Enter the Trojans

Ok. I know that it's cheesy, but I love costumes. I'm not generally a big Halloween fan, but I do love an excuse to play dress-up. And there's also the massive quantities of sugary (and preferrably, chocolatey) goodness.

Well, the boyfriend decided to have a Halloween party this year. So I decided that we should wear a couples costume. Fearing that Ken and Barbie would be too cliche (kidding, of course - I can't stand Barbie), we decided on "Roman God" and "Venus, Goddess of Beauty". Some of the friends thought I was Helen of Troy and he was What's-His-Name-Who-Loved-Her-Thereby-Destroying-Sparta. (Of course, we all know that was Paris.) But we really just looked like Greeks. So, for your viewing and mocking pleasure, here is photographic proof of how much my boyfriend loves me:

Meet the Parents

The baby of the family (my younger sister) got married a couple of weeks ago. So I thought, what better time to have the boyfriend meet the family? This way, he can not only meet my parents and my siblings, but also the entire extended family on both sides. Not intimidating at all, right?!

You'll all be relieved to know that he not only passed the test -- he aced it! Most importantly, my papa thinks he's wonderful. Just one more reason why I love him.

Important Cancer Update

I learned yesterday that there are no more pre-cancerous cells on my shoulder. And although to many I'm sure it seemed such a small thing, to have exams and biopsies and excisions and minor surgeries, to me it was terrifying. So call me overly dramatic if you must, but I am incredibly relieved that it is over. Last night I slept well for the first time in about two months. Today my stomach is untying the knots of the last few weeks.

The two-inch scar on my right shoulder now serves as a constant reminder to wear sunscreen, to stay out of the sun, to schedule appointments with my dermatologist yearly. It reminds me of my cousin, who sees a much larger scar every day when she gets dressed. It reminds me that skin cancer is not something to take lightly.

Since it's my blog, here's my campaign message for all of you in blogland:

Always wear sunscreen.

Get checked yearly.

Don't think it can't happen to you.

And have a happy and healthy fall/winter!

Three Little Words

I suppose I've known for a while now that he cares very much about me, and that he thinks about me when I'm not with him. This has been made clear since our first date by the thoughtful little things he does, the way he looks at me, the way he talks to me, and how he remembers even small, seemingly insignificant details.

But now it's official -- He Loves Me!* So I just wanted to share this moment of happiness with my friends in blogland.

*Addendum: And I love him!
Sorry, my love, for not making this announcement in the original post. I assumed it was implied. Thanks, Carolyn, for pointing out the omission.