Good Day, Politics, and the Long and Short of It

This photo was taken last year on vacation in Santa Fe. Oh what a wonderful time that was. I wish I were there now. But, I am not. I am here. That's ok, because ...

Today was a good day! It's one of the most decent days I've had since this all started. The weekend was hard, and I didn't know if I would do well at work today, but I did, and I am so grateful. I think I'm getting back to myself!

As faithful readers of this blog know by now, if it weren't for kind nurses (thanks, Cheryl) and one kind resident, I wouldn't know much of what is going on with me due to lack of communication by the doctors. I had my last treatment last week, Wednesday. The doctor didn't meet with me and so I didn't know what to expect in the coming weeks. Thank goodness for kind friends and, as I already mentioned, hospital staff, who filled me in a little.

Apparently, it is going to take about 2 to 3 weeks to feel somewhat normal again. Being the tough gal that I am, I expect this to happen sooner, as I am already recovering. The numbness in my feet and hands has lessened, but my skin is still cracking and dry on my face and hands. Hopefully by this Friday I can get my hair done. I am very ready for that. I was not able to have hair appointments during treatment for a variety of reasons, the least of which were the symptoms I am dealing with right now, which one of those symptoms relies heavily on the ladies room. That's about as delicate as I can be in trying to truthfully report to others what they might expect from this treatment. Thanks, Taryn, for telling me what your neighbor experienced. Radiation is hard, hard, hard on a body, not to mention the psyche.

This week is a week I relish ... every 4 years. I LOVE politics! Of every kind! I have been heavily involved in political campaigns over the years, and so I was tuned in all weekend. A total political geek! I never go to bed with the television set on ... except for this week! Last night I woke up a couple of times and was able to quickly catch up on any breaking news. Accordingly, I sit here now updating the blog so that I can get my CNN and MSNBC on as soon as possible. Chris Matthews awaits me! I can't wait!

Regardless which side you are for this year, it is an exciting election, with the unexpected happening on all fronts. This political year faithfully represents exactly what I've been experiencing in my own life, the unexpected. This tells me the unexpected can have its gifts ... in any arena.

Another photo I love from last year is one taken at my friend Dani's wedding shower. Susan and I c0-hosted the shower and we had lots of fun taking pictures. The one that follows is one entitled, "The Long and the Short of It." Susan tires of always being the shortest person in a group. Marjie, Dani, and I decided to get on our knees and allow Susan the joy of being the tallest. So, I place this photo here to show that no matter what life hands us, we can still stand tall ... all we need is a little help from our friends, and I most certainly have that!

Beautiful.