You tell me...

My maternal grandfather, Paul Joe Giachetti, was a Captain in the US Merchant Marines.  He captained many cargo ships that sailed around the globe.  He watched me a lot when I was a kid, and I remember he told me frequently that when sailors die, they turn into seagulls.  Specifically, he told me he was going to turn into a seagull and poop on my head.  (Thanks, Pop Pop.) 

[This became particularly worrisome in October of 2010 when I remembered this as I prepared for my outdoor wedding... Luckily, Pop Pop decided not to poop on my really expensive wedding gown.]

My Pop Pop died on January 16, 2004.  On that day, I was in Walt Disney World with my dance team (and my Mother), at the Magic Kingdom.  We were there for Nationals, and we were spending a day at the parks.  We recieved notification of his passing right upon exiting the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  Eerie, right?? (He was a sailor, it is a boat ride...)

This brings us to January 16, 2013.  9 years later, to the day.  Strangely, our touring plans had us scheduled to be in the Magic Kingdom that day.  Joey's maternal grandfather, Paul Brooks, was very, very ill.  We knew it could be any day now, and we were particularly freaked out when Joey got a call from his Mom right when we got on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  It turned out she was just calling to give us a status update, however. 

We went about our day, riding rides and taking pictures.  It wasn't until we got home from the trip that I logged into DisneyPhotoPass.com and saw this picture, taken that very day:

My first reaction was "That seagull TOTALLY photobombed our picture!!!"

My second reaction was "Holy S&%#!!"

Now, it's up to each of us to make our own determination here.  Was it mere coincidence that a seagull decided to fly over top of us right as this picture was taken?  I personally believe it was my Pop Pop, dropping in to say "Hey, I'm here. And I'm going to take good care of Joey's Grandpa, don't you worry."

I know Paul Giachetti and Paul Brooks have met each other by now.  They are probably enjoying some good jokes and stories about Joey and me as children, comparing stories of their daughters (Liane and Diane), or growing up dirt poor and becoming successful businessmen and loving fathers and husbands.

I find it comforting to know he is still watching over all of us.  I know we'll see him again, and I can't wait to hear what he thinks of all the shenanigans we've pulled since he's been gone!!! (Like, for example, the time my brother and I raided his stash of beer from the 1990s at my Grandmother's house....)

<3

~SG

"My Experience with the Flu"

This post reads like a terrible essay, but I thought it might be helpful to share my experience just in case any of my readers happen to come down with the flu.  The more we know, the better prepared we can be!

Background:

Before we left for Florida, I was psycho-careful about not getting sick.  With 26.2 miles between me and my vacation, I knew there was no way I could afford to come down with anything.  I washed my hands so much the week before we left, that by the time we got to the airport on Friday my hands were chapped, red, and stinging.  Thankfully there was nobody hacking up a lung on our plane and we were sure to hand sanitize frequently during the trip.  Florida is actually yellow on the map of flu outbreaks, so we knew there were less cases there.  We were also surrounded by runners who are healthier than your average person because of how much exercise they get!  So I was feeling good when by Saturday I did not feel sick at all.

We made it through the race just fine- no sickness, no injuries, and we proceeded to enjoy our vacation.

Wednesday January 16^th:I woke up with a sore throat but I assumed that was from the copious amounts of red wine I had indulged in the night before.  I shook it off and took some Sudafed (or cvs alternative) that I’d tossed into my toiletry bag. (One can never be too careful! I’d also packed cough drops, thermometer, etc.)  Throughout the day, I noticed my throat hurting and even though Joey said it would probably go away, I felt like it wasn’t going to.  I drank cold drinks to no avail, and while it was still lingering by the end of the day, it didn’t really ruin anything for me.

Thursday January 17^th:

Throat was still sore when I woke up, although seemingly less so.  I took another Sudafed and some advil because I was still getting over sore legs before we went to the park.  We were only at the park for a bit and then came home, ate lunch, took a nap, and had a really chill day.  Looking back, I probably had less energy than I realized and was starting to go downhill, but at the time I was just chillin watching Stacey on TV talk about the “Disney Must Do’s”.

Friday January 18^th:

We were scheduled to go drinking around the world today at EPCOT! So when I woke up I only took 1 advil because I didn’t want to ruin my stomach lining forever.  Joey and I headed over to the park early to get some lunch before we were supposed to meet up with the other people.  I started to feel pretty crummy shortly after we ate.  I think this is probably when my fever started, but I was just all around not feeling good.  I briefly considered just going home, but going around the world is so fun so I stuck it out.  I was feeling cold, so I got some tea and then we went out of the rain into a self serve restaurant to grab a table and wait for the other people since their plane had been delayed.  By this time I was feeling even more miserable.   I just wanted to get the drinking started!!!

I decided that I should go to the medical area and get some Tylenol, since I could take that and drink at the same time.  The nice lady gave me two doses of extra strength- one for now and one for later.  Took that and went for my first beer.  I perked up in no time.

Fast forward a lot of drinks and hours later, and my Mom met up with me near the end.  I was feeling crummy again and Joey made her take me home.  When I got back to the villa, Mom made me drink about 4 bottles of water before I was allowed to take any medication.  By then it had really escalated and I was feeling awful.   The good thing about traveling with your Mom is a) we were in a 2 bedroom villa which is basically a 2 bedroom apartment. B) Moms know how to deal with EVERYTHING!

She gave me some Contac (cold/flu medicine) and I took my cough drops and tried to get some sleep.  I had the worst night of sleep ever.  This paired with the fact that there were 3 automatic fans in the bathrooms, so every time I got up they went off and one had a bad motor and it was SO LOUD. 

Saturday January 19^th:

This was the worst day by far.  I woke up feeling completely congested and crummy. Luckily there were no plans for today except going over to watch the Masonettes in semi-finals at the Wide World of Sports.  Joey and I had been having such a chill vacation so he didn’t mind laying around the room with me watching TV.  By now I had become extremely vigilant about when it was time to take more medicine.  I was watching the clock like a hawk because it usually wore off 2-3 hours before it was time to take the next dose.  So that was miserable.  Also, I noticed that about 45 minutes after taking each dose of Contac, my fever would spike.  Since I’m psycho and brought a thermometer, I knew I was running a low fever of 98-99 degrees. 

I forced myself to leave the room to go cheer for the team.  I met up with my Mom and sister at the event, but I barely said a word to anyone.  I was so congested and just feeling like crap.  I cheered for the girls, talked with my coach for a minute, then grabbed a cab back to the hotel room.  The cabbie told me to drink something called “rhum” with honey and lemon… ummm thanks.

Joey and I had dinner reservations that night at a seafood buffet.  We had been really looking forward to this one so I sucked it up and went with him.  Took my temp before we left and I was at 100.4.  My Mom let us use the rental car so we’d be out of the house for as little time as possible (bus transportation at Disney is free and convenient, but takes FOREVER). 

I ate one plate of food at dinner but my fever was high and I was feeling awful and just wanted to go get back in bed.  I tried to be a good sport and Joey was eating fast- although he went back for more crab legs three times…. By the third plate I was ready to cry.  But he deserved to enjoy dinner!!  I felt so bad after dinner I started to cry.  It was definitely bed time.

Another long night of waking up a zillion times to blow my nose and counting down the hours until it was safe to take more medicine.  Also? I had the most sore throat I think I’ve ever had in my LIFE.

Sunday January 20^th:

Sometime in the middle of the night, I woke up completely drenched.  I had to change my clothes.  My fever had obviously broken and I was happy about that.  The next morning, I felt like a whole new person when I woke up.  I’d been operating at about 10-20% for the past two days, and this morning I felt like about 70%!!!!

From then on, I did not run another fever.  I was (and still am) dealing with residual stuffy-ness and coughing, but thank goodness the worst was over.  I think my marathon-running probably helped my immune system fight this nasty thing off more quickly.  Sunday night I was able to go out to and enjoy our last dinner in Disney, so I really only lost 1 day of Vacation in all of this.

Recommedations?? Get the flu shot.  If you do get the flu, start pushing fluids immediately.  Get some good medicine (maybe not Contac), cough drops, and take motrin for the pain.  Something I did not know is that motrin will make your sore throat feel better.  This flu is accompanied by possibly the worst sore throat I’ve ever experienced.  Be sure to take motrin for that!!!!!

Sadly, even though my Mom did get the flu shot, she did end up coming down with it after caring for me L I felt pretty awful knowing she had it because of me.  She went to a Doctor, and that is how we confirmed it as the actual Flu.  Joey has yet to come down with it (knocking on wood)…..

Please try to stay healthy!!! And remember, if you are going to get sick, Disney World is a pretty magical place to do it J

~SG

Eat, Drink and be Married!

Now that the craziest experience of my life is over, we can get back to our regularly scheduled programming here at Oh My Gish.

I'm way overdue for a write up about the Engagement Party I helped throw for my brother, Alex, and his fiancee, Corinne.  Back in December, I along with Corinne's parents hosted a lovely holiday themed soiree to celebrate Alex and Corinne's upcoming nuptials.  

The party took place at Corinne's parents beautiful home in Exeter, PA.  We had a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends, and introducing the families to each other.

My Mom and I had crafted some of the decorations a few weeks earlier while I was visiting for my high school reunion.  I ordered koozies and Mom helped me make a sign to place in front of them.

We also made two banners, one of which is below:

Finally, we put together a clothesline collage of some of our favorite pictures of the happy couple.

I provided the themed beverage for the night- "God Rest Ye Merry GINtlemen".  It was a huge hit.  So huge, in fact, that the glass ladle of my punch bowl got broken.  But hey, it was a good party.

Mom also made the menu holders! So cute!

Sneak Peek at the bar/Possible explanation for later shananigans

Before the party got started I made Corinne and Alex do a little photo shoot by the Christmas tree.  Congratulations, you guys!!! 1-4-14!!!

The party was SO MUCH FUN.  The food was delicious, the company was entertaining, and the wine flowed generously.  

Later in the evening, when most of the guests had left but a few close friends were still around, I was handed a little box.  I was so excited when I opened it!!!

Of course I said yes!!!

The rest of the evening was spent partying WAY too hard, dancing and eating delicious goodies.

We are SO excited for their wedding.  If the engagement party was any indication, it is going to be AMAZING.

Glad to be back!

~SG

Whoa!

Happy 2013 everyone! I realize I'm behind on the times and for that I am very sorry.  My running blog has been seeing alot of action lately so maybe if you are wondering what I am up to, you should pay a visit over there for the next week or so!

I promise to be back here more often starting a bit later in January.

Joey and I are gearing up for a great year.   I have never been a fan of New Year's resolutions.  Probably because I never keep them.  Also probably because I'm a rebel and I don't like rules.

So instead of listing my nonexistent resolutions, I'm going to wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR and now that you've realized there was no reason for this post, I'll share a picture to get you off my back ;)

~SG

Gishmas 2012

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas.  Here is a quick photo tour of Gishmas 2012:

Come on in!

Doc is ready in his Christmas sweater

Presents are accumulating!

Nutcrackers, galore! (Plus awesome Pinterest idea for what to do w/Christmas cards!)

The stockings were hung by the chimney fireplace with care.

Me and my babies on Christmas Eve

Lydia gets some Pin action

Opening presents at the Gishes

Matching sweaters....

YAY!

ANOTHER matching sweater...

Doc and Chloe on Christmas morning

Opening presents

Burying her treat underneath the Christmas tree and pushing a present on top of it with her nose.

ohboyohboyohboyohboy

Doc unwrapping

Joey's new Mickey Mouse Nutcracker

Mimosas for us and a nap for Chloe- she's had enough of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a Good Night!

~SG

Little B!

We are still recovering from the busiest weekend EVER!

Joey and I went up to PA this weekend for the Trans Siberian Orchestra concert, my brother's engagement party, and my family Christmas "Trim the Tree" party.  Whew! 

I'm still compiling all the craziness from the engagement party because I did a lot to plan and organize, so there are a TON of pictures.  Plus, the party itself was pretty rockin'!

One of the best parts of my weekend was that we got to see our Goddaughter, Brooklyn.  She is growing up SO FAST.  It is amazing to see her learn and grow.  We're so blessed.  It was so good to see Steph (her Mom!) and we had a great time visiting.

Look at this little munchkin! I love her so much.

We opened Christmas presents and played with her new Melissa & Doug puzzles!

Joey helped her hang some ornaments on the tree.

She sat in my brother's rocker and played with the monkeys

Steph, Brooklyn and Me!

Shrek the Halls!

I know I've been a terrible blogger lately but I've been a little preoccupied with running.  It's a solid excuse, right? 

A couple weekends ago, Joey, my BIL Jason, and his GF Lydia went up to National Harbor to see ICE! at the Gaylord National Hotel.  We got there early and after picking up our tickets, headed to the Irish pub for a beer and some dinner.

National Harbor is pretty small, so naturally all the restaurants were crowded.  We managed to arrive at the bar RIGHT when a group of 4 was leaving, so we got really lucky.  We watched some college football and waited forever for our food.  It was really awkward when mine came out way before everyone elses, and then we realized I was eating someone else's dinner.  Whoops.

After dinner it was time for the show!  If you haven't gone, please do realize that it is really cold in there.  Don't underestimate how cold it can be! Wear gloves, warm socks and shoes, and bring a hat!

Here are a few pictures from our adventure:

Joey with the sign, made of ice!

The crew

Village Idiots ;)

Me and Lydia in the outhouse

Classic

Me going down the ice slide!

Me and Joey

Pretty angel!

Happy Tuesday!

~SG

Gingerbread Pins

It's like a Gingerbread MAN... except it's made with a Min Pin cookie cutter!

Oh stop it, you really thought I wouldn't have one of those?!

Joey even took the liberty of snapping a few photos because I was channeling my Mother and wearing an apron.  Unfortunately, we don't have a rolling pin.  Luckily for everyone, I had an unopened bottle of wine that worked just as good!

The pins tend to plump up a bit in the oven while baking.  I was joking that they went from looking like Doc to looking like Chloe....... (It's not her fault- she's a bigger dog!)

I used store-bought dough (come ON...you didn't think I'd make this from scratch did you?) and it worked out really well.  I had alot of fun using the flour and the cookie cutter and making a big mess.

After the cookies were cool, it was time for icing! I made a Chloe and a Doc first because naturally, they are Min Pins.  Chloe is the one with the nipples and the eyelashes and is slightly more plump...  Doc has a lump on his side which was recently deemed a harmless cyst by the vet. Nonetheless, it has incurred the endearing term, "Lumpy" (or "Rumpy") so it had to make an appearance on the cookie as well.

The 'recipe' made quite a few too many cookies and I needed a creative way to get rid of them.  Luckily, we were set to pick up Jason and Lydia for our double date to ICE that evening, so I was able to offload a few cookies there.  Mom, if you're lucky (and they aren't stale) I'll bring some for you and Dad in a couple weeks!

We have several leg-less Min Pins in our Min Pin Tin (omg) but they are still delicious.

~SG



It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Which is weird because this is the earliest I've ever decorated or even thought about the holidays.  And here I am with holiday nails, buying holiday presents, with a box full of finished holiday cards (that I am not sending because it is too early), and a house full of holiday decorations.

Last week we put up the tree.  We decided to go with a fake tree because it's free, it was accessible, and we still have time to go get a real one if we change our mind. (Or, have two.)

There is still much decorating to be done, garland to be strung, outside lights, things to buy, etc.  But getting into the Christmas spirit is oh so fun!

~SG