This time the late update wasn't my fault.

The site has been going through maintained and I wasn't able to update. However, it gave me time to think about what to write. Which, unfortunately for you, isn't all that interesting.

I've been going over all the things my doctor has told me about my recover and what to expect and what to look out for and what to be careful of and... It really is a lot to process all at once. Yet if I don't force myself to think about it, I find myself caught unawares.

For instance, yesterday I bought a whole mess of flowers for the deck. I spent an hour in the store picking out just the right mix. (This is harder than it sounds as mom only likes purple, pink and the occasional blue flower.) After insuring that there were no reds or oranges in the bunch, the store attendant helped me load them into my car. I got them home, and unloaded them into the garage. No problem...right? Not exactly.

Now I was over confident. I could handle the flowers. No problem. After church this morning, I started working on the flowers. Mom, Katrina and Chuck went to home depot to pick up weatherproofing for Mom's new deck furniture. By the time they got back I had my plants organized, the potting soil mixed and two hanging baskets spray painted to cover the rust. We were ready to go. While they had lunch, I started on the flowers. I got through 4 pots before my body started screaming at me. Bending over hurts, lifting hurts, moving to quickly leaves me out of breath. Not to mention it was hot. I ended up tired and frustrated and jumping into the pool with my clothes on. It was miserable.

That is how it went for the rest of the day. Work for maybe an hour, then jump in the pool for twenty minutes and float until my body stopped aching. You ask "how does this relate back to the good doctor's words?" Well, even though my immune system is finally back on track, (Thank God) he said it will probably take 3 months before my body is back to pre-chemo Elizabeth. Which explains why a job like potting plants took me three times as long as it should have.

I have to admit though, it was a pretty nice day all in all. Katrina, Chuck and Mom started on the deck furniture after they ate, and Dad (who does not pick up paint brushes for any reason) dragged the kitchen TV out on to the deck so that we could watch the World Cup final game. And don't worry, when I finished with the flowers I helped with the deck furniture. A little. OK most of my help consisted of yelling at mom for dripping the stain everywhere.

Well. I guess it's not so bad. I mean, I have to keep reminding myself of certain things. Always wear sunscreen, don't go outside without my hat. Oh...and to be grateful for the little improvements. I went for a walk with Katrina after dinner. It wasn't very long and we took a 10 minute break to chat with Amy and John, but still not that bad. Of course mom isn't particularly thrilled with Dr. Ahmed at the moment for giving me a recuperation time frame. She thinks that he gave me some sort of an "out" to be lazy for three months. But than again, I have a sneaking suspicion that she just wants to use my party as an excuse to spring clean the house and is trying to get me to help.

I'm not really sure if there is anything else at the moment. I am getting ready for my party. Trying to track down tongue depressors, hospital wrist bands and possibly a gurney. (giggles in delight) I'm also trying to find a job for the summer. Unfortunately, since I can't do more than a few hours before I get tired, this kind of limits the options. I'm hoping that by fall I will be OK to go back to subbing. That'd be nice. That and I have my last three courses to take.
You know. Restart my life. The one I had to put on hold. Student teach. Get my degree.

Ahhhh. Too much thinking. Head is going to explode. Aghh. Enough.
Ok. Not panicking. Taking deep breaths. I'm just going to focus on the party.

I think I'm done for this blog. I need sleep. However, Manny? I know what a mojito is, we have the Slivovica, but what is a Cuba Libre?
Ok, now I’m done.
Everyone better get their props or costumes ready for the party. (You too Diane, you may only be able to come for a few hours, but I expect at least a stethoscope.)
Later - Elizabeth