Leavin' on a Jet Plane

Gracie decided that she's going with me to Chicago...

Susan G. Komen Foundation

I've decided to do the Race for the Cure again this year. This is my 3rd time! It is an overwhelming experience and one that I love. The atmosphere is incredible, and it is amazing to see the power and love of everyone around you.

The cause against breast cancer is very dear to me. My maternal grandmother is a breast cancer survivor. She has been cancer-free for several years, and the disease is not quite real until it happens to someone close to you. I remember when Mom and I went with her to one of her chemo appointments. Memaw handled it like a pro, but the situation was unnerving. It puts into perspective how quickly a life can be lost.

I especially like the Komen Foundation, because they help women before, during, and after the disease. They help provide mammograms, all-around support, and even bras when coping with a mastectomy. Nancy Brinker started the foundation 25 years ago after she promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would fight to end breast cancer. They offer hope and celebrate those who are affected by breast cancer.

If you are reading this and would like to donate, please go to my donation page here.

Update on George

Thank you to everyone who asked about George. He has recovered from his infection and is back to his old self. I knew he was better when he started bugging his sister and getting into cabinets again.

No additional donations to the "Save George" fund will be accepted. Also, all plans to record "Georgie is the World" with Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder have been halted. (I kid, I kid...)

I'M BACK!

Saban on Forbes

Forbes magazine decided to put Nick Saban on its cover. Will this attention help or hurt the University of Alabama?

Read the article here.

I Had a Fever...and the Presciption Was Not More Cowbell

George was an unhappy kitty yesterday morning, because he had to go to the vet again. He had been lethargic, not eating, and could hardly move. We went to the vet and found out he had a 105 degree temperature. (A cat's normal body temp is 102 degrees, so it would be like a 100 degree temp in a human.)

We got to see our favorite vet. I can't believe I've had to go so much that I have a favorite! Chloe hardly went the the vet, because she was always pretty healthy.

George had to tolerate a couple injustices during the visit. He did not like the thermometer! (I will not elaborate.) He also had to get a shot of antibiotic and cortisone. The vet warned me that this shot really hurt. George yelled, hissed, and then bit me! I should have stayed back, but I was trying to comfort him. I think I was just in the line of fire. George would NEVER do that normally. My thumb still hurts and is a little swollen! For the next week, he gets more antibiotics. That's not a pleasant situation for anyone involved!

Ah, sleep...

The camera must add ten pounds, because George looks HUGE in this picture! He is only 13 pounds, and he had even lost weight at his last vet appointment. It must be an unflattering angle...but a cute pic nonetheless.

Lipstick is My Warpaint

I just finished a book entitled Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy by Geralyn Lucas. It is an inspiring true story about a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed at the age of 27. It is written with humor and compassion, and anyone would benefit from reading it.

Happy Birthday, Stevie!

My oldest brother, Steve, is 35 today! How did that happen? :-)

He is an amazing brother who has always had a lot of patience. He needed that when I was a little girl!

A couple old shots from when I was a baby and Steve was about 7 or 8...

Love you, Steve!

We're not rabid!

George and Gracie have both survived their one-year exams at the vet. They had separate appointments, because I was not going to repeat the traumatic experience of taking them at the same time. (See posting from July 22) It's hard to believe that I've had them a year already!

It's interesting to me that their personalities are so different. The vet and his assistant both raved about how laid-back George was. The vet gave up on listening to George's heartbeat, because he never stopped purring. I know that purring doesn't always mean contentment. That's just George's natural reaction to most situations.

My laid-back boy...

Gracie was not as thrilled to be around strangers at her appointment. She had pushed herself to the furthest corner of the carrier, causing the assistant to have to pry her out claw by claw. Gracie is no dummy! She knew that she did not want to be there.

Gracie giving her Hollywood starlet over-the-shoulder pose...

Even though they differ, both cats are well-behaved and very affectionate. I'm glad I got so lucky to pick them at the pound and can only hope to give them as much love as I can.

Just a little better

A good picture of Pat and me from the beach trip...