Just put on a little lipstick...

I saw Dr. Peacock today for an exam, x-ray and blood draw. She is very pleased with my progress and gave me the all clear again! I will see her again in October. She wasn't as pleased with the weight I've gained, but I assured her that I was getting back into the exercise and healthy eating routine. She is a firm believer in exercise 5 days a week to prevent recurrence. I lost weight during chemo treatments, and got into the pattern of eating whatever I wanted - to the tune of 14 unwanted pounds - yuck! Hormone changes also played a bit in the weight gain as well, but I have to be honest - I have really enjoyed the taste of food the last few months as well. I told her about the Helping People Thrive program that I will be starting on August 10 th and she thinks it is fantastic and just what I need. I also talked to her about my eyelash issue. She recommended a b complex for that. There is a new prescription med (Latrisse), but she said it is expensive and to try the vitamins...

This blog may sound a bit vain and whiny...so forgive me in advance. I inherited my Dad's long black eyelashes. His have much more curl, some curling in a complete circle, but mine were always long and fairly full. I remember in high school Amber and I gobbing the mascara on, and then separating each lash with a needle to get that definition we wanted. We never had the Farah Fawcett hair, so we focused on our eyes. Well...since chemo my eyelashes have returned, but when they finally get to a decent length, they seem to break off. It's getting very frustrating. I keep reminding myself to be thankful they returned at all. Some people never regrow them at all. Tomorrow will be my 1 year and 3 month appointment Dr. Peacock (Oncologist). It's also time to have my vitamin D level checked for my Orthopedic doctor. I'll update more after these appointments.

Some of my friends at work have decided we should start taking "daycations" whenever we get the chance. There are several options for day-trips from the Nashville area. This weekend was our first and we had a lot of fun. We headed out early Saturday morning to Lynchburg. We had lunch at Miss Mary Bo Bo's boarding house and then toured the famous distellary that put Lynchburg on the map. The food at lunch was traditional southern fare and our northern friend Sean got his first taste of sweet tea and country ham. Our hostess Lila gave us a history lesson on the town of Lynchburg. Jamie brought walkie talkies to use between cars and made a music road-mix to keep us entertained. I think our first day-trip was a huge success and we are exploring options for the next one already. Maybe mammoth cave?

Jenni arrived safely home to America on Tuesday! She had a wonderful trip to Europe and really enjoyed her time with Lauren in Amsterdam and Erin in Dresden. They made stops in Prague and two trips to Berlin. They had some interesting stays in hostels and while traveling. Jenni and Erin also got to see U2's stadium show in Berlin! I think Bryan and I were as excited, possibly even more so than she was, about this. Upon her return, Jenni wanted Mexican food - so we headed out to our favorite spot, La Terezza, to have chips and salsa. Anna and Morgan were especially happy to see their Aunt Jenni!

Our trip home on Sunday was pretty uneventful, just long. We had breakfast with the family at Jewel and Nancy's house. Then we stopped for lunch at "Ta Mollys" and then headed back across Arkansas. We had plenty of music and snacks to keep us awake and content. About 10:30 last night, I sure was thankful to cross over the Mississippi and see those Memphis lights, welcoming us back. We arrived home to Nashville about 2am, and I was exhausted. I slept in today, but tomorrow it's back to work bright and early and back to training.

All the family gathered at Jewel and Nancy's house on Saturday for lunch and to spend time catching up with each other. We try to have reunions every two years, but a lot can happen in two years time. It certainly has for me. I was so glad all my aunts and uncles could be there and several of my first cousins. I needed to see those faces and hug their necks after the year I've had. We had about 30-40 family members show up, which is a pretty good turn out considering we are spread out all over the country. We have a very loud, loving family and even though we don't see each other very often it's never awkward. We just pick up where we left off at the last gathering. Chadd (Lisa's boyfriend) came and Bradley brought his new bride Stephanie. I wonder what they think of our family - they seemed to hang in there and fit right in. After lunch some of us headed to the grassy knoll, the sixth floor museum and to see the Los Colinas horses for an outing. It's a bit s...

The day started with a committment ceremony for Greg and Markanna. They wanted to pledge their love in front of family, so we went over to serve as witnesses. Ron got ordained (online) so he could preside over their ceremony. Olivia sang a song and they stood by the fountain and promised to love and cherish each other.