My Infinite Lizdom

Hello Boobleites,

Hope everyone's enjoying their break from bread and vices this EastOver season. Spring is upon us and I don't think it could get here fast enough. My shmoop and I are taking a share in a house out east this summer and I can just feel the sun freckling (read: damaging) my face as I write this. It's just another gift for which I have to be thankful. 

While on the topic of being thankful, I had a good doctor's appointment on Thursday. I hadn't had a follow up in a month and my on-call-ogist said my lungs sound OK despite the residual hack I have from the cold I caught a couple of weeks ago. It's a bit reminiscent of my "cancer cough" which is a bit disturbing, but the chest x-ray was fine (e.g. no pneumonia, no evidence of new tumors) and surprisingly, with the exception of the cough, I bounced back rather quickly. The next cat scan of my lungs will take place in mid-April. Stay tuned for more good news.

I've recently stumbled across postings on a few websites that some people taking Xeloda get very weepy. I definitely have found myself getting emotional sometimes when I least expect it. A few months ago on the way to my friend Nicola's baby shower I met up with my friend Kate and when I saw her I started sobbing. I was fine at the shower but when I was saying good-bye to Nicola, I sobbed more. Trust me when I say I love both of these ladies and like most friends I don't see them nearly enough, but I typically don't weep when I see them. I couldn't tell if my tears were a result of my "cancer wounds" still being fresh, if it's the Xeloda, or perhaps I'm just overwhelmed with the abundance of love I have in my life (but maybe once took for granted)? This past Sunday I told my friend Tara about a really sweet gesture someone recently made for me and her response was, Liz, this doesn't surprise me; people love you. I'm tearing up as I write this. 

The gesture? In January I was introduced to this fabulous jewelry designer, Pauletta Brooks. I bought a few of her pieces (no, not all for me!) at a trunk show that took place in her awesome Chelsea loft and subsequently I made a couple more purchases on line. I've been in touch with Pauletta a few times to tell her I get oodles of compliments whenever I wear my geode pendant and that I am now on the market for an amethyst piece from her collection; I read about the stone's amazing healing properties, specifically but hardly limited to the lungs. Lo and behold two days later I get a little package from Pauletta, a woman I've personally met only once. She sent me a blue velvet pouch filled with amethyst stones, which I now carry around with me daily. Of course when I opened the package, the waterworks opened as well.

The hugs, phone calls, emails, stones, stoner cookies(!), songs, a green tambourine.........is there an end to this love because I have an infinite capacity for more! And speaking of infinity, my sister-in-law Harumi, a burgeoning sculptor, blew me away with her recent project, Infinity. Harumi was inspired to make Infinity this year as a tribute to my stepmother, Arlene, who has been dealt a hardcore crappy cancer card (pancreatic has metastasized to several organs), myself and all the other women in the world struggling with cancer. It's with heavy heart that I share Harumi lost her mother to cancer when she was just a teenager and the love and passion she has for wanting to help others shows in this beautiful piece of work.

May I present to you, Infinity...

Some information about Infinity:

Style:                 Female bust sculpture without a base

Title:                  “Infinity”

Medium:             Plaster cast

Color:                 Plaster white             

Size:                  W 4.5” x D 2 3/4” x H 5 3/4” 

Weight:               616g/1.35 lbs.  

About Harumi:

Harumi moved to New York from Tokyo with her husband in 2004.  She studied Life Figure Sculpture at The Art Students League in Manhattan with Jonathan Shahnstarting in 2007.  To understand more about human anatomy and form, she also began drawing live figures at the Spring Studio in SoHo run by Minerva Durham.  She continues to draw live models to get inspirations. 

Harumi studied Environmental Design at Joshibi University of Art and Design in Tokyo, Japan, where she trained herself to feel and read light, shadow and air flow. In that sense, her works can be a part of space wherever they belong or the other way around, where they create space.

Harumi has created a mold for this project which means that it can be duplicated. Currently only three have been made and mine sits proudly on a side table in the Barbie Dreamhouse (my apt). If you are interested in purchasing this beauty (and seeing some of Harumi's other works; I'm a huge fan of her drawings), the cost is $350 a portion of which will be donated to the charity of your choice. Please let me know if you are interested and I will put you in touch with the artist; the turnaround time for the final piece is approximately two months. 

I know I'm probably biased, but I really love this sculpture. I like to think she is looking into the future wondering what life will bring her while at the same time wondering how she will use all of her strength, determination, and support of others to get there.  I'd love to hear your thoughts about Infinity, too.

Well, folks, it's a beautiful day, the sun is shining and I'm inspired to go out and make the best of this day. I hope you will do the same. 

My heartfelt thanks to all who are reading this. 

Much love, 

Elizabeth

  

Much Ado About Everything & Nothing

Hi All,

Been out of touch with a broken computer and then spent a few days in Florida visiting family. I've had so many different things to blog about running through my head so pardon this mismash of stuff.

Arts & Leisure (Occurred February 10th)

I don't how to express my thanks to Katia Floreska who gave a shout out to me at Joe's Pub. Katia is one of the regulars of The Loser's Lounge, one of NYC's best bands. They perform every 6-8 weeks at JP (part of the Public Theater) and on each occassion the band (called the Custard Kings) pays tribute to one or two bands with each of the 20 guest singers doing their own interpretation of one of the featured band's songs. This night happened to be a battle of the bands: James Taylor vs Cat Stevens and there was no doubt in my mind for whom I was cheering. Though I like JT now and then (love "Smiling Face"), I remember listening to my dad's Cat Stevens Greatest Hits 8-track in what we called our music room (it once had a piano which was replaced by an 8-track player). The music absolutely resonated with me and every now and then when I can't sleep, I play his music. Well, Katia and I made eye contact while she was on stage and I about two rows away. After she was introduced she announced something to the effect of, I don't want to embarass this person, but I want to dedicate this next song to my friend Liz Belson. Shit. Embarrassed? Hell no, I was so blown away by this gift. And what followed blew me away even more. Katia killed it!!! Listen for yourself here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=RrJZH_AgQy0

Katia, I love you and happy belated birthday! Peace to YOU, Babe!

Travel (Originally drafted in Fla on March 2nd)

I am sitting in my favorite spot of my family's house, that is, my feet are propped up on an ottoman in front of the pool, looking out at the 16th hole. I just read an article in a local rag about whether or not a woman with breast cancer that metastasized to her lungs and bones would benefit from medical marijuana. Is there really a debate over this? Ok, maybe smoking it isn't the best idea but certainly a brownie as opposed to two or more alternative toxic meds referenced in the article would be ideal, don't you think?  No need to answer, we all know there's a "right" answer.  Somehow this article managed to really piss me off. The woman is 68 years old, has advanced cancer and some doctor is nervous that she might have anxiety from her reaction to the marijuana.  Something's wrong with this picture.

In the meantime, while a bit chilly (Honey, you should take a sweater kind of chilly), taking in a little vitamin D while looking out at palm trees is so relaxing. I do love the change of seasons in NY and I'd never suggest living in a hot climate year round but as I get older I realize I have a need to escape the cold and grey New York I call home.  It all seems so complicated though. One has to keep track of vacation days, consider costs for travel and work around other people's schedules. I was talking to a co-worker the other day and he said he's so excited because he's about to enter his 15th year on the job and now he's entitled to four weeks vacation.  FIFTEEN years at the same job. He then told me how some of the other staff have been working 40 years (!) and they get five weeks vacation. On the one hand, this speaks well about the job, for few people will last 40 years at a job these days. On the other hand, this makes me think, is this what life is about? Busting your butt so that in 15 years you're entitled to what I think is a very reasonable amount of time off to give everyone? I've no idea where I am going with this thought other than it seems there must be a happy balance to work and play (travel) and I haven't really figured out a way to master that yet.

Palm Trees, Sunshine, Green Grass               Fabulous Tree Near Dad's House Makes Me Happy

Style Section 
A major FASHION DON'T as seen at the Mets vs Marlins spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, FL...A grown woman sporting pig tails with Scuncis and a Mets cap. Need I say more? (Yes, I can be a B!t¢H)

 
Health & Nutrition (Tune in March 16th)

Next Saturday, March 16th @ 5PM, I'll be a guest on the radio show Stirring The Pot on WPPB 88.3FM I'll be joining radio show host and nutritionist Stefanie Sacks with whom I've had the great privilege of consulting and the author of The Cancer Fighting Kitchen, Rebeca Katz, talking about, what else, fighting cancer with a healthy diet and lifestyle!

Through a partnership with Hamptons’ NPR— Peconic Public Broadcasting (WPPB)-- the show airs through Eastern Long Island and Southern CT. You can also catch it via live stream or if you miss the show, check out the podcast). I believe I'm scheduled to come on during the last 10 or 20 minutes of the show.

I also want to share this tidbit of info one of my Cancer Dancer (see old dance recital blog post from 2009) friends Zulma passed on to me. I've yet to try this but plan to purchase one this weekend and will let you know if it offers me any relief:

Anti-Nausea Wristband Offers Sigh of Relief

Last but not least in this section, I want to mention the approval for use of the new drug Kadcyla http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/22/health/breast-cancer-drug  to help treat women with Her2 positive metastatic breast cancer. Thanks to several of you who thought to pass on this information to me. The drug does not treat my type of cancer as I am not Her2 positive, but it will certainly help millions of other women!! Another reason to think positive!

Local News

On February 13th I took my first follow Cat scan with contrast since I began chemo on Christmas Eve 2012. I will spare you the details of that day's awful appointment but I will tell you that I had to have not one, but two of those horrid fart bag drinks; if you saw a mushroom cloud rise above your home that day, it was me passing by.

Anyway, the results of the scan showed no change in size of the tumors. At first I thought this wasn't great news, but the doctor's reaction was good because they didn't get bigger. The idea is to contain the disease, that is, prevent it from spreading and of course if possible, shrink or eliminate the tumors. The fact that symptomatically I am better, that is, my cough is gone, is a good indication that the chemo is working. The next scan will take place in about another month and seeing as even more time will have passed, maybe we'll see more improved results.

In the meantime, my Xeloda schedule is still 2 in the AM and two in the PM for seven days every other week. It definitely is a tolerable dose but I will say I am feeling the side effects as it builds up in my system. My feet are sore and blistered and the nausea persists for a few days after the Xeloda cycle has ended (hence I will try the wristband and continue with the acupuncture). This of course is nothing compared to what other people in treatment endure so I'm not complaining. 

On that note I want to leave you with this video which was passed on to me shortly after my diagnosis. I've yet to watch it without weeping so be warned. For those of you who don't know pop singer Kelly Clarkson (first winner of American Idol), this song held different meaning to her when it was written but I think this is amazing. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihGCj5mfCk8

FIGHT!!

xxxxEliXabethxxx

The ¢o$t of Cancer

Yesterday I had some time to kill before a dinner and I found myself roaming around Bloomingdale's. My feet were hurting so I went in the shoe department and asked if I could have a pair of little half pads to put in my shoes. Next thing I know I left with a pair of hand made leather and fabric boots from Mexico. I then meandered into my favorite Free People section to see if there were any good sales.  Alas, I left with a pair of black and silver lamé pants. On my way out I detoured through the cosmetics section (for those who don't know it, I'm a cosmetics junkie). I didn't see anything I wanted but a salesperson (who I later called the hooker) lured me in by telling lil' ol' vulnerable me how great I looked but wouldn't I want to sit down and see how he can miraculously brighten my eyes? I obliged and figured, hey, I'll just let him show me a few items so I look good for dinner while I rest my sore feet. The equivalent of a mortgage payment later...

I have to admit that normally I can just as easily persuade myself not to buy something as I could to buy something. But now things are different because you know, I have this card. Not the credit card, the cancer card. With each purchase I found myself saying, Fuck it, why not, life is too short to care, as my conscience was saying, Really, do you need this? You realize chemo doesn't eradicate credit card bills, right?... Well, we all know which side won. There's something to be said for retail therapy and I believe as long as I can admit it, then it's OK. 

Along with retail therapy come other monetary costs for having cancer. There are medical co-pays, switching to organic foods, weekly massages, visits to the acupuncturist, a nutritionist, a healer, taxi cabs to all of these appointments, supplements, specialty books, and it's yet to be determined if I'll visit the Chinese herb specialist. Not everyone makes these choices, but I do because I believe that chemo alone is not going to help me win this fight. 

The biggest price to pay though, and the point of today's entry, is not doing anything (or everything) when you feel there's something wrong with you. From the time I resurfaced on this blog, I've failed to mention how the discovery of the cancer in my lungs happened. Simply put, I had a very persistent cough. Over the course of the year I had had some aches and pains and one result of my hormone levels seemed unusually high. But the levels came down after going off Tamoxiphen and the aches and pains were partially attributed to said medication (according to my last oncologist). This cough though, it wouldn't go away for months, if anything it just got worse. One doctor suggested I had a post-nasal drip and prescribed nasal steroids, which when I used them, made me choke more. I thought my new work environment (basement level of a very old building) was not healthy and reluctantly I had to consider changing jobs. 

Finally in mid-September on a sunny day out in the Hamptons, after months of taking cough serums and allergy medicine, my bubby friend, Dana aka Dana Banana aka Dr. Dana, said to me, Liz, I want you to get a chest X-ray tomorrow and come see me in my office. And so I did. And that X-ray led to a Cat scan which resulted in a visit to the pulmonologist and so on and so forth. If Dana hadn't pushed me to get that X-ray, perhaps at some point I would've gotten one, but really my next thought was to go to an ENT and who knows how much longer and more rounds of antibiotics it would've taken me to get one. Because really, who would've thought I had cancer? Honestly, even when I learned there were tumors all over my lungs, until the chemo helped get rid of the cough, I insisted the cough was due to a nasal issue. 

This isn't to say that if you have a cough you should be freaking out because you have cancer. What I'm trying to get across is, if you have a condition that's not going away, look at all of your options including getting second opinions. In retrospect I wonder why the first doctor didn't send me for a chest X-ray, but perhaps he didn't want to be an alarmist. Or perhaps he just didn't know what he was doing. I don't know and at this point I don't care. I do know now that you have to always consider your entire medical history and you want a doctor who can think out of the box. 

So with that said, I'd like to dedicate this entry to Dana Gail Cohen, my friend since elementary school, whose birthday was yesterday and who has been by my side throughout this whole ordeal. I love you, Dana Banana, and will never forget how you have managed to be both a friend and a doctor to me, a difficult task when you're so close. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

I leave you with super warm wishes on this snowy day for a great weekend, one during which you enjoy everything you do and the person with whom you're doing it, even if it's just yourself. 

Love, 

Liz

PS Photo credits to my friend Adam whose message about fighting I included in my last entry. I edited the Rocky type so I could really put the message out to the universe! 

Fight, Fight, Fight!

Just a quick update to say that last week I tolerated the low dose of Xeloda very well. One side effect, hand and foot syndrome, is somewhat inevitable. Last week my feet felt like I was walking on hot sand and my toes were blistered. My hands got very dry and started to peel. I constantly slather on Udderly Smooth and Bag Balm, both recommended on any Xeloda related website, and I'm still experiencing this but it could always be a lot worse (think back three or four weeks ago). This week I'm Xeloda free and happy to report my feet feel just fine. Other than that I just experienced some fatigue. 

Today I went to the oncologist for my bi-weekly check up and to have my blood drawn. I got on the scale and he said, I see you're getting back to your fighting weight! Ugh, what woman every wants to hear THAT? Last time I heard something similar, a male friend said, Now, don't take this the wrong way, but it looks like you put on weight but it looks good on you. I think there was a backhanded compliment in there, but ladies, you KNOW I went home and torched the dress I was wearing. This time however, I'll take it. My appetite is good and I'm eating healthy cancer fighting foods despite what the doc says (Stop driving yourself crazy; go ahead and eat some McDonald's. He doesn't know me very well.). I met with nutritionist Stefanie Sacks yesterday who reviewed my health history and is coming back with some healthy meal ideas for both when I'm on and off chemotherapy. Anyone have a Vitamix they care to unload on me?

As prescribed by my onc, starting Monday I will increase the Xeloda dose by one pill. For seven days I'll take three pills in the AM (up from two) and two in the evening. Then I'm Xeloda free for seven days after which I'll probably go for a chest X-ray to see if there's any noticeable change. My cough has definitely subsided so something must be going right! 

Keeping in the "fighting spirit" I wanted to share a text I received today from a childhood friend with whom I only socialize about once a year, yet whenever I see him, it's as if I see him every day. I was so touched by this. He said, Yeah you are def a warrior and i know u will kick ass again. Sorry that this is a recurring battle it should be just once and done which is bad enough- but u will knock that C down again and again if necessary. you got the right support weapons that have your back. I will plan to come by to rub your shoulders, wring a cold wet towel down your neck, stop the cut above your eye, plug your nostrils with cotton, put your mouth piece back in after you spit in the spitoon and then slap you on the ass to get back in the ring to bite the c's ear off.

I'm wondering, should I turn in my Wonder Woman costume for Rocky's satin robe? 

That's all for now, folks. Hope everyone is reading this somewhere warm and cozy. I must admit I've allowed myself to take a lot more cabs these days to escape the cold and I think I'm even playing the cancer card with myself. Heck, it's worth it. 

Love to all,

Liz

Carvel cake from my family's Queen for The Day b'day celeb last Sunday...

Can you guess what I wished for?

A bracelet my friend Cecilia sent to me from Sweden. Who needs diamonds?

(Sandy, I don't really mean that :)

Have your cake and eat it too.... 

A sweet idea from a friend's daughter to help raise money for Breast Cancer research and treatment: 

CUPCAKES VS. CANCER

Hello All, 

I've committed to participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. 39.3 miles people!  This is way more than anything I've done at the gym. It's a big commitment, one that will require me to spend the next several months training and fundraising. But breast cancer is a big disease, one that still affects far too many people, and I'm determined to do everything I can to help put an end to it.

I CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOUR HELP! Though I'm required to raise at least $1,800 to walk in the event, I hope to raise much more! I hope that I can count on your support.

So to start off the New Year, I will bake you a dozen Mooncake Cupcakes for a donation of $35 or more.  Delicious and light, my mooncake cupcakes are frosted with red bean buttercream, vanilla cake, a red bean surprise center and edible chocolate pocky chopsticks.

If you're in the Manhattan, Queens or Greenwich, CT area,

I'll be delivering February 8th, 9th and 10th.

To make a donation by credit card and receive your cupcakes, or any donation at all,

please visit my personal page at:

http://info.avonfoundation.org/goto/xsydneyng

Or contact me if you are interested in paying in cash or check.

I hope, together, we can have our cake and eat it too!

Love you all,

XiaoHwa Sydney Ng

917.678.2496

xsydneyng@gmail.com

Birthdays Are For The Living

The last time I wrote, I was excited to report I experienced hunger pangs. Well, let me tell you, I've come a long way, baby. 

When Sandy and I left the on-call-o-gist's office last Thursday, I turned to him and said, You know, I think I'm going to be able to rally on Saturday for my birthday. We need to make some dinner plans. Sandy asked me what I was craving and I told him that what I really wanted was some bolognese. With that, we both looked at one another and simultaneously said, Sfoglia. 

Sfoglia is this rustic Italian restaurant on the Upper East Side. I'm almost nervous to tell you about it because it's already hard enough to get a reservation.  I learned about this little gem while flying back from visiting Dad in FL on a Jet Blue flight. Sitting next to me was this fabulous woman poring over newspapers while laughing at me laughing at The Office. We got to chatting, one thing led to another and Maury told me she does the PR for this great restaurant and I ought to go. Little did I know when we'd land I'd turn on my phone to hear a message, Come to the hospital now, Mom's about to have brain surgery, but that's another story. After Mom recovered I made a point to check out the famous bolognese at Sfoglia and I was sold! 

I gave Sandy Maury's card and said, Maury'll make it happen and she did. We got a private room upstairs where we enjoyed a four course meal with a few friends (PLEASE NOTE, THIS ROOM IS SMALL AND THIS WAS LAST MINUTE. IF I COULD I'D'VE INVITED EVERYONE!) and instead of blowing out a candle in my birthday cake, I blew out a candle in my bolognese. Now THIS is living!! The wine flowed, the conversation flowed and the night was simply magical.

The following day, Sandy and I first left the Barbie Dream House at 3pm and went on a little shopping spree. Thanks to Dad, I bought myself a mini-iPad (funny, I just made a typo, iDad) not because I need it, but because I wanted it. (I now have four Apple devises in varying sizes.) Our next stop was Best Buy to look at TV's. Sandy not only hooked me up with gigunda smart TV and sound system to replace the old relics in my armoire, but who knew my new little iPad can basically run this TV and I think even a small country. More living!! (If you consider sitting on a couch watching movies on a big screen living. I do.)

Next stop, the diner, where I got an hour of QT with my friends Gina and Clinton who showered me with love, a homemade birthday card (made with paper and magic markers supplied by the diner) and Levaine's cookies (that's a plug for another entry, but net net, one bite and you've died and gone to heaven). Still more living!! We then went home, I made a long over due phone call, watched the Globes and Downton Abbey and conked out by 1AM. Considering I was so exhausted Friday night that I thought I wouldn't make it out Saturday, this was one helluva birthday. 

Now it's Monday, I'm 46 years old and happy and I have to start popping these friggin' pills again. I took pills 1 and 2 of my 2nd cycle this AM after breakfast. I'm feeling fine, though awfully tired, but I cannot blame the Xeloda for that. My feet are starting to blister and I can blame the Xeloda for that. After work, thanks to Mom, I visited Dr. Wu my new acupuncturist and that was definitely an experience. According to the Chinese calendar I am a "horse" (and I am going out with a monkey),  which is apparently a good sign but with it brings metal and the two key organs on which I need to focus are my kidneys and lungs. Dr. Wu spoke with me for about 45 minutes and then put about 25-30 needles in one arm, both legs and my abdominal area, and one sent a crazy electric shock through my foot. I conked out for 30 minutes and left with an appointment for next week and directions on how to keep my chi flowing. 

So here I sit, typing away, ready to take pills 3 and 4 and retire for the night. But I do not fret because it's these magical, poisonous, toxic pills that are going to help me keep on living. I will take my friend, Zulma's advice and say a prayer each time before swallowing them.

Happy birthday to me and thanks to each of you for really being the best present anyone can ask for. Just when I thought I couldn't get anymore weepy, here I weep, wondering how someone can have so much love in her life. 

I am eternally grateful.

Peace,

Liz

Birthday bolognese!

The X-Factor Part Duex

I'm going to get straight to the point tonight. I'm so sleepy, still catching up from being down. 

I saw Dr. Brunckhorst today. The long and the short of it is that I will try the Xeloda again. If you remember, even if you don't, I was originally prescribed 4 pills AM/3 pills PM for 14 days on and then seven days off. My stomach was feeling the effects by day eight but I called the doc on day 10 at which point I stopped. We then know what happened for five days after. 

This time I will try 2 pills AM/2 pills PM for only seven days on and seven days off. So essentially, everything's been cut in half and we'll see how I tolerate it. If OK, then perhaps I increase it by one more pill and so forth and so on. As I quoted the doc in an earlier post, 10 people can be on this drug and 10 people will have different Rx's.

My next day to begin treatment is this Monday, January 14th. Let's all cross fingers, toes, cross-your-heart-bras, etc. 

In the meantime, on Sunday when I was struggling with extreme nausea, I spoke with my friend, Mayu, who is a doctor whose specialty is palliative care. I asked for any cures she might have and we discussed what medications I was taking, etc. I told her I felt bad about calling my doctor every day including Saturday and Sunday. She said, don't worry, oncologists know to expect to always receive calls. So I said, Well, then they should be called On-call-ogists. She paused for a moment and then, AHA! I shared that with my Oncallogist Brunckhorst today and he got a kick out of it and said he wished he heard it this weekend because his phone was ringing non-stop. 

So that's my chuckle for the day. Reminder: Laughter is therapy!!

I also leave you with this video of an excellent prank that has gone viral today.

Love,

Funnybone Belson

http://gawker.com/5974529/this-invisible-drive+thru-customer-prank-is-simple-brilliant

Chicken Soup is Good For The Soul (c)

WOW, what a day! I'm like a new person.

No, I didn't have a day at the spa. No, I didn't climb a huge mountain. No, I didn't see a new episode of the Graham Norton Show (sadly, I've watched all of those). Nope, today I went to work (made it til 4:00PM) and ate chicken soup!

You must think I lead a very uneventful life but let me tell you, after being bedridden for five days and existing on nothing but toxins, Imodium, Saltines and ginger tea*, this was huge!! Weak and tired I dragged my sorry arse into work and was met with a variety of comments including, Hey, are you alright? And, Liz, you look beat up, you should go home! OK, one co-worker said I looked as lovely as ever to which I replied, Now I know you're lying.

After putting out fires for a few hours it was time to head home. On the way out I told my boss, I have a hunger pang!! This meant nothing to him. He said, so, go eat something. Durrr. I was hungry! HUNGRY! This was such a great sign! Anyway, Mom said she wanted to come by...I just want to look at you.... I'll watch you nap. Who can resist? And, it's her b'day tomorrow. We both fessed up we hadn't done anything for one another's b'days this year as we've been wrapped up in the X Factor. So she came by and I ordered in some good ol' fashioned chicken soup with a few potatoes and carrots. Yummmmmmmm....the elixer of the sick gods. It was heavenly and if not for my mom telling me to be careful, I would've demolished the whole container. Shortly after my brother and his wife stopped by with some provisions (e.g. Gatorade) and we caught up with this n that with a few 100 Seinfeld jokes in between.

After they left, I made another batch of ginger tea, spoke to my Shmoopy and now I'm doing my daily homework prescribed by the Integrative Healing Coach I met yesterday (remember, writing makes me happy) before retiring to bed.

Believe it or not, this has been the highlight of 2013 for me, and I'm glad to be able to share it with you!

Remember to stop and smell the roses!

Love,

eLiz.

PS. Sandy told me how to make this tea. Boil four c. of water. Cut a 2" piece of ginger, thinly slice it and toss in water; let it simmer for 20 minutes. Strain ginger. Let cool. Add a tad of honey to taste to one c. This tea is soothing and invigorating and great for nausea should you need it.