Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation. Brian Tracy

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.

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.

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!

"Fish on!" What I hope to be shouting several times over the next 3 days.

Summer is in high gear in Alaska.  Earlier today I told a friend that it is almost stressful all the activities we, as Alaskans, try to cram in in just a few months time.  As for us, we just returned from Kodiak on Sunday, and now we are off to Homer for 3 days in the morning.  Sam wants to camp on the Spit and since I have a 3 day weekend, it is the perfect time.  Hopefully the weather cooperates and the fish are in.  So far fishing on the Kenai Peninsula is not all that good, and since we have had rain the past few days, maybe the darn fish will finally start coming in. For Sam's sake, I hope the fish are in and are biting!  We get a little competitive when it comes to fishing (if you can believe it!), so of course, I plan on pulling in the first and the biggest.

Lights of Homer Spit from the ferry at 1:00 in the morning.

As this is the week before Sam's chemo is to begin, he spent the week getting his meds in order and confirming insurance information.  Tonight he gave me a rundown on how the doctor and he decided to increase one of his painkillers (the long-acting) while decreasing another (the "break-through.")  I admit, my knowledge of painkillers increased tenfold over the past 3 years.  As he talked, the lightbulb went on and I realized why his mood had been so nasty the past few days. It would almost be funny if it weren't so sad. I admit I did not handle the mood swing very well at all which did not help the situation.  Luckily, as of last night, he is back on an even keel.  He is not in the least bit aware of what any change in meds does to his mood.

Wednesday, June 13, Sam begins his chemo treatment.  Although he does not seem to think his reaction will be any different than it was in the fall, I am fully prepared for it to be since other things are scheduled to be included this go round.  The 48 hour mark occurs while I am at work Friday morning and that is usually the worst time, when the chemo hits the cancer cells and the body is basically at war with itself.  The joys of the roller coaster of cancer!

Tomorrow, Friday, June 8, is Cook Inlet Region's (CIRI) 40th birthday, which is why it is a 3 day weekend for me.  Nothing like an unexpected holiday! Work is very busy and during the summer, work increases dramatically.  Tuesday and Wednesday I spent up in the Matsu dealing with trespass issues and checking out some of our lands which I had not visited previously.  Tuesday proved to be an absolutely beautiful day, and Wednesday, just the opposite.  It felt good to be able to work outside for a couple days, made the work week go by much faster and the surprise holiday makes it even better.  I love my job.

Ciao!