Saturday, January 24, 2009

Back down memory lane...

Last night I had the most fun that I have had in a long time. I saw classmates from middle school and freshman year of high school that I had not seen in ages. It was blast. Some people look like eerily the same, some have changed a lot, and some people's faces didn't look familiar at first glance, some of us didn't remember each other but after requisite "I didn't go to Whitaker, Benson, Madison...I went to..." then as soon as they said their name the recognition was there. It was great.

Funny how time just marches on but every now and then time slows down for just a moment so those caught in the stream of movement can concentrate on reflection of the past. Of a time when life was simpler, thoughts more innocent (or not...). As we get older, which is inevitable, we will get farther and farther from those days of youth. Though we seem to continually find ways to redefine what youth is and what is old, the inescapable truth is that we will continue our march on, but we can along the way stop and reflect to another time, collect those memories and carry them with us. Carpe Diem. Seize the Day!

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

At Last....


Today I witnessed history. Not that everyday I am not, but this is so big. The first black President of the United States. I am still in awe and full of amazement. Given the history of our country, the battles fought by the heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, the indignities suffered by people who only wanted to live free...To be alive right now and see what my grandparents and others who came before me and are no longer here only could dream of, is particularly profound to me. My heart is full knowing that when I tell my kids and granddaughter (and future grandchildren)that they can be anything they want to be, I can truly mean it and believe it myself. They don't have to ever wonder if it is possible and she will not grow up wondering if it is possible, Now they know that is possible.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year!


It is 2009. 2009!!! This is the year I turn 40. 40 people. I am so excited. I honestly did not think I would see 28 and here it is 12 years later and wow!

It was the first Thursday in January 2006 that I started the first of six rounds of chemotherapy for Hodgkin Lymphoma. I was 26 years old. It seems like lifetimes ago right now. Hard to believe. I survived the chemo, hair loss etc, only to have a relapse in April 1997 that resulted in a lifesaving stem cell transplant. Now here I sit, with hair, 11 1/2 years later with good health (though could stand to lose a couple of pounds...OK, fine! More than a couple of pounds!) and wonderfully supportive husband, amazing kids, beautiful granddaughter. I could not ask for more wonderful friends and family. I tell you life is good!

So, now it is 2009 (I just like the way it looks!) I am starting the year off with a bang...I start classes next week (8 credit hours...), will mentor the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team in Training 1/2 marathon in April (walking). If you never heard of it, check out the site: http://www.teamintraining.org/ (Yep, shameless plug!)

Though I don't' believe in resolutions, I have decided that I cannot greet 40 with baggage. Mental, physical, spiritual. It's gotta go! I years ago that I was going to the Bahamas and I would wear a two piece bathing suit....Well uh, I am going on a cruise in October and the Bahamas is one of the places we are stopping in so guess what?? Yep, I can't make myself liar! Pray for me! LOL!