Sometimes, Chemotherapy can really put you in a funk.  I like to think I am Hercules during chemo weeks, but it has been getting harder and harder.  When I went through this 2 years ago, it wasn’t as bad.  I would feel tired, but not enough to put me to sleep.

This time around, I wake up around 8am, and I’m sleeping again at 11am.  Our cat, Natasha, and I have similar schedules.

(Possibly a Cocktails and Chemo Debut here?)

Her and I take turns for who gets the top of the fridge…

When you are this exhausted for so many days (it’s been taking about 6 or 7 days to recover), you find yourself feeling, almost worthless.  Usually, I enjoy some alone time.  But when you don’t feel very good, alone time can turn into depression.  Your mind starts to pull you in directions that are scary.  I think most cancer patients would agree; The fight is NOT with cancer…the fight is with your own mind.

And on top of that, the laundry starts to pile up.  Wrigley holds his pee longer than usual.  Dishes aren’t getting cleaned.  The mail hasn’t been checked in days!  It’s a marathon just to get up and down the stairs, and this taste in my mouth makes chocolate chip cookies disgusting (WHAT?).  Not a fun time…

I finally said to Amanda, “I NEED A PROJECT!”

BOOM!

This is the start of my MAN-BAR.  I’m not sure what the name of it will be, but I can tell you the following…the cocktails will be stiff, the company will be incredible, and the only cover charge is a smile at the door.

I used to be a pretty good artist.  I learned from Earl 2, who is My Boompa (most people’s grandpa).  I haven’t drawn anything in years!  I am making a Chicago Sports Bar-Top.  My cousin TJ is hopefully going to help me build it, because I am terrible with a screw-driver.

BEARS, BULLS, HAWKS, CUBS….(white sox get a little corner)

I went to Lowes one day, and I found the “lumber aisle.”  This is where you find wood :).  I bought a few things, went to Michael’s to get paint, and started my new project.  This has been my escape for the past few weeks.  It keeps me focused.  It has really come together nicely.  Eventually, I will put some glass over the top of it, and build this thing about 4.5 ft. tall.  It’s going in the corner of our garage (Any MEN out there think this should go in the kitchen?).

I added Dad’s high school logo too…

Most of our family went to Lyon’s Township High School

And of course, I married into an Indiana family.  Now, I’ll admit, I’ve jumped on the IU bandwagon.  I have pledged allegiance to the candy-red and white!  At least, for basketball.

Look at my pants!!!

 I included a bunch of other teams as well.  I put both Amanda and my high school logos, my friend’s arena football team, the Chicago flag….

Here is the finished product…

I think…when you are more cognizant of your thoughts, it is EASIER to live.  You are able to navigate all of the noise surrounding you.  Drawing and painting help me focus on one thing.  I’m not thinking about my health, I’m not thinking about money, I’m not thinking about work, and I’m certainly not thinking about being tired.  I focus all my remaining energy on what is in front of me.  A piece of wood, a bunch of paints, and an empty head.  It’s a very calming feeling.  Another life suggestion 🙂  …Take time for yourself, find a hobby, and enjoy what you are doing.

Here is our next project.  Amanda and I are painting this one together.  We just started, but soon there will be leaves blowing all through our baby girl’s room 🙂