babycakes_388

09:31 am: Yesterday started off as a good day.  Work was work...awesome!  We celebrated Tom's birthday a day early since he isnt working today.  That was fabulous.  Grandma and Grandpa came up from Florida yesterday...I was happy about that too.  Then I got home...

Last week, Missy (our family dog -a golden retriever/lab mix)  was diagnosed with a UTI...she got pills for it. Ok  cool.  Now, Missy's  stomach as been on the big- side since the beginning of the summer...we thought she was just getting old and fat.  I mean, she still acted like a puppy, running around-sometimes with Bruce...until yesterday.  I got home, and she was just lying in the living room (which was normal)...so I didnt think anything of it.  Then when 5pm rolled around I made up her food (which normally she would be ecstatic about)...but she didn't budge for it.  It was almost like she was "unresponsive" to her surroundings.  She didnt go near her food nor did she respond to me and my brother calling her name.  I felt her stomach...which felt like bubbles were inside her.  She was jittery and shaking everytime we touched her belly.  Her breathing was kind of off too.  So at this point. Im crying hysterically because I KNOW that theres something wrong with her.  Mom comes home, and calls the vet.  Dr Caputo admitted her as a "Priority"...which scared me even more.  Mom took her to the vet and told us to go visit our grandparents at Aunt Marlenes.  So we did.

We told Grandma and Aunt Marlene what was up, and, like Grandma, she started talking about Death.  I wanted to tell her to SHUT UP...I mean...WHAT THE HELL?!?!  Kyle knew I was beginning to get upset again, so he just clenched my arm.  An hour at Aunt Marlenes went by when Mom called the house.  Aunt Marlene took the call...so we had to hear second hand from her.  Damnit to hell.  When she told us that the vet just put Missy on meds and that she was going for an ultrasound the next day (and overall she was ok)...I KNEW she was witholding information from my brother, my sister, and I.  Clearly I was pissed at her.  We get home, Mom and Dad are laying with Missy in the living room...and they "have to talk to us".  I couldnt face them so I immediatly turned my back from them.  Mom told us that "Missy wasnt well"...and that she has an enormous tumor in her stomach/spleen area.  You couldnt console me if you tried...I was hysterical.   The fact that my dog is suffering from a TUMOR made it so much worse. It made me question it all.  Why was I able to survive 2 and my dog is going to die from 1 !?!?!   It really isnt fair.    The vet gave the 2 options of (1) being that she gets surgery.  The thing is, she may not come out of the surgery at all...given the procedure and her age.  PLUS IF she came out of the surgery ok...she would be in recovery for 3 months...being miserable.   Great.  Then WHY THE FUCK GIVE US THAT OPTION?!?!   (2) We put her down.   No one wants her to suffer...but I question putting her down as an ethical one.  My family does too.  Today she is comfortable,  laying down and drinking water from time to time...not eating.  My dad is going to talk to the vet today to see if we can manage her pain with pills.  

Im just praying that she dies peacefully here...in her home...with her family.  I dont have the stomach or heart to "put her down".  The next few days...even hours...are going to be solemn and crucial. 

I am very very sad and cannot stop crying.  Our last dog, Kasey, died when I was younger.  I remember the morning we found him in the basement...and I cant get it out of my head.  That, and the day we got Missy.   

On top of all of this, it is my Grandmom's birthday AND Tommy's  AND its Carter's first birthday on Sunday...Im  not excited for any of them...even though I should be.  :(

09:54 pm: Anthony : How does he ride it?? Dead or Alive. :-P
Sometimes I like to reflect what I was doing a year...maybe 2...in this case...3 yrs ago...to the day.  Its a scary thing...what had happened then.  BUT the weirdest part about today was....I called my cousin, Nicole.  OF ALL THE DAYS to call her....3 yrs ago to the day...I did the same thing....for a much worse thing that is.   I hung up with her...noticed the date...and couldnt believe it.  She really helped me out that day...and I'll just never forget that.  For whatever reason, Ive been thinking about it...the decision...alot.  Ive always known it was the right one...and I dont know why I was thinking about it a few days ago.  Maybe its because I work in a hospital??

But...when I think about it and ALL of the factors...hell...it WAS the right decision.  I just thought it was ironic how I called Nicole today...probably the same exact time as 3 yrs ago.

ANYWAY...
Tara's,Tom, Esther,Marty, and Anthony made this a good day.   Happy Hour at Tara's was....FABULOUS!  The best one yet.  Tom and Anthony are so much fun...and Esther too.  She's my Carla Espinosa!  hahaha!! 

Tom and I are going to the movies tomorrow night...since we both have off....but we're not sure what to see.  Frankly, I havent watched tv (except for The Office and the Debate(s) ) nor have I kept track of what movies are out.  Since the Dark Knight....who cares?!  :-P 


I leave with this....Batgirl in the Pharmacy?!?

07:15 pm: update.

Life is good.  This summer went by SO fast!  I enjoyed it...for what it was. Highlights?!  Sure...why not.

1.) Hung out with my best friends AND ex boyfriend, Bryan, for a good portion of the summer. (PS...Iron Man sucked! lol)
2.) Went to the premiere of THE DARK KNIGHT....LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
3) Since then, Linds and I have been having Christian Bale movie marathons every Friday/Saturday....LOVE CHRISTIAN & LINDSAY!!!
4.) Went ot Montana with CBTF (the Childrens Brain Tumor Foundation) ....had THEE best time....and now have friends for life!! <3
5.) Got the Pharmacy Tech position at Mather...Ive been working everyday since July....and I LOVE IT!! 
6.) Tom. <3
7.) Camping out in Montauk with the Fam AND spending days out on the boat with daddy's family.
8.) Getting my " Victoria Beckham" style haircut from my cousin, Nicole <3
9.) Moms family reunion AND a partial reunion with my dad's extended family (shoutout to Uncle Frankie and Uncle Jack!!)
10.) Uncle Frankie and Patty are engaged!!! Wedding next October....CANT WAIT!!
11.) Going on a plane by myself (aka going to Montana)
12.) CAPTAINNNNN!!!   (aka...AMAZING times in Montana with the "TRI CREW")
13.) Being with Bruce Wayne, playing with him, and watching him grow....love my little man!!
14.) Bruce and Riley playdates.  haha.


That basically sums up the summer.  GREAT times were had.  Lets see...oh wait what did I find out today....

....Im going to be one of the reps for CBTF at either the Early Show, the Today Show, or Good Morning America on Friday for "Stand Up for Cancer" day.  Keep an eye out.  I have to be in the city by 6:15 in the morning....and the TRI CREW will be reunited :)

Because he is one of my all time heroes/idols, Im reading "The Ryan White Story: My Story" and I mention this to my parents last night.  My dad tells me that I met Ryan while I was getting chemo at NYU back in...'91.  A bunch of news cameras were there following him around and everything.  NYU was, I believe, the ONLY hospital that had this experimental drug to prolong the lives of Aids patients...but wasnt entirely FDA approved yet.   Unfortunately, Ryan was turned down for that request because the FDA wouldnt allow the drug getting tested on a child...as it was only used on adults.  I had no idea up until last night that I saw this wonderful kid....AT MY HOSPITAL...while I was being treated for cancer!  He is truly an inspiration to me.  He really really is. 

On a lighter note...I LOVE my job!   I LOVE the people there.  I LOVE what I do there.  My boss is the sweetest woman in the world and so is everyone else. Im part of the crew now.  I go out to lunch with the girls from work, I go out bowling with the guys at work, I even go to Happy Hour with the "cool" people from work.  It is amazing.  I dont even mind going into work the next day....like I'll do a 4-12 midnight shift and will have to work the 8am-4pm shift the next day...and I dont care!  Absolutely love it.



PS.   Bruce hasnt been neutered yet....soon though.  He's doing the nasty...and its not fun. lol.  <3

10:11 pm: I'll come back...when you call me...
 SOOOOOO....

Yesterday, I got a call from Human Resources at Mather offering me the position of Pharmacy Tech in the hospital.  Oh yeah...I accepted!   I am so excited.  The interviewing process began in February for this position.  Mather is slow with giving clearance to hire and all...BUT this couldnt have come at a better time. I mean, I had surgery in March so if I got the job then...it wouldnt really work out.  Im pretty much recovered from surgery so its great!  

Everything's falling into place so nicely.

Right now, Im getting $16 an hour!!  I get a $1.50 more just b/c I took the NHA test for Pharmacy Techs.  Im so glad I took that course this past fall.  :)  I had to get a drug test today...then when those results come in I get a physical and after those results come in...my director will put me on the schedule for training (first) and set me up with an ID badge, parking permit, etc.  What timing.  I'll probably start when I get back from camping out in Montauk.

Im really looking forward to camping out there.  I miss it.  I miss the beach, I miss the campground, I miss the feeling of isolation.  TREVOR will be out there in about 2 weeks too....doing his lifeguard thing and all. Its going to be absolutely wonderful to hang out with him for the entire week!   Devans coming out for the Shark Tournie Weekend.  My uncle Chris is entered in the Tournament...as per usual.  What a party its going to be.  CANT WAIT!!  

The only thing....I dont want to leave Bruce :(   I wish I could take him with me!  He's only 5 lbs for crying out loud!  I have a problem with the camp policy on that one.

This past week has been so great...seeing everyone and catching up.  Aside from hanging out with my dear dear friends, having a new job, and caring for Bruce Wayne, I am also getting ready to go to FL in July w/ my Uncles for my Great Uncles retirement party.  ALSO, Im slowly but surely getting ready to go to Montana to CAMP-MAK-A-DREAM through the Childrens Brain Tumor Foundation.  I was selected to go to the Survivor Conference and speak to the younger kids going through what I went through 19 years ago.  Im alittle nervous...but at the same time honored to be asked to do this.  OH OH....Devan and I ARE DEFINETLY going into the city for the premeire of The Dark Knight!!  AHHHHH...soooooooooooooooo excited!!

 This summer's going to be a great one...I can tell.

02:33 pm:

SO...an update thus far...

My surgery went well.  I almost died the next day, but whatever.  I tried walking down the hall, but the pain was so bad that I couldn't breathe at all.  The crash cart came in.  It was really scary. I would go into how you shouldnt take anything for granted in this life, but I'll save that for a different time.  I spent an overall 3 days in the hospital, surrounded by family and friends, it wasnt that bad.  Not even spending Easter in the hospital was that bad.  (You really cant top spending your FIRST birthday hooked up to IV's and such.)  Im still in pain...the doctor says it should last for a year or so.  That part sucks.  I have 3 nice scars to show for it!   :-P

Wow...I cant believe that was 2 months ago!  

On another note...I got a puppy!  He's my very own.  His name is...get this...Bruce Wayne.  haha.  I love Batman!  :-P  What a responsibility he is.  I absolutely LOVE having that kind of responsibility for another living breathing thing.  I love him to death!  I think of him as my baby...I rock him to sleep and sing him lullabies.  Hey, he's only 3 months old.  :)  My little Havanese came in from a breeder in South Dakota...crazy stuff.  He's small and so playful.  He loves to be with me...and around people for that matter.  Word has it that this breed is supposed to be THEE dog to have (in the Toy Dog Group).  He and Missy get along fine...its just that Missy's older and she doesnt want to be bothered with him sometimes.  They're so cute though.    Lindsay just got a Havanese too, so hopefully our boys will get along great!  :)

I basically have the job in the Mather Pharmacy...I am very very excited!  I have to schedule a final interview with the Pharmacy Director next week.  

Im going to Disney tomorrow!!  Karly didn't want a Sweet Sixteen party party...she just wanted to go to Disney with her best friend, Paige.  So thats what she's doing.  I am so excited...this marks my 13th time going.  We were supposed to go in March,  but then we found out that my lung collapsed and I was getting surgery on the day our trip was scheduled!  Oh well.    I cant get enough of that place!  Im also looking forward to the WARM & SUNNY weather!  The only thing Im not looking forward to is leaving Bruce.   My Aunt Laurie and Uncle Charlie are watching him over at their house.   My cousin Nicole got a teacup Yorkie, named Harley so hopefully they'll get along.  My cousin Chad also stepped on Harley so hopefully he won't step on Bruce (who's only 4 lbs right now).   God help him if he does!  lol.  

I cant believe how fast time went.  Summer's here already.   Im so glad that everyone's home now.  It's going to be an absolutely AMAZING summer....full of "sophistication"  and all!   :-P

<3

 

PS.  SO SO SO excited for The Dark Knight... less than 2 months!!!  Devie and I are making it our business to go to the NYC premiere!  Hell Yeah!

10:54 pm: Its all part of the plan...
 Its almost here.  Less than 8 hours. I have to be at the hospital by 6am and I figure I'll be in surgery by 8am.  Ive been nervous all week...headaches and all. It's now all about anticipation.  Im scared, but I have a great surgeon, a great family and friends, and my Faith to get ne through the 3 days in the hospital. 

Im anxious.  I just want to get it over with...but then again...I dont want to go at all.  This makes 3 major surgeries...hopefully 3 times a charm...and no more will come my way.














PS. I miss Dan Martin and bestest friend, Andrew.  I cant wait until we go out again!  <3

04:43 pm: I like living chancey...Harlem to Delancy.
 I just got back from the Doctor.  We basically spent nearly an hour talking about the pros and cons of getting surgery ASAP and waiting until I get another "episode".  He recommends that I get surgery now b/c Ive had this twice.  Waiting for the third episode may be more life threatening.  I have numerous cysts around my lung (which couldve made it collapse)...but thank God all are benign.

So, my parents wil call tomorrow and schedule the surgery for next week.  I'll be in the hospital for about 3-4 days. Im glad its going to happen after my birthday.  

Its been an emotional week for me and my family.  Hopefully 3rd times a charm and I wont get anything ever again!  

Ive been through enough. 

<3

05:40 pm: Will You Swear You Wont Forget Me...

Saturday night was the MPFD Installation Dinner.  I wasnt going to go at first as per my parents.  My mom was worried that I would end up in the ER that night if I did anything to further damage my collapsed lung.   Thank goodness, they saw it my way and let me go.  Devan was my date...we had such a great time.  I have to say that this years was so much better than last years!  I cant put my finger on why it was, but it was.   Hell yeah like I was going to not go to this dinner JUST b/c of my lung...pssh...I have another one. 

God really loves me and he works in the most mysterious of ways.  I didnt like Suffolk...I never did.  Once youve had a taste of dorming...you'd prefer that over commuting...at least for me.  Well, my collapsed lung has prevented me from returning to school so I thought I could just finish the courses online.  My mom was on the phone with all the Dept Heads and they all said it cant be done.  Im losing out another semester...but it's all for the best I think.  I'll get to work full time rather than part time ...after my surgery and recovery. And I'll also be able to devote more time to my EMT class.  It should be good.

I say it should be good...and I am being positive...but I am very very nervous about (1) having a collapsed lung and (2) getting surgery.  I was too young to remember my brain tumor and I was even still young to be this emotional about my ovarian tumor.  I worry too much.  I was devastated when my cousin Chad got a form of Hodgkins disease and now Im really worried for myself.  I mean, this is my lung.  Something could go wrong in surgery...its surgery for crying out loud.  Waiting for it to get done is another story.  Im not allowed to do anything strenuous...Im afraid to do anything for fear that my cyst will burst inside of my lung and turn this whole thing into more of a life threatening thing than it already is.   I dont want to talk about my worries with my parents b/c I dont want them to see me worry and inturn make them worry.  My siblings are out of the question to talk to about it.  I have no one to talk to about this except on here. 

Tomorrow I go back for a follow up xray and then Thursday is my appointment w/ the Thoraxic Specialist.  I really hope I can wait to get this surgery until after my birthday on Sunday.  That would suck major.  We had to cancel our trip to FL b/c of my lung (since it was supposed to be in 3 weeks.)  It sucks, BUT we're all going to Disney in May for Karly's 16th Birthday...which is wonderful!  There are alot of things that I am looking forward to in the next few months...all of it seems too good to be true.  

Thats what scares me.

02:00 pm: So last month I had this random pain on the left side of my chest.  The pain was so bad that I couldnt move my arm or breathe w/o it hurting.  It eventually went away, but not before hearing "popping" sounds coming from my chest while lying on my back.  I just thought it was a random muscle spasm that some people get.  Yesterday, the pain came back and it still hurts today.  I went to my math class this morning, but decided to go home and skip the rest of my afternoon classes b/c the pain was really bad when I walked.  PLUS the "popping" sound annoyed me.  I went to the doctor who referred me to get an X-ray.  

After I got home, my doctor called with the results and said that I had to go back and get another X-ray and that I have a collapsed lung.   It upset me alot b/c  anything wrong with me and my body upsets me greatly.  I am now waiting for the Thoraxic doctor to call and make an appointment to see me and my parents to examine me and determine what the next step is whether it be surgery or ongoing X-rays.  Im not scared.  The weird/funny thing is that I was expecting something "weird" to happen to me soon.  After cancer, ten years later I had the ovarian tumor, and now nearly ten years later I have this.  To me, it was inevitable.  


What upsets me the most is seeing my family reacting to this.  My sister stayed home from school today anyway and was here when I got the news.  She called into work crying while talking to Kyle Markott.  Kyle said "if theres anything we (Gios) could do...let us know."  Its kind of sweet.  My brother is at school, but found out through my sister and is sick to his stomach with worry. With everything thats happened to me, he worries about anything thats happened to me.  My parents are a whole other story. My dad was working home today, so he took me to the appointments and of course he's worried.  My mom left work early to meet us at the X-ray place and was crying on the phone to my dad.  I dont like having my family worrying about me like that...it doesnt make it easier for me.  Thats what family is for I guess.

Ive always been a strong person...this wont change that.  The way I see it is that this is a piece of cake compared to my cancer and ovarian tumor.  Hopefully, Im right.

The Thoraxic doctor just called so Im on my way to see him.  

<3

10:56 pm: Today  was a good day.  I mean, this Valentines Day was just awesome!  I stayed home from school just because and spent the afternoon driving out east to give Valentines to my cousins.  Family is a good time!   On my way home I stopped at Blockbuster to rent 2 movies for just whenever. I also FINALLY got a membership card for there....I feel so special.  :-P  .  What sucked was that the ONLY movie I went to Blockbuster for...they didnt have.  Yep, no Newsies! :(   Oh well.

After dinner, I get a call from the one and only Michael Schuster asking me to come down to the Yacht Club to celebrate his birthday.  Granted his birthday was about 2 weeks ago, but he hasnt been home for me and the rest of the crew (minus ex boyfriend, Bryan) to celebrate with.  It was good seeing Jeff and Vinny and of course Mike again...its been awhile.  Everything just feels good when we are all together...I cant even explain it.  

This Valentines Day just seemed better than last years.  I spent some time with the family and got to be with my boys (minus one). PLUS I got some REALLY lovely Valentines messages from people (one being from one, Mr. Joe Denninger lol.) Loved it all !!!   <3

SOOOOO....Suffolk sucks for this reason...I cant go to Barbados tomorrow w/ my cousins b/c I cant miss a week of classes.  Ugh.  Thank you, Suffolk!  God, I cant wait until the fall...then Im out!  Im more excited b/c I have a specific school in mind to transfer to...its ideal. 

I have an interview for a pharmacy tech position at  Mather next week...Im really excited about that!  

Oh yeah by the way,  the guy in my business class that randomly started talking to me the first day appears to really like me.   Its really funny...Bryan reminded me of Christian Bale ( <3) and this guy reminds me of Eli Manning ( <3 ) only with dark hair...which makes it better.  :-P  We'll see what happens. 

BUT...


....he says he's been thinking about me...and I love it! <3

11:12 pm:  I am so freakin happy!!  What a year to get into football...my GIANTS won!!  Eli is MVP...Tom Petty was the Half Time Show!!  It was such an awesome Super Bowl!!!!  NY just kicks ass!!! :-P



<3 <3

10:38 pm: What an AMAZING game!!

Yeah GIANTS!!!!!!!!!!!!   


<3

09:09 pm:  I just seemed so happy today for some reason...I could not stop laughing or smiling.  Seeing you today, hearing you call my name...yeah, that got me in a great mood. I cant stop.  Now you're really here and its so wonderful!!  <3 Im so happy because of you, but I cant help but coming back to solmn thoughts. 

I cant stop thinking about my "older" brother and his younger siblings.   And whats going on with them.  I cant stop thinking about the January months before.  January represents big bumps in the road in the 'Story of My Life'.  

January.  The biggest bump was getting diagnosed with childhood cancer 19 years ago. 

January.  Junior Year.  Something else happened in my life that emotionally changed it.  I trusted my friends with what I told them...it blew up in my face.  Things got better, but that January taught me valuable life lessons.

January.  Senior Year. It was a foggy morning, Selene wasnt going that fast down my road.  Rita and her sister claimed she almost got hit. Whatever. Things were said that shouldnt have been said. Left school early. Nearly on house arrest. Parents were...well...mad and upset when I told them it was true. I finally went back to school. Things calmed down.   Dad talked to then boyfriend. He really impressed my dad with his understanding of the situation and what he had said to him.  Over time...things got better.  

January. College Freshman. Everyone came home and reunited.  I threw a surprise party.  Went to Build a Bear for the first time.  Calvin was made.  Spent alot of time with then boyfriend and all of my friends.  Chad got sick that January.  Damn Hodgkins.  Aside from that, it was the best January up until now.  

January. Sophomore in College.  Hung out with ex boyfriend, Bryan, Jeff, Eric, Devan, and Mike alot. Being with and talking to my best friend and "older" brother is such a great feeling. Alot of great memories were made all within a few short weeks.  Andrew and Dan are still my bestest friends! Passed the NHA. Starting a new school. Starting my EMT course. Had a few "awkward" moments...but its ok with me.  Responded to alot of alarms this month. Went to a 5 car MVA...first one this year. Oh yeah, Bret Michaels is back! hah!
  I cant complain...its a better January. 


<3


Is February here yet?!  :-P

10:30 pm:  I dont like feeling this way...and I think it needs to stop!  Monday cant come soon enough...I need YOU!! ;-)    



Oh and can I say that I really dont like missing the ambulance by what....10 SECONDS!  Ugh.  I believe its a combination of me living on the furthest street from the South House and those damn school buses and cars.  Although, I have to say both buses let me pass...thats a first! 


I think I should just live there.  Hah!  <3 


Oh my goodness oh my goodness...I cannot wait until Friday either!  Jeff is coming home!!!  <3 <3 

...so more good times with him and ex-boyfriend, Bryan ,are going to happen very very soon! :-P


OH OH....I've been having some weird dreams the past few nights...

...one w/ Brett Michaels...IRONIC as always.  The reason why Brett Michaels is so IRONIC...well...thats who the other dream was about.  Oh goodness!  

PS. As I am typing this...ex boyfriend, Bryan, is calling me...for the second time in 2 hrs! Ridiculous is what it is...but hilarious as well.  I love how Im still good friends with ex boyfriend, Bryan. 

*sigh*

If only....

04:07 pm: and we'll be singin bye bye...

New Years Eve during the day , for me, is usually a day to reflect the past year.  I have to say overall I had a great year.  Yes, there were some bumps in the road but I overcame them as a better person. Hey, I lived on my own for 2 months...not so shabby.  It was fun but because of my change in major and my roomie not going back to UA in the spring...Im glad to be where I am.  

I have no ties, and I like that for the time being.  
I traveled alone and came back alive.
I did shots with the H&L guys...
...oh and for the record, I didnt pass out! 
I went out east a lot this summer...Greenport was a good time
I went to my first ice hockey game upstate
Jeff, Mike, and Bryan are a good time ::smiles::
My roommate from UA is one of my best friends...I miss her!
I loved how I could just go out to a party with the Sigma guys and have fun with them...
...I got picked up and spun around by a lot of them....guess they really missed me haha
9 is still my lucky number and I have played lotto with it and won
My likes and dislikes for certain things have not changed given the circumstances.
My favorite song is still  "Livin On a Prayer" :-P
My parents are the BEST parents around <3 
I am going to be in a documentary about childhood brain tumors
I celebrated 2 years of....yeah  :-P
I saw the Patriots win 16-0 haha
I came to find that I am much stronger than I ever imagined
I love how many of my friends and I reconnected.  
I love hanging out with Andrew and Dan like the old times. 
I loved how I threw up for the first time since the 2nd grade.
 I loved how I threw up for the first time at Andrews house having one of the best times with my true friends. 
I like the fact that my family will always have my back. 
I find it hilarious that my cousins boyfriend is willing to do something that might put him in jail.  Its kind of sweet. haha.
I enjoyed  camping over the summer w/ my family and meeting/befriending Trevor.
It's so awesome how Trevor and Devan are practically brother and sister
I can wax a car pretty damn good. ;) (good times...)
I enjoyed our trip to Florida this year...as always
I am officially 20 YEARS cancer-free! :)
I am so blessed with my 100+ family
I am so glad that I was home for the birth of my new cousin, Carter Joseph
I graduated Pharmacy school
I got to see and hear how pathetic some people are and how I am better off without them. No true loss really.
I gave a surprise party...
No one in my family passed away this year...thank God
I have a new found love for The Office :-P
I had a great year at SJC, and an amazing 2 months up at UA
I am so much better at Guitar Hero than I ever was haha

All of that is kind of out of order...I was thinking as I was typing.  There is so much more, but a lot of it is personal...even for livejournal.  

I am so so excited for 2008...I am truly making a fresh start.  
Im going to Suffolk in the spring and if all goes according to plan I'll only have to do a semester and a half there. Yay! I am looking at schools that offer Sonography/Radiology and I cannot wait to go away again in the fall.  I start my EMT course in about 2 weeks...so that plus school will keep me extremely busy.  I am really looking forward to completing that.  

2008 is going to be AMAZING!  Im going to Lyndsey's in a few hours to ring in the new year right! :-P  Woooooo!!!!

02:35 pm: Being Drunk is feeling sophisticated...

The FD Christmas party was so much fun!  I brought JAMES RENNA...he drove all the way out from Hewlett AND bought a new suit for the ocassion.  He enjoyed himself alot...talked to a lot of the guys and we danced the entire night (as usual).  "Livin on a Prayer" came on and that made me extra extra happy. I dont know why but everytime that song comes on at a party it gives me such a great feeling of party.  For the past 2 Christmas Parties I'd leave right after dinner because of some other party I had to go to...which pissed me off because the FD Christmas Party is the best!  Needless to say, James and I stayed until about 11:30 and then decided to leave b/c Renna had to get up early for work and I had a party at bestest friends house anyway.  

So I got to bestest friends house (aka Andrews house) where my night of fun just kept going.  "Drinking is feeling sophisticated without being able to say it." is basically what the night was all about.  haha.  DMartin made a point of saying that to me that night.  :-P
:-P  The gathering  was a very good one...it consisted of good friends reuniting, drinking, and all that goes with it.  I think the BEST part of this night was the following...

...Around 2:30am or so I was drinking my last beer when all of a sudden I got hiccups.  :(  Now I usually drink alot of water and that gets rid of them.  So Andrew gets me a cup of water, I drink it but it didnt get rid of my hiccups.  Then I decided to drink as much of a bottled water as possible. After I did that, I felt really sick...hiccups still there.  I go into the bathroom and I throw up!   I threw up!!!  Yes, I was excited that I threw up BECAUSE I havent thrown up since 2nd grade.  PLUS I got rid of my hiccups shortly after.  It was amazing...let me tell you. 

The night also consisted of Teddy O-Tank taking my phone and wanting to text people...yeah....I lunged for that phone as soon as he said he was going to text "Dan minus the Martin". lol.    Oh dear.  And I apparently frosted DMartins face....dont know why.  It was such a good time though...with everyone!  

A bunch of us decided to finally go up to bed around 4:30am.  I thought that at first I fell asleep on a couch but I ended up waking up on the floor (?)  Yeah I woke up at 7:45am b/c I was leaving for MD around 8:30am....not too fun.  I was so hungover at my grandparents house.  Ugh.  

Both events that night were soooooooo much fun....I wouldnt trade any moments for the world!  

<3

Now back to the festivities of Christmas Eve...

s

12:58 am: I know  I said this before BUT ....each weekend is just getting better and better...even though Im talking about a Thursday night.  lol.  My sister had her orchestra concert and I went and met up with Lyndsey and Alyssa and Lindsay.  I felt so old being there.  The concert was good , as usual.  After we went to Ruby Tuesdays and then we went to the Sigma Christmas Party!!  It was such a good time!!!!  Within 10 minutes of being there, I was picked up and spung around by a good portion of my friends in Sigma.  Those guys are amazing!  lol.  I saw my cousin, Jason...it was really good seeing him.  Oh and Mike Meyers greeted me with a kiss...it was nice to see him too. I saw James RENNA, John (naturally), JOE DENINNGER, and a bunch of other Sigma guys.  I havent seen most of them since last year at St Joes....good times.  Im still a little drunk from the party...so Im going to go to bed soon. :-P

BUT first....

I am so glad Lyndsey and Alyssa are home!  We had a really great time together...I missed them soooooooooo much!  <3 <3 


Tomorrow (technically tonight)...the FD Christmas Party!!  Im excited...I really really am.  <3 <3

11:40 pm:

Around this time I get more emotional than I do pretty much all year.  I know...its weird.  The month of December and the Christmas season really makes me see how good I really have it, but at the same time sad for those who are less fortunate.  I feel for them and try to do my part all year round, but this time of year it is brought to everyones attention hardcore.  Inturn, Ive been doing my part here and there, giving to assorted charities, and doing volunteer work.  It makes me feel good, but doing it isnt just about that...its about actually making a difference.  I love giving...thats my favorite part of Christmas.  I think having Father Frank as my professor for Freshmen Seminar impacted me a great deal.  

To me, Christmas is a more joyous and reflective time for giving thanks than Thanksgiving.  

In other news...I am graduating from my Pharmacy Tech school tomorrow night...kind of excited about that.  This was a huge accomplishment for me and Im very proud of myself.  I think becoming a Pharmacy Tech has pushed me more into the medical field ...so I cannot wait until I can go to school for Sonography and Radiology.  Cannot wait.  

Last night I went to my first Department Meeting since August.  It was great being back there listening to the Chief and everyone talk about all sorts of stuff like if   H&L Co. is going to be permanently called "Truck Co.".  Haha...gotta love the MPFD!  Also, I got to hang out with James after.  We caught up...alot.  He truly is my best friend.  He made it very clear that he's going to be there for me always.  That made me so happy to hear.  

Ex boyfriend, Bryan has Mono.  Not sure how I feel about that.  I mean he's always tired so I have no idea if we're going to be hanging out this break.  It makes me sad to think that.  He says I can come on over anytime.  Not sure how I feel about that either. lol.  Bryan is a great friend as well, but as soon as Dan and I broke up he was there for me, but he also thought he could get back with me too.  Silly Bryan. 

Im missing the St Joes crew...maybe I should go to the Delta party on Thursday.  Nothing like partying with the best!  Although, Sigma is also having their annual Christmas party...excuse me, Joey Mace is having HIS annual Christmas party (lol)...so I dont know where I'll end up that night. All I know is, Friday night is the MPFD Christmas party....and I am soooooo excited to go!  ;-)

<3

10:13 pm:

oh  my goodness oh my goodness!  Weekend to weekend...they keep getting better. 

Friday, Devan and I went into the city to mainly see Trevor.  We first went into NBC studios to look for stuff from "The Office".  I totally forgot that I went there on an FBLA field trip...I think it was senior year...it was awesome.  I ended up getting a Christmas ornament with some of the cast of "The Office" to put on tree #1. Yes I said tree #1...usually we have 4 brilliantly decorated trees in my house, but for some reason we're going with 3 this year.  It's stil a lot of trees...more than most people.  

ANYWAY...so we finally get over to see Trevor...he was of course doing what he does best (aside from surfing)...lifeguarding at a pool inside the Crowne Plaza.  That was another place I visited last summer before seeing "Wicked"...something I almost forgot too.  It was so familiar though...thank God b/c I knew where the elevators were. lol.  So we hung out with Trevor for about an hour and a half just talking and laughing about every little thing.  Him and Devie were talking about "Flushed Away" and "Surfs Up"...2 movies I cannot wait to watch with them.  lmao.  It was really good seeing him...I havent seen him since what...July?! "K-Tall" (Trevor gave me that nickname over the summer) and "Space" (his nickname) were finally reunited!  :)  Good times, good times! <3

When we got back home, Devie and I decided to go out to Mastic Beach to see our friend, Jeff's, band play.  His band is called "7 Decades Too Late" and they were really good!  I mean, I really wasnt surprised though...Jeff and ex boyfriend Bryan have been friends for years so naturally, Jeff can sing.  lol.  I <3 Jeff!  For awhile I thought he and I werent friends anymore b/c Bryan and I broke up...but ironically the 3 of us are better friends than before!  Jeff goes to St Joes so thats how he knows Devan. Then we have ex boyfriend Bryan, Mike Schuster, and Jeff who jam whenever they're together and now Trevor who plays guitar and sings.  This means we're all heading out to Brooklyn on 12/28.  Trevor's playing somewhere there and Devie and I will bring the boys to play it out with them.  We have talented friends. :-P  I love it how my friends are somehow connected to at least one other friend. It seriously is a small world.  

After the show, Devie and I went to Applebees in MP and whom do I finally see...but my very best friend, James Mangelli!  I havent seen "JAHMS" (lol, Aly) in so long b/c of everything he's going through...plus he and I have conflicting schedules.  The only way to keep in regular touch is by phone....as lovely as that is....I needed to actually see him.  I cant tell you how good it felt to see him. *sigh* Im so glad my final tomorrow ends at 8pm...I'll be able to get back for the Department Meeting and see him again...yay!  And yay to the fact that I'll be able to make it to a dept. meeting!  <3 

Basically, what this fine weekend ruled out was that Jeff, ex boyfriend Bryan, me, Trevor, Devan, and Devans brother, Chuck ,are going to wind up in Canada in mid January.  Cannot wait for that.  Us+Canada= a good freakin time!  <3 


oh, and apparently this is what my cousin, Chad, left on my phone the other night....

"You and I....we've been breakin knees since 1988"...I really love my cousin!  :-P  <3

 

 

PS. Cannot cannot wait until the FD Christmas Party!!!  So excited.  <3 <3

12:16 am: I believe I can soar...

So Pancake Day was (technically) yesterday and it was a good time!  Dans mom makes some real good pancakes and Dan just throws some good get togethers!  I cant believe how quick this summer went...or maybe its just me.  I think it went a good pace for the most part but as it comes down to the start of school...it got faster. Yeah...thats it..   

This summer was a really great one! I worked...of course...but I balanced it out with doing fun things over the summer.  I reunited with my friends after a long year a part.  Went to Smiths Point. Dan and I celebrated our 2 Year Anniversary.  I spent a week out in Montauk...got closer with my cousins.  Spent time with my family.  Did as much boating as possibe.  Went to a Ducks game. (hehe)  And just 2 days ago I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art...good times.  That to me was a good summer....alot of relaxing and having fun.  

In a few days I will be moving into my new dorm up at Albany.  Its my first time being on my own and living on campus...Im really excited.  I feel that its also bittersweet.  Im going to miss my family, but I feel that they are going to miss me more which gets me on the inside.  However, I am also just looking forward to being up there and having these new experiences. Yay!!!  Ive been talking to my roommate and shes really nice...I cant wait to meet her as well.  And yes, of course I am excited to be up there with Dan....we're going to have a great year!  Im excited for my new classes too. Classes start on Monday and I think thats rather...kind of...fabulous!!

<3