Thursday, September 27, 2007

Talk about pressure!

Ladies and gentlemen, good evening! Hope you are doing well today. (If you are wondering why I'm being so polite, it's cuz I just found out that EYERYONE is reading this blog! And I thought cancer was stressful, huh! The pressure and responsibility of this blog are mounting. What to write? What to write? tick-tock. tick-tock.....
First of all, welcome all you new readers (or is there another name for people who read blogs? Help me out here, blog pioneers). It's wonderful to hear from you guys, Reem, Zena, Dina, ... my God it's been ages. I even got a couple of emails from people I don't even know. very touching, tks for ur kind words and warm wishes. (Nabiha habibti, u must post ur comments here for all to see, hehe.) So, networking, word of mouth, forwarded emails, I don't know what it is but everbody seems to know about this little journal i started. I don't mind, really. bil 3akess, it's very sweet to know how many people care and ask about me. Thanks!

A couple of slow days, seeing friends, going out for drives, I even went out to lunch today. We went to DT and I had a yummy salad (now that the counts are high, I can finally have salad!) and beef brochettes and fries and a dessert. Well, THEY said I have to eat to be strong, so I'm simply following the doctor's orders, hehe!

We are still deciding which hospital to go to. It's a tough decision, and we have to think of a million things, but Inshallah by the end of the week we'll have decided. But wherever it's gonna be, you have to promise me, my dear readers/friends/audience that you will keep in touch with me there and keep me distracted. There will be around 45 days of isolation! Imagine, me, isolation! Ya sater! I don't know how I'll get thru that. I can't even sleep alone for one night! So here's where u come in. for those of you who wish it, you can add me on your msn list, that way we can also chat from time to time. My msn address is halabeydoun360@hotmail.com

Another assignment for you is to find me ways of keeping busy and entertained during these looooong hours and days. i hope i will be up to doing stuff and not too tired. some suggested book tapes. i will try that. i will also go check out meditation tomoro, see if it can help too.

Awaiting your suggestions,
Hope you are having lovely days,
Enjoy every second,
mwah
H

17 comments:

Lara said...

The true definition of a Blog is an online journal, so just keep writing whatever you feel like writing, thoughts, fears, wishes, news, comments... The essential thing is to write and let it out!!!! So to stay in the spirit of your blog: KEEP WRITING, KEEP WALKING!!!!
Luv Ya

lebanesa said...

I agree with Lara - positive thoughts and share your negativity so that it gets dissolved. Don't carry everything alone.
Keep us informed and we will try and entertain you.

Rima said...

Yay! good to hear you so well-mannered, for a change, hehehe...
Sorry I haven't kept up much the last couple of days, but I'm so happy to find out your counts are up, and you're kind of out and about.

I'm also glad people are finding you here and telling you how much they are thinking of you - but you don't need more convincing how loveable you are.

We will rack our brains and come up with easy entertainment strategies. As for the rest, we'll talk about it in private - Kisses to you and Wiss and the girls

yasmine said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
yasmine said...

I just received a link to this site, not knowing what has happened to you!I wish I lived in Beirut so I could come and hug you. Hala, You are one strong woman, you can overcome this illness. Stay strong, stay focused, and stay positive.You will prevail, and you will come out of this even stronger. Obstacles are handed to us in weird ways, some good, some bad. Every time one crosses your life's path, know that God is only making you stronger, please keep the faith. I can see that you are surrounded by a wonderful group of friends and family and do know that everyone is keeping you in their prayers.
Kisses and hugs
Yasmine A.

Check this site: www.caringbridge.org

Wissam S. Yafi said...

"And let your best be for your friend.

If he must know the ebb of your tide, let him know its flood also.

For what is your friend that you should seek him with hours to kill?

Seek him always with hours to live.

For it is his to fill your need, but not your emptiness.

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures.

For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed."

- Good old Gibran for Good old Haloul from... well old Wisso who may appear to be far but who is not...

No pressure babes ... No pressure...

WY

lyne sneige said...

Hala, I miss you please keep focussed on positive things, you will get through this. You have to bake Ramzi's first birthday cake on November 30th...I love you
Lyne

tiger said...

Halhoul, aside from expressing my joy in seeing you last night, I want to suggest a good way to pass those long days and nights:
Start counting all the peeps that love you ... and believe me you'd need more than 45 days!
love you

Cristina said...

Ciao Hala, how are you today? I discovered your blog through your brother.
You don't know me and I didn't know you before reading the blog... its a good way to know new people and to keep daily in contact with friends.
I have been reading your blog since the beginning, every day I check if there is a new message.
I like your way to describe your family moments always careful to feelings and so full of of love towards your daugthers and family in general.
I admire your courage, your spirit and your way to face the situation.
Every day you are winning a battle, at the end you will win the war!!!
I know that you are deciding where doing the trasplant, take the necessary time and choose the best centre. If you will decide to do it in Italy, remember to count on me and to contact me for everything.
I read that you are looking for a hobby that will not tire you too much, I saw you received many suggestions but when you will be tired of the various soap operas, dvds', cds', try with puzzles!! I discovered them when I was studying, it was a way to free the mind, then I took it again last year when I expected my baby, during the long foggy and rainings days... I began with 500 pcs, then 1000, 1500 up to 5000... now I have beautiful painting on the walls. Do you think you can like this hobby??
Last but not least I went through your website... beautiful cookies.. if they are as much sweeties as beautiful maybe they can compete with the excellent Italian quality!!!
Keep on with your fantastic spirit
Talk to you soon
Cristina

Bobbie said...

My wishes for you are good health and so this is my prayer too. Keep your chin up habibti and keep walking! Something I was thinking you could do is take a page out of your Aunt Neda's book and do some collage! Not too messy, just scissors, paste and lots of magazines! Also audio books are great as you have probably already discovered. Please don't feel pressure from your readers, we mean well and wouldn't want you to feel intimidated in any way. Just think of us as your world neighbors. God keep blessing you!

Zena said...

Hey you, its good to know that you are out and about. you have started a wonderful journal so keep it going, its wonderful. Your high spirits along with the ongoing support you have from your friends and family will help you through, am sure of it. YOU give us strength to be honest!
Magazines and books are a must, but I was thinking that maybe friends and family can send you pictures of things that are going around wherever they are, you know anything that they find interesting and mail them to you!
I added you on MSN, i hope to catch you online soon! catch ya later ya Hala!
xxx
Zena

Bigbro said...

I just LOVE how well Cristina put it: Everyday you win a battle and at the end you win the war!! Lets win this war taking each battle at a time and with all these troops behind you, sis, i have no doubt WE WILL. Love you! f

Unknown said...

Me again!
Another suggestion -- jigsaw puzzles!! I love them -- they take your mind off things and are great for passing time! I do one every winter!
One day at a time, one step at a time ---- all will be overcome!
have another happy positive day!

Reem Rahhal said...

Hi Hala, what about suduko games, they're a lot of fun. Also browsing on the net googling anything that comes to mind. I presume you will have internet connections. Facebook is fun too. Its amazing how much our entertainment relies on technology these days. A nice book is also a good way to sit back and relax, have you read the Kite Runner?
the most important thing is to keep the connectin going and like everyone mentioned keep going!
kisses,

Unknown said...

Hi Hala,
Although we don't often chat when we meet socially at events or family reunions, I've been admiring you and your courage for years. I've always considered you as a great entrepreneur and as a matter of fact, I was reading an article in this month's Executive Magazine on you and other young Lebanese women from different walks of life who had managed to make a difference, each in her own industry.
I was a 1000 miles away from even thinking that you had a relapse.
I've got to know you better by visiting your blog (Tala sent me the address) and reading about your worries and thoughts. I've enjoyed your contagious sense of humor and wanted to write to you for a week to offer my friendship and to let you know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I know that you are a fighter and that you still have tons of things to achieve, share, experiment and see. I am confident that you will KEEP WALKING, dancing, admiring your toes (and Wissam's :) ) and creating those delicious works of art that put a smile on everyone's faces.
Looking forward to reading your next post.
Take good care and keep walking :)

hania said...

I keep following your news and visiting your blog constantly. I’m glad your counts are back up high, and you can finally have a yummy salad… keep strong!
I’ve been thinking about ideas that could help entertain you thru these coming days other than books and movies… it came to my mind… Beads! Like doing bracelets and necklaces. I’m sure you have the talent as its sort of related 2 your work, and u sure can come up with brilliant ideas.
I think girls will love it, and can help with as well!
I will keep thinking of new things for you, till then wish u joyfull-cheerfull days.
Love;
h

Unknown said...

Hala, I don't know you, but through your blog I feel like I do. I have been reading it since I received it by email in a forwarded message. I have been very moved by your humour, your courage, and the incredible friendships that you are surrounded by. A number of times I have thought of emailing you to let you know that I am thinking of you - but I always thought it inappropriate. Especially since I am a total stranger to you!

And yesterday, in Amman while I was there for just the day, by some strange coincidence, I met your brother and his wife at an evening gathering. What a small interconnected place the world is! Your brother said this time I should write - so here I am.

I just wanted to say that there are complete strangers out here who are rooting for you and wishing you a speedy recovery. Stay strong Hala and know that we are all out here sending you positive vibes and our best wishes.

With love
Muna