A New Normal.......

 

So Kaiser has been my new hangout lately.  Blood tests, bone scans, oncology, nuclear medicine, neurology (the last one is when I go to see my friend over there...she's a neurologist).  You should see my calender....chock full of appointments.  It's a surreal experience fitting in Carlos' afterschool activities between oncology appointments and Andres' nap time with phone calls to schedule CAT scans.  It's the new normal around here. Although, don't get too impressed with my complicated juggling of the "social" events in my life right now.....I couldn't do any of this without the help of Rock of a husband, tons of close supportive friends But most of all.......my awesome mom who lives next door to us and is just one "mom...I need your help!" away from me.  She has been here everyday since my surgery doing our laundry, cleaning my kitchen, and watching the boys for me. She retired earlier this year and it's been a blessing that she has been here to catch all the day to day stuff that falls through the cracks.  Although, I think I might have heard her on the phone the other day trying to get her old position back...hmmmm...I'll have to discuss that with her.....

So, through it all I have been wearing my new "good luck" necklace along with my other one.  The top photo is a picture of the necklace my awesome friend Heather sent me. I love it.  I wear it along with this one.....

 

It's the "thankful mama" one I tried to steal.....um, I mean eventually bought from Beth at the Barn Sale.  They both say it all right now.  So, as if that necklace wasn't enough look what else arrived in the same box on my doorstep........

 

A card from Heather along with.........

 

Tags......

   

and more tags....

 

Piles upon piles of beautiful tags made by so many of my blogger friends.....Once again I was speechless.  I slowly sorted through each and everyone while sitting on my living room floor.   I was stunned to see so many well wishes......I can't tell you how much it all meant to me on the heels of a rather tough day.......

I have to show you one in particular that stood out :)   Here's the front...innocent enough looking......

 

And then the back.......

 

LOL....Nothing like a stern lecture from Judge Judy to scare me in to recovery!!! Thanks Jeanne!!

 

And guess what I'm wearing on my lips right now!!! Karla you crack me up! I can get through anything as long as the Count is by my side  :)

I have more to say and more to show but I am taking off with my best friend Annette to go for a reflexology foot massage and lunch. She and have been friends since five year's old and know each other inside and out.  She is even more snarkier than I am so you can only imagine what happens when we get together......That poor place has no idea what it's in for later today......  

Taking it day by day......Talk to you soon!  Karin

Comments

[Heather]

Yay, so glad the tags arrived safely. There were SO MANY!! Each time you are feeling low, or tired, Get them out and flip through them because I am sure they will help!! I will try calling you this evening.
xoxo
Heather

[Miss Lila in Atlanta]

Good Evening Karin from Atlanta,GA
Just found your blog site today and I wanted to let you know you are in my prayers. I am a 5 year breast cancer survivor. It can be done. I don't have a blog myself, I like reading other peoples blogs though. I will keep in touch to see how you are doing.

God Bless You,
Miss Lila

[Miss Sandy]

Karin,
I wanted to pop in and see how you were doing and to let you know that I think of you often and pray for you and your family much.

[sherry]

You are so loved...the neckwear, the "count" and the tags are only the tip of the iceberg...and girl you already know the drill and the lingo..."the new normal". It is and will be for awhile and then you'll move into a different kind of normal down the road and realize that "normal" as is constantly changing as life itself. Sending you love, hugs and cybersister/bc sister hugs!!

[Cindy (Junque Art)]

Wow all the tags are so beautiful and love the one from Jeanne! Ditto...You Go Girl!!! In my thoughts!!!

[Kerryanne English]

That tag is pefect and I'm sure all of those pretty tags would lift your spirits.
Hang in there Karin.
Hugs,
Kerryanne

[Emilie]

Oh I love all the tags! How SWEET! What a bunch of wonderful friends :)

[Karla]

I knew that lip gloss had to be yours as soon as I found it! Love those necklaces. They are beautiful. I hope the tags give you a lift and let you know that we are always with you.
Hugs,
Karla

[Kathy Jacobson]

I am so so glad you have your Mom close by, and your wonderful friends.

What thoughtful gifts...

Glad you received the tags! and so happy that they made you feel better...thinking of you...

XO
Kath

[beth]

oh karin !!! you know i am here !! and so glad the necklace brings you happiness !! i am soo happy the tags are bringing so much joy , and all the wonderful count chocula treats are a hoot !!! talk soon,
xo,
beth

[Laura]

Hello Karin, you are often in my thoughts lately. I don't comment much but have read your blog for a while. Wanted to tell you that you are an inspiration, and that although your beautiful posts obviously reflect what you are experiencing, they are so full of life as always...you are still YOU sweet girl. You're in my thoughts and prayers-
Laura
xxx

[Tina]

Oh Karin~
What a lovely post.
I love all the tags you received!
Judge Judy especially!
And the one in the photo that says:
"I am a magnificent radiant being"
That is such a perfect affirmation.
You are awesome!
Tinaxx

[jessi nagy]

hey hey sweet pea,

You sound like you are doing well.
im so glad you liked all the tags.
whenever your down, just pull em out. and know we all love ya sista!
that lip balm cracks me up. gee all the taste and flavor. zero calories. brilliant.
tee hee.
have a fab weekend.

oxoxox,
jessi

[Oh Merci]

Oh,reflexology! very very good for your health!!! :) and it feels so good!
Ok, I feel even better now, your Mom lives next door! All of those tags brimmming with LOVE! I know things are going to be good now! :) You are set up for success!
Hugs,
Mary

[Beverly]

Karin, I am so glad to come here and find your smiling face.

The tags are wonderful. You are a well loved lady.

Keep living and laughing. We are all here to lend support and prayers. You always have a smile for each of us.

We are missing you at Pink Saturday. ;-)

[Kathy]

WOW a foot massage -- delightful -- What a sweet friend -- the tags are wonderful
and your blog has always been a fun ,art inspiring part of my day -
Even more so now --Thank YOU !!
for being you !!! Kathy - ga

[Lori]

Karin, the tags from all of the girls who love ya in blogland look wonderful!!! hee hee on the lip gloss:) too funny!!! i'm glad that you have such a wonderful support system, what a blessing indeed!!!

[Jeanne]

That is too funny Karin...I didn't even realize that I made my tag with contrasting personalities on either side. I guess when you are in the mood for a tongue lashing, then you look at Judy...and when you need a soft place to land you can look at the pretty side!

Take care friend,
xo
jeanne

[sherri]

Glad you are enjoying the tags! I was cruising blogland and fell upon this & thought of you. Wish we could see all of her top 10's http://www.theluckynest.com/2008/11/making-fun-of-unfunny.html

[jkduncan58@gmail.com]

Hi Karin--stopping by to see how you're doing. Having your mother next door could not make me happier for you. SO GLAD about that. Bummed I didn't know about the group tag thingy--I'd have totally wanted to be in on it. Well, know that I'm there via an invisible tag when needed. :-) Take good care.

[Alison Gibbs]

Oh Karin, I have been so out of Blogland due to family issues for a couple of months and then when I catch up I find you have cancer.
My thoughts are with you for a wonderful recovery. How wonderful to get all those fabulous encouraging tags. Take care
Alison

[Dawn Binyon]

HI, I stopped by and it is so lovely to see the tag book that we contributed to, that Heather made for you. I hope you know how many fans you have and how we are ALL behind you 101%. Stay strong!

~Dawn