Johnny didn’t really care for Mr. Boo Boo very much.
Yep. That’s me lately. A one trick pony. I think I used to juggle projects pretty well, but since Johnny passed away — nope. Not anymore. I’m a one project kind of gal. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I have one project going at a time — hell no. I like to start many projects all at once, big ones too, knowing good and well I can only focus on one at a time. Just when I think things are slowing down or a project might end — HA! Snafu’s, bugs and wrenches come flying right for me. Luckily I was born on the same Island as Wonder Woman — the wrist cuffs (or gaudy gold bangles depending on what era your from) are standard issue and have really come in handy.
So here’s a few tidbits of what we’ve been doing…
First and most importantly, we are going on a family vacation to Costa Rica! WOO HOO! We’ve never been before and Mike has always wanted to go. He is so excited about the trip he has been buying clothes (surf trunks) for Joey and himself, had a ‘meeting’ Saturday night at our house (ahem, my parents…) about the trip with our 40 or so friends that are also going (unfortunately we don’t remember to much of the conversations), and then I knew something was up when he called to tell me bathing suits were on sale at the Gap (it’s been a few years since I bought a new one). I’m really happy for Mikey. He needs something good to focus on for a change. – We all do!
Before we go to Costa Rica though, Mike and I are going to Washington DC, on behalf of CureSearch to speak to Congress about increased funding for childhood cancer research. Okay, this was totally my idea… but Mike has been a good sport about it. Hey, what can I say? I’m a mom on a mission — don’t get me mad, because I will be all over your ass like fly’s on a rib roast.
Our other ’side’ projects —
Starting a foundation and getting 501c3 status for JohnnyKicksCancer. HUGE. I had no idea how big the project would be, but it’s been fun and definitely worth it. We’re still fine tuning everything, but I will keep you guys posted….
Probably the biggest project as well as the most bitter sweet, is the house. We are tearing it down — actually someone is going to haul it off — suckers! To demo a house is like 12-15 k — and that’s the ‘bro’ price, if they take it, it’s practically free. Estimates to fix our house are around 80-100k, but if you’ve ever done any home improvements before, you know that number will increase to at least double the price of your original estimate… It will be interesting to watch them cut the house in half or whatever they do to it to be able to drive it down the highway.
Last week my sister and I packed the house. The whole thing. Everyone, even the place where we bought the packing supplies, thought it would take a minimum of 4-5 days. But like I said, we are moms on a mission — so get the hell out of our way. Movers are coming this week to take everything to storage and then the ‘house movers’ will take the house about a week later!
Now all we have to do is find a new place to live… actually we have. Found a builder, house plans and now all we have to do it choose tile and paint colors. Sounds simple enough… that part should go smoothly, right?
Tags: can't focus, foundation, grief of the loss of a child, JohnnyKicksCancer
WOW!! Amazing!! You ARE Wonder Woman and that is for sure!! I am so happy that you are going on vacation and KNOW that you will have a great time. I want to see pictures. I would love to help out in any way that I can with anything you need for the foundation. Please just let me know. Have a great time in Costa Rica if I do not talk to you and thank you for continuing the blog because I do not know what I would do without it!!
Hugs,
Aimee
Wow Julie, I’m actually dizzy from reading that post and all that is going on with you guys. Have fun in Costa Rica, I hear it’s beautiful, and you guys deserve a much needed break from life. Let me know if you guys need anything from BlackBox for the trip.
WOW! you are a mom on a mission. Good for you I think its wonderful and everyone is behind you all the way. I think its just great you are going before congress all the best to you if any of us out here can be of help to you please let us know
Beverly
Your trip sounds fantastic! Costa Rica is one of those “We need to get there one day soon” destinations that Sam and I haven’t gotten ’round to, but I can’t wait to hear all about it from you guys…maybe it’ll be the spark to get us up off our dead butts and we’ll go. I’ll also be excited to hear how the house project goes. I can imagine both the bitter and the sweet parts of this step for you and–as always–my prayer for the Romano family is for your strength and peace…and that God will smooth the way in the project and make this a joyful transition for your family. Meanwhile, as usual, I’m sending tons of love your way. cy
p.s. LOVED reading about/seeing pics of Surfie’s debut as yet another Romano natural athlete.
Hey guys. Whoa! You have so much happening! I can totally see why a Costa Rican vacation is in order! I have tons of family there, so if you need help planning ANYTHING, please feel free to ask! I'm sure you'll have an amazing time. Ticos are some of the nicest people around!
-L. Holberg
Hi,
I found out about Johnny through the LLS my husband is running the marathon to raise money and heard about Johnny's story. My son's name is Paxton smith and he was recently dx with ALL in sept 2009. Johnny is such a beautiful little boy I cant help but feel a connection. My son is only 2 years he was only 16 months when he was dx with ALL. We are now into our 3rd month of maintenance. Since Paxton was about 20months old he just loves skateboarding he constantly does skateboard tricks even when he is not on a skateboard he is flipping all around pretending he is on a skateboard he just loves it. When I heard about your son and his love for skateboarding I wanted to know more about him. I sat on my computer for like 2 hours reading your families journey through his treatment. When the kids are on maintenance it is so easy just to think everything is going to be OK they act and look so healthy but there are no guantees. I am so sorry for what you have been through it is such a fear all parents have when they tell u your child has cancer. We will keep your family in our prayers.
http://www.caringbridge/visit/paxtonsmith.org Katie SMith
8 days and counting!!! Costa Rica here we come:) You keep me laughing…and I am very proud of you and what you are accomplishing. You really are Wonder Woman…with Wonder Kids and a Wonder Hubby right there with you! Can't wait to get away with you all.
Kim