Reflecting On Christmas

I hope you all had a lovely, safe and memorable holiday! Garth and I spent Christmas in Brantford with our families. My mom and Dad played hostess to 13 overnight guests from the 25th-27th. There was lots of fun, lots of presents and lots and lots of food. We had a great time hanging out with our neices and nephews. I was vigilent about my diet and took time to take all my medication and do my treatments. I paced myself and stole away each day to take some quiet nap time. Garth bought me this camera and I am slowly getting acquainted with her and all her special features. We celebrated Christmas with Garths family on the 29th. I hadn't seen my brother and sister in law and their children in some time so it was great spending time with them. The festive season is coming to an end but I fully plan on enjoying myself a little longer on my staycation.

I am closing my eyes and wishing that everyone will discover some sweet magic and that life will feel softer, less stressful and more beautiful. I am hopeful that dreams will be coming true in the new year...yours and mine. Peace, hugs and spirited joy to you and yours!

Holiday Meme

Wrapping paper or gift bags? I use both.

Real tree or Artificial? Artificial. A living tree is too messy and I can’t handle the responsibility.

When do you put up the tree? The afternoon of the Toronto Christmas Parade which is always the third Sunday in November.

When do you take the tree down? New Year’s Day.

Do you like eggnog?Ugh.....NO!!

Favorite gift received as a child? The Sunshine Family Dollhouse, Furniture and Dolls.

Do you have a nativity scene? Um, nooooooooo.

Hardest person to buy for? My in-laws.

Easiest person to buy for? All the kids.

Mail or email Christmas cards? Neither this year.

Worst Christmas gift you ever received? A generic gift from a co-worker and the tag said Girl gift.

Favorite Christmas Movie? Several! Elf, Love Actually, A Christmas Story.

When do you start shopping for Christmas? I start thinking after Halloween.

Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? No!!

Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? My moms dressing.

Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear lights.

Favorite Christmas song? Chestnuts roasting on an open fire by Nat King Cole.

Travel at Christmas or stay home? We spend Christmas Day at home and then to my parents after dinner to celebrate Christmas with extended family over the next few days.

Can you name all of Santa’s reindeer? Of course I can.

Angel on the tree top or a star? Father Christmas

Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? We open a few gifts on Christmas Eve and then open the rest on Christmas Day.

Most annoying thing about this time of year? Shopping.

Favorite ornament theme or color? We have a lot of pop-culture ornaments related to Star Wars as well as kid-made ones. I like those the best.

What do you want for Christmas this year? Continued health.

I'm In The Mood For Christmas

Yesterday was a fun day. We took the girls to see High School Musical On Ice at the Skydome with dinner afterwards at the Old Spaghetti Factory. In a few days, I'll be leaving to be with my family in Brantford. My parents host Christmas each year on the 26th in their home. I am looking forward to being with all my brothers and their families during the holidays. I am craving time with my family. Christmas is so not about the gifts but all about the love and comfort of time spent with those that get you and even those that don't.

Madonna Has Been Working Out

Her arms look like they belong on a male body builder who spends his life at the gym.

Doris

This heart is for you. Thank you for your visit today. Lately my heart is full to the brim with gratitude by the kindness and generosity of friends. The basket you brought over was fabulous full of many fun goodies and treasures.

Song Of The Day : All I Want For Christmas Is You

Fun,fun,fun.

Laugh Of The Day

Hand Bell Hero

Who needs guitar hero when you have this great time waster. Play here. Another version is here.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

You Know a Lot About Christmas

You got 6/10 correct You know tons about the history and traditions surrounding Christmas. When you celebrate the holidays, you never forget their true meaning - or all the little fun details. Random Christmas fact: Most Christmas trees are edible. The needles are a good source of Vitamin C.

How Much Do You Know About Christmas?

Whopper Freakout

See what happens when BurgerKing customers are told they have taken Whoppers off the menu.

Free Rice

FreeRice is a sister site of the world poverty site, Poverty.com.
FreeRice has two goals:
Provide English vocabulary to everyone for free.
Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.
This is made possible by the sponsors who advertise on this site.
Whether you are CEO of a large corporation or a street child in a poor country, improving your vocabulary can improve your life. It is a great investment in yourself.
Perhaps even greater is the investment your donated rice makes in hungry human beings, enabling them to function and be productive. Somewhere in the world, a person is eating rice that you helped provide.

Snow In Toronto

My daughters spent a bulk of their weekend outside enjoying the snowfall left by what news stations are labelling a massive winter storm. This recent snowfall has turned the streets of Toronto and surrounding areas into no man's land. My husband loves snowstorms and loves to get the kids pumped with excitement. He is already alluding to the notion that tomorrow may be a snowday.

Impressive Energy Conservation Efforts

Ireland, recently became the first country in the world to ban the traditional lightbulb. I wonder what happens if you don’t. Jail? Public flogging? Actually it is pretty impressive.Here in Canada the traditional lightbulbs are going to be phased out entirely by 2010. In our household we have already made the switch.

A Quick And Dirty IQ Test

Your IQ Is 85

Your Logical Intelligence is Below Average Your Verbal Intelligence is Exceptional Your Mathematical Intelligence is Average Your General Knowledge is Average

A Quick and Dirty IQ Test

What An Appetizing Book Title

Yummmm!!!

Link Of The Day : GlobalIncidentMap.com

When you click on this website, a world Map comes up showing what strange & dangerous things are happening right now in every country in the entire world & is updated every few minutes. You can move the map around, zero in on any one area & actually up-load the story of what is going on. It is amazing when you can see the things that are happening right here in the U.S. , sometimes right in your own state or even your city.
Global Incident Map: There is a lot happening in our world every minute.
This "map" updates every 300 seconds...constantly 24/7.

Cancer Update: Heros!

Before I was diagnosed with cancer, I had a nearly spotless medical record.
I rarely got sick, and even when I did, it was not often serious. But once I was diagnosed with cancer, suddenly I had an entire medical team to help me get better. I suddenly had teams of doctors and nurses,and a list of contact numbers for people who I could call to ask any question that might cross my mind. I thought theirs must be a tough job. Cancer is scary illness, and it strikes people of
all ages. I can’t imagine what it must be like to see so many depressed and
terrified people every single day.
I don’t know how they do it, but they are amazing. They were friendly, they
laughed at all my husbands jokes, they even said that our visits were always the most entertaining. Is that good or bad?
I have been amazed at the genuine kindness they each brought to my
life. They answered all my questions and took so much time to explain everything I needed to know about what to expect from the illness, and my treatments.
On November 14th I had surgery to repair nasal stenosis. The surgery itself was uneventful and I was disharged the same day with fiberglass tubes up my nostrils to keep them open and patent. I was told the results from the MRI looked great and there was no sign of tumour. The next two weeks were very painful and my nose felt like I had been in a bar room brawl and by my appearance(swollen, red and bruised) I was the loser. Contributing to the pain was the 7 tissue samples that were removed from my nasal passages and sinuses. On Friday, Garth and I returned to Mt. Sinai hospital to have the tubes removed and await the biopsy results. Fear joined me that day while I waited for the results. I mean it was there,always. Not far away, waiting for the opportune moment to pounce right into my conscious thoughts.
I am HAPPY to say my fear has been alleiviated and as the doctor read the negative results from all tissue samples I cried tears of happiness and joy.

These people I speak of saved my life, and I will never forget what they've done, and continue to do, for me and for other patients. They are my heros. I also, want to say thankyou to everyone who has more quietly made a difference in my life.......because of them I never felt alone.

Gath has been my physical support system, helping me with the everyday things around the house, the groceries, helping with cleaning, cooking, taking care of everything so I wouldn’t have to worry about it.
His love and concern for me has showed through in everything he did, and he will
always be my hero, not just because he is my husband, but because he stuck
with me through one of the darkest times in my life.
My kids...... The fear of knowing that mom was facing a life-threatening illness is something I wish no children ever had to experience.
My parents...They called frequently and let me vent and cry, they visited, they gave the kids some fun during summer vacation that they remember fondly. I now, feel closer than ever to my parents. I am also thankful to all the support my parents had from their circle of friends and families throughout this journey. Their inqueries and Emails to my parents reflected genuine care and concern that once again reminds us we are not alone.
Tara....She was there beside me at my worst. She instinctively knew when to call and even when to come over despite me, telling me her I was okay. She always left me feeling stronger and in control with her prescence. She watched my children endlessly and opened her heart and home to them.
Heather, Mary and Sharon.....They helped me with the every day necessities (meal preparation) so I wouldn’t have to worry about the little things.
Mark, Marnie, Corrine, Sheila, Leslie, Barb, Kelly and Mike......They too opened up their heart and homes to my daughters and gave them some fun days during the summer as well as offering phonecalls, visits, cards and being constant cheerleaders throughout this journey.
My siblings, family, friends, neighbours, workmates and my online friends Teresa, Mandi and Toronto Mike......Their phonecalls, emails and visits, They kept my spirts up and encouraged me to keep my chin up and keep a positive attitude.

You are all my heroes....without you, I don’t know if I could have
stayed sane.


Thank you! You mean the world to me.

Duran Duran : Falling Down

I like this new Duran Duran Video

Link Of The Day : Counterfeit

Try this game where you get to spot the difference between the two pictures.

The Daring Book For Girls

A short while ago I made mention of this book and how I thought it sounded like a great idea for anyone who are raising sons. My parents raised three sons and the number of grandsons outnumber the grandaughters. This book would come in handy in a male dominated home. I am now happy to see this book has been released. As a mother of two daughters, age 10 and 7. I will be purchasing this book.

Who Are Those People?

Ever wondered who all the people standing behind The Beatles on the cover of Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band? The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography has an interactive version of the famous album with bio links to everyone pictured.

Teen Chat Decoder

Do you ever wonder what your child is really saying online? Just start typing the acronym you wish to search for in the Teen Chat Decoder. The teen chat term database will automatically start to display all possible acronyms results for your search.

Laugh Of The Day

No matter how many times I watch this it amuses me.

Famous People Who Look Like They Smell

This article made me laugh. Some others I may have added...........

Travis Barker, Brittney Spears, Gary Busey, Paris Hilton, Colin Farell, Chloe Sevigny, Courtney Love, Andy Dick, Tara Reid, Mickey Rourke, Tommy Lee, Rosanne Barr, Travis Tritt, Eddie Van Halen, and Juliette Lewis

Egads...... that is mean.

What Level Of Education Is Required To Understand Your Blog

Yeah that is the age group I am targeting.

Cool Gadgets

I have been checking out this site.
They have some pretty cool gadget ideas and here are a few of my favorites.

1.) Fridge Magnet/Bottle Opener
2.) Wood Clock
3.) Sun Jar
4.) Genie In A Bottle

The Almost-Impossible Rock & Roll Quiz

Take this music quiz and let me know how you did........I sucked with a score of 34.

A Little Piece Of 70's Nostalgia

I want to know if Andy Gibbs pink pantsuit is a one piece or not.

Part 1:


Part 2:

Please Eat Angelina!

She looks like she is neglecting her body as she has not always looked this way. This is a shame as she is raising 2 young girls who will grow up to believe that women are supposed to be this thin.

Another Link From Sheila

This one frightens me.

We Didn't Start The Fire

Sheila sent me this link and I like it.
Whether you are a Billy Joel fan or not, you probably remember his great song "We Didn't Start the Fire." Here it is, set to pictures. Turn up volume, sit back and enjoy a review of 50 years of history in less than 3 minutes! Thanks to Billy Joel and some creative student from the University of Chicago.

Books

Books I remember loving as a child:

I have fond memories of Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary. My Blume favorites were the Superfudge series, Are You there God it's me Margaret, and Tales of the 4th Grade Nothing. My Cleary favorites were the Ramona Quinby books.

Other childhood favorites included...Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery, The 'Little House' books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Mr Poppers Penquins, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.
The first children's book I remember changing my life: Where the Red Fern Grows. By the end, when I learned the fate of Big Dan and Little Ann, I was in tears. It was the first story I remember really connecting with.

50 Greatest One-hit Wonders

The following is a list of the 50 greatest One-hit wonders of all time

Mena Suvari In Vanity Fair ( Italy )

I think she looks amazing!

Joshua Jackson Joins Grey’s Anatomy

Former Dawson’s Creek star, Joshua Jackson is set to join the cast of Grey’s Anatomy. He will appear in the 11th episode of the season as a doctor

Right Brain vs Left Brain

Take the test here. Do you see the dancer turning clockwise or counter clockwise?
I saw her going in both directions, so what does that mean?

Human Tetris

Another crazy and comedic Japanese game show.

Anna Nicole Smith

Check out this disturbing Anna Nicole Smith video.

Is Tom Wearing A Tupee'

Tom and Katie at the premiere of “Lions for Lambs” in Berlin. I think she looks great and well as for Tom...........no comment.

Things I Have Actually Worn In My Lifetime

1.) The Banana Clip
2.) The Jelly Shoe

3.) The Lumberjacket

4.) Biker Shorts

5.) Overalls

6.) Doc Martens

7.) Big Hair

8.) Neon coloured clothing

9.) stirrup pants

10.) Schunchies in my hair

11.) Shoulderpads

12.) Moon boots

Scarlett Offers Up Gifts Of Wisdom

I know how hard it can be to find a good present for your significant other, but... your wisdom teeth?!?

Francis Ford Coppola Launches Attack On Three Biggest Names In Hollywood

The five-time Oscar winner took a surprise hit at Robert De Niro, Al Pacino and Jack Nicholson, saying he has become disappointed with them as they have grown older and richer.
Wowza........I guess they are not allowed to slow down and relax when they are in their 70's. He sounds bitter.

My List Of The 5 Best Movie Scenes

1.) Pyscho.....The Shower Scene.......Great climatic scene in movie history.
2.) Star Wars(The Original)......The opening battle scene.......Nothing like that had ever been seen prior to 1977.
3.) When Harry Met Sally....... The Orgasm scene....."I'll have what she's having."
4.) Pulp Fiction........Ezekiel 25:17 being recited by Samuel Jackson before he shoots the guy.
5.) Alien ........ An alien bursts from John Hurt's chest over dinner

More Random Facts About Me

I was adopted.

I’m more shy than people think I am.

I genuinely believe in the power of positive thinking. I am who I think I am, and I can do anything I believe I can. And so are/can you.

I almost always root for the underdog.

I’m secretly pretty spiritual.

I hate being cold.

I prefer salty things to sweets.

I like to listen to audiobooks in my car.

I can be outspoken and it is often perceived as abrupt or insensitive.

My favorite food of all time is Chinese. I almost always choose it over anything.

I hate making left turns. I hate them so much that sometimes I’ll drive all the way around the block just to avoid the turn.

I love, love, love Reece Peanut Butter Cups, Popcorn with butter and salt, Pilsbury Chocolate Chip Cookies.

If I had an unlimited budget I would buy a condo in downtown To and in NY city.

I hate answering the telephone.

Confessions Of A Front Desk Clerk

More Cheese For Me To Watch

A new reality show is coming your way this week on Fox. The producers of American Idol have come up with yet another reality show, The Next Great American Band. It will be premiering tomorrow at 8pm. The host of the show is Dominic Bowden who is the host on New Zealand Idol. Bowden will be joined with a panel of judges: Ian "Dicko" Dickson from Australian Idol, John Rzeznik from the Goo Goo Dolls, and Sheila E.

Song Of The Day: The Freaks Come Out At Night-Whodini

I used to love this song during my bar days. May be appropriate with the Halloween season approaching.

Cancer Update

My husband Garth has used his sense of humour to cope with my recent health issues and is always ready with his laughter and good humour to help me get through some of the dark days. I appreciate that he never once gave me “the look” I dread. The look of “you poor thing.” Garth understood that for me to get through this, the last thing I need is pity. I need smiles, happy moments, jokes at my expense, and an understanding that life doesn't end with a diagnosis. And that leads me to todays topic.....Cancer is hard on a girls self esteem.

Prior to being diagnosed with cancer I had a full thick set of hair and it was my crowning glory. I now am lucky if I have 1/4 of what I started out with. I lost the hair on both eyebrows and lost all my eyelashes. Let me tell you, eyebrows make all the difference in how a person looks and that is why on the eve of meet the teacher night I decided to pencil in some eyebrows. I have never had to do this and this was a new experience for me. When I was done I presented myself to my husband and he just looked at me and smiled and told me I look like Uncle Leo from this Seinfield Episode where Uncle Leo's eyebrows get singed off and Elaine tries to draw them back on with magic marker. The new brows make him look depraved. I had drawn the right brow slightly higher than the left one. Gaaaa!
As I continue to lose hair on a daily basis it is easy for my spirits to plummet but Garth reminds me of all the celebrities I am beginning to look like. I have had to start wearing a toque daily to keep my head warm and just today he told me I was looking like this fellow from The Beachcombers.
On a more serious note, my right eyebrow and eyelashes have begun to regrow and I am hopeful that the left will soon follow. My scalp is now sporting new hair growth as well.
I am booked for daysurgery on November 14th to repair a left nasal stenosis due to radiation and a biopsy will follow. Stay tuned.

Creative Ad

I have always said that it is all in the presentation. When I have cooked or baked all day I do not just slop it onto a plate to serve. I look for the garnish, the special topping.......as I truly believe it is all in the presentation. When I saw this advertisement it almost makes me want to subscribe to their services.

Why I Like Autumn

-I look forward to celebrating Thanksgiving as it is my favorite holiday. It is less commercialized than the other holidays celebrated throughout the year. The focus is spending time with family and friends and for me is a day to reflect on everything I am thankful for.
-Driving by pumpkinfields or roadside stands selling pumkins makes me smile
-Cooler Weather means warm socks, fleece pullovers and comfy sweaters
-The clean crispness of the air
-Halloween.
-Warm casseroles and comfort food
-The technicolor brilliance of the changing leaves
-Visiting the local orchard to pick apples
-Harvest moons

A Movie To Look Forward To

I am really looking forward to seeing this movie. It is based on a true story, which makes it even more intriguing for me, to think that the main character was a real person who went on this real, yet ultimately, tragic adventure.

My Favorite Song

My favorite song that I am always in the mood for is Hallelujah. It was originally written and performed by Leonard Cohen. It has been covered by many but my favorites are here, here, and here.

Childhood Memories

I have been spending alot of time reflecting on my 41 years of life and trying to remember my childhood ...I am not sure why but, this is quite a challenge for me... despite it tho'.... I'm really enjoying the journey.

I don't remember much......But I do remember summer days spent on my grandparents farm.
I remember the rows and rows of grapes which seemed as endless as my thirst for adventure.
I remember the pond where the tadpoles swam,visiting the cows across the road,walking along the train tracks with my cousin Patrick and collecting iron ores left behind by the travelling trains.

I remember living in Dunnville.
Mrs. Heller....my kindergarten teacher.
Playing hide and seek with Joan Stedman.
Learning to ride a bicycle and getting my first two wheeler.....a blue CCM.
Being allowed to stay up to watch the Wizard Of Oz,then having nightmares of the Wicked Witch Of The West.

I remember Kingston......1093 Hudson Drive.
I still remember our telephone number 389-6646.
Yellow gingham wallpaper in the kitchen.
Flying remote control planes with my father and my brothers in the open fields behind the high school.
The Wicked snow storms and snow days.
I remember my friends, Baddiah, Sariyah and Samirah.
Playing street hockey from dawn to dusk with the neighborhood kids.
I remember grade 3 in a portable with Mr. Hallstead who read us, The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe and introduced us to the taste of Turkish Delight.
Playing on the ice hill during recess.....girls vs. boys, classmates.....Kirk Wood, Ellen Twyman.
I remember grade 5 with Mrs. Dick and the farewell cake she baked for me, as I was Alberta bound.

I remember Fort McMurray, Alberta.
We lived in a townhouse with lots of stairs.
Thickwood Heights and the strip mall where I would buy Teen & Tiger Beat magazines.
Hanging out at the local recreation centre, swimming, dances, friends.
I remember the Safeway grocery store.
Weekend afternoons spent at the matinee while mom and dad ran errands. I loved those afternoons.....Benji, Herbie the Lovebug, Pippi Longstocking, Where The Red Fern Grows.
Classmates and friends.....Vina Eddy, Barb Krawchuk, and Laura Thorpe.
Spending time with Lori Weller working on dance routines to the popular Saturday Night Fever.....Jive Talking.
I remember our dog Kirby and his horrific and untimely death.
Summer vacation heading westbound, Banff, Jasper, Vancouver, Victoria. Heading stateside.....my brother Mark buying a skateboard in Eureka, Oregon (I love the name of that city).... driving through the Redwood Forest, Knotts Berry Farm,standing on Ben Hurs chariot at Universal Studios in California.
My father buying his Moto Guzzi and the roadtrip home.

I remember Maracaibo, Venezuela.
We lived in a hotel Kristoffin the beginning.
Eating limes straight from the trees.
Icecream sundaes from the O.K. restaurant.
Our apartment.........El Tucan 7A.
Cockroaches, cockroaches, cockroaches.
Eating at the Tropiburger, El Gaucho and KFC. My chicken still had feathers on it.
Making friends with the local kids.... Fernando, Luis, Jose.
Making friends with the American family that lived in the building....the Madsens.
Spending Christmas Day at the beach.
Vacationing in Colombia.
Celebrating New Years Eve, atop a rooftop patio and watching endless fireworks.
Being one of the very few Canadians attending school at Escuela Bella Vista.
Classmates......Della Sutton, Alexandra Muchacho, Mark May.
Having a transfer student stay with us.
Endless days spent at Club Maracaibo, swimming, tennis, movies on the big screen and tequenos.......yummy!!

I remember...having absolutely no agenda...Do you remember those days? You woke up with nothing in particular to do. Just play...or whatever. I might lock myself up in my bedroom and read all day or lay in the livingroom and listen to music. I might play with Barbies or pretend I was one of Charlies Angels. I didn't carry around a never ending to-do list. The only list I kept was a list of all the movie stars I was going to marry one day.
I do remember all the smells, tastes, images, feelings and I have enjoyed feasting, in the allure of these childhood memories.

Premieres

Here is another cheat sheet of television premieres

Rogers Introduces Free Karaoke On Demand

The new service is free on Rogers channel 100 and the company says consumers can look forward to new songs each month. When my parents lived in the Philappines a few years ago, my baby brother and I flew over to visit them for a few week and they had these karaoke channels available on their television networks 24 hours/day. I hope the song selection is less cheesy than I remember.

Clever Ad Campaign

I really like the concept of this ad campaign by Sprint but I am a skeptic for many of their claims such as the quick peel egg one.

Trailer: Juno

Another movie that looks interesting. Apparently it is the 2nd movie from the young director of Thank You For Smoking, Jason Reitman.

Movie Trailer : Run, Fat Boy, Run

This movie looks like it might be good. It was directed by David Schwimmer.

Release Date Set For Sex & The City Movie

Got your calanders handy? May 30, 2008 is the date. Why do I feel I am going to be disappointed?

Another You Tube Treat Sent By My Dad

Tonight is my daughters first night back at dance for this year. I wonder if they are learning this?

A Visit With Jimmy

My kids were entertained alot this summer by friends while Garth and I spent time in TO for treatment. One of my friends writes about his adventures with my girls here and has an eerie photo here. There is even video footage here.
This friend of mine is a generous spirit and also took my girls to the drive-in one evening. It was their first time at an outdoor theatre and they had a great time and talk about it still. Even my little Alley who apparently had a head injury that night off the teeter totter. You can read about it and other embarr"assing"stuff here.

My Hoover Sounds Like Chewbacca

This made me laugh

Sexy Mama

Kelly Ripa is featured in this magazine and I must say for a mother of 3...she looks pretty hot.

Recovery Is A Slooowww Process

I finished my last radiation treatment on August 31st. It was a Friday. I met with my radiation oncologist that day and I remember feeling proud.......I had made it through 7 difficult weeks. She told me I looked remarkably well and that over the next 7-10 days it would get worse before it got better. I don't think I believed her. I had just finished 7 gruelling weeks of treatment. I felt great. Nothing was going to break my stride.
I went home. I started making all these plans in my head of the things I wanted/ needed to do now that I was on the road to recovery.

During the 1st week home my throat was intensly sore and felt like it was on fire. I was unable to eat or drink anything and when I tried it felt like I was swallowing shards of broken glass. I was also being troubled by thick saliva which would set off my gag reflex in my throat and had me vomiting........phlegm and blood.

I soon became quite dehydrated and had to be taken back to PMH. They kept me in for hydration therapy and to monitor my vital signs. I then went home to receive 3 more days of intravenous fluids by the community nurses. At the end of the week I was feeling much better.
During the last few weeks of radiation and week 1 of recovery it was also very difficult for me to speak on the telephone. Conversation quickly became quite painful and extremely frustrating for me.
My sleep is broken and it is rare for me to get a full nights sleep. I am usually asleep no later than 10 or 11. I sleep until 1:00am if I'm lucky. I wake up from dry mouth, coughing, hunger, nausea or ??????. I spend about half an hour in the bathroom trying to treat what has ever woken me........I try the “magic mouthwash” they gave me to protect the throat. I try to drink some bottled water. I make myself something to eat and try to eat it without throwing up. I brush my teeth. Sometimes I just sit until I feel tired again. I may resettle by 2:00 and sleep until 4:00 when it is time to try to fix whatever has woken me again and on and on it goes..............
Last night was one of my worst of nights. I was up at 01:30, 02:30, 04:30 and 05:30. I’m starting to feel the same sleep depravation I remember from when the girls were babies.
The basic senses have been affected (taste, smell, hearing and sight) My taste sensation is at 20% and I am nervous about how much more I will aquire during recovery. I cannot taste sweet foods at all or else they leave an awful taste in my mouth. I am down 30 lbs since the beginning of this ordeal and am being told I need to STOP losing and try to gain..........now that is a first. I have been actively trying to eat more but this can become a full day exercise which leaves me feeling depressed.
My sense of smell actually seems to be improving slowly as the inflammation from the radiation to the left side of my face gradually becomes less.
I have lost the hearing in my left ear and having a conversation with me is like having a conversation with a senior citazen. High pitch sounds cause discomfort. It is difficult for me to enjoy television, movies or music anymore.
I have blurred vision in my left eye and it is quite reddened and irritated. Again it makes it difficult to enjoy movies, television or reading.

This recovery time is providing me many moments where I am learning life’s little “lessons” in surviving this.
It is probably my inability to just stop and breathe for a while that caused my body to go out of whack like this. If I could do it over again, I would have taken more time to just relax over the years. I’ve spent most of my life scurrying towards my goals. I’ve been so busy trying to cram two lifetimes into one, and rarely took any time just for myself. I use to fight sleep as I thought it was a waste of time and there was still so much to do.
Why was I doing this? What part of me felt this insane need to be in constant competition with myself? Why couldn't I stop running long enough to even get a decent night’s sleep?
I never realized how hard it was for me to do absolutely nothing. Seriously! Not working, not cleaning. not playing on the computer, not cooking, not speaking, not even listening to music or watching television. ........just breathing.

Back To School Pictures

For you Mom.....

How To Spot A Fake Rolex

My friend Sheila and I know a particular lad who claims his Rolex is real. I am very doubtful and forever trying to find signs of it being a knock off but honestly I have no idea what I'm looking for..........until now.

The image to the left looks like an ordinary picture of Marlon Brando from The Godfather but.......... it is created entirely with the scripts of the movie and is completely handwritten. All words are completely legible There are even easily identify favorite lines from the film
Click to see in details.

Link Of The Day : Cannon Fodder

Play here. I like the graphics.