My Unplanned Sabbatical

Playing Harry the Tourist Guide

After another very slow start to the day, a trend has definitely developed here, we spent the late afternoon and early evening in the city. Family was sharing some of Melbourne finest with our guest.

The mandatory trip to all things marble and bright, the Casino, a stroll around South Bank, a trip up to level 88 Eureka tower to view the wonderful urban sprawl and brown Yarra river flow, an early dinner at the Blue Train and a short blast in a games parlor. Who could ask for more!! I think Chadstone Shopping Centre and the Zoo is planned for tomorrow but I am not getting involved in that.

I am pretty shattered.

To bed James!

Busy Weekend

Another hectic day. I am struggling to keep up with the pace set by the Duchini household this week. Strange as usually I am better at this stage of the month. Not so this month. Not feeling healthy.

I have not been able to sleep well. Restless mind. Last night was terrible as I was still awake at 3.00 am. Friday night not much better. So I will take a little something tonight to push me over the edge.

We left Portsea this afternoon and returned home. It was a good short change of scenery. The girls really enjoyed it and I hope our Italian guest did as well. Not particularly expressive is our 20 year old lodger. That may change with more time with us.

A good friend suggested that at 20 she maybe more interested in access to Wifi, clubs, pubs, sex and drugs than spending time with a middle aged family and the splendor of the Port Nepean National Park. It’s possible.

Anyway I will stay hopeful. From my perspective it feels a bit like another smiling dependent, maybe that’s a bit harsh. Blame the lack of sleep and next Thursday.

Three full days left before my last chemo session. I hope to enjoy them. Feeling both anxious and positive. I know I will hate the post chemo period with passion but I hope that it will be finally over and that is a very good thing. Six months of treatment has been pretty punishing on me physically, mentally, my family and my life. So will be pleased to be clear of it.

Starting to look to the future and returning to a more normal life. Time will tell.

Time to watch the tour and take a pill.

Portsea day 2

Magic day weather wise. A very cold night made way to a beautiful cloudless day. The school holiday program was in full swing as Petra and I did our best to keep all entertained. We all had fun.

I woke up real slow and pretty flat but started to turn for the better around 11 am and have been pretty good since then.

We have walked, eaten, gone to the movies, gone to the beach, had children’s concerts, night disco’s, pillow fights, trampoline basket ball, skyped italy, discussed Italian land tax and Monti’s virtues compared to Berlusconi’s. A very full day. Nothing like sunshine and children laughing to snap you into line!

Tomorrow promises another full day.

I have attached more than the usual number of photos.

Portsea

Another really flat day today. Cant seem to shake this feeling. I am trying hard though. As its school holidays we have a friend staying over as well as our italian visitor. Quite a full house.

Mid morning we loaded up the cars and drove to Portsea for a couple of days. We stopped for a quick lunch and visited a chocolate shop. Girls loved it.

It’s freezing at the beach!!

The girls played board games and chilled. I have spent most of the afternoon sleeping. One of those days I guess.

We will stay in and will watch the football tonight. The fire is roaring so it should be nice to try and relax.

Just a day

Just an ok day. Woke up slow. Improved throughout the day. Nothing much to add. Our Italian visitor is settling in.

Italian House Guest

Our house guest arrived this morning and the day was spent helping Alessia settle in. The girls are all excited to have a 21 year old woman in the home.

Not much to report on. Early dinner at St Katherines and I have put myself to bed. Really tired. The rest are not far behind. The girls are all going shopping tomorrow in the city and I will have the house to myself (and the dog). Bliss.

Tuesday

Another slothful day today with the family. The girls had their nails done which was a little treat and we all went out tonight for an early dinner at a friends home which was excellent.

Tomorrow we have a visitor arrive from
Italy to stay with us for 3 weeks which will be interesting and fun. She will be able to teach the girls some more Italian.

Not much else to report. Slight improvement on yesterday.

The Beyond Blue Foundation called today to discuss my second questionnaire and gain some feedback on the support I have been receiving. That was an interesting conversation as the support through the hospital has been minimal. Lucky I have had no desire to jump off my desk!!

Only 9 days to go, who’s counting!

Nonna

It has been really cold and wet in Melbourne which is ok for winter but not great for school holiday activities. Must be the carbon tax.

Lucky there has been some great sport on TV to pass the time. We have been spending our days reading, listening to
music, the odd movie and cooking. Well I have not been partaken in the last activity.

I picked up my mum for a visit and she is always great value for a story or seven (mostly repeats) and of course cooking.

Today Nonna was holding court as she led the girls through cooking sauce and making nochi. I have hovered around the edges listening to the stories and listening to the girls laughing. Perfect.

We all get to enjoy the feast tonight.

I am feeling stronger.