oh to be raul castro

The diagnosis:
A sinus infection from weeks ago that drained into my lungs. I'm currently on antibiotics (which I don't think I've been on in years), and Advair. Plus I'm in possession of Albuterol for those out-of-control coughing fits/shallow-breathing panic attacks. All of the alarms on my phone are currently being used to remind me to take said medications at appointed times (I don't know how all of you old people do it!). 24 hours and the difference is amazing. It also helps that last night I slept in air conditioning and I'm looking forward to another night of comfort tonight as well. This was a big fat wakeup call, folks. Time to really start taking care of myself. Not being able to breathe really does hinder one's ability to have a good time and, well, live.

So I'm back at work where the patrons have just gotten out of prison or are looking for someone to talk to about just how hot it is outside. Let's take bets on how many times I can say "Really? I hadn't noticed!"

Now I ain't no friend of Fidel or nothing, but does anyone else find the celebrating in Miami a little...I don't know...distasteful? I get that most of these people risked their lives to escape Castro's regime, but it seems tacky. Like breaking-up-with-someone-on-their-voicemail tacky. Regardless, Raul Castro is one lucky dude. With the U.S. looking to finally take down the Last Cold War Evil Empire (I swear I heard it referred to as something akin to this last night on NBC news--did everyone forget that China and our good friends North Korea are still communist?) Raul better watch his back. Or at the very least his cigars. Who knows what wacky idea the U.S. government will come up with to dismantle this last bastion of pinko-commie bastards.

The only thing I have to say about Israel and Hezbollah is what I've been saying since the beginning: enough is enough.

On a more personal note: A change has been a-comin' round these parts for awhile. There has been something brewing. I know that I have been more removed than usual and people near and far have noticed. And it has been very good for me. Not to get all Oprah-esque on everyone, but I've been giving a lot of thought to my relationships with people and thinking a little more about who I'm choosing to let into my life and why. I was blessed by growing up in a family that always thought of others first. This really is a wonderful gift I was taught and yet it also can mean I will frequently put others needs ahead of my own. I still struggle with balance, but I really do feel optimistic that things will even out. I stated from the beginning that this was the Summer of Erin Doing What She Wanted, When She Wanted.

So far, I think I'm pretty on track.