Still Winter

Sheesh, got a reminder from Alessia that I haven't posted. Got a reminder from Mr. Wind when I stepped outside this morning that it is still winter. Holy bejeezus it was pretty cold. Thee was a dusting of snow on the ground, but by noon it had disappeared and the sun was out. I bundled up and ventured outside for a walk to one of my favorite spots.

"There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you...In spring, summer, and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself."

~Ruth Stout

TMI

Okay, so here's a funny comment/conversation for which I don't have an appropriate picture. I'm working the other day, when a coworker comes up to me. She says to me, "Hey--you know I got to work early this morning at 6:00. I went to use the bathroom, and fell asleep on the toilet. I woke up 45 minutes later! I had even gone to the bathroom and all. I think I need to talk to my doctor about sleep apnea." Mind you, the only interaction we have is in the work environment and she doesn't even work in my office.

Okay, so I thought it was only okay to talk about bathroom things with people after you had gone on vacation with them and shared a room in a hotel. You know, there isn't a lot you can hide from someone once you sleep in the same room. I was a bit shocked by this random interaction at work and all I could do was laugh. What's up with the TMI these days?

Four-Legged Friends

Alessia, you might want to go play with the fish and bypass reading this post. In fact, I'm 100% positive you won't want to read this one. Actually, this isn't a post for those who hate dogs. Or touchy-feely stuff.

It's winter, the weather is crappy, and I have zero inspiration to take any pictures whatsoever. So, I decided to post some pics of my favorite four-legged friends (to add to the randomness of my entry topics).

"One thing I will never be in my life is one of those stereotypical crazy old cat ladies. Cats--ick." Hah, I just quoted myself.

I'm a dog person. Love them. When I think about it, it's probably because of the unconditional love they provide. I remember the dog I had when I was a child would always be there whenever I got hurt, licking the tears as they would run down my face. The dog I have now greets me in the morning when I wake up and when I come home from work. Dogs don't care what you wear, how much weight you've gained, or how much money you don't have. You give them a place to live, feed them, and take care of them. In return, they give you something you can't put a price on--unconditional love.

"We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment."

~George Eliot

"I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me they are the role model for being alive."

~Gilda Radner

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."

~Roger Caras

"Happiness is a warm puppy."

~Charles M. Schulz

This post is dedicated to Bridgy. She lost her life at a young age, but she touched my heart at a time when things were really rough for me. For this I am grateful. I miss her, but every time I think of her, it brings a smile to my heart.

"What we have once enjoyed

we can never lose;

All that we love deeply,

becomes a part of us."

~Hellen Keller

Michael C. Hall of 'Dexter' recovering from cancer

A friend of mine posted this on her fb wall. Just thought I'd share this because of my post a couple of days ago. One of my favorite shows - Dexter...see, cancer doesn't discriminate. Dexter fans click on purple link and read. Good thoughts going out to Michael C. Hall and all his family and friends.

Michael C. Hall of 'Dexter' recovering from cancer

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Horoscope

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

★★★★★When you sweep away the layers and layers of issues, clearly someone really does care. You might ask yourself if it is worth all the ups and downs to live in this bond.

Tonight: Say "yes" to living.

Gemini

It's a funny day--everything is wrapped up in layers of confusion early on, but you reach an epiphany or two this afternoon that sets it all in order and points you in a new direction.

Gemini

Your unique take on events makes people laugh. A wicked sense of humor is extremely sexy -- and you'll find that someone very intriguing has noticed yours. You're hilarious without even trying.

Gemini Work Horoscope

A reorg or simple rearrangement will have unintended consequences and might result in a radically different work arrangement for you. Try to make the best of it if you're faced with this situation -- it will get better over time.

Horoscopes...what to believe, what to believe. Often fun to read, sometimes they bring some clarity to the bittersweet truth of life...or do we just read something into them that truly does not exist? They are often quite generic, but sometimes hit on the edge of something we might be experiencing.

If I squinted a bit, I could tell you that I can identify with each horoscope that I have posted above. For example, the work horoscope -- yes, a reorg has occurred, last month and we're still in the midst of chaos, but I'm hoping over time it will get better.

For the most part, I just read them for the pure entertainment aspect.

BTW, I do say "yes" to living. Regardless of whatever is going on around me, I'm beginning to be comfortable with uncertainty. Life is good.

"So long as the memory of certain beloved friends lives in my heart, I shall say that life is good."

~Hellen Keller

The "C" Word

Cancer sucks.

Today's post out to all of the people I know who are affected by cancer. Not only the individuals who are fighting the battle, but the ones who are supporting these people, as well. It takes a lot of strength to deal with cancer--mental and physical. Makes you realize what is important. Sometimes I wish all people would realize what is important and to quit wasting energy on things that are just that--a waste of energy. Scratch that--most of the time I wish people would do this.

...I must be getting old. Seems as if everywhere I turn, someone I know has cancer. I used to think it was an old person's disease. Actually, I think cancer is just not as selective as it used to be. With all the toxins in/of the environment, food additives/preservatives, viruses, genetics, age, etc. anybody at any age is prone to get it.

So right now, I'm just going to post one of my favorite pics from last year and spend a little while thinking good things about my friends and wishing the best for all of them.

Bill Hemmer: "You said cancer changes your life, and oftentimes for the better."
Joel Siegel: "Yes.... Gilda Radner... said this in her book. What cancer does is, it forces you to focus, to prioritize, and you learn what's important. I mean, I don't sweat the small stuff. I used to get angry at cab drivers. It's not worth it.... And when somebody says you have cancer, you realize it's all small stuff. And what Gilda said is, if it weren't for the downside, everyone would want to have it. But there is a downside."
~American Morning, CNN, 13 June 2003

π

π = 3.14159265358973...

Brings back memories. When I was in 8th grade, whenever the students in his class would get into trouble, my algebra trig teacher would make us stand at the doorway facing the classroom and recite pi. I never got into trouble, but would always study the numbers that were posted above the doorway, just in case.

I did get after school detention one time in 8th grade. Funniest sight you'd ever see. I was the only Japanese kid in a classroom full of black students. And let me tell you, they were all habitual offenders. I was damn scared. But then the cat daddy supervisor of detention strutted into the classroom and managed to get all of the kids to shut up and pay attention. Then, he proceeded to tell us that detention that day would consist of him telling us a story. I don't remember the story, but I remember that it was something comical and it sure wasn't punishment. No wonder those kids didn't mind getting detention! And this kid never set foot in detention ever again.

Anyway, tonight π stands for good pizza. And even left overs! The company was good. Always good to meet friends for dinner and catch up.

"How can one make friends without exquisite dishes! It is mainly through the table that one governs!"

~ Jean-Jacques Regis de Chambaceres, French politician (1713-1824)