Anemia is the Enemy

My poor darling sister was hospitalized again! She developed anemia while pregnant with Nate and it hasn't ever fully gone away. On Tuesday she got her blood results back and the doctors told her she should come in right away because her hematacrit was so low. So, after cleaning the house, making sure the kids were all packed up, she drove herself to the hospital. This woman seriously does it all. She received a blood transfusion (2 units) and was home by about 3pm the next day. She is still taking prednizone and has to get her blood monitored weekly. The next step is probably to get her spleen removed. However, the recovery time is about 2 weeks. It kills me that I can't be there with her right now. I am leaving after work tomorrow to head to DC, but it's just not soon enough! Please keep her in your prayers right now, she is dealing with a lot and could use all the divine strength that she can get!

Summer Walk

Last night Dereck and I went for a walk after work. It was such a beautiful evening. We did things a little backward, because we went for a walk, got some ice cream and then went to dinner. Oh well. I love that it doesn't get dark until like 9pm.

We just walked a few blocks to a park near the Brooklyn Museum (the museum was closed unfortunately) but we watched the chess players for a bit. Dereck read an article in the ny times (can’t find it now) that said that apparently this park is famous for it’s players. These chess masters will bring their own chess boards and timers and have serious competitions in the park. It was like stepping back in time.
I love that there are always ice cream trucks that ride around in the summer and that they serve soft ice cream.
We went to dinner at Stan’s Place which was so delish. We also found out that Stan lives in our building! It was New Orleans cuisine and I got the most delicious shrimp and grits. We are definitely going back.

I saw this monument at the park that had a really cool quote that I memorized last night, but now I can’t exactly remember what it said, but it was something close to: “Ignore or completely disregard any obstacles that will inevitably come in your way as you pursue your goal.”
Ok, so now it sounds lame, but I liked it at the time. If you are pursuing your goals, concentrate on accomplishing them instead of all the potential obstacles you may face as you are working towards them.

The Brethren

Last weekend, my brother aka “the brethren” came to visit on a last minute trip to NYC. [Not sure how we got started calling him the brethren, but it has stuck for the last few years.] Last minute as in, we got a call at noon saying, I am landing at La Guardia airport at 4pm.

I am sure you are thinking, wow that is so nice of him to come and visit his favorite sister, lest you be fooled, he actual came to hang out with his friend MC.

Luckily, I got to see him for dinner that night. We went to this yummy Argentinian restaurant in the lower east side: AZUL

Anyway, I was glad to see him even thought it was brief.

A pic of one handsome and apparently sleepy gent along with myself, Cameron, and Mary Claire. (Thanks MC for taking and sending these!)

Every good thing deserves a good home

Imagine my good fortune.
This morning, I was heading to the subway when I saw this old, (but still nice) mirror just sitting by the side of the road, waiting for a home...er the trash. I immediately looked around and then called Dereck to ask him, “Can I bring it home?” His response, Are you sure it’s trash? And if it’s trash, then why do we want it?

Being the loving, supporting husband that he is (and knowing that if he didn't agree, I would probably still bring it upstairs anyway), he agreed to meet me at the entrance to the building in his pajamas.
So I began the trek (less than a half of a block) back the apartment. But it was sooo heavy. I must have looked ridiculous, because this guy helped me along the way claiming, “I don’t need seven years bad luck and neither do you.” So funny. Dereck met us at the door and carried our new mirror upstairs to safety and I went on to work. Can’t wait to go home and decide what to do with it. I want to do something really cool with the frame. Perhaps some sort of decoupage, or broken glass, or marbles or something. Let me know if you have any cool ideas.

Love dumpster diving.

Will You Marry Me?

I forgot to blog about this funny story that happened while Dereck's mother was visiting. We were heading out on Saturday early evening and waiting for the subway. It was a pretty warm evening and I was standing in the shade and Dereck and his mother were standing about 15 feet away from me in the sun so they could sit down. As we were waiting a train pulled up, this random fool got off the train and stood directly in front of my face.
Here is our conversation:

Fool: "Will you marry me?"
Me: “Excuse me?”
Fool: "Will you marry me?"
Me: “I am already married.”
Fool: Ah man, why are all the good ones taken?
Me: “Not sure, you can ask my husband if you would like.”
Fool:…(no words just gaping mouth)
Then he walks away. (quickly) because Dereck stood up at that point.

At least both Dereck (and his mom) got to see how desirable I am and just how lucky he is! …haha

When I asked Dereck why he didn’t come running over to me, he said – well, did you see him? Apparently he’s quite confident.

Sore Loser

I guess I am a sore loser. On Sunday Dereck and I played a riveting game of Scrabble. Apparently he had his game face on because he was getting some really good words on the board. I only lost by a few points, but I was pretty bitter for at least a whole day. I hate to lose and for some reason I really hate losing to Dereck.

Another example: Mancala.
I was given this game as a gift and had gotten really good at it. When Dereck and I first started dating we would play all the time and I would school him in it.
Everytime.
He barely even had a chance. After studying my expert moves, he soon became really good. We decided to have a "tournament". (I know we are nerds.) Well, through the course of this alleged tournament I let him get into my head somehow and I couldn't win. Or really he was cheating. So naturally I quit the tournament and refused to play him ever again.
So, I am real mature.

No sleep till...Brooklyn

I have been off the blogging path for quite some time now. But, I am back! Here’s what I have been up to:

First and foremost: Dereck got a new job! He moved from being the Loss Prevention Manager at Home Depot (in charge of one large store) to now being the Loss Prevention Manager at Radio Shack (in charge of 39 stores). He’s based at home and just has to travel to his stores as problems arise. He’s really liking his job and the hours are a million times better than at HD. Did I also mention that he’s given a company car? So many great perks. I am so happy for him, had to brag a bit.


Next most importantly: I FINISHED FINALS! After too many sleepless nights, I finally completed my 4th semester on May 14th. I kind of can't believe it's over. I was happy overall with my projects, but again, would have benefited from more time... My mom took some pictures of a few of the pieces that I created for my final collection from my design studio class, however they didn’t turn out the best. This is a rain jacket.And a jumperAnd a dress, with one very HOT model (Kijuana)




I will try to get some better ones, but in the meantime these will have to do.

I also had to present my business idea to a group of panelists (for my business/ent class). Basically the entire semester centered around all the steps required to starting your own business. At the end of a semester we presented our idea to a panelist that included: 2 designers, a wall street financial exec, a small business owner, and 2 design professors. Needless to say it was nervewrecking presenting this powerpoint presentation that had to capture their attention and persuade them to want to invest. It was great experience and I got some good feedback which I will definitely be using in a few years when I start KGrace Designs!

And finally for my technical drawing class, I created a collection for Benetton using Adobe Illustrator. It is an amazing program, but so time consuming, at least for me! These wouldn't upload, so sorry.



I think I only have 2 more semesters (maybe 3 left). I will be glad to be actually working in the field.

Once finals were over, I treated myself to a massage. I went to Silk Day Spa and oh was it dreamy. I would highly recommend it to anyone needing a getaway. I came out feeling very relaxed and stress-free.

The very next day, Dereck and I went to DC to watch Devon and Nate.

They look so sweet and innocent, yet we were sooo exhausted by the time the weekend was over. It was insane. I truly don’t know how mother’s do it. It was a good weekend and a sad weekend. We went down there because my sister was hospitalized for her anemia again. She received 3 units of blood and I actually took her to the hospital right after we drove in while Dereck stayed with the kids who were sleeping. That woman takes on so much and definitely needed a little break, I just wished I could stay longer to help her out!

For Memorial Day weekend, Dereck’s mother came to visit. It was the first time we had hosted her since we’ve been married, so it was fun for her to see our apartment and show her around the city a bit. We really tired her out by attending a summer street fair, went to a delicious lobster roll spot, saw Radio Golf, and did some vintage clothing shopping, and of course more shopping and eating at home and various other favorites.
She had to take a day off work when she got back to recover from her vacation…

I also went back to DC to the week of Memorial weekend to hang out with my sis again.

My mother was also visiting and so we did Devon's hair...ok not really, she was insistent that all of those hair clips go in that spot. Apparently she felt extremely glam.This is our cute friend Jenna who visited from Bermuda. I missed seeing her by ONE day! But, it was great to see my mom and sister and the kids. I just wish we could see each other more often!

Dereck and I also went to a Red Sox v. Yankees game. It was the first time that I had been to Yankee stadium, so it was pretty fun. Unfortunately (according to Dereck) the Red Sox lost. Apparently when you marry someone from Boston you are obligated to hate the Yankees. I just went there for the cotton candy and the people watching so I wasn’t disappointed.

Just this past weekend we went to Boston. We decided to go on Saturday afternoon, so we got a last minute hotel deal on hotwire.com we found a 4.5 star hotel for $125. We had to call to find someone to teach our Primary class, but it was sort of fun to get away. We got there around 6 and of course Dereck had to go straight to his favorite sub shop. Then, we went to his sister’s hung out for a bit, checked into our hotel and then went with his sister, Alexia and his cousin John to a late dinner at Masa. It was delish. We were going to go back and play scrabble, but it got too late and we are old.

The next morning, we got up and were heading to his mother’s house and got sort of turned around. Well, I knew that Amberli might be at church and said to Dereck, what if we ran into Amberli? Lo and behold, I spotted her!!! She was out chit-chatting after church and I literally jumped out of the moving vehicle and ran towards her. It was as though she was the only person in the room. Hilarious. We caused such a scene dancing and hugging. Anyway, we got to go to breakfast at the new IHOP in Cambridge. YUM! It was so much fun catching up with her.

YOu can check out pictures of us here: http://bostonmccoys.blogspot.com/

After that, we got to spend some time with Dereck’s grandmother. She is so cute and has some amazing stories since she has lived in the same house in Boston for over 40 years. We finally got home late on Sunday night.

Also, we watched the tivo'd very last Sopranos...so disappointed.

And last but not least, I survived the dentist. My dentist is this tall pretty blond woman who one might think to be she was very sweet. However, she is a no-nonsense woman and had no patience for my antics. I just blasted my IPOD so I couldn’t hear the drill and I must say it didn’t even hurt and she was really fast. However, I thought her work was really sloppy and I still don’t think my bite is even.

I really thought that once school was out, life would be all layed back and easy, but Dereck and I were talking yesterday how we were so tired because we haven’t been home after work in the evening all week. Maybe this weekend we’ll stick around. Although, Sarah presented us with an invite to the hamptoms…

Beware: sensitive information contained

I have the longest blog in history to update my life from the past month or so that I have been meaning to post, but something happened today that just had to put up for discussion. It’s really one of the most disturbing things that I have ever encountered and if I didn’t see it with my own eyes, I probably wouldn’t have believed it myself.

This morning I got off the train and was heading to work as usual at the 42nd street (grand central) stop which is a very busy station. As I was walking, this guy was also getting off in front me says, “Watch your step” and put his arm out. I looked down and saw a red pile of blood or something on the ground. I looked closer and realized that it was a mini baby fetus on the ground. It was still wrapped inside the placenta and the umbilical cord was lying next to it.

I am still in shock. Nobody should almost step on a baby on they’re way off a train! What kind of person either has an abortion on the train platform or miscarries and then heads uptown. I immediately broke down seeing that lifeless helpless little soul. He/she wasn’t even given a chance! It breaks my heart to know that there are so many that would give anything to be a mother and another person just leaves their baby on the train platform. The fetus was only about 3 inches long, but you could clearly tell what it was through the placenta.

I guess it can take these types of things to just really make you think. I have so much to be grateful for!

We don't do that here...

Apparently I am still the wussiest dentist goer ever. Dereck and I went to the dentist last week and I proceeded to cry during the cleaning. I swear that it really does hurt me. I told the hygienist that I had EXTREMELY sensitive teeth and to be gentle. Apparently she didn’t believe me. I think it’s a combination of the noise from the electric pointy thing they put in your mouth and the idea of not having control of the pointy thing while in my mouth. It all stems from the time that I went to the dentist as a child, he said to let him know if it hurt. I told him that I could feel it and that it hurt and he proceeded to drill!?! I screamed and cry and he kept on going (“Oh, it doesn’t hurt,” he said - Are you in the chair, sir?????) From that day forward, if I had to get a cavity filled, they would just knock me out.
Anyway, to make a tortuous day into a bloggable event, basically I asked if they would put me under while they filled my cavity. The response was, “We don’t do that here”…
WHAT is THAT supposed to mean??!?! Does that mean that they don’t allow grown ups with real childlike fears go to the dentist? Does that mean that just because I am a wuss that I am supposed to act like an adult and just get my cavity filled like a normal human without going under? I don’t understand. Anyway, after I cried the hygienist felt really bad and gave me a hug and said sorry a million times, she was really sweet. My dentist only looked at my mouth briefly, but she seemed really nice, and I told her that I was afraid and that she would have to be gentle, so we’ll see. Anyway, Wish me luck next week!!!!

http://www.hopstop.com/

This is the coolest website! You put in your address and where you want to go and it will tell you what subway trains to take. It's like mapquest for walkers in new york. I will never get lost again. Try it, it's fun!

Guess who?

Dereck and I got called to teach the Sunbeams (children age 3) class at church. One of the other teachers gave a lesson that required us to turn in baby pictures and the kids had to guess who everyone was. It was so funny looking through our old pictures. It goes to show you that things don't really change that much...

Dr. Ben Carson

Kijuana had the good fortune to meet Dr. Carson during her trip to San Diego earlier this month. He spoke at the conference that she helped put together. I have always loved his miraculous story and was especially inspired reading his book, Gifted Hands, growing up. I was worried when she told me that she shook his hand, because his hands are truly a magical part of the surgical work that he does. I advised her not to squeeze too tightly!

One quote from his website that I liked was this -

"'Thinking big" means opening our horizons, reaching for new possibilities in our lives, being open to whatever God has in store for us on the road ahead. "

Anyway, he is someone that I have always admired and so I was very jealous that she got to meet him and thought I would share.

My trickster husband

Dereck thinks he's sooo funny. He has scared me twice in the last week. The first one was really good.
It was Sunday afternoon. We were both in our lounge clothes, aka pajamas, and we hear a knock at the door. I bolted upstairs, but I hear Dereck open the door and talking to someone. Then he came upstairs and whispered, you gotta come downstairs, it's someone from church, but I can' t remember their names! I was mortified, not only did I look a fright, but our apartment was a wreck. I had sewing stuff everywhere, Dereck had been reading the paper and it was scattered about, we hadn't cleaned up our dinner dishes, you get the idea. So, I throw on a pair of jeans and a normal shirt (I can hear him, she'll be down in a minute) and go downstairs to find him laughing hysterically because nobody is there. Apparently a delivery person got the wrong address....
I got punked.

Number 2 -
I got home from work and he was home and could apparently hear me come and decided to hide behind the door. So, when I closed the door he was there. He didn't jump or anything, but I literally almost peed my pants. I was mad at him for the whole night. Seriously, who does that?

The Blind Leading the Blind...literally

Yesterday I saw the coolest thing. There was a man and woman, they looked like they could have been a couple. Probably in their 50's or 60's. The interesting thing was that were both blind! They had walking sticks in one hand and were holding hands with their other hands. I am so amazed at how blind people navigate this city. Truly incredible to watch!

The purse war

I do love to blog, but sometimes my posts may seem trite. For example: This morning on the train, I had a purse war with this lady. Here is the scene, we were both standing up with our backs to eachother in the middle of the isle hanging onto the poles above where people are sitting, so in front of both of us are people sitting down. My purse is swung forward a little bit so it was under my arm and her arm was by herside and her purse was positioned so that everytime she would shift, move or otherwise her purse was like ramming into my back, so I adjusted mine so it would alert her that there is a person there who does NOT enjoy having a purse rammed into her back first thing in the morning. I mean, the space is small people. Be aware that you are not alone in the train. Give me a break. Of couse we never spoke, just kept adjusting our purses and pretending to read....
Just think, I could be writing about IMUS, Darfur, or global warming. oh well.

TOPSHOP

I finally got my topshop order!!!! So cute! Highly recommend shopping there. Just beware of the exchange rate... :)

Lunch at the Shake Shack

Today my husband met me for lunch and we decided to go to the Shake Shack! It was fun, but way too cold for that nonsense. After standing in line for about 30 min, we brought the shack back to my office because there was no way we could have sat outside and ate. In the sun, it's kind of warm, but there is still a cool breeze. But, nonetheless, it was a fun way to break up the day. I have been getting home super late these past few nights, so it was nice being able to see him during daylight hours. Sorry, no pictures to prove it actually happened. :)

Happy Easter!

Planet Earth

Did anyone else watch the documentary on planet earth on the discovery channel on Sunday night? It's an 11 part series, so if you missed the first week, you still have some time to catch it. It is an amazing documentary! You can check out the website here. Or if you are really lucky you can buy it! I was so excited to watch it and was hooked once I saw it. The images are truly fascinating and really made me grateful to live in such an amazing world. It is even more evidence that our earth was created by our Heavenly Father. There is no other explanation for the beauty and craftmanship and design. So set your tivos because it should be required viewing for everyone. Just an added incentive to preserve what we have and not to waste what we have. Apparently it took over five years to film it. Such patience those filmmakers had. It's a beautiful work of art! Can't wait till next week!

Dress up

For one of my classes we "get" to play dress up. Normally I would relish in this type of assignment, but it gets tricky because I have to wear my "costume" to work. Last time our theme was Punk Rock. I chose to do more of a corporate punk. I wore a bright green button down, some black pants and black boots and a black faux leather belt worn high around my waist and my hair in a side pony. Pretty lame, but what can I do? Next week it's hip hop week. Any suggestions?