Happy New Year!

My 2009 in review...

Various jobs this year:

• The usual inspirational speaking
• Working at a cute maternity clothing boutique that unfortunately closed
• Giving out Bolthouse Farms samples of smoothies and salad dressings at various grocery stores
• Babysitting here and there
• Since February, enjoying my job at an upscale children's clothing boutique

Medically:

• Passed the 5 year No Evidence of Cancer Anniversary on May 19th!
  
• Went through extensive testing on my arms and back (nerve conduction, etc.) as there has been pain and various numbness since November of 2009...all the tests came back normal-The symptoms are probably from radiation and scar tissue-and it's just something additional to learn to live with.
• Chest pains this summer that came and went after a few weeks and testing that showed nothing...
• Officially diagnosed with "chemo brain"
  

Classes Passed (1 semester until graduation from undergrad!):

• Asian Art
• Painting I
• Figure Drawing
• Art Therapy: History and Theory
• History, Philosophy and Systems of Psychology
• Phenomena: Shame, Guilt and Forgiveness
• Art Therapy Apprenticeship-working on a medical psychiatric unit & a kids camp
  
• Introduction to Measurement and Statistics (Psychology based)
• Introduction to Research Methods
• Ceramics I
• Painting II
• Intermediate Drawing
• Art for Elementary Grades
• Art Therapy Introduction
• Personality Theory

Speaking, Teaching, and Volunteer Opportunities:

• Belleville Catholic Conference for High Schoolers
  
• Pike Press Scholars Banquet
• Aaron Hubbell Memorial Golf Tournament
• American Society of Interior Designers & Bone Marrow Drive Event
• American Cancer Society's Relay for Life
• Encounter
• St. Mary's Hospital Celebration for Life Luncheon
• Cameron Siemers for Hope- Santa Ana, CA
• Taught an art class to children at hospital I was treated at
• Various work with the American Pain Foundation as a PCAC member
• Accepted position recently on a board of young professionals that assist local cancer charities
  

My husband and I were in 5 wonderful weddings and Godparents in our nephew's baptism.

Rest in Peace: Gabe's Grandpa, Gabe's cousin David, my Grandma, our friends- Jenny and Don

Trips: Minneapolis, MN; bed and breakfast for our 1 year wedding anniversary!; Santa Ana, California; Des Moines, IA

Thankful for: the return to health of various friends and family, the love and support of friends, family and God and endless blessings.

Much was learned, many tears were cried but there was so much fun and love to go around too!

Looking forward to everything on the horizon for 2010...

Love,
Rachel

New Year's Letter

(edited from last year's letter-because I liked it a lot...)

Dear Self,

May you have a beautiful 2009. May you learn from things that seem unfortunate and appreciate the wonderful times that much more. I hope you try to better yourself and the lives around you. Try to keep yourself healthy in ways that you can control. May you enjoy the beginnings and the endings. Be grateful for it all.

Love,
Me

Happy New Year!

May your 2009 be wonderful in many ways and be a time of learning, growing and healing for all!

Be safe and have fun tonight :). We hope to have a low-key night with friends.

Look for the top posts of 2008 coming soon...

Happy New Year to all and thanks again for the warm wishes, prayers and everything nice from this past year. I'm so grateful!

Rachel

New Year Blessings

Dear Self,

May you have a beautiful 2008. May you learn from the things that seem unfortunate and appreciate the wonderful that much more. I hope you try to better yourself and the lives around you. May you not stress too much for all that is to come and enjoy it all-the beginnings and the endings. There is much happiness and change planned for this year-big and small. Be grateful for it all.

Love,
Rachel