There has been a lot of celebrating lately. And a lot of cake. It almost seems like my birthday has lasted several weeks. It started May 18th when my Survivor Powerchicks (TV show, not cancer) surprised me and another birthday girl Laura at our season finale dinner event – they had a cake with our faces on it, balloons, party hats and gifts! And while it sounds like a kids party, they are actually adults – just fun ones.
A couple of days later I attended the funeral for my friend’s mother, which included a beautiful celebration of her very full life. And less than a week later, she welcomed a baby girl into the world, and I’m sure her grandmother watches Morgan Elizabeth with pride.
My actual birthday was a whirlwind day, just the way I like it. Tasha met me for a smoothie on the Plus 15 during a busy workday, and after work I had a quick dinner (including Crave cupcakes) with my uncle Bob, family friend Marilyn, mom, dad, my brother, Dana, Jack and Davis
before heading to the airport for a flight to Vancouver for the weekend! Mom, Bob and I spent a few sunny days with my Grandma Gunn for her birthday (she blew out a candle on a cupcake) and did some excellent visiting with Colleen, Allan, Grady, Joelle and Margot, in between baseball and ball-hockey games!
Last Monday afternoon I met a strong and inspiring soul – a 22-year old beautiful young woman fighting a rare type of small cell carcinoma with courage and determination. I was fortunate to spend the afternoon with her and her mom, talking about anti-nausea meds, the best wig places in Calgary, and how the world changes after diagnosis. Things most 22-year olds thankfully don’t normally talk about. I continue to be amazed by the many moments spent with so many incredible people, and each time learning a little more. Each time having a little more paint left on my canvas.
A year ago I bought a wine tasting for 12 people at a charity event, but couldn't drink wine until last month! So this past Thursday myself and a dozen ladies that I have worked with in the past, both from PwC and the Leukemia Society, as well as Dana, Mom, and Tasha, tasted 5 different wines at 100 wines and had a wonderful dinner after – it was a real gift to see all of them together and share good tastes.
Last Saturday the birthday celebrations continued when Tasha treated me to an amazing and fun session with a professional makeup artist. I learned a lot of techniques and we both ended up looking pretty “handsome” as Talyn described us. We finished the night with dinner with another fantastic birthday girl Lori! I sometimes wonder where I would be if I hadn’t met Tasha, both on the really good days and on the really bad ones. And then I stop wondering because it’s just too scary. And by the way, she is a total brat about making sure everyone knows that she is THREE weeks younger than me. Thank God it’s not three months!
The birthday celebrations will only continue when my little nephews turn (gasp!) 3 this Thursday. They are so interesting now, with everything they observe, commenting so honestly about what they see or feel, that I can only laugh when I see them. I can’t wait for their Pirates & Princesses party Sunday.
Oh yeah – quick report on health. It’s good.
A couple of days later I attended the funeral for my friend’s mother, which included a beautiful celebration of her very full life. And less than a week later, she welcomed a baby girl into the world, and I’m sure her grandmother watches Morgan Elizabeth with pride.
My actual birthday was a whirlwind day, just the way I like it. Tasha met me for a smoothie on the Plus 15 during a busy workday, and after work I had a quick dinner (including Crave cupcakes) with my uncle Bob, family friend Marilyn, mom, dad, my brother, Dana, Jack and Davis
before heading to the airport for a flight to Vancouver for the weekend! Mom, Bob and I spent a few sunny days with my Grandma Gunn for her birthday (she blew out a candle on a cupcake) and did some excellent visiting with Colleen, Allan, Grady, Joelle and Margot, in between baseball and ball-hockey games!Last Monday afternoon I met a strong and inspiring soul – a 22-year old beautiful young woman fighting a rare type of small cell carcinoma with courage and determination. I was fortunate to spend the afternoon with her and her mom, talking about anti-nausea meds, the best wig places in Calgary, and how the world changes after diagnosis. Things most 22-year olds thankfully don’t normally talk about. I continue to be amazed by the many moments spent with so many incredible people, and each time learning a little more. Each time having a little more paint left on my canvas.
A year ago I bought a wine tasting for 12 people at a charity event, but couldn't drink wine until last month! So this past Thursday myself and a dozen ladies that I have worked with in the past, both from PwC and the Leukemia Society, as well as Dana, Mom, and Tasha, tasted 5 different wines at 100 wines and had a wonderful dinner after – it was a real gift to see all of them together and share good tastes.
Last Saturday the birthday celebrations continued when Tasha treated me to an amazing and fun session with a professional makeup artist. I learned a lot of techniques and we both ended up looking pretty “handsome” as Talyn described us. We finished the night with dinner with another fantastic birthday girl Lori! I sometimes wonder where I would be if I hadn’t met Tasha, both on the really good days and on the really bad ones. And then I stop wondering because it’s just too scary. And by the way, she is a total brat about making sure everyone knows that she is THREE weeks younger than me. Thank God it’s not three months!
The birthday celebrations will only continue when my little nephews turn (gasp!) 3 this Thursday. They are so interesting now, with everything they observe, commenting so honestly about what they see or feel, that I can only laugh when I see them. I can’t wait for their Pirates & Princesses party Sunday.
Oh yeah – quick report on health. It’s good.
