Cancer and California

As much as I'd like to think I'm the "glass half full" type, I'm probably kidding myself. After all, I typically think worst case scenario....unless it comes to my dog, which, at that point, faith supersedes logic. Also, one thing I very much am is a "bad news first" person, so let's just start there.

Yesterday Alfredo had his comprehensive exam, which he has twice a year. This process checks the overall health, in great detail, of him, and includes blood draws, a deep teeth cleaning, and physical check-up. One of things I noticed several weeks back was a bump near his tail. At a previous appointment, the vet recommended A & D ointment as he thought it was a result of allergies/dry skin (which Alfredo historically has had). Well, turns out, the bump may be some sort of tumor, and after looking at an initial sample under the microscope, another vet, one who seemed more thorough, suggested the cells looks abnormal. So now we wait. The sample has been taken to the pathologist for further analysis. As someone who is carcinophobic - having a phobia of cancer - I can assure you that the waiting game, especially for something like this, is the absolute worst experience. For now, Alfredo's blood work, energy, and appetite are keeping me incredibly optimistic. Well, that, and he still looks as fabulous as ever...

Shall I lighten the mood a bit? I think so. A couple weeks back, the madness of wedding season began for some of my dear friends. First on the list was Whitney, who I met in graduate school. The glorious thing about Whitney is that we share such amazing qualities...as in, having the same birthday, both being from Chicago, having  majored and taught the same subjects in secondary education, and studied abroad. Come to think of it, we were also both engaged in San Diego. The only two differences that come to mind are our height-I got the short end of the stick, literally-and our political views. Well, I  guess there's a third. My relationship never lasted. Hers should. Nevertheless, she made a beautiful bride...

And speaking of San Diego, it's also where her wedding was held. I couldn't think of a better time to introduce Alfredo to the ocean, so that's exactly what I did:

The fact that San Diego is a dog friendly city is just awesome. The fact that the dog friendly beach existed was even better!

Beach Bum!!!

We just had such a great day!

Positive thoughts. Positive thoughts.