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A Class Act

I write often about how much I love my job. Besides marriage and motherhood, it is the most rewarding part of my life. Last Saturday was the annual dinner dance and auction where the 8th graders put on a little show for their parents. This year, the moms in charge tailored the 8th graders activity portion to suit them. That means less dancing on their part and more heartfelt tributes. They did a great job... as I knew they would. They wrote a very sweet thank you note to everyone who helped them along the way. When it came to the part where they thanked me, the DJ started playing "Fight Song," and I was called up to the stage. I knew they had something planned, but I didn't expect anything more than some kind words. I certainly didn't expect to be called up to the stage. They proceeded to gift me with a few of my favorite things: Diet Pepsi, Peet's coffee, Sour Patch Kids, and pink roses. I was too shocked to listen to everything that was said, but it was evident to me that they listen and observe so much more than I ever imagined. It showed me that I am making a difference, if only for this brief moment in their lives. It showed me that I am exactly where I am supposed to be in life. It showed me that the respect and love I feel for them is reciprocated. 14 year olds can be pretty cool kids when given the chance.

In not so classy news, my eyelashes and eyebrows are falling out. This is absolutely NOT cool. I don't understand how my head hair can be coming in so much while my eyelashes and eyebrows are falling by the wayside. The problem with not having eyebrows, besides looking like a freak, is that my eyes water constantly. Tears are always pouring down and everywhere I go people ask if I'm crying. It's so annoying and frustrating. The tears, that is, not the kindness of people. I jumped on the whole Rodan & Fields bandwagon and am hoping this lash boost stuff that cost a pretty penny will actually work. I looked so much healthier bald with eyebrows than now. It's like Voldemort has invaded my body.

I also went up to UCSF today to have my blood drawn for the Guardant 360 test. This is the genetic testing they do that is more advanced than just testing for BRCA 1 and BRCA 2. They test 32 other genes for mutations. The results will be in in a few weeks. It really does nothing for me at this point except help to know the risk the girls face, and if I need to warn my brothers for a potential increased risk of pancreatic cancer. I'm sure everyone else will be fine. I think I'm the only cancer jackpot winner in our family.. I hit the motherlode after all. Lucky me!


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