Fall together

Latest sun protection tool

This is so cool!  A Paris-based company called Netatmo has made a bracelet that measures sun intensity in real time. It relays that dat to an app on your smartphone, which alerts you when you're approaching your day's limit.  The app also gives sun exposure tips, tailored for your skin type and habits, and notifies you when you should apply sunscreen or put on a hat!

 

 

 

 

You can read more about it here.

 

Smooth Sailing

No explanation needed. ;)

36!!

 

A few years ago when I was hit with a Stage 4 melanoma diagnosis, my goal was to make it to my 35th birthday.  Now, exactly one year past that goal and milestone, I couldn't be happier or more grateful to live to see ANOTHER year.  I used to think that aging was for the birds, but now I totally embrace it because aging, no, LIVING, is truly a GIFT.

 

My new goal is to make it to 40 and even though 4 years seems like not too distant in the future, I am also keenly aware that anything can happen or change.  I have vowed to never take for granted good health, clean scans, and a strong body that is doing its job to stay healthy and cancer-free.  I feel confident about getting to 40, but I will never be over-confident.

 

February will mark 3 1/2 years remission and that is a big deal!  The big 5 year milestone seems reachable now and I will continue to pray that I make it there.  Life is too short to get swept up in unimportant things, hold grudges, and not appreciate our loved ones the way we should.  For at the end of the day, we don't want any regrets!

 

 

 

 

"I want to live simply, to work honestly, to love completely, and to dare mightily, so that when I die, my children, and their children, will know that I died empty, and well satisfied."-Doug Robinson

 

"There are only two ways to live your life.  One is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle."-Albert Einstein

 

The three grand essentials to happiness are: something to do, someone to love, and something to hope for."-Alexander Chalmers

Inspire

 

YES!  I love this so much.  This might just be my new personal mantra. ;)

The Moments We Stand

 

 

About 3 years ago, a Meridian, ID wife and mother went through the tragic death of her husband, who was murdered.  Her story was even featured on the TV show, 48 Hours.  I remember hearing about the incident because the murder took place about 2 miles from where I live.  I didn't personally know Ashlee, but we have many mutual friends.  Her story is truly unbelievable and courageous.  As you read her story, you want to feel sorry for her and for all that she has endured with her 5 children, but her words end up strengthening and lifting YOU up.  Her words are truly inspired and beautiful.  She is perhaps one of the strongest people that I know.

 

If you feel lost, hopeless, afraid, and drowned in sorrow, this story WILL touch you.  You can read Ashlee's story here.

 

"It is the extreme of darkness in this world that has brought me to many low points in my life.   I have seen its power and personally felt its despair.  I know it is real.  And through all the darkness, I have also seen much light. I have felt the power of light that becomes even stronger than any dark day. I have felt peace come when it felt impossible. I have been carried higher when I wasn’t sure if I would ever see hope again. This is my story. It is one of how darkness can be made light. A story of hope."



Hold On

 

 

Experiences Shape Us

 

I couldn't agree more with this statement.  Buddha was wise.  Ever since going through cancer and a few other bigger trials in our life, I have definitely learned to try to appreciate the journey and find the "silver lining" in those tough times.  And I think when you actually look for those blessings, seek understanding and patience, cling to hope for a brighter future, and welcome growth, you are bound to find the blessings along any kind of trial.

 

I know I am certainly a better person for overcoming the challenges in my life which have helped me have more compassion and understanding towards others, and that alone is a blessing!