Hey everyone, I can’t believe it’s almost May! Eeek the big day is almost here, actually 16 days to go, not that I am counting or anything 😉 I will be getting married to the love of my life, Nathan. I was just suddenly reminded that I had not written a blog in quite a while since December actually. The lovely lady who writes a blog called ‘Here in the Silence’ aka https://gardenofalchemy.blog/  was just commenting on my last post and I felt inspired!

Where do I start? Well, the new year has been off to a great start, busy but can’t complain. Been to see Dr M for a ‘check-in’ back in February and he said all seems good and he is happy to let me go after our next meeting in August this year. August will mark 2 years since I completed my treatment. I mean it’s like, how does he really know I am ok? They don’t scan you or anything. He categorically told me it would never come back in the same area, as the radiotherapy would inhibit that, if it did, it would come back elsewhere. We have all heard that story before with our own friends and family that have fought or are fighting this fucking disease! He just said unless I have concerns, and yes I am very aware of my body after what I have been through. As much as it’s a great prognosis you still have Cancer on the brain, know what I mean?

Nathan and I attended a Charity Ball in March with friends, in aid of Ocumel – A charity that raises awareness and provides support for this very rare type of Ocular Cancer. If you all remember my friend and colleague Diane, who was diagnosed last year and since then has been so involved in finding out as much as she can about her very rare disease. I really have to say I admire her. She is in such a positive place and attending conferences in Europe, trying to get as much intel as she can about possible treatments that may be available. She is truly an inspiration to me. She has taken on even more responsibility at work and still, she always has a smile on her face. I salute you Di! I am lucky to have quite a few strong ladies in my life, and you all know who you are.

So as we were getting closer to the ‘Real Royal Wedding’ Nathan had his ‘Stag do’ and I hosted a bachelor party. We are so different with respect to what we wanted to do. Nathan was taken to West Wales for an adventure packed weekend with only the boys. I, on the other hand, decided to have a ‘bachelor’ party where I could invite who I wanted, lol. Frankly speaking, there is no party without girls! My friends Karen and Hans-Ru actually flew in from Canada and Switzerland to attend. It felt strange not spending that weekend with Nathan, but still, we needed to make a statement about we are about to embark upon. I may have mentioned before I have never really wanted to get married before, but when you know it’s right, there is never any doubt.  It’s been 2 years in the planning so can’t bloody wait now. Remember I had just been diagnosed with NHL when I proposed to Nathan in March 2017, on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.  Time flies when you are having so much fun!

We were so inspired by Florence that we have just recently booked a minimoon in Florence in June. We are going back to where it all began in 2017. We love that city so much. This time it will be more a relax, take in the vibe, kind of holiday vs every church, museum and willy in town. Well, I am sure Nathan will manage to fit some in at some point lol. We need something to look forward to after the wedding, as this is one of the biggest projects we have ever embarked upon.

‘Wedmin’ has taken up so much of our time in the recent months, I tell you, it’s really a project in itself. Caterers, Florists, Liquor, Wine & Champagne, Live Band, Wedding Singer, Photographer, Videographer, Hair Dressers, Make-up artists and not to mention the venue. We can’t wait to spend the weekend at this most amazing wedding venue. We have our hearts set on getting married outside but will have to wait until we know more about the weather on the day. Contingency plan in place of course. Have a look at our stunning wedding venue.

http://www.sttewdricshouse.co.uk/

It’s all the small details that take time and it’s been an amazing experience planning this special day of ours. I won’t lie, it has led to some debates, tantrums and tears lol, but we always get there in the end. We will not be groomzillas I promise you that much! We both want to make it a very special and magical day to be remembered. Can’t wait to see all our friends there to celebrate with us. Love that so many are coming from as far away as New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Iceland and Switzerland. That really touches me so much.

Last weekend was my birthday (53 OMG!) and it was also Easter weekend. Well, go figure we were going to have some amazing weather that weekend as well. Summer had arrived in the UK…Not for long it’s gone today :-(…. It was an awesome weekend with sunshine and it was time to get the BBQ up and running and we had a lovely evening on the Saturday with some friends enjoying some good food on the barbie and lots to drink. Yes indeed, it was one of those nights. On Easter Sunday it was Nathan & Mark day, took Bentley for a long walk in the woods and then came home and did fuck all! We just sat in the garden with a ‘hair of the dog’ from around 11 am and enjoyed feeling the warmth of the sun on our pale skin. More so me, mind you! Nathan is a sun worshipper.

Well, the next 2 weeks or so will be mainly about the wedding preparations and I will write again when we have tied the knot and update everyone. Hitting the gym hard and 11 kgs down, nil by mouth until the big day. Sending positive vibes to everyone in large doses!

Love and Light!

Mark

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