About
Welcome!
I decided to start this blog for a few reasons. First, I wanted to keep in touch with friends that I have left in my traveling path. Second, I have a unique opportunity at this time in my life and I wanted to bring you all along with me. I hope for you, the reader, this blog is informative and inspiring.
My life was pretty well planned out, or so I thought. I graduated from a top university, got married, moved to Washington D.C. with my new husband for him to attend law school. Then, one life changing day, he texted me that he had been accepted to an elite military program. Texted me? Yes, that’s right, friends. My life changing news came via a text message.
The next few months were spent getting ready for a transition to military life and well, I kind of lost myself in the whole process. I quit my job to follow him around the country and found my northern born and raised self in the deep south for three months with well – nothing to do.
After sitting on the couch for a week and watching every episode ever of Top Model and Real Housewives, I realized that this is my life and I only get it once. And I didn’t want to spend it watching other people live their lives while I let mine go past. We all make sacrifices for our families, some of you are stay at home moms, some of you work your tails off at an office providing for those you love but at some point, we all wish we could do whatever we wanted.
On March 1, 2011 my life and this blog turn an unexpected turn when my husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer. While this blog will not necessarily be about that, I know that some of you readers are our close family and friends looking for updates which I will give as they arise.
We were sent to our permanent base in Arizona to begin treatment immediately and I was again yanked away from a place that was becoming home. So, I am starting over. Again. In a new place. With new challenges. And new opportunities.
I have been given a chance to start over and try new things, again. I have made somewhat of a bucket list and want to bring you with me as I go through it. I would love your ideas and suggestions too as everyday is a challenge to make a new place feel like home.
As an update, my husband has fully recovered. After surgery and radiation, he is on the mend. We will need to have occasional CT scans to be sure the cancer stays far far away. March 1 was the worst day of my life but since then I have seen so much good. My friend told me that there would be an awesome life on the other side of our fight with cancer. She was right and I am excited to share it with you!
What an amazing story. So many changes in such a short time…
Thanks for saying hi on my blog. I really enjoy getting to know other bloggers. I’ll be checking in on you to see how things are going!
My aunt recently found out she has breast cancer so I know how devastating that whole process can be. Just know there are others out there like you and you’re not alone in your struggles and fears. But, God is in control and will work everything out for your good and his glory. Nice to “meet” you, even if it’s only via the blogging world.
| Posted 11 months ago-Dana
Dana, thanks for your sweet note. I really appreciate the encouragement. Since we found out about the cancer, we have heard of SO many other cases of testicular cancer, which is weird because there are only about 8,000 new cases in the US every year. We are thankful the disease is very treatable and, like you, we believe that God works for the good of those who love Him. Always. So, even when we can’t see it now, we will one day, even if its just to increase our compassion for the sick.
I hope that your aunt is staying strong and my thoughts and prayers are with her and your family!
Alissa
| Posted 11 months agoHey,
I just came across your blog and noticed all the changes in your life. Just wanted to say that I always believed that everything happens for a reason and the trying times in your life only make you a stronger and a better person. This is speaking from personal experience.
Your husband is very lucky to have found someone like you to help him through this trying time. I don’t remember a time in my personal interactions with you that you didn’t have a smile on your face or didn’t show your sweet kindness. That truly helps someone in pain – especially if its from someone that you love very much.
Keep your head up high and take things one day at time and before you know it, things will turn around for the better.
I wish you and your husband the very best! I am looking forward to your future blog posts!
-Kartik
| Posted 10 months, 3 weeks agoKartik – thanks for the encouraging words! They are always needed!
Hope all is well!
| Posted 10 months, 2 weeks agoHi Alissa!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today! I definitely suggest committing to the half marathon. It makes everything so much more real when it becomes something you’re going to do not just something you’re thinking about doing!
You’ve definitely been through some changes but it sounds like you’ve making the best of all of your situations.
One of my best friend’s husband is an officer in the AF in DOD school in FL right now. My brother is ALSO in the AF. He’s a linguist and is currently stationed in Monterey, CA at Presidio learning Arabic.
I’ll definitely be following along on your journey!
Tara
| Posted 10 months, 2 weeks agoTara! Thanks so much for your comment. I will be following you as well – whats next after the half marathon?!
| Posted 10 months, 2 weeks agoI don’t know what’s next! For so long the half is all I’ve focused on. It’s HOT in Houston so I’m planning on still running but it’s too hot to train for anything until the fall. I’ve thought about finding a race (probably a half) somewhere cooler than Texas this summer but haven’t done a lot of research yet.
I’m starting a new yoga/strength training program tomorrow so I’m excited to see how that helps improve my running!
Posted 10 months, 1 week agoAlissa,
I’m so glad that I happened upon your blog thanks to Twitter. You and your husband have an amazing story and I wish you all the best as your husband heals and you two move forward in your wonderful life together.
Sending lots of healthy vibes to you both!
| Posted 7 months, 2 weeks agoAlissa,
I “ran” across you on LinkedIN. Sorry to hear about all the challenges you are tackling…good for you for facing things head on.
ABC is a distant memory now.
I’m excited to see your interest in running, stick with it! I need to update my CPR so I can reinstate my road running coaching creds. I’m scheduled to run Marine Corps at the end of October. Drop me a line through linked in if I can help in any way.
Best,
Andre
| Posted 7 months, 1 week agoAndre! So good to hear from you! Good for you, I will always regret not running Marine Corps when I lived in DC. Maybe I’ll come back for it. Stay in touch! Hope all is well!
Alissa
| Posted 7 months, 1 week ago