Category Archives: Life

Sharing a shoebox

Posted in Bumpboobs, Life by

Living in a small apartment with three people is an exercise in patience and respect. It’s funny because each of us have our own projects to get on with, but we  also have our own patterns and habits.

Let’s just say it’s a full house. A full flat. A small and full one-bedroom flat.

In a dream world we’d live a few streets over where the homes are large, with studies and sitting rooms and gardens full of roses. In a dream world we’d have separate bathrooms, and Cath Kidson sheets, and super king beds with mints on our pillows.

And maybe one day that will happen. But today we are getting along in this cramped apartment – not pulling our hair out, not having arguments, and not driving each other crazy. At least not all the time.

Because in my world, the one I walk through and laugh in and am thankful for every day – I have more love than anyone could ask. And while this place is chalk full of people, it’s also brimming with care and concern and good company.

A little space is a good thing. But having your husband and mother nearby is quite fantastic too.

* That being said, Zsolt and I are escaping for a one-night get away this weekend to the New Forest. Ohhhh yeah! Cream tea, three course dinner, and English breakfast – here we come! This is an abnormal splurge for sure, but who doesn’t benefit from the occasional indulgence? It’s a little bit of dream come true.

Snuggie wars

Posted in Life, Love by

Daniel and JP, my two thoughtful brothers, have bought me a Snuggie.

A ‘snuggie’ is a long fleece blanket with sleeves – totally ridiculous, but totally awesome. My snuggie is beige, and the sleeves are giant – they hang off my arms like Princess Leia in that white gown, and if I put a little effort in I can wrap the giant beige blanket around my body so it doesn’t trip me when I move.

Give me two hair buns and a lightsaber; I’ll start kicking some dark side ass.

Yeah Snuggie!

Braless in Britain

Posted in Bumpboobs, Life by

Today I made two decisions.

First was to forget about the bra. Mom and I went in search of health food stores on the high street, and I wore my loose and lovely blue dress.  Because the dress has some strategic pleats I was able to walk around sans-false breast (sans bra altogether) and it felt divine: just me and the soft caress of cotton in the breeze.  You know what, I think people didn’t even notice.

Today was a very good day for body image awesomeness.  I also bought a shirt from H&M that has similar pleats. The neckline plunges considerably, but I figure why not? I’m only 28, and so what if I occasionally show a bit of scar? Once this wound heals it will lighten and become less alarming to the accidentally flashed, plus in general the design of this shirt means neither boob nor scar will be hanging out for the world to see.

🙂 Shopping. Oh I love it, even if I can only stand an hour before my side becomes overcome with pins and needles.

My second decision has also been made today. Zsolt and I will stay in England for the chemotherapy. While I’d love to be near my family, I also love being near my husband – and he needs to finish his thesis, which can best be done with access to the university and his colleagues.  In the meantime I’ll start applications in case we decide to move after chemo is completed. At the moment that future decision to move is still in the air, but for now we’re staying put in jolly old England.

So there you go. Today I am feeling better, better than yesterday, for sure. To top off the good vibes my work colleagues stopped by for a visit (and brought presents, yay!). I’ll tell you what, the library is the loveliest place – from the people, to the environment, to the work.  Shout out to Nick and Margaret! Thanks for coming round; it was great to chat a while.

So high and lows, as promised. Today has been a high.  And thanks goodness for that.

PS – an extra shout out to the generous ladies who delivered a certain lunch/dinner this past afternoon. Your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated, and I think was a highlight in the day.  It’s incredible how people can take care of one another. Wonderful too.  🙂