What a difference a year makes?

One year ago today, I had my "35 and Alive birthday party"...my birthday is actually in November, but I had my celebration early to make it easy on all of my friends and family coming in from out of town. Today was kind of bitter sweet for me. On one hand, I can't believe how far I've come in a year(still carrying that extra chemo wait, but hey...things could be worst right?) On the other, I can't believe how quickly things can change and not always for the better.

My week was pretty busy, Dan was away on business and yet I managed to stay pretty active, which made spending our 3rd wedding anniversary alone a lot easier to tolerate. The way I look at it, Dan having to go away on our anniversary was a sign that things are normal.. No special treatment needed, no pass because of a sick wife. So although it sucked, it was a great reminder that we are well on the road to normalcy.

Friday, I gave a speech at an Ovarian Cancer event sponsored by a sorority at the University of Central Florida(I've attached a pic from the festivities above) It was a small crowd but a great night spent with some of my favorite people and some new friends.

Saturday(Dan came home Friday night) we took a two and a half hour road trip to my cousins house. My aunt is gravely ill, battling lung cancer. Just one year ago at my party, she was cancer free and enjoying every moment of it. Just three months ago, she was struggling a bit but still working and living on her own...now she can no longer speak.

We had to turn around and come home after a few hours of visiting as I had to get ready for my classes(I teach acting to kids and teens). A year ago, my classes were a distant dream and now they are a reality. I guess what all of the ups/downs, bumps/lumps make me realize is that no matter what our journey we should all be enjoying the moment.

I met two wonderful women at Friday's UCF event, a spoken word artist and a singer/musician. I was reminded through their performances that we should all be present and in the moment and remember that this too shall pass.