Ok, so it's been forever since I last updated!
Vic and I got married on September 19th! Officially husband and wife for almost a whole month! Our wedding was beautiful and so much fun, we lucked out and got a gorgeous day!! The day is a bit of a blur, passed by in a blink of an eye, but we feel so fortunate we were able to share such an important day with the people we love most.
We went to Hawaii for our Honeymoon that following Monday. It was indescribable. We had such an amazing time! 5 days in Kauai and 5 in Maui. Island hopping is the way to go! We ate well, soaked in the Hawaiian sun, went to a couple of Luaus, went ziplining and on a helicopter tour. We didn't want to come home! The culture in Hawaii is so different from the mainland. People are more relaxed and much more friendly! It was a bit hard to believe that Hawaii is part of the United States, seems like an entirely different world.
So now we're home... back to reality... and yes.. it bites. Although I'm sad that the wedding festivities are over, I am happy about having some extra time every night to decompress after work and before bed.
Mom's been doing great. Her chemo was extended for 3 more cycles, which is a good thing I guess. New research came out from NIH reporting that 9 cycles of gemcitabine yields better results than 6, so since Mom's been handling the chemo so well, Dr. Pandya wanted to add 3 more cycles. We're going to take it month by month, letting mom dictate when enough is enough. It's a little unsettling with flu season coming up, but mom got the flu shot and was told she's not at high risk for the swine flu, so I'm hoping that she'll stay healthy through the winter.
So, been thinking a little bit more about work. Wishing that I could get into the wedding planning business. I really had a great time planning my wedding and feel that doing it for someone else would be so much more fun. It's stressful doing it for yourself. I tried to do some research, but didn't really know where to start. Would love to get into it... but how??
Other than that, I've been enjoying married life. Not really different from how it was before, but I am definitely happier. I turned 30 last week and surprisingly took it in stride.. not at all sad like I thought I would be. I think it's because for the first time, in a long time, I'm pretty content with where I am. I'm married to a wonderful man who loves me so much, mom is handling her chemo well with no sign of recurrence, have a steady job, and surrounded by great family and friends. God... please let it be smooth sailing for awhile....
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Now that things have settled down a bit....
... I feel the need to update....
We feel so lucky that mom is doing so well. We've been counting our blessings every day and hoping that she continues to be strong, both emotionally and physically, to make it through this next stage. We have no reason to be anything but optimistic!
It's hard to switch back to normal mode after you've been on heightened alert for such a long time. I've been trying to get back into the swing of things, my normal routine (see previous blog), but I feel like I'm still trying to catch up. I'm still exhausted, I have no energy to workout, keep making mistakes at work, and just over-all pooped! How long does it take?
Another thing I've realized, little things just don't seem to be as important anymore....
We feel so lucky that mom is doing so well. We've been counting our blessings every day and hoping that she continues to be strong, both emotionally and physically, to make it through this next stage. We have no reason to be anything but optimistic!
It's hard to switch back to normal mode after you've been on heightened alert for such a long time. I've been trying to get back into the swing of things, my normal routine (see previous blog), but I feel like I'm still trying to catch up. I'm still exhausted, I have no energy to workout, keep making mistakes at work, and just over-all pooped! How long does it take?
Another thing I've realized, little things just don't seem to be as important anymore....
Thursday, March 19, 2009
When the Chips are Down...
I have come to conclusion that it is when the chips are down you truly see who people really are. Will they step up and step in? Will they stand in the sidelines and be an observer? Will they shy away in fear? It's strange how devastating and horrible situations bring out the best and the worst in people. I think that these are things that everyone "knows", but you don't truly realize it until you, yourself, are personally thrown into that type of situation. It makes you a stronger person.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Life...
Life is strange... one second you are going about your day normally... annoyed at the person that cut you off on your drive to work, complaining about how someone stole your favorite pen, and tired of the everyday routine. Then you're hit by a truck, a diagnosis that turns your entire life upside down. Suddenly the things you thought were so important don't matter anymore, and every day is about making sure that you cherish the things that are important and the people that are important.
This is when you're the most vulnerable, the most emotional, the time when you are tested the most. Can you step up to the plate? Be there for the ones that have always been there for you? Will you be able to look back and not regret? I sure hope I will...
This is when you're the most vulnerable, the most emotional, the time when you are tested the most. Can you step up to the plate? Be there for the ones that have always been there for you? Will you be able to look back and not regret? I sure hope I will...
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
48... or so... Questions
1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
No, my parents just liked the name Katie. The most common question I get about my name? Is it really Katherine? NO... it's Katie. I think it suits me well.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Today
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I like my print... my cursive is ugly
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Honey Roasted Turkey
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Not yet, but I can't wait!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes, I am a very good friend
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
I'm trying to tone it down a bit
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yup
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Yes definitely... you only live once!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
I say Cheerios.. but it's really fruit loops
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Why do the extra work?
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Coffee or Strawberry... but not together
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes... you can tell a lot by a person's eyes.
15. RED OR PINK?
Pink is pretty
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORlTE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My pessimism
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My dad
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
These are fun
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
No shoes, I'm in my PJs!
20. WHAT IS YOUR BEST SKILL?
I'm a perfectionist
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Katie Couric's Grammy Special on TV
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Cotton Candy
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Clothes fresh out of the dryer
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Vic
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?Pro basketball
27. HAIR COLOR?
Dark Brown
28. EYE COLOR?
Dark brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes, I am blind without them
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Everything!
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
I find scary movies very stressful
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button... WAY TOO LONG!
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Gray
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Can I pick Spring?
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
I love both
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I'm reading Stephanie Meyer's 'Twilight' Series
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mousepad, I'm on my laptop
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
I passed out before I even turned it on
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S):
Silence
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Josh Groban?
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
London, Baby!
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
No, I'm boring
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Silver Spring, Maryland
48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
The summer before my freshman year at college... geez, that was a long time ago!
No, my parents just liked the name Katie. The most common question I get about my name? Is it really Katherine? NO... it's Katie. I think it suits me well.
2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
Today
3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I like my print... my cursive is ugly
4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Honey Roasted Turkey
5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Not yet, but I can't wait!
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Yes, I am a very good friend
7. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
I'm trying to tone it down a bit
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yup
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Yes definitely... you only live once!
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
I say Cheerios.. but it's really fruit loops
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Why do the extra work?
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Coffee or Strawberry... but not together
14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes... you can tell a lot by a person's eyes.
15. RED OR PINK?
Pink is pretty
16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORlTE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My pessimism
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My dad
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST?
These are fun
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
No shoes, I'm in my PJs!
20. WHAT IS YOUR BEST SKILL?
I'm a perfectionist
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Katie Couric's Grammy Special on TV
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Cotton Candy
23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Clothes fresh out of the dryer
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
Vic
26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?Pro basketball
27. HAIR COLOR?
Dark Brown
28. EYE COLOR?
Dark brown
29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Yes, I am blind without them
30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Everything!
31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
I find scary movies very stressful
32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button... WAY TOO LONG!
33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
Gray
34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Can I pick Spring?
35. HUGS OR KISSES?
I love both
39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
I'm reading Stephanie Meyer's 'Twilight' Series
40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
No mousepad, I'm on my laptop
41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?
I passed out before I even turned it on
42. FAVORITE SOUND(S):
Silence
43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Josh Groban?
44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
London, Baby!
45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
No, I'm boring
46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Silver Spring, Maryland
48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE/SIGNIFICANT OTHER?
The summer before my freshman year at college... geez, that was a long time ago!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Planning a Wedding
I remember when I was younger I used to dream about what my wedding would be like. Yes.. I used to wear a pillowcase on my head and pretend it was a veil... yes I would grab the pot of flowers in the foyer and pretend it was my bouquet. I imagined my wedding would be like a fairy tale... a room full of beautiful flowers and candles, me wearing the most beautiful white dress imaginable... no expense spared to make sure that this would be the most memorable day of my life...
Fast forward to reality... wedding planning is NOT fun. I thought it would be great picking out flowers, colors, favors and all the other little things... uh... did you know how MANY little things there are??? SO TEDIOUS! Here are some things that I have learned:
1. A flower is not just a flower... is it in season? Can it be dyed? Can they substitute silk ones or should they order them in from out of state? Tall centerpieces or low ones? Petals on the tables or full blooms? One color or different shades? Handheld bouquets or cascading? Flowers along the aisle? Attached to chairs?
2. Music... band or DJ? Live ceremony music? Extra speakers? Genre? Mixed? What music do you want played as guests are arriving? For the processional? For your entrance? During the ceremony? For the recessional? For the first dance? Mother/son dance? Father/daughter dance? Line dances? YMCA? Oh please... no...
3. Escort cards.... should you attach it to the favor? Or let them stand alone? Couples on one card? Or everyone gets their own? Place them at the entrance of the reception hall? Or near the standing food stations? Color code them with the programs? Or with the invitations? Or with the flowers? Put them on a card? Or post them creatively on a board?
4. Food... buffet? Plated? Dual entree? Choice entree? Passed hor-duorves? Standing stations? How many per person? Dessert? Or just cake? Open bar? Beer and wine bar? Specialty drink?
5. The dress... white? Ivory? A-line? Mermaid? Veil? Fingertip veil? Long veil? French bustle? American bustle? Sequins? Simple elegance?
All right, you get the point... and now I have a headache... this is why people hire wedding planners.
Fast forward to reality... wedding planning is NOT fun. I thought it would be great picking out flowers, colors, favors and all the other little things... uh... did you know how MANY little things there are??? SO TEDIOUS! Here are some things that I have learned:
1. A flower is not just a flower... is it in season? Can it be dyed? Can they substitute silk ones or should they order them in from out of state? Tall centerpieces or low ones? Petals on the tables or full blooms? One color or different shades? Handheld bouquets or cascading? Flowers along the aisle? Attached to chairs?
2. Music... band or DJ? Live ceremony music? Extra speakers? Genre? Mixed? What music do you want played as guests are arriving? For the processional? For your entrance? During the ceremony? For the recessional? For the first dance? Mother/son dance? Father/daughter dance? Line dances? YMCA? Oh please... no...
3. Escort cards.... should you attach it to the favor? Or let them stand alone? Couples on one card? Or everyone gets their own? Place them at the entrance of the reception hall? Or near the standing food stations? Color code them with the programs? Or with the invitations? Or with the flowers? Put them on a card? Or post them creatively on a board?
4. Food... buffet? Plated? Dual entree? Choice entree? Passed hor-duorves? Standing stations? How many per person? Dessert? Or just cake? Open bar? Beer and wine bar? Specialty drink?
5. The dress... white? Ivory? A-line? Mermaid? Veil? Fingertip veil? Long veil? French bustle? American bustle? Sequins? Simple elegance?
All right, you get the point... and now I have a headache... this is why people hire wedding planners.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Remember the movie Groundhog Day?
Have you ever seen that movie "Groundhog Day" with Bill Murray? You know the one... where Bill Murray wakes up and every day is the same as the one before? Why do I sometimes feel like that's what my life has become:
5:44am: Wake up before the alarm goes off and drag myself out of bed... sun's not even up yet.. let dog out to pee
6:00am: Nuke my coffee for 2 minutes and 30 seconds... Folgers instant with French Vanilla Coffeemate
6:12am: Leave for work
6:40am: Swipe into the garage... park on the 6th floor, 4th space on the left
6:51am: Swipe in at work... I'm salary yet still have to swipe in.. Big Brother is watching...
7:00am-5:30pm: Run around the hospital like a bat out of hell trying to balance all the hats I wear at work
5:44pm: Swipe out and trek back to the garage... sun's gone... did it even come up this morning?
5:46pm: Call Vic to tell him I'm off work.. say "I don't know" when he asks why I left work late
5:55pm: Sit in traffic on route 100... listen to Britney Spears on my ipod
6:12pm: Arrive home, 3 adjustments to park the car perfectly in the garage... though still not perfect
6:15pm: Shower all the hospital germs away
6:50pm: Sit on the couch with the foodnetwork on, surf the net... dinner optional
9:05pm: Start dinner for Vic
9:37pm: Sit with Vic as he eats... try to stay awake... pass out on the sofa
10:00pm: Miraculously have made it upstairs somehow... ssllleeeppp
And the day then begins again. The only variations to this day is if I go to Tae Bo or run... and if I go to work at UMMC or HCGH.... oh what life has become....
5:44am: Wake up before the alarm goes off and drag myself out of bed... sun's not even up yet.. let dog out to pee
6:00am: Nuke my coffee for 2 minutes and 30 seconds... Folgers instant with French Vanilla Coffeemate
6:12am: Leave for work
6:40am: Swipe into the garage... park on the 6th floor, 4th space on the left
6:51am: Swipe in at work... I'm salary yet still have to swipe in.. Big Brother is watching...
7:00am-5:30pm: Run around the hospital like a bat out of hell trying to balance all the hats I wear at work
5:44pm: Swipe out and trek back to the garage... sun's gone... did it even come up this morning?
5:46pm: Call Vic to tell him I'm off work.. say "I don't know" when he asks why I left work late
5:55pm: Sit in traffic on route 100... listen to Britney Spears on my ipod
6:12pm: Arrive home, 3 adjustments to park the car perfectly in the garage... though still not perfect
6:15pm: Shower all the hospital germs away
6:50pm: Sit on the couch with the foodnetwork on, surf the net... dinner optional
9:05pm: Start dinner for Vic
9:37pm: Sit with Vic as he eats... try to stay awake... pass out on the sofa
10:00pm: Miraculously have made it upstairs somehow... ssllleeeppp
And the day then begins again. The only variations to this day is if I go to Tae Bo or run... and if I go to work at UMMC or HCGH.... oh what life has become....
Saturday, January 3, 2009
2009... What Lies Ahead?
It seems to me that the older I get, the faster time flies. I can't believe that it's already 2009... where in the world did 2008 go? I can barely even remember what happened this past year. Let's see...
1. I got engaged.. this I remember... April 24th!!
2. I got promoted at work... finally
3. Witnessed two of my best friends get married (love Mark and Josie!)
4. Shared in the joy of my other best friends when they got engaged (love Rez and Jen!)
5. Was absolutely ecstatic when my VERY best friend got engaged (love my Ellen!)
6. Practically cried when I found out Faye was going to be a mom
7. Got chills when I found out Josie was preggers
... do you see a trend here? I'm getting old! Friends are getting married, settling down and starting families. It's a wonderful phase in life, but I have to admit that it makes me yearn a bit for the past. I miss college, school, not having to worry about money, jobs, making ends meet... will there ever be a time like that again?
2009 will definitely bring about change, hopefully for the better! Vic and I will be married (finally) and hopefully getting our stuff together to move onto yet the next phase in life... parenting...
But no resolutions... I don't believe in them. Partially because I never keep them... nor remember them for that matter. Let's just say that I will strive to make life better for myself and for the people that I love. Not to sweat the small stuff, not to care about things that are insignificant, try not to gab too much, and try not to put myself unnecessarily out there... Make life and personality changes that will improve myself as a person... and soon-to-be wife!
1. I got engaged.. this I remember... April 24th!!
2. I got promoted at work... finally
3. Witnessed two of my best friends get married (love Mark and Josie!)
4. Shared in the joy of my other best friends when they got engaged (love Rez and Jen!)
5. Was absolutely ecstatic when my VERY best friend got engaged (love my Ellen!)
6. Practically cried when I found out Faye was going to be a mom
7. Got chills when I found out Josie was preggers
... do you see a trend here? I'm getting old! Friends are getting married, settling down and starting families. It's a wonderful phase in life, but I have to admit that it makes me yearn a bit for the past. I miss college, school, not having to worry about money, jobs, making ends meet... will there ever be a time like that again?
2009 will definitely bring about change, hopefully for the better! Vic and I will be married (finally) and hopefully getting our stuff together to move onto yet the next phase in life... parenting...
But no resolutions... I don't believe in them. Partially because I never keep them... nor remember them for that matter. Let's just say that I will strive to make life better for myself and for the people that I love. Not to sweat the small stuff, not to care about things that are insignificant, try not to gab too much, and try not to put myself unnecessarily out there... Make life and personality changes that will improve myself as a person... and soon-to-be wife!
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