What Better Way to Get Back Online...

...than with a post about cycling!

Midweek Cycling Club traditionally holds

a New Year's Eve Cyclocross race.

Since the emphasis is on fun in this race,

and I haven't recovered much of my fitness,

I thought it would be fun to race with

my son Owen.

We had a great cheering section:

Owen was delighted that he didn't come in last.

(He just nipped me at the line for second last place)

And I am happy to report that both son and dad are doing well!

Holiday Hiatus

I mentioned many posts ago that I'm not a deep thinker, and I'm feeling right now like I've used up almost all of my deep thoughts. So to give myself a chance to recharge I am going to stop posting until the New Year.

If you're lucky enough (like me) to be spending time with family over the next few weeks, give 'em the attention they deserve.

And for Christmas movies, you really can't beat "The Blues Brothers."

Can't Decide

The flu side-track continues.

Last night I woke with such a chill that I was sure the neighbours were going to complain about the sound of my teeth chattering. I grabbed the warmest clothes I could, which ridiculously, were my winter riding tights and jersey. I plugged in the heating pad, grabbed a duvet, and tried to get warm. It took almost 15 minutes to stop shivering. I got hypothermic this past spring after an ill-advised bike race in the rain, and this was almost as bad.

Then two hours later I was sweating like a pig. Between the blankets, pyjamas, bike clothes and sheets, I filled the washing machine in my sleep.

At least I was able to do the laundry by myself.

Chemo Preview

I can't find the sarcasm font in this blog software, but I sure am glad I got a flu shot this year.

Man, I haven't been knocked out this hard in years. But I suppose it's a nice little prequel to how I may feel when my chemo starts really building up this Spring. Maybe I'll get lucky and be one of those folks who barely feel it, but I kind of doubt it.

Oh well, better to be sick now than in two weeks.

Well, That Was A First

I've never left a party because I was cold. Not just cold, but serious, Amundsen Station cold. I've never been so happy to get into an overly-heated and pungent taxi cab. Turns out I was coming down with the flu. But unless you're my French boss who kissed me, there's no need to worry!

Anyway, before Christi and I skated out of the Carlu we both had a really great time. Big glasses of wine, good food, and, as usual, a great reel. (Check out the 2010 edition here: 2010 Party Reel (It gets funnier after the pleasantries))

Although I've had lots of visitors, cards and emails, it was really nice to see so many of my friends in one place. Recurring theme alert: though it's nice enjoying everyone's kindness and concern by default, it's much nicer when time runs on and the topic drifts to something more, or less interesting, than cancer.

Upping the Exercise Quotient

In anticipation of the six week anniversary of my operation on December 19 (when I am allowed to start moving in more dangerous ways) I decided to stretch my legs out walking around at the Toronto Zoo. Besides CJ and the kids I was also joined by my brother-in-law Robby, his son Taiga, and my dad.

There was a pretty chilly wind, but we had most of the animals to ourselves.

Slow News Day

As expected there were no major learnings in my follow-up visit with my surgeon today. Since I'd had my pathology broken down by my doctor last week there was little else to say. My surgeon thought I looked good (in a doctor-to-patient way) and confirmed that I was good to resume activities at six weeks post-o. That's something to look forward to, even if it means almost ending a sentence in a preposition.

All Things Being Equal, I Wouldn't Recommend Getting Cancer.

But there is certainly an upside; since I was diagnosed six or so weeks ago, I have been fortunate enough to receive:

• Essential oils
• An iPad
• Flowers
• Snow removal
• Raking
• Lunches
• Dinners
• Desserts
• Coffee
• Books
• Magazines
• Gift certificates
• Clothes
• And an indoor trainer

Then yesterday in the mail came a new touque and scarf from the good folks at Steam Whistle.

And people wonder why I love that beer so much.

Sickos

Today I convaleced with my boy Owen, who suffered through most of Sunday with a fever.

Neither of us were well enough to go to school, but we were both well enough to laugh our heads off watching Phineas and Ferb.

Stomach Full of Anger

With apologies to Andy Schleck, I have a stomach full of anger.

In the first couple of weeks after my operation I was pretty astonished at how quickly I was recovering, even if it may have been a normal rate.

But since then I've more or less plateaued.

My stomach starts to hurt after eating a small amount of food.  I have different areas that ache each day. I think these are both caused by my muscle wall healing up and my remaining organs dealing with the extra room.

These things have also caused a problem that only exists because of pure vanity: my abdomen has settled into a new look that can best be described as "misshapen." There's a long horizontal indent running just above my belly button that makes the areas above and below look like fatty rolls. It impacts my ability to enjoy my post cancer weight drop!

Hopefully there will be a new, higher plateau in the near future.

Winterizing

Today I installed these:

My brother Chris did all the lifting while we set up this:

And I bought (along with skis and poles) these:

I like to refer to this last one as "economic optimism."