Happy 2014 to everyone!

So I guess this is just another annual update of how we have been living since Jessie has left us. So much has changed and yet so much has stayed the same. Many new friends made along the way but it is the true friendships that have lasted the test of time.

Mom and Dad have worked on updating the house, changing out the hedge and changing up the window so the house. Very different look from before. All of the trees and plants continue to thrive, especially the tree they planted in Jessie's honor.

Brian and I have added a cement patio to the back yard and are working to get the back cleared up and finished with some landscape rocks. Started using the fire pit and have had many smore's adventures with Steffanie and Lacey.

Kitty Belle is another  year older but not another year wiser. She got the ulitmate kitty Christmas gift when Brian gave her a Cat's Meow and she loves that thing! If you have a cat that needs a toy to chase hours on end get this thing! Found it at Walgreens :)

Travel-wise, went to Disneyland with Brian and Lacey for Halloween. Was definitely fun times. We got to even enjoy the park after hours as park of the Halloween Trick or Treat Mickey Party! We all dressed up! Brian was Indiana Jones, Lacey was Darth Vader and I was a home-made version of a huntress. Close enough when I was call Katniss from The Hunger Games.

So what does 2014 have in store for us? Well first of all I am going to try to keep a jar of memories. You always seem to forgot what happenend in the past year so hopefully a jar of memories will help to keep the year in perspective. Also, the 3 Amigos will be travelling to Chicago in April to attend C2E2, Chicago's Comic Con. Should be fun times as we join up with Jessica to check out the city! Lots of good eats to explore.

Wishing you and yours a very special 2014 and hope that it is healthy and prosperous.

Until next time........ Joan

Thinking of Jessie all of the time....

So it has been about 7 months since Jessie has passed away and it has been almost a blur to me (Joan her sister). To think that she isn't just a phone call away for me to bug about the latest movies or songs. She isn't in the other room watching "America's Next Top Model" or the other shows she always DVR'd to watch on the weekends. Just so many things make me think of her on a daily basis and I am sure that it will forever.

I think really the hardest thing has been watching my parents go through this hardship together. As a young adult, you know that someday your parents will pass away. That is the natural progression of life. And as a sibling, you know that someday one of you will have to live through the loss of the other. To me it is almost like the loss of one leg or arm. It is awkward to learn to move through life without the other.

But as a parent, to lose a child, especially when she was in the prime of her life, is the hardest thing. My parents should not have had to go through this but for some reason it happened and they did. There is not right or wrong way to grieve; there is just grief that is there every day. It is ever present in all that we do without Jessie here with us. We see things and think of her. We judge peole and remember her Judgeanator. We think about trips we wanted to go on and how she will not be with us physically but with us spiritually. How she will never be married and have children or even be an Auntie to my children.

I feel all of these things and my parents feel them too but on a different level.

I don't think it will ever be the same and it is not suppose to be the same. You learn to live with a scar and huge scab on your heart and sometimes a song on the radio just picks at it to make is hurt. You learn to live with it and move on.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One wonderful that has happened after Jessie's passing has been that my parents were able to establish an endowment at the University of Nevada~Reno where we both went to school. Jessie's scholarship has been established to help an upper level Journalism student who is focusing on Strategic Communications. When Jessie was a student at UNR she was on two different groups and did very well. I know that Jessie would have wanted to help students to follow in her footsteps and she was always so appreciative of the help she got while going to school here. The first scholarship was given away at the Savitt's Award Dinner at UNR on May 8th to Katie Hippert. She is a lovely young lady and I know that if she had had the chance to meet Jessie they would have been instant friends.

If anyone is interested in donating to Jessie's scholarship to contribute to the endowment for future scholarships, you can make a donation to the following:

University of Nevada, Reno
1664 N Virginia St / 0162
Reno, NV 89557

In the comment line of the check please write "Jessie A Turner Memorial Scholarship" so that funds go into that account.

Another year come and gone....no longer here......

Just wanted to post a quick update for Jessie. This is her sister Joan. If you haven't heard she passed away this year due to a tumor that was found in her neck/brain in March 2011. I have a blog that you can read regarding this (http://www.theatkinsfiles.blogspot.com/) and how things went over the past 7 months.

Jessie was an amazing and wonderful person. So full of love, life, laughter. She was so many things to so many people but I was lucky because she was my sister. God gave me a wondeful gift named Jessie and she will be forever in my heart. Her spirit was strong, stronger than the body she had. She didn't want to leave us; it really wasn't her time. But, as her friend Daphne said it is not God's will for us to be here on earth forever. One day we will die and go to Heaven to be with Him. I know that Jessie is in Heaven now with God and is at peace and not suffering. She had a hard fight this past year and now she is at rest.

This is a picture from her memorial service that was held in Reno, NV on October 18th. She passed away on October 10th at home surrounded by our parents, myself, our Uncle Steve and cousins Donna and Heidi. She fought up til the end but when she passed away she had a smile. I think she wanted to let us know that she was ok and that she is going to be fine. Of course it is those of us left behind that hurt the most.

We as her family ask that if you wish to do something to honor Jessie's memory, please make a donation in her name to the Reno Cancer Foundation at 1155 Mill Street Reno, NV 89502.

Jessie will forever be in the hearts of those she touched. She will be with us always until it is our time to be with her again.

Thank you and God Bless ~ Joan (Jessie's sister).

One Year Update - Kinda

Ok - as is standard practice for me these days when it comes to my blog - I apologize for not writing more frequently. Although, when I met with this big blog guy, he said to only write when you have something to say. So, I guess I'm keeping up with that idea.

Let's just cut to the chase and give you an update. My one year anniversary of having back surgery to biopsy my tumor was November 4th. Up to about a week before that date, I was kicking some serious ass. I was walking around, driving myself. You name it. I was doing it. I was doing so well, I even got discharged from Physical Therapy. Woot-woot! That was a Wednesday. The Friday of that same week - I thought I was going to fall over walking from my office to my car. What the heck?

At first I thought it was the crazy muscle relaxers I was on to help stretch my legs out. So, I started taking less and called my doctor to get off them. Not worth it if I can't walk at all. The doctor that prescribed them didn't call me back quick enough so then I went to my amazing primary care doctor - Dr. Elizabeth Jaffe - and got in to see her. It was about time for my follow MRI anyways so she suggested I move up my follow up MRI to see if there is something else going on since my back had also started to hurt again.

Me, my wheels and Belle.

So - I had another MRI in November. (I think that brings it up to like 12 or something...). Then off to my neurosurgeon - Dr. Jay Morgan - for the results. (Now - at this point I am not walking because my legs are too weak and I don't want to fall over. So, I'm using my wheelchair and having the sister drive me around.) At the doctors I'm told two things.
1. Your original tumor is still shrinking.
2. But now there is something above where we radiated.

It could be rouge tumor that we didn't get the first time or "fall out" from the radiation. (Is it bad that I kinda giggled when he said "fall out" because I thought of the video game...?) Anyways, from what I got out of it being "fall out" is basically some side effect of good cells getting blasted by the radiation and now they're freaking out. My neurologist then tells me that he's going to show my MRIs to another doctor to get his opinion and then we'll have a game plan. Until I go back in a few weeks - back on to steroids I go. Yea for drugs. Bleh.

I just had my follow up with my neurologist and was told two things again. We're going to get another MRI with hopefully a better few/contrast to be certain - but it's probably rouge tumor. So...
1. We can biopsy and then radiation.
2. We can just do radiation.

Hummm... let me think about this. The last time you filleted me open I was in the hospital for three - four weeks. I think I'll just do the radiation. Thanks.

So - here I am. Just waiting for another MRI and a game plan. Only this time around I feel so much better about where I am mentally and physically. Which might be weird to hear since I'm in a wheelchair and not driving myself or walking. But it really is better this time around. My work is very accommodating - my co-workers take such great care of me and help me - and it's not like I haven't been here before. So, mentally I'm not having to stress about NOT having a job, or income or insurance or any of that crap that can wear on you. When you have to go through something as physically demanding as radiation or chemo or being in a wheelchair or anything of the such - it's taxing. And the last thing you want to do is worry about how you're going to pay for things. So, I do live a blessed life and God is gracious and looking out for me. I know that no matter how bad I think I have it, someone else is suffering more. So, I will be thankful for all that I have and where I am.

I recently made a donation to two great charities that helped me when I was going through radiation last year and wasn't working. They helped pay for my COBRA, gas for my car, ect. If you would like to make a donation to help others that need financial assistance while trying to heal - here they are.
Reno Cancer Foundation - 1155 Mill Street, Reno NV 89502
Nevada Cancer Institute

Workin' 9 to 5

Ok - not really working 9 to 5.. more like 8 to 5.

I've been a bad blogger and haven't been keeping up on what's been going on. So a good place to start is the fact that I landed an awesome new job! I'm a Graphic Designer and it's great! I love it! I even have my own office. :0) Best part is that insurance started from DAY ONE and there is no pre-existing clause. Someone is definitely looking out for me.

It was such a weird experience to go back to work full time after not working for six months. Weird. Six months ago, I could hardly walk and was in the hospital. After six months of Physical Therapy and Radiation - here I am. Walking. With my AFOs, but at least I'm walking. I still get really tired and hot from walking but life really is so much easier when you can walk. Makes me that much more thankful for my working legs.

I'm still going to Physical Therapy twice a week and just had my first session in the pool! Man - is that water some resistance. At least it's fun and nice to get in the water during this hot weather. I will say that I'm not very good at swimming without a noodle... stupid ankles/feet aren't quite there yet. :0)

Other bummer news - I have the most heinous heat rash EVER! On both of my legs from my AFOs. (You can actually see the outline of where the braces go.) I guess that's what you get when you wear socks up to your knees and plastic braces wrapped around your legs pretty much everyday. Good thing I have a dermatologist appointment next week. Hope they can give me something to help it.

Good news - had my latest MRI and the tumor is slightly smaller. Woo-hoo! It's not gone - but I'll take it. :0)

Get Your Grub On

Ok, if you know me, then you know I like to eat. So consider this my Food/Accessibility review of places in Reno. I'll add more as I think of them or venture out. (Most of these places are Asian restaurants, not too sure why...)


RATINGS KEY: 
* = Really, I paid for that
** = Eh, it wasn't that bad
*** = Now we're talking
**** = Why aren't you here? This place is amazing!

Ijji Sushi - Sparks ****
Get your sushi on at this place. I mean, look at the pic my friend Lacey took. And, yes - it is that yummy (although, much more colorful in person). The price is right for all you can eat at $15.95 for lunch and $20.95 for dinner. I always opt to pay more for dinner even at lunch because I like getting muscles and the Blush roll. 


So what exactly do you get for your cold hard cash? (Really, who carries cash anymore? It's called a Debit Card.) Well, when you get all you can eat, you also get your choice of an appetizers (with a few exceptions). They also have a "salad" bar of sorts for you to help yourself to cucumber salad, spicy crab salad, fruit salad and edemame (not really a salad, but it's green). And to top it all off, you get your choice of ice cream for dessert. (I recommend the green tea.)


As for accessibility, this place is way easy to get in, sit down and move around in. It has a large, open floor plan which can easily accommodate a wheelchair or walker. There are tables and booths in addition to the bar. The restrooms are also very accessible and easy to get to. The only down side is that there are only two handicap parking spaces in front of the building. Other than that, the staff is friendly and always ready to help out. Check out their site here.

Hiroba Sushi - Skyline ****
Yea for sushi! I like to think this is a hidden jewel that only local know about. It's located a bit off the beaten path but worth the trouble of finding it. If you like a really AWESOME deal for sushi, this is the place. I can't remember how much it is for lunch (probably $16) but you can order everything on the menu. There is not a different menu for the dinner price (which is probably around $20). Even better, depending on the days, they have free beer or sake with all you can eat. Same as Ijji, this place offers appetizers with your sushi and dessert. Here for dessert they offer authentic Mochi Ice Cream. (Avoid this if you don't like certain textures. I like this, but then I'm Asian...) Another good thing about this place, besides the food, is that the staff is very friendly. They greet you with a resounding "Hello!" when you walk through the door.

As for accessibility, this place might be a bit more difficult to get in with a wheelchair since it is a rather small sushi place. It's not too tightly packed, so it is possible to get in to one of their tables. Again, only two handicap parking spaces, but they're right outside the front door. Check out their site here. If you're on facebook, become their friend/fan to stay up on all their specials.

CaiE's Oriental Cafe - South Meadows ****
Dim Sum anyone! I love me some pork buns, yes I do. These were super tasty. We did their Yum Cha - which is kinda like a Chinese brunch or tea time. Basically it's the experience of drinking tea and eating dim sum. Only, we didn't even get any tea - we had coke. In any case, there are several dim sum items you can choose with the all you can eat. We also ordered some extra a la carte items, but really you don't need to. The amount you get off the all you can eat menu is plenty. I recommend the pork buns (think of this as a BBQ pork sandwich, only stuffed in a roll), egg buns (these are sweet, like a custard inside), and the spring rolls which are fried like an egg roll. (See I liked the pork buns so much, there was only one left as evident in the pic.)


As for accessibility, it is also a very open, roomy place. They also have tables, booths and counter. The restroom is AWESOME because it is large, clean and have plenty of grab bars. The staff is also nice and the decor is modern neutral. The only downside is that the handicap parking is located on the other side of the building, near the Papa Murphy's. So, it's not too far but wish it was closer. Check them out here.


BTW - CiaE means "white swan" and is the name of the owner. At least that's what their website says.


Dynasty Chinese Restaurant - California Ave.****
Conveniently located off of California Avenue near my old gym (go figure), is this great Chinese place. They have everything you're looking for, such as General's Chicken and Lemon Chicken plus great pot stickers. Add in to the fact they they have lunch and dinner specials starting at around $6 and you're good to go. 


As for accessibility, it does a pretty good job. There are tables that are easy to get to and it's rather open. I am not sure about the restrooms (didn't check them out, sorry). There are two handicap parking spaces right in front of this place. Click here for more info. 

IHOP - Spanish Springs **
(Let me preface this review with the fact that I was still under going radiation when I came here, so I was kinda over it from the beginning.) I can't even remember what I had - crepes or something. And hash-browns, yum. So, why the low score? Because it's IHOP people. It's not some fabulous Reno only, family owned place. It's a chain - and this one was NOT very wheelchair friendly. 


Basically, the tables are WAY too close together. I could hardly get into it. I actually had to have people get up out of their chairs to make room for me. Really IHOP? Come on. I expect more out of you. I figure your target audience is an older crowd and they probably have a hard time getting around, so why is it so cramped in there? Geez. As for parking, I think they also only had two parking spaces reserved for handicapped folks. The restrooms were fine. Check them out here.


ZOZO's Ristorante - Lakeside ***
Get your pasta on at this local favorite. It's a bit like Cheer's in the fact that the owner (if you go there enough) knows your name. All I can say is their garlic bread is the most buttery, tasty garlic bread ever. It's a bit pricey but worth it. Definitely a good place for date night. I will say my soda glass was left unfilled for some time - glean from that what you will. 


As for accessibility - eh. I had my walker so I was ok but I think if you had a wheelchair you might have a hard time getting around. The tables looked to be a bit close together and I did not check out the restroom. As for parking - nothing near at all. Ended up parking in an end space. Check them out here.


PS. The leftovers were even better the second day!


CJ Palace - Spanish Springs ****
Ooooh, I like this place too. They have really great Chinese food but also some tasty sushi. I recommend the sweet and sour shrimp. I believe if you want to do all you can eat sushi, you have to sit at the bar. Otherwise it's a la carte at your table. They also have some good lunch specials, so take advantage of that.


As for accessibility, it has plenty of tables although some seem a bit too close together so it might be a bit more difficult to maneuver. As for parking, there were only two spaces and both were taken when I went. Luckily, I was using my walker and got a space close to the front. As for the restrooms, again - didn't venture in. Check them out here.

Sad News - Alicia

Alicia Parlette, whom I went to school with, is in the hospital dying from cancer. She fought hard and bravely for five years after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in her hip, breast and lungs. She was working for the SF Chronicle when she was diagnosed and was asked to document her story for the paper. (Read more about her story here.) 

Whenever I think about other people with cancer (especially those I know with it), it makes me really sad and mad, but at the same time grateful that I am doing better. I understand what it's like to get the news that "they've found something", to live off of hope and the understanding that, at least for me, you never really know what's going to happen. I've been told that the uncertainty would drive most people nuts. But then again, isn't that life anyways - you can't predict the future. All you can do is keep moving forward...

My thoughts are with you, Alicia.