Basal Cell Carcinoma

"Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It rarely metastasizes or kills, but it is still considered malignant because it can cause significant destruction and disfigurement by invading surrounding tissues. Statistically, approximately 3 out of 10 Caucasians develop a basal cell cancer within their lifetime. In 80 percent of all cases, basal cell cancers are found on the head and neck. There appears to be an increase in the incidence of basal cell cancer of the torso in recent years." -Wikipedia

I guess this is going to be part of my future. Most of you probably remember that I had an extraction done a year ago June. It was on my forehead and it was about the size of a quarter. That one was pretty advanced so a more involved procedure was called for. I went to see Dr. Checketts, MD (aka Super Derm) on Friday as a follow up for my forehead. While I was there I asked him to remove a skin tag that was under my arm and I also pointed out an odd little blister looking thing on my chest that was itchy and a dry itchy patch on one of my scarred surgery sites. Well, the two on my chest ended up being more Basal Cell. He took them off right then and there, simple procedure really, and sent them to the lab for confirmation. Now I get to go back to see Super Derm every 6 months as a precaution. Apparently my Great Grandmother on my mom's side has several spots removed towards the end of her years, so with the combination of TOO MANY SUNBURNS and heredity it looks like I'm in it for the long haul.

O

No big deal really just another item to add to the ever growing list.

I think I'm going to invest in some buttons that say; NO, I AM NOT A HYPOCHONDRIAC! and NO, I DON'T LOOK SICK, BUT YOU DON'T LOOK STUPID EITHER!

Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.

Now this is a question I can answer!

>Make my parents proud.
>Be as good as a wife as my husband is a husband.
>Be a great friend.
>Do charitable things.
>Be thankful.
>Be open-minded.
>Be tolerant.
>Be neighborly.
>Go to Italy.
>Go to New York.
>Sleep in a waterfront hut in Bora Bora.
>Perfect my cakes.
>Learn all I can about food and cooking.

Halloween

Another successful Halloween party. This is our 3rd annual Halloween party with friends and family. We had a fun time. The kids love running around the building and would probably be happy just doing that all night and nothing else. But, we did do other things. They got to hit the pinata, decorate cookies and pumpkins, a few craft projects and a ghost walk game. They were busy little spooks. The food was yummy as usual; soup, mac-n-cheese, bread and desserts. We also do a costume contest for both the kids and adults. And of course there is a lot of visiting that goes on. Can't wait for next year!

Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.

Oprah talks a lot about forgiveness, so does Dr. Phil. They say that you have to forgive others for yourself. It's not to acknowledge that what they did was ok, but that you forgive them and therefore they have no more power over you. Oprah gave an example for herself, she said that she saw someone one day that she had been holding an angry grudge against for something they had done, when she saw them they were laughing and going on about their day. She realized that they had no clue that she was still angry or holding the grudge. They were living each day without losing energy from holding on to this past contempt. That is when she realized that it only hurts yourself not to forgive and move on. I thought that was a great story. I had a childhood friend that I was harboring some sad and defeated feelings for. After hearing Oprah's story I realized that it was my problem, not theirs. They probably had no clue what I was even feeling and why I had distanced myself. I didn't want to be best friends, but I did realize that the issues I was having were my own hang ups and I needed to move on. The things that I did feel were a fault to this person I also needed to "get over' and move on. There was no good reason to feel the way I did anymore. It only caused me grief and bad feelings. So instead, I forgave and remembered the good memories and left it behind. If God can forgive than so SHOULD we.

Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Interesting. Who the hell thought up these questions, sheesh. I'm sure everyone has regrets, but do they really matter in the grand scheme of things? Aren't mistakes and lessons learned what shapes you and makes you who you are at present? I can't think of anything extraordinary. So like I said, unless you've murdered someone or something along those lines I think that all is forgiven in the sense that it is what brought you to today.

Day 2: Something you love about yourself.

I think this question is harder to answer than the first one. I mean who wants to discuss things they like about themselves. It comes off so arrogant and braggy. I feel very self conscious about it. I guess since it's part of this little exercise I'm doing I shouldn't feel so strange about it, right?

Well...well?

I'm thinking.

It's actually not that easy. What kind of "something" are we talking about here? A personality trait? A skill or talent? God forbid a body part? (tik-tok, tik-tok...) Ok. I've been sitting here for about 4 minutes now trying to decide what I should be typing here...this is what I've come up with. I think that I am a loving LOYAL FRIEND. Since that is such an important trait I look for in someone else I think I can say that I am. I love all my friends; new and old, near and far, male or female, lost and rekindled! I would do anything with in my power for them. I love being with them, listening to their troubles and triumphs. Friends have always been such a vital part of my life. I'm married to my best friend and I think that's why it's so successful. I love cooking for them, surprising them, buying a gift for them, hanging with them, crying with them, laughing with them. I love sharing secrets, inside jokes, meaningful moments, recipes, advice and my life with them. I hope that I am the friend to them that I aspire to be. I try. I try to be to them what I hope to receive myself.

I think that I am a LOYAL FRIEND...at least that's what hope I am.

Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.

Ha! That sure is a loaded question isn't it? Well, if I had to pick one thing I think it would be PROCRASTINATION. I am a terrible procrastinator. I don't know why I struggle with that......sure I do, I'm lazy! Always have been. But now it is compounded with lack of energy. What a combo! LOL It varies from small things like something sitting on the kitchen table that needs to be taken upstairs. It will sit there for WEEKS. Oh it will get shuffled around, piled nicely, put back and set aside again. Until eventually I can't stand the clutter anymore and I take it up or Danny will do it for me. To something bigger like something that needs to be fixed or replaced in the house. Right now? Namely our carpet. We really need new carpet. But since Danny is a procrastinator too, we have yet to have the house officially measured. I have looked at Lowes, Home Depot and RC Willey for what I might like, but that's as far as it's gotten. I always promise myself to stop, to get on top of things, but it never amounts to much...PROCRASTINATION.

30 days of truth...

So Kristin is doing this "30 Days of Truth" on her blog and I thought it was a great idea. So...I'm copying! I think it will be interesting to explore each subject and I'm sure it will have a lot to do with how I feel on that particular day. I just hope I can remember to not miss a day, ha! Here goes nothing...

30 days of truth:
Day 1: Something you hate about yourself.
Day 2: Something you love about yourself.
Day 3: Something you have to forgive yourself for.
Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for.
Day 5: Something you hope to do in your life.
Day 6: Something you hope you never have to do.
Day 7: Someone who has made your life worth living for.
Day 8: Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like poopy.
Day 9: Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Day 10: Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.
Day 11: Something people seem to compliment you the most on.
Day 12: Something you never get compliments on.
Day 13: A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough days.
Day 14: A hero that has let you down.
Day 15: Something or someone you couldn’t live without.
Day 16: Someone or something you definitely could live without.
Day 17: A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.
Day 18: Your views on gay marriage.
Day 19: What do you think of religion?
Day 20: Your views on drugs and alcohol.
Day 21: Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
Day 22: Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
Day 23: Something you wish you had done in your life.
Day 24: Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs.
Day 25: The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
Day 26: Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Day 27: What’s the best thing going for you right now?
Day 28: What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
Day 29: Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Day 30: A letter to yourself.

Gourmet Girls in the house!

So the Gourmet Girls just closed out their 3rd year of culinary bliss! I can't believe we are starting our 4th year. I am so proud of all of the girls and how far they've come with their skills and creativity. I even think some might really enjoy cooking now and look forward to trying new things. Each month I think to myself that it can't get much better, but it always does. This year we conquered: Pies, Cookies, 5 Ingredient Recipes, Cheese, Bread, Spanish Cuisine, Greek Cuisine, Sandwiches, Mexican Cuisine, Hamburgers, Snacks/Appetizers and Pasta. It was a delicious adventure. We just had our awards night this last week and Amber was our overall winner with 7 awards. First place winners took home medals and a prize, while the 2nd and 3rd place winners also received medals. This isn't to say that all of our recipes aren't yummy, it just makes the end of the year something to look forward to. You see, each month we vote for our 3 favorite recipes and they are tallied up for our awards night. It's so interesting to see the award winners change over the last few years. Jill and Kathryn won the overall the first 2 years and this year we had girls take home awards that maybe didn't do as many the year before. It's fantastic! Well, I'll post a couple of pics and recipes from this last month, Pasta Party...hopefully you'll try them. Bon Appetit!



The Girls


BUTTERNUT SQUASH RAVIOLI (Cindi)

1 butternut squash, cubed
3 T. olive oil
3 T. butter, melted
¼ c. shallots, minced
1 tsp. garlic, minced
salt and pepper
3 T. heavy cream
3 T. parmesan
Pinch nutmeg
1 pkg. won ton wrappers or fresh pasta
12 fresh sage leaves
1 cube butter

Peel and cut squash into 1 inch cubes. Finely mince shallots and garlic. Toss squash with shallots, garlic, olive oil, butter and salt and pepper. Spread out evenly on a sheet tray. Bake in the oven at 425º for 45 minutes or until soft and caramelized. Stir occasionally. Put all ingredients into a food processor and puree until smooth. Add in the cream, parmesan and nutmeg. Blend. Taste for salt and pepper. Using one of the won ton wrappers; place a heaping tablespoon of puree into the center. Wet edges with water or egg wash. Cover with another won ton and seal. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Drop in ravioli and cook until they float to the top and the pasta is soft. Take out immediately. For the butter sauce: Melt the cube of butter in a sauté pan. Add in the sage leaves. Cook butter until brown (butter should foam). Take off heat. Remove sage leaves and add salt and pepper. Pour over ravioli immediately and serve.

CHICKEN PASTA SALAD (Brittany)

1 bag rotini tri-color pasta
1 sm. can pineapple tidbits
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1-1 1/2 cups red grapes
1 cup cashew halves
2-3 roasted chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Dressing:
1 cup prepared coleslaw dressing
1 cup mayonnaise
2 T. sugar

Drizzle with olive oil, season and roast chicken at 350 for 40 minutes. Boil pasta; set aside. Add pasta, pineapple, onions, grapes, chicken to a large bowl. Pour in 3/4 of the dressing. Toss. Chill in fridge for at least an hour. Add cashews and remainder of dressing right before serving.



ITALIAN LEMON CREAM SODA (Cindi)

3 lemons
1 ½ cups sugar
2 cups milk
¼ cup powdered milk
2 cans soda water
Ice

Remove ends from lemons and discard. Remove lemon peel with a knife; set aside. Quarter lemons; squeeze juice into a bowl. Remove and discard white membrane. Place the peel, pulp, juice, powdered milk and sugar in a blender; cover and process until coarsely chopped. Let stand for 30 minutes. Stir in milk. Strain lemon mixture; add club soda slowly and ice. Serve immediately in sugar-rimmed glasses if desired. Yield: 8 servings.



VODKA PASTA (Amber)

1/4 cup olive oil
3 links sweet Italian sausage
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. crused red pepper flakes
1-28oz. can crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp. salt
1 lb. penne pasta, cooked and drained
1/8 cup vodka
1/2 c;up heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1/3 cup parmesan

In a large skillet, hear oil over medium heat. Remove casing form sausage and add to skillt. Cook, breaking up sausage until browned. Add garlic and red pepper, saute stirring frequently until garlic is golden brown. (Careful not to burn the garlic or it will be bitter!) Add tomatoes and salt. bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Ad vodka, cream and parmesan and bring to a boil. Reduce heath to low; add pasta and toss. Cook for another minute. Stir in fresh basil and serve.

BOWTIE PASTA SALAD (Cindi)

1 pkg. bow tie pasta
1 head broccoli
1 cup ham, finely cubed
1 cup cheddar, shredded
¾ cup mayonnaise
¾ cup Miracle Whip
1 teaspoon onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

Boil pasta. Cut broccoli into small bite-sized florets. In a large bowl mix the mayonnaise, Miracle Whip and seasonings. Add in remaining ingredients. Mix well. Refrigerate and serve.

CREAMY SUNDRIED TOMATO PASTA w/ CHICKEN (Cindi)

4 large garlic cloves, peeled
1-7oz. jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil
5 ¼ cups or 3 cans chicken broth
1 lb. uncooked penne pasta
1 head broccoli (2 cups small florets)
2 cups cooked chicken, sliced
2 medium carrots, peeled
1-4 oz. pkg. cream cheese
¼ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
grated Parmesan
fresh basil (optional)

In a large pot heat 1 T. oil from sun-dried tomatoes. Mince garlic and add to oil. Cook garlic over medium heat 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; add broth. Return to heat; increase heat to high. Cover and bring to a boil. Stir in pasta; cover and simmer vigorously 8-10 minutes or until pasta is almost cooked but still firm, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, cut broccoli into small florets. Cut carrots in half lengthwise and then slice into thin pieces. Drain sun-dried tomatoes and slice into thin strips. Cut cream cheese into cubes. Add vegetables, cream cheese, chicken, salt and black pepper to pot. Stir until cream cheese is melted and fully incorporated. Reduce heat to medium; cover and cook an additional 2-4 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Serve with Parmesan cheese and snipped fresh basil.

Check out my cakes!

I've added a page that will show all of my cakes that I make. Check them out when you stop by. There might be a new addition. The link is on the left side of the page under the Elmo cake. Just click on CAKES! and it will take you there. To come back, click on home in the same section. I love making these cakes even though they are a lot of work and very taxing on me. I think that makes them all the more special to me. Not to mention who I am usually making them for. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do.

I HEART Chile...

So, for the past 24 hours, almost literally, I have been watching CNN's coverage of the Chilean miners' rescue. Glued to the TV, even taped it while I was sleeping so I could fast forward to each miner's moment of stepping out of that capsule. At about 6:30pm CNN decides to stop it's NON-STOP coverage to focus on the Governor debates for the state of Delaware. Really? First of all, I don't care about Delaware, I don't live there. If the lovely citizens of Delaware want to watch the debate then their local news stations should cover it. NOT CNN. However, it's all about ratings and good old Wolfe who works for CNN is the moderator of the debate. So, good bye sweet-joyous-happy-feel-good rescue...hello nasty-ugly-party driven-full of lies debate. That brings me to my point of writing this very negative post.

I HATE POLITICS! I don't like discussing it, get confused and mostly frustrated trying to keep up on it. It makes people angry, ugly, defensive, stubborn and sometimes unkind. (I am not excluding myself from these moments on rare occasions.) I am an INDEPENDENT. I do not like either political party. I do not like politicians who align themselves with one side or the other. The reason? Because they lose all compassion and common sense. They choose to side on subjects based on their party's agenda and lose sight of what's best for our country and the people in it. They don't compromise. They are afraid to "flip." Oh yes, I said FLIP. You see I am a fan of the "flipper." The person who is willing to listen to facts, ideas, examples and opinions of others and maybe change their mind on an issue they might have thought was set in stone. (Not for financial or political gain.) An individual can't know everything about everything. They couldn't have possibly experienced everything. It's amazing how ones own experiences can change ones mind drastically. I also don't like the idea of following someone based on their ideas and stances and not my own. This obviously presents a problem since I definitely want to practice my right to vote. I have to choose someone don't I. I always feel it's the lesser of two evils. I support issues on both sides of the fence and therefore do not fit into their molds. It doesn't seem to matter who is in office though really, because Congress stops everything the President tries to do and the President vetoes everything Congress puts forth. What's the point. Again, no one seems to be working for US. The humans that live in this country. If they were they would sit down, cross lines and work out a happy medium. Danny and I went to Philadelphia in May and it was a wonderful historical experience. I can't believe what these men accomplished with the Declaration and Constitution despite the different opinions and party lines. I'm sure it was difficult, not all smooth sailing, but in the end they did it. It's our foundation that we can't seem to follow. Anyone! Democrats and Republicans! Let me end with this, despite all of my ranting and frustration. Once a President is elected I stand behind them and show respect. They don't always deserve it, but for ME it's about patriotism and national pride. For the most part they deserve it based on the position they hold. Question? Yes. Expect? Yes. Hold accountable? Yes. Grow up and show some respect? YES! Remove the blame that is a result of Presidents (more than one) past. The opposite party likes to lay that blame on the current President, but I think it's crap. All of our Presidents have played a part in where we are today!

Meanwhile, back in Chile, all 33 miners are now above ground and safe. Fox news carried me through while CNN got side tracked. In the end I learned that there are more important things in Chile besides "sea bass." They are 32 men and one boy who survived with the help of many. God Bless them all.

And God Bless our country.

Mocking Jay

I had book club this week. I LOVE book club. I LOVE the girls in my book club. I LOVE our discussions, opinions and disagreements. We get side tracked, a lot. We laugh a lot. But most of all we learn a lot. It was a great discussion this one was! The book was Mocking Jay, the third book in the Hunger Games trilogy. I have loved reading this series. The creativity from Suzanne Collins is awesome. It swept me away into the future. It's dark and violent, but there are a lot of lessons to be learned from it storyline. Katniss, the main character, is strong yet vulnerable. A child that is forced to grow up quickly. I completely recommend it. It's an easy read since they were written as middle readers. They are making the series into movies. I hope they don't dissapoint. Check them out. Happy Reading!

Lightening does strike twice...

Eighteen years ago in October I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 1 with a mass in my chest the size of a pear. I was 21 years old. This September, eighteen years later, my 19 year old niece (soon to be 20 in February) has been diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, stage 3 with a mass in her chest the size of a pear, infected nodes on both sides of her neck and spotting on her spleen. Really? Oh my gosh. Here begins our family's second nightmare with this battle with cancer. I wasn't shocked. When Kristin showed us the swelling on her neck...I knew. I just knew. I kept it to myself while we all encouraged her to go to the doctor. But I knew. I some how feel responsible. That's weird huh? I know it's not my fault, but I almost feel as if because I had it she now has it. Ridiculous. But the feeling is there just the same. My mind was spinning with so many different emotions. Freaked out cause of all the memories that came flooding back, not just through casual recollection like when I tell others my story, but like being punched in the stomach with all of the feelings, emotions, smells, discomforts, pains of what I went through. Then after the selfish couple of minutes it hits me like a ton of bricks that she is going to live this crappy story too. Might be different, could be easier, but she's still going to have to endure it. I lost it, in the car, by myself. Danny was distraught. My Mom jumped into Nurse mode. My Dad looked like a deer caught in the lights. My sister was running around a like a chicken with her head cut off. Eric was quiet, trying to hold it in. Cassie seemed a little confused. Danny M. seemed confused also. Just like the day I got my phone call, I will never forget the day Kristin got her news. For a few days I felt as if I was hovering over my past like in the movie A Christmas Carol. Watching myself go through the motions that I had already experience first hand. It was strange, eerie and kind of silent. Things are better now though. We've had time for it all to sink in. Time to realize that things have come a long way in 18 years and there is no reason that she should have the complications I did. No reason to not be positive and hold on to the idea that she will go through her treatment, go into remission and go on with a normal HEALTHY life. She is so strong and positive. I am so proud of her. I have learned more about her in the last 2 weeks than I ever thought I could. I am so thankful for my life despite all of the medical obstacles and I know that is one of the biggest lessons she is already realizing. Our family is strong, we have an abundance of faith and I know that we will overcome. More importantly SHE will overcome. God bless you Krissy B!

KRISTIN'S MEDICAL EXPENSE FUND

America First Credit Union

PO Box 9199

Ogden, Utah 84409

Checks payable to Michele Correa or Kristin Correa

Acct# 25984493

Blogging Again...

Ok, so I'm back. HA! My nieces have inspired me to get back to my blog, but to come at it with a different purpose. They use it to talk and express themselves and I've decided to try it. That's really what a blog is though, right? I was using it as a photo album for long distant friends and family. Oh, I will do that too don't you worry. But I'll be typing a lot more this time around. Here goes nothing...

Quick update...

So here is a quick update on us. We are actually doing well. Danny has moved into a new position at Comcast that gets him out of the field work installing. He is working in what they call the "head end." Basically the hub of the local operation. He's got lots on his plate right now learning the new job and he is coaching their Comtech Jeopardy team. Danny was on the team last year and they won their division and got to go to the finals in South Carolina, wives too, all expenses paid. We are hoping for a repeat, or at least my friend Brittany and I are. GO TEAM UTAH..WOOT WOOT! He's back to playing softball after his last shoulder surgery, and he is doing well. He is also knee-deep in his Fantasy Football League. (Sunday's are quite the spectacle at our house.) I am still on disability, thank heavens! It is such a blessing. I can't believe how much more I can enjoy life without that stress and physical drain. I am still in my Book Club and am still absolutely loving it and it's members. I am OBSESSED with reading. Can't get enough. Just ask Danny what I look like at 3 in the morning with my book light in bed. My Cooking Club (Gourmet Girls) is also still going strong. We are starting our 4th year in November. We are the bomb! No, seriously. They have become my best friends and one of my main support systems. Thank the Lord for my passion for cooking. Still making cakes too. I'll make sure to post more pics of those to catch you up. Well I guess that's about it. I will post some pics below of some of the things we've done this year, just in case you want to see 'em.

Cassie's Vegas Tourn. 1st Place (March) and D's Bday (July 2009)

Gourmet Girls Awards Night (Oct 2009) and Desiree and Corey (Philly May 2010)


Philadelphia, PA and the Rocky statue (May 2010)

Me and D and Me and Kurt (Kurt's 40th Bday, Vegas Feb 2010)

The Girls (Vegas, Feb 2010) and Me, Michele and Dad at America Concert (Sept 2010)

Dad's 50th Class Reunion (Pueblo, CO Aug 2010) and Dad and his wrestling Coach

Aunt Lynnette and Uncle Steve (CO, Aug 2010) and My 1st Strawberry Pie

Orange Ginger Chicken and French Apple Tart (random cooking successes)

Chicken Piccata w. Gnocchi and the Comcast crew in South Carolina (Jan 2010)

Comtech Jeopardy Team (Jan 2010) and Home (CA, Feb 2010)

AHS Girls Night Out (CA, Feb 2010) and My Baseball birthday party (Jan 2010)

Monica and Jason's Wedding (CA, Feb 2010) and our Nephews and Niece in CA

The Amador's and Us at Monica's wedding (CA, Feb 2010)