While big things are happening in the world, little things are happening at home. At the moment Zsolt is having a little tiff about my extreme and constant sloppiness. It’s true, I’m a slob – and if it weren’t for my husband I’d be a MONSTER slob. Proof of that was my old bedroom over Christmas with clothes and towels and papers and suitcases scattered around the floor (and doors, and chairs, and bed.)

Little things.

There’s a little bit of radiotherapy left. Every morning I arrive and am greeted by one of a few varying nurses. They ask how I’m doing, I give them a report. Normally it consists of: “Fine.” Because I am fine. Sometimes I get tired, my skin still has that shadow of pink, there is that occasional wheeze . . . but all that is wrapped up in ‘fine,’ because nothing’s changed or gotten worse. Do they know I was freaking out over my left boob last week? Maybe, maybe not. Since the results were great, I’ll not bring it up.

Another little bit of excitement lays ahead. Call me stupid if you must, only if you must, but I’ve planned a trip to London the Wednesday after my last radiotherapy session (i.e. two days after). My old professor is launching a book, which sounds quite exciting and while I’ve been told book launches are generally not so thrilling, I would nevertheless like to see one for myself. Therefore, London is calling with a day trip on the train, an early meal, a speech with a reading (at which point I’ll strive to find seating because goodness knows I’ll be tired), and a train ride back home.  It will be an adventure. Plus, I’ve got a really cute dress to wear.

And continuing the adventure – here is a little thing that means oodles to my little life. I’ll be getting a haircut. What hair, Catherine? This hair! See it? Get the magnifying glass and take a look. There is a shallow carpet of hair spreading across my scalp, but it looks crazy because  of the patchiness and varying lengths. Did you know that your hair doesn’t grow evenly? Different sections grow at faster/slower rates. It’s true. So I’m off to the hairdresser. It’s incredible because last July I can remember sitting in that chair pre-chemo and talking with my hairdresser about chopping it all off. And she told me, ‘come back in when it starts growing. Even if there’s only a little bit we can fix it for you.’ So next Tuesday that promise will be tested. Thank goodness the monk style reverse balding has finally filled in.

Here is one last little (BIG!!) thing before this post ends. Zsolt Samson – the handsome and charming scientist who has worked so very hard over the last four (.5) years – is nearly ready to submit his thesis. This past month has been push push push for Zsolt, with late nights, full weekends, and frequent meetings with his supervisor. To say I’m proud of Zsolt is insufficient (more like I’m bursting with exploding sun-bright gushes of enthusiasm, excitement and pride for this man’s accomplishment), but will have to do. Another week or less should result in submission. GO, Zsolti, GO!

These are the little things in our steady life that have been coming and going over the past while. Frankly, I’m more interested in the news and all the change that is being pushed through, though am in no way qualified (or knowledgeable enough) to write about those topics. But can appreciate that it sometimes takes a big struggle to accomplish big things.

And that is the end of this posting. Next week, hopefully, I’ll have something a bit more exciting to say!