So far, the chemotherapy side effects have been a cake walk. Michelle has seen no adverse issues except for a low white blood cell count. This is normal 2 weeks after a chemo treatment, and we should see this raise within the next week. Michelle was lightheaded going into one of her 2 physical therapy appointments this week. I asked that she be in a separate room closed off from others and the therapist wear a mask. This will probably always be a week 2 post chemo precaution.
Michelle’s spirits remain high although she has been quieter than normal. Michelle told me this week that she does miss driving. She is watching less TV during the day and is stimulating her brain with puzzle games instead. She has been tossing around the idea of taking some time on the coast to put her feet in the sand. We may do this in 3 or 4 weeks, depending on treatment.
Highlight of the week Michelle enjoyed the hot tub a few times this week. I have the temperature set to 88 degrees so when the outside air is 98 and the humidity has the heat index at 108, a 20-degree drop is a refreshing way to cool off. Michelle has been picking weeds in her gardens. When she finishes, her face is caked with sweat. then cooling off in the “cold tub”. This always makes my heart smile.
Random Fact of the Week The word cake is of Viking origin, derived from the Norse word “kaka.” The first cakes ever made are quite different from the ones we eat today. Interestingly, the ancient Egyptians were the first culture to exhibit baking skills, and during Ancient Times the cakes were more bread-like in appearance and sweetened with honey. The Greeks also had an early form of cheesecake, while the Romans developed versions of fruitcakes with raisins, nuts, and other fruits.
Meanwhile in mid-17th century Europe, cakes were frequently baked because of advances in technology and access to ingredients. Europe is credited with the invention of modern cakes, which were round and topped with icing. Incidentally, the first icing was usually a boiled mixture of sugar, egg whites, and some flavorings. During this time, many cakes still contained dried fruits, like currants and citrons.
Did you know? Michelle got her Associates degree at 30 years old. She was working full time and had a full-time single mom's dedication.
Throwback Love Story Michelle and I met at work. We both worked at MCI in the late 1990’s. Michelle had been single for almost 10 years. I had been a single parent for only a year or two. I knew at the time Michelle had a crush on me, but she was not my type. I of course didn’t mind flirting with her; I knew I could control it so as to not make it go too far. I needed some assistance from a much more experienced analyst, so I worked for about 2 hours with Michelle on a pressing work issue. I was in the office and Michelle was assisting from her home. She was able to resolve the issues I had but not without cost. When we finished, I said, “man do I ever owe you, how can I repay you?” She replied with “Dinner and a movie?” This took me off guard. I was not a mean person, I could not say no. It was clear to me that she was not my type, there was no way this would ever work out. One real quick night and it would be done! “Ok” I said. We went to see a movie (I wish I remembered the name of it). We ate dinner at a karaoke bar afterwards. We laughed at some of the people who sang and challenged each other to stand up and sing. Neither of us ever did go sing. We had a great time. There was a second date, then a third. The frosting on the cake? I ended up with the crown jewel!
Deep Thoughts There is an old Roman proverb that people often quote – “Carpe diem” – meaning “Seize the day”. Often, we fail to act due to lack of confidence or courage. Every day since October has been a “Carpe diem” If we hesitate it keeps us from moving forward. A delay puts us in a cage of wondering what might have been. Whenever we feel it’s time to act, we act. No matter the outcome. I don’t want to say, “I wish we would have” or “What if”.
Bakery TV Daytime “The Rookie” (HULU), “Fire Country” (Paramount +)
Late Night Bakery “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” (YouTube TV) Optimus Prime and the Autobots take on their biggest challenge yet. When a new threat capable of destroying the entire planet emerges, they must team up with a powerful faction of Transformers known as the Maximals to save Earth.
“Quarterback” (Netflix) Quarterback is an American streaming television documentary series developed for Netflix. The National Football League and Netflix partnered to develop the series, while NFL Films, 2PM Productions, and Omaha Productions produced the series.
“Hijack” (Apple TV) and “Schmigadoon” (Apple TV). Yellow Cake
“The Unit” (HULU)
“Cake and Edith Too”
The Menu
Snacks
Blue Bell Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Blue Bell Mint Chocolate Chip (Seriously, I ate it with a tablespoon)
Entrees
Kung Pao Chicken
Grilled Chicken Breast
BBQ Pulled Pork
Chalupas
Grilled Chicken Thighs
Grilled Fish
Stir Fry
Sides
Mixed Vegetables
Tater Tots
French Fries
Drinks
Lemonade
Love you,
Brian
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