In His Steps

It started small. I thought I was just getting a deeper pimple on my cheek just off my nose, and did my usual skincare routine. But then, this past week, it proved to be something different. I woke up to get ready to go to work. My face hurt and felt extremely hot, so I went to the bathroom and discovered what was really happening. (I apologize: none of the pictures are going to be flattering or pretty, but nothing graphic, don't worry.) My face had swollen up on that side and with the amount of pain I was in, I knew this had to be a cyst, not a simple zit. I called out sick and then went to work finding a local dermatologist ASAP. A few hours later I took another picture before heading in to my appointment. It had gotten worse, puffing up under my eye and everything. I was so grateful to be seen that very day. Once in the office, they did agree it was an inflamed cyst and gave me my options. Draining it in office was a bad idea since, by being inflamed, it was clearly infected and

 I decided to have a bit of a cleaning day today. We had been painting minis for D&D and after the holidays, the living room became a bit of a mess, as you can see here. So, here is the after shot of me putting everything away!! I admit, it really helped to have the windows open, too. The bright light of day makes a home feel less... enclosed and cramped.

 It's been five years since Spousal Unit and I were married and sealed together. He is always the sweetest, most loving man. This year, I was gifted flowers I haven't had since the wedding day: lilies. They are a particular favorite of mine and he knows how to spoil me. Just look at these beauties! I still cannot believe how fortunate I am to have him in my life.

 Spousal Unit and I decided we needed a bit of a boost and so I began to job hunt over the last few weeks. I managed to get an interview through my friend Tori at her work, Boostability, though not in her department. I was surprised at how well it went and today I heard back that I got it! I'll be a member of the Article Engagement team, writing comments on online articles that are related to our clients' keywords and business. As you can guess, I am working SEO. I am not writing ads, simply commenting on the article itself and linking back to the client, but not mentioning what they sell or them directly. The idea is to get the name out there. I still can't help but feel I am a glorified, ethical spambot, though! But it is work, I can do it, and I am not an actual spambot, so that does help.

 Douglas has been our friend and housemate for a long time now, but today is the day he has moved out. He's fallen in love and found out what he wanted to do for work, so he is moving to be close to his girlfriend and start the next chapter of his life. I'm really sad to see him go, but at the same time, I'm also happy for him. This is really exciting and for the first time since moving in, Spousal Unit and I will have our house to ourselves. It feels like a new start all around for both Douglas and my marriage, my home. So goodbye, my big brother! Good luck! Now to find out what to do with that room and all this extra privacy... *winkwink*

Christmas Day! I took these earlier today and Spousal Unit and I just enjoyed our day and dinner together. It was a very peaceful, relaxing day with just us. We didn't even get out of our pajamas all day and regret nothing whatsoever.