About Me

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Single Mum of teenage chef, affectionately known as The Brat. Have started a new life at the tender age of 44, embarking on a relationship with my childhood sweetheart... I know cliche central, but so far it works for us! New job, new friends, new challenges. Life's GOOD!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

HIGHS AND LOWS!

As suggested by the title, there have been some high points and some low points over the last three months.

For those who don't follow me on Twitter, don't worry, my health is fine(ish), though there have been a couple of complications there too, which I will detail at the other blog. (Here)

Work is going along okay, the boss has been pretty good since we cleared the air about our little misunderstanding earlier this year. He knows of my plan to move to Melbourne, but is not aware of my timetable as yet. I will break it to him fairly soon I think, as the time is coming ever closer.

The Brat is once again out of work, having been ripped off salary wise by his most recent employers. Now given his record for staying in any one position for any length of time is not exactly awesome, I don't for a second believe that he is without blame in the various scenarios which have led to his temporary bouts of unemployment. Sadly, he's actually very good at what he does, and he is in fact a good little worker. To a degree he has been unlucky. Hopefully his next position will see him out to the end of his apprenticeship and beyond. After that who knows? He may choose to join me in Melbourne, travel, or, my personal preference, join one of the armed services for a few years. I have to admit though, it's been nice having him around the last week or so.

My relationship is going really well. I don't know what exactly turned the tide, but J has gone from being a man who emphatically declared less than 12 months ago, that he will be single for the rest of his life... to asking me to move in with him when I finally do get to Melbourne. Maybe it was my cancer, or the enthusiastic reception our relationship has had from his friends and family, or maybe a combination of the two.  Sadly his Dad was also diagnosed with cancer, and as a result of other medical conditions, his treatment options were somewhat limited. He is currently under palliative care - which involves Morphine, as much as he needs, and is unlikely to survive the week. I saw him a couple of weeks ago when my best friend treated me to a weekend in Melbourne for J's birthday. Sad to see a strong, proud man reduced to the extent he was, and less than 24 hours after I returned home, he was in hospital. He is still a proud man, and the frustration in his eyes when he struggled to understand or be understood, was heartbreaking. I hope to make it back for his funeral, but that will depend on when, as my treatment has to be my priority.

Some of you will know that I had planned to be living in Melbourne by now, but obviously the cancer came along and delayed my plans. My next plan was to wait until I have my 12 month mammogram in June, then head off once I have the all clear. I am now moving my timetable forward, with the blessing of my Doctors. When I am ready they will transfer all of my records to the appropriate Doctors in Melbourne, and I can have all of my follow ups down there. So I am planning now on a move late March or early April 2011.  J and I are both excited and impatient, but obviously it would be foolish to do anything until my active treatment is finished.

My parents.... well what can I say. There are subtle indications that Mum is beginning to accept the inevitability of my move. It will be a long time before she likes it though, if ever. Still, she has joined a bowling league, and talked Dad into joining the RSL, in an attempt to broaden their social circle. So far it seems to be working, and as they settle into new friendships, hopefully my move won't be as devastating as she thinks it will. There was a major hissy fit when I went to Melbourne a couple of weeks ago, but my current tactic is to ignore the tantrum, and eventually she settles down. She wouldn't drop me at the airport or pick me up on my return though.

I had breakfast this morning with some of the Burger crew. Good food and company, but once again no photos. D'Uh! I even made a point of locating and taking my camera and then forgot to use it! There are plans afoot to catch up again in the New Year, and I look forward to that. I'm also keen to see and meet more of the Melbourne Burgers, once I move.

So for now, I continue with my treatment, and prepare for Christmas. My younger sister will be here with her partner and the kids. My older sister was going to be here, but unfortunately will be unable to make it. I am looking forward to it, it will be a distraction from my treatment (which continues through my short break).

Given my track record, I suspect I won't be back with an update before Christmas, so to all my friends, have a safe and happy Christmas, or whichever celebration you prefer. Thank you again for your wisdom, support and friendship, and I will see you all around the Twitterverse, or on facebook, or the varios Blogs we frequent, until we catch up in person.

10 comments:

  1. And a joyous Christmas to you, Mayhem, followed by a year full of blessings and good health.

    I'm sorry to hear about Fireman Sam's dad. It's never easy when the people you care about are suffering. Virtual hugs for you, FS, and his dad. ()()().

    It's great that you're responding well to treatment. The Monash has an excellent reputation for treatment, and also happens to be in the South East.... where I live.... hint hint hint....

    Hope to see you soon!

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  2. Catty, thanks, and Lol! Given I'll be living in Werribee, I think it's likely that The Monash could be a bit far to travel.

    But I hope to be down in Melbourne for a week in about February, we'll try to catch up then.

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  3. All the best in the upcoming holiday season, M! Good to hear about the upcoming move to Melbourne-hope things work out well there for you!

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  4. Looking forward to seeing you at the Melbourne get togethers M.

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  5. Thanks Yankee, I'm sure everything will work out in Melbourne, one way or the other. I'm really looking forward to it.

    Bangarr, it will be great to see more of you guys after the move, and maybe even a quick catch up when I'm there in February.

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  6. I hope you get well soon. Re: moving, I totally understand. I moved a few cities away, and my parents acted like I was practically disowning them. :-) Merry Christmas.

    http://ficklecattle.blogspot.com/

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  7. FC, Thanks. A few more weeks of active treatment, then time to get on with my life.

    I had a quick look around at your place, and will definitely be back.

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  8. Great news the treatments have been so positive in the longer term Mayhem!
    Things are exciting for you, huh - much to look forward to. Funny about men in that regard--takes a while for them to warm to a change of life. I shouldn't make it particular to men, can be anyone , but males are generally socialised among their peers to feel they must be independent at all costs. It's a very common story anyway.
    Your parents will adjust and adapt to a different pattern.
    one more thing, off this topic: A few weesk ago I put up a message on Twitter saying I had deleted from my fb account some cbgs who weren't making nay appearances at fb and no offence and those peeps could send a new invitation if they wanted to get back on my list. I simply assumed those ones (ie you and 2 others) never use your fb accounts. anyway, just repeating the message in case it didn't go to you via twitter. Abi

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  9. Abi, yep thanks all is going well, and I'll be past the worst hopefully by the end of January. Then I can get serious about my move.

    Regards FB - No probs, I saw your messgae. I actually DO check in most days, but you're right I rarely engage. I mostly use it for messages and just to check on what others are doing.

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  10. Hey, I am checking this blog using the phone and this appears to be kind of odd. Thought you'd wish to know. This is a great write-up nevertheless, did not mess that up.

    - David

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Faff is acceptable.