Saying goodbye to book characters

I just wrapped up probably the best book I have ever read. It is The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. This book was one of those stories where when the story is over I actually miss the characters. That is I think the key to good character development...when a writer creates characters who become good friends to the reader. I wish I didn't have to say farewell to Paloma, Renee and Kakuro; rather, I would love to join them for tea!

How apropos that book club met last night at a coffee shop...in the book, the main character has tea with a good friend daily. It was so good to see the book club gang. I haven't been able to go for the past two months because of my teaching internship. We got to meet the newest baby to the group, and see two expecting mothers. I think most people read the book or at least started it and I hope they finish it. Meg treated us to a delectable cheesecake and I am proud to say I ate almost of all my gargantuan slice.

I had a splendid day yesterday off from work. The perfect schedule to me is 4 days working, with a day off in the middle of the week. The weather has me itching for spring (literally...my allergies are now starting). I had a great long walk with Aimee, Monty and Chester at the park. Monty and Chester aren't the best of friends...Monty is a bit protective of Aimee and you can imagine how he feels when he sees Chester get all excited and jump up on Aimee. So, those of us that are two legged walk and talk, and our four legged friends walk on way opposite sides of each other. They tolerate each other, I guess. After my walk, I spent about 3 hours in the yard. I raked, watered, cleaned up the garden beds and just enjoyed being outside. I went to the mall and bought my mom some aqua goblets at Anthropologie that she had noticed the last time we were there. She and I met for a walk in the afternoon and I got to surprise her with them. I ran to the store, took a shower, ate dinner with Mike and then joined the ladies for book club.

Now I just have today and tomorrow to get through and it is the weekend! On the agenda...spend some time with my beloved husband with whom I have so much fun, and celebrate one of my most special friends with a brunch and people who love her as much as I do!

The Art of Appreciation

We had a good weekend. Often times a good weekend involves something spectacular or different...like a play or dinner at a friend's house. All we really did was run some errands and watch an episode of John Adams and a few of The Wire. We got Lost in Lost and curse ourselves for ever starting this series. We went for a walk and the boys played at the dog park. We capped the weekend off with Basil Doc's pizza and the Oscars. Sounds simple, really. We were able to take advantage of Mike feeling pretty good along with the weather being pretty nice. I have learned the art of appreciation...I used to put pressure on myself to go out to bars and restaurants, be busy, shop, see friends, and zoom around the city. Now I appreciate the small things...A sunny February day, a walk, a really good meal. It is refreshing to take the pressure off doing stuff and just allowing myself to really be in the moment. It is a new perspective. This week I get to take Wednesday off. It will be 66 degrees and so I have plans! I may do yard work, walk with Mom, and putter around the house. Sounds like bliss to me!

Time Flies

Time flies...It was one week ago tomorrow that I turned 33. I haven't really even thought about 33 since then. It has been a busy week. I finished teaching my last Conflict Center class and the next one starts in March-a break will be nice. I had my Ignatian Scholars class Friday which was good to get back...we have been on a hiatus. I am still interning to teach ED 205, so that takes up Thursday nights until March 5th. I am relishing these few evenings when I come home from work, put my jammies on, make dinner, and plop on the couch to watch some TV!

Mike hasn't been feeling too well. I think the pain meds mess with his stomach. This time with chemo his reaction hasn't been as mellow-he can't sleep well, and he is nauseous. Poor guy...I feel so bad for him and there is nothing I can do. Hopefully over time he will start feeling better as the chemo makes its way toward the cancer, killing it. He goes back the week of the 2nd so let's promise a few good days in between.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today I turn 33. That is such a strange age, isn't it? 31 is the first year over the 30 hump, 32 you still feel young, and 34 is the year before your 35th birthday. I guess I need to figure out something special that I can make my own for 33. I will ponder that today.

We are on day #3 of chemo for this session. It hasn't been too bad...well, I guess easy for me to say, I just sit and read books and magazines. Mike has been a bit nauseous, and hasn't been sleeping the best, but I think he is doing okay. And somehow the chemo is making him beat me at Cribbage...he is up by 4 games! Well, 3 actually but I got skunked once so I guess that makes it 4. The nurses have been so kind...one in particular really likes Mike and she dotes on him, makes sure he is comfortable, chats him up, and really helps the time go by fast.

Tonight we will have lasagna with my family to celebrate my birthday. Next week I think some friends are taking me to happy hour which will be fun. All in all, as long as I have my Mike, my friends, my family, and my pooches I feel blessed to be 33.

It's back

Well, we got the bummer news on Tuesday that Mike's cancer has come back. If there is good news in this discovery, it is that the cancer hasn't spread and is in the same region as before. The bad news is that he has to start chemo again, which I know he hates, and we have to go through this whole process once again.

All I can say is that the oncology nurses at Dr. Fisher's office are just so wonderful. They are comforting and kind, personable and funny. They make the chemo room feel like we are a part of a family. I couldn't imagine a sterile, cold, impersonal environment during chemo. The patients need that connection, the laughter and the empathy.

I spent the first part of the week in a pretty bad mood; now I am getting to that more positive space where I can put those good vibes out there. If there is one thing to learn from all this, it is the cliche "Take each day as it comes" statement. That is just so true...to really be in each moment as if it were your last, or least before it is about to be changed.

All things weekend

I had a pretty enjoyable weekend. Not only was the weather lovely but I also got to get out and enjoy a few things. Dad and I went to the Denver Art Museum to see the Ernest Blumenshein exhibit. It was a wonderful exhibit and I wish I could move to New Mexico and enjoy the expansive landscape that he shows in his paintings. We went to lunch at the Cherokee Inn and then I ran some errands. Mike and I took the boys to the dog park with the weather being so warm and they romped and played. We came home, napped, and then watched an episode of John Adams, an HBO special we have on Netflix and are just loving.

Yesterday, I went to the dog park again and met Jen and Izzie. Stan loves seeing Izzie and they romped and played. Jen and I caught up on the week's news and then I came home and cleaned the house. Mike and I watched the superbowl over at Mom and Dad's house. We had fun...Grandpa's chili, a yummy cheese dip, and beer. All good things! The Steelers won, but really I didn't care who would win...I just loved being with the family.

Mike had a PET scan on Friday and so tomorrow at 3:30pm we have his follow up appointment. Wish him luck. We are both very anxious about this one, considering his back pain and recent illness. We are hoping for good news, however.

Thoughts and prayers go to Meg's mom...Ellen has been in the hospital with blood clots and other problems. We know what those endless hours in the hospital feel like. We are rooting for you Ellen and hope you get to cozy up in your own bed very soon.