So...  I'm still not writing. Why? I don't know. Have I lost my passion? I don't know. Have I run out of important things to share? I don't know. Do I still care about the blog? Yes. Do I still have things to share? Yes. So, what is slowing me down? I don't know.

Let's start with the present. Today happens to be my birthday. I'm 56 years young today. So, that's a good day, right? Well... I suppose. Unfortunately, it didn't go as hoped. The day started off with two blood tests and ended with me crashed in bed for hours, fighting off chills and body aches.

I suppose it's time for me to get a handle on this roller coaster ride...  I'm ping-ponging from the dichotomous extremes of wanting to take on the world to struggling just to get out of bed. Can I possibly find a happy medium somewhere?

I know that I usually wait until the end of the post to provide an affirmation, but I think I need the boost now. Here is a note I received just tonight from a student at school (not even my student, by the way...). Perhaps I need to listen to these voices, not the ones in my frenetic brain...

"Happy birthday... I hope you have a great one... I am glad I met you. You have made a huge difference in my life and you deserve the best; have a good day."

Katie, I wish it was a good day. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.

Thursday I go to the Cardiologist and Friday the Urologist. The best news, however, is that Friday night and Saturday I get to see Stella <3

Life is not so bad after all.

Good night, all.

Be well.

PS - One important note I wanted to share with my friends back east:  I will not be able to come home and visit this summer.  I've decided to lay low here in California to recover from my surgery the end of May. I hope to see you all in the fall!