It's been a whirlwind since August and I don't even know how it became December and the week before Christmas! Let's look back and see how it all happened:
August 2012: This is vacation month for us, we spend the 2 weeks leading up to our trip to the OBX planning, packing and looking for a "better way" to travel there. This year we had our new friends join us and we had a great trip. Since then we have had them to our home several times extending our vacation and planning next year.
September 2012: Well here is is time to go back to school. We get back from vacation and it's over like that...I enjoy the summer schedule with it's long, carefree days of no homework or schedule. But this year, we installed a pool and my son started playing football so we were busy with permits and practices (5 nights a week), so time was tight and dinners late. Once we hit September practices went down to 3 nights a week and a game either Saturday night or Sunday afternoon. ***Poof*** September is gone. We also celebrated my Father and Nephews Birthdays with a Brunch that took me 3 weeks to coordinate!
October 2012: Fall is here! We go apple picking on the coldest day of the month and the kids love it! We take our Croatian friends with us and we had a great time. We went back to our house, we drank, we ate, we drank more and enjoyed the company.
I also did the 2 day, 40 mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Oct 20-21st...great experience and another check off my bucket list. It was the most physically challenging this I have ever done, but happy I got the chance to do it!
October is also the month that we were hit with Sandy. We lost power for 10 days, but all in all we were VERY lucky compared to most. Danny and I rode the storm out alone, since Ryan was on Emergency lock down at the hospital for 5 days. We camped in the living room, played lots of scrabble, and kept the fire going for heat. It was nice to spend the days with him, but it also ruined yet another Halloween for us...probably the last one he would have gone out with me.
November 2012: Well the blackout was fun but once the power came back on and we started to get our lives back, our septic pump took a shit (no pun intended) and like that ***Poof*** $1500 to get it pumped and repaired. It took a week, but we are back in business.
Now it's time to start prepping for Thanksgiving! I plan and prep and shop, there are only 5 of us, but over the years my menu has evolved and my parents (who are just back from TN after 3 years) don't like my modifications, so I mix the old and the new so everyone is happy. Well TG morning my father calls, my mother has a stomach bug, "STAY AWAY" is all I'm told. So now I'm cooking at home (YIPEE!!) and I have a 25 Lb bird for 4 people and have to cut back the "modifications"...no point complaining, I had plenty of leftovers for sandwiches and hot lunches for a week!
December 2012: I don't know how we got here, but this is the month my mother has decided to have her knee replaced. Out of nowhere she is seeing doctors and having tests run. she was originally supposed to have this done last Wednesday 12/12/12, but they found something in her blood work and postponed in now until the day after Christmas.
All I want is for it to snow and all it has done here in NJ is rain! Cold, damp rain...been this way since Friday night. I want SNOW, pretty white snow. I want to put a roast in the oven a log on the fire and watch the SNOW fall. I want to yell about wet gloves and wet dog feet from being out in the SNOW.
This is the last week before Christmas break and I cannot wait...Hope it SNOWS!
Oh, I also had my big toe nail removed last week...a causality of the Avon walk. Apparently I had a blood blister under the nail and I let it go too long (ya think?) and it was swelling so the nail had to go! I'm still morning the loss. Never underestimate the power your big toe nail has over your mind.
Well there is my fall/winter in review. I hope everyone is enjoying the Holiday Season. Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Festivis, Happy Kwanzaa...whatever you celebrate enjoy this time with your family and friends.
Amen
XXXOOO
Sunny Spot
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Monday, October 22, 2012
39.3 .... Okay 37.1
So this past weekend my girlfriend Stacey and I walked the NY Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. It was an amazing weekend with emotions that went from smiles to tears and tears to laughter. It was something I always wanted to do and now I can say that I have and I'm happy I did.
Even with all the blisters and achy muscles every mile was worth it. I unfortunately didn't make the last 2.2 miles of the first day due to a knot in my calf but found the energy and inspiration to carry on and do the last 13.1 miles the last day.
I admit that this was the single hardest thing I have ever done, but worth it! I heard so many people say this walk is easier then fighting cancer and now I understand why they say that. In a few days my muscles won't ache so much and my blisters will go away....some one fighting cancer, breast or otherwise, doesn't have that luxury. I am greatful for all I have and that I was able to do this walk for my mother, a survivor of breast cancer. I also want to thank everyone who supported me and contributed to my fundraising....none of this would have been possible without your help!
It was truly an amazing weekend! XXXOOO
Even with all the blisters and achy muscles every mile was worth it. I unfortunately didn't make the last 2.2 miles of the first day due to a knot in my calf but found the energy and inspiration to carry on and do the last 13.1 miles the last day.
I admit that this was the single hardest thing I have ever done, but worth it! I heard so many people say this walk is easier then fighting cancer and now I understand why they say that. In a few days my muscles won't ache so much and my blisters will go away....some one fighting cancer, breast or otherwise, doesn't have that luxury. I am greatful for all I have and that I was able to do this walk for my mother, a survivor of breast cancer. I also want to thank everyone who supported me and contributed to my fundraising....none of this would have been possible without your help!
It was truly an amazing weekend! XXXOOO
Thursday, September 27, 2012
So, How You Doin'?
Because I'm from NJ I can ask this question. You can hear Joe Jr. from "while you were sleeping" say it, "So, Luc...How you doin'?" This is also the term my loving husband uses when he likes how I look or what I'm wearing. It's associated with every Mob stereotype out there, movies, TV, real life...oops not supposed to talk about such things!
How did this post come to be? I've already forgotten! I know I wanted to touch on my last post about PTSD but then I got to saying "how you doin'" in my head and I'm side tracked.
Do you remember the movie "You've Got Mail" with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks? Remember the part when "Joe" is sitting up in bed doing the Godfather trying to figure out how to explain what it means to "take it to the mattresses"? Take the cannolli, leave the gun. Or in Good fellas when Karen is at the end of her rope with Henrys cheating and she is sitting on top of him with a gun to his head confronting him? "Put the gun down Karen"...another line my husband often uses minus the gun and pretty nighty! It's his way of bringing me to my sense and out of my crazy, very effective.
All classics, right? Okay so I got off topic again. But I've completely forgotten what I was going to say now anyway....so HAPPY THURSDAY XXXOOO
How did this post come to be? I've already forgotten! I know I wanted to touch on my last post about PTSD but then I got to saying "how you doin'" in my head and I'm side tracked.
Do you remember the movie "You've Got Mail" with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks? Remember the part when "Joe" is sitting up in bed doing the Godfather trying to figure out how to explain what it means to "take it to the mattresses"? Take the cannolli, leave the gun. Or in Good fellas when Karen is at the end of her rope with Henrys cheating and she is sitting on top of him with a gun to his head confronting him? "Put the gun down Karen"...another line my husband often uses minus the gun and pretty nighty! It's his way of bringing me to my sense and out of my crazy, very effective.
All classics, right? Okay so I got off topic again. But I've completely forgotten what I was going to say now anyway....so HAPPY THURSDAY XXXOOO
Monday, September 10, 2012
Post Traumatic Stress
Is it possible to have PTS for 11 years? I ask because every year right before 9/11 I find that I am very agitated and anxious. I know last year I posted about the same thing, but the day after and my recollection of the day. Today I feel as if I should call in sick tomorrow and spend the day trying to shake this horrible feeling of doom and dread...but I know if I do that I will spend the day glued to the TV to watch the ceremonies.
Like I have said in the past, I did not lose anyone that day but of late I have encountered a few reminders of that day. A few weeks back I read a book called "Love you, Mean it" written by 4 young women all who lost their husbands on 9/11...they all worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. It was a bittersweet book and I cried more then I expected as I felt every pain they felt. It wasn't on my "list" that day, it was a last minute biography pick up on my way to check out my books...I don't regret reading it, but it made my heart hurt to read it. While reading this book I ran into an old school acquaintance at a concert 100 miles from home who was a first responder on 9/11 who is now a retired fireman due to medial issues. He is married with twin 3 year old girls and I hope and pray that he is okay and lives to see those little girls grow up. Then last night I sat down and watched Julie and Julia and was again reminded of the aftermath of 9/11 as Julie worked at a call center helping those with claims and questions. I won't lie and say "it was just a movie" because it wasn't, she was a real person dealing with peoples hurt and anger and desperation and was able to turn that desperation she felt around when she cooked. To that I can relate...when I have something to work out or am mad or upset I cook. Much to the dismay of my family who end up having to eat more then they wanted and sometimes poorly executed new recipes. But I digress....
My question still stands, is it possible to suffer from post traumatic stress 11 years later? Is it hormonal for me because I was 7 months pregnant when this life changing event happened? Is it survivors guilt? Is it all of the above? Does anyone else suffer the week before and after the way I do?
I will close here and wish everyone and safe and happy 9/10 XXXOOO
Like I have said in the past, I did not lose anyone that day but of late I have encountered a few reminders of that day. A few weeks back I read a book called "Love you, Mean it" written by 4 young women all who lost their husbands on 9/11...they all worked for Cantor Fitzgerald. It was a bittersweet book and I cried more then I expected as I felt every pain they felt. It wasn't on my "list" that day, it was a last minute biography pick up on my way to check out my books...I don't regret reading it, but it made my heart hurt to read it. While reading this book I ran into an old school acquaintance at a concert 100 miles from home who was a first responder on 9/11 who is now a retired fireman due to medial issues. He is married with twin 3 year old girls and I hope and pray that he is okay and lives to see those little girls grow up. Then last night I sat down and watched Julie and Julia and was again reminded of the aftermath of 9/11 as Julie worked at a call center helping those with claims and questions. I won't lie and say "it was just a movie" because it wasn't, she was a real person dealing with peoples hurt and anger and desperation and was able to turn that desperation she felt around when she cooked. To that I can relate...when I have something to work out or am mad or upset I cook. Much to the dismay of my family who end up having to eat more then they wanted and sometimes poorly executed new recipes. But I digress....
My question still stands, is it possible to suffer from post traumatic stress 11 years later? Is it hormonal for me because I was 7 months pregnant when this life changing event happened? Is it survivors guilt? Is it all of the above? Does anyone else suffer the week before and after the way I do?
I will close here and wish everyone and safe and happy 9/10 XXXOOO
Monday, August 13, 2012
Overwhelmed...and Thankful!
Today I feel like dancing and crying...I have reached my goal of raising $2000 for the Avon Walk! It's been a long road I wanted to thank EVERYONE for all they have done to support me and the team. Our Florida, NY friends have been a big blessing as well as family and sisters, baseball families and friends. If you haven't donated you still have time...another $200 and I get a free baseball hat to wear while I walk!
Also, I am still doing the Tastefully Simple Internet/catalog party and all proceeds will go towards my walk, hurry and get your orders in by August 31st, there are some great specials going on now.
Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart!
LC, thank you for always being there for me no matter what....I love you!
So, now who's gonna be at the finish line on Sunday October 20th?
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Addiction and not much to report
Other then my addiction to Angry Birds, there really isn't much to report. I'm on hold with my training due to an undetermined knee injury and have spent the better part of 2 weeks stoned out of my gord on pain meds waiting test results. But I'm not gonna complain, especially when a Dr. understands real pain and takes care of it immediately. Tomorrow is results day and I have 13 weeks to be back in full on 40 mile mode!
Over and Out
Over and Out
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Walk update and a little self pity
Hello All
I wanted to update you on our walk progress and our new team page that Avon and Stacey have so graciously put in place for us.
First a foremost I wanted to thank you all for your participation in our Superbowl fundraiser, we were able to raise $550.00. $500 from the pool and $50 from my boss who won the 3rd quarter and donated his winnings back to our walk....so thank you all and thank you Tom X 2.
The Florida New York Fire Department has also donated $1000 towards our walk....so thank you to them for their GENEROUS donation! $1550.00 down, $2250.00 to go although we hope to exceed our goal if possible.
Now that the walk info is given, here comes the self pity part. Valentine's day has never been my favorite holiday by far, but every year I hope that some one....Mr. Sullivan....will change that for me and sweep me off my feet with some sappy declaration of love and devotion. Well after 13 years, he still hasn't figured that part out so now I officially HATE Valentines Day FOREVER!!!
To top that off we have been talking about my 40th birthday all year. I was offered a trip of my choosing, which I passed up because all I really wanted was to spend the evening with my friends and families with drinks and a great cake. Well, here we are 25 days away and not a single plan has been made and every possibility taken away from my dream day. So, for those of you interested we will be spending my 40th bday in Florida, NY doing a bar stumble on Saturday March 10th...come out and see just how much booze it takes to get me stumble around FL, NY drunk!
I wanted to update you on our walk progress and our new team page that Avon and Stacey have so graciously put in place for us.
First a foremost I wanted to thank you all for your participation in our Superbowl fundraiser, we were able to raise $550.00. $500 from the pool and $50 from my boss who won the 3rd quarter and donated his winnings back to our walk....so thank you all and thank you Tom X 2.
The Florida New York Fire Department has also donated $1000 towards our walk....so thank you to them for their GENEROUS donation! $1550.00 down, $2250.00 to go although we hope to exceed our goal if possible.
Now that the walk info is given, here comes the self pity part. Valentine's day has never been my favorite holiday by far, but every year I hope that some one....Mr. Sullivan....will change that for me and sweep me off my feet with some sappy declaration of love and devotion. Well after 13 years, he still hasn't figured that part out so now I officially HATE Valentines Day FOREVER!!!
To top that off we have been talking about my 40th birthday all year. I was offered a trip of my choosing, which I passed up because all I really wanted was to spend the evening with my friends and families with drinks and a great cake. Well, here we are 25 days away and not a single plan has been made and every possibility taken away from my dream day. So, for those of you interested we will be spending my 40th bday in Florida, NY doing a bar stumble on Saturday March 10th...come out and see just how much booze it takes to get me stumble around FL, NY drunk!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Quick update before 5pm
So the good news is I dug in and sorted through my recipes and weeded out more then half!
Other good news is our fundraising for the Avon Walk for Breast Canacer is in full swing and we have so far raised $1550.00 of the $3600.00 to meet our goal! Thank you to all who have participated and thoe who don't know they still owe me....
Happy Wednesday XXXOOO
Other good news is our fundraising for the Avon Walk for Breast Canacer is in full swing and we have so far raised $1550.00 of the $3600.00 to meet our goal! Thank you to all who have participated and thoe who don't know they still owe me....
Happy Wednesday XXXOOO
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Fundraising for us....football pool for you!
Hello All....Happy Thursday
As you know, I'm walking in the 2 day event for Breast Cancer in October. My team and I need to raise at least $3,600.00 to walk.
We are doing a Superbowl pool, and have the proceeds will go towards the walk. The other half - you could win!! Please let me know if you are interested.
It's $10 a box. $250 for the final, $150 for Halftime, $50 for 1st and 3rd. $500 donated to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! Let me know if you're interested, thanks for your support!!!
****please note this is the brain storm of my co-walker, Team Captain Morse****
As you know, I'm walking in the 2 day event for Breast Cancer in October. My team and I need to raise at least $3,600.00 to walk.
We are doing a Superbowl pool, and have the proceeds will go towards the walk. The other half - you could win!! Please let me know if you are interested.
It's $10 a box. $250 for the final, $150 for Halftime, $50 for 1st and 3rd. $500 donated to Avon Walk for Breast Cancer! Let me know if you're interested, thanks for your support!!!
****please note this is the brain storm of my co-walker, Team Captain Morse****
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Help....
I need to find the motivation to start training for my walk in October....not that I'm in bad shape by any means, but it still requires me building my endurance for a 20 mile day back to back.
What I need is a soundtrack, one that is built by friends and family. I want each of you to send me a message to my personal email sullygirl2009@gmail.com and give me a song that we shared and your memory of it. I'm going to download it to my ipod and use it as part of my training and walk. If we don't have one, then I am okay with a random motivating song, just tell me why you chose it.
I look forward to hearing from you and expect to have a HUGH library and a lot of memories to keep me going. I know a few will make me cry and other laugh, I look forward to those emotions to keep my momentum.
XXXOOO
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=2175&px=6317506
What I need is a soundtrack, one that is built by friends and family. I want each of you to send me a message to my personal email sullygirl2009@gmail.com and give me a song that we shared and your memory of it. I'm going to download it to my ipod and use it as part of my training and walk. If we don't have one, then I am okay with a random motivating song, just tell me why you chose it.
I look forward to hearing from you and expect to have a HUGH library and a lot of memories to keep me going. I know a few will make me cry and other laugh, I look forward to those emotions to keep my momentum.
XXXOOO
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=2175&px=6317506
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Happy 2012
Last night I was reminded that I do not update my blog enough and for the 2 people who actually care enough to read it, that's just not fair! I'm not going to make some stupid New Years Resolution and tell you I am going to keep up, because I will only break it like every other resolution I've made in the last 30 years. 5 years ago I gave up New Years Resolutions, but I do set goals for the year....still working on my BIG one from 2011 and that is my recipe mess.
So, medical update...I'm officially fixed and all is well. I'm as healthy as I can be with the exception of the 10 lbs I gained over the holidays which I am fixin' to work off. With my family history and my own scare, I have decided to walk the Avon 2 day Walk for Breast Cancer out of NY this October. I will be changing around my blog shortly to reflect my dedication to this cause. I have always been an advocate for Breast Cancer, but doing this walk this year means I'm ready to make a difference. I will be walking with my bestie Stacey and our team name is the RACK PACK. We are open to taking on others interested in walking.
If you would like to make a donation towards my walk please follow the link below:
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=2175&px=6317506
So keep an eye out for the changes to my site and my fundraising efforts. This is for all my friends and family, near and far who have had cancer touch their lives. Cancer is cancer and finding a cure is key!
XXXOOO
So, medical update...I'm officially fixed and all is well. I'm as healthy as I can be with the exception of the 10 lbs I gained over the holidays which I am fixin' to work off. With my family history and my own scare, I have decided to walk the Avon 2 day Walk for Breast Cancer out of NY this October. I will be changing around my blog shortly to reflect my dedication to this cause. I have always been an advocate for Breast Cancer, but doing this walk this year means I'm ready to make a difference. I will be walking with my bestie Stacey and our team name is the RACK PACK. We are open to taking on others interested in walking.
If you would like to make a donation towards my walk please follow the link below:
http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR?pg=personal&fr_id=2175&px=6317506
So keep an eye out for the changes to my site and my fundraising efforts. This is for all my friends and family, near and far who have had cancer touch their lives. Cancer is cancer and finding a cure is key!
XXXOOO
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