Skip to main content

A Birthday Treat


Born 12 weeks early and diagnosed with cystic fibrosis shortly People didn't think I'd live past 5 and tomorrow I turn 34 years old. BOOM BABY!





I wear my age, gray hair, and wrinkles proudly (yes, even the wrinkles). Hats off to all the medication for keeping me alive. And OF COURSE... my parents, doctors, family, and friends. Research and fundraising has really helped some AMAZING, life prolonging drugs come to market. I have a large support system that helps and volunteers. I'm so thankful!!





Heaven knows I needed that support system when I became a foster mom. Especially since I went from zero kids to three specialized (needs) kids. All three of whom I LOVE completely and will do anything for in the future. But, I needed help when I was sick, run down, and tired. As I said in a previous post last mont, " It's a challenge to be foster parents, it's not a challenge to love them" (Blog post: Thinking of Fostering).





I know most parents are guilty of spending money on their kids and not nearly enough on themselves, I'm guilty of that. And I think my life has been so busy and full (see post: Finding some ME TIME) that I haven't gone shopping for myself in WAY too long. Even worse, I haven't bought new clothes that fit since my (AWESOME) weight gain! Yes, as a person with CF, I'm easily malnourished, so I'm encouraged to gain weight all the time. So when I'm busting out of my jeans, I'm proud. But yipes, I need to shop.





Theatre Snacks & Enzymes




I had told Andrew for my birthday I wanted to get a new piece of clothing, spend the day with my family, and see the movie "Five Feet Apart" in the theatre at some point. (on an afternoon on a weekday- less crowds).





WELL, last week we made plans to have my family come over and we went to see "Five Feet Apart" on Tuesday. I posted a review video on my Blog's Facebook page HERE. I really did enjoy the movie, but I think it's important to discuss a lot of the topics, so please check out the video at the link. But, the cool and unexpected shock came last week, when a local shop: Seventh Street Boutique decided to give an outfit giveaway for a foster parent in the area. Lots of ladies were nominated and I was showered with love as lots of family & friends. I wasn't drawn as the winner of the outfit & accessories! But, the boutique felt the emotions behind all the nominations that I & one other local friend received, that we also will get a free article of clothing: either Shirt, Pants, or dress!









Andrew and I went to pick out my piece of clothing TODAY as an early birthday treat and as a way to start the weekend!





Seventh Street Boutique has tons of clothing and accessories! Lots of styles and everything I tried on was comfy too! I was impressed by the range of sizes. Small to plus sizes and lots variety! I highly recommend stopping in and seeing what they have in stock. I mean cute, stylish, affordable, and gives back to community! What's not to love?!





speaking of LOVE...









I LOVE my new DRESS!?!?! I plan to wear it on Easter with the earrings that my babysitting kid made me back when she was like 8 years old!





As far as my birthday plans... Looking forward to spending the day with my family, simple & sweet. Just how I like it!





(PS> I have a birthday fundraiser going on for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation CF Walk: LINK TO DONATE! )


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How Fostering and CF impact my work

I haven't been on my blog much.... I think that is because most of my blogging is currently been done on Health Union's Cystic-Fibrosis.com (here is link to all my posts on their site: https://cystic-fibrosis.com/members/cherizkunkel/ ). I decided last fall to step away from real estate after 3 years in the business. It was tough to say good-bye, especially since I had tripled my volume and business in the last year. However, I didn't have time to add any new clients; I kept saying, maybe next week, next month I can fit more work into my schedule. The truth is fostering takes a lot of time. We have between 5-8 monthly visits at the agency, 1 court ate a month, 2 home visits from the caseworker a month, plus e have 2-3 doctors/specialist appointments for our current kiddo. We have lots of paperwork we fill out, gas mile logs, receipts to add, and more! Our kiddo also participates in gymnastics and dance two nights a week. We go to a fosterparent support group with our kid ...
2 comments
Read more

Oh the Joys of a Colonoscopy!

Colonoscopy, Fun: As you may remember from reading my October Posts (  Oct Post #1   &  2nd Oct Post ) that I was admitted a second time that month for Gastrointestinal issues. I was having stomach cramps and what was believed to be Antibiotic Associated Diarrhea. However, CT scan revealed my colon and intestines were inflammed.  After having a rough 2 months of GI issues, and cuting out most food (diary, meat, grease, carbonated beverages, and sugar). I finally am getting a Colonoscopy to see what in the world is going on! I'm been taking Probiotics, was on meds for both C. diff and AAD. I even added driking Kefir to add to the probiotics and good bacteria.  Only now am I seeing any changes, less stomach aches, etc. I add a 1/2 cup pf the Kefir to my smoothie, its not bad -yum! I really reccommend it and Probiotics (so talk to your doctor about it), it could really help you out! Read about Colonoscopies here! So I'm glad to be g...
4 comments
Read more

What Else Should I Do?

Need Some Feedback.       May has almost come to an end. I love May, nice weather, summer starts, AND its Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month! A lot of the CF walks are in may and its a great time to raise funds and awareness for CF! However, I'm also excited that it will be June soon! June 28th is the Princeton Cystic Fibrosis Walk. I've helped organize other events in the past. Whether for school or other non-profits I've volunteered at, but this CF Walk is a little different. It is the first time, I've put together a City event. Or put together an event that is so near and dear to my heart. I'm so thankful that I had so many people sign up so quickly. Pretty much everyone family member I have on my mom's side signed up the first day. And I've have had some family and friends help me (giving me ideas, helping me recruit, etc). But, Its the first time I didn't have a committee or team behind me to help execute the ideas and actually plan the event. I lo...
2 comments
Read more