Cause Dads are survivors!

As most of you know my Dad was diagnosed with cancer about a month ago. He had a tumor in his arm that was cancerous.  His surgery was last Wednesday and I learned a whole new definition for the word 'stress'.  Jen and I drove out on Tuesday night and although Rebecca was unable to get the time off work we spoke with or texted her every 30-45 minutes throughout the surgery day. 

Wednesday was forever.  Surgery started at 7:45 A.M. and Jen and I got there at 6:00, an hour after Dad and Gail had checked in. We got to spend about an hour together before he went in. A little less time for me, cause I was passed out for about two of the 60 minutes we had with Dad. The doctor had to have my Dad sign papers and he was explaining the risks of surgery....... something about blood transfusions and I don't remember anything else cause I passed out cold, right out of my chair and onto the floor.  I drive all the way from NYC to support my Dad through this major surgery and then I find myself laying on the floor with nurses calling my name....... not my Dad's name....... my name.  I wouldn't expect anything less from my family at 6:00 in the morning in the pre-op room. We've always been so good at drama.

So after I take the attention away from my Dad for a few minutes we refocus ourselves on Dad. The doctor took him in at 7:45. Gail, Jen, and I can't help from crying a few tears. My Dad is so tough, he is telling us he will be just fine. The doctors tell us he will be out around 1:30.

Ok, we can get through six hours. 

It's 8:00 and we eat breakfast..... it's 11:00 and Gail parents get to the hospital..... it's 11:30 and Jen and I go for a walk around the hospital grounds..... it's 12:30 and we manage to eat lunch...... it's 1:30..... it's 2:30..... nothing.....our thoughts are going places they never should have to go..... it's 3:00 and one of the doctors come down to our waiting room and tells us he is doing fine and its taking longer than expected and it will be 1-2 more hours. We call Darin and update him. It's 4:00.....Jen and I walk it off again...... its 5:30.....it's 6:00 Doctor Fox comes down to tell us surgery is over and it went better than expected!!!!!!  Jen and I burst into tears.... happy tears. Later I told Jen I wanted to grab the Dr. and just hug him and she had wanted to do the same thing..... we didn't. We saved the drama this time around.

At 6:30 Jen took it upon herself to find Dad. His room number hadn't appeared on the computer screen in our room. Jen took Gail, me, Gail's overnight bag, Dad's overnight bag, and some other random bags we used when we made our 10 hour home in the waiting room, down to the first floor. We got to see Dad. He was perfect! Healing and resting. I could breath again. My Dad is OK.

Thanks to all who sent prayers and positive thoughts! 

School has begun

School is here in a major way. Today I am thankful that I work in NYC and we get off for very holiday and today is one of them. 

I have enjoyed meeting my new freshman in my English classes and seeing the students in my advisory class who are now juniors! (we started together as a class when they were freshman) My ESL classes are also going well. I think ESL is the most rewarding job because I get to see so much growth in such a short amount of time.

I am head of the English department this year! It's a small department, just 9th -11th grade, but I am excited to take on a new leadership position. 

I am starting my 6th year of teaching and I still get shocked by some of my students. I was shocked to have a "man" walk into my 9th grade English class...... facial hair, keep voice, and BIG. Apparently he just finished the 8th grade and my question is...... how many decades did he spend in the junior high school? 

I was also shocked when I was teaching about making connections and after reading a short passage aloud a student wanted to respond.  She said, "I can connect to making mistakes...one time I went to stab a student in the head in 4th grade with a pencil and I accidentally stabbed her in the eye...... I felt bad." My question to her is...... why is it Ok to stab someone in the head? I am shocked to have a student in my class who can't read. It sucks. I am doing what I can in a class of 28 but my question for his elementary teachers is, 'how did he get to high school'

Along with all these stories I have some awesome and really bright students this year! I love teaching and being a part of so many students' education lives!

I went to my first every high school football game last week. My high school won!!!! It was so super fun. 

Rebecca's wedding

My dear sister Rebecca got married Aug 15! It was so super fun to be a part of it and see Rebecca and Phil make their commitments to one another and then to dance the night away.

I love family. It was great to see everyone. Here is a short little video of Rebecca the night before her wedding. Cool, calm, and collected.

Here is a picture of Bec and I getting ready for the rehearsal dinner!

Wedding pictures.....

Summer vacation!

It has been a really fun last two weeks.

Last week was Delaware beach vacation. There were a bunch of us from Brooklyn (most formally known as Delawareans) and some real Delawareans down at Dewey beach for a whole week. It was so relaxing and I really enojoyed everyone who was at the beach house.

I did a lot of swimming in the ocean....... I can stay in there for hours! Ate some really great food and did some running on the beach. Charlie and I did a bike ride that should have been really fun....... but I had sun burn and I think I got like heat stroke on the ride cause I was really, really HOT! We ate boardwalk fries and salt water taffy!! Charlie played a basketball boardwalk game and won me a stuffed little bear.

I tried to soak up as much time as I could with Liz, since she is soon moving out of Brooklyn to once again take on all that is means to be a true Delawarean!Here is most of the group eating crabs! Breaking apart and really digging in!

The week before we went on beach vacation Charlie and I took a trip up to the Catskills and went camping at Little Pond Campsite for about four days. We had a great time! We got to visit with Darin and it was really nice to have a chance to spend some time with my brother.

Summer months of change

I finished teaching summer school last Thursday. I'm glad I did it. Not too long and I actually enjoyed it. It was really nice seeing some one my worst students in a small classroom and actually functioning properly!
The weather has been amazing and I have been spending a lot of time outside. I ran 18 miles this week (not all at once) and I rode my bike for 35 miles on Saturday!
There is so much change going on. It seems like when one change happens...... every other kind of change has to happen too.
These next four months will bring about a lot of new things for me. Two of my closest friends are moving out of the city. I think I have maybe like one friend left living in New York. Anyone want to move in New York? Its awesome.....
My sister Rebecca is getting married, my friends Bekah, Kayla, Danna, and Amy are getting married. Anyone want to help plan bridal showers? (I say that...... but you all know how much I love planning things!!)
I have a new roommate moving in on Aug 1. My roommate Clark lost his job and has to move out. Real bummer cause he was a great roommate. This new girl Maggie is moving in with us and I think it'll work out real nice.
Some things remain the same and I am so very thankful for that. I will return to the same teaching job (that I love) in September. I will stay in my apartment in Fort Greene and continue to keep on loving it. I will attend that same church.
I will NOT return to College of Mount Vincent......cause I graduated!!!! No more grad classes after a busy day of work, for that I am grateful!

So here's to a beautiful summer....full of changes..... but beautiful.

Maiya's first birthday

Maiya turns one today! She is such a fun little girl. I went out on Sunday to NJ for her birthday party. This is a picture of Maiya eating her happy birthday cupcake!

Below is Maiya and I! Its really unbelievable how much I just love this litttle girl!

And of course an updated picture of three sisters!!!!

I stayed in NJ on Sunday and Monday and got to spend some quality time with Jen. It was so nice and relaxing. Jen and her family really live in the country! Bears, trees, nature, and of course their sweet log cabin. I really enjoyed being with Maiya and Haven too. They are both growing up so fast!

When life gives you lemons......

What am I suppose to do make lemonade or something? But I don't even like lemonade. I like happiness and fun and laughter...... and that is not at all what life is giving me right now.

I am so thankful for my friends and family. I have the most amazing support - thanks team!

It is just so interesting when things happen and they are just out of my hands. I like to know what is going to happen and honestly I don't really like surprises..... well not most surprises. I like to be in the know. I was sooooooooooooo not in the know this past week and I feel confused and overwhelmed and honestly really sad.

One of my best friends got engaged yesterday. I got my heart broken yesterday. Its interesting how one day can one persons best and another persons worst.

OK..... so maybe I'll make some lemonade or something. Maybe I'll learn to like lemonade.