The Boob Brigade is Off...

Tomorrow, I leave for Canada. For some reason, since I'm going to Canada for my new boobs, I feel like I'm crossing the border to obtain illegal drugs or something - sneaking. However, I've found out some interesting things about our trip. Toronto has the world's largest underground walkway called the PATH. It connects just about everything we'd want to see or do while we're there - and our hotel sits right on top of it. We're staying in the tallest hotel in Toronto and we're only a block and a half away from the third largest shopping mall in Canada. Holy crap - it just doesn't get any better than this!

Unfortunately, I probably won't have a lot of time to shop. I'll be working with Irene all day long every day but it will give mom something fun to do. I can't wait to see what this is all about. Then, 4 weeks later (in time for my sister's wedding) my boobs will arrive on my doorstep by FedEx. I feel a little weird about that part too...

I'll be back on the 5th and will let you know all about it! Oh Canada - here I come!

Ridin' The Bull...

Every year, my sisters, our mom, and I get together for our annual girls weekend. We're such a mixed bunch - we have a heck of a good time together, no matter where we end up. This year, we did Boise - it could have been boring but it wasn't! In honor of mom's 76th birthday, we floated the mighty Payette River.

About 3/4 of the way down the river, the guide told us about "Riding the Bull." Huh. Sounded like fun. Kate hopped up front first and I must say - I was impressed. She even rode one-handed like a real bull rider, and she had the rodeo wave down pat.

Next was Linda's turn. She was good too.

Looks easy enough. My turn. I carefully crawled to the front of the boat and worked my butt into place. Holy crap, my pants were wet, I found myself sinking back toward the boat. If I pulled myself forward back onto the bow, was I going to pitch forward and fall overboard? I didn't dare fall into the boat - Kate and Linda had done so beautifully. What do I do? Unfortunately, I had no control as my hind end slid further into the watery bottom of the raft. (note however, I do have my left arm up ready for the authentic one-handed ride had I made it that far.)

It was like being a turtle turned upside down. I was squished between the bow of the boat and the first seat and I had this cumbersome life vest on that made it impossible to turn to one side or the other. Thankfully, I was with my family - I knew they'd help me regain at least some sense of dignity by quickly helping me out of this awkward situation. I didn't want our cute little guide to think I was a total fool!

They couldn't stop laughing long enough to help me up, but as you can see, one of them was kind enough to help me put my hat back on.

Again Kate (and Linda) - THANKS FOR NOTHIN'!
Happy Birthday mom!

Our Freaky Ostrich/Chicken

We have chickens... and pheasants... and quail. They're the neatest birds. We've always loved chickens so we got some this spring for Adam (yea right) and they've grown up to be so beautiful! They have wonderful feathered feet that russle when they walk. The chickens and the quail love eachother.

The one on the right doesn't know he's a rooster - he doesn't crow. Good thing, we're not allowed to have roosters. Ok, we're not allowed to have chickens... or pheasants... or quail... but - we're the hillbillies - we're allowed to do anything until we get caught.

When you buy your chickens as babies, they pretty much all look alike. However, all four are oddballs. This one below has the most beautiful fluffy bottom - it's like great clouds of the whitest feathers you've ever seen. How does a chicken keep it's bottom so clean???

Then, there's Napolean. Who would have known we'd end up with an ostrich/chicken. She's so beautiful and she knows it. She doesn't have feathers per say, she has great plumes of black "fur" that flows with every step she takes. I love Napolean the most.


I'm sure there's a real name for this breed of chicken but I don't know what it is. Anybody? Until we find out, she's the ostrich/chicken.

There's Never Been A Better Song...

It's my all-time favorite song and Louis Armstrong does it best. It always makes me remember what a wonderful life I have...

I see trees of green,
red roses too
I see them bloom
for me and you
And I think to myself:
"What a wonderful world!"

I see skies of blue
and clouds of white
The bright blessed day,
the dark sacred night
And I think to my self:
"What a wonderful world!"

The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands
saying "How do you do."
They really say: "I love you!"

I hear babies crying
I watch them grow
They'll learn much more
than I'll ever know
And I think to myself:
"What a wonderful world!"
Yes, I think to myself:"What a wonderful world!"

I miss you terribly...

I had a Board Meeting for the Idaho Peace Officers' Memorial this morning. It usually makes me a little sad, I guess I think a little more about dad on those days then normal.

I'm getting ready to send a card to the wife of an officer who was recently murdered in the line of duty and didn't know her first name. I did a google search and found this website which I had totally forgotten about. The link is below.

I miss you dad...

http://www.odmp.org/officer.php?oid=10727

And the band played on...

Last week, my two younger sisters came to town for our annual girls weekend with our mom to celebrate her 76th birthday. Linda's plane was arriving at 4:00 pm while Kate's wasn't due to get in until 8:00. Rather than having to drive across town again to pick her up, Kate suggested we leave a vehicle at the airport that she could just drive to mom's once her plane arrived.

After some discussion, we decided it would be more fun for the three of us to go and meet Kate's plane. So, Kate told mom "Well, if you're all going to come and get me, then I want balloons and a sign." OK. "Oh, and a band". "A rubber band?" mom asked. "Hell no, I want a marching band!"

When mom told me jokingly what Kate had requested, I knew it was something we could easily deliver. Don't EVER make the mistake of asking for something you really don't want...

So after a quick trip to the dollar store and a short practice session, we were off to pick up Kate at the airport.

We were giddy with excitement. You see, Kate has this laugh that is huge - not obnoxisouly huge, but EVERYONE notices (and usually can't help but laugh too) when Kate laughs.

"I can't wait 'til she gets off the plane. I hope she has to go to the bathroom, I'd love to see her pee her pants right there in the airport! She's just gonna' die!"

"This'll teach her never to request something she doesn't really want!" Oh the excitement was just unbearable. Definately well worth the stares from the uninformed others, waiting to greet their loved ones at the airport. Yep, this was a GOOD one, well worth even the $3 we had spent at Everything's Just One Dollar.

So here we are - waiting for her arrival (notice the buck teeth - 5 pair for only $1!):

The big moment arrives - she's the first one off the plane!! In some semblance of order, we march out to the middle of the walkway and turn in unison to face her as she walks through the door...

A blank (embarrased) stare... No laughter... No pants peeing...

"What the hell are you guys doing????"

"We're the band here to greet you!"

"What band?"

"The one you wanted!" Ok, NOW she's gonna laugh!

"I didn't want a band!"

"Yes, you did."

"No, I didn't."

"Yes, you did! You told mom you wanted a band, and a sign, and balloons!" Good God, this was not the way it was supposed to be...

"Remember, I asked if you wanted a rubber band and you said NO - a Marching Band! So here we are!" We're still waiting for the uncontrollable laughter...

"Oh yea... Good God, you guys should be embarrased."

Well thanks for nothin' Kate...

Did I tell ya I'm gettin' new boobs????

On July 31st, my mom and I are going to Toronto. For 5 years, I've had the "freedom" of not having to wear a bra. I have to admit, I like it. However, I don't like the stares and the fact that all I can wear is sweatshirts and too large t-shirts in order to try and hide the fact that I have no boobs.

I've tried prosthetic breasts from some of the stores that carry such things. They're ungodly heavy, they're extremely hot, and they shift - making me wonder if one ends up under my armpit instead of where it's supposed to be - would anyone tell me? For there being SO many women like me who have no boobs - why haven't they come up with something that is better.

So, a year ago, I started doing some research on the internet looking for "custom" breast prosthesis. I found ONE place that makes such a thing. There's a lady in Canada named Irene who started out making facial prosthesis for cancer victims. Then, she discovered people like me who needed services like hers. I'll be working with Irene for 4 FULL days.

On my last appointment with my Oncologist, I told him about my trip to Canada. At first, he was horrified, thinking I had scheduled reconstructive surgery. He told me I was NOT a candidate for it (which I already knew). Then I explained further what it was and now he's fascinated and can't wait for me to get them. He wants me to come in and show him my boobs!

Actually, this is so new and something he's never heard of and so he's really excited to have another option to give to his other patients. (I should have told him I'd show him my boobs if he'd help sponsor my trip - these things aren't cheap!)

So anyway, 4 weeks after I return from Canada, I'll be gettin' my new boobs by FedEx! I can't wait to wear normal clothes again!

If you know a woman who might be interested in Irene's work, her website is http://www.new-attitude-inc.com//?page_id=38. I want every woman like me, who doesn't have the option of reconstruction to know about this wonderful option!

Remembering...

I spent some time a few days ago looking through disks full of pictures for a digital frame I had just purchased. I ran across these two pictures which to me, are priceless. My dear, sweet brother Steve decided that when I had to shave my head, he wanted to do it with me. Now that's loyalty! My dear, sweet best friend Sue (God bless you Sue!) has been through cancer 4 times and once we were bald together. It made it a lot more fun to be bald when I had someone to laugh about it with! You guys are the best...