Lisa: "You haven't updated your blog since Tuesday."
Ben: "No, really? Maybe you internet browser is caching the page Hit refresh."
Lisa: "Nope."
Ben: "Hmmmm, twitter must be keeping the commentors at bay..."

My dear reading public. I am sorry I haven't updated. Between my face hurting most of last week and doing a lot of work combined with a short week I have been thrown off a bit. (What day is it?)

Happy 4th of July! Errr... yesterday. A happy 203rd anniversary of the US's 29th birthday! To celebrate yesterday I woke up, did some stuff around the house, and when Lisa woke up 3 hours later we made fruit salad and headed off to our first BBQ. We were there until about 6pm and then we moved to the second one and we got home about 1:30am. Being as we left our house at 12:30 that means we BBQ'ed/ 4th of July partied for 13 hours. It's nice to be able to go out and about. I remember last year we were halfway hoping I would be in the Hospital over the holiday so that we could watch the fireworks from my room overlooking lake union. That didn't happen and I figure we probably spent the day at home, me on the couch. I guess I could always look back at the archives, but I am still trying to work through that mentally.

Today we're taking it easy about the house. I am letting Lisa work on some things for her internship but doing things that need doing around the house. (Laundry, dishes, bathroom cleaning, etc) I figure she did a lot of that stuff on her own last year, I might as well take some of the work off of her so she can do some "professional development".

Medically: I'm doing well. Muscles REALLY need some work. I played Wii baseball yesterday and my arm is pretty sore today. I'm still hovering around 140 weight wise. I'm trying to eat healthier and push myself a little harder and get stronger everyday. Thank you for the continued prayers in that area. I covet your prayers as I continue this summer.

Ok, I think I need to go clean something now. (Oh, the picture is of Niko "helping" me make fruit salad. (Hint: He's not REALLY helping.))


~B.

Labels: food, Funny, health, parties

Tomorrow is my (first annual?) "cancer free" party that Lisa has been working hard to put together. (Also the first of June) I am looking forward to meeting and seeing a lot of people I haven't seen in a while. (And some I just plain haven't seen)

My aunt came up from California for the party. I was surprised, but glad to have her up as well! As to spend more time with her while she is up here we (Lisa and I) had lunch at my folks place this afternoon and I took the mac and the new tablet over to let Beth play with them. She ended up having a lot of fun and we took some crazy pictures in the process. (The one posted here isn't really "crazy"... just cool.) I posted some of the funny ones on Facebook for those of you that are connected.

It's kind of funny (not of the "haha" variety) that I try not to think too much about the future because if this past year has taught me anything it's that I have pretty much no idea what is going to come my way. I can't help but wonder however, at what point am I more "free" to move around? I mean I've kicked around the idea of getting another job (something full-time so as to not have to do the whole "3 jobs at once thing") but what happens if I start up another job in the next 3 to 6 months and the cancer makes a come-back? I doubt that the job I'll be in will be anywhere as forgiving as the ones I have now. But then again I don't know that for sure.

I kind of feel like I should be actively moving on with my life, but I am held back by some fears about my health. Valid concerns? Or not?

As usual it's something that God will provide for. If I'm to go on to a bigger/ different job it's got to be God's timing anyway. I guess if you really sit down and think about it a normal "healthy" person has just as many unknowns as someone like me who has faced cancer. I'll have to think on the whole thing more. I would covet your prayers on the matter.

P.s. If you're coming to the party tomorrow prepare to say "cheese" for the camera. I'd like to document some of it.

~B.

Labels: parties, prayer request

It's now been almost 4 months since I wrapped up radiation treatments. I have to say that I am enjoying the whole "not going to the hospital more than once a week thing". Being able to work more than 2 hours a day (or less) is pretty cool as well.

While I am sore most days I think that stems from continued healing AND using muscles that haven't been used in over a year. I'm starting to get to the point where I can work full days and not be "dog tired" at the end of the day. I have also been thinking that some exercise might very well be possible soon.

I have also gained a few pounds weight wise. At this rate I'll be back to my normal weight in 3 to 5 years! (Well... hopefully not actually... as I have lost it I'd kind of like to keep it off... (or... muscle weight... yeah muscles...))

I appreciate your prayers for continued healing and strength. I look forward to seeing those of you I will be seeing at the party on Sunday. The rest of you, I thank you for your prayers, and I am sorry you can't make it! May God bless you for praying for me!

~B.

Labels: health, parties

Don't worry, this Memorial Day's festivities does not include cooking horse meat. Yesterday Lisa and I went with Katie and Nate (for Katie's birthday) to Emerald Downs. Horse racing is something that I myself have enjoyed a time or two on TV when the Kentucky Derby was on. No one informed me however that in person horse races are 98% waiting for something to happen and 2% waiting for that something to end. While it was an interesting experience I will not be going back again. I guess the "fun" part comes from betting. I know nothing about horses, or even really the statistics which drive the odds, so I didn't feel like I could "bet" with any consistency or knowledge, and "blind betting" is not my idea of a good time. Lisa gave it a shot, but we didn't win anything. (no real surprise there) I think from now on I'll stick to televised races where I can also do something else during the race.

We also saw Indiana Jones last night. It was a good action film and a lot of good shots and what-not, but the "old indy" took some getting used to. I think my movie ranking for this summer so far is as follows:

• Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
• Indiana Jones
• Iron Man

I'll continue to update that list as I see movies this summer so you can tell where you and I fall on the movie scale in regards to one another.

Today Lisa and I will be at two BBQ's. What better way to start off the "BBQing Season" than by doing two in one day? Honestly it's all about hanging out with other people and seeing them though. I missed that a lot last year. (Well, and the food... I missed the food as well.)

Health wise, I continue to mend. My muscles seem to be almost always sore though... but I expect that is because I am continually asking more and more from them. I assume when I get back some of my original strength that the general soreness will go away. I am also thinking about starting up some exercise as well. At this point it won't be anything spectacular... probably a few songs a day on the Xbox's "Dance Dance Revolution." (If you don't think that is exercise you haven't tried it.)

I would appreciate your prayers for continued healing. Also, a reminder that you can come out and celebrate with Lisa and I next Sunday as we celebrate "Ben's Cancer Free" party.

Also another prayer request, Lisa's cousin, the one who has breast cancer and was pregnant, had her baby on Saturday. He was a month early and it sounds like he'll be in the hospital for a week or two. Sounds like everyone is positive that he will make it through though. Congratulations to the new parents! Please continue to pray for her cancer treatments and the new baby! (I had problems with just cancer treatments, I can't imagine adding a new baby to that mix.)

Have a great day everyone!

~B.

Labels: parties, praise, prayer request

Last evening Lisa and I had plans on going to our friends house for dinner. Little did we know we were stepping into a surprise party. Our small group threw us a "Congratulations you're done with cancer treatments" party last night. It was fun to get to hang out with everyone and talk about all sorts of things. We also took some time in the evening to kind of "debrief" with the group on some of the spiritual lessons that we have learned so far and what that has meant to everyone in our small group. It's always humbling to me to hear how God worked through me to touch someone else's life.

In other news Lisa and I are deep into the planning of our California road trip. I think we pretty much have everything locked in for the seemingly small amount of time we have to spend with everyone we want to see. I'm looking forward to some time "on the road" and traveling to see things I haven't seen in a while and to spend some time with friends and family I haven't seen in a while. Lisa has kicked around a goal to take 1 picture every hour of our trip (minus sleeping time), I think that would be pretty cool, and fun to show off in a slide show. (This is what we were doing every hour of the trip!)

I have a goal of working a full week of work this week... but we'll see how that goes. Lisa had to come home a little early because she was feeling pretty crummy. Hopefully she won't be sick this week. (Or this upcoming weekend)

Thank you all for your continued support!

~B.

Labels: parties, prayer request, travel

Today, in an effort to stave off migraines, I avoided taking anti-nausea medicine. I however was feeling sick a good part of the day. I planned to talk with the nurse today about other medicines that wouldn't cause the headachy-effects, however, she has Monday off. So I will talk to her tomorrow and see if we can't find something I can take even when I am feeling ill.

Hopefully with the new meds I can pickup tomorrow I can get back to work soon.

Yesterday Lisa headed up a great dinner for family as a birthday dinner for me. A lot of food and a lot of good conversation. I wasn't feeling too great, but I was touched by the amount of time Lisa put into getting the meal together. Now I feel a year older. I don't think you can really "age" a year without a party of some sort.

It's amazing how much the radiation tires me out as well. It's strange how something you can't see and is classified as a "wave" can make you tired. Strange.

Thanks again for all the support. Your prayers help me daily.

~B.

Labels: cancer, parties

Tween Party Pictures can be found on Facebook as well as the usual place I keep pictures. (in the picture link up under the pull down menu) Lisa and I have decided that the 3rd Annual 'Tween Party (07) was a success. We had over 35 people come through (with more that promised to be there Day of, but somethings came up) and there was more than enough food and goodies to keep everyone happy.

The 'Tween party is a great time for people to catch up and talk. We had some people around that we haven't seen in a good while. A great part about the party as well is that generally everyone ends up talking to someone new. (Which is why we have people put on name-tags so that it helps the mingling.)

It is good to be able to throw a party like this (BIG thanks to the Massingills for letting us host the party there!) especially after going through some of the stuff I have experienced this past year. I think I have a new found appreciation for large gatherings of people that I didn't have as much before.

Lisa and I are still waiting to hear details back about the Guatemala trip so we will let you know more about it when WE know more about it.

Also please continue to pray for my continued recovery from surgery. Last night as I was moving around a lot I was noticing how weak I am from where I was a year ago. Lisa and I would like prayer as well for the upcoming trip and wisdom for that.

Thanks again for all the support!

~B.

Labels: cancer, parties, travel

Yesterday I survived a trip to the radiologist. They did several scans and then rammed a needle into me in several spots. I now have 3 "tattoos". One not too far from my incision, one on the left of my abdomen and one on the right. They look like I accidentally poked myself with a pen.

Plans to radiate on the 7th continue.

I went into work (Taproot) today for a bit to set several things aright. Then Lisa and I went out to lunch and hung out for a bit at Panera.

A reminder, perhaps a touch late, that the 'Tween party is tonight. Lisa will have the camera handy and you can be sure that there will be a review of it in tomorrow's blog posting.

I thank you all for your continued support and look forward to seeing what this next year has for us!

~B.

Labels: cancer, parties

People often claim they feel guilty for eating cookies because of all the empty calories they contain. Well the solution is quite simple. Make a cookie that makes you feel guilty for other reasons than the calories for eating it. With a face like that how could you eat it?

That picture was swipped off of Lisa's new camera from when we went out to tea on Saturday with her family when we were up on the island. That was one of the desserts she had on her plate.

Oh, and those of you in the area probably experienced it, but those of you NOT in the area didn't get to experience the snow we had for most of the morning where we were! The first time it has ever snowed for Christmas in my life. It was pretty cool.

Lisa took today off and we have been slowly cleaning up the house from the various Christmas gifts and what-not. We also took this time to mess around a bit. Here is a picture of Lisa rocking out to her new I-pot. (I kid you not that is the name for the little tea kettle with built in infuser. It's probably an attempt to cash in on the "non-hip technical crowd" who when they hear "I want an iPod for Christmas!" and then go shopping think, "I-pot... I think they said they wanted one of those...". Tea instead of Tunes this Christmas. (However Lisa loves her Tea)

Doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon. I get to have some tattoos put on me so they can line up the radiation machine in the same place each time. (No point in double nuking me when I have a chance to avoid that...)

And a friendly reminder that the 'Tween Party is still a go for Friday night. Details available if you want them.

Thanks again to everyone for all the wonderful love and support these past months. Lisa and I are very great full for everything you all have done to show your support.

~B.

Labels: cancer, parties

Lisa and I spent a wonderful weekend up on "the island" with Lisa's folks and sisters. We are spending Christmas with my family so Christmas Eve (today) is going to be spent with the Massingills.

Healing wise things are going really well, strange as it sounds my abdomen area just feels like it has been sunburned. (And thus cloth rubbing against it is a bit grating but I assume that will continue to heal as time goes on as well.)

It's strange to be starting to gear up for a whole new year. Earlier this year I wasn't entirely sure I would be seeing a new year and everything that brings. Praise the Lord we have made it this far and Lisa and I are starting to plan a few things for the start of the new year. We appreciate EVERYTHING all of you have done to help us this past year and hope you won't be strangers this upcoming year as we continue on this adventure God has set before us.

Christmas letter tomorrow as our gift to you and probably some pictures as well. Merry Christmas everyone, and don't forget the 'Tween party. It's an open invite!

~B.

Labels: cancer, parties, praise

Yesterday after dropping Lisa off at work I made the trek down to the Seattle waterfront to the Edgewater hotel. There I got to participate in the Taproot Theatre Company Christmas party. It seems for the past few years they have all gotten excited about the eggs benedict that the Edgewater makes up so they bring in trays of the stuff. I however am not a fan of eggs or benedict, so I simply contented myself with the breakfasty potatoes and various assorted pastries. (My appetite still not being what I wish it was I don't think I really made any kind of dent in either the pastries OR the potatoes.)

Following the breakfast was the annual white elephant gift exchange. It's a chance to get rid of things that would be classified just above trash (or possibly "pretty trash" or "working trash") and to see how we juggle it around the room and laugh at some of the outrageous things that people paid money for at one time in their lives and also to see what kinds of trash gifts people will fight over. All this would be an interesting social study in any environment, but add to the fact that these people are drama/ theatre people and the entertainment level goes up a few notches.

Following my trip to Seattle I booked it back to this side of the lake and had lunch with my friends at Google. (You know, the ones who have been pressuring me to submit and application/ resume to Google? (With friends like these who needs a temp agency! =) )) Now I have only been in 1 Google building but the contrast from the (numerous) Microsoft buildings I have been in was... dare I say extreme? The general types of people in such places seemed about the same but the environment was way different from MS. (I don't know how much I am allowed to talk about so I will keep it short) Anyway, I think I discovered yesterday if I plan on working for a large mega-corp it'll need to be more like MS and less like Google in the environment. I really would have a very hard time working in that type of environment. (Plus I think I am starting to learn that I have a serious like for Non-profits, so I think I'll keep my hat here in the non-profit ring for now.)

Last night Lisa got a call from an older friend about a project that might be happening (or not) and I got to talk to him for a while as well. He's the only person I have talked to so far that has been through radiation treatments. He gave me some tips and suggestions. I think it'll probably be a little rougher than I expect right now, but at only 2 weeks of it I don't think I'll have a problem making it through.

Lisa and I hope you are having a great holiday season and are looking forward to Christmas. (We asked each other the other yesterday if we feel better giving a gift or opening them. It's an interesting question to think and/or talk about.)

Reminder that Lisa and I are throwing our 3rd Annual 'Tween Party on the 28th of December at 7pm. Email me if you didn't get an evite and would like one! It's open to everyone who wants to come!

Thank you for your continued support and prayers!

~B.

Labels: cancer, parties

Last night Lisa and I hosted some friends over for some "get in the holiday mood" sugar cookies decorating and Grinch watching. (Ryan and I also took the time to swap Christmas gifts. Me coming away with an HD DVD player for the Xbox and him getting away with nothing but Irony. Thus far, Ryan, it is the high deffiest gift I have received this year. Thank you. (Ryan was really just getting me back after I pooled a whole bunch of people together for his birthday last year and bought him an HD DVD Player. All's fair in HD and War though I guess...))

Anyway, last night went well, cookies were consumed, we were saw all the Who's in Whoville and I had to stop myself from laughing a number of times because when you have a big gash in your abdominal region that is still healing it hurts to laugh. (Lisa finds this tremendously funny when I tell a joke and find it funny enough that I make myself hurt.)

Recovery wise things continue to recover. Physically getting stronger every day and learning how to make myself tired enough during the day that I don't stay awake at night, but still having a lot of really strange dreams.

Thanks again to everyone for the support and love these past few weeks. You are all part of my recovery!

~B.

Labels: cancer, parties

I've come to realize these past few months that the flesh that we cling to so firmly to is really a very fragile tent. It's not hard at all to damage it or to somehow put a serious hole in it. Then when you damage it it takes so long to repair. It's scary to be how fragile I am, and I wish I wasn't so frail. It really serves as a reminder that I am more than just this set of flesh and blood. That I have an immortal inside that can live forever. God has given us souls that are to endure much longer than the flesh tent they are currently housed in. This reminder to me serves two purposes: 1. All life is precious, and everyone has a soul. 2. No matter what might happen to my "tent" right now, I know that the insides are guarded and watched over my God so no matter how tattered the tent might become the insides are what count.

I came home on Tuesday afternoon, and since coming home I haven't had to take any pain medications. My soreless level is kind of like I had done a bunch of situps yesterday and am only just feeling it today. My energy is returning to me slowly and each day Lisa and I walk farther and farther than we did the past day. I can only take it as a miracle that less than 2 weeks after major abdominal surgery I am in no pain and I am as mobile as I am. That is a praise!

A prayer request would be that I would continue to gather my strength and am able to sleep at night. My dreams are... haunting and I would like to get to bed at a decent hour and be able to sleep without waking up plagued by dreams I can't forget.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support.

Lisa and I would also like to formally announce our 3rd Annual 'Tween Party is now set for the 28th of December (Friday night) at 7pm. It'll pretty much be an open house at the Massingill's house where everyone is encouraged to bring something (food wise) to share. (Pot-luck) Invites will be going out via eVite and Facebook. If you don't get one and would like further details please email me and I will get an invite to you!

Praise the Lord this Holiday season!

~B.

Labels: cancer, parties, praise, prayer request

Lisa's party has come and gone! We had over 30 people make an appearance tonight to wish her a happy 25th birthday. All the planning and hosting and party prep has worn me out. So this post is about all you'll get out of me. (The above picture is Lisa with a custom painted hard-hat. (via my Uncle Greg, who paints cars for Boyd.) The hat looks great and Lisa wore it the rest of the night. (I'm afraid she might bring it to bed with her...))

Ok, maybe you'll get more: We did a Pinata at Lisa's party and that went over really well. It was fun to see adults going at a small cardboard bull with a metal pole for the reward of candy. We also played pin the tail on the donkey (for no rewards) and people were laughing through a lot of it so I assume it went well. We got wings from the Wing Dome in Kirkland, and cupcakes from Cupcake Royale in Ballard. Plus we had a salad bar and some fantasic punch. (That I only modified slightly) It seems a lot of folks had fun and I know Lisa had a good time as well.

A big thanks to my folks, Lisa's folks, and Ryan Palmer for all the help. It would have been impossible to pull off without you guys.

A big thanks to everyone as well who has been praying for Lisa and I as we continue to go through cancer treatments together. I don't know what this week will hold, but hopefully some light will be shed come tomorrow. Thanks again for all the prayers and support.

~B.

Labels: cancer, parties, pictures