Thursday, November 22, 2007

Thanksgiving

For the most part, we've all been raised with a mild understanding of Thanksgiving involving those key symbols of: a) gluttonous dining, b) musket-toting pilgrims, c) football games, and of course, d) the ever-so-thankful 4-day weekend that (even more thankfully for some of us) precedes the busiest shopping day of the year.

Whether these attributes represent the Pilgrims' original intent is debatable; regardless, this year I discovered the true meaning of the season, which actually comes across so trite I almost hate to share it. But the truth is, All You Out There, is that we really have so much to be thankful for. We really do! In fact, this so-called "Thanksgiving" truly deserves its own 4-day weekend after all.

It took my own recent personal trauma (in having survived something as surreal one's own brain surgery) to fully realize this fact. Most importantly, it's because of this experience that I want to imprint this message on all of you:

The lives we are fortunate enough to experience are gifts that, often times, we can't fully realize until they become flashes of uncertainty. Not to mention, of course, that it would be completely useless if devoid of the people who make it worth the experience.

Yeah, I know, it's sappy and nothing we haven't heard before. Though I have to say that once you go through something as crazy as what I've experienced these past couple months, it's all you can do to not impose your learned wisdom on those you care about. My wish for all of you is to simply take a moment to breathe in the magic of the good life you have: it's realizing the beauty of yourself, of your families, and of your friends -- and without waiting for the risk of losing any of them. It's knowing that despite the unexpected cards we'll all inevitably be dealt, both good and not-so-good, that we'll be cushioned by a human support system that's stronger than we could ever comprehend.

And most importantly, it's because of this system that we will get through our struggles in the end.

This knowledge is my gift to you. Use it wisely and don't regret a day of the lives you've been given to live -- especially because of the people who are in it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Monday, November 19, 2007

Blog B'lag

I suppose I didn't fully comprehend how many of you were actually reading this thing until the postings skewed to a halt -- and then came all of the e-mails asking what was up. So, wow -- I definitely didn't mean to let you down or keep you out of the loop (not to mention that posting updates on here one time -- versus repeatedly via e-mail and phone calls -- becomes less of a time commitment for me). So, please accept my apologies for the lag.

Not surprisingly to a lot of you, I'm sure, I have a lot to say on the topic, so I'll try to get things out more periodically moving forward. Regarding my progress (thanks for asking), I'm doing relatively well. I think it's safe to say that I've plateaued, in that a period of progress (while good) has stalled for the time being. And while I've got a ways to go before I'm 100% Amanda once again (or 75% for that matter), I'm amazed at how well the recovery process has been. I think a lot of my amazement stems from the realization that, whoa, it was merely a month ago that I was confined to a hospital bed with a spinal fluid drain stuck in my back, unsure of my future, unsure of my sanity.

Continually, I'm strengthened by all of your contact and perserverence (particularly when it takes me longer to get back to you all than I'd like). I know I keep saying it... but thanks.

In general, I just can't wait to be back to my old self again, when my energy level's back to that of a regular, healthy 31 year old. Back to when I can stop taking all the Advil. Back to when I can roll my eyes at the color printer not working again (yes, I miss being at work). And particularly, back to when when my head's less addled and it's completely obvious that a stamp belongs on the upper right hand side of a letter (versus the left, where about 20 of them were confidently affixed on a recent thank-you card binge).

The finish line is a ways out, but thankfully, in sight. Can't wait to celebrate with you guys when I get there.