Sunday, October 31, 2010

Tulsa Run


The Tulsa Run began in 1978 with a challenging and scenic course running through the best of downtown Tulsa and the scenic River Parks. 31 years later, this Tulsa tradition is still going strong and each passing year only adds to its interesting history. -tulsarun.com


The Tulsa Run is so much fun, if you have never partaken in the tradition of running this race that runs through downtown tulsa and along the river each year, and you live in or around the Tulsa area, you must do so!  There is something so fun about this torturous run filled with 10+ hills and turns.  There are thousands of runners lined up at the start and there area always several bands playing along the course.  Runners and spectators are decked out in their most festive halloween costume and volunteers are scattered throughout cheering and encouraging all us crazy runners along the entire course.  

This year was special though.  I have a feeling that it will always be a memorable one for me.  It was my husbands first time to ever run the Tulsa Run and it was his longest distance to run in an organized run to date!  I was so proud of him!  He is doing so good in his training for this thing they call a marathon and I'm so lucky to have someone to partake in the torture training with me! 


It was also the year that my mom beat me by one second, yes, only one.  I'd say I am bummed, but I'm not.  And I'd make excuses that I have worked almost 250 hours in the past three weeks and that the sick kiddos gave me croup and had me out of my training regimen for almost 2 weeks, but I won't!  I'm actually so proud of my mom.  She trains so hard all the time and it's paying off!  Let's just call her Speedy Gonzalez cause she blew those in her age group, and mine, haha, away!  Go mom Go!  Watch out Shannon, you're next! 

Put the Tulsa Run on your bucket list if you have not yet done so!  It's one that you won't forget!  

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween from our house to yours. 


casting his spell...

Macy telling me to have some kids already so I can torture them instead of her.

I WANT SOME SPOTS!!!
disclaimer: i have no kids....yet.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Alcatraz

Alcatraz was awesome!  I highly recommend it to all of you peeps going to San Francisco in the near future.  To be honest to you, I wasn't really looking forward to it, but once I got there I was in awe.  So much history!  It really is a neat place to go to, I also found it kinda sad.  I can't imaging the life those poor prisoners must have had.  However, the view from "The Rock" has got to be the best view around. You can see both the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay Bridge, along with the beautiful San Francisco skyline.
 


















Friday, October 22, 2010

This will make your day.

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I received this email that was a forward from my mom.  Usually I don't open forwards, but I was having a bad day week and the subject of the email was "this will make your day."  Needless to say, I am so glad I opened it.  It did make my day!  Kids are so much smarter than we give them credit for!  Enjoy :)
    
A nurse on the pediatric ward, before listening to the little ones' chests, would plug the stethoscope into their ears and let them listen to their own heart. Their eyes would always light up with awe, but she never got a response equal to four-year old David's comment. Gently she tucked the stethoscope into his ears and placed the disk over his heart. 'Listen', she said...'What do you suppose that is?' He drew his eyebrows together in a puzzled line and looked up as if lost in the mystery of the strange tap - tap - tapping deep in his chest. Then his face broke out in a wondrous grin and he asked, 'Is that Jesus knocking?'

*not sure where this email originated or who to give credit to.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Out of the mouths of kids...

picture courtesy of http://cannwin.blogspot.com/

I admitted a kid with a snake bite over this past weekend.  Here is how our conversation went...Keep in mind this little 12 year old boy is from a small country town and has the biggest little hick voice you will ever hear, so add some southern twang people!

Me: Why did you go and get bit by a snake for?

Hick boy: I's a chasin armadillas!  (aka armadillo)

Me: You were what?

Hick boy: I's a chasin' armadillas.  It's fun.  You should try it.

Me: Ya, no thanks.  So where does the snake come into play if you were chasing armadillos?

Hick boy: I chased the armadilla into his hoe in the ground, I had the armadilla by the tail wit my hand in the hole and a snake bit my thumb.

Me:  What kind of snake bit you?

Hick boy: A copperhead!  Biggest one I'er seen!

Me:  Did you bite it back?

Hick boy: Nooooo, my parents killed it.  They have it wit them and are bringing it up here.

Me: There what????

Hick boy: Their bringing it up here.

Me: Oh no they are not!!!  I bet you wont be chasing armadillos anymore?!?

Hick boy: Ya I will!

Me:  What are you going to do if they next time you get bit by a snake he bites your thumb off?

Hick boy: Well duh, I'll learn how to chase armadillas one handed. 

Me: Well ok then. 


Kids...Gotta love 'em!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Cancer Sucks

courtesy of www.cafepress.com
  If children have the ability to ignore all odds and percentages, then maybe we can all learn from them.  When you think about it, what other choice is there but to hope?  We have two options, medically and emotionally:  give up, or fight like hell.  ~Lance Armstrong

People always ask me how I can do the job I do on a daily basis, and I always give the same reply...  Kids are awesome.  Yes, they get sick quick, but they get better quicker.  They respond quickly to treatment and never complain.  They are resilient.  Their sickness is never their fault.  For the most part, they are sick for a reason and willing to do anything to get better.  They listen.  They want to help themselves.  And for the most part, minus the crazy adolescents, kids are always truthful and happy.  And they are funny and brave and really awesome to be around!  Kids rock! 

However, I do know one thing that makes my job tough....Cancer and kids.  The two should never go together!  EVER!  It makes no sense to me and no matter how hard I try I cannot make sense of it.  And I know that there will never be a day that it will make sense.  EVER!  It breaks my heart to pieces.  I cannot even begin to fathom the emotional toll it takes on a parent, let alone the child being diagnosed.  It's heart wrenching.   

However, I do strongly believe God hand picks these children, as I do about CF kids, which you can read about here in my Touched by an Angel post.  Looking into these kids faces says it all.  They are angels.  Incredible human beings.  They make a difference and touch lives and will forever and never even know it.  It's amazing the things you can learn from kids going through cancer or other chronic illnesses if you actually take the time to sit back and observe.   They are heroes that face the ultimate fear and they face it head on with so much strength and dignity.  I cannot say enough about these children.  They have definitely put a mark on my heart and have forever changed the way I value life and the people around me.  Life is precious!

I have had my handful of kiddos that we have admitted into the hospital for a new diagnosis of cancer.  Not fun, not even a little bit!  Having to diagnose one kid, is one too many in my book.  It pulls at my heart strings every single time.  It breaks my heart, but deep down I know, these children are going to make a difference.  God picked them for a reason, one that I will never know until I ask the Great One Himself....     

I challenge you this year, as the holidays approach, please try to help some child and his/her family.  Whether it be by picking an angel off the angel tree, sending a card to a child in need of being uplifted, participating in a toy drive, volunteering, etc., please take time this holiday season to make a difference.  It only takes a second and means the world to those in need.  And as you do this encourage one other person to do the same, lets spread the joy this holiday season and help those who help us become better people.  Lets make a difference! 

Here is a story of a little girl fighting cancer right now.  Pray for her and her family please, she's an angel, to say the least....http://graciecare.blogspot.com/.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Bucket List

The Full House "Hill"

If you want your life to be a magnificent story, then begin by realizing that you are the author and everyday you have the opportunity to write a new page. Mark Houlahan

As a little girl I was obsessed with Full House.  I had every episode taped and stacked against my wall.  So it comes as no surprise to those that know me best that seeing the "painted ladies" in San Francisco was a very cool thing for me.  It is included on the beginning credits of all the Full House episodes.  I hear that this is probably the most photographed place in San Francisco.  Personally, I think it is probably second to the Golden Gate Bridge.  However, its a pretty awesome site and in so many television shows and movies that it draws crowds from all over the world.  Those poor people that live there most certainly can never walk around without their blinds and curtains closed and they surely can't walk around in their underwear, bummer!


I have always wanted to visit San Francisco, and I would be lying if I didn't tell you that it was partly because Full House was set (not filmed) in San Francisco.  Sound silly?  Probably, but I don't care.  It was a big part of my childhood and wonderful memories with my family and friends.  Don't believe me?  Ask my mom, she still watches the episodes, as do I, well I do when my husbands not home to tell me they are stupid....

My unborn children, they will watch the episodes too :)  

I think it is very important to have goals in life.  And I am not talking about life goals as in the type of person/profession, etc.  I am talking about living life, setting goals, and achieving them.  Life is meant to be fun.  It is a journey that we are in charge of.  It is a destiny that we control with every decision we make and person we meet and let into our life.  As I have gotten older, I have come to realize the importance of having a mental "bucket list."  I find it to be beneficial to my overall well-being, especially the mental aspect of it.  Having a list of things to do, sites to see, and goals to achieve helps me to really appreciate the little things in life.  Why?  I'm not really sure, but I think it has to do with the memories that are formed while doing these things.  Sure San Francisco was an amazing city filled with so many wonderful sites, but without my husband to experience it with me, it wouldn't have made the same impression on me that it did.  I believe that having this "list" of things to do with the people you love most is what is most important in the gist of things.  Living life and making memories, those things can never be taken from you.  It is something you will always have in your heart to look back on and appreciate the little things in life...having fun with the people you love most...nothing can compare to that!

By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Mark Victore Hansen

What's on your bucket list?


Saturday, October 16, 2010

A Sister Thing

If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child.  ~Linda Sunshine
 

Although, my sister and I don't have the typical sister relationship, I will tell you this... I love her to pieces and I think she has turned into one of the most amazing women I will ever know.  Growing up, I was the undiagnosed ADD child who had to always be doing something, always needing someone to play with me, color with me, put puzzles together, etc.  My sister being the next born was the lucky one who had to put up with my constant bugging and nagging.  

"Mom...Dad...Shannon won't play with me..."  I would shout at the top of my lungs.

My mom and Dad: "Shannon, go play with your sister!"   
 
Shannon: "but I DON'T WANT TO!"

Dad:  "Shannon, go!!!" 

And then the waterworks would start by my younger sister and me being the nice older sister I am would say, "Fine you big baby, never mind, go suck your thumb!"   Man, I was mean! 

Sisters never quite forgive each other for what happened when they were five.  ~Pam Brown
 
Growing up with me was probably not an easy feat for her.  Poor girl.  I wouldn't want to put up with me.  Here I was, this annoying, pain in the rear, ornery child and my sister was this sweet innocent little girl who wanted nothing but to hang out with my parents and her blanky, ie " her piece," while sucking her thumb.  

Big sisters are the crab grass in the lawn of life.  ~Charles M. Schulz
 
Now grown, my sister and I occasionally converse about our childhood.  My dad was always videotaping us when we were younger.  And my sister watches our old home videos of me being a monster child for pure entertainment now.  We laugh a lot when we talk about how ornery I was and how innocent she was.  Oh if only I had my hands on those video tapes....


You keep your past by having sisters.  As you get older, they're the only ones who don't get bored if you talk about your memories.  ~Deborah Moggach
 I think that most sisters can relate and agree when I say that sisters have an unspoken rule that they will always be there for each other no matter what.  My sister and I are not as close as I would like, but I know that without a doubt she will always have my back.  She has and she will continue to take up for me and support me through thick and thin.  She is one of my biggest fans, as I am hers.  There is just something so sacred and special about the unspoken bond between sisters.  Its like nothing you can ever explain.  

When mom and dad don't understand, a sister always will.  ~Author Unknown    

I recently had a little get together at my house.  My sister shows up and go figure...we have on the exact same shirt, just different color.  A sister thing?  I think so!

If your sister is in a tearing hurry to go out and cannot catch your eye, she's wearing your best sweater.  ~Pam Brown

Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.  ~Margaret Mead
 
Like I said, I am so proud of my sister and the woman she has become.  She has chosen to live her life by helping children.  And oh by the way, I find it no coincidence that our life goals are very similar.  My sister is a special education teacher and reading specialist and a bunch of other things that I don't know the title of.  She was simply born to do the job she does and is awesome at it!   I am so lucky to have a younger sister!  And I know that I will irritate her, on purpose, until the day I die.  After all, what are big sisters for?


Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other.  ~Carol Saline
   

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Carrie Underwood

My awesome friend Dyer bought me tickets to go see Carrie Underwood for my birthday.  Her concert was this past weekend and boy was it awesome.  Carrie has such and incredible voice and stage presence that is contagious.  I have to say I was deeply touched by her show, by two songs in particular. 

I am one that loves to listen to music, but not really listen to the music, if that makes any sense at all.  I have a mind that works way too fast and never stops going,  unfortunately this causes me to not really listen to the lyrics of songs when I have music playing in my ears.  Stupid ADD. Anyhow, for once, on Sunday, I took time to listen to the lyrics when Carrie was singing.  I was in awe.  Touched.  Ever have those moments when you get chills and just know that you are in God's presence?  That's what it felt like. 

Carrie Underwood's song "Temporary Home" is a great song.  It touched me deeply.  Here are part of the lyrics:

"This is my temporary home, it's not where I belong
Windows and rooms that I'm passing through
This was just a stop on the way to where I'm going
I'm not afraid because I know
This was my temporary home"

I encourage you to take time to listen to this song.  I promise it will touch you too.  She also sang her well-known song "Jesus Take the Wheel" and then belted into "How Great Thou Art."  Wow!  AMAZING!  Breathtaking!! She received a standing ovation and rightfully so.  It was one of those moments where the whole place probably had chills.   It. Was. Incredible.   It made me think.  Her performance spoke to my heart.

Why am I rambling on and on you ask?  So what is my point?  My point is this... Things in life never go as planned.  Things never happen as they are "supposed" to.  Life is not fair.  Life doesn't make sense.  People make mistakes, you make mistakes, I make mistakes, and tons of them! 

But I live a life to serve God.  I will be the first to tell you that I am not always the best Christian.  But I love God and I love the fact that with Him to please as my ultimate goal in life, I will be ok.

I once, several years ago, went through a very very difficult time for me.  I was at my lowest of low.  It was not something I would ever wish upon anyone, ever!  However, once I gave up my constant control struggle with myself and realized that I am not alone, once I "Let Jesus Take the Wheel," instantly a huge weight was lifted off me and I felt better, as strange as that may sound to some, I will remember that moment for the rest of my life.  God is there, always.  He is there to help us get through those moments where life isn't fair, when it just doesn't make sense.

I am such a strong believer in the fact that all things happen for a reason.  Things always work out the way they are supposed to.  Why they are supposed to work out the way they do, we may never know.  But if we have faith, if we trust in God, if we let Him help us along the way, we will get through it.

Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him, and expect help from Him, He will never fail you. - George Mueller
  
Sorry for the rambling, I have a heavy heart.  Please pray for those that are struggling right now.

Goodnight! 

Monday, October 11, 2010

Breathtaking.

It's no secret that my husband and I like to run together.  I love that I have convinced him to run with me and become crazy and obsessed.  It's so much more fun to run with him than just me and my crazy psychotic ADD freak of a dog.  Anyway....recently, we ran a 5K in San Francisco.  It was the most incredible run I have ever done and here is why....








Enough said? I think so...

FYI: I could go on and on about San Francisco and probably will :)

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Yummy Goodness

It's no secret that San Francisco has some of the best food around.  I found the food in San Francisco to be incredible.  On our first night in the amazing city, we had crab legs at the Fog Harbor Fish House which is at Pier 39.  Besides being extremely messy and us getting to pretend we are kids again, they were delicious! 



Who can go to San Fran without eating chocolate at the famous square?  The only person I know is my mom.  In that respect, I definitely, without a doubt, got my sweet tooth from my father and probably my favorite aunt too.  We indulged ourselves at Ghiradelli Square for their famous chocolate sundaes multiple times throughout our stay.  I've never tasted such deliciousness and yummy goodness.  All the walking and running we did justified our treats, I'm sure of it! 



We were in Fisherman's Wharf one night and we were both exhausted and not very hungry so we decided to eat at this little stand called Sally's Famous Fishwich.  I must say that $5.00 for a fish sandwich that fed both of us in San Francisco is a rarity itself, but not to mention this sandwich was sooo good!  I highly recommend it to all inquiring!


We also ate at an Asian place.  I think it was called Fang.  Man, I sure wish I would have taken pictures.  The food was very tasty.  Best poppy-seed chicken I've ever tasted! 

Like I said, the food in San Fran is incredible!  I don't think you can go wrong in your choices, just dont eat at the little mexican place across the street from the W hotel...no bueno!

Happy eating!


Friday, October 8, 2010

I left my heart in San Francisco


"It's an odd thing, but anyone who disappears is said to be seen in San Francisco. It must be a delightful city and possess all the attractions of the next world" -Oscar Wilde

My husband and I and another couple that we are good friends with went to San Francisco over the past weekend.  My friend and I were sent because of a pediatric conference being held there that we were to present some research at.


We decided to bring our husbands along and make a little trip out of it.  If you have never been to San Francisco before do yourself a favor and put it on your bucket list of places to go before you die.  Its absolutely amazing!! One of my most favorite cities I have ever visited.  Incredible I tell you!  So so awesome!  


We went to Alcatraz one day.  I was not anticipating it like my husband was, but boy was I pleasantly surprised.  So much history and such a neat, in a weird sort of way, place.  Alcatraz is situated on a big huge rock out in the middle of the bay.  The views there are without a doubt some of the best in the city, ironically speaking.  We were given little headsets that gave us an audio tour of the facility and lead us over the entire prison.  It was a pretty cool experience to say the least! 



he just wishes he could lock me up at times...
"Alcatraz and history go hand in hand. Once home to some of America's most notorious criminals, the federal penitentiary that operated here from 1934 to 1963 brought a dark mystique to the Rock. The presence of infamous inmates like Al "Scarface" Capone, and the "Birdman" Robert Stroud helped to establish the island's notoriety. To this day, Alcatraz is best known as one of the world's most legendary prisons." -www.alcatrazcruises.com


We also decided to be as much of tourists as possible and enjoy the double decker sightseeing bus.  It's such a fun way to learn about the city and the history behind it, while also making sure you are able to visit all the major sites the city has to offer.  It took us all over the place...   

From Lombard Street



 to china town


to the painted ladies

kuddos to the first person to guess why this was on my bucket list...

on to the golden gate bridge, which next to the Statue of Liberty, is one of the coolest sites I have seen!!!



and fishermans wharf


 oh and lets not forget Ghiradelli square.... yummm....


One of the days we were there the pediatric conference sponsored a 5K run.  It was without a doubt the most unique 5K my husband and I have ever done, definitely had the best view around!  And it was flat!  Who would have thought San Francisco was flat?!?  It was along the coast line to the Golden Gate Bridge and back.  What a sight!!! 


And who can forget the seals sea lions!  Amazing creatures!



As always the trip went way too fast.  It was so much fun!  A truly brings a meaning to the song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" by Tony Bennett.  A more detailed post to come soon....

"Leaving San Francisco is like saying goodbye to an old sweetheart. You want to linger as long as possible. " -Walter Cronkite