I think there are times that really good teachers become a little complacent in knowing that they are good teachers and it takes a better teacher to knock us on our ass a little. Erin Mills is my ass knocker. I am a good teacher. Screw modesty, I am a great teacher. Sometimes stellar. This … Continue reading Ms. Mill – Superstar
Angels in my life
Date Night with Tavis
I got the text message, "So glad to have my eating and drinking buddy back!" My friend Tavis is loves tastes as much as I do. We love trying new food. We love experiencing fine-dinning restaurants. We love wine pairings. I have plenty of friends who share this love with me, but Tavis is special. … Continue reading Date Night with Tavis
I’ll Love You Forever
I think I have been putting this one off because I know that as I write it I will be crying. And I have already started. November 14th at 6:45pm I was officially diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. There was no crying. No screaming. Just numb acceptance. This was the official results day of the PET … Continue reading I’ll Love You Forever
Kim-O de Mayo
What do you do when your blood work comes back normal and you can finally drink alcohol again? You celebrate! Salud! My friend Robert asked what I was going to do the day I could finally drink. Have a party, obviously. And that is when he coined Kim-O de Mayo. May 9th was my last … Continue reading Kim-O de Mayo
Chemotherapy Treatment Number 12
That's it. We are done. I know there should be this grand celebration, fireworks of emotions. But to be honest, I am just too tired. Just give me a week and the fireworks will come out. I have watched my mother's cut-out paper numbers dwindle down. And despite the fact that 59 followed 60, 29 … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number 12
A Sweet Note from Katie
Katie came over Wednesday to give me a final little note. It touched my heart beyond words. She has been through it all with me. Like my mom, she has kept the smile on her face, the air a positive space, and the ear when I just needed to say how unfair it all was. … Continue reading A Sweet Note from Katie
Nurses: Soul Savers in the Trenches
Nurse don’t JUST save lives. Nurses save souls. Nurses are the ones who make sure the medication is correct and administer it. They are ones who hold hands when you cry. They are the ones who know you are having a bad day even when you say "todo bien." Nurse give symptom advice and kisses … Continue reading Nurses: Soul Savers in the Trenches
Holding onto the Perfect Days
At the beginning of treatments I had good weeks. Lately it has dwindled down to good days. And even during the good days there are still moments of frustration or annoyance because I can't do something or I don't have the energy or a period of dizziness comes out of nowhere or I am obligated … Continue reading Holding onto the Perfect Days
I finally went G.I. Jane
I have had a hate relationship with my hair since it started falling out. The thing is my chemo isn't harsh enough or my hair follicles are too tough for ALL of it to fall out. And I really just wanted all of it to fall. There is nothing worse than picking hair off your … Continue reading I finally went G.I. Jane
The Days After Chemo Number 7
It is true this chemo was way easier with the port, but man was I tired. I feel more and more tired as the treatments go on. But I will take sleeping fifteen hours to pain shooting down my arms. And still no nausea. I call this a win. Since Mom is in the states, … Continue reading The Days After Chemo Number 7