In the past 6 weeks, my family has had 4 hospital stays. J is actually still in the hospital and has been admitted for over a week.
Additionally, the virus I had caught a few weeks back migrated to my left eye. I am still being treated — it hurts to look at screens, to do anything that requires concentration with my eyes open (even driving, which sucks because J’s hospital is over an hour drive each way), and I’m constantly getting headaches.
And this is just the medical stuff.
NYE 2013 at the hospital. At least I was able to bring some smiles to the
doctors and nurses who were working that evening by gifting them
bottles of sparkling grape juice and cookies. When your own life is
going to shit, brightening someone else’s day can help you feel better.
At least it did for me.
Last night, as I visited J at the hospital and quietly celebrated New Years at 8pm (because it had to have been midnight somewhere), we looked back on 2013 and agreed that it was a pretty shitty year for both of us.
So as I’ve bid adieu to 2013, I look forward to 2014 with hope. It has to get better. It will get better.
Because I don’t know how much more of this I can take.
I like books, gadgets, spicy food, and art. I dislike shopping, hot weather, and the laws of entropy. Although I am a self-proclaimed computer nerd, I still have a love for handbags and makeup... and I am always teetering on high heels. To learn more about me, visit the 
Best wishes to you and your wonderful family for a healthy and happy 2014–you all definitely deserve it! I almost never comment (shy) but I’ve been reading your blog since Claire was a baby. I love your honest and relatable voice especially as a fellow north Jersey mom. Thanks for the update but please don’t feel like you need to rush to post here while you are going through so much — I’m sure we’ll all be here when you feel up to sharing with us again … at least I know I will.
My friend was telling me the other day that 2013 (year of the Snake) is a year of adversity. (9/11 also happened in 2001, a snake year). Anyway, although I am not truly superstitious, that made me feel better to hear because we did not have a great year either. I’m sure things will get better in 2014!
Thinking of you! All the best for you and your family!
Best wishes for health and joy in the new year.
I really, really hope 2014 is miles better than 2013 was for you. Also, I hope J gets out of the hospital soon!!!
Happy New Year! Hopefully, with the ringing of the new year ushers you and your family much peace, health and prosperity. Get well soon!
I’m a bit of a lurker (sorry! I never know what to say!). I’m sorry you are going through all of this. I just want to tell you that there are people you will likely never meet, like myself, who care and are sending positive thoughts and hope for a better 2014 for you and your family!
Hey Jenny, I really hope everything is okay with your family! Haven’t heard a peep from you on FB so I am genuinely concerned. Stay warm!
i’ve been absent from the blogging world for a while (both blogging and blog-reading), and i popped in today and saw this post. i am so sorry that things have been shitty–sounds like you guys have been having a rough time. i am sending lots of hugs and positive thoughts for things to improve on all fronts, not least of which is for j to feel better and come home!
So hard being sick as parents and esp so for the holidays. Love your posts and your family feels so close… wishing you health and more happiness for 2014!
Oh, and loved the hitchhiker reference in the blog post title…
Best wishes for 2014. Hope you new year is filled with joy, peace, prosperity and health. Praying with you and for you.
In your about section you comment on what a hardcore Calvinist Christian you are. I find it disappointing that you curse so much in your posts. Christians shouldn’t be using course words like shit and shitty. Remember that when you claim to be a Christian everything you say is a witness to your character as a Christian and reflects on Christ. Words do matter.
Unsympathetic judgmental hypocrite much, Jro? Cut Jenny some slack. She’s obviously in a lot of pain, and she needs support, not condemnation. Jenny, say whatever you need to, in whatever way you need to, to help you through this difficult time. As many have said before, we appreciate your honesty and candor. Jro, be hurtful somewhere else, you troll.
hope you feel better jenny. man i miss your kalbi-jimm mimmmmmhhhhmmmmmm…. lol…. if u ever want to send me an altered version of ur secret recipe u can always text it to me.
Dear Jenny, I hope 2014 will be great for you and everyone will be in better health soon! Best wishes from Germany!
Oh girl, we’ve just met and I honestly already feel like I want to give you a hug (virus and all). I truly hope things are looking up for you and not that it matters but 2013 blowed for me too.