Discovered a delicious, refreshing new way to make a tuna salad that is perfect for using those yummy garden tomatoes that are plentiful this time of year...

Chop up some white onion, tomato, cucumber, and cilantro and mix with your can of tuna and a little salt, pepper, and garlic to taste... add just the right amount of mayo (it really makes the difference-so make sure you use enough) and generously squeeze fresh lime juice on it to bring all those flavors together, and VOILA! Add a little jalapeno to really make it pop. Eat it alone, on a sandwich, or rolled up in a corn tortilla.

Enjoy!

I tried to post a picture of this delicious salad but had technical difficulty. Just imagine all those fresh vegetables from the garden, cool and fresh, mixed in just the right manner, and ready to cool the summer heat. :-)

Then again, you may be able to see the picture here: Picture

What an amazing fall it has been with many twists, turns, highs and lows! I have not had time to attend to the blog, as such, but will attempt to share and fill in the gaps. Today my in-box has been full of gratitude/Thanksgiving notes and stories that remind me, yet again, of the gifts around us.

I am feeling most grateful on this Thanksgiving and the list of things I am grateful for is endless. The survivors I work with everyday continue to inspire me with their courage and grace. My connections within the cancer community are blessings to me, both in the work they do that serve as inspiration but for their personal stories as well. My colleagues and fellow faculty members at Wellcoaches who share a vision of excellence and making a difference in the world are an awesome gift in my life.

Being a mom, a wife, daughter, sister, sister-in-law, friend and aunt are those roles that really make life worth living. Good friends who understand my heart and love me for who I am with all my warts, are blessings of light and sunshine. My youngest son is home until January after being at film school for the last 2 1/2 months, so does it get any better than that? My other son started his first official job as an environmental scientist and it is the job of his dreams (with benefits and his own apartment!). The FOUR of us will actually spend some time together over the holiday, so life is good :-). My husband’s erosion control business is weathering the economy and doing well, thank God, as our medical bills are never ending. He is one special guy, too. How did I get so lucky? Yes, I have had one interesting fall. After some major surgery (indirectly related to cancer) in August, I had to go in again, in October for some repair. I picked up a lovely virus this time, which knocked me down for 3 weeks. I am just now able to do some cardio and how grateful am I!!! So since the first of August, this fitness professional has been challenged regularly, and is building up her strength again, just like her clients. It’s a reminder that even 5 minutes is better than nothing when going from out-of-shape to becoming fit again.

And yet with the challenges, the fall was filled with exciting travel for work and pleasure (see pics below). Work highlights include finally meeting some of the Vermont survivors I have coached and the great people at Rutland Regional, submitting a grant with Duke, and seeing some of the positive longitudinal data come in for our study. Lots to look forward to in 2009!

So, I am preparing for a wonderful weekend with brother, sisters, mom, dad, nieces and nephews, brother and sister-in-laws, enjoying food and laughter, between all our traditions. Wherever you are, no matter what your circumstances, take a moment to appreciate the things you have in your life. Studies do show, that gratitude is the most important component to life satisfaction and happiness.

Wishing all of you love, peace, and happiness!


Table Rock State Park outside of Greenville, SC
Pictures of beautiful VERMONT!


The great team at Rutland Regional!

A surprise visit from my twin nephews in Kentucky!

Hook ‘em Horns!!!


Wurstfest in New Braunfels, Texas, my husband’s home town. Here, my husband (left) is with a high school friend who took us to the OPA room as special guests. Thanks Jimmy!

Some of our Texas family we got to see on our visit!

This past weekend a blessing came into my life, and her name was Jody. She was a participant in a workshop I led for Wellcoaches. Her positive presence, energy, and kindness inspired me on many levels. She has a gift of seeing people's strengths, a skill that great coaches possess. Her informal coaching with me has led to my decision to write a blog. As you may note, I have posted once a year up until now!!! It makes me LOL (laugh out loud for those of you who don't follow internet slang). So, I don't know of a better place to start than with gratitude. Thank you, Jody, for being the beautiful person you are. You are my inspiration! Stay tuned!