Today I went with Veronica, my friend from church, and her sister to La Kennedy!!!! We went to a ton of used clothes places. We were in search of a gift for Misael's birthday tomorrow, long sleeved shirts and heavy, thick blankets for me. It was fun shopping with the girls :) I felt safe. I was carrying a significant amount of money, so I was very conscientious. Veronica reminded me to carry a little bit of money in each front pocket.
I really enjoyed time out with the girls, shopping and feeling like a normal woman. I think I will probably go back there again in the future. Maybe with Lourdes. It was fun! I have been getting to know Veronica better lately. I have always liked her, but never really had the opportunity to spend time with her. Last week we hung out at the pool together. This week she suggested that she take me shopping for the blankets. She is really nice. She works as a hairdresser and has two daughters, one eight years old and one a year old.
This afternoon I saw Dr Gustavo. It was a long wait because a lot of people are sick. Both Yareli and Estephany are not feeling well. I figured they should go first since they were waiting in the cold. Dr. Gustavo said there is absolutely nothing wrong with my blood work. It is so slightly outside of the normal range that it is not a problem. I asked if any of the blood work might show why my hair is falling out. He said no, he believes it is stress. I believe he is right. That was a hard one to accept. I prefer to think of myself as someone who is laid back and relaxed. But in reality I do have a tendency to be anxious as much as I hate to admit it.
I really do have more peace and happiness here than I have ever had in my life. But I guess I still need to find more ways to be "tranquila". Hopefully that will help with my hair loss. Today Marlin and Clara were looking at my drivers license. It finally happened. They said that my hair looks significantly different than it used to. I've been waiting for someone to say it out loud to me. It didn't hurt as much as I expected. I know they were not saying anything to be hurtful.
Clara got her first chemotherapy today. She came to the church afterward. At first she was fine. Then she got tired and said she felt nauseous. She returned home after a few hours stating that she did not feel well.
I baked two cakes after I got home this evening. Tomorrow there are a ton of birthdays at the church. One is Misael's. Marlin bought a cake for her daughter a few months ago, but money has been very tight so I offered to help out for her son. Lourdes suggested it would be best to make 2 cakes in order for there to be enough. I borrowed a cake pan from Fany and cooked them one at a time in my tiny little oven. Saturday I will bake another for Jairo. I'm thinking of making eclairs too since he prefers less sweet deserts. Next week I'll make a cake for Dana Sophia, the following week I'll make one for myself and Karla. I am now the church's pastry chef. I have been searching all over for a trifle bowl so I can change it up a little.
Washed both of my new blankets tonight. It is so cold! I am excited to have my new blankets on the bed. I got two comforters (used) in La Kennedy today for only $13 each. We searched all over but finally found them just as we had given up. I also got some used flannel pjs for $1.50 and two long sleeved shirts for $1 each. They were both name brand shirts that look almost new. Some people think I'm nuts to buy comforters used, but I think if I wash them and leave them in the sun, any "cooties" they may carry should be gone. I don't have the money to buy a new comforter. The ladies from Los Pinos encouraged me to buy two because when I am washing one, I will need the other. They know best! In this colder weather it takes a lot longer for things to dry.
I am going to take some time to rest, relax and read before bed. Buenas Noches!
