Wednesday, October 31, 2012

October Activity

October was a good month with a number of small events.  On September 30th, we celebrated my 50th birthday and on October 11th we celebrated Ed's 60th birthday.  We'll be taking a cruise in November to celebrate these milestones and Dan's graduation so nothing big on these actual days.

On October 7th, we went to Mike and Deb's for a nice afternoon of watching football, sitting by the firepit, and having a nice dinner of deep fried turkey (which was as good as everyone always raves about).  It was a very nice relaxing day.  Dan had gone off to NYC to visit Cassie so he didn't go but I know he had a good time in New York where they visited the Intrepid.

On October 21st, I did my 2nd 5K run.  Mind you that I do not run 5Ks because I find them "fun".  Rather I run them to prove to myself that I can do it.  The one I ran back in April was my first one; this 2nd one was to prove that the first one wasn't just a fluke and that at 50, I could still do this and finish with a respectable time.  I did not train/prepare for this one as much as I did for my first one (it was 2 weeks before when I realized I hadn't run 3 miles on the treadmill in months!).  My goal though was to run the entire course (no walking)--which I did--and finish with a good time--which I also accomplished (31m15s)!  So I was quite pleased.  I will probably do another one in the spring.  Having this target event I'm hoping keeps me working towards this goal (in other words, hitting the treadmill versus sitting on my butt!).

Later in the month, my mother and I went to see a concert put on by our Diocescan priests, including my pastor, Fr. Vern.  It was a great concert with a sold out crowd.  Even better was spending an evening with my mother.  We had dinner at Bernie's in Chicopee and didn't have to wait long, got to sit in the train car, and the food was great with enough for two meals!  I had never been there before but people rave about their prime rib which I saw two gentlemen having who were sitting next to us.  They are HUGE!  The place does get packed, so if you go, go early or be sure to have reservations.  I definitely plan to take Ed there at some point.

We ended the month with the traditional Brzycki Halloween celebration with the family over.  For the first time in many years I didn't dress up, but Ed did (for the first time in ever!).  Thankfully Hurricane Sandy, although devastating in NJ, NY, and our beloved Misquamicut, did not impact anyone here in western MA which we were so thankful for.

Ed continues his biweekly chemo treatments (no changes there).  He does experience some body pain (in particular in his shoulder) and he has some days that he gets quite tired.  But he's learning to manage these better.  His hair is beginning to thin which he hates.  But overall, he continues to fit this nasty disease and for that we are thankful.

Me finishing the 5K race

Of course Ed and Dan were there, but Cathy, Nick, and Lexi also came out to support me

Halloween.  Uncle Eddie with Nick, Matt, Lexi, and Ali




My Story

Lately I find myself moving through the days, being with others, laughing, and living life. Days pass quickly and grief, sadness, and feelin...