Adventures In Empowerment

I've been a real slacker! Sorry for not updating this wacky blog. Work and play cycle has been taking its toll. Actually it's good because my sleep has been deep and peaceful, with the occasional bizzare dream. When I'm not working, I hang out with friends and participate in the wild outings of rural PA. One weekend we checked out local dive bars. We're talking in the middle of nowhere! At both places I felt like I was reliving the scene from "Pee Wee's Big Adventure" where Pee Wee enters a biker bar and sticks out like a sore thumb. For the most part the patrons were friendly, but probably wondering where all the brown people live in this neck of the woods. The evening ended with a surprise visit to a cabin nestled literally in the woods. We crashed a poker game. The poker buddies are friends of my roomie's ex-hubby. She wanted to make sure that they knew she was doing fine without him. I thought it took a lot of balls. Apparently the friends knew that the ex was cheating on her, and never said a word. Not sure how I'd feel, but at least she's getting her self-confidence back!

Now don't worry, my liver is fine! I also finished reading "My Life So Far." I felt like Jane Fonda was speaking to me, with her family's history of abuse and mental illness. She's a national treasure, and I hope that she's the recipient of a Kennedy Center Honors award! What an amazing woman--she is an example of someone living with Spirit. Versatile, truly compassionate to the human condition...I loved her in "On Golden Pond," the movie she starred in with her father. They had a distant relationship throughout her life, and eventually found healing and forgiveness through the making of the movie. I finished the book with a heavy heart...

I'd like to reconcile with my father--I haven't talked to him since I moved out. Who should make the move? What should I say? I said what I had to say, and have no regrets about speaking my feelings...suppressed by fear. So, if I'm trying to live without fear, then I should have no problems with a phone call. But alas, my contact with the family is limited to my mother. She's happy to see me living an independent life. She'd let me know when it's appropriate to initiate contact. Anyhow, Fonda's book is rather big, but I'd recommend it to everyone, especially to those who've survived abuse. It's hard to define this word to the Eastern culture because what might be abuse in the West, is a normal part of life various parts of the world. Hell I'd kick someone's ass if I was told that I had no brain...Okay I'm not for violence, but if the need arises, I'll make sure that my voice is heard. The book made me realize that all the journeys will teach us lessons about universal love. I know that despite the pains, I've tried to see the best in others. And if I hadn't been left alone at the age of six, perhaps I wouldn't have had the strength to survive in difficult situations. Here's to empowerment! Have a splendid week:)

P.S. I found out that I'm accepted for a master's in public health program! Yeeehaaaw! Giddiyup..sorry got carried away. I live in the country:) Gonna take it easy for the next few months. Before you know it, I'll be with the books again. Might as well enjoy this sabbatical!

My Life So Far

This will be a short post since I haven't had much sleep. I had to work an extra shift because a co-worker had a sudden illness. I thought I could do it, since I'm a recovering night owl. I came to work at 3pm yesterday, and left at 7:30 this morning. It was alright--I got to finish about 100 pages of Jane Fonda's "My Life So Far." EXCELLENT! Shall write a review about it later on. Came home and watched a bit of morning TV. I'm not sure if I want to hear the perky voices on MSNBC in a zombie-like state. Joe Scarborough showed a clip of Letterman saying a joke about Rosie O'Donnell's new book..."There were 3 chapters about 'bush' and one about the president" The world has really come to an end if we can joke about bushes at 8 in the morning...

I had an excellent weekend. My roomie and I shared some laughs over movies and beer (okay I do feel like I'm living in a sorority--it's all good!). We were thinking of hitting the exciting night life of this small town, but why waste dough at the bars when you can get a case of booze and relax at the comfort of one's home? You can use your own bathroom--number one reason to stay at home. Saw "Risky Business"...first time ever. Shame on me, the 80's child. But the best flick of the weekend was "The 40 Year Old Virgin." Yes, I missed out on this hit when it came out. The opening scene was classic. Hehehehe. I'm not sure which ones are my favorite lines, but "bag of sand" and "Did you have a strawberry daquiri by any chance?" are stuck...I know I'll watch this a zillion times to hear the one-liners. After the movies, we went to the store at 3am. I had a hard time keeping a straight face. I'm sure they've seen drunks coming for cheddar cheese pretzels during that hour.

P.S. Don't worry...I'm not an alcoholic.