Then there's that survivor thing

I started this post in March of 2009. I keep a bunch of posts in draft format that because I change my mind, something else catches my attention, or I just forget (most common). They can sit for months or years and then the links I was going to write about go away or I change my mind and decide I am still inspired.

I know I have posted on this before. I do not consider myself a cancer survivor. I am someone living with two cancer diagnoses.  I am in a special little class of people (I like being called special. I like calling myself special. Its better than calling myself a survivor to me.) When asked, I do not say I am a cancer survivor. I say 'I've had cancer twice myself.' And only if I think its their business.

I think survivor was dreamed up by someone who isn't dealing with it. When you survive something you out last it. But if there is no cure, how do you survive it? Eventually something is going to do you in - maybe not cancer, maybe you end up on the Titanic or something... Mental note to self, do not take transatlantic trips during ice berg season.

My take is that I survived a bunch of doctor appointments.I am still surviving because I have an unending list of doctor appointments (which reminds me I need to fix some of them that were changed without my permission). That is my project for today, along with holiday cards, gift wrapping, cleaning, folding laundry, going to the gym and the grocery store. I will survive all that as well.

I used to get more aggravated by the use of the word 'survivor' than I am now. I know some people throw around the word survivor to describe themselves. I think I am okay with that. I think I get more irked by the organizations that start labelling people or the news broadcasters which start saying 'she's a SURVIVOR...' and 'as a SURVIVOR...'

I guess I am saying, people can label themselves but don't label others. Its the same if someone wants to call him/herself a fool, that is fine by me. But don't call someone else a fool - that's rude/mean, etc.

So no, do not call me a survivor. Call me someone special. It sounds better and makes me feel good.

Dealing with nice people

It is such a relief to deal with nice, normal, non-neurotic people on a regular basis. I started my new part time job yesterday and everyone I dealt with, okay there were only two, were nice and normal. I think it got off to a good start. There were the normal first day glitches of needing to get passwords and keys and things like that but it went well. I worked there for three hours and then worked more at home. I will work ten hours a week, some there (5 minutes away) and some at home (in my pajamas with the cat).

Today I am off to my other job for the day which is also filled with nice people. My goal is to work there all day today and tomorrow and then work from home again on Thursday for my other jobs.

Friday I will go off to a girl's weekend with my friends. The biggest issue with girls weekend is to some how stick to my diet. Normally on girls weekend, we don't eat the most nutritionally balanced meals. We eat chips, and desserts, and chicken wings, and round it out with a little bit of drinking. I am bringing a big salad so we will have salad both nights and some apples and bananas for a fruit bowl. I hope to have some nutrition but realize that I may not adhere strictly to my diet.

Otherwise life goes on. I will work today and then go for a walk. Tomorrow I will repeat the process. How exciting. I have no idea what I am going to make for dinner but wouldn't be surprised if I have something I can throw together in the refrigerator.