It’s Saturday evening and I have 30 minutes participate in Jen’s 7 Quick Takes. Here it goes.

~ 1 ~

The view from the window at the Cancer Center.

Cancer Update: Yesterday I went with Brian to his introductory chemo class. He was supposed to start chemo on Monday but his surgeon moved back the date for another two weeks so that the port he put in his chest could heal up more. He is scheduled to begin chemo on Monday, March 24. It was a little strange being there and seeing the room with all the chemo chair recliners and learning about the side effects and precautions we have to take etc but Brian was in good spirits, considering everything going on. At least the view out the window is pretty and peaceful. It looks out the hills surrounding the center.

It’s funny that yesterday I felt fine and was pleased that Brian seemed okay and felt he could handle it and we’d manage this journey together. However, tonight as we were coming home from Mass he made a comment about the chemo and I had a delayed reaction. I had to fight the tears back as it all started to sink in… all the side effects and the possibility that it may not work. I had to let it go and not allow myself to go down that road. But sometimes I wonder… what is the emotionally healthier thing to do? To let the fear into my heart and then cry it out. Or to not allow myself to think about it…to keep my thoughts on the surface and not go deeper. Is that being in denial? I don’t know what I should be feeling. Or perhaps I should say, I don’t know what to do with how I am feeling.

~ 2 ~

Mwah – I do know one thing, Brian and I truly, truly appreciate your prayers and your concern, especially from those people who have shared their own cancer stories. I have read your comments and emails to him and he is touched by them. Please forgive me for not answering all your comments. Don’t think I do not love hearing from you. So if I did not answer you right away, I’m sending you here a big XOXO of thanks! 😉

~ 3 ~

Movie Matinee – This afternoon Bella and I were able to slip away for a couple of hours to see Frozen. Bella already saw it with her aunts and uncles when it first came out but I wasn’t able to go with her. So we finally went to see it before it left the movie theaters. I really loved it and the music. (I downloaded the soundtrack when I got home.)  🙂 I also love that Bella is still at an age when she doesn’t mind having mother daughter outings with me. I am treasuring all these moments! Thankfully, when we got home Brian and the house were still in one piece. As we drove up our driveway we could hear the boys (aka. Anakin Skywalker, Coty the Clonetrooper and Master Yoda) yelling and playing in the backyard to the sheer delight of all our neighbors. 😉

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Say what? – Oh, something else I did today was try a new recipe that my sister-in-law posted on Facebook. It is for a brownie made out of black beans instead of flour. Ugh! Can you imagine?? However, my curiosity got the best of me and I made a batch for the kids for their Sunday morning treat. I just took them out of the oven and they smell good but who knows what it will actually taste like. I’ll wait to taste it tomorrow. We’ll find out if it actually is a treat or another Lenten sacrifice. 😉 (If it turns out decent I’ll share it at Tuesday’s Pinterest Party.)

~ 5 ~

Beyond the Fish Stick – Speaking of recipes, it’s time for Beth Anne’s third annual Lenten Meal Plans Link-up. She is teaming up with Sarah and Abbey to give us an online home where we can share our favorite meatless meals and recipes. Beth Anne also has a Pinterest board to go with the link-up. Plenty o’ inspiration!

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In the Kitchen – I also added a page on the blog menu (see above) for recipes. I have struggled in the kitchen but after a lot of practice I feel a lot more comfortable and now find joy in trying new recipes. I made a list of the recipes I’ve shared here on the blog. There is also a section of meatless meals for Lent. However, I did leave off the list previous recipes I posted that were high in sugar and low in nutrition since we don’t eat that anymore. Sigh.

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When Calls the Heart – Okay, my time is up. Brian just came in and he is ready to watch a movie with me. Actually, we’ve been watching a lot of action/superhero movies so tonight we will catch up on the new Hallmark series When Calls the Heart. It is based on the book(s)  When Calls the Heart (Canadian West Book #1) by Janet Oke. The show has a “Little House on the Prairie” feel, perhaps because it is directed by Michael Landon, Jr. Plus, I am a sucker for a romance story and I’m rooting for Elizabeth and Jack. 😉

Have a good night and don’t forget to set your clocks forward. I would share my thoughts on Day Light Savings Time but I don’t want to use that kind of language, especially during Lent. Grr. 😉

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