Friday of Halloween weekend we showed up at the neighbors for a party. Knowing there were going to be a bunch of kids in line to tour the haunted house that serves as a garage the other 364 days of the year, I wanted to bring some very special “food” items. I had saved my “blister bandages” and Travis spent a whole two days collecting “ear wax”. They were delicious! The next day, Halloween, Travis booked a last minute trip to meet up with some work people in Chicago. You know how this goes, I tagged along 🙂 We were able to spend the night with our friends, Tony, Agata, & their eleven month old, Mr. Quinn. It was fun to see Quinn’s first costume.

Koka the bride, Quinn the penguin, & Agata the pirate

It just happened the Vikings were playing the Bears that Sunday in Chicago and it just happened we had tickets. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for me to wear my very own Viking costume…

SKOL Vikings!

After eight years of not beating the Bears on Chicago turf, the Vikings came home with a great win. We went straight from the stadium to the airport. The security guard must not have been in a good mood after her team lost. She didn’t think it was so funny when a Viking walked through her line at the Chicago O’Hare airport.

SECURITY!

While we were gone, Honey got to spend some time with her sister, Piper. It is so cute to see them together. They just love each other.

Honey (on the couch) & Piper

Piper & Honey puppy snuggles

Every two years, LifeSource hosts a Symposium. It is where the donation and transplant medical community come together for a full day of education, encouragement, hope, and inspiration.

I was so thrilled to be there in person this year! You may remember, two years ago, I was asked to speak at the LifeSource Symposium. Since I was so newly transplanted, I was not yet allowed to be in such a large group due to the high dose of immuno-suppresants I was taking at the time. I could not risk being near people that may have been sick considering I had a very low immune system. Travis had to speak on my behalf.

Hearing personal stories and learning about the medical technology advancements, it was a very emotional and inspiring day. We are so lucky we live in a time where so many opportunities are available.

I even ran into one of the gals, Siri, who used to take care of me way back when I was at Children’s Hospital. It is still so fun to run into people that I haven’t seen since my surgery. She is now working with the company that makes the vest machine I used to have to use everyday. I’m so lucky that machine was around, but I do love the fact that I don’t need it anymore!

Siri & me

This last Friday, A bunch of us girls that regularly get together had our Holly Jolly Holiday get together. We were able to score a private dining area at one of our favorite restaurants, Butcher & The Boar. If you love meat, you have to try it! They also have a neat indoor beer tent that is open all year round. Let’s just say, we had such a good time, we cleared the table!

Angela, Julie V, Jenny, Farrah, Kathy, Annie, Kari, Julie E, me, & Kimmy

We added a detail to my birthday party. You already know the theme is NEON. The party will kick off at 6:00pm. We are excited to announce, Tim Mahoney, Minnesota based singer and contestant on Season 1 of the NBC hit TV show “The Voice”, will be providing entertainment starting around 7:00!

Tim Mahoney on “The Voice”

Many of you in the past have helped me deliver toys to Toys for Tots. I always drop off the “goods” on my birthday. This is a very special birthday. I am able to celebrate my 40th birthday because of my donor.

My niece Lauren and I dropping off toys last year

I have started collecting toys (and/or donations for shopping). If you were planning on donating to the cause already, or if you would like to donate in honor of my donor, please allow me to be your delivery gal. Last year, due to all of your help, I dropped off over three hundred toys! For those who prefer to contribute electronically to the cause, you can PayPal me at dnikkitsf@aol.com (all proceeds go towards toys).

Health update: I was wondering if my medication level that has been elevated lately was back in check. I noticed my headaches seemed to have disappeared. I received my results today, my level back within the normal range!

Everything for now is stable. I have lung function tests in December. It will be interesting to see if I am still expanding these pink beauties.