So I am back at the Cancer Care Center waiting for my doctor’s appointment. I am always shocked at how full the waiting room is – it is a sobering reminder of how many people this disease touches. Young, old, rich, poor, black, white, brown – cancer does not care.

I am relieved to see the husband of one of my fellow warriors. I had been worried about her because we were supposed to finish chemo on the same day but she was not there. They dropped her last chemo and she is starting radiation today. Guess what? Just got to talk to my friend. It is so good to see her. We are bonded just by sharing this journey together. It is so nice and comforting.

I almost get the feeling that the universe is trying to get my attention. Have you ever felt that way? If you remember, this blog started with the title “The Year Life (Wearing Pointy-toed Cowboy Boots) Kicked Me in the Shins.”

Did you ask yourself why such a title? When I was a kid, I had an uncle who loved to tickle me and what he called “wrestle.” Well, I hated it. He would tickle me until I could not breathe. I would beg him to stop, but he would not and none of the adults would help me. So the very last time he started tickling me, I asked him to stop. He did not, so I hauled off and kicked him in the shin as hard as I could. Guess what I was wearing? You guessed it: pointy-toed cowboy boots. I got his attention. It was the last time he tickled me.

So this is where I am at in my life: I think the universe is trying to get my attention. I went to work for a short time yesterday. I had some things that needed to be finished. By the time I left there I was angry, stressed, and overwhelmed . . . in other words, just like I always feel at work. This cannot be good for me. This morning I can tell I have the beginning of a sinus infection and sore throat.

I know I need to work because just like all of you, I have bills to pay. But I must consider my health and what impact this stress is having on me. Maybe it’s time for me to take a look at my life and figure out what the universe is telling me.

I do know what I love, besides animals and nature. I love to teach. I have been an adjunct biology instructor for years. That is where I feel complete and needed. But I only have a master’s degree and I’m not sure that I could make a living teaching.

I have always heard that you should put things out there to the universe and see what happens. So that is what I’m going to do. Nothing rash or foolish – just be open and see what happens. Life is too short to be miserable.

Well, my doc at Cancer Care has sent me right over to radiation for a consult. Got to go – time to take the next steps on this journey.

Thanks again for all your support!