Keep on, keepin' on...

I thought I'd try to take advantage of Jackson napping and Robbie shoveling snow. Yes. More snow. We got a good 3-5 inches yesterday and for awhile I was once again smitten with how pretty it looks perched on the trees. And then I had to walk to my car and scrap my windows and drive home. Looks can be oh, so deceiving.

It's been awhile since I've updated you, my faithful reader, on our day-to-day life. I can't really say there is anything too terribly exciting occurring to warrant a post of Life Updates, but I use to have at least one really good story a week to share here. Time forbids this now. There's just too little time to focus and create. Writing for me is cathartic and enjoyable, but it requires a level of cognitive function these days I lack.

And speaking of cognitive function, (nice segway Catie) work is going well. I am currently recruiting patients for our latest research study on, you guessed it, Cognitive Function. We have a grad student looking into the correlation between chemotherapy and memory loss. Apparently, this is a hot topic in the cancer population. People often think chemo affects the obvious: hair loss, immune weakness, etc. Unfortunately, however, months and even years later, patients who had chemotherapy often complain of instances of memory loss, difficulty finding the right word, trouble with simple math equations and forgetfulness. Of course, these same symptoms can be attributed to Motherhood, but that's a different study for a different time.

The research aspect of my job is quite appealing to me and I love that I am actively involved in clinical trials and research aimed at finding more ways to help patients. It is very gratifying work. Of course, I am always searching for the next creative project and next week I will be facilitating an art therapy class, of sorts, for our Diet & Exercise study participants. My sweet co-worker the AFT (Adorably Fit Nutritionist) came to me a few weeks ago searching for ideas to inject some rejuvenation into her maintenance groups. These are the women who have completed the 6 month initial study and are now attempting to maintain their weight loss. Miss AFT felt like there were only so many meetings where she beat these women over the head with "Eat Right, Exercise, Feel Good!" I suggested a project of some kind...something that would require colored pencils and chalk pastels. Something that would allow these women to focus on themselves but through a different lens.

Subsequently, I was recruited to facilitate this class and I am pretty sure my insane enthusiasm for all things Art had nothing to do with it. I feel pretty lucky to be in a position where most of my talents are utilized. As of yet I haven't noticed a need for pretend tap-dancing....but if the call comes through....I am so ready.

Jackson is doing great at school and even spent a portion of a day last week in the Infant 2 room. He's the oldest baby in Infant 1 and I suppose it's only a matter of time when he will have to move up. I am sure he thoroughly enjoyed watching all those active babies wreak havoc in that room. I am also pretty sure he studied their every move, wondering, "How in the heck do I get my legs to do that???" It seems everyday he is trying out a new syllable, movement, food. I swear, time is flying and our baby is growing up way too fast.

Robbie continues to love his job, have a very hairy beard, and be a great Daddy and Husband. I certainly couldn't feel successful in my current state of motherhood without him. All in all we continue to face each day with hope for another.