Ringing in the new year

Tonight the neighbors will gather once again as we have done so many times in the last few months outside in the common area. We'll build a fire, watch the kids play together and enjoy a bite of food and well, of course some good wine or other festive beverages. Since we moved here almost 2 years ago, we haven't really seized the opportunity to really get to know the folks around us. I wish we had done this sooner. Our lives are fuller and richer with new friends and everything that comes with. We've affectionately named each couple. Not sure if they care at all for the names we've given but it was fun to make them up. Brictor, Bangie, Jarangela, Risa & Tuzie are very cool folk and we are quite happy to be ringing in the new year with each of them...and the single guy, John too if he's not too busy taking bad guys to jail!

Happyness

During a two hour period when my head wasn't throbbing I went to the movies with Meg and Rach. If you haven't already, see the new Will Smith movie, it's great. Without a doubt, it is the best feel good movie I have seen in a long while. Will Jr., not the best child actor but very cute and worthy of some type of award for learning how to cry on command. He said in an interview that was the hardest part. Next time I am on the BART, I'll be looking for the country's next millionaire and offer him/her my seat!

Urgent Care DONT's

a few reminders from one who should know better

5. Don't get sick during the holidays or wait until after 5pm to seek medical attention. Clearly a bad choice given that most physicians are in Hawaii playing golf. Wait times are usually 3-4 times the norm.

4. When asking the receptionist for a waiting area with no light or sound, gently remind her this includes the exam room closest to the lobby. Every five to ten minutes you'll enjoy the pleasure of hearing the next patient's name called (loudly) and also the story they choose to tell the triage nurse.

3. Always remember the date of your last period. If you don't recall, check a calendar before you say " I dunno" and have to take a pregnancy test....just "to be sure."

2. Avoid wearing collegiate attire, especially "Oklahoma football" sweatshirts...Never fails in southern California, the degree on the wall and other patients in the lobby are not from your neck of the woods!

1. Make a point to have a list of snappy comebacks for every time someone asks, how can I help you today?

Already slippin'

Since Tuesday, I have been wrestling with a series of headaches and related pains. So, there have been no posts since the inaugural one three days ago. Which of course is in direct violation of my resolution to write a blog a day. However, my visit to urgent care (after self diagnosis) on Wednesday evening prompted my top 5 urgent care DONT's!

The day after....and a NEW beginning!

Today is the day after Christmas, and also the launch of my blog. Thanks to much inspiration from both GREGs and referrals to blogger.com, the first task related to my resolve for 2007 has been completed as I write this, my first blog. I'll be sharing experiences, opinions and feelings, a few funny stories and pictures as well. Posts will be admittedly selfish, direct, good intentioned and with any luck make you think twice or just laugh!