Don't Miss WALL-E

Hi, everybody, I hope you had a nice relaxing weekend.
Our family saw Pixar's Great new movie, WALL-E on Friday. It's got romance, action, great characters, and Wonderful insight into how we treat our home Earth, and ourselves. Whether you're eighteen or eighty, this is a Most Enjoyable Film.
Thanks for all your nice comments, you guys are THE BEST!

3 Most Beautiful Things about a Person

I live in Los Angeles which needless to say is somewhat "Image conscious". Please don't get me wrong, we have our share of the wrinkled, out of shape, and sloppy. This is however the land of Botox and The Surgically enhanced.
First, my disclaimer, I think it's every person's right to get plastic surgery, but hey, all things in Moderation. (Yes, it's too late for Michael Jackson and Mickey Rourke.) I've taken care of my share of plastic surgery patients both reconstructive (cleft palate, trauma) and cosmetic (boob job, face lift) and it hurts and it is Not Minor surgery.
All that said and out of the way, It's disconcerting to talk with someone who you think is laughing and looks like they belong in Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in Hollywood! I want to start a new trend where it's not only Okay, But Celebrated to Age, and Age Well. To me, the most beautiful things about a person are their Kindness, Confidence, and Sense of Humor. These things are not as obvious as a smooth forehead or perky bust, but become readily apparent pretty darn quickly. I've been fortunate that I've had great role models for embracing this. My parents (80 and 77 years young) and my wonderful Grandma Rose who was a Pistol at 95 years old when she died 10 years ago. I love to see "real faces" and it bums me out that so many women in Southern California look like Full size Barbie clones.
Don't get me wrong, I take good care of my skin, I don't want to look like a wrinkled old witch when I'm 55. Also, I had skin cancer removed at age 28 so I wear SPF 30 sunblock before I even leave the house. For me, I work at being comfortable in my own skin; forehead crease, stretch marks, and cellulite too.
I love this quote from the Movie Actor/Martial Artist Chow Yun Fat (Crouching Tigers/Hidden Dragon) who embraces his aging. "I don't mind wrinkles, they show where the smiles have been".
What do you think are the 3 most beautiful things about a person?

My cat Abigail

Hi, everybody, I wanted to share a picture of me and my Manx cat, Abigail. She is my best buddy and I've been privileged enough to be her mommy for over 3 years.
I've always loved and had many animals including another black Manx cat named Solo. The legend of the Manx or Tailless cat is that they originated from the Island of Mann off the coast of Scotland where they were hunted for their tails. Therefore making it necessary to develop the genetic adaptation to become tailless. (Not sure if this is true, but kind of cool legend isn't it?) Abigail has one tail bone instead of a cat's usual seven but she has great balance and is quite the jumper. She twitches her stump when she's nervous or excited. She chirps instead of meows. She loves dogs, especially our new puppy, Charley. It's really sweet to see them play and groom each other. She's great with people, a little shy, but I lucked out when I found her on www.petfinder.com

People who are animal lovers often find a breed that "speaks" to them and they stick with that particular model. My parents love their standard poodles, Queen Elizabeth and my sister with their Corgis, my neighbors and their Rescue Greyhound, and me and tailless cats. They say pets look like their owners, so I should be wearing a tuxedo and have a much smaller backside.

Pets are a real pleasure in our lives and I can't imagine my home without my little wee beasties with their cold noses and soft fur.

Sending my best for a great rest of your day.

Gift of Children part 2

My career as RN and ART technology have grown up together over the last 26 years. I remember when there were no real options beyond correcting a variocele or removing polyps or endometriosis. It's incredible to help parents who have waited so long and worked so hard to have a family. It's a privilege to teach a new mom how to breastfeed her premature baby and see the baby and family thrive. When the dream doesn't come true or is shattered I am touched by their pain because I know what is at stake. I'm humbled by my job on a regular basis and sit in awe of the children and families. It certainly has made me appreciative of the many gifts given me. Thanks for listening and best to you and yours, Martha

The Gift of Children

The gift of happy and healthy children is a blessing and one I've never taken for granted.

I love being a wife and mother to our two boys, Daniel (13 yrs old) and Sam (10 years old). They bring much joy and laughter to our lives,(exasperation, frustration, and perspiration, too but that's part of the deal I've learned).

My mom (77 years young) had one ovary/fallopian tube removed when she was a teen due to a ruptured appendix. My parents were thrilled (still are) 55 years ago when she had the first of her four children. My husband, Kevin was conceived after his mom had two miscarriages prior to his birth. I remember learning in nursing school, that the chance of conception is only 8% each month with No Fertility issues. It's incredible the human race has survived at all!

Caring for a mom of a stillborn baby in nursing school 27 years ago and my own miscarriage seventeen years ago when I was married to my totally non supportive first husband were eye opening experiences. (BTW, I gave first husband the boot and I've been happily married to second and Final husband, Kevin for over 14 years). There was a total lack of support to the grieving, including myself, which made my pain worse. We didn't have permission to mourn and reach out for support. I am glad that there is support now. Thank you for being there and sharing, it's helped me more than you will ever know. I wish you all the best and I honor and am touched by the love you have to grow your families.

107 in Shade/Train trip to Chinatown

Not too much excitement this week besides the 107 degree heat in 14% humidity, aka as a Dry or Desert heat. I'll still take it over the 95 degrees and 95% humidity from my New Jersey and Florida days!

The boys and I went to Chinatown with a friend and her kids. We took the 45 minute train ride from our house to Los Angeles Union Station. It is so MUCH MORE Civilized than dealing with LA traffic, especially with the price of gas. Plus, my boys Love the train. (so do I)

Chinatown is a short walk with lots of cool shopping and yummy restaurants.



Union Station is a real architectual gem and a frequent movie location. (Star Trek, Pearl Harbor, Blade Runner, TV series- 24)
Thanks for stopping bye, wishing you a wonderful rest of your day and weekend too.

Nice to Meet you

Hi, Dear folks, I have been motivated by those far braver, smarter, and more articulate to share some of my comically flawed and infinitely blessed life with this blog. I have thought and continue to think "what do I have worth sharing?" At the very least, it gives you all the opportunity to keep me in line, and hey, turn around is always fair play?
The Title of my blog, "A Sense of Humor is Essential" is based on the six word memoir challenge. I'm a wife, mom of two boys, ages 13 and 10, been a maternal/child RN for over 26 years, battle and victory scars galore, live in fragile and beautiful Los Angeles County and try to practice kindness in the world with varying degrees of success. Thanks for caring to click over.