Friends are such a gift….and I am truly blessed with some amazing people that are in my life or have passed through my circle on my moments that I have been crazily be-bopping around this planet. Monday was a great get-together of some of the lovely ladies that I speak of. An impromptu soiree of some of my besties from up north or as the folks at Solare sometimes call PowaZonia….yes, that area some 20 miles north of the city, where Randy and I have made our home most of our 32 years in San Diego….POWAY.
I have to say, not all my besties were there, and from the response, this will certainly not be the last of these fabulous “Manic Monday” gatherings. Many were made up of the “teaching crowd”, the wonderful women who I’ve crossed paths with while working for the Poway School District and beyond. I have to say, some awe-inspiring folks, who dedicate their days to making the experience our children receive on a daily basis truly exceptional! I miss my everyday fun at Sundance Elementary, and the special group that worked with me in the ASD Pre-K Special Day Class. I have to recognize and put out a tremendous shout-out to that wonderful handful of women….Dana, Adie, Dee, Omana, MJ, Diane and Karin. You guys made the 10 years working alongside you a gift and some beautiful friendships that I truly treasure.
So, on Monday evening, my family, Brian and Tommy brought Solare to our “Party Patio” and did their Momma proud!! We had fabulous food and wonderful cocktails and the men in my life really brought a loved filled smile to my face. I have talked about those special moments when you actually take time and realize that this is it, when you take a breath and absorb the love and embrace it, my boys gave me that on Monday, thank you Brian and Tommy, you are the best!! I don’t believe this will be an easy evening to top, from the food and beverage front, but you know me, we will certainly try!!
It was a truly wonderful way to start a bit of a stressful week….Tuesday was a morning filled with doctor’s appointments, lab work and x-rays. We went to my ”Lung Guy”, got tapped for another 1.5 liters, sorta kinda knew that was coming, still not anything I looked forward to…..crazy to say, they have drained well over 2 gallons of this excess fluid since this all started, just 2 months ago. At this point, we are aware of the possible need for a catheter for my left lung….I am just not ready for it…I may be vain… may be not accepting it….I just know, that once this is in, it will be apart of me and right now, I am not ready to accept it as part of who I am, YET…..now I know in the not too distant future, there won’t be a choice about a lung catheter for me and my family to self-drain excess fluids at home, but right now I am holding out as long as I can for my new normal without it!!
As I type, I am reflecting on my second round of Chemo, which starts in a few hours. I am an early morning blogger today, but sometimes my best stuff flows during the pre-dawn hours. So today, I am thinking of all my peeps, those special friends and family, near and far, thanks for spurring me on, for circling the wagons and showing me the love. There is no better time for it, and I need all the good, pure thoughts that you all put out there in the universe…..don’t you worry either, I grab all that positivity, even though it might not all be for me…..I tend to share—so Randy, Brian and Tommy get the positive flow when I can spare it!!
So, as I smell the fresh air, clean from our recent rain, yep-that’s right, weather in San Diego, who would have thought, I get ready for my day and week beyond. I am very excited about my travels with my brother Andy, our plans are a bit flexible—but we definitely hit the road on Friday!! I will be taking tons of pictures, hopefully I will figure out the whole art of posting remotely, but know I will be thinking of you all as we travel the parks.
So, I was feeling the need for a burst of color—accordingly, that’s what I did yesterday—pink of course, with a wonderful splash of purple. I can say for sure, I am memorable….maybe I always have been, but now I know, people tend to remember the older chick with the “stop the show” pink and purple hair…..and that’s okay….it gives me power and I freakin’ need all the power I can muster right now!!
Peggy's Journey 
Thinking of you today, my friend. Having Dark and stormy’s watching the sun set over the harbor of Statia. Be ready for some cocktails and laughs when we get back!
LikeLike
Well, I made it thru my second round of chemo today….and I was thinking of you guys too…wishing I was in the dolphin seat or snorkeling or diving. Sounds like you are having a blast!! See you soon 🙂
LikeLike
Thinking about you and sending you 100% positive thoughts! You are a beautiful should my friend. Love. Petra
LikeLike
I hear some of the best research on my disease, mesothelioma, is being done in Italy, how about that! Thanks my friend 🙂
LikeLike
My country does pretty good in the research field… we have great minds… one of the things that make me proud. And.. I meant to say you are a beautiful SOUL!!!! this auto-corrector thing doesn’t like me at all… 😦
LikeLike
Ahhhh Petra- I knew what you were trying to say–auto correct isn’t my friend all the time either
LikeLike
Peggy, You look Marvelous. Pink beard again for you this week. The women we know is powering forward very nicely. Those men in your life are incredible, huge hearts. You just get all the Love you can. from your Besties. They are your warriors in the fight. We hope you have a great week being strong. Be Well. A huge blast of Love for our friend and see you soon.
Chris & Bea
LikeLike
Chris and Bea-Thank you, just heard from Randy about your own family medical emergency–Daisy is in my thoughts for a speedy recovery. I feel good, having finished my 2nd round of chemo. I am already planning my next get together at Rock-n-Pine and will talking with Bea about making the journey to Poway. Pure thoughts –love you guys 🙂
LikeLike
Hello from Ohio..Who is the mountain man in the beard to the left of the group ?? He looks amazingly like Scott, Lee’s middle Son who also is fond of the mountain man bushy beard, even in mid summer in humid NE Ohio. We must have some strong genes in the Kellogg/Smerik family. Sending you the most positive of vibes and strength of spirit.
Chris
LikeLike
Chris,
That mountain man is my baby Tommy–he does carry some awesome Kellogg/Smerik genes because he favors Randy in the strongest way. He has been sporting the Jeremiah Johnson look for almost 3 years and I don’t believe I will be seeing a clean shaven Tommy anytime soon. He is an excellent bartender though and both him and Brian did that on Monday, their only day off! I will be grabbing those positive vibes–am preparing for my National Park with my brother tomorrow–will be sending news remotely next week…can’t wait!!
LikeLike
You are sailing with us in spirit for sure. Keep strong!
LikeLike
Absolutely!! Loved the pics about the dolphin pod–how cool was that!! Happily survived round #2–am looking into getting a “port”,currently signed up for 6 rounds–my life just took a ride on the crazy turn through December-early January….It will all be good 🙂
LikeLike
You look great Peggy! And definitely never needed the pink hair to be memorable.
You have always been such a sweet, loving and generous person and I see that in
all the wonderful people surrounding you in all these pictures.
You keep the party going and we’ll keep sending the love and happy thoughts!
Have a good time with Andy.
LikeLike
Thanks Dottie….feeling pretty good–today is the day after chemo and I just feel off my game a bit…..but all in all not bad. I am getting ready for my road trip with Andy…in my Mini….not the trip I was planning in the spring, but you sorta gotta roll with what comes your way!! Think of you often “Old Friend”, can’t wait till our paths meet again 🙂 Much Love
LikeLike
c
WordPress.com | peggyisawesome posted: “Friends are such a gift….and I am truly blessed with some amazing people that are in my life or have passed through my circle on my moments that I have been crazily be-bopping around this planet. Monday was a great get-together of some of the lovely ladi” | |
LikeLike
love you peggy – just that – love like big hugs and warm healing thoughts!!!!
LikeLike
Love love love the Hugs!!
LikeLike