even Elizabeth Taylor had a Twitter account.

"Every breath you take today should be with someone else in mind."

~Elizabeth Taylor

stuck in the middle.

It's March 28th. I have begun the journey into my 12th month of having my illeaostomy. I read an article the other day that had a statistic regarding chronic illness- "Approximately 96% of people who live with an illness have an illness that is invisible. These people do not use a cane or any assistive device and may look perfectly healthy. (2002 US Census Bureau)" Do I have cancer? Nope. Do I use a walker or wheelchair? No. When you are chronically ill the best thing you are given (other than the freedom to eat whatever you want without guilt) is a "free pass." An excuse that gets you out of daily activities that you would normally do (unhappily). When I'm "not well" Morgan gets to/ from school, homework gets done, bills get paid, work understands... all while I'm in bed (home or hospital). The ones closest to me fall in a "Casey is sick routine;" shit gets done. I am 31 years old and stuck. I leave work everyday with the attitude "what if I don't come back tomorrow and I'm in the hospital for a while- "must. get. work. finished." I don't plan my weekends too far in advance because what if I don't feel good? I don't want to disappoint anyone by canceling out. I try to plan my evenings with "when do I need to change my bag?" I even try to eat dinner earlier than before because... well, use your imagination. The miracle of 2011 (so far) is the fact that Tyre and I planned and WENT! to Mexico for Abby's wedding. Nothing stood in the way- not the 10+ kidney stones I had removed 2 weeks before, or, the stomach bug that was being passed around between Morgan and me. I am trying to change my attitude, my behaviors, and my generally outlook on everything. I am trying to say, "yes, I can totally do that" as opposed to "ummm... no, I'd rather sleep."

Is it hard? Yep. Just ask the cream in the middle of the Oreo. It's tough to know you're the first to go, but just think! it's the most enjoyable part.

unfair.

"Why does life carry some people on the crest of the wave while the others drown beneath the water?"