"Each of my departed pets left a permanent hole in my heart and a little more emptiness in my life. I love (please note the use of the present tense) each of them and do not want to forget them at any level. I don't appreciate someone suggesting that I should. Any pet lover would agree that this is just not an option."
~Gary Kurtz

"Were we to choose our leaders on the basis of their reading experience and not their political programs, there would be much less grief on earth. I believe ... that for someone who has read a lot of Dickens to shoot his like in the name of an idea is harder than for someone who has read no Dickens."
~Joseph Brodsky, writer (1940-1996)

"The credibility issues are not just in the doctor’s office. In the April 2006 Journal, we discussed how the overproduction of an enzyme in the muscles could make it more difficult for patients to exercise, yet studies show that non-eccentric-type exercise (such as walking or bicycling) could decrease this enzyme and also relieve muscle pain. One Member commented that after 15 years of “finding what is right for me (getting the pain under control and obtaining restorative sleep),” she had finally gotten to the point where she could exercise every day, and it really helped control her symptoms. Yet, this precipitates the issue of disbelief in the eyes of others. This Member understandably laments that people keep saying, “You’re looking great.” Plus, others make the false assumption that if a person can exercise, they cannot possibly be struggling with a serious chronic illness. [bolded by me]This creates a stressful environment for you to live in, but don’t let the ignorance of others dictate your actions. In fact, compliment yourself on your efforts to exercise and stay fit."
~Fybromyalgia Network Newsletter

I'm off to take a walk now, finally. I meant to take one hours ago and have been trying to get my butt out the door all day *_*