Our Best Life - NOW!

Well, summer is well underway. We're enjoying (as always) Tour de France coverage on the telly, something that it would not seem like summer without. Our plans for short getaways and family time are also being drafted and excitement is building. One noticeable difference this summer is the way we are eating. We've cut sugar consumption back by about 70% and even meat by probably 30%. Both are acid-producing in the body's pH balance, making for a more comfortable environment for naughty cells. Veggies abound in our recipes now, and raw ones, when possible. Used to be when I brought in grocery bags, it took little time to get it all stored away in fridge and pantry. But now, it takes more planning and prep. Scrubbing and prepping a "real-food" diet takes time, but is well worth it. I feel better, function better, and have this sense of living life to the utmost, from my innermost cells on out. Unsettling recent events have given me this. And I rejoice in it!

It's that way often, it seems. Something shakes you up, maybe even tears you down somewhat. And then God uses what's left to build you back up better than before. Without the events of the last two months, I'd never be living this dream and I believe this really illustrates the scripture, "In this life you shall have troubles, but be of good cheer-I have overcome this world!" Be of good cheer. Take it all in stride. Let joy be your traveling partner, knowing that in the end (because we are in Him) we always win!

I've also taken it upon myself to enlist my personal care physician's help in nailing a couple of minor health concerns which I'd previously put on the back burner as insignificant. I see now that no health concern is insignificant. We were made for better. Baseline testing has been done and a followup is due next month. Will post more detail then, when I hope to have made some headway. Meantime, better get this lovely bounty scrubbed and stored. Health and blessings to you!

Good News!

Hallelujah! As expected, a good surgical result was found. Small focus (6mm), good margins, and low grade. Everything has been removed and what was removed appears to have no invasive cells in it. Thank You, thank You, thank You, Father! Now we proceed to prevent. Radiotherapy is one way. Thus far, it appears that I have so little recurrence threat that this therapy would gain me little. And, particularly for younger women with time for side effects to develop, it could cost me (maybe much) down the road. For added assurance in this decision, I've opted to have genetic typing done on biopsied tissue with Oncotype DX, a tool which can help predict progression to invasive cancer down the road. This particular tool combines data for a number of markers to create a single numerical score on a scale from 1 to 100, with a lower score indicating a lower risk. Results came in yesterday with my number at 13 - very low, translating to a chance of invasive cancer in 10 years of just 4%.  With radiotherapy offering a 50% decrease in risk, this is only 2% for me-not enough to warrant its use, considering its risks. Same for the other preventive therapy offered, a pill that kills estrogen called Tamoxifen. Again, for patients with higher risk, these therapies may prove to be a good trade-off, even with their risks. But for me, my team agrees that it would be over-treatment.

That said, apparently my team has not seen all that many patients take this road, but cannot argue with the decision on a scientific basis. They seem intrigued by a patient who, without case studies (it's just too early in the game) will take raw science and in effect "become the studies" as it were, because the raw science is just that good and they know it. I thank God that they do. They are true scientists and not just lockstep "standard of care" zombies. They are comfortable in my level of education, interest in my own health, and ability to forge a positive outcome in the future with healthy lifestyle choices and a watchful eye going forward. As such, my deepest heartfelt thanks go to the Breast Care Center at Porter Adventist Hospital Denver, under the expert leadership of breast surgeon extraordinaire, Dr Colleen Murphy.
Natural preventive measures will look the same as those already posted. These are not alternative choices. Alternative means "different". In my opinion, natural means are the norm, and man-made means are different. My primary doctor will help me monitor iodine supplementation to ideal levels, and in so doing, it is highly probable that fibrocystic activity will be resolved (my age can do that too-after menopause, fibros usually calm anyway.) And those nasty micro-calcifications? It's been said that nutrition has little effect, but my hypothesis is that balancing my calcium with magnesium, beta carotene, and K2 will gradually usher calcium back out of soft tissue (arteries, breasts) back into hard tissue (bone) where it belongs. Again, all levels will be monitored for safety. It is my absolute belief that this 8-week journey has revealed improvements that can be made which can avert considerable problems later on. Even the "small things" have seen improvement with these lifestyle changes. I no longer bruise easily. My eyesight has improved. I'm more relaxed and mentally focused. Make no mistake-as a letter once written to the Roman contingent of Christ's followers reads: "All things work for good to those who love the Lord. -All things."And that ain't no Pollyanna-ing there. Ron and I are more intent than ever on living in the moment for the things most important to us. We purge old hurts and jettison vain distractions, moving forward to the more critical purposes of our lives. We breathe deeper, sing louder, and love better now. And in the immortal words of Sweet Brown, "Anybody got time for dat!"

What does the future hold? God only knows. I obviously want to keep an eye on this, but mammography poses particular risks to me. First, DCIS can indicate instability of cells, more easily disrupted by ionized radiation. Second, I have a full sis in treatment for Melanoma, as posted before. Some Melanoma genes (which I may carry) "switch on" more easily when exposed to ionized radiation. Other options are safer but less specific. One thing I know: I shall screen. But I want to do it smart. And God will lead, as always.
Final takeaway: we needn't fear. We were made for better. God prepared me ahead of time with knowledge about this issue, and it brought power and comfort for the journey. My greatest concern, frankly, was that I would be made into a cancer patient when I wasn't one to start out with. Not that being a cancer patient makes anything wrong with you, but I think you get my drift. I didn't want to get caught up in a system that has been proven to make mountains out of molehills (no pun intended) and in their good intentions, see patients worse for the care than before. It happens every day. And I see the frustration of it in the eyes of my "team" as they cheer me on. One especially lovely team-member, Steph, told me that I was selected by God to encourage women to lead their teams as I had, forging their own plan of care (even if it differs from the standard) with knowledge and confidence. Her eyes welled with tears. She embraced me long and hard as she dispatched me from the Cancer Center exam room for the last time. It made me feel special, and has really moved me to help others through this if I can.

I would be proud to be a cancer survivor. I actually like pink (though I'm usually too reserved to wear it.) Cancer survivors are heroes to me. But I don't believe, scientifically, that I am one. I don't deserve the admiration of having faced the grisly beast of cancer in the eyes as they have. And for all my admiration for these soldiers, I do not want to be one of them. In years to come, it is likely that the form of "cancer" that I had removed will be categorized with pre-cancers. But until then, I shall dwell in the purgatory of DCIS "survivors" hoping to help one another navigate this barren landscape of very early (maybe too early) disease diagnosis. Until we get good enough at prognostics to catch up with diagnostics, we'll have to do the best we can at choosing care that is like Goldilocks-not too much, not too little, but just right. In my opinion, that day may in fact be very close at hand, if not already here for some. We'll see how the next 10 years go, and whether my story can give others like me the confidence to walk this road behind me. And there are others like me whom I have found along the way, who are already well into that 10-year journey. Fellow DCIS diagnosees who, after surgery, have opted to watch and wait only, and are doing just fine so far. Sandie is one, Donna, another. They have joined forces in an exciting project which I would love to be part of somehow.
Meantime, summer's in full swing. We just finished a wonderful family 4th of July BBQ and I'm rarin' to ramp it up further. God is good, life is good. Ronny, rev up that little red Vette and let's get this party started!

                              

A Simple Prayer

Lord, you know me. You built me. You love me. Nothing I do or say is a surprise to You. You can heal me with a breath, with a word. Yet there are times when healing is second best, and You know when those times are, too. And in those times, You go into the fire with us, keeping us from destruction. In this season, I have seen Your miracles already over and over again. I cannot understand the peace you've blanketed me in. I don't have that kind of faith. I don't. But You do-and you give it when we need it. And I thank You. I see how You prepared me far ahead of time, giving me understanding which has been my guard and comfort.
I tend to place a lot of trust in the things You've instructed me to do, but need to remember that we can only do so much. Then, we must rest in Your ability to do the rest.
I believe that this week's tests will reveal that there is no dangerous disease in my body. I've studied and worked too hard for too long for that to be. But I also know that life surprises us sometimes. If disease is there, I don't need the extra stress of feeling cheated. There is no "cheated." Or that I've lost credibility as the health lady with all the advice. -Stupid attachment. Or to make an exhibit for You somehow. You are amazing all on Your own. We will live and die and our stories don't usually cause others all that much thought one way or another. We just do the best we can with Your help, and if we help someone once in a while it's sweet. And if I'm sick, I would be grateful as can be that it is early and that I got that screening (the one that, with proven reasons, I was so reluctant to have).  And even though it's well known that many women over-treat this thing just to be safe, I will never again judge them for it (if I ever did) now that I have all the information, and have been to the belly of this beast. Hey, life is complicated and seldom black & white. I give my black & whites and my other attachments up to You right now. I release anything I might have to prove. Who needs it? Maybe letting go is what You mean when You ask "wilt thou be whole?" And maybe that's the best healing of all.

And while I'm looking into my heart here, Lord, I see other hurts and fears that I need to release as well. This is a great time to put them away once and for all. We don't need them! They only hurt us more. Please help me release them all. To reach out, or whatever it takes to get it done. This could be the best season of my life. I don't want to waste the opportunities that lie in it. Life is short. Please help me be whole. -Whether I'm sick or not.

Lord, I've done what I know to do. -What I believe You have instructed. I've learned ways to be more healthy, and done them. I've called loved ones together for prayer, and wow, what prayer has already gone up! And now I've heard Your prayer to me to drop my need for silly stuff and just enjoy what You have in store. You can now do what I cannot, and I know that You will. And no matter what our news is, a miracle is coming. I love You so very much, Father, and I thank You with all my heart. Amen.

One More Step

Well, the result of the biopsy in the last post (and a second opinion which came in yesterday) was DCIS, a special cancer that is trapped in the milk duct and thus cannot do its host harm, unless it morphs into something more aggressive and eats its way out into the body tissues. Determining whose DCIS will do so (and whose will not) is something we are still a few years away from being able to tell, so treatment for either is often the same, a situation the industry itself admits is often over-treatment. Sad, but more understandable when you become one of those contemplating the dire results of walking away from treatment, then suddenly being invaded by true disease. (A fellow Breast Cancer forum member had this happen. Invasive cancer developed in between screenings, and it was not pretty.)

Anyway, all this to say, we are still inconclusive. So we move forward with a wide excision, commonly done to see if there is any invasive disease in the biopsied area. This procedure poses relatively little risk to know for sure and have more peace. This will be in about 2 weeks. Meantime, I believe that by upping my game on diet, exercise, and joy (read: busting stress), I can optimize my results at the cellular level. (If not, I'll feel better anyway and recover that much more quickly so nothing to lose there.) If invasive cells are found, radiation should probably happen next. But if not, my data is looking quite good for foregoing radiation for now (as it would provide little added benefit vs not doing it). And molecular data which I'd found and hoped could help, it turns out, can! We'll test for this along with other things. Woohoo!
But only surgery can reveal it all. So I rest in my choices, and in my God, and in following His plan of health for my life. Got my ears on for His further instruction and will go forward expecting (and actively creating) the best health, & the best life I can!

GREAT News - And More On the Way!

Well, the visit with the specialist yesterday went very well. I learned that one of the "suspicious somethings" seen on breast screenings will require no biopsy, as first believed. We shall wait and watch for any changes for a few months, and if none, dismiss it as no threat. Words cannot express our gratitude for this! Half of the uncertainty has now gone away. The outpouring of love and prayer on our behalf has taken us by surprise. We are especially thankful for this! 

As for the other: biopsy was done yesterday. So just a little longer to wait. I should get a call later this morning. This is when we learn one of two things: either I have some work to do to regain health, or (despite all of this drama) I was never ill at all. (Seems a long time to be held in suspense to hear that you are healthy, doesn't it? Especially with such a serious condition.)

Either way, in nearly two weeks of waiting, new light has been shed upon three things:

* How loved we are by God, friends, family (even strangers)

* How much loved ones have gone through with their health 

* What is truly important in life (and what is not)

Those who know us know that Ron & I have a passion for health. In recent days this passion has been validated as critically important for living our very best life. In fact, we hope to increase our efforts to live well. But bodily health is just a part. There’s also the mind: de-toxing from tired, old thinking in the face of new evidence (politics, religion, etc.) And the Spirit: casting down hurt, fear, and doubt that our loving God would ever let us down. Forgiveness and openness. Learning to live in peace and have fun no matter what.  And helping others do so, too!

This is true wholeness; what we were made for. -What a high price was paid for, & what we wish to honor.

We are made for better. And with God's grace & help, whatever today brings, we aim to live it all the way!

Of Faith and Fear: The Power of the Big Picture

Got word one week ago of something suspicious on breast mammogram screening, in fact two different suspicious somethings, one on each side. I was told a biopsy would be necessary to see if it's cancer. I've arranged for a second opinion (by a respected surgeon recommended by a friend) this Thursday in Denver. My doctor called soon after to say that a specialist was indeed in order, and that she was glad I'd done the footwork. If agreed that biopsy is necessary, I've arranged it to be done by the best, Anschutz campus in Aurora, where my sister and sister-in-law have both been treated. Neither can say enough good things about the people and technology there. I picked up copies of films and reports to bring along, so we're set. I've looked them over and determined (best I can with no training) that further screening is likely necessary. But much hope remains.
Now just a few more days' wait to see what's next.

When my sis-in-law was treated for breast cancer nearly five years ago, my prayer for her led me to a desire to learn about this area of medical science. With statistics showing a sharp increase in treatment, being prepared  for something like this made sense. Now, we don't want to borrow trouble from the future, but if faced with similar news, neither do we want to have to gather tons of info in a hurry, with so much else on the mind already.
When my little sis began treatment for Melanoma last fall, I brushed up on my study on simple ways to keep the body cancer free, sharing with her and others (see a previous post here). It's become a sort of passion. -Not fear, not obsession, just a desire for preparedness.-Big difference. Lots of other things in life to be lived, but hey, with a mom and now a full sis as cancer patients (mom lymphoma, sis melanoma), just praying and hoping doesn't cut it for me.
Well, here we are, crunch time. Time to see what all that study, nutrition, and exercise has been worth. A negative result would be both a relief and a confirmation. But it's critical to keep in mind that it would be dangerous to become attached to this. Even with a positive result, I'm still better off for all the effort, no doubt. And like the three Hebrew children, God will accompany me in the furnace as he has my sisses. It all comes down to this: knowledge removes a huge amount of the fear which is the real harm in these things. Knowledge of science (the best we have right now) and most importantly, knowledge of God. His warmth and comfort is all over Ron and me right now. There's a peace which I truly do not understand. I didn't conjure it up, there's no denial, there's just this peace. It seems to be a special gift of faith that only God can give, and I don't even remember asking for it. (The prayers of friends and family are no doubt responsible here, for which I'm very grateful).

Yes, despite moments of doubt and all the suspense, we still have a great time and, dare I say it? Fun is holy. Celebration in times of uncertainty blesses God's heart! Worry and fear is the real monster here, not cancer. I heard a long time ago that fear was the opposite of love. At the time I thought, "No, hate is the opposite of love." But I've learned since then that love generates faith and fun. Fear generates hate, and other nasty things. The primary forces really do seem to be love and fear. God is love, lack of God is fear. And I sit here this Monday morning looking at this mess and can honestly say (by no achievement of my own) that the love of God in my life surrounds me and I'm actually excited about what is to come, which is just insane! And we'll see if I soon eat those words. Humans are pretty good for that. But it's all about seeing the big picture (not just a few mammo/ultrasound shots) and knowing that I've answered God's prayers to me (see another previous post) and have done all that He has asked me to do to be healthy and prepared, and I can now rest and let Him do what I cannot. Good things are ahead, no doubt. ;)

A Pilgrim's Progress

Ron & I have been out of organized church for several years, but have instead chosen to meet, serve, and give in less structured ways. And in many ways, it's been great. But recently, I've been prompted by a dear sister to re-assess our church attendance status, which has led me though a wonderful week-long study of Church history as both a backdrop and a foundation for this re-assessment, for which I am very grateful.

The result? Well, in places I’ve uprooted my own misconceptions and had to open my heart. In others I’ve found truths which make me dig my heels in. Overall, though, I have seen that where we are is not ideal and am sensing a call to action. So here’s the scoop, in timeline form with a few short comments thrown in.

BC 100: Jewish and Roman worship in Jerusalem:

·         * Lavish temples in poor parts of town

·         * Obligatory, burdensome rules on giving, based on tradition rather than inspiration

·         * Meetings with inflexible programs and rituals, seldom inspired

·        *  Pedigreed Priests, elevated above other believers, at times heavy-handed

The prophet Isaiah pronounced this as a heavy yoke upon the people and proclaimed that one day this yoke would be abolished and broken over their necks.

AD 100: Worship in the new following called “The Way:”

·        *  Meetings in homes and other buildings, as provided

·         * “As-inspired” giving to church workers, sister churches, and the poor (at times selling to give)

·         * Orderly, yet inspired and highly interactive meeting programs

·         * Leadership of common but respected fellow believers, training the “laity” for ministry

This brought followers in by the thousands at times, and their numbers grew daily. This was the real deal and the “average man” knew it.

AD 1500: Christian worship in Europe: See BC 100 (Back to the heavy yoke, and add to it numerous onerous un-biblical traditions and expeditions which one could say crucified the Christ all over again in the eyes of the un-churched for centuries to come) This was unacceptable to Luther, the pilgrims, and many others. Since then,“The Way” has survived various reformations and schisms, and appears to be slowly returning to its less “religious” roots. The strength of these reforms shows that the common flock-member is anything but a sheep, and the tremendous growth of these movements shows that God is fully behind independent action when implemented with humility and love.

AD 2013:  Continued Reformation:   See AD 100 (Shattering new yokes)

It is hoped that Church growth will once again surge with this return to a less “religious” atmosphere. This current reformation is occurring both by loving admonishment from within church walls, and by creation of new forms of inspired worship without. But this is where I've had to open my heart: we well-meaning "pilgrims" need to be sure that if going from something, we go TO something, and aren't stuck in the wilderness in a tent all alone, vulnerable to deception and attack. We would do well to either search out our ideal (or close to it) and become involved, or consider God's help in creating that ideal somehow (which might also become the ideal of others and all is well!) But be honest in judging if you are really attached or not, then act. 

The Christian Church is alive and well, making headway from a childhood marked by vulnerability and manipulation, through the turbulent self-reckonings of adolescence (seldom seen in other faiths), to the quiet self-assurance of selfless adulthood, and her long-awaited wedding day.

Also, I've evolved in my idea of what a church really is. We believers are a part of a Body and that Body needs us. Though Scripture is scant in PREscription, its general  DEscription is that they meet regularly (weekly and even bi-weekly) and in groups large enough to have leaders, witnesses in disputes, and consistent opportunity to practice corporate worship and family life. Families are everyday kind of groups. –Village Inn once a month with the Joneses, not so much. (It’s certainly beneficial, but not really family.) We live together. We serve, help, and forgive each other. It’s work. I don’t really miss that part, but I now believe God misses it for me, and for others. And so I must deal with that, with God’s help.
But, with that said, let’s talk. Very clear in the NT: “Love God, love others.”  Not so clear (on purpose):  "Give this much, at these intervals.  Never miss a meeting. Give and serve, even when it hurts." These messages, though subtle, are still very much a part of today's worship; a remnant of religion's yoke still yet to be broken. Let's not deny it. Let's fix it. This yoke hides God’s freedom and power for many, and the result is that they never find true life.

Christ's yoke is easy. What does that mean? If joining a fold, it's keeping our ear open on how or where to give, when and where to gather, how to stay connected. If starting a fold, it's trusting God to meet your needs without undue pressure or obligation. and if needs aren't met, being open to other options. There are only two yokes. The light and the heavy. People gravitate to the light yoke. They should. And time is short.

Reformation must continue. -Again, either lovingly from within, or through loving alternatives without. But for one who cares about people, abandonment is not an option. The Bride of Christ cannot enter selfless adulthood and fitness for her destiny but that her members do so first.
So it looks like I’m back in the game.
Thanks again, sis. Thanks a lot! :)

God Praying to Us?

We've heard it before. Prayer is a two-way street. Then we blow it off, like so many other things we've heard before. But the reason that we hear some things so often is that they are so true.

When we keep our line of communication open, we sometimes get indications of things that we could do to change a negative situation in our life, make someone's day, or create a breakthrough in our personal growth.  And we entertain it for a while, then we get tired, busy, or distracted and it falls by the wayside. Is this God?  What would happen if we answered every such "prayer" that God sends through to us?
A note. An email. A Facebook message. A visit. A call. A "pay-it-forward." A random act of kindness.

Great moves of God are in the little things. What if we all answered every little prompting of love that we get? All those little things could end up to be HUGE. I used to run in circles where people waited on God. Waited on a move from God. For a revival from God. When would He come? When would He move? Meantime, we often ignored the still small voice in us that begged us to encourage that certain someone, or stop that unhealthy habit, or to forgive. And we wondered where God was.

This isn't religion. It's relationship. And that indeed is (or at least should be) a two way thing.

About a week ago, my brother-in-law emailed me to share a powerful desire to reach a certain segment of people a certain way for God. He was hoping for ideas and a bit of iron-sharpening. I looked at the note a few times, and wondered how to respond. At the time, I was very tired and distracted from various one-on-one ministry and career pursuits. So I responded honestly. I needed a boost. I was nowhere near where he was at the moment, and could he "come & get me" because I just wasn't there. He said he'd pray. A few days later I got a dvd in the mail. It was a documentary of a little town in Appalachia with a history of bootlegging, crime, feuding, and drugs. At one point in recent history, a large percentage of the population was enslaved to coke, oxy, and meth. Hope was nearly lost. The narrative focused on two families in this town and the heart break of slowly losing one of their own to drugs. It then showcased the deep corruption in law enforcement and civic leadership that not only allowed this suffering, but fostered it, drawing it from miles around. It seemed hopeless.

Then one day God showed up. Church people, up until now sad but silent, finally decided enough was enough. They began to pray. And when they did, God prayed back. He wanted them to unite, and act. They were afraid. Some were threatened. Drugs were big money and some did not want to lose it. Even some church people were obstacles, they were so afraid that they created pressure to keep things as they were. But as they prayed, they were even more moved to act. In the cold and the rain one Sunday, cars came, buses came. They walked, they biked, they hitch-hiked. The march happened, amid the threat and risk. It was huge! And they continued moving. In the months and years to follow, city leaders were indicted, new leaders were put in place, and hundreds of dealers (and lawmen) were also brought to justice. Volunteerism increased manifold, with involvement in schools, jails, and civic places. The two drug addicts, one a hardened, vicious criminal and the other, a young woman nearly been beaten to death by such persons, each found Jesus in special ways soon after. As did many more like them. The relief and jubilation of their families (and the town) was a joy to behold. And now the criminal ministers to inmates, rescuing them by the scores. The name of the town was changed to "City of Hope." Now, even wildlife in the lovely wooded area flourishes, with new species never known there before. It is a feel-good story with a real-life happy ending. But the moral is everything.

The spin on the story everywhere is that somehow this town attracted God's attention. But I have yet to hear one person spin it the way I do: God attracted theirs. Despite risk and threats, this town answered God's prayer. You could lay a big backdrop of mystical glory behind it, but God's love is a practical thing. The overwhelming turnout for the march is explained by the fact that undoubtedly everyone marching knew someone at that time who was a prisoner to drugs and wanted to fight for them. This is love. God is love. This is simple stuff. People stuck up for each other, finally. It was THEN when God could really move.

And this is where I am today. God talks to me. A lot. It may be a song on Pandora. A fleeting picture in my mind. An idea. A wish. I'm not good with resolutions, but I'm smart enough to know that these things happen one at a time. And my heart's desire today is to answer God's prayers in my life, one at a time. Then see where it leads. There's fear. There's risk. There's distraction. But there are some things to start with even today. So please pray for me.               "IF my people..."

New Year Organization, Re-thunk

Each New Year, I get really excited to do my annual de-cluttering. To me, de-cluttering is a large part of health. A simple landscape is a healthy head, for me. And a healthy head is a healthy me. I go through the house and studio, even the garage looking to purge and simplify. I hit the computer files and hard-copy files too. Nothing escapes the sickle. But this year is different somehow.

I've been re-thinking.
Is this really the best way, or just MY best way?
Health is individual. Nutrition, fitness, career. None of us is the same as another. What works for one is disaster for another, and vice-versa. So why would organization be any different?
Case in point: One traveler on a popular forum boasts about how light she packs for her tropical getaways. Just one backpack for a week. She washes clothes as she goes and leaves the clutter behind. Brilliant! But then I reason,"What if she needs an aspirin or a safety pin or Superglue? She now has to find a store and take valuable vacation time to hunt down her item."
Then there's the other kind of traveler. They bring everything. You've seen them. Someone at the dinner table needs an antacid, and they have three kinds. Their luggage is a U-Haul trailer. But by God, they won't be left shopping on vacation!
Ok. Which way is superior? You travel. You need itch cream. You either spend the time packing it or finding it. It's either front-end or back-end loaded. Does it really matter? One guy is savvy for his preparedness, the other guy for his simplicity.
Scenario two: you lay your ensembles out for the next day. Gym clothes, then office clothes.
Your hubby waits to do it the next morning. You are smug because when you wake up you're ready to go.
But the evening before, he enjoys his favorite tv show and doesn't save you any popcorn, cause you're too busy puttering about.
And you're all, "I'm all ready." And he's all, "I can be ready in five minutes." And you're all, "We'll see." And the next day he is, which is infuriating, but I digress. Isn't it all pretty much even-Steven?
Your garage actually fits cars into it. Your neighbor's doesn't, but they spent last weekend on a dirt bike, while you cleaned your garage.
Who has more stress?
It depends.
Health (including mental health) is individual. I like simple. I like prepared. These equal a quiet head to me.
But you might like complicated. What looks like your cluttered desktop to me might be simply your "system," and there's a place for everything, and everything is in its place. -Somewhere.
My time-savers might just be opening up more time to cram more activity in, and thus more stress.
Oh, my gosh. What have I done to myself?
I've got to go think about this.
Happy New Year. -Sheesh.