What a day...

Tuesday was quite a day... for everyone. It was long, it was painful, it was exhausting, and (especially for my poor mom who is a couple thousand miles away) it was nerve wracking.

But... IT IS DONE!!!

Steve and I showed up at the James Cancer Hospital at 7:00am... bright eyed and bushy tailed. I was more than ready to get this procedure over with, and I really wasn't all that nervous or scared. Just ready! My nurse, Kathy, came out to get me at about 7:05, and we were off and running. My thoughts: "Bring it on!"

Kathy took Steve and I (thank goodness they let him come with me) back to a small exam room. She asked me a few medical questions, and then said that the next step would be starting an IV that would stay in all day. No biggie... this definitely isn't my first rodeo. Needles used to freak me out, but not anymore. So Kathy leaves for about 10 minutes and then returns with a rolling cart that looked like something straight out of an automotive garage, and began pulling out the supplies she would need. My thoughts: "So that's where they keep all that stuff... interesting."

Kathy then asked which hand I'd rather use for the IV. At that point, I had to throw up my first "weenie" flag. I asked her if there was any way she could do it in my arm or my wrist. Every time I've had an IV in my hand, it swells up and turns black. She said OK, and started checking out my right arm. Her first attempt (yep... you heard me... her *first* attempt) was in my forearm. She dug around for a couple minutes and was unable to get the IV started. Her second attempt (you're seeing a trend here aren't you?) was also in my right forearm, and this time she went straight through my vein. Burned like hell! At this point, I'm starting to sweat like a pig, and the tears are welling up. I had ahold of Steve's hand and I think he was pretty sure I was about to rip two or three of his fingers off. Kathy's third and final attempt was on the inside of my right arm. Finally.... It was done! My thoughts: "Crap... should've just let her stab my hand!"

After the IV was started and flushed, Kathy told us to relax for a bit and that she and Dr. McGregor (the Neurosurgeon who would be performing the surgery) would be back to place the head frame. So Steve whips out his book, and I just sit there and take in my surroundings. Baaaad idea, Kase! I look over and see not only the lovely titanium frame that is going to be attached to my head, but also the syringes they are going to numb my head with, as well as the screws that are going to be used. At that point, things started getting really really REAL. I looked straight at Steve and said, "I'm scared.", and the waterworks started. My thoughts: "They really should NOT leave people sitting in here with this stuff. If it were up to me... I'd have a magician come in with his cape and his wand and magically pull this crap out of his hat or something. At least make this part somewhat entertaining!"

About 25 minutes later, Kathy and Dr. M return. I've mustered up some courage and I'm ready to take on this big, bad head frame that I'd heard so much about. Everyone I'd talked to about this procedure told me that this would be the worst part. If I could make it through this... the rest was smoothe sailing. (I'd later learn that this was a complete and total crock... but we'll get to that later.) Dr. M sets me in a chair with my back to him. He places the frame over my head, and marks the spots where he wants the screws, and then wastes no time getting started with the numbing. Having the two spots in the back of my head numbed wasn't all that bad. It felt like a bee sting, and lasted for about 10 seconds. The spots on the front of my head were a totally different story. I could've swore someone had lit my hair on fire... It burned SO BAD! Then he started in with the screws. One at a time they were inserted. They did not hurt at all... but the pressure I felt was unbelievable. I told Steve that I was waiting for my skull to crack. Luckily (ha ha), that didn't happen... and it was all over and done with. My thoughts: "Too late to run now... I'd never get this damn thing off!"

Shortly after the head frame was attached, Kathy tells me that the next step is to have an MRI done. So, she gets me into a wheelchair and wheels me over into a waiting area. When we get there, she asks me a few questions, like "What's your birthday?" and "What's today's date?", etc. I COULD NOT ANSWER HER!! It was the weirdest feeling... My mind was racing, and I couldn't get it to slow down long enough to form an answer to her questions. Here came the tears again... I felt like such an idiot. At that point, she checked my blood pressure and realized that it was pretty high, so she gave me some medicine to help me relax. My thoughts: "This woman is my hero!"

This is a picture of me with my stylin' head frame... obviously well after the "relaxing" meds had kicked in (hence the glazed over eyes and goofy smile). I'll be looking for this picture in the next issue of Vogue magazine for sure!

The MRI was probably my favorite part of the day. Why??? Because I don't even really remember it. I remember the technician attaching a gigantic metal thing to the metal thing that was already attached to my head. It was so heavy, he had to help me lay down. Then... I was out... Completely and totally down for the count. They had to wake me up when it was over. It was awesome!

After the MRI, I was wheeled back to a waiting room where Steve was. They brought in a recliner and a lap top for us to use, and pretty much let us be... for about 3 hours. I really thought this would be my favorite part of the day as I was looking forward to a nice long nap. However, getting comfortable in a recliner with this piece of metal on my head was just not going to happen. If you look in the above picture... The metal bar that you see that runs around my jaw, runs all the way around the back of my head as well. There are also two more posts back there that made laying down in a recliner impossible. After about 45 minutes of shifting and flopping around, I gave up and pulled out the book of "Brain Games" I had brought with me. Steve decided this was probably a good time for him to grab some lunch and run home and walk the dogs. So I pulled up some Christmas tunes on the laptop and worked on my brain games. My thoughts: "This isn't so bad... I can totally do this!"

After what seemed like FOREVER... Kathy finally returned and told me it was time. I was SO ready to get this show on the road!! So... off we went to Radiology, where they attached a big plastic dome to the top of my head frame, and then snapped me into the Gamma Knife machine. They told me it would be 89 minutes of radiation. My thoughts: "Yay... I get another nap!"

BWAAAAAA HA HA HA HA HA!! I was SO wrong it wasn't even funny.

Seriously.

The radiation treatment basically went in ten 9-minute cycles. The machine would suck me in, do it's thing for about 9 mins, and the spit me back out for about 30 seconds while the machine adjusted the direction of the radiation beams. At the end of each 9-minute cycle, an alarm would go off. Yeah... so much for that nap I was looking forward to. My thoughts: "GRRRRRRR!"

The bright side at this point was that I was able to bring some music to listen to during the radiation. I sat down the night before, picked out 18 songs, and was ready to go. When they told me how long the treatment would be, I knew my CD would be a little short, but I figured it would get me most of the way through (within about 25-30 mins).

When the radiation started, I was quite comfortable just laying there. I figured this was going to be easy as pie. However, as each cycle passed, the pressure in my head would build. By the time my CD ended, I was getting pretty darned uncomfortable. I was doing everything I possibly could to rearrange my legs, my butt, my shoulders, etc., to try to relieve some of the pain, but my head wasn't going anywhere, so nothing was helping. Kathy told me before we got started that if I needed a break at any point, to just let them know since I had a handy dandy microphone attached to my head frame. In between the 7th and 8th cycle, the pressure was so intense that I finally asked if I could have a break. Kathy replied, "You've got 17 minutes left... Do you thing you can make it?" I said I could and back into the machine I went. My thoughts: "You can do this, Kase.... You can do this."

It was the longest 17 minutes of my life.

Torture.

By the time it finally ended, I was bawling and begging them to please get the frame off my head. I couldn't take it anymore. It felt like my head was going to explode. Now... as I said earlier... Everyone told me that getting the frame on would be the worst part. I call Bull *@#%!!! Getting that thing off was so much more painful. With each screw they removed, the pressure just continued to build. I honestly thought I was going to throw up or pass out... I wasn't sure which. Kathy cleaned the holes in my head and wrapped a giant bandage snugly around my head. She kept trying to get me to eat and drink something, but I assured her that anything that went in, was most definitely going to come right back out. My thoughts: "Yeah... I don't think I can do this anymore. My white flag is up!"

Kathy wheeled me back to the waiting room where Steve was, and helped me back into the reclining chair. She assured me that if I just laid back for a little while, I would feel better. So, she reclined the chair... I laid as far back as I could... and all of the sudden I felt a gush of something running down my neck and back, and into the waistband of my pants. I said, "I think there's something running down my back!" Kathy took one look at me and immediately started grabbing towels and holding them to the back of my head. The entire back side of me was covered in blood. I probably would've been a lot more freaked out, but all the pressure that had built up in my head had finally been relieved. It felt SO good!

Finally... at a little after 5:00pm, Steve wheeled me out to the car, and we were on our wy home. I was so exhausted that I couldn't even sit upright, and my hair and clothes were crusty and gross with dried blood. I honestly could not have cared less. I had made it through... I WAS DONE!!

I had a couple of rough days at home and was pretty sore, but I feel so much better today. I finally got to take a hot shower last night (after 48 hours of crusty hair) and it was absolute heaven. I feel like a whole new woman!

I must say... I've had three of the most amazing nurses taking care of me. They've worked hard, and I appreciate every single thing they've done for me. This picture is from last night... I think I wore them out!

I also truly appreciate all the positive thoughts and prayers I've received over the past few days. I am such a lucky girl to have so many people who care about me. A sincere THANK YOU... each and every one of you!

Giving Thanks...

This year has been a tough one for so many people. That's why this year especially, I am trying to count my blessings. I have a wonderful family, great friends, a warm place to call home, and good food to put on my table.

For me... especially over the last couple of months... it's been really easy to get wrapped up in the negative. Things at work are tough right now, I haven't been feeling the greatest (although, I must say that today my head has not bothered me AT ALL!!), and money.... well.... let's face it. Who couldn't use a little more of that?! I've tried to stay positive, but I have to admit that my attitude hasn't exactly been improving.

Then... with one simple e-mail... I am quickly reminded of just how lucky I am, and just how thankful I should be.

I received the following letter in my e-mail just a few days ago:

Dearest Friends & Loved Ones:

Our triplet daughter, Tonya, had no choice but to undergo another total jaw replacement surgery on March 2, 2009. This was Tonya’s 7^th jaw surgery. Dr. Day, a Maxial Facial Surgeon, one of five surgeons who performs this type of surgery in the world, attempted to pin and put a plate in her left jaw to hold it in place in June of 2008. That surgery failed. The only option was to replace her left jaw with the same titanium parts that he earlier surgically placed in her right jaw in 2006.

Tonya does have health insurance, but no pre-existing condition is covered. The costs have been astronomical and we are still paying for previous surgeries. I am going to do one more raffle. Our friend, Betty Lester, gave me a beautiful “Irish Chain” quilt top to do for the raffle. My little sister, Suzy, put cute borders on it and I quilted it. My friend, Charlene McCutcheon donated a framed quote surrounded by flowers she got in my garden to match the quilt. Also, I have an awesome piece of art done by our friend, Kim Trickey and a hand quilted baby quilt I made for the raffle. So there will be a 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winner!

A brief history of Tonya's jaw:

Tonya wrecked on her bike and cut her chin open when she was 10 years old. The doctor stitched her chin up, but there was extensive damage done to the growth plates in her jaws - not detected at the time.

Eleven years later, she underwent her first jaw surgery on January 11, 2001, while she was serving a mission in Salt Lake City. The surgeon cut the condyle - the head of the jaw needed for the movement of the jaw – off her right jaw and that just made matters worse. At this time he went in on the left side also. August 16, 2001, while still on her mission, this same surgeon went in again on the right side.

In 2006, Dr. Day analyzed the surgeries done in 2001, not understanding what had been done to either jaw. He informed us that at this point, the only solution was total jaw replacement on her right side, which he performed on November 27, 2006. A follow up surgery was necessary on October 15, 2007, to relieve her locked jaw due to the extensive scar tissue.

Her 5th surgery was on April 3, 2008, an attempt to repair her degenerating left jaw. The 6th surgery on June 2, 2008, was a second attempt by Dr. Day to secure the condyle and disc in her left jaw with screws. Both these surgeries were unsuccessful because of the earlier extensive damage.

Tonya had one option left. She required total replacement of her left jaw in order to be able to talk and eat normally. Tonya is still blending all her food and drinks a lot of protein drinks with her fruits & veggies, but her healing this time around has been astounding. (Thanks to everyone’s fasting and prayers!)

The drawing will be held on December 21^st. If you are interested in this raffle, the tickets are 1 for $1.00 or 6 for $5.00. If you are the winner, you will be contacted right away. If I cannot hand deliver your prize, I will mail it to you immediately!

Please continue to keep Tonya in your thoughts and prayers and thanks!

Love,

Todd & Julie Bosen

P. O. Box 1087

Eagar, Arizona 85925

We all know Tonya, and we all know what a kind person she is. However, I don't think very many of us understand the pain Tonya has been in over the past few years. Honestly... I don't think we want to.

I wasn't asked to post this here, and I'm not trying to make anyone buy raffle tickets. I'm simply posting this to remind you to look around... And be thankful!

HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE THANKSGIVING!!

Here we go again...

On Decenber 8th... I'll be going under the knife... Again.

Except it's not exactly a knife in the surgical blade sense... and I don't know as though I'll actually be going "under" much of anything.

In a little over a month, I'll be spending a long day at the James Cancer Hospital here in Columbus having Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. I'm not responding to my medications anymore, so this procedure is pretty much my last shot at killing whatever it is that's decided to call my brain "home" for the past few years.

Gamma Knife is basically a precise, high dose of radiation, delivered to abnormal brain tissue... With the hope of killing it. It's also a one shot deal, so I only have to go that one day... and there's not hospital stay... WOO HOO!!

I'm a little nervous because as with most medical procedures, there are some risks. This procedure could possibly damage my pituitary gland, resulting in the need for lifelong hormone replacement therapy (not too huge a deal... I could deal with that). However, because of where my tumor is located, it could also damage my optic nerve which could result in visual impairment (not too thrilled about that). My neurosurgeon says that Gamma Knife has about a 2 millimeter "safe zone". Meaning that only the tissue within 2mm of the radiation beam should receive the radiation. My tumor right now is about 4mm away from my optic nerve. It's a small window... but it's a window.

On the other hand, I am hopeful that this procedure will eliminate the need for me to depend on medication, as well as do away with the horrible headaches I have been living with, day in and day out, for the past few weeks. I consider myself a pretty tough broad... but I just can't handle this pain anymore. I'm just about at the end of my rope. I feel badly for Steve because I can't be a very fun person to live with right now. I'm always tired... I don't feel like doing anything... and lately I've become pretty damn grouchy. He and the girls continue to put up with me and for that I am extremely thankful. He truly is an amazing guy.

My neurosurgeon and radiation oncologist are very optimistic that this will do the trick, and say I have about a 70% chance of a "home run". That is... everything coming out the way we want it to. I'm putting my trust in them and taking the chance.

I'm praying for a home run.

The Bald and The Beautiful...

They just don't get much prettier than this, folks!!

Saturday is game day at our house. We all dress up to cheer on the home team!

Black Friday

Friday, September 11, 2009, is a day I will never ever forget. Not just because it was the anniversary of one of the darkest days in our nation's history, but also because of what happened at my place of employment.

As I walked into the Flight Center at 6:15am on Friday morning, I crossed paths with two of my co-workers. One was walking towards me... on his cell phone. I figured he was on a personal call and looking for a quiet place to sit and talk. The other one was walking not too far behind me on her way in to start her shift. I said a quick "Good morning!" and continued on my way.

Neither one of these people ever made it in to work their shifts that day.

Instead, they were stopped at the door by one of our managers, told they were no longer employed, and sent back out of the building.

As I sat through my 10 hour shift, doing my best to stay focused on getting my planes from point A to point B safely, I watched as co-worker after co-worker, friend after friend, were tapped on the shoulder, told to gather their purses, back-packs, coats, etc., and escorted out of the building. One by one... they were picked off. I'll never forget the looks on some of their faces... some were angry, some were scared, and some were in tears. Most were just in total shock... Completely blindsided. I'll also never forget the way I felt knowing that each and every one of their lives were being turned upside-down.

One of the people let go from my department was a single mother, about my age. I wondered how she was going to take care of herself and a young son with no job. Another co-worker was a proud new father whose wife was a stay-at-home mother to their daughter. I wondered how on earth he was going to break the news to his wife when he got home.

I also sat there wondering if Steve and/or I would be the next to be tapped. We both work for the same company and therefore both of our jobs were on the line. Every time a manager walked by, I sat there hoping that they weren't going to stop at my desk. As they continued past, I hoped that they wouldn't stop at the desk of one of my friends. Some did, some didn't.

At about 5:30 that evening, I received a call from Steve, letting me know that although his entire department had been eliminated, he had been offered a position in a different department... which he of course took. I was also informed that my job was safe and that I no longer had to worry.

I cried.

It was an awful, horrible day. One that is going to be very difficult for us to overcome as a company... if we ever do.

It's three days later now, and I've gone from being really sad about the whole thing to being really angry. I am very thankful to still be employed... especially considering we just bought our home, and put down a deposit on a wedding venue. However, I am experiencing a sort of "survivor's guilt", knowing that there are well over 200 people here in Columbus who were not so lucky.

In the span of a few days, the company I work for has gone from feeling like a family based institution to a battle ground. It used to be a very easy-going place, and now it's like you constantly have to watch your back. I walk down the hallway, happy to see familiar faces... And sad that there are so many I will no longer see.

I simply cannot believe the number of amazingly intelligent and dedicated people who were terminated on Friday. My heart goes out to them all.

So Proud!

I posted a couple of months ago about Steve's decision to participate in a local charity bike ride benefitting the James Cancer Research Hospital here in Columbus. Well... The ride was this past weekend, and my sweetie rode his 50 mile ride in 4 hours and 12 minutes (that includes a bathroom break, and a 20 minute rest stop). I am SO proud of him!!

His buns were pretty sore for a couple of days, but he said time and time again that it was totally worth it!

Steve rode with a group of guys from the Schedule Planning department at work. Here are a few of them in their Pelotonia jerseys getting ready for their early morning start (from left: Adam, Steve, and Adam). The entire team raised over $10,000, and the ride itself brought in over $4,000,000! That's great news for the fight against cancer!!

GREAT JOB GUYS!!!

If I get brave... and invest in a bike... I may attempt to join them next year!

We're HOME!!

It's been an insanely busy couple of weeks, but Petunia, Cookie, Steve and I are finally getting settled into our new home! We still have boxes everywhere... and I suspect we probably will for a while... but we are here!

I'll post more later... just wanted to let everyone know we survived the move... YAY!!!

It's FINALLY Official!!!

Steve and I signed our lives away today and officially became home owners.

Can I just say WOO FREAKIN' HOO!!!!

I don't care what anyone says... The process of buying a home is not nearly what it's cracked up to be, and I hope to not have to go through it again at anytime in the near future. I am SOOO glad it's over and done!

Funny story (OK, not really, but here goes)... Steve and I were actually supposed to close yesterday at 1:00pm. As we're sitting at lunch at 12:45pm, we get a call from out mortgage company saying there was some kind of name discrepancy. Immediately, I started cursing my parents for naming me Erin and calling me Kasey. But, it turns out it wasn't my name that was the issue... It was Steve!

Steve is named after is dad, and is therefore Steve E. Jones II. He always writes and signs his name as such on legal documents. Well, it turns out that our mortgage company left the "II" off one of the forms they filled out, and the title company was questioning it. So... we were told that it would take up to 24 hours to verify Steve's identity and that we would have to push closing back to today. Grrrrr!!

I was disappointed, and Steve was flat out pissed off! No two ways about it. He spoke with our loan officer a few times, and even ended up talking (loudly) with the branch manager to get things straightened out. The mortgage company ended up giving us a nice little discount off of our closing costs, and rushing things through so that we could close at noon today.

So... we did it!

I can't wait to get moved and finally be HOME!!!

My Sweet Petunia...

I've written before about the lovey-dovey relationship that Cookie and Steve have. He loves her, and she absolutely lives for him. I'm basically just the lady that feeds her and gives her treats every now and then. I've been telling Steve for the past couple of months that since he stole my dog... he owes me a new one!

Well... This sweet little girl is the newest addition to our family.

Her name is Petunia, she is eight weeks old, and she came to live with us on July 3rd.

Poor Cookie had a rough couple of days... She was simply NOT the least bit thrilled with Miss Petunia being here. She was grouchy, and I was heart broken. I thought for sure my Monster hated me, and that is the last thing I wanted. I cried, I worried, and I didn't sleep for two days.

But, it's been four days now, and the girls are starting to get used to each other. We even caught them napping together on the couch this afternoon.

Everyone I've talked to says to just give them time. They pretty much just have to figure it all out on their own. I'm hoping they are right and that they will eventually be good buddies. I keep telling Cookie that she is still the Queen... She just has a little Princes to boss around now!

I sure do love these furry little creatures!

Home

We had our home inspection yesterday and it went off without a hitch! With the exception of a couple of shingles that need trimmed, and some metal flashing that needs put up on one part of the roof... We're Good!!

Ahhhhh..... Relief!

Closing is set for the 15th of July, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everything goes according to schedule. The next month is going to be SOOO busy!!

I'll get some decent pictures posted once we've had the chance to get in there and clean things up a bit (the sellers didn't clean anything when they left... grrrr). For now... this picture from Steve's phone will have to do.

Here she is!

I think the yard is going to be our biggest project this year. The neighbors have been nice enough to keep it mowed, but it's really going to need some work.

Those tacky gold light fixtures are going to have to go at some point too, but I have to remember... One thing at a time.

OMG, OMG, OMG...!!!

As my mom used to say... "I don't know whether to scream... cry... or throw up!"

I am thrilled and terrified all at once.

Steve and I found out today that the bank has accepted our offer on the house we want!!!

So... If all goes well (inspection, closing, etc.), we should officially be homeowners sometime in the next month or so!

Part of me is thinking, "YAY!... I can't wait to get in to my home!!"

The other part of me is thinking, "Holy crap!  I'M A GROWN UP!!!"

Keep your fingers crossed for us.

Pedaling for a Cure!

In this day and age, every single one of us know someone who has been directly affected by Cancer. It's a scary reality. Family members, friends, co-workers... Men and women... Young and old... Cancer does not descriminate.

Luckily, the United States has some of the best cancer research facilities in the world... The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (a.k.a. "The James") being among them. Despite the fact that groundbreaking research performed at The James is beating cancer every day, a desperate need for additional funds and resources remains. Fortunately, we can all help!

In 2008, NetJets Inc. (the company that Steve and I both work for) joined forces with the director and CEO of The James as well as the LIVESTRONG movement to take a stand against this terrible disease. This is where the idea of Pelotonia was born.

Peloton, by definition, is "a principal group of cyclists in a race". Pelotonia, is a grass roots bike tour with one goal: To end cancer. On August 28th-30th, 2009, a group of NetJets employees (including our President and CEO, Richard Santulli) will join Lance Armstrong and other cyclists from across the country to do just that. This bike tour will start here in Columbus, OH, and will consist of a 2 day, 180 mile round trip ride to Ohio University in Athens, OH.

Now... I haven't spent any good quality time on a bike since I was a kid. I don't even own a bike at this point in my life. The last time I was on a borrowed one, it was ugly. That being said, I do plan on volunteering for the event. On the other hand... Steve has a bike, and I'm proud to say that he will be riding (and I will be cheering him on) in this noble fight for a cure!

At this point, Steve has signed up to ride the 50 mile ride, and has to raise $1000 in order to participate. However, he really wants to be able to participate in the full 180 mile ride, and is hoping to be able to raise the $2000 required to do so. I know that money is tight for all of us, and that many of us already have charities/organizations we contribute to. However, if you're interested in helping Steve, you can click the link below to view his rider profile and make a donation. *No amount is too small!*

Steve Jones Pelotonia Profile

Steve's personal goal for the Pelotonia is to raise $5000. He and a few of his co-workers (who are also riding) are trying to think of something a little crazy they can do if they each reach their personal goals. They were thinking of shaving their heads, but for obvious reasons, that's not a very far fetched idea for Steve. Suggestions are welcome... Let the brainstorming begin!

It's Official... Kinda!

As of 1:30pm yesterday afternoon... Steve and I are "in contract" on a house we love!

Part of me is really excited, and part of me is really nervous. I don't know which part is bigger right now.

The house we found is a short sale, and if things go our way, we will have gotten a smokin' hot deal on it. It's a newer house in a nice neighborhood, and it's the first house we've been in that actually feels like it could be "home"... That's a really good feeling! I've tried so hard to not get my hopes up, and not let my heart get set on this house. I know this is not the only house in the Columbus area that we could possibly be happy in. But as each day passes... it gets harder and harder to not let my emotions play into it.

The house itself is in phenomenal shape. The interior paint is nice, the carpet is almost brand new... There is not a single thing that would need to be done right off the bat. I already know what my favorite room is... I can imagine the Monster running around in her new back yard... I even know the perfect spot for a great big Christmas tree.

Ugh... This is the pits!!

Since it's a short sale, we still have a few hoops to jump through. The seller has accepted our offer, but it's all in the bank's hands at this point. So for now, we sit and wait.

And wait.

And wait some more.

I feel like a kid at Christmas. Only it's a few months before Christmas, and my parents have just set the biggest present ever right in front of me... unwrapped... and told me that I can't touch it. I can only look at it. And at any point, the nosy neighbor kid could come running through the front door, only to steal the present right in front of me.

Now I know why I've been so content as a renter up to this point in my life.

I Think I'm Weird...

... Or maybe I'm just..... what's the word..... Atypical, maybe??

Over the past four weeks, Steve and I have had the "Where do you want to get married?" conversation *at least* a half a dozen times. The conversation usually lasts a while... ideas are tossed around... concerns are voiced... and eventually I think we just get a little overwhelmed and give up. After all... we have plenty of time to get this done.

I ask him what he wants.... He says he wants what I want... I lovingly remind him that this IS his wedding, too... and around and around we go. The conversations are fun, but we just end up laughing our butts off, and we don't really get anywhere. Even the date is up in the air at this point!

I think I've realized that the reason it's so hard is because I'm just not a typical bride. Even the word "bride" sounds a little foreign to me. I'm not really into big, poofy dresses... I'm not a fan of ballroom receptions... and I'm not one of those girls who has been planning and dreaming of her wedding day since the age of 10. I'm just not. (Although right now I'm kind of wishing I was because it would make this whole wedding planning thing a heck of a lot easier!)

See. I'm weird.

I know it'll get a little easier once all the dust settles, and I know things will eventually start to fall into place (like I said... we have lots of time). But, right now... I kind of feel like I've just entered the Twilight Zone.

I sure hope they offer tour guides here....

Seriously?... Already??

I've been engaged for 2.5 weeks...

The stress has begun...

I am overwhelmed...

Enough said.

The Best Birthday... EVER!!!

My 30th birthday was so much more fun than I ever thought it would be. The trip to Las Vegas was a blast, and I had quite a few surprises along the way.

Here goes.....

Our flight out of Columbus left at 9:30am. Steve and I got checked in, made it through security, and settled in at the gate to wait for our flight to begin boarding. We were both playing around with our iPhones and not really paying attention... And at one point I looked at Steve and said, "I swear I just heard my name called over the intercom." The gate agent didn't seem like she was looking around for anyone, so we both just blew it off and continued to sit there, not paying attention.

They finally started boarding our flight, so we grabbed our carry-ons and started to get in line. Then I hear it again... For sure this time... They were calling "Erin Sass" over the intercom. So I went up to the gate agent and told her who I was. She proceeded to present me with an "I'm turning 30!" trophy, and then announced to the entire gate area that it was my birthday.

This was surprise #1... a little embarrassing.

We had a short layover in Chicago, but got to stay on the same plane, so that really made things easy. We managed to get some great seats right up front on the way from Chicago to Las Vegas,and we had tons of leg room. It was so nice!

About half way through our flight to Vegas, one of the flight attendants came on the intercom and asked everyone to lower their window shades. She said they check them all inflight to make sure they all work. Once again... I was watching "Hairspray" on my iPod and not really paying attention... I just saw Steve put the window shade down. Whatever. Then the fight attendant asked everyone to reach up and turn on their overhead light so they could make sure those were working as well. So we did... Still watching my movie and still only half paying attention. Once the plane was dark (window shades down), and all the little over head lights were on, the flight attendant then announced that it was my birthday. They made me stand up so the whole plane could sing "Happy Birthday" to me. They also gave me a small birthday cake they fashioned out of a roll of toilet paper and drink stirrers, as well as a bottle of champaign to celebrate with!

This was surprise #2... VERY embarrassing!

After finally arriving in Las Vegas, having lunch, and settling into our room at the Luxor, we decided to ride the monorail up to the north end of the strip. We both wanted to see the Stratosphere, so we figured we would start there and work our way back towards the south end of the strip where our hotel was.

When we got to the Stratosphere, we purchased our tickets for the observation deck, and got in line to go through security. I got through security without a problem... yay! Steve however had a little trouble, and had to be wanded by the security guard because he forgot to take his camera batteries out of his pocket. Once he made it through, we had our picture taken and headed up the elevator.

We were really lucky getting up to the top of the Stratosphere when we did because once we got up there, we remembered that Earth Hour was taking place that night. We were told by one of the employees there that Earth Hour would be only the seventh time ever that all the marquis lights and hotel signs on the strip would be shut off. We had great seats on a bench, and got to sit there and watch the lights go off one by one... It was really cool!

When leaving the Stratosphere, we saw that the traffic along the strip was HORRENDOUS!! It turns out that many of the locals had also come down to the strip to watch Earth Hour. Steve and I had planned on using the Deuce (a big double-decker bus that makes multiple stops along the strip) to work our way back to our hotel, but we were actually walking WAY faster than the traffic was moving, so we just decided to keep on walking.

We walked by the Sahara, Circus Circus, The Riviera, and the Wynn before finally making it to Treasure Island to watch the pirate show. Now... Let me just say that the pirate show I remember seeing was really cool. They used to have a mini battle and the pirate ship actually sank down into the water. The show now is called "The Sirens of TI", and it is quite a bit different (to say the least). When the show started, I thought I was watching the Pussycat Dolls on a ship. It was not at all what we were expecting to see, and quite honestly... a little shocking.

By that time, my feet were getting a little sore. I was in flip-flops (again... we weren't planning on pounding the concrete all night) and they probably weren't the best choice for the evening. But, we were still WAY ahead of the bus, so we just kept on trucking. We strolled through the Venetian, and our next stop was at the Mirage to watch the volcano erupt. That was really cool!

By the time we left the Mirage, my feet were starting to really hurt. Steve asked me if I wanted to call it a night and just catch a cab, but we still hadn't seen the Bellagio, and a cab ride back to our hotel would have taken FOREVER. So, we continued past the Flamingo and Caesar's Palace arrived at the Bellagio. Seeing the fountains at the Bellagio was probably #1 on my list of things to do in Vegas. I love the music and I love watching the water. You could leave me there for hours, and I'd be a happy little camper! We found a great spot to stand right up front and settled in to watch the show.

When the show was ending, Steve told me he had one more surprise for me (surprise #3... by far my favorite!). I turned around and there he was on his knee with a beautiful ring... He asked me to marry him. (As it turns out... The "camera batteries" he had trouble going through security with at the Stratosphere were actually my engagement ring!) I just about passed out. Some girls scream... Some girls cry... Not me. I started shaking like I was having some kind of seizure and wrapped my arms around Steve's neck so tight he probably thought his little bald head was going to pop off. The rest of the evening was pretty much a blur. I just know that you couldn't have wiped the giant smile off my face with anything!

On Sunday, Steve and I enjoyed a relaxing and filling champaign brunch at the Luxor, and spent the rest of the morning calling our friends and family to share the news. At 2:15pm, we hopped in a limo and were off on another adventure. We were headed back to the airport where we jumped in a helicopter and took an hour and a half tour of Lake Mead, The Hoover Dam, The Grand Canyon, and a sunset pass over the Las Vegas Strip. It was AMAZING!!! Our pilot (who was also famale :o)) was a great tour guide and knew a lot about the history of the sights we flew over. We had a great time!

On Monday morning, Steve and I met up with Greg and Dustin for breakfast. It was so good to see them, and it was fun to just sit there and catch up for a little bit. We spent the rest of the day checking out Mandalay Bay, Excalibur, and even making a quick trip to the outlet mall. We both ended up with some yummy bath products from Lush, and a couple of great bags from the outlet mall. I had so much fun hanging out with Dustin and enjoying a little girly time!

That night, Dustin, Greg, Steve, and I went to the Tournament of Kings at Excalibur and had a blast! We got to eat dinner with our hands, scream like a bunch of school kids, and just hang out. It was so nice to spend time with my best friend. Thanks again Dust for making the quick trip to hang out with us. It was so good to see you!!

I have tons of pictures.... Here are a few of them!

It was a fabulous trip that I will never ever forget! And I don't think Steve or I will ever be able to hear the song "God Bless the USA" by Lee Greenwood without laughing. Because... believe it or not... That was the song that played during the fountain show at the Bellagio right before he proposed. Of all the songs they had to play... Steve got that one. LOL!!

As far as wedding plans go... There are none yet! The first order of business for me is to figure out where I am going to live when my lease is up. Steve and I are toying with the idea of house hunting, but nothing is set in stone. Once I have a place to call home... Then I'll start working on a wedding.

And no pictures of the ring because... well... it's really hard to get a good picture of something so sparkly! Take my word for it... He did very well!! I don't think I could have picked a prettier ring if I'd gone shopping for it myself.

I am such a lucky girl!

And We're Off!!!: Volume 2...

I'm up... I'm 30... and Steve and I are heading to Vegas... WOO HOO!!!

My toes are painted, my bags are packed, and thanks to my family... I have a little extra spending money in my pocket.  It's going to be a great trip!

Dust... Drive safely and we'll see you tomorrow night!!

Vegas, Baby!!!

WOO HOO!!!

So as I'm sitting at lunch with Steve today, he tells me that I have a decision to make.  He tells me that he wants to take me somewhere for my birthday, but that I have to decide where to go... New York, Boston, San Francisco, or Las Vegas.  

HUH???  (Insert blank stare here....)

Up until this point, the only exciting plans I had for my birthday were to treat myself to a pedicure, and enjoy a nice dinner out somewhere with Steve.  Now I get to pick a city?!?!

So after asking Steve about a hundred times, "Where do YOU want to go?", and realizing that he wasn't going to help me with this decision, I've settled on Las Vegas.  Steve and I went to New York for my 28th birthday... We'd rather visit Boston sometime during the fall... And while San Francisco seems like a beautiful city, I think Vegas will be a lot more fun for my 30th birthday!

And to top off the trip out west... Steve and I are going to get to meet up with Dustin, Greg, and possibly Mr. Wonderful (Braden's attendance is yet to be determined).  I can't wait!!!

Vegas.... HERE I COME!!!

(I still think I'm going to treat myself to that pedicure... Gotta have pretty toes for the trip!)

What a Lady...

Edith Irene Hornberger

My Grandma Edith (my mom's mom) passed away this weekend, and we're really going to miss her.  Grandma was born on March 22, 1922, and would've celebrated her 87th birthday in just a couple of weeks.  She died on March 7th.

Some of my favorite memories of my Grandma are:

1.  Picking her up at the airport every summer.  I would get so excited... I used to run down the hall to meet her, and she always looked so pretty.

2.  She always slept in my room with me when she came to Arizona, and she would hold my hand until I fell asleep.

3.  When we got to go see her in Kansas, she would load us up in her car and take us to the Sonic in the next town over.  I thought that was so cool!

4.  She always used her lipstick for blush... It was a bright pink color.

5.  Wherever we went, no matter where we were or who we ran into, Grandma always introduced us to people as her grandkids.  She was such a proud Grandma.

6.  She always had cold coke in her fridge, and some kind of cookie we could eat!

7.  She was so generous.  Grandma didn't have a whole lot... yet she always had little treasures she gave to us.  (Even as I sit here and type this, I'm looking at this tacky little piggy bank she gave me last summer.)  She never sent us away empty-handed!

8.  She was always excited to see us.  Even in the last couple of years... when I never knew if she was going to remember us or not... her face just lit up as soon as she saw us.  

9.  Her quilts.  Grandma was a very talented, award winning quilter, and her work was (and still is) beautiful.  I'm lucky enough to have a few of the things she made.

10.  Grandma was a lot like McGuyver.  That woman could make just about anything out of just about anything.  She was very resourceful, and handier than most men I know.

She really was a neat lady, and she will be missed by us all.

The Countdown...

To the big 3-0!!

I've had a few people asking me lately how I feel about my upcoming 30th birthday.  So... here you have it... my truthful answer...

I CANNOT WAIT!!!

Some people dread saying good-bye to their 20s.

Some people don't like "getting older".  

Some people feel like age is a whole lot more than just a number.

Not me.

I say... BRING IT ON!!!

Am I where I always thought I would be at the age of 30?  Not exactly.

Am I happy to be where I currently am at the age of 30?  You betcha!!

On the 28th of this month, I will turn 30.  And while I am saying good-bye to one chapter of my life... I am thrilled to be saying hello to another!  My 30s are going to blow my 20s out of the water!!

My New Eyeballs!

I just picked these babies up at the eye doctor's office, and so far, I am LOVING them!!

I've been a faithful contact wearer for over 15 years, and I now have a whole new outlook on glasses.  They are low-maintenance, they are comfy, and best of all... I CAN SEE!!!

(Goodbye tax refund... See you next year!)

Mirror, Mirror, on the...

Umm... floor.... for now.

This afternoon, I had to go to the hospital to have a test done.  Steve had a couple errands to run as well, so he took me to lunch, and then to the hospital.    (Such a good guy he is!)

On our way out of my apartment complex, we drove by the dumpster because I had a bag of trash that needed thrown out.  Whenever I go to the dumpster, I have a habit of checking out any "oversized" items that have been thrown out.  I've seen everything from furniture to appliances sitting out there, so it's always interesting to see what others have decided to pitch.

 

When we pulled up to the dumpster, I saw this giant mirror sitting out in the grass.  I mentioned the mirror to Steve, but figured it was most likely broken/damaged if someone was throwing it out.  I almost didn't even get out to look at it.  But, Steve said, "I'll throw the trash away... You go check out the mirror."  So I did.

As it turns out, it's a really pretty (and super HEAVY) mirror, that apparently used to be attached to a dresser or vanity as it had some pretty hefty brackets on the to the back of it. It was a little dirty, but in decent shape, so Steve and I picked it up and put it in the back of his car.  

When we got back to my place this afternoon, Steve helped me carry the mirror in so I could get it cleaned up.  He took the brackets off the back, and I whipped out the windex.  I have to say... That mirror cleaned up pretty darn well!  

Here's a picture of it after a good bath...

Now... my question for all you creative/decorating bloggers is... Where in the world can I put this thing?  It's 48.5 inches wide, 34.5 inches tall, it weighs about 40lbs, and I haven't a clue what to do with it.

 

I'm going to be moving in a few months, so I'm not in a huge hurry to get it hung up in my current apartment.  But, I'd love to know if any of you have any brilliant/creative ideas as to what I might be able to do with it in my next place.  

I'm open to any suggestions, so let me have 'em!!

Look Out Martha...

Here I come!!

As far as I'm concerned, Valentine's Day may as well not even exist this year.  I'm a little "bah humbug" about the whole thing, myself.

I have to work from 6am-4pm that day, and Steve has to work from 3pm-3am that night (into the following morning).  So, our chances of getting to do anything fun (or even seeing each other for that matter) are pretty darn slim.

So... While sitting at home today, I decided to have a Martha Day, and make Steve an early Valentine's Day present.  After all... We all know that the way to any man's heart is through his stomach!

Here's the final product.  I think they turned out pretty well considering my less-than-stellar culinary skills!

Let me just say that frosting these suckers was no easy feat... I'm still wondering what the secret is.  Maybe it's just one of those "practice makes perfect" things... I don't know.  My "butter knife and cursing" approach doesn't seem to be working.

Anyways... I hope he likes them!!

Taking a Break...

... From the blogging world, that is. 

I've blogged for a year and a half, and for some reason I feel like I need to take a step back.

I'll catch up again at some point... I'm just not sure when.

I hope everyone is doing well and making the best of 2009!