Hollye Jacobs's Blog, page 4

This Weekend Be Happy

 

This weekend: Be Happy.

These are my wishes for you this weekend!

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Dry Dog Wet Dog

 

Dry Dog Wet Dog

Are you ready to giggle?  And if not giggle, then smile a big s**t eating grin!  Pet photographer Serena Hodson recently released these comical and just down right awesome photos of dogs after they had been given a bath and after they had been groomed.  I love love love her sense of humor!  I am so smitten with these images that I just had to share!  Hope that you enjoy them as much as I am!

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How To Focus A Wandering Mind

How To Focus A Wandering Mind

Have you ever been sitting on a conference call and your mind starts to wander while the others on the line are talking? You start going over all the things you need to get done, the things that should have gotten done yesterday, or just about where you wish you could be instead of enduring the call at that very moment. And then…. the line gets quiet for a moment and you snap back and realize that it’s your turn to talk, except you have no idea what question you were even asked! While this may never happen to you, it happens to me ALL.THE.TIME and I’m at the point where I’m feeling like I am going bananas!

According to a recent study conducted by Matthew Killingsworth and Daniel Gilbert, 47 percent of adults (from a 2,000 person sample) were NOT focused on what they were currently doing throughout their day. Another finding from the study suggested that when people’s minds wander, they tend to be less happy. Check and check.

So how do we stop our minds from wandering? To begin with, it is important to find good ways to strengthen our focus and stop the mind wandering. The best way to do this (and one of my favorite things to do!) is meditate.

Ironically, mind wandering is a central element of focused attention (FA) meditation. In this specific style of meditiation you are required to keep your attention on a single object (believe me it’s harder than it sounds!). Typically, you start with just focusing on your breathing. Try it for a few minutes and see what happens!

If you are anything like me, before long your mind will start to wander away from your breathing and venture into planning, analyzing, etc… you know the drill. By traning yourself to recognize when your mind starts to wander away from your primary focus you are building your brains mental strength. After much FA meditiation practice, you will be able to know when your mind is slipping away in a meeting and be able to deliberately bring yourself back to the moment. That ability only improves with training.

The key here is to learn how to become aware of your mental tendancies and use them purposefully, rather than letting them consume your mind. Meditation can and will help you better train your mind to stay the course.

Now, where was I…?

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Let’s Have a Picnic!

Let’s Have a Picnic!

Did you know that in 2000, a 600-mile picnic took place on July 14 in France to celebrate the first Bastille Day of the new millenium? Or that the first picnic table was designed in the late 1800s? Or what the fact that one of the earliest accounts of a picnic comes from tales of Robin Hood? His men would informally eat cheese, bread, and ale under trees!  Yep!  Fun, right?  Well, you all know by now that I’m nothing if not full of – sometimes useless, sometimes helpful! – trivia!

Anyhoo… In honor of National Picnic Day I also went a little “Pinterest Picnic” crazy… Here are a few of my favorite picnic images that are inspiring me to celebrate today!

These photos were just enough to get me and Buzz out of the house and to the beach this afternoon for a small (sandy!) picnic. I had some fruit while Buzz had a few kibble treats. It was a fabulous time.

Did you go on a picnic today?

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Lady Bird Johnson on Earth Day

Lady Bird Johnson on Earth Day

Earth Day wouldn’t be the same without Lady Bird Johnson. You remember her right? She was First Lady to President Lydon B. Johnson. She was also an avid flower lover (something we have in common)!  What I learned about her is that she was an incredibily passionate environmentalist who was instrumental in making conservation a part of the national dialog.

The Highway Beautification Act of 1965 was the result of her national campaign for beautification. One of my favorite things that she did during her time in the White House was gather all of her friends to plant thousands of tulips and daffodils at the U.S. Capital. How great is that?  Oh and the Silver Lining is that they are still there today!

Lady Bird also chaired the Town Lake Beautification Project, a community effort to create a hike and bike trail and to plant flowering trees along the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. She became a member of the National Park Service’s Advisory Board on National Parks, Historic Sites, Buildings and Monuments in 1969 and served on the council for many years. She was also honorary chairman of the LBJ Memorial Grove on the Potomac in Washington, D. C. (Yeah I know, what did she NOT do?!)

On her 70th birthday in 1982, Lady Bird founded the National Wildflower Research Center, a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the preservation and re-establishment of native plants in natural and planned landscapes. She is inspiring me on this Earth Day 2015.

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Sugar on Your Brain

Sugar on Your Brain

I have a sugar problem. There. I said it.  I crave it like mad and have never met a HoHo, Ding-Dong or bowl of Malted Milk Ball ice cream, doughnut, cupcake or piece of chocolate salted caramel cake that I don’t like. Even thinking about it makes me drool. This is serious, people.

When people say to me, “I’m not a sweets person,”  I look at them with a “WTF?” expression on my face. I just can’t begin to imagine how in the world a person cannot love sweets.  It is literally beyond my comprehension!

 I have written about my love of – and need to curb – sugar intake here before.  However, I need reminding of just how BAD it is for all of us, but especially those of us who have had any kind of cancer.  Sugar messes with my mind and always – always! – leaves me wanting more.  I’m not the only one, which is why I’m writing about it.  Did you happen to see the 2012 article – Public health: The toxic truth about sugar –  in the journal Nature?  It is quite an eye-opening doozy  of a piece that describes sugar as a toxic substance that should be regulated like tobacco and alcohol.  Wowsy.

Ok, if I haven’t scared you (by that I mean myself!) enough, here are some other important things to know before chowing down!

1. Sugar creates a vicious cycle of intense cravings.  Sugar activates reward signals that are sent to the brain and cause a surge of “feel-good” hormones, like dopamine, to be released (haven’t we ALL been there!). However, when this reward signal is activated too much by or too frequently by sugar a potential downward spiral can begin. Over-activating this reward system will cause loss of control, cravings, and increased sugar tolerance.

2. Sugar intake impairs memory and learning skills. According to a study conducted on rats in 2012 by researchers at UCLA, sugar hinders your brains ability to learn and memorize by literally slowing it down. How does this happen? According to the study, the rats that consumed high amounts of fructose (a/k/a sugar) had synaptic damage to their brain, causing impaired communication among brain cells. Sugar also caused the rats to develop resistance to insulin, which is a hormone that controls blood sugar levels and regulates the function of brain cells. When insulin levels in the brain are lowered due to high amounts of sugar consumption, cognition can be impaired. I wonder if this is a contributing factor to my memory dysfunction. Hmmm….

3. It may cause or contribute to depression and anxiety. If you have ever experiences a sugar crash then you know the drill… Munching on a piece of cake or eating a donut  makes your blood sugar level sky-rocket and then plummet! Think:  HAPPY –> SAD. When your blood sugar level finally comes back down you may find yourself irritable, depressed, moody, feeling anxious, or fatigued.  Heaven (and my family!) know that this is the case with me. Sugar-rich foods mess with the neurotransmitters in your brain that help keep your mood stable.

4. It’s a risk factor for age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Many studies have shown that high sugar consumption can increase the risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Researcher’s have found that insulin resistance and high blood glucose levels, which are symptoms of diabetes, are also linked a greater risk for Alzheimer’s. Vey is mere.

If these aren’t big and bold enough red flags for all of us, then I don’t know what are!  I now have scared the bejesus out of myself but the Silver Lining is that I will definitely think twice before imbibing.

 

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Musical Monday: Journey Don’t Stop Believin’

Musical Monday: Journey Don’t Stop Believin’

Journey is one of those classic rock bands that ignites energy through its songs and into thousands of its listeners. Every time I hear one of their songs, I GO.RIGHT.BACK. to the 80s.

 ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ is one of Journey’s top hits and of course one of my favorites because I am a small town girl who has often felt lonely in the world.  I met a city boy (who became the HOTY!). And – no matter what! – I keep on believing’.

Wishing you a Monday full of energy and Silver Linings!

Don’t Stop Believin’- Journey 

Just a small town girl

Livin’ in a lonely world

She took the midnight train

Goin’ anywhere

Just a city boy

Born and raised in South Detroit

He took the midnight train

Goin’ anywhere

A singer in a smokey room

The smell of wine and cheap perfume

For a smile they can share the night

It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers waiting

Up and down the boulevard

Their shadows searching

In the night

Streetlight people

Livin’ just to find emotion

Hidin’ somewhere in the night

Workin’ hard to get my fill

Everybody wants a thrill

Payin’ anything to roll the dice

Just one more time

Some will win

Some will lose

Some were born to sing the blues

Oh, the movie never ends

It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers waiting

Up and down the boulevard

Their shadows searching

In the night

Streetlight people

Livin’ just to find emotion

Hidin’ somewhere in the night

[Instrumental interlude]

Don’t stop believin’

Hold on to that feelin’

Streetlight people

Don’t stop believin’

Hold on

Streetlight people

Don’t stop believin’

Hold on to that feelin’

Streetlight people

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Rita Wilson Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

Rita Wilson Breast Cancer Diagnosis & Treatment

Did you hear about Rita Wilson?  FBC. Yep. I was as surprised as you are.  Having been in her shoes – well, not exactly  in her shoes as I certainly am not a public figure –  I understand how hard it is to share personal and difficult news with family and friends. However, the Silver Lining is that sharing these experiences helps so many others who are facing the same

Rita’s story is very different than mine in that she knew that she had an underlying condition of lobular carcinoma in situ (which is abnormal cell growth in the milk glands of the breast). In other words, this is considered pre-cancer and the majority of the time, people are monitored closely, but no treatment is required.

So, after years of monitoring in the form of breast MRI’s and mammograms, two recent surgical breast biopsies revealed pleomorphic carcinoma in situ. “Pleomorphic” means that the LCIS cells look more atypical under the microscope than the usual case of LCIS. However, her pathology report was clear and showed no cancer.

A friend of Rita’s suggested to her that she get a second opinion (ding-ding-ding #1!)  on her pathology report. Rita’s gut told her it was the right decision (ding-ding-ding-ding #2!). The BEST part is that Rita followed her intuition. And sure enough, a different pathologist found invasive lobular carcinoma. In other words, her abnormal cells became cancer cells. This new pathologist’s diagnosis was confirmed by yet another pathologist.

Immediately, Rita underwent a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. Rita said in People, “I share this to educate others that a second opinion is critical to your health. You have nothing to lose if both opinions match up for the good, and everything to gain if something that was missed is found, which does happen. Early diagnosis is key.”

In light of this second opinion talk, this reminded me of a blog that I wrote when I was going through a similar situation. For those of you who are newer to the blog, I hope you find it helpful. And for those who are veterans, please let it serve as a helpful reminder.

Second Opinions During F-Bomb Breast Cancer

I am a big — humongous — believer in getting second opinions. There is no better or more important time in your life to have as much data and experience contributing to your health care as there is NOW.

No, you are NOT “cheating” on your primary doctor by getting a second opinion. Pinky promise. In fact, the best doctors will make recommendations and wholeheartedly support your pursuit of a second opinion.

Here’s the thing, though, if you get a second opinion, you have to be prepared for the possibility of differing (or even conflicting) opinions. One of the unexpected frustrations (as if there are not enough!) of having FC (f-bomb cancer) or any other medical f-bomb in your life is when doctors and other health care professionals have differences in perspectives and opinions. This situation can unfortunately create some real (internal) conflict.

Here’s what you can expect when getting a second opinion:

You will need to get all of your medical records (sometimes including pathology slides…which is a bit of a pain in the tush, but worth it) delivered to the consulting doctor. Make sure that YOU do it. Don’t make any assumptions that this person or that person will do it. The Silver Lining is that with the move toward electronic medical records, many can be sent via email.
You may need to get additional tests, answer an array of the same questions you’ve already answered a million times and have a physical examination. Don’t let this frustrate you, please. It’s part of the process. One thing is for sure: be leary of any doctor willing to give you an opinion without doing a physical exam.
Insurance coverage isn’t a guarantee. If your insurance doesn’t cover the second opinion, you will be responsible for paying for it. Sorry for that bad news, but better to know on the front end than be surprised by it at checkout time.

So, WTF do you do if you get a second opinion that differs (either in a big way or in a small one)?

First of all, separate emotion. Don’t make your decision based on which doctor is “nicer” or treats you this way or that. While I wish that all doctors were created with a wonderful bedside manor, some just aren’t. As they say (on Dragnet): “Just the facts, Ma’am. Just the facts.”
If there are differing opinions, ask the doctors to talk to one another. This is a totally reasonable option and it happens all the time. I know this because as a nurse I’ve seen it!
If the doctors cannot come to an agreement, you may want to consider a third opinion. I know it’s not what you want to do, but it could be worth your effort.
Don’t assume. Ever. But especially now. The second opinion isn’t automatically the correct one, nor is the opinion that delivers better news.
The most important thing that you can do is to trust your intuition. There is no better voice than your own. You are the ONLY one who knows what your body can handle and when. Allow your intuition to lift you up and take a seat at the decision making table because it’s the most important voice in the room!

Getting a second opinion is very empowering way to advocate for your own care which is the ultimate Silver Lining when contending with a serious illness.

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Table Etiquette

Table Etiquette

In this nutty, fast-paced digital age it seems as though table manners have taken quite a turn. Case in point: last weekend, we had a dinner party and when we sat down, the HOTY announced:  “Would everyone please put all phones and electronics on vibrate?”  Yes, he actually said that.  I was gobsmacked by the fact that he even had to say that.  Incidentally, my goal is to have a bowl into which all cell phones go before any and every dinner, whether it is just the three of us or it is a dinner party for a big group!  I digress….

So, what do we do if people want to do things like take dinner selfies or photos of your food for instagram? It makes my tummy turn just thinking about all of this nonsense…in the literal sense of the word: NON-sense!  In light of these questions (and the fact that I am doing my darndest to raise a well-mannered 9 year old daughter!), I thought it would be helpful to go old-school and remind ourselves of the etiquette that has been in place for many many years (way before we had to ask people to NOT use  smartphones at the table!*@!*&).  My favorite etiquette tips come from Millicent Fenwick, author of Vogue’s Book of Etiquette.

Here are her 23 Rules for Table Manners:

1. Napkins belong on the lap.

2. The back should be straight without rigidity.

3. About elbows, which should be anchored to the table or the ribs, but always down near the sides.

4. Use your soup spoon in a motion away from the table edge.

5. Leave soup spoon in soup plate when done, but never in a soup cup.

6. Always drink something served in a cup from the cup itself (do not drink coffee from a spoon after stirring it).

7. The little finger should never be crooked.

8. Food should be kept in the center of the plate away from the flat rim.

9. Do not push around or mess up your food.

10. Only one thing cut at a time, no layering.

11. Two bites should never be taken from the same forkful.

12. About where to leave utensils mid-meal

13. And after a meal

14. The mouth should be wiped before drinking to keep the edge of the glass attractively clean.

15. Always break bread into pieces before buttering.

16. Sauces should not be sopped up with bread, nor should bread be dipped into coffee. . . . Though “Sopping up sauces or gravy with a piece of bread is standard practice in the good, hearty eating ways of middle-class Continental Europe; here, it is regarded as a little eccentric but flattering to the hostess.”

17. Salad should not be cut with a knife.

18. Anything that must be taken from the mouth and put back on a plate is dealt with according to a very simple rule: If it went in on a spoon, it comes out on a spoon (follows for hands, forks, etc.).

19. Never dip one utensil used for one reason (jam) into the vessel of another (butter).

20. Condiments go on the plate before the food.

21. Same goes for food served from a platter.

22. Soup, oysters, or any food already portioned should never be refused.

23. Fingers should never be used to push food onto the fork.

Whatcha think?  Am I a fuddy-duddy who is not keeping up with the times?

*Photo by my dear friend and co-author Elizabeth Messina.

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Musical Monday: Shake It Off

Musical Monday: Shake It Off by Taylor Swift

I haven’t been able to get this INSANELY catchy song out of my head for the past week. At first it was kinda of frustrating me that I kept singing “Shake it off! Shake it off!” in my head, but then I noticed that phrase came in pretty handy…. especially after I spilled my morning matcha on the counter. And when I found that Buzz had decided to make a mess of the trash in the kitchen, which I had to clean up (the phrase didn’t work as well for that one!) But you get the picture! Don’t sweat the small stuff today. Find Silver Linings and do your best to shake off the rest!

Shake It Off- Taylor Swift

I stay up too late, got nothing in my brain

That’s what people say mmm, that’s what people say mm

I go on too many dates, but I can’t make ‘em stay

At least that’s what people say mmm, that’s what people say mmm

But I keep cruising, can’t stop, won’t stop moving

It’s like I got this music in my body and it’s gonna be alright

‘Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play

And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate

Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off

Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break

And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake

Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off

I’ll never miss a beat, I’m lightning on my feet

And that’s what they don’t see mmm, that’s what they don’t see mmm

I’m dancing on my own (dancing on my own), I’ll make the moves up as I go (moves up as I go)

And that’s what they don’t know mmm, that’s what they don’t know mmm

But I keep cruising, can’t stop, won’t stop grooving

It’s like I got this music in my body saying it’s gonna be alright

‘Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play

And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate

Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off

Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break

And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake

Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off

I, I shake it off, I shake it off

I, I shake it off, I shake it off

I, I shake it off, I shake it off

I, I shake it off, I shake it off

Hey, hey, hey, just think while you’ve been getting down and out about the liars and dirty, dirty cheats in the world you could have been getting down to this sick beat

My ex-man brought his new girlfriend

She’s like “oh my God”, but I’m just gonna shake it

And to the fella over there with the hella good hair

Won’t you come on over, baby, we can shake, shake, shake

‘Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play

And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate

Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off

Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break

And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake

Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

I shake it off, I shake it off

I, I shake it off, I shake it off

I, I shake it off, I shake it off

I, I shake it off, I shake it off

I, I shake it off, I shake it off

I shake it off, I shake it off

I, I shake it off, I shake it off

I, I shake it off, I shake it off

I, I shake it off, I shake it off

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