December 26th, 2024

What a wonderful holiday season. I feel very fulfilled. I am hoping when the holdays are over I don't fall into my usual winter slump. It happens every year - except this past year as we had things to look forward to such as our trips to Hawaii and England. The year started out so great - until my diagnosis.

This year I have much to look forward to as well. I was invited to Scottsdale, AZ for a work conference and Jon will be joining me. And although I will be holed up in a ballroom listening and learning, I don't care. I need to emerge from my chemo brain fog anyway so bring it on! Sounds like there will still be plenty of time for some fun in the sun.

In February, we decided to treat ourselves to another Hawaii vacation! Another splurge! It's my ultimate happy place and dammit I deserve if after a mostly shitty 2024. Just Jon and I - on the relaxing island of Kauai.

March we'll take Eddie to San Diego for Spring Break. Leah has her own plans this year to vacation with her best girlfriends and their moms so how can I begrudge her for that? We'll have to get used to seeing her less and less as she moves through senior year and eventually off to college! And Cole's spring break hasn't coincided with Leah and Eddie's since starting St Thomas.

Besides trips, so much going on ... Eddie starts up again with the Conservatory Program at Northern Starz Center for Performing Arts. They will be creating a story from scratch, developing their own characters, contributing to writing and composing original songs, designing costumes and more! It's for 6th-12th graders and not too late to participate if you know someone who would love this opportunity :).

Eddie will also be taking the written exam for his Driver's Permit now that he's officially 15 years old! It's hard to believe ... we will start behind the wheel training following the test ... where does the time go?

Healthwise, I'm hanging in there. I finally had my port removed on 12/20 and having reconstruction surgery tomorrow (12/27). So, will be layed up healing for a few weeks. I decided to start Tamoxifen on 1/6. I have been feeling good (no more chemo side affects that I can tell) and should be well enough from surger. I just want to get it started and see how it goes. I can't keep putting it off. Starting after the new year was always the plan. So ... the next phase of this process starts Jan 2025. Happy New Year Everyone! Here's to staying positive and hopeful for a healthy and happy New Year!!!