Positus Mentius

For the title, I just tried to make up some crap that sounded like “positive mental” in Latin. In actuality, it probably means “mucus deposit” or something like that. Lately, I have found myself a little overwhelmed and listing slightly to the negative side, on the attitude-o-meter (another made up word). When this occurs, I generally force myself to slow down for a second and try to focus on things to counter the crapstorm (adaptation of a slightly stronger “term of art” commonly used in my profession to describe an onslaught of unpleasant news/tasks occurring in rapid sequence), so that I can try to center myself on the attitude-o-meter. I tried V8, but lets face it, that crap totally doesn’t work the way that claims to in the ads. So, I started by filling out some surveys I received in the mail. One was from the Columbia PICU, the other from Toyota. I figured that maybe I could get my spirits up by giving someone else props for their strong efforts. Columbia: superior marks across the board. Once again you saved our daughter’s life and made it so that her stay at your facility was as accommodating as possible for us and all other friends/fans of Piper. Toyota: Superior marks in all categories. We absolutely love Bebe. We think that the FJ is quite possibly the coolest car and best value in its class. Even thought it has only been 4 months, we are extremely satisfied. Way to go.

That felt pretty good. I mailed both of the above referenced surveys this morning. So right now, I would like to list the merits of some others, whose strong efforts I have observed, and would like to acknowledge. Dad: Superior marks across the board. It takes an amazing amount of determination to tackle a start-up, after you have already reached such a seasoned point in your career. To be able to juggle family, work and church obligations successfully is a feat that I hope to someday master to the degree that you demonstrate. Mom: Superior marks across the board. Having the mental acuity to be able to provide a safe haven for a very difficult handicapped child and still have the energy to devote to self-development through your continuing education and choir activities is impressive and inspiring. Reagy B.: Superior marks across the board. I’m sure that you had no idea what moving back to NY and getting married would bring. I know that you had even less indication of what kind of sea change would occur when you decided not to terminate an extremely complicated pregnancy full of dismal prognoses punctuated with question marks. Yet, there you go, working it out, day by day. Amazing. Piper Jane: Superior marks across the board. You must know something that I don’t. The way that you fight every day to breathe and live is truly enough to inspire even the most cynical of naysayers. Keep it up little chica.

I have to admit. It feels a lot better than complaining.