i'm all ears

Ladies, need your help on this one. Lately I've been on the prowl for some new blogs to read/sites to check out, whether it be IF /RPL or not (i.e. I love cooking/baking/fashion etc) Soooo curious to know,  what are your fave blogs/celebrity sites/recipe sites etc etc? 

What occupies your time when you are bored?

Or when you don't want to work?

Or when you just want to absorb yourself and get lost in something new?  

Do share!

pretty please? 

btw - 6 more days until the LO.ST premiere - yahooooo!

the power of prayer

Just a quick update on my MIL. Friday's surgery went as smooth as it could have, and I really want to thank everyone for your prayers and well wishes.  I believe that prayer, whether it stretches across countries or oceans, is one of the most powerful things that we can do for one another and I can tell you I certainly felt it all the way over here.

We were at the hospital from about 11 - 8pm on Friday and then back on Saturday from 4-8. My MIL has been remarkably strong and has been such a trooper through everything (poor woman has a huge purple bruise from the nurses not being able to get the IV in - ouch!) She was able to get up, walk around etc the next day but her left side/arm area was understandably sore.  We will have to go back in a few weeks to hear the pathology report and discuss treatment options and next steps.

This weekend at the hospital I was reminded how fragile life can be and how thankful I am to have my health.  Without it, the sense of independance, empowerment, and dignity goes right along with it - and it is so sad to see so many patients that have to stay in the hospital for an indefinite period of time.  I also was reminded of how nurses and caregivers in the hospital work such long and brutal hours, and really have to deal with every type of unpleasant situation possible.  I pray that God will continue to give these special angels a compassionate heart and patience beyond what anyone of us could bear.

I spent 3 hours yesterday making a week's worth of meals for my in-laws. They were very surprised and overwhelmed with gratitude when we brought it all over last night but I feel it's my duty and honor and not a chore at all. It was somewhat therapeutic for me, plus I like to cook (even though I rarely make 5 meals in one shot) and I didn't know what else I could do to help make the road to recovery a bit easier.  My MIL is vegetarian so anyone has any great vegetarian recipes to share that would be great - I always incorporate veggies in my meals but not usually have all veg dishes as DH is a big carnie - as am I, in moderation :)

Hope everyone has a great week!

Tomorrow has come

Thanks everyone for your supportive comments from my last post.  That night, I came home and had a bit of a meltdown, but only for a brief moment did I shed some tears.  DH gave me a big hug and whispered that everything would be ok (referring to my MIL) and that it will be our time soon (referring to my close gf being pregnant).  I then proceeded to kick myself in the butt (literally) with my work out and I instantly started to feel better.
 

Tomorrow is a big day for our family.  My MIL's surgery is at 2pm (eastern) so if you could, please say a little prayer for us at that time.  

I'm finding comfort in this verse below - if you have any other verses that help strengthen you during tough times, please do share!

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 58:11

Hitting home

My world is crumbling around me and I don't know how to stop it. 

We got word on Sunday that my MIL has breast cancer, and that she will be having surgery this Friday to remove her left breast.  She knew since November and didn't tell the family.  DH is so upset (even though he is trying to be strong) and I, well I am looking up to God and asking why.  I am stunned, I am in denial, and I'm scared for our family.

I keep thinking back to Christmas, how fun it was, how happy everyone was, and how none of us had any clue what was going on b/c my MIL did not want to 'ruin' the holidays for us (at least that's what DH told me that was her reasoning).  I wish she would have told us sooner so we could be there to support her through this lonely and scary time.

And I know I should only be thinking about how horrible breast cancer is and how it is going to forever change our lives but why is it then, that I can't stop thinking that I 'lost' the 'race' to become pregnant first?

You see, just today, one of my best friends (the one who miscarried in November last year) called me and told me she wasn't in the office in the last few weeks because she was so nauseous from being pregnant. She is now 7 weeks along.

I am truly happy for my friend but as she was telling me how she couldn't keep anything down and how she would pass out at 3 pm - I could not help but feel a yearning, an 'I'd give anything to be in your shoes' feeling and wishing instead I would be the one to throw up everything I eat and be tired after a few hours of work.  She was talking about midwives vs. OB etc etc and I was literally tuning in and out because I was trying to process everything and make sure that I express to her how happy I am for her and that this is her time.


Having cancer is probably the worst news anyone can ever get in their lives. I feel like my problems are so minute it doesn't even compare.  I'm in a bad place right now, friends. and I'm not sure how to cope.

Passing it along

Thanks to Em at The Lily Pad for my first Blogger award! I feel so warm and fuzzy inside - and it's not just because I just had a grilled cheese sandwich for lunch (I didn't have time to pack today - ugh!)

The rules are simple: just give 7 facts about you and then nominate 7 people for the beautiful blogger award...but I'm going to share more than 7 facts as I did this 'random 25 things about yourself' on facebook once so I'll just tweak that a bit for y'all here:

1. I  have had the biggest fear of needles. With all that's gone on in 2009, that no longer applies - now it's like - just stick me and get it over with

2. I also have a crippling fear of spiders. So bad that once, I made DH get off the "throne" during #2 to help me kill one on the bedroom ceiling. He wasn't so excited about that.

3. I am a bargain hunting queen. If you spot me near you in a store, it might be because I'm following you to see when you will put down the shirt that I must have.  I'm also learning to use coupons so any websites/tips you have that will enhance my discount-age please let me know!

4. I  am addicted to reality tv: the Bachelor/ette, the Hills, SYTYCD, Idol, Biggest Loser - and longtime fan of 24, LOST, Grey's, Battlestar Galatica - new fave: GLEE

5. I don't have any blood relatives that live in Canada other than my parents and sister. I miss them.

6. I'm very competitive. I used to be the captain of the girls' field hockey team in HS and played throughout the first few years of university. 2nd baseman in softball. I was also a Cheerleader for a brief 2.5 yrs. Volleyball is my current fave.

7. Hubby and I used to watch LOTR 1,2 and 3 every year, all in one sitting. Our first movie date was LOTR 1. Yes, he brings out the geek in me.

8. Our first (and only) engagement ring shopping experience took place in Hong Kong, accompanied by my mom, my dad, my sister, my 3rd uncle, my yei yei (grandpa) and ma ma (my grandma). LOL.

9. I've never had my wisdom teeth taken out and likely won't have to because they removed 4 when I had my braces.

10. I've been to the Star Trek experience in Las Vegas. Unbeknownst to hubby, I secrety enjoyed it.

11. I am a big interior design/decorating/renovating buff. If I weren't in Marketing now I think I would go into interior decorating and or/flipping houses.

12. I've sat at the table next to Serena Williams at Serendipty in New York and was too chicken to get her autograph or picture. 

13. I've been to Times Square for New Year's Eve with my friends. Never was actually in the Square, but close enough. ;)

Now I would like pass this award on to:

(yes i broke the rules again so shoot me)

Ella at Baby Love

Jessica at A Journey Through Motherhood

Nicole at The Abramcyzk's

Laura at Blessed

Tina at Our Journey to Parenthood

LuckyOnce at Where's my white picket fence

projectbaby at Project baby

Cheryl at cheryllookingforward

BMom at Journey of Faith-Path to Motherhood

Rach at Sillyness Abounds

Delurk, delurk, wherever you are!

So I've seen this on a few blogs already and I have to admit, I've always been curious to know who's been reading my blog besides the regular peeps. 
So don't be shy! I would love to hear from you if you have been reading but haven't introduced yourself or haven't been regularly commenting - always love to meet new folks and I would love to read some of your blogs too! So stick around, and holla at me!

new year, new possibilities

It was a busy busy holiday - and I'm happy to report that all 3 parties were a success! (but let me say here and now that I don't think I'll ever be doing 3 weekends in a row ever again LOL)

Hope all of you lovely ladies had a great New Year's with your family and friends - as I counted down this NYE, I closed my eyes and pictured what exciting possibilities could be ahead for us this year.  My church is starting a new series next week on 'Hope' and it couldn't be more perfect timing in my world right now.

On a side note (and for my own tracking) I'm thinking AF is going to come soon b/c I've felt some twinges and the regular symptoms that come with it - which is good, I guess, because we are not supposed to be trying - but a small part of me wishes that was the key - getting pregnant - successfully to term - on a 'not trying' cycle. *sigh*

Back to work tomorrow so should keep me nice and busy until my Feb 8th appt to review our results - fingers crossed!!

Here we go 2010!