Building a New Life

As you can see if you have visited before, my blog has a new look. I'm trying on new colors and, as is my prerogative, may continue to redecorate as Beta Blogger allows. I am in the process of restoring my old links and adding new favorites.

I haven't blogged much since American Idol ended, but the timing is strictly coincidental. Last June I began to undergo months of tests on my left hip and leg. Richard, my deaf brother who lives with us and belongs to the same medical group, had months of tests that resulted in surgery. As his sign language interpreter, I had to accompany him to every appointment and took a week off work to stay with him in the hospital. I immediately went from being an Elliott Yamin “groupie” to a medical groupie.

As my pain grew in severity, using my laptop computer became an act of masochism. What would I have written anyway? I would like to think I would have described my situation with as much grace and as little self-pity as Dean Barnett, who posted so touchingly of his battle against cystic fibrosis. But it is too easy, I have found, to become negative, impatient and self-absorbed when living with chronic pain. Humility comes with every wince, but optimism takes hard work, faith, and a sense of humor.

October 18, 2006 was my sixth wedding anniversary to the wonderful Luis – and the date I received confirmation that my breast cancer has spread to my hip.

I will have more to share as I begin this next phase of life. For now, I thank God as always for Luis, my family, my friends, and their support. I am truly blessed.

Free from 19E! Free from BMG!

Today is the date long awaited by Yaminions, E-Trainers and, I imagine, by the man himself -- Elliott Yamin Independence Day! From this day forward, Elliott is no longer contractually obligated to 19E and BMG. He is a free agent who can determine his own musical destiny.

Clive Davis, who recognized early greatness in Carlos Santana, Janis Joplin, Barry Manilow and Bruce Springsteen, took a pass on Elliott. His loss.

Therefore, I declare that August 25, 2006 is also Freedhem Day for Mr. Davis. You've seen the ad for FREEdHEM hemorrhoid cream tacked onto the end of that annoying Head On/Activ On commercial, haven't you? It's the cheapest cure for recording executives suffering from a swollen ego and schmidt for brains.

FREEdHEM. Apply directly to Clive's forehead. FREEdHEM. Apply directly to Clive's forehead. FREEdHEM. Apply directly to Clive's forehead.

Life of Surprises

Three years ago this month, when I began my chemotherapy treatment, I prayed that I would live long enough to turn 50. Prayed, yes, and hoped, but I dared not count on reaching such an ambitious milestone when the future was shrouded in fear and uncertainty.

Today I made it!

Perhaps I should have aimed higher.

Since June I have been undergoing tests to determine if my breast cancer has spread to my hip. Thus far there is no confirming diagnosis, but my doctors act as though my fate is sealed in embalming tape.

When I met my new oncologist in July, he asked about my age.

"I will be 50 on August 24th," I told him, feeling so grateful as always for the gift of time these past three years.

Glancing up from my chart, he said with a bracing look, "Well, you should make it to 50."

Next up: a PET scan tomorrow to determine if cancer has spread to my organs. But today I party! By party, I mean enjoy a prime rib dinner free of carbohydrates with my family in preparation for my pre-scan glucose injection.

My son turns 23 on Sunday, but he will spend that evening with friends while my gorgeous husband and I attend the American Idols Live concert starring Elliott Yamin and Taylor Hicks at the Arrowhead Pond. We'll celebrate his birthday on Saturday and I can indulge in all the carbs I want. Hmmm, Cheesecake Factory tiramisu.

As Paddy McAloon wrote, it's been a life of surprises. And I've got news for you, Doc -- it ain't over yet.

McAloon is the genius behind the best band nobody's ever heard of, Prefab Sprout. Please enjoy their video posted above, Life of Surprises.

American Idol Tickets for Sale at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim on August 27

When I bought 4 pairs of tickets to see Elliott Yamin, Taylor Hicks and the AI5 Top Ten at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim, I assumed that friends and co-workers would be interested in the other tickets.

I was wrong.

I am trying to sell the remaining 3 pairs of tickets on eBay here, here and here. Such a deal!

Any bidders?

One Nation under God

Today, on the 230th birthday of American democracy, the shuttle Discovery launched valiantly heavenward. May God bless its crew and keep them safe.



Our national voyage of discovery will continue only as long as we remain true to our founders’ moral courage, vision and leadership.



American history documents the relentless battle to protect our democracy from the enemies of freedom. We owe our lives to the bravest among us who were and are honor-bound to pay the costliest sacrifices and bear the ultimate burdens in this eternal war. As the aptly named Axis of Evil in North Korea and Iran tests our mettle, I am more grateful than ever for our Commander-in-Chief and the U.S. military.



May God bless them with wisdom and keep them safe.