Many discussions Sam and I participate in usually end by with the same comment, "It's not as if you can hit a switch and turn it all off." It certainly is not. Most days Sam and I handle our situation fine, attempting to maintain as much dignity and grace as possible. Then there are those moments when the reality of the situation really hits...and I am glad to say, that does not happen often, nor does it last very long. That is when our attitude of gratitude steps in and reminds us of all the wonderful things we should celebrate, like the fact we live in Alaska and get to enjoy its bountiful and beautiful scenery every single minute of each and every day. More importantly, though, is for us to just continue moving forward, living life to its fullest.
This weekend, Sam's best bud since he was four is coming to visit us for a week. My work is taking me to the Kenai Peninsula, so Sam and Brian will be tagging along, sort of. They will be out showing off their fishing skills while I am out traipsing around in the mud, muck, and mosquitoes. Somehow, that just does not seem very fair at all. They will have a good time, though, and that is what is important.
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Hiking the new trail behind the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge that the
Student Conservation Alliance crews have been building for us. |
Tomorrow is the second chemo treatment of this round for Sam. The side effects so far have been minimal and I hope they continue to so. As to whether or not it is working, only time will tell, I suppose. His shortness of breath does not seem to have changed much, if that is any indication.
Sam volunteered to serve as an Election Worker this year for District 18 which should keep him busy for awhile. The most challenging part will be the long hours on Election Day(s) since after about four hours, his energy level is gone. He will be exhausted, if nothing else. Training is in a couple weeks, and luckily, it is only for a day. That will provide a good basis for deciding whether or not this is a good idea.
So, in case you have not heard, we did purchase a travel trailer last week. It is awesome. A cute little Keystone Hideout, just perfect for the two of us. We took it out on a trial run last weekend and even took the cats with us. Rocky, of course, loved every minute of it. Sweet Pea, on the other hand, hid under as many pillows and blankets she possibly could. Big tough cat of ours - quite the hunter, but sure is not very brave. And the guy I live with who fought buying it suddenly took ownership and came up with a long list of things needed...so we spent all day last Saturday going to Target, Lowes, Fred Meyer, Home Depot, Walmart, and anywhere else he thought might have whatever it was that was on his list of "gotta haves". Each evening this week I have barely hit the door and he is ready to go down and take me on a tour to see his project for the day. Hmmmm.....yeah.
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| Loaded and ready to go when Brian gets here on Saturday. |
It is fun to see him excited about something, though, that is the best part.
Work is very busy right now and for that I am grateful, plus, I finally found the job I have been looking for since I graduated from college. Only took me 30 years!
So, again, just keep moving forward, be grateful for whatever life throws at you, and enjoy every minute of it!
Ciao!
