Five on Friday (Jan. 27, 2017)
1. Camden is playing in his first basketball tournament this week (as in, riding on the bus away from home and missing 2 days of school). He has a second tournament next week. This is new territory for us: managing his own money, trusting he makes good choices (I'm not worried about his choices, but about others to be honest), making up the homework from missed school days, etc. It's all part of growing up. I even sent him out the door with coffee the past two mornings!
And related to the tournament, he experienced a racial slur directed at him. You can prepare your kids for this, you can walk them through it when it happens over the years, but it's impossible to remove the hurt they feel each time. I appreciate the self-control he showed by not responding in kind (he told me what he wanted to say and it was witty, but not okay). People, teach your kids that different skin colors and nationalities matter but they matter only in ways that are positive and beautiful. (Galatians 3:28)
2. Chemo and accompanying appointments Wednesday went well. My potassium is low so I received IV potassium and now have a big bottle of horse-sized pills. I'm going to eat some bananas and avocados this week. I hear potatoes have potassium so French fries, banana bread, and guacamole seem about right.
3. I've mentioned my Friday morning Bible Study before. Because of chemo, I am not leading this session, which has been a blessing both because I don't have the pressure of teaching, but also because the new leader is passionate about the Lord and such an encouragement. The study on praying the Scriptures and being a wise woman has been so meaningful. This week I chose Proverbs 16:24 as my verse of the week: Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Because God is funny, this book showed up on my doorstep Wednesday. I didn't even remember pre-ordering it 6-8 weeks ago (probably in a late night Ambien-induced haze), but how perfect!
4. My hair is simultaneously rubbing off and growing new fuzz. It is not a beautiful thing to behold, and the honest truth is that with each passing week, I look more and more like a cancer patient (without the weight loss - I am definitely hanging onto weight). On the plus side, I am beginning to hold out small hope that just possibly, maybe, fingers crossed I am keeping at least a few eyebrows/eyelashes.
5. Before our Vanderbilt trip this week, mom and I did two fun things. First, we visited Galena Garlic and bought very fun balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Who knew that white peach balsamic vinegar paired with basil olive oil could transform lettuce and veggies into a gourmet meal. This stuff is so. delicious. The second thing was to eat lunch at The Grilled Cheeserie. It was just as mouth-watering as you might imagine a restaurant devoted to grilled cheese might be, and it is now my top recommendation for lunch. They have a Milkshake Bar that I cannot wait to frequent.
And related to the tournament, he experienced a racial slur directed at him. You can prepare your kids for this, you can walk them through it when it happens over the years, but it's impossible to remove the hurt they feel each time. I appreciate the self-control he showed by not responding in kind (he told me what he wanted to say and it was witty, but not okay). People, teach your kids that different skin colors and nationalities matter but they matter only in ways that are positive and beautiful. (Galatians 3:28)
2. Chemo and accompanying appointments Wednesday went well. My potassium is low so I received IV potassium and now have a big bottle of horse-sized pills. I'm going to eat some bananas and avocados this week. I hear potatoes have potassium so French fries, banana bread, and guacamole seem about right.
3. I've mentioned my Friday morning Bible Study before. Because of chemo, I am not leading this session, which has been a blessing both because I don't have the pressure of teaching, but also because the new leader is passionate about the Lord and such an encouragement. The study on praying the Scriptures and being a wise woman has been so meaningful. This week I chose Proverbs 16:24 as my verse of the week: Kind words are like honey - sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Because God is funny, this book showed up on my doorstep Wednesday. I didn't even remember pre-ordering it 6-8 weeks ago (probably in a late night Ambien-induced haze), but how perfect!
4. My hair is simultaneously rubbing off and growing new fuzz. It is not a beautiful thing to behold, and the honest truth is that with each passing week, I look more and more like a cancer patient (without the weight loss - I am definitely hanging onto weight). On the plus side, I am beginning to hold out small hope that just possibly, maybe, fingers crossed I am keeping at least a few eyebrows/eyelashes.
5. Before our Vanderbilt trip this week, mom and I did two fun things. First, we visited Galena Garlic and bought very fun balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Who knew that white peach balsamic vinegar paired with basil olive oil could transform lettuce and veggies into a gourmet meal. This stuff is so. delicious. The second thing was to eat lunch at The Grilled Cheeserie. It was just as mouth-watering as you might imagine a restaurant devoted to grilled cheese might be, and it is now my top recommendation for lunch. They have a Milkshake Bar that I cannot wait to frequent.
Because of ongoing nausea (seriously, being on my feet makes me want to hurl), I am missing our small group study this morning. I am hoping to feel well enough to attend tournament basketball games this evening. This weekend includes a youth group activity for Camden and Brian tomorrow; Mom and I are spending the day with Rory and Addison (there might be baking involved), and Brian is preaching both services on Sunday. Happy Friday!
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Jocelyn x