So, I highly recommend running to “Rocket” by Def Leppard (as mentioned below), but another great running song is “SAY” by John Mayer. On days LIKE TODAY when I have a ton on my mind and a million things I need to SAY, I turn on this song and just take off. For a mile, two miles…three or four miles, I just keep repeating this song as I think of all the things I wish I could say but SHOULDN’T. After a while, my frustration with the world and things I have no control over, fade.
Josh showed me a fabulous trick that really came in handy today and it really works! When you’ve just had ENOUGH, you lift up your arm and like a big, lazy bear swatting slowly at a bee, you figuratively “shove” all the stuff you can’t control away, with a nonchalant grunt. And I’m not even kidding, all those cares just disappear.
Today, after I ran out all my frustrations and “shoved away” all the junk, I could focus on things that were really important and things I really should SAY.
MY FAMILY…the people I love most are what deserve my energy and thoughts. My little sister, Cari, had surgery this morning. My parents are in town, Angie’s family changed their vacation plans to go to Disneyland to be here. Last night we all had dinner together and then, as I was leaving, I gave Cari a hug and fought back the tears as I told her that I loved her. I had to SAY that, AT LEAST. But there were so many other things I wanted to SAY, things that kept running through my mind today as I ran to “SAY”.
Cari, my sweet, baby sister. I love you soooo much! You are my shopping buddy, my tanning/pool buddy, my dancing buddy (along with Kris 
), my crazy flip-handstand-gymnatics-trying buddy, my new music discoverer/provider buddy, my sewing/crafty buddy, my crying and laughing buddy. Even though there are ten years between us, you have always been one of my very best friends. You are gorgeous, so incredibly smart, HILARIOUS, talented in so many ways, and amazingly strong. Thank you for being a second mom to Ashton and Emmy and pretty much all the grandkids. I have so many memories of you working your magic, making babies fall asleep cuddled in your loving arms. I love you so much, Cari!
Here is a “commercial” Cari made for school. She was assigned to make a 35 second commercial describing herself. I smile through the whole thing and laugh along with her at the end, EVERY TIME I WATCH IT!
by Hizzeather, on October 14 2009 @ 1:41 am
I’m glad that most of your fam is together! I wish I could be there to give Care my support too. I love her and your entire family and my thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m praying that what they removed wasn’t cancerous.
Thanks to Josh for giving me an update on the surgery via fb chat…I got home late today and it was too late to call Utah. I hope she is recovering nicely.
I love you guys! <3
by Katie, on October 15 2009 @ 12:01 am
Best wishes to you all- esp. Carey and family!
by Katie, on October 15 2009 @ 12:02 am
uhh- CARI- sorry
by amanda, on October 15 2009 @ 12:25 am
Yikes. I hope everything is ok. I had no idea. I know whenever something tragic happens you hear all those “positive” stories that are supposed to make you feel good…which is EXACTLY what you don’t want to hear because somehow you think you’ll be the exception, BUT…my mom had her entire thyroid removed for cancer 15 years ago and once her meds were regulated, she’s never had a problem. I mean…no one wants to take meds forever, but like Cari said…if you had to choose a cancer, thyroid’s the one to have. That being said, of course I hope it’s NOT cancer. Anyway. I’m babbling. Hope everything goes well!!! We will add our prayers to yours.
by Jenn, on October 15 2009 @ 12:56 am
Oh, you are all the sweetest! Thank you for you thoughts and prayers! I LOVE YOU!!!
by stephanie carr, on October 15 2009 @ 1:11 pm
Jen! Hey I know i’m preggers so that right there = emotional but for some reason I just got so choked up reading this post. Not only about how sweet that was what you said to and about Cari but I too have been so cuaght up in what some people have said and have been feeling I need to impress or whatever, that my mind hasn’t been where it should be…. MY FAMILY! Thanks for the post, it REALLY was what I needed to hear!
I feel for Cari and can honstly say I know what shes going through, Surgery too was an option for me an my thyroid. Tell her she is in my thoughts and prayers!!!
Love ya lots!!!
by Julie Nielsen, on October 16 2009 @ 12:20 am
Oh Cari babe … give her hugs for me! I hope it all comes out OK. I know you’re all scared … just relax and have FAITH. Lova ya, Jenn. (And your whole family!)
by Thyroid Shmyroid | Cari Stewart, on October 21 2009 @ 12:08 am
[...] fasting and thoughts. I can’t believe how amazingly supportive everyone has been. Thank you for sweet messages that made me laugh and cry. It really meant so much to me. I am so blessed to be surrounded by such [...]
by flashy Mc loop, on December 9 2009 @ 11:31 am
I have been searching for sites related to this. Glad I found you. Thanks