Shedding Season

Shedding season has officially begun. I took a shower this morning and two weeks to the day of my first chemo my hair began to fall out. It is definitely a gradual process but I feel like a dog because I am always scratching. Can you imagine what my house would look like if Darryl hadn't cut my hair? It would be like sheep shearing season around here. I do have to say that the new haircut has some definite benefits. When I go swimming with the kids I feel like a duck because the water just kind of rolls off of my head. I just realized there are three animal similes in this little update. I think I need to get out more.

Don't Worry Be Happy

The world just keeps getting better and better. My friend Dana approached me about this organization called Don't Worry Be Happy. The organization began when a beloved family member, Kevin Carlberg, was diagnosed with brain cancer. He wore his "Don't Worry Be Happy" shirt to his doctors appointments and everywhere else to spread happiness. After he passed they made copies to remember him and now they sell the shirts to help cancer warriors with their medical bills and to fund cancer research. They have been kind enough to include me in their warrior profiles and to their Komen Walk on 9/25. You can see me in my fabulous t-shirt and log on to read the stories that are so inspiring. Thank you, Dana and thank you to the people at DWBH shirts.

The Postmistress Discussion 1

I know that it is way past Monday, but here are some of my observations and questions about the first three chapters of The Postmistress.

I like Frankie. I like that we can see the war through her eyes and her passion for a story. It is kind of like a female Band of Brothers feeling. The Blitz is a frightening event that is portrayed so eloquently.
I am not sure what to think of Iris. She is an odd duck, but is she attractive or not? Red hair like a curtain and red lips. She seems to be an enigma of sorts. She thinks that Emma is a runaway at first and she defends the German man to Florence.
Lastly, the doctor's new "little" wife? We shall see.
What do you think?
I am enjoying the book so far...

On a side note I have not recommended this to my junior high students because I have not read it yet. One student wanted to join me, but she called the book the The PISTMISTRESS It has a much different connotation if she is "pist." Spelling always counts!

Grammy Gave Me Inspiration

Today I wasn't going to blog because nothing "big" happened today and then I realized that "nothing" is a really good thing. When I look at something like cancer happening I think we always want to know the how and why. I also think we need to look at it as what positive aspects can this bring to my life? I was just emailing my Grammy who I haven't seen in much too long and it came to me why getting cancer hasn't been so bad. I have talked more to my grammy, my uncles and aunts in Colorado, and connected with my family and friends than ever before. Even my little niece Gianna left a comment on my blog. Before cancer it was easy to go through the motions of work, family, commitments, and just busyness. I think that this was God's way of saying, "Stop and smell the roses. You are blessed."
You have all laughed with me, encouraged me, prayed with me, and have offered to help in so many ways. I am truly grateful and blessed.
By the way, just for you slackers out there, I ran 4 miles this morning. I will be ready to kick some serious Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Pink in September.

Thank You, Thank You

All of your comments have been so nice about my new look. I have to say that now I know how men feel with such short hair. It is so easy to get ready, I can shower and be ready to go in 15-20 minutes. Awesome!
My younger children were really nice but both of them asked if I could wear a hat or my beaubeau so that it looks like I still have hair. Chase said I look awesome. We really look very similar now. I do have to make sure that the eyebrows and make-up are done so that I don't look too boyish.
When I lose my eyebrows that will be a whole new discussion. They have these human hair eyebrows you can buy, but I would feel like Andy Rooney from 60 minutes. Gross, I do not want another person's hair glued to my forehead.

My New "Do"

Today went much better than I expected, probably because Christian, Darryl, and Beth were with me. Christian took time lapse photos of Darryl cutting my hair. He stopped for several styles in between. Beth talked to me and entertained me. There were no tears, just lots of laughs today.
I know what is important in life is not the material or the physical and today definitely proved it. I am so blessed to have a family and friends to share these experiences with me.
Here is the new me-

Hair today, gone today

Today is the day Darryl will cut my hair off. I am really freaked out that I am going to look like any one of the following individuals: Annie, Justin Timberlake, Sinead O'Connor, or even Screech. Although of the list, Sinead might not be so bad. I know it will be better to cut it off than to beg Darryl for help once it is all falling out, but I think this will be a tough day. I bought several scarves as prior post claims, the Beaubeau will be my new best friend, but my husband thinks I should get a few wigs(For those of you that know my husband he is not into wigs-he just wants me to freak people out) and try some things out. I was thinking about a Barbie wig or I can borrow Italia's Hannah Montana wig. I might just have to enlist some friends for a wig date and try on some new styles. I will post a picture after the event today.