"You are so happy!"

(This is me at the happiest place on Earth- Disneyland. I know, I know...I look like a big dork! But Husband looks like a bigger dork!!)

People are always telling me that I seem really happy. No shit Sherlock-- I think to myself. Why shouldn't I be happy?? Why shouldn't you be happy??!! I don't know much, that's for sure, but this I do know...you get back what you put out! Wait...did I just say 'put out'? I didn't mean like 'put out' in the sexual sense but in the cosmic sense. Oh crap, now I'm starting to sound like some Holy roller goody two-shoes--and Lord knows I am not that! What I mean is...if you act like the world sucks and nothing you do makes a difference or matters, then your life probably WILL suck and no one will give a shit about you. I'm a very simple person and I don't take much for granted.

The other day at my Well Woman Exam, I was sitting in the clinic's waiting room. People were running around frantically and I could tell that the shit had hit the fan. Minutes later, a gurney comes down the hall with a 1 or 2 year old child on it. The child was on a ventilator and being transferred to another hospital. The child's parents were sobbing as they rushed down the hall. I can't seem to get the vision of them and their sadness out of my mind--hence I'm blogging about it. Anywho, at that moment, I felt immense sadness for them. Becoming a parent changes you and you somehow become more aware of the world and the people in it. I wanted to do something for them to ease their pain, but of course there was nothing I could do. (Sorry for being a "Debbie Downer" in this entry.)

After a moment of feeling complete utter sadness for the sick child and his/her family, I had a moment of incredible thankfulness. I was thankful for simply being alive and able to smell the putrid stretch of dog shit. I was thankful to be sitting at the doctors office for a WELL woman exam. Thankful for all the really silly things we often take for granted. Yeah, so I got adult acne, asthma, horrible freakin' allergies, a gallbladder that likes to cause me excruciating pain after eating fatty foods, a weird rash in places that I can't discuss, a big nose, bad eye sight, and droopy boobs, but at least I'm glad to be on the planet to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

With the recent disasters, the earthquake in China and the typhoon in Myanmar, I have really started to count my blessings. I know compared to some I don't have much, but compared to others I've got a shit load!! And, I'm truly utterly thankful. Don't get me wrong, I can be a hot headed little spitfire Mexican, but with the recent events that have taken place around the world--I seem to have taken a step back and realized all I should be grateful for.

After all, here I am in Japan. I'm on a wonderful voyage that most can only dream about. I've got a wonderful husband that I love more everyday (except on days when he does really stupid shit and then I want to choke the crap out of him). I've got the cutest, smartest kid in the world (I know, every mom says that about their kid- but my kid IS the cutest and smartest one on the planet). I've got an awesome somewhat bizarre family that loves me regardless of my gas (I'm lactose intolerant). I've got a great job where I get paid to do the Hokey Pokey. I've got the greatest friends all over the world that would do anything for me and likewise. I really am blessed beyond belief.


So, smile after you read this and someone will smile back. Hug your friends and family. Remember that our time on this planet is really short, so put out what you want to get back in return.

~Ween