Blessings

It has been incredible to see the love and support that both myself and my family has received. I'm so thankful for my friends, both long-time friends and new friends. Between a support system at work, at home, with my boyfriend and his family and my incredible friends, I'm truly blessed. It's weird how situations can turn around, and how surrounding yourself with people you trust and respect, can make you see the positive in any situation.

The challenges I'm faced with have also made me extremely thankful for the sisterhood I joined in college. I believe a sorority is more than events and boys - it’s the friendships you hold on to after you've left college. Our Mystic bond stands strong.

I love all of you - and thank you to everyone who has reached out with phone calls and emails. I'm so blessed and lucky to have you people in my life.

My dads role

"People aren't even candidates for Stem Cell Transplant if they don't have a full-time caregiver in their lives," Dr. Nadie said. I glanced over at my mom, raised a finger and pointed it directly at her. What would this situation be like if my parents didn't have each other to lean on, to support each other and to help push on? It's a weird, surreal situation having a family member sick with cancer. It's the rollercoaster of emotions, feelings, numbness and ideals of being "sick."


I stared at my dad the entire duration of the meeting with Dr. Nadie. He looked healthy, fit, handsome . . how can those enlarged lymph nodesbe so harmful? Be so corrupting, such a slap in the face. Take them out . . right? That was my first reaction, not so simple.


Then I said, the tumors are shrinking, done, good, wash our hands clean and move on. Live our lives. Not so simple either. Doctors had failed to mention previously the cancer is"low-grade" and will return. Chemo isn't going to fix it, will only suppress it.


So my dad's options we all asked - - eyes glazed off into space. Wait for the cancer to return, because it will, and have a 10-20% success rate of successfully getting ride of it (temporarily of course) or a Stem Cell Transplant. So that's the answer - the choice me, my mom and my sister choose. But it's not our body to choose or make that decision. Unfortunately, there is only a small time frame to make the decision, but I think I know what decision my dad will make.


His life filled with surfing, friends, VDub buses, my mom, vacations, two daughters, three sisters, painting, keeping our house immaculate and loving everyone in his life unconditionally; is not over. He has daughters to watch get married, become a grandpa, celebrate a 50th & 60 wedding anniversary and celebrate his existence. Because at 52 years old, my dads place on this earth is a the only way things make sense. In a current world filled with struggles and disappointments, he is my family's rock in a hard place. Our strength. Our family.

Can't wait

For the 4th of July weekend - fun in the sun & a 3 day weekend.

Going to:

• get my tan on


• my grub on - bbq & beer


• my outdoor exercise on


• friends & bf on (that sounds bad, not what I mean)


• beach on


• sun on
  

So excited. Let's all cross our fingers for a slowwww weekend!

Have fun - be safe - thank our troops!!!!

Birthday Hero

At only eight years old, Sam is out to change the world, or at least Orange County.

His soft brown eyes and huge smile lit up the room as he walked into Orange County United Way, proudly carrying a check for $280.00. “It’s my birthday money,” Sam said.

Even with the distractions of watching Star Wars movies, playing dodgeball and reading Goosebumps books, Sam was able to realize well before his 8th birthday that there are “less fortunate people in our world” and he wanted to help them. So placed inside his birthday party invitation, Sam’s mom helped him slip a note that asked guests to donate money instead of bringing gifts; and as Sam’s friends arrived, they placed the donations into a box and then enjoyed the birthday celebrations.

“When we came home and opened the box, we were so surprised to see all the money we got,” said Sam. “I felt very proud and happy.” The family took a trip to Orange County United Way to personally drop off the donations and was greeted by several employees who were thrilled to see such an intelligent and big-hearted individual. Orange County United Way was the chosen organization to receive the gift because Cristine, Sam’s mom, knew the dollars would stretch the furthest and make the most impact on people’s lives.

Sam learned that giving back was important from his mom, who was in tears when members of the United Way staff handed her son a teddy bear and high-fives for his thoughtful choice. “I was overwhelmed by their gratitude and generosity,” said Cristine. “You have certainly inspired us to do more.”

The future scientist, he wants to discover bugs, is also an older brother who wants to help teach his brother Jack to give back. “I’ll say Jack, we have a lot of stuff, money and toys, so we should help people who are less fortunate,” said Sam.

Though we see him as a young hero, Sam says he’s not. “I’m doing what’s right. I hope other kids will do the same thing on their birthdays. We can help so many people – a million!”

Sam left the United Way offices with a bear in tow, and pride to last all year. He left the United Way team with the encouragement and amazement of what a small gift like Sam’s can do for our community when we all recognize our daily gifts, and chose to give back.

Beagle of the Month

Has changed:

This month the featured beauty is:

Cassie Cruiser

Likes: Chasing butterflies with her two pups

I wish I had the picture of her on my office door - but this one will work instead :) Enjoy

Guess it's sports week

So cool! Yesterday I got to go down onto the Angels Baseball field and help hold cue cards while Mike Scioscia filmed a PSA for our upcoming walk! At the end of the PSA, all the players came out and started warming up. It was sooooo cool!!!! Then I got to enjoy the Angels game with good seats :)

Yah for putting me in a good mood!

Anxiety Galore

I've never been so anxious before and, unfortunately, this feeling won't be going anywhere, anytime soon. All I can control is trusting God & using prayer.

Thank you Lord for providing me with You - all your strength and wisdom, even if I don't fully understand it.