Pre-surgery ritual...

I got to go back to school today! I totally mean that, I got to go to school today and see my school family. There are 1,000 reasons why I like these people. They make me laugh, they make me feel loved, they're caring and amazing. It is so incredibly clear to me why I work and live here. That thing in the background in the picture? Yup, that's a margarita machine. Where did it come from you ask!? From my school family. They surprised me and I was shocked and thrilled and of course flattered. There may have been some jumping up and down on my part, I don't recall. I have a bit(?) of a whining joke at school that teaching would be much easier if there was a margarita machine in the staff room. Some contributed money, the idea was thrown out there by the big bad principal himself, and the shopping got to be conducted by the wonderful office ladies that actually run everything. Our staff meeting today included the presentation of this beast along with some kind words and such. There were plenty of actual work type things that happened too, but who knows what they were. Seriously, how cool is this!!?? Also for the record. That sweet shirt I'm wearing, it was my Grandpa Leon's. He made the best margaritas in all the land. I know he'll be with me tomorrow too.

Ann, my very favorite Southern accented math teacher gave me some supplies for managing the mood swings. Books to make me laugh, and other things that I can beat on in times of duress without harming myself or others. :) My beautiful friend Ali made us dinner we'll have for tomorrow, and I of course have some pretty purple flowers that say "get ready for Aunt Flashie." Hahahaha.

The kids are on their way to Tillamook right now to hang out with Rick & Debbie. Cannon is thrilled to get to have dinner on the boat one night, back to school shopping, etc. They'll be back Saturday night ish. While Brent and I really have no idea what's in store for us for the next couple of days/weeks/years, we are somewhat looking forward to a few days of quiet. We have a great excuse to not have to go anywhere, relaxing and sleeping are the only things on the agenda. Oh and some possible vicodin. Promise I won't try out the margarita machine while that's happening.

I feel really really good about tomorrow. Apparently I'm on a huge upswing on the roller coaster of emotions (or the margarita is kicking in). I'm sure there are downs out there, but we'll recover and keep going. They will take some pictures of my organs tomorrow while they're cruising around in there to make sure there isn't anything else floating around. I'm sure I'm good, Finn the cancer sniffing dog would have identified it by now. 

Some advice I received today made me smile. "A good mindset will work wonders, but there will be times when it won't, and you have to be forgiving of yourself because you are human."

Let's do this!

PS - if you didn't get a margarita machine at work today, I'm sorry that your coworkers are not as awesome as mine. 

PPS - I promise I'll drink lots of water shortly so my body's ready for tomorrow too.