Can't you tell we're party animals!!!
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Ringing in the Hope
Cody and I ran a 5K today. It's my goal to get back on track with my health and to be more active. Just seems like I've been in a slump for a very long time and it's so hard to get motivated. So a few weeks ago, I asked Cody if he wanted to run the 5K or walk the 1K. He said he wanted to run it with me so I signed us up.
The race was at 10am and it was chilly out. I kind of layered us up but realized with the sun in full force that maybe I layered myself up a bit much. Cody didn't seem to be bothered by it so I wonder if his layers were just cooler than mine? I had him in an under armour long sleeve shirt and sweatshirt, mine was a long sleeve nike shirt and a furry like zip up jacket. After looking at everyone at the race I started to feel like I looked like a bag lady. I focused on keeping Cody warm and comfortable that I forgot to buy the appropriate running attire for me. My problem.... I use to live in Arizona. When does anyone there ever run in winter wear? But now I live in Virginia so I need to get my act together and dress appropriately.
Anyway, we did good. Not really any faster than the last race. This one was a lot colder and a bit windy out. Here's our stats:
Mile 1: 12:05
Mile 2: 13:
Mile 3: 14:
And the last .1 mile, I forgot to stop my watch so I don't really know what it is. I'll have to wait till the race result times come out to get the official time but it was somewhere around 41 minutes I think. Cody crossed the finish line ahead of me and I was quite a distance behind him. Of course being the mom that I am and not a true runner yet, I took pictures the entire way to document our run which included crossing the finish line with my camera taping Cody running like a mad man. It's all good fun but I'm sure my online photo will be pretty scary of me. Like I said, bag lady coming through with camera in hand and hair everywhere.
Both Cody and I were so happy that we ran this race. It does feel good to get out there among people and run for a cause. The last time Cody and I did the race we walked the 1K 2 weeks after I had surgery. I felt so empowered to be around all those people. Cody was only 4 years old. Now he's 7. Amazing that we did this together. He truly is my biggest supporter.
Oh, I almost forgot, there was a little old man running the race with us. He was so determined. We never spoke to him, although I wanted to. I wanted to tell him how inspired I was to see him run. But he was in the zone.
Official race results:
Cody: Chip time: 39:50 Gun time: 40:08 Pace: 12:51/M Place: 176/200
Jen: Chip time: 39:54 Gun time: 40:13 Pace: 12:52/M Place: 215/289
The race was at 10am and it was chilly out. I kind of layered us up but realized with the sun in full force that maybe I layered myself up a bit much. Cody didn't seem to be bothered by it so I wonder if his layers were just cooler than mine? I had him in an under armour long sleeve shirt and sweatshirt, mine was a long sleeve nike shirt and a furry like zip up jacket. After looking at everyone at the race I started to feel like I looked like a bag lady. I focused on keeping Cody warm and comfortable that I forgot to buy the appropriate running attire for me. My problem.... I use to live in Arizona. When does anyone there ever run in winter wear? But now I live in Virginia so I need to get my act together and dress appropriately.
Anyway, we did good. Not really any faster than the last race. This one was a lot colder and a bit windy out. Here's our stats:
Mile 1: 12:05
Mile 2: 13:
Mile 3: 14:
And the last .1 mile, I forgot to stop my watch so I don't really know what it is. I'll have to wait till the race result times come out to get the official time but it was somewhere around 41 minutes I think. Cody crossed the finish line ahead of me and I was quite a distance behind him. Of course being the mom that I am and not a true runner yet, I took pictures the entire way to document our run which included crossing the finish line with my camera taping Cody running like a mad man. It's all good fun but I'm sure my online photo will be pretty scary of me. Like I said, bag lady coming through with camera in hand and hair everywhere.
Both Cody and I were so happy that we ran this race. It does feel good to get out there among people and run for a cause. The last time Cody and I did the race we walked the 1K 2 weeks after I had surgery. I felt so empowered to be around all those people. Cody was only 4 years old. Now he's 7. Amazing that we did this together. He truly is my biggest supporter.
Oh, I almost forgot, there was a little old man running the race with us. He was so determined. We never spoke to him, although I wanted to. I wanted to tell him how inspired I was to see him run. But he was in the zone.
Official race results:
Cody: Chip time: 39:50 Gun time: 40:08 Pace: 12:51/M Place: 176/200
Jen: Chip time: 39:54 Gun time: 40:13 Pace: 12:52/M Place: 215/289
Monday, December 29, 2014
4 1/2 hours at the salon!
On my birthday earlier this year....like 10 months ago earlier....Ken got me a gift card for a massage, facial, mani and pedi. My plan was to use it over the summer but time seemed to escape me and here we are at the end of December and I realized I better use this gift card before I loose it. Apparently you have 1 year to use it and it expires. And with snow season nearly upon us, I thought I better make my appointment.
So today I was off from work, Cody went to the Winwood and I drove promptly over to the spa for 3 hours of rest and relaxation. At first it didn't seem like they were expecting me which made me a bit nervous. The front desk receptionist ask me what service I had scheduled first and I said, I just made the appointment, the lady didn't tell me what was first. (Thinking in my head...in fact, I had to ask them what kind of payment they take for a tip) Nothing was really offered than, thank you, we will see you Monday.
The lady took me to the back room, showed me my locker, robe and told me to go have a seat in the sanna for 10 min. I don't know why I brought my jacket in the salon and I knew I should have worn my flip flops in instead of my sketchers but it's so chilly out I couldn't bare to bare the toesies, hence another reason why I wanted to do this over the summer. Got undressed, got in the robe, stepped into the sanna and whoa!!! Warm, warm, warm. Why did I even curl my hair this morning? Sometimes I wonder where my brain is. After 10 min, I got out and wow, it was chilly. And great now my robe is wet. What to do, what to do? Suck it up sister...go wait out in the lounge area. So I'm sitting there in this really comfortable chair wondering why is so quiet. No one else is here getting any spa services? I had a feeling Monday would be quiet but this quiet?
First up: The Facial
Whoo-hoo!!! Lets get this party started!!! I got called back. Was told to take the (wet) robe off and put on a different one (thank you!) and get under the cover laying on my back. No problem sister.
A few min later she came in and the facial began. Mommy is very happy. Of course I was thinking to myself that I should seriously do this more often. Getting a facial is probably good for my skin and I must admit, I really don't take good care of my skin. Suddenly, she started stabbing me. What the??? 1, 2, 3, 4....15, 16, 17......22, 23, 24....30. 30 stabs? WOMAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Of course I didn't really say that but boy was I thinking it big time. I asked her what that was and she said she was removing my blackheads. Okay, noted and will be better prepared for the next time. But I must admit, my face feels refreshed. My hair on the other hand is a bit greased up from the sauna and lotions.
So I went back to my lounging area and was promptly called back for the massage.
Next: Massage
I laid face down on this very comfortable table and the lady started working her magic. This was surely more relaxing than the facial. I think this will have to be a must in the future as well. She did my shoulders, back, legs, arms and hands. The 1/2 hour flew by and I'm wondering if 1/2 hour is perfect or maybe 45 min to 1 hour would be better. I'll have to get some opinions from my friends who get massages on a regular basis.
The only thing I didn't like was after the massage the lady pretty much said thank you and Happy New Year. She didn't really give me any guidance on what to do next. So that was a little annoying since I am paying for a package. So I went back to the changing room and just got dressed. The mani/pedi was done in the front of the store and there was no way I was going out there in a damp robe. Besides, it just didn't seem normal to me. So I got dressed, grabbed my stuff and headed to the front of the salon. I told the front desk I was ready for the mani/pedi. So she pointed to a chair and I sat down. No magazine, no cell phone, no girlfriend to share the experience with. I felt like this was going to be a bit boring and I was right.
Next: Pedicure
I sat in the chair and had no conversation with the lady who was working on my feet. The only thing I did mention was to be gentle on my left big toe since I had an ingrown toenail like 6 years ago and I was nervous that she would cut something wrong and it would re-awaken some sort of drama. So she's clipping away and to my surprise, my toenails are starting to like kind of nice. I guess in a way I've neglected myself completely. Sure I give myself pedi's but there's nothing like a professional pedi to make you love those toes again. Especially during winter. (Claws...yikes) She did start picking at my left big toe and it suddenly got red. It actually got a bit tender and all I thought about was oh great, guess I'll be making an appointment with the podiatrist in a few weeks. But after she was done, things seemed okay. I liked the calf massage and my toes are looking good.
Last one: Manicure
Can I tell you how thrilled I am about this being my last service. I looked up at the clock and my 3 hours went out the door. So my stomach is growling and I'm really ready to go but I have to get my fingernails done. So I decided to go with the same color as my toes. Normally I'm not a fan of red but since it's still kind Christmas I found a really pretty red. I really wanted something fun for New Years Eve like a silver or gold but in all reality, no one is really going to see it and I have no party to go to so I went with red. I'll post a picture if I can get my act together. I'm really so behind with this blog. Anyway, there was still no conversation with the woman who did my nails. It's kind of a bummer in a way since I do enjoy talking. She did a good job so I was happy with the end result but she sent me over to a drying machine to dry my nails and toes and left me there. Tick tock, tick tock there goes the clock. I lost my patience after about 10-15 min and I just got up and paid the bill.
In the past, salons took payment before my nails were done to avoid me having to dig in my purse with wet nails. But this spa just seemed so unorganized. So in the end, I made the appointment, they said it would be 3 hours and it turned out to be 4 1/2 hours which was frustrating. I love the fact that Ken and Cody got me this awesome package and I did have a decent experience but in the future I think I would rather do one treatment at a time so I'm not stuck at the spa for 1/2 the day. It use to be a luxury but now, I just feel it's more of a waste of time. Does that sound weird? I guess my priorities have changed in how I like to spend my time but I did realize that it is important to get pampered once in a while.
So once I got home, I ate like a mad woman since I was starving!!! Then I got Cody from day care. He was thrilled that I picked him up early but unfortunately I was a total dud. I had to take a nap. I think all massages just plain wore me out or just relaxed me beyond belief and sleep is what I need.
Good night.
So today I was off from work, Cody went to the Winwood and I drove promptly over to the spa for 3 hours of rest and relaxation. At first it didn't seem like they were expecting me which made me a bit nervous. The front desk receptionist ask me what service I had scheduled first and I said, I just made the appointment, the lady didn't tell me what was first. (Thinking in my head...in fact, I had to ask them what kind of payment they take for a tip) Nothing was really offered than, thank you, we will see you Monday.
The lady took me to the back room, showed me my locker, robe and told me to go have a seat in the sanna for 10 min. I don't know why I brought my jacket in the salon and I knew I should have worn my flip flops in instead of my sketchers but it's so chilly out I couldn't bare to bare the toesies, hence another reason why I wanted to do this over the summer. Got undressed, got in the robe, stepped into the sanna and whoa!!! Warm, warm, warm. Why did I even curl my hair this morning? Sometimes I wonder where my brain is. After 10 min, I got out and wow, it was chilly. And great now my robe is wet. What to do, what to do? Suck it up sister...go wait out in the lounge area. So I'm sitting there in this really comfortable chair wondering why is so quiet. No one else is here getting any spa services? I had a feeling Monday would be quiet but this quiet?
First up: The Facial
Whoo-hoo!!! Lets get this party started!!! I got called back. Was told to take the (wet) robe off and put on a different one (thank you!) and get under the cover laying on my back. No problem sister.
A few min later she came in and the facial began. Mommy is very happy. Of course I was thinking to myself that I should seriously do this more often. Getting a facial is probably good for my skin and I must admit, I really don't take good care of my skin. Suddenly, she started stabbing me. What the??? 1, 2, 3, 4....15, 16, 17......22, 23, 24....30. 30 stabs? WOMAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Of course I didn't really say that but boy was I thinking it big time. I asked her what that was and she said she was removing my blackheads. Okay, noted and will be better prepared for the next time. But I must admit, my face feels refreshed. My hair on the other hand is a bit greased up from the sauna and lotions.
So I went back to my lounging area and was promptly called back for the massage.
Next: Massage
I laid face down on this very comfortable table and the lady started working her magic. This was surely more relaxing than the facial. I think this will have to be a must in the future as well. She did my shoulders, back, legs, arms and hands. The 1/2 hour flew by and I'm wondering if 1/2 hour is perfect or maybe 45 min to 1 hour would be better. I'll have to get some opinions from my friends who get massages on a regular basis.
The only thing I didn't like was after the massage the lady pretty much said thank you and Happy New Year. She didn't really give me any guidance on what to do next. So that was a little annoying since I am paying for a package. So I went back to the changing room and just got dressed. The mani/pedi was done in the front of the store and there was no way I was going out there in a damp robe. Besides, it just didn't seem normal to me. So I got dressed, grabbed my stuff and headed to the front of the salon. I told the front desk I was ready for the mani/pedi. So she pointed to a chair and I sat down. No magazine, no cell phone, no girlfriend to share the experience with. I felt like this was going to be a bit boring and I was right.
Next: Pedicure
I sat in the chair and had no conversation with the lady who was working on my feet. The only thing I did mention was to be gentle on my left big toe since I had an ingrown toenail like 6 years ago and I was nervous that she would cut something wrong and it would re-awaken some sort of drama. So she's clipping away and to my surprise, my toenails are starting to like kind of nice. I guess in a way I've neglected myself completely. Sure I give myself pedi's but there's nothing like a professional pedi to make you love those toes again. Especially during winter. (Claws...yikes) She did start picking at my left big toe and it suddenly got red. It actually got a bit tender and all I thought about was oh great, guess I'll be making an appointment with the podiatrist in a few weeks. But after she was done, things seemed okay. I liked the calf massage and my toes are looking good.
Last one: Manicure
Can I tell you how thrilled I am about this being my last service. I looked up at the clock and my 3 hours went out the door. So my stomach is growling and I'm really ready to go but I have to get my fingernails done. So I decided to go with the same color as my toes. Normally I'm not a fan of red but since it's still kind Christmas I found a really pretty red. I really wanted something fun for New Years Eve like a silver or gold but in all reality, no one is really going to see it and I have no party to go to so I went with red. I'll post a picture if I can get my act together. I'm really so behind with this blog. Anyway, there was still no conversation with the woman who did my nails. It's kind of a bummer in a way since I do enjoy talking. She did a good job so I was happy with the end result but she sent me over to a drying machine to dry my nails and toes and left me there. Tick tock, tick tock there goes the clock. I lost my patience after about 10-15 min and I just got up and paid the bill.
In the past, salons took payment before my nails were done to avoid me having to dig in my purse with wet nails. But this spa just seemed so unorganized. So in the end, I made the appointment, they said it would be 3 hours and it turned out to be 4 1/2 hours which was frustrating. I love the fact that Ken and Cody got me this awesome package and I did have a decent experience but in the future I think I would rather do one treatment at a time so I'm not stuck at the spa for 1/2 the day. It use to be a luxury but now, I just feel it's more of a waste of time. Does that sound weird? I guess my priorities have changed in how I like to spend my time but I did realize that it is important to get pampered once in a while.
So once I got home, I ate like a mad woman since I was starving!!! Then I got Cody from day care. He was thrilled that I picked him up early but unfortunately I was a total dud. I had to take a nap. I think all massages just plain wore me out or just relaxed me beyond belief and sleep is what I need.
Good night.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Thank you Bryen
Today in the mail I received the most special present. It was from my cousin Virginia's husband, Bryen. It was a beautiful glass ornament of Virginia and I with Quinten and Cody as babies etched into it. On the ornament, it says:
I nearly broke into tears. What a wonderful present and a wonderful memory. I will cherish the ornament and her forever.
Virginia and Jen
Best Friends Always
I nearly broke into tears. What a wonderful present and a wonderful memory. I will cherish the ornament and her forever.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Followup with the Oncologist
I'm always nervous when I visit the Oncologist. I had Cody and Mom with me today since I picked mom up yesterday so she could spend the holiday with us. She and Cody waited in the waiting room while I went back to meet with the doctor. I told her assistant what's been going on in the past 6 months. I told her about my left rib cage and how once in a while it's tender and annoys me. I also told her that I can't stop thinking about cancer, therefore I always worry that whatever is bothering me I automatically think it's cancer. It sucks but that's the way it is for me now. I also mentioned that I'm tired but I believe it's exhaustion and stress from everyday living. You know, commuting to work, being a working mom, homework, sports, having a 7 year old, errands, cooking, cleaning. The same ole same ole. It's just so tiring that I really don't make time for myself. She always tells me to take care of myself and I swear this year, that's my plan.
The oncologist said I looked great and every time she says that I say in my head, every single time (well I looked great before I was diagnosed) Anyway, she was pleased with my hair growth, my weight, the way I looked and especially that I am so far 3 years cancer free. I asked her if 5 years was the magic number for Triple negative breast cancer and she said yes but 3 years is a wonderful sign. Which of course made me super duper happy.
She did ask about Virginia and I had to tell her that she passed away in August. She asked me the type of cancer and the mutation and unfortunately I could not remember the mutation. She referred me to a genetics counselor so I can discuss the mutation with her. I feel that I should really learn Virginia's cancer better and understand what happened to her. It still is such a shock to me that she is gone and I miss her so much.
Dr. Winkinson also requested I do an annual MRI since my breasts are dense. I'm all for getting scans since early detection is the best chance of survival.
All in all, I had a very positive visit with the oncologist today so I have super happy right now.
The oncologist said I looked great and every time she says that I say in my head, every single time (well I looked great before I was diagnosed) Anyway, she was pleased with my hair growth, my weight, the way I looked and especially that I am so far 3 years cancer free. I asked her if 5 years was the magic number for Triple negative breast cancer and she said yes but 3 years is a wonderful sign. Which of course made me super duper happy.
She did ask about Virginia and I had to tell her that she passed away in August. She asked me the type of cancer and the mutation and unfortunately I could not remember the mutation. She referred me to a genetics counselor so I can discuss the mutation with her. I feel that I should really learn Virginia's cancer better and understand what happened to her. It still is such a shock to me that she is gone and I miss her so much.
Dr. Winkinson also requested I do an annual MRI since my breasts are dense. I'm all for getting scans since early detection is the best chance of survival.
All in all, I had a very positive visit with the oncologist today so I have super happy right now.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
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