This past weekend was yet another celebratory event in the YOJ (Year of Jen), as she prepares for her upcoming nuptials in September. An entourage of nine bright and beautiful women headed up to Beaver Creek for a lovely mountain getaway - an afternoon at the spa, dinner and dancing in one of Vail's finer (or only) clubs, and for the first time in awhile for me at least, lots upon lots of champagne.
So, just a few observations from the weekend...
- Given the attention from an entire soccer team and a large bachelor party (most of whom started out conversations with something like 'We're married with kids and not trying to pick you up, but you all seem like fun...), despite being in our mid 30s and almost all having children (some as recently as June), we are still cute, ladies. And it is validation that my personal approach is working, that being that as long as you can possibly avoid it you should never look like you have cancer.
- Occasionally pulling the cancer card is OK - like when it gets you the hot stones add-on for free during your massage.
- Has anyone tried a Cherry Bomb? A shot of cherry vodka mixed with red bull...not only surprisingly tasty, but very helpful in avoiding a nap in the corner when you're going to be up until 3 am.
- Cocktail, cocktail, water, cocktail, water, cocktail, water...
- Jeni C., I love when you let your freak flag fly - and I'm pretty sure that was NOT the first time you worked a whip.
- I've been so lucky that the timing of this and other events has been just right, usually falling during an off-chemo week, allowing me to do more than just participate, but to really engage and enjoy my time with family and friends - and that is what feeds the unconquerable soul and keeps me motivated through each treatment.
- I reject the term 'victim' with my whole heart and mind.
- Though Steve is absolutely willing to let Van be the dirty kid and feed on nothing but cheese and chips, Van himself is thankfully getting smart enough to tell Dad when he needs a shower or a banana.
- Time away is wonderful, but so is coming home to shouts of 'It's my Mommy, my Mommy's home!'
