Darn

Dad didn't make it into the clinical trial because of his age and a few "other factors." Darn it. He starts chemo this morning and is exploring other treatments at other facilities. People have been telling us of people with esophageal cancer who went to this facility or took these nutritional products or did some alternative therapy and are still going strong. We're trying to sort through the information and make an informed decision. The doc called and said that after three treatments, Carmen's lesions are responding to the chemo and getting smaller already. We're all very happy about that.

I was called as Enrichment leader at church...once a month I get to plan a little party with classes for the ladies in my congregation, I put together Enrichment groups of women with similar interests or a desire to learn the same thing (the PhotoShop class is very popular), and throw several big blow out parties a year. It's a great gig. Unfortunately, prior to this, I really didn't go to Enrichment meetings. So they put me in charge. Isn't that how it goes? Anyway, we've had some very successful meetings and sometimes the next one flows out of the last one. Next month, after brief presentations on these subjects last night, we're going to learn how to crochet (well some of us are...not sure I am, crochet hook, yarn that tangles, she said it wasn't that hard, just a modified running stitch but you pull it through the bottom instead of the top or something like that...does that sound simple? no) neck scarves for the special Olympics to be held in Idaho? next year. Plus, some of us will put together care packages for an Adopt a Marine (in Iraq) program. There are many good programs designed to send our troops some love from home, like anysoldier.com. But this sweet lady said she chose this program because her first love was a Marine. Last night we put together craft and activity boxes for children who are living in "transitional" housing..that place between homelessness and a real home in our community. So I am catching the vision of Enrichment, understanding more that all things are spiritual and if an activity allows us to friendship, fellowship, learn, and serve then all the better. In class last night, I learned I'm going to have to rip up my garden this fall and start all over in the spring. Everything. Hmmmm. Except my roses. I'll cut them in half.

I must get ready to go to work now. More practice. I start with real classrooms on Monday. It's not that I'm nervous...well, yes I am but I'm coping. The lady I work for is great. I'm excited to get going.