Tuesday, January 27, 2009

I heart February!

UPDATE -- The winner of the Go Red for Women apron is [drumroll please]. . . Gail from http://agingwithgracetoo.blogspot.com/. Gail, please email me your address and I will put that lucky red apron in the mail to you post haste! Enjoy!!

FINALLY -- January is winding down- yay! I love February, don't you?! It is one of my most favorite winter months - it's such a nice, short month after cold January which seems to drag on forever! My oldest son's birthday is in February - just before the month moves on to March. I really wanted him to be born in February, and he was, Feb. 28! And he reads my blog -- Happy Birthday sweetie! (a little early)!

Red is always special in February -- like red hearts for Valentine's Day and if you live in Nebraska (I do) -- red is required on football weekends and for every other University sporting event! But, there's another reason to wear red -- it's the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women event in early February.

Some of you may know that The Hub had a heart attack over 10 years ago at a very young age. He recovered nicely --thank you very much. Well, I also had a heart-related health issue. About 2-1/2 years ago, my cardiologist told me it was time to repair my leaky mitral valve that had been leaking my whole life. Who knew that most people didn't have fluttery, flip-floppy weird heart beats -- I thought it was normal. It was normal for me, but really, not so good. So, I had open heart surgery in June, 2006. I had the most amazing surgeon with such an enthusiastic spirit that it made me feel better almost as soon as the 2nd day after surgery. In fact, I went home after only 4 days in the hospital. That summer is kind of a blur as I spent it recovering and regaining my strength. As you may have surmised, I am feeling great now and have regular checkups with my cardiologist, take a baby aspirin daily and try to live a joyful and thankful life every single day.


Anyway, since hearts are always special in February, and even more so when they've been mended, I am again this year taking part in the Wear Red for Women event in my city. The Wear Red day is February 6 this year. So, mark your calendar, read about heart disease, how to prevent it and wear red to promote heart-healthy practices! We need to take care of our hearts. In honor of my own healthy heart (and I hope yours too), I am having my very first give-away from the American Heart Association Go Red shop -- a lovely red apron!
Leave a comment if you want to be in the drawing -- only one per person please. The winner will be drawn on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009. And remember, as the apron advises, love your heart!

18 comments:

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

I knew about Mr. Tennis, but I had no idea about your little heart surgery....so glad that you had such a wonderful and enthusiastic surgeon that got you back to your A game very quickly!!

I will be pulling out all the red I own in your honor this month....and you know I would wear that apron with pride....count me in!!

Have a great day!!

Lisa

Super Mommy said...

I <3 Feb. too! My dad passed away of heart disease 4 years ago . . . died at home with my mother there. I worry about my health and will be glad to take part in the event on the 6th.

I'm so happy to hear you and your Hub are doing well after both your surgeries - your light is shining bright girl!!

Gail said...

So happy that you are both doing well. My FIL passed away from heart disease 15 years ago and MIL has significant cardiac disease too. It's something we are very aware of in our family.

I also heart February, it's one of my favorite months too. Please count me in for the drawing. Did you know that red is my favorite color, and has been since I was a little girl.

Kim said...

I too have MVP. I'm going Thursday for another routine echo. Hopefully all will be okay. Glad you and Mr. Tennis are doing well!

What a great giveaway for such a worthy cause!

Kim said...

Thanks for the reminder! I will mark my calendar to wear Red on the 6th!

I am so glad that both you and your husband are doing well after your heart surgeries.

You can toss my name in the hate for the apron too!

Shari said...

You are so sweet to do a giveaway for such a good cause!!! I will be wearing lots of red this month!!

Jodee said...

I am sooo glad you have healthy hearts at your house again! Thanks for organizing the "heart" casual day at work too!

Please count me in for the drawing. I think the red apron would look fabulous on Chef Daddy!

Missy said...

I <3 February, as well! I also <3 that you and tennis husband are now happy and healthy.

I lost my sweet daddy to a sudden heart attack this past May. I will never take my good heart for granted!!! Thanks for the awareness!

Count me in on the drawing, too!

fleur de lis cottage said...

I heart February too! What a sweet drawing...count me in!!

So glad you're both doing well :)

Lucy said...

What a great post! Congratulations to you both for recovering so well from your heart troubles. I will mark that day on my calendar!!!

Erin said...

I am inspired by your post, to have my MVP checked--- it has been a long time. I am glad you are both healthy now! Great reminder!

Bridget said...

So glad that you are both healthy and happy!Also glad that you were fortunate enought to have a great surgeon! I will be wearing red on the 6th as I know how important it is to be heart healthy - especially us women! Hope all's well and you are keeping warm. This looong January is almost behind us! Take care!

- Bridget

Kristin said...

What a great post---many reminders for all of us. I will mark Red Day down on my calendar!

So glad both you and your husband are doing well.

February is indeed a wonderful month for you!

Donna said...

We're doing the Wear Red day at work too...it's a great cause.

Shell in your Pocket said...

That is such a great idea...I need to remember this!
-sandy toe

Gail said...

Hi Janet, If you check out my blog I gave you an award. :)

Gail

Amie said...

AS a mom to two sons with heart defects this is a cause near and dear to my heart. :) Thank you for taking the time to increase awareness. And count me in for participating on the 6th!!

So glad to hear that you and your hubs are doing well. :)

Hgus~
Amie

Jennifer said...

Yes, love your heart! I am so happy to read how well you did with your surgery.

Since I work in a Cardiologist's office, we will be all wearing our red.

The apron is adorable.

Jen