Waiting...

     Looking on the bright side, the hours spent in one waiting room after another (after another) gives me time to write. As I scribble into my little notebook, I realize that this particular waiting room is at least painted in bright colors and has colorful floral prints hanging on the walls.  The atmosphere attempts to be cheerful even if the general mood is not.  Everything will be fine, we tell ourselves, but there is always at least a part of us feeling the doubt and fear that maybe...it won't be so fine.
    This is the third medical appointment in as many days, and I still have one tomorrow and a lab yet to be scheduled.
    No one talks really. The only sounds are magazine pages turning and the occasional throat clearing or nervous sigh. I'm moved from one waiting room to another, soon to be moved to the procedure room.  Knowing that the "procedure" won't necessarily hurt, doesn't really alleviate the anxiety.  Having had the procedure before doesn't calm me either. All I can do...is do what they say and try to relax. I know there are lots of people much worse off than me: people who have to go through much worse experiences. I try to think about that and pray that I don't end up being one of those people eventually.  Maybe that's why I feel the way I do. I'm only a few tests away from the really scary stuff.  Well, I guess I shouldn't get ahead here. One uncomfortable issue at a time, I always say. So here I go. It's my turn.

It's Coming...

     There's something a little sad about winter (even in California).  Not that it's here yet of course, but it's coming. The days get shorter, and I swear they go by faster.  As I get closer to the holidays I try not to put too much expectation on things, and yet it seems impossible not to. I want the happy endings you always see in the movies. You all know what I'm talking about.  No matter what horrible events take place, everything works out in the end and everyone comes together for a wonderful Christmas dinner full of smiles and love.  But that's not what real life is like, is it? Bad stuff happens and it's not always hunkie dorrie in the end.  Loved ones die, people are hungry, others are depressed, some will even commit suicide.  So as I face another winter, and another holiday season, I'm hoping to go into it merely with the expectation of making it through unscathed. Anything more than that, is whip cream on the pumpkin pie, so to speak.

So here we go. Wish me luck - the same to you.