Are you doing a 40 in 40?

So yeah, Lent started yesterday but it's never too late.

I'm not Catholic and I don't feel the need to "give up" anything for Lent, but there are a couple other ideas out there that I've shared before (see last year's post). One is the 40/40 Challenge. It's 40 minutes of exercise every day during Lent. The 40 days doesn't include Sundays; you can rest on Sundays, or not.

The other is 40 Bags in 40 Days, brought to you by White House Black Shutters blog. This is about de-cluttering. I'm pretty sure I could get rid of 40 bags in my closet alone. If you click on the link back there, you'll get some great tips and ideas if you think you might not have 40 bags worth of "stuff."

Having said that I don't give up stuff for Lent, this year Aaron made a suggestion that initially made me laugh my head off, but actually I'm kind of digging it. We are giving up dining out -- in Columbus (an important distinction which will become clear very soon). We shall see how this goes...

Since this is my first post of the week, I also wanted to share that last weekend was our annual neighborhood chili cook-off. Here are the winners (categories include Best Vegetarian, Best Traditional, Hottest, Most Unique, and Best in Show).

This year's Most Unique went to a chili called "Sexual Chocolate." They even made their own sign for it:

If you can't read it, some of the ingredients included chocolate stout and cayenne cocoa,
and the garnishments were chocolate-dipped bacon, cilantro and sour cream.
OMG, it was delicious.

Friday Faves 8/22

I've been so busy this week that I haven't even read any blogs, nevermind writing my own. But yesterday I took time to read Steph's post and I highly suggest you do the same. It's pretty deep and touches on a bunch of current topics, including Ferguson and the ice bucket challenge.

I didn't do a recap of last weekend but I must share a couple things we did. Last Friday we went to Goodale Park for Screen on the Green to watch Dirty Dancing. If you don't already know how much I love that movie, you should read about how people used to tell me I looked like Jennifer Grey. Prior to the movie, there was a trivia contest. Our friend Dru answered one of the questions, and so did I. We each won a free movie ticket so I guess we have a movie date sometime. I also got a shout-out because I was wearing this:

Blurry, but you get the idea.

One of the ladies in our group brought these watermelon cookies so she could legitimately say "I carried a watermelon."

Last Saturday was our annual block party. Two of our peeps were getting married that very day. The wedding was in Albany, NY so most of us were not there, but we wanted to extend our best wishes.

Someone needs to photoshop them sitting in the chair!

One of our neighbors is a landscape designer and last night he and his significant other had a gathering to show off some of his creations. He does incredible work and specializes in vertical gardens. This picture is of a garden wall in their courtyard. It's across the alley from us and you'd never know it's there. It's literally a secret garden!

Yesterday I wished our oldest niece a happy birthday. Tomorrow is our youngest niece's 6th birthday. Here's a picture of Kate and me from just a few weeks ago. Love those snuggles!

Happy Weekend!

Friday Favorites - 8/1

Our cat Bella is such a Daddy's girl. But last weekend, after Aaron had been gone for three days, she must have decided that I was an acceptable snuggling companion.

Every morning I put this in my coffee:

And yes, every time I sing "I'm so fancy....."





This week saw the long-awaited opening of The Market Italian Village in our neighborhood. I went on Monday during the soft open, and again Thursday for the grand opening. I haven't counted the steps yet, but they're so close that when our windows are open, I can smell the coffee.

Last night I hosted the neighborhood ladies for Yahtzee night. Our group this month was small but mighty. I provided the finest in cheap boxed wine, meats and cheeses from the aforementioned Market, take-n-bake pizzas from zpizza (and yes, I baked them) and a blackberry lemon trifle (check back next week for the recipe).

Have a fantastic weekend!

More Pain in the Ass Things About Breast Cancer

So here we are, four weeks out of the big surgery. I did a pre-op version of superficial things that pissed me off about having cancer (you can read it here if you missed it) and today I have a post-op edition. You know me, there will probably be more to come...

Grooming. I've been fortunate in that I haven't had limitations moving my arms. I could wash my hair the first time I showered after surgery, and luckily with my curly hair and a good cut, air drying works well. But I can't quite shave my legs. Aaron says he won't do it, and frankly I wouldn't want him to. Thank Target for maxi skirts. I also didn't make time for a pedicure before surgery so my feet and toes are less than lovely. I might be able to go get one done here sometime soon but obviously I can't do my own.

I did get my nails done last week!
OPI "Green on the Runway"

Lack of strength. One day, about a week after I got home from the hospital, Aaron called around lunchtime and said that he didn't know if he could get home to feed me. I said that was OK, that I thought I could make a smoothie for myself. We have a handy dandy NutriBullet, and everything was lightweight and within reach. Well, I made the smoothie with no problem, but I couldn't unscrew the container to be able to consume it. I had to text Aaron and ask him to just stop by and help. As Steph said, at least I got to third base with the smoothie.

Clothing. Until I'm told otherwise, I have to wear a surgical bra. I have two of them, so while one is in the laundry I can wear the other one. (Oh, that leads me to another thing: the need to do laundry nearly every day.) It's white and bulky, with thick velcro straps, and just not very flattering. Granted, it's still too early to even know what size bra to get but it drives me crazy just the same.

Sexy, right? (Also, upside down)

Missing out. This is becoming less of an issue, but I do still have to choose carefully what events I'm going to attend. I get tired easily and while I don't have "pain" pain, I am very sore. Last weekend was Comfest and we still had our annual brunch on Saturday. I parked myself in a chair while wearing a tiara and held court. Sunday I actually made it to the festival, but I may have overdone it a bit, as Monday was spent not moving a whole lot.

Things that don’t suck: Our friends. We had a lot of help Saturday both for the brunch and afterward, when some of the neighbors landed back at our place for a late dinner. And people always say we have great parties, but a big reason for that is the mix of people from different parts of our life who come together beautifully.

And then there was this. Allyson has a business called The Scrabble Chick. She makes jewelry using Scrabble tiles and normally she and her husband have a booth at Comfest but they didn't this year, so they were able to come to the brunch. Allyson gave me this bracelet:

In case you're wondering, the other side of the tile is a "G."

I cried. Aaron cried. She gave me some extras of the tiles so Aaron immediately put one on a chain and wore it around his neck. You can find The Scrabble Chick on Facebook and Etsy.

Linking up with Kathy

The Update, Part I - copy and paste style

We like to joke about Aaron's lack of social media use, but he did a great job keeping people on Facebook informed on my progress in the hospital. Today I'm literally cutting and pasting from FB to bring the rest of you up to speed and then tomorrow I'll have brand new information to share with everyone.


First I have to tell you about the amazing support I received on Facebook. Many of my friends changed their profile pics to the Fight Like a Girl logo I've been using. The day of surgery my sorority sisters wore animal print clothing and took selfies (one of them even took her picture in the dressing room of Lord & Taylor because she didn't own anything animal print). There were hashtags all over the place like #InItToGwenIt and #GammaPhisForGwen and one of my friends coined the term #Gwenning, a la Charlie Sheen. It was overwhelming and wonderful and say what you will about Facebook but I felt so much love it was unbelievable. Now, on with the updates:


From Aaron, Tuesday evening, 6/3
All done! I just met with the doctors who did the reconstruction and they finished up about 45 minutes ago. Gwen did great, no surprises. They keep a very close eye on her the next 12 hours to make sure there aren't any clots, and hopefully tomorrow she'll get to eat and start moving around. I can't wait for her to see the crazy amount of support everyone has sent her way today - we are blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives. #inittogwenit rocks! Hugs to everyone!


From Aaron, Gwensday, 6/4

Good morning everyone - update for Gwen. She had a pretty sleepless night since they kept checking her new parts every hour on the hour, but we've passed the 12 hour critical watch period so that's good. She has some pain but it is being managed well (funny post about that forthcoming), and she is much more alert and lucid than I expected. Today's highlights should include water, solid food, and perhaps moving from bed to chair. Hopefully that journey won't include a trip by the mirror, because she will disagree that, to me, she is presently more beautiful than she has ever been.

Thanks for the messages and words of support - love to you all! #inittogwenit

From Aaron, Thursday, 6/5

And another beautiful morning in central Ohio - here's the latest for Gwen. She continues to improve, highlights from yesterday included getting out of bed to sit in a chair, followed last night by actually taking a walk around the floor. This morning she had solid food for the first time and took another walk. Today she'll continue that progress - looking forward to more walks intermingled with naps and food. Doctors seem pleased with progress, removed some bandages, and she is tracking for potentially being discharged tomorrow.

The well wishes and support continue to be a source of strength and inspiration to Gwen and me, we are very appreciative! Stay tuned!#inittogwenit

From Aaron, Friday, 6/6

We're home!

I brought Gwen home from the hospital earlier this afternoon to continue her recovery. This morning included the removal of many bandages, some walking, and a shower! Now that we're home she's basically been told to focus on managing pain, eating/pooping, walking regularly, and getting plenty of rest. Those of you in the 'hood should see us making trips around the block, which I will time to occur soon after taking pain meds so as to keep her scowling to a minimum. Also she has some restrictions like don't lift anything, don't vacuum or iron, and don't cook but I think she'll manage. Feel free to insert appropriate jokes ...

And once again we continue to be amazed at the support so many of you have expressed. It has most definitely made a difference. Thanks everyone!!

From Me, Saturday, 6/7

Hello friends! It's really me, posting from the comforts of home surrounded by pillows and one cat next to me on the bed (Clover/Mr. Handsome).

All things considered, I'm doing very well. I haven't had one bit of nausea, thank God, because that would have been seriously beyond awful. I'm glad that the doctors and nurses all commented on how good the incisions look because I think it looks very Frankenstein-ish, swollen and bruised and with blisters from tape, which was a new experience. I came home with four drains, so Aaron and I are "enjoying" a different kind of intimacy while emptying those twice a day.

As Aaron has mentioned, we are constantly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support. People I don't even know changed their profile pictures. Even my friends are amazed by my friends, if that makes any sense. I tried to keep up with all your comments and someday I hope to be able to answer messages. Please know that I've read them all and I so appreciate all the love.

In terms of the cancer, I've been told that I won't need chemo and there's nothing invasive, but just in case I needed validation of my decision to remove both breasts, I got it. In my right breast, where we knew there had been cancer, they found even more DCIS(stage zero) and in the left breast they found atypia, which does not always turn into cancer but I think we all know that I made the right choice.

I had not talked about this publicly but the reconstruction route I went with is called a DIEP flap. That means that they took tissue from my tummy to make new boobs so instead of implants, it's all my body (and yes, that means I got a "bonus" tummy tuck out of the deal). That type of surgery is why it took so long - 8 hours, I think - and then I had some breathing issues afterward so it took another 3 hours or so to get to my room. This surgery also requires a longer recovery time but I'm on the right track so far.

I have so many people to give thanks for, but right now, since I've been long-winded and I'm getting tired, I'm just going to point out the Best. Husband. Ever. (Okay, also my only husband ever, but still...) I can't imagine getting through this with anyone else. I love you, Aaron. 

Thanks for reading!

Pain in the Ass Things About Breast Cancer, Pre-Op Edition

Besides the obvious, here are some seemingly insignificant things that piss me off about having breast cancer.

Number one with a bullet is the hormone issue. My cancer is estrogen-receptor-positive, so I had to stop taking hormones and I was thrust into menopause. It's hard to tell if any irritability I show these days is hormone-related or just due to being furious that I have cancer. But the worst part is the Asshole Hot Flashes (which shall henceforth be called AHF).

I've started carrying a hand fan with me. I have this pretty one that I got a few years ago in Japan (and by Japan I mean Epcot). I also have a leopard print one on order for variety.

I posted a few weeks ago about the Chillow and I really like it, but I ended up buying a different cooling pillow called the Gel'O Cool Mat. It's more expensive but it stays put better for me and doesn't get all smooshed up.

I'm the kind of person who loves to curl up on the couch under a blanket. I don't do that anymore (the blanket part, of course) because I get too damn hot. And that pisses me off.

I'd love to be able to think of them this way, but I'm not there.

Moving off of the AHF topic...


In the above picture you might notice that while my nails are "done," they're sans color. That's because the surgeons and hospital staff need to be able to see my nail beds. I rarely have no color on my nails so it's kind of driving me nuts.


I get regular massages, usually once a month, and I have no idea when I might be able to get them again. Fucking cancer.


I've been told that I won't be able to lift my arms over my head for a while, so it's been recommended to buy button-front tops. People, I have DD boobs (for now). I don't OWN button-front tops. And of course because of the AHF, I don't want sleeves. So I was forced to go shopping, and while I generally love me some retail therapy, I resent having to buy things that I wouldn't normally buy.

I found some at Old Navy. This is one of them.

I know I'm not alone in this, but I generally don't answer phone calls that come through as "Unknown" or whose number I don't recognize. Since being diagnosed I can't do that anymore. I'm forced to answer all the phone calls because it's probably a doctor's office or hospital or some kind of bullshit that if I don't answer it will be nearly impossible to get in touch with someone if I call back.


Our nephew Jeremy is graduating from high school this Friday. Because of my surgery, we can't go. Just another reason to hate cancer.

1998 - two of my favorite pictures of us with Jeremy (look, Aaron has hair!)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's something that doesn't suck: the amazing support system that I have. From childhood friends to sorority sisters to friends from multiple choirs to neighbors and blog friends... I could go on and on. Thank you all! Last Tuesday I went to karaoke and most of the bar was filled with friends and neighbors. I had made a special request for a song to sing and Kevin came through. If you watch Nashville you've heard this song sung by Hayden Panettiere. Her character first sang it as a fuck you to her record label but I thought it was appropriate for me right now, too.





To use a phrase coined by my friend Dru, I'm in it to Gwen it.

Not sure when I'll be back on the blog, and I may not answer comments right away but know that I feel all the love and support and I thank you again.

Curing cancer, one cheap beer at a time

For the fourth year, our neighborhood and friends participated in the Crawl for Cancer (here are some pictures from last year). We had 30 people -- there are roughly 5,000 total participants -- and we usually have a team "draft" at our house the night before. This year, that also happened to be our friend Jen's 40th birthday, so we combined celebrations.

Saturday morning Aaron woke me up way too early and we biked to Ethyl & Tank for breakfast and bloody Marys:

As y'all know, I hate the "official" color of breast cancer, so I've adopted leopard print as my own. My peeps surprised me and we all had leopard print bandannas to wear.

Sunday Aaron wore his patriotic tie to church, as did one of the ministers:

I also made a Triple Berry Kahlua Crisp, from Half Baked Harvest (find the recipe here). I used red raspberries instead of strawberries. It's deeeeeeeelish.

I have no pictures from Monday. I didn't do much, but we did go to see Draft Day, which we both enjoyed. I've been a stalker fan of Kevin Costner since the summer of 1988 and he didn't disappoint.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend!

A Fantabulous Free Weekend Windup

The only thing better than a weekend with no plans is a no-plan weekend that turns into a fun and fabulous weekend complete with friends and family.

Friday

Obligatory cat photos coming up. When I came home from running errands I found this:

And it turned into this:

Aaron said "I think they're best friends."

We went to our corner bar, Little Rock, for happy hour. The stars had aligned and a bunch of our neighbors were also there. Then there was live karaoke with keyboards and drums. Needless to say, happy "hour" became many hours. Such a fun night!

Saturday

My mom came over and we went to brunch at The Crest. I can't say enough about how delicious it was, and as an added bonus, I saw Alexis from Hummusapien (we had met last month at a Columbus Bloggers Brunch).

Clockwise from top right: we shared the honey-glazed goat cheese balls (amazing is not an understatement); I had the breakfast burrito with potatoes (the highest compliment I can give is that I didn't even put salt on these, they were that tasty); Mom had the coconut quinoa porridge with fresh fruit (yummmm). Not pictured: bloody Marys, also delicious, especially when doctored up with their housemade hot sauce.

Then Mom said, "let's go to that store where you buy all your clothes." OK, you don't have to ask me twice but this could be dangerous. And it was, but it was also super fun. I walked out of Cheesecake with three dresses, two tops and a pair of pants (two items pictured below). Now if only the weather would cooperate!

Aaron and a few guys from the 'hood, who are all running the half-marathon in May, decided to do a six-mile run combined with a pub crawl. One stop apparently included an encounter with a taxidermied bobcat (WTF?). While they were out, Amy and I took advantage of the sunshine and hung out on the screened porch, then met up with them at their last stop, Little Rock.

Sunday

I had to sing a solo at the 8:30 service. Aaron went with me and our neighbor Michelle was there so the three of us went out for breakfast and then we sang for the 11:00 service. The afternoon was a lazy one and then I made dinner (chicken tagine, couscous and roasted asparagus).


I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Happy St. Paddy's to those who celebrate it!