The Grinch..must see for Christmas

Since the ride has come and gone and next year is still many months away, you now will see more blogs about a whole bunch of random stuff. A lot has been going on lately so, I am now taking the time to slow down enough to write in here, at least 2 times a week. Although today, this makes 2 times in one day! So, what am I going to write about.......Christmas!
I know...groaaaannnnnn..why is she bringing up Christmas already, can we get through Thanksgiving first, Christmas is 47 days away, and whatever else you sour pusses want to groaaann out your mouths. Well...so sorry...if you don't want to hear about how excited I am because the holidays are upon us, then stop reading. No one is forcing you to continue! Now, for those reading still....beware...I might make you smile or at least dream a little bit better tonight!
What pray tell, has sparked this sudden burst of excitement for Christmas or at least the holidays? I would have to say last night is where it really started. There is something about a first snowfall that gets me giddy like a school girl, although very, very mild and light by Chicago standards, still...there was snow.
The last day of clinic, I skipped out of there, with a million thoughts running through my head all happy of course. Although nervous and my head racing, I had a lovely evening with a very unique, down to Earth, and sweet guy. As we were leaving a very sweet gals birthday party, is when it started snowing enough to see the white in the distance. There is just something about snow and lights on trees, yes, some parts of Chicago do have lights on trees already. Of course, this had me thinking on the way home and all today, that summer is over, fall is here and almost over too, winter is going to be sooner then we realize it.
Fall, my favorite season (see previous post) gives way to Winter. Since I am and always will be, a kid at heart, snow is the best part of winter. I always jump up and down when there is too much snow for anyone to leave. Snow day for kids is almost as fun as snow day for adults! Yes it is, well, for me anyhow. Snow ball fights with the dogs and friends, sledding with friends and their kids, peeling off all the cold and wet clothes, hot shower and hot cocoa, wrap up under a blanket after lighting a fire, cuddle with Ara...the sweetest dog in the world. And, although I give everyone a hard time who puts a sweater on their dog, yes....Ara will be getting one this year. Its not to make her look cute, its so she can stay warm. With her hair, like other short-haired dogs, it is understandable why a sweater or something is needed for this area. But, summer time and other warm months, no...she does not get dressed up.
The other great moment of snow, perhaps my favorite, is when it is the middle of the night, fresh snow has covered everything in a pure, white, blanket. As no plows or drivers are on the road, the stillness is breathtaking. The peacefulness as you hear only snow falling on snow. Crystals falling onto other crystals. Other then the sound of snow falling, there is the occasional animal scurrying off to seek shelter or maybe some traveling in a pack to find food, howling in the distance.
I normally stand outside for a few minutes, wrapped up in a blanket, just listening to the sound of snow falling to the ground. Once I am too cold, I go upstairs and stare out the window for a few more minutes, watching the unique flakes fall in front of me. What normally happens with when snow starts falling, I start singing...especially parts of Let it Snow. Have you ever actually listened to the lyrics? That is old school romantic right there. I don't care what some of you say, I am a sucker for romance. A true gentleman who is comfortable enough to be romantic too...that's enough to make me melt.
So, although this may not have been directly related to Christmas, there was still the tone of the holiday. Snow, holiday music...pure joy. On that note, I bid you farewell...to another night. Dream of the beauty snow offers. The beauty just before anyone drives in it. Before you have to drive to work. The part where you may watch the flakes come down and cleanse everything. Natures way of purifying everything....
Have a most wonderful week. Be happy in all you do and spread that joy to others who may need it more then you realize. Be sure when you watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, you will listen to the message that is in the end. Christmas Spirit doesn't only apply to that one day of the year, its every day of the year!
Peace, love, and happiness
Maureen..."Mo"

Football, firewood, bonfires...signs of Fall

For Chicago anyways, the leaves have not only changed, but have fallen to the ground. All the brightly colored leaves scattering in the wind. Although I love the warmer months, I do love all the seasons. I think Fall is my favorite though, ever since I was a kid. Favorite childhood memory, raking the leaves up in the yard with my brothers and my Dad. Of course, being the youngest, I just HAD to do what my brothers did, even though it resulted in chores. Summer time I would cut the grass, Fall..rake the leaves up. The most fun though, flinging the leaves at my brothers which resulted in a leaf fight. Chasing each other and throwing leaves. Of course, then we would get yelled at by Dad for making a mess and to quit horsing around. We would always burst out in laughter and clean up. The end result, we would dump the leaves in the wooded part of the backyard. I remember making a leaf fort every year and would spend hours playing in it, sometimes falling asleep in a giant pile of leaves. So, this time of year, I sometimes get caught up in child hood memories. Most of the time, end up goofing off with friends and their kids.
Fall as an adult: going to/having bonfires, watching the leaves change and fall, playing the role as Auntie Mo while chasing the kids all over the yard, prepare for a cold winter's sleep (firewood, snow blower maintenance, unpack winter clothes), watch football, get the last bike rides in before its too cold, snuggle up with the dog, kids, and friends. Yes, am working on finding a good snuggle buddy.
Last night was a reminder that Fall is almost over and Winter will soon be upon us. Then I will be singing...Oh the weather outside is frightful But the fire is so delightful And since we've no place to go Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Of course, one of the best things about the holidays is watching all the movies and shows that are still playing from when I was a kid. Yes, I am a kid at heart, truly one thing that will never change.
For those who are in warm weather right now, roll out the sleeping bag, I may need it come January just to thaw out for a few days!

Wishing you and yours a most terrific and happy week! Will be wrapping up Tour DaVita 2008 blogs this week with one long and final note.

Published through work blog!

So, check it out everyone! In case you are wondering where my blogs are for this site, I am pouring my energy into the blog that was set up for the Tour DaVita. There were a few riders who volunteered, myself included, to write weekly. So, Tuesdays are my days to submit. I have to say, I absolutely love it. It is such a healthy creative outlet and to be paid for it is even better! Maybe I should start writing articles weekly for magazines or something. Get paid for something I enjoy....nah. I still love it, love doing something that is not considered "work."

Check out the link on this page, far right side, called Tour DaVita. That will put you to my postings.

Peace, love, happiness....you only live once!
Mo

We can learn so much

Robin Williams has played some fabulous roles. The one that stands out the most for me is that of Hunter "Patch" Adams. Tonight's post will be dedicated to this man, who is a real person. Ordinarily I don't list a bunch of quotes from movies, but these are too good to not post. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story of Patch Adams, he is a brialliant man who pushed the envelope with the medical community as a med student. Really brought out the meaning of being a doctor and this day, a provider does not only mean one with MD at the end of their name.

"Our job is improving the quality of life, not just delaying death. "

"We need to start treating the patient as well as the disease. "

"All of life is a coming home. Salesmen, secretaries, coal miners, beekeepers, sword swallowers, all of us. All the restless hearts of the world, all trying to find a way home. It's hard to describe what I felt like then. Picture yourself walking for days in the driving snow; you don't even know you're walking in circles. The heaviness of your legs in the drifts, your shouts disappearing into the wind. How small you can feel, and how far away home can be.
Home. The dictionary defines it as both a place of origin and a goal or destination. And the storm? The storm was all in my mind. Or as the poet Dante put it: In the middle of the journey of my life, I found myself in a dark wood, for I had lost the right path. Eventually I would find the right path, but in the most unlikely place."

I wanted to become a doctor so I could serve others. And because of that, I've lost everything. But I've also gained everything.

What's wrong with death sir? What are we so mortally afraid of? Why can't we treat death with a certain amount of humanity and dignity, and decency, and God forbid, maybe even humor. Death is not the enemy gentlemen. If we're going to fight a disease, let's fight one of the most terrible diseases of all, indifference.

Laughter is contagious. Laughter is the cheapest medicine.


"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it."
-Robin Williams

Pay It Forward

So, everyone has seen the movie Pay It Forward, right? If not, go see it. While you are at it, go see The Bucket List. These are two movies we all can learn a lot from and of course bring into our daily living.

"The premise of the novel Pay It Forward is one that any person can implement in his or her own life, at any time. It begins with doing a favor for another person-- without any expectation of being paid back. Indeed one would request that the recipient of that favor do the same for someone else: ideally for three other people. The unconditional favors can be large or small. As Trevor observes: it doesn't have to be a big thing. It can just seem that way, depending on whom you do it for. " http://www.payitforwardfoundation.org
Thus, making the world a better place to live. This is so easy to do and makes a difference whether you believe it or not. It is so much easier to be positive then negative, healthier to smile and laugh, then frown and be upset. It carries from you to others. There is even a commercial with Liberty Mutual on TV.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMwoexR1evo
So, we have this beautiful concept of how we can help each other out and make a major difference on each other. The other, as you make a positive impact to others, is doing what makes you happy. Here comes in The Bucket List. The main thing to pull from this: only you can make you happy. You are responsible for your own happiness. Do not let life pass right by you. Make a list of everything you want to do and cross it off when you do it. This is what is called a bucket list. Pretty much....live each day to the fullest.

Now, you must be wondering, where does this fit in to my standard raising money for charity postings? Well, I am doing this ride to raise awareness in kidney disease, to pedal a lot of miles for those who are fighting the battle of kidney disease, for those who have lost it, and for those who have yet to have it.
This post tonight is what I pulled from school tonight and am spreading to you dear reader. Be positive, be happy, help each other out, and leave only your footprints.