A Shout Out to My Nurses / Rachel: 4 for 4

I guess it's an indicator of how strongly I feel about these women that every time I go into my Oncology office, I need to stop back by the chemo desk and say hi. Knowing that my "reward" for handling my testing is a visit with some of my favorite medical people ever is probably what gets me through.

So, to the rest of my readers, you're welcome to keep on readin', but this post is for them.

Ladies, I can only imagine how difficult your job is, and as a result, I'm sure you never get the praise and thanks you so truly deserve. Knowing you were there, fighting with me, cracking jokes, laughing at mine, remembering my kids' names, sharing parts of your life with me... it meant everything. It meant I was simply another person, not just a patient, and I know you're like that with everyone. It's all we cancer vixens want, and you understand that, probably better than we do.

Had our paths crossed differently, I'm sure we would have been friends.

Crossing as they did, you are my angels. I could not have done it without you.

And Rachel? You rock, girl. Keep those clean x-rays and ct's comin'!

I'm just determined to be one of your success stories.

All of my love, and piles and piles of respect,
Carpe diem. - Trela

Normal and Boring

Ok, I admit it, I was pouting. Someone posted a comment on my last blog that asked if hot dogs were really all I had to talk about, insinuating that my blog was trivial and unimportant. I hope this was a stranger, someone who doesn’t know me, hasn’t read my writing, and is someone that in person I could verbally annihilate. Clearly no one I know would say such a thing. To think that two years ago I was terrified I’d never be able to write something as “trivial” as a commentary on Chicago hot dogs again because I wouldn’t be here anymore is obviously something that goes without saying in my circle of friends. So, I pouted. Apologies to the devoted amongst you.

The school year is going. I'd say well here, because it's the correct part of speech, it being an adverb and all, but in truth, this year's been a bit tough. I'm teaching about 25 more kids than I have in the past few years, and I have one class (interestingly and thankfully enough my smallest) that is just a continual challenge. And I'm being nice there.

My new administration team is truly fantastic, zero complaints in that department, but let's face it, my job is never NOT stressful, and adding a bunch of difficult kids to a schedule that includes most classes over 25, well, it's been interesting. I've been blowing off steam three mornings a week at a gym and that's been helpful, if not tiring. Kile and Cavie are doing well, both are usually upset to see me at day's end. Eric is awesome, really. He just completed his first ever Olympic length triathlon this weekend and I couldn't be more proud of him. Not proud enough to join him, but proud. : )

Ian and his girlfriend, Aga, came to visit yesterday which was a treat. He lives in Poland these days so seeing him is a rarity. They're in the states for Cara's wedding this Friday, an event we're all looking forward to. Her dress is of course, beautiful (it is Cara, after all!) and the dresses we picked out together in the Twin Cities while I was doing radiation last year look amazing. Can't wait!

I have an appointment in Cedar Rapids tomorrow morning to have my chest x-ray, so hopefully that will go well. I hate even thinking about it, but I guess that's to be expected

Totally boring post, I know, but I wanted to let you know what was going on with me. Just don't post a comment saying, "really, that's all you have to talk about?" I'll smack you. Promise. : )

Carpe diem. - Trela