Out of Commission

 

Before I got sick                                                                                                Now

 I'm out of commission this week! Yuck, I caught a cold sometime last week and now I'm really paying for it as of Monday. Bri'elle is also sick so lets keep our fingers crossed daddy doesn't get sick. I have lots of postings to post just need to add the pics and a few other things. Once I get back on my feet, I'm hoping by Thursday. I will post all of them through this weekend. There has been so much going on I want to share and get it documented so I don't forget and time passes by. 

I hope everyone has a great week!!!!!! Stay away from anyone who is sick!!!!! 

 

Bad luck at 25

Because I need to seriously vent and reach out, maybe this has happened to others... Maybe not :(
So my birthday was this past week (a better posting will tell you about my wonderful day). I turned 25. For me it was just another birthday I have to thank God that I'm able to celebrate. I didn't do anything big but still felt special. Well the next day I had an extremely horrible day, which doesn't happen often because I don't dwell on the bad or negative stuff I praise the positive and look at the bigger picture but there was just something about that day that seemed off. All day! I was losing my memory easily forgetting where I was putting things and they were right under my nose. Well I was so very exhausted and fatigued that I had the feeling I was going to through up or faint. It was not a good feeling. When jay got home I was able to take a nap. I took about a 2 hour nap and felt like I didn't even fall asleep. It was almost useless. My body and mind didn't feel any better. Well, the day/night went on and I woke up feeling better.
The next day, I thought was going to be great and it actually was until today (Friday) I realized I misplaced my memory card for my camera that had 1300 pictures (some have been uploaded) on it. I've looked everywhere! I even offered a reward to my family to help me find it. I stayed up late last night looking for it and I've spent almost the whole time I've been home from work looking for it...no progress. It really bothers me because I remember taking it out of my camera and nothing else. My mind is completely blank. And I really losing my memory. I really hope not and I hope I find it sooner or later. All my relay for life and birthday pictures are on there there that haven't been uploaded and its really upset me. Ugh!
Well I feel somewhat better writing about it. Please pray that either I find it and all is well or God can rest my guilt and frustratedness.
And maybe that I'm not losing my mind....
<3 thanks for listening (reading in this case)

My Memorial for a Memory

A cute litte pin I got when I was at the club

That's right, I said it, "F Cancer!" but I must admit without it I wouldn't be the person I am today. 

On memorial day I celebrated a memory from a new beginning 18 years ago. I can't believe 18 years has gone by. I'm truly blessed to be where I'm at no matter what. Thankful God pulled through and gave me another chance. I realize that through all the pain and sadness I went through and struggled with the past 18 years was all part of a purpose God has for me. He carefully designs all of us with new beginnings and each of us a certain path to follow. We may cross each others path at one time or another and that could be part of his plan. To witness his greatness. 

I was only 5 when I was diagnosed with one of the rarest children's cancer (at the time). It all started with a stomach ache I will never forget. After being sent home many of times saying that I just have the flu finally through an MRI the doctor's were able to see the tumor that was taking up my whole body. Before I could have surgery because the tumor was so big they had to radiate it first to shrink it. Once it was to a reasonable size the surgeon when in and removed one of my kidney's and the tumor. I went through several radiation and chemotherapy treatments before I was in remission from cancer. 


May 28th, 1993 (2 years after my diagnosis) I complete my last treatment for cancer. I was so excited to move on and be able to be a kid again. I was 7 when I finished my treatment. I quickly got back up at school by doing extension summer schooling. The determination to complete my grade without being held back, I was successful. It was tough though. Of course at that age kids don't understand what happened to you. I, myself, didn't completely understand. Unfortunately I was teased for being bald and not being able to participate in certain things. It was sad, I hated my life. I don't talk about it much but now I realize it was all part of my fight to live and survive even though some of my thoughts at the time wanted the opposite. 


I'm so thankful for everyone who stood by my side through one of the toughest times of my life. My health has been carefully looked at ever since then with some flops here and there but I'm determined no matter what to pull through. God picked me for a reason and for a reason I will let it be. The same reason he chose me to be diagnosed a second time 14 years later. This is my testament to God and the miracle he performed. 


I would like to invite everyone to join my team for American Cancer Society's Relay for Life of Pinole. I've been participating since my last diagnosis with cancer (2005). This year the Relay with be held at Fernandez Park in Pinole, August 13th- Auguest 14th from 9:00am (on saturday) -9:00am (on sunday) {since I have Bri'elle most likely I will only be staying on the 13th}. It is a great event raising awareness for cancer. I hope you will be able to join. 


Please see my personal URL Brandi's Relay Page to join my team and donate.


I appreciate everyone who supports me in this special event. Every year I keep my fingers crossed that my team will grow bigger and I will have the support from family and friends. 

After my treatments - school picture.

I was only able to find one picture in all my moms albums and I was trying to wait for her to get some more down for me but I didn't want to stall on this post any longer.



I'm thankful for every breath I take and everyday I live. Each day is not promised. I love each and everyone who is a part of my life.  

<3

Jay's 3rd Interview

Yes, that is right! His 3rd Interview!!!

A little bit of history:
After having a temp job being a cook at a restaurant for the past 1 1/2 weeks Jay decided it wasn't for him and he pretty much worked there for free and it really doesn't matter besides the fact that everything happens for a reason. The cooking job demanded he work everyday even though he requested to have Sunday's off. When he requested to get off a day because he had an interview (he told the lady he had an appointment) the lady completely blew off the fact he didn't show up for work after telling her way in advance he needed the day off. Later that night (Tuesday) Jay's phone falls in the water when he went kayaking, he wasn't able to go turn it in for a new one until late Wednesday afternoon. Wednesday morning our car got a flat on the way taking me to work which meant he wouldn't be able to make it to cook. A few attempts and no response Jay knew that the cooking job wouldn't work out. On Thursday Jays phone arrives (earlier than the estimated time of Friday afternoon). Once Jay got it all hooked up there was a missed call and a voicemail left just 20 minutes earlier. It was the first company he had an interview with and made it all the way to the 2nd one. They wanted him to come in the following day for the 3rd interview.

 The interview (Friday):
Jay's interview was on Friday at 3:00p.m. I got off of work at 3:15p.m. so my mom watched Bri'elle and brought her to the park by my work until it was time to pick me up. I didn't leave work until 3:30 and we didn't get home until about 3:55 because I let Bri'elle play at the park a little longer so I could watch her and then we picked my little sister up from school. As we pulled into the driveway I get a call from Jay. And guess what he says!?!?!?! He is employed!!!!!!!!!! The best news ever! He tells me how the interview went and that he is on his way home to share the details. Once he got home he told me all about the interview which basically was a meeting with the VP of the company. She asked Jay a few questions like what he was looking to get out of the company and why he would be the right choice for them if they were to hire him. Apparently he said the right answers because after that she hired him. The other lady (the manager of the department he would be working in) who interviewed Jay at the second interview showed him his office and around the building introducing him to the others in the department. She went over some details and said he will receive a letter in the mail to sign welcoming him to the company upon a background screening. And that she will see him on May 2nd for his first day of work.

God is so amazing and answered our prayers just at the right time. We would like to thank everyone who prayed with us and for us. Jay is employed at a great company that he wishes to make a career out of it and not just a job. Jay is completely ecstatic and has worked hard for this. I'm so proud of him. This is a start of a turning point in his, mine, and our families life.

Our Celebration:

Friday night Jay and I went to Happy Hour at Tahoe Joe's, now one of our favorite places. We each ordered a drink and we shared four appetizers. It was so much fun. We got to talk about our future plans and just have a good time knowing that God is taking care of us and has a plan mapped out. We need to be patient and allow him to work in our hearts before we can make the proper steps.

Me and Jay - I set my camera on the top of the booth for the pic.

My happy,well-deserved,proud hubby

One proud and excited wife

Maybe we did order too much food

You can still see the happiness in his face- and it's not from the food :)

When we came home our babysitter (my little sis) & Bri'elle were passed out

Our Future Plans:
Now that we know God has provided us with some security that we have been waiting for we are now discussing our moving out plans, getting a commuter car, paying off the rest of debt, daycare, and an addition to the family. I will keep you posted as things progress and Jay's first day of work. Yes, I took that day off. 

Again, I would like to thank everyone!!!!! I appreciate the time and thoughts from everyone especially the support that our family and friends have given us through the past two years of our life that we struggled with only one of us working. I really can't express my feelings because there are so many but the happiness, joy, gratitude, and hope that I'm feeling feels like when I was told I no longer have cancer, when Jay asked me to marry him, our wedding day, when we found out I was pregnant,the birth of Bri'elle, are all just a few situations that I've felt similar emotions.

I hope everyone had a great weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also too add, Jay and I went to the movies on Saturday ($6.00 tickets from Groupon). We saw The Lincoln Lawyer and I highly recommend this movie. It was a fantastic movie with a great story line. 

<3

She's Back!!!!

We got our baby girl back! Not Bri'elle, our other baby girl, Merci!
     A month ago I was in a car accident. Totally not my fault don't worry. One morning around 8ish I headed down to Peets Coffee to do some studying. I approached my red light and stopped. No more than a couple minutes later my light turned green and I continued my journey as I proceeded through the light. I made it about half way through and BAM, I was hit. At first I didn't really know what to think because my car didn't really budge. I looked over and the other car was on the landscaping. Yikes! I called the police but there was one making a route and seen us. He came and took our information. The girl's sister came over and asked if I was okay. I really didn't notice if I was okay but no major damage was done. The other girl had said her brakes went out and she couldn't stop and something about a recall with her car. I was just glad neither one of us was hurt. This was a true test by God of how my reaction would be. Thank God no one was hurt either!
My car had some bruises on her, but she was a trooper through it seeing how the other car was almost totaled. One of the reasons why I like my car. Heavy duty!

The rental car that we got was a 2010 VW Jetta. It was really nice! It reminded me a lot of my car in highschool. The car is definitely way smaller than mine so we had to make it work but it was great on gar. This is something I'm going to miss. Jay and I have been discussing getting a new car after we sell his and are considering a car like that. We need a gas saver car for commuting and traveling. Right now we have two V8 engine cars and one that take premium only, so it will definitely save us in the long run. We will see.

It feels good to have my car back now even though it will be really different filling up the tank. I was happy to drive her around town this weekend. Definitely a good feeling when things are back to normal.

Here's a pic of our rental:

<3

April Fools Day

I didn't think much of April Fools this year. In the past I have been a participant but sometimes you run out of jokes and honesty this year I wanted to sit on the side lines and watch everyone else fool whoever they intended. Well, I had one coming my way little did I know. Jay decided to tell me that we received a letter from the IRS about our taxes saying that our direct deposit information failed and that they are going to send us a check instead but it would take an additional 2 weeks or so. I didn't think much of it so I said okay and added that it kinda sucks and that we would have to re-do our budget planning for this month. Really inside I was like NOOOOOOooooo but I try not to show that I'm worried. A little later we discussed it some more but about what needs to get paid instead of what and etc. I didn't think anything of it. The night goes on after about five hours and then Jay decides to say, "our federal is in the bank, looks like they only messed up on the state." Still I didn't think much of it and I said,"Thank God" in response. Then he proceeds with, "APRIL FOOLS!!!!!" I laughed for a second because at first I didn't get it and then had to ask what the joke was and what part is the April Fools. It was a little funny because then I confused him and at the end we got to have a little laugh.

And to clarify: Our taxes are in the bank! : D

<3

Tips for the Cold/Flu

Our family is officially ALL BETTER!!!!!!

This is such a relief for us. First Jay got sick and really sick. He was admitted for a day with a bad case of strep throat. Next was Bri'elle. She ended up getting a little something from Jay. Luckily it only lasted for a couple of days. Poor thing had a fever really bad and was throwing up. I think this is her second time getting sick since she's been born. And finally, momma didn't get sick! Yay! I'm knocking on wood as I say this. It is so hard to try to kick the cold/flu but I'm a worker when it comes to this stuff. I don't play around, I think the cold gets me rather than the other way around. Since I think I do a good job at clearing the cold I thought I would share some tips.

******DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION BELOW IS NOT CERTIFIED BY A DOCTOR OR LICENSED PROFESSIONAL. THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN GATHERED FROM PERSONAL EXPERIENCE AND HAS NOT BEEN TESTED UNDER MEDICAL CODE. PLEASE FIRST CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN IF YOU HAVE A MEDICAL OR PSYCHIATRIC EMERGENCY. IF YOU NEED IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE CALL 911. -THANKS!******

• WASH YOUR HANDS ALL THE TIME (EVEN WASH THE LITTLE ONES HANDS) Yes, I mean it. Wash their hands often.
• TAKE EMERGEN-C OR AIRBORNE (As soon as you feel a slight of sickness)
• DRINK ALOT OF FLUIDS
• TRY TO SUCK ON ICE OR LEMONDROPS TO HELP GET YOUR SALIVA GOING (Do not do for children, it can pose a choking risk)
• DO NOT STAY IN THE SAME CLOTHES FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME
• WASH YOUR BEDSHEETS AND PILLOW CASES AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS
• SWITCH OUT YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
• DO NOT TOUCH YOUR EYES, NOSE, AND MOUTH
• WIPE DOWN ALL SURFACES WITH LYSOL OR A DISINFECTANT (any areas that germs could spread, especially areas you touch frequently)
• TURN ON SHOWER 5 MINS BEFORE YOU BATH WITH HOT WATER AND SIT TO IN BATHROOM TO USE AS A HUMIDIFIER
• BATHE OFTEN
• DRINK TEA WITH HONEY AND LEMON
• SWALLOW TSP OF HONEY AND CINNAMON 

Okay that's all I can think of for the moment. I have a feeling I'm missing a few. I will add if I remember what they others are.

Almost There

The blog is almost done!!!! I've been a little discouraged with the design of the blog and my ideas. But I will be making some serious changes pretty soon and then I will be releasing it to Family and Friends who aren't yet followers. I wanted to finish the blog because I also have a new email (well I've had it for about 6 months now but haven't shared it yet). If you know me then you know I have about 4 different email accounts. Yes, it's true. I'm trying to navigate all my friends and family to my new email because I sign up for ALOT of email subscriptions to random places for coupons and newsletters that it's hard to filter out what I really want to see. So I have created an email for all my personal stuff and the other will be used when I do email listings. As for my other ones they will just be there. I don't ever check the mail so I know have tons of emails. I hope they aren't important YIKES!

Once this blog is completed I will do an annoucement and will introduce different areas in the blog. I really like to write so this will be a mixture of blogging about pretty much everything family and fun things that I feel like writing about. I can't wait! I have been following more and more blogs which is so exciting. I've always wanted to join the "blogworld".

I would like to ask for some advice. My blog is private. I really would like to share my blog with others for more blogging traffic but I'm scared my blog and information will end up in the wrong hands. What if someone random comes across my blog and decides he/she is going to stalk me or even worse my child. Or what if the person is a dishonest person and copies my pictures and posts them other places as there own.

Did anyone else have this fear? Any advice? Any suggestions how I can get more readers without exposing myself to people I do want to?

I just felt like writing... Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for Hubby Thursdays later tonight!

<3 (still haven't made my signature)

The middle of the Week

This week feels like a loooonnngggg week and it's only Wednesday!

The hubby is sick, and man is it taking a toll on him, me, and Bri'elle. Since he hasn't been feeling good and he is the one who stays home with Bri'elle during the day while I'm at work, when I get off I pick Bri'elle up and try to stay out of the house for a few hours so he can get some rest. He says he just feels worse as the days go by but I've heard there is a nasty sickness being passed along so hopefully it will pass soon. I'm one of those people who have to get rid of sickness by cleaning the room, sheets, house, EVERYTHING until it's gone. I have everyone in the household take extra vitamin C and just pray it passes. Usually it gets passed to everyone but me so I must be doing something right. So far Bri'elle and I are peachy keen besides Bri'elles teething. It feels like a rough week. I haven't been getting hardly any of my homework done because little missy (Bri'elle) has been staying up later. I can't just leave her in her crib because she knows how to get out (well, not all the way I'm scared she'll fall out but she gets her leg over the rail) and I would leave her in the room to fall asleep but since Jay's sick I can't just let her run a muck while he's trying to get rest. So what has mommy been doing...bring her in bed and turn on Veggie Tales. She watches an episode and goes to sleep. So if anyone has any other suggestion I'm all ears. I think it's because Jay's sick and she isn't on her usual schedule. I'm hoping that's all it is. : / 
I have been picking Bri'elle up after work the past few days and just riding around to give Jay some peaceful resting time.Today, I dropped Bri'elle off at my nana's (her great nana) for about an hour an half while I went to Michaels to get some stuff for my friends Bridal Shower and went to the grocery store. I'm hoping to do it again tomorrow so I can have some study time. Let's hope it works out. 


I'm hoping the sickness stays away from Bri'elle and I (and my whole family for that matter). And also stays away from everyone else. It's a nasty bug. 

 Last night - she is so sleepy

Tonight - Trying to stay away

 

I might be in luck, I just looked over at Bri'elle and she is almost asleep. I would take a pic but I think that would totally get her attention. 

<3