This morning as Melanie was getting ready to abandon me for the weekend she had mentioned that we have experienced a lot of challenging event this year, but overall we have a lot to be grateful for. I told her I agree and that is why I have been able to have a positive attitude. The health concerns for our friends and family occurred here and there, but everyone has made it through. I managed to be stubborn-headed and ignore medical advice repeatedly and managed to work throughout the treatment. Whether I was successful at work or not is debatable, but I did it. My spending on random things are back to normal where we get a delivery a day. Mel missed the ones for today. It was a red speaker for Xavier to use with his team in the locker room. It had to be red because his team is red. Olivier has a Philips Hue Strip on the underside of the bunk and he likes it on. Xavier is like me and wants the room pitch black. Prior to me going to the hospital for surgery in May I purchases sleep masks. My team bought me one as well so I had several for when I was in the hospital. I gave Xavier one to use and he loves it so I gave him one this weekend as well and ordered some more.
Melanie and I try and support the local businesses. There are times where we pay a bit more, but I think it is worth it to build a relationship with people. They give us some advice or special order for us. Since we have been going there for years most of the time people know us by name and our styles. They treat us very well and it is quite appreciated. It is amusing when you have friends who own businesses and you get perks or discounts. By them helping you out though, they make a bit less money. When I knew people who are waitresses or in the service industry I made sure that I tip them well. In general I tend to tip well, and if I did not think that the service was very good I let Melanie tip. I am grateful that we are in a situation where we can afford luxuries and spending money on frivolous things. Melanie now only buys certain types of alcohol from the distillery around the corner of our place.
We have awesome family and friends and my brother brought me lunch and drove me around to make some purchases. We have also have my parents drop off food for us several times a week. A lot of offers to help out. The one thing I am bit concerned with is that Xavier wanted a bag so he could carry all of his gear more easily. The new bag that I bought him during the Black Friday sale is huge and does not fit in all small vehicles.
I am grateful for the healthcare that we have in Canada and the excellent care I have received so far for my cancer treatment and all of the other random things that have come up. I know some others who are going through things and the speed of their treatment was not as quick as what I have experienced. If you focus on the delays or not knowing what is happening it can be a bit daunting. We had an appointment made for us at the end of next week but Melanie made some phone calls and I have an appointment on Tuesday now. I am grateful for my wife who takes her vows of in sickness and in health serious. I think I am almost through the sickness part and then she has to put up with me for the rest of her life.
Q