No, I've not been kidnapped by gypsies...

...Contrary to popular belief, I'm sure! It has just been a very busy Summer and Fall. So much has happened that I barely know where to begin.

First, I suppose, my health. Energy is nearly back to normal, but there are day's I just must nap to get to the end of the day. The scars are fading slowly, but that is to be expected. About 10 days ago, I had my nipples and areoli tattooed (or as my friend Jenny said 'tittooed.') The skin is still in recovery stage, but I think it is really looking great. Once the scars fade I really think that one will be hard pressed to notice I had a double mastectomy.

As of September, we entered into the period of anniversary's. Mom was diagnosed September 4th, and for some reason, I have a keen memory of the date of every appointment, every milestone, every set-back. Thursday 10/9 was her birthday. As in all of these 'anniversary's' my heart was heavy with the pain of missing her, but so many of the good memories came also. I miss her so much that sometimes the feeling is visceral.

The flip side is I have been so busy that I haven't been able to sit around and mope much. I returned to school this semester; if you can call it that. I am taking a 1 credit class -- barely enough to even qualify as attending. But since I'd been away for a year, I met with my academic adviser. We caught up on all of the things going on with me, including the new business I've started with my partner Gwen. For the last 8 months or so, we've been working on developing a career guidance and mentoring website. It will be unlike anything that exists on the web. The actual site is currently in development and we should go live early next year. I spoke with my adviser about how it could be used to help under-served kids that don't know the full extent of their career options and don't have any career mentors. Long story short, I am going to be able to do research in this regard and can earn up to 20 credits towards my degree!! This means I can graduate this May! Plus it will advance the business and help kids also. It is a win-win all the way around.

So, yesterday was my last day at my 'paying' job. I submitted my resignation a few weeks ago. As of next semester (which starts in less than 2 weeks) I'll return to school full-time and work on the business full-time. I couldn't do 3 full-time activities... there just aren't enough hours. Leaving my job was a very difficult decision. They have been so wonderful and supportive over the last year; not to mention leaving a paying position in the midst of one of the worst economic downturns in recent memory (or, potentially EVER!) It's a little scary. But the timing was right, Gary is supportive as ever, and I just had to go for it. Sometimes, when you are standing at the edge of the cliff, you just have to push off as hard as you can and hope your wings work. I'm ready to soar.