Quality control!

Today at work, I was helping a lady purchase some fabric for her grandchildren. She was having so much fun picking out what she thought each one would like. She also had a new granddaughter on the way, and was purchasing stuff to make her a quilt too! At one point, we didn't have one of the types of fabrics that she wanted ( because as a quilt shop, cotton is usually what we carry ), I suggested that she maybe try one of the chain fabric stores. You should have seen her face," I am not going to go through that much work only to have cheap material" she said and then finished with "I want the these quilts and things I make for my grandchildren to last forever, for their kids and their kids". I just smiled and that is exactly what I thought.
When I was a new quilter, I thought it wouldn't hurt to use cheaper fabric, after all that would keep the cost down. But after I did and spent all that work on it, I was sad that I didn't use a much better fabric. Quality is important! And after working at the quilt shop, I can definitely see and feel the difference in a better quality of fabric. Only the best for my grand babies too!

I remember when I was battling cancer for the first time, when all the decisions were having to be made and I was so scared. It dawned on me that I had to decide if I wanted quality of life, verses some of the other choices. NONE which were guaranteed, but it was something I really had to study out and pray about. Now I am not saying one is right or wrong, but I do think there is a right or wrong for each of us. Not every treatment is right for everyone. You need to know your body well enough, to understand what it needs, that is important. Many women have said to me " well, this is just what I had to do because my Oncologist didn't give me a choice". I am not trying to start trouble, but please remember EVERYONE HAS A CHOICE! Don't get so scared that you can't think or make a decision. Try to at least get to the place where you can study, get second opinions, more information so....you can make the right choice for you, the one that will give you the right Quality of life that you want. Remember it is your body!
Nothing has a guarantee! But, we are suppose to try and figure out what is best for us. Remember YOU are an individual, statistics are scary things when it comes to talking about your health. I believe that our bodies are a gift from God, and it is our responsibility to take care of the them the best way that we can.
So no matter how busy and crazy life gets... remember Quality is important, in your health care choices, with your family, type of friends you have and the life that you want to live,  plus in fabric! :).
 We need to be grateful for each day we wake up and get to keep living, so make sure you have a good quality life and then you will have chosen wisely!
Good night dear friend, it is early to say that but..I am heading out on a date with my husband!

Now Playing...

It almost sounds like a movie when I say that I got to see Mandy 2 today! Actually it is a real life movie....but of my life. My prosthetic is named Mandy. I am not sure why I did that? Maybe it is my twisted humor or I was just got tired of writing and saying the word Prosthetic? Either way, Mandy was my 2nd and best prosthetic that I had, the first one was Sally and she and I weren't together long. Mandy and I go everywhere together and because of her, I was able to go back into life with much more confidence and peace after my mastectomy. She is a one of the newest type of prosthetic out there. A few months ago I noticed a few things that were going wrong with her and so when I took her back to the shop I got her from, they said she needed to be returned and that I would get a new replacement one soon. So a friend and I went to Marysville this morning, to pick up Mandy 2 at ...Viginia's Feminine Boutique. They do an amazing job at the fittings and they are very knowledgeable and compassionate. It is definitely worth the drive. Here is there web site... Virginia's Feminine Boutique

I realized today how grateful I am for those people who have developed the prosthetics, in the olden days, they use to make their own with rice, or herbs, even water. Yes, we have come a long way.

I am so glad that I am now a little less self conscience that I was a year ago. I seem to be more comfortable in my own skin now. I don't really even let anyone ( other than family ) see me without my prosthetic but still, I feel much better about myself than I did a year ago. I know I have a long way to go, but I only hope it continues to get easier and better each year.

Many of you have watched me and all the ups and downs that I have gone through in the past year and half, with cancer. Thank you for your love and support. It has been a hard, and yet it has taught me so many different things, things that I am sure I could not have learned in any other way. In some ways I feel like a better person since I have had cancer twice, and yet it has been one of the worst things I had to ever go through. Cancer gives you a perspective, that can be life changing... if you let it. I guess the greatest thing that I have come to learn is...God is in charge and I need to learn to trust in His wisdom and timing. And with that knowledge, to then strive to learn, enjoy and live every moment ( no matter how many I have left). Quality is a big thing with me now, I am more worried about quality of life than quantity ( especially since, that is the only area that I can control anyway! )

So the quote that keeps coming to my mind tonight about life and lessons of life is this one by Maria Robinson... "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending."

As a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend, I know it is important to show everyone that I am not going to quit, but continue to learn and grow from each experience that happens to me. I need to show them that I trust the Lord, and that I am leaving things into His hands.  I don't want to miss one moment with my family and friends. Yes, life is like a movie ...but I can at least, make sure how it is going to end! (within reason!)

"Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect condition. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful."  ~ Mark Victor Hansen

"If we're growing, we're always going to be out of our comfort zone."   ~John Maxwell quotes

"The purpose of life is a life of purpose."     ~Robert Byrne