Here he comes...Mr North Andover

Last night  was a BIG night for the Staudts, our great friends the Collins and their daughter Megan and all of North America - well maybe just North Andover - Below is a photo of the 2015 Mr North Andover Joseph Staudt and his sponsor and best friend Megan Collins

Joseph and Megan had an absolute blast  preparing for and participating in  the Mr, North Andover contest.  The contest consisted of an introduction of each candidate, a beach scene for each candidate, (their  sponsor and their  ensemble), a group dance, the talent portion and finally a tribute read by the candidate (Joe) to his sponsor (Megan).  Joseph's talent was a montage that culminated in a tae kwon do exhibition (he  trained at Master  Shins in Andover).


Joe tells me it was not until after he read the tribute that he fully remembered this was a contest with a winner being announced - he and his friends simply had an absolute blast with the entire event.  There was not a dry eye after the tribute to Megan (his life long friend; side note: my friend and neighbor Karen and I gave birth to the dynamic duo within months  of each other and they have spent most everyday together since.  They've been talking about Mr. North Andover since at least 8th grade.).  Megan is a distinguished athlete (basketball and soccer) and the two of them push each other (literally most times) make eachother  laugh and, to  our delight, treat each others homes as their own.

Jim, Emma and Joe will come see me tomorrow - Emma has a girl scout sleepover tonight with an evening hike - god bless Anne Marie, Kimberly and Marie (our the troop leaders) as there  is still plenty of snow on the ground here.  Emma wrapped up basketball with a fun and winning season.  Though they made it pretty far in the playoffs this was not their year for a league win - a great, year nonetheless and many thanks to Coach Panos (the originator/manager of the sign up genius  meal plan in is spare time).  Emma has started volleyball and it seems to be a  bit more competitive this year in a new league.  So far so good - her team has really nice girls and their play has come together pretty early in the season.  Joe starts outdoor track with one of the first orders of business clearing the track field with snow blowers and shovels!

I am here at Beth Israel on Day - (that;s minus) 4 (started chemo on day - 6).  Wednesday is Day 0 (transplant  day).  So far so  good - I am far enough from the  last round of chemo that I seem to be past those side effects (not quite as tired, my appetite  has returned, stomach is consistently normal, and water tastes better - oddly water tasted AWFUL until a couple days ago),  The effects from this new round of chemo which started Thursday will probably kick in sometime next week,  It feels so good to feel good!!  Whatever comes with the chemo is all part of what I need to get through this.

I am on the same floor at Beth Israel and all my nurses are the same - I am right at home
A nice weekend on tap with my aunt and  cousin are coming by today.  Great few days and so very thankful for all the love and support.

Thanks for checking in

Maureen

PS There was also a nice article in our local news (you may need to copy and paste link into a browser vs link from the UR:.
http://www.eagletribune.com/news/merrimack_valley/here-he-is-mr-north-andover/article_0544853c-9ced-5905-9556-6611d848bb01.html