Jenn's Episodes: July 2008

It's been an unfortunately eventful weekend for us as Dexter and I both came down with our own illnesses - no good! I got home on Thursday after not feeling so great all day to find my sweet little puppy broken out in hives ALL OVER... It was the weirdest, scariest thing ever as I had no idea what was all over my dog. So, instead of going straight to bed as I'd orginally planned, I scooped up Maddie and Dex and headed to the vet. Not sure what Dex got into but he was having a severe allergic reaction and unfortunately, is still having the same reaction even though 4 days have passed. We're giving him Benadryl and Marc took him back to the vet yesterday a.m. to get some stronger medicine as he can't seem to kick these hives. Vet thinks he ingested something that is just taking it's time getting out of his system...ugh. You can see from the pics below that it's pretty severe - poor pup.

As for me, I managed to make it into work on Friday but was definitely on my way downhill between running nose, sore throat and ears and just feeling very fatigued. I got home Friday and went straight to bed - my fever went from 99 up to almost 102 in a matter of two hours which was really scary. Marc was at a work function and I started to flip out - thanks Jen and Mom Futral for helping me on Friday night. I was definitely in freak out mode and feeling miserable... When the fever hadn't broke by Saturday morning, Marc and I decided to head to the doctor where I was diagnosed with a viral infection that had escalated into a bacterial infection (uh....gross). Said I could have picked it up anywhere - subway, plane, taxi, etc... Solution? Have some antibiotics and take it easy, expect not to feel well for awhile as it takes time to take it's course. Am happy to report no more fever but still feeling very under-the-weather - my cough sounds BAD and makes my whole body shake. It's no fun, at all. If only I could sleep a few more days - I just can't wait to be back at 100% and feel better.

Marc and Maddie have been running the house, taking care of their sick family members. Maddie probably thinks we're all crazy at this point as everything is fine and happy in her world - thankfully. Marc has been the perfect husband although I'd expect nothing less - he's definitely done a great job of taking care of the two of us.

That's all from here - hopefully next blog I'll report we are all in good health. Until then...have a good week everyone.

This weekend was a great big celebration as Rachel and John tied the knot on Saturday in Houston, Texas. With many years behind them, we've been waiting for this day a long time and I can't believe it's already come and passed so quickly! It was a beautiful, action packed weekend full of lots of laughs, a couple too many drinks, so much food, best friends, a beautiful bride, a handsome groom and a definite 'happily ever after'!

This trip was special to me for so many reasons - watching my friends lives change in such wonderful ways over the years continues to remind me how unique our 'girl group' is... Seems like whatever comes our way, we stand strong and close and together. These are the girlfriends of my lifetime - the people who've been there and always will be. I never take it for granted - I KNOW I am so lucky.

First, AND PERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT, Rachel is Married! Her and John had a GORGEOUS wedding at River Oaks Baptist on Saturday along with a very fun, very lively reception at the Houstonian Saturday night. It was a blast and of course, we headed to Black Swan as a follow up to the reception - parents, family, friends, bride and groom - everyone stayed out and closed down the club. I hope John and Rachel are laying on a beach in Maui right now drinking their day away and enjoying their new life together.

CONGRATULATIONS JOHN AND RACHEL - I love you both. You are two very special people and I wish you all the happiness in the world for the rest of your life... Yes John, not only are we stuck with you, YOU ARE STUCK WITH US! =)

Ruthie - Is going to be a teacher! I'm going to keep you in suspense and not give you more detail as I know she's got lots to say and will be spilling all on her blog very soon - RIGHT RUTH!? I'm so proud of Ruth - she's making things happen and she's going to TEAR IT UP as a teacher, I just know it. Besides I used to be her student...er...rooommate...but trust me, she nursed me through more classes than I give her credit for - and she knows it. =)

Jill - Is awesome as ever and so is her husband, by the way. I had a blast with these two all weekend and was in tears multiple times over these days because I was laughing so hard - so great to see one of my best friend's with such a great guy. I couldn't ask for anything more - they are so happy which makes me so happy. I miss you both tons.

Erika - Little Ms. Erika is still the best Mom ever and might have some of the cutest girls I've ever seen. Her and Daniel are absolute TROOPERS as I know they have their hands full with these two. Funny thing is that they are spitting images of their parents... I got to spend some quality Aunt time with Eliza and Isabelle on Friday morning as I stayed out at their new place on Thursday evening. By the way, in case Erika never gets around to posting pics of the new place (as we're all still waiting Erika) - it's beautiful... My moments with Erika are rare and therefore super special - we never seem to skip a beat, still finishing each other's sentences after all these years. Love you and your wonderful family very much.

Futral - Rocks, as always. Her new apartment (literally doors down from where I used to live - talk about bad timing) is gorgeous and decorated to match her personality perfectly. She was kind enough to let me stay with her all weekend and we had lots of fun catching up! She's still my twin - I guess some things never change.

KB - AKA Kate Bell made a cameo at Front Porch Pub and let me tell you, we relived our girl days from CC Houston for awhile. Futral, KB and Jenn - doesn't get much better, or more fun, than these three musketeers. We really had a great time - love you girl.

Michelle - Or shall I say the future Ms. Kent and I met up at Nordstrom's as I ran quick errands and she showed off her fantastic new accessory....er...engagement ring. =) Good job Alan - I am so excited about you two getting hitched - we're going to have a blast.

Boudg - Lucky enough to have breakfast with Boudg on Saturday morning and catch up a little. Cracks me up as much as ever - sorry I missed seeing you Crissi. Boudg starts her new teaching job in just a couple of weeks - she's gonna be awesome...or, even more awesome than she already is - I guess is what I should say. =)

Megan - Girl, you crack me up! I swear Megan and Ruth are twins - sista from another mista - etc. Aside from being a great Matron of Honor, Megan gave a great speech that made me cry - it was fantastic. Great hanging out with her and Austin and am definitely looking forward to doing it again sooner than later.

I also got to hang with the fam on Sunday which was the perfect ending to my weekend at home - Mom and Dad cooked fried shrimp, baked potatoes and salad, crab-stuffed jalepenos, etc... It was delicious. Grannie and Phillip came over for lunch as well - it was nice to catch up and relax together. I miss my family more than I could ever say and times at home really hit hard when I have to drive away... I truly do have the best parents in the world - again I'm reminded of how lucky I am.

Hope you enjoy all these pictures and the updates... I do have to say I'm happy to be back in NYC because my husband and puppies are here - what a great feeling to come home to them, even if it was 4:30 am... Flight delays - never good. I love you hun - thanks for taking care of things here while I was there - you were SO MISSED.

I LOVE YOU ALL - THANKS FOR A WEEKEND FULL OF NEW MEMORIES......