Author: Lenore Diane

I am married. We have two boys, two dogs, and two cats. I am on the Oxford Comma team. I look forward to my first large cup of coffee, black, every single morning, and I look forward to that second large cup of coffee, still black, every single afternoon.

Delirious

~ Lenore Diane ~ Leave a comment

I am trimming my hair again today. The fact that I am once again trimming my hair is not an indication of happy and relaxing times. And, the trimming is becoming increasingly more noticeable. I’m feeling anxious. I’m missing my routine life, even the part where I complain about my regular routine. Since returning from my awesome weekend away with Rob, my routine has been out of whack. Such is the price of vacation, I suppose.

Prepping for Easter celebrations, birthday parties, being sick, PMS, catering to sick kids and being a single parent while Rob is out of town are just a few of the interruptions of my routine. I’m also dealing with the typical large work load that occurs at the end/start of every month. In my head, I picture myself huddled in a ball and rocking back and forth. The worst part? I’m so out of whack I have no desire to eat junk food. What?! The food addict doesn’t want to eat junk? Dang. This is serious. [Though I have lost five pounds in the past couple of weeks.]

Next week doesn’t look much like a routine week, either. Rob will be out of pocket for three nights, traveling and going to meetings. I am hoping for some serious alone time this weekend. I’d love to have time to catch up on household chores and sit in silence when done with the chores, perhaps reading a book or two. The one glitch  may be my mother-in-law’s birthday. I was thinking of baking another pound cake for the birthday gal, in hopes it would excuse me from going to my in-laws’ house to celebrate her birthday. Though it may not help me win points with the mother-in-law, I think my father-in-law would be pleased. He enjoyed many slices of the pound cake I made for Easter.

Today, I have managed to do a whole bunch of absolutely nothing. Well, I did some laundry, changed around my blog appearance, wandered around the house in a daze, got the mail and let the dogs in and out – and in and out – and in and out. But, other than that, I’ve done nothing. You see, I should be working. I should be completing tasks for my paid job. I really do have invoices to create and prep for my boss on Monday. But, I am freaking. I am anxious. Can’t put my finger on why I am freaking and anxious. I am just freaking and anxious. Perhaps extreme amounts of pollen have gotten into my brain and is causing delirium. Perhaps I’ve blown my nose too hard and too often these past 5 days. Hmm, as I twirl my hair with my finger, I’m noticing another uneven spot. I better go get the scissors.

Thoughts from a Sick Caretaker

~ Lenore Diane ~ 4 Comments

I checked the junk drawer this morning, in search of some magic beans. Sadly, I was unable to find magic beans. Looks like I’ll have to tackle the day using my own super hero abilities. Now, where did I put my super hero abilities? I’m finding it hard to locate anything in the house, these days. I’ve been an out of commission Mom the past couple of days. And, since my faithful assistant, Daddy Rob, reported for duty, things have gotten a little out of whack, so to speak. Continue reading “Thoughts from a Sick Caretaker” →

Relay for Life – It’s personal

~ Lenore Diane ~ Leave a comment

Recently, someone asked me what my process was for blogging. I’ve never stopped to think of my process, so I was confused with the question. I just write when the mood hits. And, because I am constantly talking to myself, others or just the walls, I find the mood to write hits frequently. Because, when I write, I am able to get all of my thoughts out of my head without anyone hearing or listening. I like it when I see the stats indicating folks are clicking onto my blog entries; though clicks or no clicks, I’d continue writing.

Today I am feeling ill. I don’t have a fever, but I have chills, runny/stuffy nose, sore throat, ear ache, etc. Frankly, I don’t much feel like writing. However, I received a note from someone today, letting me know her website was up and ready to take donations. See, my friend Jill, like my friend Angela, is prepping for a run. She is taking part in the Relay for Life, which benefits the Canadian Cancer Society. Though I may have a cold and feel crappy, countless other people are battling various forms and stages of Cancer.

Jill lives in Edmonton, Alberta Canada, and she has been an active supporter of Relay for Life for 7yrs. And, there are many Relay for Life events taking place now throughout the US and Canada, all supporting various forms of Cancer. I’m focusing on Jill, because Jill’s family and my family go way back. The families gather every Summer at Amherst Shore, Nova Scotia Canada. Jill’s family, the Christies, and my family, the Browns, battle it out every Summer during the Brown/Christie Games. Though, if Jill were writing this blog, she might say the Christie/Brown games.

Garth Christie presenting the urn to Hugh Brown. The Browns won the ashes of the Christie ego.

The first weekend in August, ever Summer, the two families participate in various events including: bocce ball, golf, frisbee golf, softball, volleyball, bridge, trivial pursuit, cribbage, etc. The Brown/Christie games have been an annual event for over 30yrs. And rather than the winning team being awarded a shiny medal or tall trophy, they receive an urn consisting of the losing teams ashes – the ashes of their egos, that is.

This past Summer was particularly somber. It was the first Summer one of the Christie greats was unable to participate. Last Winter, Innis Christie died of Cancer. He left his wife, Jeanne, his sons Mike and Loren, his daughter, Merran, as well as his siblings and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. He also left behind his Brown family friends. Innis’ spirit was with the games this past Summer, but his full life presence was notably absent.

Jill Christie, Innis' wife Jeanne, my Uncle Don and Aunt Marilyn

As Jill gets ready to participate in another Rely for Life, I can’t help but think of Innis and all the other lives lost to or affected by Cancer. I think it is safe to say, whether you’re in the States, Provinces or across the Pond, Cancer has touched every single life in some way, shape or form. And, one reason there are so many charity events for Cancer organizations is because there are some many people affected by some form of the disease. And, though progress is being made in treating and beating Cancer, the need to continue with research and outreach still exists. Perhaps you could consider donating to the cause as an investment into your own health savings account. Put money into the cause of treating and beating Cancer as your own insurance policy, should the day ever come where you find you are directly involved in the Cancer battle.

Innis (left) talking with is brother, Jill's Dad, Fred (right).

We all have our list of charities to support, and many of us have lost a loved one to various diseases. If you are looking to add another charity to your list of donation recipients, I ask that you consider sponsoring Gillian ‘Jill’ Christie, as she participates in the Relay for Life. Whether donating in honor or memory of Jill’s Uncle Innis or one of your own loved ones, you can make a donation through her website here: Relay for Life, Edmonton 2010 And, a reminder that Angela is still accepting donations for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, yet another organization supporting yet another type of Cancer.