The Hit List - Fit or Fate?

Just the other day, I heard the sad news that an old friend of ours had suffered a stroke and is now in a nursing home. I have not yet ventured for a visit because I need to brace myself.

I know I’m going to be emotional.

I know I might cry.

I know that I won’t know what to say.

There are never any “good” words in a situation like this. All I can do is be present.

When I think of my friend, I remember his long time struggle with addiction. The cheap booze and hard drugs. The sweaty jonesing after a show. I remember that all too well.

But I also remember his soft sweetness. He always had a smile and never said a bad word about anyone.

No one was more gentle or compassionate.

As often happens with addicts, we lost touch.

We ran into him once and gave him a ride. He looked worse for the wear but still managed to be positive. We knew he was probably not in the best of shape considering he was living in a rooming house at the time.

We dropped him off and watched him walk away with a wave and a grin.

From time to time, an odd phone call came in. There was never a number to call back. So we moved on.

And now the news. That horrible news.

As more of my friends age, get ill, or pass away, I wonder why I’ve been so lucky. Why I’ve never struggled with addiction or physical woes that other have. Why my health has been (knock on wood) relatively good.

Fate?

I try hard to stay in shape (although I now have about ten pounds to shed after a long indulgent few weeks). I eat well (too well). My habits are moderate (lately the exercise has been too – slacking). I floss and do all the “right things.” I’m relatively fit.

But that’s still no guarantee.

Anything can happen. Any one of us can end up in a bad situation. And yes, any one of us can become an addict too. (There but for the grace of God go I.)

I’m just one of the lucky ones.

My heart and prayers go out to all those who suffer. May you find your way. May you be “lucky” too.

“There are no guarantees. From the viewpoint of fear, none are strong enough. From the viewpoint of love, none are necessary.” ― Emmanuel Teney

Kids always get it.

Other stuff:

Humans of New York is suddenly a war report from Iraq: the popular photo blog is now on the front lines of the war zone.

Tweet when you’re dead from The Middle Finger Project. How to put out a Tweet after you expire. OMG I’m so doing this!

From LA Progressive: Black Women – Lighter Skin Lighter Prison Sentence. Extremely disturbing.

Just the other day, I was shopping with a girlfriend when we found a six pack of Trader Joe’s wines (that “Two Buck Chuck” stuff). We returned it to the rightful owner and after reading this, I’m glad I did. Ewwwww……

Ah, the old days in Milwaukee. This got me all sorts of nostalgic.

Yes and Yes just released an “After College Survival Kit” – how awesome is that? She’s also writing some killer posts on How to be a Grown Ass Woman like this one about health and personal care. (PS even old broads like me can benefit from this, yo.)

One of my favorite childhood books is about to be made into a movie. (Unfortunately, it’s by Disney. Bleh.)

This may be one of my favorite posts about marketing, ever. Itty Biz gets it right.

I ain’t no Juggalo but I am rooting for Insane Clown Posse in their case with the FBI.

One of the many reasons why I am adamantly against the death penalty: innocent people get executed. Check out this story and you’ll get enraged too. This should not happen but it DOES.

In my quest to get more fit, I got a Fitbit One Wireless Activity Plus Sleep Tracker, Black this week. I’m upping my steps and finding out how much I’m really sleeping (yes, it tracks your sleep!). Best part? Hubby got one two and now we are doing this together!

If you are a professional tarot reader (or want to be one), you may have considered reading at fairs and festivals. If so, you need to grab your copy of Have Tarot Will Travel: A Comprehensive Guide to Reading at Festivals as a Tarot Professional from Jenna Matlin. This is the only comprehensive guide out there. Git it git it….

What I’m Grateful For:

My health

My new FitBit

The support of my loved ones

A day to myself

The ability to make choices

Fresh food

Clean water

Soundtrack for 8/9/14: “What It’s Like” by Everlast – I always listen to this song when I need to be reminded how fortunate I am.