Challenges-What Challenges?

This week was a productive one to say the least.  We ran for Boston in Clove Lake as a Staten Island community.  Some amazing people.  But I have been saying that forever, and especially, 6 months after Sandy I think we all believe that!

Then came some motivational running with the ladies.  Thank God for them!  A weekday night, after work, provided a run with Tara and Jen.  And what better way to pass the time but talk about guacamole, cupcakes and penis! And another example, on a slightly rainy morning at 5AM, I could have slept for another hour or so but, no, I told Jen that I would run with her!  And I wasn't the one who was going to cancel that running date!  And I am sure we both didn't cancel because we knew we were there for each other.  Just like our 5AM trip to the city on a Friday morning to take Spin at Revolve! So worth the sweat!

Then the team came together to take on a challenge this weekend.  And we conquered all around! And then we celebrated. 

And baseball season has started...little man is a cutie and he'll always be Dan my baseball man...but you have to love him picking flowers for mommy during his outfield position. He needs some obstacle course race training!

This week I was able to have mommy "mind and body" time and was able to experience the Danny extra-curricular activities.  I call that success!


The best part about challenges are they are not a challenge until you make it one.
BECAUSE THAT IS HOW WE ROLL!  

Who's ready for Cinco De Mayo?? 

Dear Santa...Love a mom surviving Sandy

Dear Santa,

It was great to visit with you this year.  You haven't aged a bit!  I know that you said I could email this letter for quicker delivery so here I go!
This is not an numerated list of my wants for this Christmas. This is not a list that is easy to write.  This is not a list that is like any of your other lists.  This is a list about others.  This is a list for those who have given me and my little man: support, kindness, donations, thoughts.  Much too much to detail in this letter since I know your time is limited.

This Christmas, there are many people who deserve things, wishes, cheers, EVERYTHING!

Many have lost much due to Sandy: family, friends, neighbors, personal belongings, homes, and most of all their spirit.  They need their spirit back to spear head the heavy task of rebuilding.  These people belong on the Nice list.  Oh, btw, a reminder that those, Ahem, not on this list who did not want to help, not that they could not help, deserve nothing; oh wait...they deserve coal; no, they deserve EVERYTHING that they deserve.

In no particular order Santa, here is my Nice list:

1. Stephen Siller Tunnel to the Towers Foundation-money to help support not only Sandy victims but those affected by hardship throughout time.  Their family has been hard hit but they continue to keep going and going and going.  Side note-I hope to make that run to the Towers next year!

2. The Correa's-they need to reestablish their home.  They have the love. They have a house for now but they need their home back. They want to build their home.  Side note-Maybe a third wife for your home?
3. Alpha Phi Eta Zeta Alumni-no words can express the gratitude that I have for these classy ladies.  Forever sisters.  WE need a celebration.  Side note-even through the craziness of rush and the pressures that surrounded us (AKA Heather was a nutty sister) we have survived!!
4. My sisters Michele and Allison-food, shelter, support, donations, legwork, babysitting and all that comes with being older sisters.  Sprinkle a little joy with them. 
5. My mom-lost most of her belongings in her apartment.  She might not realize it now but she needs all the basics.
6.Strangers, friends, friends of friends, family, friends of family-your elves have been watching them I am sure. They need others like them. It takes a village. You know that!
7. Staten Island Killa Beez-they've gutted, given donations, raised awareness, supported, baked, and cheered us on.  They need more time.
8. Guyon Rescue-they've supplied us!  From baby wipes,  food, toothpaste, backpacks, a chat and friendly faces.
9. Sand Lane-they've supplied us!!! Bras, gift cards, cereal, snacks, cleaning supplies, and water.  Side note-far from my Macy's days and bra shopping.
10. My colleagues-they have given me time, offers of food and drink, donations, and support. Side note-sometimes teamwork is an effort but with my team it's all fun!
11. My all time best friend Ann-Marie-rolled up her sleeves (and her pants) and literally swept up the shit in my house! SANTA-listen here-the girl NEVER asks for anything.  She plays with all the cards she has been dealt and never folds.  Treat her well.      
12. My son Daniel.  He has been as patient (and inquisitive) and loving as a 5 year old boy can be. He unloaded supplies in Miller Field, he handed out gifts at Mount Manresa (courtesy of a gift drive by Sandy Clause and Toni Senecal), and he has made due with the things that he has with him.  He hopes to be home soon.  He'll be home soon Santa and you will find my boy who makes A LOT of good choices.

I know that was longer than expected but it could have been longer. 
With love and hope and joy and magic,
Daniel's mommy

Life is a highway...

I now spend an hour each way each day on the Staten Island Expressway to take lil man to school and me to work.  Pre-Sandy-it was a one minute drive to school and a 15 minute drive to work. 
I now spend mornings eating breakfast with my niece or eating buffet style at a hotel.  Pre-Sandy I ate on the run and I made Dan breakfast.
I now spend my lunch hours doing research on furnaces, hot water heaters, electricity, insurance, FEMA, and any and all hurricane Sandy resources.  Pre-Sandy I used to go to  the mall.

I could go on...
But...
My life is more than Pre and Post Sandy; However Sandy has helped me to confirm all that I know. 

My life is my Daniel and me. 
My life is those who support me for being me.
My life is riding roads that require a lot of energy and will.
My life is mine to own, embrace, enjoy, overcome.

My life was ...it just was...I can cry, complain, confirm.  I can defend, delete, deny.
 I can love, learn, live.  YES!  I chose the L words!!!

There's a world outside every darkened door
Where Blues won't haunt you anymore
For the brave are free and lovers soar
Come ride with me to the distant shore...

A little dity about Sandy, my Danny and me

Sandy can't you see I'm in misery...
A line from the Sandy song in Grease...branded my favorite movie (tied with Beaches) yet my least favorite song in the movie.  And now even more so do I hate it.

Hurricane Sandy, Sandy, why-yi-yi-yi-yi
Oh Sandy

We have lost, but others have lost too
We are safe and alive
We hit roadblocks every step of the way

Friends, family, and strangers
Some give time
Some give muscle
Some give money
Some give clothes
Some give toys
All give us support,
A shoulder to cry on,
An ear to vent

This road is not an easy one,
it is a broken one

Hurricane Sandy, Sandy, why-yi-yi-yi-yi
Oh Sandy

This road is being walked by a woman and her son
Who have been torn to pieces

A woman who has torn down the walls to their home
Her son who has been displaced from home and school
A woman who is working to rebuild
Not only the structure of their home but her family too

A woman and her son will make major changes, major improvements
They will walk the Staten Island roads
To strength lane
To thanks avenue
To hope court
To love way

Sandy my darling you hurt me real bad
But safe and alive forever and ever we will be