Rays of Sunshine

Even a cloudy day has rays of sunshine. And today, although there are not really any clouds where I live, the proverbial cloud exists, and through it, and outside as well, the sun is shining through, and the rays are strong!

I met with my surgeon today. It was an excellent meeting, filled with rays of sunshine. I feel so fortunate and blessed.

First ray, his words, “you are ahead of the curve”. His words. Not mine. He said this to me. He said I am doing fantastic. The fact that I am so healthy and recovering so nicely has put me ahead of the curve. I am excited to learn about this. CrossFit has prepared me well.

Second ray, I found out some good and exciting news that I was hoping for, in terms of the actual surgery. It went very well. Very well. Not to get into details, but I heard some of what I was hoping to hear. And this was and is good.

Third ray, he gave me the go-ahead to begin more active exercise. Cardio – rowing, running, jump rope, etc., whatever I feel up to, but being careful not to push too hard to start with. It will make me tired faster. I can also do body weight exercises – pull ups, push ups, squats, etc. Hopefully my body will remember how! But I was told I could try. And while I cannot lift heavy weights yet, I was told that I can lift 30% of what I was doing prior to surgery, and in another month or so, more. While I totally understand that it will take me a while to get back to where I was, the opportunity to begin to recover is a huge ray of sunshine.

And my family, friends, and those who I don’t know personally who have reached out to me, are also rays of sunshine. I am so thankful for those who have touched me, contacted me, and prayed for me throughout this process, and who continue to do so. I am deeply moved and emotionally overwhelmed by this outpour of love. That seems to be the most descriptive word I have – overwhelmed. Thank you all. Thank you.

So even on the cloudiest of days, there are rays of sunshine. No matter what the circumstance, there are rays of sunshine. Sometimes it may be difficult to see them, but they are there, peaking through the clouds, waiting to be discovered. Today the sun is shining, and the rays are strong.

So tomorrow is a new day, with new rays of sunshine. And tomorrow I WOD for the first time since March 30.

Bull Tossing

I believe, now more than ever, that we have the ability to impact our own lives simply by having the right attitude. We can have a pity party, or take the bull by the horns and decide to toss it around a bit. While I cannot currently, physically toss the bull around, I mentally can. And that bull is flying far.


I have this vision of a cartoon bull flying through the air, with this perplexed look on his face, wondering what happened. Unfortunately I can't find the appropriate image to share. Little did he know that I had picked him up by the horn, spun him around in the air above me, and tossed him aside. I will replay this vision over and over in my head, as a reminder to stay positive, take the bull by the horns, and toss it aside.


I know that there will be good days and bad days. I am not unrealistic. But I also know that I can control how I approach each day, with grace, determination, and grit, and occasional embarrassment. Yesterday was embarrassment – don’t ask! Today is determination and bull-tossing!


Doctor’s appointments start this week – weeks of follow up. I get to see my surgeon, and hopefully will get cleared to do a little more than walk. Although walking is tiring in itself after what I have just been through. I was going to do Pat’s Run this weekend, but that has now changed. I don’t know if I could walk the 4.2 miles, at least not right now. So then it will have to be next year’s run… And I will run.


I am truly blessed by being surrounded by loved ones. They will help me keep this perspective, this I am sure. I am equally blessed to be in the thoughts of so many. Thank you. You continue to inspire me and motivate me.


Here’s to bull tossing!!!!

Making Lemonade

You never know what life will throw at you, and all you can do is hope that you are as prepared as possible, and surrounded by people who love you and who you love.

On Saturday, April 2 I went to the emergency room with horrible headaches. Several hours later I was told, after a CT Scan, that I had a mass in my head/brain. What that meant at the time, I was not sure. They said I needed surgery and I was going to be admitted to ICU. Surgery wasn’t going to be until Monday at the earliest. So, ICU for a couple of days while they ran more tests to see what was there.

I ended up having surgery on Tuesday morning, then back to ICU.

I have been blessed in many ways. First, the tumor that was removed was fully encapsulated. This made removal better than it could have been. Also, thanks to CrossFit, I am very healthy and fit. I am also not too old – at least I like to think that… So age is a good factor for me.

I have been surrounded by loved ones and friends ever since I was admitted. My partner, Jen, my dear friend Eileen (E), and the trainers and others from CrossFit Phoenix. I have also been in the thoughts of many people who I have spent time with, who I haven’t’ seen in a while. My Anthem cycling community, and other distant relatives.

My Facebook community has been overwhelming. And the CrossFit community as well. People I don’t really even know have been wishing me their best, praying for me, and keeping me in their thoughts. I am overwhelmed by this outreach, and truly feel blessed. So blessed.

The next journey begins this week. Radiation and Chemo, to ensure that I get anything left behind out of my head. I am kicking this thing to the curb. And kicking it far. I don’t want it back, and I am pissed off. One thing CrossFit has prepared me for is a fight. And I am fighting all the way.

I have many weeks ahead of me. Lots of appointments, changes, and challenges. I will attack them all like the most difficult WOD. And I will get this done. 3, 2, 1….. FIGHT!!! I am kicking ass and taking names!!!!!!

So this is the first of some posts to start to document the changes that are taking place, and allow me the ability to ”talk” about what is going on.

Right now I just feel overwhelmed by the outpour of love and support. Truly overwhelmed.

I also feel like I was just handed a ton of lemons, and I plan on making a ton of lemonade!