Pink October

To be completely honest, my life was turned upside-down in March. My Aunt Meredith or Aunt Mer to me or Aunt Meredif from her little nephew Ryan, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Everyone hears about someone they know who knows someone who has had cancer. When it hits someone close to you, it seriously knocks the wind out of you. I never thought for a second that she was going to not be here anymore, but all I knew was that I didn't want her to go through treatment or feel sick or mostly to lose her hair. I remember talking to her when she first found out and just having her telling me exactly what was going to happen helped me relax. I know my aunt is an ass kicker, and she's a fighter!!!!
From the beginning I had told Steven that I wanted to cut my hair. I had thought about it for years, but never did it. I had the biggest reason to do it this time. I only wish I could see the young girl my hair went to or be able to just give it to my aunt. It hit me incredibly hard that she needed chemo. Chemo=hair loss. I had to be supportive and not show her or lead on to how upset I was really feeling about all this.
I was the flower girl in her wedding to my Uncle Mark. She played Barbies with me. She always had the most amazing outfits on and always new what the coolest thing was right now. She was my cool, hip aunt who I looked up to, and still do. She flew in from L.A. just for the day for my bridal shower and was close by at my wedding. Growing up and becoming a young woman I've looked up to her so much. She's driven, successful is an understatement, gorgeous, sweet, caring, kind, smart, hilarious, giving, and she spoils me rotten, which I really don't deserve, but I thank her for every little thing because I'm so grateful for her.
I was really excited to see her in June when Steven and I went home for 2 weeks. I was nervous to see my aunt. I didn't know what kind of state she would be in. My Uncle Tim and her picked me up from the airport and she looked exactly the same, just with a do-rag on her head. I couldn't help but to cry. I worried myself so much about her and she was exactly the same. I was so happy just to finally hug and see her. I had a fantastic time as always in Venice.

We wore do-rags all around, ate amazing food as always, and just hung out on the couch. I needed that trip to make sure she was okay. I know I can't do much for her or anyone who is sick back home, reguardless where I live, but seeing her was just amazing. Nothing had changed. She was still my Aunt Mer. 
August 25th, was her last day of chemo. My birthday is on the 27th. Greatest birthday gift I could ever ask for. This week she started radiation. 5 days a week for 7 weeks.

Check the girls no matter how young you are.Wear pink!!! Eat yogurt and donate lids. Walk, run, or bike for the cure!  And yes, real men wear pink! Too many women and families have to hurt because of cancer and we need a cure ASAP!

Love you Aunt Mer <3 

Do-Rag Club Active Member :P

Goodbye September

Steven and I haven't been up to much lately. Lots of work work WORK! Steven's parents are coming at the end of October, so it's given me an excuse to FINALLY decorate our guestroom and the kitchen a little. Must say it was a blast! I'd been feeling a little blue, so it kept me busy and brought me joy.
I've been feeling really great lately! My adjustment to Missouri has not been an easy one. It's been quite depressing with not really having any friends. Being far away from family when things happen breaks my heart. It's also taken a toll on my selfworth. I thought I would have a better shot with the job market with my degree, reguardless of the economy, but with the next town down the highway, Warrensburg, that's population is 16,000, there's not much to choose from. I am very grateful for my job, but of course, I don't EVER want to work retail again!
NOVEMBER 18th is the date that Steven gets to put in for a base of preference! First round we are putting in for Travis and Beale in California. We will hear back within a week or two. If we don't get it, then we will try for bases in Washington, Colorado, and Idaho. Anywhere WEST!!! So hopefully, by Christmas we will have great news for our family. I know everyone wants us closer. I'm hoping that if we get a base of preference I can start grad school, fingers crossed, in Fall of 2012! Makes my heart smile just typing that! Working crummy jobs, drives me even harder to further my education. It's not a secret how deeply I want a family, but I never want to worry about money and I want the best for Steven and I and our family. I want my children to go to college and be successful! Steven will also be able to finish his Bachelor's Degree, which is extremely important to me. I know how great it feels to have that accomplished, reguardless of where my degree has taken me now. My Grandma Sandy has always told me, that no one can take your education away from you. It's a comforting feeling.

Boobdate

It's been SO crazy with work but here's an update...or a boobdate about...the girls! September 1st, I had two of my cysts drained. It went very well and helped to have Steven there. I don't do well at all with needles, but I focused on breathing and trying to stay calm. I didn't really feel anything until she hit a nerve. The fluids were sent to the lab and they came back benign which we all knew, but that's always good news! Today, I went back for the other boob. Depending on my cycle the cysts are different sizes, so they were bothering me last week. She did a quick breast exam on both boobs. Right boob she was even amazed at how well they felt. NOOOO CYSTS! Lefty had a small cyst that was pretty hard that she removed no prob, but the other one was an inch long and very flat. She used the ultrasound machine and it was kind of an ordeal but I stayed calm and it was over soon! The fluids also are getting sent to the lab and I should hear back soon. Ultrasound again in November and then a check up with Dr. Switzner soon after to make sure everthing is looking great still! Dr.Switzner is such a great doctor! Thank goodness for helping me and my girls! In good spirits and feeling well, tomorrow I'll definitely be sore but feeling positive with having the cysts gone!