I may have claimed this before, but this time I promise it is true: I have never been so happy to see a season end. My life has changed dramatically over the winter months and in March, as the season changed, I felt like I had just finished running a marathon. I’m writing this now, a few months removed, and am reflecting on some big feelings from a dark winter.
Things that weren’t fun
In December, I was diagnosed with skin cancer. It feels weird to use the c-word, because it sounds more severe than it really was. Nevertheless, having a basal cell carcinoma removed from my chest and another pre-cancerous spot removed from my back at the start of the new year was somewhat painful, mentally challenging, and very emotional. I now see my scars every day and am reminded of how lucky I am that it wasn’t worse.
I had been suspicious of a spot on my chest for most of last year (If you look closely, you can see it in the first photo of me in this post.), and even with a suspicion it took me so long to make the appointment. I hope my story inspires at least one friend to schedule an annual skin check! I now have the pleasure of going bi-annually.
Other things that weren’t fun included staying in an Airbnb with raw sewage spilling into the basement, all three of our vehicles needing costly repairs, and spending the entire day on January 1 at the emergency vet with Schmidt. (He was immediately fine after we spent a mortgage payment on tests!) My job was also absolutely not fun. This leads me to…
New Changes
After eight months at a new job, I departed and moved to another opportunity. I have learned that it’s okay to acknowledge that something isn’t right for you. And it’s okay to make the decision to move on, without fear of judgment. Life is too short to stay stuck!
I joined a tech company in February as a communications consultant, working alongside two former colleagues and friends. I work from home now, which has long been a desire of mine. The last few months have been slow, restorative, and calm. I’ve been learning a lot about the tech world, too. I am also diving into freelance writing, and am eager to build my business.
Things that Were Fun
Winter was very different than any season in a long time—in the last five years, really! We didn’t travel at all, save for a family trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, to celebrate Christmas. We spent a lot of time hanging out at home. We’re going to a lot of concerts this year, and started strong by seeing Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit for Brandon’s birthday in February. A few weeks later, I scored last-minute tickets to see “The Book of Mormon,” which has been on my Broadway bucket list for years. It was hilarious, and did not disappoint.
We didn’t eat many special meals, save for the traditional new job dinner at Bernardin’s and a birthday dinner for Brandon at Butcher & Bull. I finished updating our primary bedroom (see the full before & after in this Instagram Reel), and we had a new front door and surround installed. We did mundane things like going to the DMV to get our Real I.D.s and renewing our passports. Lots of television was watched, and books were read. I eagerly planned a spring break trip to Los Angeles.
On the Horizon
We’re two months into spring as I’m writing this, so I have a pretty good grasp of what’s on the horizon. Hah! We have taken a trip to Los Angeles, been to three concerts, and will be celebrating my birthday in a few weeks. I’ve also spent time updating my office as our next big home project. It’s almost complete, and I look forward to sharing it soon.
