Walk This Way

In 2008, my aunt was diagnosed with Ph+ Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia. I remember the phone call as if it happened yesterday. I just sat in shock while my mom explained everything over the phone. As soon as I hung up, tears rolled down my cheeks. "Aunt Theresa has Leukemia. Blood Cancer. I could lose her. Her family could lose her."

Flash forward 6 years. We were lucky. We didn't lose her. Aunt Theresa is still here - living, working, fighting, surviving. She's a survivor. She's here because she has hope. She's here because of generous donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society that have enabled researchers to develop new medications to treat her. She's here because people show support and walk to find a cure for blood cancers.

There are still plenty of people who need support and we need your help. Don't "get around to it someday." Someday is today. Walk with us. Donate. Spread awareness about Leukemia and all blood cancers. Share this post. Whatever you do, do something. Talk is cheap - try a little action.

Light the Night with us.

Please consider helping me reach my goal to stomp out blood cancer!

10 Years From Now

Dear Monica,

Holy crap, you've accomplished so much since the last time we talked! Congrats on your doctorate and finally getting married to that stud Kristo. I love that you guys stuck together through all those crazy years of high school, college, and grad school. I hope he's not still trying to put cinnamon on your scrambled eggs. 

I heard you and Court are going to open your own practice. See? I told you all the misery of waiting for the future was worth it!

Remember when you were younger and wanted to have 6 kids and mom told you that you would change your mind? At least she didn't say "I told you so" when you decided to stop at 3. They're adorable little nuggets and so well-behaved! I'm so incredibly happy that you're achieving you dreams and doing what you love every day. 

It's pretty cool that you're still blogging! It'll be great to look back and read about everything that got you to where you are today.

It's been fantastic catching up, but I gotta run! Give Kristo a kiss for me, I'll see you in 10 years.

Love,

Monica

Christmas in July

Time for a photo dump because my eyes aren't working correctly (probably because I only got 4 hours of sleep last night). On Saturday, we had our family Christmas party. It was totally worth the 4+ planning sessions and all of the preparations. Everyone had a great time and it. was. awesome.

Friday Thoughts

I'm here on my phone with approximately 14 minutes left of my lunch hour. Here are some random thoughts to entertain you (hopefully).

- There was like no line at Dunkin this morning and they got my order right. 4 for you Dunkin Coco!

- Tomorrow is my family Christmas party. Yes, you read that correctly. A real life Christmas in July. My aunt's house is completely decked out. Summer is the only time all 75 of us can get together so tomorrow it is! I'm so excited because it's gonna be a blast, but I can't wait until the planning ends. If you feel so inclined, follow along with our shenanigans on my Instagram or check out #McGuckinXmas. Hopefully no one calls the cops for noise pollution while we carol...loudly...outside.

I'm gonna find a nice Christmas mani to dress my nails today and figure out what all needs to be done for tomorrow.

- I actually have to start my grad applications next week and it's completely terrifying me and making me anxious.

I will combat this anxiety by going to the beach with my friends on Sunday to celebrate my birthday a day early. Yay! This is makes me a little sad because it's almost August and I haven't set foot in the ocean yet this year. Woof, where has the Summer gone?

- Courtney gave me my birthday present 3 days early. I think the suspense was killing her. She really knows me for only knowing me for 7 months. I got a pretty journal and a pack of colored Papermate inkjoy pens (have you seen how smoothly the write?!), some adorable post-it notes and tiny gel pens, a purple double-walled mason jar cup, and MY FIRST ALEX AND ANI BRACELET! Eeep! It's a phoenix so obviously I'm naming it Fawkes.

S.S. Catherine

Once upon a time, there were some young adults who lived in a magical land called Medford, New Jersey. In the land of Medford there was a lake called Pine. The youngsters found great joy in floating their small raft in the middle of the lake and paddling back to shore with their oars.

One day, their two cousins from across the river were walking through the marketplace and spotted an unusually large barge called Oasis Island.

They wrote to one of the youngsters to come visit so they could purchase the barge together. The youngster traveled a great distance and the three purchased it and brought it back to Medford. Little did they know, it would take the strength of 6 people to carry it to its final destination.

Weeks went by until they gathered enough people to bring Oasis Island, which was renamed the S.S. Catherine to the lake for its maiden voyage. The sailors of the S.S. Catherine gathered one day for a remembrance party in honor of the namesake of the barge - a beloved grandmother, Catherine. It was decided that they'd set sail that day. So the cousins, along with their significant others started on a strenuous journey on foot.

The trip was long and treacherous, but in the end, the S.S. Catherine was gracefully eased into the water at Lake Pine.

And they all floated for the rest of the day and lived happily ever after.

And then they watched the US tie, which was not happily ever after.

Catchup

Remember how I disappeared for a month? Well, I'm baaaack! Lots of things have happened since I last updated the blog world on my real life. Here's what's happening.

WORK // I love, love, love my job. Courtney and I have finished our training and are waiting for our certificates and raises. We're now starting to have our own appointments for patient emergencies. We can troubleshoot hearing aids and send them out for repair, as well as clean and check them. The old people (pretty much everyone) love us. Oh and Courtney is now on my list of favorite people because we spend all week together and she hasn't gotten sick of me yet.

FAMILY // Lauren turned 21 and Christian left his old band and joined a new one. Lauren, my cousin Britney and I saw Christina Perri in concert, which was ahhhmazing! And my siblings and our significant others all went to brunch with  my parents on Easter.

 

ME // I finally got my diploma in the middle of March. I chopped off all my hair and switched my winter wardrobe for spring clothes YES. I also went to 3 Flyers games in a week and drank moonshine for the first time (woof). I also got my wisdom teeth pulled, but you already know that.

Now that I've got you all caught up, I'm gonna go ice my face now. Peace.

It's Still Christmas

Posting 2 days in a row. Who the hell am I?

It's finally time for my Christmas recap! Since I seem to be the last person in the world who's still in the Christmas spirit (Still have 9 more days!) I don't feel bad about posting my recap so late. I took so many pictures this year that I can't possibly put them all in a blog post. So I'll only post about my favorites. Click over to The Empty Teacups Facebook page for the full album! ( <-- shameless plug )

This year was very low key and since I got the trip to Mexico as my gift there wasn't much under the tree. And I'm totally okay with that. It meant that I got to focus on the presence of Christ in Christmas. I spent time with my favorite people and it was freaking awesome.

Alright, let's get on with this ish. 

Personalized ornament my mom got for us. My favorite present.

Me and boyf dressed to the nines

My beautiful siblings

Our Lady of Grace, my favorite place to be

Pure awesomeness and holiday spirit. 
p.s.- the dude who owns this house is an electrician.

And that concludes my holiday wrap up! Did you see any crazy lights like these? What were your favorite moments this season?

Saturday Shenanigans

Happy Monday, Blogland!

Are you ready for my weekend shenanigans? (The correct answer is yes.) I was a good blogger and took pictures this weekend so I would have something to talk about when today rolled around.

I was in a crappy mood for pretty much all of last week. Luckily, I didn't take a nap Friday morning which meant I got to watch Paramore perform on Good Morning America and get my dad's birthday post done. It was the perfect way to get back into a good mood and it totally made me feel better.

After class, I went to work which sucked as usual, but at least no one told me I look like a 16 year old this week.

On Saturday morning, we woke up an hour before Jesus started handing out blessings and headed to south Philly for the Philadelphia Heart Walk. It was warm enough that I didn't need my winter coat (Yay!) so I rocked my school hoodie since I was walking for Temple Health anyway. When we got into the stadium the first thing I saw was Temple's mascot and I yelled "Hey Hooter" before skipping happily into his arms asking for a picture. Go owls!

We sat in the good seats for the opening ceremony while the Phillie Phanatic made fun of friends with the NBC peacock and generally disregarded all ceremony etiquette. He is the best mascot with the most personality and I want him at my future wedding reception. This is not a joke.

After the walk, we headed to my Mom-Mom's. On the way, we passed a place called Burger Bar and I asked my mom what it was. Her response? "Oh it's good, they have alcoholic milkshakes." Thanks mom, but I was asking about the food. With an explanation like that, we had to go in.

Apparently I really like bourbon. Like a lot.

When we got home, we (mostly Mom) made my dad his birthday dinner. It was a filet mignon roast and it. was. awesome. After dinner, we sang happy birthday to Dad who refuses to sit still or look at the camera, which resulted in 47539287 pictures.

After dessert, Kris and I went to see Pride & Prejudice. You know what's not fun? Explaining the whole plot to your boyfriend at intermission. You know what is fun? When he gets riled about the characters and wants them to live happily ever after.

Sunday was pretty dull, but mom and I made Apple Pie Cake. It didn't turn out as pretty as this, but it tasted like a dessert prepared by the magical cake fairy from Heaven. I will definitely make it again!

I hope you all have a great week!
XO - Monny

Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Friday Blogland!

Today I want to introduce you to a very special man - my dad! Today is Pop's 53rd birthday (he looks great for his age, amiright?) and so I'm dedicating a whole post to him. I'm sure he's blushing as my mom reads this to him since he hasn't quite gotten the hang of navigating to my blog on his iPad yet.

Anywho, back to why I love my daddy!

ONE My dad taught me from a very young age that sports are awesome. I remember him taking me out back and having a catch with me,teaching me how to hold a bat, and then teaching me to hold a bat again when we realized that I can't bat right-handed. I remember him telling me not to be a sissy to be aggressive and to go after the ball when we'd play street hockey with the neighborhood kids and I ended up being really good at it. He also taught me that you love your teams, even when  the Phillies can barely make it to .500 they suck. You're allowed to curse at the tv and talk about how poorly they're playing, but you still watch every game. I repeat - you. still. watch. every. game.

TWO He can't cook many things (think brown scrambled eggs), but he makes the best eye roasts I've ever tasted and he's really good at buttering bagels. Like scary good, especially when you're sick.

THREE My dad wakes up at 5:30 every morning to drive me to the train, whether he needs to be in work early or not. He waits extra time at the station until the train comes so I don't have to stand in the cold and let's me control the radio (even though I usually pick something he likes anyway).

FOUR For as long as I can remember, he's been leaving notes for us on the kitchen counter. They always make us laugh, even when they're not intended to be funny.

In our house, everyone write their names on their plastic cup...except dad. He's been known to have more than a few aliases.

FIVE He has shown me that it's never too late to be who you want to be. He leads by example and is constantly helping others in need. I have such respect for him and I'm immensely proud to call him my dad. 

Happy birthday, Daddy! I love you, I hope you have a great day, and you'll get your real birthday card tomorrow!

XO - Monny

Linking up with Whitney.

I'm still confused as to why this song didn't win a CMA.

Always.

Once upon a time, I was proud to say that I was perfectly normal, thank you very much. That is until around the time of my 8th birthday, when my mom gave me a hardback book with a dark-haired, bespectacled boy on the front, flying on a broom. I remember being called for dinner that night and not wanting to put the book down. Only 17 pages in and I was hooked. At that time, I had no idea that this book could change my life forever.

I had no idea I'd be waiting in line for the release of the 5th book in a Borders in the mall at midnight at age 11.

I had no idea that I'd go to 5 midnight movie premieres with thousands of people who felt the same way about it as I did.  

I had no idea that I'd gather materials for 3 months so that I could dress up as my favorite character.

I had no idea that I'd try my hardest to avoid every type of spoiler in anticipation for the release of the 7th movie(successful, btw!).

I had no idea that it would give me unlimited topics to talk about with new friends who I discovered liked it too.

I had no idea that I'd ever admire an author as much as JK Rowling.

I had no idea that I would be able to open one of these books and instantly feel better, no matter what kind of mood I was in.

I had no idea I'd memorize almost every line of 7 books and 8 movies.

I had no idea that a boy with a thin face, knobbly knees, black hair, and bright green eyes would change the face of my childhood.

I had no idea that these books always be a part of me...Always.

XO - Monny