Goodbye, Poja (2007-2011)

On Sunday, April 10th, I was supposed to get a visit from two of my little furry friends. I was so looking forward to seeing them again. However, in the morning, my friend Soso called, saying Poja had taken seriously ill that same day, and that she would have to bring her to the vet for a check-up right there and then. Sadly, Poja had a heart condition, and passed away at the vet's office. She just fell asleep, never waking up again. From happily playing when she got up in morning until she was dead it took about 2.5 hours. Suddenly sweet Poja, at nearly four years old, was no more.

My friends brought her into the woods yesterday to lay her to rest under a huge, old fir tree - a beautiful spot. We decorated the grave with fresh spring flowers. It was the nicest day of spring so far this year. It was 20C, the sun was shining, the heaven a shade of deep, dark blue and the birds were singing from the top of the trees. She looked so peaceful being put to rest for the last time, it was hard to fathom she was no longer with us, and that it all happened so incredibly quickly.

You will be remembered forever. RIP, Poja. Thanks for all the fun you've provided in my life. You'll be sorely missed.

Under treatment

Not so trendy, this outfit...

Every day (Monday-Friday) for 30 days, I'm getting radiation. And once a week during those 6 weeks, I'm getting chemo, too. In order to save my hair they gave me a cold cap, as seen here. I was meant to wear it for 2.5-3 hours, but after half time I had to give up. It was like sticking your head in a deep freezer. Imagine doing that for 3 hours in a row! I just couldn't handle it any longer.

To comfort me, the docs have said I won't be losing all my hair, it will only become thinner for a while until the chemo treatment is finished. Anyhow, the treatment is making me very tired. So that's why I've been absent so much lately. But I want to let everyone know that I truly cherish your visits and comments on my blog. They make my day a little bit brighter. I will be back doing the rounds to visit your blogs, too, as soon as I feel up for it. Thank you, all of you! :)

Flowers...

...from one of my doctors, no less! Wasn't that a lovely gesture?

I've been a little absent lately, I'm afraid. I just started treatment a week ago, and thus haven't had the time and energy to sort out the Paris photos. But I'm getting there, however slowly, so they'll be up here pretty soon.

The Paris trip

The weather was beautiful and sunny. Our chosen hotel, The Westin Vendôme, was top notch and situated in a perfect location. And Paris was truly fantastic. I've got tons of photos to show you, I just haven't had the time to sort them all out yet. But stay tuned, and over the course of the next few days I'll share some of the many exciting experiences from our long weekend in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Greased lightnin' - blue version

Finally I got my Christmas present from my my mum and her hubby. They had promised me a new vacuum cleaner for Christmas, I just had to find one I liked. It took a while until I found the perfect one. Earlier this week, while out shopping with my sister, I stumbled upon this tiny electic blue thing. I was so taken by the colour, I knew instantly I couldn't wait to go home and try it out. I'm playing Travolta's Greased lightnin' on the stereo while working my way trough my flat. Suddenly, vacuum cleaning is great fun!

Thanks, Mum and & Torkel! :)

But the shiny blue wonder isn't the only thing I've purchased this week. As I'm departing for Paris later today, leaving the ice and sludge hell that is Oslo, I needed new comfy shoes for strolling the streets of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Alas;

These suede bike style shoes from Vagabond will be perfect with my trusty old Burberry trench. Not that I don't plan on trying out some gorgeous shoes in Paris, too. So in order to not scare the shoe store staff with horrid winter feet, I went and had a pedicure. I chose blue for that also, only a turguoise shade called "Surfing":

It was just an experiment to choose that colour now, but it'll be great for summer when I get a tan. I bought the whole bottle! :)

In other news, I've just been diagnosed with cancer for the third time. I'm waiting for the test results to know if it's the old one that has recurred, or a new one. Treatment will start next week when I return, and the docs know exactly what it is. They gave me leave of absence from the hospital. "Paris will do you good", my oncologist said. I wholeheartedly agree! Thank heavens for sensible doctors! And also, thank you so much all of you for your supportive comments on my last post.

So, see you around - next up will be images from Paris. Have a great weekend everyone!

A room with a view

From my room at the hospital yesterday. Full snowstorm outside:

At least I didn't have to venture out into the inferno. But the cold and grey rhymes with my existence right now. I was admitted on Monday morning. While at home for a few hours right now, I'm going back in later tonight. The message I got from the doctor was not good. Not at all. However, after tomorrow's consultations, I'm getting the weekend off, before I have to go back again on Monday morning.

A friend sent me this much nicer photo of sweet Sati, to cheer me up. Isn't she adorable?

Caving in

I wanted light coloured nail polishes for spring. Pink ones. Nude ones. Certainly no more dark hues after wearing all this black and grey during winter. I was perfectly happy with still using last season's "it" polish from Chanel, the 505 Particuliére. I did not feel I needed the newest "must have". Not at all.

But then what happened? One blogger after the other featured gushing words and tempting images of the grey/green/black'ish Black Pearl. I tried so hard to resist. First I bought one pink. Then another, even lighter pink. Every time I went past the local beauty store, while desperate not to, I just had to look at the Chanel display to see if it was still sitting there. Deep down I was hoping it would be sold out before I had to throw in the towel.

But it didn't help. It was still available, every time I passed through the shop.

I'm not a weak person. All this subtle persuasion got the better of me.Yeah, that's it. I blame the blogging brainwashers.;)

PS. One coat makes it look grey. Two layers bring out the gorgeous green, almost holograpich, effect. Love it!