Adoption

I'm watching the Oprah show airing today, January 25, 2007. A segment with a woman named Jenna is on my TV upset because she cannot bear children. I hear this story very often, and am sympathetic, yet have one burning question, What about adoption? Jenna briefly mentioned it was an option in the future, but what about now? I was adopted at birth and could not have had a better life or more loving parents. It pains me that there are 1000's of kids out there without homes or parents and the topic of adoption is rarely talked about. I think adoption needs to be brought out to the front of society. I wonder why Oprah did not delve deeper into adoption other than it wasn't the main show topic. Maybe there needs to be a show about adoption choices with interviews of parents and children of adopted families? The horror stories are out there, however, the empowering and uplifting stories outweigh them and, I feel, it's time to share.

Crying at the commercials

Every now and again there is a commercial ("spot" in the business terminology) that moves me beyond tears and almost into hysterics. I'm a sap, we all know, but there are commercials that are ridiculously emotional. I plan to share some with you all. Here is the first one.

New favorite song.

I'm not a big fan, but this song is unbelievable.

Love the hair.

I can't stop laughing to type so I will just let you watch.

Sexy is as sexy does.

Truly, the mind of men will never change.

Weather's here, wish you were great.

I'm so far from being on vacation. But I thought it would be nice to share with you what vacation looks like. Maybe you are enjoying a long weekend in a place such as this. With holidays upon us and the hectic lifestyle we live it's always nice to take a moment to enjoy the daydream of a relaxing. Have a safe and happy season. And next time you're away in the sun don't forget to rub it in everyone's face.

Inspiration

For awhile now I've been working on a book. I don't want to say novel because who knows how long it will end up. But it's a very important story that needs to be written. However, I find it difficult to express myself over lengths of pages for I get lost in my own thoughts and feel it doesn't come to fruition in a cohesive manner.

There are "methods" and "tricks" that have worked for many but it still proves to be unbelievable that what I have to say will be understood. Let alone, in a way that I am able to profess. At what point do you move on? At what time do you consider a break? Never.

It may never get written but at least I will never give up trying. Being an author ranks in my top few "hardest things to do" list. I may even die before I complete the final draft, but at least at that time I know someone will be able to read what I have begun and continue my mission.

At the times in our lives when things seem so unsurmountable you would rather move in a direction that does not involve it, one should always remember that making the attempt is greater than any end result. Even if the possiblity of satisfactory completion is beyond the realm of imagination, it would be better to die prior to the final draft. Someone, maybe no one you know, will have the same dream and be able to pick up where you left off. Begin to believe in your power of inspiration, for good things will come from those inspired.

New addition

After Braum passed we have decided to bring another cat into the house. Only this time it is two cats. A male and female kitten, Linus and Lucy. They have, so far, been terrors. I'll keep updates on how everyone in the house is doing.

It's a wonder

A few posts previous I said that the newest and greatest addition to Michael's and my household was our kitten. Braum quickly became our pride and joy and we rarely did anything without him.
However, a week ago today on October 16, Braum was diagnosed with FIP, a rare feline virus. It moves fast, works hard, and is 99% fatal. And, on this 23rd day of October 2006, Braum Pierce Downmann left our household.
I love him so much...he will forever be in my heart.

My new favorite song

You may have heard of this boy from a music group called O-Town. But, Ashley Parker Angel has returned with his solo debut. And - I LOVE THIS CD! Here's his first single, "Let You Go". Trust me, I love music, and every song on this CD is AWESOME.

Kids or cats?

Our new cat, Braum Pierce Downmann, is adorable. Michael and I feel like new parents and at the same time we laugh at how stupid we are acting. It's fun. I don't recommend it unless you want to fall in love. BRING ON THE KITTENS!

Family

As plans are made and life passes me by I observe the lot of the people with which I grew up. To them I owe the thanks and praise for opportunities given and love received. It seems, however, it is with those people that my deepest fears lie. For my love and devotion grows ever lax and empty. Not from lack of caring but from...what...I do not know. Is it truly possible to take one for granted to the point of no concern?

I turn my thoughts to other relationships of differing love to see if my laissez faire attitude could have been the cause of a break. There are definitely instances that it appears to have been in effect. I realize I get too comfortable. It becomes rote.
I must change. But in turn I must teach. The ones that are loved must not feel neglected. For what are you without the love of others but a shell? What keeps you alive but the energy shared by another? Smile for you know not when the passersby may become a permanent fixture in your life. Keep everyone close to your heart and believe in the power of a phone call or letter. For some may not always be here and, when gone, may bring our darkest fear...loneliness.

New Love

I've always been known to have my "anti-pet" attitude. Moving back to Chicago and into the condo that Michael and I purchased has opened a whole new direction in my life. Sunday Michael and I went to the Anti-Cruelty Society and adopted a 4 month old kitten. He's truly the most adorable thing I have ever seen. I don't believe that my entire life of not wanting pets has been turned around in an instant. Pictures and future thoughts to follow... It will be interesting.

New addiction?

So many, if not all, of you know of my obsession with the Final Fantasy series of games that began on the NES, moved to SNES, and has been with the PS through each console release. With the upcoming PlayStation3 (PS3) slotted for release in September (and expected to rival the recent XBOX360), yet another Final Fantasy is in production - Final Fantasy XIII. Included is a small preview of why my excitement is about to bust me at the seams.

A New Beginning

I have had a good run with my last blog, but in moving back to Chicago i feel it is time to move to another host for my blog. So here it is. I hope you enjoy it.