Ask Sydney

Students walking for Relay for Life


A classmate of mine is not graduating this year. I would like to share you her story, which she included in a student-wide email. The next email after her story is about what Randolph-Macon College plans to do to help Sydney and people like her.

Here is Sydney!

"My name is Sydney, and you may have been wondering what exactly you were supposed to "Ask" me. Well, here is my story, so you can form the right questions.

In June of 2008 I had a simple surgery performed in order to remove a mysterious bump in my hand. All 3 of the medical professionals I had consulted thought it was a harmless ganglion cyst. After the surgery, the surgeon told me that he didn't know what “it” was. Not only had the surgeon never seen anything like it, but neither had any of the pathologists in Austin, TX (my hometown). The "cyst", that was later learned was actually a tumor, was sent to Massachusetts General, where it was diagnosed as a Rhabdomyosarcoma.

Rhadomyosarcoma is a rare pediatric cancer of the muscle cells most commonly found in the lungs. Sarcomas make up 1% of all cancers diagnosed, and there are fewer than 400 cases of rhadomysarcoma around the world a year. So instead of planning a fantastic junior year of college with my best friends at Randolph-Macon, I was trying to figure out how to save my life. Unfortunately, these plans included dropping out of school, and moving to Houston, Tx. for two years. I no longer had to worry about when my next test was or when my next paper was due, but rather trying to have a life to get to live.

Luckily my story has a happy ending. After 2 impromptu surgeries, 3 emergency stays in the ER, losing my hair twice, 15 rounds of chemotherapy, and 30 radiation treatments I have won my battle against cancer. Sadly not everyone who fights this battle has the same outcome.

Foundations such as the American Cancer Society have donated and supported cancer patients like myself. Without all of the time and effort the professionals as well as people who participate in events, like Relay for Life, have given, you may never had the opportunity to ask me... Please support Relay for Life and raise money to help find a cure for cancer.

We are not victims, we are survivors.

We will not die from cancer, we will live with it.

Thank you in advance,

Sydney"


Here is Sydney at the 2010 Relay for Life


========================================================

The Kappa Alpha Order [Zeta Chapter] provided refreshments at the 2010 Relay for Life

Good Morning Randolph-Macon College,

I know you have all had your various questions throughout the week: "Who is Sydney?" "Is that OUR Sydney?" "What are we supposed to 'Ask' her?" And that was exactly the point... to make you ask questions. The bright neon signs caught your attention, and the lack of detail kept it. Now we are filling in the blanks. We can answer your questions, so PLEASE ask them. We are Relay for Life of Randolph-Macon.

Today the Relay for Life Committee members are wearing World Hope shirts and/or buttons encouraging you to "ASK SYDNEY" or "Ask me about Relay". We know Sydney. We know her story. BUT we also know Relay; something Sydney was a active participant in long before her diagnosis. We each Relay for many different reasons. Some of us have lost parents to cancer, others have watched our friends fight this horrible disease. And so we Relay.

On April 30th, 2011, Randolph Macon will host its 3rd Annual Relay for Life event. There will be food, entertainment, friends, and fun to be had by everyone. It is all in order to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Money that will go towards providing care for patients, and towards research for, what any cancer survivor or fighter will tell you they want most in the world, a cure.

Join a Team today! Or create your own team! http://www.relayforlife.org/randolphmacon

Be a part of something that has changed so may lives. Sydney was one of us. She was a student at Randolph-Macon who would have been graduating along side of many of us in May. And now she is a survivor, before that, a fighter. She beat the odds and is living and breathing today because of the medical advances made possible because of volunteers and donations to ACS.

Find your own reason to Relay and let's make cancer a thing of the past.


2010 Luminaria at the Relay for Life. Highly emotional for all of the student body with Sydney present. Around the Fountain on campus.

Working on my fitness

{Frisbee Dog is fun because it makes you twist your waist - a lot - I am sore today!}

So earlier this summer when M and I first got engaged, he asked me how I felt about us getting 2 flat screen HDTVs for Christmas instead of our normal gifts. Natch, I have no probs with that as they would be great and are much-needed additions for our home, satellite dish, stereo system, etc. etc. We are trying to upgrade our homes look and while we have perfectly nice, functional televisions, the price and benefits are great. We will likely move the TVs into the other rooms of our house as we only have DirecTV in the living room and our MBR at this time.

ANYWAY, so M wanted to do that. I decided to go ahead and do something I have been wanting for a while, the Wii. I didn't get it when it was brand new for 2 reasons: 1. the price would have to drop at some point, and 2. our stereo system is black so I wanted a black Wii. Well, I got my wish, so I this week went to Target and got the Wii, Wii fit plus, and a couple games for Mike and I to share (not including Wii Sports, Sports Resort, and the fit programs) so we can hang out with friends and have another option when we socialize.



Let me tell you, after buying that stuff and using it for a few days - it is way more impressive than I thought. I am very happy with the Wii, and the people at Target who helped me out. The products really do give you a workout, and I monitor it on there which is incredibly convenient! I have already dropped 2 pounds in just 3days use! Because we live in such a rural area, a gym is not convenient for me. The ones in the 30-mile radius (yes, we are 22-30 miles from any kind of civilization with a gym) start at $40-50/mo which is dumb if I can't use it anytime I want between work and school. So, the Wii is cost-effective, too.



I am very happy with it, and if anyone has been holding out, spend the extra $99 and get the Wii Fit Plus! Right now, Target gives you a $20 gift card for buying the Wii Fit Plus or two regular games. Fabulous!



I found an inspiring website: http://www.workoutwithwii.com/content/view/38/1/. Admittedly, I am not overweight, I am actually close to a perfect-average weight range, but for the wedding coming up in just over a year - 435 days to go! - so I just need to tone up and just indulge less. I have a very lovely hourglass figure and can wear a sample size 6 and/or 8, so I don't want to be much smaller than that!

Photos: Nintendo, digitaltrends, fareastgizmos

So Many Things

Picture of the Day: Pissed off New Yorkers -

First off - Happy New Year! Late by over 2 weeks, I know, and don't hate me. I hope my readership hasn't completely given up on me! I hope all is well for everyone out there, I am trying to decide whether I will do one post or multiple posts just to save everyone from dealing with LENGTH!

As you all know, I LOOOOVE Gossip Girl - and I love Nikes - so, natch, this viral ad is so awesome!


I know I have some fellow post-Nsync tour days Britney Spears fans here - --- not sure if anyone heard about how her song "If You Seek Amy" could be submitted to radio stations after the FCC was done with it ...btw, anyone else think this is silly? She doesn't actually say F.U.C.K. M.E.? Are kids really this smart these days (that is the ones who aren't already taking sex ed classes?)


Haha. I love Jossip! "O Faces of National Anthem singers for the Super Bowl" ...I think the best one is JoJo, for one, because she must've been someone who used to exist in the pop world (i.e. 1997-2005) - and because I cannot even think of a song that she ever did. Anyone got any info on JoJo for me? Gracias chicas!



Picture caption: Gawker.com
Now, I don't talk politics a lot, but does anyone else feel insulted about all of the hootananny over this President-Elect? Does anyone even remember there previously being a President-Elect seal/sign on podiums? Does anyone remember there being so many special inaugural... whatevers... for all of the other great Presidents before our time and even to the present? Teddy, FDR, or whomever. Now, I think, Obama has even surpassed Kennedy - who had at least actually spent some time IN THE OFFICE - before people started fainting over his existance - and I find that offensive. However, let me conclude by saying, America spoke, and a majority of people found him to be the right candidate. I just am anticipating to see what it is he will do for all of us!

Check out my GF Jennifer from Calista Cove's Life in the Cove blog to see her post on car coats- I LOVE her taste, don't you?

Here are some more simple styles of what she was wearing:

from Bluefly.com, this Andrew Marc is delish:

It only comes in black, and the fur trim is raccoon, which I know sounds gross, but they are actually very soft!


This Nordstrom.com coat by Fleurette is a bit more luxurious:

I like the muted wing collar - this is trimmed in mink.

Please provide my girl Hopsy with some input on her jewelry case situation!! I told her I think her even wanting one is a great idea. It is such a tradition that has been forgotten. My Mom has several, one just for costume jewelry, and it is a big vanity - 3' tall! Yeesh! But def. fun for me to pick through when designers come up with accessories for the seasons. I "borrow" from MaMa!!

Does anyone else find it insane that Oprah, with all of her money, personal chefs, trainers, etc, cannot get the means to keep off at least most of her weight?

Is this legit:
If that is legit, then my brain just exploded. Just like it did in the middle of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade this past November!!!

Who wants to spend a Million on Barack Obama's old Chrysler (Barack Obama, 1Million $, and Chrysler in the same sentence just sounds wrong) ?


I already know about FOUR weddings occurring this year - on my calendar. HOLY CRAP!!! For real? This is totally crazy. I cannot believe that I already have 1/2 as many as I did for the total of 2008. I am afraid! Gah!

Speaking of weddings, does anyone have any input for my GF Muffy Martini? She is going crazy dealing with her invitations issue!


Shoot me now? And doesn't the "Mom" in this ad look like Lady Ferguson?? LOL

Gross

Sometimes, I hate being a woman. Cramps are THE worst. I am sitting at my desk at work with a heating pad and I took 3 Advil and now I am SLEEPY. NOT GOOD. I have an exam review tonight and I am barely awake. Boo. Thankfully, the cramps have gone away. But I still have to drive the hour to my evening class. And it is raining and foggy. Yuck.

After reading Hopsy's latest blog entry, my heart has just felt so full and grateful.
Yes, "tis the season to be jolly" - but isn't it also the season to GIVE and LOVE? Hopsy really showed her good colors as she thought about others this weekend and even spent some extra money on Toys for Tots. I am so happy to have friends in the blogging world like this Lady. People are in need right now, genuine need.
On Thursday, over 20,000 Americans lost their jobs. 21 days before Christmas (and other respective holidays, of course). Can you imagine? It made me almost physically sick. And that wouldn't even include the small firms that don't get picked up by Bloomburg and CNN. Ugh.
And so this happened on Thursday and then on Friday I went to the Red Door Spa. Yes, it was an early Christmas gift from Michael, and it was lovely. Massage and Manicure. It was a big gift of LOVE from my LOVE, and I walked out feeling better than I had in months. I had been to the doctor what - 4 times in the past 6 weeks. And been in the hospital, too? Of course I needed it.
So this is what I decided...

1. Take more time for myself. Instead of drinking too much wine and booze. Buying lots of shoes I DO NOT need, and eating sushi from Teeter like 2x-3x a week some months for lunch... do better things. Drink more water. Get a massage - it's good for the body and the soul and can get toxins out of your system. Exercise as regularly as I should - doctors say that will make a good bit of difference on my chest problems. Don't bring work home with me, whether it be literal work, or if it is negative thoughts about my day at work.

2. Take more time for others. See what the local churches do for charities. I am still a member of the church I grew up at in Lexington - because it is the most important place to me - but that doesn't mean I can't go more frequently to other places closer by and HELP. Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, etc etc. I am sure there is something more I could do on my weekends besides cook for Michael and I, and study for school. I do meditate, but I want to do something more hands-on if possible.

3. Give more for others. I've already made some donations -monetarily- to token charities - one of my Chatham Hall classmates participated in the St. Jude Memphis Half-Marathon over the weekend - so I gave to that for her, because that is such an amazing thing to do... I do donate to my alma maters - Chatham Hall, Camp Seafarer, and Randolph-Macon College --- and to organizations I think truely make a difference while sharing my personal beliefs - Ducks Unlimited, the Nature Conservancy, Chesapeake Bay Foundation... but I am sure there is more to the big picture that I just haven't come across yet.

These are my new years resolutions. Thank you Hopsy for inspiring me!!

House, School, Health, and Fashion

First thing is first, FASHION! I love these shoes from Nine West. They are called the Ginga from their Boutique 9 line. Actually, I think they were shown on Gossip Girl this week, too! (Worn with Serenas completely slu$%^y Thanksgiving outfit. I was shocked. Fishnets with a SHORT skirt like that? I really thought her buttcheek was showing. Jeez... Anyway, here are the adorable shoes! Suede! Jewel-tone color!:



I ordered about 2 weeks ago an adorable pink and green belt from Calista Cove - and it ended up being on sale - this after I had said I was in love with it in my entry from September 30! So here is the adorable belt I ordered:

Now, if I can ever have a life with my health then I can wear these babies out! Sheesh!


My fellow G.R.I.T.S. girl sent me some loverly VV belts that she let me buy from her for a STEAL!

I love belts. I just feel like they dress up an outfit!!


Okay, so on to more serious things. So I got diagnosed a couple of weeks ago with Costochondritis. It is basically like when you get the symptoms of a heart attack (chest pain, tingly in random limbs, numbness in random limbs, whacked-out heart rate, difficulty breathing, etc) and you can go into cardiac arrest if it isn't taken care of. SCARY. So, Michael being Mr. Wonderful Attentive BF took my pulse, thought it was high but that we would monitor it. Well, 5:00 rolls around and my pulse is even faster! So, he takes me to the hospital, they take me away. He is stuck hanging out in the waiting room while they do an IV, chest XRay, pull like 6 tubes full of blood for some damn tests, EKG, and put me on all these monitors. Then they let him in. When my RESTING heart rate goes up to 110 they get a bit nervous so they finally decided to inject some seriously strong crazy narcotic into my bloodstream and then I get discharged after they monitor me for a good 30 more minutes. Michael, as I was drugged up and wasn't going anywhere anyway, helped me get my prescriptions filled (those poor people at Rite Aid probably though I was on crack) and then he got us some food for dinner at Giant and since the prescription STILL wasn't ready, he took me to a salon across the street and got them to shampoo, condition-treat, cut, and style my hair! Is he the BEST or what?

So I have been kind-of in recovery since then and it's been a whopper. I can't run or do kettlebell training. Only walking, swimming, and yoga. Boo. I hope that by the end of the holiday season I can get back to my old self... as I am athletic and I am losing weight each week (which normally would be fab but I know it is muscle so it is a big bummer). And the doctor said I cannot push myself so hard and I have to sleep more. Jeez. Does he know what I do every week? Come on!! But, in all seriousness, Michael has been really good at helping me make sure I sleep well and maintain this healthy lifestyle.


So, no idea about school finishing. I have this fantastic job and I registered for some classes. I think I may wait on Macon to see where I am at the end of this semester, GPA-wise. Plus, we will be moving *fingers crossed* on our house!

THE HOUSE!

4Bedrooms, 3 full baths. 3000 square feet. 700 sqft unfinished. Screened porch/deck. Shed with workspace and room to hang 2 canoes. Play/Swing-set for children. 6 fireplaces with mantles. Slate roof. Slate floor on 1st level. 7-8' ceilings on 1st level. 10-15' ceilings on 2nd level. 7' ceilings on 3rd level. Views of the James River. 1.43 acres. Perfection - esp after some renovations/upgrades. Comes with all appliances!

Front of house facing south:


Side of house facing west(one of 3 chimneys):


Backyard facing north (with swingset!):



Backyard facing south showing how many additions have been put on the house over the years 1794, 1801, 1820s, 1940s, 1990s (we are hoping to help make things look a bit more fluid over time):


Dining Room facing east. There is another room almost exactly like this one on the west side of the house (like most houses from that era):


The amazing old-school kitchen. I have Martha Stewart and Southern Living dreams about this section!!:

Hospital

Oh jeez. Sorry for my absence.


Costochondritis is an inflammation of the cartilage that connects a rib to the breastbone (sternum). It causes sharp pain in the costosternal joint — where your ribs and breastbone are joined by rubbery cartilage. Pain caused by costochondritis may mimic that of a heart attack or other less serious heart conditions. Most cases of costochondritis have no apparent cause. In these cases, treatment focuses on easing your pain while you wait for costochondritis to resolve on its own. They say it can happen from an injury, fibromyalgia or a virus. There can be an overlap similar to Tietze Syndrome.


Yuck. I hate not being 100%!!!

I will hopefully make a faboo post soon and I need to send my Summer at Tiffany book to Jennifer!

Sinus-ness. Happy First Day of Fall to Me!

Am home sick.

Boo.

However, I love love love this jacket (as I told on Preppy-Newsie, Alice!)

an update!

Anyway, how are things with me?
Amazing, still.

Michael and I have me all moved in into his apt for about 2 months now, and I have been busy trying to unpack stuff but it is harder than I thought! Quite difficult. My issue isn't the unpacking so much as it is the sorting and distribution of stuff throughout our home.

My lease at Eagle's Landing ended last night at 5pm, and I went over there yesterday to clean and it was defintely something I was glad I did alone. Michael had nothing to do with that place --- but a couple of other guys did. And I am glad that I was able to separate these two lives, because the overlap was aggravating. I just didn't need the reminders - awkward. I mean, don't get me wrong, Mike is VERY well aware of my past, but I am glad I decided to move in with him, definitely.

And while I am living with him, which no one in my family but my Grandmama and Grandpapa Jones have a problem with, we recently came to a crossroads...

Does Ms. Worthington want an engagement ring now?

OR

Does Ms. Worthington want a down payment on a house?

WELL, after much thought and consideration, I recently decided that I want a house. The market is good, and I can be on standby for a rock while wearing a traditional Claddagh ring (which I find classy and tasteful before I get my platinum and diamond masterpiece, which we have already chosen). Oh yes, my ring. So it is a gorgeous 3-stone oval-cut ring. With around 3 carats total including the side stones and diamonds within the platinum band. The band also is laser cut on the side with neat scrolling/floral work - and they can make another band with maybe some stones for a wedding band for me. I chose it because Michael loved it as much as I did. I didn't want to make him buy a big blingy ring that he didn't like too.

So, right now we are saving. I am saving for a house and a wedding. And he is saving for a house and a engagement ring. Woohoo!

Work is good. I still enjoy doing what I do everyday. I wouldn't have it any other way. There is sometimes some inner-office drama, but nothing else is a big deal to me. I do my routine, and I like that. My job is a routine. I know what is coming up, except when we have sudden arrests, and I like knowing when my days off are. That is a benefit of this job, still, over retail. Plus working for the goverment fits my ego. I'm a proud person, and having the ability to work for the government works well for me.

Mike and I are just so good. Sure, our life is kind-of quiet, but we make sure our lives aren't redundant. We go out on occasion, and we are REALLY good about seeing shows we want to see, and travelling so see friends and family. We are pretty sure both of our federal holidays coming up, Labor Day and Columbus Day, that we will be seeing his family for one, and his friends for another. And we have a uber-long weekend when we go to a friends wedding two weeks after Columbus Day. That wedding will be in Greenville, SC, so that'll be fun.

We communicate well, and enjoy each others company. I feel really cheesy in saying that, because it makes it sound like we are married already, and I know, it has been only 7 months, but we are so involved in one another that it's a general understanding that marriage is the next step. And besides, we have faith, and I think that gives us a huge boost whenever we have nervous moments in our lives.

My sister, her husband, and my brother recently spent 3 weeks together in China... that was interesting. Even though my Mom told my sister what to expect she still thought eating weird foods was unusual and that the people in the more remote areas were disgusting. As Michael and I talked about it, the more I realized, while I love my big sister, she is a huge narcissist. I mean, she has gotten over the past 3 years the same emails from my brother out of China as I have. He has told us so many times about the cramped trains, smelly holes you use as toilets and have to squat over, and the people spitting and cooking anyplace they wish. A lot of her emails weren't but a couple of sentences about the amazing places James guided them to. The other 3/4s of the email was her complaining about various ailments and how awful the weather was. Um, you ARE there during the WET SEASON. You ARE in ASIA. WTF? She is 38 now, and she doesn't need to complain to her family over here about how "uncomfortable" she is. Nor do I want to read about all of the gross side affects of her dehydration and stomach problems. I had to EDIT them before forwarding them to Michael. Ew Ew Ew.

So that was going on in June/early July. My brother is back in the States for a month while his Visa gets renewed. This is a new Chinese gov't policy. Previously, he would FedEx it to be renewed and could stay in China. Now he has to go back to the States, which is like a 1200 plane ticket, for 4 weeks while Chicago goes over and renews his Visa to continue work in China. He will be leaving the States on August 13. He will JUST miss C & T who will be in LEX for Court's 20-year high school reunion for that weekend.

I had my wisdom teeth taken out. It took me a month now before I started feeling like myself again. I can even be unafraid to brush teeth and smile and laugh! Oh boy. That was a blast, let me tell you. It was probably the most disgusting thing I have ever been through and I am glad it is done and over with. Mike was such a trooper though, as I have said before, because I was HEAVILY drugged. I was also a crying mess and albeit pretty demanding through my suffering. And he took it like a champ! I think he went to the store several times over my 5-day in-home period, because of weird requests. pudding, jello, chocolate ice cream, beef broth (my hero!!), and other lame non-solid substances. I'm glad all of that is over with though! (I just hope the insurance doesn't kick me in the ass).

I can now start today back with my working out. I have been confined to lame free weights lifting during this crap, and forbidden to even do sit-ups (risk of loosening clots and losing 3 weeks of healing). I have been missing it! I need to get back to my Golds routine and thai boxing, etc etc. Mike this Saturday has a lecture to attend at one of the places he trains at on thai boxing so that'll be cool to sit in on if I decide to do so. I might just play house at home and do stuff there. Plus I can always do my yoga from home too.

I hope everyone I know has seen the Sex and the City movie by now.

Mike and I had a great July 4th holiday weekend. It was his 32nd birthday on the 5th so it was busy! On the 3rd we walked after work to South Street Brewery and had some drinks with some of his Marshall buddies. See, in case not everyone heard about it, the President decided to speak at this year's Naturalization ceremony at Monticello on July 4th, which is a ceremony that occurs every year. There was a short-time frame in which to plan the event, so a lot of meetings occurred in my office to help plan and coordinate. Mike, luckily, did NOT have to work this event, but several of his other coworkers did from various branch offices. We also went to dinner with some at a restaurant here that is called West Main. We like it a lot. Then we saw some bluegrass (with Brennan Gilmore) for a couple of hours. Then we went home. On Friday Mike and I spent the 4th at the Brandermill CC with our friends Douglas and Cindy. The guys jiu-jitsu'd for a couple hours in Doug's garage (it has mats in it) while Cindy and I talked about her wedding plans and played Wii Olympics (flipping hard game, btw). We then grilled out and then walked to the reservoir where the fireworks were. Good times, although I got bitten in a few spots, boo. The next day, Saturday, was Mike's bday! He only gets to be a decade older than me for 3 weeks, haha! So we went to see the Black Crowes and it was awesome. Good times were had by all even though there was torrential downpours before the show and not long after it either. Monday was the day my brother got back from China and flew into Richmond so we (James, Mom, Dad, and I... Mike had to rush off for a Marshall duty) met up on the Mall for lunch and had Five Guys and gelato at Splendoras(James wanted a really good burger as his first meal back in the States). It was a great long weekend.The weekend after THAT was the Wedding in Baltimore. I posted pics on Facebook. What a gorgeous weekend weather-wise. We stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn and had a lovely 10th floor corner room suite that overlooked the 8th floor garden. The wedding was at Loyola College, which has a gorgeous Catholic cathedral. The ceremony was presided by a close family friend who is a Deacon, and it was just a really intimate, although big, group of people who came from all over for this couple. The reception was at McCormick & Schmicks on the harbor front in B'more. It was great. I cannot say that too much I think. Everyone kept telling me "welcome to the family" so I really felt welcome and happy to be with everyone (except Kelly C. who gave me the stink eye the whole time).

And now I think I have caught everyone up on all I have been up to...