Random Thoughts

July is almost over. Where did it go?

We've been busy. We're always busy. Do does that mean we're not busy and we're just normal?

Miss 11 modeling the shirt she made

It's County Fair Week. Once again my 4-H'er had lots of projects to turn in. Which meant lots of projects to finish. Which meant me trying to help, without helping, because they are after all, her projects and not mine. We found a good balance this year with it though, so that was good! She worked really hard and I'm proud of her. She got some pretty good ribbons too - not that that is the point, but it sure is a nice thing!

My cancer is not back. I know, I know, weird statement to make. Except in June I wasn't feeling very well at all. I went to the primary care who tested for a heck of a lot of things, only to say she couldn't find anything and I needed to go to the oncologist as she was worried there might be cancer in my bones. So, yeah, that was a few weeks of awful sleep and lots of worry. And oh, not really talking about it because it was probably nothing so no need to worry anyone so don't tell anyone. Which was smart, because it is nothing. So there is no need to worry.

Except, I'm still exhausted all the time. Thanks to some good pain killers though, I am no longer in excruciating pain which is good. I must have hurt my rib cage somehow (and no, I don't know how and there were no bumps or bruises or red spots), but it hurt. A lot. But it's much better now.

Which you can tell if you look at my fitbit stats ... my steps were pretty low for a bit. But now they are more "normal" and I'm breaking 10,000 steps more and more often. I like walking so it's good that I can do it now without wanting to cry. Plus, let's be honest, I like to be in the top 5 on my friends list - though some of my friends are making this hard to do, as 4 of them average about 20,000 steps a day. I'm not ready to compete with that yet, but I'll get as close as I can!

Me, on a bike ;-)

I've also started taking small bike rides. We live so close to so many things, and while I like to walk there, the kids enjoy riding bikes a lot more. I haven't gone over a few miles yet (don't laugh at me please!) but even still, my thighs feel like jelly when we are done. I have a goal to bike 20 miles between now and the end of August. Which is sad, small goal compared to some people, but it's perfect for me. So I'll take it and try to get there. Plus, before we know it, winter will be here and I won't want to be outside at all, so getting some biking in now is a good move.

Speaking of activity, I just got released from occupational therapy. Which I've been doing since the end of May for my lymphedema arm. I had some cording issues come back and everything was just tight, tight, tight. But we broke up the cording, loosened things up, and all is well. So no more going. Which is great because it's quite a time investment to do it. Though, I love my therapist. I would happily go sit at starbucks for hours and chat with her. But I'm glad I don't need to see her for therapy. Of course, I was released from therapy last August and ended back up there again this year. So we'll see how long before I do have to go back. Hopefully not too soon!

Other than that, August means back to school, with a child entering school. For real. Not homeschooled anymore. Gulp. I'm going to miss her when she's away, but I know this is going to be awesome for her! August means camp for the two younger ones. Sleep-away camp. For a week. This is their second year going though, so everyone is a lot less nervous than last year! It also means the start of a small vacation for Miss 11, who will be getting to go visit the grandparents by herself for a week! The oldest did it around this same age, so I guess now we can call it an official tradition!

There are about a million more things to tell you, a million more things racing around in my mind, but for today, I think this is enough!

Hope everyone is having a great Friday and it's followed by a fabulous weekend!