Another Earthquake

I woke up to the news of another terrible earthquake, this one affecting Chile, and resulting in devastation to businesses, homes, airports, roadways.......Upon last check, 147 lives lost. Now Hawaii is preparing for a possible tsunami. So much heartache and hopelessness still exists in Haiti and to now see another area of the world enduring such a horrendous terror simply makes me want to cry. One can only feel helpless in such extreme circumstance. Of course we can send money (not knowing where the money will ultimately be distributed), but these people need such basic necessities we all take for granted on a daily basis. So many people will go to bed tonight without a roof above their heads or without food to eat. The simple luxury of a tooth brush or a warm shower will be lost for so many days, weeks, or even months.

Photo from Reuters

Photo from Associated Press

Photo from Associated Press

I cannot begin to imagine what so many people are experiencing now. The week before Christmas, my parents lost their home to fire. It was the only home I had ever known, encapsulating so many wonderful memories and treasures (things I had never known to be treasures until they were dust). On December 19, 2009, my husband and I traveled for 2 hours in the middle of the night on snow covered roads to reach my parents. They had been inside the home when the fire started, of course losing electricity, then being forced from their home, leaving an entire life of memories behind them as they looked on in terror. The wedding bands they had cherished for over thirty eight years were gone. The pictures and toys of their children were gone. Their daughter's wedding dress was gone. The necessities were gone: food, clothing, shoes, toothbrushes.......After years of seeing my parents struggle and do without wants to build a successful live for themselves and give their children a nice home and future, I drove upon blazes that I could have never prepared my mind to illustrate. For the first time in my life, I actually felt my heart break as I saw my mom standing in 8 inches of snow with one of my father's work boots on one foot and a flip flop on the other. She was wearing mismatched pajamas and watching in horror as she lost something that once meant so much. She looked like an orphan watching in desperation as her parents drove away. It was one of the worst days of my life.

GO CATS

A wonderful end to a good day. Kentucky gets revenge, beating South Carolina by 21. I love you Demarcus Cousins!

A Much Needed Day Off

I had a much needed day off from work today. Monday & Tuesday were very stressful, so a small break has been much appreciated. I was able to get in a workout this morning. In December, I purchased several "Core Fusion" DVDs. With the hours I work, it is impossible to make it to a gym or exercise class, so in the winter, I have to depend on exercise videos. I have to admit the "Core Fusion" videos have been more effective than any others I have tried within the past year. The exercises incorporate yoga & pilates.

I also had a much needed haircut today. It is amazing how much better you feel after a new haircut!

Now, once again it is SNOWING! We have had snow almost every week since November. I am so sick of winter!!!! I am constantly dreaming of blue skies, sand between my toes, and a lime daiquiri in my hand.

Childless

I periodically watch a show, "16 and Pregnant", on MTV. The show is interesting, but emotionally draining as I am 31 and unable to have children. At the age of 25, I was diagnosed with cervical & uterine cancer, resulting in a hysterectomy and the inability to bear children. With this experience, it is often difficult to feel like a woman and others often perceive me as worthless or unable to fulfill the ultimate purpose associated with being a woman. Almost daily, I have a patient ask me if I have children. After I share my story or simply say, " I can't have children", the patient inevitably looks so sad and I can almost see him/her thinking that I could not possibly have any other purpose in life. I mean---I have endured a heartbreaking sacrifice, but my life doesn't completely SUCK. Women can possess values and qualities other than motherhood.

My heart broke for one young girl, who was featured on the show tonight. A few months after she delivered her baby, the boyfriend broke up with her & just left her standing in the cold rain with their baby. You could just see the little girl's heart break. I wonder if the young man will ever realize the pain he created.

A Very Stressful Monday

I am truly grateful to have a job, a very rewarding job. However, I have to admit that working mondays in a family practice clinic often feels similar to being plucked to death by a chicken. Every monday brings total chaos with many, many patients, phone calls, labs, etc. Sometimes it can just be overwhelming. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better......

After a very stressful day, I am now enjoying THE BACHELOR. I really don't understand why I am so drawn to this nonsense. Can 25 women really date the same man without killing each other?

Bunco Night

I just got home from Bunco night. With work and marriage, it is often easy to neglect valuable friendships. Several months ago, one of my friends suggested starting a Bunco group so we could escape life for a couple of hours and catch up on very important, meaningful GOSSIP! This has been one of the greatest things we have every done. In the past, months would go by without seeing or calling one another, but now we make our monthly gathering a priority. We laughed for two full hours. It is amazing how good laughing can make you feel. I am so blessed to have smart, beautiful, talented, FUNNY friends!