Friendship | Team Denise!

Friendship Category

Saturday, January 16th, 2010

Curvey

Times are tough all over
People loosing jobs
I lost my job.

My Friend, Kristen, has lost her job
her “day” job
and will be temporarily moving to another state
to pursue an opportunity.

I wanted to get with her to wish her luck before she left,
so I went to her “other” job to see her.
She owns a Curves studio in my neighborhood
I used to be a member, “before”.

Mr. Sack gave me the membership
for my birthday 2008
plus flowers
when he was still being a
nice guy
and cared.

Kristen has been busy and is not a computer person
does not read my blog often
so did not know of my need to start exercising again
or the search for a Rebounder.

She was unaware of my need to start exercising
but I cannot afford to pay for a membership.

Kristen has gifted me a month membership to her Curves location
with the stipulation that I get my eBay up and running.

A gift AND incentive!
Thank You, Kristen!

Tags: Cliff Grimes, Clifford F Grimes, Clifford Grimes, Curves, Dallas, exercise

Posted in appreciation, Coping, Emotions, Friends, Friendship, gratitude, Special People | 3 Comments »

Sunday, December 27th, 2009

Bath Water

Time to shake this depression off of me like a dog shakes off its bath water.

Ok, I had a good cry
a Very Good Cry
felt sorry for myself
got mad
got mad at this cancer
got mad at Mr. Sack
got mad at my Folks
got mad at myself.

I can do that
I am allowed to do that.

Now, it’s
Time to
Stop the whining
Stop the public wailing.

I need to look back
and be
Grateful for the
Blessings I received.

I am Thankful for the Holiday cards people sent me. I loved opening each one. Anticipating the greetings, the decor of the cards, if anything would be enclosed – a note, a personal newsletter, photos, a memento.
Thank you.

My Mom & Dad paid to have the leak in the roof of the Hyundai fixed. That is a Huge stress off of me, but am sad at the “waste” of this large amount of money.
Thank You.

My Dear Friend, Crystal, gave me a loaf of the BEST Banana Bread I think I have Ever had! I Tried to ration it out, but it was too good. It is gone.
Thank You.

My Dear Friend, Christy, gave me some Spiced Pecans and Oreo Candy Cane Bark. Since I am not supposed to eat sugar, I am being very careful in rationing this out – but what I have had so far is Very Yummy!
Thank You.

My Dear Friend, Donna, made me a Beautiful name tag to wear at my social events. It is beaded and has fringe and is just LOVELY!
Thank You.

My Dear Friend, Grace, took me to dinner where we laughed and cried and laughed and drank too many margaritas.
Thank You.

My Friend, Josie, gave me a Lovely plaque inscribed with a quote attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt; “A woman is like a tea bag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water”. This is very inspirational.
Thank You.

My Dear (Old-time) Friend, Marianne, sent me an AWESOME handmade Christmas stocking. Made of Funky Wild Pink Paisley patterned fabric with “Girl Friend” beads and decor and white faux fur and pom-pom trim, and filled with fun and useful items. It was So Much Fun to unwrap!
Thank You.

In lieu of gifts, I received some Unbelievable donations for the Holidays. I was several people’s “Charity of Choice”. While I do not relish this title, I am Extremely Grateful to be gifted in such a manner.
* Cherie’ & Billy
* Marianne & Jim
* Patti
* Katherine & Family
* Margot
* Cindy & Family
* Christy & Bill
* Niver Family
Thank You is not, and will never be, enough.

My (Old-time) Friend, Cherie’ & Hubby, Billy, made me their “Charity of Choice” in their annual Charity Exchange with their Friends. I received (an additional) 5 generous donations due to their gracious act of kindness.
Again, Thank You is not enough.

So… while I will always mourn the loss of the life that was planned with Mr. Sack and what I gave up “for him”, for everything we had talked of, for everything we had planned, for everything we had promised… for the 35+ years that I believed him to be the epitome of a man and held him up to compare all others to (which they were never able to measure up), for the lies he told and the shallow judgment he made, for him “dumping” me one month after my diagnosis – for now, there is enough whining about what was lost and be Grateful for what I have.

Shake off the Bath Water.
The dampness will dry out in time…

I am Truly Grateful.
Thank You.
Thank you for thinking of me.

Tags: Christmas 2009, Cliff Grimes, Clifford F Grimes, Clifford Grimes, Dallas, Donations, Mr. Sack, Special Gifts

Posted in appreciation, Coping, depression, determination, Emotions, Friends, Friendship, Generosity, loneliness, tired | 3 Comments »

Sunday, December 13th, 2009

BOARDGAMING: December 2009 Party

It was a really nice Party. Was Great to spend time with my Friends and forget about my battle for a little bit.

“Gamesters” is the social-based boardgaming group that my Best Friend, Carol, and I started back in 2002 – as a response to the male-oriented gaming groups available at that time. Since then, boardgaming groups have become more common, and there are more options for the Ladies, Couples and Families. However, We Were the First In Houston to address those special needs! We have also held a monthly gaming event – a themed party with boardgaming. Some past themes include BBQ, Pizza Night, Mediterranean Night (complete with togas!), Foods You Love (for Valentine’s), Scary Foods (for Halloween, along with costumes!), Hawaiian Luau (Island Foods and Hawaiian garb), Mexican, Italian, Chinese… I could go on and on! The party theme is the choice of the Host, who supplies the main dish, and attendees bring complementing dishes. We have had some very fun themes picked over the years!

The December Party is our traditional Christmas / Holiday Party. It is (traditionally) held by Carol and Family. (Traditionally) the menu is “Breakfast for Dinner”, which means a menu of Breakfast items, and the requested attire is (traditionally) Family-Friendly PJs. I kinda followed my Halloween costume design, but instead of being a Deviled Egg, my outfit was the Spirit of Christmas Present. Yep, still trying to find that Spirit in me this year, and if I can’t find it naturally I am putting it on anyway.

Spirit of Christmas Present 2009

GAMESTERS DECEMBER 2009 PARTY – Recap
* Saturday Dec 12, 2009
* 6:00pm – 1:00am+
* Hosted by Carol & Mike @ Missouri City (S Houston)
* Theme “Breakfast for Dinner Theme”; Menu of Breakfast Foods

The December 2009 Party was Hosted by Carol & Mike at their home in Missouri City (S Houston). Carol got to show off the house’s new floor and interior paint job – Looked good! Carol & Mike throw a Good party and we sure appreciate them opening their home to us!

ATTENDEES
* Carol & Mike B and Zach (15yrs) (HOSTING)
* Amber & Joe H, and Brandi (15yrs)
* Christy & Bill
* Crystal & Sam
* Denise D
* Donna (sans Mike, who was running a game at the MAG-Con)
* Joseph C
* Noreen & Ken

GAMES PLAYED
* Can’t Stop
* Gemlok
* Ingenious
* Mammoth Hunters
* Mancala
* Pickomino
* Power Grid
* Qwirkle Cubes
* Slamwich
* Stone Age
* Vegas Showdown

It had been awhile since I had played Vegas Showdown and I was Really Happy to get in That game cuz I do enjoy it!

ANNUAL GIFT SWAP & STEAL GAME
The Annual “Gift Swap & Steal” Game was a Lot of Fun! This year was better than last, and last year better than before, and so on! There were some Really Cool games gifted. There was a good bit of stealing going on due to the variety of cool games available. There was also the introduction of a new rule – Santa’s Bag of Coal, which allowed the Holder to steal ANY of the unwrapped or wrapped gifts at the end of the game OR to chose the “Mystery Gift” at the bottom of “Santa’s Bag”. An Interesting Twist – Par-Taaaay!

GIFT SWAP & STEAL GAMES AND WHO GOT THEM:
* Amber – Barista
* Bill – The Denbury Resources Oil Game
* Brandi – (2): Sleeping Queens; Sticheln
* Carol – Poison
* Christy – Cir*Kis
* Crystal – Gemlok
* Denise D – Zobmondo!! Would You Rather…
* Joe H – Citadels
* Joseph – Mammoth Hunters (and Santa’s Bag of Coal)
* Mike B – Beat The Experts
* Sam – Fresh Fish
* Zach – League of Pirates

MEAL – “Breakfast for Dinner”, menu of Breakfast Foods
* Sausage Egg Soufflé
* Sausage and Cheese mini quiche
* Lorraine mini quiche
* Scrambled eggs
* Sausage patties
* Pigs in the Blanket
* Grits
* Fruit Salsa and homemade cinnamon sugar tortilla chips
* Fruit Salad
* Fruit tray
* Mini cinnamon waffles w/dip
* PB&J Waffle sandwiches
* Sweet Rolls
* Croissants with Fresh Fruit jams
* Orange Juice
* Coffee with assorted flavored creamers, eggnog and half & half
* Mimosas (orange juice and champagne)
* Bottled water

Good Friends, Good Games and Good Food –a Perfect Combination for socializing and game play! The end of the evening was used to help pick up and clean up and for more socializing… I looked at the clock as we were driving away and I saw 3:15AM! Once again up late gaming! Was So Happy to share the ride home with Donna!

As always, A Lot of Fun was had by all! It was Very Good to see everyone, and we missed those who weren’t able to join us! Lookin forward to our next Monthly Party – specifics to be announced when determined.

Happy Holidays to Everyone!

GAME ON!!

Wanna see what’s out there these days for games?
Check out BoardGameGeek – it’s an Awesome site!!

Tags: board game, BoardGameGeek, boardgames, Christmas 2009, Gamesters

Posted in Coping, Friends, Friendship, Special People, Totally Non-cancer Related | No Comments »

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

RECAP: Fall 2009 Plant Swap

Although boardgames are my passion, I also dabble with plants.

Nothing serious, though I DO have more plants than I need to, especially now when my attention has been pulled from them and they are suffering from the lack of everything…

I especially like flowering plants – lilies, vines, etc. and I am getting an appreciation of gingers.
Not that I need anything else to steal my attention or concentration. I hve things to do that have been neglected.

Today was the Fall 2009 Plant Swap. Same group that hosted and participated in the Spring 2009 Swap.

So… the Recap is pretty much the same, virtually the same event, different time of year. Can count on a pleasant time.

Today was the Fall 2009 PlantMeet Plant Swap, held at Mercer Arboretum (North Houston area). This event is a semi-annual gathering of “Planty People” who get together to swap plants, cuttings, seeds and general gardening items. The group which hosts this event is PlantMeet.com – Jennifer, Nadine and the PlantMeet group do a Fabulous job of organizing and pulling it all together, though Nadine was not able to make this event. There are also a couple of other groups that participate – Houston Plant Exchange (my plant group) and GardenWeb. Actually, I believe that ANY person / plant group is invited to participate, it’s just about getting the word out.

So… I went and had fun.

A co-worker was supposed to come and host a table with plants for donations, but she never showed.

I had fun anyway.

There was a virtual Jungle of plants to browse through – it was Such A Fun and Pleasant event!! There were some Great plants swapped and some Generous people who gave without needing anything in return – That Is The Spirit of Plant People! It was Great to see everyone and I truly appreciated the planty gifts I received! We got to see “Old Friends” and got to meet some “New Friends” and have a Grand Time while doing so.

Nice to get out…

Tags: Plant Swap

Posted in Events, Friends, Friendship, Totally Non-cancer Related | 1 Comment »

Thursday, October 29th, 2009

Help for a friend- Lone*Star Speed Zone

A Gentleman who I went to high school with (just a Few years ago) recently reconnected with me via Facebook. His daughter battled lymphoma in 2001 – she became a Warrior during her freshman year of college. Jeff, his wife and their 2 sons were right by her side as she battled and won! She is now happily married with 2 beautiful sons of her own. What a True Blessing for their family!

Jeff found me via mutual FB Friends, and felt empathy for my situation. He has emailed me kind words of encouragement and prayers.

To help get my story “out there”, Jeff surprised me by posting my story on a forum that he is active on – Lone*Star Speed Zone. It is titled “Help for a friend, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month“. I am very touched by this kind gesture.

Yes, boardgames are my passion, but my Dad is a “Gearhead” (eh – in high school, I believe we called it “motorhead”) and I was raised with horsepower under the hood – and Loved it!

Thanks, Jeff!!

Tags: Lone Star, Lone*Star Speed Zone, racing

Posted in appreciation, Coping, Emotions, encouragement, Friends, Friendship, Getting The Word Out, gratitude, hope, Special People, strength, Team Denise, Warriors | No Comments »

Thursday, July 30th, 2009

Fight for Fabian

Its “funny” how people come into your life when you need them.

Makes me wonder what I bring to others’ lives, why they would ever need me…

Today, when I went to at Burzynski Clinic for my monthly supply of PB, I met Wayne, the father of Fabian Burke-Georgiou, a beautiful young boy from the UK who is fighting for his life against diffuse pontine glioma, an inoperable brain stem tumor.

Fabian is too ill to travel to Houston, so Wayne came to Burzynski to learn of the treatment and how to administer to his son. I can’t image a more difficult path for a parent.

And this man, this man Wayne, here in Houston to pursue a chance for his son, a chance for life… this man Wayne, took 30 minutes to sit and talk with me, about fundraising, to give me hope, to offer prayers, To Lift My Spirits.

The monster cancer raises it’s ugly head in so many forms… it does not differentiate between age, sex, race or life experience.

While my own fight is certainly hard, it is especially difficult to see a child having to fight. One who has not had an opportunity to live yet. Who has not unintentionally squandered life’s gifts… One who may find unconditional love and acceptance despite flaws…

The least I can do is to ask to please take a moment to go to Fabian’s site and read his story at http://www.FightforFabian.com, and if you have it in your heart, to also please donate to his cause. Like me, they are only asking for a contribution of a small amount to help save a life.

Help save a life…

Tags: Fight for Fabian

Posted in Burzynski Clinic, Emotions, Friendship, frustration, hope, Patient-Friends, Special People, tired, Warriors | 3 Comments »

Sunday, June 28th, 2009

Comments

It’s Tough writing this Blog, each letter I type is a reminder of my situation and the fight I am fighting, the fight I do Not want to be a part of, but I am… the fight that I Hope to win, the fight which I Might loose.

A fight in which I am not alone, yet I am very alone.

Sometimes it would be easier to forget and simply retreat into a cocoon of denial… but I can’t, I Need to write, I Need to feel that I am Somehow making a difference with my fight.

I Hope there are people who are reading this Blog, I have people tell me that they are, but I really don’t know. I find it interesting to note those “friends” who have pulled away since my diagnosis… or those who “can’t bring themselves to read” my Blog because it’s “too difficult for them”. Well, lemme tell you just how difficult this is for Me. I’ll go through this nightmare without you.

I want to Thank those who have left comments… my Real Life Friends who stop by and take a few moments to leave me words of encouragement – Christy W, Crystal G, Amber H, Marianne M, Katherine R… people who I have met via online groups – Bridgette M… people who I never met, but who have gone out of their way to leave me a few words – Gina M, Karin W… and All the people who have donated money for my treatment and recovery and left comments of encouragement with their donations… yes, the money helps ease my financial stress, but it’s Not just about the money, it’s about the Comfort and Power of Prayer.

You all Have No Idea what your support means to me. At this time, when it’s So Very Tough for me, I cherish each and every word you share with me. They bring me Much Comfort.

When I come up here to write, and there are no new comments – which is more often than not – I seek out your words and re–read them for comfort. If they were paper they would be tattered from use, tear-stained and imprinted with my gratitude…

Thank You.

Tags: comments

Posted in appreciation, Coping, Emotions, Friends, Friendship, hope, sadness, scared, Special People, tired | 4 Comments »

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

Bob & Sofia – Melanoma Patient at Burzynski Clinic

When I got back home this evening, I found an email from Sofia…

“On 6/27/09, Sofia <(deleted)> wrote:
> Hi Denise, sorry for the late reply. I’ve been busy with work and Bob.
> Bob hasn’t been back to work since we got back from Houston. His blood
> pressure keeps going up and he gets very tired. We still pray and hope for
> the best We don’t know yet if any of his tumors have gone down. I’m glad
> to hear things are looking different for you. You are in our prayers. Take
>care.
> Sofia“

It breaks my heart to hear that he is having a tough time. I sure Hope he starts responding… Please keep praying for Bob & Sofia!

Tags: Bob & Sofia

Posted in Friendship, frustration, hope, Patient-Friends, sadness, Special People | No Comments »

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

Baby Shower – Raquel & Neil, June 27 2009

Today was a rare day – something non-cancer related – YAY!

Today was a Baby Shower for Dear Friends, Raquel & Neil who are welcoming their first – a Baby Girl. (Raquel is from Brazil, and her name is pronounced “Ha-Kell”, and Neil is, well – Neil *LOL*)

To say that her pregnancy was a surprise is putting it mildly. They are mid/late-30′s and as long as I have known them (about 5 years) they have maintained that they did not want children. Actually, I personally believe that it was more Raquel, cuz I always thought I could see in Neil’s eyes that he would love a child, but he loved Raquel more and knew that was how she felt.

I know Raquel is concerned about the type of parent she will make, especially cuz she thinks she will be too strict. But, as I told her, children need the structure, they need the boundaries and the limits – otherwise you end up with what you see so many children have become these days – pain in the butt, spoiled brats that you don’t want to have around. That Little Girl will have Neil Wrapped Around Her Finger, so Raquel will be the one to keep them both in line *LOL* She Will Be Fine.

It’s been a difficult pregnancy for Raquel, she’s been ill most of the time. But, with their dispositions, this baby cannot be any less than a Beautiful person and a Beautiful child. Raquel & Neil will make WONDERFUL Parents.

Anyway… the purpose of the post…

The Baby Shower was held at the home of R&N’s next-door neighbors, and Dear Friends, Vicki & Steve. It is a Lovely home and is Great for entertaining! Vicki & Steve both have grown children, and they are looking forward to a baby to cuddle and spoil right next door. Plus they love R&N, so that makes it even better!

The Party was LOVELY. I was worried – like many Baby Showers that I have been too – that there would be an abundance of sweets and no food of substance. Since I am on a somewhat “restricted” diet which stresses no refined or artificial sugars, a menu of all sweets is pretty tough for me. So, just in case, I brought some fruit and veggies for me to munch on.

Was I Ever Surprised to see that, along with one small chocolate (torture for me!) cake, and some brownies (more torture!), the majority of the food was Brazilian appetizers! And I Love Brazilian Food!

There were coxinha (“little drumsticks” – soft, fried dumplings filled with savory, shredded chicken and covered with a soft, delectable pastry coated in fine breadcrumbs), pão de queijo (small, cheese-flavored rolls), shrimp, chicken and beef empanadas and empadinhas (a folded dough or bread patty around a flavorful stuffing – one was a cornmeal dough, the other was a flaky pastry dough ), and shrimp and chicken empadinhas (small tarts). The food was Wonderful and the Mimosas were Yummy!

And the Party was FABULOUS! Vicki & Steve are Fantastic Hosts, and co-hosts Ellen & Martin were Just As Gracious! A Lovely Baby Shower for a somewhat “older” crowd”. The decorations were tasteful and somewhat low key, but still prevalent – there was no doubt it was a baby shower. The games were FunFunFun – with prizes like sets of travel candles and bottles of champagne!

Games We Played:
* TP Belly – guess how much TP would go around Raquel’s belly once!
* Purse Weigh – (non-traditional Baby Shower game!) weigh all the Ladies’ purses and the Heaviest won!
* M&Ms in The Bottle – guess how many M&Ms were in the BIG Baby Bottle (M&Ms were pastel pink and purple and had “Raquel” printed on them)!
* Messy Diapers – 4 diapers with messes in them… guess which CHOCOLATE BAR was each mess (totally melted and smushed Almond Joy, Reese’s, Rollos, Musketeers – Very Authentic Looking, but Yummy Smelling *LOL*)!

I had a Wonderful time, it was a Lovely day, and I took a BUNCH of photos!

CONGRATULATIONS TO RAQUEL & NEIL!!!

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