So thankful...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Of course I am thankful for the obvious...health, family, etc., but here are the little things that have made the past few weeks so great....

So thankful for

-Being able to enjoy food again: tastes, textures and smells

-My eyebrows and eyelashes returning

-My new found love of lomography

-Chihuahuas

-New friends

-Discovering Houston

-Reindeer corn

-Car insurance

-Being a girl

Just a few things that have rocked my socks off these past few weeks. I'm so thankful for my little treasures. I always want to be able to enjoy my small blessings.

Have a wonderful Turkey Day!

Catching up

Nov 1- So happy I finally have things to write in my planner.

Nov 17- LOVE orzo so I made it again and added chicken and green beans.


Nov 16- Learning to make different recipes. Orzo with tomatoes, spinach and parmesean.


Nov 15- Guess who's next! I caught the bouqet.

Nov 14- Wedding Day! Congratulations Michelle and Brandon. I remember when they started dating in high school. It's so great to see them still together.

Nov 13- Rehearsal dinner at Macaroni Grill.

Nov 12- Bridal party Mani/Pedis.

Nov 11- My portfolio for job interviews.

Nov 10- The first biopsy came back as normal skin, the biopsy wasn't deep enough. So I had to get 2 more biopsies taken. (Everything came back benign)

Nov 9- Hair!

Nov 8- The sweet neighbor boy made us candy apples.

Nov 7- I really like this dress so I took a picture in it.

Nov 6- Allison and I from the night before.

Nov 5- Happy 27th Birthday Ally Cat.

Nov 4- In the middle of making a wall hanging for Allison's birthday. It includes a picture of he mother in Italy.

Nov 3-Making a scrapbook for Camille with our pictures from my trip to Madison.

Nov 2- Yummy cheeseburgers with Frank.

What a differnce a year makes...

Exactly one year I was working full time, had a boyfriend, was enjoying life as a 25 year old. Exactly one year ago today I thought I was healthy. I went to my regular 3 month check up thinking that it would be the same as all the others the year and a half before, clear. Instead of hearing this I heard things like relapse, mass against my heart, the size of a small baseball, and not able to do surgery. It was horrifying. Even though I was first diagnosed 5 years before this it was really the first time that the solution wasn't black and white. I had never been told surgery wasn't an option. The thought of death had entered my mind before but this was the first time that I let it stay for a while.


Fast forward a year. I have had 9 rounds of IV chemo, one round of oral chemo, lines put in and removed, and an 8 hour surgery. I discovered I had a heart defect and had it fixed. I have not worked full time in a year and am now starting to apply for jobs hoping to go back to work by the beginning of the year. I am feeling stronger and healthier each day. I have had my heart broken, ended relationships and started new ones. I have matured and become more emotionally stable. I am in a better place and I'm happy.


This year was an absolute nightmare at times, many times to be honest, but I have also had some of the best times of my life this year.

It seems just like yesterday I was sitting in the office hearing the news. I really can't believe time has gone by this fast. I am so thankful I am on the other side. I am so happy I made it through.

I am so thankful to everyone for all their love and support. This was a team effort, I could not have done it without you.

My post from a year ago.

No mas chemo

I am still off of chemo and hopefully for good this time. My counts did not come back up in time so I will not be finishing the last 2-3 rounds of chemo. The doctor said it is ok since it was extra chemo. I was a little nervous at first. In a weird way chemo is like a security blanket, I felt very safe when I was taking it. I felt like I was actively doing something to take care of myself and now I don't have that. It's a good thing. Don't get me wrong I'm so happy to be done, it just took a little adjustment. I had prepared myself to be on chemo for a few more months. That changed in a 3 minute conversation with my doctor. I've had a little time and am now very excited about my new freedom. My strength has been coming back. I am going to take November to get stronger and get my counts back up. I will be scanned at the beginning of December. I'm going to enjoy every single holiday before I go back to work. I was on chemo last year and I'm going to make up for it. So if all goes as planned (unless I get a great offer I just can't resist) I will be heading back to work in January.

Oct. 31- Happy Halloween from Keymo.

Oct 30-Me and the birthday girl Laura.

Oct 29-I went to the dermatologist for this lovely rash on my arm and ended up getting a biopsy. I will get the stitches out and results in 2 weeks. The doctor told me not to worry.

Oct. 28- My new water bottle. Helps me get my 2 liters of fluid in everyday.

****forgot to take pics for a few days, so these are from same day****


Oct 27-Tooth fairies.

Oct. 26-Scary faces

Oct 25- Me and my Shana

Oct 24- With "Michael Phelps" at the Dallas Oaklawn Street Party.

Oct 23- Happy Birthday Paulette. May you continue to rest in peace.

Oct 22- Since I'm done with chemo I got my line removed. I'm so happy it's gone. Not so happy with the hole in my chest. It was in for 11 months so it will take a while to heal.

Oct. 21- Waiting at my doc appointment. I'm done with chemo!

Oct. 20- Keymo enjoying the water drops left over from my shower.

Oct 19- At Frank's doctor appointment.

Oct 18-My inspiration board. It helps keep me focused on what i need to do. I change it out to fit what I need.

Oct 17- I've been lifting weights to build my strength up.

Oct 16- My beloved flip, I need to play with you more.

Oct 15- Getting an early start on Halloween. Making my goody bags.