Sunny Days and Energy

On Saturday, it was beautiful here in the Willamette Valley, especially through the early afternoon. It was sunny and nearly 70 degrees out.

I had a sponge bath (no showers yet while the wound in the armpit still heals), then went Easter shopping for Ed and found a couple of button down shirts for me. Then my folks and Eddie and I went to lunch. Then, I took myself to urgent care for a dressing change. I then took Eddie to the park. I rested on the bench while he ran around with a former classmate and a new friend. Then, in the evening, he went to Nerf Gun Night. I dropped him off at 5:30pm and picked him up at 8:30pm.

A busy, almost normal day. I rested between activities.

But yesterday, it was cloudy and rainy. I was lazy. I think the only thing I did was go to urgent care. We watched a couple of movies on Netflix (Salt and one with Julia Stiles called Cry of the Owl which was strange and weird). My brother Kevy came over for dinner with me and my folks. Mom made turkey and other Thanksgiving goodies. It was good! Thanks, mom! (Scotty has been in Albuquerque visiting a friend. Ed went to his dad's.)

The doctor at urgent care, who changed my dressing both days, thought that the wound looked better on Sunday and also thought there may have been less drainage (i.e., less bleeding).

The wound, the last few days, has less serous drainage. Instead, it's bleeding more. I'm not sure if that's a good sign. I'll find out today as I have an appointment with the plastic surgeon. I plan to talk to her about why I wasn't prepared by them for still having an open wound afterwards. I will also tell them how long the wound had the infection - until last Tuesday or 2 1/2 weeks.

I also took the transparent film dressing off the skin graft donor site on my thigh. I was nervous as I thought it would stick, but fortunately, while I had to tug in a couple of places, it didn't stick or hurt. I am able to wear pants with the fabric rubbing on the area without it really bothering me.

So, more progress. I think I will be able to teach tomorrow. Finally!

Saturday Happenings

I actually slept okay last night. I went to bed about 10:30 (apparently the steroids didn't kick in), woke up about 2pm, went back to sleep about 3 and then woke up every hour until 6:40. So, about 6 or 7 hours all together.

I did some work on the computer - had to file a claim and then changed my profile pic on Facebook (still need to change it for the blog), then Eddie and I ran some errands. We want to start Eddie on some music lessons, so we went to the music store to see what instruments he might like. In the end, he would still like to learn how to play the harp. There's a music teacher who might let us rent one, so I'll look into it in the next couple of weeks.

Then, we checked out snorkel masks, found a wii game that he wanted, then lunch. Afterwards, I worked on taxes all day, although I'm kind mad with how H&R block set it up - I can't go directly to the forms themselves and read the instructions. I'm stuck in the interview part. I need to look into it more tomorrow.

After dinner, we watched Mamma Mia - mom and dad got me the Blue-ray movie for Christmas. It was fun hearing the old Abba songs! Now, I'm catching up on my blogs.

Tomorrow, will relax in the am, maybe look some more into the tax situation (trying to figure out if I can also claim dad on the taxes so I can get a bigger refund), and then Eddie and I are heading to laser tag in Eugene, where we will meet one of the other Puttin' on the Pink models and her 9-year-old son. I'm sure they will have fun and M and I can visit!

Well, no other news. I'm just gonna get ready for bed! Good night!

Weekend News

So, the holiday weekend was quite productive. As I mentioned, I went shopping on Black Friday; I enjoyed spending time with a friend of mine, B., that day. That night, I went to the Holiday Parade downtown and I got to see my son in the Corvallis Trolley and another friend was driving one of the Pepsi floats.

On Saturday, I just putzed around the house. I ran errands with Eddie, then consulted on holiday decorations, decluttered Eddie's room, filed and shredded papers in my own room and did laundry. My niece and nephew came over for the day and were research subjects for Eddie's Science Fair project. It's called "Game On" and is basically an experiment to try to figure out what the best position a gamer needs to take to get the fastest times in Marion Kart Double Dash. He's comparing standing with sitting on a ball with sitting on a stool with laying down. I also helped my niece create her beaded necklace and started one of my own.

On Sunday, I ran errands with Eddie and then worked on the King Island Place Names website, then on this grant proposal. I spent most of the day at the kitchen table on the computer and writing.

So, all in all, a good weekend. Normal activities. Some house work, some work work, some fun.

Kinda nice to hear, isn't it? Not too shabby for a person with metastatic cancer! : ) I love my life!

My State of Mind These Last Few Days

How am I feeling these days? In a word - happy. In love with life!

When I look back at the last few months, I see just how much my physical symptoms and side effects impacted my sense of well-being.

First, beginning around my birthday in July, I had an "inflammatory flare" in my left armpit due to the t-cell infusions and Herceptin. This inflammation caused a lot of pain and I ended up on pain pills for several weeks. So, I either felt pain, or some slight nausea and dizziness and fatigue from the pain meds.

Then, I had withdrawal symptoms from the pain meds - about late August.

Then, I ended up with an open skin wound. Got the news of disease progression and discussions with doctors about next steps. The whole area is still swollen and somewhat painful, not as bad as in July/August.

Then, I ended up with an infection in the wound and it started to grow. Fever, chills, and/or nausea/fatigue from the antibiotics. That was late September into early October. More discussions about what was going on - worry that I'd be hospitalized, worried if I should start treatment while still fighting an infection, placement of the P.A.S. port, starting a new treatment, learning about side effects.

Whew. A LOT was going on. In one sense, it was like I was a ball in a pinball machine, bouncing from one symptom and side effect to the next.

But now? Now, I am settling into a kind of routine again. Side effects are predictable. Side effects are doable - just fatigue and hair loss. My work is going well - when I'm there. I have a plan of sorts. I know what will happen in the next few months. There's evidence that the treatment is working. Mount Herminator is now a witch's cauldron. I don't have to lift my arm up constantly anymore. I can sleep on my left side again.

My heart, my soul, my mind - all feel lighter; I feel happier. A big weight has lifted. I guess because for the first time since I found out that the cancer had gone into my left lung 18 months ago, I am finally responding to treatment (t-cell therapy combined with Abraxane).

I wish to give a huge thank you to everyone who has helped me over the past six or so months. From my family who takes care of me daily, to my chauffeurs to Seattle and in Seattle, to the people who donated funds so I can make the trips, to my medical team who takes care of me, to my friends who keep me amused and entertained, to all the many people who keep me in their thoughts, prayers, who send me blessings and positive energy and little gifts. Thank you all! I have a huge wonderful support system and I can't thank you enough. Because, you see, you help me. I am doing so well because of you.

Cancer's on the run, baby. Time to celebrate!

Play Day Today

Yesterday, I wrote 5 pages on a grant proposal and drafted the budget. I also had lunch with a friend - yummy Indian food! But later, my stomach felt a little bloated or full. I guess it's off from the Abraxane? It's better today.

Since I worked yesterday, today was a play day. So, mom, dad, and I went to Spirit Mountain Casino - played some slots and ate at the buffet; I had yummy salmon. I tried not to eat too much thinking that maybe if I erred for less food, I'd be less likely to feel bloated. I donated money to the Grand Ronde. Not much. Figure I have probably broken even over all in the last couple of months.

Then, we picked up Eddie. And, we've been relaxing ever since. Did laundry. I need to read some for class tomorrow. I needed to pick up some more dressings and spent $45 on them today. Sheesh. Having a wound is expensive business.

Tomorrow? Get ready for class, then have class, then off to the hospital for my P.A.S. port. Tuesday? We take Eddie to Doernbecher's for his Marfan's check-up. I see wound care on Wednesday and will also have acupuncture in addition to class. Then, Abraxane on Thursday. Puttin' on the Pink next Saturday. A busy week ahead, that's for sure!

A Nice Saturday Afternoon

I will say this: the AdSense ads are encouraging me to write blogposts that are not just about my cancer status. I will say, however, that I have not yet heard from my doctors about the next step. Which is fine. My family and I are heading to Lincoln City for five days. We leave on Tuesday. Yay!

In other news, we attended Baby Goo's birthday party. Technically, he is baby Jeremiah, but that is his dad's first name, and as we call his dad "Gooey" or "Goo" (long story about the mispronunciation of his last name), I have taken to calling him Baby Goo. He is also named after my Uncle Gabe, whose Eskimo name is Aakagak.

Baby Goo's birthday party was held at Fort Hoskins Park, located west of Corvallis. It was a nice afternoon, relaxing. Good food. Good company (several of my former students and their families). What else can I say. Once I get a chance, I will post a photo or two.

I am almost done with a mandala for a friend. And almost done putting up tile on the fence. I have a couple of work things to do - maybe tomorrow morning. Okay. Gonna work on the tile.

Holiday Weekend Happenings

I hope that you all had a great holiday week-end.  I did.  It was relaxing.
On Friday, a friend of mine, R., stopped by to tell us how to stabilize the "Tarzan Swing" which goes over the water hazard. Afterwards, since I kept him waiting, I bought him a pint or two at Squirrel's and we played a few rounds of pool.  First time in years that we played.  Squirrel's was our destination of choice after our volleyball games - almost 20 years ago. 

On Saturday, we spent most of the day around the house.  Had to go to Home Depot for a few supplies for Eddie's "Edstacle" course, for his "Wipe-out Kids' Edition" Birthday Party.  One might wonder why I'm going to all of this expense for a one-time deal .  . . my reply would be is that both the mud pit with the "Slick Beam" and the "Tarzan Swing" draw my son out to the back yard to try his hand at the course and away from his Wii and the computer.  Saturday evening, we headed down to Corvallis' Red, White, and Blue Festival.  Eddie played on the inflatables, we listened to the band, dad got french friends, we shared an Elephant Ear, and had fun.

On Sunday, we ran some errands and then we went to Fort Hoskins Park and did the little interpretive trail, then decided to drive to the Coast for dinner. We were, in essence, chasing blue sky.  The blue sky was west of us and when we walked into the restaurant, it was sunny (although the clouds were just offshore).  When we went back to the car, it was cloudy and we chased the blue sky inland back to Corvallis.  We stayed home for the fireworks display - we were tired, for one, and Eddie does not like the sound of the explosions.  We could see the fireworks just over our backyard fence, between two tall trees in our neighbor's yard.

Today, Eddie had a swimming lesson, then I had an acupuncture appointment, then after lunch, Ed's dad picked him up and we ran some errands, figured out a potential solution for a "Dizzy Dumbie" - a spinning obstacle - and dad barbecued our dinner.

Today, I read two of the chapters of the Alaska Native View of Statehood, in order to incorporate links in my own chapter to these other chapters. I have one more chapter to read and then a bit of analysis.  But I think this evening, I will work on my mask collage. 

So, a good week-end.  Relaxing.  I hope you all had a great week-end, too.

Post-Hermination Fun

After I got my Herminator-2 cells on Thursday, I met my brother Scotty and Eddie back down at the Seattle Center.  They spent about 4 hours down there at the Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum, and played at the arcade and rode rides.  I did a little jam with Eddie. 

By the time we got to our hotel room, I was really really tired.  We had traveled from Corvallis that morning.  So, we ordered room service and just hung out there for the evening.

The next morning, we drove south to Federal Way where we played at Wild Waves all day (from about 11am - after breakfast - to about 4pm).  We got wet, rode the wooden roller coaster, and watched Eddie play in the Wave Pool.  Luckily, the sun broke out about 1pm.

Then, we drove to my friend's house in Bremerton.  S. and I went to high school together and attended the same church and I worked for her dad all through high school. Her boys are 9 and 6 and Eddie really enjoyed them when we stayed with them back in April.

Had pizza for dinner and relaxed.  Got up the next morning . . . and relaxed.  I think we watched at least two movies.  Eddie played with the boys.  In the afternoon, we visited the USS Turner Joy on the Bremerton waterfront.  We had fun seeing the sailors' cramped quarters and climbing up and down ladders.  Then, back to S's house, and then to their friends' house for a barbecue.  Eddie enjoyed it. They had a trampoline and a wii and there were lots of kiddos around.  I enjoyed visiting with their friends, but by about 9:30pm, I was tired.  My feet hurt. My lymph nodes were tender.

Then, we drove home, with only a couple of stops here and there.  Dropped Eddie off at his dad's house.  I unpacked and then went to my softball game.

All in all, a great week-end.  Thank you, S., for hosting us! It's much appreciated!

What's up for tomorrow?  An acupuncture treatment.  Then, coming up with a plan to organize my office.  I'm getting rid of my huge desk and I got another filing cabinet. 

Herceptin . . . and Week-end News

On Thursday evening, I went to the cabin at Shotpouch Creek for an interesting discussion with an author named Jack Nisbet, who's written several books about various explorers here in the Northwest. The most recent book was The Collector and that was what we talked about over a dinner and a glass of wine. It was an interesting conversation - and I was able to talk some about the colonial predilection to collecting artifacts and how some indigenous peoples have had to fight to get their artifacts returned to them. Anyway, it was an interesting conversation and I met more interesting people.

Then, I had another Herceptin treatment on Friday. I was able to go to work afterwards - feeling somewhat tired, but not dog-tired-fatigue. I went to our department faculty meeting - we were discussing our policies with regard to our Ph.D. program. My legs felt slightly shaky (not a lot) afterwards, but not as bad as before. I think this means that my body is getting used to Herceptin - and I think Joanna from Colorado might say that I don't have as many cancer cells floating around. I hope she's right!

I went to the Drag Show with dad on Friday night. When I went a couple of years ago, they had some of the professional drag queens from Portland and Eugene perform first. They weren't able to perform this year, so it was just students. However, some of the students were great! I was pretty tired, though, and my butt and hips were sore from sitting in those uncomfortable chairs. Also, my lower back was achey, which was a result of my kidneys trying to process the Herceptin.

On Saturday, after getting to sleep in some, I ended up putzing around the house and running errands around town. I also worked on my mosaic - grouting around the tiles. I am using a grout that I can color different colors. I worked on it a couple of hours on Saturday, then we went to the OSU Pow Wow. We had a free meal there - salmon, wild rice, salad, yams, and huckleberry cobbler. Yum! After a few hours, I took mom, dad, and Eddie home and then went back to the Pow Wow to keep my colleagues and friends company. Not many people showed up . . .

Then, on Sunday, after sleeping in again, dad and I went to Home Depot to exchange some items for the side storage shed we're building. Then I worked on the mosaic, ran errands, took a walk with Eddie, and then, since it was so nice, Eddie played on his slip /n slide. My softball team had its first game of the season - I didn't play very well at all and my right shoulder is very tight still so throwing was difficult. It was fun though - a couple who played with us beginning 19 years ago and who have played in maybe 6 or 7 years decided to get back on the team. That was fun! We won 15-14 with no help from me. Then off to a local pizza place and a beer.

So, it was a great week-end. Luckily, I had energy and had fun with friends and colleagues. I'm glad that Herceptin isn't giving me the really bad fatigue anymore. It's nice to function somewhat normally!

I had a physical therapy appointment this morning - good thing as my right shoulder was feeling tight from softball. My therapist is loosening some adhesions and I think it really helps.

Anyway, life is good. Just waiting to get my Herminator-2 cells back. The countdown to "hermination" of the cancer cells is 17 days.

T-Cell Naming Contest - and Week-end Plans

In June, over three weeks, I will get my "primed" t-cells back. T-cells are part of your body's defense against disease - t-cells are a type of white blood cell. These "primed" t-cells are hopefully what my body produced after the three vaccinations I received earlier this month.

In my last post, I called them my super-duper-Her2+-cancer-seeking t-cells. I decided that I need to come up with a name for those super-duper-Her2+-cancer-seeking t-cells. So, I decided that I'll have a t-cell naming contest. I'll send the winner either a colored mandala or I'll create one just for you.

Can anyone come up with a good nickname for these super-duper-Her-2+-cancer-seeking t-cells? You have until midnight on May 2 (next Sunday). (I'm going away for a week-end symposium retreat for work from April 30-May 2). I'll judge the entries on May 3rd.

So far, the entries are "Herminator-2 cells", "H2Life cells", and "T-cell choppers". Anybody else have any ideas? Fun!

Another fun thing is that I leave tomorrow afternoon to go to the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest. I am attending a week-end symposium called "Dragonfly Eyes: Multiple Ways to Envision the Future". There will be a mix of poets, artists, scientists, and social scientists, hoping that we can all learn how to envision or work toward (I think) a future from our different disciplinary and personal backgrounds. Good food, good conversations, hikes in the forest, and good wine. I'm looking forward to it!

I was really tired tonight and tense for some reason. No reason to be tense. Things are hunky dory more or less, meaning I'm in a relatively good mood. Just tired. But I got a lot done today. I hope to get to bed at a reasonable hour (10pm). Good night - not sure if I'll blog when I arrive. Have a great week-end!

A good few days - with some Herceptin side effects

I had my latest Herceptin treatment on Thursday - and felt fairly good the rest of the day. Maybe a little bit of tiredness but not the eye-droopy fatigue I've felt before. I went into my office and printed some stuff off to work at home (not that I've touched it).

Friday, I went on an all-day fieldtrip with Eddie's class. We went to the State Capitol in Salem, then the Mission Mill Museum, and then the Pioneer Cemetery. We walked up to the top of the tower - where they have this huge golden statue of a "pioneer" which can be seen for miles. It was pretty cool but over 100 steps up. We had lunch in the plaza in front of the Capitol.

Mission Mill was interesting but rather than teaching kids about how mills used to work and how wool was made, she kept whizzing the kids through the exhibits (we had a "task-mistress" for a tour guide who kept saying, "okay, we're power walking!" - followed by a really brisk walk to the next exhibit where she'd start talking before we all got there. Then, since the people at the back didn't hear the beginning, we didn't know what she was explaining! That's not a good tour guide - that's giving the tour but not paying attention to your audience, which my students in folklore know is a crucial part of any kind of oral performance. Some of the parents, including me, would salute behind her back - mean, I know, but criminy!)

Then, after a snack, we went to Pioneer Cemetery and saw the headstones for people who died over 100 years ago - some as early as the 1850s, maybe 1845. Eddie had fun because he and the other boys started chasing the girls. : )

Then, we got back to Corvallis around 5pm. I had a great time visiting with the other parents (there were 8 of us and 14 kids). We got caught up, joked, helped some with the kiddos, and just enjoyed the day. We had high clouds, but by the end of the day, it was in the low 60s with some sun peeking out here and there.

By the time I got home, I was really tired. Took it easy by watching TV in my bed. My feet were achey from all the walking.

Yesterday, one of my friends from UAF was in town - she'd come down here to interview a few people in Salem and Portland, then went to Newport to visit an old friend of hers, and we spent a few hours hanging out. We went to Farmer's Market (with my folks and Eddie), then the New Morning Bakery for lunch, and then K. and I went to Fitton Green for a short hike. It was chilly up top with a stiff wind. We got back into town and I showed her all the flowering rhododendrons around the MU Quad and then Central Park, and then we stopped at Trader Joe's - she had to pick up some stuff for a friend. And, then she was off to the airport. It was great to visit with her - it's been a couple of years since I've last seen her. I love hanging with old friends!

I was tired again yesterday evening - just took it easy again watching movies.

Today? I got a good night's sleep - we may go to Home Depot to get supplies for a side shed, I want to grout my mosaic, I need to go to softball practice and sign the roster - I might go for a walk with a colleague. So a full day is in store, putzing around, doing errands, etc. It's supposed to be 70 and sunny. Got to get out and enjoy myself!

Overall, I haven't quite the fatigue I had with previous treatments. I'm still tired, but not the droopy-eyed fatigue. I still have the swollen lymph nodes - I thought there had been some decrease in the swelling last week, but now it's about the same. I'll call tomorrow for my tumor marker results from the other day. I credit the new herbs that Brodie gave me - they do seem to help with my energy level.

Happy Sunday!

UW Clinical Trial - Visit 2

Today, I had my second vaccination for the UW clinical trial. We started with a history and physical. I told Dr. C about all the little side effects that I got after last week's vaccine:

- the cold sore on my lip (Nurse D. says that this seems to happy to a lot of their patients)

- fatigue and how long it lasted

- flu-like symptoms in the 48-72 hour window (patients usually get this within 48 hours; I told him that I tend to take a little longer to react to things and this didn't surprise him); Thursday night I was tired and achey, so I had Tylenol, a hot bath, and some tea and it helped immensely

- fighting a cold/sore throat for the past few days (sore throat comes and goes, I think I get a sore throat when I'm tired)

- headaches (hard to know if it's a tension headache or from the vaccine)

No real reaction on my arm where the vaccine was given. No heart palpitations. Not much else going on. He just took a note of my symptoms and then I waited for the vaccine. We waited about an hour for the vaccine and then waited another hour after that. But it was fine. Amy and I colored mandalas and visited and joked with my neighbor/patient, S. (not the same person as last week). She was there with her parents and her aunt and they were a hoot. We laughed and joked and gave Dr. C a hard time. I told him the Onions and Christmas Trees joke - I think he was a little shocked. S. and her family played cards. Amy told Redneck jokes.

Amy and I went down to Pike Street Market afterwards - we ate lunch in this hole-in-the-wall kind of place - maybe Korean - and I ate a really good curry tofu with veggies. Then, we wandered around - I bought some salmon jerky and Amy really wanted to visit this bakery - we bought some delicious donuts there!

Then we headed home. We made it back to Hwy. 34 exit on I-5 in record time. Came home to some yummy spaghetti and my raspbery bismarck for dessert! Yay!

So, all-in-all a successful quick trip to Seattle. We'll see how I feel in the next couple of days. I may feel tired again . . . I head back next week. Have a great week!

A good week-end

This past week-end has been both busy and relaxing.

I had three meetings on Friday, so I didn't get much work done at work. Eddie's school had an auction on Friday - complete with a free meal - so that was fun. Eddie and his classmates were in one of the classrooms playing games. He enjoyed that. My volleyball buddies met for a beer, so I joined them and got home by 11pm.

Then on Saturday, I took him to his dad's, and then ran errands; I took my parents out to lunch and we sat out on the patio in the sun - yay Vitamin D! I decided that I wanted to work on another mosaic - so I found some more tiles. I even made dinner last night - I won't say I cooked it, just that i warmed things up. Then I relaxed - I felt tired all day, I think I was recovering from all the activity on Friday.

Today, I drove up to Portland and met an old high school buddy for brunch - we hadn't seen each other in something like 28 years! She was the still nice, friendly, energetic person I remembered! (Thank you for brunch, S!) Then, Scott (former boyfriend, now friend) and I hung out in the Hawthorne District in Portland. The fun thing is that we stumbled on their annual "Art Walk" - maps to various houses in the neighborhood owned by artists showing their work. We went to four houses and then visited at the Bagdad for awhile. Then, home to pick up Eddie.

Mom fixed dinner - a chicken stirfry. Watched Oscars. Now watching NCIS (recorded) and will go to bed soon. I have my next Herceptin treatment tomorrow . . . see you on the other side!

A Nice Sunday

Today was a relaxing day. Lazy morning, then dad helped me put up a few more lights at my house, then Eddie and I ran a couple of errands, then watched Planet 51 at the movie theater, then we got groceries, I folded laundry, and now we're just relaxing. Eddie will take a bath later. Still need to pay bills. I brought work home, but haven't looked at it. Which will be okay. It will get done.

It was a good day. A good day indeed.

Survived Black Friday

I met some friends of mine yesterday and went Black Friday shopping. In the end, I'm done with Christmas shopping and also bought all the birthday gifts (I have five birthdays coming up in January and February) that I'll need. Plus, I bought a small sewing machine (gonna try to make pants that fit Eddie) and an electric drill/screw driver (didn't have one for the house). This all occurred under the budget I set myself for Christmas gifts. And, I calculated that I saved about 42% off regular store prices.

So, it was worth it to get up early.

Yesterday, a friend of mine (who had friends teach him how to cook) brought over some food and we made this chicken sausage/rice/bean mix with veggies. It was good - and we made enough for several meals that I can use over the next week. I may put a few in the freezer, however, as I do get tired of the same meal all the time. It's part of my "cooking boot camp" effort that I thought about several months ago. This is another cost saving measure.

Thanksgiving was fine - the turkey I roasted turned out fairly well. The whole family gathered at my sister's house and after dinner, we watched the kids play Rock Band. It was cute.

What's in store for today? Well, there's writing I can do, I need to take some things into my office, there's leaves to be picked up in the yard, and putting grout on the mosaic, and maybe I'll start some beadwork. Not sure what I want to do - but that's the fun of having a day like this when I don't NEED to do anything, but can do what I want to do.

I'll pick up Eddie later on this afternoon - yay!

Sunday's hike, then meditation, then laziness

Yesterday, I got up fairly early for the week-end (6:45am) and went on a hike in McDonald Forest with a friend, then went to the Zen Buddhist meditation service with a colleague, ate a quick lunch downtown, then by the time I got home, I was sleepy and lazy! I finally got up the gumption to go to the grocery store by mid-afternoon. Got all my groceries except bread and butter and came back home and was lazy again.

I'm not sure what to think of the Zen Buddhist service. I find it hard to meditate - you are supposed to watch your thoughts go by and not follow them, but I found myself following them. They say it takes practice. I may go again . . .

Today, I need to write a recommendation letter, work on a supplemental, email folks about interviews, pay property taxes (ouch!), then pick up Eddie and a classmate. I'm supposed to play v-ball tonight . .. but if there are enough players, I may not play. My right wrist is bothering me (probably from keyboarding) and I think my pectoral muscle is still healing from two weeks ago, although it feels a lot better.

Happy Monday!

Illness Update

I didn't mean to make my last post sound dire - if anything, I have mild symptoms, just slightly achey, slight headache, some fatigue. It could be a lot worse. It's just kinda hanging on, which tells me that I need to rest. Luckily, I don't teach for a week or so - I'll be in Alaska interviewing and such, but most of the time, it'll be things I enjoy and I have students to help me out with the technical side of things. And, I'm with my relatives and other Alaska Natives which is always a good thing.

My son started getting a runny nose yesterday - not sure if he has a cold or if he just has some allergies to the hay. He's decided to rest up today so that we can go to Bauman Farms tomorrow. It's been rainy here today but only scattered showers are expected tomorrow. Yesterday, we went to another local farm, Heavenly Harvest, and raced ducks, shot the corn cannon, and went on a hayride and picked out pumpkins. It ended up being a beautiful if muggy day - temperatures got up to 75 I think, which is unusual for this time of year. We were supposed to have some showers according to the paper, but they didn't materialize until today. Afterwards, we just rested after we came home.

Today, we ran some errands. I'm trying to declutter the house a little bit, write thank you cards, hang up a new picture, and decorate pumpkins. An open house at a colleague's later. Dinner at a friend's tomorrow evening.

Happy week-end everyone!

I've had a good week-end . . .

but I didn't work on that article yet! I'm having a hard time getting started on it. A colleague of mine asked me to co-author this article with her, but I didn't get it until Friday and she wants it back today because the deadline is tomorrow. Because it's the week-end, all I want to do is to relax and have fun. My folks and I went garage saling yesterday and then they helped me with my mosaic (a big thanks, especially, to dad, who did all the hard work!). Then, I played cards with my buddies in Philomath. Today, lunch with Scott in Portland and then back to town for a get-together at my colleague's house.

Week-end tally: Work on household stuff - 3 things accomplished (groceries, laundry, mosaic); socializing - 4 different groups/people (folks, cards, Scott, colleagues); work on article - not yet.

I'd say that was a good week-end, wouldn't you?

I'm hoping to post the Hawaii pictures this week. Still have the effects of a cold - a bit of a cough from post-nasal drip; I have some fatigue (related to the Femara? Or to the cold? Who knows?); and my hot-flashes seem to be a bit worse these past couple of days thanks to Femara. I take that as a sign that it's working . . . take that, you damn cancer cells!

P.S. I did finish my edits/changes to the article late Sunday night - about 11:15am. I really am a procrastinator!

Okay. I'm procrastinating. I'm entitled, don't you think? : )

And, a good time was had by all . . .

Beautiful weather.

Ate wonderful food . . . and believe it or not, everyone enjoyed the blueberry tart that I made!

Watched pelicans and seals on the beach.

Saw a wonderful sunset.

Enjoyed good conversations and a couple of fun games.

Fell in love with the coast all over again when we (Scott and I) did a series of short hikes around Cape Perpetua.

Pictures will be posted soon!

Thanks, everyone!

Got week-end plans?

A group of colleagues and Scott and I are heading to Waldport this week-end. It should be a fun time. We all took certain meals to prepare while we're down there. I asked to join with someone else ... so I wouldn't have to cook. I made a green salad and a blueberry tart. That was fun! From the sounds of it, we're going to eat pretty well! Yay for me! : )

Other than that, no other news. Can't quite get my head into a writing assignment. But doing well and staying busy! Happy week-end everyone!