Meatballs and Movies

This is me cooking the meatballs for the Moroccan stew. Mmmm, so yummy... You know you want some!

We're going to Screen on the Green in Piedmont Park tonight to watch Casablanca! We're also bringing a Moroccan stew with us and we'll feed you and the rest of our friends for a donation. It's so delicious!
Come join us! We'll be in the park, with a Team in Training banner, around 7pm. The movie starts at sundown.

(If you've seen the movie "The Wedding Planner," Screen on the Green is just like that free movies in park scene with Jennifer Lopez and Matthew McConaughey. How romantic!)

Mary Crist's progress

I saw Mary Crist today! She's doing well and it looks like the chemo is working. She had great energy and seemed more like herself. It was so good to see her. She'll come back to work starting Monday, but only on a part-time basis.
On Memorial Day, she sent out an email about her progress. As you'll see, she has a great sense of humor!

Hello Friends,

I'm sitting in my study enjoying this beautiful morning. I wanted to share with you all some of my celebrations. I have been free of pain killers for 3 days--yeah!!!! My body appears to be my body--down to 150lbs from 195 (all water weight that I shed). My feet are normal and I can wear shoes again. The chemo is working. My distended stomach is not distended. My right lung that kept filling up with fluid is slowly draining on it's own and is only about one fourth full if that much. I have purchased a flute and am learning to play again. I played in elementary through college and afterwards until I lost my flute in a house fire in Feb. 1990. I was a good solid orchestra player and played in a number of Agnes Scott's Theater departments musicals.I used to pick it up when I needed solace. So, after 17 years I went a purchased a nice used flute. I'm having to regain my mouth muscles and work my lungs. For the last week I have been getting out everyday for at least four hours. I did lay low on Saturday. I woke up with a low grade fever from sinus problems. Fortunately a hardy yawn yesterday burst through my clogged up right ear and I am right again. Thank you body and whatever else for helping me with that irritation. I went to my SCT group on Monday and had a great time. I am remembering to take pleasure in something each day. There is so much to enjoy.

Today is Memorial Day and I do honor the fallen soldiers of our many wars. I would just as soon we not go to war. We do, though. I am having my own Memorial Day that I want to share with you all. I have been and will continue as long as possible to enjoy my red hair. My hair is falling out. Mary margaret asked me two days ago if my hair was falling out. I said a little. I then took my fingers and pulled on my hair expecting to get nothing. Well, I got a thumb and finger full of hair with little pull. I laughed as I held my hair and looked at it. So, much for me thinking my hair wasn't falling out a lot yet. I am glad I buzzed it short. I find that although I am feeling sad at losing my hair that I don't feel traumatized. So, today I honor my falling hairs in their sacrifice in my war against the lymphoma cells inside of me. My hair falling out is another sign that the chemo is at work. I, Mary Crist, will prevail and continue to live and enjoy my life, flute, and friends. I hope you all have a great day. Take time to enjoy the beauty of the day and the beauty of each of your lives.

Peace,

Mary Crist

Heavy Lifting

Sorry I've been so silent lately. I am finishing up a two week intensive class at Candler. It's.... intense! I've been reading these marvelously interesting books (don't they look like delightful reads?) and writing papers.
On a training note, I learned how to use EFX machine properly! Apparently, if you keep your shoulders from bouncing up and down, you can also start a fire in your thighs. ;)

Getting Wet (5/21/07)

Tonight we had our first swim practice with the team. We swam about 550 meters and did about 20 minutes of kicking drills treading water. I feel like a SUPER STAR! It must be those stunning swim caps that double as dog tags. ;)
So far, this training stuff is way fun!

The First Run (5/19/07)

We ran/walked about a half mile Saturday night. We're taking it slow to start: we ran 30 seconds and walked 60 seconds, etc, the whole way. That I can do, and I felt awesome when it was done!

Signing Up

Last night we attended the TNT Kick-Off and officially signed our lives away. They gave us a huge pack of information with tips, advice, and our schedules. We have to train 5 nights a week! Ack! I shouldn't complain... in June it'll be 6 nights a week.