It's been a long time since I last wrote. It is now January 2006, and I feel the need to post an update on my progress.
I am currently working a long-term temporary assignment at the NFL in Manhattan. I commute four hours a day. I've been doing this weekdays since June 27, 2005. I enjoy working at the NFL, the people are very nice, and the environment, though corporate, is a creative one. I work in the Corporate Development office, which has its hands in most of the other departments at the NFL, and so I get to meet many people.
I have been working on my book and it is progressing nicely. The manuscript is written and all the research is currently being incorporated into it. Once that is done, I will make one last read-through to make final revisions (I've made numerous revisions to date but find that the manuscript can always be improved upon).
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, for whom I've been doing volunteer work, has asked me to be the Honored Teammate for the Northern New Jersey chapter's spring Team in Training (TNT). Participants train to run or walk a marathon, cycle 100 miles, or complete a triathlon. Team in Training is the signature fundraising program for the LLS. My job is to keep the participants motivated as they compete in my honor. I am thrilled to have this opportunity.
Other ways I've been working with the LLS are as a First Connection Volunteer and as part of the Advocacy Network. I plan to extend my volunteer work, as time permits, once I've moved into my own place, closer to the city and shorten my commute time.
Yes, it's time to move on. I've remained at Barbara and Dan's home far too long, but it is expensive in this area of the country, so I'm trying to make sure my financial house is somewhat in order before venturing out on my own again. I do have to be out of their home by May because Barbara will be giving birth to a baby girl around that time.
And don't think that I have given up my dream of making a living as an actress because I haven't. It has only been put on hold while I get myself organized. Before jumping back into acting, I'd like to complete my book. However, I've definitely been making plans for my return to pursuing my dream. I did do one day of background work on the CBS series, LOVE MONKEY, in November. They've called me three additional times to do background work, and unfortunately, I had to turn them down.
Anyway, right now life is good. My last doctor's visit was January 6th and all my blood counts looked great. My next visit isn't until March 31st. It's hard to believe sometimes that it has been over two years since my diagnosis; time has passed quickly. However, it is all still very clear in my mind. I hope that once I have completed my book, I can let it go and move on to helping others. I'll never forget the experience, but I don't want it to define me—except as a survivor!
