Week 1 Weight Loss Update

So it's been 1 week of "Plan B" weight loss/healthy eating/feeling good. I haven't been a real stickler on the whole "diet" thing- because I am NOT on a diet. I just want to FEEL good about my body.

Beginning stats:
144 lbs
33" waist (across my bellybutton)
40" hips
24" upper thigh

1 Week later:
142 lbs
33" waist
39.5" hips
24" upper thigh

So- not much has changed, but I did lose 2 lbs. And losing 2 is better than gaining 2!

I played around with the Herbalife shakes and figured what I like the taste/texture of best. So here's my general recipe:

8 oz juice - either orange, apple, pineapple this week
2 scoops Berry Healthy Meal Powder
1 scoop Vanilla Protein Powder
2-3 spoonfuls of yogurt (plain or if I use a flavor yogurt then I don't add fruit)
handful of frozen fruit - strawberries or blackberries this week
handful of ice (like 3-4 ice cubes)

So every morning for breakfast I have a shake (more like a smoothie). And almost every day for lunch I've had one too, but I add a wedge of Laughing Cow Lite cheese and some pita crackers. (155 calories for the cheese/crackers). I think one day this week I made a sandwich. I have been careful about snacking and portions. I am more selective about what food I buy. I figured if there's no junk food in the house, I won't be as tempted to snack.

I walked 3 miles on the treadmill yesterday. That was the only day I got to the gym last week. This coming week I expect to see a little more weight loss since Lilly is back in school and I plan to go straight to the gym after I take her to school.

So that's my update, and so far 2 of my friends and Mike have tried my "smoothie concoctions" and were quite impressed.

If you want to learn more about Herbalife, visit here: www.shopherbalife.com/bweld

Happy Survivor Day!

August 18th is like a 2nd birthday to me. But instead of presents and birthday cake, I get something better. I get life. On August 18th, 2008 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. On August 18th, 2009 I was almost finished my 15 months of chemotherapy treatment. On August 18th, 2010 I am cured. Granted, I lost a few body parts along the way...but I have learned that you don't really need boobs, nipples, ovaries or fallopian tubes.

So to celebrate being a 2 year breast cancer survivor, we're hosting a Boob-B-Que.

And along with the celebration, we are also raising money for the American Cancer Society. This year we are donating all funds in honor of Mary Ellen Mergenthaler. Mary Ellen was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and passed away just two months later. Mary Ellen and her family were huge supporters of me during my treatment. You might recall the memory quilts I made a few months back- they were for her family.

You can access my ACS Fundraiser page HERE. All donations are welcome and greatly appreciated.

Thank you once again to my family, friends, doctors and supporters. It's been a long journey and I'm happy to still be here. :)

Back to the 'Lou

This past weekend I traveled (SOLO- no husband or child!) to my hometown of St. Louis, Mo. Although my family no longer lives there, I have a gaggle (that's right- I said gaggle) of friends who still live there. So I spent a long 4th of July weekend with my best girlfriend (since 7th grade) Kate. And just like old times, we were all about the shenanigans. Here's a quick recap of our insane weekend.

Friday - I flew to STL, and got picked up by Kate. We immediately head to St. Louis Bread Co (aka Panera Bread for anyone outside of St. Louis). After a late lunch we head to Kate's salon for some funky hair highlights by Lola. I let Lola do whatever, and got some awesome turquoise/teal highlights:


After the salon we head to Kate's house where we meet up with Joe (Kate's husband), and high school friends- Wendy (my cancer buddy who was the most awesome friend during my chemo and treatments) and Josh (my artist buddy, who lives in Baltimore and was in town as well). The 5 of us pile in Wendy's SUV and head to the Cardinal's game. Highlight: Josh's dad works downtown and gave us his parking garage pass = free parking. Josh's dad also drew us a map with turn by turn directions, like we were 16 years old driving to the city for the first time. It was so sweet!n Plus the Cardinals beat up on the Brewers BIG TIME!

After the game, we head where ALL Cardinals fans head: Ted Drewes. I had my favorite- a Terramizzou concrete, which is chocolate frozen custard with pistachio nuts. YUM! Wendy busted out the cars tailgate and we all enjoyed our frosty concretes.


Saturday - Kate and I headed to the Montelle Winery in Augusta, Mo to celebrate the birthday of a friend of Kate's. WOW- this place is amazing. There was about 12 of us and we had a catered luncheon, and wine GALORE! There was a live band and beautiful scenery.



After the Winery, we all headed to Froyo. Froyo is a frozen yogurt/sorbet joint where everything is self serve, with a giant topping bar. After you make your concoction you weigh it and pay per ounce. I enjoyed a 1/2 Mango Tango, 1/2 Pomegranate Raspberry sorbet topped with fresh raspberries and kiwi. HEAVENLY! The wine + froyo required a late afternoon nap.

After "adult naptime" we headed to Club Viva which is a Salsa Club located in the CWE. I was a little intimidated. We missed the 8pm salsa lessons, and the place was pretty empty when we rolled in at 10pm-ish. But by 11pm- OH MAN - it was a Salsa Fiesta! I have never been to a more diverse, friendly and welcoming club - EVER. Highlight: all cocktails were served in pint glasses. WOOOOO!

Sunday - Happy 4th of July!!!! After our late night, we needed some serious food. So we (Kate, Joe and I) went to Pi. I would seriously fly to St. Louis for Pi. We got the delmar – mozzarella, cheddar, barbeque sauce, hormone-free chicken, red and green peppers, red onion, fresh cilantro after baking. (minus the peppers, but added artichokes). It was heaven on pizza crust.

Now in a pizza coma we (me and Kate) headed to the Drury Plaza Hotel. We thought it would be a) smart and b) fun to stay downtown for the 4th of July. Let me say this- I lived in the St. Louis area until I was 18. This place is a MUST for ANYONE traveling to the city, or anyone looking for an overnight stay Downtown. It's directly across from the Courthouse and Arch. Highlight: FOOD. Upon check in, we got 3 cocktail vouchers EACH! There was a hot food buffet happy hour and sodas and popcorn available all night. Although we didn't have a outside view, they had a nice courtyard view for interior rooms.

After the free drinks and snacks we headed across the street to the Arch grounds for Fair St. Louis.

And the main reason we went (aside from the fireworks in front of a national monument) was : The B-52s concert. We somehow scored the reserved seats, about 12 rows back. I don't know how we managed this, the guy just opened the gate and let a group of people in. Lucky us!

And then immediately after we rocked out to Planet Claire, Private Idaho, Roam, Love Shack, Rock Lobster, Wig, Cosmic Thing the fireworks started!

But the night doesn't end there! We then headed to the Landing which was PACKED and finished off the night at The Big Bang- a dueling piano bar. Here's our carnage:

Monday - no trip to St. Louis is complete without a visit to the Zoo. We (me and Kate) picked up Josh (our artist friend) and met our friend Dan and his family there. Highlight: it's free. It was crowded and sweltering hot, but we had a fun time checking out the animals and riding the train.


After the zoo, Kate Josh and I headed to a St. Louis institution- The Pasta House. Highlight: the Pasta House Salad (which no longer comes with unlimited refills, total bummer, but still awesome) and TOASTED RAVIOLI - which I ordered 18, plus a to-go box so I could bring some home.

We had a quick "early dinner" and headed to the airport. I caught my flight home and held back tears as I had to say goodbye to Kate. After 20 years, she's still my soul sister.

I LOVE me a good sale.

Today, I went to Target to get paper towels. And ended up with this...


Target has had "the great big save" event going on the past 2 months. It's time now to clear out all the bulk size product to make way for the spring and summer gear. Everything was 50% - 75% off!!!! I got some crazy deals. My cart was overfowing, and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to fit everything in my car. Plus I had to get Lilly from school in like 10 minutes. Here's the breakdown of my big score:

36 rolls of toilet paper - $7.98
18 rolls of paper towels- $6.74
4 pk Softsoap shower gel - $3.84
4 pk Skintimate shave gel - $4.24
2 pk Mouthwash - $4.99
40 pk Capri-sun- $3.58
30 pk chips- $4.24
2 jars Jif -$$4.87
2 pk Frosted Flakes - $3.18
25 pk bubble mailers - $1.74
20 pk Sharpie Markers - $2.94
8 pk note book - $0.98

Happy ZOLO

Thank you Philadelphia for being one of the most ridiculous towns I have ever known. Because of you, and your quest to bring Major League Soccer to our fine town, I can never read, see or hear "2010" without first thinking "ZOLO".

History of "ZOLO" (from wikipedia):
At the "Meet the Owners" event held two days before the official MLS expansion press conference in Chester, PA the Sons of Ben (A group created to support MLS coming to Philly) wore nametags with handwritten numbers intended to read "2010." The number was mistakenly interpreted as "ZOLO" by team ownership group member, Nick Sakiewicz. WHO ACTUALLY REFERRED TO THE TEAM AS ZOLO. This led to Philadelphia Union being referred to as the "Zolos" in a series of inside jokes by the group.

I really was hoping our team would be named "ZOLO" but alas, a public vote went out and it was named the Philadelphia Union.

So here's to a marvelous ZOLO.

Another bump in the road. Lilly Style.

I have spent the past 16 months being the "sick one" in our household. I think I (temporarily) passed the torch to another family member today.

Yesterday afternoon, the 3 of us were enjoying a low key holiday party hosted by one of my friends. About an hour after our arrival, Lilly took a tumble down a few stairs and although I did not see what happened, it looked, well- not so good. We picked her up, and tried to "rub it off", but she was wincing in pain and started asking for "home". So we left.

Now let me say this- Lilly is one tough kid. She's always playing rough, running, tripping, and picking herself up with no tears. Heck- when she got her ears pierced a few weeks ago, the earring piercer gun got stuck in her ear. It took 2 Claire's associates to free her earlobe and Lilly just sat there. Not a single tear or complaint. She then got both ears done simultaneously (one ear was technically done twice since the first one didn't go through all the way).

So last night , we got home and made dinner. Lilly's arm was a little swollen and tender. She didn't complain much. Mike went out to CVS and got Tylenol and a stuffie "magic bear" to help her feel better. We wrapped her arm in an ace bandage and she pretty much sat on the sofa and ate mac n' cheese and watched tv until bedtime. She'd wince in pain if we tried to move her arm too much, but she was not screaming, or even crying. Mike and I debated what we should do. A) take her to the ER for what might just be a bruise, or B) wait until the morning and see how the night went. We opted for B. Lilly slept all night, well- she did wake up and ask for us to trim her fingernails, but I think that was some weird night- talking.

Today. Oh - today, how much you sucked. Lilly's arm was still swollen and she wouldn't let us touch her bandage to check underneath and see how things looked. Heck- we weren't even sure where she was hurting! So I immediately called our Pediatricians office to get an emergency appointment. They were able to see us within 2 hours, so Lilly and I lounged in bed all morning waiting.


We got in the car (note to self- 5 point carseat seatbelt does not work well with a injured arm). We got to the Dr. and saw the "on call" Doctor (NOT our regular Doc who I LOOOVE). Anyway, we got the bandage off and Lilly's arm was bruised and swollen. The Dr. poked around and asked Lilly where it hurt. Ok- asking a 3 year old where it hurts- seriously. She said yes to everywhere. You could have touched her toe and she would have said it hurt. So she ordered an X-ray. LUCKILY our Dr. office is all-encompassing and has a Radiology lab within it. So we went downstairs, I called Mike to high-tail it over for some much needed support and waited for Imaging to be ready for us.

So here we are, trying to explain what is going on, and what will be happening to a smart and inquisitive kid. Only 1 parent can go into the X-ray room, so Lilly picks me and we head on back. Back to the same place I had my CAT Scan 16 months ago. Lilly is such a trooper, she lies still for a whole round of x-rays, and then we wait for the results. Hmmm... this is oddly familiar. So we wait, and the tech comes back and says they need more. Ok- I know this now - MORE IS NEVER GOOD. So Lilly and I go back for another round of x-rays of alternate angles. And then we wait again. And then....they tell us to go back upstairs to talk to the Doctor.

Back upstairs we go, and the Dr. calls me into the hallway and says the x-rays are indeterminable and the Radiologist feels there is a "suspicion of fracture" on her elbow. Wow- way to be decisive. They want us to go to an Orthopedic Specialist. Ok- we can do that, there's a specialist in the all-encompassing one stop doc shop THAT THE PEDIATRICIAN TELLS US TO GO TO. Ummm...turns out when we go there that there's a problem- they DON'T take pediatric patients. They give us a phone number for CHOP and basically say good luck. Mike runs back to the Radiology lab to get a copy of Lilly's films. And we just stand there amazed that we are on our own to find someone to fix our daughter. It's now been over 2 1/2 hours at this office so we decide to go home, have lunch and find a Orthopedic Dr. from home. I will say this- my friend who works the front desk at our super fabulous all encompassing one stop doc shop was the only person there who genuinely tried to help us. But that didn't work too great because none of the Ortho. offices she gave me saw kids.

By now it's close to 1pm, offices are opening up from after lunch and I get ahold of the CHOP office in King of Prussia. Hey- they can see Lilly- ON THURSDAY! Wow- you are going to make a 3 year old with a possible elbow fracture WAIT 3 more days to be seen? We might be better off going to the ER!!! I ask if we can get in at the main CHOP or any other office location and she says- hey we can get you in the Bucks County office at 2:30 today. Fine- I don't care where we have to drive- my baby is getting fixed- TODAY! So we immediately get back in the car, put Lilly's lunch in a baggie and hit the road for our hour+ drive to CHOP. It's really not that far, but the 8" of snow from the weekend, holiday traffic, and the lack of a direct route there makes it a long trek.

FINALLY- we get to the CHOP office. And wow- everyone there is so helpful. Unfortunately our Doc has 2 concussion patients he has to see before Lilly so we wait around. Lilly is mesmerized by the toys in the waiting area. He right arm is just dangling down. That does not stop her. Amazingly enough- she has become quite dexterous with her left had. She is playing, drawing and even coloring "south paw". We brought the x-ray films with us and the nurse had the doctor take a look really quick to see what's going on. She came in and said Lilly has a fractured elbow and we'll be putting on a full arm cast. Mike is so relieved- he was terrified that Lilly would need surgery. Apparently elbow fractures can be pretty bad, but lucky for us, Lilly's was non-displaced and a Level 1 fracture. I was pretty annoyed because not like I am a doctor or anything - but it looked pretty evident to me that there was a fracture from the x-ray. We found out (on the DL) that when you deal with kids and bones most docs will pass the buck and send you to a specialist.

***NOTE TO PARENTS- if your child is getting an arm/leg x-rayed. Insist that they also take an image of the non-injured appendage for comparison. I did not know about this but it makes total sense.

Allright- we are ready for our cast-y "craft time". I tried my best to explain to Lilly was is happening and how the cast is going to go on and will make her feel better. Lilly picks a HOT PINK cast- yeah- big surprise there. And we get her all prepped. I even get to partake in the cast making and am handed gloves to wear so I can help support her arm and fingers while the Dr. mummifies her entire right arm. Wow. So if my kids elbow heals wrong and then needs surgery to have pins put it, it's like- kinda maybe a tiny bit my fault??? Oh- I am NOT liking this. Well- Lilly was a total trooper, not one cry or complaint. And- we get to go back in 1 week for more x-rays! Yay! The fun never ends! So from the appointment at CHOP, Lilly got to visit the "treasure chest" and got to take home 1 coloring book, a big pink "diamond" ring, a mini camera and a blue starfish. Plus a sling (which sucks) It's like mesh- and the cast is meshy- so it's constantly sticking to one another. Hmmm- seems like the Diaper Bag Wrangler needs to step in and create some funky cast sling!!!



It's now nearly 5pm. And the day is not done yet. We need to swing by Mike's office to get his laptop since he bailed from work to come and assist with the x-rays. So we go from Colmar, PA to King of Prussia, PA. We also promise Lilly that she can pick anywhere she wants to go for dinner tonight because she was such a super brave girl. And- she picks McDonalds. Another big surprise. Geez- what is with this kid and McDonalds!!!! So we get to hang out at Mike's office for a few minutes. Of course cast or no cast- Lilly still wants to play golf (Mike is a sporting goods buyer and has a mini putt down the aisle of his cubicle). Hey- she's pretty good left handed. She also likes to use the fax stamps that say "reply", "faxed" and "urgent".

FINALLY- home - 6:00pm.

So there's some lessons to be learned today:
1. babylegs make GREAT cast cozies/covers.
2. the super fabulous all encompassing one stop doctor shop sucked the big one today.
3. CHOP is great, especially when you get to go home, and your child goes home with you.
4. Ponchos will be coming back into style in our household for the next 4 weeks.
5. Chicken nuggets and fries cure all.
6. My daughter is the toughest kid on the face of this earth.

15 months later....

Wow, I haven't written much about the whole breast cancer thing in a while. There hasn't really been much to update about besides the blood work I get done every 6 weeks and the Herceptin treatment every 3 weeks. I have only 2 more Herceptin treatments to go, my last one will be December 28, 2009. I kinda got screwed over on the dosage schedule. Some doctors do just 17 treatments, some do a calendar year, but mine does it this way- my last dosage has to be after the date of my first dosage. My first one was December 15, 2008, #17 was November 16, 2009, #18 is December 7 and #19 is December 28. NINETEEN!!!!!


So here's an overview of my treatment so far:

1 mammogram
1 biopsy
1 CAT scan
1 MRI
1 bi-lateral radical mastectomy
1 power port insertion
3 echo cardiograms
4 chemo doses of Adriamycin
4 chemo doses of Cytoxan
4 chemo doses of Taxol
19 chemo doses of Herceptin
17 blood lab draws
332 Tamoxifen pills (to date)
1 Trans-esophageal echo cardiogram
1 MUGA Scan
1 genetic test
1 consult with Radiation Oncologist
1 consult with cancer genetics specialist
4 post-op follow up appointments with breast surgeon
1 consult with Gyn Oncologist for Oophorectomy procedure
1 consult with Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon

Today I had a follow up with Dr. Bob- my breast surgeon. He's awesome- what else can I say. He checked me out and said I look great- no lumps or bumps...and come back in a year. A YEAR! It amazes me that after all of this I'm pretty much just walking away, completely cured. No follow up mammograms, no MRIs, no ultrasounds, no scans, nothing. Just following up with Dr. Bob once a year.

The fun starts up again in January when I go into the hospital for a "2-for-1" surgery special. I am electing to have my ovaries and fallopian tubes removed now rather than wait until the typical age of "40". Because I am at an increased risk for ovarian cancer, and because that type of cancer isn't east to detect I am choosing to cut my losses. Plus I don't want to be the "1 in however many million patients" that would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 35- or whenever. True- I may never get ovarian cancer. But I feel like I have done anything and everything to live a healthy long life- why take any more chances. So I am having a laparoscopic Oophorectomy. Hopefully that goes better than my laparoscopic gallbladder surgery! Basically my surgeon will make 3 incisions - 1 in the bellybutton for the camera, 1 pinhole sized one for a tool and 1 1" or so one for the organ removal. It's an outpatient procedure. Crazy.

HOWEVER- I am doubling up procedures and starting my breast reconstruction at the same time. My plastic surgeon will be inserting skin expanders to stretch out my skin for some bionic silicone implants. That procedure requires a 2 night hospital stay. Yikes. Once the skin expanders are implanted, they are like little baggies that will be under my skin. Every 2 weeks I will go to the surgeon and have saline injected into them to slowly stretch the skin. Once I am happy with the size we wait about a month and then swap them out for the implants. The reconstruction is going to be a long, and uncomfortable process. And I'm sure it will give me lots to write about.

Look Out Picasso...

Allright- this drawing may not be on it's way to MoMA, but I'm always a fan of the subtleties in art. I went to The University of Kansas School of Fine Arts and have a BFA in Design, so it's no surprise to me that my 3 year old daughter has inherited my artistic flair.

Last week Lilly drew this picture, and what I love about it is this: not only did she draw a picture of me wearing a headband. She drew a Little Lesiw Bloom ON THE HEADBAND.


The best part- I wasn't even wearing a Bloom at the time. Headband- yes. Bloom- no.

Want your own Bloom? Swing by Little Lesiw's Etsy SALE and stock up on my favorite hair flair.

Could only happen to me- trip to NYC

A few weekends ago my parents were in town from Florida. We (and by that I mean - me plus my mom and dad) decided to take a bus tour up to NYC and see West Side Story. Mike LOATHES NYC (and musicals) so having my parents as Broadway buddies is great.

We typically take Hagey Tours to NYC, it's a great deal- for around $150 +/- you get round trip transportation from one of 3 pick up points in Montgomery/Bucks County, PA and your Broadway show tickets. They drop you off right in Times Square and pick you up in the same spot after the show. We usually leave around 9am, arrive in NYC around 11:30am and have time to grab a bite before the 2pm matinee. The bus is ready to head back home somewhere around 5:30pm.


This was NOT a typical trip:

Friday night - The whole family went out to dinner at a local pub. I get a salad, and apparently some e-coli on the side. The wrath of food poisoning is upon me.

Friday ALL NIGHT LONG - I pretty much set up camp in our bathroom.

Saturday morning - feeling better. Took some Compazine to aid with the nausea. I ate some breakfast and pondered staying home, but the Jets and Sharks are too tempting. I can suck it up for the day- right???

9am - we get to the Hagey Tours terminal in Franconia, PA. It's about 30 minutes from my house. I'm feeling ok. We board the bus and at the request of my dad find a nice quite row in the back of the bus (and kinda near the bathroom).

9:30am (ish) - we leave from the second pick up location and I feel sick- like really sick- the kind where you bust out in a sweat and turn green. I planned on bringing some little crafty things to sew while on the bus so I had made a little "fabric scrap" trash bin the night before out of some fabric remnants and stabilizer. That soon turned into a puke can as I heaved about 1/2 a gallon of ick into my newly constructed (fabric) trash can. Yea- nothing better than being an adult and throwing up- on a bus, an hour from your house, with your mom and dad (and a bus of strangers) staring at you. We pull into the 3rd pick up spot (a grocery store parking lot) and my mom and I dart off the bus. Mostly so we can dispose of my 3lbs of vomit. But also so I can get some fresh air and hope that this is going to do the trick. I'm thinking well- I can either get off the bus and wait here for Mike (and Lilly) come and pick my up- which will be about an hour, plus and hour home OR I can take my chances and continue to NY. Crazy me- I continue on. My rationing- I never threw up while getting chemo, so a little food poisoning can't stop me!

11am- we get to Manhattan in record time. One of my friends from High School just moved to NYC this summer so we had made plans to meet up for lunch. I also wanted to stop at the American Girl Store to pick up Lilly's Christmas gift: 12pm - I'm feeling ok, I made the walk up to Rockefeller Plaza and got in and out of the AG store without being mauled by the insanely hyper tweens. On my way back to Times Square I pick up 2 Pashminas for $5 each from a street vendor. Hey- it's $5!!!! I get to Blockheads where my friend Austin and I agreed to meet and it's raining off and on. I'm enjoying the city, catching up on my e-mails and watching the street meat vendor across the way. The most amazing thing happened- a car pulled up to the curb- rolled down his window and ordered lunch! And just sat there for like 7 minutes while the guy grilled up his sandwich. Amazing.

1pm - Austin and I have lunch, it was so much fun catching up. It really felt like no time had past, even though we hadn't seen each other in person for 13 years!!!! After lunch we walk to the theater and say our goodbyes.

2pm - Showtime. The show was ok, they took a lot of creative liberties. I thought the Jets were a little "soft". The female Sharks were great. A large portion of the show was in Spanish, which is ok - if you know Spanish. I was a little disappointed when they sang I Feel Pretty- in Spanish.

4:45pm - The show ends, we go outside, and it's raining. The bus is not picking us up until 6pm, so we decided to walk across the street and grab a drink at the Renaissance Hotel. It's UBER Modern. I sip a ginger ale, still feel sick.

6pm - on the way home. It's raining...a lot.

8pm- Somewhere around New Hope, PA our bus drives through what can only be described as a river on the highway. About 20 minutes or so later- the lights, fan and engine all turn off. We are COASTING to a stop....in the rain. We stop- no kidding- in front of a fire station:


You might think that the firemen would come to aid us, but they have other plans. THE FREAKIN FIRE SIREN GOES OFF!!!! Our bus is smack in the middle of the parking lot- in front of the garages. As the firemen all arrive, and gear up , we all watch- stranded in our bus, as they inch the firetruck around our bus. Our bus driver is trying desperately to fix the bus (in the rain). My mom has somehow turned into a tour bus mechanic and won't stop saying "that doesn't sound good", or "I knew there was something wrong". We're about 45 minutes from the bus terminal, and it's 8pm on a Saturday night. Miraculously, the bus driver gets us going.

8:40pm- We drive about 2 miles and the bus dies again. Believe it or not- in front of ANOTHER fire station:

9:30pm- a NEW bus comes. We all get on the new bus and it gets us back to the bus terminal.

11pm- we get home.

World Series Game 4

We were lucky enough to get two tickets for Game 4 of the Phillies/Yankees World Series. We were unlucky enough to see the Phillies lose to the Yankees in the 9th.

Adios hair-fro.

Yes- I realize that I just got a hair cut 2 weeks ago. But while on vacation I realized that my hair-fro is so incredibly out of control that I really don't want to deal with it right now. Unfortunately when I decided this (at - oh - 8pm on a Saturday) my salon wasn't going to be open until Tuesday, so I had to wait! I didn't trust going somewhere else for an "emergency" cut, and I wasn't ready to get out the electric clippers and pull a Britney (again). Shaving my head bald once in a lifetime is enough- thank you. So when the salon finally opened on Tuesday I called and got an appointment for the next day.

So here's the "hair-fro before" pics (from Bermuda last week) and the "pixie cut after" pics (from today).



I know people are thinking- why did you chop off your hair - you were SO CLOSE! But here's the thing- I HATED it.

I LOVED what it used to be, and it's not the same. My hair fell out over a year ago. I shaved my head, walked around bald, wore a wig, wore caps, the whole 9 yards. It started growing back in the very beginning of this year, and it took it's sweet time doing so. The whole time my hair was just growing in I hated it. I hated it because I had absolutely no control over it. I couldn't do anything with it besides rub in some pomade and put on a headband. As it grew long(er), it got bigger, and puffier, and curlier. I was all of a sudden faced with this mop of hair that was taking control! I absolutely had to blow dry and flat iron it every day. If I let it air dry I looked like Richard Simmons....NOT a good look!


So last week when I realized that I had a CHOICE to go back to the pixie cut, it seemed perfect. Especially since I have this rockin' wig that's just sitting on a styrofoam headform on my dresser. Kim from the Real Housewives of Atlanta wears a wig, why can't I! (I think Kim should get some of my headbands to wear with her wigs too!!!)

I thought I could get the best of both worlds- a no hassle super short 'do, and a "perfect every day" long hair wig look! So watch out now- you never know what look I'll be sporting from day to day....hey, this might actually work...no more strangers approaching me at Bed Bath and Beyond asking me if I'm The Diaper Bag Wrangler!!!!

Fab Find - Ott's Exotic Plants (where mums is mums)

It's amazing what you find if you take the scenic route every now and then. We have lived in our house for over 2 years, and I never even KNEW this place existed. It's not even 7 miles from our house! Ott's Exotic Plants in located on Rt 29 in Schwenksville, PA at Plank Rd. Words can not even begin to explain the beauty you encounter here. There is a "mum hill" in the fall that has a pathway going across the top and sides, a tunnel that runs through the base of the hill, plus an indoor waterfall and unbelievable plants. I have no idea what any of these plants are called, but they are incredible, you really have to see this place in person.

Fab Find - Bogs

A few weeks ago, Mike got a Bass Pro catalog in the mail. (um- this is nothing new at our house, as we get at least 1 Bass Pro/Cabela's/Orvis/Field and Stream/PA Angler or something or other in the mail on a daily basis.) But as we were flipping through the catalog at dinner I spotted something unique- Bogs.



I am INCREDIBLY picky about footwear. I prefer comfort to style, but I also have a hard time finding something that fits my oh-so-sensitive feet. I hate boots because they rub on my ankles and feel tight on my calves. So this whole Bogs thing was going to be quite the adventure.

Living in the Northeast we get all the horrid weather- rain for a week, nor'easters, snow blizzards, and random 60 degree days in January. So having boots is a prerequisite. I unfortunately never really bought a pair- and would still shovel the driveway in my rubber and leather Bass Duck Shoes that I bought in college. Not too practical for going out in 8" of snow. Not too warm either....

So when I saw the Bogs- and the fact that they are waterproof, non-slip, non-marking, anti-microbial and comfort tested to -40 degrees. I was hooked- PLUS the fact that they come in some SWEET prints and colors!!! The tops of these boots are not only neoprene, so they are breathable, but they have handles cut in- how cool! Uh- downside- a tad bit pricey about $100 for either the Hi or Mid Classic Boots.

Today I was at DSW and saw...the BOGS!!!! Unfortunately they only has 1 style- the Classic Hi 14"Boot, but in the print I wanted. So I tried it on, for size and to see if I would even like them. Uh can you say- H-E-A-V-E-N! I was so excited... Their price was about $85, $15 less than reg. retail. I decided to come home and do some recon, I wanted to get the Classic Mid Boot, It's about 10" high and I thought it would be easier to wear with jeans and stuff.

Thank goodness for Zappos!!!! I found exactly what I wanted today, free shipping, free returns, you can't go wrong....
I'll be sure to post some pics when they come in the mail...should be here Tuesday!

Adventures in Couponing

Apparently we're in a recession....so I'm doing my part to help cut back on our household expenses by couponing, and matching those coupons to the weekly grocery ads. I follow the website MAMA CHEAPS and there are tons of tips, reviews and giveaways posted every day.

Tonight I made a quick trip to Acme to get a few things that were a) on sale and/or b) I had coupons for. The only item that I did not have coupons for was the Del Monte fruit cups, but they were on sale for $1 each.

So I spent $29.04 and SAVED $43.63!!!

crazy storm

We live in the boonies...not really...just the far reaches of the Philadelphia suburbs. Saturday night I took the dog for a walk and turned our corner and there was the most ominous line of black clouds coming our way. It was straight out of Independence Day or some other apocalyptic movie. Before I could get back inside to grab the camera, the line of clouds had moved to the other side of our house and was getting blocked by roofs, and the rain started. So this was all I could get:

Strange Experience at Comcast

From time to time, I like to write about things that would only happen to me, or are totally bizarre. Today gave me one of those experiences. First- let me tell you a little back story....

In 2003 we bought a HD tv when they first came out. It weighs 123 lbs. We had been talking about getting a new tv for a few months and found a great deal on amazon.com for a 46" Samsung tv, with no tax, free shipping, a free Blu-Ray player and 1 free HDMI cable. So we ordered it. The tv is being delivered by "white glove" courier tomorrow where they come in and set it up...all that fun stuff. To make room for the new tv, we had to move the old 123lb behemoth to the basement, which required the assistance of our next door neighbor. In the meantime we moved our tiny 20-some inch tv (that I bought "off the shelf" in college) into the family room. It's like musical tvs.

So here's where the strange part begins. We have a HD cable box from Comcast that is really out of date. Recently it started powering off whenever it felt like it. It especially liked to shut off when I was about 60 minutes into a on-demand movie. Whenever it did this, there was no memory of where the movie stopped so I would have to start over and fast forward to where the power went off. So with the new tv coming, we thought "enough was enough" and wanted to exchange the box for a new one with the HDMI outputs. So Mike called Comcast and they told him that we could just bring the box to a local office for an exchange.

Today I was going to be in Norristown so I thought I'd stop by the Comcast office there and make the exchange. I had never been to a Comcast office before, so I wasn't really sure what to expect...maybe something like a post office??? When I walked in the door, there were signs plastered everywhere to take a number. There was a little kiosk with 3 buttons- cable, internet, phone. So I selected "cable" and it spit out a ticket. Ahead of me was a WALL of plexi-glass, with about 6 customer service stations set up. Each station had a plexi-door box that you could only open one side at a time- like at a city bank. I'm thinking- is this Fort Knox???? I'm at COMCAST- right??? Over to the side they have a LOUNGE set up- with a computer, flat screen tv and 2 leather chairs. This is not making sense. All the bullet proof security plexi and they have about $4,000 worth of amenities set out for their customers enjoyment???

So my number is called, and there's a computerized voice that says " number zero, three, five" and there's a flashing sign above the station that I have to go to. So I have my "old" cable box in a beach bag and I approach the plexi wall and I don't really see a microphone thingy- like how they are at the movies. There's actually more plexiglass layered with a round cutout so you can "hear" each other. So I tell the lady that I want to exchange my "old" HD box for a new one with HDMI outputs. She then goes on to tell me that even with the HDMI box, I won't get any better picture quality. HUH??? I explain that we purchased a new tv with the HDMI plugs and I'd like a new box. So she tells my to put the old cable box through the door.

In the meantime a crazy lady comes in and wants to pay $20 towards her cable bill, so she starts spouting off her account number and says she'll be back with the other $100 on Saturday. Where AM I????

Lilly is climbing all over the leather chairs and keeps pulling at my shirt to show me Kung Fu Panda (she's never seen it, so how she knows what it is- I have no clue). My customer service lady comes back with a new -shrinkwrapped- cable box plus an HDMI cable. She sends it through the plexi door and has me sign an exchange receipt.

First I was shocked at how simple the transaction was. For all the nonsense that the cable company USUALLY makes you go through, this was a piece of cake. Then I thought about the bizarre land that I just entered and was just confused about the dichotomy of plexiglass security and leather chairs.

Treasured Twice Fall Consignment Sale

Click on the image above to go to the Treasured Twice Website.

Birthday, Vacation and the Etsy SuPErCrAzy SALE

Time is never on my side. We were snowed in yesterday, Lilly's school was closed today and I have less than a week to get everything wrapped up before we leave for vacation!

1. Birthday - Lilly's 3rd Birthday is tomorrow. Unfortunately Mike has to take the train up to NYC for a meeting. He should be home for dinner...crossing fingers there's no delay. We're celebrating her birthday over the weekend with our PA family and friends. She'll celebrate Part 2 of her birthday in FL next week.

2. Vacation- oh how I need the Florida sunshine! Since my cancer treatment pretty much has canceled all travel since August, we're headed on a SUPER FAMILY VACATION next week! Me, Mike, Lilly and Grandmom (Mike's mom) are all headed down to Boca Raton, FL to see Mom-mom (my mom) and G-daddy (my dad)! We'll spend a few days there and then we're all caravan-ing to Orlando for a weekend at DISNEY WORLD!!! Lilly talks non stop about Cinderella's Castle, I can't wait to see her face when she standing right in front of it!

3. The Etsy S u P E r C r A Z y SALE- The sale starts on March 22. Everything is first come, first served! We are discontinuing a lot of patterns this time, so stock up on gifts or things for yourself!

So much to say!!

Here's a recap of things going on in my "never a dull moment" life:

1. My brother bought a house in Harleysville. Here's the funny part- I went with Andy and Luana when they had narrowed down their home search to the "final 2 houses". The first house I forbid them to buy, it was a potential black hole of home improvements. The second house was awesome... and it turns out the current homeowner is one of Mike's buyers at work. She sits right next to Mike, crazy...huh...

2. My nose hairs fell out. I noticed this on Sunday and it was a little creepy. My nose had been a little more runny than usual. I looked in the mirror and something just wasn't right. Ah yes... missing the nose hairs. I hope when they grow back it's not as itchy as my eyebrows, eyelashes and everything else (yeah, right). I'll probably be rubbing my nose constantly - hopefully people will not think I'm a coke addict. That's not what I need right now!

3. Happy Anniversary. Mike and I celebrated out 7 year wedding anniversary on Sunday. I still joke that it's not legal since the guy who married us in Vegas was a little....uh....shady. So to celebrate, my friend Danielle GRACIOUSLY offered to take Lilly to a train show with her 3 kids and then to dinner with her parents. I think she's crazy, but it was great being kid free for like 8 hours! Mike and I went to Morton's for yummy (but insanely overpriced) steaks.

4. Genetic stuff. I met with the genetic counselor at the cancer center yesterday. We did a family tree and are going to trace the BRCA2 gene within my family. So my dad (the more likely carrier between him and my mom) and my brother are going to get tested. I still think that I'm the first generation carrier, so we'll see how this all pans out. My next stop is to meet with a Oncology Gynecologist to see what he has to say about my ovaries. Ovarian cancer typically is diagnosed around age 40, so the "guidelines" recommend having the surgery at age 38-40 or when you're done having children. There's a lot more that I want to say about all of this, so I'm going to post more after I meet with the Onc/Gyn.

5. Herceptin treatment #3. I had this dose on Monday. It went well except my IV wasn't flowing. I guess at some point the needle might have popped out a little or the tubing was tangled....who knows. There was a backlog of fluid in the little drip catch so my nurse had to push the needle back in a few times and tape up the IV line. Once we got it straightened out we were back in business. The only side effects I have from the treatment is sleepiness (it that a word?) which leads me to the next item...

6. Power "Napping". I was really tired last night, so when Mike got home last night I asked him to take over cooking dinner so I could go lie down in bed. He begged me to "nap" on the sofa, to which I said, no way. Here's the thing, sometimes I just need my soft, comfy, warm and QUIET bed. So at 6:30pm I went upstairs for a quick "nap". Uhhhh, right.....Mike tried to wake me up for dinner but I was just too tired. I woke up...in the same clothes I wore all day yesterday...at 7:30am today.

7. Apron Sale - The Diaper Bag Wrangler Apron Sale ends this Saturday 1/31/09. All aprons are on sale for 25% off (reg. $23, now $17.25). Since I love my bloggy readers so much, I'll let you know that for the month of February, all Diaper and Wipes Organizers will be on sale for just $10!!!

8. Joining the Gym. I have gained 15 pounds since chemo treatment started. Most of it is from the steroids, but this is just getting out of control. I NEVER EVER thought I'd do this, but I am joining the gym. I actually tried to join this morning, but the registration guy wasn't in until 1pm. Curse you Anytime Fitness!!! "Anytime" my hiney!!! All I want to do is get on that treadmill and get rid of this jiggle that does not belong on my body!!! My plan is to go when Lilly's in school and then 1 day on the weekend.

Fabric Mission Accomplished!!

Whaddyaknow-

I found a bolt of that elusive cupcake fabric today!



Fabric crisis averted! I also got a bunch of empty bolt boards from the fabric store so I can clean up my fabric shelf!

Ahhh...it was a good day.

Not only did I find the fabric, I also picked up a beautiful print from my friend and local artist Amy. You can see her artwork and crafty things here. P.S. she's having a sale....



From Amy's place I picked up my sister-in-law and headed over to my Aunt's for my cousin's bridal shower. Man was it a packed house! My cousin got some awesome gifts...but I have no idea where they are going to put everything...a storage locker???

One thing at the shower really made me laugh..my Aunt has the same obsession with those Haribo Fruit Salad Candies that my mom does. She had a container of them on her kitchen shelf. It makes me realizes that they really ARE sisters, no matter how UNBELIEVABLY different they are. I think my mom has those candies on hand at all time, and when she found out that the Giant by my house sells them in the bulk candy section for $2.79/lb. no trip to PA is complete without buying a stockpile.