5 Days and 5 Years

“Peace to all within these walls.” 

I’ve mentioned before that the hospital is right down the street from us.  More buildings related to healthcare are scattered about this area; the home health/hospice offices are right next door.  Well, not right next door; there’s a good-sized grassy area and ditch (both nicely manicured) separating our properties.  Anyway, the hospital is within walking distance and is on my walking route, so I pass by it all the time.

Marquee last night, all ready for today’s event.

Tonight is the celebration for the new Cancer Center being built; we can see the construction from here.  There’s a picnic, program and beam signing, the latter being the reason I wanted to attend.  So, I strolled down the street a bit ago, chatted with a few people and then signed the beam with the phrase at the top of this post.

We all want a cure for every cancer.  We don’t want anyone to hear the words, “I’m sorry, but you have cancer.”  We don’t want anyone to have to endure the path of being diagnosed with cancer at any point in their life.  We want everyone with such a diagnosis to come out the other side hearing the words, “No evidence of disease.” Every. Year. Thereafter.

Sometimes, though, all one can hope to attain is peace.  Peace when struggling to come to terms with one’s diagnosis.  Peace when undergoing treatment.  Peace when resuming life after treatment.  Peace at end of life.

Hence, the phrase I chose.

Today is the fifth “cancerversary” of hearing my second cancer diagnosis.  The synchronicity could not be ignored.  I felt a need need to sign the beam, my inscription being instilled with energy of hope, strength and … peace.

This Cancer Center is going to be great!  All services – oncologists, chemo center, radiation therapy and so forth - will be under one roof instead of being spread about the neighborhood.  A boutique for cancer patients will also be part of the new Center.  Kudos to Sanford Health!

Five Days

We are in the late afternoon of Day 5 of our vacation-at-home holiday.  It sure is/has been a great one, and we’re not done yet!  For the sixth day in a row, Dave was out on the bike this morning after watching a bit of the Tour de France.  I did a few things around here while he was gone, and then we treated ourselves to a late lunch at Mi Rancho, the amazing Mexican restaurant here in town.

A bit after our return, I went down to the Cancer Center celebration, as above.  My sole purpose in going, really, was to sign the beam.  Mission accomplished, I returned home shortly after that.  I’m about to wrap up this blog post, and I suspect there will be a chess session on the porch in a wee while.

We have really, really enjoyed our holiday.  We haven’t spent a bunch of money, there was no travel to a destination, we did a few things but weren’t rushing around with a schedule, and it was all done in the comfort of sleeping in our own home every night.  Such a deal!

There were a few home improvement things done – a few “nesting” activities – and we’re just about set for Winter when it appears in what will seem like a short few weeks.  Yes, I know it’s July, but this is Minnesota!  Ha!  We’ll need to add some winter outerwear geared for this climate, but house-wise, we’re settled in, looking and feeling cozy.

I totally like our cottage/townhome – not just the floorplan and location, but the way it’s shaping up, the way we’re making it “our own.”

Life is, indeed, guid!

Thanks for stopping by!  Stay safe out there, okay?

So Much More Than Just a Saying

“Life is short.” 

It’s not just a phrase or a saying.  It can be too true.  I became aware of some news today that brings this home in a way that is a punch in the gut.  To be honest, I am angered and saddened.  And frightened.  No, the news is not about me; however, it could so easily be news about me.  Or you.  Or someone you hold dear.

It is a stark reminder to embrace each day with joy celebrating what is truly of value in one’s life and shrug off what is of no real consequence in the fabric of our lives.

Happy Cheeks, I am wrapping my Warrior Scarf around my head in your honor and will walk by your side down this path, as will so many of your sisters in survivorship, now set before you.  Pinkie is stocked and at your beck and call.   Love you! 

~~~~~~~~~

Maggie and I went to Palmetto Animal Hospital for her meet-and-greet Wednesday afternoon.   I was very pleased with the facility and with the staff.  She balked a bit going out the door of the exam room with a tech to have a blood draw (giving me a look of “Momma, where are they taking me?  Why aren’t you coming?”), but returned her usual wriggly-tail and cheery self.  That’s a good sign.  Stocked up on flea/tick and heartworm meds, got her food prescriptions, discussed treats that might sit well with her diva-delicate stomach (even a free sample) and made the appointment for her dental cleaning next week.  After researching vets in the area, I chose Palmetto based on reviews, location, services and the fact that they offer after-hours emergency care for existing clients. 

The doctor called today with the lab results; all is fine with our Maggie across the board (it was an extensive lab panel).  I’ll take her in next Wednesday afternoon, she’ll spend the night and undergo the procedure the next morning.  I think there has only been one other night she has been away from us, and that was back in 2012 when she had bladder stone surgery.  I say “I think” because that incident was on the heels of my surgeries that summer and I was still recovering; things are a bit foggy from that time.  She and I ended up spending time recovering from surgeries together.  Our wee Maggie girl . . . I love her dearly.

At any rate, it will be strange to be Maggie-less for an overnight.  We have never boarded her.  Where we go, Maggs goes.  Of course, that means I’ll have my entire bed to myself for a change.  Ha!  Seriously, though, I will miss that lump between my feet even for one night.

~~~~~~~~~

We’re getting a dose of Winter here in South Carolina over the next days.  The wind has been brisk today (again as usual) and temps will dip into the 20s tonight.  We’re looking at shivery days and overnights in the teens over the weekend.  Currently, Monday night’s forecast indicates a “wintry mix” as a possibility!  Of course, that is more likely to be in the form of ice instead of snow and could disappear from the forecast.

~~~~~~~~~

Then there’s the exciting news of Dave’s bike ride today . . . no dogs!  How cool is that?!

Okay.  It’s time for my midnight-ish patrol round.  Go hug  someone or something you love! 

Peace, ya’ll!

“Teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of our grandfathers.  So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin.  Teach your children what we have taught our children – that the earth is our mother.  Whatever befalls the sons of the earth . . . This we know; all things are connected like the blood which  unites one family.”

- Chief Seattle (Seathl), Duwamish-Suquamish, 1785-1866

365 Days of Walking the Red Road

Thanks for stopping by!

I am a Warrior

The above bracelet is a Toby and Max design

Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’

It dawned on me the other evening that one aspect missing from my life here versus where we were in New Jersey is physical activity.  At our previous site, we both were mowing (okay, it was with a zero-turn mower, but it was still something somewhat physical), I had a walking routine in place on the property, there was snow to shovel in Winter, I had flowerbeds and veggie gardens to create and tend, and so forth.  Here we are performing no grounds maintenance, we do no building walk-thrus, the site does not lend itself to the creation of flowerbeds or vegetable gardens, and I am not straying far afield to walk the property due to the current stray dog issue. 

Although the terrain here is flat, I am definitely not inclined to get out on the road with my bike in light of the experiences Dave has had, i.e., chased by dogs on almost every ride, run off the road by vehicles and the near-misses he has encountered from negligent/careless, or even – shall we say – drivers who apparently hold cyclists in contempt.  Read all that as this being a higher than normal hazardous area for cycling.  He has had a guy lean out of a vehicle and yell at him, and a woman followed him down a road and . . . well, behaved bizarrely.  Yep, we’re living Deliverance.

So . . . the other evening I asked Dave to set up my bike on the turbo (stationary trainer) so I can get some physical exercise.  I believe the lack of physical exertion is one reason I have been in somewhat of a spiritual and emotional funk here.  Being the awesome husband and best friend that he is . . .

My Trek set up in Dave’s office aka “the bike shop”

Riding indoors is not as fun or as stimulating (no, I’m not talking about the sort of stimulation one feels being chased by huge, snarling dogs!) as riding on the road, either alone or with buddies; however, one can do some things to help in this regard.  There are computer programs and even web sites that feature a program that simulates road riding or even racing.  Dave enjoys that.  Some folks have been known to read or listen to audiobooks. 

Me?

I listen to music.

Years ago, I had a stationary trainer and found a CD which provided me with a good workout routine . . . high-rhythm warm-up tune to get things going, followed by songs which maintain my pulse rate and varied in exertion levels, peaking with a flat-out effort and then a cool-down period.  I’ve used this same CD for over 12 years now, including during my breast cancer experience.  Following surgery and throughout radiation treatment, I was not physically up to cycling on the road; however, I could use the trainer effectively and with no ill physical effects.

This kept me “sane” and helped maintain my physical strength/energy levels.  It also made me a stronger cyclist by the time my wheels rolled on pavement again.

In case you’re wondering what that CD is . . .

Promise you won’t laugh?  Really?  Cross your heart?

Okay . . .

Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Oh man, you promised.

I could explain the routine to you, but it probably wouldn’t make any sense except to a cyclist.  Suffice it to say, it gives me a thorough and sensible workout. 

It also is taking me back to my “roots,” if you will . . . back to finding and calling upon not only my physical strength, but also my inner strength.

Sweet.

Some folks are content and fare well with essentially sedentary activities, and I have some of those, too; however, I have . . . I need . . . to have a balance of sedentary with pushing the physical envelope a bit.  Finding not only the physical strength but that inner Warrior strength.

Oh yeah.  This will work.  Definitely.

Peace, ya’ll . . .

“I hope the Great Heavenly Father, who will look down upon us, will give all the tribes His blessing, that e may go forth in peace and live in peace all our days, and that he will look down upon our children and finally lift us far above this earth; and that our Heavenly Father will look upon our children as His children, that all the tribes may be His children.  And as we shake hands to-day upon this broad plain, we may forever live in peace.”

- Red Cloud (Makhpiya-Luta), Oglala Sioux chief, late 19th century

365 Days of Walking the Red Road

Thanks for stopping by!

I am a Warrior

 

 

 

 

 

Let’s Go Crazy

Let’s Go Crazy

Sometimes, we act on impulse: it could be something as small as ordering that special dessert on the menu, maybe asking out that cute boy or girl, or as large quitting your job and selling everything you own to become a shepherd in New Zealand. What’s the most crazy, outrageously impulsive thing you’ve ever done? If you’ve never succumbed to temptation, dream a little. If you gave yourself permission to go a little crazy, what would you do?

Today’s writing prompt from The Daily Post at WordPress

When recalling a crazy, impulsive thing I have done, what comes to mind are a couple of adventures:

I volunteered to walk with other survivors in a homecoming parade for Lance Armstrong in Austin in 2004.  I was living in Brenham (between Houston and Austin) and answered the call for survivors to walk in the parade.  I took off a day from work and booked a hotel right along the parade route.  Went to my hairdresser; she gave my hair a French Braid and interlaced yellow coloring in the braids.  Ha!

View from the parade route

I remember thinking to myself, “Is this totally irresponsible to take off work on short notice for this?  Is it silly to spend money on a hotel for this?”  I was a home-based medical transcriptionist at the time and did not get vacation days.  Yes, I could take off time with no problem; I just would not get paid if I was not working.  Well, I did and it was an absolute hoot.  With my hotel so close, I could walk to all the festivities and, man, were there festivities.  Following the parade, Congress Street and that entire section of downtown Austin was one huge block party that went on into the wee hours of the following morning.  I don’t even remember what time it was when I wandered back to my room.  The Steve Miller Band performed; I remember thinking, “Wow, these guys look old!”  Haha!  Of  course, this was long before all the controversy surrounding Lance, but at the time it was a very awesome experience and I would not have missed it for the world. 

The other impulsive thing also involves the Lance Armstrong Foundation (now called LiveStrong).  In 2005, they were calling for volunteers to attend LiveStrong Day on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.  Summoning up my courage and fueled by the need to give back as a survivor, I volunteered with no real expectation of being chosen.  Well, you guessed it.  Before long, I was receiving travel arrangements and hotel information. 

Yikes!  What had I done?  This meant I would have to fly to DC from Austin.  By. My. Self.  Alone.  Oh.  My.  God.

You see, I am a bit of a . . . well, not a wussie or “chicken” but somewhat of a timid soul at times. 

Agreeing to make this solo trip – a flying trip, no less – was a huge deal to wee me.  Impulsive.  Crazy.  Yet meant to be.

Underneath that timid surface, at the core of my Being is a Warrior, a kick-butt Sarah Connor (out of the Terminator films) strong Woman. 

As a cancer survivor, there is the drive to give back to others.  I had also been a volunteer for the LAF at various functions and had received support and encouragement directly and indirectly from them.  I felt I “owed” for all the inspiration and lifting up of my spirit during my dark days.

By this time, too, Dave and I were “together,” (in fact, we were engaged – how that came about is a story for another time) even if we were separated by the Atlantic Ocean.  When I told him I would be in DC for a few days, he decided to come over from Scotland and share the Washington time with me.  Having never been to DC before, I planned to go up a couple of days early, rent a bike and explore the Mall and other DC highlights.  Our flight schedules were so we would meet for the very first time at the airport. 

The flight to DC was made easier to bear because I was headed to meet Dave.  Although my flight arrived shortly before his, he would be there.  I was going to be with him.

Amazing the strength Love will give us, eh?

So I summoned up my inner Sarah Connor persona and got on the plane.

We had a couple of free days before my meetings started and, of course, our evenings together.  We were now “formally” engaged, with the ring Dave brought from Scotland on my finger!

Those few short days flew by, but memories and scenes from that magical time will be with me forever.  I’m not talking just about “our” time but the time spent with LAF personnel, my brothers and sisters in survivorship, the training we received as survivor advocates and meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss issues of cancer survivorship.

 

Of course, the time came for Dave to return to Scotland and me to Texas.  We did, however, now have plans in place to go forward with our new life.  There was the flight home – alone again – to be endured.

The plane was not full and I had the row of seats to myself.  I finished up some LAF paperwork as the plane made its way towards Austin.  When that was done and as we flew into a thunderstorm and turbulence, I snuggled up with the small stuff sheep Dave had given me and . . .

. . . I fell asleep.

Egads.  I slept through the “bumps in the road” at high altitude, through the lightning and lashing rain.  I freakin’ slept and awoke as we neared Austin, feeling refreshed.  That hasn’t happened since, not even when returning to Scotland on those long transatlantic flights.

Were both of these experiences impulsive decisions?  Yes, in my book, but with purpose. 

Hmmm . . . guess when I do something impulsive it’s not sometime like buying a new pair of shoes, but an adventure! 

My life is a bit more routine these days, with fewer major events such as the above, and that’s fine.  I do, however, at times look back on my life and think, “Wow.  I’ve done some stuff, ya know it?”

When was there a time you acted on impulse and “went crazy?”

“Among the Indians there have been no written laws.  Customs handed down from generation to generation have been the only laws to guide them.  Every one might act different from what was considered right, did he choose to do so, but such acts would bring upon him the censure of the Nation . . . This fear of the Nation’s censure acted as a mighty band, binding all in one social, honorable compact.”

- George Copway, Ojibway chief, 1818-1863

365 Days of Walking the Red Road

Thanks for stopping by!

I am a Warrior

Be the Change

Be the Change

What change, big or small, would you like your blog to make in the world?

Today’s Prompt from The Daily Post at WordPress

Sherry over at In the Direction of Our Dreams left a comment on my Blogger version of this blog.  (I post concurrently on both Blogger and WP, having just recently begun exploring WP as an alternative to Blogger.)   Sherry, perhaps you could visit a drum circle now and then in your travels?  I have never attended a circle where there were not rhythm instruments and perhaps even a spare drum or two for visitors to use.   Yoga and Tai Chi are somewhat challenging in an RV, eh?  For several years in Brenham, I attended yoga class once or twice a week.  We were a like-spirited group, we had this awesome energy groove thing going and classes were often filled with laughter.  I miss “my people.”  About the journal, yes, the cover is distressed leather; hence, the comfy and welcoming feel of it.  I have drums and a bag of rhythm instruments; if you and I ever hook up on the road, we’ll get a groovy beat going!

Alrighty. 

What change would I like to make in the world with this blog?

• For even just one person walking the cancer path will realize and understand that they are not alone. 
• For even just one person to see by reading my ramblings about our lifestyle that they, too, can accomplish their dreams.

Yes, only the cancer patient will undergo treatment and possibly face their mortality.  No one can take your place in the surgical theater or the chemo chair.  No one will be thinking your thoughts of leaving this Earth.  Family and friends may have similar thoughts (and in fact will have their own struggles with your diagnosis), but those are not your thoughts.  It’s your body and your soul, not theirs.  Others can provide support and caregiving, but unless they have walked the path, they simply cannot truly comprehend the physical discomforts and emotional/spiritual processes which come with a diagnosis of cancer.

That being said, you are not alone.  Uncomfortable or unwilling to talk to your extended circle of family and friends?  Get thee to a support group. (Yeah, me too.  I sort of cringe at the term “support group.”)  There is probably one at your hospital or cancer center.  You don’t want to talk to strangers?

Let me tell you that from what I have experienced, survivors have an instinctive feeling of brother/sisterhood with other survivors.  It is sort of like we share this terrible yet beautiful knowingness about Life and Death. 

Who knows?  Perhaps what you have to say may instill hope in someone else walking the path. 

Long and short of it is that you are not alone. There are so many of us out here who “get it.”

Oh yeah, and the from the moment you hear the words, “You have cancer,” you are a Survivor.

About the accomplishment of dreams . . . living the full-time RV lifestyle was my dream starting in about 2003.  Single again, I had my life pretty much mapped out.  When the time came that I would no longer be responsible for the care of my elderly mother, I intended (oh look! another intention!) to sell my property in Texas, buy a dually truck and big 5th wheel and hit the road.  It’s in my genes, you see.

Well, Life joyfully happens and the Dream all but faded on the back burner until 2010.  Remarried in 2006 and having camped with pop-up and then bumper-pull trailers as a couple, the Dream came alive again in 2009.  We were resident managers of a self-storage facility.  Thinking it would be a good idea to have a home not dependent upon our employment, we traded our Tahoe for a big truck and our travel trailer for a big 5th wheel.  In 2010, realizing our line of work was increasingly stressful and essentially precluded a life outside of that work, we hit the road after agreeing to try the full-time life for a year.

Now 4.5 years later, we are still full-timers with no regrets.

The Dream is alive, well and flourishing.

Point to this story? 

Dreams may be born, simmer through a period of years in dormancy and undergo modification before fruition.  They can blossom with patience, belief in them, planning and visualization of the end result.  When the time is right, it can happen.  Don’t give up.  Keep the Dream alive!

“We never did the white man any harm; we don’t intend to . . . we are willing to be friends with the white man . . . “ 

-  Hotoakhihoois (Tall Bull), to General Winfield Scott Hancock, March 1867

January 3 – 365 Days of Walking the Red Road

Thanks for stopping by!

I am a Warrior.

 

Stroke of Midnight

January 1
Stroke of Midnight
Where were you last night when 2013 turned into 2014?  Is that where you’d wanted to be?

WordPress Ebook:  365 Days of Writing Prompts

The above prompt is from last year, but I am going with it anyway.  I really would like to get back into the habit of daily blogging/writing and may utilize this and similar tools now and then. 

Daily blogging?  (insert maniacal laughter here)  Oh heck, who am I kidding?  Between two jobs, husband, dog and everything else that comes along with daily life, it will be a freakin’ miracle if I can set aside time for entertaining my Muse once a week.  Ah well, one can hope, eh?

Perhaps I can be a bit more disciplined about taking time for myself this year.  Do I hear a New Year’s resolution in there somewhere?

I think not.

To answer the questions above as they relate to 2014 turning into 2015 . . . um . . . well, yes and no.  Or is it no and yes?

When the clock struck midnight and 2015 came rolling in, I was (and still am) in South Carolina.   Did I want to be in South Carolina this New Year’s Eve? 

Honestly? 

I see you are nodding, “Yes, honestly.”

From a geographic standpoint, no, this is not where I want to be.  I would rather be in a pleasant campground in some small town on the Texas Gulf Coast.  I would rather be in Brenham, Texas, where I would be able to spend time with friends.  I would rather be in New Jersey still working the assignment we had prior to this one.  I would rather be in a small, cozy cottage on the Scottish seashore or in Glencoe.  I would rather be in Edinburgh for Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve). 

No worries, though.  I am not miserable and one sometimes chooses to go where the work is versus being unemployed.  It is all about choices, but that is a topic for another post, eh? 

It simply a writing prompt and I’m running with it. 

Moving along . . .

If we are talking about where I am in my life, I have to answer in the affirmative. 

I am living the full-time RV life and am employed in a line of work I dig.  I am cancer-free as far as I know and am feeling pretty darn good these days.  My body is in a happier place awakening naturally instead of being jolted awake by an alarm clock; the absence of waking at a certain time is one of the perks of working night shift.  (I’ll get back to you on other night-shift pros if when I think of them.)  I share my life with an amazing (and amazingly patient) man from a land far, far away and with a sweet dog.   We keep food on the table and the bills are paid each month.  It is a simplistic way of life by today’s standards and a comfortable one.

I confess that at times I really miss teaching Reiki.  Will I ever have a rockin’ teaching practice going again?  My crystal ball is on the fritz, so I don’t have an answer to that.  Whether or not I am teaching, the path of a Reiki Master/Teacher is part of who I am and will be with me always.  I’m good with that.

The only aspect of my life in need of more attention is my spirituality -  whether it be meditation, Tai Chi, “a-ha” experiences as in years past, writing, reading, etc.  I have set an intention in that regard (if you sense a post about intent in the future, you’re catching on!) and this January 1 post is part of that intention. 

I invite you to visit with me here as I walk, stumble and skip through 2015 in this journey we call Life.

“What is life?  It is the flash of a firefly in the night.  It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.  It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.”

- Crowfoot,  Blackfoot warrior and orator, 1826-1890

January 1 - 365 Days of Walking the Red Road

 

I am a Warrior.

Looking Back at 2014

We have had another interesting year as full-time RVers, now 4.5 years on the road. 2014 has been another year of adventures, memories made and enjoyment of our lifestyle and work. Here are some highlights of our year.

We continue working as an on-site security team, starting 2014 in northwest New Jersey.  We experienced quite a bit of snow during January and February.

 

 

Betty shoveling during a snowstorm that dropped 15” of the white stuff

Even though we had quite a few days of subzero temperatures, our rig kept us comfortable and cozy.  One thing about it, these sort of conditions keep one hale and hardy!  The snow really wasn't all that bad, just mainly an inconvenience.

We were fortunate to again take a holiday, returning to a beach house in Cape May, NJ aptly named Dolphin Watch. The only thing separating it from the beach is a small street in front, and we enjoyed watching pods of dolphins glide by in the bay from the top deck of the house.

Dolphin Watch in Cape May, NJ

The rest of our Summer passed uneventfully, and we simply enjoyed ourselves with grilling outdoors, doing grounds maintenance (we both had fun mowing the lawns with the zero-turn mower) and me tending my flowerbeds. Dave cycled quite bit and I continued my walking routine. We had a fire ring and spent evenings by a campfire whenever possible.

 

 In late August, we were informed that a security team was no longer needed on the property, and were asked if we would consider a transfer to the property in South Carolina. We said, “Yes!” and late September saw us on the road headed south, arriving on station October 1. This location was our first job with the security company and the contracting company, having worked a 2-month gig here in 2010, while the resident team went on vacation.

 

The property in NJ was beautiful.  We made many memories there, including an earthquake, Hurricane Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, Superstorm Sandy, numerous Nor’easters and my second cancer diagnosis in 2012.

 

We spent two nights in Harrisonburg, VA

 

At a rest stop in W. Virginia, hanging with the “big dogs.” 

Almost 800 miles and a few days later, we were back in South Carolina. Not having made a long trip with our rig in almost four years, it was an adventure and rather fun being on the road again. I do the towing of our rig and thoroughly enjoy it; yes, I am my father's daughter! We made the journey without mishap, gathering more memories of our life together along the way.

 

Bass Lake Campground in Dillon, SC

Bass Lake was our final landing spot prior to arriving at the work site on October 1, and we went on duty that night; we are now working nights and weekends.

 

Our current setup in South Carolina

We have gone from essentially running the property in NJ to more laid-back responsibilities here in SC.  The needs of every property are different, but it is interesting work and we are working with two good organizations.  Adjusting to night shift has been . . . well, an adjustment . . . but the good news is no alarm clocks!  We awaken naturally, and my body is pleased with that.

 

Night shift does have its moments

Our overall health remains good and we . . . well, we simply enjoy and cherish our days and nights together.  We often play chess or Scrabble, watch a movie from the comfort of our recliners, grill and just “be.”  I continue working part-time as a virtual assistant via oDesk and am having fun with that.

 

Our dear wee Maggie continues to delight and bring us joy.  She is a real trouper and excellent traveler.

It really has been another outstanding 12 months.  I am grateful to continue being cancer-free and feeling good, and am looking forward to more adventures in 2015!

How was your year?

 Happy New Year!   Thanks for stopping by!

Today There is Less Laughter in the World . . .

 

You may have heard of the passing of Robin Williams earlier today.  He was 63 years old.

So many of us found laughter and joy in his films and admired his more serious works.  You might have even been in the audience of a live performance or seen him on The Actors Studio or similar venue.

You know Robin as a comedian and actor.  Did you also know he was an accomplished cyclist?

For several years, I participated in the Lance Armstrong Foundation Ride for the Roses when it was only held in Austin, Texas.  This was a weekend-long event, with seminars and expo Friday and Saturday and the ride on Sunday.  It may have been 2004, but I’m not sure as I attended the ride for several years in a row back then.  I booked a bed and breakfast suite in Austin and made it a weekend of self-pampering.  Of course, the highlight of the weekend was Sunday’s ride.  Here’s me crossing the finish line in 2004.

Thousands of cyclists – over 6000 - came from all across the nation and literally from around the globe.  You never really knew who you might be standing next to at the event staging area.

Riders were composed of survivors like myself, those riding in support of someone battling cancer and those riding in memory of someone who had passed.

There was so much energy in the air, so much spirit, courage and determination.  It was somewhat of a spiritual experience.  That day, during those hours of the ride, we were a family. 

We were one, united by cancer.

At these events, groups of riders depart the start in stages.  The riders for the longest route go first, then the riders for the next route and so forth until everyone is on the road.  There can be hundreds of riders in each group, so this can take a bit of time.

So here it was early morning and chilly; the sun had barely risen.  We’re at the staging area, the National Anthem has been played, Lance has given his pre-ride talk and the first group of riders is away. 

Who appears on the stage?

Robin Williams.

Robin started talking . . . and talking.  The entire crowd started laughing.  I’m sure his was an impromptu “performance;”  heck, it was just Robin talking to us and I don’t even remember what he was saying.  What I do remember is the sound of laughter filling the early morning air.  My group waited for almost an hour but – you know what?  It seemed like five minutes thanks to the antics of Robin and his ability to engage the crowd. 

During this, a rider standing next to me started telling me how he had encountered Robin at the expo the day before.  He said Robin was so down-to-earth and asked the guy why he was riding.  He told Robin how he was riding for his girlfriend, who was extremely ill with cancer and a huge fan of his.  Next thing he knew, Robin told him to call his girlfriend and he would say hello to her.  The guy called and handed his phone to Robin when his girlfriend got on the line.  The guy told me the conversation went like this (okay, it’s been several years, but the last line is basically verbatim”"):

“Hi!  This is Robin Williams!”

“No it’s not.  No way.”

“Well, who the hell do you think it is?!?!?”

The guy told me his girlfriend and Robin had a nice wee chat.  She was absolutely overwhelmed and so thrilled!

There was no press release about this, no cameras . . . it was something Robin just did to brighten the day of a cancer warrior.

I never met Robin at these events and didn’t even get close to him; however, I am feeling a personal loss at his passing.

Robin’s status as a celebrity was huge . . . but not nearly as big as his heart. 

There is less laughter in our world today . . .

 

 

 

 

 

Celebrate the Small Things - A Blog Hop Post

 

 

Another week has just about flown by and I find that it is time to Celebrate the Small Things!

 

• If you read my previous entry, you would know that this past Saturday I celebrated being two years out from a second cancer diagnosis.  Yay!  That is definitely not a small thing.  Carpe diem!
• Thanks to social media, I recently reconnected with a gal I met while we were workamping in Missouri during the Winter of 2010.  She and her husband were parked next to us during those miserable couple of months.  One does meet some good people in this lifestyle.  That is certainly cause for celebration!

Parked right on a lake, it was cold and windy – December 2010

• I celebrate the fact that certain songs can cause my soul to soar.

What are you celebrating today?

Two-Year Cancerversary

 

Two years ago today I was told a tumor was found on routine pathology of my appendix following an emergent appendectomy on July 11, 2012.  The cancer was goblet cell carcinoid, a rare type, and not related to the breast cancer I experienced in 2001.   About a month following the appendectomy, I underwent more surgery – right hemi-colectomy and bilateral oophorectomy – related to the GCC.  Once again, I was lucky, blessed – being “watched out for” by some Spirit greater than myself – in so many ways.  Finding the tumor at Stage II, being assigned my particular surgeon just because he was on call the date of my ER visit for the appendix (and who says first thing about the tumor, “I’m going for a cure.”), the superb care provided by the staff of the local community hospital.  My husband Dave falls into that category, too.  This was not my first rodeo with the cancer experience, so it was harder on him than me.  You know what?  He stepped right up with no hesitation and once again proved to be a man and husband in the truest senses of those words.

Melissa Etheridge’s The Awakening is filling my ears as I visit with you this evening.  This album of hers particularly speaks to me.  She compiled it following her cancer experience.  It’s serious, insightful, spiritual and rockin’.

Overall 5-year survival rate for GCC of the appendix is approximately 77%.  That’s not too bad, not too great.  That’s not being morbid.  That’s being realistic, although statistics don’t mean squat.   I could trip over a groundhog and break my neck tomorrow or live to be 105.  Not sure I want to live to 105, though. 

What it is, however, is a benchmark by which I can strive to live my life.

Hey, I’ve made it two years, getting a literal thumbs-up from my surgeon and a hug at this year’s check-up following CT scan.  Did I mention my surgeon is awesome?  When was the last time a surgeon (or any physician) gave you their personal cell phone number on hospital discharge in case you had questions or concerns?  He rocks.

Whether I have three years, three minutes or three decades left in this world, the thing is to live every day to its max as much as possible. 

All anyone has is right here, right now.

So how did I spend my cancerversary?  Didn’t even dawn on me it was today until this evening.

Dave and I went up the hill to the local farmers market this morning.  Dave appreciates a good tomato and the ones at this market are totally yummy, so he walked away with a small basket of them.  I scored some homemade bread topped with feta cheese and onions.  Yum!

From there we went to Walmart, where Dave picked up a couple of grocery items and I made a few purchases in the garden department, a new 100-foot hose and a pot for an office plant that has outgrown its current home.  Returning home, Dave mowed his portion outside the front fence and I washed our RV.

Not perfect, but better than it was and it’s white again!

I actually enjoy washing the RV!  Our home looks after us, so I enjoy giving it some TLC.

Dinner was leftover King Ranch Casserole from yesterday and some of that bread from the market warmed up a bit.  Sure was nice to have leftovers after we were both busy this afternoon.  After dinner, I received a phone call from a girlfriend of my Brenham days and we had a fine catch-up yap session.  She and her husband are now living the full-time life, too.  The three of us – me, Dave and Maggie – had a nice evening walk a while ago.  Dave is now watching a movie over in the rig and I’m here in the office with Melissa and you. 

My life has been – and still is – so very amazing, filled with sparkling gems who are friends, experiences of both spiritual and physical natures which have been breathtaking, adventures on my own which still amaze me when I recall them (I did that??), the souls who have passed through my life briefly for a particular purpose, the adventures Dave and I have shared over the past nine years . . . and just look at that RV up there in the photo.  That’s my dream, folks.  Living this lifestyle. 

To those of you who walked beside me on that path two years ago . . . thank you – thank you ever so much for your support during that time.  Your words certainly bolstered and strengthened me.  I am grateful for your presence in my life.

Carpe diem!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sunny Sunday - National Cancer Survivors Day

 

We have been enjoying a quiet weekend.  Dave is in training for his first race of the season, a time trial in the local area.  He cycled the course yesterday on a recon mission and just now left for an easy recovery ride this morning.

Gorgeous weather!  Flower beds are planted!

I took advantage of the lovely days we’ve had lately and got the plants in the ground.

In front of our rig, just about right outside the door.  Doesn’t look like much now, but give it a few weeks.  Should be some nice splashes of color.

Dianthus which returned from last year

New Shasta Daisy and Marigolds

Now and then we hear, either directly or indirectly, compliments on the grounds from folks in the area – people who live nearby and/or drive past the property; my flower beds, the fact that we keep the grounds neat.  This is so nice to hear, both from a personal standpoint and the fact that it reflects well on the company for keeping the grounds maintained and not becoming an eyesore.  Being a good neighbor and all that.  Yeah, I get a kick out of hearing how people enjoy the flowers, flamingos and our cycling frog lawn decoration.

We were told there is an opening at the Massachusetts location; however, we opted to stay here.  We appreciate the opportunity, but going someplace with colder Winters and more snow . . . just can’t get enthused about that.  Besides, we’re comfortably set up here and are looking forward to some of the happenings that may be taking place at this location.

Clean the bathroom and vacuum or mow?  Clean the bathroom and vacuum or mow?  Decisions, decisions . . . sure is a nice day.  Perhaps I can have the best of both worlds and do both.  Don’t see why not.  Perhaps I’ll go do the cleaning while Dave is away and then mow later while he is doing some weedeating out front.

Do any of you other gals out there find it’s easier to clean house when the man is away?  That was a recent topic of conversation with a couple of my girlfriends.  Our answer, definitely yes!

Today is National Cancer Survivors Day.  Go hug a survivor! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Moving Along

 

Today has been an absolutely gorgeous day out.  This morning I cleaned up the flowerbeds a bit.  It’s still a bit dicey to chance planting stuff, but at least I can get things ready.  The lilies are progressing nicely and I do believe I saw tulips peeking out from the soil.  This will be their third year.  Cool.

Working in the yard and digging in the dirt is always therapeutic for me, and it helped pass the time until my surgeon appointment this afternoon.

I saw a rabbit this morning!  Yay!  We have bunnies on the property again this year!

Arriving at the surgeon’s office this afternoon, they didn’t even give me time to sit down in the waiting room before calling me back.  Heading to the exam room, one passes the doc’s private office.  He was in there with someone (turns out it was a medical student), but looks up and gives me a smiling “thumbs up” sign.  Whoohoo!  Okay, I could breathe again!  We talked a bit when he came the exam room, but all’s good.  Did I happen to mention I really like, trust and respect Dr. K?  He literally saved my life twice in 2012 and is a caring healthcare provider. 

“No evidence of metastatic disease.”

That’s what we want to hear! 

I was in and out of there swiftly today.  Didn’t even get the chance to sit down in the waiting room, had a brief (but not rushed by any means, he always makes sure we cover everything I want/need) visit with Dr. K and bingo!  I was out the door again! 

I’ve felt like I’ve been “on hold” the past couple of weeks.  Last year was one year out from diagnosis and I wasn’t this nervous.  The overall 5-year survival rate kinda sucks for this type of cancer; this was year two, so I experienced a bit more of the “what if’s.”  He said that’s to be expected.  For now, however, Life is Guid indeed! 

I phoned Dave from the parking lot to give him the good news.  He declared it a “party night” to celebrate, so after work we picked up pizzas and some beer for him.  He is so patient, strong, loving and supportive . . . such a man in every sense of the word.  I appreciate him even more after having just the opposite in a partner when I was going through breast cancer back in 2001.

With that behind us, it’s back to our regularly scheduled programming. 

There are a couple of time trials Dave would like to do this Summer, so this will probably be our last “party weekend” until after the racing season is finished.  Dave will start training soon for those events. 

Activity is already picking up here with regard to work now that Winter is finally over.  A natural gas pipeline is being replaced in the area, and some of this runs on the property.  The dam upriver is being taken out; access to it is from the property, so there will be lots going on with that once it starts.  Things are greening up and growing, and we’ll be mowing this month – probably next weekend, if not sooner.  I have some things I would like to do with the interior of our rig – remove headboard and replace with something more to our liking, remove the cornices over the windows and replace with curtains, etc.  Well, I guess there may not be an “etc.,” to that.  If I accomplish both those projects before Winter comes ‘round again, I’ll be happy.  I’ve mentioned to Dave what I have in mind and have been told decorating our home is my department, and I’m to go for it.  Sweet.  Well, I guess he’s lived with me long enough to know what’s in store.  Ha!

We have a few minor repairs to the rig; for instance, our porch light needs replacing, as does the external flap on the oven exhaust fan.  It’s time to remove the skirting from around the base of the rig; that may be happening tomorrow.  Our door side scare light needs a new bulb; even something as simple as that is impossible with two feet of snow and ice on the ground.  I’m even looking forward to giving our home a good bath.  We’ll pick a nice warm (but not hot) day and exercise the rig.  That consists of hitching up, rolling down the street a ways and then putting it back in place here. 

 

Rig therapy – June 2013

We have the military simulation event scheduled here in June, and this year’s CERT class will have their graduation drill here again that month.  I went through CERT training last year and participated in the drill here back in May 2013.  This year I can watch.  Should be fun!

CERT drill at mill – May 2013

We’re hoping to get back down to the Jersey Shore at Cape May for a week in September or October and stay at the beach house (Dolphin Watch) where we went last year. 

Dolphin Watch in Cape May – September 2013

Gee, by that time, Winter will just about be rolling in again!

Thanks for stopping by!

Sixteen Days? Really?

 

Oh man, that has to be a record of not blogging for me. 

We’re still very much in Winter here.  Right now it’s 30F outside with a Real Feel of 12F.  We’ve had gusts in the 30 MPH range today.  That’s cold, folks, even with brilliant sunshine.  I am so ready to dig in the dirt, crank up my walking routine, prep flower beds, mow, etc.  You could look outside today and think, “Oh, what a lovely day.”  Then you open the door, it is almost blown off its hinges and you fight to stay upright on the steps.  Sheesh.  The good news is the snow is gone with the exception of along the sides of the parking lot where it was piled when being plowed.

My online virtual assistant job was keeping me very busy the past couple of weeks, too, finishing up a stage of the project.  They have to do some things on their end and then I’ll be busy again with it, I’m guessing later this week.

I’ve had some spare time again the past couple of days and finally got around to making a photo DVD for my uncle in Minnesota.  He’s not on the Internet these days but sure can still operate a DVD player.   It’s a year-in-review collection of highlights from our life on the road, and I think he gets a kick out of it.  Meant to get this done before now, but have been a tad busy shoveling snow . . .

My annual CT scan is next Tuesday, with an appointment to see my surgeon the week after that for results and annual check.  I’m doing well, but have experienced some of the “What if’s” now and then the past couple of weeks.  No worries, really, and what will be, will be.  A bit of the heebie-jeebies is only natural with annual checks; it comes with the territory.  I recognize it for what it is and go with the flow.

As the LiveStrong saying goes, cancer may leave your body but it never leaves your life.  Putting aside the focus on self, one may find oneself doing volunteer work for cancer organizations, becoming an advocate with an organization, becoming involved with groups in which one gives support to those undergoing treatment or simply having long-term friendships with other survivors. 

Of course, I suppose that’s not true for everyone.  Some folks go through their cancer experience and leave it all behind.  Or so they say.  Guess it depends on what their treatment involved and what their prognosis was.  There can actually be quite a bit of difference between even Stage I and Stage II, depending on the nature of the disease. 

You know, I’m glad I didn’t leave it all behind.  Through my volunteer work over the years, I met so many beautiful, strong, spiritual, funny, smart people, and I’m grateful for their presence in my life even to this day.  True, some have moved on from this Earth and, yes, it hurt to lose them.  I wouldn’t have missed knowing them for anything, not even the sorrow experienced at their passing.

We also have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon for Dave along in that time to have his thumb issue evaluated.  Preliminary thoughts from our GP is that it is a “trigger thumb,” and this could require surgery.  We’ll know more in a couple of weeks.

We were waiting until April 1 for these appointments, as that is when our new insurance kicks in.  We’re looking forward to getting these medical issues taken care of and moving on into Spring and Summer.

Our geese are back and last week was the first groundhog sighting of 2014, so warmer weather is on its way!

Thanks for stopping by!