I Heart PICKLES!

So many scattered thoughts in my head!!

1. I AM SO EXCITED!!! I was able to retire the good ol' slurry. Don't worry, I am still taking glyconutrients and the same amount just in a different way! OH MY GOSH! It tastes so much better!!

2. Yes, I want to be an adult...BUT, I HATE PAYING BILLS. I wrote over two weeks of pay out in checks tonight. Definitely, didn't take as long to spend as it did to make!

3. 56 days till I leave for the Caribbean!!!! Which leads me too...#4!

4. Counting calories! Ok, I never thought I really ate bad or a lot until yesterday. Normally when I would eat cereal I would pour until the bowl was full. I actually measured a serving of good ol' Cheerio's out and my bowl was a third full! I normally would eat 3 servings of cereal..Sad day when I realized my portion sizes were a bit off. So now I am at the end of day 2, it was much easier than yesterday but still rough. I am going to get through this! My goal is to weigh 140 lbs when we leave for our cruise...I am not going to tell you how much I need to lose! But, pickles have become my new best friend...5 calories!

5. AND I started Curves about 6 weeks ago and I have gained 10 lbs since then! But, I know I am more healthy. It is nice to actually have a routine and have exercise be a party of that! I love working out with older ladies...it's fun!

Ok, that's it for now...I know I was a bit all over the place but that's how things have been lately!

Happy 3rd Birthday Moose!

I can't help but smile! Tomorrow...3 years ago is the day I became a cancer survivor! I cannot express how elated I am that I am healthy today. Praise God!! My journey has been long but I have come through it stronger than ever. I also cannot thank you all enough for being there every step of the way! I have great friends!!

I was given a gift...that doesn't make much sense...but that is why I LOVE it. I was given a Moose when I got back from the emergency room in Lebanon. My moose is a tangible representation of being a cancer survivor!! He has been with me from the beginning! So Happy Birthday moose!!

2010

WOW! What a week. I worked almost 60 hours this week, did anyone realize it is not June or July when I am used to working that amount of hours in a week?!

Pyro City Fireworks hosted the 2010 Black Cat Conference. Which meant my store had to be in tip top shape. All conferences and most meetings in the fireworks industry include product demos...which means late nights since most fireworks need to be shot when it is dark outside. It was a lot of fun though. The conference started Tuesday. We had break out sessions in the morning and then an introduction to the 2010 line that afternoon to fill the void we went to T-Shirt Tuesday at the Royals game...they WON...and then off to the Pyro City in Bates City for the demo. The night can't end there..NO...I had to go entertain some out of town guests until 1:00 am. Wednesday I was beat! But, there is no stopping. We had meetings in the morning and that afternoon I tried to pick up the store as much as I could before I headed out to Lake Winnebago for the 2010 Asia Pyro demo! That night ended a bit earlier since most of our out of town guest were headed back to the hotel for early morning flights. Thursday evening we had both a 2010 Black Cat and Asia Pyro demo for Winco's customers. Let's just say TGIF!!

Not too mention I won a $50 Visa gift card!!! What shall I spend it on...maybe I'll save it for the cruise!!

Friends

I LOVED last night! It was so good to see some of my friends again. Jeremiah told Bobby and I that we are his "old generation" friends! Hmm...and that he matured with us! If you knew him the word mature is not compatible with him at all!! SUPER CUTE Wedding! Here are some pics...

Don't want to disappoint!

In the back of my mind **all week, I may add** I have been thinking what will I talk about in my next post? I can't leave my two faithful readers hanging!

Let's start with my *Angie* moment of the week. I was at Winco answering phones until one of my coworkers got there. I walk out to my car to find my rear view mirror hanging by the cord. I thought to myself, great...only to me! On my way home that day I stopped by Advanced Auto Parts and found the "super glue" for mirrors all by myself. I was quite proud!

Tonight, two more of my friends are getting married, Jeremiah and Erin! I don't see them much but I love when I do. One of the things I love about Jeremiah is he is willing to do anything for anyone! I'll share one of my stories about Jeremiah. It was shortly after my seizure when I was wondering how on Earth I would pay for everything that was about to take place in my life...surgery, MRI's, doctor's appt's, etc. Jeremiah was one that stepped up among other people and put on a benefit concert for me. I was so thankful for the efforts that he went too to help me out! I'll never forget that!

That's it for now!

Frequency...

I think I may start updating this more often! I enjoy going back and reading my previous post and well as of late there haven't been too many to read!

A lot has happened in the past few months...most I won't go into but I will elaborate on some. First, I had my first "relationship." I know...many of you are shocked that I have only had ONE! I must say I enjoyed it. Needless to say...the key word was HAD! One down many more to go! ; ) Just kidding...well, I hope I don't have to kiss too many frogs to find my prince!

Second, I am going on a cruise! I am going with Amy, Scott, Julie, Kristin and Brandon. We leave Ft. Lauderdale on Nov. 23 and head to Key West, Belize and Cozumel! I am super excited, this will be my first cruise!

Well, that's all I have for now...ang

Past Due...

I know there are some faithful followers out there that I have disappointed since my last blog was in Sept. of 08!

I don't like updating this if I don't have anything worth reading about. Although my life is pretty crazy and interesting it is something you would have to see to find joy in!

Here's something exciting though and worth telling about...
Last week, April 9th to be exact. I went in for my first scan after waiting 11 months. I was quite nervous. After much worry and a few sleepless nights my scan came back clear! Everything still looks good! I can only hope for a lifetime of the same results.

Thank you for your continued prayers and emails!

P.S. the picture above is from the Royals' Home Opener. I am so excited for the baseball season to finally be here! Not to mention the renovations at Kauffman Stadium are AMAZING!

Happy Birthday Moose

Today marks the day of my moose's birthday...You're probably wondering why I am remember let alone "celebrate" my moose turning two. Well, it was given to me as a gift by a good friend. I am not too sure why he chose a moose but it gave me a smile after a long confusing exhausting day.

The day I am alluding to is the day I had a seizure which led to me finding out that I had an abnormality in my left frontal lobe. Which led to surgery, cancer and ultimately a life changed forever.

Today was a bittersweet day for me. I always told myself if I had a life-threatening illness I didn't want to know. I had seen too many pass away and I didn't want my final years/months/days to be like theirs. In my case finding out was one of the best things that could of happened. Yes, it has changed my life forever...not for the better by any means but I am now "healthy" and living a "normal" life.

I greatly appreciate all of the support I've received over the past two years from friends, family and those that I have never met. You all have played and continue to play a huge part in my life. THANK YOU!!

Back to Lee's Summit or Bust

Just a small update of what's going on in my life.

So my time has finally ended in Warrensburg, MO. It doesn't seem real that I have been here for 1/4 (6 years) of my life. I never thought I would grow to love it but I have and I am really going to miss it. Driving blocks to accomplish anything that can be accomplished in Warrensburg was GREAT, friends being across the hall or down the street, late nights at DQ and so much more!

I am starting a new chapter in my life again. I'm moving back to Lee's Summit but this time it will be in a duplex with my brother. I am sure we'll have our arguments but I have really missed him the past few years so I am excited about seeing him more.

BIG day

Today was a big day!

First, I had my 6 month follow-up MRI and doctor's appointment. Besides being dehydrated and them having to poke me several times to get the IV with contrast in it went very well. My doctor said my scans continue to come back remarkably stable...remember 6 months ago he said that my scans cannot come back better than what they are. Which means...I now have to go back once every twelve months!!

Second, I was interviewed yesterday by Fox 4. David Cook as many of you know went to Central when I was there and we have also learned that his brother Adam has brain cancer. Fox 4 had contacted the ACS and the ACS gave them my information. I was pretty excited to do the interview. It was on at 5 p.m. If you go to the Fox 4 Health site you can view a video, below is the article:

Brain Cancer Survivor: Cook's Stardom Serves Higher Purpose
Kansas City News

A young Warrensburg woman went to the University of Central Missouri when American Idol star David Cook was also there and they have mutual friends.

But she has another reason to be amazed by Cook's success.

Angie Rhoads, manager of a Lone Jack fireworks store, saw Cook with his band Axium on Pine Street in Warrensburg.

"I liked the sound and they were great performers," Cook said.

But that isn't the only reason Rhoads has been struck by Cook's climb.

"I would think it would be so hard for him to be up there knowing that he couldn't be with his brother all the time," Rhoads said.

Cook's brother Adam is battling brain cancer that's spread to his spine and that's something Rhoads knows all about. Her dad died of brain cancer when she was just 7. Now Rhoads lives with it.

Rhoads was diagnosed with Oligodendroglioma 20 months ago, a rare brain cancer that's more common in men over 40.

After surgery, she chose not to have chemotherapy or radiation and instead turned to alternative treatment. Whether it was that or surgery alone, Rhoads has no signs of the cancer now.

"The doctor said your scans can't come back any better than what they are. So I'm really excited and I feel very fortunate," she said.

If only, she said, it were the same for Adam Cook. She thinks maybe there's a deeper purpose in Cook's rise to fame.

"Maybe it'll bring more awareness to brain cancer in young adults because it happens to everyone," she said. "Cancer doesn't discriminate, young, old, rich, poor, it can get anyone."

Meryl Lin McKean, FOX 4 News

Third, I got "tatted up" 5 years ago today in memory of my mom and dad...this may be news to some of you. But, I am proud to have this symbol of our memories with me all of the time and for the rest of my life.

Today wasn't a good day...it was a GREAT day!

Relay!

About nineteen months ago I was diagnosed with brain cancer. I knew what the disease could do...I watched my father fade away to cancer when he was 35 years old. I wasn't quite sure what to do after hearing that my tumor was not a grade 1 or 2, but 3 which meant cancerous. I did know that I did not want my journey to end as his did. I decided to have a positive attitude and know that I would survive. When I started to research I found the American Cancer Society's Cancer Survivor Network. This site was exactly what I was needing at the time. I felt so alone, I felt like no one understood what I was going through. The Cancer Survivor Network allowed me to enter my gender, age, and cancer type and in seconds I was no longer alone. I was able to read other's stories, leave messages for other survivors and even chat. Shortly after learning of the Cancer Survivors Network I got an invitation in the mail to go to a team captain meeting for Relay For Life. I had always wanted to participate for my father but now I had another reason. I wanted to give hope to others and share my story. Well, needless to say...it wasn't a team captain meeting I attended, it ended up being a committee meeting and it seems like history from there. Last year I was the Team Recruitment Chair and this year I have stepped up and taken over the role as Event Chair.

I have learned so much through this experience. First, cancer doesn't discriminate. It chooses male, female, young, old, poor and rich. If I can have cancer anyone can. I was always the healthy child among a family where doctors were part of our weekly routine, but not for me. I could count on my two hands how many times I had been to the doctor. Second, how grateful people still are for those who are making strides to find a cure. I always thought there would never be a cure for cancer...they are all crazy. But NO, there will be a cure. I am so grateful for those who spend countless hours of researching and educating. Third, I have learned how to work in a team to accomplish what seems to be the unaccomplishable at times. I have put so much energy into Relay For Life from tears, anger, frustration to joy, laughter, and a feeling of accomplishment. I have truly enjoyed this experience.

I ask one thing of you. If you would like to join me in finding a cure you can donate to the American Cancer Society through my Relay For Life website. Every dollar raised is one dollar closer to finding the cure...that they WILL find. Follow the link below to become a part of finding the cure that can save many deserving lives...

Angie's Relay For Life Page

TEAM W L % GB
Chicago 4 2 .667 -
Kansas City 4 2 .667 -
Cleveland 3 3 .500 1.0
Minnesota 3 4 .429 1.5
Detroit 0 6 .000 4.0

I am WAY excited about how the Royals are doing...but when I look at the Detroit's standing, I see that they haven't won 1 game and 3 of our 4 wins against Detroit. Has Detroit fallen apart since last year and that is why we won? I sure hope not...I would like to think that our ROYALS are going to be above 500 at the end of the season! Small strides!

AND

I really hope the weather (thunderstorms) are over by game time on Tuesday!

Opening Day 2008..I will be there!

Reflections

Reflections

February is always a hard month for me. It makes me think about my past...good...bad...unbelievable events. Good-coloring and going to the park with my dad. Bad-watching both of my parents pass away long before it was their time. Unbelievable-having cancer but feeling healthier than ever.

My life has been nothing but ups and downs since I was a child. Whenever something good happens I know that it will not last long because there has to be something that contradicts it. But, I have overcome many of those contradictions with giving them to God. He has been the ONLY constant thing in my life, even before I was able to recognize Him. I am so thankful for everything He has done but, I don't give Him the credit. I don't even realize it was Him until I sit down and think about the situation and try to figure out how I did this...it wasn't me it was ALL HIM.


Jimmie Jack Rhoads June 6, 1955-February 15, 1992
Deborah Kaye Rhoads April 6, 1956-February 21, 2003

I love you both very much and there is not a day that goes by that I do not wish you were not here. I want you to know I will always love you and I hope that I will see you again. As tomorrow comes I pray for peace and to recognize God in each moment.

Good Bye 2007

As you can see I took a little trip to bring in the new year. I went up to Boston to see my good friend, Bobby. I didn't want to come home...especially to work. We did a lot of very fun things that can only be done in Boston; such as First Night 2008, candle pin bowling, eating great clam chowder (who knew I would like it), hanging out with his crazy roommates (the three of them make quite the trio!), the hot air balloon (we thought it was going to be a flop but it ended up being one of the coolest things I have ever seen)!! Not to mention I LOVE THE T. The T is Boston's subway. I wanted to pack it up and bring it home with me.

The other two pictures are of my roommate and I. We had our own Christmas tree and we put up Christmas lights as well...it was great!

Thanks...giving

I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Let's start with I am still here and plan on being for quite some time. I went in for a MRI and consultation on Wed. My doctor said that your scan looks pretty darn good and keep doing what you are!! I was really excited about that! I was very nervous going into it because I never know what a MRI is going to hold for me.

Second, I graduated from the University of Central Missouri with honors in May after a tough time of simply getting through.

Third, I have a job with amazing health benefits!!

Fourth, I have friends and family that care deeply for me and have been amazing through all of the ups and downs I have had.

Thank you for EVERYTHING!!

A much needed weekend...

This weekend was FANTASTIC!! First, Friday Tabitha and I went to see a movie but the sound didn't work so we did the only other thing to do in Warrensburg...Bowling. We both did kind of poopy the first game..but the second game we both stepped it
up a notch and I scored my highest game EVER...a 185!!!

Saturday, I was able to sleep in as it rained and thundered! I love sleeping in especially when it is raining. The rest of the day I helped some friends film a movie for the Apple film festival.

Sunday, I went to my first Chiefs football game with Winco (the company I work for). One would think I would have been to a game by now with growing up in the Kansas City area but I hadn't. I was so excited just to be able to go and then on top of that Tony Gonzalez beat the NFL record for the TE with the most touchdowns and furthermore they won!!!

Last year at this time...

Last year at this time I was getting woke up about every 30 minutes. I had just got out of brain surgery (on the 29th). When I think about the entire experience of having surgery, I feel that it is a fiction story. But, every time I rub my head I am reminded that it really did happen.

I really can't believe how great I feel. I have never felt pain or felt like I have cancer. I praise God for that. I also have never been in a desperate situation when it came to finances. Having surgery is not cheap, but the Lord took care of that too. Also, when those funds ran dry, He took care of paying for my product as well. I don't know why I doubt God sometimes. My entire life He has been faithful to me, even when I have not been to Him.

One Year.

I was thankful to be able to spend time with my brother on Sunday. He took me for a ride on his bike. One year ago I didn't know if I would be here.

Sunday marked one year since my diagnosis. So I have lived one year as a cancer survivor. I still cannot believe I am a cancer survivor. I don't understand why I have cancer nor why I am a survivor. I don't feel that I am deserving of either. Last year at this time I was scared, confused and not sure of what the next day or year would hold for me. Those emotions I still have today, but I live with hope. Cancer hasn't been a death sentence for me, but it has given me a purpose. I can now relate to a group of people that I could have never connected with and I have been given opportunities that I would have never had. In ways I am thankful for this era of my life. Thank you to everyone who has prayed and are still praying for me. I am so thankful for those who have surrounded me with love and encouragement.