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!