Let's see if I can remember the last 3 days. Monday we woke up to homemade coffee cake, eggs and bacon for my niece's birthday. The kids then took off to go sledding and my brother and I went shopping. Later in the afternoon the kids went to a movie (Sherlock Holmes) and my brother, sister in law and I hung out at home getting dinner ready for the birthday girl. She turned 18. Another night of food and desserts. We had flank steak, asparagus, salad, shrimp, potstickers and nochi for dinner. Plain cheesecake with strawberry sauce, chocolate pound cake with chocolate icing, pecan pie, pecan tart and espresso cheesecake for dessert. I really don't need to eat for a week. Off to pack. How will I ever get everything back home. I was up till 12a trying to get things together.
Tuesday - up at 6:30, off to grab a bagel before heading to the airport. It was lightly snowing as we got to our gate to wait to board. The more we waited the harder it was snowing. So we boarded and were ready to leave on time - but wait, now we have to de-ice and we have 2 planes ahead of us. So sit and wait. We ended up leaving 50 min late. And of course they did not make up time in the air. Instead of arriving at 4:20 we didn't get in until 5:00. Had to wait a bit to get our bags and finally made it out of the airport parking lot at 6:00, just so we can drive 4 hours home. Made it home at 11p. Unpacked some stuff so I can be ready for work. Nick had to set up his Wii instead of waiting until today. He was up quite late and my head finally hit the pillow around 12:30.
Wednesday - had to get up at 6:30 again. Headed off to work and it was a long day. Not used to having to sit and work for 8 hours after having a nice vacation. But tomorrow is like a Friday as it is the last day of the week. Hopefully we will be able to leave early. Left work to go pick up my baby girl, Sugar. That's the dog. She was excited to see me and ready to head out the door for home. She ran around the yard a little bit, but then has been laying around sleeping since. I don't think she had much peace and quiet with 2 other dogs around. She finally ate some of her food and has been laying on the couch with one of the cats. Nick and I had to run out to get a few things and would you believe that a lady at the store asked me if I qualified for the OVER 50 discount??? Are you serious???? Ok, since my hair started growing back it is a little more on the salt side than the pepper side, but 50? I guess it could be worse - she could have asked if I qualify for the senior citizen discount. OMG. Pa-lease. So, getting ready for bed as I have to get up early again tomorrow. New Year's Eve. Happy New Year to my family and friends. May you have a safe evening and a great New Year.

I can't believe the week has come to an end already. We got up and had eggs benedict for breakfast. Then we had to pack and clean up 3 houses, take down Christmas decorations, and get ready for the drive back to SLC. It didn't seem as cold today. Got back home and had to go to the grocery store for stuff for my niece's birthday tomorrow. Tonight we celebrated another cousin's birthday. Had morocan chicken pie, chicpea salad, cesear salad and spinach pie. Then key lime pie for dessert. It has really been fun sharing family time. I am ready for a good night sleep and hopefully sleep in a bit. I am feeling a bit better today, not as much coughing and not as stuffy. My arm is doing well but it feels a little tight. I keep rubbing it to make sure the fluid flows the right way and prevent swelling. Lots of fun planned for tomorrow before we have to pack and head home. I really miss our animals. Hope all is well on the home front.

The day after Christmas and still having a blast. We mostly hung out chatting, some were reading, eating leftovers and telling stories. It was a little warmer today, like 18, but the sun was out and it was not windy so it did not seem as cold. Took a short walk - which can take your breath away in cold weather and high altitude. Of course we ate more leftovers for dinner. Most of the kids are now in the hot tub, which is outside on the deck. Not sure I understand that one. Oh, we wnded up staying today and will leave early tomorrow, after breakfast, which I heard was going to be eggs benedict. Can't say you don't eat good around here. I am trying not to count the days I have left, am trying to enjoy what is going on at the moment. It will be soon enough that I will be back home and back to the usual things going on. But for now - it's fun in the cold and snow and sharing special times with family.

Merry Christmas. Hard to blog when you don't have a computer with you and so much going on. The kids couldn't wait too long Christmas morning. We were up and getting ready about 6a. Had to wait for everyone to be here. It was a lot of fun. My son got me a bird feeder, perfume, fuzzy socks and a book. He got a Wii from my brother's family. I think he was excited. Now we have to figure out how to get them home. It also snowed which was a special treat on Christmas. Then we had blueberry french toast for breakfast. For dinner we had standing rib roast (prime rib). It was awesome. Can't say I have had this much good food at one time. We watched movies, read books, talked and some played poker. My arm seems to be handling the cold well. I wore my sleeve on the airplane but have not worn it since. I hope it doesn't all of a sudden start to swell. I still have a little bit of a cold I can't seem to shake. Other than that it has been a great visit. We are headed back to SLC today. I am really glad we got to share this special time with family.

Let's see, where do I begin. Woke up Tuesday morning and took Nick to school. Came back home and tried to get a little rest before a long drive and it seemed that is when people wanted to text or call me. Finally got up and finished packing. Ran to the bank, then picked up Nick from school. Headed to Tampa to catch a flight. It wasn't a bad trip, only 4 hours. Found the airport ok and got a place to park. Tampa airport is a mess. We took a shuttle to terminal and decided to check our bags curb side. However, the cost was more than what they said it would be. But it is a good thing we did it outside because when we walked inside the line was ridiculous. We would still be standing there. So then we take a shuttle to the gates and getting off you walk right into a line for security that is not organized at all and a complete mess. We finally made it thru and had time to catch the plane (which happened to be delayed about 10 min). The flight was ok other than the 2 kids in front of us that were loud and annoying. We finally made it to Utah with snow on the ground and about 24 degrees.
Day 2 - We got up, Nick went shopping with his uncle and I went shopping with my sister in law. And it was snowing - just a mist snow though. But for someone who lives in Florida it was cool Then we had to finish wrapping presents and get the car packed to drive to Wyoming. I didn't get to see much when we got there as it had already gotten dark. My sister in law's sister has a ranch that is quite awesome. They have cows, horses and several houses with a lake in between. Dinner that night was beef ribs, scalloped potatoes and then plenty of desserts. A few of the kids have birthdays this week so they get to pick their meal. I understand we will be eating good the whole time we are here. Oh, did I say if is freezing outside. Low 20s or below. And I am in one of the houses past the lake so I have to walk in the snow, around cows to get to my house. So far we have had a lot of fun,
Day 3 - got up to scrambled eggs, bacon and homemade biscuits. And I had to walk from my house to the main house, past the cows, thru the snow in the cold. Just hung around chatting for a bit, then took a trip to the one main grocery store in town that is also a hardware store, paint store, hunting store, fishing store and just about anything else you would possibly need. So back at the house I tried to take a nap. However, the cows that hang out by my house decided to try to eat part of it. Seems they were right by my room munching on the wall, the deck and anything else near by. Too hard to sleep. Tonight we had Chili with rice. Then one of the kids made bananas foster. Yum. The kids had tried to make a small skate ring on the lake. My son was actually helping shovel snow. While I was napping, I heard they tried to sled and a few of the kids, mine included, ended up in part of the lake. Mostly feet, but they got wet and it was quite cold. At least he'll have a story to tell. Done updating for now.
Merry Christmas Eve and Merry Christmas tomorrow. May you be blessed.

I woke up this morning and realized I did not do my blog last night. I didn't really have anything to say anyway. Went to work and got done what I could. Came home and had a quick dinner. My friend, Gail, came over to get a key and see what to do to take care of the cats. Then we had to take Sugar to my friend, Debra's house. Sugar will be fine once she settles down and the dogs get used to each other. Then back home to pack. As of now, I am just waiting for a couple things in the dryer and then I am done. I have been coughing quite a bit today and I hope it doesn't turn into more than just a bit of a cold. I don't want to get sick while I am on vacation. We leave tomorrow and we are both so excited. I saw the weather today and it said low of 22 high of 25. I would say it is quite cold in Utah. For those that keep up with my blog I will try to update as often as I can. We will be going to Wyoming for Christmas and I don't know what kind of internet access they have. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas with family and friends.

Lots to do today. Started some wash to get clothes ready to pack. Started looking a gifts I have to bring with me and how I was going to pack them or bring them on the plane with me. Nick is basically packed and I haven't even started with my clothes yet. I think we got the gift stuff down. I think I will get most of it together tomorrow since I don't have anything else to do. It takes a lot of figuring out for me when it comes to packing. I guess I just need to bring what I have to have and leave it at that. Thing is, I don't really know what I have to have and I don't really have winter clothes. I hope my stuffy nose goes away in the next 2 days. I really don't want to fly with a stuffed up head. I am definately looking forward to getting away. I can't believe it is 3 days away. It seemed like so long ago I started planning and thought it would never get here. I hope all my family and friends have a great Christmas. I will try to keep up with my blog as I can but I don't know what kiind of computer access I'll have for some of the time. Anyway - off to bed to get a good night sleep.

Yay, Friday. It was a pretty good day. Boss brought us breakfast - always a good start. I was anxious to get it over with though. I need to start working on packing. I was feeling good today. Still a little icky stuff in my nose but doing better. My port site doesn't hurt unless it gets touched or my shirt rubs on it. I wasn't even very tired today. We went to Olive Garden for dinner as I had a gift card from a friend. Then bargain shopped. Ready to call it a night and head to bed. Sleeping in tomorrow.

Wow, tomorrow is Friday. I had a good Thursday. Worked hard today and have most things in order for next week. Made supper when I got home and started falling asleep watching tv. Managed to stay awake and now I'm ready for bed. Port area is still a little tender and I have to be careful on how I use my right arm. I can't reach over to my other arm near the shoulder area but that will pass. Not near as sore as my chest has been. Speaking of, my chest is clearing up. Still a small area of redness with goo but other than that it's doing good. My nose is just a tad stuffy but clearing up. I am certain that by Monday or Tuesday I will be in good shape for my trip. Nick packed his suitcase last night. I think he is ready to go. He has most everything ready, since it's not that cold here he can pack his warm stuff. I guess I have to get started on mine. I'll be doing that this weekend.

Middle of the week. I slept ok last night, better than I thought. My port site didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. It was a cool morning to get things started. I was able to get quite a bit done today which makes me feel better about taking time off. My port site was a little sore but not so much that it bothered me too much. We had birthday celebrations today and Cathi made quite a spread of desserts. Just what we needed after our breakfast 2 days ago. We had about 5 things to choose from, pound cake, peanut butter brownies, ice cream sandwiches, chips, spinach/artichoke dip.......I could probably not eat for another 3 days and not notice. My cold seems to be better. I did not wake up congested this morning. I was clear most of the day, only getting a bit stuffy a few times. Had some soup when I got home. All in all it was a good day. I am glad only 2 days left in the week. Next week is Utah.

My day started by seeing a beautiful, big rainbow as I dropped off Nick at school. It was a slow morning full of anxiety, in anticipation of my doctor appointment today. Ok, so my appt was at 11:30, so I get there at 11:20. My sister-in-law met me there. We had a nice hour long visit in the waiting room. So I finally go back to the room around 12:30. Wondering how the surgeon was going to remove my port in the office, when I had to have surgery to have it put in. So she gives me a shot of local anesthetic, which starts to hurt after a few seconds. She had to stop a minute then shoot me with more. It was not very comfortable as she was pushing on my chest, moving things around. I don't know if she was trying to move the medicine around or loosen up the port. So, on to cutting and then snippng stitches. Ouch. I could feel some of that. She had to give me an extra boost of meds. Took a little bit to get the stitches out, then she had to pull out the port. I could feel my chest being pulled and tugged. Ok, so now to stitch me up. I think there was about 6 stitches. And I could feel each time she stuck me and started a stitch. So another shot of meds. By the 4th one or so, I could still feel it, one more shot of meds. Finally done with that - and a couple steri strips and I'm done. And I don't have to go back to see here for 6 months. Back at work and feeling okay. A little sore but okay. My cold seemed a bit better today, not as congested. I am hoping to be on the mend soon. I definately deserve a vacation. 6 days to Utah.

I am blogging early tonight since I am not feeling well and ready for bed. I am a bit congested. The throat isn't as sore but my head is full. We had a great breakfast at work this morning. It was a lot of fun eating great food and sharing gifts. It was hard to make it thru the day as I really needed some rest. Funny how I can go thru months of treatment with no immune system and not get sick but now I catch a cold with no problem. I guess it is really a good thing because I would not want to be sick during treatment. I guess things have a way of going the way they should. I just hope it is gone before I leave for Utah. 8 days. I go to the doctor tomorrow to have my port removed. Can't wait to get it out, but not excited about it being done in the office. I hope all will go well. I am ready for bed and hope to get rid of this cold.

Sunday is over. I guess I slept ok last night. I took some meds and it took me a little bit to fall asleep. Then I had some very strange dreams. Can't even explain them. I did sleep in till about 11, with the exception of getting up to let the dog out. Ran a couple errands then hung out on the couch. And my son - the best kid in the world - made me some homemade chicken soup. My throat was still a bit sore this morning. It is getting better but I had some soup and sore throat drops. I didn't take a nap, which I should have. Did 4 loads of laundry and then made a bundt cake for work tomorrow. We are having a breakfast and I borrowed my sister-in-law's Christmas tree bundt pan. Other than my sore throat and feeling a little under the weather, I am doing good. My chest is continuing to heal. I see the surgeon on Tues so I'll see what she thinks. Starting to get things together for our trip. Only 9 more days. This will be a busy week as we have things to do and things to get ready. The weekend will be here before we know it.

A rainy Saturday. I got to sleep in a little bit. We went to church to make some crafts. They turned out pretty cool. Then a few quick errands and back home. I had to take a nap before my party. I started watching the Army/Navy game and fell asleep on the couch while my son cleaned out the pantry. OMG - it looks awesome. He threw out all the old, out dated stuff and then organized everything in there. Have I said lately what a great kid I have. Went to my work Christmas Party and had a good time. Good food, good friends and a fun time out. I did have a bit of a sore throat today and a couple of people said I felt a little warm but I didn't seem to have a fever. I will still take some medicine before going to bed and hope I can stop whatever may be starting. At least I have one more day of rest to try to get rid of it. Love to all and enjoy the rest of the weekend.

It has been a long Friday. Work seemed to take forever to end. It was a quiet day as several people were out. It was quite chilly today and some people needed the heat on at work. I ended up having to turn the air on as they had the heat up to 74. I have to say, I am able to tolerate this medicine ok and I haven't broken out in sweats but I definately can feel the heat or get warm. Even walking in a store I have to take my jacket off. Other than that I don't really notice any other effects. I get to sleep in a little bit tomorrow. Have to wrap a few gifts and try to box them up to send to Utah. 11 days left - can't wait. My son counted his pennies in his big Mountain Dew bottle and ended up with $30. We took them up to the coin counter so he can get some cash. See, pennies do pay off. Oh well, done for the night. Have a good evening.

The week is almost over. Today was ok, nothing special. Got a lot done at work and I'm pretty well caught up. It was a bit cold outside today but I was definately getting warn inside. It's bad when you have to turn your desk fan on when it's 50 degrees outside. Starting Saturday it will be a busy few days, which is good because it will make the time go faster and closer to vacation. Only 12 more days. I wish I was a little more healed but you never know what 12 days can do. I am slowly feeling better and know it's just a matter of time before I am back to normal. And by that time I'll be ready to start looking into reconstruction. Still trying to get into the Christmas spirit. I'm sure when I am in Utah, in the cold, with snow and family things will all fall into place. Well, off to bed and hoping for sweet dreams.

Middle of the week blues. Looking forward to the weekend. Tired today and needed a nap when I got home - but had to cut my son's hair and ran a few errands. My chest is a little sore today, almost feels a little swollen but doesn't look bad. I'll have to keep an eye on it to make sure it continues to heal and does not get irritated. I meet with my surgeon in a few days so if it needs checking, she can do it. Only 13 days left for vacation. My niece told me it was 5 degrees this morning and has not gotten above 25 all week. Ok - that is cold. Not sure I have enough warm clothes for that kind of weather. Although, I have been feeling quite warm on occasion due to my meds. Not sweating warm yet, but I do get a little uncomfortable. And as I watch the news it is indicating it is 70 degress outside right now. Wow. Time for bed - enjoy the rest of your week.

An ugly start to a Tuesday. My son wouldn't get up so it got ugly for first thing in the morning. Had a pretty good day at work, but by 3:00 I was ready to call it a day. Any way - left at 5 and came home for a short nap. Had to take the dog to my friend's house for them to meet and to meet my friend's dogs. She is going to watch my dog for moe while we are in Utah. What a great friend. It is such a big help as it will save me some money and she is thrilled to help me out. The dogs played a little bit - got along fine and it doesn't seem like there will be any problems. I have great friends. I appreciate everything they do to help me out. I hope I can get a good night sleep and my son will get up tomorrow. Otherwise I may bring up a glass of water to throw in his face - that should wake him up.

The start of another week. Pretty good day. I did get a little tired. I think I am anxious for vacation to get here. Only 15 more days. Got somewhat caught up today, which is good. I don't want to have too much haning out there when I take off. I could have taken a nap when I got home but Nick and I ran a couple quick errands, which weren't productive. He's not feeling well and I am just kind of blah. Trying to get in the Christmas spirit and enjoy the celebration. My port site has been itchy the last day or so and since the swelling has gone down, the port is right at the surface so it's a little irritating. I have to wait until next Tues to get it out. Oh, I have been forgetting to mention that my hair is growing back quickly, however I have noticed lately that my eyebrows and eye lashes seem to have thinned out again. Kind of weird. I can see small hair growing in my eyebrows, but only a few long hair. Didn't think I would still be losing hair. Oh well, I guess it could be worse, I could still be bald, although that really wasn't such a bad thing. This too shall pass. Just want to say I have great friends that come thru for me and I am very thankful for their help, support and willingness to make things a little easier.

Happy Sunday. Another day to sleep in and relax. Didn't get up until around 11. I really need to stop sleeping in so late. Went for a bagel with my son, shopped at TJ Maxx, then to Beall's and last stop, PetSmart. My son was looking for a gift for his cousin, which he found and it was under $5.00. Hope to make some chicken salad sandwiches for an afternoon tea I was going to with some girlfriends. Went to Denise's house and met up with the girls for tea, shortbread cookies, scones and gift exchange. It was a lot of fun and great to share a few hours with the girls just chatting. I have such great friends. Debra offered to watch our dog while we are in Utah, which is great because it will save me some money and Sugar will have fun playing with other dogs instead of being in the kennel. Not as tired this evening (maybe because I slept in late this morning). Had a good day and feel great. And 16 more days till our trip.

What a Saturday. Woke up at 7 and took the dog out, went back to bed, woke up around 9 and thought of getting out of bed but decided to go back to sleep. Woke up at 11:30. Then just watched a little tv with my son and about 1 went back to bed until 3:45, just in time to get ready for the SEC game - UF v. Alabama. What a good game. I was cheering on Bama of course. As a Seminole fan, it was great to see the Gators finally lose, especially a championship game. And I can't believe Tebow was crying. Anyway, as I hung out on the couch, I decided not to put any covering on my chest (in the way of gauze) so that air could get to it. Seemed to work out pretty good. There is just a little bit of goo just in the center crease where my incision is. I have 2 weeks till vacation so I am hoping it will clear up. A very lazy day today and a great day of football. I really hope Bama can make it all the way and win the National Championship. I hope I don't sleep my Sunday away.

Yay Friday. Cold and rainy. Good day, was happy when the work day ended. Took a nap on the couch when I got home. Nick and I did a little shopping then just hung out. Not sure what we'll do tomorrow but it is supposed to be cold and wet. Doing pretty good and arm does not seem to be bothering much today. Just taking each day - one at a time. Enjoy the weekend.

A disappointing day. Started out good. I met with one of Nick's teachers. Had a good meeting and get him signed up for driver's ed next semister. Work was find this morning until I got a call from my surgeon's office. They had to change my appt from next Fri to the following Tues. Now I have to wait longer to have my port taken out. And she is leaving the office to open her own practice. I guess it just gives me more time to heal, but I hate to have to wait longer. I made an appt with my hair dresser for next Wed. If we don't cut it some, we'll play with it to see how I can style it for now. My arm was about the same today. I did not wear my sleeve but I had brought it with me. I ended up falling asleep on the couch when I got home for about an hour. So glad tomorrow is Friday and the weekend is around the corner. More time to rest and 2 more weeks till vacation.

It was a nasty day today. Lots of rain, thunderstorms and tornado warnings. I wish people knew how to drive in the rain. A few raindrops and people get stupid. Anyway, work went okay. I noticed that my upper arm looked a little swollen and felt a little thicker than usual. It didn't feel heavy as it has in the past or as the therapist indicated it would. When I got home I put my sleeve on (it puts pressure on your arm to keep the fluid down). I wonder if getting back to normal at work has had an effect on it. I don't feel like I do anything different, however I have been carrying more files that usual lately. Maybe I should stop doing that and see if that makes a difference. I sure don't want to start having a problem with my arm and don't want it to start getting swollen. If it doesn't get better I will have to stop by and see Marilyn (therapist) and have her look at it. I will need to wear my sleeve and wrist gauntlet when I fly to Utah and most of the time I am there due to the change in altitude. Any, a little tired tonight and was falling asleep on the couch so I guess it's time for bed. Hope the rain is finished.

Good day. We are getting lots of rain. Yard was cut today so the rain will do it some good. I was feeling a bit warm today. Not necessarily hot flashes but I was warm. Had to keep my fan on most of the day. Trying to get things in order at work for my vacation. I don't want to leave too much for others to have to do for me. I feel like there is alot to get in order before I go, both at work and home. I am feeling pretty good and haven't taken any naps the last 2 days. I really need to get to bed earlier though so I don't run myself down by the end of the week. Just taking each day, one at a time and taking care of what ever comes up. Not much more you can do.