Category: #LifeListYear2
-
Professional headshot: the picture that speaks 1,000 words
Late in 2014, I decided to make an investment in myself and obtain a truly professional headshot for my LinkedIn profile, my blog, and other uses. Keep in mind that this was a big decision because quality isn’t cheap and I don’t currently have a job. A few things you should know about me: I hate…
-
How do you say goodbye to a lifelong dream?

In just over 24 hours, I will give up all chances of fulfilling my greatest lifelong dream: becoming a biological mother. That’s right, I will no longer be able to have my own children. And I’m doing this sort of by choice. Let’s back up . . . Earlier this year, and quite by accident…
-
It’s my 1 Year ChicagoNow Blogiversary!

One year ago today I joined the ChicagoNow family of bloggers. As I celebrate this one year blogiversary, it’s important to remember that I’ve actually been writing Little Merry Sunshine for more than seven years. Little Merry Sunshine began over on Blogger as a way for me to experiment with writing. I had no idea…
-
6 things I learned from my close encounter with breast cancer

Regular readers of Little Merry Sunshine know that I recently had a too-close-for-comfort breast cancer scare. In the end, I had a benign papilloma, but throughout the process of multiple mammograms, ultrasounds, two biopsies, and a lumpectomy, there was no guarantee my story would have a happy ending. Over the last four weeks, I’ve learned…
-
Lumpectomy results: A benign papilloma

NOTE: This is the conclusion to an unexpected five-part series about my first mammogram. To fully appreciate the context of what transpired, I encourage you to read the first three installments: My first mammogram saved my life, Respect my coping skills and I’ll respect yours, My lumpectomy was easy-peasy, and Post-lumpectomy recovery. By about 4:00…
-
Post-lumpectomy recovery

NOTE: If you haven’t read the first three installments of this unexpected series, My first mammogram saved my life, Respect my coping skills and I’ll respect yours, and My lumpectomy was easy-peasy, I encourage you to read them. It’s not necessary to read them in order to understand what’s happening, but they will give you more…
-
My lumpectomy was easy-peasy

NOTE: If you haven’t read the first two installments of this unexpected series, My first mammogram saved my life and Respect my coping skills and I’ll respect yours, I encourage you to read them. It’s not necessary to read them in order to understand what’s happening, but they will give you more context. My Needle…
-
My first mammogram saved my life

I’m 43. I was due to have my first mammogram three years ago, but I didn’t do it. I know I should have especially because my mom had a cancerous lump removed from her breast three years ago. I could tell you the litany of reasons why I avoided a mammogram, but those reasons don’t…
-
Watervale Bingo Days 5: We’re half-way there!
Tuesday was an exciting day here at Watervale. It was windy, rainy, and chilly. I believe that the high was about 59, which meant that I actually put on socks. I’ll have you know that, although it was tempting, I did not wear them with my flip flops. I even slept in a wool hat,…
-
Watervale Bingo: Mark Your Cards for Days 3 and 4

You know what the great thing about vacation is? The lack of schedule. There was a moment yesterday when I was standing on the steps of the Inn and asked myself, “what day is it?” That’s truly the sign that I’ve checked out of life as I’m accustomed to it and am fully engulfed in…