What is Wrong With This World?

It has been a very disturbing and tragic week....to say the least. I was first horrified to learn of another school shooting, which occurred in Omaha, Nebraska, resulting in the death of an Assistant Principal. I have posted a link to the story here. How can a child be so emotionally wounded that he would feel the desire or need to hurt another human being and then take his own life? It seems as though the world is becoming more and more desensitized to reality. I don't know if people really understand the ultimate ramifications of their actions.

I was again stunned today as I witnessed the footage of the tragic shooting of an Arizona Congresswoman, which resulted in the death of six others. Representative Giffords is in critical condition after receiving a gunshot wound to the head. I have posted a link to the story here. The gunman has been apprehended, but again I have to ask why would he do something so terrible? I definitely do not agree with some politicians' views, but no one should ever be harmed for supporting something he or she believes in. Why do the actions of some people have to be so extreme and damaging? Even in my own job as a nurse practitioner, I witness people display such anger and desperation. I often feel afraid to go to work. People should NOT have to be afraid to live.

Snow Again!!!!!!!!!

It is snowing again!!!!!!! I really don't know if I can stand to see one more flake. I am so longing for visions of spring and dreaming of a beach vacation with toes in the sand and lime daiquiri in hand! This year, we are attempting to do two vacations: our annual Caribbean anniversary trip and a family beach vacation. For the family trip, we are considering Charleston, Hilton Head, Destin, or the Outer Banks. We are definitely open for suggestions....so if anyone has visited the aforementioned destinations, then please share your likes or dislikes. We did spend a few days in Hilton Head last year and we loved it, but it was a little crowded.

We are also having a difficult time choosing a Caribbean island as we like to visit a different place each year. I don't know why we have so much trouble deciding each year as I am sure we could never be disappointed with any beach getaway. The short list for this year includes: Aruba, British Virgin Islands, Antigua, St. Lucia, or St. Barts. Again, if anyone has visited the previously mentioned destinations, then please share details and help us make a decision. I am really loving this resort in BVI and this resort in St. Lucia. This St. Lucia resort also looks gorgeous. However, I am sure I won't love any of the prices. I really need a raise or a lottery win. Oh well...I guess I will just stare out my window, gaze at the snow and dream........

Falling Birds

Have you heard about the falling birds? Why are so few people worried about this strange phenomenon? Unfortunately, I do not get to watch the news as much as I would like; so I had not heard anything about the birds until today when a drug rep mentioned the story at work. Now, I am obsessed with googling about the falling birds. I have posted a news link here if you have not heard the story. I think it is terrifying and I most definitely do NOT think fireworks had anything to do with thousands of birds dying and falling from the sky. I am afraid some type of disease has been sent by terrorists via the birds. What do you think about this story and why is this story not receiving more media attention?

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Big Marv!

Dad and Carsyn

Today is my father's 59th birthday. I am so grateful for a kind, loving, forgiving, and loyal father. Just over one year ago on December 19th, 2009, I received a call from my mother around 2 am. She was crying hysterically, barely uttering the words, "Our house is on fire". She said everything was gone. At that moment, my heart collapsed to my ankles as I imagined the worst. I thought my father had died. After she calmed and could understand what I was asking, she told me that my father had made it out of the house before it was engulfed in flames. At that moment, I knew I could survive the loss of my childhood home as long as my parents were still alive. God only knows how truly grateful I am to have another year with my Dad. We have survived the devastating loss of our home and all the treasured memories that were woven into over 30 years of keepsakes. However, this Saturday, we will have a birthday party for my father in my parents' new home and celebrate his life. Happy Birthday Dad! I love you.



Must Read Blog

There is difficulty in finding the inspiration of everyday life. So many days, I feel like I'm caught in a whirlwind and can't slow the speed long enough to enjoy the view. Yesterday, while reading Fly Through Our Window, I was introduced to a new blog that I truly love..... so I felt compelled to invite my readers to become inspired at Life in Grace. Edie is one of the most talented, intuitive, and awe-inspiring writers I have encountered. She possesses the ability to grasp gratitude in even the most desperate, life altering situations. She actually reminds me of a very dear friend.......I'll have to tell you about her sometime. After I discovered the blog, I couldn't stop reading......or crying. I hope you enjoy her blog as much as I do.

Fitness Resolution

As written a couple of weeks ago, one of my New Year's resolutions is to start exercising daily and finally tone my abs for the first time in life. Unfortunately, I have had difficulty initiating my plan, but I did attempt to shape up the abs today.

My new DVD purchase

I completed level 1 today, a 35 minute workout focusing on core strength. She suggests to do level 1 on 5 days per week x 3 weeks, then progress to level 2 on five days per week x 3 weeks. I think I am going to attempt to do the workout  4 days per week--Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday. After doing the workout, I think my abs may need a break on Wednesdays.....they're just not used to this much work. I am pleased with my purchase and I think it is an effective workout. My goal is to trim 1 inch from the waist over the next 4 weeks....I'll let you know how it goes.....



Grateful for Monday

Welcome 2011!

I am so grateful for a new year, filled with new beginnings. Unfortunately, I have already failed at 2 of my New Year's resolutions and I am only into day 3 of the year. I have promised myself to start exercising in the morning and I am really going to try to blog everyday.....it is just sooooo difficult to write about my life when it is soooo boring. Basically, all I do is work, eat, sleep...then repeat. What can I really say about that?

I did delete my facebook, which was one of my resolutions. I have to admit I had some withdrawal symptoms at first, but now I feel liberated!

I am looking forward to great things in the new year. I really believe the recession will come to an end in 2011. I am also excited to learn who the next presidential candidates will be. A few of my hopeful Republican candidates would include Governor Haley Barbour, Mitt Romney, and possibly Sarah Palin. I am well aware how the press depicts Sarah Palin, but I am not convinced. I can't help but see her as a strong, confident, intelligent woman who unequivocally provokes strong emotions from her enemies as well as her allies. If she is as stupid as the press portrays her to be, then why is everyone so interested in every move she makes?

........Can't wait to see what 2011 has to offer........HAPPY NEW YEAR!