The past 5 4 days.
What’s been happening.
How odd is this, huh? That I’m actually not pouring my heart out in this post (shock shock, horror horror), but rather, for a change, simply sharing with you, everything which has happened to me and my family over the week. I’ve really been wanting to post more often. As in every day, if possible, or at the very least, 4 times a week. And the blunt truth is I can’t accomplish any of that if I continue down the bare-it-all-long-post route that’s become something of a signature for me.
However, as has been pointed out to me, all things are possible. If I keep it short and sweet, that is.
100 W O R D S
Well, maybe 200 words, for the likes of those from whose fingertips, words gush forth without the need for much provocation. See where it takes me. And I felt the only way I could achieve such a succinct end result would be if I wrote about what’s been transpiring in my life, you know. I also thought it couldn’t hurt to share what goes on in other aspects of my world, yes, for the last four days anyway.
We begin with Monday.
Halloween Monday, to be precise. The one year we went all out and spent loads on lights and props and skulls and witches galore, seeing how this would be the last 31st October we’d have Eve with us for a while, with university in her Fall 2017 future. And then guess what? We promptly forgot to buy candies. Stop laughing. I am so serious. It just completely slipped our minds, the association of Halloween with treats. So no candies. Not a single sweet. Nada. Nothing. Which led to us turning all the porch lights off that entire evening.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so ditzy.
Insert sigh of Herculean proportions right here, please.
Tuesday was an enlightening day. I had my regular chiropractor session and learned a few, new, highly intriguing things about my massage therapist (the clinic begins each adjustment with heat packs, blood circulation machines, and a stretch session with a licensed therapist).
Back to the therapist (I’ll call him Elliot). We were talking about things we’d done over the weekend with our respective families when he revealed that despite being divorced, he and his ex-wife not only still lived under the same roof but also, get this, his daughters had absolutely no idea their parents were no longer married to each other. Errrr.
Well, I have the faintest suspicion that things are going to get really interesting when either parent decides to start dating (other people) again, don’t you think? 😛
Adding to the drama, the house wasn’t even his. It belonged to his ex-father-in-law. Elliot lived in the house, with his ex-wife and their two daughters (who were none the wiser that they’d parted ways), AND with his ex-father-in-law. Oh oh oh, and the ex-father-in-law’s ex-wife lived right next door too!!!! Days Of Our Lives, The Bold & The Beautiful? Move over.
Wednesday was somewhat anti-climatic, I shan’t lie.
First of all, I had this webinar organised by Hilary of Dean Street Society on monetising one’s Instagram account, which I was very much psyched over, and very intent on tuning in. But, of course, life work got in the way and I missed it. Instead, I ended up editing 20 tech-jargon-filled responses to questions meant for a Tier 1 network security portal. Fun times.
Then, baby girl Eve (whom I picked up from school that day) professes a hunger craving for kolaches so I drive her to the nearby deli only to be met by the sign, “Mondays to Saturdays, 8am to 1pm.” We got there at 4.45pm. At which point, I swear to God, Eve burst into tears. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her shed a tear over food before in my entire life. And, in case you were wondering, yes it was that time of the month for her. We got back into the car, and I drove to the nearest bakery wherein I promptly spent $17++ on a croissant, a cheese pocket, and several cookies. The smile on Eve’s face was so so so worth it.
Then we come to Thursday, more specifically, the first Thursday of the month (read: Phlebotomy day which I loathe), and a visit with my Oncologist. For the last few months, I’ve been having to undergo monthly phlebotomies because (a) my red blood cell count is much too high; and (b) my blood is very viscose, and I’m at a very high risk of getting either a stroke or an aneurysm (particularly given that my family history is rife with both conditions, on either side of the clan).
However, yesterday, my Oncologist greeted me with fabulous news!! My numbers were much lower than usual (down by 7 points, from 52 to 45) meaning I didn’t need to have a phlebotomy. Alleluia!!! To appreciate how much I appreciate not doing this procedure, you need to understand the things that make a phlebotomy quite challenging for me. One, my veins are immensely fine, so fine that there is only one (yes, singular) prickable vein on my left inner elbow and it’s been pricked so much that scar tissue/kelloids have developed over time, making it even harder to penetrate through. Harder and that much more painful.
Two, my blood is very thick. As in slushy like milkshake. The first time I did a phlebotomy, nothing came out of the needle. Absolutely nothing. The nurse had to remove the safety pin-sized needle out of my elbow, put a heatpack on me for 10 minutes, and try again. The second time, blood came out. Very slowly. So slowly that it stopped several times along the way, and when the bag was 1/3 full, it stopped completely. At which point, my lips were purple and my face was a delicate shade of blueish green. Now you understand why not needing a phlebotomy means that much to me!!!
By the by, try saying “phlebotomy” 5 times, as quickly as you can.
So, what happened to you this week?
Oh, and don’t forget to go forth and link-up, ‘kay?
Love, Sheela
Finally made the transition to AV and am now on YouTube as well as Snapchat (sheela.goh), would adore your support through subscribing to my channel/adding my snaps.
Pretty please?
p/s my photos are by Sofia Touassa
I link up here.
I skipped the last part. Uhhh, needles, blood, veins…..but I am so happy for you that the numbers were lower! And the part of Eve bursting in tears over food…hahaha poor girl. But you were so sweet to get her something else! I loved reading this post Sheela! Happy weekend!
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That’s fantastic news on the blood count! I hate having these test’s done too with no hindrance. So I can understand where your coming from! Sounds like a busy and interesting week! I wished words shot out of my fingers as easily as they do for you Sheela.#envious
http://www.vanityandmestyle.com
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You look gorgeous in this dress!
http://violettedaily.com
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First, fabulous outfit & fabulous Sheela shoes!
Second, I liked getting a glimpse into your week!
We bought plenty of candy but NO decorations (as in not even a pumpkin) so we had very few kids showing up at our door…
I’m so happy that you got good news from your oncologist!!!!!
Thanks for the link up & have a wonderful weekend!
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The realities of life can be as interesting to read as poetry and more revealing. I’m glad your health issue seems to be resolving itself. Thanks for the glimpse into your life and for hosting.
Rena
http://www.finewhateverblog.com
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It’s always the good with the bad, right??
Yippee, Yay about the blood results. I don’t hate needles (well, I certainly hope not) and blood, but it’s really not fair that some people have an easier time with those procedures than other people!! I’ve been known to have to have the blood drawn from my hand, because my veins were uncooperative. But luckily I don’t have to do it as often as you!
You look fierce as usual!! The jacket? Just drool worthy!
Tell Eve that I understand her pain!! Why don’t we crave broccoli like that?
jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
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Love this outfit! So happy you got good news!!!
Jaymie
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Dear Sheela, while I am so very happy that you did not need said phlebotomy, I am simultaneously unhappy that you have such health issues with which to deal. I also relate very much to Eve’s food provoked bout of crying as my symptoms at that time of the month during this pre-menopausal stage I live in are absolutely a horrendous, emotional roller coaster where fits of crying can be triggered by much less than being deprived of a food I am craving! So yes, tears were warranted for poor Eve and I am glad you were able to please her with a $17 bakery visit. While I related to Eve, I also relate very much to your lips turning purple and your face turing bluish-green as that was my exact response to reading that part of your post. You see, that is my thing…that one thing that really turns my stomach, makes me light-headed, makes me shake and quiver, and almost faint. I have a very weak stomach for those things (perhaps give me a warning next time before I totally invest myself in your reading your entire post! Haha!) On a lighter note, your outfit is brilliant and I am so crushing on your jacket!
Hugs to you and damn the cursed phlebotomies!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
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That’s so funny about the Halloween candy. I actually bought a bag of candy, but ended up turning off the porch lights anyway cause I was so tired I didn’t want to answer the door. As far as tiny veins, I can so relate! I have small veins too and they always have a hard time drawing blood. I get poked like six times before they find a vein! Love your outfit. So stylish!
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What a week my love!! Praise for good news on the count!! That jacket, that hat, your beauty…oh my….soooooo spectacular!!
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I had the opposite problem this year – too much candy, and very few trick or treaters! It probably didn’t help that it was pouring rain. I smiled when I read about your daughter’s food cry – my son was so emotional last year before he left for college. I’m truly sorry about your health problems, but glad you were able to skip the procedure this time. This outfit is pure loveliness and I adore how you accessorized it. Thanks for the link up and have a great weekend!
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Thanks for sharing Sheela!!! I chuckled about Eve’s episode- that is so me right at present! O_O
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This was amazing lol! Well, your writing is always amazing. I especially loved the conversation with the massage therapist. That’s the craziest thing I’ve heard in a while. We ate all of our Halloween candy so we didn’t give out anything either haha! And I would probably cry over food too. But yay for your results! Glad it was an eventful week! Happy Friday!
Liz
http://Www.lizzieinlace.com
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Aww dear Sheela, I am so glad your numbers are lower. Thanks for giving us a sneak peak of what you go into and a week in your life. I had no idea. You are a brave woman and a very stylish one at that.
Love this outfit for so many reasons. It is a little goth, a little edgy, a little feminine, quite bold and quite beautiful!
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What an interesting week for you! I am happy to hear your numbers are down and no phlebotomy. The appreciation and gratitude for not having to do something that can be arduous and painful is very real! You look stunning by the way. I am in love with that burgundy jacket!
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I’m in love with this look! That dress is gorgeous on you, and I love the suede jacket. So funny about the Halloween candy, and great news on your blood count!
Rachael
http://www.threadsforthomasblog.com
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Oh m,y gosh you poor thing! I’m glad you got news about your numbers. AND wow what a soap opera/jerry springer episode your chiropractor lives. My Halloween was spent in bed so I feel ya.
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Ohhh….I’m just in LOVE with that merlot colored moto. What a fabulous piece for fall, and you’re so lucky you snagged it!!
Shauna
http://www.lipglossandlace.net
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I’m glad you had good results from your oncologist.
You look very chic, and of course, heels always look elegant.
Have a happy weekend!
❤️carmen
https://fashionableover50.wordpress.com
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You are killing it in that dress Sheela! And omgosh I can’t imagine being divorced and still living with your ex. And on top of that – the children don’t know! Wow! And was the Elliott reference to Mr. Robot?? 😉
Tina
http://www.justatinabit.com
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Ok, so your massage therapist lives with his ex-wife, two daughters and his father-in-law lives two doors over?! Crazy! Definitely a soap opera!
Phelobotomy’s are the worst! I feel for you girl but I’m glad your numbers were up! By the way, you look amazing! 👌🏾
xo, Jackie
stylemydreamsStylemydreams.com
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Loving this burgundy jacket with the black!! Such a cool look. You’re right. blog posts just take time. Fun to have a glimpse in your week.
Amy Ann
Straight A Style
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Such good news that your blood numbers were better, Dear. Can’t believe all you go through AND you look like a ROCK STAR!
Thanks so much for sharing with Fun Fashion Friday!
OXOX
Dawn Lucy
http://fashionshouldbefun.com
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I adore this outfit on you, the burgundy jacket pairs perfectly with the black maxi! Such a shame you forgot the sweets on Halloween – though mainly because it means there were none for you! haha 😉
aglassofice.com
x
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Sucha lovely dress, love the slits in the side too 🙂 Great look. Thanks for sharing at the weekend blog hop..
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Thanks a lot dear Sheela for taking us with you during this week! But “Elliot” seems to be a really poor (or silly?) guy! Unbelievable in which situation he is living, and as I can’t do anything I wish him and all involved simply the best. Love your very cool look – you are so wonderful edgy ❤ Enjoy the next week as well!
xx Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
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Great news on the blood count! Having bloods taken is the pits. My mum is on dialysis so has needles poked into her on a regular basis. As the condition is hereditary I may have all that to come
On a happier note, I’m loving your black and burgundy outfit. You look fabulous, as always 🙂
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
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I love everything about this look! That jacket is just gorgeous and I love how you paired it with the dress!
Annessa
http://www.seekingsunshine.com
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Lol I can’t believe you forgot to buy candy, that’s something that I would so do as well haha! Great news on the blood count!
xo
Siffat
http://icingandglitter.com
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Great news on the blood count, Sheela! So happy to hear + you look beautiful!
Happy Monday, love!
xoxo, Vanessa
http://www.WhatWouldVWear.com
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What an interesting week, Sheela! My mom has a friend who’s also in the same situation as the therapist, it’s so weird, haha. But at least the ex-wife is merciful and didn’t kick him out on the street with no place to go! Aw man, I felt sad when I read how disappointed Eve was, I’ve been there. I’ve cried over the fact that my husband got ice pops instead of ice cream pops one time when it was during that time of month; I actually threw a tantrum, lol. So, I can definitely understand how she felt, but you’re such a good mama for improvising and getting her some sweets 🙂 Thanks for sharing your week with us, it was a fun read! I hope you have the best one ahead, cheers!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
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How bizarre to be living under the same roof as your ex-wife and your children don’t know you’re no longer married…. Errrrr is right, haha!
LOVE that jacket- what a stunner!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
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Sheela, it takes courage to bring your life experiences to the blog. I find it extremely rewarding when I give a piece of myself only to find it helped another to see their path more clearly. Isn’t that what blogging is about … touching lives through our words and prose? Making a difference in a cold and uncaring world?
I’m so sorry that you suffer so much with your health issues. I am extremely happy your numbers are low and you didn’t have to go through that awful experience.
Poor little Eve, I only remember all too well the tears, rants and raves that hormones cause during the month. It’s tough enough being a young woman these days. But, the good Mom that you are went above and beyond the call of duty to get that gorgeous smile back on her face 🙂
xo
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Love this whole look on you Sheela, the jacket is fab especially the color. You look fab!
Nora
http://www.jacketsociety.com
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Seems like you have done a lot! And now that song is in my head from those lyrics, ha ha. Is the therapist working out well for you? I feel you on the health issues too, I have a lot of them and I know how challenging they can be. You look great though so keep it up!
Raindrops of Sapphire
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Sometimes I think to my self, why in the heck do I blog!! With full-time job, family and just life…who has time to blog!! Then I step back realize, how much I love it and how its been somewhat of a lifesaver. We as woman are super humans, we do it all for the ones we love and still manage to do a little bit for ourselves. There are days where I have no idea how it all gets done and where the energy comes from….but I do it! You Sheela are a super woman….you rock the blog, I am sure you rock at work and I know you rock as a mom! Thanks for sharing your personal life with us!
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