January

        It’s January and you are probably wondering why I haven’t posted in awhile. Don’t worry my New Year’s resolution was not to stop writing or anything like that. Instead of writing I found that I have been reading a lot more than writing. For the first time in awhile I am able to concentrate and read a book. Now mind you, I am not reading anything like Microwave For One or Dancing with Cats. Yes those are real books. 

         At my latest appointment at the cancer center I noticed that it was quieter than usual. I quickly realized it was because it was early in the morning. I figured they scheduled my appointment early for two reasons. First, because that worked best in their schedule or second, they have read my past blog posts and decided that I have had enough bizarre interactions for a couple weeks. I am leaning towards the second reason. It was quiet and I was ok with that. I didn’t have to worry about someone commenting on my hair or trying to talk to me. Silence is golden in some cases. 

         My January so far has been filled with resting, reading, and recuperating. I have had days where I’ve been too tired to do anything but stay on the couch and barely move. That’s the one thing that sucks about chemo. It eventually bites you in the ass. Literally and figuratively. 

         Unfortunately after Christmas my knee starting acting up again and as a result I haven’t been able to ride. I have more soreness in my knee as a result of my radiation from last year. The only upside of having to rest my knee this time of year is that it’s too cold to ride some days. Plus I don’t think Joe minds being nice and warm in his blankets. He is still adjusting to his new lifestyle and experiencing what winter is like when you don’t spend it in Florida. 

         I have been sucked into the world of my Kindle recently. I find that I am reading more than usual. A couple of months ago I wasn’t able to concentrate on a book. I would start to read and find that I didn’t like the book. I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind for sitting down and trying to read something. Over the past month I have read a couple books. In the past I was at the point where I was lucky if I could even finish a book. Since Christmas I have read four books and am still going. It’s funny how certain books fall into your lap or you hear about them on TV at the right time. For now I will enjoy being able to read again. It’s nice to take a break and enjoy what other people have written. 

         Although January is a new year it seems to bring out the negativity in people. It seems all I hear lately is everyone bitching about the snow or how dark and dreary it is outside. Don’t even mention the cold. I have had my share of days where I have been freezing my ass off. Maybe they forgot it’s winter? The other day I was out to lunch and I overheard someone say they were moving away. Their reason was, “because this area is too dark, cold, and depressing” and as a result they were “so over it”. I am not sure why but that comment made me want to turn around and say, “with that outlook on life I think you’ll find flaws in everything. It’s all about perspective.”

        We all want it to be warmer and less dreary. Unfortunately winter means cold and blah days. Enjoy the sunshine when you can. Hopefully you aren’t trapped in an office of windows otherwise it will feel more like an oven than work. Just remember spring is coming slowly but surely. For today try and enjoy the snow outside your window.
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