Another Cancer Bonus? I'll Take It.

About two months ago, I received an email from a UNL committee. I was nominated for the Freda Battey Distinguished Educator award by one of my former students, Emma Feldman (I had her for three classes). I didn't have to do very much to apply for the award. Sue and Bill just had to add a little to their letters of recommendation for me (from applying to Doane for graduate school last year). My curriculum vitae was already complete (thanks to the Kazakhstan grant I got and couldn't take part in). Yesterday, I was sitting at the district track meet, and I received an email indicating that I won the award. The award has a good payout: $6,000 for personal use (I'm going to pay off some medical bills, give Doane some money for grad classes this summer, and buy a couple of plane tickets to New York City for Katherine's wedding) and $3,000 for school (I'm trying to figure out what books I want to buy for the English department). Brian wants me to pay to fix the lawn mower; I think not. The district meet went well, and we qualified several individuals and all relays for state. It was the most perfect day... I'm back on the 'roids, which have helped me stay up to grade papers, and to climb the stairs at school without sinking into them. Unfortunately, steroids aren't all good, and I need to get them out of my system. We're working on a fast withdrawal this time. I'm sick of the bloating, but I was happy when going back on steroids made most of my current symptoms disappear. Monday I have to go to UNMC to do the exercise stress test on the treadmill. They are going to be assessing my lungs (oxygen doesn't get to my arms and legs very well) and heart (my resting heart rate is still in the 120s most of the time, and it should be half of that). The graduation party season has begun, and Brian and I are seeking out Donna Roehrs' cake. Seven more days of class and three days of finals. I can't believe this semester is almost over.