when they were young. My dad often talked about Uncle Ray and how much he loved him. He saw him like a second dad. Uncle Ray is over 90 years old and even though he has an ailing heart, it couldn't be more full of love. When my dad was in hospice care, Uncle Ray found a way to make it all the way up to St. Cloud to visit him. It was after his visit that my dad went to be with the Lord. He was waiting for Uncle Ray! I actually wasn't in the room when my dad passed. I knew I wouldn't be able to take it so I had been outside, walking by the river and listening to praise music on my ipod. When I walked back into the hospital, it was the first time that my heart didn't race thinking that someone was going to tell me that my dad passed. He went at the one moment when I didn't expect it. So it came as a shock when Uncle Ray who came walking towards me to give me a hug and let me know that my dad has been freed. It was truly a special moment. That just goes to show how special my great Uncle Ray is.
Anyway, Uncle Ray is currently in hospice care at methodist hospital and preparing to make his way to heaven. He has had complications from the heart meds that he has been taking for many years and they are causing him to blead internally. His body can't recover not only because of his age, but because he doesn't want to fight for life. He wants more than ever to go home! I felt a huge peace come over me as I sat by his side, holding his hand and saying prayers for his comfort and peace. Even though he couldn't verbally respond, I knew he could hear me by the squeeze of his hand. It does all kind of seem eary that he is in a similar end of life situation as my dad and around the same time, but it also couldn't feel more right. The more that I see my loved ones pass away, the more I adjust to the reality of death and it not being all that scary. This may be wierd for some of you that I say this, but witnessing the passing of life is a relief. We are here temporarily, it is just a passing ground to our eternal home of everlasting life in heaven. Why is death viewed with such darkness? It is unfortunate for us who are left behind, but I couldn't be happier for Uncle Ray that he will make his journey to live in complete happiness. He definitely deserves it!
I ask for your prayers for my great Unlce Ray and his family. May that feel God's love comfort their aching hearts at this time. May his peace warm them from head to toe.
As for my training today, I went rollerblading for 2 hours. I got sprinkled on here and there, but it was very refreshing. My legs were sore and I could feel a blister coming on strong, but I kept on truckin'. I knew that this workout will be nothing compared to Sunday when I have to run 14 miles. Please keep me in your prayers that all goes well. This will be the most that I have ever ran at 1 time. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. Remember...don't stop spreading the word.
Much love,
Lacy
It was an early night though, because I had to be in Minnetonka for training at 9:30am. It was a good first day and I learned a lot of beneficial information, but at the same time everything I have to do and know is so overwhelming. Please pray for me! Tomorrow will be an even longer day...I have to be there from 8am-4pm oofta! Anyway, after my training was over, I picked up my grandma Hladky to go out to lunch and visit my great uncle Ray who is in the hospital.
Just a little bit about Uncle Ray. He is truly an amazing man. He took care of my dad and his siblings a lot when they were young. My dad often talked about Uncle Ray and how much he loved him. He saw him like a second dad. Uncle Ray is over 90 years old and even though he has an ailing heart, it couldn't be more full of love. When my dad was in hospice care, Uncle Ray found a way to make it all the way up to St. Cloud to visit him. It was after his visit that my dad went to be with the Lord. He was waiting for Uncle Ray! I actually wasn't in the room when my dad passed. I knew I wouldn't be able to take it so I had been outside, walking by the river and listening to praise music on my ipod. When I walked back into the hospital, it was the first time that my heart didn't race thinking that someone was going to tell me that my dad passed. He went at the one moment when I didn't expect it. So it came as a shock when Uncle Ray who came walking towards me to give me a hug and let me know that my dad has been freed. It was truly a special moment. That just goes to show how special my great Uncle Ray is.
Anyway, Uncle Ray is currently in hospice care at methodist hospital and preparing to make his way to heaven. He has had complications from the heart meds that he has been taking for many years and they are causing him to blead internally. His body can't recover not only because of his age, but because he doesn't want to fight for life. He wants more than ever to go home! I felt a huge peace come over me as I sat by his side, holding his hand and saying prayers for his comfort and peace. Even though he couldn't verbally respond, I knew he could hear me by the squeeze of his hand. It does all kind of seem eary that he is in a similar end of life situation as my dad and around the same time, but it also couldn't feel more right. The more that I see my loved ones pass away, the more I adjust to the reality of death and it not being all that scary. This may be wierd for some of you that I say this, but witnessing the passing of life is a relief. We are here temporarily, it is just a passing ground to our eternal home of everlasting life in heaven. Why is death viewed with such darkness? It is unfortunate for us who are left behind, but I couldn't be happier for Uncle Ray that he will make his journey to live in complete happiness. He definitely deserves it!
I ask for your prayers for my great Unlce Ray and his family. May that feel God's love comfort their aching hearts at this time. May his peace warm them from head to toe.
As for my training today, I went rollerblading for 2 hours. I got sprinkled on here and there, but it was very refreshing. My legs were sore and I could feel a blister coming on strong, but I kept on truckin'. I knew that this workout will be nothing compared to Sunday when I have to run 14 miles. Please keep me in your prayers that all goes well. This will be the most that I have ever ran at 1 time. Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers. Remember...don't stop spreading the word.
Much love,
Lacy
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Angry survivors pursue CJD mystery, seek government support, research
These stories took the words right out of my mouth!!
Please take a look...
www.pvc.maricopa.edu/puma/may05/cjd_schwan.html
Please take a look...
www.pvc.maricopa.edu/puma/may05/cjd_schwan.html
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Here I go again....
Yesterday was my first day of vacation and I was planning to do my blog post in the evening and then things got really hectic. I ended up going over to my sister's house so that I could watch my nephew. They are both very sick with ear infections and chest colds. My sister and I commented how it is so hard to see someone who is so young and so helpless be sick. However, I reminded her that dad was in a very similar position, but worse. We must be thankful that it is only a cold and it too shall pass.
I thought that I might not get a chance to run today, because it started to poor when I headed for home. However, God cleared the sky and provided for another great run for me. I felt so good running today...I definitely was going at a faster pace. I even decided to run on the bike path around Lake Harriet so that I could get in a little bit more distance. However, I got a few nasty stares from bike riders and even one was so gutsy to tell me, "wrong trail". I just kept on going, but there was something inside of me that wanted to see that woman again and say, "By the way, I know I'm on the wrong trail..I'm just going for more distance." Oh well...I don't need to explain myself to her. Anyway, that was kind of upsetting, but I just kept on going and praising God for the health He has given me to run. I feel so blessed. I once again saw those people practicing a play outside and a part of me wanted to stop and watch, but that probably wasn't necessary. Another interesting, but amazing run! Thanks God!
I ask for your prayers for my sister and my little nephew. May God restore them back to health so that they may live out their every day for him. Please also pray for me that God continues to bless me with good health to successfully complete this marathon for Him and for my dad.
Much love,
Lacy
I thought that I might not get a chance to run today, because it started to poor when I headed for home. However, God cleared the sky and provided for another great run for me. I felt so good running today...I definitely was going at a faster pace. I even decided to run on the bike path around Lake Harriet so that I could get in a little bit more distance. However, I got a few nasty stares from bike riders and even one was so gutsy to tell me, "wrong trail". I just kept on going, but there was something inside of me that wanted to see that woman again and say, "By the way, I know I'm on the wrong trail..I'm just going for more distance." Oh well...I don't need to explain myself to her. Anyway, that was kind of upsetting, but I just kept on going and praising God for the health He has given me to run. I feel so blessed. I once again saw those people practicing a play outside and a part of me wanted to stop and watch, but that probably wasn't necessary. Another interesting, but amazing run! Thanks God!
I ask for your prayers for my sister and my little nephew. May God restore them back to health so that they may live out their every day for him. Please also pray for me that God continues to bless me with good health to successfully complete this marathon for Him and for my dad.
Much love,
Lacy
Sunday, August 10, 2008
8th week of training finished with success!!
I said so many prayers Friday night that God would give me the strength and energy to have a better 12 mile run than last weekend. He never proves me wrong! It was absolutely amazing! I woke up at 7:30am and got myself ready mentally and physically for the run. It was a beautiful morning and the birds were chirping like crazy. During the whole run I felt so good...it was like I was flying on cloud 9. I was truckin'! The hardcore runners definitely come out in the morning. I saw so many people in running gear and most of them have to be training for the marathon. So I ran around Lake Harriet first, then Lake Calhoun and last Lake of the Isles. There were these two girls that came running quickly up behind me as I started around Lake Calhoun and then they passed me. Well, for some reason something came over me and I kept up with them and even ended up passing them. I decided to go the opposite way than usual around Lake of the Isles and I actually met up with them again at about the half way point. Then, as I reached Lake Calhoun and stopped for a drink and headed on my way soon the same two girls came flying up behind me. They were sprinting and I was like wow...I'm not going to win this one. However, they finished about 50 meters ahead and headed for home. As they turned around, I said "good job girls" and they said the same to me. I thank them for helping me keep up the pace. However, I still kept on going to finish the last lag of the run around Lake Harriet. As I was running up the hill that way, I passed this older man and he said "I'll race you". I looked at him and smiled and started to book it. He definitely kept up good pace, but I beat him to the top! He was probably about 60 years old so he definitely did a good job. I hope I'm able to run like that at his age. Anyway, he asked me if how far of a run I was going for and asked if I was running the marathon. When he heard my answer he said, "keep up the good work". At that moment, I thanked my dad because I saw that as him speaking through that man to tell me that he proud of me. It was definitely a good run!
However, I didn't stop when I finally got home. I actually cleaned the house for several hours for our party. Yeah..it was a long day, but a fun day. Our housewarming party was a blast! I talked to a lot of people about the marathon and about my dad and many were very interested. I never stop spreading the word. Please do the same! Thank you to all who came!
So today I just have been taking it easy and being a couch potato. I haven't done that in a long time and it definitely feels good. I like being lazy from time to time! He he! I hope you all were able to rest today as well. May God bless you!
Much love,
Lacy
However, I didn't stop when I finally got home. I actually cleaned the house for several hours for our party. Yeah..it was a long day, but a fun day. Our housewarming party was a blast! I talked to a lot of people about the marathon and about my dad and many were very interested. I never stop spreading the word. Please do the same! Thank you to all who came!
So today I just have been taking it easy and being a couch potato. I haven't done that in a long time and it definitely feels good. I like being lazy from time to time! He he! I hope you all were able to rest today as well. May God bless you!
Much love,
Lacy
Friday, August 8, 2008
Who killed my son??
If you have 20 free minutes please watch this youtube video. It is about a woman from the UK who video taped her story with her son who suffered from vCJD. It is a 2 part video, but it is very eye-opening and emotional. Just watching her son reminds me so much of my dad and his sufferings. He quickly lost one ability after another until he was bed ridden, unable to speak and unable to swallow. However, my dad suffered for 3 months while this young man appeared to have suffered for 6 plus months. I'm sure his youth played a role in that. Anyway, this video is worth taking a look at so you can see what exactly a CJD patient goes through. It is pretty heart-wrenching.
I'm thinking that I'm going to run 12 miles early tomorrow morning. We are having a house-warming pary at my new place and it might be hard for me to get up early in the morning. Wish me luck that I have a more successful run than last weekend!
Many blessings,
Lacy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbGtk4UutXE (PART 1)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLSSAh6luYA&NR=1 (Part 2)
I'm thinking that I'm going to run 12 miles early tomorrow morning. We are having a house-warming pary at my new place and it might be hard for me to get up early in the morning. Wish me luck that I have a more successful run than last weekend!
Many blessings,
Lacy
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbGtk4UutXE (PART 1)
www.youtube.com/watch?v=eLSSAh6luYA&NR=1 (Part 2)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
I did it!!
So I woke up early today and prepared things for my teaching this evening. By the time I was done it was 11:00am and I decided to go for a long bike ride. I actually biked around Lake Nakomis, Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles. Yeah...that was lots of miles, but I'm not too sure how many. Anyway, it was a good ride and I definitely enjoyed myself. By the time I was done my legs were like rubber, but I survived.
So I just wanted to let you all know that God definitely answers our prayers. I have been praying all week that God confirms to me that he wants to use my talents in the education field. He definitely prooved that true to me today. When I was teaching something came over me...it was like it came from with in. I didn't get nervous at all. It was natural. My peers who spoke Spanish and even those who did not, were so impressed. They said I was a natural. Wow! That is just what I needed. Teaching kindergarten Spanish Immersion is what I'm meant to do and I'm so excited!! Thaank you Lord! You are so amazing!
I hope you all are feeling his magnificent love in your lives!
-Lacy
So I just wanted to let you all know that God definitely answers our prayers. I have been praying all week that God confirms to me that he wants to use my talents in the education field. He definitely prooved that true to me today. When I was teaching something came over me...it was like it came from with in. I didn't get nervous at all. It was natural. My peers who spoke Spanish and even those who did not, were so impressed. They said I was a natural. Wow! That is just what I needed. Teaching kindergarten Spanish Immersion is what I'm meant to do and I'm so excited!! Thaank you Lord! You are so amazing!
I hope you all are feeling his magnificent love in your lives!
-Lacy
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Mad Cow Causes BOTH 'Sporadic' CJD and vCJD
Thank you for your prayers. My teaching went very well today. I couldn't have asked for better. Please pray that the same goes for tomorrow. That is the lesson I'm most worried about. Anyway, please read this article below. It is very interesting and shocking. It will definitely keep you wanting to know more. I didn't post the entire article, because it is a little long. However, I would have to say that the whole article has a lot of important things to say. If you get a chance, please read until the end at www.rense.com/general47/spor.htm
Mad Cow - Linked To Thousands Of CJD Cases?
"People who develop CJD from eating mad cow contaminated beef have been thought to develop a specific form of the disorder called variant CJD. But new research, released last December, indicates the mad cow pathogen can cause both sporadic CJD and the variant form, vCJD."
By Steve Mitchell United Press International 1-3-4
(UPI via COMTEX) -- The U.S. government's monitoring system for cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a fatal human brain illness, could be missing tens of thousands of victims, scientists and consumer advocates have told United Press International.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or CJD can be caused by eating beef contaminated with mad cow disease, but the critics assert without a better tracking system it might be impossible to determine whether any CJD cases are due to mad cow or obtain an accurate picture of the prevalence of the disorder in the United States.
Beginning in the late 1990s, more than 100 people contracted CJD in the United Kingdom and several European countries after eating beef infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy -- the clinical name for mad cow disease.
Only one case of mad cow has been reported in U.S. cattle -- on Dec. 24 in a cow in Washington state -- and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's monitoring system has never detected a case of CJD due to eating contaminated American beef. Nevertheless, critics say, the CDC's system misses many cases of the disease, which currently is untreatable and is always fatal.
Spontaneously-occurring or sporadic CJD is a rare disorder. Only about 300 cases appear nationwide each year, but several studies have suggested the disorder might be more common than thought and as many as tens of thousands of cases might be going unrecognized.
Clusters of CJD have been reported in various areas of the United States -- Pennsylvania in 1993, Florida in 1994, Oregon in 1996, New York in 1999-2000 and Texas in 1996. In addition, several people in New Jersey developed CJD in recent years, including a 56-year-old woman who died on May 31, 2003. Although in some instances, a mad cow link was suspected, all of the cases ultimately were classified as sporadic.
People who develop CJD from eating mad-cow-contaminated beef have been thought to develop a specific form of the disorder called variant CJD. But new research, released last December, indicates the mad cow pathogen can cause both sporadic CJD and the variant form.
"Now people are beginning to realize that because something looks like sporadic CJD they can't necessarily conclude that it's not linked to (mad cow disease)," said Laura Manuelidis, section chief of surgery in the neuropathology department at Yale University, who conducted a 1989 study that found 13 percent of Alzheimer's patients actually had CJD.
Several studies, including the one by Manuelidis, have found autopsies reveal 3-percent-to-13-percent of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia actually suffered from CJD. Those numbers might sound low, but there are 4-million Alzheimer's cases and hundreds of thousands of dementia cases in the United States. A small percentage of those cases could add up to 120,000 or more CJD victims going undetected and not included in official statistics.
Experiences in England and Switzerland -- two countries that discovered mad cow disease in their cattle -- have heightened concerns about the possibility some cases of sporadic CJD are due to consuming mad-cow-tainted beef. Both countries have reported increases in sporadic CJD since mad cow was first detected in British herds in 1986.
Switzerland discovered last year its CJD rate was twice that of any other country in the world. Switzerland had been seeing about eight to 11 cases per year from 1997 to 2000. Then the incidence more than doubled, to 19 cases in 2001 and 18 cases in 2002.
The CDC says the annual rate of CJD in the United States is one case per million people, but the above studies suggest the true prevalence of CJD is not known, Manuelidis told UPI.
Please go to the website above to read on....
Mad Cow - Linked To Thousands Of CJD Cases?
"People who develop CJD from eating mad cow contaminated beef have been thought to develop a specific form of the disorder called variant CJD. But new research, released last December, indicates the mad cow pathogen can cause both sporadic CJD and the variant form, vCJD."
By Steve Mitchell United Press International 1-3-4
(UPI via COMTEX) -- The U.S. government's monitoring system for cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, a fatal human brain illness, could be missing tens of thousands of victims, scientists and consumer advocates have told United Press International.
Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease or CJD can be caused by eating beef contaminated with mad cow disease, but the critics assert without a better tracking system it might be impossible to determine whether any CJD cases are due to mad cow or obtain an accurate picture of the prevalence of the disorder in the United States.
Beginning in the late 1990s, more than 100 people contracted CJD in the United Kingdom and several European countries after eating beef infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy -- the clinical name for mad cow disease.
Only one case of mad cow has been reported in U.S. cattle -- on Dec. 24 in a cow in Washington state -- and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's monitoring system has never detected a case of CJD due to eating contaminated American beef. Nevertheless, critics say, the CDC's system misses many cases of the disease, which currently is untreatable and is always fatal.
Spontaneously-occurring or sporadic CJD is a rare disorder. Only about 300 cases appear nationwide each year, but several studies have suggested the disorder might be more common than thought and as many as tens of thousands of cases might be going unrecognized.
Clusters of CJD have been reported in various areas of the United States -- Pennsylvania in 1993, Florida in 1994, Oregon in 1996, New York in 1999-2000 and Texas in 1996. In addition, several people in New Jersey developed CJD in recent years, including a 56-year-old woman who died on May 31, 2003. Although in some instances, a mad cow link was suspected, all of the cases ultimately were classified as sporadic.
People who develop CJD from eating mad-cow-contaminated beef have been thought to develop a specific form of the disorder called variant CJD. But new research, released last December, indicates the mad cow pathogen can cause both sporadic CJD and the variant form.
"Now people are beginning to realize that because something looks like sporadic CJD they can't necessarily conclude that it's not linked to (mad cow disease)," said Laura Manuelidis, section chief of surgery in the neuropathology department at Yale University, who conducted a 1989 study that found 13 percent of Alzheimer's patients actually had CJD.
Several studies, including the one by Manuelidis, have found autopsies reveal 3-percent-to-13-percent of patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia actually suffered from CJD. Those numbers might sound low, but there are 4-million Alzheimer's cases and hundreds of thousands of dementia cases in the United States. A small percentage of those cases could add up to 120,000 or more CJD victims going undetected and not included in official statistics.
Experiences in England and Switzerland -- two countries that discovered mad cow disease in their cattle -- have heightened concerns about the possibility some cases of sporadic CJD are due to consuming mad-cow-tainted beef. Both countries have reported increases in sporadic CJD since mad cow was first detected in British herds in 1986.
Switzerland discovered last year its CJD rate was twice that of any other country in the world. Switzerland had been seeing about eight to 11 cases per year from 1997 to 2000. Then the incidence more than doubled, to 19 cases in 2001 and 18 cases in 2002.
The CDC says the annual rate of CJD in the United States is one case per million people, but the above studies suggest the true prevalence of CJD is not known, Manuelidis told UPI.
Please go to the website above to read on....
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
I must write fast...
because I'm going crazy!! Please pray for me. I have to teach in front of my peers tomorrow and the book that I based my lesson on still hasn't arrived. I ordered it over 1 week ago. There's a chance that it could come tomorrow, but I don't want to risk it. I need a plan B! I've searched all libraries around here and none have a copy of the book in Spanish. It looks like I'll have to get the version in English and translate it myself. What a pain! Tomorrow is going to be hectic. Wish me luck...I'm going to need it.
With all the craziness going on in my head it was easy not to focus on running. I prayed the whole time that the book will come tomorrow and everything will turn out ok. Because I was so occupied, the 5 miles went by quite quickly and I don't actually remember it that well. Oh..there were a few things that caught my attention now that I think about it. I saw a little dog in a dog carrier that a man was wearing on his back...it was so cute! I had never seen anything like it before. It was like what men and women wear to carry their baby on their back. I also saw a group of 5 kids all dressed up in costumes and it appeared they were practicing for a play. I'm not too sure what it was about, but it looked interesting. Oh...the things you will see in Minneapolis! I'm sure I haven't seen nothin' yet!
Please keep me in your prayers that my teaching turns out great tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. Hopefully, I come back bearing good news!
Much love,
Lacy
With all the craziness going on in my head it was easy not to focus on running. I prayed the whole time that the book will come tomorrow and everything will turn out ok. Because I was so occupied, the 5 miles went by quite quickly and I don't actually remember it that well. Oh..there were a few things that caught my attention now that I think about it. I saw a little dog in a dog carrier that a man was wearing on his back...it was so cute! I had never seen anything like it before. It was like what men and women wear to carry their baby on their back. I also saw a group of 5 kids all dressed up in costumes and it appeared they were practicing for a play. I'm not too sure what it was about, but it looked interesting. Oh...the things you will see in Minneapolis! I'm sure I haven't seen nothin' yet!
Please keep me in your prayers that my teaching turns out great tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes. Hopefully, I come back bearing good news!
Much love,
Lacy
Monday, August 4, 2008
Once again blessings from afar....
A couple of days ago I received a letter in the mail and there was no return address on it, but a heck of a lot of stamps. I was thinking that it had to have traveled a long way. Not in a million years did I think I would get correspondence from a different country, but once again God makes the impossible happen. This letter actually crossed oceans and came all the way from Australia! Wowzers...eh? Thank you Peter for your support by reading my blog. Peter is a systems analyst (aka...really smart!) and he is trained to recognize patterns. He went on to write about his neighbor who passed away from CJD. He was a vietnam vet and his widow claimed that during the early stages of the disease when he was more aware he blamed a shipment of chicken supplied by US forces in vietnam. He felt unwell after eating this meal and apart from that, he also suffered at that time from what was assumed to be "malaria". Just a freak incident...right?
However, Peter is also part of an online forum and one correspondent commented that her father was suspected to have CJD and he also was a vietnam vet.
My father was a vietnam vet. However, I'm not too sure that he ever stepped foot on to Vietnam territory because he was in the navy and spent most of his time on a ship in the middle of the ocean working on jet engines. However, the part that Peter mentioned about his neighbor suffering from what they thought to be "malaria" gave me an eary feeling. I wrote a paper on my dad in high school and I clearly remember him telling me how he became horribly sick in vietnam with what was assumed to be "mononuculosis". He said it was such a horrific experience because not only was he sick, but he also had to be in lock down for 2 weeks so not to infect other men. I right away called my grandma to confirm this information and she said it was certainly true. She actually believed it to be more serious than they would tell her.
I agree with Peter when he states in the letter, "Sure, these three incidents don't form any proof whatever,.....but no disproof either." There is not much information out there about CJD so if there is something that we can grab onto, it is worth it in my eyes to investigate more. If any of my readers have had a loved one pass away from CJD or is currently suffering from the disease and there is a connection with the Vietnam war, please let me know. Also if any of you have comments or whatever, please don't hesitate to respond.
Much love and blessings to all,
Lacy
However, Peter is also part of an online forum and one correspondent commented that her father was suspected to have CJD and he also was a vietnam vet.
My father was a vietnam vet. However, I'm not too sure that he ever stepped foot on to Vietnam territory because he was in the navy and spent most of his time on a ship in the middle of the ocean working on jet engines. However, the part that Peter mentioned about his neighbor suffering from what they thought to be "malaria" gave me an eary feeling. I wrote a paper on my dad in high school and I clearly remember him telling me how he became horribly sick in vietnam with what was assumed to be "mononuculosis". He said it was such a horrific experience because not only was he sick, but he also had to be in lock down for 2 weeks so not to infect other men. I right away called my grandma to confirm this information and she said it was certainly true. She actually believed it to be more serious than they would tell her.
I agree with Peter when he states in the letter, "Sure, these three incidents don't form any proof whatever,.....but no disproof either." There is not much information out there about CJD so if there is something that we can grab onto, it is worth it in my eyes to investigate more. If any of my readers have had a loved one pass away from CJD or is currently suffering from the disease and there is a connection with the Vietnam war, please let me know. Also if any of you have comments or whatever, please don't hesitate to respond.
Much love and blessings to all,
Lacy
Sunday, August 3, 2008
I couldn't have asked for a better day....
It was hard to get up this morning with the rainy, dark weather and all. I love sleeping during storms, especially when the breeze comes through the window. However, I woke up bright and early at 7:30am to meet my good friend Jan Heyerdahl, who was also me 8th grade English teacher, and go to church with her.
Just to fill you in a little. When I was a volunteer in Guatemala last year I was translating a letter to a little girl from her god mother. The letter absolutely brought me to tears and then when I saw the signature I almost went into shock. Was this the same woman who was my teacher? Indeed, it was and what a God moment. Jan contacted me after reading that my dad had passed away and we met up. She wanted to send some things with me for her godchild when I returned back to Guatemala for a quick visit to close things up there. Anyway, we had an amazing reconnection and haven't lost touch since. She is truly a woman of great faith. She is definitely a gift from God for me to see his light during this dark time of grief. Anyway, she actually decided to go down to Guatemala to visit her godchild for the first time. It was the such a moving experience for her.
So we reconnected today not only to go to church together, but also so she could show me her photos and give me a letter that she received from one of my friends in Guatemala. How great it was to go through her photos and see the people that I love so much. It brought back so many good memories that just calmed my heart. It was a year ago today that I returned from Guatemala for a short visit and God showed me that Guatemala is not that far away. Another God moment was when I was about to say goodbye to Jan. I had mentioned to her about my family reunion today and how I wanted to bring the sweet corn, but my step-mom decided not to come so I had no way of getting the big pot, cooking stove and kerosene that my dad always used. I didn't know what to do and I was debating even bring the corn. However, before I left she said that she had a little something for me. She brought me outside and gave me a burlap sack ahnd inside were a dozen ears of corn! Amazing! Who has sweet corn just lying around? Well...she just happened to because she ate it with her family this weekend. I was just brought to tears! That was dad telling me that he would make it possible to make the corn.
My step-dad ended up having all the supplies I was missing so there was another blessing. So I just stopped at a farmers stand on my way down to the picnic and picked up 2 dozen more ears of corn.
It was so good to see my family and they were all so very thankful that I took over the corn for my dad. I got lets of help removing the corn husks and setting everything up. It was great! Before we sat down to eat, My great uncle Mel made sure to call everybody's attention for a moment of silence to remember the man who always provided the corn for us. That was such a moving moment. As the tears rolled down my cheek, shivers ran up my spine. The corn actually turned out very well...dad would've been so proud. It didn't stop there, when people started to pack up their things to leave my uncle Ken called for everybody's attention once again. With tears in his eyes, he told our family that I am running a marathon in honor of my dad and to raise funds/awareness for CJD. He gave them the info about my blog and also asked for their support either spiritually or monetarily. That was such an uplifting moment for me, that truly touched my heart. Thank you so much Uncle Ken for your love and thoughtfullness.
It was an emotional day, but God answered our prayers and blessed me in so many ways. All the way home I rocked out to my dad's music and praised God. He is so great! I pray that you all are also feeling the light of his love in your lives as well.
Many blessings,
Lacy
Just to fill you in a little. When I was a volunteer in Guatemala last year I was translating a letter to a little girl from her god mother. The letter absolutely brought me to tears and then when I saw the signature I almost went into shock. Was this the same woman who was my teacher? Indeed, it was and what a God moment. Jan contacted me after reading that my dad had passed away and we met up. She wanted to send some things with me for her godchild when I returned back to Guatemala for a quick visit to close things up there. Anyway, we had an amazing reconnection and haven't lost touch since. She is truly a woman of great faith. She is definitely a gift from God for me to see his light during this dark time of grief. Anyway, she actually decided to go down to Guatemala to visit her godchild for the first time. It was the such a moving experience for her.
So we reconnected today not only to go to church together, but also so she could show me her photos and give me a letter that she received from one of my friends in Guatemala. How great it was to go through her photos and see the people that I love so much. It brought back so many good memories that just calmed my heart. It was a year ago today that I returned from Guatemala for a short visit and God showed me that Guatemala is not that far away. Another God moment was when I was about to say goodbye to Jan. I had mentioned to her about my family reunion today and how I wanted to bring the sweet corn, but my step-mom decided not to come so I had no way of getting the big pot, cooking stove and kerosene that my dad always used. I didn't know what to do and I was debating even bring the corn. However, before I left she said that she had a little something for me. She brought me outside and gave me a burlap sack ahnd inside were a dozen ears of corn! Amazing! Who has sweet corn just lying around? Well...she just happened to because she ate it with her family this weekend. I was just brought to tears! That was dad telling me that he would make it possible to make the corn.
My step-dad ended up having all the supplies I was missing so there was another blessing. So I just stopped at a farmers stand on my way down to the picnic and picked up 2 dozen more ears of corn.
It was so good to see my family and they were all so very thankful that I took over the corn for my dad. I got lets of help removing the corn husks and setting everything up. It was great! Before we sat down to eat, My great uncle Mel made sure to call everybody's attention for a moment of silence to remember the man who always provided the corn for us. That was such a moving moment. As the tears rolled down my cheek, shivers ran up my spine. The corn actually turned out very well...dad would've been so proud. It didn't stop there, when people started to pack up their things to leave my uncle Ken called for everybody's attention once again. With tears in his eyes, he told our family that I am running a marathon in honor of my dad and to raise funds/awareness for CJD. He gave them the info about my blog and also asked for their support either spiritually or monetarily. That was such an uplifting moment for me, that truly touched my heart. Thank you so much Uncle Ken for your love and thoughtfullness.
It was an emotional day, but God answered our prayers and blessed me in so many ways. All the way home I rocked out to my dad's music and praised God. He is so great! I pray that you all are also feeling the light of his love in your lives as well.
Many blessings,
Lacy
Friday, August 1, 2008
Oofta....I'm pooped!
Well..I didn't head out for my run until 2pm and that probably wasn't the best idea. It was a hot one, but I lucked out because there was a little breeze. I felt very stylin' in my new shorts and shoes. However, that ended quickly when I ran by this really cute guy and as soon as we made eye contact I almost tripped and fell. How embarassing! Just my luck! It was definitely a hard run today and I didn't feel on top of my game, but I did run 12 miles! My hips weren't bugging me, but my calfs (is that spelled right?) felt really tight and heavy. My new shoes are great, but I probably shouldn't have done that long of a run to break them in. I think my right foot is bigger than my left, because my toes felt kind of scrunched. Wierd! Also, I just couldn't stop thinking about how much further I had to go. I started off listening to country music, but that didn't motivate me at all. I needed something that I could sing to so that my mind wouldn't be on running. So I put on some shakira and that definitely helped! It was a beautiful day and I ran the same route that I rollerbladed earlier this week. However, it felt a lot longer today! However, I did it and I survived!
I want to ask for your prayers not only for me, but for my family as well. It was this weekend one year ago that I came home from Guatemala and that was the same day my dad went to the hospital thinking he had a stroke. I'm so glad that he is no longer suffering, but now start the days of reliving. I'm doing the same thing this weekend as I did the weekend I came home from Guatemala, which is kind of strange. I'm going to my hometown celebration and on Sunday I'm going to the "Hladky" family reunion. My dad was there with us at the last one and he always brings the sweet corn. I'm thinking I should take over that job this year. I want to keep his memory alive. We are sure going to miss him a lot more this weekend. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Lacy
I want to ask for your prayers not only for me, but for my family as well. It was this weekend one year ago that I came home from Guatemala and that was the same day my dad went to the hospital thinking he had a stroke. I'm so glad that he is no longer suffering, but now start the days of reliving. I'm doing the same thing this weekend as I did the weekend I came home from Guatemala, which is kind of strange. I'm going to my hometown celebration and on Sunday I'm going to the "Hladky" family reunion. My dad was there with us at the last one and he always brings the sweet corn. I'm thinking I should take over that job this year. I want to keep his memory alive. We are sure going to miss him a lot more this weekend. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Lacy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)