Updated

So I figured I should update my blog, it's been awhile since I've posted anything with substance.  The last several weeks have been filled with extreme fatigue and a few good days.  Last Monday I was able to ride my bike to have tea with a friend, that was good exercise.  But then Ryan and I both came down with an illness that kept us in the house till Thursday.

Thursday was the day I saw a new doctor in the Cleveland area at the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Center.  It's an integrative approach to treating fibro and chronic fatigue.  I won't say much about it now as I just had one appointment and do not know how things are going to work out.  I'm hopeful but do not want to get excited before I actually start seeing results.  While my pain was fairly controlled on the mediations I was taking, the fatigue was unbearable and I was not able to do much of anything.  I am on a protocol of supplements and vitamins, as well as continuing my regular medications.  I'm sleeping better right from the start.  So that's a positive.  But that's all I really want to say about my treatment until I know more.

I haven't been on the yoga mat in a long time.  I've just been too exhausted to even think about it.  I still try to stretch on a regular basis so I do not get too stiff.  My right shoulder has been the biggest bother.  It's is knotted and gets cramped and just plain hurts.  My right hip is also one of my bigger issues, but that seems to behaving itself for the most part.  I'm going to try to get back to practicing this week for sure, and maybe even get to the studio.

I've been able to attend church more recently and that has been wonderful.  I've gotten to know some great people the last couple of months.  Several people started attending Terra Nova while I was sick and not attending regularly, so I have some catching up to do.  They are all wonderful and caring people and I love my church family very much.  

I think that is probably all for now, I haven't done much crocheting or photography to speak of.  So nothing to show there.  But I do have some recent photos of Popeye being his silly and cute self that I will post next time.  If you read all this, thanks for visiting my blog, I really appreciate those of you out there who care about me.

I'm behind.

I haven't posted in awhile, but that's because I've either been exhausted or busy.  The last few days were good, but now Ryan and I are both sick... so I'll be back when that has blown over with some updates and some pictures.

a joy for today

Today is a shitty day... yes I said it... shitty.  But for the last few weeks I've been able to hear an owl or two out of my windows.  This makes me happy.  Reminds me of God.  Reminds me that yes, I am still alive.  If all I can do is listen to the owl, I'm still alive.

Slumdog Millionare

I have posted in awhile, not because I've been particularly ill, mostly because I've been trying to get out more and do some things.  One of those things was to go see Slumdog Millionaire on Saturday.  I don't want to write a review or anything, it won awards and you can read any amount of reviews online.

I did want to write about my thoughts since seeing the movie.  It's been over a year since I visited India, and obviously the movie brought back a lot of memories and emotions.  As soon as the film began and I saw the children of India, I began to cry.  When I encountered children in India, they were some of the most life affirming moments for me.

From CJBIndia

They were excited to meet Americans and practice their English on us.  They were also incredibly eager to have their pictures taken and were always flirting.  Several children actually told me I was beautiful, no doubt they were looking for a couple rupees in return, but I will never forget the experience.

So these children in the film, playing cricket in the opening scene made me weep.  It made me recall the lives of the children we met in India, in all the different villages and cities that we visited.  And throughout the movie, I had one thought.  

Now that we've caught a glimpse of India, what children's lives can sometimes be like, what do we do with it?  What do we do with Slumdog Millionaire?  We can give it awards, and sing it's praises, but does that contribute anything to the people it's about, ultimately the children in India.  At the end of the movie Jamal, the newly minted millionaire, is only 18.  This is still a child by American standards. 

India has gotten a lot of attention since this film, and the Indian government has taken some steps to better the lives of the child stars of the movie.  But does this ultimately help.

We can take a mission trip to India, play with the children, build them a better home, but does this prevent it from being torn down.  Can we prevent violence in the street, can we prevent sickness that overcomes those in poverty?  

What do we do with this film??  It's more than just a movie, but what is it?

It's been nagging at me since I returned from India, what can I do, if anything to return the favor of what the people of India gave me when I visited?  I'm not sure there is an answer.

From CJBIndia