Happy holidays!

The most important news first: Cathy had her semiannual checkup on November 21st, and all of the news was good. She had a scare with some swelling on her neck, but that appears not to have been anything serious.

School has been difficult for both of us. We feel SO relieved to have made it through the fall semester. It was Cathy’s first semester in nursing school and my first semester as a physics graduate student.

Things started out well back in August and September. We were following strict studying schedules and getting our work done early. But then the really tough assignments began raining down on us, and our plans went down the toilet. Each of us flirted with nervous breakdowns now and then, and there were times when we really didn’t know whether we were going to make it. But Cathy got her final grades last week, and I just received mine today–and we passed.

Now we can enjoy some much-needed relaxation over the holidays, though we still have some studying to do in preparation for next semester. Cathy wants to get a head start on her spring classes so that next semester won’t be quite as rough as the last; and I need to start learning about MRI, which is the field of research that I’ve chosen.

Before I get back to work, however, I am determined to finish the project that I mentioned in a post back in August: to write and publish my account of our battle with cancer and all of the other crazy things that happened to us in 2010. I’m pleased to report that I’ve just finished the final draft, and I have a team of highly skilled copy editors–my mom and dad–reviewing the manuscript.

The picture at the top of this post is probably what the front cover of the book will look like. You might recognize it as part of the poster for the Stand with Cathy concert. I can’t stop using it because it’s my favorite picture of Cathy. Here’s what we’ve got on the back of the book so far:

The open spot in the bottom right corner is for a bar code. Feel free to send me suggestions for improving the design. I wanted Cathy’s picture to be on the front, but I couldn’t get a good layout with her face and the title together.

Copies of the book should be available within about a month. I will donate all proceeds to a cancer-related benefit–probably the Komen Foundation.

Please drop us a line to let us know how you’re doing. We wish you a peaceful and joyful Christmas.