No Rest for the Wicked

Kids are natural ghouls -- fans of things gross, uncomfortable and slightly scary. The kids in my family are definite ghouls. We are constantly teasing them mercilessly. This afternoon I had my cousin's kid Kristen sit on my lap facing me and watch as I slowly revealed my bald head by pushing back the wig off my head.

"Ew! Don't ever go outside like that," was her response.

I wasn't offended in the least. We were giggling the whole time. Her brother Carter watched with his mouth open as he peered on the other side of the sliding glass doors into the living room. I asked him later if it was weird. He smiled big and said "yes". Later he told me how much he liked my wig. Their mother said I reminded her of Cirque du Soleil with the dramatic make-up and bald head. It was an odd comparison but I knew what she meant. I got up and showed her husband in the front room. He didn't bat an eyelash. I think he was taken aback and trying to keep cool. For once, he was speechless.

Why reveal to the kids? I had talked about getting shaved weeks ago and when they saw me this time around I had a new hairdo. I find it easier if you are more honest with kids about what is going on in your life, in this case -- cancer, and what happens during the its treatment. Knowing things gives them comfort instead of wondering why the appearance of someone they love keeps changing in an unusual way. You don't have to be macabre or bang them over the head with the truth; however, being secretive does them no favors...

I have not blogged in a while because I have been mentally tired from work and my evenings have been consumed with planned and unplanned visits. On Wednesday, I was too tired from my Tuesday night outing. Serina visited on Thursday because she wanted to paint my toes a very dark apple red. Friday had Tawny making a stop to visit after she and her husband walked around the apartment complex around 8pm.

Why not turn them down I hear someone asking? I don't turn them down because my chemo is on the 23rd and during that weekend I am sequestered at home to recover from my third infusion. Maximizing my time with friends and family in between chemo recoveries is very important to me no matter how it tires me.

By noon today I had already gone with Kimmee to a quilt shop. I bought a yard each of three fabric designs I am going to sew into envelope pillow covers for the pillows on my sofa. One of my goals is to do manageable changes within my apartment during my chemotherapy (two and a half more months!). I can't sand and prepare furniture for paint and paint them but I can do some light sewing.

My aunt changed our dinner plans for Sunday to this afternoon since my cousin's family was available. You may remember telling you that my aunt is going to the Philippines next week for three weeks. This meant that I had to cancel my dinner plans with Kimmee and Serina. Family first...

I made one stop to my new happy place before venturing to my aunt's. The owner was singing and playing an electric guitar as I walked in. I placed my signature order of jackfruit with mango jelly and boba (translation: jackfruit flavored slush drink with little bits of mango flavored jelly and giant tapioca pearls at the bottom) with the Vietnamese guy behind the counter. I had to reveal to him that I had my Asian license to order that particular flavor. HA! Once I assured him I was half-Filipino, he seemed relieved to make me the drink again from the last time I was in the cafe. He was too busy before to ask.

When I was finished confirming my order and turned towards the small stage, the Caucasian owner was excited to see me and announced to me from the stage how he was having his own private concert. I clapped to show my own enthusiasm. He was a better guitar player than singer, but I appreciated his enthusiasm while he sang "Your Song" by Elton John while my drinks were being made. (I ordered an extra one for my aunt to try.) My drinks were ready when he started another song. I raised my drinks to him on the way out and I was rewarded a smile and accompanying wink for my effort. His age was hard to tell with his boyish face and all gray hair. I will have to wait two more weekends to bring my laptop and actually sit a while.

The week before chemo seems to have a harried pattern to try and get things done. I have extra cleaning to do as well as make my chemo candy bracelets. Wish me luck on making it through with work and everything else. There is no rest for the wicked.

Hugs,
Sprinkles

No Rest for the Wicked

AGOL is Asian?

It has been a few months since I have walked the woods just miles from my apartment. Kristey was already there by the time I arrived. Her new friend was nowhere in sight. I found out later that she was horrified that we would begin our walk at 8:30am. She was lucky because last year we started at 7:30am! We blissfully completed our own four mile circuit with me noting a lone red dragonfly along the way.

My friends always want me to bring my Pretty Boy Dog, but it would be more hassle than happy for either of us. He's getting on in years and he hates other dogs. It would be stressful to try to control him every third mile when we would encounter other dogs. He wouldn't make the whole circuit. He's a spoiled aging gentle doggie. Belly and back rubs are more his style.

When I got home, I saw another flying creature. This time it was a large needle dragonfly flying near my door. What kind of messages are my winged friends bringing me? I had no time to think about it more until hours later on my way to see my hairdresser Michelle.

I bought a musical card for Michelle that played Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive and I tucked in her pictures of her kittens I had taken last weekend. She wants me to take pictures with her more sophisticated camera next time I come over because she says I take good shots...

It has become a habit to stop at the bubble tea place a few doors down where I ordered the same flavor of jackfruit with mango fruits gels and boba (tapioca pearls). The Vietnamese guy behind the counter asked me how I knew about jackfruit. I told him I was half Filipino and with a face full of surprise he asked me, You're Asian?! I almost died. I said yes and how I was born in the Philippines and had lived the first 11 years of my life there. His lady helper heard this last bit and said to me, You're Asian?! OMG. Were these people blind? Did they not see my chinky eyes? I called Angie and Tawny to ask them if they knew I was Asian. We had a great laugh.


(To their credit, I am only HALF Asian...Still, give me a break.)

Ended up at Tawny's with her family for a very non-Asian dinner of cheeseburgers. I was a nuisance to her in the kitchen, but I was a good helper in setting up the table and making sure everything was on there. Stayed late enough to remember that they had to get an early start to go to Universal Studios tomorrow. Walked back across the complex to my doggie who waited for me like an irate parent. Apparently, the only allowable fun in his book is with him. Good thing he is cute...That's all I can say.
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AGOL is Asian?

Bobas for Everyone

Spent a couple of hours at the salon this morning getting my whole head recolored. It had gotten lighter thanks to my previously blond highlights. Michelle says it takes a couple of times for the color deposit to stick to bleached hair. It is back to the correct color.

While waiting for the color to process, I was telling Michelle about Tawny moving by me and where she had been living the past couple of months, British Jeff's house. I explained some more before she stopped me and asked about British Jeff. I explained he was back in Liverpool with his two boys. We are about 90% sure that she was his hairdresser, too! I have a message to him with a link from my blog post that has her picture. The world is indeed a small place.

Picked up boba smoothies for Michelle, Tawny and Jeff, Kathy and me after my hair was done. The rest of the gang was waiting for me at British Jeff's house who were near the end of the yard sale they were having. Tawny's husband Jeff was the only one who didn't get any boba or other floaty bits. He was missing out on the best part!!

Click on the pic for an enlightening explanation of boba. This place is similar to the one I frequent.


Kathy drove all of us to Chili's around the corner for a very late lunch. It was nice to be around some of my long-time friends -- one of the best feelings in the world. I am truly blessed to have them in my life.

Took Cabal for a walk when I arrived back home and then took myself to bed for a nap. Cabal woke me up for his dinner. While he fed, I caught up on e-mails responding to another high school friend who now lives in Seattle. She's one of those you treasure, too. Quiet relaxation the rest of the evening. It was marvy.
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Bobas for Everyone

Petting a Dragonfly

If it's Tuesday, it must be a work day. Yes, I know, it goes for the other weekdays. Our temps are still high and it makes going to work an extra chore. I was hoping for a taste of the cold front the weatherman kept alluding to some time this week. We're in the 90s now. Will we have to break out sweaters for the 70s or 80s? Doesn't matter to me. I still wear cardigans because I dress for indoors.

My manager had his director and conference calls to occupy him today. I got more work done. Go figure. Bridget enjoyed it as well. We were both happy to catch up on our paper piles. They multiply like rabbits. How do paper mate? They copy each other. Holy heck. I just made that up.

Bridget and I took a walk under the covered walkway around the building around 3-ish. The temperatures were still in the 90s, but there was a cool breeze going. As we walked in front of the glass walls near the front, we spied a small black dragonfly. It had landed on the small metal ledge by the glass. I was overcome with a desire and succumbed to the need to stroke its wings. The wings and body were like black velvet. My beautiful dragonfly allowed me to touch it for several moments. I nudged its tail and it stayed where it was and I stroked its wings again. It was pure magic. I told it to go on ahead and as we started walking, it flew away. I reveled in it. It was one of those divine moments. Bridget was quite amazed, too, at the trust of such a little creature.

Tomorrow I get to teach Bridget how to put on make-up in preparation for her photoshoot for their sexy derby calendar. I have an idea of what will look good for her and she needs to practice for Saturday. We've already discussed a plan and I have shown her magazine shots we can emulate as well as tips on how to crank up her hair for a more glamorous look with the help of hot rollers. If I didn't already have plans on Saturday, I would be there to do it for her...

Left work early to take care of Cabal and straighten my sanctuary a little before Kathy came by to pick me up for Vietnamese food. The food at this place was tasty. I love the way they marinate and charbroil their meat on skewers. It reminded me of street food in the Philippines. We finished it off with our boba drinks. Kathy had watermelon and I had avocado. Can't wait to try another dish on the menu. She brought me home and I gave her the mini steamed rice muffins and cassava cake pieces I saved for her in the freezer from my aunt's house. Kathy loves these Filipino pastries.

Was able to talk to Tawny for a little bit tonight. Felt her absence at work. No real updates on her end regarding Jeff's aunt in critical care. She will be back tomorrow. Poor thing. Meanwhile, I need to put away my laundry and get ready for bed. I didn't get to sleep until a little after 1am and woke up at 5am. I am starting to feel it this evening. G'night.

Petting a Dragonfly

Sarah & Tawny Get Salon Happy

Raced to meet Kim for The Saturday Four, but when I got there and called her, she said she had a migraine and wanted to do it tomorrow instead. It didn't matter to me so I drove off. The extra time gave me room to get some cash for my hair color appointment, fill up the car on gasoline, get some pics printed and go home to get ready before picking up Tawny on the way.

When we arrived, I gave Michelle her AGOL style wrapped gift that contained the pic I posted last Saturday set in a frame so she can display it in the salon. She loved it, thanked me for being sweet and cheering her up. Now Michelle wants me to take a picture of her in a yellow dress (for nefarious reasons) so I will have to do that later.

Michelle was primed for my hair coloring. While she did that, I had Tawny go to the Asian smoothie store and get us some goodies which we enjoyed as our late breakfast. All three of us joked and laughed while Michelle labored over my hair making sure every strand was coated well with product. It turned out quite beautiful and I will post pics on Monday at the latest. It is a softer look and perfect for this AGOL.

Tawny was in desperate need of a cut herself and hadn't been able to find someone to cut her hair that pleased her. I urged her for a consult with Michelle which she took me up on while I changed from my salon smock back to my own clothes. It was only a few minutes. I opened the restroom door and saw Tawny getting her hair washed by Michelle. What the heck? How did that happen so fast? Before I knew it, seven inches had been cut from the back of her head and Michelle got more off around to shape it.

Tawny getting her hair flipped by Michelle. Damn that hair dryer was hot!


We left the salon happier and several dollars lighter. Eek! After three and half hours in the salon, we enjoyed a late lunch at the Asian Bistro. Damn it was good, too! We were a Happy Asian and a Happy Caucasian. Ha! Drove Tawny home where her husband was waiting to take her to Disney in Orlando to see the newly remodeled Haunted House. She texted me that he liked her hair which was really great for her. Hooray. On the other hand, my Pretty Boy Dog greeted me the same, no word at all on the new fabulousness. Hmpf!

Sarah & Tawny Get Salon Happy

Happy Asian Comforts

Giddily anticipated doing The Saturday Four this morning. The weather was cooler and not the steam bath it has been during these walks. Kim met me for a quick version. She slept on her back wrong and I had my hair appointment. More cars were driving around than there were available spaces by the time we made it back. Felt the pressure to vacate; it was a popular destination this morning.

Went home, had a small breakfast and played with Cabal before getting ready for my hair appointment. When I arrived, I told her I wanted my hair darker and she said that she didn't have time today but I could pick out what I wanted. I settled on a Dark Blond Mahogany Brown which my current highlights will still show through but with some red and brown tint. Basically the chestnut lift I am looking for. Even if she had the time, she didn't have enough product. She had one bottle and my hair would take three! I have thick hair and lots of it. Next Saturday I have another appointment with her.

My Korean hairdresser Michelle. Sometime I will tell you the story of her life. If you know of a more mature intellectual gentleman who is single, she's game. She's recently divorced, stands 5'4" on a good day without her high heels, old enough to be my mother, owns her own business, outrageous and amazingly sweet.


Bought some tropical smoothie with mango and boba (large tapioca pearls) right after my hair appointment and called Tawny to see if she and her hubby wanted to go to lunch. She declined since their plans were already set in motion. Set off for getting my nails done instead.

My tour through Asia today led me to my Vietnamese nail technician who, in the middle of doing my hands, cajoled me into getting a spa pedicure. I only agreed since she would be the one doing it. There's something to be said about looking down and seeing your toes cute again with bright deep reddish fuchsia color. While I sat on the spa chair having my feet done, her brother came over and continued working on my hands. I did feel like a goddess. It's been a long time since I've felt that way. We givers tend to forget ourselves since we're too busy making sure everyone is taken care of and having a good time.

The afternoon was beginning to wear and I was famished -- on to the Chinese-owned Asian Store. They had some cooked offerings and I was grateful to not have to cook or settle for a sucky lunch. Bought a whole tilapia fish and cooked blue crab to go with my rice at home. Picked up a few more things before breaking down and driving over to the Philippine Store for some ready made veggies. Felt guilty for not supporting my own Asian people. (I stopped short of going to a German restaurant to complete my cultural heritage.)

My Asian treasures from my adventures today. So deeeelicious! Will be feasting on these the next few days.


Tawny told me that Kathy hadn't been feeling well. Called her to make sure she was okay and she was indeed feeling better. I regaled her with my Asian tour. I think she enjoyed hearing me joyful and giggly. It's been a while and I am determined to sustain it tomorrow.

Being around Asian immigrants made me happy today. It's this invisible camaraderie because you know how life is in your mother country and knowing that no matter how hard life gets here, it is still worth the agony and hard work. Our sense of humor takes over because crying is a waste of time when some things are out of your control. You cope by turning the sad parts into outrageous caricatures which makes you laugh the sadness away and everyone shares in that laughter. From my experience, Asians have the most outrageous sense of humor, usually bordering on the bawdy. It's all good.

Happy Asian Comforts

Drink Boba Tea with Big Straws

An indifferent work haze has fallen over me. I continue to work without pausing for meaning in what I am doing. If there is a problem, I fix it. If there is a question, I answer it. If it needs ordering, I buy it. Simple. And numbing.

Surreal conversations are the only things that can make their way through the haze. For example, Bridget was complaining (out of the blue) that her butt eats her underwear. Yeah, I know. Even so far as describing that her boxer shorts become thongs by the end of the day. She skates about 12 miles a few times a week especially when she is at roller derby practice. All this activity has been making her rear end tighter. She joked that it was like a Vertical PacMan. OMG!

She is a beautiful girl with a crazy sense of humor. The other ladies who are intimidated by her are missing out on the fact that she is fabulously demented. When you get her going, she begins to snort while she laughs. I almost died today as she related this very important Bridget Fact on her behind. My guess is she likes to see how I would react and if I will find it hysterical. She is never disappointed.

Two weeks ago, Ant from work talked about Vietnamese food. It stuck on my mind so I IM'ed Kathy to see if she would like to go with me and explore. Her boyfriend Jamie would not have liked it so he would get left at home, Mr. Meat and Potatoes Man that he is.

Kathy picked me up tonight and drove us to our first Vietnamese restaurant. There is another one we would like to try, but I believe we will stick to Saigon Bay for a bit. Most of the menu is more Americanized, but we didn't care. We were learning about new food and compared it to other Asian food.

We shared some veggie spring rolls first. Kathy ordered Lemon Grass Tofu served with rice for her main course. I had something called a Bun Bowl and mine had rice vermicelli noodles, fresh veggies julienned, lemongrass, mint leaves, marinated prawns that were grilled and seasoned pork on barbecue stick served with a side of sauce. Our tastebuds were having a party! All these goodies followed by boba tea (drink mixture with tapioca pearls at the bottom). Not sure where this idea started exactly, but a good number of Asian places have been serving these. Asians love floaty things in their drinks.

Here is Kathy with her banana flavored Boba Tea. She loved this part best.


Notice the ginormous straws so you can suck the tapioca pearls at the bottom. Mine was the right one - pina colada flavor since I didn't get one last night at the bar. These drinks were very happy indeed.


We were very pleased to have gone to this restaurant where the waitstaff didn't work my nerve. They were very polite and let you enjoy your meal. Service was great; we can't wait to go back again and try other dishes.

Kathy dropped me back off, but not before I gave her the ten-cent tour of my apartment showing her some of the new changes. She really liked the new bathroom curtain and ribbons. Will have to take a picture for you later. Much too late in the evening now. Speaking of which, this page has been increasingly blurry. I'd better chase some Z's.

[SIDENOTE: If you like cats, you will like this link my cousin Angie sent me on Ping Pong. I don't know why the last one is in costume. The whole thing is just wrong.]

Drink Boba Tea with Big Straws