Monday, October 31, 2005

Happy Halloween!

Since we were short 2 people today at work, it was a busy but OK kind of a day. Just did what we could do. In the afternoon we had trick or treaters in our building. You couldn't really enjoy them since the phones continued to ring.

Tomorrow evening Tim will be performing in his first high school concert. I'm really looking forward to that. He'll be playing the songs that they learned in band camp, some of which they play at football games. Should be fun.

That's it for now.

PS. Just got off the computer where I was able to webcam my sister Eileen and my parents. They had not seen my new hairdo. I think they were pleased with what they saw. My sister said that my hair is just about as long as her hair is! We like short hair........I still can get up in the morning and not worry about combing it. Low maintenance.

Yeah! The blog header is gone!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, October 30, 2005

It was another gorgeous day in Western Pa. Tim mowed the front lawn, and I did the back lawn.

I took him and a couple of his friends over to the movies this afternoon. I think this is about the only time we've been apart all weekend. While he was gone I made chicken marsala for Barry. Definitely not for me. I am not a mushroom lover. But he will certainly enjoy it. He doesn't request much so it's only fitting that I make something he asks for.

Have got word that Barry's parents will be coming for a visit next week. We are really looking forward to that. Nothing like family.

I talked to one of my bosom buds this evening. Her last radiation treatment is November 1st. She went through chemo and radiation. She told me that she called her radiation treatment her "tanning sessions"! You have to make the best out of the situation to get yourself through it. Congratulations Aileen!! You are a true survivor and I'm so glad you came into my life.

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Hometown fun

After sleeping in a bit today, we decided to go to the Outlets. Aeropastle had a big sale this weekend, 50% off everything in the store. That was the reason we went, but we ended up buying Rockport shoes and a new leather jacket at Wilson's leather. We couldn't believe the big savings at the stores. May go back tomorrow to check them out again. I love a good sale.

Today our town at it's Halloween parade. One of the top things that happen in our town. I was asked to be one of the chaperones for Tim's band. It was the first time I was able to volunteer. It was so much fun for me. I was so proud to walk next to and with the band. A great bunch of kids. About 1/2 of them dressed in costumes. Tim was not one of them. Maybe next year he will.

After the parade we were invited to go out to dinner with our friends: the Hoppes, LeJeunes and BJ. Some familiar names if you read my blog. Friendship is what has kept us going. We had such a great time. The teenage boys were able to sit by themselves. I felt pretty lucky to know that Tim chose to come out to dinner with us rather than go to a friend's party. You never know how long that will last.

I look back at today and come away feeling pretty blessed. Able to spend all day with family and friends. You can't beat that. I didn't even have a nap.

Thank you.

Friday, October 28, 2005

I love this town...

Toby Keith is a country singer who sings a song "I love this bar." Once again this evening I went to our local football game to listen to Tim play in the band, and of course socialize. I just have to say this: I love this town. There is so much friendship there. I had to show off my haircut to everyone I met. They all loved it. If only I could remember everyone's name who I meet at each game. My memory wasn't good before chemo, and now it's even worse. Chemo brain. And this condition does truly exist. I watch about 10 % of the game (in fact we did win) and the rest is just talking to good friends. Tim's friends in the band are so nice to me. Never thought I would be enjoying high school football.

Our team has made playoffs so there will be a few more games to attend. Tonight it was so cold. Low temps in the 30's. Glad I wore insulated underwear along with gloves. For the remaining games I'll have to really dress for warmth.

That's it for today. Looking forward to no alarm clock tomorrow morning. And also looking forward to our town's Halloween parade in the afternoon.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Guess what I did today?

Sue, we went to the Amish stand this past Saturday but the man was not there. It was self-service. And with this rain, that's the way it usually is. Will look into her condition perhaps this weekend.

After work today I went and had my nails done. And I wonder if anyone guessed what I did today... I got my hair trimmed! around my ears and back by my neck. A girl I worked with said that I needed to "clean it up" some. It does look good. Retta, my nail person, tried to spike it but it's not quite long enough. I really like the length that it is now. I can still roll out of bed and not have to do anything with my hair. No bed head.

Does anyone else have trouble reading the top of my blog? When I view it, the blogger advertisement cuts off the subject area of the recent blog. I've emailed them but have not got an answer back. Just wondering.

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

A day to comfort a friend

When I look back at today, what sticks in my mind is comforting a girl who I work with. When she came to work she was in tears as she walked by my desk. I am known as a giver of hugs, and I immediately put my arms around her and brought her to the bathroom. She's going through boy friend problems. It hurts me to see someone so distressed. I definitely don't have the solution or answer to her problem, but it's so important just to show compassion when someone is down in the dumps. I may not go to church every week but I do believe that living by caring is what it's all about.

When I got home there was a message on my machine. Someone was asking if I could chaperone the band at the Halloween parade this Saturday. I had put the word out that I was able to help out if needed now that I'm done my treatment. I returned the call and said yes, I would be happy to help out. Just a little something but it does make me feel good to do.

I've also heard that a bosom buddy of mine is having some additional breast surgery mid November. I ask that you keep her in your prayers while she prepares for this surgery, and for a speedy recovery. She was actually my first bosom buddy since I was diagnosed. She continues to be my inspiration.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

No new job for me

I got the call from HR today that I didn't get the job that I had applied for in Electronic Banking. Just not in my cards I guess. I have to believe that something better is going to come to me. If I tried to second guess and figure out why things happen to me/us, I would go crazy. What will be will be.

In the back of my head I still would love to work at the local college. That's been my dream since moving here. It's such a good place to work, that it's very difficult to get a job there.

Short blog today. Thanks for listening to me.

Monday, October 24, 2005

When I got home from work today, I saw a deer in the backyard. I haven't seen a deer for such a long time. Tim has seen one in the morning after I have left for work. And then two more arrived. As usual I said to them, "God bless you. You are so special. And please be careful, next month the boys will be after you!" I had to grab a picture just to show you. You will only see 2 of them, the other was still in the woods.

That's the highlight of my day. I'm easily thrilled.

Tim's got a sore throat so he has orders to stay away from Barry. He did go to school today. It was his last soccer game and since it was raining, he felt he couldn't miss it!! Oh well. I've medicated him the best I can. When he left his bedroom this morning, I sprayed lysol.

Well, that's it for today. No word on job. That's fine though.

My day has been made...

 
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Sunday, October 23, 2005

Sunday

Barry cooked another great meal for us today. Marinated flank steak with some great seasonings, and cooked it on the grill. Unlike when I cook it, it was just perfect. Nice and juicy. Along with mashed potato and corn. Can't get much better.

Tim and I did lawn duty, ours and the neighbor's. I love being outside and just cutting the lawn. Quite easy when all you have to do is sit and drive the mower. Tim did weedwacking and raking. Both lawns look great.

Tim got together with 2 of his friends and went golfing today. For $4.00 they played 9 holes of golf. Pretty inexpensive fun. I wish he would do that more often.

We cooked 2 loaves of bread for Tim's latin class. It's for extra credit. Believe me, I'm no cook. That's why Tim didn't mention it to me earlier. Figured I was not up to it then. Had never made it before, called pompeian bread. Would like to taste it but have to send both in to school. Hope they enjoy it. I also made another apple pie this evening. Barry keeps going to the orchard, and I keep making pies. Mmmmm.

Saturday, October 22, 2005

A rainy day

Tim had a friend sleep over last night. And do you know what time we all got out of bed? Just about noontime! Geez,I felt like a teenager. The boys went to bed probably around 3 a.m. ish, and I went to bed around 11 ish. Guess I got enough sleep. Sure did feel great. I would wake up every so often, look at the clock, know that it was raining, and then go back to sleep. Haven't had a sleep like that in a long time.

After bringing Andrew home, we went to the outlets to do some shopping. I was surprised at how busy the stores were. A dreary rainy day.

I went to see Tim play a soccer game in the rain this evening. It was the last game that I would see this year. He plays his official last game on Monday after school, but I'll be at work. They tied and the game was pretty even. I have enjoyed watching him grow this season.

We came home to a home cooked meal prepared by Barry. He stayed home due to the weather. No need to get sick. He had cooked "city chicken", mashed potato and a nice red cabbage dish. And of course, gracy. What a nice treat.

After dinner, I went in the hot tub. First time in months that I've enjoyed it. While going through radiation I was not able to, plus the summer was so hot. I enjoy the using it when the temps are cool. The best time is during a snow storm.

Friday, October 21, 2005

Interview today

I had the interview for the job with Electronic Banking today. Have been asked how it went. I tell them that I did the best I could, not sure if it's a better job but at least it's a different job for me. And now it's out of my hands. What will be will be. Life will go on whether I get the job or not.

Barry and I chose not to go to the high school game tonight due to the rain. Neither of us needs to get sick. Raining and temps in 40 degrees. Tim will have fun, at least at 3rd quarter when the kids can socialize with their friends.

Barry had another chemo treatment today. Will be interesting to see if he continues with the side effects he had last week. Hopefully not. For the first time since getting chemo he needed procrit today. Low white blood counts I believe. Just on the border.

Tim has his last weekend soccer game tomorrow evening. Always a short season. I've enjoyed seeing him play this year. He's really advanced since last year. Especially in the speed department.

Thursday, October 20, 2005

Dr's Visit today

I met with Dr. Garrow today. Everything is fine and I don't have another appt. until next May. Have scheduled a mammogram in March. Pap smear will be scheduled in the spring sometime. While there I got a flu shot at his recommendation.

I have an interview with another department at the bank tomorrow morning. Don't know if it's a better job for me, but as it is now I come home often in a bad mood. Not the best way to treat myself and especially Tim. I'm not nervous at all since I know the woman who is the boss, and because it's only a job. Don't sweat the small stuff!

I have written the blog support people. I don't know why their blue header is covering up the top of my blogs. Very annoying to me. Hopefully they will respond to my email.

Tim and Annie at Homecoming Dance Oct. 1, 2005

 
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Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Mid week

I had a good day at work today. Just felt good. Actually came home in a good mood. How strange is that..

For dinner I made an easy chicken and vegetables in cream sauce, which is placed in a Pepperidge Farm pastry shell. Mmmm. Nice and easy. My kind of dinner.

I got Tim's picture back from homecoming. The picture is one of the best I've seen of him. Annie looks gorgeous. They made a cute couple. And if you know me, I'll probably be posting it on my blog eventually. Just need to have it scanned.

That's it for today. Night.

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

Since it's Tuesday, it's Subway day for Tim and myself. Otherwise known as another day I have no clue what is for dinner!

As soon as I got home, I washed my truck. It was so dirty. We ate our subs and then Tim did his homework. He wanted to go see the Varsity soccer game. I dropped him off so he could. Am so glad that he is outgoing.

Just picked him up and he's finishing up his homework.

I guess it's good that there isn't much to report lately on my blog. I continue to feel everyone's prayers. The redness signs of my radiation are slowly disappearing. I get to see Dr. Garrow (my oncologist) this Thursday. Haven't seen him as my doctor since I finished chemo. Have seen him socially though. I guess then I will have more information on what will be happening with me now. I expect I will need to catch up on mammogram (yuck) and pap smear tests. Had those on hold while going through treatment.

Monday, October 17, 2005

Another busy day

Nothing new to report. Just that I'm here and about to go to bed. I can't go to bed without at least posting a quick hello!

Sunday, October 16, 2005

Used a comb today (for a few strands of hair)!

Matt left by 5 a.m. this morning. We had such a great visit with him. House is once again quiet.

After taking a shower this morning, I had to use a comb for the first time in months! A wee bit around my ears. Can't remember the last time I had one in my hands...

I went to a shower this afternoon for a friend of mine. Had a great time. While I was gone, Tim rode bikes with a friend. I have to say this about Tim, he sure does enjoy riding his bike. Usually he rides by himself. A bike ride for Tim is about 10 miles. Hopefully he'll continue this activity. He even likes to ride in the winter wearing his under armor shirt.

I took a chance and made american chop suey for dinner. It was the recipe that Barry had made a week or so ago. Nice and tasty, and the best thing it's easy to make. For dessert I'm going to have some homemade apple pie.

I look back at such a nice few days. And I didn't nap on either weekend day. It was so nice just laying in bed in the evening and listening to Barry talk with his brother Matt. I continue to have such admiration for Barry. Even with not feeling 100% yesterday, he never complained. Can't say that about many people.

Thanks Matt for coming to see us. And for giving Barry a hand.

Saturday, October 15, 2005

Can you believe I didn't post anything yesterday! My sister once told me that is good. Means I'm busy.

Tim went to football game. The team won again. 7 wins 0 losses. While he was away, Barry, Matt and I went out to dinner. Was nice just having someone else to talk to. During the day, Barry and Matt spent time together and went to a Mexican restaurant.

Already today, I've bought Tim his first hunting license! The Pearsons have kindly offered to take him hunting with their boys. He's quite excited. If not for others, am sure he wouldn't have had a chance to go otherwise. Thanks Mike!

Tim played soccer away today. Just a couple of towns away. It was a great game. Tim scored a goal which was great for all of us to see. And the team won. You can't beat that. After the game, Tim stayed to watch the Varsity team. They didn't do as well. They lost their game.

While Tim was enjoying the other soccer game, we went home. Matt helped Barry move bags of coal that were purchased last winter from outside the house to the coal bin. That was a lot of help. After cooking burgers on the grill, I made an apple pie. (which we will enjoy later). And then I cut the lawn. Matt and Barry then installed the router for our outside antenna. Barry had purchased that while back. Should have got pictures of both of them up on the roof together.

We are about to go out for Mexican food. Tim couldn't get enough soccer so he's watching the girls play their game now. He is lucky to have such good friends, boys and girls. I think it's all in having a good attitude. Until later....