Monday, February 04, 2008

Fffffffffffffffff..........

Yup, it's that time of year 'again'. The month that I hate, loath, detest and dread. February :o( Thank goodness it's the shortest month of the year, even if it's only by one or two days. Nothing good ever happens in February.

Today is my anniversary. No, not my wedding anniversary but the day I found out I had breast cancer. I'm not really sure what day you're supposed to pick but this is the day that has always stuck in my mind. I can relive the whole thing like it was just yesterday. Usually I love the fact that I have such a photographic mind but this is one event that I would rather not be able to bring up so vividly.

Usually at this time of year I shut down. Almost completely. It used to start in January and then last until March. As the years went by it dropped down to just the month of February and then eventually to a few weeks. This year I am determined to change that behaviour but after eight years of having the same feelings at the same time of year is a little more than hard to break. I have come up with a plan though!

This year, this year I'm going to...CELEBRATE! Yes, that's right...celebrate! And what better way to celebrate than to have a party! A PINK PARTY :o) The guest list has been set and the invitations go out today. It will be on the afternoon of the 23rd and there's been 'lots' of planning. Part of my frustration about finding things in this city carries over to this party as well. As far as I know there is nothing out there that you can buy specifically for a breast cancer party BUT even finding purely pink things has been a challenge as well. I guess pink isn't a popular wedding color ;o)

Now my job is to work on some of the surprises :o) It's been a very creative time and I think I've come up with some pretty neat things. In the process though, I've also gotten some raised eyebrows. LOL! We're going to have pink ribbon cookies and two pink ribbon cakes plus a delicious strawberry/lemonade drink that Faith Ann made famous at her dinner party. There will also be games. That's right! A girl's gotta have some fun! Katie, I knew there was a reason why we should have picked up those tassels at La Senza ;o)

Needless to say, I think this will prove to be a very interesting afternoon. I've mourned for so many years and now I think it's time to try and turn the tables and what better way than to celebrate with my friends and family :o) I'm not saying it's going to be easy and I'm not saying that my attitude will change overnight but at least it's the first step towards a better change...

24 comments:

Velda said...

Cathey, this is a very inspirational post, thank you! And congratulations :)

Faith Ann said...

Stargazer is looking lovely, by the way. I was so taken with your closet that I forgot to mention her!

I think it's really important for you to try to change the way you think about February. I know it has to be an emotional and gut-wrenching memory for you, but I think celebrating your life is a great thing. I'm really looking forward to the pink party :)

Karen said...

wow a pink party sounds fab, it's a great step in the right direction for your feelings

Carolyn said...

Sounds like a great idea Cathey :)

I think that after everything you have dealt with you sure do deserve to have some FUN...

Paisley said...

A Pink Party sounds FABULOUS! You might even start a new trend!

I'll be toasting you with pink lemonade on the 23rd!

Shannon said...

Yahooooie :D A Pink Party ! Great idea! I'll be picking up a few more lottery tickets this week, and you know where I'll be on the 23rd if I win :D

BTW, Stargazer and her new bum look beautiful. And your closet ? Well, I had to wipe the drool off my keyboard here.

Jennifer said...

Congratulations - and what a great thing to do - have a party! Maybe celebrating Pink will help lift your spirits about February.

Anonymous said...

Great idea... a good way to feel positive rather than focusing on the negative :)

Pam Seavey Schaffner said...

I fully understand, but think your pink party is a fabulouso idea! My "doom day" (and it will be 15 years in June) is June 10th. Time is the great healer, tho, and life is SO MUCH SWEETER, RIGHT? Kudos on your anniv and many many happy returns on "the day."

Chiloe said...

Waow !!! Have a great party: don't forget to take plenty of pictures of all these pink dishes !!! You have time to find more great ideas: the planning is going to be fun, fun, fun !!!

Tammy said...

I think your PINK party is an awesome idea!

Good luck in finding the appropriate pink things!!

Rachel S-H said...

i think the party is a great idea!

Alberta said...

Cathey, you certainly have a winning attitude about this and that will take you far!

Personally, I'd be hitting up all the dollar stores for goodies...who knows...maybe there's some pink Easter goodies that will fit the bill! I never realized until today that Easter falls in March this year!!!! Now I really feel behind in starting my seeds!

Take care and I hope all the pink party plans come together for you!

Laura said...

I love your Pink Party idea! My mom is breast cancer survivor--twice. I printed out your post for her. I recently ran across a store called Primarily Purple with all purple stuff. I wonder if there is such a thing for pink stuff.

Cindy said...

Good for you...focusing on the bright side of things and celebrating! I'm looking to seeing your pink party report :)

Irene said...

A Pink Party sounds like a great idea ! Have marked my calendar and will wear something pink for you.

Anonymous said...

Fab idea! If I can be any help getting some "pink" to you, just drop me an e-mail, I would be delighted to help out with your Celebration!

sue

Jocelyn said...

Oh, would I like to give you a big hug right now!!

Hang tough, my friend, hang tough. I think that your party idea is a fabulous one. Instead of focusing on the past and the pain, celebrating that you got through it and survived are so important. No, I don't think it will be easy to change your attitude overnight (it never really is, is it?), but I think that wanting to is a great step forward.

I am sending you my friendship and support from NY, and I will be toasting you on the 23rd!

Ranae said...

Kudos!!! I think that is a great idea. We want to see pics, lol.

Iris said...

a pink party sounds great !!! Have fun !!
Take some pictures , so we can celebrate with you ;-)

Jenn M said...

It's just a wonderful idea and I hope it helps to bring you better memories for February. I too, will be thinking of your pink party on the day!

Laural said...

Yay pink party!! Please please take pictures so we can see all the fun you guys have!

Jennifer said...

Come see me. I awarded you. :-)

stitcherw said...

You're idea of a Pink party sounds wonderful. They say attitude is everything, and I think you have an awesome attititude. I hope you can find tons of pink things for your party. Good luck with changing the way you view February (although it really is a depressing month anyway) and I'll be thinking of you on the 23rd.
Sue