I know, I know...

I know I haven't written in a LONG time. I have been busy with work, the cats, my house, family, the holidays, friends...and the list goes on and on and on!

So, work - I am still working as an oncology nurse at the same place, which I cannot name because I do not represent the company outside of work. Those of you who know me and know the SLC area, I work at 3900 S and 700 E. It's a nice little privately run clinic, which means we're not attached or affiliated with any hospitals including the Hunstman. It is a nice friendly and supportive environment. My coworkers, well...they have their moments. One is currently out for brain surgery. Another still drives me crazy as she is the resident Negative Nancy. Another just drives me crazy because she can be a real bitch. The last one always is trying my patience, but I guess that's what I get when I work with another smart a$$. My manager is INCREDIBLE! She is supportive, humorous, and just overall fantastic when it comes to needing time off, etc. It's been super busy at work, and we're no longer allowed ANY overtime. That means when you are at 40 hours, you leave. Of course, we get shoved out the door before we hit the 40 mark, but it's all good.

The cats are doing well. Tiger is just happy and snugly. I love that baby boy! Chester has been having a hard time since the pancreatitis. He pulled through like a trooper in about 1 week. Then within the last month, he has started ripping out his fur. Then about 3 weeks ago he started urinating on the bed. Good news is that I have layers of blankets on the bed that protect the mattress and sheets. So I just have been rotating them through the wash. I did take him to the vet yesterday. The though was maybe hyperthyroidism. Turns out not. The vet says that the fur ripping could be to do dry skin, and the urination on the bed due to laziness that accompanies older cats. So, he got a shot of cortisone for the skin and fur, and I'll have to get another litter box for the main floor. The vet is unsure whether or not his beautiful long fur will grow back. I hope it does, because he is just GORGEOUS with his full body of fur!

The house, let's see...the front door is still not finished. I have finally put up my home made tapestry over the fire place. It looks like ti belongs in the room. Of course, I made it so that it would. My mom & stepdad think I've done a great job. My C-mas tree is still up. I have some people telling me to leave it up and decorate it for the seasons instead of just having it up for C-mas. I think it's a nice idea, but I would like to see out my front windows - I do have a very nice view from the front room. I did have a small flood in the stuff room - ie the room where the water heater and furnace and stuff are. It was resolved by a plumbing service for just under $160! Electric Rooter is the name - they took care of my mom's parents, my mom, and now me. At least the water was localized to the one room. My mom & stepdad have helped me to really begin to organize my place. I don't know what I would do without them.

The fam is good. My sister, Laurel, has applied to grad school - you go girl! My other sister, Emily, is still on the Navajo Reservation doing the teaching thing. Mom & Steve are doing great. Same with Dad & Jody, although they recently went to Hawaii, so they're pampered at this time. Stepsiblings are also good.

The holidays were interesting. Nothing special to talk about there.

Friends - good to have around. Best Friend, Stephanie's grandfather, Nonno, transitioned on January 12th. Good one, too - went in his sleep. From what my dad tells me, he was praying for a good death. God does grant some prayers. His wife, Nonna, is beside herself. Good news is that family lives in the same city. Nonna has moved in with her only child, Diana, for the rest of her stay here. I also have 2 friends who have been diagnosed with Uterine Cancer. Both are scheduled to have hysterectomies.

This year has gotten off to a rocky start, but I hope for a brighter future for the rest of the year.
HUGS!