Sunshine!

Wow, the sun is out today and it feels so good! I had Herceptin today, and of course saw Dr. Kaplan. I did indeed try another estrogen blocker and quit taking it, too, after three days. Jesus, I had a nightmare I was in some huge house under lock and key because there were bad guys trying to get in. No one would tell me exactly what was going on, but it involved espionage. I credit that to the fact that I had recently finished the Millennium series of books.
Anyway, I was in my bedroom in this mansion, and I saw a shadowy figure in the window, and I'm not kidding, it was the Grim Reaper. Of course I couldn't scream, like it happens with so many people and bad dreams, but then when I did - it was out loud - and LOUD! The dog started barking, and I woke up just freaked out. No more estrogen blockers.
Dr. Kaplan understands. I told him I had horrendous PMS when I did have menses, and those damn pills made me feel like I have 24/7 PMS. It's okay. I've done everything else to stave off the cancer. So, all in all, I'm doing famously, and my reconstructive surgery is six weeks from today!! Can't wait to get a new boob!
All my girls are lined up now; Colleen made her reservations yesterday, so in order - I'll have Laurie, Taryn then Colleen coming to be my nurses. At the tail end of Colleen's stay, we're going to Aerosmith at the Tacoma Dome! Nothing can slow this girl down.
I'm feeling so hopeful, Lord knows why. I still haven't found a "real job," but with the advice, inspiration and support of a few other writer friends, I'm dipping my toe into serious freelancing. So, we'll see how it goes.
And I have big, great news! Love and smooches to my dear Jill and Viv, aka Wave Journey.com, a fabulous travel web site. They are leaving for Europe Friday and won't be back until August 10 (I know, brats!) A couple years ago they went on a sailing adventure on the Schooner Zodiac out of Bellingham, and wrote about it for Wave. They were invited to come back and write about an upcoming wine cruise through the San Juans (one of my favorite places!) and of course they can't go, because they'll be in Europe. So, they asked the first mate if another writer could come in their place, and guess who that is? ME! Yay! I'm so psyched! I will be a guest, for free, and write a story for Wave Journey. I'm also hoping to pitch it to perhaps a wine magazine or a Northwest Mag. Viv said the food is great, too. They feed us three nice meals a day, plus snacks and wine. I'll have a berth for accommodations, but Viv said it's private when I pull my little curtain. Hell, if there's a cute guy in another berth nearby....one can only hope! I'm so bad.
And, I will get to learn to sail. Guests take turns doing various jobs on the ship. Check it out at SchoonerZodiac.com. I'm just beside myself. So, I'll drive up to Bellingham the 27th, and we sail the 28th in the morning, returning Sunday, July 1. Surgery is July 23.
I'm having a barbecue this Saturday for my friends here, and I'm looking forward to it. I haven't had the energy to entertain for quite some time, so it's time.
The weekend of June 23 is Ukefest at Dusty Strings, and I'm excited about that, too. I am signed up for two workshops, and of course, Sunga's jam - she's my new teacher. Oh my God, I learned to do some "fancy picking" at my last lesson and I really get it! And I can do several chords without looking at my hands.
I feel alive again! That's it - as Pearl Jam sings "Oh, oh, oh, I'm still alive!" Eddie, take me away!!