Day 93: Sarah's flower studs

Sarah on my left at gender & intl law workshop, 2016

Yesterday I received a thoughtful message from my dear colleague Sarah Williams in the Law Faculty at UNSW, cheering me on. Her Mum and I have been on a similar regime, with her Mum slightly ahead of me, so she knows what I've been going through and has been so sympathetic and encouraging. I had the chance to see Sarah a few weeks ago when she gave me these pretty studs, chosen by her delightful daughters Isabel and Lucy. I've really enjoyed wearing them today, and am lucky to be able add them to my growing stud collection. Sarah is part of the UNSW branch of the golden web - she's a world-leading expert in international criminal law and has done important work in a range of areas, including the Cambodian war crimes tribunal addressing the atrocities arising from the Khmer Rouge regime, which she's focussed on as part of our joint project with Andy on transformative reparations for victims of conflict related sexual violence. Despite its often depressing and gruesome subject matter, it's been so great to work with Sarah on this project - her sparkling legal mind always catches dimensions of issues that completely pass me by. It was also a pleasure to co-supervise Rose's PhD with her.

I also decided these were the perfect earrings for today because I was catching up with Rose (Day 18) this morning on a visit from Melbourne. It was wonderful spending time with Rose - we dissected the new/final season of Girls, discussed her many exciting current projects and travel plans, and plotted some new schemes that we hope to work on together. Rose brought me a delicious a black star bakery special, an orange and persian fig cake. It was divine with an afternoon cup of tea. Clearly my appetite is one thing that has not been destroyed by the chemo, as my waistline attests!



I was again spoilt today with the arrival of another gift - a bottle of my favourite perfume from darling Lisa (Day 10). Who doesn't get a kick from a perfectly wrapped Jo Malone gift! Lisa tells me she can't purchase these products in Adelaide (I'm keeping my comments to myself here about what this suggests about that so-called city!) but she bought it for me on her recent trip to Melbourne. It's typical of Lisa to be so thoughtful. I'm feeling very loved.

This afternoon I received a surprise visit from an old friend, Jason, part of the Nosh crew, who came by to say hello. It was lovely to see him and hear all his news.

The boys were back at school today so Rob got them back into the swing of their routine this morning, then I joined him for a walk around the park. It was a perfect morning, but it's turned very cool tonight. The first chill we've received this year and maybe a sign that winter is almost here. I won't be sorry after all the heat.

Day 93 and the stabbing pains are subsiding now, and aside from fatigue, my mouth issues, and a strange croaky throat, I'm starting to feel much brighter; I'm looking forward to some pain free days ahead...with my new puzzle. Maria has been packed away for another day when I have more patiences, better eyesight and some jigsaw-istas to work with me!