I never really understood why the month of February only has 28 days, because it always seems to be over before it starts.
In January I decided to do a few proactive things to make my home in Amherstburg more energy efficient. Insulating the basement, the crawl space and the attic, somehow led to finishing the laundry area and adding heat to it, and a few other things. Like fixing the stairs, painting the entrance way, etc. Now I know why renovations are always over budget!
The good news is that I should save lots of money next winter on my heating bills; the bad news is that I picked one of the worst winters to do the actual work. Which meant that my garage door was opened and closed about twenty times a day....any idea what that does to your heating bill?
In addition to the basement renos; I had a few health tests and appointments to fit in. And of course my colonoscopy was scheduled for the worst snow storm day in a decade in Toronto. So I stayed a hotel close to the hospital while I prepped for the procedure and also stayed the day of the procedure; the first two days of February. Truly not my idea of a winter vacation; but I did indulge a bit after it was over and ordered room service after the procedure.
The best part about the trip was the fact that my colonoscopy was clear! No polyps this time; so I am back to the five year check up. It is amazing how you can actually worry so much that you start to be symptomatic; and that's what I think I was doing the last two weeks of January.
I now think that the chemo I took in 2009 and 2010, also helped clear out my colon. Just my own thoughts and ideas with no medical doctor telling me this. But I had three polyps removed three years ago, and have none now. So something must have helped. It could also be my commitment to exercise and better eating. I guess I will just accept the results and be happy!
And although I stayed overnight in Toronto, the drive the morning after was still not great. I had hoped to get to Waterloo by 8:45 to have breakfast with Kyla by, the daughter of my friend Jo-Anne, however traffic was crazy and my GPS took me the long way! The good news is that she was very patient, and we did have a really nice breakfast, although it was a bit later than expected.
Once back in Windsor I had to stop at Lowe's and pick up some things for my basement renos. I made it home with just enough time to get my nails done and have dinner before my online health course started.
Friday also was an early start so that I could catch up with Nancy over breakfast before heading off to Lowes again. I was missing a door knob somehow; guess I added another door!
Nancy and I had a great discussion; and we laughed about my upcoming trip to Arizona; aka Camp David by my former staff.
February has definitely turned into the month for decisions. In addition to my renos, I had to decide if I was going to play golf this coming summer. It should be an easy decision when the ground is covered with snow; but I am not sure what my range of motion will be; or how often I will be able to fit it in with my new job.
The good news is that the golf club has created a special category for my friend Kirsten and I; it is called Social Golf. It is exactly what I need right now; as it allows limited play of nine holes of golf twice a month (who really wants to play 18 anyhow?) and access to the club house and other facilities. And the price is right! Perhaps one day when I retire I might actually become good at the game, however right now let's just say it definitely needs work!
With that decision made I thought the rest of my day would be relaxing; but after a couple conference calls my Carbon Dioxide Detector started going off; so off to Home Depot I went. Did you know they are designed to stop working after 5 or 7 years; I certainly did not.
So by the end of the week I was truly wiped out, basically I couldn't think or concentrate on anything; so I headed off to Sylvia's for a cup of green tea and some girl talk.
Now I must admit, and I believe I have mentioned this before, but I truly do not care for cold weather or snow. My body likes warm weather and sunshine. So I had made plans to escape for a few days to sunny Arizona to visit my cousin Ann. But before leaving town on Saturday I got up and went to the gym and then I stopped over at my parents for a long chat over coffee.
Sometime while I was packing and sorting my mail it started to snow again. So the drive to the airport was very slow; but the good news was the plane took off almost on time and I found myself in Phoenix, Arizona having a late dinner with my cousin Ann and her husband Jim. You may not believe this, but we went to an all natural restaurant called Tru Food. It was great, but we didn't order dessert; healthy dessert just doesn't have the same appeal!
Waking up on Sunday morning to sun was heavenly. And I got up and went for a long walk. Every time I do this I think about my Aunt Helen that passed away from cancer. This was her daily routine and I felt privileged that she shared it with me. It truly was my Camp David when I was in politics. My Aunt provided a refuge for me; a place to get away to and relax; but also to get some exercise, sleep and recharge my batteries.
And I am not exactly sure how it happened, but my cousin talked me into going to Sedona for brunch on Sunday. I believe that I agreed because I was going to be able to see Dr Wayne and Judi, and Alan, but as we drove north into the mountains I definitely was having second thoughts. Not because I didn't want to see everyone, it was just the thought that we were headed for colder terrain. I had just left that behind me! The good news was that we did not encounter any snow, and we had a fabulous brunch at The Enchantment in Sedona.
On the return trip we stopped at the outlet stores in Anthem. I should say outlet store, because my cousin and I spent most of our time at Ann Taylor's before closing!
Monday morning was a bit brisk, but I got up and went for another long walk. And the sun had warmed the temperature by the time I returned. It was actually warm enough that my cousin and I had lunch outside at Bloom. Ann and I also did a little shopping which was a bit strange for me. Trying on pants and jeans is a very different experience since my surgery. My rear end just doesn't fill them out the way it did. Perhaps over time I will get used to the look, but for now it just feels very strange to look in the mirrow.
I definitely needed a glass of wine after this shopping excursion and thoroughly enjoyed it while having dinner at the Green House. Another healthy sounding place to eat!
Tuesday's weather was also beautiful and I got up and went for my daily walk. Each day I try to improve the time a bit, because I find my walking pace is a bit slower than it used to be. It has not been as easy as I thought it would be to improve my endurance; perhaps my expectations are too high. In any event, Tuesday was my day to just relax and read outside in the beautiful weather. Although I was mostly in the shade as I have to avoid direct sun for the next six months due to my surgery.
Ann and I decided to venture out for a late lunch while Jim worked on the computer. It was truly a relaxing day and I did some more reading and watched a little TV.
It was hard to believe that Wednesday would be my last full day in the sunny southwest. What was I thinking when I booked a five day trip? However to fully embrace the day I got up and went for a leisurely long walk. Ann and I met our friend Michele for lunch at our favorite place Lon's. On one of my trips to Aizona I would like to stay at the resort where Lon's is located. Just for a night to see what it is like, but for now all I can afford is lunch!
After lunch we did a little shopping at Scottsdale Fashion Square. It was time to shed my surgical bra and find a soft full support bra. I could not believe how difficult it was to try to find one without under wire. In the end I did, but they were definitely not cheap!
We ended up having dinner at Pei Wei; an eat in/take out chinese food restaurant, before I had to pack things up!
Thursday was an early start with my flight at 10...it seemed like I had barely arrived and it was time to go. And as luck would have it I was lucky enough to pay my HST at the border (however I was the only one inside doing this) but I still made it home in time for my online course. Oh yes, this was the reason I could only spend five days away. The health law course....who said the life of a student is easy?
Once home there were lots of things to get finished before I begin my new job. My list started with another trip to the automotive garage to tune up my car. I just can't part with the Pacifica yet. I truly like driving it, although my brother-in-law says I need a new vehicle soon...
And since I was borrowing my mom's extra car for the day, I drove her to dentist, and then we had a quick shopping trip to costco and lunch. It was nice to spend time together.
It also turned into a busy afternoon, with dinner scheduled with a friend from out of town. The good news was the flight was delayed and I was able to fit in a stop at Lowe's. Now I am returning things because I bought the wrong size of door knobs, is that really even possible?....who said home renos are easy!
It was a fun evening with dinner at Don Luciano's, but I was definitely ready for sleep by bedtime.
Saturday was supposed to be my catch up day and start my health law paper day, but it took on a life of its own. First I allowed myself some extra sleep, then I had to pick out some paint with my sister Terry. Actually I pleaded with her to pick it out as she is the artist in the family. This was followed by a stop at the Lighting Store.
I did find some time for laundry and met some friends for pizza at the Verdi Club. But I bailed on the bowling and headed home for a good night's sleep!
I got up early on Sunday so I could fit in a visit to the gym and the Dr before leaving for TO. Yes, he met me on a Sunday. I still have a slight infection in one of my incisions.
Terry drove to TO so I could relax in the car and take the pressure off my incision. We met up with Katie and then my sister Cathy for lunch. We were all going to see Katie's play. She joined the french club and was part of their theatre production. While Katie was getting ready for the play, Cathy, Terry and I went for a leisurely glass of wine. I wasn't sure that was the best idea when the play was all in french. It was a large effort to concentrate during the performance.
The next morning I dropped Terry at the train station in Oakville on my way into Toronto. I finally was meeting with a specialist to discuss the results from some tests last September.
It was good news, but delivered in such a strange manner that it brought me down a bit. Not sure what I am supposed to look like after 18 months of treatment (or hell); but when a doctor seems surprised that I look good, he makes me worry. Isn't the goal to fight the cancer, eat right, exercise and look good? Or maybe I was just too sensitive because he didn't have my file before I arrived....
Since it was Valentine's Day, Cathy and Brian went out for dinner at Swiss Chalet (that's where they wanted to go) and I had a quiet dinner with Harley for company. I was quite tired from the drive in to TO and the drive out and enjoyed the quiet time. I truly find it hard to believe that people do it every day of the year. All it takes is one accident on the Gardiner and the highway is just one big parking lot.
Tuesday was the day to meet my new oncologist, which meant another early morning drive into TO. It turned out to be an interesting appointment; first because they took me into the examination room right away, and then they forgot about me. It is kind of funny now when I think about it, but I did not think it was very funny that day. I sat in my hospital gown for an hour and 45 minutes....so much for going right in when I arrived. In the end, it all worked out and I was on time for my meetings for the rest of the day. I even found time to catch up with Paddy over a glass of wine.
Unfortunately my early meeting on Wednesday had to cancel. However that turned out to be good news because I was able to sleep in a bit and also deal with the icy road conditions.
It was a busy day of meetings for my new job, but definitely a positive day. I enjoyed meeting the members of the Board and the local officials. When I arrived home in Amherstburg I was ready for a good night's sleep.
Once back in Aburg, I fell back into my routine of going to the gym first thing in the morning. It truly helps me stay positive for the rest of the day. However I am a bit concerned that I am not seeing improvements in my muscle tone. I guess it could just be an age thing....
And just when I thought I could relax a bit I received a call about my next surgery - the touch up or sculpting phase. It was a bit of a scramble to arrange flights and accommodations for mid March with the school breaks, but in the end it worked out.
February might be a short month, but it was truly a busy month.
Between my health law course; travel to Arizona and Dr appts; I still found time for dinner at friends and an evening for a wine tasting event at CREW.
Getting ready for my new job also means finding a place to stay; packing and moving furniture and clothes. Terry and Joe were a great help; and even helped move some items in the blowing snow. Have I mentioned that Windsor and Essex County had a record snow fall for the month of February?
The last week of February was supposed to be dedicated to my health law course research paper. But in between I found time for the gym; some last minute packing and a quick trip to Michigan for lunch with Cindy and Jo-Anne.
My sister Terry was a lifesaver and helped me get settled in my apartment in Cambridge on the last Friday of the month. Of course we did pick a snow day for the moving van to arrive so things were a bit delayed. We made it back to Aburg just in time to crash for a good night's sleep.
I would have loved to sleep in on Saturday morning, but I had a hair appointment at 9 am. I can't believe how slow my hair is growing, but the good news is it is growing.
After some more research we went out for dinner for Joe's birthday; it had been postponed the week before due to snow! And as luck would have it my blackberry started to act up and not charge properly.
So Sunday became fix my technology day; end result was a new blackberry that can tether to my laptop. We shall see if this actually works and proves useful.
I also took a break in the evening to go to Sylvia's son's hockey game; I had not been able to watch Eric play all year due to my course on Thursday nights and due to my surgery. It was a nice break from my research.
So today is the last day of the shortest day of the month; and what a busy month it has been. I wish there were two or three more days in February so I could have finished a couple more things.
But the reality is there aren't any more days for February; and that means I start my new job tomorrow. So stay tuned; as soon as the announcement is public I will fill you in.
