Friday, September 21, 2007

POP, JOY

Last nite I attended a card making party at Jo's house and 5 of us gathered to make cards and commune (and review the Power of positive thinking). We talked acronyms-thus the title POP and JOY. Laurie said POP was "power of prayer"-her relative had survived over a year after an unsuccessful bone marrow transplant and attributed it to living each day with positive energies and prayer. Jo said that she had been visiting at the retirement home when a gentleman there had asked her the meaning of JOY. After attempting to define it in her own way, he said "Jesus, Others, and then Yourself" That is how you attain joy. It really doesn't take long to realize that counting my blessings far outways cursing the surroundings and any ailments and makes for a beautiful day each day I count my blessings first.
That being said, I have had some wonderful events to write about in the past few weeks since the last blog, and some great ones on the horizon. I will have to post a seperate blog on the trip to Monterey to watch Sharon race in the Pacific Crest Triathalon. It was a wonderful weekend and merits a seperate accounting when I get my journal out to post.
I slid back in from that weekend -slipping in a visit with my dear friend Debbie Regis and her parents in Carmel -reminiscing on Jr High school days in Japan, to my 6th chemo treatment. I was sent home like an expectant mother, to get my blood count right so that I could continue my treatments (the 6th momentus chemo treatment being the minimum I would have to have-and me thinking-positively of course-that it is the LAST) on Sunday. Two days later, 2 shots later, and a lot of anticipation, I partied with 6 friends while I got my treatment. It threw my calendar off since I start scheduling in appointments after 4 days so that I can recouperate. Wed and Thurs were full days of class, so I couldn't get sick and tired. True to my mindset, I attended class and really didn't miss a beat this time around. I am excited that I can believe what I consistantly tell myself-that I am well! My CT scan is now scheduled for Oct 9th to confirm my hopes-that the tumors are gone. The Doctor has scheduled another chemo treatment I am sure to be cancelling.
In the midst of these appointments, Erica's future in-laws are arriving from Australia and I am excited to feel up for entertaining and showing them this wonderful place their son is now calling home. Peace be with you all. Your support is unending and very uplifting.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

challenges

In the past I have been able to regroup and pull ahead with enthusiasm, but occasionally I seem to be angry at everything. Perhaps it is the yoga that needs attending to so that I can move inward rather than challenging everything outside my life.
Yesterday I started over again in my business attending a series of classes entitled Career Activator Program along side my daughter who is jump starting her new career. The review is good for me as it makes me review my business plan and budgeting for the future. The market has slowed down here and talking real estate has also taken a back seat to talking cancer. I am ready for the change, but it is a new challenge that often makes me amgry at the people closest to me. Why is that, and can I deal with that now, or is it just an excuse to slack off?
Just as in business I have moved back into the exercise routines I created for myself in the past, running to relief stress from a conversation regarding business that didn't go well. I found myself sticking to the flat areas to avoid hills as my breathing was labored and my head not clear. I ran for half an hour; the longest I have run since my surgery, and felt frustrated with the lack of progress. Why am I so down on myself? I discovered blood in my urine, the same as before surgery-where is that coming from, tumors? I will have to call the doctor again.
This morning I had planned on going to swim before the class begins at 8:30, the mental alarm was early and I awoke at 4 am. I could get up, but I also have to pack to go to Monterey where Sharon is running in the Pacific Grove triathalon in my honor. I am proud of her accomplishment and her persistance to the goal. It is inspirational for me also. I blogged instead of swimming. I will start again when I get home and allow myself to rest instead for a few more days.
One day at a time...

Monday, September 3, 2007

Labor Day

What a peaceful and wonderful day today was. The sun came through the window this morning beginning the day earlier than would have been on a rainy day when I am inclined to pull the sheets back over my head an doze off again. The sales were in progress and Steve and I went over to Bellevue and shopped the Labor day sale at Masins and bought ourselves a first ever, NEW bedroom set. Two of my college roommates got together and we went for a walk that turned into a neighborhood reconnection and rediscovery of trails that I am exploring once again. The gardens around were full of blooming flowers and the colors are inspiring. I got on my bike-a first since May-and felt the wind against my face and the freedom of self power. I caught up with old friends and dropped in on Sandy and we talked about her beautiful Hawaii retreat and both relived that gorgeous part of the country. I went home excited to get our backyard blooming (it has been a dirt pile lately as Steve has moved over 30 yard to level the backyard and construction workers have both painted and constructed a new outdoor room). Tonight after a quiet barbeque in the new outdoor eating area, we mellowed out to KCTS presentation of orchestra accompanied coastal towns. What a great way to end the day and continue the dream.