Today I’m thankful for this sweet “hug” ring a friend gave me and the kind words she wrote in the card it was in. I’m also thankful for the yummy frozen dessert she included.

What a Monday. I had a work meeting that started at 7 am and lasted over 3 hours. When that was over, I immediately got a couple of phone calls and then had 2 more meetings, finally getting a break at noon. The upside is that it made the day go by quickly. The downside is that I still had my normal chemo side effects, and I’m already fading fast for the day. For some reason this week, my legs have been extra sore, even keeping me awake at night. And I still have my face rash. Soon. Soon it all goes away.

So while I’m relaxing this evening, I’m thankful for the smell of lilacs. Our rather large lilac bush is blooming, and we brought some branches inside. It’s crazy how just a few blooms can make an entire room smell wonderful. Well, it’s wonderful to me because I love lilacs. Patrick even used some of the blooms to make infused bath salts, so I have that to look forward to. And when the lilacs fade, I have my peonies to bring in, another favorite of mine. I’m so happy that they’re blooming this year!

Another good day for seeing friends! We met up with a few friends for brunch—our first time getting together in person in months. I’m not going to lie, it felt weird. But it was also great to see each other again. It will be wonderful when it’s a regular occasion again. After my surgery I won’t be as worried about picking up something random and postponing any treatment.

Unfortunately, a lot of the day I felt achy again. Patrick reminded me that I’m still in my normal effects time. Sigh. At least it’s not too bad, and, oh yeah, no more chemo this week! Soon my aches will be only because I’m out of shape.

At any rate, today I’m thankful for a brief time with friends and looking forward to normalcy.

My daughter’s bridal shower was today, but of course, I couldn’t go since it was in North Carolina. But I sent a present and will wait to see some pictures. I’m grateful she enjoyed her day.

Happily for me, though, it was warm enough today to sit outside and visit with my friend Ann. While it was in the 80’s, the breeze was cool enough for us to chat for a couple of hours on my deck and have some snacks and drinks. It was so great to finally get together in person!

I didn’t get a picture of us but here’s how lovely it looked outside today! Ignore how much the deck needs repainting.

Last night I was awake more than I was asleep, which stinks. I’m not a person who does well with lack is sleep. And today is my usually extra tired day after chemo, so it’s been a long day. Add on that it’s been raining all day, and it’s the perfect evening to snuggle in and fall asleep on the sofa. While I know the chemo fatigue will still linger for a while, I’m thankful that this is my last week for the normal chemo routine.

Since our weather took a turn towards summer, with highs in the 80s for the next week, I decided it was time to put away some winter clothes and get out some summer ones. Yes, I’m that person who swaps out her closet with the seasons. I’m sure that is an indication that my closet is too small, not that I have too many clothes. (I can see Patrick rolling his eyes.)

I acknowledge that there are a couple of issues with my method. 1.) It’s easy to forget what exists in the stored totes and inevitably, I buy something pre-season that is a bit similar to something I already own. I also end up doing the opposite at the end of the season, buying something on clearance and storing it, hoping I’ll still like it when I see it again. 2.) Storing clothes in totes almost always shrinks them. Haha. I kid. But seriously, pulling out summer clothes requires trying them on before putting them away because, you know, winter pounds haven’t always melted away yet. And the whole process is a chore that takes a while.

I got through about half my process tonight because I also decided to eliminate anything I knew I wouldn’t wear. I made a pile that I’ll show my daughters to see if either are interested before donating elsewhere. And today I’m thankful that pretty much everything fit. In fact, some things fit a little better than I remembered from last year. I’m calling that a chemo silver lining.

I was complaining to Patrick after dinner that I’m so disappointed to be still lacking energy in the evenings. I have a long list of projects that I’d like to accomplish but I just can’t get myself going. I know it’s still normal, but my mind is already going beyond the end of chemo, and I’m anxious to get back to my old self.

Then I came across this in one of my daily devotion books, and I was reminded (again) to be patient.

My intention for today was to work in my craft room, but I had some flowers that needed to be planted before they wilted away. So since it was no longer raining, I spent time out in the front yard. I even dug up some overgrown lilies to transplant to the back yard and swapped out a dying evergreen for a bright green dogwood. Thankfully, I had enough energy for the task, although it was pretty much all I accomplished today besides laundry (how do we have so much for 2 people?!). And while my neuropathy hasn’t gotten worse overall, I can sure feel it after several hours of yard work. My fingers and toes have been numb most of the evening. Still, I’m thankful for the time in the yard. Nature is always soothing.

After a cold, drizzly day, I’m thankful for relaxing with my boys and watching movies.