The Lucky #13

Somewhere in between learning how to ski at Waterville Valley (with godparents) and being ga-ga over Steve R. (hottest dorm-dweller at Univ. S. AL) I made a decision that I wasn't going to be happy unless I moved my southern-behind to Colorado. I'd spend hours at Barnes & Noble pouring over books about the rugged landscape, the skiing, the seasons, the festivals, the people. I visualized becoming a "hot" ski-bum sipping Snugglers in a lodge with other "hot" ski-bums. 

I opened a savings account. I worked extra hours. I dreamed. I made a plan. I set a goal departure date and I marked off the days of my calendar. Nothing was going to stop me from moving to Colorado.

I narrowed down my "dream" destination to two spots, Boulder and Steamboat Springs.  Even though Boulder wasn't necessarily a ski town, it was located closer to the airport. I was brave about "The Big Move" but I wasn't THAT brave it would work out. So, Boulder it would be.

Back then (ooooohhh WAYY back in the dark ages) the Internet was a relatively new thing, but I was fascinated and used it to search for a job. I had been bartending, so it seemed only natural that I should start there. My search led me three spots I thought would be a good fit; The Oasis, The Hungry Toad and The Barrel House. I typed up my resume, attached glowing references and a short letter alerting them of my arrival, then stuck the packets in the mail. (Yes, for a restaurant job.)

Imagine my surprise when I heard back from The Oasis. An interview was set for Friday, September 5, 1997.

With my Jeep Wagoneer packed and a small U-Haul in tow, I left Mobile, Alabama the morning of Sept 1st. I was headed in a direction I had never been before, driving across the country by myself. It was the most exhilarating thing I had ever done.

The drive took me three days. I landed in Boulder on September 4, 1997... 13 years ago today.

Taking that leap of faith to start a new life in a place I had never been before and where I didn't know anyone was the best decision I have ever made.

I got that job at The Oasis and within a year of working there - mostly in the first three months - I became very close with a core group of friends. That group has grown and expanded into an amazing community... a community of friends, my Boulder family, I cannot imagine getting through this without.  Whether it was divine intervention or a cosmic interlude, I was meant to be right here, right now.

I don't know what the future will hold for me, but I do know I'll continue to follow my heart. I'll live with love and appreciation for the people I've drawn to me in this amazing community.

Happy 13th Anniversary!

Round 2, Day 6 - Chemo

Having cancer has put a big ol' crimp in my life. I'm tired and not really sure what to talk to people about. Other than that, it's been a lovely Independence Day with the family and I'm looking forward to feeling better over the next few weeks.

By the way, have I mentioned that my friends/family are AWESOME? I'm sending a special shout out this week to: Mom, Dan, Mindi, Tasha, Sheila, Heidi, Hookie, the Tucker Srs, the Brunos and Heather Dana - and y'all know why. Thank you everyone for everything you're doing to help me cope. I love you guys!!

I'm tired, but I'm still getting lots of LOVE

All this acting like I'm normal must be catching up to me because I'm exhausted! However, I can't believe the love that's been sent my way... if love heals, then I'm cured already!!

UPS Man has brought in the past 2 day:
1. Chicken and dumplings; Mrs. Martha made them fresh, then froze and shipped me a batch all the way from Alabama. SO YUMMY!
2. A box from our dear friends in New Orleans with book, trinkets and "The Winner" Gnome and his dog
3. A beautiful purple pashmina- purple is a healing color - from Aunt Trisha, as well as a few more books to add to the SPIRIT section of the library she's already started for me.
4. Vince & Belah brought me a comfy/cozy red blanket for the Infusion Room (I'm certain that my fellow bar.. ahem, I mean, chemo ... patrons will be VERY jealous)
5. CARDS galore. Oh my goodness, the love is dripping from my mailbox every day. Today, I got a card from my dear Tasha that got me all teary-eyed. Love you, Tasha.

Seriously, just when I start to feel a little blue something pops up that makes me smile. I love you guys!!!!

Seven Levels of Healing Meet Wonder Woman

Today I went to the Cancer Center to attend an introductory session about a program offered called The Seven Levels of Healing. This program was created by an oncologist from Florida who travels extensively researching different healing practices from around the world. His basic philosophy (from what I gathered in my 2 hours there) is that healing comes from a mind, body, spirit approach rather than just a body approach. He wrote the book The Journey Through Cancer: Healing and Transforming the Whole Person. I believe this program is derived from the book.

Anyway.... we're so lucky here in Boulder, that this 7 week education and support program is available for FREE! I'm signing up, but they won't start until the end of July.

Here is a breakdown:
Week 1- Whole Person Care
Week 2- Education and Information
Week 3- Connection with Others
Week 4- Emotional Healing
Week 5 - The Nature of Mind
Week 6 - Life Assessment
Week 7 - The Nature of Spirit

I wish I didn't have to wait so long!

On a different note, I've had a very up and down few days. On Saturday night I started having pretty bad - not severe - abdominal pain followed by... well ... let's just say things followed. Sunday was ok in the morning, but by evening had the same "issues". This morning I woke up with SEVERE stabbing, aching back pain. I ended up at RMCC and chatted with a nurse. She thought that perhaps my "issues" of the previous days were to blame, however, upon further investigation, I think I'm being affected by the Neulasta shot (that increases my white blood cell count). So - I took a half a Vicodin and feel much better :)

I've also, for the first time this week, was able to EAT all of my meals today. I feel MUCH better right now than I have in the past few days. Whereas last night I was discouraged and feeling blue, right now I feel like I can conquer the world!



What I need to remember about all this is that it's a ROLLER COASTER. My life has been turned inside out, upside down and around again. When I feel down, I need to remember I'll feel up again and when I feel up I need to prepare myself for feeling down again. And, that is my lesson these past few days- being better prepared.

Thank you again EVERYONE for all you've done for me and my family. This is hard and having this incredible support system is a blessing.

Love my friends and LOVE all my new plants!!

Cancer Hates Chocolate....

.... but, my belly certainly does not.

Thank you Allison & Kati. Yum, yum!!

My peeps rock!

Cyndi Lou started a web page for me: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/pinkdragonfly and has graciously offered to manage all the support that will be rolling in (bless you, Lou).



Cyndi has also teamed up with my sister-in-law, Tracy, to participate in the Susan G. Komen 3 day walk for the cure in Denver in August. You can see Tracy's page here: http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2010/DenverEvent2010?px=3016810&pg=personal&fr_id=1466 (Thank you, Tracy)



We happen to have an up-and-coming friend, Rebecca, who is an oncologist nurse. She has reached out to me with her knowledge and support- thank goodness!

Tomorrow I'm having coffee with my colleague, Julie, who just two years ago, was treated for breast cancer.

How will I thank everyone who is sending me so much love and support?

I woke up this morning feeling much better about things. This week we'll get enough information to figure out how to move forward.

Here's my schedule for the week:
Monday, coffee with Julie and MRI. Tuesday, meet with cancer surgeon. Thurs, meet with oncologist. Fri, massage and drinks with the dragonflies. I suppose somewhere in there, I'll squeeze in some work (which has been very helpful already to keep my mind off things).