Sunday, August 7, 2016

Staying Grounded, Staying Afloat

Life has been full of ups and downs this summer.

Thankfully, I've got running and yoga to keep me grounded. And I've always got my sense of humor to keep me moving forward.

It's been a really full week and there's lots to read here...

I could not get my legs all the way up this time!

Just when I thought it was safe for Matthew to get moving again, we saw the orthopedic surgeon on Monday. We showed her Matthew's SUP pictures and a video of him doing a backflip off the dock into the water. She did one of those, hehe laughs, like this isn't really funny though, and then she dropped a bomb on us. Matthew is going to need surgery. He has a cyst in the bottom of his tibia (the long bone in the lower leg), which most likely was the cause of his fracture. While the fracture is healing, the cyst is not filling in with bone. She guaranteed us another fracture if we don't go ahead with the procedure. Needless to say, both of us were stunned and saddened by this news. He'll have surgery next week. Hopefully, his recovery will be much quicker than after the fracture. But it will be back to school on crutches and no activities for a while.

There's nothing like real life examples, right?
French gymnast Samir Ait Said snapped his tibia on a landing after the vault Saturday in the Olympics.
Reportedly, he has suffered 3 fractures in this same bone in the past.
After digesting this news and not sleeping very well, I got up before the sun on Tuesday to get a few much-needed miles in. Mother Nature already had the thermostat turned up to hades but I did get to see a beautiful sunrise. I ran about 5 miles and headed to a meeting, feeling much better than I had earlier.

no filter
On Thursday morning, I got a late start for my run and really struggled with the heat and humidity. I finally had to start walking after about 3 miles. I tried to run but it just wasn't happening. The sun felt like a giant burning orb. I did eake out 4 miles somehow but I wasn't proud of this run at all.

That sun! It burns!
I almost cancelled on Becky, but knowing I have to miss next week for Matthew's surgery made me suck it up and go. I'm so glad I went. She worked me hard, having me do kettlebell swings with a 30# kettlebell alternating with 50# medicine ball hoists to a box. Then I hung from the rope alternating with handstand at the wall. These handstands were kind of scary because she had me start in a push-up position and back myself up the wall until my nose was touching. That took a lot of control (ie core) to keep myself upright and not toppling over. I left feeling strong and quoted my favorite mantra to myself: I can do hard things.

Nose and toes to the wall
I did yoga at the studio twice this week. Wednesday's class was all hip openers. On Friday, my back was sore from the work I did the day before and we had a substitute teacher, so I was a little leery. As it turns out, this class was perfect for me. She hit all the high points.

Cocoa is judging my pose. Silently.
I'm having issues with my Lululemon yoga mat. It may be a cute mat but it's rubbery and if I slide my feet wrong, it makes a farting noise. I'm really starting to worry that people in class think I'm farting all the time. Like when I reposition my feet for a pose, that farting noise happens. I may have to stop using this mat. I realize that people do fart in yoga class. I just don't want it to be me. I once had a yoga instructor who farted ALL THE TIME. She was a sweet, older woman and I tried not to laugh. No one else seemed to be amused by it. Maybe this is karma.

Maybe I need to grow up. But let's face it, farts are funny.


Anyways...I finished up the rest of the week with fun!

Friday, I headed to Lake Michigan to SUP with Matthew and his girlfriend. We teased him that he should have paddled Orlando Bloom style:

Can I just ask why he needed to do this?
Except instead of the paparazzi that greeted Orlando, Matthew probably would have been greeted by the police once we returned to shore. Not that he would have done that. Not my baby.

Our SUP is rated G
On Saturday, I rode 18 miles on the bike with my sister and her man to the Chicago Botanic Garden. We rode on mostly bike paths through some very pretty wooded aka shaded areas to get there. We walked the grounds a bit before we had lunch. It's beautiful but it was really crowded. I was wearing my cycling shoes so we didn't walk too far. Note to self: bring walking shoes. We stopped to pose in front of a fountain. 

I'm still feeling a little fearful of this pose, since I was attempting King Dancer when I fell off the rock a few weeks ago. Probably wearing cycling shoes didn't help me either!
Ron wanted to play along.
Sunday morning was cooler but still humid. I ran 5 miles, but stopped twice at the playground to do my upper body work: hollow hangs, scapular pull ups, and body rows. 60 reps total of each. I also attempted a headstand on this platform. Being so sweaty, I was scared to death I'd fall off. I was pleased to get my legs all the way up, but on the way down I botched the landing and went off the platform. Yes, the ground is hard. And because I was so sweaty, I came home covered in wood chips. 

The camera catches everything!
You can see the actual headstand on Instagram.

How was your week? How are you coping with the heat? Naked SUP--yay or nay? Should the farting yoga mat stay or go?

I'm linking this post with my 2 favorite link ups: Tricia and Holly's Weekly Wrap AND Ilka and Angela's Sunday Fitness and Food LinkUp! 







94 comments :

  1. Haha, I am laughing at your older flatulent yoga teacher!

    I continue to be amazed at the strength you have to do all you do! You are one kick a$$ lady Wendy!

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    1. I understand that farting is more common in older folks. Not sure why.

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  2. So sorry about your son needing surgery, not news anyone wants to hear. And blech on the gymnast injury, I had avoided seeing the picture until now, yikes! I am laughing at the farting yoga mat! Farts are funny but that is one of the reasons I hesitate to take a yoga class! Ha, I may need to try DVD's at home first!!

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    1. I haven't had too many issues with gas during a yoga class but this mat is giving me fits!

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  3. Oh dang, I'm sorry about your son's surgery, but yeah, after seeing that gymnast, I'd do anything to avoid a future break.

    You are killing me with the yoga fart mat. I cannot stop giggling, seriously!

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    1. What's really funny is that no one in my class laughs when the mat farts. I guess they don't want it to happen to them.

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  4. Wow, I am so sorry to hear that your son needs surgery. Glad you have been able to use your workouts to help you stay grounded.
    That's too funny about the yoga mat! I think that would drive me crazy and I would have to get a new one. I would also be too embarrassed that people would actually think I was farting:)

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  5. OMG....I almost wet myself laughing at the yoga mat "issue." How do you make things even more funny than they are already???? Bummer about your son's surgery ;-(

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    1. Another great Jimmy Buffett quote: "if we didn't laugh, we'd all go insane". Maybe that's Donald Trump's issue...he takes himself too seriously.

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  6. Oh no! Poor Matthew! That is just so unfair. But nay to naked SUP. Your body may be beautiful, but I don't need to see all of it.

    With all the stuff you try, Wendy, it's hard to believe that you are fearful of anything!

    Farting yoga mat -- I'd say nay to that, too.

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    1. We knew that surgery was a possibility but he was doing so well! We were really optimistic.

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  7. Man what an active week! You are the epitome of well rounded-ness. I am sorry your son needs surgery. That freaking sucks. Here's to a speedy recovery!

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    1. What does a runner do when she's not running much? She cross trains!

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  8. No, no! Keep that farting yoga mat and just laugh your a$$ off every time you "fart". I'm sorry to hear about Matthew's surgery. I hope the recovery will be very quick. I'm glad you had what looks to be a lot of fun over the weekend. It is what helps make those occasional sucky work weeks tolerable. Thanks for linking, Wendy!

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    1. See, I like the way you think! I'm acknowledging and embracing the yoga mat!

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  9. Sorry about your son needing surgery, that sucks! I'm amazed at the things you do, but be careful you don't want to hurt yourself. I'd lose the farting mat, but that's just me.

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  10. So sorry to hear that your son needs surgery. He must be so bummed after thinking he was on the mend! I sweat so much in CPY2 I had to get a big yoga mat towel (with a bumpy back) to put on my mat, otherwise I just slide around on the sweat-slickened surface and that's ickier than any fart. ;-)

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    1. Maybe I should get the towel? There's no sliding on this mat, which is why it farts...

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  11. Farts are funny-no doubt! I would ditch it. Naked SUP?? I'm so sorry about your son's cyst and surgery. It's been a long recovery. I hope it goes well!!!

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  12. Wendy - I feel so bad about Matthew's upcoming surgery. I know this is really getting to you. That's all not easy to cope with as a mom, even though you are such a STRONG mom! Sending lots of positive vibes for Matthew's recovery!
    I love the pic of your headstand by the wall - you are sooo toned and in such great shape!
    Have a great week Wendy!

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    1. I'm trying not to make it all about me, but I can't help but feel badly for him!

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  13. Nay on the Naked SUP lol. Sorry to hear about your son's surgery! Hope it goes well! You are so strong and brave! I would be too scared to attempt that headstand on that playground platform! You rock!

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  14. Naked SUPPORT? You always find the funniest photos. You are doing some hard things in your training. Good for you!

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    1. Not that I follow celebrity news, but supposedly there is a feud between Justin Bieber and Orlando and they both appeared naked in public... not sure what it all means.

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  15. What a week woman!!! I'm sorry your son has to have surgery but it sounds like it will actually take care of the issue once and for all. And, I'm glad I saw the handstand on Instagram before the fall! Ouch!!! Let's hope things cool off a bit this week :-)

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    1. I thought I was going to stick the landing after my successful headstand. Klutz that I am, I wipe out on the way down..

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  16. Sorry about the rough week, but hopefully with the surgery, he will be on the right course for good. Still, I know that must have been a particularly hard pill to swallow, especially when you thought that you all WERE almost there. I've been there (having that ripped from you) and it sucks.
    But you are so strong. Saying that you can do strong things is an understatement.

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  17. Sorry to hear about your son, I pray his surgery and recovery go smoothly. You did have a pretty great week though, lol on your handstand landing, that is what would happen to me too I have no doubt.
    and seriously Orlando, no one needs to see that at the beach!

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    1. The nice thing about writing these recaps is that you get to see how life balances everything out!

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  18. First, I'm sending you and Matthew all my thoughts.
    Next? I should be embarrassed but I'm not :-) I would stand up paddle NEKID ion Townlake in Austin in a heartbeat

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  19. I'm sorry to hear about Matthew! Hopefully the second round of recovery goes well. Running in this heat has been like torture! No shame in stopping when the sun is so bright!

    I can't believe I used to crush on Orlando Bloom back in high school. Ew.

    Oh and I've definitely seen people with that mat have some "farting" issues, lol! I use a yoga blanket(?) on my (non-lululemon) mat to help prevent me from sliding around too much.

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    1. So it is the mat?! I swear, first it was the see through yoga pants, now the farting mat. I wonder if Lululemon is plotting against us?

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  20. So sorry about Matthew. I feel so bad for him knowing how badly he wants to get back at it. And that picture of the guy with the broken tibia? Yikes! That video popped up on my Facebook feed with no warning yesterday and I about passed out! Not really, but it's pretty shocking to watch.

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    1. Matthew actually told me about the video. It was a great "teaching moment"!

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  21. I am not a lulu fan anyway so would definitely get rid of that yoga mat! And I hope you son's surgery goes very well of course!

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  22. I am sorry to hear about your son but hope he recovers quickly. I heard about the gymnast and his leg but I had no seen a picture of it. I will admit that when I saw it I quickly touched mine to make sure it was OK. That looks painful.

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    1. It was all he needed to see to convince him that surgery was the right thing to do.

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  23. You've had a busy week! All the best to your son, hope he recovers quickly. I'm ashamed to admit but I've never owned any Lulu!!!! I love my yoga class and I'm sure we'd just be laughing at the sound of your mat.

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    1. Don't be ashamed. First they gave us the see thru yoga pants, now the farting mat. Really, lulu?

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  24. I am so sorry to hear your son has to have surgery! I hope all goes well with surgery and recovery!

    ja ja ja! Naked SUP! I want to say Go Orlando Bloom! that's hilarious!

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    1. I don't quite understand the naked SUP but no complaints from me.

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  25. So sorry to hear the news about Matthew's surgery. Here's to a speedy recovery!

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  26. I am so sorry to hear about the surgery. You must have been so scared! I am wishing you nothing but peace and good news for the rest of the summer. :)

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  27. Okay, I LOL'd at this! The farting mat has to go! I have a Jade yoga mat that I love that I never slip on. And the naked SUP? Well, I wouldn't mind if people did that around me! Would make things interesting, that's for sure. If I ran in the sun, I think I'd die. That's why I run either at 5:30 a.m. or on trails for now.

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  28. That picture of the gymnast is hard to look at and what's even harder is seeing the video of it happening. I hate to hear the news about your son. He will heal and you have to find humor in at least he's use to being on crutches and no activity right?!?
    You so can do hard things! You amaze me! My hard thing this week was putting the fear of what's under me out in the lake with Holly. She really had no idea what demons I was fighting while in the water. We all deal with something and I was glad I fought the good fight! I do declare a win for me. Umm no naked SUP'ing for me, not in this body!

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  29. I had not seen that picture of Orlando Bloom... not that I'm not appreciative of it, but he could be wearing swim trunks too.
    I'm very sorry your son needs surgery, but hopefully it'll fix the problem. I did not see the gym meet, but my friends did. They said they can't unsee the French guy breaking his leg.

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    1. I think I would have appreciated Orlando in trunks more than this...

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  30. I did see the Orlando Bloom photo I guess if you've got it why not?! lol I do love your sense of humor and your way to see the glass half full. Bummer on the surgery for your son. He is young so hopefully a speedy recovery for him

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    1. All I can do is laugh. Life has been a little rough for us this summer.

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  31. Let's get this out of the way -- farts are freaking hilarious. #alldayeveryday

    I'm sorry to hear abut Matthew's surgery. Sucks but I guess it's better to get it done right the first time. Sending you lots of love and healing vibes!

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    1. I'd write about farts all the time if I could. But I'd probably lose a lot of readers...

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  32. Sending positive vibes for Matthew!

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  33. I'm so sorry Matthew needs surgery. No fun at all! That picture of the gymast is crazy and a bit nauseating - yikes! I'm glad you made it to CrossFit with Becky. Sounds like she's really pushing you!

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    1. Becky gives me exactly what I need. It was a great workout. Sorry I have to miss this week.

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  34. LOLOLOLOLOL at the farting mat. I would totally keep it. =) I am sorry to hear your son has to have surgery - I hope it goes smoothly and that he recovers quickly! That "nose and toes to the wall" handstand looks very intimidating - way to go on getting it done! And I absolutely love the picture of Ron doing the yoga pose in front of the fountain. Too cute!

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  35. What a week! Hugs for your son- and the upcoming surgery. Look at you getting in some hot and sweaty miles like the rest of us! The yoga mat thing is pretty funny! I say it needs to go-HA! Isn't yoga serious :) I hope this week goes well and oh, I say nah to naked SUP!

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  36. Am I the only one who doesn't know what SUP is? LOL! Great job this week as always. You are one tough cookie! I will send prayers for your son's speedy recovery from surgery!

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  37. I don't know what to say about Matthew's latest setback except that I'm sorry. He has youth and fitness on his side; may his complete recovery be rapid.

    I'd get me a new yoga mat, too. So embarrassing! I'm not sure about funny!

    You do do hard things.

    The heat is about to descend upon New England. It's been hot, but the humidity level not so bad so I've been able to keep up with my 5K re-training. I'm not sure how the rest of the week will go. For three lovely days I've been able to do it in the early(ish) morning; tomorrow back to after work. Gah. Still on target to be ready for my event on September 10. A little hustling to be done, but manageable. Next week starts the back half of August. I'm hoping for moderate days. :)

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  38. I guess it was too hot for Orlando Bloom to keep his clothes on! Thanks for sharing the pic - it's the first time I've seen it :) Sorry to hear about your rough week especially with your son requiring surgery. I understand how difficult it would be to see your son in crutches again. Positive vibes to him for a quick recovery.
    Handstands are CHALLENGING - it's my goal to do one eventually!

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  39. Sorry to hear about your son, that is a bummer :( Way to go with the handstand though and I love that you attempted it at the park too! So fun!

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  40. Time for a new mat...

    The falling off the platform picture would totally be me, except I wouldn't have succeeded with a headstand. And the humidity lately has been killer. I ran on Saturday and I was mixing in walking by the end of mile 2. I was just stubborn enough to go all the way out on my out and back, so I had to finish 8, despite it being super slow. I'm ready for cooler weather.

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    1. I can't even fathom attempting 8 right now. And that is so depressing to me!

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  41. Ohhhhh poor Mathew!!!!! That really stinks. I'm glad you doctor caught the problem though to deal with it while he is relatively younger.
    I can't even handle that picture of the gymnast! Ughhhhhhh! What a nightmare.

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    1. But it showed Matthew what a nightmare it could have been...he's all in for the surgery.

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  42. I'm sure that the doctor's news was not at all what you were hoping to hear. I'm so sorry. Sending lots of good thoughts to you and Matthew during the surgery and the recovery. There were so many awful injuries at this Olympics. It's making it hard to watch.

    Eh on the mat. I feel like mine always makes noise, but I'm not the only one. I would be mortified if I actually farted in class. I know that they say it happens, but.... somehow I just don't know if I can believe that.

    The heat and humidity are destroying me. I had an awful long run on the weekend and it's absolutely discouraging. I just want to feel like I'm breathing and not chewing air.

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    1. I know I shouldn't even complain about our weather but I'm pretty sure we are getting a pretty good taste of what you guys experience all summer long. It's been tough.

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  43. Still cringing from that photo of the gymnast...and sorry you fell off of a rock doing that pose...keep trying though!

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  44. Wow you had an awesome week, except for the news that Matthew needs surgery. Better to take care of it than have himend up with another fx.

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  45. Sorry to hear that your son needs surgery. Hope all goes well and he recovers quickly! I did see a video clip of the French gymnast. Ouch to that! Nay to naked SUP. And funny about your yoga mat sounding like it farts. If I had that mat, I'd get a new one. :p

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    1. I may just drag out the old one again...altho this mat gives me plenty to laugh about!

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  46. I'm so sorry to hear your son needs surgery. Ugh, I hope the recovery goes well! It sounds like he is in great shape, so he is already 5 steps ahead going it to the surgery!!

    I love all of your pictures! I had not seen the Orlando Bloom picture...Whoa!!! I like the picture of you doing a headstand on your SUP better :-)

    Thanks so much for linking up with Sunday Fitness & Food, Have a GREAT Week!!

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  47. Uggh, so sorry to hear about your son's surgery! Good thing is mama is a nurse ;) And BTW, I think only #boymoms find farts hilarious...LOL....

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    1. I grew up with all girls, but my dad made sure that we appreciated the humor in passing gas...

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