| Sunday, December 06, 2009 |
| Back up and running! |
I’ve been taking a much longer blogging hiatus than I anticipated. At this point, I had the idea to simply stop blogging altogether. But then I remembered that the reason I started this blog in the first place was so that I could keep these memories for myself and so that I could look back five years from now or at any given point for that matter, and remember what it was that I did. A lot has happened in the past couple months…some great, some bad, nothing too terrible. I’ll start off with my health issues.
From my recollection, it all started back in August when I thought I had something minor and pretty routine. That something minor turned into something bigger and that something bigger turned into something serious. Needless to say, I was on antibiotics for five weeks and lost a total of ten pounds. It was a grueling time for me but I’m happy to say that I’m finally feeling better. I had my family taking care of me and if it wasn’t for them, I don’t know how I could’ve possibly gotten any better. I love them more for that. My husband was amazing the entire time. The way he cared for me was unbelievably precious…I felt SO loved and he never once complained. He was the best caregiver. I love him more for that.
Throughout the time that I wasn’t feeling well (with the exception of one week where I didn’t leave my bed because I was so incredibly weak), I still managed to get out and have some fun:
- I went to Las Vegas with some friends from high school to celebrate our friend Nicole being engaged and soon to be married.  - I celebrated my girlfriend Alyssa’s birthday with a fabulous brunch at Grub followed by a show at the Pantages: Legally Blonde. The entire day was a blast.   - My husband and I celebrated 4 years of marriage with a vacation to Turks & Caicos at the end of October That trip was when I finally started feeling like myself again…thankfully, since we had contemplated canceling the entire trip. We had a fabulous time. I didn’t want to come back! It was a trip full of great memories.      - We attended the wedding of our friends Tim & Debbie at the Cathedral in Downtown Los Angeles. That was a fun night and thanks to them, we got our Holiday card pictures courtesy of the photo booth they had that night. I’ll share our Christmas card in a future post since we have yet to mail them out.  - We celebrated Thanksgiving Day having lunch with my husband’s family and dinner with my family. It was a beautiful evening and one where we had a lot to be thankful for. - We had some of my husbands out-of-town friends come over for a visit a couple weeks ago.  - This weekend, we attended a birthday party for my friend’s daughter who turned one and last night, went to our annual Holiday party with our friends from college. The theme was “ugly sweater.” My husband Gerric won thanks to my creation. :) We also had a white elephant gift exchange. Gerric bought a zebra striped snuggie to give away...Alyssa walked away with that one. But I ended up getting one too! We had so much fun.    - Today was a day full of running errands. We almost bought our Christmas tree but decided to wait until next week to get it. So once again, here we are. I’m all caught up. It’s hard to believe that we’re in the midst of another Holiday season and that soon, we’ll be ringing in a new year. It feels like yesterday that I told myself I would try to blog more often…so much for keeping to that resolution. All in all, things are good. My husband and I are lucky to still be employed, my family is healthy, Henry continues to look and feel good (I’m especially thankful for that) and my husband and I are talking about having a baby more often now. :) We have a lot to look forward to in the coming year…but for now, we’re enjoying the last of 2009. |
posted by ~ Jolene @ 7:29 PM  |
|
|
|
| Thursday, September 24, 2009 |
| 4 YEARS LATER |
4 years ago today, I married my soul mate. The man that till this day, takes my breath away. He has been truly living through the vow "in sickness and in health." Fours years later, I still feel like I am the luckiest woman alive.
Happy Anniversary honey. I love you.
 |
| posted by ~ Jolene @ 9:58 AM |
|
|
|
| Sunday, August 09, 2009 |
| WHAT I'VE DONE AND THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO |
For those of you that are wondering, I'm still alive. :) I've just been really busy with work that unfortunately, I've put this blog on the back burner. Things have been hectic lately and we've also managed to keep busy on the weekends as well. Since my last post, we've gone to a Dodger Game with our friends Alyssa and Rob and went to Disneyland in the evening to celebrate my godson's birthday. It was Adam's 1st time...I think he loved it. :)
   We participated in the Relay for Life event in honor of Henry. Thankfully, he continues to do well. :) Gerric and I met up with everyone in the evening, just in time to experience the "Luminaria Walk." It was beautiful. I couldn't help but cry. It was something I'll never forget. 
 Two weeks ago, my husband took me to the No Doubt concert. It was awesome! Gwen Stefani's abs have never looked SO good! We had a great time! 
The next day, I flew out to New York for 3 days and from there, headed to Panama for 7 days for another business trip. I just got back late Friday night/Saturday morning. I'll be heading to Las Vegas for a friend's bachelorette party in a couple weeks. I'm looking forward to a weekend away with friends to relax and have fun. Then Gerric and I are heading back to Vegas in September. He's been wanting to see the show "Love" since it first came out so we're finally going to go see it. I'm so excited! Then...and this is the trip I'm counting the days for, at the end of October, we're heading to Turks & Caicos in the Caribbean! I CANNOT WAIT!!!!! I need a vacation so bad so this couldn't come any sooner! We're going for a week and staying at Beaches Resort. According to the Travel Channel, it's the 6th best resort in the Caribbean. EEK! So excited! In the meantime, I have some dreaded meetings at work and some long nights in the office ahead of me. Lord help me. :( But all in all, things are good. We've made some small additions to our humble abode lately. We finally bought new doorknobs! It's the little things that excite me. :) We added a small swingseat to our front porch...we sat on it for a while yesterday and enjoyed the sun. It was perfect. Next weekend brings more time with friends and hopefully more rest and relaxation. Until the next time... Labels: FAMILY, FRIENDS, HENRY, HUBBY, VACATION, WEEKEND, WORK |
| posted by ~ Jolene @ 7:31 PM |
|
|
|
| Sunday, June 07, 2009 |
| Wine Tasting & Donating Blood |
Last weekend, my husband and I had the pleasure of going wine tasting in Temecula with 11 of our close college friends. We had a fantastic time. We started off our day by meeting at our friends Gina & Robert's house in Murietta. That's about a good hour and fifteen minute drive from where we live. Once we all arrived there, we had a quick lunch in the area and then we were off to the wineries. We hit a total of four wineries - my favorite being the last one, where we all had a taste of their almond champagne in a chocolate cup. YUM! It was delicious! I also enjoyed the Muscat wines at every location since I'm a fan of the sweet dessert wines. We had a great time and I'm hoping we can make this an annual tradition. Later that night, we had dinner back at their house and watched a photo montage that Gina had put together of our time in college. Then we headed home. It was such a nice day. It's so great to have such a wonderful group of friends like them.      The next day, my husband and I did our usual routine and went to church at 10:30. I have really come to enjoy going to church every Sunday and I'm happy that it's something my husband and I can do together. I noticed the big "Blood Drive" signs as we were walking in. I just winced and kept on walking. You see, I have always wanted to donate blood but there was only one reason stopping me...I.HATE.NEEDLES. After mass, our priest spoke to us about the blood drive and the importance of donating it if we were able to. Then they had a little boy speak to us who had leukemia but thankfully, was in remission now. He said that even though he was doing much better, he knew of a lot of kids in the hospital who still needed blood. Boy did he know how to pull at my heart's strings. I couldn't help but get emotional at the thought of all these babies needing blood transfusions and just sitting there, healthy, with the only thing stopping me being my fear of a little needle. I also started thinking about the possibility of someone in my own family needing it someday, God forbid, like my dear Henry so I mustered up the energy to walk myself over to the hall where the blood drive was being held and signed up. I couldn't help but tremble the entire time I was waiting, which was for more than an hour. I think it was my fear and the fact that the room was so cold and I didn't even have a jacket with me. Before I knew it, I was having my interview. I was asked if I had been anywhere outside of the United States within the last 3 years. I told them where I had been and all was still okay. They checked my iron levels and those were very good so after that, I knew I really had no excuse. My husband, who was also doing this with me, was called before me and had already started the process of donating his blood. When I was finally called, I layed down and was still trembling. I kept trying to tell myself to think of all the people I was doing this for, but that didn't seem to calm my nerves at all. When the needle finally went into my vein, it wasn't so bad but I was immediately told that my blood flow was slow so it would be a while before I would finish the pint they needed. The nurse tried adjusting the needle a few times to see if this would help the blood flow but it was done to no avail. I couldn't cross my legs and they wouldn't let me pump the pressure ball I was given too much since all of that movement seemed to slow down my blood even more. I was so frustrated. Finally, after about 15 minutes, I was told I had to be cut off. I had donated 400 CC's (500 is needed for a pint of blood) and I just couldn't do it anymore. Apparently, I was so dehydrated that my blood just wasn't coming out anymore. I was heartbroken. I can't even explain exactly what I was feeling but the word failure came to my mind right away. I just felt so horrible. All I kept thinking was what if Henry really did need the blood and I was the only one that could give it to him. I just couldn't do it and it would've been all my fault. I asked one of the nurses if they could still use my blood since I was nearly close to the pint and she explained in medical terms that because they did not have a full pint of my blood, they couldn't use it to save lives but would instead send it to USC and use it for research. I thought, Research?!? Are you kidding me??? I didn't do all of this for research! I did it to save a life! I have to admit, I am very bad at drinking enough water in a day. Sometimes I will have the same water bottle sitting on my desk for more than 2 days. But never did I think that not drinking enough water would stop me from saving a life. I was so bummed the rest of the day. I went to go visit my sister Emma and Henry later that day and couldn't help but cry. My sister consoled me and told me I had done a great thing just by trying. I took a big step that day. But I decided then and there that if water was the only thing stopping me from saving a life, then I would change that right away. It's been a week and I have been drinking 40-60 ounces of water every day. That alone is a huge accomplishment for me. I'm hoping I can go back as soon as I am able to to donate blood again...and this time, to help save a life. This weekend was a mellow one. We cleaned our house yesterday and had our first problem since we moved in last May. Turns out our bathtub was getting backed up with disgusting water since I was doing a load of laundry. Both of us tried not to freak out. We ended up going onto Yelp, found a great plumber and about an hour later, problem was fixed. Whew! Thankfully, it wasn't something that couldn't be fixed and it wasn't something that cost an arm and a leg. This week my husband's company is expected to have some lay offs. *sigh* It's something he's known about for quite some time now. I ask that you please say a little prayer for all those who have lost their job and for all those that will. I am also praying that my husband is not one of those who is layed off. So if you can pray for that too, I would more than appreciate it. I'll let you know what happens. Here's to a good week... |
| posted by ~ Jolene @ 4:36 PM |
|
|
|
| Monday, May 25, 2009 |
|
I made a New Year's resolution at the beginning of this year to try and update this blog more often...I have obviously failed at that. I try my best but sometimes I fall so far behind that I think it's easier to just stop writing. But then I remind myself that I started this blog for myself - so that I could look back and remember the things that I did and the thoughts running through my head so for my own sake, I have to keep this going.
As always, I've been busy. In the last month, I have:
- walked at the March of Dimes in memory of my baby nephew Diego
 - at that event, Gerric and Henry were so excited to meet Michael Cooper (they both bleed purple and gold).  - Celebrated my husband's 33rd birthday with friends, food and...ROCK BAND! One of Gerric's good friends/co-workers is an apprentice at a bakery on the weekends so offered to make Gerric his birthday cake as his gift. She made one for everyone and made him a personal one. I thought it was so cute I HAD to take a picture with it!
 - Celebrated his actual birthday with my family and his
- was sponsor to my nephew/godson Erik for his 1st Holy Communion
 - was my niece's sponsor at her Confirmation
- Celebrated my sister Emma's birthday with a great BBQ surrounded by the people she loves
- had a great LONG Memorial Day weekend that started on Thursday with lunch at Disneyland and ended with a massage at Burke Williams (BLISS!)
- prayed that the small earthquakes we had in Southern California weren't the beginning of more to come
- bought myself an SLR camera (I actually bought it a couple months ago) and started taking some pictures around the house. I can't wait to get better at using it. I'm in love with it.
- saw From Monument to Masses, one of Gerric's best friend's bands. They were touring and they happened to be playing at a small venue close to our home. I really enjoyed the show.
 - went to a Dodger game this weekend with our friends Alyssa and Rob...Dodgers won!
- decided to take on a somewhat more challenging position at work. I was made to choose between the two jobs I currently handle. I'm hoping I made the right decision. My heart tells me I did. It will require a little more travel which I don't like at all but I had to choose based on what I thought was best for my career.
- treated my parents out to lunch today. I had a really nice time with them and it made me realize that I'm so grateful to have both of them in my life. I left in such a great mood.
I think that's about it. Other than the usual day to day routine, this really sums up the past few weekends.
On another note, my brother-in-law Henry has one (ONE!) more round of chemo to go before he takes a break for a while...hopefully for good. I must admit, I am really, really scared. I keep thinking, what if the damn tumor in his brain comes back since he's not going to be on chemo anymore? What if this allows it to grow back, and this time with a vengeance? I know Henry needs a break. This stupid chemo takes a toll on his body. He gets tired. He can't wait to go off of it himself and I am incredibly grateful that we are at this point in his journey. I just pray to God that Henry is a LONG term survivor and that 20 years from now, I am smiling at the thought that I was nervous because it was all for nothing. Please pray that my fears never, ever come true. I'm so proud of Henry for getting to this point. I hope he can celebrate his new found remission for the rest of his LONG life.
Thanks for reading everyone. Thank you for being patient in between my updates. I know sometimes they're not worth the wait but I do appreciate all of my readers (all 5 of them...HA!).
Until the next time... |
| posted by ~ Jolene @ 7:48 PM |
|
|
|
| Friday, April 24, 2009 |
| WALKING FOR OUR ANGEL |
| I have a lot to catch up on...again. I'll do that this weekend hopefully. Tomorrow morning, bright and early, we will be participating in the March of Dimes Walk in honor of my nephew Diego. It's the 3rd time we'll be doing it for him. Oh how I wish he was here with us. Please visit this page to donate to a wonderful cause. Every dollar counts...even if it's just $1. Keep us in your thoughts tomorrow as we walk to remember a precious life, never to be forgotten. |
| posted by ~ Jolene @ 2:52 PM |
|
|
|
| Sunday, April 05, 2009 |
|
Where have I been you ask? I have been insanely busy at work, sometimes working 12 hour days and keeping just as busy on the weekends. Here’s the rundown in a nutshell:
WORK
The economic conditions are tough on everyone right now. That’s a given. However, I still have sales numbers to meet so I am getting A LOT of pressure from upper management to make these numbers which means there have been many long, stressful nights at work. So stressful that on one occasion I just came home and cried. It felt good to let it all out.
PLAY
We have kept very busy on the weekends. Throughout the past few:
- I went to a 1st birthday party for my high school friend’s little boy Louis. She had a circus theme and went ALL out. Tubs of animal crackers, candy apples, face painters, popcorn and games, oh my! I went solo since my poor husband wasn’t feeling well that entire weekend. I had a great time and I’m sure little Louis did too.  - Gerric and I met up with our good friends The Gardners for a picnic in the park. Kay spoiled us with fresh chicken salad sandwiches (which she made of course), Kettle potato chips and Crush orange soda. It was a perfect afternoon. We finished it off with dessert at Pinkberry. Raffaella is getting so big and too cute for words. Her little personality is definitely starting to develop. She is precious. 
- I met up with my Mom, 2 sisters and my niece and nephew for breakfast at Grounds. It was something that my eldest sister thought of doing. There was no particular reason, just some time to sit, drink some coffee and catch up. It was perfect.
- My sisters and I planned a surprise birthday party for our only brother, who turned 40 on March 22nd. We really wanted him to have a memorable birthday with his closest friends and family so even though we were planning everything last minute, I think it was really a lovely evening and one that my brother will remember always. We had dinner at Pane E Vino in the city of Brea. As much as “surprise parties” are not always truly a surprise, this one was. I think my brother was genuinely surprised. It was so amazing being able to see him so happy. Happy Birthday to him.  - Last weekend, I celebrated a birthday myself (March 29th). It started on Friday with a nice celebration at work and continued on Saturday with a BBQ with my close friends and family at our house. The weather was really on our side that day as the sun was shining and there was a nice breeze. Everything was perfect. I had a great time and I loved nothing more than being surrounded by those I love most….and the good food didn’t hurt either! :) Thank you to everyone that helped to bring this together. Happy birthday to me!
  That's me on my 1st birthday!
 Thank you to my friends Mike and Ruby for buying me these adorable cookies as my favors. They were a hit!
So here I am again…all caught up. April is going to be a busy month. I actually just got home today after working all day (it's almost 4pm). I have a one day trip to New York on the 13th. That evening, I fly from New York to Panama for a week. I’m not looking forward to that trip whatsoever but here’s hoping it’s a successful trip. Then I have my husband’s birthday at the end of the month to look forward to. That should be really fun.
So that’s it in a nutshell! Whew! It feels good to be all caught up. :) |
| posted by ~ Jolene @ 3:28 PM |
|
|
|
|
|
*Jolene* |
|
I am 31 years old. This blog is a way to get my thoughts out in writing as I experience life every day and the struggles it has forced me to encounter.
See my complete profile
|
| *Recent Ramblings* |
|
| *Archive* |
|
|
| *Good Reads* |
|
|
