I feel almost guilty not having introduced you to my kick-ass boots. I was going to tweet [again] about the audible 'OOOOH' I heard from a gal as I swiftly walked out of Dr. Gabriel's office...  then link to my blog post + photo about my boots. [because you need the photo for it to be effective #don'tchathink] But then I searched high + low and couldn't find a post. If I'm remiss then chalk it up to chemo brain... if I'm not, I am truly sorry for not having shared these with you before now.

Meet my Cancer-Ass-Kickin' Boots. They are a bit Mary Poppins meets dominatrix.

When my husband laid eyes upon them, he said I might be sending the wrong message... I didn't care. It wasn't a message meant for the local men. It was for my inner-brave girl...

These chica's accompanied me to chemo, radiation, doctor consults + follow ups, dinner on the town and coffee at Caffe Piccolo. When cancer got ugly, I knew my shoes were still the cutest within a 2 mile radius.

Today it seemed fitting to strut into my breast reconstruction post opp appointment wearing them along with my new bra...

The audible "OOOOH" which included a finger pointing gesture as I swiftly exited the waiting room was affirmation that cancer is ugly, but my life doesn't have to be.

I feel almost guilty not having introduced you to my kick-ass boots. I was going to tweet [again] about the audible 'OOOOH' I heard from a gal as I swiftly walked out of Dr. Gabriel's office...  then link to my blog post + photo about my boots. [because you need the photo for it to be effective #don'tchathink] But then I searched high + low and couldn't find a post. If I'm remiss then chalk it up to chemo brain... if I'm not, I am truly sorry for not having shared these with you before now.

Meet my Cancer-Ass-Kickin' Boots. They are a bit Mary Poppins meets dominatrix.

When my husband laid eyes upon them, he said I might be sending the wrong message... I didn't care. It wasn't a message meant for the local men. It was for my inner-brave girl...

These chica's accompanied me to chemo, radiation, doctor consults + follow ups, dinner on the town and coffee at Caffe Piccolo. When cancer got ugly, I knew my shoes were still the cutest within a 2 mile radius.

Today it seemed fitting to strut into my breast reconstruction post opp appointment wearing them along with my new bra...

The audible "OOOOH" which included a finger pointing gesture as I swiftly exited the waiting room was affirmation that cancer is ugly, but my life doesn't have to be.

I received this email today... I've added my snarky comments for your entertainment ;)

Hi,
I would like to know if you would have an interest in purchasing this domain name (I found your contact information online and see that you own puttingonmybiggirlpanties.com correct?).
bestbraforsaggingbreasts.com #didyoujustsaysaggybreasts? can provide a SEO boost in this market, which includes leads that pay for themselves saving you advertising money #whatexactlydoyouthinkIamadvertising (advertisers are paying $1.14 per click for these exact keywords). It is also very simple to type in/remember; and can help improve, secure, and protect your web branding identity. The price for this domain is just $375. #areyoushittingme I am reaching out to other related businesses in the next few days, #heydidyousendthistomyothercancerchicasYoudumbass and this domain will go to the first company who replies. #yeahgoodluckwiththat

Thank you,
John

1040 Hosbrook Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45236

I do my best to only send very targeted emails to people who I think will benefit from them. #doilooklikeihavesaggyboobs #iusedtohavesaggyboobs
If you feel that you received this email in error or would not like to receive any future opportunities:
http://bestbraforsaggingbreasts.com?did=5972397&hash=9194900e5a72abc809f4e8ed976e6c7e&u=1  #erroryouthink? #numbskull #dipwad #didyouEVENreadmyblogbanner

MY Reply...

Dear John,
I don't have breasts. I had a double mastectomy a year ago due to breast cancer.
 
In an effort to 'truly do your best to send targeted emails to people that may benefit from them'.. then I suggest you may want to consider me for domains containing the words "reconstruction" "yes they are fake, the real ones tried to kill me" etc.
 
Best Wishes,
Krista Colvin

I received this email today... I've added my snarky comments for your entertainment ;)

Hi,
I would like to know if you would have an interest in purchasing this domain name (I found your contact information online and see that you own puttingonmybiggirlpanties.com correct?).
bestbraforsaggingbreasts.com #didyoujustsaysaggybreasts? can provide a SEO boost in this market, which includes leads that pay for themselves saving you advertising money #whatexactlydoyouthinkIamadvertising (advertisers are paying $1.14 per click for these exact keywords). It is also very simple to type in/remember; and can help improve, secure, and protect your web branding identity. The price for this domain is just $375. #areyoushittingme I am reaching out to other related businesses in the next few days, #heydidyousendthistomyothercancerchicasYoudumbass and this domain will go to the first company who replies. #yeahgoodluckwiththat

Thank you,
John

1040 Hosbrook Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45236

I do my best to only send very targeted emails to people who I think will benefit from them. #doilooklikeihavesaggyboobs #iusedtohavesaggyboobs
If you feel that you received this email in error or would not like to receive any future opportunities:
http://bestbraforsaggingbreasts.com?did=5972397&hash=9194900e5a72abc809f4e8ed976e6c7e&u=1  #erroryouthink? #numbskull #dipwad #didyouEVENreadmyblogbanner

MY Reply...

Dear John,
I don't have breasts. I had a double mastectomy a year ago due to breast cancer.
 
In an effort to 'truly do your best to send targeted emails to people that may benefit from them'.. then I suggest you may want to consider me for domains containing the words "reconstruction" "yes they are fake, the real ones tried to kill me" etc.
 
Best Wishes,
Krista Colvin

 
 
Annie age 8 and  Wes Colvin age 11, Recipients of the Courage of Lucy Award 2011

I am SO VERY PROUD of my children. Cancer can have my breasts, my hair, my 14 lymph nodes, my uterus... but it can't bring my kids down to your level- nope not these two.

The Courage of Lucy Award is given out to a student of Dorothy Fox Elementary School every year. Lucy Warren was a courageous 8 year old that lost all 3 of her older brothers and her father in a tragic private plane crash. Jack, Will and Rob Warren were 14, 13 and 9 when the plane plunged into the Columbia River the day after Thanksgiving in 1999. My son Wes was born soon after on New Year's Eve Dec. 31, 1999.

This story breaks my heart... When I first heard that Wes and Annie had been chosen I cried. When I called my husband to tell him I cried. Then I cried again thinking about Jack, Will, Rob, and Lucy and their mother... Thank You Geri Pope Bidwell for honoring those students that courageously walk the halls of Dorothy Fox when all is not perfect in their lives. Thank you Dorothy Fox staff for recognizing my children, for supporting them, for loving them. Mike and I are so thankful.

 
 
Annie age 8 and  Wes Colvin age 11, Recipients of the Courage of Lucy Award 2011

I am SO VERY PROUD of my children. Cancer can have my breasts, my hair, my 14 lymph nodes, my uterus... but it can't bring my kids down to your level- nope not these two.

The Courage of Lucy Award is given out to a student of Dorothy Fox Elementary School every year. Lucy Warren was a courageous 8 year old that lost all 3 of her older brothers and her father in a tragic private plane crash. Jack, Will and Rob Warren were 14, 13 and 9 when the plane plunged into the Columbia River the day after Thanksgiving in 1999. My son Wes was born soon after on New Year's Eve Dec. 31, 1999.

This story breaks my heart... When I first heard that Wes and Annie had been chosen I cried. When I called my husband to tell him I cried. Then I cried again thinking about Jack, Will, Rob, and Lucy and their mother... Thank You Geri Pope Bidwell for honoring those students that courageously walk the halls of Dorothy Fox when all is not perfect in their lives. Thank you Dorothy Fox staff for recognizing my children, for supporting them, for loving them. Mike and I are so thankful.

Ok.. it feels really odd to say 'Wow, that went fast"... but damn, that went fast. I can't believe a full years gone by. Last year on this night the town of Camas, my lil' town, was throwing a BIG party. Next week will be the second annual Girls Night Out... and we'll be raising money for two local charities: Pink Lemonade and The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington.  The pink cocktails will be flowing, we'll be dancing in the streets, and pinky swearing left + right!

I LOVE our theme... Now is the New Later. Sound familiar?! Here's why...

I believe we need to ACT... We need to do our monthly self exams, we MUST listen to our body and SCHEDULE our appointments the moment something doesn't feel quite right. We NEED to PINKY SWEAR to take care of ourselves and our girlfriends. We can't wait... waiting can kill you. NOW is the NEW LATER!

OK... I'll step off my soap box to tell you how to register www.downtowncamas.com . It's only $15 and you'll be supporting Pink Lemonade and The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington.  I wanted to give a personal shout out to Pink Lemonade...

Last month I attended a Pink Lemonade Breast Cancer Survivors Couples Retreat. I wasn't sure what to expect, in fact I said to my hubby on the way to the coast... "I have no idea what I've gotten us into, but I'm glad we're going."  I'm SO glad we went.  There were 7 couples, 2 incredible therapists and a sunny weekend on the Washington Coast.

 
Mike and I felt like we had come full circle... You may remember we spent a long weekend at the coast shortly after I had started chemo. here and here . And now here we were Cancer FREE and sharing our inner most feelings with others that had been there-done that... and continue to face the fear of recurrence. My take away... It was so nice to be around those that will never say "so you're done?" because they know It's never really done...

So... on a lighter note ;)

I would LOVE to see all of you... Celebrate Life + Friendship + Community with you!!! I do hope you can make it... Last year was pretty over-the-top! And this year we've gone a little crazy...

REGISTER HERE www.downtowncamas.org
LIKE us on FB www.facebook.com/camasGNO
A special shout out to the fabulous sponsors! Cascadia Women's Clinic, PeaceHealth, First Independent- they have some fabulous goodies for us!

Ok.. it feels really odd to say 'Wow, that went fast"... but damn, that went fast. I can't believe a full years gone by. Last year on this night the town of Camas, my lil' town, was throwing a BIG party. Next week will be the second annual Girls Night Out... and we'll be raising money for two local charities: Pink Lemonade and The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington.  The pink cocktails will be flowing, we'll be dancing in the streets, and pinky swearing left + right!

I LOVE our theme... Now is the New Later. Sound familiar?! Here's why...

I believe we need to ACT... We need to do our monthly self exams, we MUST listen to our body and SCHEDULE our appointments the moment something doesn't feel quite right. We NEED to PINKY SWEAR to take care of ourselves and our girlfriends. We can't wait... waiting can kill you. NOW is the NEW LATER!

OK... I'll step off my soap box to tell you how to register www.downtowncamas.com . It's only $15 and you'll be supporting Pink Lemonade and The Ovarian Cancer Alliance of Oregon and SW Washington.  I wanted to give a personal shout out to Pink Lemonade...

Last month I attended a Pink Lemonade Breast Cancer Survivors Couples Retreat. I wasn't sure what to expect, in fact I said to my hubby on the way to the coast... "I have no idea what I've gotten us into, but I'm glad we're going."  I'm SO glad we went.  There were 7 couples, 2 incredible therapists and a sunny weekend on the Washington Coast.

 
Mike and I felt like we had come full circle... You may remember we spent a long weekend at the coast shortly after I had started chemo. here and here . And now here we were Cancer FREE and sharing our inner most feelings with others that had been there-done that... and continue to face the fear of recurrence. My take away... It was so nice to be around those that will never say "so you're done?" because they know It's never really done...

So... on a lighter note ;)

I would LOVE to see all of you... Celebrate Life + Friendship + Community with you!!! I do hope you can make it... Last year was pretty over-the-top! And this year we've gone a little crazy...

REGISTER HERE www.downtowncamas.org
LIKE us on FB www.facebook.com/camasGNO
A special shout out to the fabulous sponsors! Cascadia Women's Clinic, PeaceHealth, First Independent- they have some fabulous goodies for us!

I've been deeply saddened by the tragic events in Japan. I couldn't even fathom my entire town being swept away. I can't imagine losing my child because my grip wasn't tight enough. I can't begin to know what it's like to be here and not know if your son or daughter made it.

I do know that when life's major events hit, there is power in words.

The kind words, prayers, healing light, and good mojo I received from friends and those I've yet to stare in the eye helped me tremendously. I relied on blog comments, snail mail, tweets and facebook messages to give me a lil' love. I felt supported. I want to pay it forward.

I want those in Japan to know I care. That WE care. I want them to feel what I felt...

Today I created a place to do just that. www.facebook.com/sendlove2Japan

Please take a moment to visit the page and send some love to Japan. It's simple... and powerful.

While you are there, please 'like' the page and share it with your friends around the world...

The night before my last radiation treatment, my daughter asked if she could go with me... "you know mom, to be there for this important moment". I immediately said 'sure!' then asked if my son wanted to go as well. I had already asked my husband, so now my LAST radiation treatment followed by the 'bell ringing' was to be a family moment forever etched in 'Flip' time.

I handed over the camera to the kids...