I am looking forward to turning over a new leaf.

Life's movement has helped me out with that.

Today I am 30.

So taking care of my niece has been interesting. Even though she isn't MY child, the elite club of mothers have let me in to their world. Since I have a perspective of temporary motherhood, I thought I would share some things I've learned.

1. It will suck the life out of you. (What a way to start)
2. When you love it, you will really love it.
3. Many moments which were once your own to deal with, are now transferred to your child.
4. Most of the time, you won't mind.
5. You don't get a day off. If you need a day off, it's scary because you can't get it. Kid needs to be fed, bathed, and you have to play with them.
6. It's fun playing with them.
7. I do NOT know how a single parent does it. Driving them to lessons, making dinner, helping them with school stuff, working...there are so many hours in a day!
8. You wonder why people continually want to mess up the world. Why is our Education system flawed? Why dont we have universal health care? Why isn't there stricter gun control measures?
9. Some things that you think will bother them, won't.
10. The things you think won't bother them, might.
11. It's fun watching them grow.
12. You may have to repeat the same thing over and over again for months at a time. This is the 4th month of school, and everyday I have to tell her to eat, brush her teeth, and to hurry up because the bus comes at the same time everyday.
which leads me to...
13. Sometimes it can get routine.
14. You get even angrier at the parents who don't raise or take care of their children properly.
15. There will be many proud moments, big and small.
16. Patience is a real virtue.
17. In a weird way, you relive your past. Sometimes you hear yourself saying things just like your parents did. This may be good or bad, and sometimes even you remember how you felt when they said those things to you. Good and bad.

Those are only a few. I think the one thing people forget is that when they dream about having children, it's a fleeting thought and you have this perfect scenario in your head. It's hard to picture it everyday. Even with work, you're done at the end of the day. With parenting, you're never done.

I have to admit, I like it. I thought I would hate it, as much as I love my niece. It's hard to raise a girl. She is in kindergarten and there is already drama. haha. I love watching her spell. "Fonimbr"=Phone Number. Yeah, and did I mention you will learn how difficult it really is to learn the English language?

I don't get what's been going on with the end of 2006. I'm tired, bored, and anti-social. I'm not even sending out Christmas cards this year. I feel like a robot, going through the motions of the day without any real emotion or attachment to anything. A few disappointments arose which I hope will soon pass. It's not just me either. The only thing I want for my birthday is to be in a long cabin in the woods and a warm fire, with a bottle of red wine. I dyed my hair red(ish).

Is this how last 2 weeks of my 20th decade are supposed to be?! My 30s better be f*ckin' unbelieveable (in a good way).

Waiting for the moons and planets to realign,
Dr.P.

Apparently Gwyneth Paltrow said this:

"I love the English lifestyle, it's not as capitalistic as America. People don't talk about work and money, they talk about interesting things at dinner. I like living here because I don't fit into the bad side of American psychology. The British are much more intelligent and civilized than the Americans."

- Gwyneth Paltrow told Portugal's Diario de las Noticias on Saturday


I'm going to pick apart her comment.

"I love the English lifestyle."--me too. I love the European lifestyle. I am with her on that one. They really have time to enjoy life. Here, we are forced to work and work, and hardly have time to give back to ourselves. I wish that would change. I love England's proximity to a plethora of countries.

"it's not as capitalistic as America"--Yes, America has made much of its money due to capitalism. I agree. I feel sad when I see buyouts of large businesses, and 5000 people lose their jobs. America is young, and growing, and it's not like other countries which have been around for centuries. Hopefully people will realize a plateau isn't a bad thing. With globalization, most countries are buying into capitalism. McDonalds near the Sistine Chapel? Starbucks in France, a place renowned for their cafes? That's capitalism.

"People don't talk about work and money, they talk about interesting things at dinner."--All that means is that you need better company. I don't know a lot of people who talk about money. Work--yes. I choose not to surround myself with people who are money-centric anyway. Frankly, I don't know too many Americans who can't deviate from work and money as a topic. At dinners I have been to, people have talked about travel, entertainment, day to day life, parenting, philosophy, politics, you name it. She needs to expand her social circle.

"I like living here because I don't fit into the bad side of American psychology."--What is she talking about? It sounds like she's fitting into a snobby side of any psychology.

"The British are much more intelligent and civilized than the Americans."--Intelligent is Intelligent anywhere and Dumb is Dumb anywhere.

I have 2 things to say to her: "Don't bite the hand that feeds." and "Be the change you want to see in the world." I don't see her helping out any.

I hate (yes using the word hate) individuals who make these mass claims about a group of people. Plus it's very ironic that a person who has made millions of money in a particular country and from hard working people would so carelessly and easily make this type of statement to do nothing but insult them. She has every right to say what she wants but she could show some same class and ethics while doing it. I am happy she has found happiness in the UK.

If she had said something about the healthcare and education system, I may have agreed with her. For example, Why can't the richest country in the world not give its citizens free or cheaper health care? or Why can't the richest country in the world subsidize educational expenses, or invest our tax dollars back into the public education system?

I have travelled many places, and I love America. I've had good and bad times here, and there are good and bad things about this place. I am sad that the current administration has really messed up, making us look awful to the rest of the world.

I love driving the open road here. I love how we have so many different types of people. I love how you can really be anything you want to be (I saw something about a "Laughing Yoga class" today. I love how generous people are, especially when our government fails them, like in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. I love how the government does not define all the people in this country. I love how random people will talk to you while waiting in line. I love small town fairs.

But one thing about her comment...at least she's not living here and saying it. She just has a house somewhere here. Her generalization of everyone bothered me. Quite frankly, her comment really struck a negative chord with me. I think because as I take care of my niece, I find so many of her friends parents ready and willing to help me, and friends whom I have had for well over 25 years, and she shouldn't be insulting them.

I'm just waiting for her fake British accent to emerge.

My niece is in Kindergarten. I went to her class and her daycare. I love it. The kids all get along, and when they fight, they get over it by the next day. They play games and have conversations about cookies, and finding words (actual and nonsensical) words that rhyme with Poopy.

My question is, when do people become such asshats?

Been very busy! I have a job, but am looking for something better with a 4 and a half year old living with me. I think its safe to say I'm on a hiatus from blogging.

Pictures can sometimes be a cruel reality.

Woowee! I'm recovering after a road trip to Montreal. Grand Prix weekend. That place is INSANE! Even watched the World Cup with people who enjoy it.

I've been tagged by Thushara

Life's 10 Simple Pleasures

1. Being with my niece

2. Driving down a road surrounded by nature with good music (and no traffic)

3. Sunsets and star-gazing

4. Handwritten cards/letters

5. Lounging around different parts of a room with my friends and just talking/gossiping/laughing

6. A receiving a smile

7. A nice, hot shower

8. Being able to act like a kid to the people who still view you as one

9. Sitting on a porch (in Vermont or at the ice cream place in town) with good people watching the world go by

10. Friends and Family, old and new, who want nothing from you except you

You can tag yo'self.

I just drove through 7 states in 3 days and back again. It was so worth it.

The goal of this weekend was to make it to Leeezik's wedding in Indianapolis, Indiana on 11th June. Goal acheived.

I picked up Kari in Nyack, NY, and from there we drove through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, all really beautiful parts. Actually my favorite parts were the cheap gas prices, lack of traffic, and the Delaware Water Gap. Then we entered Ohio, which was interesting.

I've never been to a place where religion is worn on their sleeve. I've been to North Dakota and I know the majority of people there are Christian but you do not see a lot of displays of Christian pride. We drove through Youngstown and then entered the midsection of Ohio (typing this may make it seem like it was a quick jaunt, but at this point we are at the 6 hour mark). I saw a billboard which said "If you died today, do you know where you would spend Eternity? Hell is real." I also saw a sign on a building which called for a "Prayer for the Victory of Bush." Clearly I'm not able to live in these areas of the country.

It was nice to see farmland and beautiful areas. Ohio is a lot bigger than it looks. We then crossed the Ohio River to enter into Kentucky! We entered a town called Florence and were greeted by:



Fantastic!! Kari and I stayed with one of my friends in Northern Kentucky. (This trip took 12 hours) She makes soaps and candles. She is married with 2 kids and it was so great to see her. I learned all about her business and saw her make the soap, so I know its really all natural! My friend and I talked and talked. I also heard stories about drive through liqour stores as well. Its all very surreal.

Sunday we drove to Indianapolis. Here we saw more farmland as well as billboards relating to Christianity. I guess for a Christian this is a very welcoming sight, but when you are not, it is a little surprising. I felt even more in the minority than I already am, and a little defensive. I suppose I understand this area a little more now. In my area you don't see billboards like that, so it was all very new.

The wedding. Oh the wedding was beautiful, even in the rain. It was short and small. Thankfully Leezik and Ryzik are fun and friendly as are their friends and family. My favorite part was the ceremony meeting new people. Ryzik's grandparents have been married for 69 years! 69! I also met a nice young man who was a super soaker model in college. He was cute but unfortunately for me, his boyfriend was also at the wedding. It was great to meet all the people I've heard so much about in Leezik's stories though. It was sad to say bye since she's going to the west coast and who knows when I will see her after.

Now I am home after way too much driving for one weekend, throughly exhausted. I went out to lunch with a friend who happened to be home from San Francisco visiting family. I am currently unwinding by watching the World Cup. I love soccer/football, and I love hot men. The World Cup is heaven.

In the whirlwind I am calling my life, I have moved back home.

Leaving my apartment was hard. Its a cute place. I had 2 years of many memories there, both good and bad. Even though I have lived away from my parents since I was 17, that apartment was the first place other than my parents I called home.

The dramatic part is unpacking. I have no place to keep things in a house that has everything. At least my parents are out of the country and do not have to see how their dining room has turned into a temporary storage area.

I got a new ipod as a graduation present.

I don't know how to use it.

I will never understand why walkman's went out of style.

Tomorrow I will be here....



as part of the 2006 Graduating class receiving my Masters degree.

For some people, its just another day they have to take part in.

For me it embodies a goal I always thought was out of my reach, and my first step into a world I want to be in.

I already miss my grad school days.

I know. Its been ages.

Not much else has happened since the ankle injury. I went to Phoenix for 5 days, and that was great. The Grand Canyon was amazing and I went with a real fun tour group.

Now spring is here!! Finally! Although its raining today.

I finish my academic career in 2 weeks, which are the most stressful weeks I've ever had. I had my last class of my academic career on Thursday. Its so surreal, especially if you're someone who spends a lot of time in school.

My brain is like congealed oatmeal.

Its sad, no update in 2 months and not much to say. What can I say, I've been holed up.

But today I'm playing Whirlyball. Lets hope for zero injuries.

So the ankle is still in recovery. I'm relaxing here listening to Soul Meets Body by Death Cab for Cutie which is an interesting name. Its a day I shouldn't be lazy but I am. I've made a myspace profile. I like it and I have 3 friends so woohoo. The article I need to read is currently being crushed by my leg and that can't be a good thing. I've been spending a lot of time thinking because its just what I do. The last time I talked to Robert was on Wayne's birthday and we were talking about how life seems to move faster once you're older. Maybe because we're more aware of our surroundings. I littered yesterday purposely, oops. heh heh. Now its time to get back to work.

I have time to blog because I'm immobilized.

I was taking a shower 2 nights ago, and I was doing my loofahing thing, and I was teetering a bit. So I put my hand on the ceramic soapdish (the ones that are built into the tiling), it came loose. I felt great pain and the water in the tub turned red. I instinctively grabbed a towel and screamed for my roomie. Im very lucky that someone was home and that my roomie is a nurse. Anyway, I went to the ER, and now have 9 stitches in my right leg above the bony prominence (lateral malleolus for all medics out there) above my ankle. I cant bear any weight on it otherwise the stitches will come out so I'm on crutches. I'm living off painkillers and water. It could have been a whole lot worse though!!

We actually went to Urgent care first and the initial resident poked and prodded, caused great pain and then said, "My shift ends in 10 minutes so the other doctor will decide what to do." Thanks mofo. You added to my pain, and you were too scared to make a decision. Then the 2nd resident came in (at 9pm), poked around, caused great pain, and gave this big story about how I may need a plastic surgeon because the wound may require an internal suture. So off Roomie drove me to the hospital ER. Where the EMT and Physicians assistant said I did NOT need plastics! She sutured me up. Local anasthetic burns.

My friends have been great. Everyone is visiting and making meals for me. If this is how they are when I have stitches, I think they would donate organs for me if I needed them. I am lucky.

I have to go, another friend just got here with breakfast. :)

As the old adage goes: Time waits for no one.

Its simple, its true, it makes sense, it sounds stupid if you think about it, but true nonetheless. Its what this blog post is about.

Thanks everyone for your birthday wishes. I had a wonderful day. I did not win anything at the casino.

*At night, I went to dinner with 6 people I used to go to high school with. We all graduated in 1994, and are currently 29 years old. One girl who came, was someone who moved to Atlanta and who none of us had seen in 11 years. I got back in touch with her through classmates.com. It was a great spectrum of how time affects some people.
1 friend is now a married mother of 2 beautiful girls, a part-time tutor, and drives a minivan.
1 friend is a married physical therapist with no children.
1 friend is engaged to be married this summer and a teacher.
1 friend is getting her nurse practitioner degree in Arizona and is living with her boyfriend.
1 friend is single and working as a benefits administrator in Atlanta.
1 friend is single and working as a supervisor in a group home and looking for a career change.

And I am finishing up my Masters this spring, single, and looking for a job.

Conversation was great. We were so relaxed and got along so well. I was thinking about how serious we were in high school. We were talking and joking about race pretty freely. (My friend from ATL was one of 5 black kids in our school, and I was one of 3 Indians)

**My niece is now 4 going on 16. She's too smart for her own good. I think I understand why people look love to look at their children like little babies. Sometimes its hard to keep up with how fast they are growing.

**I have begun my last semester at school. We have made vows to be more social this semester since its the only one left! So far so good. But to think in 4 more months we're all going to be in different directions is exciting and sad at the same time. Its nice having friends in a 5 block radius!

I have a lot of work to do this semester with my thesis, classes, reading and TA-ing. I barely have time to email! So I havent abandoned this blog entirely, but I'll have to neglect it every so often.

Hope you are doing well!