Despite my best intentions and although I keep hoping my brain will function at 100 percent capacity, I still forget stuff. I call it "latent chemo brain" syndrome. (Simply another side effect of all the drugs I've had over the years plus my chemotherapy regimen back in 2002.) There are times I'm glad just to remember my own name. (Trust me, I probably don't know yours.)
Anyway, I was recently "reminded" that I forgot some vital things that were a part of our holiday celebration. For instance, I mentioned we had latkes. But, I forgot to note that these were not just any average latkes. They were vegan latkes -- created by Edward, so that all of us (including Brian) could enjoy the holiday favorite. He never asked his Dad to make them and would have never complained had he not. However, we were all able to enjoy these delicious and probably his best ever potato latkes. Ed is still "talking" about them and even said he should have brought some to the housewarming party held on Dec. 17 at Adrienne's and Jason's new home.
Speaking of housewarming parties and gifts -- Edward also gave the happy new homeowners (it's in Adrienne's room) a brand new iMac computer. Her former system was very, very old and hardly functioned -- thus, Adrienne really needed a new computer in order to stay in touch with the world. Needless to say, she is thrilled. Jason is also enjoying a new device that allows him to wave his hands (almost like magic) and have things move across the screen. I'm not a techie person and Ed has told me about a dozen times the name of this device, but I keep forgetting. (Another moment.) Whatever it is called, I know that Jason will enjoy being able to use it and hopefully, Adrienne will also master the "new device" as well. Another surprise for the couple was when Jason's family gave them a new high definition, big screen television. It has a prominent spot in the great room.
The housewarming / holiday party was a huge success. The couple prepared their "deliciously famous" cheese fondue. (Yummy!) Plates of fresh French bread, carrots, apples and broccoli were set out to accompany the fondue. They also put out mini kosher "pigs in the blanket" along with chips and salsa. There were some cupcakes, cookies and a friend of hers brought along a chocolate cake made by another co-worker. The cake was "awesome." I wanted more but I knew my blood glucose levels were already off the charts. (Cheating during the holidays is okay, but I could tell that I would be paying the price for my indulgence.)
I know that they enjoyed showing off their adorable new home -- located in Davenport, Polk County. The housing development is surrounded by orange groves, so it's a fairly rural area. The good news is that "shopping" and plenty of it is located conveniently nearby. Within a short driving distance, they can find a Publix, Walmart, Target, Winn Dixie, ALDI, and a multitude of other stores including Lowes (where they have been known to spend a great deal of time) and several dollar stores. Although they have not really met any neighbors, I'm sure that they will soon be making new friends. As a brand new development where construction is still underway, it is exciting to realize the potential.
The month of December always tends to be a bit crazy and this year is no exception. I have already eaten way too much. Today, after doing my basic spin class (30 minutes) I attended a luncheon at Chili's for the Y's program committee members. Tomorrow, I will be attending a volunteer recognition luncheon at the Y and on Friday, following Zumba, we are holding a class party. Seriously! I keep eating and eating, which can only mean I must keep exercising too.
On top of all this, I've lost my voice. (I'm trying to find it,) About a day and a half ago, I noticed my voice started sounding differently. It is now quite raspy and although I have attempted to keep from talking, it has been nearly impossible. Try attending a luncheon without speaking. At least while writing this blog, I have remained silent. (Except for when Ed called me -- even though I had text him a message indicating my voice was nearly gone.) I have no idea why my voice has suddenly gone away, although my theory is "that it's weather related." We have had real ups and down with our temperatures here -- going from lows in the upper 40s to highs in the upper 60s or low 70s. The sudden chill in the air is not good for my body and this may be another "sign" that cold weather and I do not get along well. A couple of weeks ago, (during another cold front) I was in a lot of physical pain. I was reaching for extra pain medication because my body was having a difficult time handling the cold. Now, it's my voice. Fortunately, I feel fine (no fever and no sore throat) -- but I have started taking a nasal decongestant just in case.
I told a friend during lunch "All I want for Christmas is my voice." I fully intend to "fully" recover. I have had a healthy 2013 and the game plan is for 2014 to be an extremely healthy year. I will not accept anything less.
While my brain may not always be in tip-top form, I am keeping this "body" in the best shape possible. I have heard that "we" can ward off serious mental health challenges (including dementia) by staying in good physical shape. So, here it is -- my only resolution for the coming year... to stay healthy. If that is accomplished, I can certainly do everything else I have on my agenda .. and more.
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