It's not easy to think of things to write, even if the world is full of inspiration. I've been neglecting this blog for months, and it's not the only thing; I've also been ignoring my journal. I've been keeping a journal off and on since I was seven years old. Since Semester at Sea, I haven't ever gone more than a few days without writing in one of my little books. That habit made contributing to this blog super easy. But for the last six months or so, I've had a hard time finding material to scribble for my own personal enjoyment, and I haven't been able to think of anything that I feel I need to share with the citizens of cyberspace. I don't know if this has something to do with getting older or if it's just that I don't feel like I have anything worth sharing.
I admit that sometimes I feel like writing reveals too much vulnerability -- something about giving voice to my inner musings makes me a little nervous. But I've also gained so much from doing just that; sharing my thoughts has often been the most rewarding part of my day, sometimes even my year. But I also recognize that the greatest inspiration for me has always been my experiences -- pushing my boundaries, trying new things, feeling the extremes of the human emotional spectrum. I don't really feel like I've had any exhilarating conversations or experiences in a long time. In fact when I think about it, the last time I felt exhilarated was somewhere between Boise, Idaho and Laramie, Wyoming. The Rockies always get to me in a good way.
Since December, I moved to Philadelphia, started a new job, got my own apartment, and met oodles of new, interesting people. But those experiences haven't translated to written confabulation. Fortunately, something completely exhilarating should occur in the next week. My sister is going to have a baby, and for the first time my genetic line will be extended into the next generation. I'm more excited than I was the first time I took a transatlantic flight, more pumped than when I first set foot in the Amazon rain forest, more giddy than I felt at the top of Cerro Chirripo in Costa Rica. I don't have to work hard, save money, organize arrangements, or anything. But this amazing thing is going to happen to me, to my family, to the world. A new person is going to join us on this floating blue marble, and because he/she will share my blood, it's special. I never got that before. And when I think about it, I definitely feel like I need to shout it to the world.
Showing posts with label babies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label babies. Show all posts
Monday, January 18, 2010
Monday, April 23, 2007
Some Crazy
For those of you who missed it, this past Thursday was my birthday. (This is your cue to feel guilty.) It was an absolutely fantastic 48 hours of madness. I planned my little celebration for Friday, when I met a bunch of friends at the Harris Grill for beers after work. After a couple hours of free brewskies (thank you JK, Freshman, Nathan, Emme, Anna, Brendan, Texas, and whoever else I am forgetting) Texas took me under her wing and agreed to drive me to Oakland (for more friends and but no more beers).
Between the Grill and the car, I had a mad chocolate craving, so I bought some Whoppers at a convenience store. I used the Whoppers to bribe a yard full of students to let me join their game of Beer Pong (I think I played for 5 seconds, then got distracted and wandered inside). Whoppers are good for making fast friends and soon I was squished on a couch with a half dozen other people watching baseball on a big screen TV.
Texas and I finally got to Oakland around 10:00, I think. Along the way I called a handful of friends. (If you are one of them, you're welcome for the free entertainment.) Several hours and stops later, Brewer drove me back to my flat in Friendship. As she parked her car, an ambulance -- sirens ablare and lights flashing -- pulled up along the curb in front of us. Abruptly, it made a U-turn in the middle of the street and drove away. We got out of the car to hear the yells of a man from across the street. We called out, "Are you okay? Was that ambulance for you?" "No, I'm not okay -- she's having a baby!"
After trying to exchange glances with Brewer in the dark and confirming that my instinct was appropriate, I called back, "We'll drive you to the hospital!" Within minutes, the four of us were on our way back to Oakland to Magee Women's Hospital. Along the way, I learned that this was their second child. Big Sister was 3 years old. Baby would be named Cadence. Mom was named Celeste. Her water had broken several minutes before they had called the ambulance, and her contractions were just a minute or two apart. Both Mom and Dad were pretty panicked (who wouldn't be after being abandoned by an ambulance?!).
We pulled under the big red sign that reads "EMERGENCY" and I ran inside. I frantically explained my desperate need for a wheelchair, and quickly Celeste was wheeled inside. I looked at Brewer. We were alone in the dark, outside a hospital, veins full of adrenaline.
Everything that happened after that was a blur.We got back to my apartment. We ate some Trader Joe's honey nut Os cereal. We talked about traveling and life and who knows what else. Adrenaline is the strangest drug.
A friend of mine, in a moment of wisdom, once said, "NOOOO MOOOOORE BABIEEEEES." I agree. That was some crazy!
Between the Grill and the car, I had a mad chocolate craving, so I bought some Whoppers at a convenience store. I used the Whoppers to bribe a yard full of students to let me join their game of Beer Pong (I think I played for 5 seconds, then got distracted and wandered inside). Whoppers are good for making fast friends and soon I was squished on a couch with a half dozen other people watching baseball on a big screen TV.
Texas and I finally got to Oakland around 10:00, I think. Along the way I called a handful of friends. (If you are one of them, you're welcome for the free entertainment.) Several hours and stops later, Brewer drove me back to my flat in Friendship. As she parked her car, an ambulance -- sirens ablare and lights flashing -- pulled up along the curb in front of us. Abruptly, it made a U-turn in the middle of the street and drove away. We got out of the car to hear the yells of a man from across the street. We called out, "Are you okay? Was that ambulance for you?" "No, I'm not okay -- she's having a baby!"
After trying to exchange glances with Brewer in the dark and confirming that my instinct was appropriate, I called back, "We'll drive you to the hospital!" Within minutes, the four of us were on our way back to Oakland to Magee Women's Hospital. Along the way, I learned that this was their second child. Big Sister was 3 years old. Baby would be named Cadence. Mom was named Celeste. Her water had broken several minutes before they had called the ambulance, and her contractions were just a minute or two apart. Both Mom and Dad were pretty panicked (who wouldn't be after being abandoned by an ambulance?!).
We pulled under the big red sign that reads "EMERGENCY" and I ran inside. I frantically explained my desperate need for a wheelchair, and quickly Celeste was wheeled inside. I looked at Brewer. We were alone in the dark, outside a hospital, veins full of adrenaline.
Everything that happened after that was a blur.We got back to my apartment. We ate some Trader Joe's honey nut Os cereal. We talked about traveling and life and who knows what else. Adrenaline is the strangest drug.
A friend of mine, in a moment of wisdom, once said, "NOOOO MOOOOORE BABIEEEEES." I agree. That was some crazy!
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