The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

It is 6:27 A.M. I have been up since five. unhh.

This HAS to get easier.

Yesterday I watched My Sister's Keeper. They say the book is a thousand times better, so I'm not sure if I can truly recommend the film. But it was therapeutic, how much the story reminded me of my own life. Lying on the couch, my blood cold and my muscles aching, having done nothing all day-- I looked at Kate Fitzgerald-- and we were both in pain. It was like a mirror. And Anna, fighting for her own voice. Or Jesse, desperately seeking an escape. Sara, the mother whose obsessive perseverance goes so far as to blind her judgment. POTS is not leukemia, but it is a chronic illness. There were so many moments I've known firsthand. "Eat more." "Chin up." "Get out of bed." "Just try harder!" I smiled. I cried.

Sad, disturbing, and beautiful.

I'm going to try to sleep now. Please please please please please.

love,
emma

The Magic Locket by Elizabeth Koda-Callan

Happy 9th Birthday, Zachary! [New rule: kids who wave at me from the day camp bus get special shout-outs.]

Bad thunderstorms this week have been rocky for me. Probably the worst day I had this year. Keeping stocked up on entertainment for my couch-bound hours - it's supposed to rain more this weekend. "Ace of Cakes" and Fern Gully!

My neighbor asked me to sit for her family this summer -- five beautiful Israeli kids who visit annually. Had to turn it down. Stuff like that feels awful. I missed the Backstreet Boys concert last week because I had a bad day. When will anyone be able to count on me again? (I'm sorry, Brian Littrell!)

I'm doing well at the moment. That's all. I'm determined to go DO something.

et

No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

The Spider-Man musical should be awesome. Music & Lyrics by The Edge and Bono. And... directed by Julie Taymor! Ah! I hope she outdoes herself. How anyone could top The Lion King, though, aaahhh. I'll likely stalk the production of this show.

I feel like crap. Palpitations, pain. I'm pushing myself to go on little excursions with my sister. She had to get her phone fixed. The mall was so cold I had to buy a sweater. I paid with cash and the woman looked at me like, what is this. I've never had to handle money before. Weird, huh, how our culture changes so much.

Quality time with the dogs,
emma

Frindle by Andrew Clements

Toy Story 3 was worth the rest before and after, and yes, even the power outage in the middle of the movie. Special thanks to the 7th grade girls in front of us. Slow clap? So fun. Fail, but so fun.

This morning I was doing really poorly and thought it would be a bed-bound day. Happy to report a short venture to the store.

Maddie's coming tomorrow!
et

Matilda by Roald Dahl

There should be a grocery store check-out for people who are far too tired to stand in line to check out. I see all you red-shirt-and-khaki types roaming about the store, with your walkie-talkies and your name badges like you're so special. Well, hello special DAVE. That's a nice polo you have on. Listen, I have a little favor to ask. Ah jest git so tired an' dizzy from walkin' around this great big sto'...couldja please open up register 23 for me? Gosh, sugar, you'd jest be my hero!

Alas, chivalry is dead, my stamina is fading, and there's only one lane open. I lean against the counter, waiting in line between a screaming baby and a frustrated mom going Emma. Emma. Emma, get back here. Emma, don't touch that. Wait til we get home, Emma. Emma! Emma!

BREATHE. Tomorrow will be better.

et

Belief by Francis S. Collins

Great weekend. Heart hurts now, blood's cold. It's going to rain a lot tomorrow. Plan of attack: Sara Bareilles, salted popcorn, and Disney movies. Now: sleep.

zzz,
emma

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

It's humid. I'm resting. Things are still a lot better than they were this time last year. Gotta remember that!

I love the new format of So You Think You Can Dance! My favorite piece of the night, This Bitter Earth, beautifully captures the stages of life. Choreographed by Mia Michaels. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVWRS7r_oQg

Nice work, Blackhawks. Now Chicagoans are in a good mood. :-)

Hope you are well!
et

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli

It rained. I felt crummy. Tomorrow will be better.

loose change,
et

Snow in August by Pete Hamill

So then there was a week I forgot to blog...because I'm doing SO WELL!! Ah!

Highlights:
- went to the mall! bought clothes that fit!
- planned and executed my sister's party (success)
- achieved unprecedented popularity haha
- lots of energy! walking and swimming and likely attacking Olivia's trampoline
etc etc.

I'm really sore! And happy!

love love love,
emma