2013/7 Embrace the Ordinary

After two weeks of a much needed vacation, it was time to get back to work. I went to bed last night a bit apprehensive getting back to reality. Turns out it was easier than I thought. It was a good work day with a lot accomplished.

My plans to head out after work and perhaps get some photos in was thwarted by fatigue, but I didn't beat myself too badly up about it. There will be other days, other opportunities, of that I am hopeful.

For my photo of the day, I made do with a last moment photo of the sun coming down into the living room window through the sheer curtains reminding me of photos my dad took of the family long, long ago in another house, at another time.

It was just an ordinary day, but it was still worth embracing.

2013/6 All We Need

A quiet day, spent at home. After breakfast, I lay back down in bed instead of getting ready for church. The rest felt good. It's what I've longed for since Christmas. It's what I needed as I prepare to start work after two weeks off. It's what I need as I prepare for the installation of the port into my body and another round of chemo.

The majority of the day was spent on my recliner. I could have moved around more, should have moved around more, but today was just a day of rejuvenation. I'm praying that tomorrow, I get an early start, can finish up at 4pm and then get out of the house for just a little while.

It may have not been the most exciting day, but at least there was this.

It's all we need.

2013/5 Drive by Photo Shot

My hardest day of 2013. Don't know if I'm feeling the effects of the chemo or the lack of pain relievers, but the pain in my back cut into my happy place today.

The plan was to go visit Matt, Ashley & the children and maybe get in a little time in Palm Springs to take pictures of the scenery. I was able to do the first, but by the time lunch was over, I was done. Thankfully, my car seat is comfortable so I was able to tolerate the drive back. It helped to have company (Liz). Instead of getting out and walking around, I had to make do with a few drive by shots.

Still, it was a gorgeous day and I got to see my babies. It was worth the drive.

2013/4 Beauty Amongst the Sorrow

At first I wasn't sure about taking pictures at my uncle's funeral, but when I was given a strategic seat during the graveside service, I hoped my aunt and cousin's wouldn't mind. My iPhone on silent allowed me to quietly document the moment. After I saw the results, I was glad I took the chance.

2013/3 Here I Go Again

This time around I wasn't as emotional as I thought I would be. Even though there were a million other places I would rather be, there was resignation that this is where I needed to be to fight this thing because this year there are a million things that I want to embrace.

2013/2 Sunny Skies

It was the kind of January day that Angelenos expect, sunny and gorgeous, perhaps a little cooler than normal. It's our right that comes with putting up with horrendous traffic, ridiculous state taxes and high gas prices.

It's what used to cause out of staters to move to California in droves as they would come for the Rose parade or watch on TV and think it's always this way. Recently, however, the cost of living has put a stop to the numbers moving out here.

Today, I soaked it in. The sun, the sky, the cool breezes. It was wonderful.

2013/1 The Start of New Year

It was a good way to start the New Year. A delicious brunch at my brother's, a stroll at The Citywalk and ultimately blue, sunny skies.