Well folks, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. And it took more time than expected to get some helpful information. We (UCAAN) wanted to use my experience as a guinea pig, to see how difficult it would be for a survivor to get this information, and what was needed to get to this point. Let me just say, that it shouldn't be this difficult for a cancer survivor to find these resources! We (UCAAN) were thrown in so many directions and dead ends before we found out anything helpful.
My case is unique- because I have had cancer and have so many side effects, many dentists wouldn't do IV Sedation on me, because they feared that they would have to intubate me and would be unable to. For me, I need to be sedated for dental work due to high anxiety and stress levels that being awake causes me. Now, the search alone for a dentist that no only offers general anesthesia, but takes Medi-Cal is almost impossible to find. I contacted the local hospitals for information- with no luck, the Ventura County/Santa Barbara County Dental Associations, the Medi-Cal website, local sedation dentists, etc. Some of them had information that was out-dated about places that did dental work still for emergency situations and take Medi-Cal. But they all proved to be incorrect. So, when will things like this be easier for us to get to? Does every cancer survivor with a situation similar to mine have to deal with all the red tape, and endless calling before they get a piece of good news? NO! We at UCAAN are working hard to get this information to you!
So, the journey to USC was a long and complicating one, but 2 hours after we left Thousand Oaks, we were able to find the USC Norris Dental Science Center. In order to see the oral surgery department, you MUST have a referral from a dentist with their recommendations of which teeth need work or need to be extracted. You MUST get a consultation from USC prior to any surgery. So you know, the Consult cost s $55-85, and the hours on their website are not correct. The USC Oral Surgery Office is open from 9am-11:30am (lunch from 11:30am to 12:30pm) & 12:30pm-3pm. Their contact number is (213) 740-1583 And they do accept Denti-Cal. If you call them to schedule a consult, they may be booked many months in advance, and the best advice I can give you is what the young woman on the phone told me. She suggested I come down one day at 8:30am and wait all day in the case that they get a cancellation. This is what we did today and it worked in our favor. We got there at 9:45am, and were done at 12:30pm! YAY!!! Now, to wait for them to schedule me for my extraction surgery under GA (General Anesthesia- which is known as conscious sedation- where you are not intubated for the surgery) this is the most common way, and in my opinion better than nitrous oxide (laughing gas). The GA will not be covered by Medi-Cal, and you will need to know the cost in advance: $330 for the sedation (GA), stronger sedation with an anesthesiologist is much more and is $550. These are costs that you should be well aware of. Amazing how the chemotherapy and radiation save our lives, but in the long run they cause more problems, many of which are not covered by our insurance - interesting!!!
And unless your dental x-rays that you bring to them are panoramic x-rays, there's no sense in bringing them- because they will have you get your x-ray with them. With a very new-age super cool x-ray machine that circles your head and takes an awesome PANORAMIC VIEW of your teeth for them. Keep in mind this is a dental school and the students that work there are awesome! :) And their professors/main dentists are very thorough.
Since I am on coumadin (Warfarin- Blood Thinner) for my DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) I had last March 2010, I have to be off Coumadin for 5 days, and get my INR (International Normalized Ratio) tested the day prior to my dental surgery. I am hoping to have this dental work done and have these teeth extracted next Wednesday. Will keep you posted. And I hope that this information has helped you!
:)
The USC School of Dentistry website for Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery is: http://dentistry.usc.edu/oms.aspx
Dental Issues are no Fun, even after all we have been through.... right? But UCAAN is here to investigate and find the places where UCAAN find help!! YAY!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Monday, January 31, 2011
It was far too soon - Yet I will Continue the Legacy!
As I sit here in my house looking at the pile of papers from the ACS - the commitment papers to participate in Relay for Life this year. i shake my head in disbelief. Why did I choose to take on yet another commitment? Yet another thing on top of everything that I am already doing.
I look back to moments before at the Relay for Life Kick off and my new Friends Emma & Jeff. And as I sit there with no expectations other than learning about the cause that my own father loved so much and my mom worked after he passed on. They asked "Who will be the first team to sign up for Relay in Westlake?" I can't even begin to explain it, but I jumped out of my chair with excitement. Unsure of what I had to face ahead of me ad unsure of what had lifted me out of my seat - knowing in the back of my head that I still had so much to do for my own organization's survival.
So now, I am back home.... crying. I have no idea why I took this on, when I have so much already. And then the voice of my mother is above me "Your father loved the ACS, he volunteered for them for 5 years- two of those years he was battling his own cancer." Somewhere in the depth of my heart and my memories I knew that this step had to be taken, not only for myself and other survivors, but in memory of my father, who loved me as long as he could. U+If it was up to him, he never would have left my side, and I know this it true. So for you Dad, I have started TEAM UCAAN, because I want anyone and everyone who is affected by cancer to know that They CAN - UCAAN Make a difference by participating in these replay events!
So in memory of you Dad, I take this HUGE STEP, something bigger than what I am doing with UCAAB, something that YOU believed in, something that you supported, and something mom supported when you were gone. I Love and miss you dad. I wrote this small poem for you:
Memories, only picture pieces I can see
Memories, I learn and stories I hear
from those who told them to me
If only I had the real chance to know you
To see how much of me was in you
You loved me from what everyone else
could see, and I felt the same
You worked for the ACS NY, even before the disease
struck your life
But you didn't let it stop your fight
The options were null, you took it into
your own control - vitamins were the only way
You worked for ACS NY for 2 years until
the disease secummed your life.
You were strong and held on for 2 years
It was far too soon for you to go
Only January 26th of 83'
My daddy, I didn't even know you
It was too soon for you to go
When it all happened , mom was working for NYU Medical
center
and decided to do what you loved
She took your job at ACS
I don't remember your face, or your voice.
The only memories I have now are the stories & Pictures
But I know how much you loved me by smile on your
face as you looked at me in those pictures.
Here I am Remembering you
What else can I do
But remember you
And take your passion of working with ACS
and make it a part of my life.
Daddy I miss you and all I can do is
Remember You,
the way that you will always remember me.
You're missed. This one's for you Dad.
TEAM UCAAN
will be participating in the Relay for Life event for ACS in Westlake Village on Sat & Sun Aug 6th & 7th, 2010 at Oaks Christian High School
To Be a part of TEAM UCAAN, Contact Rachel Shur 805-479-1032 or UCAANorg@yahoo.com
I look back to moments before at the Relay for Life Kick off and my new Friends Emma & Jeff. And as I sit there with no expectations other than learning about the cause that my own father loved so much and my mom worked after he passed on. They asked "Who will be the first team to sign up for Relay in Westlake?" I can't even begin to explain it, but I jumped out of my chair with excitement. Unsure of what I had to face ahead of me ad unsure of what had lifted me out of my seat - knowing in the back of my head that I still had so much to do for my own organization's survival.
So now, I am back home.... crying. I have no idea why I took this on, when I have so much already. And then the voice of my mother is above me "Your father loved the ACS, he volunteered for them for 5 years- two of those years he was battling his own cancer." Somewhere in the depth of my heart and my memories I knew that this step had to be taken, not only for myself and other survivors, but in memory of my father, who loved me as long as he could. U+If it was up to him, he never would have left my side, and I know this it true. So for you Dad, I have started TEAM UCAAN, because I want anyone and everyone who is affected by cancer to know that They CAN - UCAAN Make a difference by participating in these replay events!
So in memory of you Dad, I take this HUGE STEP, something bigger than what I am doing with UCAAB, something that YOU believed in, something that you supported, and something mom supported when you were gone. I Love and miss you dad. I wrote this small poem for you:
Memories, only picture pieces I can see
Memories, I learn and stories I hear
from those who told them to me
If only I had the real chance to know you
To see how much of me was in you
You loved me from what everyone else
could see, and I felt the same
You worked for the ACS NY, even before the disease
struck your life
But you didn't let it stop your fight
The options were null, you took it into
your own control - vitamins were the only way
You worked for ACS NY for 2 years until
the disease secummed your life.
You were strong and held on for 2 years
It was far too soon for you to go
Only January 26th of 83'
My daddy, I didn't even know you
It was too soon for you to go
When it all happened , mom was working for NYU Medical
center
and decided to do what you loved
She took your job at ACS
I don't remember your face, or your voice.
The only memories I have now are the stories & Pictures
But I know how much you loved me by smile on your
face as you looked at me in those pictures.
Here I am Remembering you
What else can I do
But remember you
And take your passion of working with ACS
and make it a part of my life.
Daddy I miss you and all I can do is
Remember You,
the way that you will always remember me.
You're missed. This one's for you Dad.
TEAM UCAAN
will be participating in the Relay for Life event for ACS in Westlake Village on Sat & Sun Aug 6th & 7th, 2010 at Oaks Christian High School
To Be a part of TEAM UCAAN, Contact Rachel Shur 805-479-1032 or UCAANorg@yahoo.com
Monday, January 17, 2011
12-06-10 UCAAN Help!
*Cancer - affects all of us in one way or another, a friend, family member, a neighbor, a child, even ourselves.... This year, it's been expected that there will be over 1.5 million new cases, and a 1/3 of them will pass away. These statistics are startling, but we must see it as a growing epidemic.
Being diagnosed with cancer is beyond scary and when dealing with so much already it's hard to know what priorities to set into play. Focusing on appointment after appointment and numerous tests can be discouraging. But we need to realize that there is more help for us out there. There are people who have been heir too and can provide others with their strength, hope, inspiration & knowledge.
People like Rachel Shur, who is a 2-time young cancer survivor. Shur was diagnosed in December 2006 with end stage Leukemia and was given a 10% chance of survival. Shur is coming up on her 4 year anniversary December 11th, when the doctors initially diagnosed her. Despite all of the trials & tribulations she had to overcome over the past 4 years, she has surpassed the doctor's original expectations. She has even started her own non-profit organization called United Cancer Advocacy Action Network (UCAAN) and she's been helping fellow survivors for over a year. By not only providing them with the resources and information that they need but also by donating small handmade gifts of hope to survivors, which include handmade plaques, bracelets and pendants that Shur makes herself. Her favorite gift to give away is the "Share the Hope" bracelet because she says "It's a way to give to those survivors who need it, and if they ever meet a fellow survivor or caregiver that needs it more - they are meant to share it by giving it away to them."
"People are very familiar with the Pink Ribbon." Shur says "We see it everywhere all throughout the year, everyone knows that the pink ribbon stands for breast cancer. But do you know what the other colors of the other cancers are?" Shur asks. The truth is that most people don't, unless they knew someone who was diagnosed with another type of cancer. "I was diagnosed with Leukemia and my cancer color is orange." Shur replies. When Shur first was designing her logo for UCAAN she had a great idea and used purple ribbons for the "A's". "What does purple stand for?" Shur asked me. I didn't even know what to say, and she quickly answered it for me. "Purple is the universal color of all cancers! My organization helps people with All Types of Cancer!"
UCAAN continues to help survivors of cancer and plans on having more and more events in the near future where survivors can get involved. "I wanted to build a strong organization of volunteers & survivors who really want to make a difference in the lives of other survivors. I really want survivors to feel like they are apart of something and UCAAN is where they need to be!" Shur says. As we approach the holiday season, we must keep in mind that there are many people out there that need to know about UCAAN and all it has to offer them & all it plans to offer in the future. UCAAN is sponsoring the "Gift Wrap 4 a Cause" fun-raiser at The Janss Marketplace starting Wednesday December 15th thru Friday December 24th. Gifts will be wrapped by volunteers and they will be accepting donations. But that's not all UCAAN is doing:
* They have a L'il Elves Workshop where kids can decorate holiday cards that will be sent to cancer survivors in the hospital at UCLA Medical Center & The City of Hope.
* They have a gift basket giveaway, where every $20 donation gets you entered into the drawing.
* Hope jewelry will be available for sale there, and customizable pieces are available as well! 100% of proceeds from these sales go to UCAAN.
* Tax Deductible receipts are available upon request.
UCAAN hopes to spread the cheer to as many people as possible. Shur adds "If you're a survivor of cancer, we'd love for you to come visit us. If you tell me your cancer story, I'll have a special gift for you!" This sounds like a lot of fun, a great cause and if you want to participate or volunteer, please contact Rachel Shur directly at: 805-479-1032 or ucaanorg@yahoo.com
Being diagnosed with cancer is beyond scary and when dealing with so much already it's hard to know what priorities to set into play. Focusing on appointment after appointment and numerous tests can be discouraging. But we need to realize that there is more help for us out there. There are people who have been heir too and can provide others with their strength, hope, inspiration & knowledge.
People like Rachel Shur, who is a 2-time young cancer survivor. Shur was diagnosed in December 2006 with end stage Leukemia and was given a 10% chance of survival. Shur is coming up on her 4 year anniversary December 11th, when the doctors initially diagnosed her. Despite all of the trials & tribulations she had to overcome over the past 4 years, she has surpassed the doctor's original expectations. She has even started her own non-profit organization called United Cancer Advocacy Action Network (UCAAN) and she's been helping fellow survivors for over a year. By not only providing them with the resources and information that they need but also by donating small handmade gifts of hope to survivors, which include handmade plaques, bracelets and pendants that Shur makes herself. Her favorite gift to give away is the "Share the Hope" bracelet because she says "It's a way to give to those survivors who need it, and if they ever meet a fellow survivor or caregiver that needs it more - they are meant to share it by giving it away to them."
"People are very familiar with the Pink Ribbon." Shur says "We see it everywhere all throughout the year, everyone knows that the pink ribbon stands for breast cancer. But do you know what the other colors of the other cancers are?" Shur asks. The truth is that most people don't, unless they knew someone who was diagnosed with another type of cancer. "I was diagnosed with Leukemia and my cancer color is orange." Shur replies. When Shur first was designing her logo for UCAAN she had a great idea and used purple ribbons for the "A's". "What does purple stand for?" Shur asked me. I didn't even know what to say, and she quickly answered it for me. "Purple is the universal color of all cancers! My organization helps people with All Types of Cancer!"
UCAAN continues to help survivors of cancer and plans on having more and more events in the near future where survivors can get involved. "I wanted to build a strong organization of volunteers & survivors who really want to make a difference in the lives of other survivors. I really want survivors to feel like they are apart of something and UCAAN is where they need to be!" Shur says. As we approach the holiday season, we must keep in mind that there are many people out there that need to know about UCAAN and all it has to offer them & all it plans to offer in the future. UCAAN is sponsoring the "Gift Wrap 4 a Cause" fun-raiser at The Janss Marketplace starting Wednesday December 15th thru Friday December 24th. Gifts will be wrapped by volunteers and they will be accepting donations. But that's not all UCAAN is doing:
* They have a L'il Elves Workshop where kids can decorate holiday cards that will be sent to cancer survivors in the hospital at UCLA Medical Center & The City of Hope.
* They have a gift basket giveaway, where every $20 donation gets you entered into the drawing.
* Hope jewelry will be available for sale there, and customizable pieces are available as well! 100% of proceeds from these sales go to UCAAN.
* Tax Deductible receipts are available upon request.
UCAAN hopes to spread the cheer to as many people as possible. Shur adds "If you're a survivor of cancer, we'd love for you to come visit us. If you tell me your cancer story, I'll have a special gift for you!" This sounds like a lot of fun, a great cause and if you want to participate or volunteer, please contact Rachel Shur directly at: 805-479-1032 or ucaanorg@yahoo.com
11-27-10 Why Spreading Joy is Important 2 UCAAN & I
I don't remember every bit of my holiday experience back in 2006, when I was initially diagnosed with end stage leukemia..... but I do remember little pieces of it. I was at the City of Hope for a month, and most of the time I was in a drug induced coma or relearning how to do the simple things - walking, reading, writing, eating, etc. I know that I was put into the drug induced coma quickly after I was admitted into the City of Hope, and I know that when I woke up - people said I was crazy - coming off of the morphine. But it's the stuff after that I remember the most. I remember not being strong enough to get myself up out of bed without help, I remember passing out if I sat in a chair too long, and I remember the days when I first started learning to walk again. Those were tough times, but my perseverance was strong!
I also remember how I slept all day most days and how hard it was for me to read my holiday cards that came in from friends and loved ones. I always appreciated the cards that I received, but was always discouraged because I couldn't read them well enough to know what they said. Often I had to have a nurse read them to me. :) Which was nice. While I was in the hospital I remember meeting fellow survivors, who were far from home and only heard from their families in emails or calls every once in awhile. And some survivors didn't have family to call them or send them anything......
This is where the importance of spreading Joy is important not only to me by also for UCAAN. Part of what I do with UCAAN is give gifts to survivors of cancer - CDs to the radiation oncology department at The City of Hope, Star of Hope necklaces & Hope bracelets are given to social workers who get them to patients. I am all about spreading that extra dit of joy, inspiration and love to these fellow survivors!
This is where you come in! For those of you who live near me, UCAAN come down to our Gift Wrap 4 a Cause location and choose to decorate a holiday card or two that will be in turn sent to cancer survivors at The City of Hope & UCLA Medical Center this holiday season 2010. I know that if I was in the hospital now, I would appreciate it if I received a card from a stranger who understood cancer, and who was there for me. So come on by- The Janss Marketplace - right next to Radio Shack & Aaron Brothers - Store #173-D. :)
Please help me help others by spreading the joy and the hope!!!
I also remember how I slept all day most days and how hard it was for me to read my holiday cards that came in from friends and loved ones. I always appreciated the cards that I received, but was always discouraged because I couldn't read them well enough to know what they said. Often I had to have a nurse read them to me. :) Which was nice. While I was in the hospital I remember meeting fellow survivors, who were far from home and only heard from their families in emails or calls every once in awhile. And some survivors didn't have family to call them or send them anything......
This is where the importance of spreading Joy is important not only to me by also for UCAAN. Part of what I do with UCAAN is give gifts to survivors of cancer - CDs to the radiation oncology department at The City of Hope, Star of Hope necklaces & Hope bracelets are given to social workers who get them to patients. I am all about spreading that extra dit of joy, inspiration and love to these fellow survivors!
This is where you come in! For those of you who live near me, UCAAN come down to our Gift Wrap 4 a Cause location and choose to decorate a holiday card or two that will be in turn sent to cancer survivors at The City of Hope & UCLA Medical Center this holiday season 2010. I know that if I was in the hospital now, I would appreciate it if I received a card from a stranger who understood cancer, and who was there for me. So come on by- The Janss Marketplace - right next to Radio Shack & Aaron Brothers - Store #173-D. :)
Please help me help others by spreading the joy and the hope!!!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Looking Onto the Future!
The future, we don't know what the future holds for us- where we will end up, what we will do, what road we will choose...... I am excited about the future- my future and the future of UCAAN and all of the things that I'd love to work on. Currently working on a few things including the possibility of getting together a team of Fund-raising professionals and working on a program where we can help survivors of cancer have their own fund-raisers. There are too many times that I hear about survivors who are diagnosed and loosing their homes, survivors needing surgery and not having insurance, or needing money for prescriptions and not being able to get it covered. I am constantly working on bigger and better ideas of ways that I can help more and more survivors,,,,
11/24/10 - Unexpected Turns
Life..... Has it's share of unexpected turns - some of which we have no control or little control over. For me, it happened today (Tuesday) as I was trying to get everything set for the Gift Wrap 4 a Cause Fun-raiser that UCAAN is sponsoring.
I was rushing to get the insurance, taking it to the Janss Mall and trying to get to the office to get some much needed work done. It definitely was unexpected when I showed up at the office to find my desk cleared off. I was confused and didn't see my notebooks or binders anywhere. As I walked into the main office and asked someone about it, they were clueless.
I waited for the boss man to come in and when he did, I told him about my day so far and how I was hoping it all would work out. He then goes into this story and tells me "Business is so good right now, that I am expanding my office, more call centers and no space for the other Biz..... ____ is moving the other office into his home, so he is laying you off..." That was pretty much it. I was in tears. I felt like my heart was ripped right out of me. I didn't know how to respond other than cry.
As he looked at me he told me that he was able to get me some severance pay, which I was grateful for, but still crushed. I knew that it wasn't his decision to lay me off, and I appreciated him going to bat for me - but the case was - it was done and I was lost, confused, and crushed. I couldn't believe that I was being Laid off right before Thanksgiving, right before Christmas. I was unsure of what to say - so I sat there and cried and laughed and cried some more. No one else in the office knew my news, and I walked out of there just as if nothing was wrong and as if I would return another day.
I ended up telling Justin about it, and as shocked as he was..... he was also very supportive. Something I had never seen in any man I had dated. Once I got to his house, he hugged me and held me and said - "Don't worry baby it'll be alright. Whatever you need just let me know. I'll work extra hours for you..... if you need anything ok?" I've never experienced this kind of real love from a man - I was beyond appreciative. He's awesome and I am so lucky to have found him. :)
Sooo.... the day goes on.... I get the keys to the Gift Wrap 4 a Cause store, drop some stuff off there and head home. I talk with my mother about the situation and she brings something to light. The entire day since the news, I was soooo sad, depressed and confused. I couldn't understand how someone who knew me for years and loved me could do something like this - right before the holidays and behind someone else - unable to tell me themselves. :( All I could ask God was- "Why?" and I said aloud - "I hope there's something better for me to do, that you are showing me the way for!" As I sat with my mom she said the words that rang clear: "You're meant to focus on UCAAN 100%. To make it BIG, to help more people, and to make it a success." She was right..... All this year I was struggling between one place and UCAAN - always trying to put all of my energy into UCAAN and the same amount into the other thing. I kept wishing to myself that I could get out there more and speak more- for UCAAN, about UCAAN and why I do all I do. Well, this is it.
I am thankful for my Cancer, the experience changed my life. And even though it's hard to say it now- I am thankful that I was laid off - because it made me realize that there are more important things that I MUST be doing - and it's 4 simple words: UCAAN Make a Difference! And I plan on it.
So, in closing I would like to say that - Yes life does have it's unexpected turns and we each have our trials and tribulations - but there's a purpose! God wants us to see what we're really made of, to realize what we are meant to do and to take that faith and our passion and DO IT! Take the turns as they come, evaluate your life and your situation. Pray about it. And work on the things you are most passionate about - the things that would make you most happiest in life and follow them - where ever it may lead you!
I was rushing to get the insurance, taking it to the Janss Mall and trying to get to the office to get some much needed work done. It definitely was unexpected when I showed up at the office to find my desk cleared off. I was confused and didn't see my notebooks or binders anywhere. As I walked into the main office and asked someone about it, they were clueless.
I waited for the boss man to come in and when he did, I told him about my day so far and how I was hoping it all would work out. He then goes into this story and tells me "Business is so good right now, that I am expanding my office, more call centers and no space for the other Biz..... ____ is moving the other office into his home, so he is laying you off..." That was pretty much it. I was in tears. I felt like my heart was ripped right out of me. I didn't know how to respond other than cry.
As he looked at me he told me that he was able to get me some severance pay, which I was grateful for, but still crushed. I knew that it wasn't his decision to lay me off, and I appreciated him going to bat for me - but the case was - it was done and I was lost, confused, and crushed. I couldn't believe that I was being Laid off right before Thanksgiving, right before Christmas. I was unsure of what to say - so I sat there and cried and laughed and cried some more. No one else in the office knew my news, and I walked out of there just as if nothing was wrong and as if I would return another day.
I ended up telling Justin about it, and as shocked as he was..... he was also very supportive. Something I had never seen in any man I had dated. Once I got to his house, he hugged me and held me and said - "Don't worry baby it'll be alright. Whatever you need just let me know. I'll work extra hours for you..... if you need anything ok?" I've never experienced this kind of real love from a man - I was beyond appreciative. He's awesome and I am so lucky to have found him. :)
Sooo.... the day goes on.... I get the keys to the Gift Wrap 4 a Cause store, drop some stuff off there and head home. I talk with my mother about the situation and she brings something to light. The entire day since the news, I was soooo sad, depressed and confused. I couldn't understand how someone who knew me for years and loved me could do something like this - right before the holidays and behind someone else - unable to tell me themselves. :( All I could ask God was- "Why?" and I said aloud - "I hope there's something better for me to do, that you are showing me the way for!" As I sat with my mom she said the words that rang clear: "You're meant to focus on UCAAN 100%. To make it BIG, to help more people, and to make it a success." She was right..... All this year I was struggling between one place and UCAAN - always trying to put all of my energy into UCAAN and the same amount into the other thing. I kept wishing to myself that I could get out there more and speak more- for UCAAN, about UCAAN and why I do all I do. Well, this is it.
I am thankful for my Cancer, the experience changed my life. And even though it's hard to say it now- I am thankful that I was laid off - because it made me realize that there are more important things that I MUST be doing - and it's 4 simple words: UCAAN Make a Difference! And I plan on it.
So, in closing I would like to say that - Yes life does have it's unexpected turns and we each have our trials and tribulations - but there's a purpose! God wants us to see what we're really made of, to realize what we are meant to do and to take that faith and our passion and DO IT! Take the turns as they come, evaluate your life and your situation. Pray about it. And work on the things you are most passionate about - the things that would make you most happiest in life and follow them - where ever it may lead you!
Monday, August 30, 2010
**Just In Time **
Just when I was getting to the point of thinking that my dating life couldn't get any more dysfunctional..... another friend attempted to set me up with one of their friends. Now, I totally appreciate the thought, but this one - was not on my level. But it's weird how life works out, right when you think you'll be single forever.
Me? I've been single for like 2 1/2 years, tried every dating site, attempted speed dating with a bunch of misses, singles happy hour, and meeting guys through friends - but it just hadn't worked for me. One of my good gal friends (she's psychic) has been telling me for awhile that I would meet someone, and he'd be perfect for me and it would be soon. Most of the time I honestly thought she was being silly and just wanted to see me happy like she was. It was cute really, she'd point out a guy and say - "That's him Rachel, that's him." Lol. I love her, but I know deep in my heart that he's out there and fate shall bring us together.
Ok I know.... I talk and I write a lot, and sometimes it seems like my writing goes on and on and on.... So bear with me. So one of my good guy friends James attempted to set me up with his friend J - I think he was trying to because J was quirky and lonely, and maybe James thought that my funky, upbeat attitude would rub off on him. But I don't think it ever would. So, I attempted a dinner date with him and as I waited for him to call me, I enjoyed a park in Simi Valley and took advantage of the time by making some jewelry. When he did call, it took him awhile to meet me at the park- lol. When he got there he proceeded to talk about himself and as I sat there I was praying he would just leave. Despite the fact that I am a tough NYer, I didn't have the guts to tell him I didn't want to stay. So what happened? He got a phone call and I heard him say "Yeah I can come pick you up and drop you at my house, yeah I'll be there in ten minutes." As I turned to him and asked what was going on he proceeded to tell me that he had to pick up his friend from his dad's shop and drop him at his house - that he'd only be a few minutes and wanted me to wait there for him. Ugh. I looked at him and shook my head - there was no way I would wait around like that. I smiled and said - have fun with your friend cause I'm not waiting around. And off I went......
So, when I left, I made plans to spend time with my friend James and his sister & her boyfriend. We ended up going to dinner and then Karaoke at Don Cuco's in Moorpark, Ca. Now this is when the fun really started!! So, J ended up calling me a few times while I was out with friends. Finally James grabbed my phone and answered it - pretending to be me. He told J how he had messed up with me and had no more chances, but J was persistent and insisted that he didn't mess up his chance. So what happened? J showed up at Don Cuco's with his friend to try and smooth things over with me - the last 3 attempted dates were just bad and he thought he could fix it all there. Well the night ended up differently, as J kept leaving the restaurant to go outside and he left me with his quiet friend. I ended up hitting it off with J's friend and traded numbers with him. He was different- he was my age, kinda quiet but very enthusiastic about cooking and movies. He told me that he took care of his brother- who was severely autistic & had seizures and was only 23. I loved the compassion he had and really clicked with him because of this.
The next day, I ended up spending some time with J's friend at his house with his brother and watched how he lovingly took care of his younger brother. There was something about him, I loved. And I think I knew it from the moment we met the night before that he was the one for me. I know, it sounds weird to say that.... barely knowing someone, but we just really clicked. And I knew he felt the same way - when he kissed me that day---- awwww magical. Ok I sound like a dork. But this is how I met Justin and he was *Just In Time* to save me from the crazy dating game......
Now, almost 3 months later since meeting Justin - we've been dating and I LOVE every minute of it. Amazing! Enjoying every moment I can. And best of all - he supports me in all I do with UCAAN, all of the people I help and inspire. He says he loves this about me. And he's the first guy I've dated who's understood why I do everything I do! YAY!
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