Here Comes the Sun.... Yikes

I was sitting at my desk Friday in a practically empty office, so excited for a sun-filled weekend when I got a phone call from my dermatologist. I had gone in for a quick screening a few weeks ago and she ended up doing a biopsy on the tiniest, darkest spot on my back. You know the news is bad when the doctor says, "do you have a minute?" It turns out the innocent little dot is a melanoma, the nastiest type of skin cancer. It is however perfectly curable with a simple procedure if you catch it early enough, which we did. I am thankful for that and so glad I went in for that screening, but am just cursing myself for the visits to the tanning salon as a teenager and all the long days in the sun not really bothering to use much sunscreen.

I think I am more bummed than anything, and it sounds ridiculous, but I don't want to be afraid of the sun the rest of my life. Nor be that person who's wearing the hat, long shirt and pants at the beach. Please! I love being outside, particularly in the summer. Sunscreen alone is not enough though. I will just have to go out before or after peak hours, and stay in the shade for the most part.

Melanoma is the most rare form of skin cancer and also the most deadly. It's the second most common cancer diagnosis (2nd to breast cancer) for women ages 30-34. To all of my fair-skinned friends, or anyone with lots of freckles and moles, please get checked! And wear your sunscreen people!

Vay-cay time

March is the longest month of the year, for me. No three day weekends, no holidays, very little sunshine.. it's technically spring but one look outside says it's definitely the dregs of winter. So yeah, not a big fan of March. But that's ok, because it is officially OVER as of tomorrow, and I have vacation plans!!! Now I feel a little pathetic saying I need a vacation, because it's not like I have a real rough life, no little ones keeping me up all night, but man I am burnt out and I can't wait to sit on this man-made beach, in this city of lights, gambling, and just about every form of debauchery on earth (that's not the part I'm looking forward to). That's right... I'm going to VEGAS baby!

I have somehow managed not to go there in my 32 years but figured, what with the planning to start a family and all, plus the ridiculously cheap deal I found online, hey, why not? It might be a while until I will have the time or freedom to get away for a little girl time (my lovely sis-in-law will be my travel companion). Between hanging out at the 'beach', going to the Lion King, seeing the elaborate hotels and maybe a roller coaster ride, I think we will have a grand old time.

My friend Jen introduced me to a new blog the other day, you moms will appreciate it - if you're not hindered by her, shall we say, colorful language (don't say I didn't warn you!) - she is hilarious. Check out her pre-Vegas 'to do' list. Cracks me up.

(Random, unrelated picture... but don't you relax just looking at it?)

Weekend in PDX

I got to spend the weekend in Portland with one of my oldest/bestest (yes I know that's not a word) friends from HS. The weather was beautiful and we had a blast shopping & eating to our hearts' content. Of the many culinary delights, two of my favorite were:

1) Sonic Cherry Limeade - I am now hooked and even though the nearest Sonic is 18 miles away in Puyallup I anticipate driving completely out of my way to get one if the craving arises


2) Bacon Maple Bar from Voodoo Doughnuts. Don't knock it 'til you try it (Molly's doughnut is topped with Fruit Loops)


I didn't take this photo but I did see the billboard and wanted to take a picture


Molly also got me in front of her camera so I could be the guinea pig for her - she is an amazing photographer whose business is growing rapidly. Whether or not you're in the market, check her (and my glamour shots) out!

Girl time with old friends is truly the best. Can't wait to do it again.

To my beautiful blogging friends

One of my oldest, dearest friends Molly nominated me for the Beautiful Blogger Award. Don't we all love to win awards? I'm not sure that I'm deserving, being that I'm a huge slacker in the blogging department, but it feels good to be loved and share the love. Thanks Mol!

Here are the rules:

1. Thank the person who nominated you for the award
2. copy the award and paste it on your blog
3. link to the person who nomiated you for the award
4. share 7 interesting things about yourself
5. nominate 7 other beautiful bloggers

7 Interesting Things:
1. I'm a salt fiend. I even like salty drinks (aka V8). Some people have a sweet tooth, I guess I have a salt tooth. That sounds gross....some day it may kill me but for now I still have the blood pressure of a reptile (LOW).
2. If I had the $$ I would hire a) the dog whisperer and b) a closet analysis with this cute little lady. Oh, and a housekeeper!
3. In my fantasy world I would either be a dancer or a CIA Agent.
4. I want to see more of the world. Maybe live and work somewhere in the developing world some day.
5. I am deathly afraid of being pounded by waves; I love the ocean but am a little scared of it. Fear of flying is second on the list after a terrible turbulence incident.
6. I am now on a $30/month coffee budget b/c I used to go to Starbucks every day
7. I can't wait to have kiddos!

7 Other Beautiful Bloggers

1. Johanna 'Ubuntu' Trainer. Always very insightful, honest and funny.
2. Heidi. My favorite girl in the OC!
3. Cassie, who needs to update her blog more! (I know I shouldn't talk)
4. Melissa, an old friend with some of the cutest babies in the world
5. Sarah, an old colleague with a big heart and also some of the cutest babies in the world (ok, I realize I can only say that so much but it's true!)
6. Stacy, friend from DC and a new mama who may soon relocate to the great PNW! Yay!
7. Sonia, world traveler extraordinaire, just returned from Haiti. She too has a huge heart.

Things that make you go hmmm

This was the verse of the day that popped up in my inbox:

He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own
Is like one who takes a dog by the ears.
Proverbs 26:17

?....

Speaking of dogs, I neglected to wish my fur baby a happy 3rd birthday on Jan. 13.
Happy Birthday dear Adelaide!




In other news, I am having a great time in DC, seeing old friends and colleagues and enjoying all the good restaurants. Pics to come...

Happy New Year

Happy 2010! I'm feeling especially contemplative this time around. I'm not only thinking about the year in review, but really the past decade. I feel so old saying this but 10 years just flew by. I graduated college in 2000 and it definitely doesn't feel like it was 10 years ago! It was a totally different world then. I was fresh out of college, the economy was booming thanks to all the new dot coms, and 'terrorism' wasn't really a part of our vocabulary. It was definitely the decade of growing up. My world really changed in 2001 when, after a 6 week trip to Europe I got engaged, then 9-11 came a few short months later and the world really did feel like a different place, yet I was busy planning a wedding and dreaming of my new life as a married woman. I lost both my grandmothers, welcomed a niece and nephew into the world (along with many other babies of dear friends), bought my first house and of course, my beloved dog. I've been able to travel the world with my job and begin to understand, just the tiniest bit, the harsh realities people face and yet the perseverance, deep joy and appreciation that some of those same people have for the smallest things, and envied the sense of community that we seem to be lacking in this country.

I wonder what the tens will bring? It's kind of scary to think about. I'm sure there will be some hard things, but many wonderful things too. All part of the great adventure. I don't know about this blog... it might go on hiatus until I have kids! I continually feel that I don't have too much to share, or at least I'm no good at documenting it. I will leave you with one of the few photos I took at Christmas, of my charming husband. You can see why he cracks me up. Every day, pretty much.

Happy Moment #2

Front row seats for Jack & Jane's band... they don't have a name yet. Their current favorite song is 1234 by Feist.