Can I request some healing~ma directed at my niece in London? She went into hospital with pneumonia, but has developed confusion and amnesia. She had a spinal tap today that helped some, but we still don't know what is going on.

Can I ask you for 5 clicks?

The pet care company is vying for our neighborhood 'Oscars' known as the Hilly Awards. Today is the last day of voting and I would be grateful for your help in pushing us over the top.

The first click: [link] to the beginning of the survey.

Once you get to the ballot, second click in Category 6 Professional Service, Saving Grace Services

Third click in category 7 Home and Garden, Saving Grace Services

Fourth click is an email address in category 13. Rest assured, the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce does not keep your email.

And it does not matter where you live! You can, obviously skip the other categories unless you know someone one the Hill.

Fifth click to finish!

Thank you so much.

For those not on Facebook, I completed my first ever 5k walk for Steps for Alzheimer's yesterday morning, at 1 hour, 3 minutes. I had a good time, and exceeded my projected fundraising goal of $150...to $300!

Thanks for all the support and encouragement, both verbal and financial!

Y'all are awesome!

Today would have been Rob's and my 9th anniversary. I just wanted to thank you all for 10 years of love and support through it all, but especially on this day and after his death. You were my rock in a very stormy sea.

My dad goes into the hospital today for a non-surgical heart procedure. ~ma, please?

Dad came through the procedure just fine, and is in recovery. Thanks everyone!

Dad went to the ER this morning with shortness of breath and pressure in his chest. He's been discharged and seems to be doing fine, but everyone is keeping a close eye on him.

Hello, beloved Buffistas.

As many of you know, I started long distance running about a year and a half ago and have run multiple races, from 5Ks to a couple of half marathons. I always swore I would never do a full marathon, but a few details emerged about the 2015 LA Marathon that have led me to reconsider.

1. My two best friends are running it.
2. It’s a month after my 40th (!!!) birthday, so a way to celebrate a new decade
3. It’s the LA marathon’s 30th anniversary, and it’s been rated one of the best, most enjoyable (and mostly downhill) courses in the country.
4. And this was the kicker for me…the German Shepherd rescue that ND and I work with is one of the charity partners. We adopted both of our dogs through them and have fostered multiple puppies. They do amazing work, taking on dogs who have been abandoned and abused and placing over 800 shepherds and shep mixes every year.

So, with a deep breath and not a little trepidation, I have signed up! March 15, 2015, I will be running 26.2 miles from Dodgers Stadium to the Santa Monica pier.

It’s important to me that I run this race with a purpose, so I have joined the Westside German Shepherd Rescue s charity team and am helping them raise money.

It would mean the world to me if you could spare even $5 to contribute to my goal. I’ve never done such a big outreach before, but I’ve never run a marathon before either…and I don’t ever plan to again! If you are willing and able to do so any time between now and March, here is the link: [link]

Many thanks to Brenda, who saw me post about it on Facebook and was my very first donor.

Second post, sadder than the first. Just learned that my Great Aunt Lyn —an amazing, vivacious woman who inspired me in countless ways — passed away this evening. She and her big sister, my grandmother, dedicated their lives to their families and sick husbands, but when they become widows in their 60s, they traveled the world together: France, India, Africa. She was a feminist before feminists were cool, an intellectual, a wickedly funny lady. Both she and my grandmother maintained that they never had an argument in their entire lives.

One story that I think captures her well. After her husband died and her seven children grown up, she decided to give herself a fresh start and a break from constantly being asked to babysit her grandchildren. She moved to San Diego and spent more than a decade on her own out there. One day she decided she wanted to see Alaska. So she rented a car and drove there. That’s Aunt Lyn in a nutshell.

She was in her early 90s and lived a good life, but I mourn the passing of a great woman. I hope to be worthy of her legacy.

ma~~~ please. one of my sisters is in the hospital - sudden loss of half her vision. not sure what is up yet. She is across the country. My folks will be there tomorrow.

I'm just scared