Butterflies and bees

Post-Op Update

2011-07-08T10:10:00.003-04:00

Just a quick post to let you all know that Lupe is doing okay. Her face is swollen, red and a little bruised, but she doesn't look nearly as horrible as I thought she would.

She's got a good appetite, is drinking well and has had no bathroom issues. She even pooped today!!! There is some whining, especially when its time to go to sleep or if she gets "lost" because of the cone of shame. She's not tolerating the cold compress on her face, so I've given up on that. She even just walked up and down a couple of stairs!

Keeping fingers crossed that her recovery keeps going well!

Sad day

2011-07-06T11:54:00.003-04:00

Today is Lupe's surgery. I had to drop her off at 7 am at the vet. I've been pretty good about keeping it together about this whole thing. I did take lots of pictures of her the last few days and she got tons of belly rubs, butt scratches, etc. When the vet tech came to talk to me and take her, I just started to cry. Got one last good look at her face, hugged her and left. She should only be in surgery for about an hour and then they will give her about an hour and a half to come out of the drugs. At that point, they will call me with an update. Vet tech told me that she will feel so much better when this is all done and that she has 2 animals with only 1 eye. I'm just going to miss those expressive eyes. But I will have a dog that feels so much better and once the hair grows back in (they told me that will be the biggest shock, to see half of her face shaved) I think she'll look just fine.

Be strong my sweet Lupe-dog!!!

Drive by...

2011-06-30T09:14:00.004-04:00

Just a quick post as I eat my breakfast and focus on how to tackle the day. I took Lupe to an opthomologist yesterday to have her further look into Lupe's left eye. The vet confirmed Lupe's primary vet's diagnosis, glaucoma. The pressure in her eye is quite high and causing a lot of pain. Was told she should have been on medication for the cataract all along to help prevent inflamation. Nothing I can do about that now though. The vet got all the medication ready and started to explain the disease. Basically, they can try to treat it medically, but the medicines on the market don't work well in animals and eventually they will stop working and Lupe will have to have the eye removed. The eye is blind and has been because of the advanced cataract and if it wasn't, it would be now because of the glaucoma. Vet said she was willing to try mediciation to see if it worked and we would know in a couple of weeks what was going on. So I asked what are we trying to save with a blind eye that is causing a lot of pain and the vet honestly answered me with "Nothing". The decision was made (actually I made this decision before I went in) that since there is no sight and Lupe is in pain, the eye has to come out.

Lupe won't notice the difference, except that once she recovers from surgery that she feel better. Me? I have some coping to do. I have the option of putting in a false eye which would move like a normal eye, but there are complications with that and if there were complications, that would mean a second surgery on a 14 year old dog. Still trying to convince myself that not putting in a false eye is the right decision, but the I either look at her, see a picture of her or think of her and I lose it. She's got such beautiful, expressive eyes and the change to her face is going to be drastic. I don't need to make the decision until the day of surgery (which is next Wednesday).

For now, Lu is on eye drops and pain meds to control things until surgery. I'm trying to remain calm and not over think this...but its hard.

Oh and I'm a couple of days late, but HAPPY 14th BIRTHDAY TO MY SWEET LUPE!!!

Happy Birthday Lupe-Dog!

2011-06-28T09:11:00.005-04:00

So today is my sweet girl's 14th birthday! Can't believe it! Through thick and thin she and I have managed to keep moving forward. I'm just amazed at how lucky I have been to have her in my life. There are some concerning things going on with her health-wise, but I don't want to post about that now...will when I have more information. So for today, its all good!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUPE-DOG!!!

Memories...like the corner of my mind...

2011-06-20T09:00:00.003-04:00

Spent a weekend with a walk down memory lane. Elisa (my college roommate) came to visit. She had her grandfather's unveiling so her family all congregated in the greater Boston area, Elisa stayed with me. We were asked by her uncle how long it took us to connect and act and feel like we were never apart...about 10 seconds.

Yesterday we spent a couple of hours walking around Brandeis. We walked up the Rabb steps (55 up, 3 down), went in the library (got to see the model of the Roman forum), took our picture with the Louie statue (which had a pair of panties on its head and a bra around its neck), got a free soda at the cafeteria (many more options than we were there) and even got into our Freshman dorm.

It was just absolutely amazing. I've been to Brandeis once since I've moved back, but never walked around and I'm glad I go to do that with Elisa. Feels like yesterday we were there, but also feels like a lifetime ago.

Can't wait until she comes to visit again in July!!!

One more day...

2011-06-03T14:17:00.004-04:00

until I celebrate my last birthday of my 30's. I have some mixed emotions on this and not because I'm closer to 40. For the last 5 years I haven't heard the story about when my parents found out they were getting me not have I heard the most horrible and beautiful rendition of happy birthday. Every year, except the first year I was in Mexico (and that's because she was in Paris), my Mom would tell me the story of when she first held me and how my brother went up to everyone to thank them for his beautiful baby sister. She would also sing me happy birthday and those who knew my Mom also know that she could not carry a tune to save her life! I do have someone who is just about as tone-deaf as my Mom so she normally sings to me and she does a great job in recreating the horrible and wonderful version of the song. But if I could just hear those both one more time...

Happy Friday all!!!

The foot bone is connected to the ankle bone...

2011-04-04T09:49:00.002-04:00

Had my first PT session this morning to try to come up with a plan of attack for my "runners knee". Therapist reiterated that a lot of my issues stem from poor body mechanics that can't be fixed but can be compensated for. It all starts with my feet and I have an appointment with a podiatrist on Wednesday to get fitted for orthotics. I had them back in high school but never followed up on them. I also need new running shoes, seems like the ones I have aren't stable enough. We are going to work on strengthening weak muscles and relaxing tight muscles in my leg and back. He seemed to think that I could be back on my running schedule within a few weeks. He taped my foot up (it feels strange) and wants me to try to run on it and see if it helps my knee. Had to do some squats for him, thank goodness I have been working with my trainer because they were a piece of cake, and we discussed my strecthing routine. I have to add "pigeon" to my stretches...Jodi would be telling me "I told you so" :) Hoping this all helps...its nothing really wrong, nothing broken...just the way I am :)

Fingers Crossed

2011-03-30T08:49:00.001-04:00

So I ran a slow mile today at the gym...11:20. Felt great until the very end when I started to feel a little pain in my knee. I'm hoping it doesn't turn into the full blown pain I had a couple of weeks ago, but I'm not very hopeful. Grrr!

Back to the gym

2011-03-29T08:40:00.003-04:00

After 2 weeks of resting my knee, today was my first day back at the gym. I forgot how hard it is to get a good night's sleep when you are getting up at 5:30. Going to take a few days to get used to that (and the fact that it is dark when I walk Lupe). Worked out with my trainer and it went really well. He took it easy on me and is going to work on strengthening the muscles that support my knee. I feel so much better though...not going to the gym really affected me. And I even get to try to run tomorrow...just a slow mile, but its a start!!!

Milestones...13 years

2011-03-15T09:54:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was my cousin and her husband's 13th wedding anniversary. She was the first of the cousins to get married and the wedding was a blast. Unfortunately, the next day (actually only hours later), my grandfather passed away from pancreatic cancer. It was definitely a roller coaster weekend all those years ago. Jill and Larry are still married and doing well. I miss my Grandpa's quiet nature and advice.

I'm nursing a sore knee after my 9 mile run on Saturday. My foot is fine but my knee, not so much. I ran for 30 minutes today and I barely got through it. Going to try to roll it out tonight and ice it throughout the day. Not happy at all.

Finally got to see my new dentist and he's awesome! He was recommended to me by Adele and it turns out they used to be neighbors. He actually did the cleaning, never had the dentist do the cleaning and I'm thinking he does that for new patients. I have a "shadowy" spot on one of my teeth, so I have to go back for filing #3. Grrrr....

102 and holding

2011-03-07T09:37:00.002-05:00

So I think I have my first "official" running injury...plantar faciitis. My left foot started hurting on Friday and by Friday night I could hardly put any weight on it. I cancelled my 9 mile run on Saturday. :( I've ordered a foot wheel to help work out the tension and will be getting inserts for my running shoes, if not all of my shoes. Grrr...

102 Down...398 to Go...

2011-03-04T08:47:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow it will be 111 down and 389 to go! I'm talking about my running goal of 500 miles this year. I would have passed the 100 mark in February but I missed a couple of runs, sometimes life just doesn't allow for you to get that run in.

Speaking of running, I'm really starting to think about my first 1/2. There is one up in Rye, NH on May 1st that I would really like to do. Couple of reasons, course is pretty flat and its along the coast so some of the views should be spectacular. Another reason is that it is close to Randi's house and they could be there to watch me cross the finish line. This is going to be a huge undertaking and a accomplishment that I want someone to see me do it. Trainer said I would be ready mid to late May but I could be okay for the beginning of May. Think I need to talk to him about this some more...

Happy Friday! About 24 hours until I get to see Jay but he should be boarding his plane now! YEAH!!!

Can't think of one

2011-03-03T09:07:00.003-05:00

Honestly, I'm drawing a blank on a title to the post...so this one won't have one :)

Been an interesting couple of days...

Let me start out with a belated birthday shout out to Bri and Alex. They both turned 6 on Tuesday. I'm lucky enough to be close to NH that I will be going to Bri's birthday party. I was at her first as Dad and I had found a ring that we knew Mom had bought for her before she passed away. I wanted to be there when Randi opened it. Beautiful and strong memory for me.

Yesterday I got a great compliment at work. I finished the first part of a multi-agreement project and my boss told me that it was great to see me growing in my role as a CS. WOW!!! I did a victory dance with Lupe last night :)

Speaking of Miss L, she and I spotted a coyote in the neighborhood yesterday morning. It was unnerving and a little tense, but I was able to pick her up and we headed straight home. Both the coyote and Lupe were totally fascinated by each other, but everyone kept their distance. I live in an area that has been developed for a LONG time and there really aren't any parks or overly wooded areas nearby. I'm also really close to the Mass Pike so to see a coyote in the area is strange. Hopefully it was just passing through and won't come back again. I worry about dogs and the bunny family (who lives in our backyard).

Training/working out is going really well. My trainer is really pushing me out of my comfort zone and I actually like it. I have another 13 miles to run this week (4 tomorrow and 9 Saturday) and I'm looking forward to both of them. Actually, I really am looking forward to my 10 mile run in a couple of weeks as that will be my longest run yet.

Weekend is going to be crazy and amazing. My brother is coming into town on Friday. He's going to see a college friend of his and will be picking me up on Saturday to head to NH for Bri's party. Sunday we have Jake's (cousin Brett's son) party and then Jay heads back to DC. I can't wait!!!

Happy Thursday all!!!

TGIF and ANOTHER birthday!

2011-02-25T08:45:00.003-05:00

Happy birthday to Amie, my "Little Sister" is 18 today! We were matched when she was just 9 years old...crazy to think she's 18 already. I'm very proud of the person she has become. During my last trip back to Albany I got to see her very briefly. She looks fabulous and is a confident and happy young woman.

Somehow I managed to run 4 miles on very sore calves...stupid 1,000 lb. challenge yesterday. Even more impressive is that I ran it in 40:30. Don't know where I pulled that out of. I have to run 7 miles tomorrow and spin on Sunday...glad Monday is an off day!

Busy day in front of me so its time to focus and get motivated...HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

Happy Birthday!

2011-02-24T08:42:00.005-05:00

Today my Mom would be 66! Happy Birthday Mom!!! Miss you every day, miss you even more today!

Yesterday I went to Philadelphia with my boss for a presentation and training session with one of our clients. It was a LONG day but it went REALLY well! It was nice to meet the people I have only emailed or spoken with on the phone in person and it was great to be able to interact with my boss outside of the office.

Since I was out of town, I missed my run yesterday and I definitely paid for it today. Chris (my trainer) made me try his 1,000 lbs challenge. The challenge is to carry a total of 1,000 pounds up and down 2 flights of stairs in 20 minutes. My goal was to go for the full 20 minutes and move 500 lbs. I achieved that goal and then some. I moved a total of 700 lbs. in 19:46. I think he should either modify it to be 5% of your body weight or give women an extra 2 1/2 to 5 minutes. I can't move 2 45 lb plates up and downstairs, but I can move 2 25 or 2 10 lb plates. I didn't even try the 35 lb plates...I stuck with what I knew I could do. Oh and this was after a 30 minute strength workout with him. I'm thrilled with what I did!

If I wasn't tired after my trip yesterday, I sure am now!

Happy Birthdays!

2011-02-10T09:14:00.004-05:00

Couple of quick shout outs for birthdays...

Yesterday my cousin Randi turned 36! She is a fighter and a kind person. I don't know if she knows how much she means to me, but it I had to call someone my sister, she would be it (along with her sister Jill of course). When I am with her, I just feel at peace and such a strong connection with my family (both those who are still with us and those who have passed on). She just amazes me!

Today my Grandma would have turned 87. I truly would have loved to see how beautiful she would be at 87. Grams was intelligent and full of style, class and grace. They just don't make women like her anymore. I can still hear her Boston accent and smell her perfume and cigarettes. She was taken from us all too soon, but we never doubted her love and all the joy her grandchildren brought to her life.

Happy Birthday to 2 of my favorite women! I love you always!

That big dog park in the sky...

2011-02-10T08:48:00.004-05:00

I found out yesterday that a friend of mine is putting her dog to sleep today and my heart is just broken. Sydney is a beautiful white shepard who has graced her family with love and affection for 14 1/2 years. I've spent a lot of time with Syd since I first met her a few years ago. I would often house and dog sit when the family was out of town. Lupe and Syd were fun together...big dog and little dog just hanging out together. Recently Syd has stopped eating, had issues with UTI's and bladder control and is really unable to support herself.

Its not an easy decision to make, but I am always amazed about the strength of the bond between animals and humans...they have a way of letting us know its their time and its okay to let them go.

So to my friend Miss Sydney, I thank you for all of the smiles and happiness you have brought. Lupe thanks you for introducing her to "doggy crack". Go find your friend Riley in that big dog park in the sky and play like you've never played before...

5 years

2011-02-03T09:13:00.002-05:00

Can't believe its been 5 years!!! I think of you every day. Sometimes it makes me smile. Sometimes it makes me cry. Sometimes it makes me feel loved. And sometimes it makes me feel so alone. Things weren't always perfect, we definitely had our differences. You wanted the best for me and I wanted to be able to experience things. You were right, of course.

You loved me unconditionally from the moment you first held me. I never went a day without knowing how much you cared for me and for Jay. I keep that love with me always and I miss it so much. I learned so much from you, you were my mentor, my best friend, something and someone you can never replace. I am who I am because of all that you did for me and all that you taught me.

I bought a new necklace to remind me of you. Its a simply heart inlaid with diamonds. Wearing it for the first time today. Everyone tells me that you are always with me. I keep you in my heart and now I have a physical representation of that. Forever in my heart. How appropriate.

I love and miss you Mom.

I would have preferred snow!

2011-02-02T15:45:00.004-05:00

So the snow has stopped, but its been sleeting or raining since mid-morning. YUCK!!! So the snow is melting and we are expecting a flash freeze tonight. Really not looking forward to trying to get to my car tomorrow morning and driving to the gym on wicked icy roads.

Still thinking about what was happening 5 years ago this week. I'm not one for living in the past, but there are key moments in your life that will always be with you. I can say that I'm glad the weather wasn't like this then. Jay and I wouldn't have been able to get back to see her nor would Steffi been able to be with us. Jill wouldn't have been able to come up for the funeral. The weather was cool, but not freezing, especially for February standards. Things just came together for us, as best as the could considering the circumstances. Crazy how things happen that way sometimes.

My horoscope the last few days has been really spot on...

"The Moon enters your eighth house of sex, death and power, turning your mind to deep thoughts. The nature of life and death may perplex you when you try to understand it intellectually, so let go of any neurotic desire to make sense of what is not meant to be logical. Open your mind and heart if you want to be let in on the mysteries of life."

And yes, I still use the traditional dates and look at Gemini...there is no WAY I'm a Taurus!!! :)

Yet another snow day...

2011-02-01T10:12:00.003-05:00

Sitting at my dining room table watching the latest round of snow falling...this is the first of 3 potential storms that is supposed to hit in the next 5 days. As of this storm, we had over 60 inches of snow. So that would mean if it was all still on the ground, I would be almost buried. This storm would definitely bury me though :) My landlord had his wife call me to see if I needed to get out today so that they could arrange for me to be plowed out. I'm lucky to be able to work for home, but it was nice to be in the office yesterday...maybe I can go back in on Thursday.

Five years ago today we decided to let Mom go. She needed dialysis, oxygen and probably either a feeding tube or iv nutrition...but that's not what she wanted. It was a hard decision emotionally but we all knew it was the right decision, there was no deliberation...we all knew it was time.

I've been in a funk about things, pretty emotional and just beating myself up. Its to be expected but I also know that I need to keep going forward. She would want me to remember her but she would want me to live. Just hard when your biggest cheerleader, best friend and mentor is gone. I keep going to keep her memory and legacy alive. My brother and I are her legacy and I'm so proud to be that...

Must get some...

2011-01-26T09:00:00.004-05:00

SLEEP!!! Haven't slept through the night since Friday. Lupe keeps waking me up. I'm thinking she may have another UTI. Debating on taking her to the vet today. We have a quarterly meeting at work (although nothing has really happened except an awesome dinner last night) and a snow storm (yet another one) is coming tonight. Last night I decided to take her out at 1 am and she had me up at 12, 1, 3 and 4 (not outside, she just woke me up). She right back to sleep, I couldn't.

I did make it to the gym this morning. 3 miles on the treadmill at 28:50 which is my fastest yet. I need to push these short runs because my long ones are getting longer and need to be run at a slower pace. Trying to figure out when my 1st road race of 2011 will be...will keep you posted.

Empty Tank

2011-01-22T11:46:00.003-05:00

My physically spent. On top of that killer workout on Thursday, I ran 4 miles yesterday (41:43) and 6 miles today (63:01). 4 mile time was a little slower than my best (41:08) and 6 mile time was a little better than my best (63:16), but hey not every run ban be a PR...the point is to get off my butt and do it! I have spin tomorrow and Monday off. I'm also pretty dehydrated. When I'm at home, I don't drink enough water. Got a massage last night and didn't drink enough afterwards. Going to pump H2O into me as much as possible...must be near a bathroom!!!

I found out yesterday that my old boss is being let go from his job. He contacted me to ask if I would post a recommendation for him on LinkedIn. That's a no brainer! Mike is a great guy and was so wonderful to work with. He treated me like a human being and always was there if I needed support, both personally and professionally. You don't find many bosses like that...I've actually had 3, including my current one. I found out they hired a GC to take his place, she is starting within the next 2 weeks, but will not be located at headquarters. This should be very interesting. I worry about MB and others in the department and wonder if there is going to be turnover. I'm glad I moved on and am not personally affected by this, but its just shocking!

Well, I have some gift cards that are burining a hole in my wallet...time to bundle up and head to the mall.

Tabata

2011-01-20T08:52:00.003-05:00

Today I did a tabata session with my trainer...WOW! For those of you who don't know what it is, you do 20 seconds of exercise of a large muscle group (lunges, squats, pushups, core, etc.) and then rest for 10 seconds...but you do this 8 times and as fast as you can!!! I honestly thought I wasn't going to make it a couple of times. You do get a 2 minute rest after you complete your 8th 20 second interval.

If I can move tomorrow, I have a 4 mile run. Working my way back up so my long runs for the next four weeks are 6, 7, 8, and then 9 miles. 9 miles?! That's over an hour and a half of running! Insanity, but man do I love it!

More snow on the way, this needs to end so I can get back to running outside!!!

TGIF!!!

2011-01-14T11:10:00.005-05:00

So glad its Friday! This week was crazy with the snow storm on Tuesday/Wednesday...we got at least a foot and a half of snow. Spent most of the day digging out with my landlord and his wife. I know its not my responsibility, but his snowblower couldn't handle the snow, so the three of us did it all by hand. Plus I knew I wasn't going to make it to the gym, so I had to get some sort of workout in :)

Ran 3 miles today and I really pushed myself past my comfort zone pace wise. Ran it in 29:37, my last race time was 29:13 so I'm really happy about today's run. Trying to decide when to run my 1/2 marathon, guess I should corner my trainer and figure that out.

Tomorrow I'm heading down to my cousin Brett's house to see him, his wife and their kids. My cousin Randi and her family are coming down from NH as well. I think the last time I saw all of them together was in October for Dara's birthday party. Can't wait!!! Of course, I have a 4 mile run to get in before I go :)

2010 Recap

2011-01-09T14:16:00.003-05:00

Just saw this on my comadre's blog and decided I had to do it (besitos Court)

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before? Moved to a different state for a new job.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I worked on them and will continue to work on them this year. This year's are in line with last years...so yes I made more.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? I know of a couple of people that had babies, but no one close to me. 2011 will be a different story.
4. Did anyone close to you die? College roommate's grandfather, not close to him, but close to the family and he was such an amazing person.
5. What countries did you visit? Sadly, none...
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? I don't think I "lack" anything.
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? June 28, 2010 which is the day I started my new job.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Landing my new job and having the courage and strength to give up all that I knew and move for it.
9. What was your biggest failure?Not getting myself completely out of debt as I had hoped to. Close, very close.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? Not really...was a very healthy year for me. Oh, did have an issue with my achilles tendon for a couple of weeks, nothing major.
11. What was the best thing you bought? My new car!
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?My comadre for letting somethings go. My cousins for starting to run which got me hooked.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Some family members but I let it go. Sometimes people do things that they think will help when in reality they don't.
14. Where did most of your money go? Move, debt, vet bills.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Moving and my 20th high school reunion.
16. What songs will always remind you of 2010? Dog Days are Over, Help I'm Alive, Diamond Eyes...to name a few
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? HAPPIER
b) thinner or fatter? Same but in better shape
c) richer or poorer? Hard to tell, make more money, paid off more debt.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Exploring my new city, visiting family in Florida.
19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying about other's opinion, doubt myself
20. How did you spend Christmas?Not my holiday. Christmas Eve was my parents wedding anniversary so I got Chinese and watched movies. Christmas Day I had to go to my Dad's for Mary's family Christmas gathering. I did get to see my brother but he and I had to leave early b/c of the snowstorm that hit on the 26th.
21. Did you fall in love in 2010? With a man? No. With what I have done for myself? Yes!
22. What was your favorite TV program? I don't know...sometimes I watch too much TV and other times I don't really watch. Maybe Bones b/c she's a forensic anthropologist and its amazing that they made a show about one.
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don't hate anyone, I may dislike people, but not hate.
24. What was the best book you read? Lost City of Z
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? 101.7 WFNX (okay so its a rediscovery)
26. What did you want and get? A new job and life in my most favority city.
27. What did you want and not get? Tickets to a Sox game.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? Probably The Town. Gotta love a movie where they try to rob Fenway Park.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I was 38. I worked that day and then went to the Maychacks for dinner, cake and "Just Dance" with Maria and Lisa. It could have been my last day at old job but I gave them 4 weeks notice and not 2.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Not missing people from the 518.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? Comfort, sporty and feeling good.
32. What kept you sane? Working out and good support network.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Ben Afflick (see #28).
34. What political issue stirred you the most? Massachusetts gubernatorial race. Glad to be voiting in MA again.
35. Who did you miss? Peeps from the 518, especially Courtney and her clan. Family in Florida and as always my Mom. Would have loved to been able to share my job search and move with her. Its what she always wanted for me. Hey Mom, I moved back to Boston!!!
36. Who was the most influential new person you met? Leigh and her kids. Okay, so I didn't meet them this year (I've known Leigh since kindergarten and met her kids in 2008), but I really got to know them this year. As for someone completely new, probably my co-workers and my trainer.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010. If you want something, go out there and get it!!!
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Happiness hit her like a train on a track, coming towards her stuck still no turning back...or any line from the Dog Days are Over. It truly became the song of my year.

Happy 2011!!!

6 miles and 2 hours?!

2011-01-09T14:07:00.001-05:00

6 miles running yesterday and 2 hours of spin today...I must be nuts. No if I can just conquer the eating part of living healthy...

Guess that's what makes me a work in progress!

2011 Fitness Goals

2011-01-07T11:32:00.002-05:00

So my trainer asked me to provide him with my fitness goals for 2011. I came up with 5...in no particular order...

1. Complete 4 - 6 road races
2. Train and complete a 1/2 marathon (will be one of the races for #1)
3. Run a sub 50 minute 5 miler (can be on a treadmill, but at a 1% incline)
4. Improve my balance and flexibility
5. Be able to do 5 pushups with one hand on a medicine ball, from my toes

I think they are all achievable. My 5 mile runs are 52-54 minutes right now. My longest run is 6 miles, about 1/2 way to the 1/2 marathon.

Hopefully I will keep posting and update my progress...should I make that a goal? LOL

Happy 2011

A Classic

2010-12-17T11:43:00.003-05:00

Having one of those days today and turning to one of my favorite songs of all time, a classic by Johnny Mercer.

"You've got to accentuate the positive,
Elminate the negative,
And latch on to the affirmative,
Don't mess with Mister In-Between.

You've got to spread joy up to the maximum,
Bring gloom down to the minimum,
Have faith or pandemonium's
Liable to walk upon the scene..."

Will be singing this over and over in my head for the next few days...positive thoughts can bring about positive results, that's why I need!

Feeling old today...

2010-09-23T08:43:00.002-04:00

Today is the 21st birthday of a friend of mine. Yes, I still have friends turning 21 :)

Emma is the daughter of my friends Adele and Saul who live near me and just amazing people! I met Emma on her 4th birthday...she was one of the kids in the class at the day care center I worked at in college. Emma turned 4 as I was starting my fall semester of my senior year. She's now starting the fall semester of her junior year at Smith, she the captain of their soccer team, and now legal to go and buy herself a drink. How scary is that!!!

I remember my 21st birthday very well. There was no crazy night out, there was no buying myself a drink. On my 21st birthday my Mom came home from the hospital after having 2 massive heart attacks. I was so happy to have her home, but I remember feeling a little cheated. So my aunt bought me a bottle of peppermint schnapps and my cousin and I sat on the front steps of my parents' house and drank grasshoppers. I also remember my mom giving me a stuffed bear with a honey jar with fake honey and bees all over him. She probably bought it at the gift shop in the hospital and it was probably a last ditch effort to hold on to her "little girl". Amazing how life goes sometimes...

Happy birthday Emma and congrats to Adele and Saul for getting this far! Its quite the accomplishment for you all!

Amazing Monday

2010-09-14T16:00:00.004-04:00

Did I really just write that? Guess I did! Why was my Monday so amazing? A few different reasons...

1. I'm getting my first "official" client at work. I will slowly begin transitioning to be the main point of contact for one of the firm's clients. I've been working with them for a while and it seems like the natural progression. I'm already "unofficially" the point of contact for another client, but not sure if that will be made "official" or if it already is.

2. I was invited to a client lunch in a couple of weeks with one of the senior attorneys at the suggestion of one of the principals. My boss can't make it that day, so they thought it would be a good idea to introduce me as a new employee and a potential resource for them.

3. Lupe had another great day at day care. I picked her up and she was limping a little, same issue with her paw as she has had for over a year, but she got over it quickly. I brought her home and figured that she would just be exhausted. She was WIRED! I was in the other room and I could hear her running around and barking. Day care seems to be really good for her.

4. I found a really good sushi place nearby and I got to go there with a friend from Albany who was in the area for business. Good food and good company.

Guess that's it...not to thrilling but I like to find happiness in little things sometimes!!! YEAH!!!

Its official!!!

2010-08-30T12:02:00.001-04:00

I'm all registered for October 9th! Now, to just finish training and beat my personal time of 34:12!!!

CelebratePink 5K Road Race & Walk (2010): "CelebratePink 5K Road Race & Walk (2010)"

2 Month Anniversary

2010-08-23T13:38:00.002-04:00

I just realized that I moved into my place 2 months ago today! YEAH! Have I finished setting things up? No but I'm working on it. I still have to hang curtains (I have blinds so I haven't felt the need to hang curtains yet) and I need to do something about office/dining room. I need some sort of storage unit (buffet/filing cabinet) but I just can't make up my mind on what I want. It will get done...I have gotten a lot accomplished in 2 months so I'm okay with a few outstanding items.

Heading back to Albany this weekend to see some friends and go to a concert. Its truly the one thing I don't like about being here...missing people so much :( But I really think I've done a great job establishing myself thus far!!! SO BIG!

Update

2010-08-18T08:57:00.003-04:00

Yeah, so I've been silent for a really long time...the move has kind of taken a lot of my time and energy but I'm loving the new job and living in this area!

So last night I had dinner with Fridge and the kids, which is always amazing and even more so when we have Richardson's for dessert (www.richardsonsicecream.com). When we got home her son Joseph wanted to show me how he has been practicing riding his bike without his training wheels. He road on the grass a couple of times and then I brought him out on the street. He ended up riding by himself for a little bit and was so proud of himself. A week ago, he was still riding with training wheels and scared to try without them. It was so awesome to see him gain the confidence and just go for it!

Today was my first straight run in my training for a 5k in October. I did two miles, which took me about 23 minutes, and it felt pretty good. My cousin Jill told me she was training for a 5k so I decided to train for one too and then got my cousin Randi on board. Randi and I are planning on running the Celebrate Pink 5k in October (www.celebratepinkevents.org/5k) and Jill even mentioned she would consider coming up from Florida for it. Breast cancer has affected the 3 of us and what better way to show support and love for those who have battled this disease than running with a survivor...now Randi really needs to get her training in gear :)

Sad Tuesday

2010-06-15T13:54:00.003-04:00

So if the day before lent is Fat Tuesday, today is a Sad Tuesday for me.

Lupe got her last bath and haircut today. I had the groomer shave her down to Chicken Dog because I don't know the next time I will be able to get her groomed. Sue and her family have been so kind to me over the years, fitting us in when they could and always boarding Lupe when I was away (most of the time at Janice's house).

Then we went to the vet to get vaccination records and to sign the release to get her records. I found out that two of the vets are gone. I guess it was a difference of opinions on how things were run but its sad not to be able to say good bye to them. Lupe was a little nervous about being there, but when she realized that there were no shots, no blood draws, no temperature checks she was happy. Yummies help too!

Next I brought her over to meet and say good bye to a couple of people at work. She was adorable and friendly as always. I know none of that sounds too sad, here comes the big one...

MB is out of the office for the rest of the week, so our good bye happened today. We were both crying (and she's not a crier) and couldn't talk. What do you say to a good friend as you leave? Well, she told me she was so proud and happy for me and that she was going to miss me so much. I have some amazing friends here and I'm truly blessed. But saying good bye until you see them again isn't easy. So to MB, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for me personally and professionally. I wish you all the best in life. G-d bless you, Ron, Sarah and Sydney along with the rest of your family. I will never forget you!

Graduation and More Goodbyes

2010-06-11T13:31:00.002-04:00

Today Alex (wonderful son of Courtney and Gerard) graduated from preschool. I wasn't at the ceremony, but I did go over for lunch with the family. For all the years that I have known Courtney (15+) and Gerard (10+), their families have been so welcoming and kind to me. So while today was a happy day and huge milestone for Alex, it was bittersweet for me as I had to say goodbye to some special people. I may never see them again, but they will always be in my heart...and I do know that I will hear lots of stories from CB :)

CONGRATULATIONS MOO-MAN! Know that I love you to pieces!!!

Birthday and Weekend

2010-06-07T13:55:00.002-04:00

So, I'm a little late in wishing myself a happy birthday on my blog! Had a great day on Friday and a wonderful weekend!

Friday Mary Beth took me out to lunch and that evening I went to Dan and Maria's house and Maria, Lisa and I hung out, played Wii and we all had birthday cake. Yes, I made a wish! I got phone calls and facebook messages...it was really nice!

Saturday I got to spin and my gym friends decorated my bike and bought me a Vera Bradley bag full of goodies. They took me out to breakfast afterwards as well. I spent the rest of the day passed out until Kara wanted to go to dinner. We ran into Dan and Maria at dinner :)

Yesterday was the Tour de Cure. It was a horrible day weatherwise, pouring rain, thunder, cold, yuck! I went up and rode 10 miles and had a blast! I cruised through the ride and just enjoyed the scenery and thinking of my mom. Thank you all you supported me with donations and/or encouragement! It means a lot to me!!!

So, I'm trying to not to freak out about the move. I've got so much to do...and I start 3 weeks from today!!! Crazy, but exciting at the same time!!!

Shipping up to Boston

2010-06-02T10:10:00.003-04:00

So, its truly official...I'm moving to Boston. I will be working as a contract specialist at a small firm outside of Boston. I've konwn about this firm for a few years now and always hoped they would have an opening and that I could apply for it and get it...and guess what? They did and I did!!! I gave my notice at work, 4 weeks, and will finish up here on June 18th. My first day at my new job is June 28th. I've signed my offer letter, they have countersigned it.

I have found a place this past weekend. I'm just waiting to finalize the lease with the landlord, but I gave him a security deposit, so its mine. I've also informed my current landlord that I will be moving out by June 30th. I'm going to be living in a small one bedroom in West Newton. Its one of 3 units in a house and the landlord lives there with his family. They are very pet friendly and the entire apartment was renovated 2 years ago. Its smaller than what I am used to, so it will be a challenge to down size stuff, but it will be good to get rid of somethings. The neighborhood is amazing. I can walk to resturants, movie theater, food shopping (they actually have a Trader Joe's and a Whole Foods), and take Lupe for walks in a nice neighborhood.

I can't believe that after almost 16 years I'm moving back to Boston! Someone pinch me!!!

Not a strong point...

2010-05-03T12:25:00.004-04:00

Patience, something that is definitely not a strength of mine. I know I need to be patient but I'm eagerly watching my phone for either an email or a call as a follow up to last Thursday. Its only been a couple of days, I realize that, but this is something I just need to know NOW! Okay, there is my temper tantrum...maybe a little cryptic, but that's on purpose.

I want to know what happened to spring? Last week was cool and we had frost warnings, this weekend was hot and humid, well over 80 degrees. I almost broke down and turned on the A/C, but I resisted and just turned on the small fan in my room. Poor Lupe was pretty hot.

Speaking of Lupe, she is fighting another UTI and conjunctivitis in one eye. This poor dog just can't catch a break. I'm thinking that her getting sick all the time has to have an environmental component because she was never sick like this before we moved into the apartment and even after we moved it wasn't bad until the caretakers left and the place started to resemble a college dorm over luxury apartment complex. The sketchy neighbors moved out this weekend (yeah!) but so did the ones I really liked (boo!). I will definitely be moving soon, not sure if I'm going to break my lease or not. I guess it all depends on that stupid phone call/email I'm waiting for.

At least I know I'm not the most patient person out there :)

I'm in love...

2010-04-12T12:47:00.003-04:00

...with Washington DC.

This past weekend I flew down to DC for my cousin's 40th birthday. Her husband had surprised her with a long weekend in DC and my brother and I thought it would be nice for me to surprise her and come down.

Getting down there was a nightmare! I got stuck in LaGuardia overnight because of rain and an unfriendly gate agent who wouldn't check to confirm that they were supposed to hold the flight for me. I spent the night in a hotel room across the street from the airport...loud and smelly and I got no sleep. Friday morning my flight from LaGuardia to Baltimore was delayed, but they put me on a flight to National, which worked out even better because its super close to where my brother lives. My original flight to Baltimore was eventually cancelled.

I spent Friday morning down by the Capitol and at the Museum of the American Indian. Really made me miss my work in Mexico. Jay and I had Ethiopian food for lunch...yummmm! I met up with Jill and Larry after lunch and walked around the mall for a while. Dinner was at an amazing Asian resturant in the city.

Saturday Jay and I went to the gym. Yes, I go to the gym on vacation if at all possible...I brought my spinning shoes and everything. We met up with Jill and Larry in lunch in Georgetown and then walked around for a while. What a beautiful part of the city. We all had dinner together and then went to a movie. After the movie, Jay and I went back into Georgetown for a drink and to talk. I really enjoy being with my brother, he's one of the most amazing people I know.

Sunday morning we drove around a little bit to look at places where he may want to buy a townhome or condo and then he drove me to the airport. Flights back were fine. I was absolutely exhausted when I got home and really just crashed until bedtime. Which means I have to unpack tonight. :(

It was a fantastic weekend and I got to see some of the most important people in my life for a happy occasion in a beautiful city. What else could a girl want?!

Old Friends

2010-03-26T13:01:00.003-04:00

So the other night I posted on Facebook that its a true sign of a good friend when even after years you still just get each other. I was referring to one specific situation, Elisa, my college roommate, but it really is true of a lot of my friends. I could start rattling off the names and reasons why, but I don't have to because they knew who they are in my life and they know what they have, do and will mean to me.

I got in touch with another old friend last night...we had been playing message and phone tag for a few weeks, but last night, the voice on the other side of the line was the real person. I had a bombshell dropped on me right from the get go, that he had married the wrong person and was now looking at facing a divorce, which doesn't look like it will go smoothly or end amicbaly. So basically after close to 15 years of not talking to someone I find out his life is in shambles. Not what I had hoped for and not what I would have ever wanted for him in his life.

It seems he is also not supposed to talk to me because his wife gets upset when he talks to people he doesn't know. Now part of me understands how she feels, been there myself, but my situation was different. I hadn't asked for a break up (divorce doesn't work in my situation because I wasn't married) and then flipped out about my partner's habits and cell phone texts/calls. Of course I only know one side of this story, but knowing my friend, he is not in a good situation and needs to take care of himself and move on with his life.

Old friends, sometimes they come and go, but they are always a part of you.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

2010-03-17T12:10:00.003-04:00

St. Patrick's Day brings up my yearly debate about is corned beef Irish or Jewish? Of course it depends on how it is served. With cabbage, Irish, on toasted rye with mustard and a pickle, Jewish.

My preference? Definitely the Jewish version...cabage is NASTY!!!

That's all for today...too much going on in this crazy mind of mine to put down just yet... I am learning I'm not patient once I make up my mind about something though. LOL!!!

Sad News

2010-02-25T12:19:00.002-05:00

I just found out a knitter friend of mine past away yesterday from colon cancer yesterday. She was diagnosed after having emergency surgery to remove her appendix and was pretty quiet about things at first. I remember sitting in the LYS on a knit-in night and hearing Nancy talk to another knitter, their conversation caught my attention when I heard Nancy mention cancer. I had noticed Nancy didn't seem well but no one seemed to know much.

A few months ago, my comadre told me that she had heard that treatment wasn't working and that Nancy was on pain management. Nancy made every effort to come to knit-ins (better efforts than I do and I'm healthy) and put on a smile while she was there. But you knew she was in pain and struggling.

The first time I met Nancy was probably in 2004 when CB took me to my first knit-in. I had been working on a first attempt at a blanket for my cousin's new daughter and made some horrible mistakes. Nancy sat down, analyzed it and told me that it was best to start over. She said not to worry that it happened to everyone and we pulled out the needles and started ripping back. I felt like I was a horrible, novice knitter, but had realized I was among friends.

The last time I saw Nancy was maybe a month ago. She came to a knit-in that I was at (with my comadre of course) and she looked tired and weak. We all sat around, knitted and it almost felt like Nancy was there to say good-bye. When we left I went over to Nancy, she told me to take care of myself, I told her the same and stroked her hair (which was quite thin) and squeezed her shoulder. CB and I walked out in tears and just gave each other a huge hug! CB saw her one other time, a day she brought Katharine to the shop, it was Nancy's first time meeting this beautiful little girl.

Nancy and her best friend Laurel would crack CB and I up. They were like an older version of the two of us. One blonde, one brunette. Both full of life. One married with a family, one single but with a family of friends that truly cared for her. Nancy's family didn't live in the area so her friends were her family. I can only imagine what Laurel is going through.

Nancy was supportive of everyone, knitting and otherwise. One night I was in a horrible spot and mood. Nancy asked me if I was okay and I said no. Her response was it was okay not to be okay and to go with the mood. She just got it sometimes. She would ask CB how I was doing after that and was happy to hear that I dusted myself off and am so happy and at peace now. What amazing woman...and I didn't even mention what a fantastic knitter she was!!!

I can only hope that Nancy now has the peace that she so deserves. I will miss her terribly and I know I'm not the only one. Be well dear friend...be well...

Time to sing...

2010-02-24T08:57:00.002-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MOM,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Today would have been her 65th birthday!!!

The waiting is the hardest part...

2010-02-18T15:27:00.000-05:00

So as some of you may know I have been working through some potentially life altering decisions lately. Now that I have decided to act on things I am in a waiting mode. I am not the most patient person and I have had a couple of "what have I done?" moments but I am trying to remember that life is about experiences and sometimes taking risks and sometimes that involves a leap of faith. So, I lept and now hoping I don't go splat! I guess if I do, I just pick myself up and keep going forward. Keep your fingers crossed and send as many good vibes, prayers and thought that you can. Will keep you all posted!

February 14th

2010-02-14T17:30:00.000-05:00

Day I started a new job, 10 years ago. Its crazy to think that I've been there for 10 years. My department bought me a cake a week and a half ago (boss is currently traveling so they did it beforehand). Got a glass plaque with my name on it and a pair of white gold hoops from work. CEO sent me a congratulatory email and lots of people have been stopping me and congratulating me.

As for Valentine's Day? I can take it or leave it. Never been a big fan of the holiday, its up there with New Years Eve on my list of least favorites. Why do you need a day contrived by a card company to tell the person you love that you love them. They should always know that. I try to make sure the people I care about know that everyday. But to those who do like the sentiment behind today, I do hope you have a happy Valentine's Day!

Four years...

2010-02-03T18:52:00.000-05:00

Its been that long since Mom passed away. I miss her every day but today it hurts a little more. I took the day off today, didn't want to deal with the stress of work and I figured it was a good idea to just be me. I had some errands to run, had lunch with a friend and got to see my comadre and her kids. Tonight just hanging with Lupe, keeping a low profile. Tomorrow back to work and have a massage scheduled in the evening.

7:32 pm February 3,2006...I will always remember where I was and how I watched the most influential and important person in my life let go of the pain and suffering she felt and endured in this life and move to a peaceful existence for all eternity.

I may have lost her in the physical sense (and how much I would love her to hug me again) but she is forever in my heart. I love and miss you Mom!

Bad Facebook Status

2010-02-01T12:20:00.003-05:00

"Wife broken. Need replacement" when that wife is your cousin and the status was added by her husband. It turns out that she fell on Friday and broke her foot. She's now in a cast for 6 weeks! The poor thing! I guess its good that she doesn't live up here where it is freezing and walking with crutches could be even more dangerous and that she didn't do this in the heat of the Florida summer. Hey, my family (both sides) is not the most graceful...I am proof of that one!

Good vibes to Jules today as she goes for a PET scan...hoping and pray for a N.E.D. result! Love ya girl!!!

Happy Monday!!!

Time Marches On...

2010-01-27T07:51:00.003-05:00

People come into your life and some stay and some go. The ones that go sometimes go for good reasons and some others for not so good reasons. Sometimes we think of where we have been and those who have touched our lives in some way, maybe just in passing, maybe on a deeper level.

Today is one of those days...

Waiting

2010-01-19T12:24:00.002-05:00

I am waiting to hear back from Lupe's vet. I got a voicemail from her (wouldn't you know the 5 minutes I am out of my office is when she called) saying that she was able to remove the growth from her lip without having to put her under. So what about the one on her nose? I called back but she was in an appointment. Now I'm waiting, again! She was brought into surgery later than I had expected but I'm glad its done. I just want to know what was done, what potentially wasn't done and when I can go get her! I'm not the most patient person sometimes...

If you sent good vibes our way, thank you! The support and reassurance I have gotten from friends and family are so appreciated! I just want to bring her home...she's probably pissed that she hasn't been able to sleep all day.

Its a go!

2010-01-18T11:58:00.003-05:00

I haven't heard anything bad about Lupe's blood work, so surgery tomorrow is a go. She doesn't have a clue, I'm wicked nervous...typical. As I say every time I walk out of my apartment, G-d bless Lupe-dog.

Good vibes and thoughts

2010-01-15T11:52:00.005-05:00

My friend Jules had her reconstruction surgery yesterday and all went well. She had the tissue expanders replaced with full implants. She may be far away but I send her good vibes every day. Now its time to send her ones for a speedy recovery so she can tackle the next step in her treatment and fight. If anyone I know in the world can remain so strong and upbeat when faced with such adversity, its Jules! :)

Now I need good vibes and thoughts for my sweet girl, Lupe. I noticed the other day that she had super stinky breath and was really licking her lips. I finally got a look at her mouth last night and she has a growth (which I knew was there) on the side of her lip. It was much bigger than the last time I had looked at it and covered with dried blood and pus. Great, its infected! We went to the vet today and it needs to come off. Because of the location, she needs to be put under for the procedure. The procedure shouldn't take long, but putting a 12 1/2 year old dog under general anethesia is a higher risk than a dog half her age. She is on antibiotics for 2 weeks and if her blood work comes back normal, we are a go for surgery on Tuesday. Also, if she is okay while under the anethesia, they will try to remove the bump on her nose. You can see it in this picture...the one on her lip is the same size, if not bigger.

I am trying to hold it together and I do trust the vet and their technicians to monitor her closely and have her come through just fine...but its my Pooh Bear and I'm a nervous wreck. So, good thoughts, good vibes and little prayers for this sweet girl are appreciated. :)

I can't believe I did it...

2010-01-13T13:34:00.003-05:00

"What?" you may ask...I just ordered a blackberry! I've been realizing that sometimes I need to be more connected than I am, especially since I rarely boot up my laptop and sign on at home. I hardly ever check Facebook (probably still won't do that much...kind of over the Facebook thing). I do check personal email, but only once a day and really never answer anyone. A lot of things I do on the internet is at work during lunch or before I start my day. My computer is just too much of a pain and too slow. It constantly freezes and often I have to wait 30 minutes for it to update and consider letting me log in. Finally, with being on the JLSS board next year, I'm going to need to be a little more accessible.

So, despite all of my claims of how I like not to be connected, as of Friday, I will be more connected. But I realize, I control that connectivity. I don't have to have it on all the time and I don't have to go online or check email unless I want to. Its not a work issued blackberry, its a Kori issued blackberry...so I control it and when I use it.

Still...kind of scared :)

Woo hoo!!!

2010-01-06T12:49:00.002-05:00

Need to share a few woo hoo moments...

1. Monday got a call from the vet, the urine sample they took from Lupe almost 2 weeks prior did not grow any cultures. Her UTI is officially cleared up!!!

2. Found out last night that I have been slated to be on the board of my Junior League...in charge of membership. This is only my 2nd year with the league and they already want me on the board. The new president-elect is my mentor this year and she so rocks! It will be a great experience and I really like all the other board members. It just needs to be voted on by the general membership which will probably happen in the next month or so.

3. Just took my certification exam for IACCM (www.iaccm.com which is an international commercial contract managers association) and I got a 97% on it. I have been studying for a couple of weeks and probably overstudied...we had 2 hours to complete the exam, I did it in 15 minutes. Done with my self assessment (which my boss has to approve) and just have a case study example I have to do. I think the case study will be the hardest part.

4. Going to see a friend that I have seen in over 6 months tonight. Excited to reconnect with her and see what she has been up to. She's also had a 2nd nose surgery since I've seen her, can't wait to see how amazing she looks!

5. Might have sold my snowboard, boots and bindings. One person wants to buy the board, the other the boots and bindings. Extra cash is ALWAYS good!

So, woo hoo to me!!! I may even do a little dance!

Lumper or Splitter

2010-01-05T11:52:00.003-05:00

Okay, so I found this story really interesting...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100104/ap_on_re_us/us_census_indigenous_immigrants

Most likely because of my graduate training and spending time in Mexico and Guatemala. To think that people are going to put down Maya, Mixtec, Nahua, Zapotec, etc. on the 2010 census is mind blowing. It makes me smile to think that people are proud of the heritage when they have been discriminated even murdered because of it in the past.

I remember being in a small village in Guatemala and having to have a translator because some people didn't speak Spanish, but Tzutujil, the native Mayan dialect of the region. It completely floored me.

But I wonder, do most Americans put down that they are of Irish, Italian, German, etc. descent? Maybe we should. So, are you a lumper (all European ethnicities are the same? all Native American ethnicities are the same?)? Or are you a splitter (each ethnicity should be counted and acknowledge)? Wow, I guess you can take the girl out of anthropology but you don't take anthropology out of the girl. Indiana Kordo still lives!!!

Goodbye 2009 and Hello 2010

2009-12-31T13:30:00.003-05:00

Today is the last day of 2009, the last day of the year, the last day of a decade. This has been a decade of ups and downs. Downs are obvious, lost some extremely important people in my life (Mom, Grandma and Poppi to name a few). Ups are also obvious birth of beautiful nieces and nephew (shout out to Miyah, Brie, Jake, Ella and Dara), births of some of my closest friends' children (shout out to Alex, Katharine and Cooper).

I look back at the year and see how far I have come. I look forward to 2010 and see how far I have to go. And I am thankful for both!

I hope 2010 brings you all the good you deserve! Happy New Year!!!

So, how did I do?

2009-12-30T12:28:00.003-05:00

Early this year I posted some resolutions that I had set for 2009. Not a big fan of resolutions as often we set them and break them so quickly. Also, people set shallow goals and not things that will make them a better person, happier or improve the world in general. So, here are the ones I set and my thoughts on how I did...

1. Take better care of myself (physically and emotionally). - I think I did pretty well on this. I've stayed in shape (for the most part, minus some set backs due to health and schedules). I've let go of a lot and really don't let things bother me the way they used to. I will continue this into 2010, that's for sure!

2. Be a better daughter, sister, cousin, friend and "mom" to those I care about the most. - Okay, so define "better"...lol...I've tried to be more focused on my life and those that I care about and those who care about me. I was able to spend time with my cousins and their families. I got to visit Jules in CA and see her when she headed back East. I reconnected with some friends that I had drifted from and even strengthed other friendships. As for the "mom", Lupe is everything to me. She had a tough year with her health and I haven't balked when she needed a vet visit, medication, or just attention. Lupe is told every day that I love her and she gets a "G-d bless Lupe" everytime I leave the house. Again, I will continue this one into 2010.

3. Pay off more debt. - Didn't do as well as I had wanted to on this one. There were things that came up that required attention and money (still love Miss L) and that was tough on getting debt paid off. Will continue to watch expenses so that I can look into buying a home.

4. Be more patient and less jumpy towards people. - Hot and cold on this one...need to keep working on it. But there are a couple of instances where I bit my tongue and didn't snap at someone where previously I would have.

5. Achieve professional success and goals. - Got the promotion I wanted in February. Working on a certification for contract management. Been a good year on this one!

6. Do more things I like. - Check...definitely did this and very happy I did :)

So what's in store for 2010? Time will tell, but I am looking forward to the new year and prosperity, health and peace for us all. Well, for most of us :) For others, karma does come around. But I digress...

Post holiday Monday

2009-12-28T12:17:00.003-05:00

I made it through the Christmas holiday...enough said...

Yesterday I went to visit a friend from work, her husband and their 5 day old baby daughter. She was absolutely beautiful. Now, I am the type that doesn't think all babies are cute. In fact, I have seen some very funny babies in my life. Skylar is not one of them. It was nice to sit and talk with them for a couple of hours. And then wonderful to get back home to my place and spend some time doing things I wanted to...playing cow, stingray, ball with Lupe...you know, the important stuff.

So, its Monday now and things are VERY quiet at work. I'm supposed to make it through until Thursday? Yikes! I'm hoping to get my hair cut today, but my friend that cuts my hair has a son at home, so not sure if I'm going to be able to get it done this week. Sigh!

I hope Santa was good to you all! Taking a couple of days to reflect on the year and look forward towards the next :)

Peace on Earth...

2009-12-24T11:25:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all!!!

I get wished a Merry Christmas all the time. Does it bother me? No. Its really just someone being kind and hoping you have a happy holiday, whatever holiday you may celebrate. I even have some people who know I don't celebrate Christmas wish my a Merry Christmas. Again, doesn't bother me a bit, but it does usually cause a good chuckle when the person realizes what they have said.

This year I've realized that there is something to be said for the "Christmas Spirit". People are either completely stressed out about shopping, cooking and family or they are relaxed and enjoying this time of year. Having not celebrated Christmas for the majority of my life and then celebrating it for a few years, I was a mix of the two. Now, I'm the relaxed type, although there have been moments of stress in dealing with family...I don't want to even mention the traffic! But I can only hope that the spirit of the season does touch people, even those who do not celebrate Christmas.

So, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, whatever...just please be safe and enjoy the time to be with loved ones. May this be a holiday season to remember!

She did it!

2009-12-17T07:52:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to give a huge shout out to Jules for getting through her entire chemo cycle! I know its wasn't an easy road, but she's done and can look forward to getting stronger and better. More treatment is coming, but right now I am so happy for her! G-d bless Jules!!!

She's 2!

2009-12-16T13:10:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to wish Lil' K a VERY happy 2nd birthday! And to congratulate her mom, dad and brother on this important milestone in their family!

I do have her card...maybe I can drop it off this weekend?

Happy Birthday Lil' K!

Cookies, cookies and some more cookies!!!

2009-12-14T12:56:00.004-05:00

Saturday I made 8 dozen oatmeal scotchies for a friend's cookie exchange Saturday evening. I had thought I had all my ingredients until I went add the vanilla...the one thing I forgot to check when I made my shopping list. It was about 12:30, freezing cold and I hadn't showered after the gym. So, I went out in my sweats and a baseball hat to look for vanilla. I don't live overly close to a grocery store but there is a CVS nearby...success! My place smelled like warm butterscotch all afternoon! The party was a lot of fun and I got a bunch of cookies and recipes.

Problem is, how is one person going to eat multiple dozens of cookies? Answer, I'm not! CB and her family are donated food to a local family in need and my cookies are going in with the donation. They asked for assorted cookies, so assorted cookies they will get! Phew!!!

Yesterday I went to CB's house and she, Alex and I made sugar cookies. Well, Alex and I were trying to make sugar cookies, but CB was more interested in covering me with flour. She kept throwing the stuff at me or taking her floury hands and rubbing them on my face. I mean, really!

So, if I gain 20 lbs. this season, its all the cookies fault! :)

Top 5

2009-12-09T14:35:00.003-05:00

Lupe asked me to post her top five list from this morning...so here goes...

Top 5 ways to make Lupe-dog happy...

#5 Come home.

#4 Bring me to see someone.

#3 Belly scratches

#2 CRACK (if you don't know what crack is and you have a dog, go buy a pack of Denti-Stix, you'll find out soon enough).

#1 Give me 2+ inches of snow that I can roll, romp and bury my face in!

Its December, its the Northeast, its going to snow!!! Wish we could have snow days like the schools do...

Its December already?!

2009-12-03T12:54:00.003-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it! Thought I would bore you all with a run down of my Thanksgiving weekend...

Wednesday - plan was to drop off Jeep for oil change and spend day with BF and her kids doing some shopping and baking homemade pumpkin pies. Plan was changed as Lupe had some accidents in the house (pee and vomit) so she had to go to the vet. I let them do the sterile urine sample and surprise, surprise, surprise...UTI. Looking at another 3 weeks of antibiotics. Jeep oil change went well, need new tires (was hoping to get through the winter). Pie baking? Well, besides Courtney throwing pumpkin all over the kitchen and having to run out and find the can stuff, it went okay. She did notice my right eye looked pink, I wear contacts, that happens. Although, when I got home, it was tearing pretty bad all night.

Thursday - headed to MA for the weekend. Picked up brother at the airport in CT and he and I went to the cemetery for some time together to talk about Mom, Grandma and Grandpa. He pointed out another 24 in our family that relates to me. Mom and Dad's birthdays and anniversary are all on a 24th (Feb, Jun and Dec). Grandma was born in 1924. Auntie Steffi was born in 1948. And I was born in 1972. Never made that connection. We had Thanksgiving dinner at Mary's son's firehouse. The food was great. Enough said.

Friday - woke up with my right eye completely swollen and crusted shut. Spent a couple of hours looking for a walk-in clinic that was open and accepted my insurance. Found one at a small hospital in Stafford Springs, CT. Diagnosis? Pink Eye...great! After getting my prescription filled went back to Dad's house to wait for family coming over for lunch. Randi, Rich and the girls and Bruce, Carmela and Michael all came over...along with a friend of my Dad's. It was amazing having everyone together.

Saturday - got those new tires for the Jeep and had to drive Jay back to the airport. Was supposed to get together with a friend from town, but she has 2 small kids and I had pink eye. Was not feeling great and tired, so I crashed pretty early.

Sunday - was supposed to head home, but I needed to get the tires check and the place was closed on Sunday...so, plans changed to head home Monday morning. Spent the day/afternoon with Mary shopping at IKEA. Lots of fun! We were going to head to Sephora, but I think she was shopped out.

Monday - tires checked and headed home. Lupe was not happy...she likes being in MA because she gets to eat lots of stuff I don't feed her. Problem is, it causes severe indigestion for her...she was feeling it and I think the antibiotics aren't helping that. I did have lunch with a former co-worker/friend which was AWESOME!!!

So, its Thursday and I'm back to my normal routine for the most part. Left eye is still a mess, hoping it clears up in the next couple of days. Lupe not eating or pooping much...Cipro sucks! Supposed to have handed in my self evaluation at work on Tuesday...haven't even started and don't want to do it at all. My boss isn't pressuring me to get it to him yet, so I'm okay for now.

Blah, blah, blah, blah...boring post to write...probably even worse to read :)

Back from the brink...

2009-11-18T16:22:00.004-05:00

Its been a crazy week and a half!!!

Last weekend (not this past one, the one before that) I took the 4+ hour drive from NY to NH to visit my darling cousin (but might as well be my sister) Randi and her family. Had an absolute blast! Not only was I able to spend time with Randi, Rich and the girls...we also went down to MA to visit my other cousin Brett and his family. It was a weekend full of happiness, warmth and reconnecting with some of the most important people in my life. The down side? Keep reading

I now am getting over an unconfirmed case of H1N1. Randi's clan had been sick and the youngest was really sick while I was there. So, I got back into town VERY early on Tuesday, went to work and was back home after lunch with a pounding headache, killer sore throat and a fever. I basically didn't move much until Monday morning when I had to get back to work. Of course I moved to take Lupe out and a quick run for soup and supplies, but that was it.

I feel much better, but still not 100%. The fever is long gone and so are the aches, but the cough, sore throat, headaches and lack of energy are not fully gone yet. It was quite the battle and Saturday night I didn't know if I was going to be able to stop coughing or to get the nose to stop bleeding. Obviously, I did and am taking it easy as I fully recover from this.

Looking forward to next week and seeing family for the holiday...organizing a small get together with family on the day after Thanksgiving and hope to see one of my friends from grade school, middle school and high school while we are both "home" for the weekend. Only sad part, miss seeing BF on her birthday...snarf!

Not the most meaninful post, but I'm back which is a good thing. :)

A truly wonderful woman

2009-11-05T09:12:00.003-05:00

I found out last night that my mom's cousin's wife passed away yesterday morning from cancer. Sydna was a intelligent, kind and successful woman, a mother of two and stepmother of two. Her two children are young, I think her son, the younger of the two, is under 10.

She was 48 years old and had been fighting cancer for at least 3 years. I saw her 2 years ago at my cousin's bar mitzvah and she was not well then, but determined to fight as hard and as long as she could.

I remember my grandma telling me how wonderful and kind Sydna was. Howie, her husband, just absolutely adored her and you could tell by the way he looked at her. Sydna was an OBGYN and considered one of the best in the area. Ironically, if I recall correctly, she had ovarian cancer.

Her funeral is tomorrow and I'm not sure I can go as it is in MA. There are services Saturday through Wednesday night which I will try to go to on Monday as I head back from NH. Just a huge loss for her family and friends and a loss of a fantastic human being. Be well Sydna...

Boxed on a Boat

2009-11-05T08:40:00.004-05:00

Okay, so there is this video contest for Black Box wines that my brother and his friends have entered. You've got to check out the video and vote for it as your favorite...

1) click on the following link: http://contest.blackboxwines.com/box/ and follow the instructions to register . IMPORTANT NOTE: don't forget to enter your birthdate when registering (so they know you're over 21). Otherwise, your vote won't be counted.
2) click on view and vote
3) find the film: "Boxed on a Boat", and cast your vote!!!

My brother is the boat owner in the smoking jacket and carrying the Sherlock Holmes pipe. If you need a chuckle, this is a good one...especially knowing Jay. :)

Couldn't resist

2009-11-04T15:49:00.002-05:00

Just in case you are having a bad day...this may make you smile...gotta love a dog with a conehead and especially if that dog is Lupe :)

Sterile Sample...

2009-10-30T13:42:00.004-04:00

So, I took Lupe to the vet yesterday afternoon for a follow up visit from her UTI. She has finished the 3 weeks of antibiotics (will help from Greenies Pill Pockets...these are wonderful if you ever have to give animals medication) and they wanted to check to see if the antibiotics worked. I was told they needed a sterile sample, so I figured that they were going to catch urine in a sterile cup. Makes sense...

They took Lupe towards the back, I thought that odd, since the last time I went with the tech to walk her while the tech used a ladle to catch the urine. Lupe and the tech came back about 5 or 10 minutes later and she told me that they were unable to collect the sample. They used an ultrasound but her bladder was too small and they want to have to stick her and not get anything out. They had me make another appointment for next week to try again.

Wait a second, STICK HER?! With what and where?! I did some looking online this morning and it appears the best way to get a sterile urine sample is to insert a syringe through the abdominal wall and into the bladder! Ah, NO! Lupe is 12 years old, I am NOT having her stuck so that they can get urine to confirm the antibiotics work. She is not symptomatic so this is just not necessary in my mind. I called the vet this morning, explained I was not comfortable with this and cancelled the appointment. I told them that if she became symptomatic, that I would bring her back and we could discuss this option.

Seriously, they were going to stick her like this? No one explained this to me...how would I know what this entailed as I am not a doctor, vet or vet tech...nor do I work in a doctor's or vet's office. Lupe's vets' office is wonderful! I have never had anything like this happen before there and I will from now on double and triple check what they are doing to her before they do it. And if I don't understand it, I will ask them to explain to me in detail what a procedure involves. I am SO glad she didn't have enough urine in her bladder for them to do this yesterday! I would have been in tears!!!

Happy Birthday

2009-10-20T12:48:00.002-04:00

Today is my favorite college roommate's birthday...okay, so she was my only college roommate, but wouldn't that also make her my least favorite college roommate? LOL. Maybe I should say my favorite roommate because I did have housemates when I first moved to Albany. Well, then again, Lupe is techinically my favorite roommate...sorry, in a slightly surly mood. :)

So, here goes...

ISA ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISA!!!

If you have ever seen the Simpson episode where Homer ends up in a mental hospital with a roommate that thinks he is Michael Jackson, my Elisa birthday song is a variation of the "Lisa Birthday Song" that Bart and "Michael" sing for Lisa. Its a tradition for me to sing it to her and on her 21st birthday, I wrote it out 21 times and hid the notes in her room of our apartment. She was still finding them when we were packing up after graduation!

So, happy birthday Face! I hope it is a good one and know how much you mean to me. Scary to think that we have known each other for more than half our lives...we met over 19 years ago! Wow, I feel old!

ISA ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISA!!! ISA ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISA!!! ISA ITS YOUR BIRTHDAY!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISA!!!

Sad Day

2009-10-13T13:45:00.004-04:00

I just found out that a co-worker's son passed away last night. Ben was 9 years old and had been battling Osteocarcoma for over 2 years. The cancer went away, but kept coming back. My heart is seriously breaking for this family. It just truly enfuriates me that there is childhood cancer!

Do me a favor, keep Ben and his family in your thoughts and prayers and love your family members a little more today.

I found this on Ben's website and I thought it was really meaningful (it is a quote from a child battling cancer)

“People call me a brave soldier or fierce warrior in this war on cancer. I am not the soldier, the warrior, the doctors and nurses are. I am the battlefield.”

Happy Birthday & Happy Anniversary!!!

2009-10-06T12:03:00.003-04:00

Happy 2nd birthday Dara! Yesterday was my cousin's little girl's 2nd birthday...which also would have been my grandfather's (her great-grandfather's) 100th birthday!

Happy 2nd anniversary Julie and Bob!

Its been quite the two years for these families but they are amazing people with strength and courage that never ends!

Hope you all have wonderful days!!!

Sinks

2009-10-02T15:57:00.003-04:00

Last night I learned how to take a part the drain of a sink. Why you may ask? Well, yesterday morning I decided to wear a necklace and pendant I hadn't worn in a while. I couldn't see in the mirror on the dresser so I went into my bathroom to use that mirror. And wouldn't you know that the necklace slipped out of my fingers and the pendant went down the drain. Typical. Did I get upset and freak out? No...I honestly figured if it was gone, then oh well, it was gone and I was okay with that.

Well, I wanted to try to find it when I got home so I looked online to see how to remove the trap. Looked easy enough so I did it, except it wasn't in the trap. That mean it either was flushed through (although I didn't run the water after it dropped down the drain) or it was stuck up in the stopper. With my BF and her DH on the phone, I disconnected the stopper and in all the muck that builds up over a year was the pendant! Happy I found it...completely grossed out by the build up. Needless to say, I cleaned that sucker VERY well. Put the pipes back together, confirmed I didn't have a leak and I was good to go.

So, if you need to learn how to take about the pipes from you sink to either clean them or look for something you've lost down the drain, I'm your girl...and I won't charge you like a plumber would :)

Happy Friday all!!!

Its a boy!

2009-10-02T08:01:00.003-04:00

I just found out my BF from high school gave birth to a baby boy on Tuesday the 29th! After only 2 hours of labor (start to finish), Ryan Jeffrey came into this world (9 lbs. 9 ozs). I've seen a couple of pictures and both Mom and Baby look wonderful...not too surprising, this is Vikki we are talking about. :)

Haven't seen Vikki in years, haven't met her husband or either of her children. We have kind of lost touch over the years which saddens me. Facebook does keep us up to date with each other's lives, but its not the same. I've known her since grade school and we have been through a lot together. Distance and years have definitely changed both of us and our relationship, but she will always been a very special friend and person to me.

Congratulations to her beautiful family!!!

Its October already?

2009-10-01T13:12:00.004-04:00

Which means fall, baseball playoffs, candy corn, Halloween and Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

This is a disease that has rocked my life too many times...(chronological in order of diagnosis)

Auntie Steffi - fought and beat it twice, once when I was a teenager and the second time just a couple of years ago.

Mom - fought and beat it in 2005. Treatment took a lot out of her, but I know she was proud to consider herself a breast cancer survivor.

Naoko - fought and beat it in 2005/6 as well. She is an amazing woman who kept her battle very private, but it worked!

Randi - okay, what do you do when one of the people you consider your sister tells you she has breast cancer at 32 and is 5 1/2 months pregnant? Happened in 2007 and after treatment and many surgeries later (and some still to come), she is even more beautiful and stronger than ever before. And did I mention that beautiful daughter of hers?

Julie - in the fight of her life and doing wonderfully! Julie just finished her first round of chemo and is gearing up for her second when she returns to CA next week. I had the pleasure of seeing her and her 15 month old adorable little boy, Cooper, last Friday. It was amazing day and she truly inspires me.

So, make sure you check yourself this month and stop and remember those who are fighting and fought...those who have won and those who have lost. Let's hope there is a cure for this soon!

Love to all!!!

A couple of shout outs!

2009-09-21T13:29:00.004-04:00

To my comadre and her husband for celebrating their anniversary yesterday! Love you guys! You are truly the best and I would be a blubbering fool without you!

To my friend Ashley on her 26th birthday today! A girly girl through and through with a huge heart and member of my "drag queen" duo.

To my friend Ryann on her 27th birthday tomorrow! A kindred spirit and a wise soul and member of my "drag queen" duo.

To my friend Mary Beth and her beautiful little girl Sarah for apple and raspberry picking fun on Saturday! Mary Beth is a joy to work with, someone I look up to and her and her husband helped me out when things were not good.

To my friend Maria for chilling together at a baseball game yesterday! She is my girly, my concert buddy and my connection to anything vampire related...most importantly, she is my girly, nuf' said.

To my friend Julie who I will be seeing later this week when she and her son fly in from CA! One of my oldest friend (duration, not age) who inspires me daily with her strength and resolve...not just in her battle with cancer, but since I've known her.

Reminds me that I surround myself with wonderful people who are honest, true, and loyal (some of the most important things to me).

4 day weeks

2009-09-08T12:00:00.004-04:00

So I heard on the radio that schools are starting to go to 4 day weeks, deciding to remain closed on Mondays. The normal school day will be extended by 1 hour for the days that school is in session. They hope that this will save on transportation, heating/cooling and other operational costs. My question is can't businesses do this? How much would it help employee morale for long weekends? I took Friday off and had Monday off for Labor Day and the extra time was really needed and refreshing. As Americans we work so hard and don't have long vacations or shorter work days, that I think its time companies seriously start considering this...

The long weekend was great! I got to meet Sugar, my Dad and Mary's new puppy. She's nuts and ALL puppy! Cute and fun, but a little much too handle, especially for Lupe. Speaking of Lupe, I realized that yesterday was the 12 year anniversary of her coming into my life. We have had quite the 12 years together and I truly cherish every day that I have with her.

Hope you all had a relaxing weekend and are settling back into the grind...

Its just one of those days...

2009-09-02T12:35:00.002-04:00

I wish I could just not deal with things right now. Work is super busy and I feel like I am spinning my wheels with things. I tell someone something and they tell someone else wrong information and bog down people with email.

Lupe had to go to the vet today, again. Appears that when she got hurt in May, she strained a tendon in her foot that is now inflammed. She is on anti-inflamatory meds as needed. Otherwise, the vet is amazed at how well her joints look for her age.

I just feel wicked unorganized and pulled in too many directions...maybe its vacation time...no $$$ for that right now though. Thank goodness for long weekends then!

When your CEO offers...

2009-08-31T10:36:00.002-04:00

2 tickets for a Blink-182 concert that night for free...YOU TAKE THEM!!! Seriously, my CEO just came to my office and asked me if I wanted two tickets to tonight's show. I said I would check to see if Maria was around and he said if I couldn't use them to find them a good home, not just anybody, but someone deserving them...he said start with myself. HUGE compliment for him to say that.

Called Maria, she was planning on going to Dan's baseball game, but now were are leaving work early and going to SPAC. Not a huge Blink-182 fan, but Weezer is playing and Maria is psyched for Taking Back Sunday. Plus, they are 4th row seats and I have never had seats at SPAC.

Lots to get through today but this is going to be fun!!! :)

The End of August?

2009-08-31T08:12:00.002-04:00

Can it really be the end of August already?! Where did the summer go? Summer, what summer? That's probably more accurate. :) Weekend of memories for me...Grandma's yahrzeit was yesterday, today would have been Chelsea's 15th birthday and I have lived in my place for a year. Its amazing how time flies sometimes...

Spent Saturday with Densie which was fantstic! Shopping, laughing, good food and just catching up with an awesome friend. Lupe did double time wiggles when Densie came in...I love that.

Speaking of Lupe, her hearing seems okay. She can hear somethings...I wonder if she still has her selective hearing. However, I noticed she has a slight limp sometimes, favoring her front right paw. Took a look at it last night and realized its the nail that she hurt back in May. Looks like the nail is growning out and is a little tender. Of course I will keep my eye on it and not tell Ryann...she doesn't need the reminder of that.

Can't believe next Monday is Labor Day...so not ready for summer to be over!!!

A follow up to previous post

2009-08-24T11:20:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was the reunion/pool party with the Big Moose group. I was wicked nervous leaving and driving over...but I had an amazing time! I hadn't seen everyone in over a year and it was almost like that year never happened. Good food, good friends and good times...what more can you ask for? Still smiling as I think about everyone today. I learned that I do have some awesome friends eventhough I met them through others...the bonds that we formed are real and lasting and that's just amazing.

Short post, sorry, lots of stories, but they can be shared in person. Happy Monday all!!!

How to have a great day...

2009-08-14T16:52:00.005-04:00

#1 wake up to an adorable dog wanting belly scratches
#2 no traffic on the way to work
#3 getting good music in your head on the way to work
#4 Friday, payday, 'nuf said
#5 cookout for lunch
#6 work your lunch off at spin class
#7 girls' night with good friends
#8 get an email from 2 wonderful girls telling you how much they love and miss you!

Okay, I think 1-7 are pretty self explanatory, so I'll explain 8 a little. Was invited to a pool party next weekend at friends' house. Its a "reunion" of the people I used to spend July 4th with...haven't seen them in over a year. Well, two of the girls (they are both around 9 years old) sent me an email telling me how happy they are that I am coming, will have a surprise for me and that they have missed me so much. They also attached a couple of pictures of them. It COMPLETLEY made my day!

Have a great weekend all. As for me, headed to Saratoga on Sunday with JLSS, we have a special lunch planned, weather is going to be fantastic...can't wait!!!

Haircuts Rule

2009-08-13T11:23:00.002-04:00

So, I finally did it...cut my hair pretty darn short and I LOVE it! I have been thinking about doing this for the past couple of years, but didn't feel like dealing with potentially growing it out and wasn't sure I was ready for the change. But last night, I finally did it! I will have to take pictures and post them soon. Its fun, flirty and wicked cute. :)

1 down, 45 to go...

2009-08-10T13:53:00.008-04:00

Saturday I finally hiked a high peak in the Adirondacks! It has taken me 15 years of living in the area to finally do it, but glad I waited! Dan, Maria, Jim and I tackled Giant Mountain which is in Keene, NY (about 30 minutes outside of Lake Placid). FYI, Giant Mountain’s elevation is over 46oo feet!!! It was a beautiful sunny day and there weren't many people at the top when we got there. G oing down, we passed almost 100 heading up. We could see to Whiteface, Mt. Marcy and Lake Champlain. I made tentative plans to hike a high peak 3 years ago, but never went through with them. Instead, my first high peak was with great friends on a fantastic day...think the hiking bug may have officially bitten me, although my quads are too happy with that thought... :)

Here's a quick summary of the day...

4:30 am - alarm goes off
4:55 am - walk Lupe
5:05 am - leave apartment
5:25 am - arrive at Dan & Maria's (5 minutes late)
5:35 am - Dan, Maria, Jim and I are on the road
7:25 am - arrive at trailhead in Keene, NY
7:30 am - hit the trail
10:45 am - arrive at summit (what an AWESOME view)
11:20 am - after lunch, head back down the trail
2:25 pm - reach trailhead again

Here are pictures as proof that I actually did this.

Maria and I signing at the trailhead

The gang (Dan, Jim, Me and Maria)

Maria, Jim and I considering the rockslide we need to climb

Me at the summit...awesome view of some of the other highpeaks

Maria and I at the top (the mountain all the way to the right is Whiteface in Lake Placid)

A dog, a memory and a birthday

2009-08-06T12:07:00.003-04:00

So I found out on Tuesday that Lupe's hearing loss is permanent and most likely a result of her age and not the recent ear infection...which has cleared up. It was really hard to get the confirmation. I remember when I found out about her eyes completely losing it and the vets telling me not to be too concerned because dogs use their hearing more than their sight. Okay, so now what? Its going to be a period of adjusting to using hand signals and trying to remember I can't call her name anymore to get her attention. There will probably be no more head cocks like she used to do when she would hear her name or a funny noise. But she is still my Lupe and I love her to pieces.

Yesterday was the 16th anniversary of my Nana's passing. Its a little bittersweet this year now that we have just lost Poppi. I can only hope that they are together again and catching up on the years that they have been apart. I think of how much has changed in 16 years and I'm saddened by all that she has missed...weddings, grandkids, great grandkids, graduations, World Series victories by the Red Sox. Nana was a HUGE Sox fan!

Today is my cousin Michael's 15th birthday...I can't believe that little newborn I held in my arms 15 years ago is now a wonderful, caring and sweet teenager. He's such a great person. I remember my uncle telling me that I was going to be his godmother and being so shocked and touched that they would want me. Just 1 more year until he can drive...yikes!!!

She looks beautiful...

2009-07-31T12:26:00.002-04:00

Just checked my friend Jules' blog and the hair shaving party seems to have gone well. http://julieolsensjourney.blogspot.com/2009/07/tata-to-tresses.html

I really wish she lived closer so I could have been there for support and the festivities. Jules, your outlook is amazing, your strength is never ending and your beauty shines through with or without the hair. Miss you girl!!!

Theme Song

2009-07-23T12:15:00.004-04:00

So, I have a new theme song...I've decided to make it official. Its Invincible by Pat Benatar. Always loved this song and you've got to love an 80's female rocker like Pat Benatar. More of a random song by her, unless you've seen "The Legend of Billie Jean" which was a favorite of mine for many years. It must have been the young Christian Slater. :) Okay, here are the words...

This bloody road remains a mystery
This sudden darkness fills the air
What are we waiting for?
Wont anybody help us?
What are we waiting for?

We cant afford to be innocent
Stand up and face the enemy
Its a do or die situation
We will be invincible

This shattered dream you cannot justify
Were gonna scream until were satisified
What are we running for?
Weve got the right to be angry
What are we running for?
When there's no where we can run to anymore

We cant afford to be innocent
Stand up and face the enemy
Its a do or die situation
We will be invincible
And with the power of conviction
There is no sacrifice
Its a do or die situation
We will be invincible

Wont anybody help us?
What are we running for?
When theres no where, no where we can run to anymore

We cant afford to be innocent
Stand up and face the enemy
Its a do or die situation
We will be invincible
And with the power of conviction
There is no sacrifice
Its a do or die situation
We will be invincible

Of course my other theme songs will still stand depending on the situation. I just felt after all I have gone through in the last year I needed a kick a$$ type of song, and this is it. FYI, it has been just that, a year...packed my suitcase and left my old life a year ago today. How am I feeling? Fantastic!!! I haven't felt this good about myself and where I am going in a very long time. Things do happen for a reaon, we may not know why at the time, but it eventually becomes clear to us.

Stand up and be invincible!!!

He would have been 90...

2009-07-22T09:50:00.003-04:00

Today would have been my Poppi's 90th birthday. I had planned on going down this weekend to see him but he passed away Tuesday the 14th. I flew down on Wednesday and his funeral was on Thursday. Its sad to know that he is gone, but he did live a wonderful and full life. I can only hope that he is with Nana again and they are living it up together in heaven.

Happy 90th Poppi and rest well!

Happy Birthday

2009-07-14T08:42:00.001-04:00

Just a quick Happy Birthday to D!!! Hope you have a great day...you SO deserve it!

Here's to a great friend who has really been through a lot lately. Dinner is on me on Thursday!!!

In loving memory...

2009-07-09T15:53:00.003-04:00

I just came back from being with my comadre Courtney as she put her cat Christy down. Christy was left out in a blizzard on Christmas morning almost 14 years ago and was rescued by Courtney. She was given a second chance at life. Christy and Courtney were definitely kindred souls. They went through a lot together over the years...and even when times were tough, they had each other.

My relationship with Christy was shaky at best. If I tried to go near her I would get growled or hissed at. It became a game to see if I could actually pet her without her freaking out. Sometimes I won, but mostly she did.

Its so hard to see an animal fade and hard to make the decision that it is time to help them by ending their suffering. My heart aches for Courtney.

Rest well Christy...may you find all the catnip and sunny spots up in the kitty playground in the sky.

Goopy-dog

2009-07-09T08:13:00.002-04:00

So I think I should call Lupe, Goopy...she has an infection in both eyes and both ears! The poor thing has been scratching at her ears and shaking her head constantly. On top of that, the goop coming out of her eyes is gross. Took her to the vet on Tuesday so she's now officially on medication...3 weeks of ear drops and a week of eye ointment. Let me tell you, she does not like either of them. Her eyes are looking better, less goop coming out, but the ointment makes the hair around her eyes slimy.

My poor little girl...

Mixed Emotions

2009-07-02T12:22:00.003-04:00

Big holiday weekend coming up which is great because I really need a break. This is a transitional year for me in that I don't have any concrete plans and am not doing the same thing I had done in previous years. I'm excited to create new traditions and memories but will miss the people I created my old memories with. It is nice not to have to shop, pack and travel this weekend. Its great not to have to board Lupe and worry if she is okay.

So what are my plans? Take it easy, read, organize, ride, take Lupe (who is officially a Chicken Dog today) for walks, sit by the pool (if the rain ever stops), go to a cookout and just be me. What else could a girl want to do? :)

Have a happy and safe July 4th weekend!!! Make some lasting memories, spend time with those who mean a lot to you and celebrate that fact that we live in the U.S.A.

Happy Birthday!!!

2009-06-29T10:56:00.002-04:00

Okay, so I am a day late on this post, but...

Happy 12th Birthday Lupe!!! Can't believe that little puppy is now 12 years old!!! Ryann and I took her for "Frosty Paws" ice cream which she loved. She got a new toy from Courtney and Co. and two bags of special yummies from me. She is such a sweet girl so here's to 12 years and hopefully many more!!!

Happy birthday Poo-bear!!!

Minor Meltdown

2009-06-24T12:14:00.002-04:00

Okay, I know this is silly and strange to post, but I had a minor meltdown this morning. Since finding out about Julie's breast cancer, I've been trying to get the nerve to perform self exams. So, today was the day I stopped procrasinating and decided to do it. I couldn't!!! I freaked out and cried instead.

I know they say ignorance is bliss, but this isn't something to be ignorant about. I remember being so upset at my Mom when she told me that she knew about her lump for over 6 months but was too scared to do anything about it. I also know that early detection saves lives, cases in point, Julie and Randi. So why can't I suck it up and do it? Am I afraid of what I may find? Well, yeah, who wouldn't be?! Or is it just being scared of what Julie is facing? Or maybe both?!

So I'm thinking that I will set the 24th of each month as my day to check. 24 is a significant number in my life (parents' birthdays and anniversary) and its a date I won't forget. Now, to just get the nerve to do it... *sigh*

Say hello to Sugar

2009-06-17T11:53:00.003-04:00

So, my phone rings at midnight, of course I'm sleeping, its my Dad so I answer it. He starts babbling about me having to check my computer (email) because he sent me something but won't tell me what it is. I should have told him to call me in the morning but I didn't. I turn on my modem and computer (I don't leave them on) and wait for it to boot up. I finally ask him what type of dog he got and he seems surprised that I know what he is calling about. Meet Sugar, a 12-week old Maltese puppy that my Dad and Mary bought yesterday. She should be ready to come home on Friday after she receives her last shots.

Yeah, she's cute and she will probably make them both very happy, but I'm just concerned because they really don't understand the whole training thing and that a puppy needs boundries and consistency. I'm hoping for the best with this one...welcome to the family Sugar.

Thoughts, prayers and hugs

2009-06-12T09:31:00.003-04:00

Well, today is the day that my friend Julie's battle over cancer takes the first major step forward. She is currently at UCLA waiting for surgery for a double masectomy. She has decided not to mess around and is "shutting down the cancer playground," her words not mine. I don't blame her and would do the same thing.

Julie's attitutude and drive over the many years I have known her is something that I have always admired. She is strong, vocal and doesn't take crap from anyone...including breast cancer. Its going to be a long road for her, but her strength and the love of those who care about her will get her through this.

So, my thoughts, prayers and hugs are with Julie and her family today, tomorrow and for as long as they need them. Julie, you say others have inspired you to fight as hard as you are, but you are an inspiration now. Love you girl!!!

In loving memory...

2009-06-08T13:58:00.003-04:00

Friday, I was with a dear friend as she went through the horrible decision of putting her dog to sleep. Nigel was a sweet boy who unfortunately wasn't well and a prisoner in his own mind. He was Lupe's first friend after we moved and they hit it off so quickly. Nigel was calm and happy when Lupe was around. We took them for walks together and made up stories about what they did when we were not around.

Today I found out that another dear friend and co-worker lost one of her dogs last night. Riley was a doll and just a happy guy. Riley helped me through a really horrible point in my life by reminding me that there is a thing called unconditional love. When I couldn't have Lupe with me, Riley was there. He was always happy to see me when I got "home" from work and even after I hadn't seen him a while, he remembered who I was.

My thoughts and prayers are with them and their families. I will truly miss them both and hope that they are in that forever dog park in the sky.

The Ride of My Life

2009-06-08T12:08:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure. New route this year, new location and new outlook. I had a slight mishap at the starting line, got nudged by a volunteer with one of my feet locked in and feel over. Couple of cuts and bruises but I cleaned up the blood and rode on.

It was an AMAZING ride. Weather was perfect, beautiful rolling hills in spots, awesome downhills, killer uphills, fantastic shade, nice breeze, you get the point. At the end, a 1 mile sprint to the finish line on the verge of tears of pride and joy (I know she was riding with me all along and I really felt her presence at the end). A couple of friends came up to watch me finish and Dad and Mary drove up for the afternoon. It was just fantastic!

Mind you, I'm completely exhausted, but not sore. The 6 months of spinning definitely helped. The support I have received for this over the years means the world to me. I had rider number 46 which means out of all of the riders last year, I was the 46th highest fundraiser. Woo hoo! Go me!!! If you haven't donated for this year's ride and want to, please let me know because fundraising doesn't end until the end of the month. The money isn't important, its all of the support and caring that people have showed me that means the most. Although the money does go to a good cause and hopefully will help cure this horrible disease.

Looking back at 36

2009-06-03T09:23:00.003-04:00

So, tomorrow I turn 37, although I've thought of myself as 37 for a couple of months already. 36 was a tough year but I think I came out on the other end just fine. I've learned a lot about myself and others. I've learned that I can stand on my own two feet, that I am respected at work, that my family adores me, that I have some amazing friends who would do anything for me and that no matter what, you have to have faith in yourself and your decisions. I consider myself truly blessed and happy, don't know when the last time I really could say that and mean it.

So long 36, thanks for a year of struggling, surviving and living...here's to 37!!!

Prayers and Hugs Being Sent

2009-05-29T09:28:00.003-04:00

I just found out that an old and dear friend has breast cancer. Well, she's not old in the sense of age, but in the fact that we have known each other since we were 11. I am truly saddened by this and have been crying since I found out a couple of hours ago. Looks like they may have caught it early which is very positive. I'm scared for her and what she may have to go through. Thankfully my wonderful cousin who has been through this is in touch with her to give her advice and support. My heart is breaking right now.

Please know that my thoughts, prayers and hugs are with you now and always!!! Distance doesn't matter, I'm here for you no matter what! I love you tons girl!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

2009-05-18T12:43:00.002-04:00

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Jay,
Happy birthday to you!

Happy 40th birthday to my big brother!!! I can't believe he is 40 today! Yesterday I went to MA and we went out to lunch at the Fort to celebrate. It was a great lunch and I got to meet Suzanna who is really sweet. Although she reminded me of how horrible my Spanish is now.

I wish I could have spent more time with him or thrown him the big 40th bash I wanted to. I'll find a way to do something special for him. Mom is looking down upon him today and singing to him on the top of her lungs. Our birthdays were always so special to her...

Happy Birthday Jay!!!