Merry Christmas

....this has been a wonderful holiday thus far, with more to come. Bless each of you...... a Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Happy Birthday to ME!

I am so happy today....who wouldn't be on their birthday? I have decided that I am celebrating my 39th year.......again........and I thank everyone that has sent a note or called. As I was mentioning in a luncheon this morning, every day above ground is a good one, but it's been especially nice so far. When you brush death, it's amazing how much sweeter things are. Best wishes to all!

A Normal Week For Me - Busy!

An incredibly busy week, with final exams for students, "ringing the bell" for the Salvation Army, the Alvin Community College Foundation Gala at the Nolan Ryan Foundation, kids coming home from college, and the fact that I am heading to Alabama! I'll keep you posted....should be back Sunday. Am I the only one that hasn't put up their Christmas tree?

A Great Christmas Present!

Can you believe it is December? (okay--although this blog page is supposed to be "cancer-free", I have to write the following). Can you believe that one year ago, I was told that there was nothing anyone could do for my health situation, and to go make a will? Can you believe that I had a medical procedure done that literally saved my life, even though it technically "isn't done" anywhere? Can you believe that, out of 9 tumors in my lungs, I only have one left? Life is good right now!

With that said, you can see my frame of mind. I am happy happy happy. I don't have to think about anything medical until my next set of scans in January. I plan to eat everything in sight, drink wassail and wine, see as many friends as possible and shower attention on the ones I love. Yahooooo!

Full Tummies, Full Hearts

What a wonderful Thanksgiving it was! Across America, people relaxed and belts were loosened as we gathered round the table and celebrated with food and family. My house was no different, with kids home from college (plus a few of their friends in tow). I am excited as we head toward the Christmas holidays now, and am trying to practice the Buddhist concept of "mindfulness" along with the Christian thought of living each day as God would want me to. I hope each of you that visits this site is well, and that the holidays bring you only good things.

Pay it Forward, Part 3

It’s amazing at the number of replies I’ve gotten so far about “paying it forward!” There are some great things that people have done, mostly anonymously, for those in need....or even for those that are not technically in need, but would benefit from something special. I would like to think that this isn’t just the holiday season talking, although I did notice that yesterday’s Houston Chronicle did its annual story on “Goodfellows”, their 90-odd year old charity that raises so much money for Christmas gifts for kids and their families here in Houston.

With that in mind, I am headed to a car dealership with two bulging bags of food items to support a charity that local broadcaster Dayna Steele is working with. So......the thought for today is find someone deserving that needs something, and be there for them!

Pay it Forward, Part 2

I have gotten a wide variety of emails about "paying it forward". Apparently there are more good souls out there than I would have guessed! However, the most interesting one took an idea and turned it around. "Paying it forward does not always mean doing something for someone", a person wrote me. "Sometimes it means NOT doing something. There have been several times that friends or business associates do or say something hurtful or just plain stupid. If I wanted to (and sometimes should have done perhaps), I could demand an apology or that the incident be put to rights. However, my version of "paying it forward" is to give that person "grace" and ignore the hurt or the mistakes. In the great scheme of things, it doesn't really matter, and I can live without an apology or being in the right......

Hmmmmm.......

Pay it Forward

I watched a movie this past weekend (or a part of a movie...who has time to watch the whole movie anymore?). It was the one where the junior high school teacher motivates one of his students to do something that will impact the world. It’s where the phrase “pay it forward” came from. I am struck with the simplicity of that phrase, and yet how important it is. If everyone took one opportunity to “pay it forward”...to actually do something of value for someone in advance, without any thought as to pay back or owing a favor, what a better place the world would be! It’s really more than the old “put money in the coke machine for the next guy” idea...I mean, this could be really important to someone. Have you paid anything forward? Or had it done for you? Think about it......

Trick or Treat!

Happy almost Halloween! My favorite holiday (and those of you that know me well will totally understand that!) My kids still trick-or-treat (and one is in college!), and I still dress up and decorate the house. For those of you that continue, year after year, to get “in the spirit” (a Halloween play on words...get it?) during holidays, I salute you! Take some time on Monday to tell the little kids how cute their costumes are, and give out some extra candy for me. (if anyone wants to know, I am into caramel apple lollipops this year.....)

Think Before You E-Mail

I am headed out today for Alabama to have another PET CT, so I should have an accurate reading on how everything is going by this weekend! On another note, I’m puzzling today on the topic of “email rage”. We all recognize the phenomenon of road rage, and although it’s really unacceptable, we all accept that it exists. I came across a situation of email rage yesterday at my radio station! A listener emailed in and asked a question about the name of a band that he heard on the air. We replied that we’d look into it and get back with him (we get at least 50 of these kind of emails a day it seems....). He was incensed that it took more than a day to reply to his request....and just raged on and on about weird stuff. Scary that there are people with that much pent up anger inside them, looking for something to unload it on. I’ve heard that it’s because they can unload on people anonymously, without actually having to face anyone...truly a coward’s way out I guess. And although I was sorely tempted to forward that lovely email to his supervisor (hmmm....during working hours too), we took the high road. But I feel good about that decision today!!! And after talking to a few other folks that deal with the public, I find that we are not the only one that’s been in this situation, and apparently it IS on the rise! So take a deep breath before you open your email each day........and smile!

Catching My Breath

Life is getting back to normal, or as normal as it gets for me! My thanks to each and every one of you that participated in “Rock For the Cure”, whether it was buying a ticket, donating a silent auction item, working at the event, or just calling and wishing us luck! It was truly an amazing night! We had media celebrities galore, plus a huge number of KACC alumni that came back to visit us. Every single part of the evening went perfectly, and we got to visit with people we haven’t seen in 20 years, along with our everyday friends and neighbors. I wish I could have spent more time with each individual, but we all did the best we could at catching up in high speed! I am honored to have been a part of all of this, and I recognize how much work was involved. There are hundreds of thank you notes that I will be writing for the next few weeks....but suffice it to say that if you were involved, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Back from Rita

To everyone coming back from the evacuation--welcome home! I made it home today, with the waves of Houstonians on the freeways, and was thrilled to find no damage and no power loss. I learned a lot from this hurricane experience; mainly how UNimportant material possessions are in the face of disaster. How the only things that need to be protected during the storm are people. Especially loved ones. And how faith alone can get you through anything.

Friday Night Lights

On almost any fall Friday night in almost any town across America, there are thousands and thousands of families all going through exactly the same ritual. It’s high school football! Kids playing their hearts out, parents cheering, the band performing, cheerleaders and dancers strutting....it’s what we all do! (why am I thinking about high school football? Because this radio station has covered local football games for well over 25 years, and it NEVER gets boring.) If you haven’t gone to a high school game in a while, do yourself a favor. Buy a ticket and go. You will be amazed at how much fun it is (even when you don’t have a kid in the system). And when that national anthem is sung on the field and the flags are raised, look around......what you see IS what America is all about.

You may not agree with me, but......

Like everyone else, I have pretty staunch opinions on things, and today I am actually wading into the political fray to add my 2 cents worth. You know, the state of Texas took the humanitarian high road by taking most of the refugees in one fell swoop. Did they think it all the way through? Probably not. Will there be problems with displaced people, increased crime in the area, loss of jobs for those already here? Probably so. Will we regret it in the long run? Possibly so. However, with that said, rather than gripe about how the Astrodome will have to be demolished after all this, and despairing over the state of Houston....okay, here’s my 2 cents worth......it’s time to move on. Want to help? Donate money. Go volunteer. Unless we have solutions ourselves, there really is no point in being hostile......life is just too short!

Broadcasting Disaster

Working at a radio station during a disaster is difficult to describe. We are being flooded with massive amounts of information, that can literally save lives, and having to sift through each and every piece of news to make sure it is correct. My students are getting "real-life" experience like no other, and we are all running on adrenaline and the desire to help in any way we can. Broadcasters often risk their own personal safety to stay on-air and serve their communities, and while not all of them are fabulous, they are driven to help by getting information to the people. Today the National Association of Broadcasters just announced that they are making a $1 million dollar cash donation to the American Red Cross. I have never been more proud of this industry!

For Some of Us - It Could Be Worse

I feel really blessed that I made it back from Alabama literally one hour before they closed Interstate 10 and made it all contra-flow (is that a word?) lanes on Saturday. Just in time!!! I have been oddly moved lately by the number of people that are calling that are either encouraging, or they desperately need someone to talk to about their cancer diagnosis. All I can say is that there is a plan....I just wish I knew what it was.......

You know, I now have a really annoying face rash from the last bout of chemotherapy, and I may be getting ready to buy a wig....but I am blessed in that I do not live in the New Orleans area! It’s wonderful how local businesses are helping out the folks that came here to avoid the hurricane. If you see anyone with Mississippi or Louisiana plates on the road, give them a ‘thumbs up’ and a smile. And if you can, call 1-800-HELP-NOW and see what you can do.

Friends in the Workplace

After spending the day at the annual Alvin Community College Workshop, I can only say how blessed I am to work at such a wonderful place, with such caring people. You know who you are.....thank you for everything you are doing for me!

Rock for a Cure

Okay, get out yor calendar and mark October 8th NOW! "Rock for a Cure" will be a marvelous event, for more than the obvious reason. Have you seen the beginning list of who will be there? I am always so impressed at how the different (and competitive!) media outlets in town unite together when they need to. Each of the celebrity "hosts" not only represents their business, but also show their commitment to education. That is SO important to the future of the media business...and the country! Remember, of course, that each and every person that decides to come that night is also a celebrity in his/her own right...and we look forward to seeing you there!

We are Family

Have you seen my brother's cartoon about me (daybydaycartoon.com)? It's so cool to be related to someone with artistic talent. I was always the kid who colored strictly inside the lines of the coloring books, while my brother was light years beyond them. For those readers who are visiting this website as a courtesy to my brother, thank you for doing it. He is a wonderfully witty, smart, eccentric guy who reads incredibly dry books (zzzz) and has the most acerbic tongue and cynical wit I've ever experienced.

(and if he reads this, there's a chance I'll get a really good Christmas gift this year....)

Paying it Foward

I was driving to work today and went by a teenager walking by the side of the road, away from a car with its hood up and steam coming out of the radiator. It was about a zillion degrees, and he reminded me of my son, so I stopped and asked if he needed a ride. He smiled at said “No Ma’am, I live right there” and he gestured to a house about a block away. And then he looked me straight in the eye and said “but bless you for asking”. While I don’t advocate picking up folks on the side of the road, I felt better as I drove away. Hopefully, if my son ever needs a ride, someone will pick him up. It’s that concept of “paying it forward”.

The Latest

I know this part of the website is supposed to be cancer free, but so many folks use it to keep up! Here's my news...I just finished having two small tumors ablated on one side of my lungs. I will be returning to Alabama at the end of the month to take care of the other side, but there's a catch. These two tumors (one new, one old) both are so close to my heart that ablation is not really an option; rather, they will be injected with chemotherapy.The down side is that I also need to go back on systemic chemotherapy....the really bad stuff for about 6 months. It complements the injected stuff, and increases its power. So, for 6 months, I will probably lose my hair (finally!) and develop a rash on my face (and that IS unfair.....why doesn't it develop on, say my ankle? But NOOOOOO). I definitely will not be looking my best, but it should do the trick. And that's the important part, right?

Back from Alabama

Here's the latest....my trip to Alabama showed that in the last two months, I have developed two brand new tumors to deal with, along with one that was previously ablated and is trying to re-grow (is that a word?). And the tumor near my heart is just sitting there...not smaller, but not bigger either. Not great news, but it could be much worse! So, I am headed back to Alabama this coming weekend to do another ablation procedure, and going back on chemotherapy. I've been off chemo for a month--the first time in about 2 years. It was heaven, but obviously, it doesn't work for me. The doctor told me that my goal is to remain proactive and stay as healthy as I can, and keep "putting out fires" (his words) until gene therapy can be used in this country. So that's the plan! Thanks for all the calls and notes....keep 'em coming! I need all of you......

Back to the grind

I am back from a mini-vacation with my kids to spend some time with my dad and brother in Florida. This coming weekend I will be in Alabama, having yet another PET scan and possible ablation. Pray for good news.....

On the road again

Barring another hurricane, I will be on the west coast of Florida for a week with my kids, visiting family, and getting ready for my next medical visit to Alabama the following weekend. I’ll keep you posted......

The same, but different...

I was invited to a seminar on spirituality as it relates to healthcare last night by some dear friends in Galveston. The seminar was hosted by an Episcopal minister and featured a Buddhist monk...what an interesting combination! But what I found most interesting was the mission statement at the beginning, which was “ (1) Differing opinions are encouraged, because the search for truth is not enhanced when all think alike. (2) Acceptance and appreciation of a person with a different opinion is crucial to the adventure of life and (3) All questions are to be taken seriously.”

Good advice for everyone, don’t you think?

Happy Fourth!

I am headed out with a walkie-talkie, ready to help coordinate the music that will accompany the fireworks tonight. There are no holidays in radio! Happy Independence Day! Remember that independence is not free, and freedom does not come easily. A prayer for all the men and women fighting to keep us free....and that they come home soon and safe....

Soothing Music

If you haven’t watched The Survivor Movie on the home page, please do. It is inspiring, and sure to bring a tear to your eye. The music is Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”, one of my all time favorites. When my kids were babies, I used to slow dance with them to this piece until they fell asleep in my arms. Funny story---when my daughter was about eight, she wanted to get me my favorite song, and had someone take her to a music store. She kept asking for the music from “Taco Bell” (it does sound kind of the same!), and couldn’t understand why no one had it.

P.S. Don’t tell her I told this story!

Summer Events

There are so many things going on this summer, and I know everyone’s schedule is maxed out...but if you are local, add these two things to your dance card. First, an organization that I belong to called the “Red Hat Divas” is having a garage sale to benefit the Friends of Cathy on Saturday June 25th in League City. For information, call 281-332-3184. (I would point out that I am not (quite) old enough to warrant a red hat...I am still in pink for another two years!) Secondly, the KIOL 103.7 Half Baked Beach Bash is scheduled for East Beach Galveston on Saturday July 2, featuring the Arc Angels. I’m thrilled to be a part of these two events, and hope to see you there!

It DOES upset you!

WOW! In a previous entry, I was musing about pet peeves. What an amazing array of peeves are out there...from the mundane to the important. Some of the responses I got were:

People that litter. People that spit in public. People that talk on the phone during movies. Racism. Not taking women seriously. Backbiting and gossip. Misspelling stuff and not checking it (I must have a lot of teachers reading this!). Folks that wear too much perfume on an airplane. Anyone that wears spandex (??) Hypochondriacs. People that have easy lives and complain anyway. Voicemail. And the winning entry with the most number of mentions: people that talk on their cell phones while driving (badly!)!!!!

Thanks for your input......

Does it upset you?

Okay, I'm intrigued....in my travels this past week to and from Alabama, I realized that I have several pet peeves, mostly having to do with driving. For instance, it irritates me when people throw cigarette butts out the window (I've always wondered if smokers have cleaner cars than non-smokers because of that?) Also people that drive SLOWLY in the left lane. People that tailgate.Of course, there are non-driving pet peeves, like people (that look a LOT like my daughter) that leave a tiny bit of juice in a bottle in the fridge, rather than throw it away. So.....what is YOUR pet peeve?

Mom, I Love You

I am writing this from Alabama. Today is a good day (I'll explain more later), but it has a tinge of sadness too. Today was my mother's birthday. She died nine months ago of pancreatic cancer, in the most bizarre of circumstances. The short version--she was really sick, and in the hospital for a week. I had flown to Florida to be with her. She was told that she had cancer, but that nothing was going to happen anytime soon, and she was mentally okay with it. I left to fly back home, with the intentions of being back in a few weeks. I landed in Houston, only to get an emergency call from my brother to get back on a plane. I was back in the hospital in Florida 24 hours after I had left it, and my mother died one hour later. I had the privilege to be with her the last hour of her life. The next day my father and brother and I had to evacuate (remember the three hurricanes that hit Florida?), and we lived in a daze in a hotel somewhere for 2 weeks....but that's another story.

Anyway....if your mother is alive, tell her you love her. And happy birthday Mom......

Good Ole Golden Rule Days.....

I’ve been getting quite a few emails recently from former students (I am sensitive to the word “old”). For those of you that don’t know what I do (sometimes I don’t know exactly what I do!), I teach radio and television to aspiring broadcasters-to-be. It’s amazing how spread out they all are....in the last week, I’ve gotten emails from New Orleans, all over Texas, and a couple of the “it’s still cold up here” states. Even though the media is a crazy field, with sometimes ‘questionable’ practices (I am trying so hard to be politically correct), I am touched at how so many of the folks that came through here still feel connected to the teachers and students they “learned the biz with”. And take note now...there are plans in the works to have a reunion of some sort in September....more details to follow.....

9 pm

It's Friday the 13th! I spent the whole day at the hospital getting chemo, so I'm pretty brain dead right now. I know I'm supposed to keep this blog page cancer free....and let's hope the chemo is doing the same to me! I'm too tired to think of anything interesting to say....so hug somebody for me. Good night....

Mother's Day

I hope everyone had a Happy Mother’s Day yesterday! My kids conspired together to make me breakfast (home-made Belgian waffles.....I can feel my arteries closing...) and we spent the day just hanging out and talking (which is the hardest thing to accomplish with teenagers!) I’d like to extend my good wishes on those of you that also serve as surrogate moms (or dads!) to other kids not related to you. Lots of us have “extra kids” in the house from time to time....you know, the ones that always seem to be there? It takes special people to open their homes and hearts to extra kids.....bless each of you.

Get Involved!

Most people I know are committed to something ‘extra’...a benefit, a charity, a cause of some kind. I’ve always wondered what makes someone get involved, and I think I found the funniest answer yesterday. My daughter Cara and I were at the American Heart Association Annual Luncheon at the Westin Galleria, because we were lucky enough to get invited, and even more importantly, because the keynote speaker was Jack Valenti (a very influential man in politics and the motion picture industry, and since Cara wants to go into film, she was dying to meet him). Anyway, there were about 300 people there, all wearing the color red (get it? Heart Association?), all sharing their stories of working towards a common goal and how fulfilling it was. Several talked about how they originally got involved in the organization. One woman I was standing next to was very quiet, and I asked her what made her become a volunteer in the organization. Her answer? “I look great in red.” Yet that one seemingly insignificant silly answer still made her a hero to someone....she works hard to accomplish something for the organization, even if the original reason she got into it was a bit different. My message? It doesn’t matter why you get involved, as long as you do it.

School is Cool!

This is a great story I have to share. A few weeks ago, I ran into an old student of mine from over a decade ago, who had stumbled across this website and volunteered to donate the banners we used at the church benefit (wasn’t that sweet?). In his own words, back then he was a “bad” student..... kind of wild, and studying was NOT on his radar screen at all. I visited him, and we marveled together how his life was so good now. He has a thriving business, friends, a gorgeous wife and beautiful kids. Years ago, no one would have bet he would have accomplished so much. And he owes it to staying in school. But—reading the website apparently made him realize just how lucky he has it, and he told me he had come to the realization that he needed to give back. Yesterday, I got a notice in the mail from the American Cancer Society, saying a donation had been made by him in my name. Thanks Mike!

A Committee of Friends

You know, the next time I complain about being on a committee, hit me! Last night, I went to the final "wrap up" for the benefit that my church so graciously gave me. The original planning committee met for dinner...and at the end of the evening, we were all a bit sad that we wouldn't be working together anymore!. It's amazing how one project can turn strangers into great friends...

What Don't I Do....

You know, people ask me all the time what I do for a living, and my answers are radically different, depending on the day. But today was a great day! I make a presentation on time management to about 40 people in Pearland, and then I hopped on a bus with my college kids and we went on a field trip to Clear Channel in Houston. While we were going through all the studios, we got to chat with about 10 of my past students (who are all grown up and have really big jobs now!), plus Radio Hall of Fame's Milo Hamilton (an old friend). I am so proud of all my past students--they have done so well in this industry! (and boy, do I feel old now....)

Fringe Benefits

The church benefit is over, and I am still walking around in a state of shock. I have no idea yet as to what was raised...but that's not the important part. The important part was having old friends drive from Dallas(!) just for lunch. Watching one extended family handle the dessert table by themselves (did you see the chocolate-covered apples?!?) Noticing the detail that went into making signs and bid sheets for each and every item. Smelling the great food (that's all I could do...chemo hit me pretty hard that day). Seeing teenagers act as waiters and balloon makers and T-shirt sellers. Talking with as many people as I could who took the time to come out and join us. I am so blessed by each and every one of you. Thank you for making the benefit so special.

Angels Flying Close to the Ground

Not all angels have wings. This past weekend I saw an amazing number of angels, moving furniture and garage sale items, sharing stories and prayers, patting each other on the back when fatigue set in....all working together and for each other. Bless all of you.

True Treasures

My garage is filling up with stuff for the upcoming garage sale (and from what I understand, it’s not the only garage chock-full!) Isn’t it funny how we get stuff that we think we absolutely HAVE to have, only to discard it at a later date? What was I thinking when I bought the psychedelic Christmas lights or the extra set of china? Did I really think I would puree vegetable juice 24/7 or need heated car seat covers? Still, one woman’s discards are another person’s treasures....and I invite everyone to come to the garage sale this weekend. There are treasures galore......but the most valuable treasures are the people that are coordinating it. My sincere thanks to them.

New Old Friends

Just when you think you have everyone figured out, presto! you find out something new! I have been working at the same place for 27 years....that's a LONG time. Suddenly, I have found Catherine, a new friend at work, who oddly enough, has been there almost as long as I have. We've seen each other at countless teacher workshops, registrations, chatted during meetings and never gone that extra step, until now. She stopped by to visit today, and it's like discovering a brand new friendship. What a blessing!

Mindfulness

My thought today was to practice "mindfulness" (which actually was one of my New Year's resolutions). Mindfulness is the opposite of multi-tasking, and something that doesn't sit well with those of us that have to juggle a million things and a job at the same time (isn't that all of us?). I caught myself the other day talking on the phone, looking for a name in my rolodex and filing papers at the same time. Of course, I probably shortchanged whoever it was on the phone, never did find the number, and my files are awful. So...I am trying to concentrate on doing one thing at a time, and making it a pleasurable experience. Hmmmmm.....

Good Friends - GREAT Food!

I am never cooking again. I have a core group of wonderful men and women who have been bringing me meals for quite some time now. And I LOVE it! It helps so much when I don't feel good enough to cook (and Lord knows, the kids are excited everytime someone brings food!) It's just that they are all such incredible cooks! I have had the most succulent roasts, fabulous italian meals, fresh salads, barbeque to die for, and even things as mundane as jello salad....oh, what a delight! And the desserts! How did these people learn to cook so amazingly well? And how can I learn?

A Refreshing Conversation

Teachers sometimes talk about today's children with a hint of fear, because we think they're not adjusted, have seen too much violence, not had enough family time, and so on. The world is going to be just fine. I spent a little time this evening with a friend of mine and feel MUCH better! Hailey will be 13 this weekend, and is excited about her birthday. She's also excited about going to the science fair finals, spending time with her parents, and what she does at school and at church. Concerned about the world? Find a young friend and talk to them. You'll feel refreshed......