Shameless

I love June 18th. In fact, it is one of my favorite days of the whole year. I don't care that I shamelessly promote myself today--afterall--it is is my BIRTHDAY!

Despite the fact that Philadelphia is currently experiencing cold weather in the middle of June, I'm having a great day. One of my colleagues, Megan, made some delicious cinnamon swirl bread, there were signs and cards waiting for me when I arrived, and I'm going shopping with another colleague, Robin, after work (Maternity pants, here I come). I'll top it all off with an evening at Bindi, a yummy indian restaurant in Philly, with Scott and some friends.

I feel so blessed to be alive, to be pregnant, to have wonderful friends, family, and colleagues in my life. I've received so many wonderful messages from the people that I love today it just makes me feel incredibly grateful.

I love y'all!!

Update on Karson

Karson is scheduled to get a PET scan this week to make sure the cancer hasn't traveled anywhere else and start chemo next week (June 25th). Despite this difficult news, she and Jason are upbeat and ready to fight. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Prayers for Karson

My dear friend Karson, a survivor of breast cancer, has been delivered some very upsetting news. Here's what Jason, her incredible hubby, has to say on the CaringBridge site: "Karson has two masses (2cm & 4cm) on the right side of her liver. The doctor indicated that the masses are "concerning for metastatic breast cancer." This is not a good sign." http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/karsonbeaty

I'm so upset about this, and would like to ask for your prayers, and ask you to spread the word and prayers for her. She is one of my favorite people--one of the sweetest, most positive individuals you will ever meet. She has been an incredible trooper over the past 2+ years and I know she can fight this too--whatever it is.

Thank you!! Kars--we love you!!!

Turnip

Here's the first belly shot. It's just a little bump (the size of a turnip, according to babycenter.com) but I'm glad to see it. Please notice the look of bewilderment on Pearl's face--she doesn't know the half of it!

Coming November 9th!

That's our baby!! I've officially entered my second trimester and continue to feel great. We are so excited about parenthood and can't wait to meet him/her. We plan on waiting to find out the sex and just hope for a healthy baby.

I'll update more pics as I begin to have a tummy to document.

Radio Celebrity

Yesterday, NPR aired a piece on how college graduates are coping with a difficult economy. In preparation for the piece, Larry Abramson came to Temple during our Senior Job Search Strategy Session and interviewed a bunch of Career Center staff and students. In true journalistic form, he brought a huge microphone that looked like a feather duster and would come right up to you and start asking questions. When he stuck the feather duster mic in my face I was able to muster up some confidence and answer his questions. It helps that I talk about this stuff everyday to students.

Here's the link, you can read the article and listen to it online:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103862921

It sounds pretty good and I'm thrilled to be a radio celebrity--at least for a day!

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow..

It has been awhile...and I have have to admit I'm a terrible blogger. Mostly I blame being busy at work and not feeling like getting on the computer on the weekends. We've just been busy living our lives and forgetting to tell y'all about it.

So...here's the skinny on what's been happening in the Dismukes world.

Jay and Michelle moved here three weeks ago and are slowly getting settled into their new home. Jay is still working in NYC and commuting here on the weekends so he's been a particularly busy boy. Michelle is getting settled into her new job and I've enjoyed getting to spend some good time with her.

I continue to do yoga here: www.yogachild.net and love it. One of my instructors has even told me that my form is looking really good and I'm developing a yogi body. I'm thrilled to hear that! More than the physical attributes, yoga has given me a sense of peace and a place to get out my stress. It is an incredible mind-body activity.

Lastly, it snowed today. Like a good professor, I cancelled my class. Everybody loves a snow day! I love the snow and wish we got more of it. It's March so I imagine we might get one more storm. Unfortunately, we could get some rain too and I hate the rain. It's so messy when you commute via public transportation.

Here's a link to the news page: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/weather/stories/Images_Phillys_March_Snow_Storm.html

Enjoy those snowy images. I'll try to post some pics yesterday.