Sunday, March 02, 2014
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Feelings
Expectations.
Broken Promises.
Lots of Waiting.
Disappointment.
Doubt.
No Answers.
Hold On.
Let Go.
Wish I Knew.
Acceptance..
Sad.
Broken Promises.
Lots of Waiting.
Disappointment.
Doubt.
No Answers.
Hold On.
Let Go.
Wish I Knew.
Acceptance..
Sad.
Friday, February 21, 2014
This and alittle of That
Spent my birthday in Gettysburg. It snowed. Again. Then. Again.
My granddaughter finally received her Christmas presents with her Valentine present.
Completed 3 out of 5 classes on Trauma Informed Practice at Bryn Mawr College.
Snow. Ice. Thunder. Lightning. Rain. Tornado Watch?
Ireland is less than 2months away. Made reservations for a 4th of July weekend in Gettysburg to take the grandpoles to experience re-enactments. Made reservations to spend a week in the mountains of TN in October.
New roof on the house.
Still need a new washer/dryer and a repair on the stove.
Thinking about filing taxes. Still thinking.
Decided to forgive my brother as my own gift to self for my birthday.
Stress Eating. Weight Gain. Workout. Weight Loss.
Someone I knew since a child. Severe Ongoing Depression. Suicide.
Life is Complex.
My granddaughter finally received her Christmas presents with her Valentine present.
Completed 3 out of 5 classes on Trauma Informed Practice at Bryn Mawr College.
Snow. Ice. Thunder. Lightning. Rain. Tornado Watch?
Ireland is less than 2months away. Made reservations for a 4th of July weekend in Gettysburg to take the grandpoles to experience re-enactments. Made reservations to spend a week in the mountains of TN in October.
New roof on the house.
Still need a new washer/dryer and a repair on the stove.
Thinking about filing taxes. Still thinking.
Decided to forgive my brother as my own gift to self for my birthday.
Stress Eating. Weight Gain. Workout. Weight Loss.
Someone I knew since a child. Severe Ongoing Depression. Suicide.
Life is Complex.
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Bargaining With One's Past
Your life has been a string of events that leads you to where you are now – in part determined by doors opened, doors closed, and the history, decisions and happenings that contribute to who and where you are today. When you look back on your life so far, how do you feel? Optimally, there are no regrets. But in reality for many, when you're having difficulty feeling okay with where you are now, you may look back with regret and grieve lost opportunities, lost relationships, no-win situations, and unfortunate decisions that you perceive as having affected the trajectory of your life – if only you hadn't married your ex; if only you hadn't put your career on hold to have children, if only... The list in your head of imagined and impossible negotiations to bring your loved one back or to gain access to that better life you should have had can painfully distort your thinking.
In this process, you grieve the loss of what you perceive would have been. You see yourself as having lost something, or the idea of something that is profoundly meaningful to you, and the experience is every bit as real as suffering after any kind of traumatic event.
It is a common experience to look back at aspects of your life with regret, but for most people it isn't the only motivation for fantasizing about the past. Instead, many psychologists believe that almost everything you do is meant to be self-preserving, even if it turns out to be self-destructive instead. During challenging times in your past, you undertook certain actions and beliefs in an effort to manage or avoid difficult situations and uncomfortable experiences. When you fantasize about things coming out differently than they have, you are attempting to transform the experience, albeit briefly – to allow yourself a respite from regret and other painful reminders of past “mistakes.” This process lets you briefly have the outcome you want.
Unfortunately, fantasy allows only a brief respite. You made the choices you made and have become the person you are. In the present, reality is reality, loss is loss, and nothing can be shifted by renegotiating your actions in the past. Retroactive bargaining is a band-aid that can make you feel temporarily better, but can leave you feeling worse when you come back to now and are painfully reminded yet again how things actually turned out.
That said, retroactive bargaining yields important information. Noticing a particular time or area of your life that you fixate on may indicate that there is loss in your life that you have not allowed yourself to adequately grieve. The event could even have happened 20 years ago or longer, but at the time you weren't able to give it the attention it needed to heal.
Ultimately, instead of engaging in retroactive bargaining, work on forgiving yourself for the decisions and actions in your past that you wish you could have changed. Yes, hindsight can illuminate how differently you could have handled something. But what gets lost, is context. As you engage in retroactive bargaining, you are doing it with all the knowledge you have now without taking into account what you knew and who you were at the time. There were reasons and forces and more factors than you could possibly have been aware of that compelled your choices and the outcome. (If only I paid attention to my gut feeling and not allowed her to stay the night)
If you find yourself in the cycle of regret, replaying a scene in your head and sculpting a different outcome, try to acknowledge that there are reasons you did what you did at the time. Understand that your past self didn’t have the wealth of knowledge or perspective your current self does. Putting your past in context and acknowledging that there were more forces at play than you may have considered at the time can help you feel more accepting of the person you are now.
Unfortunately, fantasy allows only a brief respite. You made the choices you made and have become the person you are. In the present, reality is reality, loss is loss, and nothing can be shifted by renegotiating your actions in the past. Retroactive bargaining is a band-aid that can make you feel temporarily better, but can leave you feeling worse when you come back to now and are painfully reminded yet again how things actually turned out.
That said, retroactive bargaining yields important information. Noticing a particular time or area of your life that you fixate on may indicate that there is loss in your life that you have not allowed yourself to adequately grieve. The event could even have happened 20 years ago or longer, but at the time you weren't able to give it the attention it needed to heal.
Ultimately, instead of engaging in retroactive bargaining, work on forgiving yourself for the decisions and actions in your past that you wish you could have changed. Yes, hindsight can illuminate how differently you could have handled something. But what gets lost, is context. As you engage in retroactive bargaining, you are doing it with all the knowledge you have now without taking into account what you knew and who you were at the time. There were reasons and forces and more factors than you could possibly have been aware of that compelled your choices and the outcome. (If only I paid attention to my gut feeling and not allowed her to stay the night)
If you find yourself in the cycle of regret, replaying a scene in your head and sculpting a different outcome, try to acknowledge that there are reasons you did what you did at the time. Understand that your past self didn’t have the wealth of knowledge or perspective your current self does. Putting your past in context and acknowledging that there were more forces at play than you may have considered at the time can help you feel more accepting of the person you are now.
Saturday, February 08, 2014
February Valentine Baby
"The Aquarian baby is chatty, very bright, original and independent. She will learn things quickly and absorbs information with great energy. Because of this, she has a lot to teach her playmates. A Valentine baby can be very stubborn at times and, despite valuing the company of others, also enjoys her time alone. She can often appear detached from others but, despite appearances, is often thinking about those close to her and is extremely loyal."
The boys are having a sleep-over at our house tonight. They came around noon and we went to Dave & Busters then to the movies to see "The Nut Job". They made a fort using sheets, blankets and the dining room table, had a pillow/sock fight in the living room and played on their IPads while they drank milkshakes. The boys are fun and exhausting.
I still have my granddaughter's Christmas gifts. That makes me sad.
The above quote is one I found about Valentine babies. I am one of those Valentine babies born during a snow blizzard when cars needed chains. I was breech and gave my mother a tough time during birth. The morning I was born was the day my parents separated. Does not sound like a happy time does it?
I like to talk when I want to talk. I have done well in school and love to learn. I did not have to try too terribly hard to get good grades and graduated college with a 3.96 GPA. I am stubborn and I really like my time alone. Some people think I am stuck up when they first meet me then change their minds afterwards. Most think I am kind and caring. I can detach but I worry to the point of anxiety. No one will ever know this part of me because I hide it well. I am very loyal. I do not make friends easy nor do I have a lot of them but when I am your friend, I am your friend. I find it amazing that I can come across these quotes which are so on point.
I received two early birthday cards today. One was signed Terry and family. The other was signed Michael in Terry's handwriting. Not sure what to think about it.
My nine year old grandson is calling for me to come and watch a movie with him so off I go.
The boys are having a sleep-over at our house tonight. They came around noon and we went to Dave & Busters then to the movies to see "The Nut Job". They made a fort using sheets, blankets and the dining room table, had a pillow/sock fight in the living room and played on their IPads while they drank milkshakes. The boys are fun and exhausting.
I still have my granddaughter's Christmas gifts. That makes me sad.
The above quote is one I found about Valentine babies. I am one of those Valentine babies born during a snow blizzard when cars needed chains. I was breech and gave my mother a tough time during birth. The morning I was born was the day my parents separated. Does not sound like a happy time does it?
I like to talk when I want to talk. I have done well in school and love to learn. I did not have to try too terribly hard to get good grades and graduated college with a 3.96 GPA. I am stubborn and I really like my time alone. Some people think I am stuck up when they first meet me then change their minds afterwards. Most think I am kind and caring. I can detach but I worry to the point of anxiety. No one will ever know this part of me because I hide it well. I am very loyal. I do not make friends easy nor do I have a lot of them but when I am your friend, I am your friend. I find it amazing that I can come across these quotes which are so on point.
I received two early birthday cards today. One was signed Terry and family. The other was signed Michael in Terry's handwriting. Not sure what to think about it.
My nine year old grandson is calling for me to come and watch a movie with him so off I go.
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Maybe the war on drugs should include the roundhouse.
Commissioner Ramsey Confirms Cop Corruption Probe « CBS Philly
By Mike Dougherty
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Seven Philadelphia narcotics officers have been relieved of their duties as part of a federal corruption investigation. One officer is in federal custody.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey announced Friday that five more officers were removed from the street as part of the investigation. Two others were removed months ago, and this is the first time he publically commented on the probe.
“This is a joint FBI, Philadelphia Police Internal Affairs investigation that’s taking place,” Ramsey said. “I can’t get into a lot of detail. There is a federal grand jury involved in this, so I can’t give a lot of information.”
Ramsey said one of the officers previously removed has been in federal custody for a few months. The five cops who turned in their badges and guns this week have been assigned to desk duty.
He would not release their names and he refused to answer questions about the allegations against the officers.
By Mike Dougherty
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Seven Philadelphia narcotics officers have been relieved of their duties as part of a federal corruption investigation. One officer is in federal custody.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey announced Friday that five more officers were removed from the street as part of the investigation. Two others were removed months ago, and this is the first time he publically commented on the probe.
“This is a joint FBI, Philadelphia Police Internal Affairs investigation that’s taking place,” Ramsey said. “I can’t get into a lot of detail. There is a federal grand jury involved in this, so I can’t give a lot of information.”
Ramsey said one of the officers previously removed has been in federal custody for a few months. The five cops who turned in their badges and guns this week have been assigned to desk duty.
He would not release their names and he refused to answer questions about the allegations against the officers.
Sunday, February 02, 2014
Tired. Burnt out. Worn out.
Social Media allows one to reconnect or stay in contact. It is also a place of pretentiousness, and nonsensical nonsense. It can be indirectly or directly hurtful. Too much stimuli. Detoxing from face book is a good thing. The same people who say, "A child has their own personality despite how they were raised" are the same people who say, "You are a great" mother. father, whatever, when their kid does well. Then, there are the people who one choses not to be friends with commenting on mutual friends' posts which can boil one's blood because one knows so and so is a so and so and the bullshit written is just that bullshit.
Time to turn off and drop out for awhile.
Granted. Times have been tough. Probably too sensitive to the outside world. When trying gets one nowhere. Tired. Burnt out. Worn out. Not in the mood to see such fakeness at the moment. Rather see real folks with real viewpoints. So much pretentiousness. Jeeze!
This post probably makes no sense or perfect sense.
Anyways,
I completed my second class on Trauma Informed Practice. I will complete the series March 21st. The classes are being held at Bryn Mawr College. I sit in a classroom filled with intellectuals. I listen to phrases being thrown around such as "donor daughters" and other such stuff. What the hell is a donor daughter? Yes. I understand the meaning of both those words but what the hell are you talking about? Oh, your husband donated sperm while in law school and now the product is 17 years old and connected with your husband. They have a wonderful relationship so why is he referring to her as his donor daughter verses his daughter? I will never completely understand the minds of some people.
Sometimes I sit in the classroom and wonder if I fit in. Yes. I am intelligent. No. I cannot relate to donor daughters. I live in the real world with unbelievable real problems. I just do not fit in. Anywhere. No. I do not feel sorry for myself. I loathe self pity. Tired. Burnt out. Worn out.
I felt so physically sick in class on Friday I came home and went to bed. I am still in bed. I have slept a lot these past few days. I am not sure if it is physical or emotional. I cannot separate the two feelings anymore. I just know I feel awful and the tears fall easy. As my personality test will summarize, I do not deal well with rejection and I wonder if I am at the forefront of my own rejection? I expect so much out of myself. Granted. I have had years of "being" rejected by those who were and/or said they loved me. I do not want to be angry. I do not want to feel hurt. I rather keep it moving. Wish I knew some Voodoo!
Someone told me I had a face where it was easy for another to trust enough to share. Someone told me I had a good sense of humor. Both statements made within three days by people from opposite ends of the spectrum. I appear dumbfounded. Me? Really? I know I can listen to and have compassion for but sense of humor? I am too freaking serious to be labeled as a person with a sense of humor.
I talked to her Friday morning. It was agreed upon that I may speak to her a few days a week before school. The sound of her sweet little shy voice warms my heart and fills my soul. God knows I miss her so much it hurts to the bottom of my soles. I do not understand grandparents who have long distance relationships with their grandchildren or no relationships at all.
We have had a whole lot of snow so far this winter that I am sick of wearing boots. I never thought I would ever be sick of wearing boots. But here we are! Tired. Burnt out. Worn out.
Time to turn off and drop out for awhile.
Granted. Times have been tough. Probably too sensitive to the outside world. When trying gets one nowhere. Tired. Burnt out. Worn out. Not in the mood to see such fakeness at the moment. Rather see real folks with real viewpoints. So much pretentiousness. Jeeze!
This post probably makes no sense or perfect sense.
Anyways,
I completed my second class on Trauma Informed Practice. I will complete the series March 21st. The classes are being held at Bryn Mawr College. I sit in a classroom filled with intellectuals. I listen to phrases being thrown around such as "donor daughters" and other such stuff. What the hell is a donor daughter? Yes. I understand the meaning of both those words but what the hell are you talking about? Oh, your husband donated sperm while in law school and now the product is 17 years old and connected with your husband. They have a wonderful relationship so why is he referring to her as his donor daughter verses his daughter? I will never completely understand the minds of some people.
Sometimes I sit in the classroom and wonder if I fit in. Yes. I am intelligent. No. I cannot relate to donor daughters. I live in the real world with unbelievable real problems. I just do not fit in. Anywhere. No. I do not feel sorry for myself. I loathe self pity. Tired. Burnt out. Worn out.
I felt so physically sick in class on Friday I came home and went to bed. I am still in bed. I have slept a lot these past few days. I am not sure if it is physical or emotional. I cannot separate the two feelings anymore. I just know I feel awful and the tears fall easy. As my personality test will summarize, I do not deal well with rejection and I wonder if I am at the forefront of my own rejection? I expect so much out of myself. Granted. I have had years of "being" rejected by those who were and/or said they loved me. I do not want to be angry. I do not want to feel hurt. I rather keep it moving. Wish I knew some Voodoo!
Someone told me I had a face where it was easy for another to trust enough to share. Someone told me I had a good sense of humor. Both statements made within three days by people from opposite ends of the spectrum. I appear dumbfounded. Me? Really? I know I can listen to and have compassion for but sense of humor? I am too freaking serious to be labeled as a person with a sense of humor.
I talked to her Friday morning. It was agreed upon that I may speak to her a few days a week before school. The sound of her sweet little shy voice warms my heart and fills my soul. God knows I miss her so much it hurts to the bottom of my soles. I do not understand grandparents who have long distance relationships with their grandchildren or no relationships at all.
We have had a whole lot of snow so far this winter that I am sick of wearing boots. I never thought I would ever be sick of wearing boots. But here we are! Tired. Burnt out. Worn out.
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Personality Test
Harmony-seeking Idealists are characterized by a complex personality and an abundance of thoughts and feelings. They are warm-hearted persons by nature. They are sympathetic and understanding. Harmony-seeking Idealists expect a lot of themselves and of others. They have a strong understanding of human nature and are often very good judges of character.
But they are mostly reserved and confide their thoughts and feelings to very few people they trust. They are deeply hurt by rejection or criticism. Harmony-seeking Idealists find conflict situations unpleasant and prefer harmonious relationships. However, if reaching a certain target is very important to them they can assert themselves with a doggedness bordering on obstinacy.Harmony-seeking Idealists have a lively fantasy, often an almost clairvoyant intuition and are often very creative. Once they have tackled a project, they do everything in their power to achieve their goals. In everyday life, they often prove to be excellent problem solvers. They like to get to the root of things and have a natural curiosity and a thirst for knowledge. At the same time, they are practically oriented, well organized and in a position to tackle complex situations in a structured and carefully considered manner. When they concentrate on something, they do so one hundred percent - they often become so immersed in a task that they forget everything else around them. That is the secret of their often very large professional success.
I must admit this is right on the money.
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Actual Pictures of the Week
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Sunday, January 19, 2014
A Week in the Life
I tried to upload this week in pictures without success. I am not sure if I am having a problem with my computer or the site or maybe both. Anyway, the pictures will have to wait.
It has been a busy week. Work. Eye Doctor. Dentist. Eye Doctor. Eye Doctor and Eye Doctor. School. Joshua's Birthday Celebration followed by Marianne's Birthday Celebration followed by a Friends' Get-To-gather.
My job is challenging and never boring. I thought I worked hard in the lab. The lab cannot compare to Therapy. I make an effort to not work overtime. I end up working overtime every time.
Nine days ago I scratched my cornea with mascara. Since the accident, I have been on two different antibiotics and steroids. Four eye appointments later the abrasion is scarring instead of healing so I was sent via emergency to a cornea specialist Friday night. Two days later, the eye still hurts and is still sensitive to light. For the first time since the accident I am considering taking off from work tomorrow.
I am not fond of the dentist but I am fond of how my teeth feel after a cleaning.
I started classes at Bryn Mawr College Friday for Trauma Informed Practice. I should be certified in ten weeks.
Joshua spent the weekend with us and since I will be on-call/on-site next weekend (his actual birthday) we took Josh and Lynee out for lunch and sang Happy Birthday at our home.
That same night, we went to my sister's 50th Birthday party.
After my sister's birthday party, we met up with some childhood friends of mine for a post holiday celebration at Ashburner Inn.
Hopefully, pictures will follow.
It has been a busy week. Work. Eye Doctor. Dentist. Eye Doctor. Eye Doctor and Eye Doctor. School. Joshua's Birthday Celebration followed by Marianne's Birthday Celebration followed by a Friends' Get-To-gather.
My job is challenging and never boring. I thought I worked hard in the lab. The lab cannot compare to Therapy. I make an effort to not work overtime. I end up working overtime every time.
Nine days ago I scratched my cornea with mascara. Since the accident, I have been on two different antibiotics and steroids. Four eye appointments later the abrasion is scarring instead of healing so I was sent via emergency to a cornea specialist Friday night. Two days later, the eye still hurts and is still sensitive to light. For the first time since the accident I am considering taking off from work tomorrow.
I am not fond of the dentist but I am fond of how my teeth feel after a cleaning.
I started classes at Bryn Mawr College Friday for Trauma Informed Practice. I should be certified in ten weeks.
Joshua spent the weekend with us and since I will be on-call/on-site next weekend (his actual birthday) we took Josh and Lynee out for lunch and sang Happy Birthday at our home.
That same night, we went to my sister's 50th Birthday party.
After my sister's birthday party, we met up with some childhood friends of mine for a post holiday celebration at Ashburner Inn.
Hopefully, pictures will follow.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
All Over The Place and Counting
I slept a lot yesterday. I also continued with the nightmares. The nightmares came back around the New Year and I do not know what triggered them. Even when I was away in Jim Thorpe, the nightmares came as I slept. The nightmares throw me off balance and I never feel right during the day. This morning I tried to push off the uncomfortable feelings by baking banana bread from scratch. I got out the flour, sugar, baking power, lemon juice, eggs, butter, salt and ripe bananas from my freezer and got down to work. Two loaves are in the freezer and one loaf is on the counter top in the kitchen. When the bananas ripen, I freeze them so I can use them later in cooking. I also have a freezer full of berries of all sorts to be used the same way.
Bill went down to the house in Roxborough to make some repairs before he grocery shopped. I still have some problems with the light though my eye feels a lot better today. I never had a scratched cornea before and I hope I never have another one. Out of everything, the photosensitivity to light is the worse.
Laundry is done. Filets are defrosting for dinner. Baking is complete. I need to occupy my mind for the rest of the day. I started a new book yesterday and read several chapters. I may read more today. I have classes beginning next Friday at Bryn Mawr College for Trauma Informed Care. My place of employment approved my attendance for next ten weeks and will pay me for being off on the Fridays to complete the course. I do not know why I did not pay the tuition yet. I need to pay it tomorrow. There is a conference April 9th in Baltimore Maryland. I will ask my mom if she wants to go on a road trip to keep me company. I can't ask Bill to take off because he will be taking off two weeks beginning the 15th of that month for Ireland.
God, I feel so anxious.
Bill went down to the house in Roxborough to make some repairs before he grocery shopped. I still have some problems with the light though my eye feels a lot better today. I never had a scratched cornea before and I hope I never have another one. Out of everything, the photosensitivity to light is the worse.
Laundry is done. Filets are defrosting for dinner. Baking is complete. I need to occupy my mind for the rest of the day. I started a new book yesterday and read several chapters. I may read more today. I have classes beginning next Friday at Bryn Mawr College for Trauma Informed Care. My place of employment approved my attendance for next ten weeks and will pay me for being off on the Fridays to complete the course. I do not know why I did not pay the tuition yet. I need to pay it tomorrow. There is a conference April 9th in Baltimore Maryland. I will ask my mom if she wants to go on a road trip to keep me company. I can't ask Bill to take off because he will be taking off two weeks beginning the 15th of that month for Ireland.
God, I feel so anxious.
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Perfect Storm
Try as I may, the New Year has brought increased feelings of anxiety and fear then add some feelings of loss and a perfect internal storm is brewing. I do not like the feelings of a perfect storm. I wish I were talking about the scratched cornea or the clutched jaw pain. I am not. I am talking about the emotional turmoil. Do not miss-understand for I get up everyday and go to work and work long long hours before I come home and go about the domestic, mother and grandmother duties. I am forever available to everyone. It is in the deep recesses of my mind and heart that the storm brews. It is as though I am at the verge of a loss of self-control but self-control I keep intact. It takes so much energy to keep it altogether. It is exhausting. I worry as a mother. I cannot even allow myself to think about the magnitude of the situation or allow myself to feel the loss as a grandmother. Then, there are the questions and self-doubt. When did I become unworthy or untrusted or doubt my own integrity after a lifetime of total and complete responsibility? I can't beat myself up. I won't beat myself up. I do beat myself up and I write in riddles and in vague terms as to express my deep inner thoughts and feelings without outwardly given away my meaning or intention. I have achieved so much in my life and at the same time I have lost so much. I do not want my granddaughter to ever think I did not love her or miss her or want to be with her. It was never my choice to be removed from her.
Wednesday, January 08, 2014
Sunday, January 05, 2014
JimThorpe
Saturday, January 04, 2014
Gift of Time
Our relationship works because we give each other the gift of time. Despite our demanding and often chaotic lifestyles with long days at our places of employment and/or family obligations, we plan time together. I call it self care. Time to care for each other enjoying the things we love together. We do not exchange material gifts for Christmas or birthdays. We give each other the gift of time. Spending a weekend together sight seeing, walking a trail, eating lunch or dinner out at a new place, staying at Bed & Breakfast type places, exploring, having a warm drink in a pub by the fire place is better than any piece of jewelry or a flat screen television. Our gift to each other for Christmas this year was a weekend in Jim Thorpe at the Jim Thorpe Inn.
Wednesday, January 01, 2014
A Thought For The New Year 2014
SOMETHING TO PONDER:
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember to spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. And always remember, life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by those moments that take our breath away.
George Carlin
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