Last week when Jonathon and I were discussing plans for the weekend in NYC, I soon discovered that I was actually taking a trip to a race track in Long Island and staying in a hotel outside of the city with some racing buddies of his, Philly Joe and Nicky the Boss...HAHA...that guy's salesman genes really kick in sometimes...but either way...a Long Island race track definitely has interesting people watching and there was a buffet :)
We did get a few minutes in the city...
BUT, this weekend at the race track in Long Island wasn't just ANY weekend...it was the last leg of the 2015 Triple Crown and there was a possibility of a Triple Crown winner (which hasn't happened in 37 years) happening that very weekend. Pretty exciting!
And...for those of you who don't follow sports, it happened! It was pretty electric in there and we had a front row seat. Amazing. Jonathon was pumped. He is a big American Pharoah fan (even coordinated his outfit to match his silks...all the way down to the shoes). We had some pretty special seats this weekend. Yes, that is the finish line. And even better. Air conditioning.
Lots of amazing things this weekend. Jonathon's racing buds really are one of a kind characters (some might say degenerate gamblers who drop the 'f bomb' a lot), but they have quickly become part of our family and friends who we adore right along with all of you crazy Win the Day readers!
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| Me and my favorite degenerate, Nicky the Boss. |
It was also fun to see Jonathon in his element. Doing video podcasts and interviews. Another really cool thing...he was interviewed by The Wall Street Journal for the Belmont issue. We didn't get a chance to grab a copy, so will let you know when we come across the article. Lots of people in the industry stopping by our table to chat. He was having a blast. So many guys told me how much they admire Jonathon, want to accomplish things in racing like he has been able to do this year and how well respected he is by people in the game. I told them that at home, he gets that kind of appreciation when he picks his underwear up off the bathroom floor, pulls the trash cans back up the driveway or puts his dishes in the sink. That cracked them up. Some of these guys have this view of Jonathon as some kind of handicapping god that sits on his throne at home counting his winnings all day. HA! While he’s obviously worked hard to pull off some awesome stuff, he’s definitely not getting out of putting down the toilet seat at home. And this morning, Austin told him that his breath smelled like ham. heehee. King Jonathon's wife and 3 year old are definitely giving him daily reality checks over here.
So…with all the good things this weekend, there was a bit of a downside…I was sick as a dang dog. Can't tell from the pics because I was really trying hard to power through on a vacay few and far between that Jonathon and I go on alone together. I knew it was coming on before leaving, but thought I would be okay with a good night’s sleep. Well, that didn’t happen (how could you get a good night's sleep when Philly Joe and Nicky the Boss are around?!), and by the time the Belmont Stakes race ran, my body had about had it. I ended up missing the fun celebration dinner and heading home alone. It was frustrating and bottom line is it really ticked me off. As I’ve mentioned before, my body is still recuperating from treatment...my docs say the radiation is continuing it’s job for up to another full year…chemo takes years to get out of your system, and the daily Tamoxifen pill effects my hormones tremendously (which in exchange, effects A LOT of things). I cried. I told Jonathon that I hate reminders of the year of treatment. I hate being stuck in bed like I was during that year. I hate missing out on things or not feeling up to doing things that I really want to be a part of. And I hate bringing attention to it all. Especially amongst a group of race track guys!
I just am not sure what normal is for me. Most of my girlfriends tell me that they are tired too…that it’s a mom/age/lifestyle thing. This is different. Sometimes I can’t suck it up and just push forward. My body is exhausted and I think it’s important to my recovery and overall health to treat myself well and allow myself to rest when I need to rest. I joke around with friends about how lucky I am that Austin still naps everyday because I nap too every afternoon while he's passed out, but the truth is, I have a really hard time making it through our day without resting. Nap time used to be my time to get stuff done. Now I can seriously sleep in the middle of the day up to 2 full hours...AND 8 plus hours a night! This is a weird thing to share because I know most of you think that taking a nap mid day sounds phenomenal, and I am extremely fortunate to have that luxury, but honestly, I think of it as a prescription for cancer treatment recovery. That's the kind of doctor recommendation that you won't find me questioning Dr. Jim about every week!
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| My job tending to this guy is no joke :) Especially when someone slips him a blue snow cone! |
Soooo...had my flight delayed until later on Sunday because I was in no condition to fly. Made it home and didn't move from my bed for about 2 solid days. I'm feeling much better today. I sound awful, but feel just fine. Austin told his teachers that I was a master barf machine this weekend and he was staying away from me so he didn't catch my barfs. hahaha.
Give yourself a BREAK today and take care of you (and steer clear of any ham breathers and master barf machines).
Love
Jenn
Give yourself a BREAK today and take care of you (and steer clear of any ham breathers and master barf machines).
Love
Jenn
