Month: February 2012

The Best Animated Short Film 2012

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This is the first time I watch the Academy Awards entirely and it was an ok experience. I was not surprised with the results since in these days of real-time media and social media, information is leaked and we immediately learn about an event through twitter/Facebook before our favorite newspaper.

Great and unforgettable films are those that connect with our feelings and somehow turn us into protagonists of the story. Today I came across a film that in my opinion, made the Academy Awards worthwhile: “The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore”, movie awarded with the Oscar to the Best  Animated Short Film. A great story with a beautiful message about books and how magical they are. The music is lovely. Worth watching!

Team in Training!

Bea Positive things

Many years ago I started running and I ran several 5 and 10 k races but nothing more. Running a half marathon or a full marathon was beyond my dreams and honestly I never thought one day I will decide to run 42 km (26.1 miles)
Encouraged by my friend Evelyn, I started training to run a full marathon. After several months of training and hard work in October 2010, Evelyn and I completed the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, DC. One of the best experiences in my life.

What I learned about training for a Marathon that is applicable to any situation is:

  • Be consistent in your training
  • Prepare your mind for success
  • Be ready for not-so-good days
  • Give yourself a break
  • Learn from those that have gone through a similar path
  • If possible train with a team
  • Enjoy the journey and love the race

Speaking about teams, the last two Saturdays I have run with my dear friend Kelli who joined Team in Training (TNT). TNT is a training program created by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). Through the program LLS trains thousands of people for run a half or full marathon.

Kelli is training to run her first half marathon this summer. She is running on my honor and in loving memory of Harry Lebowitz. While training, Kelli is raising funds for the lymphoma and leukemia research. To make a donation, please go to http://pages.teamintraining.org/md/rnr12/klivay

Thank you Kelli for joining Team in Training. Can’t wait for the run on Saturday!

PS. Last Friday I had my fourth chemo, I am doing well. I am more tired and I have experienced nausea. But oh well….  I am prepared for not-so-good days :).
Thank you for your prayers and good vibes that keep me energized and strong.

FInish line 26.1 miles = 42 km

Love!

Bea Positive things

Six months ago I married my best friend Dave in a beautiful ceremony in Bloomington, Illinois surrounded by family and friends. So to celebrate our love and happiness, I put together the video below:

Tomorrow, people around the world will celebrate Valentine’s Day (Dia de San Valentin. In Mexico it is also called “Dia del Amor y la Amistad” which translation is “Day of Love and Friendship”

Even if you don’t celebrate Valentine’s Day, take February 14 as a reminder of the importance of being kind to yourself and others.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Optimum Health

Image Bea Positive things

In order to get better when we are sick, we have a mandate: to listen to our bodies carefully. The body heals when we listen, nurture, take care and love our body. Healing from cancer is a team effort and I have learned to work in conjunction with doctors and nurses to listen better how my body responds to the medicines and how I feel each day. The difficult part of listening to your body is to allowing yourself to rest without feeling “lazy” or “unproductive”.

Who would imagine that having cancer allows me to love my body like never before. An optimum health is not only accomplished by the amount of medicines or visits to the doctor but also by the amount of love and care we dedicate to ourselves and those who are around us.  

I want to share with you a positive phrase to repeat constantly. The thought is from Louise Hay.
By the way for those that have an iPad, I drew the picture above with an amazing app called Bamboo, super fun!.

Feb 4 – Cancer Awareness Day & a Recipe

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Today February 4, is the World Cancer Day, a global observance that helps raise people’s awareness of cancer and how to prevent, detect or treat it.

I cannot complain, I have the best care a patient could ever ask for. Yesterday, I had my third chemo and so far so good. The medicines I get are strong. There is one in particular that felt like it was burning my veins. Luckily enough, Lynne increased the amount of saline solution in the IV and I felt better afterwards. Today I only have a small headache but nothing else!. I appreciate your prayers and good vibes that give me strength and reinforce a positive attitude.

Lynne, Jeni -my amazing new friends and nurses – and I share the passion about cooking. Right after coming back from the hospital I couldn’t wait and I made for dinner an easy-to-make and tasty recipe Jeni shared with me. Thank you Jeni!

Couscous Chicken Salad
20 min | 4 servings
Level: Easy

Salad
1 lg chicken breast (or two small)
1 cucumber (remove seeds and dice)
1 pint of grape tomatoes (halved)
1 small can sliced black olives
Diced green onion tops (to taste)
1 box unflavored couscous (substitute with Orzo or pasta)
Feta cheese

Dressing
1 to 1 1/2 cups greek yogurt (to taste)
Couple tablespoons olive oil
Juice & zest of 1 lemon (lima o limon)
Dried mint
Salt & pepper

Grill and/or bake the chicken breasts (season to taste). Dice chicken. Mix the dressing the bottom of a large bowl and add the vegetables and diced chicken. Prepare couscous (pasta or orzo) according to package directions.
Mixed prepared couscous with dressing, veggies, and chicken. Stir in feta and serve either warm or refrigerate and serve chilled.

Cooking tip: After boiled, run the couscous through cold water to separate the grains better. I like Chobani greek plain yogurt which is a good option for this recipe.

Each Day

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Several of my friends recommended reading You Can Heal your Life by Louise Hay. The book has been a great discovery and it has helped me through this journey. Louise Hay is a strong woman who has gone through unimaginable challenges. Mrs. Hay is also a cancer survivor who has assisted thousands for people in discovering self-healing and personal growth.

Her inspiring words have changed the way I see life in general; I feel better about myself more, I do not sweat the little things, I say “thank you” more often, I laugh more frequently, I give more, and love life each day more.

Also I have learned that keeping a positive attitude and repeating encouraging phrases helps to go through any challenging situation. Each time I receive chemotherapy I think about how the medicines are working and healing me. I know that If I avoid negative feelings such as sadness or fear I will be ok. Our minds can do wonders. Here is one of those encouraging phrases

From Louise Hay