It is all about time....

Although I feel really well, I’ve reached a big decision over the past two weeks. I’m taking time off in March and April to juggle fewer balls. I want to spend time in California. I want to have time with friends, Judy of course, and I know that I’ll need time to recuperate from the two chemotherapy infusions. It is also time to get some dental work done. When I fit “work” into the equation, it just feels like I run from one place to the other…either dashing about to prepare for an absence or running around when I return. We have a terrific benefit plan at work. Since this is a good time of year to be out of the office, I’m going to take advantage of both.

The first infusion is March 5. I’ll stay in Portland until I recuperate. Then I’ll get to see friends. Nate is still here, keeping an eye on Max and me while he hunts up employment. There are some “soft weeks” without much planning, which is a switch. I may venture to Lompoc, I might spend time in Yosemite. The important part of this decision is that people have taken such good care of me, it is about time I do the same for myself. Even the simple act of erasing all the various meetings and responsibilities from my calendar helped me sleep better. People look at me when I tell them of my decision, and ask “What took you so long?”

Circa May 1, I’ll be back in the office. This set of infusions will be complete. They don’t want me to take three more, just these next two. My docs recommend an entire summer off to let my body recover. Anything else we need to do will start up again in September, though of course we’re hoping this is the end for awhile. We’ve organized work responsibilities, people have been very helpful and supportive. I’ll have the chance to set the office and work travel aside, for I’m not supposed to check voice mail or even look at work email. What a switch---an emotional, and physical, sabbatical.

Those of you kind enough to read through this from work, will be getting more information later. My life is far more open than I prefer, but people are so gracious it is difficult to keep secrets. Thanks for helping me with this decision!

Yahoo....Caboooo

I’ve now learned why people dedicate so much time, treasure and energy getting to Cabo San Lucas. Jillian and I ventured south last week, and had an absolutely fabulous time. The weather was warm, the swim-up bar was open, the people muy bonitos. We enjoyed the week with Jud and Vickie Smith, friends of Judy’s from way-back-when. They could not have been more hospitable.

The most interesting part was that I walked off the plane speaking Spanish I’d learned nearly 40 years ago. It returned as if I Chile was just last year. Phrases slipped out that I didn’t even think about translating, surprising me, the Smiths, and certainly the waiters. I could have stayed longer.

(Lizzie says I compare everything via metaphor, so this time I’ll avoid that.)

Four great days, including an afternoon sailing an America’s Cup yacht with our hosts, whale watching and lying in the sun, went too quickly. I boarded a jet on Thursday, then spent the night flying to Chicago. Vickie and I met up on Friday. We celebrated her 21st birthday. Unfortunately, she was disappointed when few of the servers thought she needed ID.

I’d promised, quite some time ago, that we’d celebrate in this fashion after her 21st. We also attended the 40th anniversary of the College of Nursing. We visited with other graduates and tried to keep up with the wizards of comedy from Second City.

You tell me…does it get any better than looking out over Chicago, with a delightful daughter, from the 96th floor of the Hancock Building? Even the weather warmed for my visit. Returning to Portland, I awakened to snow on Tuesday morning!

As for the “other” journey…we head back to the infusion world in March. February is for trips and fun. Next stop:

Napa and the Valentine’s Wine Excursion. We’ll join Carrie Ellen and Steve, two other couples and try to learn why wineries think they can separate themselves from their neighbors. It will likely take several stops to make a determination.

Mucho Gusto!