I've Got Shingles

and it is so painful.

I'll be on sick leave for almost two weeks. I've got the nasty lesions on my forehead and left eye.  My left eye is so swollen and blurry.

Singles freakin' sucks and I feel angry.

Well, we got unexpected snow this weekend.  As I write this post, it's about a foot now.

 Kepi shoveling the driveway. We were thinking it might be time to move to a warmer state.

Watching snow from our bedroom window.

After shoveling the snow, Kepi is now making chicken and rice soup.

Thank you Kepi. You ALWAYS make me feel so much better even when I'm at my lowest points.

One-Way Ticket To Mars

If you were chosen, would you go to Mars knowing that it's a one-way ticket?

When I'm not snoring sleeping on the Metro on my way to work, I usually scan the pages of express, a free publication offered to Metro riders.  This article (photo below) got my attention.

This Mars thing is from a company called Mars One. There were 200,000 applicants interested to go to Mars. Currently, there are 660 people chosen. Tomorrow, it will be reduced to 100.  The three people featured below are still in contention. As you can see, one is from Virginia and two are from D.C.

They have several reasons why they want to go, but one thing I can deduce is the chance to make a mark. Don't we all want that? Or, do we? Maybe not, but I don't know.

In the article, the questions, (1) What would you miss on Earth? and (2) What would you bring to Mars?, were posted to Daniel, Derrick and Dr. Zucker.  Daniel of Virginia said he'll miss the birth of his grandchild. Derrick of D.C. said he'll miss his family, but he also mentioned that going to Mars would bring pride to his family as well. Dr. Zucker of D.C. didn't mention anything she'd miss and she sounded most apt and prepared with her decision to go. I quote her statement below:

People ask, "Why would you want to go?" But I see the reverse. Why wouldn't I want to go? People ask, "Well what if you die?" Well, I could die getting hit by a car tomorrow. I could die of old age. Or, I could die trying to be the first human to set foot on Mars. Why wouldn't I want that? (express, 02.12.2015 issue)

When asked what they would bring to Mars? Daniel said he'll bring his mandolin.  Derrick his iPod.  And, Dr. Zucker said he'll bring her husband, but if she can't bring him then she'll bring her "Looney Pyramids," a deck of playing cards.

I love the whole idea of becoming a pioneer and the idea of living in another planet is so exciting. But it also worries me that we've been living on Earth yet we're failing to protect and take care of it.  How could we even think of populating yet another planet? I don't know...just my thought.

But if given the chance, would I go? No, thank you.

You can say that I don't have the spirit of a space pioneer, but I don't like the idea of a one-way ticket to Mars. It's scary. Perhaps this fear stems from those science fiction movies I've seen featuring human devouring aliens and even if there are no hostile, bloodthirsty aliens out there, look at that movie, Gravity, even the character that George Clooney plays dies in space.  Call me a coward, I don't care. I don't like a one-way ticket to uncertainty. Not to mention I still haven't explored much of Earth. Besides, I'd miss my family and friends too much.

I guess the second question does not apply to me.

How about you? Would you go? Why? What would you bring to Mars?

Monday, Monday!

At home today, feeling sick.  I wasn't able to sleep last night at all.  Since they've started tapering all my medications, my body has been going through a lot of aches and pains.  My doctor said it's typical to feel this way as my body is adjusting again. I hope to feel normal...soon. Whatever "normal" means for me these days.

Daisy's been under the weather as well. Kepi took her to the vet today and she had a complete check-up. All seems to be normal except that she's been unable to keep her food. I do hope that with the coming of the warmer weather, she'll bounce back. I do miss playing with her at the backyard.

Here's Daisy in one of her pensive moments. She tends to be camera shy just like Dizzy.

Kepi and I having breakfast at a Starbucks after church yesterday. Happy Valentine's Day!

For some great news, my doctor said travel is a "go" as long as I get my vaccinations first.  I am scheduled to get my first round of shots in mid-May.  Kepi and I are excited about planning our trip/s this year. How I've missed traveling the exhilaration and freedom that comes with it. I can't wait!

Well...tonight we're expecting snow and sleet.  I am still hoping for a snow day!