So Much to Say

I have so much to talk about! I am going to have to split this up into several posts.

This one will be about the White Sox!!!

Imagine how thrilled I was to watch the White Sox win the World Series. It didn't matter that we had to get up at 4 to get to our plane on time. That game was going to be watched, and it was!

I wore a White Sox shirt and a cap too on the plane. I saw my reflection at one point and saw that I really looked like a dork but I didn't care. I was just too excited and wanted everyone to know and share in my enthusiasm, regardless of how tired I was.

Does anyone else feel that Joe Crede should have been named MVP?

When we all arrived at the Wichita airport, my grandpa tried telling my uncle Gary that I was a Cubs fan. So I had to say, "Grandpa, I think Gary can see that I am a White Sox fan." Gary laughed but he laughs at about everything. He is such a nice man. Grandpa just got confused with the Chicago teams... I knew that but like to tease him when he does that.

More on the White Sox

After almost 6 hours and 14 innings the White Sox won game 3 last night! I was up until it ended at 2;20 EST. When I got to work today everyone asked if I stayed up to watch and laughed at me because I did. If only they knew that when I lived in Chicago 2:30 mornings on a work night was an early evening.

I am very excited that they won though! Have to admit the Astros' pitcher had me very nervous until the guys got the hang of his pitching style and started to score. Then of course the Astros' manager realized the White Sox caught on so he switched his pitcher. That okay though.

Ozzie really should have taken Jon Garland out sooner than he did. He's not a bad pitcher and he really did not pitch badly last night, it was just that the Astros were able to hit off of him too easily. By the way, have any of you seen Jon Garland? He's reason enough to become interested in Baseball, namely the White Sox.

Back to the World Series. I did not intend to watch all 14 innings. I really didn't. It just happened. The game had me on the edge of my seat and by the 9th inning I told myself to lie down and relax then they were in the 12th inning and had already become the longest game in World Series History so I had to see where it was going to end. Seriously. Part of me tried to go to sleep the other part really wanted to see who won it. It was like I was watching an historical moment.

Earlier yesterday, I was visiting my grandparents next door. By 8 I told them I had to go watch the White Sox. Both laughed at me. Then Grandpop had to ask me about players so I gave him the rundown of who to watch for and what to watch for in each player. (I didn't mention that Garland, Konerko and Podsednik are also very nice to watch in general though). The fact that I was talking like I really knew what I was talking about had Grandmom saying "I can't believe this is you Tracie". Funny.

White Sox

I'm so happy the White Sox are in the World Series. I'm pretty sure they are going all the way this year.

I got really into baseball this summer and decided somewhere around July that the White Sox were my favorite team.

On Saturday, Grandpa, Dad and I all watched Game 1 while Jamie and Mom were out shopping. Yeah, I passed on shopping to watch the game. Isn't that scary??

When Jamie got back she came and watched with us. Well, Dad kept changing the channel to check on the Penn State game. I finally had to say, "Dad, Penn State's score is 60 and Illios is at 3 and it is in the 4th quarter. Penn State is going to win. Don't worry. Plus! You can't change the channel when the White Sox are up. Especially when Scott Podsednik is up to bat! He's my favorite!" My dad's only response was "I didn't know he was your favorite." And Jamie had to say "She doesn't like him for the way he plays Dad." I'm pretty sure I was red at this point but I said "Well, he's fast and he always steals the bases. I want to see that." I had to prove myself somehow.

His homerun during the 9th inning of game 2 last night did win the game for them. But, I guess I could just as easily say that they would not have won if Konerko had not hit a grand slam in the 7th inning. (He's another one I do not mind watching)

A New Tastykake!!

Vanilla is my favorite flavor. I will always choose that over chocolate. It has even been a choice for Ice Cream at Baskin Robins.

Imagine how excited I was to be at the grocery store and see that Tastykake now has VANILLA CAKES!! They are vanilla cakes with vanilla frosting and vanilla cream filling called Vanilla Lover's Vanilla Cream filled Vanilla Kakes. I love Tastykake! They are SOOOOO much better than Hostess. It's a true Philadelphia delicacy. Who cares about the Cheese Steak! Philadelphia should be famous for their Tastykakes!

Watching what I eat is just going to have to take a backseat until I am finished with my box.

Dress Update!

I get to pick my dress up tonight! I'll head over when I get off of work. Can't wait to show my mom. I know she's going to love it.

I've been doing A LOT of upper body exercises since it is strapless. Don't see too much of a difference though. That's probably due to the fact that I can't to cardio when I can't walk. That's okay though. The weight will eventually come off.

Ramblings

I want to write but I don't know if I really have anything exciting to say. I figured I could just start writing and see what I remember that I can talk about.

I went to Jersey this weekend. Jamie and Kenn came down too. I had a good time. The whole family went out deep sea fishing because Grandpa wanted to go. I got to stay in because I am having trouble walking and standing up... one of those times I am GLAD I have MS. I think I mentioned before that we have had very bad rain and waves because of so many hurricanes. Well, everyone ended up getting sick from being out there. Even when they were home they say they didn't feel the boat stop rocking until the next morning! So glad I didn't go. Plus! There was a Boy Scout troop or something on the boat and every one of those kids got sick. Each member of my family ended up with vomit on them because of the kids. So glad I did not go. Besides, fishing makes me nervous. Too many small sharp things flying around....

I watched the White Sox win this weekend. I was really happy for them. I have been wearing my White Sox hats with pride all summer and today I am even wearing one in the office. I had it on my shelf but my boss said I should be wearing it. I'm not arguing.

My aunt did send that song to me. I've been listening to it on repeat all day today because I only have a week to learn and perfect it. It's a very meaningful song but CHEEZY!! It's about letting your kids go and leaving them in God's hands. I can understand why my aunt would like it performed while she and the bride's mother are lighting their candles. Despite that, the song is just getting on my nerves. I am not looking forward to practicing it on my own yet. :o) It's funny.

Abel and Tequila... Not a Good Combination

Yeah, Abel made his appearance last week. Not a big deal. Just having a little trouble walking, until I made a stupid decision last night. Well, a couple stupid decisions.

My parents invited Jamie and me to join them at a Mexican Restaurant in the area. We gladly accepted. While there I had a maragarita then finished my dad's then finished my mom's. Yeah, I was feeling pretty warm and fuzzy when we left. Well, I should begin by saying I was not feeling very strong when I got home from work and chose not to assist them in grocery shopping.

When we left El Cancun, I was going to ride home with my mom and dad and Jamie was going to go to the mall to look for something to wear to the wedding. For some reason I decided to go with Jamie. I must have been thinking about shoes. Not a good idea. By the time we left the mall I could barely make it to the car because I was so week and when we got home I had to ask Jamie to take my car to fill it up with gas. I was not even strong enough to drive 1/2 a mile to the gas station! (Jamie drove her car to the restaurant and the mall, I just needed gas and could not do it myself). It was crazy. Totally my fault. I know better.

You should have seen me at the register. I don't know if it was the fatigue or the tequila but I could barely stand let alone talk to the clerk... and you know me, I am going to try to talk to the clerk. I am chosing to believe it was exhaustion because the margaritas were not that strong. PLUS! They were free. How much tequila are they going to put in a free margarita? AND! I only had 1 and a half of them. AND by the time I was at the register my buzz should have worn off.

Now I am understanding why people newly diagnosed with MS sometimes don't tell people and choose to let them think they are alcoholics. It is really hard to tell the difference between the way the two affect the body. Never thought about it before but I also never had anything to drink while being so fatigued before.

My mom made a funny comment while we drank our margaritas though. She nonchalantly mentioned that tequila makes your clothes fall off. It struck me funny because she was referring to a country song entitled "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off". I know she doesn't really like country and did not think she was ever in my car or my dad's (or Jamie's for that matter) long enough to ever have heard that song. She suprised me. That of course became the joke the rest of the night.

Coincidence?

I'm not an idiot. Do you really think it is just coincidence that only TWO DAYS after I would not have sex with Paul he met someone new?

I am more upset with myself for not being completely honest with myself about the relationship. Jodie can testify for how upset he made me on at least one occasion. I am also disappointed in myself for giving him so many second chances. I'm disappointed in myself for justifying his actions. I should have known better.

Don't feel bad for me. Feel sorry for him because he is missing out on something good. Laugh at him for being so much less than a man that he had to let me know he met someone else by sending me a TEXT MESSAGE!!

Oh well. That is life. We live and learn from experiences. I'm done feeling bad about him. He's obviously not worth my time.

There is no need for Sancha Panza to gather an army in my defense. I'm pretty stong on my own right now.

I cannot wait to meet the prince because I am tired of kissing frogs.

Dresses

My cousin's wedding is getting nearer! I am still working on the song. There are parts of it that I do not feel I have down completely yet but I still have 3 weeks.
Oh! And my aunt and the bride's parents want me to sing another song while the parents light their candles during the ceremony. My aunt has it and it's called "A Parent's Prayer". I've never heard it so I hope she sends it to me soon so I can learn it! I'm sure it will be fine. Their church music director says he has the capability to change keys on their sounds system so that will be very very helpful.

Well, I found out the wedding is very formal and since I am technically in it, I should dress the part. I contacted the bride and asked her what she would like me to wear and she said the bridesmaids are wearing silver so anything silver would be really great. So, last night, Jamie and I went looking for dresses. I found the perfect one! It is a white stapless tea length dress with black overlay so it looks silver. It is so pretty! Plus, it has pretty embroidered black flowers on it so it won't look like a bridesmaid gown. The David's Bridal we were at last night did not have my size so I called another one this morning and they had the size I needed! (Almost at least. It was a size too large so I am getting it altered but with a time limit of three weeks I can't wait 6 for it to be delivered).

After work, today, I went over there, bought the dress and even got fitted for the alterations and was home by 6:30! That was really impressive when you consider the dress shop is down by the airport.

I am happy with the dress, though it is more than I hoped to pay, but these are memories and you can't put a price on that. I want Carrie's wedding to be fabulous!!

Now I get to look for shoes!!!! Oh Boy!!!!

The Dress

This is the Dress I bought for the wedding. It also came with a very pretty black wrap so I don't have to expose my arms and feel self conscious.

Isn't it pretty? I think I can get a lot of use out of it.

Getting Annoyed

Like I mentioned, my grandpa is visiting from Iowa. All I can say is "Thank God he is staying in New Jersey during the week!!"

The weekends are definitely all the time I want to spend with him. Don't get me wrong. I love my grandpa but he wears on you pretty quickly. So much so that I am seriously debating on if I want to go down to the shore with my mom this weekend.

Do you know what he did this weekend?? I have never told him (or anyone in my family for that matter) if I was dating someone. This is largely due to the fact that my mom's side of the family is OBSESSED with making sure everyone is dating someone so much so that they make a person feel like they are less of a human if they do not have a significant other. As a result, I have resolved to not let this be the focus of my life and therefore not tell them. Now that I am living at home it is rather hard to hide the fact that I am dating so my parents know now but also know that I don't like to have my personal life broadcast to become public knowledge.

Well, this weekend my parents mentioned that I had a date. What did grandpa do? He called my aunt Moni to tell her. Then he told me "I'm sorry Tracie but I have been praying that you would find a nice guy to date you!" I could have killed him right there.

I told my mom that they are not meeting Paul as long as Grandpa is staying here because the last thing I need Grandpa to do is say to the guy, that I cannot even call my boyfriend, that he has been praying that someone would date me!

Not only this, but I cannot relax when I am around him. If I wake up before 5 to use the bathroom, I have to tip toe and make sure Grandpa's light is not on because I do not want him to think I am actually awake yet! He caught me one morning and followed me to my bedroom talking the entire time-very loudly mind you. I tried to tell him I was still sleeping but ended up having breakfast with him instead.

Also, my mom and I wanted to spend the afternoon on the beach on Sunday but we had to go out on the boat to crab instead because that is what Grandpa wanted to do. It is always what Grandpa wants. Always. Mom and I didn't want to go because crabbing season is pretty much done now.

I went out with them and had to come back in to get ready to meet Paul but then had to pickthem up again 3 hours later. It was crazy. They ended up catching about as many crabs in 5 hours as could normally be caught in our usual 2.5 hours.

Okay. Maybe I am being selfish too. He lives in Iowa and does not get to crab and maybe I take it for granted.

One more thing. If he asks me why his dishwasher is better than mine ONE MORE TIME I am seriously going to scream!!!! (Answer: Because his puts the dishes away).

The Truth Has Been Told

Okay, I decided that telling Paul sooner was better than later. I called him last night and told him that I have MS and explained what it does to me and what it might mean.

He was so cool about it! He told me not to worry about it and that it is just something that we will have to learn to deal with and it is not the end of the world and then told me I was silly for being nervous to tell him about it.

I think I found a good one.

Timing

Okay. Things got worked out about the Friday night lack of communication. I did not go out with him that night even though he called and begged me to go out. By the time he called it was 6 and it was too late to get ready is what I told him.

Anyway, we got together last night for his birthday. Paul is now officially 31. So, I met him at one of the bars in Harrah's Atlantic City and watched the Eagles game with him. He was sitting with one lady who was in from Michigan. He was befriending her while her husband was playing the tables. He was also sitting with another girl who it turns out he befriended because she was all alone so he and Cathy (the woman from Michigan) asked her to join them. While he was in the bathroom the two of them told me that he was so excited about my coming. He kept checking his phone to see if I had called and worried that I was not going to show up. Cathy told me that he told Dawn, the girl sitting with them, that she would have to move down one seat when I got there. It made me feel silly for getting a little jealous when I saw her next to him talking to him when I arrived.

Point is, things seem to be going well. I like him and he seems to like me too. My only concern is that he does not know about my MS yet. I fear it may have come into play already but I didn't explain when I should have. But, when is a good time for me to tell him that I have an incurable disease that does random stuff to me? I don't want to wait too long, I don't want to wait until I have an exacerbation and I don't want to tell him too soon. I'm afraid it might scare him no matter when I tell him.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I could really really really use the advice.

Pen Pals Needed!!!

My sister is teaching 8th grade English in Bangladesh. It's an English speaking school so their English classes are like ours. Well, she has a project for them in which they will be graded. What she needs is 12 more volunteers to be email penpals with some of her students. Ideally, she would like these volunteers to be 10 guys and 2 gals to accomodate all of the students and their genders.

If you are interested, please let me know!!