Sunday, March 14, 2010

Viva, US!!

On March 19, 2007, Alan and I had a very bad day.  Actually, it was SO terrible, we gave it a name:  Worst Day Ever.  This was the day that Alan's boss called in the morning, on behalf of the company for which Alan had worked for fifteen years, and told him that he was being laid off.

"But Joan," you may say, "that's pretty horrible, but 'Worst Day EVER?'  Really?"

Wait, there's MORE!!  Later on that day I received a call from the surgeon who had removed a lump from my neck.  This was actually the last of three he had extracted, all with inconclusive lab results.  The surgeon informed me that the biopsy findings of my latest mass were in.  "You have lymphoma," he said.  Worst.  Day.  Ever.

The really, really good news, though, is that we survived, and now absolutely refuse to dwell on the horror that this day provoked.  In fact, every March since 2008, Alan and I board a plane and head to Las Vegas.  We spend a fantastic week playing penny slots (me!) and betting on the sports book (Alan!).  Then, on the morning of March 19th, we head over to the Roulette table and we place all of our chips on number NINETEEN.  Guess what else?  We WIN, EVERY year!! Take THAT, stupid Worst Day Ever!  You have no power over us!!

So, I'm telling you this because tomorrow we jump on a plane once again to begin our yearly pilgrimage, so I wanted you to know I won't be around for a few days. This year, we've even purchased tickets for Donny and Marie Osmond's show at the Flamingo Resort!   I'm guessing there will a little bit country, and a little bit rock and roll involved!!

I hope you'll indulge me, though, as I want very much to pre-set some of my earliest posts for you to read while I'm out.  I promise you haven't seen them yet, unless you're one of my siblings or dear, supportive friends from back then!!  These are the stories that were knocking around in my brain when I initially started my blog, the ones that were persistently bugging me to be told! I'd very much like to share them with you and get your honest feedback. You'll see how dear they are to me once you read them!

I've got one about our trip to Ireland scheduled for posting on St. Patrick's Day, and another called "Lost" that reveals my complete lack of direction and some interesting qualities about my Dad, the man who inspired my blog title!  Lastly, on March 19th, I'll post the entry I wrote for Alan's blog in 2008 on the occasion of the first anniversary of Worst Day Ever.  Hope it will adequately describe the tone of that surreal, now irrelevant day!!

I'm going to check in (in between slot pulls!) to read your comments, so feel free to be honest and open!  I'll miss you all!  Wish me luck!!

Thanks for Reading!!

43 comments:

Elena said...

Yay for you. Win Big! and have a blast. Worst Day Ever can suck it!

Kellyansapansa said...

Have an awesome time guys. You don't need luck - you have so much positive karma built up that you're winners no matter what happens at the roulette table.

I'm looking forward to reading some of your earlier posts too. I've been meaning to go back in time on your blog, but I'm afraid it's still on my "to do" list.

By the way, a huge congratulations on reaching 300 followers. What an amazing milestone and an absolute testament to the quality of your writing! xx

Anonymous said...

Hey! It'll be so fun to read your initial posts again- entertain me! i'm all set! I'm so so pleased for you guys that you'll managed to make this day a celebration. I guess it actually is all in the mind. Your story proves that.

Hope the holiday is absolutely fun and gives you a lot many more stories to tell. Have a blessed vacation :)

Dana said...

Yipee...like reading a good book all over again!!
:D

just call me jo said...

You ARE survivors and brave.( I, of course, would have wallowed in despair and misery. Cuz that's how I roll.) I envy your chutzpa and all that stuff. Break the bank in Vegas. Enjoy the sunshine, the palm trees, and the smokey casinos. Sip something fun by the pool and we'll see you when you get back.

Bossy Betty said...

What a way to celebrate AND show the universe who won in the end! Hope you have a great time.

Don Wood said...

as a new follower I am looking forwards to the old stuff if that makes sense. Have a great time away and win enough to pay for the trip. see you when you get back ENJOY

Sylvia K said...

Oh, yes, very definitely the best way to thumb your nose at the universe and show them who really won! This is a great reminder to all of us that giving up is not an option! Have a fantastic time! Enjoy every minute!

Sylvia

Unknown said...

I hope you win big! Love Vegas!

Lori said...

Way to turn lemons into lemonaide! And good luck in my hometown! Maybe I'll see ya around - well, probably not cause we rarely go downtown. But the weather is supposed to be great this week - 70's and sunny, just for you. Look forward to reading your posts :-)

Anonymous said...

Wishing you and Alan a wonderful trip, and have some relaxation times! Just get away, and don't think about anything for a while..but deal with it when you get back..

Jaime said...

have a great trip.

Anonymous said...

Good luck to you also.
Have a real good time.

Looking for Blue Sky said...

OOh looking forward to your account of your visit to our shores, and wishing you the best of Irish luck on your trip to Vegas:)

Gucci Mama said...

I hope you have a FABULOUS time in Vegas! I love that you do something awesome on the anniversary of the worst. day. ever. ;)

Missy | Literal Mom said...

Isn't it so nice that something so wonderful CAN come out of a worst day ever? I can only imagine the pain of that day and the days immediately following, but what an optimistic way to move on from it. Have fun in Vegas, baby!

Pearl said...

I understand the concept of the worst day ever.

Best of luck in Vegas and GO 19!

Pearl

Momma Fargo said...

Good for you! Very inspirational. Go 19, go 19!

Elle said...

I am in awe of the way you have managed to turn the worst day ever around into something great. What a completely awesome idea! Hope you have a GREAT time in Vegas. I'm looking forward to reading the posts you've got scheduled! GO 19!!

lifeshighway said...

What a wonderful way to celebrate life every year. I look forward to reading your earlier posts and have a wonderful time.

Anonymous said...

I hope you have a GREAT time.

Ron

Unknown said...

First off, congratulations on finding a really fantastic way of dealing with the Worst Day Ever. Nothing makes a bad day better than a positive outlook. Have a ton of fun in Vegas and I hope you kick roulette's booty!

PinkPatentMaryJanes said...

Worst Day Ever can suck on it. Hope you have a fabulous time in Vegas. Oh, and SOOOOOOO jealous you're seeing Donny and Marie as he was my first-ever crush...

Juliana said...

Oh sweetie-I hope you have the best time ever and the BEST DAY EVER!!!!!!

ReformingGeek said...

WOW! That's the way to tell a day a thing or two!

Have fun and may the "force" be with you.

christy rose said...

Wow! What a great way to beat "The Worst Day Ever!" I hope you win big and have a blast!!!

Debbie said...

Have a great trip. As a new follower, I look forward to reading your re-posts!

Debbie said...

what an awesome way to overcome!! YOU rock!!! have a great time!!

FiftyCentLove said...

You're sweet! Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving comments.

allison said...

Have a wonderful trip to Vegas and tell us how the show is.

Erika said...

Hell yeah, Viva you guys! Way to smack March 19th back in the face. Good luck in Vegas and have a safe trip!

Anonymous said...

There is nothing better than sticking two fingers up at the worst day ever! Fab :0)

I hope that 19 has come through for you again :)

Michelle said...

aaawww!!! Good luck to ya two! Have fun and take care! :)

Mercy Langille said...

Have fun! I've always wanted to go to Vegas, if for nothing else than to check it out and see what all the hype is about.

Delana@dujour said...

Mountain number 19 was a climb. Enjoy your view from the top! I look forward to your older posts. Have an awesome trip.

Anonymous said...

I hope you have a fantastic time. And I'm looking forward to reading some of the older postings, too. :)

Nicolasa said...

Have so much fun! I loved Vegas the first time I went (last year during Memorial Day Weekend). I can't wait to hear about your trip!

Sassy Salsa girl said...

I hope you have a lot of fun. I can't wait to see some of your old posts :D

Teresa Evangeline said...

Viva Las Vegas! Have a big bunch of fun! :)

Heatherlyn said...

Yes, that would be the worst day ever!!! And it is inspiring that you overcame and turned it into something very positive in your life!

Anonymous said...

Yep. That really sucks! I hope you win big again this year!! :)

Taylor-Made Wife said...

Yeah, I'd have to agree that must have been a horribly shitty day. So glad things have turned around for you! Have a blast in Sin City!

Shan said...

I refuse to compete for WDE, but if I did, you'd still be a solid contender. I'm with you, focus on what good comes from life, not the bad.

Happy Vegas trip! You'll only be a couple hours from my grassless pad.

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