As we go into Week 11 and Memorial Day, I ask that we go into this VERY LONG pause, and take a deeper look. Ready? "Ouch" it stings, but here it goes... 

On this 50th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, we reflect on nine reasons Earth is the best place to live:

We recently got a sad diagnosis for our 2 year old kitty, Sophie. Knowing this may be the last blog I write with her by my side, I am comforted knowing although she lived a short life, it brought with it such joy to a family that was in desperate need. I have jokingly called her "my therapy cat".

Dear Younger Me,

Looking back I see an awkward girl with glasses, braces and big hair. I spent most of my younger years trying to fit in, living for the weekends, and making lots of bad decisions. Wow, would I love to go back and sit down with the younger me. I'd want to shake her and tell her to get her act together, much like my parents wanted at the time, I'm sure.

Has it been a year? Let me pinch myself. Did we actually make it out alive?

This has been the ugliest, longest, most beautiful, fastest, most confusing year of my life. I realize the battle is not over yet, but its a good time to reflect.