| Tuesday, April 1st, 2008 |
| 11:05 am |
2 years later
Hard to believe it's been two years since my inital diagnosis. There is not a single day that goes by that I don't reflect on those times. Two years seems like a long time but for something so life-changing it is a short time. I still work everyday to keep love in my heart and to do something good every single day. I am thankful for all that I have and for the love I recieve from friends, family, and strangers. The woman I befriended at HEB still gives me big huge everytime I see her in the store and we count our blessings that we are still in remission. I am blessed that I see the world with a new perspective. As I travel for business, I continue to meet the most interesting people. I want to recommend a recent book I finished reading: Eat, Pray, Love. Enjoy your day. Current Mood:  happy |
| Sunday, February 11th, 2007 |
| 5:07 pm |
Thirty Three years of marriage
Tom and I will celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary on Friday, February 16th. We have decided to drive up to College Station on Saturday to visit our daughter, Laura, and to make a stop in Brenham along the way. We have never visited the BlueBell ice cream factory or the convent that has the miniature horses. We also want to visit the Missina Hof winery in College Station. We will take the girls out to a nice dinner and enjoy hearing what is going on with them. Seems like we always want to celebrate our anniversaries with Laura. The years have gone by so fast that we want to catch what time still remains before she goes off into the world on her own. It has been a long time since we have gone off for the weekend because we had the dog and cat to tend to. Now, with both pets gone we are free to head out wherever we want to. It's hard to get used to not having the pets to tend to. It's been a great 33 years and with more to come. This is a new journey now that we are older and empty nester's. We still miss having a house full of kids and the pets but we are beginning to adjust slowly with our new freedom. These days, we have not found any other friends who have made it this far in their marriages. I think people give up too easily or are afraid to compromise. We are blessed. Current Mood:  nostalgic |
| 4:55 pm |
This and That
The weather has been cold so it's nice to stay inside the warm house. I enjoy reading my paperback books and just finished up another one this morning while staying warm under the covers of my bed. Read with interest today a story about a man, Robert King Wilkerson, who finally got of prison after 29 years of solitary confinement. He now lives in Austin, Tx and sells praline candy that he makes. This story is about cruel and unjust punishment for man wrongly convicted. You can order his candy from www.kingsfreelines.com. You must visit the site and get intrigued like I did. Current Mood: impressed |
| Wednesday, January 31st, 2007 |
| 6:17 pm |
Acting Debut
Had a really fun day at work. I was asked to portray a Dell customer VP in a sales video. I got a script and had some simple lines and worked with a professional actor who played opposite me. We had a great time and I loved it. The bright lights were hot but we wrapped up in record time. I even got to ad-lib some lines which they seemed to like and thought funny. We will see how much ends up on the cutting floor but it was a new experience and it was fun. Who knows this could lead to something else down the road. Current Mood: happy |
| Sunday, January 21st, 2007 |
| 4:03 pm |
Crazy winter weather
Today started out with a frost and ended up at 69 degrees. We saw two auto accidents on the overpass on our way to church. Seems there was still some black ice early this morning on the bridges. Glad it was not us. We went to Zilker Park to enjoy the nice weather and to be outside for a nice change. The weather will turn cooler tomorrow and bring more rain. Should be nice by end of the week. I won't bother washing the car until the weather stabilizes. Hard to believe that January is almost over. February always brings the promise of spring and nice weather. We are getting excited about working in the yard once again. We have much to do this year - replanting and expansion. Had a very pleasant day in San Antonio yesterday visiting my mother. My two sisters and I helped get her new assisted living apartment in shape by hanging pictures and putting things away. It was looking very good when we left. So glad we are close by to help in her and take her to lunch. Tom and I are beginning to think about how to celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary in February. Perhaps we will go to Dallas or San Antonio. Now that we don't have any pets we can actually go away for a weekend stay. Current Mood: happy |
| Wednesday, January 17th, 2007 |
| 4:02 pm |
The BIG CHILL in Texas
We have been trapped at home for three days due to heavy ice and snow. Our house is covered with a thick layer of ice. The roads out this way are still hazardous so we are just trying to stay put. Tom did have to venture into his salon this afternoon and he called to say the roads were slick getting to the mid-town area. I was planning on going into the office tomorrow but may have to go in late so that the roads thaw a little. I'd hate to hit black ice at 6:30 a.m. Anyway, it's nice to work from home with my laptop. I had a conference call this morning so I am managing to keep up with work. Seems the majority of my office is also working from home and staying safe. This type of weather is very unusual so we are all ill-prepared. I know I don't have much experience driving on ice or snow. Our power has been going out several times a day usually for approx 15 minutes each time, although last night we had no power for an hour. I was getting nervous that it might not turn back on and put on extra clothes to stay warm. We are tuned into the TV all day to keep posted on what's going on. We are also eating more food since we are at home. Got to hit the gym soon. Current Mood: amused |
| Sunday, January 14th, 2007 |
| 3:19 pm |
Anticipation
It's so funny how the local weathermen get everyone so excited about freezing rain. People are hording groceries in anticipation of staying home on Monday and perhaps Tuesday. Right now it is almost 40 degrees but the local TV stations are still building it up about the bad conditions to come in the morning. I told Tom that people will be really disappointed if we don't get ice in the morning since they will have to go to work. Luckily, it is a holiday so most schools/city/state offices will be closed bringing fewer cars on the roads. I am supposed to have a CT scan at 9:00 a.m. so will have to call them prior to setting out to make sure they have staff who showed up. It's all very exciting to anticipate bad weather in Texas since it is rare that we get to stay home due to ice/snow. We will just have to see what's like in the morning. In the meantime, we are enjoying the fireplace and eating. Current Mood: chipper |
| Friday, January 5th, 2007 |
| 5:13 pm |
Attitude - Just had to share this one
Attitude There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror, and noticed she had only three hairs on her head. Well," she said, "I think I'll braid my hair today?" So she did and she had a wonderful day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. "H-M-M," she said, "I think I'll part my hair down the middle today?" So she did and she had a grand day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that she had only one hair on her head. "Well," she said, "today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail." So she did and she had a fun, fun day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. "YEA!" she exclaimed, "I don't have to fix my hair today!" Attitude is everything. Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle. Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly....... Leave the rest to God With love Happy New Year Current Mood: ecstatic |
| Wednesday, December 27th, 2006 |
| 5:28 pm |
Blessings
What a wonderful Christmas Holiday. We were all together on Christmas Day - all 15 of us. Traditions are so important and I am thankful that my family is nearby for the holidays and special occasions. |
| Friday, December 22nd, 2006 |
| 5:11 pm |
Oh Happy Day
Had a great oncologist meeting this week. Blood work and Chest scan all look great. My doctor is very pleased with my progress so far. I am feeling so good that I had my personal trainer increase my weight routine since I am much stronger now. Plus, I want to lose another 15-20 pounds this next year. We have been busy getting ready for Christmas. Tom, Laura and I will have my two sisters here on Christmas Eve along with their husbands, brother, and friends. We are doing a Mexican theme for dinner that night. On Christmas Day we will all head down to San Antonio to have lunch with our Mom at her retirement community and do our gift exchange game. Today, my sister Linda drove Mom up from San Antonio to have lunch and to see what we have had done to our house. Mom has not been up for at least a year so this was a nice treat to have her here. My other sister, Karen, also came over for lunch and drove Mom home this afternoon. Our young friend, Glory, stopped by for a quick hello and brought us a nice DVD present. Laura is busy with her college friends having a great time catching up. We are thrilled with Laura's second year - she got two B's and 4 A's for her fall semester. She is doing great and we could not be happier. She also will have a campus job next semester. This is a job her roommate had and cannot do next semester due to her student teaching requirements. It is for the Dean of Education which is a very good job to have. We are off to a Hanukkah party tonight. Should be fun. The Christmas Holidays are so special. Tomorrow I will relax. Karen, Laura, and I have booked massages for the morning and we are all looking forward to that. Current Mood: happy |
| Tuesday, December 19th, 2006 |
| 8:22 pm |
Random Acts of Kindness
On Sunday my sister, Karen, and I did a great thing. Karen wanted to give money to charity this holiday season and suggested we go to Walmart and get a bunch of $20 gift certificates and give them out in the store to people we thought might need it. We hit two Walmart stores and gave out the gift certificates and it was such a great feeling to help someone else out. Everyone was delighted and surprised. We just told them it was a gift from Secret Santa to make their holiday a little brighter. This is something I want to do every year since it was so easy and we got the instant gratification of doing something good for others. Doing this with Karen really made the holiday season for me. The other thing we did together was send off a big box to Two Sisters in Africa. It is a family who is helping children orphaned from AIDS. They need books and basic items for the children. Laura and I have been busy baking cookies to give to others. I am making a second batch of biscotti tonight. I am enjoying having her home for the holidays and making memories together. I am looking forward to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with family. It has been a very special year and one with many blessings. I am grateful. Current Mood: grateful |
| Friday, December 8th, 2006 |
| 1:17 pm |
Reflections
I have not yet done my Christmas cards since I am still reflecting on the year. 2006 was a year filled with emotion and stress. My struggle with cancer and our dog dying have left me spent. I feel stressed out with the holidays trying to keep up with it all. It's the expectation of gift buying that gets me - when does it stop. I try to keep it simple but the list gets longer everyday. I am unable to do it all and do not have the energy to. The financial stress from my medical leave is still fresh and I am still trying to catch up. I just want to bake some cookies and have a good meal together with family. Period. Anyway - I am still blue from the loss of the dog which I miss terribly. I am sure that is what has me feeling down the most. Current Mood:  sad |
| Thursday, December 7th, 2006 |
| 4:51 pm |
Loss of a faithful dog
Last night was an emotional trauma for us. We had to rush our 14 year old schnauzer to the emergency pet hospital and made the hard decision to put her to sleep. It was painful to do but she was in a better place and did not suffer. She lived a beautiful life and we benefited from her companionship and love. Tom and I both cried our eyes and and are still crying today. When I came home moments ago, there was no greeting at the back door and no noise of paws on the hardwood floors. The house is empty without her presence. We miss her so much and are glad she was able to stay with us for 14 long years. She brought us so much love and joy. |
| Tuesday, October 31st, 2006 |
| 8:53 pm |
My blog is published
CR magazine sent me several copies of my published blog entry from July 5th. It is exciting to have my words printed for thousands of people to read. I feel that I have done some good for others who are just begining their cancer journey. Having this blog was a god-send to me during my treatments. It gave me a voice to tell it like it was - to keep it real. It was a great way for me to release some of the stress and to not feel so isolated and alone. While I am not writing in my blog everyday, I hope I can keep it for a while longer. |
| 8:37 pm |
Happy Halloween
We had fun tonight. Several of our neighbors grouped together at our house with lawn chairs and wine while we gave out candy to the kids. We were able to catch up on what's going on and discuss our various remodeling projects. The kids liked that they only had to go to one house instead of three - made the trip easier and they got more candy. I was so good - I did not eat any candy. Still trying hard to maintain a healthy eating habit. Current Mood:  bouncy |
| Thursday, October 12th, 2006 |
| 8:09 pm |
A good cause
My friend from AMD, Sujoy Bhattacharjee, is raising money for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Please donate if you can by going to his website below. The Light-the-Night Walk is on 14th (this Saturday). With only two days left, we want to pull out all the stops to exceed our goal. The website has Please check out his website - http://www.active.com/donate/ltnSanJo/1856_bsujoy - and forward to friends who may be interested to chip in. Current Mood: determined |
| Sunday, September 24th, 2006 |
| 5:18 pm |
Fake Hair
Last week I broke down and bought a wig. It was weird seeing myself with hair again. I picked one that was my natural dark brown. Most people have never seen me with that hair color since I have been having my hair highlighted for many years. I tried on wigs that were similar to my old color but they made me look washed out. I wore the wig to church today and it felt good to blend in with everyone. I looked better in my clothes too. My hair is at the fuzz stage and lookng very salt and pepper. I don't know how long it will take to have something I can brush or style. The weather is turning cooler so I felt it was time to get something to celebrate my survivor status. I saw a bumper sticker today from the Lance Armstrong Foundation "I am a survivor". I may have to get one of those. I am feeling good these days. I try to rest on the weekends so I can work out during the week after work. Thursday I am scheduled for another PET scan and I hope to get the porta-cath removed in October. That will be the last of reminder of my cancer and I can move on. Life is precious and wonderful. Current Mood: good |
| Wednesday, September 13th, 2006 |
| 6:48 pm |
Good News
Today was a very good day. My oncologist told me I was in REMISSION!!!!! Those were the words I needed to hear. They will schedule another PET scan in the next week and after that I can have the porta-cath removed. Yeah - the end is in the sight. I will, of course, have the required 3/6/12 month check-ups. I was unable to get the large happy face balloons that I wanted to take to the cancer clinic today so I had to make do with M&M cookies and a pot of Fall mums. The staff were all glad to see me and I was glad to see them again - this time on the back end of treatment. I feel like celebrating and shouting for joy. Nan is back. Current Mood: ecstatic |
| Thursday, September 7th, 2006 |
| 6:49 pm |
Making my way back
It's getting better everyday. I feel my energy getting stronger and my outlook is positive. My hair is just starting to have some fuzz so it is beginning to come back slowly. I still wish I could take a nap at work but there is no place to do that. I still go to bed by 9:00 p.m. every-night but that is to be expected since I get up at 5:30 a.m. everyday. Still trying to get my finances healthy since I was getting paid 60% of my income while I was on medical leave. It all takes time. Tom and I are enjoying working out at the gym several days a week. We both feel this has been a positive change in our routine. I am still searching for something to devote some volunteer time to. I think I want to get back into the Mobile Loaves and Fishes through church. I also want to check into something involving children - perhaps the Children's Cancer Hospital. The violin is still calling me but I will have to wait on that until I have some extra money to rent an instrument and pay for lessons. Current Mood: determined |
| Wednesday, August 23rd, 2006 |
| 1:24 pm |
Second week of return to work
This is my second week at work and all is going well. I really have surprised myself but I am still fatigued. I am asleep by 8:30 most nights. It is great to be around people again - not sick ones. My CT scan two weeks ago came back with positive results so I am hoping for remission status when I see my oncologist in a couple of weeks. Hard to believe that it has only been 4 weeks since my last chemo treatment. Laura is back at Texas A&M and we will drive up Saturday with the rest of her stuff. Girls certainly have lots of stuff and her car is too small to take it all. The house is very quiet now. Current Mood: calm |
