::faithful – praying for myself and my family. That surgery from a week ago? It actually went quite well, thank you very much.  However – and this is a big one, so brace yourself – the doctors found something much worse than just an inconvenience.  I have cancer.  I’ve known since Wednesday, and we told the kids this weekend.  Yes, we kept the news from them for a few days because a) Mr. Pea and I needed some time to process the information, pray together and get ourselves centered before shared the news with our offspring; and b)  all four kids had major tests at the end of the week and did not need the distraction.

I’ve indulged in my personal pity party, cried for many days, done my research and am ready to move forward.  Our first visit with the oncologist  is tomorrow.  Yes, Our. The nurse already called and told us that Mr. Pea should come to all appointments with me.  A most excellent suggestion, as I’m still a bit shell-shocked and am likely to forget the questions on my list or the answers I hear.  (I do have a list of questions written down, ready to ask.)  We’ll work out a plan together and then execute an old-fashioned butt-kicking against this beast.

I, of course, am going to win.

::The Project – Sigh.  The project will be put on hold indefinitely while we do battle with the alien cells invading my body. We’ve just started wading through the insurance documentation, and we’re hesitant to invest in new cabinets, floors and fluff until we know for sure what our out-of-pocket expenses will be.

:: dedicated – Happy Veteran’s Day!  Here’s a montage of my commissioning day.  The first photo is my Dad and Mr. Pea pinning on my Lieutenant bars.  And that last photo? Yes – that is me losing my shoe on the TCU football field during the ceremonial parade.  I’m told that the Commander at TCU told this story to new cadets for YEARS after I graduated as an example of the Proper Procedure to Carry On Under All Circumstances.

:: pondering – Mortality. Thinking about things we REALLY need to do just in case.  Like update our will, and make sure that  I’ve declared Mr. Pea as the designated recipient of my retirement fund.  Find copies of important papers, including the living will and health directives, because we’re supposed to bring them with us to the appointment tomorrow. Really?  I haven’t seen these papers in more than 27 years.  I’m pretty sure they’re in the safe. I think maybe we should add “verify locations of important papers” on the household checklist for spring cleaning. In fact, EVERYONE should do this at least once a year!!

::delicious

• Shrimp Po’Boys that didn’t happen last week
• Roasted Chicken, Broccoli, maybe a nice pilaf to go with
• Taco Tuesday!!
• Pasta of Some Sort with a Spinach Salad
• Pot Roast with Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus
• Big ‘Ole Pot of Beans with Ham and Jalapeno Cornbread
• Tilapia Romano, Citrus Kale Salad, Macaroni and Cheese

::fun – We went on a bike ride Sunday after mass.  It was absolutely gorgeous.

::fashionable – I’m wearing sweatpants, a yellow long-sleeved tee-shirt with a grey short sleeve tee-shirt over it, my wool hiking socks and a purple cardigan.  Totally unmatched, but warm.  Because yes, it’s only 58 degrees and I’m freezing. You northerners may NOT laugh at this!

::looking ahead – Doctor appointments; taking DirtBike to the orthodontist; probably more doctor appointments.  Facilities Committee Meeting.  Last bit of pavement inventory, then wrapping up several reports and projects at work.

Linking up at Suscipio– come join us!