Hmmm…good question, right?  Beautiful flowers are starting to come out, yet we might get some snow tonight!!  Interesting weather, we’re having, and I’m loving it!  After my walk today, I played with Jameson and Guinness in the front yard, and I noticed all the blossoms opening up, so I took some pictures to share with you.  The cherry blossoms are only starting to open, and some of the magnolias should be fully open in a couple days.  The daffodils are, of course, the first flower of spring, so they’re already gorgeous!

Have I told you my feelings about daffodils?  I can’t remember.  Following my first treatment for leukemia in 2005, I became addicted to the show “Miami Ink” (about tatoos).  Before this show, I never wanted a tatoo, but after watching it, I realized that many of them aren’t just body art; they also have great meaning to the person wearing them.  I thought, “Well, I would like a tatoo”!  I didn’t want it anywhere conspicuous though.  I watched the show every week, trying to decide what tatoo I would want.  I learned that some people use them to cover up scars, and it came to me!  I should have a tatoo to cover my bone marrow biopsy dots on my back (in the hip area).  Don’t ask me how I learned this, but I discovered that the daffodil is acknowledged as the first flower of spring.  It breaks through the tough, cold soil to show off it’s beautiful yellow bloom.  I thought, “Now THAT would have a lot of meaning for me.  I can cover up my bone marrow dots with an artistic chain of daffodils (in color, of course!), because after all I’ve been through, aren’t I a bit like a daffodil?”  I felt like I had, in a sense, been reborn because I conquered leukemia (and the fact that the daffodils come back every year, despite the environment, seems exactly like a rebirth).  Then, I learned about the American Cancer Society (ACS) and Daffodil Days (where you can donate to  ACS and they will send daffodils to you or a loved one.  You can even make a contribution to have them delivered anonymously to someone in the hospital…I thought that sounded really cool.  Anyway, if you want to learn more, check this out: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PAR/Content/PAR_4_1_Daffodils_About_Daffodil_Days.asp or get in touch with a local ACS office).  Sooooo, on with my story.  I learned 1)they were the first flower of spring and 2)they were the symbol of hope for the ACS…I figured I made the right choice for my tatoo.  I would wait until my blood counts came way up before getting the tatoo, but I was really excited.  Unfortunately, the leukemia came back before I could have it done, but daffodils symbolize something very special for me now.  I don’t think it’s worth it now to risk any possible problems with a tatoo, so I won’t be getting one.  Seeing them bloom outside is enough to bring a smile to my day…well, that and cutting a few to put in my room…it adds such a warm yellow glow to any space.  :)  That’s a long story about daffodils, don’t you think?  But maybe now when you happen upon some while you’re out driving or walking around, you’ll stop and give them the notice that they deserve.  They’re strong and forgiving of a harsh environment, and their bright yellow color is enough to bring some sunshine to a rainy day.

Moving on from my daffodils monologue, I tried some speed walking today (arms and all!)!  It felt so good.  I love the feeling of twisting my waist while walking because I can almost sense the inches coming off.  Yup, speed walking is perfect for whittling the waist.  Not that I want to lose a lot of weight…I need to lose about 7-10 pounds to be where I was before my transplant.  I need to get rid of my muffin-top (you know, when your belly hangs out over the top of your pants?), and I need to fit into my pants!!  :)  I’m not technically watching what I eat, because I love food.  I rarely drink Coke though, and you know that’s huge for me!  For the most part, when I’m thirsty, I make myself drink water first.  If I’m still thirsty after a bottle of water, I’ll treat myself to a Coke.  I’m picking up some snacking ideas from magazines, and I have a hot chocolate with marshmallows/Reddi Whip for my dessert most nights (after all, I have to eat something chocolatey!!).  We’ll see how long it takes before I can fit into my pants perfectly!

One more comment for today.  So you all know that I watch TV (I’m trying to cut back on that too!), and I’m pretty sure you know how I feel about commercials.  Except for a select few, I mute them.  The most annoying commercials to me?!—eassssssy to answer that one.  The ones with the guy that yells.  I think you know to whom I’m referring.  I googled “yelling commercial guy” and found some more info about him (aren’t you excited?!).  His name is Billy Mays, and apparently he will be in a reality show called “Pitchmen”.  It premieres April 15th on Discovery.  I can’t think of a more relaxing way to finish up tax day, 2009.  Hahahahaha  yeah, right!!!!!  Check it out: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/08/20/billy-mays-commercial-sup_n_120019.html.  From the little bit of research I did, he seems to have lots of fans…how can that be?  Am I missing something?  Sure, sometimes he does make me want to buy the product, but is it really because he TALKS SO LOUD?!  Perhaps the show will tell us more about what makes him so successful.  Don’t forget…April 15th!  I expect reviews of his new show!

Anyhoo, I’m off to watch “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice” (that whole not-watching-tv-as-much rule doesn’t apply on Thursday nights).

Have a wonderful Friday!

Love,

Julie