Round 2 of random distractions... Sometimes I just crave random little nuggets of knowledge—like mental popcorn. Here's a buffet of food facts I stumbled across today. It is served with a generous drizzle of sarcasm and a pinch of wait, really? 🧠 Chewing gum boosts concentration because it increases blood flow to the brain. Apparently,… Continue reading Diversions:🥒 Food Facts That Slapped Me With Surprise (and a Side of Sass)
The author shares insights on their upcoming eye surgeries due to chemotherapy and steroid effects, seeking distractions through binge-watching and exploring Scottish history. From the ancient Picts to William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, the narrative highlights Scotland’s rich legacy, humor, and unique cuisine, blending tradition with modernity.
So, I just came home from my annual eye exam. Easy peasy. One would think. Strike that. Who am I kidding? Life never gives me easy peasy. The eye exam with the tech was going on as usual. Eye puff, check. Reading a chart to the minuscule, check. Looking at dots, check. Getting weird yellow… Continue reading The Gift That Keeps Giving
It's been hot here - like Dante's circles. The air is thick and damp. It's difficult to move from place to place. The heat taxes vehicles so much that they barely cool. This is summer in the lower Midwest / upper south subtropic climate that is Northern Kentucky USA. The sun has decided to park… Continue reading It’s Too Flipping Hot
Why do so many of us find ourselves focusing on our mistakes, our regrets... the things that didn't go right and the experiences that knocked us down? What about all the times we got it right? Don't those matter just as much, if not more? We'd get a whole lot farther if we just dissected… Continue reading Are We What We Focus On?
Hello, everyone... I'm 156 years old and I have been listening to post punk / alternative for 87 years, and this song, this song that found me via Mobland, has saved my life. This band is pure, raw talent. Please enjoy it along with this newest post. https://youtu.be/P5iNkBw9K74?si=P9IyPagR0CR36dbF Down the Rabbit Hole Today I need… Continue reading The Double-Edged Sword of Nostalgia
From diagnosis day in August of 2023 others around me have been calling me a survivor. I have mixed feelings about this. So far, I've been through two surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, and now I'm on my second aromatase inhibitor with a plethora of side effects that I struggle to cope with in my current everyday… Continue reading The Complexities of Identifying as a Cancer Survivor
After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023, the author sought comfort and insight through documentaries, movies, and series. Initially, they felt disassociated from the reality of their diagnosis, relying on emotional shutdown to cope. They found solace in films like "Ordinary Love" and "Wit," but avoided emotionally overwhelming content. The author learned to trust their medical team and support system, focusing on necessary tasks. Recently, they revisited the series "The Big C," which prompted deep emotional discussions and reflections on their journey. The author emphasizes the importance of humor and emotional release, recommending "The Invention of Lying" for its comedic relief. They also highlight the need for therapy beyond support groups and the significance of planning for the future, despite their Stage 2 diagnosis. The author concludes by praising "The Big C" for its sensitivity and humor, recommending it to others.
Happy First Day of Christmas I have been feeling somewhat Grinch-y this year. This season snuck up on me too quickly, startling me how fast it's come. Maybe it's the year and a half with the blanket of cancer that has been my companion. Maybe it's my thoughts of the Christmases gone that will never… Continue reading Embracing the Christmas Spirit: Yuletide
It's seems like every year I get into a conversation about seasonal illnesses that crop up this time of year. My mom used to say things like "you'll catch your death out in that cold" and "bundle up so you don't get sick." Are these just wives tales or is there something to it? I… Continue reading Does Cold Weather Really Make You Sick?
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy, peace, and goodwill. But for some of us, they can also be a source of stress, anxiety, and frustration. Whether it's the pressure of finding the perfect gifts, the hassle of traveling, the awkwardness of family gatherings, or the unrealistic expectations of social media, the… Continue reading Surviving Holiday Stress: A Guide for the Grinch in All of Us
I've been in nesting mode. I get this way every year as Indian summer ebbs into fall. My thoughts meander. Maybe my real happy ending is falling in love with the simplest parts of life - savoring that first sip of morning decaf, losing myself in the stillness of an October sunrise, or smelling freshly… Continue reading The Magic of Ordinary Days
Ah, traveling – the art of packing your life into a suitcase and hoping you didn't forget the charger. It's the universal quest for selfies in front of famous landmarks and the relentless pursuit of 'authentic experiences' that look great on Instagram. But what is the best thing about traveling? Is it the food, the… Continue reading Destin 2024: They Joy Between Francine and Helene
A sage of silliness once proclaimed some wise advice not for fools. Here's some advice from wise women past and present (me), courtesy distilled and curated: Ringing someone's phone off the hook? If they don't answer by the third jingle, they're probably busy saving the world - or taking a really long nap. Stop calling.… Continue reading Ethical Life Hacks: Wise Advice for Better Relationships and Etiquette
Author Note: I originally wrote this poem in 2004 for a significant person that was in my life when I was in my early twenties. That relationship fundamentally impacted my life across the spectrum in profound ways. I learned of his passing last year as I was dealing with the beginning of my illness before… Continue reading Reflective Moments: A Poem of Profound Redemption and Friendship
Generation X, currently facing empty nest and retirement, is redefining the three stages of womanhood - maiden, mother, and crone. They embrace each phase with resilience and independence, debunking stereotypes and embracing wisdom with a dash of sass. Embracing the term "crone" as a badge of honor, they continue to rock out at concerts and start new ventures, embodying a renaissance spirit.
I have been guilty of mentally thinking of life will be better when throughout my life, in some phases more than others. There have been times when it seemed to me that life was about to start - real life. but there was always some obstacle in the way, some thing to be gotten through… Continue reading Choosing Happiness Now: Embracing Life’s Journey
Our scars can destroy us, even after the physical wounds have healed. But if we survive them, they can transform us. They can give us power to endure and strength to fight. The Batman The subtext of The Batman movie is not dissimilar to the cancer journey. In this case the sadistic killer is cancer.… Continue reading One Year… I’m still here
Hello friends... Wow, what a year I have had. This past year my milestone age didn't really sink in with all of what that means. I've had a singularity of focus - battling breast cancer. On this last day of this year, I'm feeling like time is catching up with me. Usually when I hit… Continue reading Milestone Reflection: Battling Breast Cancer and Setting Goals for the Future
I'm having a gratitude moment for my husband. He's my favorite person and partner on our humble road of life together. He's been a rockstar with the challenges we've faced this past year in handling everything in our lives and caring for me so that I only had to focus on getting through cancer treatment… Continue reading 10 Reasons Why I Love Being Married to My Amazing Husband
Our Humble Road 