Ms. Bear Says: Get Your Colonoscopy!

ColonoscopyWhew, friends!! As I always say, “That was a time!!” The time period I’m referring to?? The last five days alone! We’ve had quite the adventure of the medical variety around here as my mom had her second-ever colonoscopy!! She came through with flying colors and was brave and fierce and tough — in everything from the prep that involved drinking a very interesting mixture to the recovery that involved resting in the recovery room with a snack! She’s pretty much my hero and I’m so proud of her, so I wanted her to write a little bit today. Take it away, Ms. Bear…

Way back in 2009, after my first colonoscopy, I was so happy that I wouldn’t have to go back for 10 whole years! It seemed like a lifetime before I would have to worry about that again. Alas, it is remarkable how fast 10 years went by! I was supposed to have it in November 2019, but I seemed to lack the enthusiasm for it and told myself I would go in the new year. Well, welcome to 2020 and I was really sick in late February and most of March (there was no COVID test then, but I can’t help but wonder…). Then, of course, we were locked away in our houses, which brings us to last week, when I finally had the procedure. They told me that I wouldn’t be able to take the pills for the “clean out” this time and I worried every day for two months about drinking that liquid.

ColonoscopyFast forward to last Wednesday at 5 p.m. when I had to start the “prep.”I mixed it with lemonade Gatorade and guess what? It wasn’t bad at all. Of course, after 64 ounces of it, I felt a little nauseated, but overall, nothing like I had built up in my mind.

So, off Janelle and I went to the hospital on Thursday morning at the crack of dawn. It was super fast and I was in and out of the procedure room in less than half an hour. Then they gave me a muffin and sent me on my way.

I am still waiting to hear from pathology as to whether I come back in 5 years or 10, but either way, I am proud of myself for finally doing it. So, please, don’t let fear keep you from this important test, especially if you are over 50. Learn from my mistake and don’t put it off.

ColonoscopyI am so happy I am done and next time I am going to go in exactly when they tell me to. And, I learned (again!) that there is no point in worrying every day about something that can save your life AND can be over in a half hour. I’ll let you know in 5 or 10 years if I follow through on this, but I am sure going to try!

Although March is officially National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, if you’re over 50, it’s important to get a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer. So what are YOU waiting for???

P.S. Thanks to Janelle for documenting this medical milestone!!

Conversations With My Mom

ConversationsWe’ve been in quarantine now for almost three months! I’m incredibly lucky and I’m grateful every day that I get to be with my mom and sister, but there’s one thing no one tells you about spending 24/7 with your family: conversations with my mom are epic!!

And by epic, what I really mean is “I couldn’t make this stuff up if I tried” doozies!! And we’ve had some doozies, let me tell you!! If this were a Hallmark movie, my mom and I would be curled up on the couch, cup of cocoa in hand, talking about how the last few months have brought us so much closer together. We’d be sharing secrets and revelations about each other, swapping stories we’d never told the other. But this isn’t a Hallmark movie and, honestly, my mom and I are more like classic mother-daughter duo Sophia and Dorothy from The Golden Girls — we’re pretty much a well-oiled machine at this point, full of witty and sarcastic banter and able to complete each other’s sentences without missing a beat.

ConversationsMaybe that’s why we’ve had some of the best, most hilarious back-and-forth conversations while we’ve been home together. So in true journalist form, I’ve been chronicling them all. They’re filled with sarcastic zingers. They’re heavy on the humor. And my mom’s trademark eye-rolls practically leap off the screen.

Don’t believe me? Here’s a sample, so you can all judge for yourself…

Mom: Do you want extra sauce on your spaghetti?

Me: I’m the only one who can be extra saucy around here!!

Mom: Do you like lima beans??

Me: No, I only like Josh Lyman…

Me: Why do cats puff up their tails??

Mom: So they can look tougher and braver than they really are.

Me: Oh, just like Trump!

Me: What kind of cheese is this?

Mom: It’s sharp cheddar

Me: Oh, sharp…just like my wit

Mom: That’s right (as she smirks and rolls her eyes)

Mom: The frosting on that cake is sweet.

Me: Ooooh, just like me!

Mom: Well, you’ve got some sass too (again, she rolls her eyes)

And, a personal favorite that just happened tonight…

Mom: Is Trump giving a speech tonight?

Me: I’m not sure. Is something wrong with your Google? And, no, that is not a euphemism

ConversationsLike I said, we’ve got great comedic timing. I’m thinking we should take our act on the road. I mean, Bert and Ernie have been a crowd favorite of all ages for years and my mom and I are just like them, remember? This photo illustrates our relationship perfectly. There’s me (Ernie) saying something perhaps a bit out there and my mom (Bert) just looking like she’s completely over it all. I think a lot of other mothers and their daughters could relate to that, don’t you think?

Have you been having any interesting conversations with your loved one during quarantine? What have you been talking about? Deep, soul-searching topics or more of the light-hearted variety, friends?? xoxo

P.S. Thanks for everything over the last three months! I love you, Ma…

Good Golly, Little Richard: An Ode to the Rock & Roll Icon

Little RichardI woke up last weekend to the sad news that the one and only Little Richard had died. On top of a year that hasn’t exactly been on the happy side, 2020 continues to prove that it’s going to be a sad one with the death of everyone’s favorite piano-playing rock and roll power-player.

First of all, let’s just state the obvious: The singer’s name was a complete misnomer. Watch any video of him performing live and you can see right away that there was absolutely nothing “little” about Little Richard. He was a powerhouse, a force of musical nature and incredibly soulful in his delivery style. I mean, he was, perhaps, one of the most-recognizable voices of the ’50s and ’60s; when you hear a Little Richard song, you immediately know you’re hearing a Little Richard song, don’t you?

Not to mention, his songs were some of the greatest in an era marked by the likes of the British Invasion and Motown. We all have a favorite song of his, everything from classics like “Good Golly Miss Molly” to “Long Tall Sally,” and, honestly, his songs are the kind that make you want to tap your feet — that is, if you’re not already up and dancing!

There aren’t many musicians who have the kind of cross-generational appeal that Little Richard had. I vividly remember being around 7 or 8 and my dad setting up these flashing lights so my friends and I could dance around the living room to songs like “Tutti Frutti.” I had no idea what that song title even meant, but that didn’t matter. The song was electric, eclectic and pure exuding energy — just like Little Richard himself. We’d spend hours laughing as we danced around our little apartment, the lights off and the colors of those lights bouncing off the wall as frenetically as the music blaring from the speakers. Honestly, it’s still one of my all-time favorite childhood memories and even some 30 years later, I remember those days as vividly as if they’d just happened yesterday.

Perhaps that’s the mark of a truly great musician. Their music, whether you listened to it yesterday or decades ago, still feels fresh and new. There’s a timeless quality to it that transcends time and space; plus, it’s always there whenever you need it. And, thankfully, those memories are always right there too.

Little RichardIndeed, music has lost a trailblazing icon. Thank you, Little Richard, for the memories and the music. And, of course, thank you for the moves. They were indeed smooth and timeless. What’s your favorite Little Richard song, friends?? xoxo

P.S. More of my musical favorites…

Happy Mother’s Day to the Best Mom (Spoiler Alert: It’s Ms. Bear)

momDear Ms. Bear (the BEST mom ever!)…

I’ve written a blog post for Mother’s Day every year since 2009 — whew, that’s a lot of blog posts! But then again, there’s been a lot to say — err, write! Don’t worry, though! As you can see from the last decade, it’s all good things! It’s hard to pack everything you mean to me in just one post, isn’t it? You inspire me, lift me up, keep me honest, make me laugh (especially with your adorableness!) and, of course, love me unconditionally. Just as I love you unconditionally.

Of course, 2020 hasn’t exactly panned out like we thought it would. For the last nine weeks (or has it been 10…? Who even knows anymore…?), we’ve been quarantining together. We’ve had our moments of frustration and maybe a bit of too much togetherness at times — like when you casually drop a hint with “Wow, you’re really chatty today!” — but other than that, I’ve treasured this time we’ve spent at home and there is no one else I’d rather be in the depths of stay-at-home mode with than you!

I was thinking last week about what I wanted to say in this blog post and that’s when it hit me: Over the last nine weeks, I’ve gotten to see a side of you I don’t get to see very often.

momThe side that relaxes and rests.

You’re usually such a bundle of energy, flitting quickly from here to there faster than the Energizer Bunny, that I can barely keep up with you. In fact, I’m usually the one who is telling you to “SLOW DOWN” and “SIT DOWN,” right, Bert? I mean, I get worn out just watching you go, go, go!!

But since we’ve been home, I’ve actually seen you slow down. You’re relaxing. You’re getting the proper amount of sleep. You’re getting out in nature — and following proper social distancing protocols, of course! And you’re, perhaps for the first time ever, listening to your body. It’s quite a sight to behold — one I’m so grateful for.

You and I have always been a team!! Through good times and bad. Through laughter and tears. Through Yahtzee wins and losses. Through binge-watching The Golden Girls multiple times, including right now. You’re the best of the best and my hero for life!! Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!! You’re aces in my book and thank you for everything!! Now, go and sit down, please!! xoxo

Editor’s Note: As I was finishing up this post, Ms. Bear said “Why don’t you put the links to all the past Mother’s Day posts for me!” Well, who am I to deny my lovely mom?? Here you go, for your reading pleasure: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Ms. Bear Memories: On My Childhood Home

childhood home childhood homeThe wonderful Ms. Bear is back on the blog again today, friends! This time, she’s sharing memories of her childhood home, complete with photos!! Enjoy… xoxo

I beg to differ with the old adage, “You can’t go home again.” Of course, you physically can’t transport yourself to the past, but if you work at keeping the memories alive, you can visit anytime you want! Maybe it’s because my parents and my husband are all dead, but I feel I spend a fair amount of time in thoughts of the past. It’s not that I live in the past; it’s just that thinking about it makes me happy!

Maybe that is why this little gift from my sister is so important to me — see the photos above! You see, I grew up in a bi-level house and when I opened this little model, I just about exploded with joy! It looks so much like the house I grew up in…it’s uncanny!

When I think of memories from my house in Lombard, Illinois, I remember it as big. Imagine my surprise when I recently looked it up on Zillow and realized it was only 982 sq feet! There were 5 of us living there, during all my formative years. We had 3 bedrooms and only 1 bathroom! It’s funny, but I don’t ever remember feeling crowded.

childhood homeWhat do I remember about my house growing up?

Well, I remember feeling loved and cared for every day. I remember hot breakfasts in the morning, a lovely sack lunch for school and a hot meal every night, ready as soon as my dad got home from work. I remember my piano and our first color TV! I also remember playing baseball in my backyard, with all the kids in the neighborhood. I remember going from house to house with my friends, getting drinks after riding bikes around the neighborhood. We also had our elementary school park a couple blocks from our house, and you can imagine the fun we had there! When it turned dark, we would bring out our flashlights and play flashlight tag. Of course, we had to be back at my house as soon as the street lights came on. That was non-negotiable!

childhood homeMy house made me feel safe and loved. Things like holidays and weekends really stand out in my mind as family time. I can actually still see all the rooms of my house in my head. I always say my childhood was like something out of The Wonder Years and for that I am so grateful.

That little house on Greenfield will always be part of who I am. It really was the best of times! Thank you, little house, for sheltering us for all those years. I’ll never forget you, my childhood home…