The Gift of the Silly Self...

"Promise me that you'll never stop being silly?"

**Julia

I have to say that I've realized a gift--one that I never knew was one until recently---being silly. When Julia was dying she made me promise to her that I would always continue to be silly even as I got older. I thought that was a weird promise to ask me to make, but of course, I did. I mean, afterall, who wants to give up being silly anyhow?!?!? BUT, I realize the depth of what she made me promise now. Sometimes the world is confusing, and gives you many mountains to climb and it is how you face it all that matters, not the fact that you have to face it. Life has been up and down lately, but as I realized this week, it is humor and a good spirit that will get me through. I try everyday to continue to be silly and I've found it lifts the spirits in ways that nothing else could! So...don't worry about what other people think...do something silly today, you'll be amazed at how much is does for the heart!!!

This weekend has been a productive weekend. Last night Abby, Jill, and I all worked on things that needed to be done. Jill graded her high school students Chemistry tests, Abby worked on lesson plans, and I studied Biochemistry! Today, the three of us got up and ate pancakes together, went grocery shopping, and then spent the rest of the day being productive. I read 2 chapters in Biochem and took notes--I believe my brain is nothing but jello right now! SO...we are rewarding ourselves tonight by going out with some friends to a coffee shop in Lenexa that is having a band play this evening---YAY for getting out of the house!

I am loving my graduate Biochemistry course---Okay, I'll admit I have my moments where I want to throw my book into the nearest river and smile as it sinks to the bottom, but for the most part, I love it. It is a challenge taking an on-line course with no professor to motivate you, no class to attend, but I am learning a BIG lesson in self-discipline that I never had to learn before and it is SO good for me. The material is difficult, but I love it because so much of it pertains to the medical aspect of chemistry and the body and that is what makes me tick! SO, it's worth it.

Next Saturday I will be taking the GRE, the graduate entrance exam test. I will need it for applying to PA schools OR graduate schools, whichever I choose. Right now, I am having a hard time choosing just one thing I would like to study--there are so many aspects of science and medicine that fascinate me, but the options are SO exciting. That is all on this end. Taking care of babies, studying Biochemistry, and preparing for the GRE and holding onto what social life I can! (SMILE) I will tell you it has been quite a shock going from the constant stimulation of the dorms and having all of your friends down the hall, to living in a house with two girls and most of your friends live a road trip away---talk about adjustment, especially for my extraverted self! (SMILE)

I hope everyone is enjoying life---I'm enjoying the fact that I now think being silly is a gift---so I'm using that gift---A LOT! (SMILE) Diana, you'd be proud!

PICTURE: Abby & Me--being our silly selves at the Wreckers concert at Crown Center!