staying present

It’s almost Christmas.

Here I was, talkin’ so big that I’d be back to writing more, but again, time does it thing & I can’t seem to find it to sit down and write.

I recently was given some encouragement to keep writing, [thanks, Kelly]; it warmed my heart. I love to write, but I’m never sure anybody wants to hear what I have to say. At times, I think that’s why I hesitate to write at all.

But here I am, tonight, not hesitating, and loving the feeling of getting my words on a page.

Health Update:

My hormone levels have continued to stay at zero, thank goodness. At the end of October I switched from weekly blood draws to monthly, which was a relief. The insides of my elbows needed a break from the constant poking and prodding. So, the six month countdown is on and March never looked so good. Wait.. it’s like I’ve been here before…

Speaking of March, March is also marks the month of my next scan. It will also mark a year off of chemo & being cancer free. It’s been a BIG first year. My cancer has the greatest chance of recurring in the first 18 months off of chemo.  Each scan this year has brought a lot of anxiety and a lot of nervousness. I’m happy to report, though, each scan result has been in my favor. Last Tuesday was my most recent scan and I was an emotional wreck most of the morning. My doctor was fantastic, as he always is, and we talked about ways to get back to ‘Kaylee B.C’ [before cancer], which included getting back into running & to continue to eat and be as healthy as possible. [This is for both mental and physical health].

There’s still a lot of road ahead, [another year of scans every three months after March], but I know I’m strong enough to get through it.

Family Holidays

Family birthdays, Thanksgiving, and a holiday porch pot making class took over the month of November.

We celebrated my sister, Justine’s birthday, which is always fun. We try to do something a little different every year, [this year we tried rum & coke cotton candy 🙂 ], & I just enjoy my time with my littlest sis. I miss her tremendously when she’s away at school and I love seeing her when she’s home for holidays.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, by far. I love the fact that it surrounds all my favorite foods, [minus turkey, ha], and the only worry is making sure food being served is brought out and warm. The holiday’s main goal is to sit around a table, surrounded by family, and eat a warm meal; like I said, it’s my favorite.

Have you ever made a porch pot? Let me tell you, it takes a little more skill and patience than I ever thought it would. I’ve done it a couple years with friends and family & I’ve always walked away with a big ol’ smile on my face. Even if my master piece doesn’t turn out just right, the time spent creating is what I really love. At the end of the November, my mom, sisters, and I went to a class at a local greenhouse and we had so much fun. Currently, my pot is proudly displayed on my front step.

Montreal

One of my highlights this year was going to Montreal with my sister, Alissa. As an extremely generous birthday gift, Alissa gifted me a plane ticket for a weekend getaway. The two of us hymned and hawed over where to go for about a month, but then finally settled on going to Montreal; it was a direct flight of just over two hours, we got to use our passports, and we had read great things about the city’s character and charm.

We went from late Thursday night, [I’m talking super late, our heads didn’t actually hit the pillow Thursday night until about three AM], until Sunday morning and it was a perfect amount of time to get away. We had some help from another fellow blogger on recommendations, [thanks The Daily Tay!], but we spent our days exploring everything the area of Old Montreal had to offer.

Some of my favorite places:

Tommy Cafe

Barroco

Olive & Gourmando

Basilica of Notre Dame – literally everything about it. We went to the light show it has at night and I was left without words.

It was a delightful city that did not disappoint, but most importantly, I made memories with my sister that I will never forget.

 

And lastly…

I was able to throw a baby cocktail hour for one of my favorite gals, Kristin. My great friend, Natalie and I, planned a Friday night, cozy, eucalyptus lined, baby shower.  A shower with no silly games, with hot, spiced cider, creamy tomato soup, twinkly lights, and so much love.

The days ahead are filled with friends, holidays, and family. I’ve constantly been given reminders to soak in the present. So that’s exactly what I plan to continue to do.

Off to snuggle my puppy,

xo my gumdrops