Happy Anniversary Michael

As a bit of a spur of the minute decision, Mike and I decided to head up to the Inn at Pocono Manor to celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary.  The inn had done quite a bit of work, renovating the sleeping rooms (which look very nice inside) but there is still work to be done to bring the hallways up to date.  They've lost a number of tress in the back area where we held our ceremony.  Sad to see them lose some of those big trees.  Next year's budget has a significant investment being made on the patio out there as well as the rooms up across by the fireside.  While it will always be a very old inn, with loads of "character", we continue to love it for it's charm, the customer service, and of course, the memories of our big weekend there in 2008!  If you check out their website (link above), be sure to check out the "slideshow video" posted on their wedding page!!!

On our actual anniversary day (31st), we left from the inn, grabbed breakfast at Hickory Valley Farm - Ham and Eggs in the Pan, and then headed over to Bushkill Falls via the back roads.  This was a bit of a risky decision given all the rain we've had, but it really paid off with a beautiful drive -- perfect convertible weather too!  Despite being so close to this park in the poconos, we had never actually made it to visit.  It was a really nice site to see.  The river was really running fast and there was a reasonably well maintained walking trail.  We did the "expert hike" (~2.5 miles but some good climbs) which was a bit of a challenge for me, but well worth it (and some great exercise!)

Here's some pictures from this last visit, as well as a bit of a trip down memory lane... I hope that the smiles in our eyes can speak to the happiness and joy we've experienced with one another over the past 3 years.  I would marry that man again in a second.  He has been the best gift to ever enter my life and I am so thankful for his love and support each and every day.

In 2008...
Click here to read more about our wedding day in 2008

in 2009....

In 2010...
Our 3rd anniversary was a bit overshadowed by the return of my cancer, starting back on chemo in mid July, travels to upstate NY and Puerto Rico and my trying to remain engaged full time at ZS.  A roller-coaster ride indeed.  Rest-assured, we celebrated with a nice dinner, but nothing that was really photo-documented :-(

In 2011...

At Bushkill Falls (2011)

2011 Race for the CURE

In May 2010, I geared up to celebrate the 5 year anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis. I set out to raise $5k to celebrate hitting the 5 year mark and, thanks to the support of many of you, I not only met but I exceeded that goal!

One month later, I received the devastating news that my cancer had not only returned, it had metastasized (spread) to my liver.

Down, but not out, I've spent the last year fighting like hell. I had a great response to the first chemo we tried -- bald but still smiling, I was able to give my body a break from the poison in February of this year. Mike and I celebrated by spending two weeks on safari in Kenya and I began playing ultimate frisbee again, taking the field at Master's Nationals with the lovely ladies of Crack'd. Unfortunately, the celebration was short-lived and the cancer has reared it's ugly head with a vengeance. I am back on chemo again and hoping to find another drug that will beat back the dragon.

Mike and I will be continuing our tradition of raising money for Komen, an organization that does wonderful work to drive awareness and early detection. We will be walking on October 2 and would like to invite all of you to join us. Please visit my page for more information: CLICK HERE
 
Of course... pink ribbons and 5ks, awareness and early detection are only a piece of the breast cancer puzzle. There is so much more we CAN do. So much more we MUST do to truly end breast cancer. Please consider also visiting/supporting these other worthy organizations that are focused on supporting women with breast cancer and research for Stage IV metastatic breast cancer:

• http://pinkdaisyproject.com/  
• http://www.metavivor.org/

Sistah reunion

There is no better way to emerge from the haze of chemo than by spending time with dearly loved friends.  This week I was blessed by a visit from Katie, a friend from high school, with whom I have always had an uncanny connection and, despite the time that passes between visits, has been like a sister to me.

Katie took the megabus down from Syracuse with her two girls and spent the week with Mike and I.  We took the train into Philly to explore "old city".  After a quick look at the Liberty Bell (it's Crack'd!), we were headed toward Independence Hall when people began pouring out into the streets.  Buildings around us were being evacuated, due to an earthquake... leaving us feeling a bit down because none of us felt it! 

We spent the afternoon tracking down storytelling benches around old city, sponsored by Once Upon a Nation.  I would highly recommend the free activity to anybody trying to explore Philly with children.  It was a great way to learn some history while keeping the girls entertained!

On Wednesday, we headed down to Ocean City and spent the afternoon at the beach, swimming, shopping, snacking.  We checked out the boardwalk, enjoyed the rides at Wonderland, and then built some great sand creations as the beach began to clear out around dinner-time.  Another successful day!

By Thursday, we were all pretty worn out and we spent a relaxing day at the house.  Friday morning, we dropped the Mousaw ladies off at their bus stop and waved goodbye to our dear friends from upstate NY.  

 

My heart is full and happy after such an amazing week.

living in a cave

seriously.  it feels like i just spent the last week living in a cave.  this chemo is no joke.  tuesday was fine but wed and thurs were pretty rough.  it could be worse, much worse, i know.  i can't figure out how much of this is the chemo vs in my head vs caffeine withdrawal (with no appetite, i didn't drink any coffee, which could have contributed to my insane headaches).  i just need to figure out a better way to deal with the side effects.

if feeling lousy is any indication of how strong the chemo is... and what these drugs are doing to the cancer... then, hopefully, it will be worth the cave-dwelling.  dr c wants to update the ct scan before my next treatment, so at least we will find out sooner rather than later.

LA or bust

The ZS global management team meeting was held this year in LA.  The timing worked out pretty well with my chemo schedule and so we stuck with our plan to attend.

My plan was to fly out a day early, rent a car and drive up to LA to see Jen, Jim, Ella and their new little guy, Conner.  I had forgotten that this Saturday was the MCUDL end of summer playoff picnic and I was a bit bummed to miss out, but I headed to PHL, excited about spending time with friends in Santa Barbara.

My 9am flight was supposed to get into LAX around 12:30, but after 3 hours of delay... the flight was cancelled.  By the time I got to the service counter, there were no more flights that could get me there on Saturday... so I had no choice but to head home and try again on Sunday.   Of course, my bag had already been checked and *that* made it onto the next flight out (even though I didn't) so it would be waiting for me in LA the next day.

Determined not to miss all of my Saturday plans, I hopped a cab at the airport and directed him to drop me off at the ultimate fields on Quakerbridge Road.  The driver thought I was a bit off ("there's nothing at that address") but after seeing my wad of cash, he agreed to take me.  I arrived just in time to catch the end of my team's game (we lost a close one) and got to enjoy the afternoon catching up with my buds in MCUDL. 

I was also humbled by yet another kind gesture from MCUDL as they renamed the "Most Spirited Woman" award in my honor:  https://mercerultimate.org/mcudl/2011_Picnic.

My Sunday flight arrived at LAX without delay (though I was stuck in the last row, couldn't recline, smelling the potty and amused by the couple sitting next to me "snogging" the whole way there... but at least I made it!).  It was great connecting with my colleagues from across the globe:  hearing about their latest innovations, brainstorming about ways to better serve our clients and, of course, just catching up with my ZS family.  I also got to participate in a professional photo shoot for our new company website: ZS Associates .  Just in the nick of time too... as my hair really started falling out this week!  Mike joined us on Thursday and we spent the weekend taking in some of the sights and relaxing with the crew.

While I didn't manage to catch up with the Maupin-Regetz clan, I did get some good time with Sarah J, Jude and Vanita and the VR-Golds.  I guess it's easier to see friends from India in LA than it is to see friends from SB.  Looks like another trip to So Cal is definitely in order.  Hope to see you soon!