These past 2 weekends have been incredibly busy. Bob and I traveled from one graduation party to the next. We had a birthday party or 2 sprinkled in, along with a bridal shower, a few dinner parties with friends, a couple of dance rehearsals and finally a rendez-vous at Torches with a 'new' couple.
All these things are signs of life.
The graduates all have such promising futures and their excitement is infectious. I only wish the best for them as they venture onto this next phase. Life continues as they grow and create more incredible experiences for themselves as adults.
Birthday parties mark the most special and memorable days for children (and adults too)! Another year older and happy to add them up! Enjoying all the little joys of childhood each and every day - I can still remember that feeling. Watching my 'greats' opening gifts and blowing out candles makes me want more joys each day.
I went to a bridal shower this weekend too. These KIDS are getting married!! It's hard to believe I was that young once - even though at that time in my life, I didn't feel that young either! So cute to see them opening gifts and dreaming of their life together... a wonderful reminder of all that I already have.
The fabric of my life is made up of all different fibers - friends that come in all ages, shapes, sizes and backgrounds. Each brings something important and unique to share with the other. It's what makes it interesting to be together and you know these people would have your back if you needed them. The closest thing to family without being them...
My weekly dance rehearsals with an incredible set of girls makes me appreciate their passion as I make them roll out of bed at 9am on a Sunday morning. Commitment to their goals, to themselves, to each other and to me prove this extracurricular activity that we all share can enrich your life and teach positive life lessons. Lessons I learn from THEM each and every day.
During this weekend we made a quick trip to visit the makings of something new over there in Newburgh. Happiness was all around and I could feel it. Why go through life unhappy??? This feeling is just soooo much better!
Life has lots of ups and downs. It's your perspective that gets you through to the next phase. Take a look - the signs are all around.... but boy am I exhausted!!
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Friends. Show all posts
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Catch-up time!
Sunday is good day to look back at the events of the week and see if they fall in line with expectations.
Work - While I did work every day this week, there were plenty of customers that I just didn't do enough for. I talked to some, emailed others, installed, updated and fixed computers, but it never seems to be sufficient and I never catch up. This is nothing new. It's the nature of my business and it brings plenty of stress. It's how I handle the stress that makes a difference for me. Before breast cancer, I would work until late late into the night or even early morning for a customer. Why? To solve their problem, to make them happy, to finish the job. Now, I just cannot do that any more. I'm lucky if I can string 4 hours in a row together. I juggle 3 and 4 customers at the same time and puts a mental strain on me. Even though I'm sitting at a desk, I need to rest from time to time. I feel a heaviness in my chest, an ache almost, that tells me its time to lay down even if I don't sleep. So, that's what I do. I rest in the afternoon and then get back to work. I've had to be candid with those customers that work with me and tell them my situation. They've all been very supportive and understanding, but I can feel they are growing frustrated with me. I'm learning to get others involved and pass off the work that I cannot handle in a timely manner. I'm still learning to rest when I need it to be more effective during the day.
I'm figuring out how to split my time at the office - physically. I spent the week at home and can remote into my office but I'm missing a few key components. This week I'll be sure to set up the balance so I can do my entire job from home. Most of my employees have been with us for over 10 years now. There is some complacency in being in a small company for many years, so this week I deliver the reminder of how things must progress in the future. How I need to handle things from here and use technology to my advantage to do that. A little look at the past, a reminder of what our company is based on and how we need to move to a prosperous future.... I've even pumped myself up!!!
Dance - I chose to stay home this week because of the impending neutripenia and it killed me. I'm sure life at the studio went on without me, but life at the Ritter house on that night was depressing! Plus, I missed the week before because of the snow and it looks like we're having another storm this Tuesday too - ugh! I left them in the good hands of Jackie and as she reported back to me all went well. The Intermediates were a little chatty (12 y.o. surprise, surprise!) and Workshop reviewed the 3 dances we were working on before the snow day. I also have Workshop working on a choreography assignment with a partner or within a group and they spent some time designing that. Jackie tells me I'm going to be pleasantly surprised. I'm excited to see what they come up with! Finger's crossed there's dance on Tuesday....
Family - On Monday, Alex and Sarah went back to Albany and Pittsburgh respectively to continue on with school. That alone makes me feel like life can go on with some normalcy. Dawny stopped by later that day and ended up with a bent fender and quarter panel! (no guilt here - sure) Insurance is a wonderful thing.
We saw Denise and Bill at Bill's Improv show on Saturday night, my first night out all week! I did have to take a couple hour nap beforehand so I could get to it at 8pm, but I'm so glad I did! It was staged in a small little black box theatre - the type you'd find in Manhattan - but on Broadway in Newburgh. It was very VERY funny and entertaining! It was a late night, but well worth it!
Friends - This week I heard from friends from Boulder to Pittsburgh to Poughkeepsie! Lots of emails, blog comments, voice mails, texts, facebook messages, chats and visits. It's overwhelming and heartwarming to have this support and contact from all over the map. I'm working hard on getting back to everyone, but it's bigger than me. This blog is my connection to everyone, I hope.
Chemo - no doctor visits because Dr. Rubin was sick and rescheduled me for tomorrow. But, I did find out my wbc was 1.8 which meant my choice to stay home was a good one... and no fresh fruits or vegetables, blah blah. My skin is very dry and I'm battling that as best as I can.
New this week is this heartburn and lump in my throat - oh yay!! It started a couple of days ago, now that I think of it, but tonight is pretty strong. Took a couple of tums but will mention to dr. tomorrow.
Let's see .... anything more? Nah, just the usual - snow
Work - While I did work every day this week, there were plenty of customers that I just didn't do enough for. I talked to some, emailed others, installed, updated and fixed computers, but it never seems to be sufficient and I never catch up. This is nothing new. It's the nature of my business and it brings plenty of stress. It's how I handle the stress that makes a difference for me. Before breast cancer, I would work until late late into the night or even early morning for a customer. Why? To solve their problem, to make them happy, to finish the job. Now, I just cannot do that any more. I'm lucky if I can string 4 hours in a row together. I juggle 3 and 4 customers at the same time and puts a mental strain on me. Even though I'm sitting at a desk, I need to rest from time to time. I feel a heaviness in my chest, an ache almost, that tells me its time to lay down even if I don't sleep. So, that's what I do. I rest in the afternoon and then get back to work. I've had to be candid with those customers that work with me and tell them my situation. They've all been very supportive and understanding, but I can feel they are growing frustrated with me. I'm learning to get others involved and pass off the work that I cannot handle in a timely manner. I'm still learning to rest when I need it to be more effective during the day.
I'm figuring out how to split my time at the office - physically. I spent the week at home and can remote into my office but I'm missing a few key components. This week I'll be sure to set up the balance so I can do my entire job from home. Most of my employees have been with us for over 10 years now. There is some complacency in being in a small company for many years, so this week I deliver the reminder of how things must progress in the future. How I need to handle things from here and use technology to my advantage to do that. A little look at the past, a reminder of what our company is based on and how we need to move to a prosperous future.... I've even pumped myself up!!!
Dance - I chose to stay home this week because of the impending neutripenia and it killed me. I'm sure life at the studio went on without me, but life at the Ritter house on that night was depressing! Plus, I missed the week before because of the snow and it looks like we're having another storm this Tuesday too - ugh! I left them in the good hands of Jackie and as she reported back to me all went well. The Intermediates were a little chatty (12 y.o. surprise, surprise!) and Workshop reviewed the 3 dances we were working on before the snow day. I also have Workshop working on a choreography assignment with a partner or within a group and they spent some time designing that. Jackie tells me I'm going to be pleasantly surprised. I'm excited to see what they come up with! Finger's crossed there's dance on Tuesday....
Family - On Monday, Alex and Sarah went back to Albany and Pittsburgh respectively to continue on with school. That alone makes me feel like life can go on with some normalcy. Dawny stopped by later that day and ended up with a bent fender and quarter panel! (no guilt here - sure) Insurance is a wonderful thing.
We saw Denise and Bill at Bill's Improv show on Saturday night, my first night out all week! I did have to take a couple hour nap beforehand so I could get to it at 8pm, but I'm so glad I did! It was staged in a small little black box theatre - the type you'd find in Manhattan - but on Broadway in Newburgh. It was very VERY funny and entertaining! It was a late night, but well worth it!
Friends - This week I heard from friends from Boulder to Pittsburgh to Poughkeepsie! Lots of emails, blog comments, voice mails, texts, facebook messages, chats and visits. It's overwhelming and heartwarming to have this support and contact from all over the map. I'm working hard on getting back to everyone, but it's bigger than me. This blog is my connection to everyone, I hope.
Chemo - no doctor visits because Dr. Rubin was sick and rescheduled me for tomorrow. But, I did find out my wbc was 1.8 which meant my choice to stay home was a good one... and no fresh fruits or vegetables, blah blah. My skin is very dry and I'm battling that as best as I can.
New this week is this heartburn and lump in my throat - oh yay!! It started a couple of days ago, now that I think of it, but tonight is pretty strong. Took a couple of tums but will mention to dr. tomorrow.
Let's see .... anything more? Nah, just the usual - snow
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Been a while
I haven't updated my blog in a few days... I wondered why myself! I've really found writing here very cathartic for me, so it came as a surprise to me that it didn't cross my mind to do it.
There are a few reasons why - because of the holidays, I have clients that want to get work done because it's a 'slow' time for them. I am short a technician, so I have to fill in for him if necessary. It's also Year End and the last payroll. Monday's snow. Needless to say, I have been very busy at First Direct!
Sarah's friend Katie gave her a cookbook for Xmas and they chose a few recipes to make for us on Tuesday night. I helped out a little, but mostly I loved seeing the 2 of them having such a good time doing this! They really enjoyed working in the kitchen and really enjoyed eating their creations!
Angela organized the Yanarella Holiday Party on Wednesday night sandwiched between Christmas and New Years. The perfect time to relax and chat with my fellow teachers at one of my favorite restaurants, Brother's. And, who walked in while we were eating??? Denise and Bill!!! What a surprise they came across the river to have dinner with their friends at the same restaurant! I had a great time with them - as I knew I would. I took advantage of being down in Beacon with Sarah and connected with Steph and Meg over at Chill for a glass of wine afterward.
Why is it these people just make me so comfortable and happy? Friendship is such a strong bond.
Back to the question - why didn't I update my blog? Because I felt NORMAL!!! Working, being with my family, seeing friends - and not feeling the least bit tired. I went to sleep at my normal hour without a nap during the day and didn't even feel tired at mid afternoon. I ate at normal times. I was busy, I was myself and loved it.
That was the end of the three week span between treatments and know what I can plan for next time. Today, it starts all over again. I am told that I 'may' experience the same things, but it's not a guarantee.
I'm off to Dyson to start my 2nd Chemotherapy treatment - stay tuned!!!
There are a few reasons why - because of the holidays, I have clients that want to get work done because it's a 'slow' time for them. I am short a technician, so I have to fill in for him if necessary. It's also Year End and the last payroll. Monday's snow. Needless to say, I have been very busy at First Direct!
Sarah's friend Katie gave her a cookbook for Xmas and they chose a few recipes to make for us on Tuesday night. I helped out a little, but mostly I loved seeing the 2 of them having such a good time doing this! They really enjoyed working in the kitchen and really enjoyed eating their creations!
Angela organized the Yanarella Holiday Party on Wednesday night sandwiched between Christmas and New Years. The perfect time to relax and chat with my fellow teachers at one of my favorite restaurants, Brother's. And, who walked in while we were eating??? Denise and Bill!!! What a surprise they came across the river to have dinner with their friends at the same restaurant! I had a great time with them - as I knew I would. I took advantage of being down in Beacon with Sarah and connected with Steph and Meg over at Chill for a glass of wine afterward.
Why is it these people just make me so comfortable and happy? Friendship is such a strong bond.
Back to the question - why didn't I update my blog? Because I felt NORMAL!!! Working, being with my family, seeing friends - and not feeling the least bit tired. I went to sleep at my normal hour without a nap during the day and didn't even feel tired at mid afternoon. I ate at normal times. I was busy, I was myself and loved it.
That was the end of the three week span between treatments and know what I can plan for next time. Today, it starts all over again. I am told that I 'may' experience the same things, but it's not a guarantee.
I'm off to Dyson to start my 2nd Chemotherapy treatment - stay tuned!!!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
It's an iPad kind of Xmas
Last weekend, while confined to my house, I was browsing the Internet when I realized I was not OK with little or no gifts for the kids this year. They told me countless times that they were OK with it, it didn't matter, they understood. But, it wasn't that I didn't believe them, I did. I was missing the joy it brings me to give a gift to someone. I knew I couldn't go out to the store then and didn't know if I could make it later in the week even. Off my fingers went to Apple.com and 2 iPad's were ordered up for Alex and Sarah within minutes. Bob and I were pretty excited about the surprise because we hadn't hinted at it at all and it's so much fun to surprise someone with a really cool, unexpected gift.
I tracked them all week... I knew they were in Newark, NJ on Wednesday. I figured - no problem, they'll be here by Friday. Thursday we got the door tag for delivery on Friday, so I signed it all excited. What shows up on Friday??? The cases for the iPad's but NOT the iPad's!!!! I quickly go online to track them once again and find out they are at the Newburgh distribution center, but didn't make it on the truck for delivery!!! Knowing we are heading to my brother's in Beacon, Bob and I jumped and gathered the troops to head out. We simply said 'Gotta make a stop'!!! It was 4:45p and the FedX closed at 5:30... the clock was ticking!
We made it there by 5:20p. I ran in and left the others in the car. There were about 10 others standing in the room waiting. The lady behind the counter took my tracking information and told me it would be 30-45 minutes. I thought OMG!!! But, I didn't care. I was there and they were almost in my grips! So, I texted Bob to tell him it would be 'a few minutes' for them to find them... I didn't tell him HOW many minutes!!! But to my surprise, 2 minutes later a man walks out and announces my name!! My hand shot into the air - I was so excited!! At the same time, I was apologizing to the others that were waiting much longer than I was... I signed for my packages and ran out the door smiling all the way to the car!! From the agony of defeat to the thrill of victory in an hour and a half. I had trouble containing my excitement and it drove the kids crazy...
Originally, we were going to wait until we got back from my sister's for our own gifts, but Bob was ready to get the ball rolling early this morning!! So I gathered all the gifts under the tree, woke everyone up and we were off and unwrapping! Shirts and sweaters, video camera, candy and of course, iPad's!!! Alex and Sarah loved them - as Bob says "unexpected gift, unexpected time". Ok, Christmas is pretty expected, but not this year. It was a lot of fun springing that surprise.
Off to Mass with my mother and to my sister's family for lunch. Great group of people all giving me tons of love and support. The great niece's and nephew's were lots of fun playing and opening gifts. I met a few new 'in-law's to be' and ate and ate and ate. Bob insists I'm going to gain weight during this whole cancer thing. We'll see... still a great afternoon with them. More blessings.
We finished the day by going to Shelly and Chris's for dessert. They are heading to Aruba tomorrow before the snow, so I won't see them for 2 whole weeks!!! I'll miss them... This is the trip we were to take and meet up with them on Jan 1st. I'm not prepared to be out of the country and feel like crap - I think that anyone can understand that! Cancelled for this year - hopefully next year!
Have I mentioned that I've lost about half my hair? Yeah. I guess I'm not ready to talk about that yet.
I tracked them all week... I knew they were in Newark, NJ on Wednesday. I figured - no problem, they'll be here by Friday. Thursday we got the door tag for delivery on Friday, so I signed it all excited. What shows up on Friday??? The cases for the iPad's but NOT the iPad's!!!! I quickly go online to track them once again and find out they are at the Newburgh distribution center, but didn't make it on the truck for delivery!!! Knowing we are heading to my brother's in Beacon, Bob and I jumped and gathered the troops to head out. We simply said 'Gotta make a stop'!!! It was 4:45p and the FedX closed at 5:30... the clock was ticking!
We made it there by 5:20p. I ran in and left the others in the car. There were about 10 others standing in the room waiting. The lady behind the counter took my tracking information and told me it would be 30-45 minutes. I thought OMG!!! But, I didn't care. I was there and they were almost in my grips! So, I texted Bob to tell him it would be 'a few minutes' for them to find them... I didn't tell him HOW many minutes!!! But to my surprise, 2 minutes later a man walks out and announces my name!! My hand shot into the air - I was so excited!! At the same time, I was apologizing to the others that were waiting much longer than I was... I signed for my packages and ran out the door smiling all the way to the car!! From the agony of defeat to the thrill of victory in an hour and a half. I had trouble containing my excitement and it drove the kids crazy...
Originally, we were going to wait until we got back from my sister's for our own gifts, but Bob was ready to get the ball rolling early this morning!! So I gathered all the gifts under the tree, woke everyone up and we were off and unwrapping! Shirts and sweaters, video camera, candy and of course, iPad's!!! Alex and Sarah loved them - as Bob says "unexpected gift, unexpected time". Ok, Christmas is pretty expected, but not this year. It was a lot of fun springing that surprise.
Off to Mass with my mother and to my sister's family for lunch. Great group of people all giving me tons of love and support. The great niece's and nephew's were lots of fun playing and opening gifts. I met a few new 'in-law's to be' and ate and ate and ate. Bob insists I'm going to gain weight during this whole cancer thing. We'll see... still a great afternoon with them. More blessings.
We finished the day by going to Shelly and Chris's for dessert. They are heading to Aruba tomorrow before the snow, so I won't see them for 2 whole weeks!!! I'll miss them... This is the trip we were to take and meet up with them on Jan 1st. I'm not prepared to be out of the country and feel like crap - I think that anyone can understand that! Cancelled for this year - hopefully next year!
Have I mentioned that I've lost about half my hair? Yeah. I guess I'm not ready to talk about that yet.
Monday, December 20, 2010
With A Little Help From My Friends
It's been truly humbling to receive the support that I have over the past month and a half. I've received cards and notes and messages all containing wonderful words to help me through my days.
This came to me today from a high school friend Allison and I asked her if I could share it here. (Notice I didn't call either of us old?) It covered me like a blanket - I particularly like the ending!!! Thanks A...
This came to me today from a high school friend Allison and I asked her if I could share it here. (Notice I didn't call either of us old?) It covered me like a blanket - I particularly like the ending!!! Thanks A...
A Hoofer's Day
Pick up the beat, join in the dance
Pick up my feet, taking my chance
Just working my way though the rhythm of the day
Counting my steps to the next moment
Keeping the time for the time,
Being.
Tapping through life, finding my way,
Twirling and spinning, getting through the day
Sweating in the spotlight
Ball change, keep my balance,
Steady.
Spotlight widens, line is forming
Solo ending, bring in the chorus
Arms linked, in love and support,
Standing.
(Applause)
Pick up my feet, taking my chance
Just working my way though the rhythm of the day
Counting my steps to the next moment
Keeping the time for the time,
Being.
Tapping through life, finding my way,
Twirling and spinning, getting through the day
Sweating in the spotlight
Ball change, keep my balance,
Steady.
Spotlight widens, line is forming
Solo ending, bring in the chorus
Arms linked, in love and support,
Standing.
(Applause)
Sunday, December 19, 2010
A Better Sunday
Things seem to be evening out now. I can almost predict when I'm going to be tired the past few days which allows me to plan for events and stuff. But, I'm hoping this gets better as the week progresses because my wbc count will begin to rebound just in time for Xmas!!
Alex and I went to our 2nd acupuncture appointment today with Elisa - who I lovingly refer to as my 'witch doctor'. She is really incredible. Elisa has done tons of research on my condition over the past week and today she worked on the specific points that will increase my white blood cells and fatigue. Alex and I walked out of there feeling refreshed and renewed once again.
Last night, not so refreshed. At the dinner table, it was difficult for me to even lift my arms. I was to go to the Nejame's for their Xmas party, but I was just not physically going to make it. Bob went with his date, Sarah ... I stayed home with my date - Alex - and we watched a movie. Weird, but necessary.
Came home today to dinner ala Sarah - chicken panini's with homemade pesto and sweet potato fries!!! yummmm!! The in-law's even made it for dinner and stayed for a little entertainment following. It was a good day.
This is how I see it - a day and a half of kind of normal energy, then crash for a night. Let's see if it continues this way.
Alex and I went to our 2nd acupuncture appointment today with Elisa - who I lovingly refer to as my 'witch doctor'. She is really incredible. Elisa has done tons of research on my condition over the past week and today she worked on the specific points that will increase my white blood cells and fatigue. Alex and I walked out of there feeling refreshed and renewed once again.
Last night, not so refreshed. At the dinner table, it was difficult for me to even lift my arms. I was to go to the Nejame's for their Xmas party, but I was just not physically going to make it. Bob went with his date, Sarah ... I stayed home with my date - Alex - and we watched a movie. Weird, but necessary.
Came home today to dinner ala Sarah - chicken panini's with homemade pesto and sweet potato fries!!! yummmm!! The in-law's even made it for dinner and stayed for a little entertainment following. It was a good day.
This is how I see it - a day and a half of kind of normal energy, then crash for a night. Let's see if it continues this way.
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