Fourth of July

Kev and I spent the week in Ship Bottom, LBI from Saturday to Saturday. We rented the cutest little studio apartment that was literally 30 seconds from the beach. It couldn't have been any better. It rained for the first couple of days we were there so that was a bummer but we had work to do anyways so that was okay to be cooped up inside with crappy weather.

We didn't know what to do because it was raining so we decided to go see a movie. We went to go see World War Z one day. Good movie by the way. Glad we went to go see it because otherwise we wouldn't have had anything to do. Nothings worse than going to the beach and it raining.

One day after work we went to a water park in Beach Haven, we were literally the only people in the park. Paid our $20 each and had unlimited rides and no waiting in lines. It was fantastic. They also had a flowrider which Kev rode but I did not. I was too scared my bathing suit top wasn't going to stay in its place. So I opted out on giving a show for a few minutes of fun.

Of course we played our mini golf tournaments-we played three different games. There were sooo many mini golf courses on LBI it was obnoxious. I won one game but over all I lost, per usual. I get too frustrated when I start loosing and then it goes downhill from there. But I can say I had two holes in one. Proud accomplishments for me. Kev is just that much better of a mini golf player.

There were so many great restaurants to eat at as well. Of course, we just ate out every night. No need to cook-Its so hard when there's only two people and grocery stores don't sell groceries based off of people for two. So in my opinion its that much easier to just go out to eat. There was this breakfast place called the Sandbox Cafe that Kev found before we even got to LBI. He loves to research food before we go places. It was great. There is this dish called the sizzler and oh my was it amazing. Totally worth the 1/2 mile run I did looking for a damn ATM because they took cash only in the dead heat of the morning. Oh and new little note. Apparently, most places only take cash- now I know I'll bring or take out cash when I go to a beach vacation. We went to a few seafood restaurants one was literally at the end of our street and a block over called Ship Bottom Shellfish.We tried to go there on our first night in town but it was so busy and there was like a two hour wait and we were not waiting that long. On our first night we went to a place called Beach Haven Fishery, we got lobster and tried gator bites which were actually really good. This is where we learned that most places in LBI are BYOB. So off to the liquor store Kev went while dinner was being made to get a bottle of wine.

We got take out from a sushi restaurant and sat by the water twice it was really nice. One night afterwards we went to a bakery in Surf City and got the most delicious brownie I've eaten so far in my life. Ate a burger at a place called Woody's Drive In. Went to a restaurant called Lex Mex for some good Mexican food one night. Had Ice Cream from a really popular and delicious ice cream shoppe called skipper dipper who had lines out the door every night. Almost everyday we went to WaWa's for lunch because it was great food and cheap. One day when it was rainy we decided to get outta the apartment and go to Davinci's. They had the most amazing sandwiches and some really good garlic Parmesan fries. Boy it was a good pick.

There was an arcade that we of course had to compete against each other in and play until we both were satisfied. Basketball, racing, you name it we played it.

For the 4th we sat on the beach all day with a drink in our hands and later went to Beach Haven to watch the fireworks. We got dinner from a place in Bay Village called the Gazebo. We found a place to place our chairs sat down ate our dinner and waited for the fireworks to start. The traffic back to the apartment was a little crazy but it wasn't as bad for as many people there were in one little area.

The 5th we went to the beach again enjoyed the beautiful weather. Packed up all our belongings and cleaned the apartment. Ever so sad to leave the beach as always. I'm the biggest beach bum and that is my home. I belong on the beach. We drove back home on Saturday to host a 4th of July party at our house with friends.

W&C's Wedding

I had the pleasure to attend my good friends Whitney & Chris wedding this past weekend. They had a beautiful wedding and the weather turned out great.
Here's a few pictures from the event.

The beautiful bride and groom 

The reception area. The most beautiful barn I've ever seen ;)

The ceremony-Looked like it was from the secret garden.

Whitney and I chatting to Kev.

My Stud and I!

My handsome Kev

Kev snapping pics of me at the reception. 

Bachlorette Party, NY State Track Meet, A Kids Cancer Run

My good friend from work Whitney had her bachlortette party. We went horseback riding and out to dinner at a Mexican restaurant. This was my second time riding a horse. Boy was I terrified. They really didn't do a good job of ya know telling us the basics. Like how to stop a horse, make it go, or even ride it especially when your horse decides to trot because anyone who has rode a trot knows that is not easy when you have never done that before.

So needless to say I got on my horse named Midas whom according to the stable workers was gay so I didn't have to worry about my horse getting too close to the females, PERFECT. One less thing I had to worry about. So we start going and BAM my horse starts trotting I was like oh nelly how in the world do I stop this thing... Ummm Hello? How do I stop my horse I don't like this. Anyone who knows me knows I was in Alyssa panic mode. So anyways guy comes to the rescue tells me how to stop my horse and life is great again nice and slow no trotting I'm good. Everyone says "You grew up on a farm why are you in such fear?" Well just because I grew up on a farm does not mean I loved it and embarrass it. I ran from it every chance I got sooooo this explains my fear. Anyways after being told how to ride the trot I began to like it and enjoyed the horse ride. Towards the end all I wanted was my horse to trot because we were moving so slow and our trail blazer "Literally" didn't stop yapping with her annoying barking voice it was like shit get me off this trail. But regardless I had a great time and really enjoyed my adult horseback riding experience.

We went to Whitney's house and took a dip in the pool to cool off before dinner because it was a very hot day. Then off to eat some guac and drink some margs. It was nice to cool off with a nice frozen margarita or should a say several.


My sister Anna is a super fast runner and made it to the New York State Track Meet with her 4x800 team. I was so excited to find out the meet was only 1 hour+ from me so I had to go cheer her on. Luckily my other sister Theresa got to go as their back up so I got to see two of my sisters. Super stoked to be able to go see her run at a once and a lifetime event and of course see their beautiful faces.


I ran a kids cancer run with my friend Sam. It was a 5k and I was happy to be able to go support a great event. I hope to be able to get out and run more events as the months go by and get back into running like I use to be.


I'll add pictures later, I write this on the train to work every morning and its hard to add pictures from my phone I need to do it from a computer.

Cancer Free- Yupp I said it

I went to my follow up appointments the other day with my endo at Sloan Kettering and heard the best news a cancer patient could hear. The cancer is undetectable, they can no longer find it in my blood steam. I go back in February of 2014 for another set of follow up test to make sure that it is still the same. But to know my levels went from 180 pre surgery to 60 after surgery to 14 after my treatment and 12 being "normal" levels. I think I am doing quite well and I feel like a whole new person. I still cannot believe the transformation from a year ago with the mess I was dealing with DAILY! I'm so thankful I didn't give up on the fact that something just wasn't right and that there was something truly wrong with me.

I also had my follow up appointment with my surgeon. I was so happy to see him. I am just ever so thankful for such an amazing and brilliant doctor he is. He scoped me to take pictures of my vocal cords to see how things are doing and said all is well. They are back to 100% and you can't tell from the inside or even listening to me talk that he had damaged them to peel the cancer off it. Anywho, said my scar looks fabulous HOLLAR, worked really hard to keep SPF on it at all times and still do. Not to mention his lovely tips with the silicone gel sheeting are I'm sure why it also looks so great. He went over my ultrasound with me and said that there is one abnormal lymph node on my left side. (Most the cancer was on the right side of my neck and that is where he went in and clearered house on the lymph nodes as well.) He said that it could be because it was cancerous and the treatment I had got rid of it and it now looks abonormal and forever will on the ultrasound or it's just simply abnormal. He said lots of thing went inside my neck and lymph nodes and look abnormal on scans afterwards. But he said not to worry things looks great and the fact that my numbers have come down so far they are not worried one bit. He showed me where to feel for the lymph node every now n then and if something changes to call him. But for now I live life cancer free and happily. I'll return in Februray for follow up test and they will monitor my lymph node. 

Looking back it's been exactly one long year since this all started. I don't even want to count the number of Drs appointments I've been too. All I can say is I'm ever so thankful this day finally came. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. 

This is me celebrating the 4th of July and also celebrating my good news of being cancer free. 

I've always wanted this shirt, Now I can officially wear it proud and say FUCK CANCER! 

My obsession with shoes

When all else fails shopping I always find myself in the shoe isle because I know shoes will always fit me and never let me down. Recently I've had some amazing purchases. 

I needed a new pair of sneakers as my old ones were too small leaving me with bruised toe nails. 

My Nine West Boutique 9 Jo's. I'm slightly in love with these babies. 

In the back are all Nine West Regola's. I was in need of a plain brown and black heel and I've always wanted a red heel so I couldn't resist. The flats are all from Target. They have the best flats for the greatest prices. I must add they're super comfy as well. 

Those leopard flats were calling my name. Thanks to my sister Maria she was able to get them for me, as they were sold out online and no longer in stores near me. 

Jessica Simpson wedges from Marshall's. I have a found love for Jessica Simpson shoes. They are always so cute. 

I bought these in hopes to wear them to the upcoming outdoor wedding I'm going to but I decided I was going to wear a pair of cute flat sandals instead. Im sure I'll find great use for them. I got these Bamboo wedges from UrbanOg. 

If it sparkles I need it. I feel in love with these BCBG sandals from Marshall's. best part is I got them for $10. I can't pass down a great deal. 

These babies are adorable. White witg snake skin gold. Nine West Boutique 9 Sally's. Yes, I'm wearing gold. I can wear it in small doses. My fear is wearing them and ruining them because they are white. So for now I'll lung them to work with me one day to wear. 

These are so ahh so fabulous. They sparkle and have studs. I love them so. They are Shi from Journeys. 

My other bargain purchase from Marshall's. I used to have a pair of white studded sandals from Roxy. Loved them so much I wore them out. I told myself I needed to find a new pair this year. 

Yes yes I bought pink high top sequence Converse. Why you ask? Well I love pink, sparkles and I've wanted these since they came out. That's like 4-5 years if you're wondering. So Kev convinced me to treat myself to them- being every time I saw them I'd say "oh one day I'll buy those!" Glad I did. Love them so :) 

As I mentioned I have quite the love for shoes as the never let me down with the whole fitting and looking good on me aspect. Plus they are always super cute. I'm sure before the summers over I'll have more to add to the collection. 

What could possibly happen before 9am?

Well said right? Well typical day get ready to work, catch the train be on my way. Walk to work stop at Starbucks on the way for a grande skinny iced caramel macchiato and then on my way. Well I walk into work say hello to my good friend and she says "Alyssa you have a stain on the back of your dress" Wonderful. I look and its a noticeable big stain on the back of my brand new tags just taken off dress. Needless to say my stain anxiety kicked in. I have a serious issue with stains and just can't function if I have one on my clothes. I'm so thankful I work next to a mall. Otherwise I don't know what I would have done. Waited for the mall to open at 10am and off to Express I went. Of course, they didn't have the same one I was wearing left in my size. So I had to pick out something new to wear. Shuffling through the entire store I start to panic because I didn't have time to shop I needed to get back to work and I couldn't find anything to buy that I looked good in.

Shuffling through the racks tried about five things on I finally said to the store associate that I needed a work appropriate cute outfit, please help. She found me a cute pink top with a black pencil skirt and I loved it. Only thing was it had an open back so I then had to buy a tank top. I wore brown sandals to work and threw on a pair of flats I had in my desk. My feet were sweating just shopping (maybe I was a bit stressed as well) but I couldn't continue the day with that option so I grabbed a pair of sandals as well. She took the censors and tags off the outfit. I put it on, bought it and back to work I went. $100 later I have a new cute work outfit.

My new black summer sandals. 

& My lovely new outfit. 

Kickball Little League & Our Adventures

Kev and I are a very competitive couple when it comes to pretty much anything. We both hate to loose. So it always ends with a nice game and a "I'll get you next time" 

We always play some sort activity with Gregory (his little brother) almost daily. Whether it be kickball, wiffle ball, basketball or just playing catch. Gregory and I are always on the same team as Kev seems to beat us more than we would like. The good thing is we always have a great time playing with each other and trying to keep our sportsmanship in check. 

My new American kickball 

Gregory's little league game was a good show. A home run and a win to bring the season to a wrap. He's been or acting almost everyday with his big brother. 

There's Greg in the outfield. 

Kev and I cheering Gregory on 

Gregory on first base

& he's playing catch with the outfielder 

Over Memorial Day weekend we went to the range to keep our swing in check. We took along little G with us. 

Check out our caddy 

Kev looking on as Greg practices his putting 

Our favorite thing to do is be with each other and eat. We always love a good meal. Recently we went out for sushi our favorite and some much needed drinks. We've found our new favorite sushi place and they have happy hour specials on drinks. SCORE. 

Look how delicious those drinks look.

Another one of our friends for engaged. I'm so happy for Emily & Noel. Here's the engagement gift I sent them. Some fun things to look at when they start planning the big day.

Who Woulda Thought... I'd Like Golfing

A couple of weeks ago Kev and I decided to go for golf lessons. I never thought this day would come where I would say that I want to golf. Growing up with Grandparents who golfed and a Grandpa that always had the Golf Channel on when we visited just wasn't appealing to me. I always said "I'm never going to play golf its so boring, plus it's for old people"

Well apparently I'm getting old at the young age of 24. No big. 

Anyways, we took an hour private golf lesson with at a local golf course. I learned so much. No wonder I couldn't hit the ball in any direction other than up and then it landed right in front of me. I was swinging the club like a bat and holding onto it for dear life.

By the end of the lesson I was hitting the ball with a direction and swinging like a pro (well not really but I felt like it.) Now to find a pair of clubs that are good but also reasonable. All these hobbies Kev and I pick up are getting expensive. Gotta hit the range to keep the swing in check. 

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6 Months Down

It's been six months since my surgery date and man do I feel like a whole new person. I cannot explain how great it is to final feel "normal" again. No mouth pain -is just the best feeling as well. First month since surgery where I've had NO issues. WAHOO!

Who knew there were so many complications with things. I have zero patience for things like this. I rested like they said why am I not healed yet? I think the biggest thing I learned through this whole experience is that   waiting for test results gives me anxiety (bad.) I am the type of person that needs to know good or bad. Even if the news is bad I am much more relaxed and can handle it rather than the unknown.

Because I swear I'm getting an early stage of Alzheimer's I take pictures and document everything for the future just in case I want to refer back to something or look at it. So here they are they monthly scar pictures.

Five Year Anniversary

Five years ago the most handsome man asked me to be his girlfriend. I can't believe how fast five years flies by. He's been by my side every single day since then. I cannot ask for anything else in a person. We've been through so much together, that I sure can't wait to see what the next five years bring. I love you so much Kev!

Five consecutive years from left to right starting from the top to the bottom left. Boy do you change over time. I have noticed though we have set sides when taking pictures. 

5 Months & Counting

Well the 4/8 marked 5 months. Wahooo. It's been quite the road.

Here's a little update. My mouth situation has gotten so much better. My Dentist and Primary Endo have worked diligently on trying to help figure out what has been going on with me.

My Endo asked to see some blood work and he didn't want to just prescribe me medication to mask whatever was going on. My Dentist asked me to come in so he could take a look at my mouth. Not sure if I have mentioned before but prior to my RAI treatment I went to the dentist to have my teeth checked out. The RAI treatment can cause damage to your teeth and mouth as I know have experienced. Thank god  I went. I had 6 fillings and a root canal all within three days back to back. But this had to be done before my treatment because I didn't want any further damage to the mess I already had.

So anyways. Got my blood work done then off to the dentist. Its sad when they know you by name and know exactly everything about your mouth as soon as you walk in the door. Even the receptionist. I have been to that office 6 times since February. Good thing I don't hate the dentist office. So the Dr. comes in asks whats been going on etc. Feels around inside my mouth and BAM the tears come pouring down my face. All he did was touch the inside of my mouth and I was literally balling my eyes out I was in so much pain. He stopped wiped away my tears and said no wonder you are in so much pain. You have sprained muscles of the jaw. He said its just like having a sprained ankle except you are unaware that you have this add aren't treating hence why its so bad.

Ding Ding Ding. I've finally gotten an answer to my pain. It's amazing. I had another Dr. tell me its apart of my treatment take ibuprofen it could be for the rest of your life... REALLY? My stomach couldn't take much more of the ibuprofen so I stopped taking it and just dealt with the pain until my Dentist cured me. He also walked in with two boxes of samples of Sensodyne tooth paste and Biotene Mouthwash. Then said do not buy it call me when you run out I'll get you more. Hallelujah, there is someone out there that isn't just trying to collect every penny from me. I am so thankful that I have a caring, generous and passionate dentist.

For now I have to deal with sensitivity to anything cold or hot and even when the cold wind blows. Such a joy. The occasional left cheek face swelling. It's always fun it look like a chipmunk. But I am hoping over time that this gets better because it sure is a pain in the butt. I still have no feeling in my neck which is sure strange to me but I have gotten use to. I was told that this could be a long time recovery. So I guess we'll wait and see. The other day I day I discover a lump under my chin but not quite my actual neck. I am on an antibiotic and read that lymph nodes swell when you are fighting an infection so maybe this is why. I know that there were a ton of lymph nodes taken out of my neck during surgery so this could quite possibly be true. I said I will give it the weekend and we'll see Monday how it is. But other than that I still cannot complain I feel like a million dollars compared to how I felt prior to finding out I had cancer, so I'll take it.

I can't forget about the hospital bills for all the care I have received. The most concerning one is from 2009/2010 when I went to the ER twice for stomach pain and the Dr's released me and said nothing was wrong. I have been told that was the first signs that I had cancer. That's when all the issues started. Its a pretty hefty bill to me and I am still paying on it till this day. The local hospital that I went to while attending school wouldn't work with me on a payment plan that I could afford (while putting myself through college.) So they sent it off to collections. It has affected my credit and still till this day I am paying on it and trying to get rid of it. At the current time I was working as a waitress making "too much money" so I lost the health insurance I did have which was Medicaid. I think its really great that I paid into a health insurance program that I couldn't even use because I "made too much money." Absolutely mind boggling to me. I have started looking into some charities or programs that will help people pay for medical bills to see if I can get some help with this. If anyone knows of any programs like such please let me know. I could use the help.

My current health insurance is great and I cannot complain. Most of everything was covered but a few Drs visits and what was not covered at the Dentist so I am trying to slowly get those squared away. Over all health issues are a huge stressful burden and I have been dealing with this way too long. Several years with no answers, bills piling up and being sick has been enough for me.

I will post pictures of my Sierra (scar) and my new hair do by my sister Maria later today.

Visit to the North Country

I first have to note that on April 5th, 2013 it was snowing in the North Country on our trek there... when we left our house it was 70 degress. Goes to showing you what a difference in weather a few hours can make. Burrr was it cold!


I went home this weekend to see my family. Yes, the 4 hour trek. I made late dinner plans to meet up with some college friends in Albany for a bite to eat to break the trip up and of course see their beautiful faces. It was so great to see Hannah, Mike and Emily. Caught up on our lives and reminisced about the days at Plattsburgh State. All while Emily was choking because the guy sitting next to her smelt like B.O. so bad, we were the only people in the restaurant under the age of 55. But they did have wonderful food and great drinks. The best part was the company! Since we didn't take any pictures at dinner I grabbed some of our finest pictures from Facebook.

Other great news is Hannah & Mike got engaged. They also asked me to be a bridesmaid in their wedding! I am so excited to celebrate this happy time with these two love bugs. Already looking forward to next Memorial Day weekend!

Mike & Emily loving it (old pic)

Kevin, Hannah and I at our Spring Fest

 

One of my good friends also leaves sorta in the sticks.. Well let's call it the sticks anyways. We are so lucky to have Carissa to let us stay at her house when we're in town. It's great to catch up and have a few drinks. She's currently in the middle of remodeling her kitchen so her house was in looking a little rough from all the demolition but thankfully she has a nice big memory foam bed that we all hung out in. 

Here she is... We're at the bar called Stockdales around the corner from her house. Syracuse made it to the final four and shes a die hard fan needless to say that was her face the entire game as her Alumni lost. Oh Carissa!

I got my hair did by my beautiful talented sister Maria. She wanted me to go Ombre so I did. I also got my usual hair cut and of course I can't leave without getting the Brazilian Blowout. I think I would die without the BB from now on until I die (no joke.) I absolutely love my hair and am so thankful I have a talented little sister who can do just great hair dos. I'll post a picture later I haven't taken one of the final work. 

I visited with my godmother and her kiddos for a few hours to catch up. I haven't seen her in a very long time, almost a year. So it was nice to stop in and chat with her. I also went to see my sister Sandy, who was studying away on a lovely Saturday. So I am sure she was glad I stopped in to break that studying up. I hung out with her for several hours and then it was time to figure something out for dinner with the rest of the gang. 

I decided well let's go somewhere we can all sit down and eat.... Yupp table for 20 please. So, I called my only place of employment back in 2008/2009 and ask to sit in the "Pig Room." For those of you who are locals of the sticks that'll be Babe's in Utica, the big room in the back. There's plenty of room for a table of 20 there and food/prices are pretty reasonable. So off to Babes we went. It was so great to see all the kiddos and hear about what they are up to. They are all just the most adorable bunch on the planet I have to say. Before I knew it their tummy's were full and it was time for the Syracuse game to start (they are all HUGE 'Cuse fans) I on the other hand am not so I was like okay what to do now... (I just made a bracket to win a $50 gift card at work.)

Pig Anna & Ginger 

Miss Siena

 Jason, Mikey & Maria

Maria & Mom

Sandy & Jake

KK & I

Marc, Dan & Maria (Lawd knows what she's doing)

Billy & Ally

 The Boys- Jake, Andy, Jason & Little Mikey

 Anna, Jenna & Siena (Mikey Photo-bombing)

Myself & Miss Jennalynn

The next morning it was off to meet my handsome nephew for the very first time and visit with my brother Brian & sister Megan. He is just the most adorable little boy in the world. He has the brightest blue eyes and has the biggest happiest smile ( I just loved it) Unfortunately, I showed up close to nap time and I didn't snap any pictures with him. I am really sad about this. I will make sure to get some next time, for sure. 

There he is the bright eyed, smiling little Irishman Declan!