Chasing Daylight & finding happiness

I'm reading a really good book, Chasing Daylight by Gene O'Kelly. Because of this book, I had one of the best days I've had in a very long time. The author, a CEO of a major global company, tells the true story of the last three months of his life. He had inoperable brain cancer. When he's diagnosed, he's told by two top neurologist that he has three months to live. I know this sounds terribly depressing, but it's not. It's one of the most uplifting and moving books I've ever read. It's about how to live your life. It's really making me stop and reassess my life.

I took the day off from work and decided I wouldn't feel guilty about it. I had a hectic weekend getting the final paperwork together for my guardianship implementation plan and inventory for my sister. I put the finishing touches on it this morning (it's about 100 copies), had seven copies made at the UPS Store. Had my original notarized and certified mailed to the Alaska Court. Then the four other copies sent to the the four interested parties. I'm so glad that's finished. It was a huge project and has been hanging over my head for two months. It's not due until May 28 so I'm getting it sent in a couple weeks early.

Today I decided to take my sister to have her hair done, color and cut. There's a 40% discount on Monday's at the salon for the month of May on Mondays. Since their services are rather pricey that's a great savings. I also had her brows waxed and tinted. She loves getting her hair done (something I personally hate), so she was very happy on the outing.

Before I left to pick her up, I read a few chapters of Chasing Daylight. It really put the whole sister thing in a different light. Instead of feeling like it was chore to be with my sister, it felt like a gift.I had a whole different attitude about it. We had a really fun time together. After her hair and brows were done, we went for a walk near her home (the assisted adult family home). It was a spectacular day. Sunshine and 75 degrees. We walked (well, she "wheelchaired") for at least 15 blocks, then turned around and went back to her home. There was a perfect breeze and it was a perfect day.

When I came home, I decided I'd do more of the following in my life. These pictures are from this afternoon.

Enjoy the cherry blossoms in our front yard. There have been years (and this one almost one of them) that I barely even noticed this amazing tree.

Enjoy the perennials that come to life without any help from me. The bleeding heart is so beautiful. Again, there have been years when I saw it from the window but never even stepped outside to appreciate it.

Look up at the sky, under the umbrella of our huge maple tree. I love this tree. 

Spend more time with this guy, Mickey (fondly referred to as Mickey Mouse...get it, a cat named after a mouse). This is the coolest cat I've ever met (but I say that about every pet I've ever had). But guy really is special. Comes when he's called, cuddles when I want to cuddle, and loves to wrap his paws around my ankles when I come home, forcing me to pick him up. Who could resist?

Work less. Yes, I mean that sincerely. This was my cubicle about two weeks ago. Someone put up police tape as a joke because I told them to all stay out of my cube! I had work that had to get done and couldn't talk to anyone! Yes, work less is one of my goals.

Eat great food. This was my dinner. And yes, that is a small hamburger in the lower left corner. It's grass fed, 1/3 of a pound of beef, and it did taste delicious. I rarely eat beef, but today I wanted beef, so I had beef (soaked the fat out on a paper towel - but really, didn't worry too much about it). There's avocado on the salad and olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dressing. It was my only meal today and it was wonderful. I didn't intend to only eat one meal today. It just happened. Not a big deal.

Ah, the sun. I love the sun. When it shines here in Western Washington, I want to stop and just appreciate it. We don't get enough of it, and I want to soak it up when it's here.

My bare feet in the cool, moist grass. It felt great!

Read more, and read better quality books. The last three books were stroke books (possible therapies, the details of what happens during a stroke and after, how to prevent a stroke, etc.). They were as depressing as it can get. I need to read books that fill my soul. Chasing Daylight is one of those books.

Eat fresh, perfect, sweet strawberries. These were incredible strawberries. 

There's a whole life to live. It's not a downer to be alive. My sister isn't a downer. In fact, she's an inspiration. To have gone through what she's gone through in the last seven months and still laugh at herself when she does crazy stuff (her world is a little upside down and backwards), well, she's nothing short of amazing.

I think I found my happiness.

Finding a Salon That Will Help You Get the Look That You Want

Having a good hair stylist is important to many men and women. There is wide range of stylists out there, so it is important, as you are searching, that you find one that will be willing to give you what you want in a hair style. A salon that will do this needs to also be clean, have a good atmosphere, and be affordable to you.

Hair stylists would likely admit that in some ways they are artists. This being the case, you as the one getting your hair done are about to be their art project. This is a big deal. Although every artist is not possessive of his or her piece of art, this can be the case. This can be good, or it can be bad. If you have a possessive stylist you can run into a few problems. He or she may do what they want to do and not listen to what you want. This is a definite negative that should cause you to look elsewhere. Another aspect of this might come up if you ever need to get your hair done elsewhere because of something unforeseen. If your hair stylist treats you poorly and is jealous after this instance, then this is another reason to look elsewhere for a stylist. Find a stylist that takes his or her art seriously, does the style you want, and is willing to accept it when you need to make an appointment with someone else once in a while.

A clean salon is another consideration. It is important to find one that cleans up between clients. You do not want to walk through someone else's hair and have someone else's hair stuck all over your pants. You also will not want their germs. During the flu season, germs spread quickly. The stylist you use should sanitize the chair, dryer chair, and washing chair between clients. He or she should also never come to work sick. Many clients at salons are elderly and could die from getting the flu.

The atmosphere of the salon you choose is also something to consider. Some might have a spa-like atmosphere, while others might be more like a barbershop. It will really depend on your preference what you will like. Whatever it is that you like however, look for that in the one that you choose.

You should also look for a salon that is affordable. Some might charge exorbitant prices because of the location, and this is to be expected. If you cannot afford that, then you might have to drive to a neighboring town. Just make sure that you find one that you can afford well enough to leave a decent tip.

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Finding A Reputable Hospital For Women

There are a variety of specialized health clinics that are dedicated to providing care to only certain segments of the population. Hospitals that cater only to women are among the most important of these clinics. Many of these facilities provide world-class gynecological care, while others may even offer certain cutting-edge treatment plans to those females who have been diagnosed with ovarian or breast cancer.

When women are ultimately choosing one of these clinics, they should of course consider both formal and informal reviews. This will give them an idea of which doctors and nurses are the best in the field. If families will be scheduling an appointment, they should call ahead of time to make sure that they can get in.

Many younger girls who have become pregnant and who are a bit apprehensive about the trials they are about to face can also receive treatment at these types of centers. There will be professionals on-hand to assist them through every step of the process. With expert care, the pregnancy should be a big success and should lead to a lifetime of happy memories.

Oncology wings are also available for individuals who must undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Breast cancer patients will face specific challenges, and a hospital that is dedicated to caring for females may be the best choice. Once the radiation therapy has been completed, patients can move on and bravely begin the next step in the process.

Depression and anxiety are also conditions that can be treated at these clinics. Many females, in fact, fall victim to postpartum depression after they give birth. Psychologists and psychiatrists can help them work through their problems so that they can quickly regain their passion for life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is one of the key pillars of psychological counseling.

Domestic abuse applies almost solely to women, and shelters are often set up at hospitals where victims can rest while they decide what to do next. In some cases, legal action may be taken, and females can count on the full support of the clinic as they move forward.

In the end, when looking for a women's hospital, local residents should always choose the best possible option. If emergency treatment is needed, the patient should be rushed there quickly. By examining the local listings in the region, mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters can assure themselves of being examined by the best in the business.

Get information about the wide range of services offered at the womens hospital South Orange County location today! You can learn about the advantages of choosing skilled professionals to address your health issues at http://www.saddlebackmemorialmedicalcenter.com/ now.