MY KRAZY LIFE

Well, it's been a while since I've blogged. Mostly, that's because I feel like I've been surviving my life for the last couple of months and haven't really had the time or energy to engage in reflecting or updating anyone about my life. So, now I have a lot to share. Tré posted a blog earlier today and he decided to share the news via bullet points, so I'll do the same. There is good news and some bad news so stay with me.

1. First, some good news. Some of you know that I've been looking for a new job. Well, after several weeks of debating the timing of this transition with my impending wedding, and then several more weeks of searching, sending out my resumé, and interviewing -- I landed a really great job. I'm going to start a full-time paid internship at Classic Style Magazine as their new Public Relations Intern. In fact, they are flying me out to New York on May 11th to help with a trade show to get my feet wet in the business. I'm really excited for all the potential this job contains and the joy of being able to work in a job that's more in-line with my skill-set.

2. Now, some bad news. This new job is fantastic and a great opportunity, but because it is an internship it's technically a temporary position and does not provide health insurance. The job is definately worth it (have you seen The Pursuit of Happyness?), but the lack of health insurance has become a larger concern recently. I found out on Tuesday, the same day I accepted the internship, that I have skin cancer on my nose. I have had a scratch on the side of my nose for almost eight months and I asked my doctor to take a biopsy of it a couple of weeks ago. After the fact, I felt a little dumb -- a small chunk of my nose was sitting in a jar on the counter and the doctor was telling me I probably picked at it too much and hadn't given it time to heal. I was pretty sure that was the case and I was actually a bit surprised to find out that I have skin cancer. I have basil skin cancer - which is actually a pretty easy cancer to manage. They have a treatment called Mohs (spelling?) where they cut out a small section of the area where the cancer is concentrated and test to see if any of the cancer cells are outside of the circumferance of their sample. If there are cancer cells outside the circle - the doctor takes off a bit more -- until there aren't any cancer cells left. This kind of cancer doesn't go very deep so it should be fairly easy to remove. I have surgery scheduled for Thursday, May 3rd - so you can pray I'm not left too butchered. Fortunately, the editor of the magazine where I'll be working is a makeup artist -- so if I do get butchered, he's offered his services :).

3. More good news! Tré and I found a house. In fact, he's going to move in on May 1st -- that's only weeks away! We're looking for someone to stay with him for the month of May and June -to provide accountability for us. The rent will be $200 for the whole month (a pretty good deal for this area) and it would help us out, so let us know if you're interested or know someone who might be. We'll be able to have Butters - my adorable 15lb cat, thanks to the kindness and understanding of our new landlords and the recommendation given to them by the Sticklers. They said you had wonderful things to say about Butters, Molly-- we thank you! The place has a great yard - so Butters will be able to go in and out as he pleases. Hopefully, he'll be smart enough to stay away from all the dogs encompassing our property. Speaking of dogs -- Tré and I really have the puppy bug -- so we're hoping to get one after we move in and our landlords get to know and love Butters.

4. More good news! We got our engagement pictures back and they are wonderful. If you are thinking about getting married and need a photographer, we recommend Jelani. He's starting his business now -- so he still has prices that are workable for brides and grooms on a budget -- check out his site www.jelanimemory.com. Check who's on the home page :)

5. More good news! I found out last week that I get to go to New York to help promote Classic Style magazine. I get to stay there Friday through Monday and take part in a tradeshow. We're going to stay at http://www.theroosevelthotel.com/ - I've never been to New York and I'm really excited to have this opportunity. The only bummer -- and it's a big BUMMER is that I fly out on May 11th -- so I'll miss Tré's birthday and the pampered chef party that Melody Olsen is throwing Tré in Yakima. Tré completely understands - but we're both sad that we don't get to share in that together. Fortunately, I don't need to travel on our wedding day :P

The good news certainly outways the bad news -- and fortunately I'll be able to utilize the insurance provided by Multnomah throughout the month of May. We're not sure what we're going to do about my health insurance after that because Tré's job doesn't provide spousal health insurance -- but I'm sure we'll do something.

The wedding is coming up quick -- less than three months away. We're getting down to the details of things -- we're getting our invitations printed soon and plan to have them in the mail by May 7th~ Time is flying, but I think we're pacing things out well. I'm so glad we're done registering -- on the one hand it's really fun because you get to shoot things with a gun, but on the other hand -- you start feeling really materialistic - remember we need money for our honeymoon fund, so if you really hate shopping... we won't complain :).



Tré really has been a rock through all of this -- he's been caring when I've needed it most. He's been assertive when I really needed to change my work situation, he's been such a consistent support to me. These last few weeks have been really trying for both of us -- and he's been such an incredible rock. Thank you Tré!



This post is freaking long -- Can you tell I'm a writer... but I wanted to show you one more thing. Here is a picture of the ring that Tré and I designed. It turned out beautifully -- and Jelani's camera really shows that off.





Well -- that's all I have time to share for now --take care and please pray for all these new life transitions and for my surgery on May 3rd.