Inspiration always hits me at unpredictable times.
I have been feeling a bit morose lately, like life is happening outside my window and all I can do is sit and watch. I know that this feeling is stemming from new plan to get healthy. A plan that means lots of rest, no alcohol and following a specific diet which is hard to get at restaurants. My lifestyle up until now has pretty much revolved around going to nice restaurants and drinking wine - of course, that was never the main focus. The focus has been getting together with great friends and sharing the experience.
So, as you can imagine that the transition has been a bit rough for me. Don't get me wrong, I definitely feel "healthier" and I'm happy I'm doing this. Am I putting my life on hold OR is this simply a transition period? OR is this my "new life"?
This morning, on "walkie", Lucy and I ran into one of her favorite people friends, a woman named Susan. Susan usually walks with two other women and I have always really admired them. I always felt like they are a trio who I'd really enjoy sharing a bottle of wine with (old life, of course!) I am guessing that they are in their late 50s or maybe early 60s and seem to have a really geniune friendship with each other. They walk every single day and they walk long & far... I didn't know how far until today. Anyhoo, Susan was on her own today and happened to be turning around so we walked together for a good 1/2 mile. Our conversation was very much like conversations I have with my own fabulous girlfriends. We covered topics like how we each ended up living in the SF Bay area, family, life in general. She (of course) asked if I had kids and her response, "it will happen when it is meant to." Love that!
That 1/2 walk disappeared quickly and I wished I could blow off work and continue walking with her.
At one point I asked her how long she walks and she said, "I walk for 4 1/2 hours" !!?!?! Wow. She's in fantastic shape, but I would have guessed that she and her friends walk more in the range of 4 1/2 miles. Lucy and I are slackers in comparison!
I am truly inspired... and a bit humbled.
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
7.17.2008
7.08.2008
Not me
A worrywart is not something I'm known to be. I tend to let stuff wash over me and I'm not the type to let minor details get to me.
Today, I am finding myself in a worrisome mood, however. I am trying to pinpoint the problem and what is nagging at me. I know it has to do with an upcoming "consultation" at THE clinic.
This process is so slow and frustrating. Also, they have so many "rules" which only complicate things further.
But, what is my alternative?!?
Today, I am finding myself in a worrisome mood, however. I am trying to pinpoint the problem and what is nagging at me. I know it has to do with an upcoming "consultation" at THE clinic.
This process is so slow and frustrating. Also, they have so many "rules" which only complicate things further.
But, what is my alternative?!?
7.07.2008
Life is Precious...
I have always said it is the saddest scenario when a parent outlives their child.
We received sad news this past weekend that Pete's - cousin's - husband's - nephew (follow that?) had suddenly passed away. He was 23 years old.
He had been staying with them. Apparently he went to a music festival over the weekend. The next day after he returned, he felt ill with a fever. He went to sleep and started to feel better, but in the morning felt worse. They took him to the hospital and he died within a few hours.
This is not supposed to happen to healthy 23 year old boys. He somehow contracted Meningitis and, because it was in his blood, it traveled through his body quickly.
Fortunately he had family by his side at the hospital, but it's another sad story of a life taken much too soon.
Tell your loved ones that you do. Cherish life... yours and everyone else's... cause you just never know. Life is precious.
We received sad news this past weekend that Pete's - cousin's - husband's - nephew (follow that?) had suddenly passed away. He was 23 years old.
He had been staying with them. Apparently he went to a music festival over the weekend. The next day after he returned, he felt ill with a fever. He went to sleep and started to feel better, but in the morning felt worse. They took him to the hospital and he died within a few hours.
This is not supposed to happen to healthy 23 year old boys. He somehow contracted Meningitis and, because it was in his blood, it traveled through his body quickly.
Fortunately he had family by his side at the hospital, but it's another sad story of a life taken much too soon.
Tell your loved ones that you do. Cherish life... yours and everyone else's... cause you just never know. Life is precious.
7.02.2008
The power of generosity
I need to blog about something that has really been bothering me. Something happened over the past week that I recognize is a pattern with me.
I am the type of person who is extremely trusting and willing to give almost anyone the benefit of the doubt. My mother was my strongest role-model and influence growing up. She taught me the power of generosity - this applies to material items as well as generosity in the spiritual, emotional sense. I look at it as a positive, back to basics approach to treating others as you want others to treat you. Like throwing coins in the karma fountain. Those who reciprocate and share in this philosophy are the ones to hold on to. Those who take advantage of your generosity are the ones to let go.
I'm noticing that at times, this personality trait of mine does me no good. The reality is there are people (probably the majority of this world) who take advantage of good-natured, generous souls. I have been burned many times and each time the experience affects me deeply. I find it really hard to comprehend that others aren't "like me". Sounds egotistical but I think I cherish this trait of mine and don't want to change. It bums me out that the more times I get burned, the more inclined I am to become more protective of myself and less generous.
I can only learn from my mistakes. As I advance in age, I find it easier to pinpoint those people quicker than in the past. Luckily the people who are closest to me share in this philosophy and I feel very fortunate to have them in my life.
I am the type of person who is extremely trusting and willing to give almost anyone the benefit of the doubt. My mother was my strongest role-model and influence growing up. She taught me the power of generosity - this applies to material items as well as generosity in the spiritual, emotional sense. I look at it as a positive, back to basics approach to treating others as you want others to treat you. Like throwing coins in the karma fountain. Those who reciprocate and share in this philosophy are the ones to hold on to. Those who take advantage of your generosity are the ones to let go.
I'm noticing that at times, this personality trait of mine does me no good. The reality is there are people (probably the majority of this world) who take advantage of good-natured, generous souls. I have been burned many times and each time the experience affects me deeply. I find it really hard to comprehend that others aren't "like me". Sounds egotistical but I think I cherish this trait of mine and don't want to change. It bums me out that the more times I get burned, the more inclined I am to become more protective of myself and less generous.
I can only learn from my mistakes. As I advance in age, I find it easier to pinpoint those people quicker than in the past. Luckily the people who are closest to me share in this philosophy and I feel very fortunate to have them in my life.
6.30.2008
Dog Days of Summer
What a day... it's the last day of the month and the last day of the quarter which has implications that only a salesperson can relate to.
It all started on morning walkie with Lucy.
I had a big goofy smile plastered on my face from the moment I woke up. After a relaxing, fun weekend with wonderful girlfriends, I was in great spirits.
Lucy and I set out on walkie. Lucy happily chased squirrels, and unearthed old tennis balls while I listened to my boys on KNBR, feeling good that the Giants managed to take 2 out of 3 games from the A's... not at all concerned that today is a Monday.
I should have known the moment I spotted this threesome down the trail. The gray haired skinny woman with a sour look on her face, her husband who meekly walked a step behind her and a small, tawny collie type dog who looked like it wanted nothing more than to get away from them.
As Lucy and I passed by, the collie dog excitedly pulled on the leash trying to jump toward Lucy. Meanwhile Lucy calmly walked past with zero interest in any of them. As I walked by, the lady said to me, "you need to put your dog on a leash. It IS the law after all" - I'm sure you can imagine the sneering voice. Any other day, I would have wanted to smack this lady but today nothing could ruin my great mood. So I pretended I didn't hear her.
Classic. Clearly she was mad /jealous 'cause her dog was so unruly ON the leash, while Lucy was so well-behaved OFF her leash.
Haters, I tell you. I can only feel sorry for people like this cause clearly she leads a miserable, unhappy life.
6.25.2008
Same story, another day
That is the theme for the day. I heard back from my big prospect in the U.K. that budget was not approved to purchase my product and "if business gets better" they will purchase in Q4 or Q1 '09.
The kicker is that these people have told us this pretty much every quarter for the past 2 years. Is it time to face reality and give up? As a salesperson, I am the eternal optimist. When someone says they will put it in the budget for the next year, I believe them. Silly me.
Luckily there are days when someone will call me and say, "guess what? we got approval to purchase ahead of schedule". Those days are pretty rare, but I guess it goes to show you that life as a salesperson is a bit like a roller-coaster ride.
On another note, my boss just fired our intern... so now he's interviewing a new lackey to handle our technology needs. I guess we all should have known when on his first day at the job, the kid blatantly played video games at his computer! It seems like our employees either last for years or for a very very short time.
Happy Hump Day!
The kicker is that these people have told us this pretty much every quarter for the past 2 years. Is it time to face reality and give up? As a salesperson, I am the eternal optimist. When someone says they will put it in the budget for the next year, I believe them. Silly me.
Luckily there are days when someone will call me and say, "guess what? we got approval to purchase ahead of schedule". Those days are pretty rare, but I guess it goes to show you that life as a salesperson is a bit like a roller-coaster ride.
On another note, my boss just fired our intern... so now he's interviewing a new lackey to handle our technology needs. I guess we all should have known when on his first day at the job, the kid blatantly played video games at his computer! It seems like our employees either last for years or for a very very short time.
Happy Hump Day!
5.28.2008
The Big Scare
I am feeling much better, by the way... Phew! sickness aborted.
Anyhoo... thought I'd mention my big scare over the weekend. I almost lost my beloved Lucy.
I cannot bear to think about life without her... not to mention my husband would probably divorce me.
I typically let her walk with me off-leash, much to the chagrin of other dogwalkers who are obedient unlike me. She's usually pretty good at following me or at least catching up to me if I get too far up the trail. She does have lots of distractions - the 1/2 eaten bagel near the HS, uncovering lost tennis balls, other doggie smells, and of course chasing her nemeses: squirrels! ... And yes, I double-checked, nemeses IS the plural of nemesis.
On Sunday I wanted to experiment by doing a bit of run/walking. We were at one section of the trail and I started running. I looked back and saw her about 100 yards back darting out of some bushes. It looked like she was running out to catch up with me, so I kept running. A few paces later, I looked back and she was nowhere in sight. So, I backtracked, calling her, then angrily screaming her name ("that dog!" I muttered to myself). After a few minutes I started to get worried. I walked back and forth in that stretch of the trail several times and my mind started to race. Panicked I thought that perhaps she had shimmied under a fence and someone decided to take her inside. But, how could that happen so quickly? I started asking everyone who passed me if they had seen a black and white dog. Finally, two of the ladies I had asked called out to me and I saw that they were leading my little Lucy back. Thank GOODNESS I had reached out to them. Apparently Lucy ran out of the bushes, didn't see me so she backtracked and was in a completely different section of the trail.
Tears of joy as Lucy raced toward me and into my arms. She ain't a real baby but she's my baby.
Anyhoo... thought I'd mention my big scare over the weekend. I almost lost my beloved Lucy.
I cannot bear to think about life without her... not to mention my husband would probably divorce me.
I typically let her walk with me off-leash, much to the chagrin of other dogwalkers who are obedient unlike me. She's usually pretty good at following me or at least catching up to me if I get too far up the trail. She does have lots of distractions - the 1/2 eaten bagel near the HS, uncovering lost tennis balls, other doggie smells, and of course chasing her nemeses: squirrels! ... And yes, I double-checked, nemeses IS the plural of nemesis.
On Sunday I wanted to experiment by doing a bit of run/walking. We were at one section of the trail and I started running. I looked back and saw her about 100 yards back darting out of some bushes. It looked like she was running out to catch up with me, so I kept running. A few paces later, I looked back and she was nowhere in sight. So, I backtracked, calling her, then angrily screaming her name ("that dog!" I muttered to myself). After a few minutes I started to get worried. I walked back and forth in that stretch of the trail several times and my mind started to race. Panicked I thought that perhaps she had shimmied under a fence and someone decided to take her inside. But, how could that happen so quickly? I started asking everyone who passed me if they had seen a black and white dog. Finally, two of the ladies I had asked called out to me and I saw that they were leading my little Lucy back. Thank GOODNESS I had reached out to them. Apparently Lucy ran out of the bushes, didn't see me so she backtracked and was in a completely different section of the trail.
Tears of joy as Lucy raced toward me and into my arms. She ain't a real baby but she's my baby.
5.21.2008
Words of 2008 in my life
Here is a follow up to the 2008 words post... the 2008 words as they pertain to ME!
(see my previous post for reference, or you will be ultra confused)
My husband and I (verifiable mouse potatoes) strive to become Sitcoms someday. We do not currently live in Generica. However if we do become Sitcoms, more than likely that is where we will be! My parents on the other hand are Woofs... go figure.
At work, I seem to have a lot of salmon days and deal with many 404s regularly. My boss is definitely a stresspuppy.
I do suffer from an addiction to irritainment, looking forward to my US magazine delivery each Thursday afternoon.
To give you an idea of the kind of luck I have, I have swipeouts often and the Ohnoseconds come often.
Luckily I do not live in a cubicle, so I don't have to deal with cubefarms or prairiedogging, but cropdusting does occur 'round here!
(see my previous post for reference, or you will be ultra confused)
My husband and I (verifiable mouse potatoes) strive to become Sitcoms someday. We do not currently live in Generica. However if we do become Sitcoms, more than likely that is where we will be! My parents on the other hand are Woofs... go figure.
At work, I seem to have a lot of salmon days and deal with many 404s regularly. My boss is definitely a stresspuppy.
I do suffer from an addiction to irritainment, looking forward to my US magazine delivery each Thursday afternoon.
To give you an idea of the kind of luck I have, I have swipeouts often and the Ohnoseconds come often.
Luckily I do not live in a cubicle, so I don't have to deal with cubefarms or prairiedogging, but cropdusting does occur 'round here!
2008 Words
A friend sent me this list. I guess they are new words for 2008. There are some funny ones. I wanted to be sure to save the list, so I am posting it here!
1. BLAMESTORMING Sitting around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed, and who was responsible.
2.SEAGULL MANAGER: A manager, who flies in, makes a lot of noise, craps on everything, and then leaves.
3.ASSMOSIS: The process by which some people seem to absorb success and advancement by kissing up to the boss rather than working hard
4.SALMON DAY: The experience of spending an entire day swimming upstream only to get screwed and die in the end.
5. CUBE FARM : An office filled with cubicles.
6.PRAIRIE DOGGING : When someone yells or drops something loudly in a cube farm, and people's heads pop up over the walls to see what's going on.
7. MOUSE POTATO : The on-line, wired generation's answer to the couch potato.
8.SITCOMs: Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage. What Yuppies get into when they have children and one of them stops working to stay home with the kids.
9.STRESS PUPPY: A person who seems to thrive on being stressed out and whiny.
10.SWIPEOUT: An ATM or credit card that has been rendered useless because magnetic strip is worn away from extensive use.
11.XEROX SUBSIDY: Euphemism for swiping free photocopies from one's workplace.
12.IRRITAINMENT: Entertainment and media spectacles that are Annoying but you find yourself unable to stop watching them.
13. PERCUSSIVE MAINTENANCE: The fine art of whacking the crap out of an electronic device to get it to work again.
14. ADMINISPHERE : The rarefied organizational layers beginning just above the rank and file. Decisions that fall from the adminisphere are often profoundly inappropriate or irrelevant to the problems they were designed to solve.
15. 404 : Someone who's clueless. From the World Wide Web error Message '404 Not Found,' meaning that the requested site could not be located.
16. GENERICA : Features of the American landscape that are exactly the same no matter where one is, such as fast food joints, strip malls, and subdivisions.
17.OHNOSECOND : That minuscule fraction of time in which you realize that you've just made a BIG mistake. (Like after hitting send on an email by mistake).
18.WOOFS: Well-Off Older Folks.
19. CROP DUSTING: Surreptitiously passing gas while passing through a Cube Farm.
1. BLAMESTORMING Sitting around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed, and who was responsible.
2.SEAGULL MANAGER: A manager, who flies in, makes a lot of noise, craps on everything, and then leaves.
3.ASSMOSIS: The process by which some people seem to absorb success and advancement by kissing up to the boss rather than working hard
4.SALMON DAY: The experience of spending an entire day swimming upstream only to get screwed and die in the end.
5. CUBE FARM : An office filled with cubicles.
6.PRAIRIE DOGGING : When someone yells or drops something loudly in a cube farm, and people's heads pop up over the walls to see what's going on.
7. MOUSE POTATO : The on-line, wired generation's answer to the couch potato.
8.SITCOMs: Single Income, Two Children, Oppressive Mortgage. What Yuppies get into when they have children and one of them stops working to stay home with the kids.
9.STRESS PUPPY: A person who seems to thrive on being stressed out and whiny.
10.SWIPEOUT: An ATM or credit card that has been rendered useless because magnetic strip is worn away from extensive use.
11.XEROX SUBSIDY: Euphemism for swiping free photocopies from one's workplace.
12.IRRITAINMENT: Entertainment and media spectacles that are Annoying but you find yourself unable to stop watching them.
13. PERCUSSIVE MAINTENANCE: The fine art of whacking the crap out of an electronic device to get it to work again.
14. ADMINISPHERE : The rarefied organizational layers beginning just above the rank and file. Decisions that fall from the adminisphere are often profoundly inappropriate or irrelevant to the problems they were designed to solve.
15. 404 : Someone who's clueless. From the World Wide Web error Message '404 Not Found,' meaning that the requested site could not be located.
16. GENERICA : Features of the American landscape that are exactly the same no matter where one is, such as fast food joints, strip malls, and subdivisions.
17.OHNOSECOND : That minuscule fraction of time in which you realize that you've just made a BIG mistake. (Like after hitting send on an email by mistake).
18.WOOFS: Well-Off Older Folks.
19. CROP DUSTING: Surreptitiously passing gas while passing through a Cube Farm.
Life is Good
Today I'm "working" in the backyard while our housecleaner does her thing. Can I please get someone to turn the wind down a notch? My papers are flying everywhere... thanks!
I'm listening to baseball on the radio, staring at some beautiful redwood trees and trying not to notice the dry, almost brown lawn (there is a water ban going on in my neighborhood). I can't complain too much.
Plus it's a long weekend this weekend and I have fun plans on the agenda.
I'm listening to baseball on the radio, staring at some beautiful redwood trees and trying not to notice the dry, almost brown lawn (there is a water ban going on in my neighborhood). I can't complain too much.
Plus it's a long weekend this weekend and I have fun plans on the agenda.
Icing on the cake is I'm off for vacation in about a week. 5 day cruise to Bermuda with the in-laws... hopefully noone goes overboard! Naw, I'm just joshing... I actually like my in-laws, so all should go well.
Just gotta survive 5 more work days...
5.20.2008
Minor blip in an otherwise fabulous day
I can't believe I didn't blog about this yesterday!
Sunday afternoon I met up with my favorite gal, A, for a quickie snack / glass of wine - BR Cohn Chardonnay to be exact (we were both craving it as they had run out of Chardonnay at the BR Cohn WINERY when were were there the day before - isn't that against the law in California?)
Anyhoo, we were relaxing on the patio while Lucy charmed the other customers, enjoying a perfect afternoon. All of a sudden, we heard a loud bang. I looked toward the sound and realized someone had just backed into MY car! I was so worried they would drive off, so I ran over and started waving him down. Luckily he was already getting out of the car and seemed shocked that there was something behind hime.
Side note: I did notice he was wearing a Bay to Breakers t-shirt and I do remember that post-race dazed and confused state of mind (it hasn't been THAT long since I was an avid runner)
At first I didn't think there was any damage but then I noticed a huge crack to the side of my license plate on my bumper. His back hitch had hit my license plate and the impact caused the bumper to crack.
Luckily the other driver was very cooperative and apologized a few times. We exchanged information and he went on his way and I went back to my Chardonnay...
Of COURSE, dealing with the insurance adjusters has not be quite so smooth.... Is it just me or could these people care less about their job?
Sunday afternoon I met up with my favorite gal, A, for a quickie snack / glass of wine - BR Cohn Chardonnay to be exact (we were both craving it as they had run out of Chardonnay at the BR Cohn WINERY when were were there the day before - isn't that against the law in California?)
Anyhoo, we were relaxing on the patio while Lucy charmed the other customers, enjoying a perfect afternoon. All of a sudden, we heard a loud bang. I looked toward the sound and realized someone had just backed into MY car! I was so worried they would drive off, so I ran over and started waving him down. Luckily he was already getting out of the car and seemed shocked that there was something behind hime.
Side note: I did notice he was wearing a Bay to Breakers t-shirt and I do remember that post-race dazed and confused state of mind (it hasn't been THAT long since I was an avid runner)
At first I didn't think there was any damage but then I noticed a huge crack to the side of my license plate on my bumper. His back hitch had hit my license plate and the impact caused the bumper to crack.
Luckily the other driver was very cooperative and apologized a few times. We exchanged information and he went on his way and I went back to my Chardonnay...
Of COURSE, dealing with the insurance adjusters has not be quite so smooth.... Is it just me or could these people care less about their job?
5.19.2008
Post # 101!
I was so surprised to log in to blogger and learn that I've published 100 posts to my blog so far!
I know there are folks out there with thousands of blog entries, but this feels like an accomplishment to me.
Mondays are always my most least inspired of days, but let's see if I can come up with something witty, intelligent, or meaningful... fat chance!
Last week during our weekly company meeting, the topic of earthquakes came up... namely the ginormous quake that is estimated to hit the bay area in the next ~10 years. My boss then told us he had heard that scientists were actually considering pouring a bunch of baby powder down the fault line so that when the earthquake finally hits, the plates will move smoother, resulting in a less devastating situation. ???
I asked him if Johnson & Johnson was sponsoring the project. That just sounds like an urban legend if you ask me! In fact I am going to Google this now... watch this space.
UPDATE:
I could not find anything to this effect, but in the following article, they do reference looking to see if talc exists deep in the faultline core... hmmmm, verrrry interesting.
http://tinyurl.com/3ouane
I know there are folks out there with thousands of blog entries, but this feels like an accomplishment to me.
Mondays are always my most least inspired of days, but let's see if I can come up with something witty, intelligent, or meaningful... fat chance!
Last week during our weekly company meeting, the topic of earthquakes came up... namely the ginormous quake that is estimated to hit the bay area in the next ~10 years. My boss then told us he had heard that scientists were actually considering pouring a bunch of baby powder down the fault line so that when the earthquake finally hits, the plates will move smoother, resulting in a less devastating situation. ???
I asked him if Johnson & Johnson was sponsoring the project. That just sounds like an urban legend if you ask me! In fact I am going to Google this now... watch this space.
UPDATE:
I could not find anything to this effect, but in the following article, they do reference looking to see if talc exists deep in the faultline core... hmmmm, verrrry interesting.
http://tinyurl.com/3ouane
5.15.2008
Welcome to my new world..
So my Eastern Medicine "Practitioner" (not sure what the correct word is) told me today that I can only drink liquids that are room temperature, warm or preferably hot...
She tells me this on the hottest day of the season so far (it's easily 100 degrees). Gulp, just before my appointment I had devoured an icy fruitsicle.
So, now I'm blogging drinking hot tea feeling like a dumb A and I had to take all of my cold drinks out of the refrigerator. Sigh.
But, all in all, I feel positive about my new Eastern Medicine Plan. My practitioner spent 45 minutes with me talking about the various procedures in store for me. She told me they would mix an herbal remedy. And of course she described my new diet... pretty much I will not be able to eat out in an actual restaurant anytime in the near future.
There goes my social life, officially.
The good news is I didn't have to pay a dime, the first consultation was FREE! In contrast my previous "practitioner" charged me $275 the moment I walked in the door. Guess that's just one of the many differences between Eastern and Western medicine.
She tells me this on the hottest day of the season so far (it's easily 100 degrees). Gulp, just before my appointment I had devoured an icy fruitsicle.
So, now I'm blogging drinking hot tea feeling like a dumb A and I had to take all of my cold drinks out of the refrigerator. Sigh.
But, all in all, I feel positive about my new Eastern Medicine Plan. My practitioner spent 45 minutes with me talking about the various procedures in store for me. She told me they would mix an herbal remedy. And of course she described my new diet... pretty much I will not be able to eat out in an actual restaurant anytime in the near future.
There goes my social life, officially.
The good news is I didn't have to pay a dime, the first consultation was FREE! In contrast my previous "practitioner" charged me $275 the moment I walked in the door. Guess that's just one of the many differences between Eastern and Western medicine.
5.13.2008
The do gooders in the world - can I be one?
I have been thinking a lot about the truly altruistic people in this world. I have a great friend who belongs to this group of individuals. She is working for a non-profit that provides technology to areas which have been devastated by a disaster. Obviously they are quite busy in light of the recent tragedies in Myanmar and China.
Her influence has rubbed off on me... at least a little bit (I'm still selfish as ever). I've spent a lot of time in recent months searching for a suitable volunteer project that I can participate in. You'd think that it would be easy to go contribute your time to a worthy cause. Not necessarily. Many of the opportunities need help during work week hours. Many require a commitment of a few weekends in a row for orientation or training. Some of them require special technical or medical skills. Some of them just don't call you back. I thought I found a great opportunity helping the American Cancer Society with their Relay for life event. I actually got a woman on the phone who excitedly said that, yes! They need help. She said she'd contact me when they get their initial volunteer meeting scheduled. I am still waiting for that call....
Should I take a hint? Is my selfishness that transparent?
Anyways... I guess I'll keep looking but if you know of a worthy non-profit in the East Bay Area that will allow me to contribute time in the early evenings or weekends without bureaucratic red tape, send 'em my way.
Her influence has rubbed off on me... at least a little bit (I'm still selfish as ever). I've spent a lot of time in recent months searching for a suitable volunteer project that I can participate in. You'd think that it would be easy to go contribute your time to a worthy cause. Not necessarily. Many of the opportunities need help during work week hours. Many require a commitment of a few weekends in a row for orientation or training. Some of them require special technical or medical skills. Some of them just don't call you back. I thought I found a great opportunity helping the American Cancer Society with their Relay for life event. I actually got a woman on the phone who excitedly said that, yes! They need help. She said she'd contact me when they get their initial volunteer meeting scheduled. I am still waiting for that call....
Should I take a hint? Is my selfishness that transparent?
Anyways... I guess I'll keep looking but if you know of a worthy non-profit in the East Bay Area that will allow me to contribute time in the early evenings or weekends without bureaucratic red tape, send 'em my way.
5.08.2008
another sad story
Every now and then you hear a tragic story... a parent accidentally leaves their kid in a heated car, or a toddler drowns in a pool, etc. These stories break my heart every time. I seem to read about these episodes too often for my comfort level.
This morning a woman in Pittsburgh accidentally ran over her 6 year old daughter who was riding a tricycle behind her car. The girl died.
How do you live with yourself if you are the mother? I cannot fathom it. I like to think I will be a parent with awareness. But accidents happen, and you can never guarantee they won't happen to you.
This morning a woman in Pittsburgh accidentally ran over her 6 year old daughter who was riding a tricycle behind her car. The girl died.
How do you live with yourself if you are the mother? I cannot fathom it. I like to think I will be a parent with awareness. But accidents happen, and you can never guarantee they won't happen to you.
5.01.2008
Just like a drug
My girlfriend, Ayelet, wrote about this topic, so I am going to copy her! : )
I have weaned myself off caffeine. It's been going well... except for the dull headache I seem to have constantly.
This afternoon I was drinking one of those new & hip enhanced water drinks, called "Alive". It tasted pretty good!
I started to read the bottle and there was actually a note that the drink has as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, as a benefit of course... doh!
No wonder that headache subsided for a while.
I have weaned myself off caffeine. It's been going well... except for the dull headache I seem to have constantly.
This afternoon I was drinking one of those new & hip enhanced water drinks, called "Alive". It tasted pretty good!
I started to read the bottle and there was actually a note that the drink has as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, as a benefit of course... doh!
No wonder that headache subsided for a while.
4.15.2008
The Plan
I had grand plans over the next week or so, but I must now put question marks next to each event on my calendar.
My new doctor gave me "the plan" today.... Ouch, I think they now own my life.
Last weekend, I had dragged my sweet husband to a cold, sterile, lab so we could get a boatload of blood tests done. No kidding, these people mean business. I left the room woozy after the lab technician drew 6 vials of blood out of me. I think Pete had 5 vials drawn.
The reason for the blood tests were to check to make sure neither of us are inflicted with any infectious diseases. Why should they care? They want proof that we are clean, in the event we try to sue them for giving one of us something during treatment! Man, I forget what a litigious world we live in.
I thought we were done with the red tape, but now they need us to come in to sign consent forms this Saturday (of course I had made plans for that day) -- it's not good enough if we were to sign and fax the forms in. NO... the forms must be signed in their presence -- you know how I am, forging Pete's name all the time. ; )
I start the drugs on Thursday - two a day for 5 days - then wait a few days, then at day 11, I gotta start testing. The moment I get a positive reading, I need to come in to get an ultrasound.
OF COURSE, knowing me and my luck, it will EITHER happen on day 11 (the day I have plans to attend the kick off party for the SF International film festival) OR on day 13 (the day I have plans to go to a music festival in Livermore).
(sigh)
My new doctor gave me "the plan" today.... Ouch, I think they now own my life.
Last weekend, I had dragged my sweet husband to a cold, sterile, lab so we could get a boatload of blood tests done. No kidding, these people mean business. I left the room woozy after the lab technician drew 6 vials of blood out of me. I think Pete had 5 vials drawn.
The reason for the blood tests were to check to make sure neither of us are inflicted with any infectious diseases. Why should they care? They want proof that we are clean, in the event we try to sue them for giving one of us something during treatment! Man, I forget what a litigious world we live in.
I thought we were done with the red tape, but now they need us to come in to sign consent forms this Saturday (of course I had made plans for that day) -- it's not good enough if we were to sign and fax the forms in. NO... the forms must be signed in their presence -- you know how I am, forging Pete's name all the time. ; )
I start the drugs on Thursday - two a day for 5 days - then wait a few days, then at day 11, I gotta start testing. The moment I get a positive reading, I need to come in to get an ultrasound.
OF COURSE, knowing me and my luck, it will EITHER happen on day 11 (the day I have plans to attend the kick off party for the SF International film festival) OR on day 13 (the day I have plans to go to a music festival in Livermore).
(sigh)
I guess my doctors are just preparing me for what's in store in the event all of this works -- yeah, that's right: no life!!
4.13.2008
Here we go again...
I went on a fabulous hike this morning with one of my more inspiring women friends.... damn this girl is impressive. Anyhoo, we talked, cried, and therapatized (and I do not care if that is NOT a real word!).
Amy is the gal who lost her ex husband two weekends ago... she filled me in on some shocking details that have me in a very pensive mood... as well as scratching my head. (MEN, need I say more? although that topic should be reserved for another blog entry).
It is amazing to me how much this woman has been through but she is one of the strongest women I know. Definitely a model for who I aspire to be.
The hike was quite a cathartic event for both of us... the two of us huffing and puffing (okay, just ME), laying it all out in the open, bouncing thoughts and feelings off of each other..... all in the blazing heat (yes, it reached 88 degrees today... on April 12?).
After two hours of blood, sweat and tears (yeah, I exaggerate.... so?!?!?) I felt great... cleansed and ready to conquer the world.
After the hike, we stopped off at Diablo Foods as I wanted to pick up a "princess cake" for my friend Anna. Her birthday is April 15 (yeah, unfortunate!) and we planned to go to dinner that evening.
I dropped Amy off and listened to my voicemail. I had turned off my phone so I hadn't received the call, but I found myself listening to the most heartwrenching voicemail message. It was Anna... tearfully informing me that her dad had passed away the night before.
It was probably the longest message I'd ever received from my great friend (a bridesmaid at my wedding) who I have always admired for her strength and level-headedness. Within moments, I too, found myself in tears. Her father had been battling Parkinson's Disease and his condition had worsened in the past 6 months.
I did get a chance to chat with Anna today and I reminded her that he lived a long life and she did everything in her power to go home (South Dakota is quite far from California) as often as possible to be by his side. In fact, she and her sister had visited just last weekend. He died peacefully and my feeling is that he may have had no more strength in him to fight to live. Anna said he hadn't been eating and he had been bed-ridden. It was time to go.
Having lost my father and my experience when he passed (a bit fuzzy 18 years later), I tried as hard as I could to offer her any tidbit of positivity to help her through this sad time. But I felt at a loss for words. She had many questions for me and I realized that I've let my memories of my dad and the experience of loss fade. I was a baby at 19 years old. How can I realize those memories again?
Life goes on. It's a sad fact and something Amy, her daughters, and Anna will come to find out.
Amy asked me today if I felt that my dad was in heaven, following what was going on in our lives. I told her that I do believe. I believe he knows, and is aware of what we're up to. Of course I hope he is proud. I am not a religious person by any means... go figure.
One very overwhelming thought I had all day after speaking with Anna is this: she & her husband have been trying to get pregnant for a while. Wouldn't it be symbolic if she got pregnant now?
Amy is the gal who lost her ex husband two weekends ago... she filled me in on some shocking details that have me in a very pensive mood... as well as scratching my head. (MEN, need I say more? although that topic should be reserved for another blog entry).
It is amazing to me how much this woman has been through but she is one of the strongest women I know. Definitely a model for who I aspire to be.
The hike was quite a cathartic event for both of us... the two of us huffing and puffing (okay, just ME), laying it all out in the open, bouncing thoughts and feelings off of each other..... all in the blazing heat (yes, it reached 88 degrees today... on April 12?).
After two hours of blood, sweat and tears (yeah, I exaggerate.... so?!?!?) I felt great... cleansed and ready to conquer the world.
After the hike, we stopped off at Diablo Foods as I wanted to pick up a "princess cake" for my friend Anna. Her birthday is April 15 (yeah, unfortunate!) and we planned to go to dinner that evening.
I dropped Amy off and listened to my voicemail. I had turned off my phone so I hadn't received the call, but I found myself listening to the most heartwrenching voicemail message. It was Anna... tearfully informing me that her dad had passed away the night before.
It was probably the longest message I'd ever received from my great friend (a bridesmaid at my wedding) who I have always admired for her strength and level-headedness. Within moments, I too, found myself in tears. Her father had been battling Parkinson's Disease and his condition had worsened in the past 6 months.
I did get a chance to chat with Anna today and I reminded her that he lived a long life and she did everything in her power to go home (South Dakota is quite far from California) as often as possible to be by his side. In fact, she and her sister had visited just last weekend. He died peacefully and my feeling is that he may have had no more strength in him to fight to live. Anna said he hadn't been eating and he had been bed-ridden. It was time to go.
Having lost my father and my experience when he passed (a bit fuzzy 18 years later), I tried as hard as I could to offer her any tidbit of positivity to help her through this sad time. But I felt at a loss for words. She had many questions for me and I realized that I've let my memories of my dad and the experience of loss fade. I was a baby at 19 years old. How can I realize those memories again?
Life goes on. It's a sad fact and something Amy, her daughters, and Anna will come to find out.
Amy asked me today if I felt that my dad was in heaven, following what was going on in our lives. I told her that I do believe. I believe he knows, and is aware of what we're up to. Of course I hope he is proud. I am not a religious person by any means... go figure.
One very overwhelming thought I had all day after speaking with Anna is this: she & her husband have been trying to get pregnant for a while. Wouldn't it be symbolic if she got pregnant now?
4.09.2008
New Day
It's a new day and I am in a much happier frame of mind today.
Oh, check it out: the Giants won last night's game vs. the Padres.... Benjie Molina hit a game ending Home Run in the 11th inning! Whoa, baby. Apparently Benjie hit two home runs yesterday - and I was laughing that he is their "clean up" hitter - shame on me! : )
I've been thinking a lot over the past few days about friendship and the people in my life who truly keep me sane and jazzed about life. I have some truly amazing, inspirational, and wonderful friends. I need to cherish the friendships based on mutual respect, honesty and acceptance. I also need to recognize the non-reciprocated "friendships" and value myself and my time more wisely.
Life is too short not to spend it with the people you love, who love you back.
Oh, check it out: the Giants won last night's game vs. the Padres.... Benjie Molina hit a game ending Home Run in the 11th inning! Whoa, baby. Apparently Benjie hit two home runs yesterday - and I was laughing that he is their "clean up" hitter - shame on me! : )
I've been thinking a lot over the past few days about friendship and the people in my life who truly keep me sane and jazzed about life. I have some truly amazing, inspirational, and wonderful friends. I need to cherish the friendships based on mutual respect, honesty and acceptance. I also need to recognize the non-reciprocated "friendships" and value myself and my time more wisely.
Life is too short not to spend it with the people you love, who love you back.
4.04.2008
Panic Attack!
Okay maybe I'm exaggerating a wee bit, but I am nervous.
I am signed up for a poker tournament tonight and my palms are already sweaty just thinking about it. Poker is just not my thing. Unfortunately, it IS my wonderful husband's THING as well as my boss' THING.
My boss hosts a bi-monthly poker tourney at his home and it is pretty much a requirement that I attend. I would have a blast if I could simply show up, drink some wine and pal around with the fun (mostly men) poker players.
Unfortunately that kind of behavior is poo-poo'd and I must play. I can honestly think of dozens of not-so-fun activies I'd rather be doing than play poker: scrub my bathroom floor and toilet, clean the garage, write an essay on the history of Lithuania...
I am just not good at any of the skills associated with being a good poker player: counting cards, probability, keeping track of which card combinations are better than others, BLUFFING... the whole situation just unnerves me.
I have a little "cheat sheet" in front of me that I'm trying to memorize for tonight. Here are the hands that I should bet on - any pair, any suited connector (7 & 8 of diamonds), any suite Ace (Ace & 3 of clubs), any Ace + a 10, Jack, Queen or King. Can I write this on my palm for reference tonight?
Even if I could memorize all the "rules", when it comes around to my turn, I always need to pause and think before I make a move. The others start rolling their eyes which makes me even more nervous. Then, since I don't really know what I'm doing and I'm pretty much whinging it... I'll make bonehead moves. Randomly I'll decide, "hey, maybe I can bluff and win this hand?" Of course, it never works out to my advantage.
My performance at these poker parties agitates my husband to no end. He does not understand my lack of interest or ability in this game. We have had some of our nastiest fights on the drive home from these poker parties. Dude, aren't there more important things in life to care about?!?!?
Like I said, Poker is not my thing. Wish me luck guys!
I am signed up for a poker tournament tonight and my palms are already sweaty just thinking about it. Poker is just not my thing. Unfortunately, it IS my wonderful husband's THING as well as my boss' THING.
My boss hosts a bi-monthly poker tourney at his home and it is pretty much a requirement that I attend. I would have a blast if I could simply show up, drink some wine and pal around with the fun (mostly men) poker players.
Unfortunately that kind of behavior is poo-poo'd and I must play. I can honestly think of dozens of not-so-fun activies I'd rather be doing than play poker: scrub my bathroom floor and toilet, clean the garage, write an essay on the history of Lithuania...
I am just not good at any of the skills associated with being a good poker player: counting cards, probability, keeping track of which card combinations are better than others, BLUFFING... the whole situation just unnerves me.
I have a little "cheat sheet" in front of me that I'm trying to memorize for tonight. Here are the hands that I should bet on - any pair, any suited connector (7 & 8 of diamonds), any suite Ace (Ace & 3 of clubs), any Ace + a 10, Jack, Queen or King. Can I write this on my palm for reference tonight?
Even if I could memorize all the "rules", when it comes around to my turn, I always need to pause and think before I make a move. The others start rolling their eyes which makes me even more nervous. Then, since I don't really know what I'm doing and I'm pretty much whinging it... I'll make bonehead moves. Randomly I'll decide, "hey, maybe I can bluff and win this hand?" Of course, it never works out to my advantage.
My performance at these poker parties agitates my husband to no end. He does not understand my lack of interest or ability in this game. We have had some of our nastiest fights on the drive home from these poker parties. Dude, aren't there more important things in life to care about?!?!?
Like I said, Poker is not my thing. Wish me luck guys!
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