So much happening in our world...

News reports are full of Katrina's aftermath. A week ago, they were telling people to evacuate New Orleans. Many did. Many didn't. Many died. Many more will die if food, water, and supplies don't get to these folks soon. It's incredibly tragic, and sadly, the worst isn't even over. Residents have taken to looting stores and homes, and they're even shooting each other. It would be so easy to criticize them, but having never been in that sort of desparation, I refrain. Many of these people didn't have squat going into this disaster. They won't be any better off when it's all over. It's incredibly sad. It's not much, but I donated money to a relief organization. I'm not ready to commit to going there and actually DOING, but two of my friends are ready to go, and likely will within the next month or so. They rock! If they need to take stuff, I'll help either with money or purchasing what is needed.

My heart is very heavy with all of that.

Yesterday marked the anniversary of the death of an on-line friend. Last week was the anniversary of the death of another friend who started off with breast cancer. Last week one of my friends and his family buried their mother.

But yet babies continue to come into this world! A world that still keeps on spinning!

Friends in Oregon adopted a baby girl six years ago. She is as cute as she can be, and they knew from the get-go that she would be in need of all things "special." She has Down Syndrome, cleft palate, hair-lip, respiratory problems, heart murmur, and a hole in her heart. A big one. It couldn't be repaird endoscopicly, so they had surgery this morning. I'm happy to share that Allison came out so successfully that her mom didn't see the "blip" on the heart monitor screen where her "murmur" used to be! I'm anxious to hear what this delightful child will be able to do now that her heart is repaired! I bet it will be a kind of "tired" that her parents and big sister will welcome with open arms!

Another friend's daughter is engaged to be married! I 'met' Cindy on line nearly 8 years ago! I can't believe she has a daughter old enough to get married. She's a little too young in my book, but Cindy and her husband think this young man is quite wonderful. Knowing their daughter, I'm sure he is! I wish them many years of happiness!

We've nearly made it through the first week of school and work! Whew! It's tough getting back in the routine! I'm planning to take Friday's off each week. Now, the challenge will be to remain focused and get the things done that I need to do when nobody else is home to distract me!

We have a 4oth b-day party to attend on Saturday. I don't have anything to wear. My gravy-belly and ass just don't look good in the stuff I have. I may have to go shopping. Yuck. I hate to shop!

For now, I must go to bed. It makes me sad that I can just go do that, and folks half a continent away don't have that luxury. What it does remind me of, however, is that we do need to have a plan for emergencies (especially since we live next to a river that has levee's maintained by the landowner...anything could go wrong any time), but more important that that, we need to keep close the ones we love even if. I'll call my dad tomorrow!!!