I realize it's been a while since my last post. I suppose I've been preoccupied with a lot of things and my focus had been split into different directions. Also, as the weather gets warmer and nicer, I find myself spending less time on the internet except when checking out my friends' blogs and updates. Yup! It's time to come out of hibernation and put on those flip-flops or Havaianas (pronounced ah-vai-YAH-nas), shorts, capris and summer dresses. Although it can still get cooler and the temperature usually takes a dip at night, I can already tell the big difference in my mood. Somehow, optimism comes easier and my reservoir of patience and tolerance is being replenished as the mercury rises.

 There's definitely an attitude makeover in progress. Even the fact that a few more pounds had crept up on my my already "pear-shaped"  physique, I don't mind it as much as I used to. Perhaps working in an environment where people gets a rude awakening on a regular basis helps anchor my perspective on the harsh realities of life. A few nights ago, I came upon a forty-something female patient who was sobbing on her bed. When I asked her what's wrong, she tearfully replied,"The food just goes through me. Nothing is being absorbed. How can I put on any weight at all?" In case you don't understand what she meant, she was referring to the chronic diarrhea that she's suffering from for almost two months now. Her shrinking body can testify to what she's been going through. She was very frail and cachectic looking and could be easily mistaken for a gangly twelve year-old girl with her very tiny frame. I was at a loss for words. I muttered a few words of sympathy and comfort and left the room minutes later feeling humbled and grateful that my body is still capable of nourishing itself and I get to go home and enjoy doing the things I can do.  There's just so much to be grateful for indeed. Let me count the blessings.

A tested formula: a happy Rosemarie = a happy Kenny . When he found out that it's going to be in the 80s last Sunday, he proposed to take a drive to downtown Chicago and take the dogs, Sidney and Lara, for a stroll down Lake Shore Drive. I happily agreed and was so psyched for it that I didn't even mind having only 2 hours of sleep before heading out. There was a spring in my step that I just couldn't mask and I couldn't help laughing at every cute little thing that my doggies did. They were as excited as their Mama Monkey (that's me    and Papa Monkey (guess who?). We trekked from the Adler Planetarium all the way to the Navy Pier which probably spanned more than 3 miles. Our feet (and paws) were feeling the burn but we prodded on, taking the time to appreciate the beautiful scenery and the relaxed vibe from the people around us.  Our downtown excursion was an easy reminder that the simple pleasures in life don't have to come from expensive objects or grand events. It's just out there, mostly for free ( except for the parking fee, I guess) and more satisfying than anything. We had such an awesome time that Kenny offered to do it again on Saturday and his Mom will probably come with us as well. I am so looking forward to it already.

I hope I didn't bore you guys . I just feel like sharing since I know most of you are also having great times together with your friends, families and loved ones. In light of the tragedy that recently struck Virginia Tech, a little love fest and feel-good moment couldn't hurt, right? Anyhoo, let me end this rambling with this quotation:

"Determine now to not make your life's end a moment filled with regrets. Or at least make sure they are the right regrets. Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can."

Paint away, folks!