Resolutions
Keeping with New Years traditiion, I thought I would sit and think about what I might resolve to do in 2009. In no particular order, here is a list of some of my resolutions:
- Exercise more regularly: Prior to April, 2008 I had managed to go to the fitness center at CDC at least 3 times a week. I stopped going as I underwent chemo/radiation, surgery, and chemo (again). Despite all this, I continue (as much as possible) to walk up the 10 flights of stairs at the office; however, I want to get back into the gym. Ideally, I would like to get back to being able to run a 5k; we’ll see.
- Continue to focus on the present: Results from my latest blood work are promising, as my CA19-9 test (the biomarker for tumor growth) remains low! No one knows what the future may hold (I still sometimes resent when people tell me that everything will be okay — we just don’t know, do we). However, I resolve to try and not worry (so much or even think) about what the future may hold.
- Take at least one picture each day of something (or someone) that is important to me. It’s all well and good that I am writing down what I am going through, but perhaps it would be equally helpful to visually document things that are important and/or meaningful. (Besides, having pictures on this blog might spice things up a bit!
- Be more productive at work: I’ve never been a “star” at my job. I like to think of myself as a strong “B student” — better than average, but not a superstar. In 2008, I was — distracted — by my health issues and, in retrospect, I was less than impressive in my productivity. My supervisor, I’m sure, would argue with me, but I think that is, in large part, is colored by her factoring in my cancer; as in, “He was productive for someone with cancer.” In 2009, I hope to meet the levels of productivity I demonstrated in 2007.
- Live life to the fullest: when I was first diagnosed, I talked about living for the moment; taking joy in the little things in life that we often over look. As I got “used” to my cancer, I found myself moving away from such appreciation. In 2009, I will try and look for the miracles each day: to this end, perhaps I will include some of the little things that have given me joy in a particular day in this blog.
In short, I want to spend 2009 (as much as possible) NOT thinking about my cancer and, instead, doing the things I had done with regularity before I was diagnosed.
Merle