Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. What's not to love - lots of yummy food, family and friends gathered around a table for hours, the celebration of the joys of one's life. Over the years I have encountered Friendsgiving, Thirsty Thanksgiving, Freezing Thanksgiving, Misfits Thanksgiving, Argentina Asian Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving in July. No matter where I … Continue reading A UAS Thanksgiving
Are you going to work through chemo?
I cannot tell you how many people have asked the question if I am going to continue to work throughout chemo. And each time I look right at the person and say, "Of course!" But what about germs? Kids are gross! But what about the stress? Teachers have to make so many decisions and have … Continue reading Are you going to work through chemo?
The Days After Chemo
I woke up yesterday feeling...Great! Wait a minute. That can't be right. Let me check again. Day after chemo and I am feeling...really good! Huh? But everyone said the first is the worst. Everyone said I would be hanging over a toilet or unable to move from the couch or feeling like I was hit … Continue reading The Days After Chemo
Chemotherapy Treatment Number 1
Hodgkin's Lymphoma requires a chemo regimen of ABVD drugs for 6 cycles. A cycle consists of two sessions of chemo per month. Therefore, this whole process should take six months if my body responds completely to the treatment. I must admit that I was looking forward to the first treatment. Not in the "woohoo CHEMO!" … Continue reading Chemotherapy Treatment Number 1
“At 31, Your Body is Going to go to Pieces”
My best friend told me that 31 was going to bring on all sorts of fun problems. "Watch out for 31! Your body is going straight to hell." I just don't think he meant cancer. On Wednesday the 14th, my worst fear was confirmed. After a full month of testing, the results came back. I … Continue reading “At 31, Your Body is Going to go to Pieces”
Second Day / Second Year
I still cannot believe I am in my second year as an international teacher. Even more wild is this is my eighth year in a classroom! The second year means familiarity and comfort. The newness and nerves are no longer present. I know the routine and most of the kids. I have an established place … Continue reading Second Day / Second Year
Days 11-13: Back to Bogota
I decided I was done with buses and done with hostels for the moment. I checked my budget and figured I could swing a plane ticket from Pereira to Bogota AND a swanky hostel. My tummy still wasn't 100% and I just wanted a few days to recover a bit. La Serrana has a fabulous … Continue reading Days 11-13: Back to Bogota
Day 10 – Salento
Catie and I made a plan to get up fairly early and make our way to the Cocora Valley to hike to the wax palms, the national tree of Colombia. I got up a little later than I anticipated, while Catie met a new friend at breakfast. Our duo quickly became a trio. Catie, Heather, … Continue reading Day 10 – Salento
Days 9 – Salento’s Coffee
My favorite place in Colombia was definitely Salento. Even though it took an entire day to get there and I wasn't feeling very well, Salento really stole my heart. Nestled between Medellin and Bogota, the coffee district is becoming more and more popular with tourists. The mountain view is simply stunning, and there are plenty … Continue reading Days 9 – Salento’s Coffee
Day 8: Travel from Hell (Bogota to Salento)
I had a super early flight from Cartagena to Bogota. I was trying to decide which place to go – San Gil or Salento so Bogota was a better place from which to decide. San Gil was more adventurous, but I really wanted to see the coffee region. As soon as I got into Bogota, … Continue reading Day 8: Travel from Hell (Bogota to Salento)
Teach Abroad Coyle-Gamero 