The Office Visit 6:49 PM

I got to the Oncologist's office with minutes to spare and they called me back for quick blood tests right away. Then I took a seat in the waiting room and did the crossword puzzle from the journal. The nurse came to get me then and take me back to the examining room. All my stats were normal. The Doctor came in, told me I had clean scans and my blood counts were good, including the platelets. He informed me I was in remission and I didn't have to come back for three months. Three whole months of no blood work, tests, exams. He said I was an ideal patient and a pleasure to treat and care for. He also raved about my Dad, which I had to agree with wholeheartedly. All that was running through my mind was three whole months of no blood work, tests, exams! It was a good day at the doctor's office.

The Phone Call 6:31 PM

The oncologist called to give me the news over the phone, clear scans. He didn't want me to have to wait until my appointment on Thursday to hear the news. I had been lounging on the couch and not expecting any calls. What good news to get on a blustery winter day. News I have been waiting to hear. Seeing how I've been feeling, it's not surprising. I like getting phone calls like that.

Sightseeing 6:36 PM

Today I saw myself in Paris, London, Rome. Places I never thought of going. I want to see the world around me. I received my Passport in the mail. Life is a journey, and I will travel. I will see the places I dream of. I feel the adrenaline, the energy, the experience. One piece of mail can bring so much into your life. I am on a journey, one of self awareness and discovery, which began with a traumatic experience, which I now come to realize is a transformation point in my life, which I have come to embrace. My own mantra "I Am".

It's the Sun 8:27 AM

Woke up this morning to the sun shining. What an awesome feeling! Been keeping myself busy, got out to Starbucks and the bookstore, running the Jeep over the 100,000 mark. Reading, watching TV, and reorganizing the apartment. I should have it done sometime this week, as long as I keep up with it. I'm going to get out today to get some essential household products and maybe something fun, we'll see. I just want to get out because the sun is shining and the temperature is supposed to be above freezing!

Glowing 10:14 AM

I just got home from the scans. Radioactive for a few hours. The scans went fine, I know the routine. I will have the results on the 31st of this month. As I stated previously, I'm feeling great. Usually the nuclear medicines hit my empty stomach about now and I feel blah for a couple of hours, nothing yet. I did take a granola bar and some cereal with me to snack on afterwards. The Zune works wonderful in the Jeep, glad I purchased the FM adapter. I plan on doing some laundry and reading today. Relaxing.

Music in My Life 7:52 PM

I have had an uneventful couple of days, the best part was the arrival of my Zune, the new mp3 player I purchased. I am in the process of loading music on it now. I grew tired of the radio, so I now can take the music I know and love with me wherever I go. Music has been a big influence in my life, so I'm surprised it took me this long to get one. Tonight one of my favorite movies is on cable, so I am watching "Fried Green Tomatos", eating chicken strips, and playing music. I have scans in the morning, so tonight I am doing things I enjoy to relax. I have to fast in about twenty minutes in preparation, nothing but water for me. Water and music and movies.

One Month of Winter 5:32 PM

It's been a long, snowy, cold winter so far. I can't imagine what the next couple of months are going to be like. Every day it stays light a bit longer and all in good time it'll be Spring. It's a slow time for me, I have in the routine of going to work, coming home during the week and trying to socialize on the weekends, in-betweeen snowstorms and cold spells.

Local Theater 5:31 PM

It's still too cold out. It's supposed to warm up some, but snow, which is just as treacherous. I wrestled with the Jeep again, but got it running. I went to the Racine Theater Guild with Dad today to see "You Cant Take it With You". It was all right, interesting to see a local theater production. Had dinner with Mom and Dad afterwards. Now I'm home, ready to watch TV and read, staying warm under my blankets.

I'll Have a Mocha to Go 3:05 PM

It really is cold out. I was up early and decided I had to start the Jeep. About 8:45 I went outside. The engine turned over and rattled, groaned, but caught and ran. I went out to Border's in Greenfield, got a book, a puzzle book and a magazine before heading back home. On the way, I thought about getting some coffee, so I jumped on the freeway and over to the local coffeehouse to read. There had to be about twenty women in there all set for an aerobics class (little did I know there is a gym in the same complex). It was crowded and noisy, so the mocha was coming home with me. I talked with Char this afternoon for a while, she can get me in a laughing mood easily. I shaved, showered, napped, and am all set for the evening. I just haven't any plans as yet. I just might end up on the couch, we'll see. I do want to get out and start the Jeep and run it for a while tonight.

Taken by Surprise 5:10 PM

The weekend is going to be frigid. As much as I'd rather be in a warm and sunny place, I am willing to head out into the cold to have dinner and catch a movie tonight. So much for hibernating. I want to get to the bookstore tomorrow, there's a new book I want to pick up and read. I originally planned on staying in this weekend, but, I guess I won't be. Stay warm.

It's in the Blood 3:37 PM

The results of my blood work show that my red cells and white cells are in the normal range and my platelet count is below normal but sustaining. That in itself is great news, I'm not anemic, and my body is producing cells. I will have them checked again in two weeks, prior to my Oncologist appointment. As I have been stating lately, I feel good, and have no issues to speak of. Tomorrow is Packer Day at work, I can wear jeans and support the team. Days like that are good, relaxing and I seem productive. It should close out the work week in good fashion.

The Jeep 5:21 PM

I got the Jeep tonight! It's all fixed and looking good. I am thrilled to have it back. I feel like myself again. I didn't care for the rental, felt conspicuous driving it. Now I can tool around town in Matt style. I'm too lazy tonight to take pictures, but tomorrow I will snap a few. Tomorrow, I have to go get some blood work done for the Hematologist. Hoping all my levels are doing okay. I've been feeling fine and don't anticipate any problems. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Start of the Week 6:17 PM

Work was slow going, not much to do. Supposedly there's a project coming that should keep me busy. I cooked tonight, actually used the stove instead of the microwave. Going to bake some cookies, like having a warm kitchen. The Jeep is still in the shop, it should be finished tomorrow. It'll be nice to have the Jeep back.

Wrapped in a Blanket 10:44 AM

I just cannot get warm today. Had a busy day yesterday, went to Culver's for lunch, then Sam's club for essentials. Got home, unloaded, then headed out the door to Potawotomi to meet Jody for dinner and the chance at winning big bucks. Notice I said chance. I am just going to stay on the couch today, wrapped in my blanket, reading and watching disaster movies on TV, trying to stay warm. It's not even that cold out.

All in a Day 7:46 AM

Up too early. I would like to have slept in. Had an interesting day yesterday. I went to court on the too fast for conditions citation from the accident. There were lots of underage drinking, owi/dui, and traffic violations. My name was called, the judge read the citation, asked me if I had questions, then kept the fine and reduced the points. I then paid the ticket and left. Some cleaning and vacuuming later, I went out for pizza and a movie with Doug. We went to the IPic theater at Bayshore. Very nice, comfortable big seats. I would definitely go there again. Today is wide open, I'm sure I'll find something to keep me entertained.

As the Snow Flies 8:24 PM

Looking out the window, I daydream about Florida, Disney, warm weather, Summer. I often wonder what am I doing in Wisconsin, I don't like Winter. The answer is my family and friends. Especially on nights like tonight when the snow is falling, I dream. Then I talk to someone, make plans for the weekend, and I am grounded and content, knowing winter shall pass and I'll enjoy being in Wisconsin.

Climbing the Mountain 6:16 PM

I finally faced the mounds of laundry piling up. Started once I got home, the last load is in the washer, and one in the dryer as I write. I kept putting it off, for some reason, I'd rather be channel surfing, doing a puzzle, or reading. I'm glad I decided to deal with the wash. I'm feeling really good. Not experiencing any aches or pains or feeling worn out. The week is going by pretty fast, hard to believe it's Wednesday night. Not liking the snow predicted for tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be home before it starts. I'm excited because I read today that The Mole is going to be on ABC again. It is one of my favorite reality shows. American Idol is going to start and another season of Survivor begins soon, so I'll have plenty of shows to watch.

The Rental Car 5:46 PM

This is the rental car. Not what I expected at all. It handles pretty good and it'll get me through the week. The Jeep is in the shop, estimated time of completion is January 15th. I'm going to have to put the PT Cruiser through it's paces. The weather is definitely been wierd today. Severe thunderstorms and tornados pushing through the area, along with nice temperatures in the 50's. Of course winter returns in the next couple of days.

Out in the Fog 2:50 PM

Met up with Heather and her kids George and Ellie at Target for some shopping then over to Panera for a late lunch. I can't believe just how foggy it is outside. Some blocks were blanketed and others clear. It makes for interesting driving. It was good to see them and spend time with them. George got a treasure chest and Ellie some Barbie toys. I spent too much money yesterday so I didn't get anything even though I could have gotten plenty. I'm home now, going to read and watch the Futurama marathon on TV. Tomorrow the Jeep goes into the shop and it's another week of work. I had a great weekend.

Non-Stop 8:33 PM

I've been going since this morning, one thing after another. Got my haircut, went to Mayfair, out to dinner, and going to hang out with Doug tonight. Yesterday I was wondering what I would do to fill up my day, and I found plenty to keep me busy. Tomorrow Heather, who's in town from St. Louis, and I are going to meet at the coffee shop and catch up with each other. It's a good diversion from my normal lounge about weekends.

Something to Do 8:01 PM

The weekend is here and I have plenty to keep me busy, yet I feel I need something to do. The laundry is piling up, I could clean and organize, the book I started is getting good and there's still the ANTM marathon going. Instead I think I'm going to get out this weekend and run around. I went out for dinner tonight at Carleton Grange for a good fish fry and now I'm going to wind down on the couch and think about all I want to do this weekend. I'm sure I'll find something.

Start your Engines 5:12 PM

The day began roughly. When I went out to the Jeep this morning, it wouldn't start. The engine turned over but would not catch. As I tried, the battery waned. A quick phone call and Dad was over to get me to work on time. Thanks Dad! I made arrangements for a rental car while the Jeep is getting repaired. It should be interesting to drive a different vehicle for a week or so. Of course Dad got the Jeep running and took it over to his house and charged the battery. He picked me up after work in the Jeep and I filled the tank with gas and got us both home. I got some running to do tonight, I'm sure I won't encounter any problems.

In the Middle 7:27 PM

The passing holidays have really confused my days. It felt like the beginning of the week instead of being Wednesday. It's going to take me a few days to readjust. I picked up copies of the cruise pictures finally and am in the process of putting together an album. It's kind of fun reliving the moments as I go through the pictures. I've been feeling really good, have gotten through the angst of additional doctor visits. The scans have been scheduled for the 25th of this month. Still watching the ANTM marathon and going to start reading a new book.

Good as New 8:41 PM

The mob at Bradford Beach

Steve coming out of the Lake

People running back from diving in the water

The first day of 2008 has been good. I celebrated with Kim and the Klugiewicz family to ring in the new year. Got home by 1:00am and slept in (7:45am if you can call that sleeping in!). I got up, made some coffee, got ready and headed out to Bradford Beach for the annual Polar Bear gathering. While it was cold, it was fun to watch all the crazy people. Got to watch part of the ANTM marathon on cable, then hung out with Doug for the evening. It was a good way to start off the year.