Happy New Year everyone! I hope you had a wonder time celebrating the end of 2023 and the start of 2024. As we enter a new year, we often make resolutions to improve ourselves and our lives. But sometimes, we also need to think about what to avoid in the new year. Here are some… Continue reading A New Year Missive
Category: Empty Nest Life
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year friends! I'm almost halfway through chemo and I'm looking forward to being on the other side of chemo and radiation hopefully by April. Be safe out there if you're joining the revelries tonight. I wish everyone a most excellent 2024.
10 New Years Resolutions to Give Up on Before You Start
It's that time of year again, when we all make promises to ourselves that we know we won't keep. But why bother with the guilt and disappointment of failing at your goals, when you can just give up on them before you even start? Here are 10 New Year's Resolutions that you should ditch right… Continue reading 10 New Years Resolutions to Give Up on Before You Start
Christmas Dad Jokes
If you're looking for some festive humor to spice up your holidays, here is some corny fun to get some eye rolling laughter. Here are some of my favorites: What do you call a fish that wears a bowtie? Sofishticated. How does Santa keep track of all the fireplaces he's visited? He keeps a logbook. How does… Continue reading Christmas Dad Jokes
Skin Care Challenges
It's day 18 of my first chemo cycle and the challenges this week have been memory issues, nausea, fatigue, hair loss and irritated skin. In three days, I will be having my second round of Docetaxel (Taxotere) and Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan). This week has not been as bad as week one and two, but I'm far… Continue reading Skin Care Challenges
Crowd Sourcing
It's eleven days post chemo and I've been too sick to even think about looking at a screen until now. The side effects have been rough. I hope all is well with everyone out in the world as I peek back into it. It feels like I've missed a lot. I need to crowd-source a… Continue reading Crowd Sourcing
Thanksgiving Antics
If you're looking for a way to spice up your Thanksgiving, here are some ideas to make it happen. First, invite some guests who have nothing in common with your family, such as your ex, your rival, or a random stranger. Then, prepare a feast that is completely opposite of the traditional Thanksgiving menu, such… Continue reading Thanksgiving Antics
Embracing the Battle
The following quote reminds me to be gentler with myself and to understand that illness has things to teach. It serves a purpose. The illness that I currently feel is my body defending and freeing itself from the cancer. I am not my cancer. The cancer is a foreign invader. I am the organism thrashing… Continue reading Embracing the Battle
Generations…
Before I took a break for my surgery and recovery, I was contemplating my grandmother's birthday back in September. She would have been 111 if she was still alive. She passed 34 years ago this past August. I think about her and how important my relationship was with her. In those moments that seem ordinary,… Continue reading Generations…
Well Meaning Wishes
I need to vent... This kid is really not all right. I'm a week out from surgery. It's been a rough week. It feels awful when people are dismissive about the seriousness of breast cancer in general. Also, for me, the pathology from surgery isn't even in yet, so we don't know how much it… Continue reading Well Meaning Wishes
Navigating Breast Cancer
Hi everyone. I've put together a little guide with some links at the bottom of what's it's like navigating breast cancer. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be wondering what your treatment options are and what to expect from them. I'm sharing what I've learned about common tests for diagnosis, surgery… Continue reading Navigating Breast Cancer
Tests, tests, and more tests
The past three weeks since my last post have been a whirlwind of learning and further defining my breast cancer diagnosis. I'm in the realm of there is no normal and have learned that everyone's breast cancer is different. Re-cap To re-cap my journey to date, in April my sister was diagnosed with stage 4… Continue reading Tests, tests, and more tests
Right Now, the Waiting is the Hardest Part
I had a rough night last night. Since my breast cancer diagnosis, I have been feeling a bit separate from everything, not that time has stopped for me but more that I am an observer to what is happening around me. I have been witnessing other people's reactions in those that I've told. I've had… Continue reading Right Now, the Waiting is the Hardest Part
What is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)?
This is my diagnosis and I needed to know more and to know what my chances are for survival and what me treatment will look like. So, in this blog post, I will explain what I have learned as a newly diagnosed person, that what invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is, which is a type of… Continue reading What is Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)?
Facing the Strange Changes
Not All Surprises are Good The thing about this stage of life is that you are sailing along enjoying yourself and then bam, life knocks you down with a massive wallop. What were you thinking? That the good times last forever? Every GenX knows better. Time and tide become acutely precious when you are facing… Continue reading Facing the Strange Changes
Poem: The Shop in the Forest
The Shop in the Forest There was a shop near the town of Slade that sold, Ice cream and rock-climbing gear. A curious mix, some might think, But it was a favorite of the climbing pioneers. They came from near and far to scale, The rugged sandstone walls of Red River Gorge. And after a… Continue reading Poem: The Shop in the Forest
Poem: Sleeping Beneath the Joshua Tree
A GenX Guide to Empty Nest Life
The Kids Are Alright... If you are a GenXer who's facing an empty nest... If you are/not feeling lonely or lost after your children have left home... I'm here to say after the initial adjustment, life is great and you're not alone. I've been swimming in this new ocean for five years and it's been… Continue reading A GenX Guide to Empty Nest Life
Walk with Me to the River
From my little corner of the world travelling down our humble road, on this calm, quiet Mother's Day I am pensive. It's an overcast day but I am surrounded by my comforts, a loving, thoughtful husband, a lifetime of books, nearly 1000 in my personal library, among the other things that bring joy. We don't… Continue reading Walk with Me to the River
Empty Nest Life: A Visit to Verona Vineyard
I have enjoyed a Verona Vineyard's wines over the past decade, after finding their Rabbit Hash, KY tasting room. I recommend the Petit Verdot. But I had never been to the vineyard until last weekend. I had been looking forward to the guest Colorado chef but we received an email that morning that he was… Continue reading Empty Nest Life: A Visit to Verona Vineyard
Our Humble Road 