Happiness Is…
PAB
Cannot wait for PAB2011.
Thanks to Bob Goyetche for the photo, above.
And huge thanks to Andree for making my PAB2011 weekend possible.
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Happiness Is…
Taking Bold Steps.
More than once, I walked home crying.
But I made it through my first ever dance class.
And I’m absolutely thrilled that I did.
Related Links:
- Baby Steps
- Happiness Is… Evolving
- It’s just something the body does when you shake it.
- Happiness Is… Hoop… instead of Poop
- Happiness Is… Good Friends and Hooping
- Happiness Is… Madonna Yoga
Happiness Is…
Evolving.
On April 14, 2011, after 25 years of full-time employment and with no new position in the works, I quit my job.
That evening, I tiptoed timidly into the world of dance. Burlesque, unbelievably. Then celebrated with red wine, Mark and our good friend, Laura.
In the six weeks since then, I’ve turned down a full-time systems analyst position, booked our long-dreamed-of cross-Canada train trip, joined the speaker roster for PAB2011, contributed daily to Mark’s new company and endured ten grueling hours of choreographed belly dancing.
Sure, I’ve continued to torture myself with self-doubt, -criticism and -loathing.
But I’m better, stronger, happier than I was.
I’m alive.
And I’m evolving.
Happiness Is…
Natalie Holst’s Madonna Flow Yoga Parties.
Stretching.
Sweating.
Singing.
Swaying.
Snapping.
Strengthening.
Slipping back to our carefree eighties.
Sardine-Style.
In a dark, hot, twinkly lit yoga space.
Packed with hot, happy, healthy bodies.
Supporting a great cause.
And Smiling.
Huge thanks to Natalie, Mike and Basia.
Happiness Is…
Hoop…. instead of Poop.
Today was a rough day.
Huge thanks to hooping (and Sophie) for the hour-long escape from care.
And to Lucy for joining me.
Happiness is…
Luxurious laziness.
We’ve been lounging in our PJs, eating, drinking, sleeping, reading, playing games and thoroughly enjoying our good health and our schedule-free, care-free days of fallow.
Hoping your holiday has been and continues to be filled with happiness, good health, delicious food and great people.
Happiness Is…
The Kindness of Strangers.
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One year ago today, I started chemo. |
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Days before — in anticipation of my hairless winter — Lucy, Bayla and I had combed the annual Originals Christmas Craft Fair in search of a funky chemo cap.
An extremely generous and talented stranger, by the name of Debbie Etherington, absolutely insisted that I pick out any of her cozy handknitted toques and accept it as a gift. |
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That cozy toque, with its warm thrumbed lining and its even warmer history, kept my bald head warm all winter. |
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Today, Debbie and I met again. This time I brought good news, gratitude,…
And a set of home made pillow cases. |
Happiness Is…
Good Friends and, as it turns out,
Hooping.
When those lumps came to light on Friday, I spun into a vortex of terror.
I wandered like a distracted zombie for the better part of four days.
Sharing my worries here and in real-life has lightened my load but the real sand-blasting of my buzzing brain was thanks to an introductory hooping class.
My spatial ineptitude and lack of co-ordination meant my entire mind was focused on a festooned hoop.
No stabbing cancer scenarios for one solid hour.
And I’ve felt fairly human since.
A drained, dull and distracted human. But a human.
Thank you to Andree for your friendship and for the class.
And thanks to the many friends whose kind words and deeds are helping us through this scary limbo.
Hoping to be shouting happy, happy news on Tuesday.
Happiness Is…
Home and Holidays
Last year I was in chemo at Christmas.
This year we’ve made up for it in celebration and spirit already.
Wishing your family and mine a happy, healthy December.
Happiness Is..
Healing Time.
A year ago today was my second cancer surgery (complete axillary lymph node removal).
I wish I’d known, going into those surgeries, that my right arm and upper body would be permanently damaged. And I sure wish I’d known to try breaking that scar tissue up right away.
But something else I didn’t know, back then, was whether I’d be here today.
I’m grateful that I am.
And for my resilient family, our working limbs, our healthy bodies and our joy.
Andrea
Lucy* (
Bayla* (
