Part 17 (2/2)

My morning thoughts:

I will, of course, take care of myself. But I honestly have been feeling better. You know me, I'm not one to rush to the doc when everything's working okay. I'm not good at running around getting tested for what might be. But I have decided to begin exercising again, and will build myself back up slowly. This has taken me down quite a bit, so I have nowhere to go but up, and in a way, I'll have a somewhat clean slate. So I'm choosing to look at the whole sweaty episode as a positive one. Onward and upward.

My dear neighbor, Leo, is coming by today to show me how to change the water filters and to take a sample to get tested. I'm sure it'll turn out fine. I probably just got the aberration, ”The Lone Giardia,” if that, indeed, was what it was. Whatever the case, Mama, I'm getting better and that's all that counts for me right now. I'm even going out to dinner tonight! Mind you, I'm not a fan of Chinese food and NEVER go out for it in L.A. or NY, but HERE (!) there is a wonderful restaurant (run by Tony from Thailand!) that for some reason agrees with me. Go figure.

I intend on rereading my pages of ”Sunrise” today, all these pieces of the puzzle that I'm just putting together w.i.l.l.y-nilly, that I pray will add up to a LIFE. I guess that's what we do in reality, too ... no real, honest-to-G.o.d ”master plan,” just ... life.

A pal sent me a personality test (that the Dalai Lama supposedly came up with) and my life priorities wound up being, in order:

Family

Career

Money

Love

Family first! If I had to choose between that and Career I would choose Family. Luckily, the twain meet often. As for Money, I've obviously been very blessed in this life, and I figure I'll always have just enough and sometimes extra. The Love part? Well, it's just not a priority 'cause I have it in spades with my family and my closest friends. As far as love goes, I suppose I expect love to always be there, so it's not a ”priority”; it just IS.

From: Carrie

To: Mama

Sent: July 31, 2001

Mama, I think you might be right. My friendly parasite (or whatever the h.e.l.l it is) is back with a vengeance. Also, I coughed up a little blood for the first time. I called sawbones and he has yet to call me back. Much as I hate to leave my mountains, I know I must head out to L.A. to nail this sucker once and for all.

Thank G.o.d for my good neighbors, Ted and Vera. They'll look after my house and feed Pee Wee and the kitties while I'm gone, which I hope won't be long.

One good thing, though-I'll be able to see you and Jody and Erin.

Love you ...

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