MR. Inconsiderate

I've had more MRIs than I can count.  Have you ever had one?  It's one of those things that can be very intimidating at first, then tedious and finally (after you get into the double digits) another part of the woodwork of life.  I actually am scheduled for 3 MRIs this week and due to a clerical snafu, had to reschedule the first two (which were supposed to occur yesterday) for later in the week.  Today they did my thoracic spine, which is my least favorite MRI to get.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe because you have to lie perfectly still for an hour and there's nothing to sort of hold you in place.  Or maybe because I tend to tense up my upper back when I know that's where they're looking.  Who knows?  All I know is that the procedure itself was not a huge deal, and the nurse and technician were very friendly and kind.  But there was one moment that has been sticking with me today.  As the technician was placing me in the machine and covering me in sheets, propping up my legs, etc. he was making idle chat... about my job, my life, the progression of my disease... and at one point he sort of blurted out "YOU'RE STILL WORKING?!!?" with a sort of incredulous tone.  It was one of those weird MS moments that always give me pause.  It's so easy for people to project their own ideas and experience with the illness, reacting in ways that are not always easy to handle on the receiving end.  He didn't mean to stir up all of my fears about the future and how long I'll be able to work at my present (and pretty demanding) profession.  Who knows why he said it.  All I know is that it's the Pea tonight and I am the Princess and sleep feels like it's a million miles away...

Currently Dahn Yoga for Multiple Sclerosis and Similar Conditions By Dawn Quaresima see related

A Sad Commentary on Our Society

Here's a conversation I overheard between the boys in my 4th Grade Chorus class yesterday:

B1:  "My lawyer says when I'm 18, I'll get 100 million dollars."

B2:  "You have a lawyer?"

[B1 nods.]

B3:  "Yeah, well I'll sue you and get all of your money!"

B2:  "Yeah, me too!"

B3:  "I'll put lots of bruises on my face and tell them that you did it and then I'll get all of your money!"

At this point I jumped in and asked, "Do you think it's okay to lie to get his money?"  and the student earnestly said:  "But it would be worth it in the end because I'd be rich."

I can't tell you how frightening it is to me that this is the legacy we're handing to our children.  The knowledge that to lie, cheat and steal is okay as long as you make a profit.

Currently Working on a Dream (Deluxe Version) By Bruce Springsteen see related

Renovation Update

So far we have completed (or nearly completed) the Living Room, Dining Room, Office and Dave's Practice Room, in addition to a new roof.  Still in need of love:  Kitchen, Bathrooms, Master Bedroom and common areas.  Today, the kitchen renovation is officially underway full-throttle.  David is down there now, dilligently pulling up the old flooring which, just like everything else in this place, is rather motley and haphazard.  We've hired a contractor, who will begin working on the infrastructure next week.  David has done a great job with demo, but there is still much to do.  The walls will be gutted and new plumbing and electric installed.  Pretty much everything will change, except the refrigerator, radiator, window and doors.  I'm researching appliances today and we will go out later to IKEA and Green Depot to investigate cabinets and countertops.  We've been drawing up plans for months now, consulting with friends (many of whom are also experts) researching like mad, finally, finally, finally (!)  it is all becoming a reality.  So much fun!

Sugar Plums, My Ass!

Currently Flag By James Taylor see related

Yes We Can... and we did.

Dear President-Elect Obama,

At the risk of being crucified in the same manner as your impeccable wife was for saying such things, this is one of the few moments in my life where I can feel truly proud of my country. I was born into the Vietnam War, on the heels of the Kennedy assassination. I came of age during Watergate and endured the Disco era. I bought into the Reaganomics that set the table for the very financial mess we are in today. Two Gulf Wars. Three terms under a Bush, watching corporate greed and corruption rot the core of American ingenuity. And just a few days ago I saw Mayor Bloomberg extend term limits in his own self interest in a manner that circumvented a public referendum and put democracy to shame. Is it no wonder that I have become disenfranchised?

What a joy it was to pull the lever (why is that New York still votes in this antiquated fashion?) for someone I actually believe in. To not view the election as a choice between the lesser of two evils, but to honestly feel that both candidates were the best possible choices each party could have presented at this time. I waited in line to vote for the first time in my life. I witnessed parents taking their children with them into the voting booth... sharing the experience and the ownership of the process. I saw people of color walking a little taller, with a greater sense of ownership in this country that has historically wronged them in the most heinous of ways. And I was moved. Tears came to my eyes when I pulled that lever.

Please, Mr. President-Elect, make good on your hopeful promise of an administration that is intelligent, diverse, levelheaded, bipartisan and focused on the long term. Help us to join hands with the rest of the world and eliminate the prejudices that are based in fear and ignorance. Nurture creativity, the arts, the sciences... feed the American ingenuity that has withered on the vine. Because we, the American People, are behind you and hunger for your integrity and bold leadership. Please tell me that finding unity will mean striking a new path rather than merely finding consensus and compromise within the old boundaries.

You have a moment not unlike the one President Bush had after 9/11. We are poised and ready to serve for the sake of the common good. Lead us down that difficult path. Don't succumb to the seduction of money and power. Remain true and steady and good. You are our one last hope, Obama-Wan Kenobi... don't fuck it up.