Another Beautiful Day

Today is Monday and what a beautiful day! I want to say "Happy Birthday" to my little sister Kathie who turned ???? yesterday (won't give her age, HA HA). I hope you and Ed had a wonderful time at Bodega Bay. The weather must have been perfect!

Today Mom and I went to Kohl's and I brought some shirts. I can't lift my arms over my head so I need shirts that button up in the front or are lose to get over my head. Of course, I found lots!!

I have been using my slow cooker alot lately and found this chili recipe. It smells so good and was so easy to make. I need things that are easy and quick.

Mark brought home the exercise bike and it is terrific. The doctors want me to do at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. It has been hard finding someone to take me for a walk, although Gary and Debbie Looney have been taking me on walks and to the gym. I thought once the weather changes I will be able to do my exercising here at home. So starting tomorrow I plan to ride the bike at least 20 minutes working up to 30 minutes a day or more. Any type of exercise will help with my recovery. I was in such good shape before the transplant and I really think that has helped in how fast I have recovered. I strongly urge everyone to exercise each day, eat well and reduce stress. Remember to enjoy the moments that take your breath away!

This week will be a week to rest and relax. I have heart biopsy next Tuesday along with the normal labs, clinic and infusion. So this week, I will just rest up. This week the chemo drug Decadron didn't effect me too bad! Just a little soreness in the upper body, but it is bearable. I cleaned and organized the craft room so I can start doing my photo albums from my Italy vacations. I have not had the time to finish them. It's so fun looking back at all the pictures and remembering the wonderful time I had. I can't wait to go back!

This weekend I turn 51. I can't believe how my life has changed since last year when I had my beautiful birthday party. My illness hit so fast! But look at where I am today! I have a second chance to live a healthy happy life. I plan to spend every moment enjoying the time I have! I pray for my donor and her family and hope someday I will be able to tell them personally how much I am grateful to them. I cherish my shared heart and will always honor my donor and her family for the decision they made that night to save my life. I hope to have many, many more birthdays and hopefully soon, as most of you know, "I want to be a grandmother". Hint: Markie and Erin. HA HA! I will be in trouble for that one!

Have a wonderful evening! Hopefully my chili is good! Remember to enjoy each moment in time because we just don't know how many more moments we have!

love,
debbie