PromoGuy's Monday Mission 2.45

1. Although I was told before hand by my mother, my Grandfather finally told me he has cancer and it was speculated he has about 12 months to live. Has someone you know ever told you they had a terminal illness? What was it like for you when you found out. How did that change your relationship with them? No. I have had friends inform me that they have Cancer, but everyone I know ( 5 friends, and 2 friends' mothers) has managed to have the tumors removed, or the disease has gone into remission.

2. The concept of having 12 months comes as somewhat of a shock. Often those estimates are wrong and a person lives much longer. But still, it makes me think. If you found out you had 12 months to live, what would you do with that time? How would it change the way you live? Or would it? Well, I've had experiences of late that have changed how I live my life - because I have seen several lives cut short. However, were my time limited, I would spend it getting "my house" in order and visiting important people and places. Basically, I would cut out all the unnecessary bullshit I deal with in my "regular" life. Although I have trimmed the amount of "UBS" in my life, there is still a lot that could be done away with.

3. My Grandfather has decided to undergo chemotherapy. He was told it would not cure him, but it could prolong his life, however his quality of life could diminish. Having watched my father go through all that to no avail, I am not so sure I would choose that option. If you were (or are) in a situation where chemotherapy might cure you, or might not, would endure the usual side effects and discomfort? I don't know. I think this is one of those things you can't decide before the occasion comes up.


4. How is your health? How are you doing? I'm ok. Very nervous these days, but ok.

5. Speaking of health, I was in a Health Food Store Saturday and learned about something called "Ear Candling." It
involves having a helper insert a cone-shaped candle in your ear, lighting it and having the reverse pressure suck the wax out of your ear. Apparently it is very popular. Do you use, or have you ever tried, any alternative heath remedies or procedures? How did that work out? Anything out there we should try (or avoid)? I believe in herbs. When fresh, they work. For example, bad upper resperatory allergies can be offset by drinking fennel tea. Mint tea (fresh!!!) helps indigestion, heartburn and helps smooth over irritated nerves. Dandilion leaves, eaten or made into a tea, are great for PMS.

6. Which reminds me, this week at work they are giving flu shots for $15. I hate getting shots, so getting one by choice, and paying for it, is tough for me. How do you feel about Flu shots. Do they give them where you live? Are you going to get one or take your chances? I haven't had the flu in many years. However, I got the flu for the first time ever last month, mostly because it was free, (at work) and because it also was a pnemonia shot - and being prone to pnemonia, I figured it was a good idea.

7. I'd like to see either "Spirited Away" or "Bowling for Columbine" before they vanish from the multiplex at the mall. But I will probably have to go see it alone (which I hate). Do you like to go to see flicks at the movie theater alone? Or would you rather have company? Seen any good (or bad) movies lately? Talk about a non-sequitor. I went to see my first flick alone about 2 years ago. I thought it would be a really creepy thing to do. I rather like it.

Bella Martha is a fantastic flick, if you haven't seen it yet. I saw that alone, actually, because my German-speaking friends went and saw it without me.

Special Bonus Question: Who is your oldest living relative? My paternal grandmother, who will be 91 on the 15th.