Miss G and Miss L are the kind of people that have your back. They care and are among a very few co-workers that I can honestly say give a crap and I can call friends.

One day I lost the diamond out of my engagement ring. It fell out of the setting and needless to say it was an upsetting experience. Miss G went with me to look for the diamond. Can you believe it? She found it in one of four elevators in our building. What are the chances? I call her me little Me-e-can friend. She is Hispanic and I am not stereotyping. She is Mexican and she teaches me about her culture.

Miss L is like a  surrogate mother. Not that I need one. Still, she has offered me money, housing, and wisdom. She tries her best to feed you at every turn. At one point she kept a jar of candy on her desk so the office could indulge. Everyday she would offer candy to me. I am not much of a sweet eating person. I told her to fill the jar with pizza and I would be all over that.

Anyway, we decided to make our lunch date a monthly occurrence. I look forward to luncheon with the ladies. Man, am I getting old or what?

No, just filling my heart.

Here is an illustration of the Service “A” uniform.

When the general attends private social events, Sgt Honda dresses in a suit and tie. Here he is in front of car that carries the general. Nice.

Yes the car is cool, but I prefer to see a fine young man dressed in suit any day.

Anyway, Grandma M told me that the PA called her Kiddo. I did not think much of it at the time. I just figured it was a term of endearment and you know she worked in a doctor office as a young woman and times were different then.

This Monday we saw the PA. I do believe he called her Kiddo about fifty times. If you think I am exaggerating go ahead and ask Grandma M. At one point I thought to myself if he calls her Kiddo one more time I might have to remove Grandma M from the office while I have a conversation with this guy.

It did not come to that. I controlled myself. I get he is part of the staff and meant no harm. But Holy Cow, she is Mrs. Grandma M. Not Kiddo. I will not even go into the ditzy lady in the check out area.

Outside of that, we are down to less than 2 1/2 weeks of radiation and 2 more chemo treatments. For some reason the chemo treatments seem to lesson in time. We were out on Monday in record time. Our nurse was funny this week as he caught us staring at the IV bag.

He said, “You know, a watched bag never empties.”

My reply, “Yea, we know.”

Onward  Kiddo.

What is more amazing is her life story. She had a hard childhood. She went on to marry a wonderful man and led a productive, decent life. She became a nurse and gave to others. She was always active and led a healthy life.

The pastor said that she did four things every day.

She read a verse from Proverbs to gain wisdom.

She ate oatmeal.

She ate grapefruit.

She walked her dog twice a day.

When I heard this I thought, “Well, at least I do one of those things, i.e. dog walking.”

Maybe this is the key to a long and prosperous life or maybe not. It does show discipline and faith. I like that. I am lucky to have met Lady Red’s family. I realized today that I never knew her grandma’s name. She was simply known as “Grams.”

Yesterday as I read her memory card I learned her name.

Rest peacefully Grams in heaven.

Chemo is going well. We both wish they could just squeeze the crap into her a little faster. I joked about learning how to speed up the drip. (Yes everyone, it is a joke! If we can not have humor once in awhile our heads will blow off.)

We found out that our radiation friends live only a few blocks away. Small world even in the cancer world. I enjoy our daily conversations in the waiting room. They’ve lived in the neighborhood for about 40 years. The husband told me the spot that my house was built on was once a dumping ground for everything you could imagine. Great. Explains the stuff that turns up in my yard. I figure in about 10 to 20 years I will meet up with my neighbors in the chemo room.

Seriously though, I am pleased with the progress. The doctors are too. I saw the radiation doctor on TV a couple of weeks ago. He was surprised because he did not know when the show was supposed to air. Makes sense. Busy guy.

As for me, I am fairing well. Tired sometimes yes. I still believe I am getting more than I am giving. Could be wrong, but I do not think so.

Here is a chart showing the colors for cancer ribbons and bracelets. So far I have worn 3 colors. I think that is about enough.

That is all I have to say about that.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Grandma M is tolerating the treatments well. Just do not give her any mind altering drugs or extra steroids thank you very much. Trouble sleeping and coping is something plaguing all of us at this point. She asked me how people can get hooked on narcotics and then proceed to function through life. My answer was simple. “I have no idea Mom. I can’t do pills either.”

My solution to insomnia is to watch some old episode of The Waltons or Little House on the Prairie or to do what I am doing now. Blog. If you can not beat them, join them. The interwebs never sleep.

I’ve also thought about setting up the 3am club. We could call or text another person and see if they are awake too. Only that might disturb the people that we live with who  actually sleep all night.

Anyway, tired or not we continue to fight.

He called to tell me about a movie he had just finished watching. The movie is called Courageous and is about four police officers and their relationships with their wives and children. I have not seen the movie as I am writing this post. I plan to see it soon.

Here is the trailer.

Click here to view the embedded video.

My son called to tell me he was moved by the interaction with one man and his child or should I say the lack of interaction. Sgt. Honda does not have children yet. I do know he very much wants to be a father. The movie brought out several emotions in my son. One being that he was not sure if he would one day be a good father. Let’s just say those feelings are justified and leave it at that.

I assured him he did not have anything to worry about. I think most people wonder if they will succeed at parenting. Sure we all make mistakes because we are humans. I told him I know he will be a great father because I raised him and all of my children to be good people. I told him once again that I am proud of him. I am PROUD of all my children. And grandchildren.

I always find it amazing that no matter how old your children become, they will always be your babies in your heart. Needing you to reassure them at certain points. Fixing the owies so to speak.

Sometimes you can not do that. But you still try to do your best.

Sgt. Honda, all will be well.

Anyway, here are some of my favorites.

My son-in-law Tango and D.D.

My daughter Cinderella and Butterfly.

Can you believe this child is 10 and as tall as her mom?

D.D. and Butterfly. Ohhh…

The B family. Tango, Cinderella, Butterfly, and D.D.

Donnie continues to live in our hearts.

I have to say that I love candles. I think that are wonderful way to decorate and scent the home. I have never been one for spray air fresheners or those plug-in devices. Most of the time they are too strong and people in my family end up with headaches.

I recently learned of PartyLite candles. The candles and accessories are purchased through home parties and online. Close to 60,000 people all over the world sell the candles at a PartyLite party. The candles are Platinum Quality meaning you cannot buy a higher end candle anywhere else!

PartyLite also provides reed diffusers, home décor, and candle warmers.  I recently rented a home and was pleased to find a reed diffuser sitting in the kitchen. The subtle scent is exactly what I find pleasing.

I am sure that my family and friends would enjoy attending a PartyLite home party. I have to admit, much more exciting than those plastic kitchenware parties that we have all endured in the past.

Please like the PartyLite Facebook page to find out about the latest online offers or to find out how you can host your own party. You can check out the new PartyLite 2012 Winter/Spring catalog that includes the newest candle products.

Becoming a PartyLite consultant is a great way for stay-at-home moms to earn extra income without having to leave the children. Plus, you can earn candles, home décor, and accessories at little to no cost.

If you are a candle lover like me I would take a look at PartyLite products. Get started filling your home with aromatic scents and delightful home décor.