Photos from California

Here are a few pictures from my trip to California. I might add more later!

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. I know that colon cancer may not be a part of your every day, but it is mine. As many of you know, my mom has stage 4 colon cancer. She was diagnosed at the age of 55. She had no symptoms, no known family history, and felt just fine. She isn't a smoker and maybe has a drink on a rare occasion. Her diagnosis was a complete surprise and it was more shocking to learn she most likely had tumors growing for 3-5 years. She happened upon her cancer by accident, but by then, "this silent killer" had spread. This is something I, along with many others, would like to prevent you from experiencing. I think it is a good idea that there is a month decided to spreading the word about colorectal cancer because it reminds people to take a yearly inventory on their health and mention it to others. I'm trying to do my part by offering information about this type of cancer to you all so you can talk to others about it. Please talk to your parents, relatives, and friends about this. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States, accounting for about 20 percent of all cancer deaths. This year alone, more than 131,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colon cancer, and 56,000 will die from it.

Colon cancer is also one of the most curable types of cancer if it is diagnosed early. When detected at its earliest stages, chances for a cure are as high as 90 percent. There are several screening and diagnostic methods to detect colon cancer early, before it has spread to vital organs. A colonoscopy is the most common screening method and it can be done as an out-patient procedure.

Studies have shown that the following things have been associated with colon cancer:

• Eating a low-fiber, high fat diet with minimal fruit and vegetables. Limit foods from animal sources that are high in fat, especially saturated fat, such as red meat, milk, cheese, ice cream, and coconut and palm oil. Restrict fat intake to less than 30 percent of daily calories.
• A diet high in red and processed meats
  
• Being overweight
• Smoking (smoking at a young age - in your twenties - increases your lifetime risk of colorectal cancer)
• Inactive lifestyle
• Family history of colon cancer or polyps
• Age - About 90 percent of all colon cancer cases occur in people older than age 50. About 6 percent of people age 75 to 80 have had colon cancer at some point in their lives.
• Diseases of the colon
• Heavy alcohol consumption

You can read about symtoms here: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/colon-cancer/DS00035/DSECTION=2

It is important to remember even if you don't meet any of the high risk factors you are still at risk and should get a colonoscopy at the age of 50. My mom's only association to this list is that she is over the age of 50. You can find a lot of information on the web about colon cancer, if you would like to learn more. I hope you all can find people to talk to about this and spread the word. Time here on Earth is precious. Encourage your friends, family, and parents to take the proper precautions to ensure a long and healthy life!

25

Today I am 25. I feel like I should be sophicasted by now, but inside I feel like this.

Thanks to everyone for making me feel special today!

Today is Friday and I couldn’t be happier about it. Friday seemed so out of sight this week and I am relieved that Friday is here. I’m really looking forward to the weekend and excited for the Indiana Hoosiers to play again in the NCAA tournament. Last night they beat Gonzaga and they play UCLA on Saturday. I’m going to be in Hoosier Heartland (Bloomington) this weekend, so it will be great to be around some young college kids. I’m at that weird stage in life that if I am on a college campus I don’t look creepy old and strange because I can still pass as a student, but I know inside that I don’t belong there anymore. That my time at IU is over, but I revel in the fact that I can blend in with the masses for now. I used to laugh because it seemed like if you were over 40 and studying at IU, it was a prerequisite that you walked around campus with a “roller book bag” – the kind you pull on wheels behind you. I don’t know why middle-aged people are so averse to a bag, book bag, or carrying their books. Their belongings must be wheeled behind them. Maybe because as you get older, you think you need to bring everything but the kitchen sink with you. Meds, band-aids, lots of pens, some quarters just in case, glasses, sneakers to change into when you walk across campus, etc.

I arrived on Indiana’s campus when I was 18 years old. Since then, I’ve traveled to bunch of places, but Bloomington still remains one the best places in the world to me. My 25th birthday is on Monday and I can’t think of a better place to pre-celebrate. I love it there, roller book bags and all. I guess I have to start being sensitive to the older folks because I will soon be one of them.

I have a morning routine. I like to read the news and gossip. I usually hit up and peruse cnn, perezhilton, and people. Then I check my town's online newspaper to see if anything exciting is going on. Usually it just highlights sports, meth busts, or Wal-Mart. Today I found this huge picture front and center. It totally caught me off guard to see this because it is an incredible contrast from cnn and what is usually there. When I locked eyes with the guy, I couldn't stop laughing. I copied the picture and sent it to John and now he is experiencing fits of laughter. His eyes, his smile, his mouth, his tongue, the slab of fish he is holding - it is all too much. The combination is hilarious. John is going to practice duplicating this face. I can't wait to go home and see it.

California Love

It was 17 degrees when I got up this morning. I need some more California love.

I'm back from California, but under the weather. Some sort of miserable bug got me and I'm feeling really bad. I went to the doctor yesterday and now I am on drugs, but nothing seems to help yet. My head feels like it is in a vice and my throat is really hurting me. I'm taking antibiotics, Cold-Eeze, Sudefed, and Nyquil and nothing seems to be working. All my body wants to do is sleep. I want to rest my head against my keyboard and take a nap. I'll post pictures from my trip when I recover and things settle down a bit. We have an appointment today for my mom because we received some news and need to talk to the doctor. My sister is flying in today. I was in paradise a few days ago, but now that I am back, reality seems to creep it's way back in again.