Home Sweet Home

Fair warning - slighty mushy post below... but with the Jewish new year having just come, the day of atonement ahead and everything else, I feel its VERY warranted at this point.

Well, afer 5 nights in the hospital I am finally back at home. Last night was my first night in my own bed, and it was SO nice. I can't begin to explain how nice it is to not be attached to IV's and having a full night without people coming in every two hours to check your vitals and make sure you are still alive. Its been a long, strange week, but I think the worst is behind us.

I know I have said it many MANY times before, but I just can't express enough how fortunate I am. I guess things were pretty dicey for a little while, and while I remember that, its hard to see what everyone else sees when you are the one living through it... if that makes any sense at all. In any case, I have an exceptionally amazing, supportive and loving husband. The medical staff at Swedish hospital actually commented - repeatedly - on how wonderful he was, and, believe me, I know. I am so fortunate to have someone in my life who would literally do anything for me, and would give anything for my health and happiness. This is a man who takes his wedding vows seriously, and I will never EVER take that for granted. I love him with all my heart and can't imagine my life without him.

I also have a temendous mother who made time every day to spend time with me. Even if it was just to sit in my room and watch tv while I napped, she was there to bring a smile to my face. Even though she drove (and continues to drive) me nuts about eating when its the last thing I can even fathom, its all out of love. The truth is, there are very few people, if any, who love me more than she does. She is an incredibly strong woman, and I love her more than words can ever express.

I have a terrific sister and amazing little nephew. I am pretty sure that few moments made me smile as much as when Jenny and Aaron dropped by for a visit. Aaron toodled in with a GINORMOUS bouquet of beautiful flowers and handed them to me with what I think was "feel better Auntie Jackie." I can't be sure if thats what he said, but we all are aware that him handing me the flowers goes down as one of the most adorable and memorable moments in my whole life. Hospitals aren't fun for anyone, and seeing people you love in hooked up to machines and looking miserable is hard for anyone - especially for a 2 1/2 year old. Aaron was a trooper and held it together really well. Jenny was super supportive and checked in every day to make sure I was getting better.

All my family and friends continually called, texted, facebooked, etc to see if we needed anything. Knowing they were there was a great source of comfort both for me and for Paul and we couldn't have gotten through it without our system of support.

Finally, the medical staff at Swedish are just about the most caring and attentive folks on the planet. I was definitely there way longer than anyone anticipated, and significantly longer than anyone else on my floor. I tried to be a good patient, but I know I was a pain at times, and am just grateful for the excellent care I received while I was there.

So, there you have it. Nothing like a little brush with death, a couple of surgeries and a few nights in the hospital to give you a fresh perspective. I have never been one to take life for granted, and I have always knowns that life is fragile. This past week has really reinforced that and I am just truly appreciative for everything I have.

A Brand New Year

Well, tonight marks the start of the Jewish new year. Although I've said it before, I have never been quite as excited to put the past behind me and move towards better things that are sure to be ahead. The last 2+ months have been a roller coaster both physically and emotionally and I happy to be able to move forward and start fresh.

So, with that, I wish all my friends a very happy new year. May your year be as sweet as honey and full of love and happiness.

Positive Thoughts and Prayers

As if my last post wasn't cryptic enough, I'm posting another one. If ever someone has needed all the ju-ju they can get, it's me this morning. If possible, and you are thinking about it, send some good vibes my direction around 9:15 this morning. It would be greatly appreciated, and is much needed. In case I don't say it enough, I have amazing family and friends, and I am grateful for each and everyone of you every moment of every day. XOXO

Think Happy Thoughts

FYI - a slightly depressing, relatively vague post below. Feel free to disregrd, its more cathartic for me that it will be entertaining for you.

While I'm not really at liberty to share details, yesterday was a really tough day. I have an amazing support team with Paul, my mom, my sister, rabbis and a close group of terrific friends. But sometimes, its just not enough. I really thought I had been through the ringer enough the last two year, but evidentally, the big dude upstairs isn't done testing me. I know I will survive, and likely even be a stronger person because of it. Regardles, I am just always shocked at how hard life can be. I've learned to stop asking "how bad can it be" or "whats the worst that can happen?" Because no matter what I think of, it seems to happen.

One thing that is painfully aware to me is that the human heart is a very powerful thing in so many, many, many ways. Don't take anyone or anything for granted EVER. Every minute is precious, and I will always remember that.

Sorry for the uber vague post, but perhaps to some of you, its not that vague and you may actually know what's going on. If you don't, don't worry. Just know that I love you and your friendship and love means the world to me.

Beach Bummin'

Today was the second day of my summer beach bum-hood. I use the term "beach-bum" very loosely, because I don't spend much time actually at the beach. I tend to just end up being a "bum" during my time here. I've spend the last two mornings vegging out on the deck reading trashy magazines and checking sutff out online. Then I watch some equally trashy TV while the family heads over to the beach. Around 3:00, when its not so deadly hot at the beach, I meander over to check it out. I spent two hours on sunday and 2 hours today relazing under the umbrella and watching Paul and my 2 nieces play in the water. They were having a great time.

I came back to the house to be the first in line to take a shower. Few things in life are worse than a cold shower. I like to secure my hot water by bathing while no one else is home. Generally, the family comes back around 5 or 5:30, and the tank has had time to replenish itself for everyoneto get a nice hot shower.

We are watching the Little League World Series right now, because the Somerset Hills team is from the town where my Brother In-law lives. All the little boys on the team are friends with my nieces. They are playing Staten Island, and we are hoping for a big fat W tonight.

All in all, not much excitement, but I couldn't be happier to be here. Getting some much needed R&R and spending time with family that loves me, and whom I love.

New Jersey

We leave today for 2 weeks on the Jersey shore with my in-laws. I think this is the longest trip we've ever taken, which will be nice for Paul. I am on vacation the whole two weeks, but I am bringing my laptop because I know I'm going to have to work at least a little bit while I'm gone. I admit that occasionally its nice to have something to do, because I often need a distraction from relaxion. Sad isn't it?

I am really looking forward to the trip. Paul's mom has a wonderful house down on Long Beach Island, which is really lovely. Her house has an awesome bayfront deck, and is right across the street from the beach. Being a Rosenthal, I much prefer to spend my time on the deck away from the sand and salty ocean water. I know I'm a giant nerd, but I just prefer to not get all sandy from laying on the beach and itchy from the ocean water.

The other wonderful thing about my summers in New Jersey is my ability to read. Anyone who knows me well knows that with the exception of Janet Evanovich's fluffy series novels, I don't really like reading. For some reason, sitting on the beach brings out a thirst for literature. It works out nicely, because my mother in-law is a retired librarian. She loves reading and always has plenty of books that I enjoy.

All in all, I'm excited for a 2 week vacation. The 6 hour plane ride? Not to much. I'll try to blog more often while I'm gone, because like I said, I will probably have lots of free time... like two weeks worth :)

Uncle Jackie

Most of you know that we've retired the name "Caca," as Gramma didn't much care for it. She worked hard with Aaron to teach him to name my name right, and he has mastered it. In fact, a while back she called me from the car because Aaron was literally yelling "Ja-ckie" over and over.

Lately, Jenny has been working with Aaron on learning all his family members. He's always known his uncle Paul, but he's called him Paji. He's learned Uncle Danny, Uncle Mickey, and now knows Uncle Paji. It only makes logical sense that Jackie is his Uncle Jackie. Last night at dinner he was running down the list of his Uncles and busted out with Uncle Jackie. It was pretty hilarious. Jenny reminded him that I am Auntie Jackie, and he repeated it (several times in fact as he is now in the habit of doing). I'm certain that eventually, I'll be Auntie Jackie. But for now, it seems like Uncle Jackie might be my title.