an official designer

So while Aunt pam was in town I decided to put her to work. I mean it would only be right. I'm not sure she has ever come out to visit without a "project" (as my dad calls it) to work on. Whether it be painting the ENTIRE basement, or Michael's room, or Joey's room, we always have something for her to do. So I decided to enlist her help in reupholstering our dining room table chairs. There are four chairs and two bar stools.

So this is what the chairs looked like before:

and from another angle:

The chair I used to take the before picture of doesn't look horrible but I think 2 of the chairs and both barstools had tears along the front of the cushion and the fabric was SO dirty! 

So after several trips to the fabric store, Michael's craft store, and Lowe's and recruiting the help of my dad we set to work. We finished all of the seats but decided to leave the backs for another day. They were especially hard because all but a quarter inch around the edge shows so you have to be very exact. One night while I was hard at work, my dad and pam were amazing and finished covering the backs with fabric and then my dad helped me to install all of the cushions on to the chairs.

So this is what the chairs look like now (drum roll please!):

Isn't the fabric great?! I think it helps make the chairs look so much more modern. And the darker fabric will help hid stains and dirt in the long run.

Here's what the whole dining room looks like now:

Now the problem I'm having is with the gold and glass lamp. It looks old and I think it takes away from the modern look of the room.

Here's a close up:

So I've been looking at lamps. Unfortunately lamps are super expensive. And I haven't found one I'm in love with yet. Then I was reading one of my interior design blogs and wha-la. A lamp I love!!! And it is a do it yourself project! So I can say that I made it and the whole thing costs about 12 dollars! Right about my price range.

So here's what it looks like:

And another blogger's version:

Take this picture with a grain of salt because this is a much larger scale than I would make my lamp. The lamp in the top picture is like 42". I was thinking about 24". I love the light and fluffy look of it. And I was thinking it might correlate well with the sun burst print on the fabric of the chairs. But then I was in my bedroom and I was thinking... How well would little versions of this lamp look hanging on each side of our bed??!!?? I would probably do two 12" lamps hanging on each side. A modern twist on night stand lamps! So let me know what you think! Dining room table or bed side light?

My last purchase for my room was a leaning ladder bookshelf.

Here's a picture of it:

I still need to move my painting up and to the right. But the bookshelf helps so much! It organizes all of my books and magazines and the printer fits perfectly on the bottom shelf! 

So last I've been collecting some inspirational photos I'm loving right now that I thought I would share with you:

Hope you all are having a great weekend!

xoxo

Janaya

Quick Update

Hey everyone! I'm up in flag, and the trees are starting to change color. This may not seem much to the east coasters, but cactus' pretty much just stay green. Snow/rain is in the forecast for later this week! It's about to get cold! 

Update From Michael

Hey!

So, I don't have too much to talk about. I went to California this weekend with my fraternity TKE (Tau Kappa Epsilon). It was a pretty fun weekend. Me and three other guys stayed in a hotel in the middle of the  Anaheim Ghetto. When we plugged in our cell phone chargers into the wall, the light in the ceiling went out, the beds felt like cardboard, the parking lot smelt like BO, and I saw a possum on one of the hotel walls. It was pretty bad, but with the price we got, we couldn't complain too much. We hung out at one of the brothers houses on Friday. Didn't really do much Saturday except for the mall and hang out. And Sunday we went to Disneyland at 5 in the morning for the CHOC walk (Children's Hospital of Orange County). It was a 5 k walk around Disneyland and California Adventure. It was an all around pretty fun weekend, but I wish we could have found something to do on saturday. On the way home, I took a picture of the fog we drove through on the way through one of the passes. It was crazy. It looked like we were on a floating road.

I don't have too much planned for this week, just homework and school. My second Calc II test is this friday, and Saturday is TKE's big holloween party, Trick-or-Teke. Thats about it. Hope everyone is doing good!

Here's a picture from the walk this weekend.

An Evening in NYC

Hi Everyone,
Yesterday afternoon Jim and I headed into New York City. We don't usually go into the city on a week night, but we wanted to attend an information session on triple negative breast cancer, and it was a good excuse to go out for dinner.

There were two speakers at the conference; Dr Ira Bieiweiss, Professor of Pathology, Chief of Surgical Pathology and Director of the Division of Breast Pathology at The Mount Sinai Medical Center and Dr Serena Wong, Medical Director of The Life Center at the Cancer Institute of New Jersey. Both of these speakers were amazingly knowledgeable. Jim and I learned so much, but the most important thing that we learned is that Martha received the most up-to-date treatments currently available to triple negative breast cancer patients. This knowledge is reassuring to both of us. It is normal to second guess our decisions and to wonder if we could have done more. I now know we did all that we could.

Dr Bieiweiss explained, in great detail, the pathology that goes into diagnosing cancer. He explained that the breast has ducts, similar to the Lincoln Tunnel, and if a duct gets a leak the cancer spreads. He told us that invasive ductal cancer can be seen on a mammogram, while invasive lobular cancer can not be seen on a mammogram. I always wondered, why Martha's cancer didn't show and maybe this is the answer. I had never heard of breast cancer not showing on a mammogram before Martha's situation. Dr Bieiweiss showed us slides that showed cancer. He explained the more different the cells are increases the grade of cancer. When size and grade are combined it gives an indicator if the cancer has metastasized to the lymph system. It was amazing to see breast cancer on a cellular level, on an over-head projector.

Dr Wong was young and passionate about her career. She explained all sorts of stuff. She listed the drugs that are used to fight triple negative, and I think Martha had most/all of them. She explained the risk factors for getting triple negative breast cancer; early period, early births, no breast feeding, no physical activity, obesity, and alcohol use. Crazy, but Martha didn't have even one of these risks. Triple negative cancer only accounts for 15% of all breast cancers, and only 16% of white premenopausal women get triple negative breast cancer. Again, this is crazy. I didn't get an answer to why Martha got this type of cancer. Dr Wong did explain that a mutation in P53 equals an 82% chance of getting/having triple negative.

Both Doctors explained the clinical trials that are taking place using PARP Inhibitors and so far these clinical trials are showing promising results. Martha was on her game because this was one of the last things she asked Dr. Livingston. She was willing to participate in a clinical trial, but not were starting at that time. I say, damn, damn, damn. We need to keep fighting and searching for an anwer. We need to support the doctors who are capable and willing to do the work.  And one day they will have something to keep triple negative cancer at bay.

During the question and answer period, I asked if triple negative breast cancer can be detected at stage 1 and/or 2? They answered yes. I asked about the speed with which Martha's cancer seemed to appear and spread. How did this cancer go from nothing to stage IIIB so fast? They explained that this is such an aggressive cancer that it cannot appear at all and then a few months later be first diagnosed at a stage IV. I told them how Martha's cancer might have been IBC, but it was definitely triple negative. They told me that it was very likely that she had both.

Jim and I left the conference much more informed than when we arrived. They video taped the speakers and I requested that they put it on the web. People need access to this information.

As Jim and I walked, in search of a restaurant, I was sad, yet confident that all of us did absolutely everything humanly possible to help Martha. We didn't go down the wrong path and we left no rock unturned. I am confident that we need to keep fighting and talking about breast cancer. These doctors, and others like them, are smart enough to figure this out. They just need more time and more money.

Then Jim and I came upon a wonderful restaurant, Atlantic Grill. We made a toast in honor of Martha's life and then we enjoyed a delicious meal before heading home to New Jersey. I miss her so much. She would have enjoyed spending the evening with us, maybe she did.

xo,
Pam

A long ride, (a post from Joe)

This past Wednesday, October 6th was our 26th wedding anniversary.

For the past three weeks as this date approached, I thought about a way that I could spend the day celebrating the day in a very personal way. I knew that I did not want to be at work, and I also didn't want to just be at home either. Reflecting on where we and especially Martha enjoyed being as a couple, many know that Martha loved our cabin outside of Payson. Martha also loved the sonoran desert and the drive between the valley and Payson.

A snack and a rest with a beautiful view

Running this through my mind and seeking an opportunity to spend some quiet and reflective time, I came to the decision that I would ride my bike from Gilbert to our cabin. Many times, I had shared with Martha my desire to try to ride my bike back to Phoenix leaving the cabin several hours ahead of her. Seeking a reasonable "Plan B" I spoke to Janaya who regularly does not have school on Thursday and generally also does not work on Thursday. With a Thursday Plan B, I would ride up Wednesday and get as far as I could get. I had many skeptics, many who frowned, many who said I was crazy and a small minor handful of supporters. For the record, Janaya, Joey and Michael were supporters!

I left Wednesday morning, leaving Gilbert at 5:00AM, arriving in Fountain Hills for breakfast at 6:45. I shared an update via text messaging from Fountain Hills, making good progress.

The Gila County Line, the top of one of the climbs.

Next stop, Sunflower, Arizona at 11:30. I stopped and checked my voice mail and heard a panicked phone call from Janaya about coming to pick me up. The voice mail said something about speaking with Michael, tornadoes, and heavy rain. I tried to call her and text her that I was fine, doing well, riding under mostly blue, partly cloudy skies to the northeast mountains and no rain. 48 miles complete, about 56 miles to go.


Janaya drove past me in the Tahoe at about 11:45 about a mile out of Sunflower. As I peddled up the hill behind her and stopped, I met her and saying hello. With some tears in her eyes, she said she was worried about me. She told me of the heavy dark clouds north of Phoenix, the rain in Flagstaff that Michael had reported, watching CNN reporting on National News about Arizona's tornado warnings, she called Pam and they decided to ask for advice from Granddad. Granddad suggested to pick me up. Oh well....

Riding by yourself, you can't take your picture, Janaya took this picture after finding me

I told Janaya that I was still going strong. Janaya suggested that she would wait for me in Payson.

Making progress, an easy 5 miles to Rye, and then the big climb into Payson

I arrived in Payson at 4:30, having completed 80 miles. About 25 miles to go.... Now I AM TIRED...!

I made Tonto Village at about 6:30, meeting Janaya for a beer. We had a terrific dinner together and then rode the final five miles into Ellison Creek. It was about as good an anniversary as I could have had without my beautiful bride. Martha was with me the entire way, mile after mile, we spent the day together and she helped me make the trip. In total I rode 102.8 miles, climbing 7,162 vertical feet.

Resting & a snack before the big, long, last climb.

From Sue - Updates from North Joisey

OK, well, I was waiting for Katie or Jonny to write a post, but you know how that goes.....

Here's what's new here.

Jonny and Katie spent Labor Day weekend down at the Jersey shore with Jon, and a few aunts / uncles and cousins on Jon's side of the family.  This is a great shot of the three of them:

 This "empty" beach, must be the back side of Island Beach state park, were they "beached" the boats, and spend the night on them, in a cove.  No doubt a rare "empty" beach in NJ over Labor Day weekend!!

Jonny hanging on the rope....

Katie with the dog.

So then school starts...  Katie has been a "Math Skipper" since 2nd grade, which means she take 3rd grade math in 2nd grade, etc.  What they FAIL to tell you when you sign up for this honor in second grade is three small details....

1)   When you get to 8th grade, and need to talk Honors Geometry at the high school, (not our high school, mind you), your Mom needs to figure out how to get you there.....

2)   High school starts an hour earlier!

3)  And the best, that we only learned within the last month, is that when you get to be a senior in HS, they DON'T HAVE A MATH CLASS FOR YOU!! 

So what's the point I ask????

Well, the high school started a whole week earlier than the middle school, so Katie had to get up at 6:15, to catch the bus at 6:50 for a one hour class at 7:40......  so she didn't really feel the need to go to bed early, since it was just one class....  and here she is working hard on homework after class..........

LOL, she will kill me when she finds this, so enjoy for the short term.....  :) 

Pen in hand, calculator at the ready!

ZONK!

With the new school year comes Volleyball for Katie and she was voted CAPTAIN of the team with her close friend Katie Jefferies!  The are mid-season already and started off strong, hoping to end strong as well.  We'll see!!  I try to get to as many games as I can.  She is awesome!!

A short clip of her awesome underhand serve:

Jonny has signed up for a Bike Club that starts next week.  The club meets on a dirt track with jumps, etc, so he is looking forward to doing that with a few friends.

He and I are having the usual "fun" juggling homework with the latest release of Call of Duty, and Halo....  after all, as MOST of you KNOW, it's way more important to save the world then do algebra, or grammer.  Get real MOM!!!  Augh!

I guess that's all for now!  Gotta get back to work.  Have a great week!

Oh, I ordered P90X....  an intense workout video collection to transform my body!  It arrives Thursday, so I'm looking forward to that!  I'll spare you the "before" pictures!  :)

Sue

My Boys

Tough Week

Good Morning,

I’ve had a tough week.  I am missing Martha on a level that I can’t explain.  Jim and the kids are being very supportive and I am talking with a counselor.  I’m told that everything I am going through is normal, but boy does it suck. 

I’m helping Connor with his college applications.  I was lucky to get into community college and so I never went through this application process.  Jim only applied to two schools, hoping not to get into either. Well, he was accepted by both and decided to attend Tulane.  I know the process of applying has drastically changed over the years. 

The colleges consider Connor to be an average student with a 3.77 gpa and 1930 sat.  His senior year schedule is Honors English, AP Government, Honors Calculus, Honors Anatomy& Physiology, French 3, and two electives.  So, his schedule bumps him out of the community college experience and into the Universities.  Rutgers is $20 and the most expensive school we are looking at costs $50.  Yes, this is in thousands. 

Most schools use the common application, but some schools have their own app.  Each University requires Connor to write essays.  Each school wants letters of recommendation.  So, Connor had to create a resume to give to the teachers who agreed to write the letter.  Plus they need a self addressed stamp envelope.  Then we need to send his SAT scores.  Then we need to give the Guidance Department an envelope so they can send Connor’s transcript and school profile.  And don’t forget we are trying to get this done while Connor is keeping up his school work, running cross country, and making college visits.  It is a crazy process. 

I am thankful that we live in a town where education is important, but I wonder about the long-term affects of all of this pressure to perform. 

I started this entry because of something that happened last night.  When Connor came home, he told me that he had some really bad news.  He then explained that one of his buddies was kicked off the cross country team.  I was shocked when I learned who this person is.  He is a senior who has been on the team for four years.  He is a good kid.  Like Connor, no partying, good grades, polite, just all round nice guy.  Well, when his group went on a run the other day they goofed off.  He was with some underclassmen and he decided to trespass onto someone’s property to play on their backyard children’s play “castle”.  Some how the coach found out and now he is off the team.  Off the team!  I have too many thoughts to write, but this seems too severe.

Last night, I also learned that in 1987 Christine O’Donnell graduated from the same high school that my kids attend.  You should look her up on Wikipedia.  Maybe this is what happens to a person when you raise kids in a pressure cooker. 

Well the sun is shinning and it is 52 degrees.  Brian is off at crew practice, Mary is sleeping late, Connor is getting up to study for the SAT (he is taking the test again this month, hoping to score higher), and Jim and I are taking the dogs for a walk. 

I would love to hear about your week.  I assume it was better than mine and I could use a little cheering up. 

Love you,

Pam