A difference in time

I have been doing a lot of reflecting lately. As I sit here this morning, coffee in hand, mellow music playing I began thinking of all of the changes the past year have held for me. Most people do this on New Years, but who am I to follow the norm. I like to create my own path, and that I have.

About a year ago my world was severed in half as my husband and I separated and I wondered what my life held. I am happy to say that through shear power and determination my life a year later is peaceful, happy and I am stronger than ever.

I realized that while people called me brave for battling cancer, I never felt brave. I had no option, I needed to go through the steps and the outcome was not really in my hands. My life over the past year has made me feel brave. I chose every day to move forward. I chose to make decisions that would affect my financial well being. I chose happiness.

I could have chosen to wallow in sadness and shut out the world. Instead I opened myself up to new ideas, adventure and love. And I have received the same back in buckets.  I have done things on my own that I am not sure I would have tackled before. I am proud of myself.

Support systems offered me a foundation to be able to build up from, but I feel more myself than I ever have. While I would have preferred not to have had to do what I did, I was left facing a fork in a road at many moments and I am happy that I chose strong, positive choices.

A year in review

• Separation
• Bought a house
• Put on a Christmas party
• Chopped Wood
• Shovelled Snow...hired a plowing service...fired a plowing service...shovelled snow
• Went on vacation
• Got comfortable dining out...by myself
• Laughed lots
• Changed jobs
• Tear of sorrow, tears of happiness
• Smiled at the smallest moments and held tight to them
• Started taking more photos
• Gave up caring what others think
• Started speaking out
• Took a leap of faith
• Chose to wake up happy
• Love, lots of love
• Surrounded myself with positive people
• New adventures
• New friends, old friends
• Surgery, healing
• Took back my health
• Said no when I didn't want to, without guilt
• Enjoyed the quiet moments
• Construction
• Asked others for help
• Stood still

I have always been a strong female, thanks to my mother. Today I feel like I could take on anything and succeed. Tomorrow might feel different, but that's the difference in ME. I don't think about tomorrow. I think about today and how to make each moment count. I am responsible for my own happiness, my own success and my own path. I am excited about the adventures which await me. So with heart in hand, my will and determination I face the fork in the road and walk confidently down the path not caring whether it is the "right one" but will face whatever comes head one. 

Thank you for all of my family and friends and fur babies who have helped me over the past year in more ways than you could ever know. You have made me strong enough to walk on my own and for that I am forever grateful. Love to you all.

Playing Catchup

It feels like a long time since I have sat and collected my thoughts long enough to write a post. Probably because it has! So here goes the "Cole's note" update on what has been going on since my last post:

• Tissue expansion completed, only to find out the expander is not a long term option for me as it is already deflating. Another operation will be required to replace the expander with an implant.
• I have been occasional pains in my "good" boob and some in my right one as well. It is just scar tissue and massaging it feels good. Although it seems a little odd to be rubbing my own boobs. Looking for a pool boy to do odd job and I don't have a pool...or any money to pay them.
• Summer fun has been happening despite the rain, wind and lack of sun. Nothing like camping in the rain and celebrating my birthday with no power thanks to a post tropical storm.  We were all set though with a cabin, Coleman stove, fire, alcohol and great company.
• Had my yearly mammogram and all is good. Two years down! whoot whoot.
• My family doctor has left the country (literally) and I am awaiting a replacement. I have lack of faith in the next one already and they haven't even been appointed
• I changed jobs. New people, new environment. It's odd but I am just beginning to settle in and find my role. Moving back to agency life allows for my creativity to flow. Now if I could only get people on board to live in my happy positive bubble my island would not be so lonely.
• I met a great guy who likes to do a lot of the same things I do. We go for drives, cook up yummy things, watch cooking shows, and talk until 3am...I must admit I am a smitten kitten. 

It's hard to believe it is Labour Day weekend already and the summer has flown bye. What does the fall bring? Doctor appointments, possible surgery, birthdays and lots of laughter. I have not posted any pictures on this blog but I have decided to change that up to give you a glimpse of my summer fun catch up.

Somedays he's pretty perfect

I took up construction

My walk to work

Lobster Time

Music Fun

Harbour Life

What we will do for a photo

Greek Time

Cabin in the woods...before the hurricane

Cooking up a feast

Driving Discovery

Patio time

Girl's Night

Iron man drives the ferry

Gay Pride Parade

Food Truck Festival

Beach Life

We eat well!

Crazy Driver alert

You never know where Batman will show up