7/31/12

Hi everybody,
Sarah and I went to get our nails done on Saturday, we were relaxing and enjoying being pampered until "that girl" came in, you know the one, she thinks the entire world needs to hear about her life.  Needless to say, that was the end of peace and quiet! But, even with all of the disruption, our fingers and turquoise toes looked fabulous!  Sunday we went to a baby shower for my dear friend Chris's son and daughter-in-law; amazing how many things one tiny baby needs!  We had a great time, and enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful gifts.  When I arrived home Sunday afternoon, I learned that my dad was back in the hospital.  Apparently he has an infection that compounded the Parkinson's symptoms, so he needed to be admitted and receive IV antibiotics, the fun just never ends.  Monday we laid low at home, I am still trying to get over a bad case of laryngitis, which is difficult with all of the "coordination" phone calls between the sisters.  Today, Sarah had a doctors appointment, and tomorrow we leave for Saratoga to see my dad, and help my mom line up some help.  Sarah is hoping to see some cousins while there!!!!  I am hoping to get an hour to run to my favorite yarn shop, the stash is dwindling!  Hey, with all that is going on in my life, I need yarn to keep me going.

Baby Blanket for Shower

Race Cars for Baby

so true!

M :)

Back From the Dark Side!

Remember when you were a kid and your mom said, "if you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything at all."  Well that is why I have been MIA for the past 2 weeks, nothing nice to say!
Only at the lake for a long weekend, the heat and the temptation of the lake were too much for Sarah to handle, so we left early.  I did have a good time while there, especially the annual pasta making and a mom and sisters boat ride around the lake.  Brought back memories of the summers spent at our lake house when we were kids, those were happy times.  Once we were home, there were issues relating to Sarah's health to be dealt with; and let me just say that the "aftermath" of dealing with cancer is almost as painful as the actual disease.  We were all in a pretty dark place these past 2 weeks, but we are getting help and beginning to deal, and heal emotionally.  We have only just begun, but I have to believe that we will emerge from the darkness stronger, happier, and hopefully closer than ever!  That is my wish and my prayer for my family; that we start working and healing together today, for a brighter tomorrow.
:)

The Lake

The cars, yes we need 2, are packed!  Soon we will be leaving for Saratoga Springs, where we will help mom and dad pack their car, and then off to the LAKE!  Expectations are high, can't wait to see the family.  Hopefully we will have internet access, if not, I will be back in a week with lots of stories.
M:)

P.S. Sarah had a great doctor appointment yesterday, recovery right on track!!!

vacation prep.

Getting ready to relax is hard work!
My sisters, Chris and Kathy, were here for less then 24 hours to pick up their daughters, Rachel and Sofi, who were returning to Newark airport from their community service trip to Peru.  We made more lists for the Lake, again promising to bring less of everything!  Made a huge salad with chicken for lunch, the girls were happy, they hadn't had salad for almost 2 weeks!  After they left, I emailed the list to mom, Lisa and Donna, and then Greg and I went on a scavenger hunt to find all the things we need for our trip; found the life jackets, fishing pole, duffel bags, and pasta machine.  Then we started gathering the paper products and grocery items; the more we crossed off the list, the more we thought of to add!  Looks like we will need to take 2 cars, we have several bags already, and no clothes yet.  Did some laundry and baked a triple batch of cookies while Greg and Zen went to Restaurant Depot for water and other supplies from the "list."  I have been very good in my attempt to avoid sweets and grain products, but I had to "sample" a cookie, just to make sure they were good!  Packed them up and had Zen work his saran wrap magic, no one will be getting at those cookies until the Lake!!!  Then I finished one knitting project, it's a gift so details later, gathered my knitting supplies that I will need for "vacation knitting" and "fixed" one of Sarah's new bathing suit tops.  Today we will pack our clothes, medications, first aid kit, crafts, games and puzzles.  Also can't forget the nail polish, all the girls love to do each others nails!!  Whew, I really need this vacation!  Tomorrow Sarah has a doctor appointment, so we want to get as much done today as possible.  I'll let you know how we do.  M:)

+60

Today is a special day, "Happy Birthday" to my sister Chris; it is also "Happy Day +60" for Sarah!  Two months and counting since Sarah's stem-cell transplant.   Yesterday's doctor appointment went very well; all Sarah's blood counts are still on the rise, and right where they should be, she is down to only 2 medications/day which is fantastic.  A call to RWJ and the transplant team resulted in the great news; swimming in a well chlorinated pool is now okay, HOORAY!!!!!!  Sarah is getting stronger everyday, seeing her smile again is priceless!!  Today we need to shop for a new bathing suit, my beautiful girl is so slim and trim that all her old ones fall off!  I on the other hand do not have that problem, cover-ups are what I will be looking for!

In other news, I went to a new dermatologist for my itchy skin rash, no definitive diagnosis, probably related to a combination of stress and heat.  Hard to believe, with the fun-filled, carefree life I lead.  At least I got a prescription for a steroid spray that dulls the itchiness.

The "Lake" emails have started, next weekend we begin our Marino Family week in Brant Lake, NY.
The entire clan gets together for one week of swimming, boating and eating!  It takes numerous emails and lists to coordinate who brings what, in terms of food, drinks, snacks, etc.  Every year we swear that we will be better organized and bring less, yet at the end of the week we are overwhelmed by the quantity of leftovers.  We have all sworn that this year will be different, but somehow I think we are kidding ourselves.  Food plays a very important role in this vacation,  we are Italian after all!  The annual  ritual of making homemade pasta with grandma and grandpa has become a highlight of the week for all 16 grandkids.


Looking forward to my week the the sisters, it always proves to be lots of fun, and provides us with stories that are told over and over again.  More on that later, time to finish my "lake shopping List" before the next email!
M :)

Happy July 4th!

July, hard to believe 2012 is almost half over!  
Last Saturday night we went to Chelsea's Graduation party,(down the street) it was a great party, so nice to see friends and catch up.  Seeing Greg and the boys together, all grown up and drinking beer brought back memories of them all as kids going to school and hanging out at each others houses.  Chelsea was 2 years old when we moved into this house, now she has graduated high school and is heading off to college; where has the time gone?  Sarah looked great, and was happy to be out of the house, visiting with friends.  Ever since the doctor said she should postpone going back to school until January, it is like a weight has been lifted.  No more pressure; she can take her time getting better and stronger with out worrying about keeping up with school work.  It is great to see her relaxed and enjoying herself again.  


I have been trying to focus more on myself, and my health these days.  All of the research I have been doing has convinced me that what you eat truly makes a difference in how you feel, and how much energy you have.  The old adage, "you are what you eat" has really hit home.  Unfortunately, my family is not so anxious to join me in changing their diets, and switching to healthier food choices.  My biggest objector is Greg; just the thought of healthier food sent him to the grocery store for corn-dogs, french fries, and Hot Pockets!  I hope he gets a good job with great medical benefits, he is going to need them!!


Yesterday,  Sarah and I went to Short Hills Mall with Zen to look at Mac laptops since my old Mac desktop is on its last leg.  My computer is running on an old operating system that is not capable of upgrading to the most recent software applications.   As always, the Apple store was crowded with customers, but we were still able to test out the options, and agree on a Mac Book Air.  Now it is up to Zen to go back and purchase it!  


After the Apple store, Sarah and I went to the Clinique counter at Nordstrom's, to see our friend/salesperson, Amy.  She was happy to see us, especially Sarah, we were treated to makeovers, and left looking and feeling great!


I have been meaning to tell you all about some of my favorite websites, have fun exploring!


ravelry.com --for knitting/crocheting
etsy.com-- for unique hand-made items
pinterest-- for everything
wellnessmama.com
crazysexylife.com--Kris Carr- amazing cancer survivor!
thewelldaily.com




Happy 4th of July
Maria :)