TresSugar

All Abort? Dutch Nonprofit Bypasses Abortion Laws With Boat

LibertySugar — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 12:15:02 -0700

I've heard of underage drinking and avoiding taxes over international waters, but circumventing abortion laws is a new one. Women on Waves sails to countries where abortion is illegal and provides early-term abortions - legally, thanks to Dutch law, which the ship sails under.

Always a gracious guest, Women on Waves never shows up sans an invite from local women's organizations. And it's latest venture in Spain is no exception. At the request of 33 local organizations, it dropped anchor at a port in Valencia, Spain.

With government initiatives to increase protection for women and doctors performing abortions, it's not surprising Women on Waves chose Spain. Its goal is not simply to provide abortions when they would be otherwise prohibited but also to garner support for legalizing abortion. While Spain decriminalized it in 1985, it's only available in limited cases - up to 12 weeks after rape; up to 22 weeks if the fetus is malformed; and at any time if the women's physical or mental health is jeopardized.

If you ask me this boat doesn't look much safer than a back-room abortion, but I haven't seen the inside. How would you feel if it docked off the US coast?

Source

Front Page: Wall Street in Chaos, 2,000 Saved From Hurricane Ike, Stampede in Indonesia

CitizenSugar — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 07:00:34 -0700

Wall Street in Chaos:
Two Wall Street banks, Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch are in turmoil. Merrill Lynch has agreed to sell itself to Bank of America to stem their mounting financial crisis, while Lehman Brothers has filed for bankruptcy. Added to this, insurance giant AIG has sought $40 billion from the federal reserve to try and save itself. The two banks employ 100,000 people, and shock waves are expected throughout the economy.

2,000 Saved From Hurricane Ike:
In the biggest search and rescue operation in Texas history, almost 2,000 people have been saved from flooded streets following Hurricane Ike. The death toll from the storm has risen to 30 people spread over eight states. Shelters in San Antonio and Austin are crowded with survivors with no home to return to.

Stampede in Indonesia:
About 21 people have been killed and more injured in a stampede in Indonesia as people waited for charity handouts from a wealthy family. The giveaway sums totaled about $4 and are a tradition during the month of Ramadan. The giveaway tradition is part of Zakat, where wealth Muslims give away a portion of their money to the poor every year. Footage shows women being pushed up against the fence in the crush of people, and most of those killed were women.

Source

Come Story Telling with me!!! The Completed Story

DearSugar — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 11:56:52 -0700

I hope you all enjoyed this new feature as much as I did! Your wild imaginations made for a great story line! To read the completed tale you all helped create, read more

"Ready for coffee yet?" I e-mailed Leah, "I am DYING to tell you about my crazy weekend with Jordon...." "I can't" was the quick response. Curious since she was always so eager to hear the details of my one night stands that turn into a full weekend. Wait, was Jordan his name again? "Okay, well then, when?" Was my impatient reply. What was going on with her? "In 1 hour, I'm dealing with something right now. Star-bee's, k?" Leah responded. "K" I said. What was I going to do for one whole hour? I really wanted to tell her about Jordon, and find out what was going on with her!

I arrived at starbucks an hour later. That's odd, she usually arrives before me whenever we make plans to meet up I hope she's ok. She arrived 15 minutes late. I had already ordered my mochiato, and she went and ordered a white blueberry unsweetened shaken iced tea. She sat down and it began to rain outside.

"So what was the big hold up?," I asked Leah. "I was making an appointment for Caleb." Caleb was her three year old son and she just recently went back to work since having him. She had been freaking out ever since he has started pre-school. She cant stand being away from him for a full 8 hrs. She is constantly making appointments for him, always worried he has caught something from another child. "Well I want to tell you all about Jordon! Or wait...was his name George? Haha--"

"Angela!? Are you ever going to grow up! You're 34! What's up with all of the flings all the time!?," Leah screamed at me. "Jeeeeeeeeeeeeez. What is your problem?" I was shocked. Leah had never responded this way to my flings before. Leah burst into tears. "I'm sorry," she sobbed. "I've just been so jealous lately because I've been tied down with Josh and the baby. I miss our fun time together and I'm stressed about the baby and working. I'm so sorry."

Okay, so this was new. I carefully thought about it and then said. "I totally understand but you gotta remember not everything's greener on the other side of the fence. Granted we always had a blast in the past but remember all the heartache you were put through? Look at what you have now," I said with a smile. "I on the other hand..." "I am jumping from one bed to another at a pace that would stand freud's hair on end. Your son is beautiful, healthy and adores his wonderful mommy. Stop already. You can live the wild life through me! Now listen to MY story..."

Jordon's truck rumbled down the old dirt road as the blindfold tugged uncomfortably at Angela's hair. She strained her neck with the hope that it might loosen the cloth's unyielding grasp but with each bump she began to forget about the black and green stripped blindfold "Where are we going?" begged Angela. "We have at least been driving for 3 hours and as being the one who is temporarily blind I demand some freedom for me eyes."

Jordon only laughed and told Angela that their destination was only just around the bend but as they turned the sharp corner a huge blur cascaded upon their windshield and glass was now covering the blindfold that had transformed into her protection instead of her momentary handicap.

"Oh sh*t, oh my god, Angela are you okay?" cried Jordon. "Wh-what did we hit?" squeaked Angela and as she reached up to untie her bittersweet companion she felt it was bloody and when she removed her blindfold she saw that they hit a man. They quickly rushed to see is the man was badly hurt. "Oh my God!" Angela exclaimed. She was also surpised to see that the man they hit is her ex-boyfriend. "Travis are you okay?" Angela said while her trembling hands touched the face of the man they hit.

Leah stops Angela midway through her story. "Wait wait wait... what!? Are you serious?!" Leah exclaimed. "Of course not!" reassured Angela, "I was trying to shock you so you wouldn't think about the problems you're blowing out of proportion since we both know consoling you doesn't work. You know I love you Leah and will always be there for you whenever you need me." "Goodness gracious! I was starting to think you've gone crazy with that story of yours! So tell me what really happened with Jorden or Goerge or whatever the heck his name is haha," said Leah.

"We met at a party and flirted like all night. We went back to my place and had the best sex ever." "Are you going to see him again?" asked Leah. "I didn't get his number, or full name for that matter. Too bad, because I thought there was something there. He did however leave behind a briefcase with the initials "G.B.H." I then lifted up the briefcase and put it on the table. "Well then, his name is most likely George then.

Did he get your number?" "No," I said sadly. "This is really nice leather. I think it is italian." She tried to open it, but it was locked. "I know, it smells lovely. Should we break it open and try to find him? I so badly want to see him again. "

Leah carries around everything in her purse. Her husand, Josh, had recently given her a very expensive pocket knife. She took out a screwdriver and screwed out the screws holding the lock. The briefcase had been made for style, not security. They popped it open and inside was paper work and objects in plastic bags.

"Omg he's a lawyer!! It was Geordan B. Hoffler, the top prosecutor in the state!! He is doing that high profile case against Lindsay Lohan today."

Lindsay Lohan had recently been arrested, again, but this time for breaking into Philisophy cosmetics. It had stuned the media recently as to why. "Geordan?" I asked. "His parents are loaded and his father's name was Georgan, an his mother Jordan. His siblings are Georgianna, Skye, and Taylor. The own a hotel chain across Europe, but like it here in the US. Geordan wanted to do more than be an heir, and went to Yale."

When Leah was pregnant she spent time reading all about socialites.
"Well, we better get down to the courthouse then and get him his briefcase." As they stumbled through the crowd at Starbucks, all Leah could think about is how jealous she was of Angela's wealthy one night stand.

She looked at Angela from the corner of her eye. Angela stood 5'7" tall and her long, auburn hair cascaded in waves down to her shoulder blades. Her big, hazel eyes gave the illusion of two planet earths floating in her sockets. Leah knew she was plain in comparison to Angela, with her short, blond bob and grayish-blue eyes. Her skin was much more fair is color than Angela's too. I wish I was a passionate sultriest, maybe then my husband and I wouldn’t be fighting over these... "Papers!..", exclaimed Leah and Angela stopped in her tracks.
"What?!" , inquired Angela..."Papers?" "Oh nothing, I was just remembering some papers I had to sign for work, but they can wait," answered Leah. They can always wait, she thought. She had never wanted divorce. They hopped into Leah's car and hurried down to the courthouse but was unable to get through due to the enormous amount of paparazzi filling up the streets.

"What are we going to do?," asked Angela. "There's no way we'd find Geordan in this chaos." Angela who had insisted that she drive, took a sharp u-turn and headed back towards the coffee shop. "Where are we going?" asked Leah. "I thought we were going to find Geordan no matter what?" "Oh shhh, we are going, trust me alright," bellowed Angela as she swerved through the Lindsay Lohan fans and haters.

The streets were full of old brick buildings that were now being obstructed by thousands of human bodies. Leah could not understand why this young star got so much attention but then again Leah wished she could walk down the same street and be loved and even hated by thousands.

She loved and hated her husband but she remembers it as if it were yesterday - the long dark strand of hair that she pulled out of his sweater as she does his laundry. She thinks she is being silly; that he works with women everyday. She beings to fold his gray, Calvin and Klein slacks, the same ones he wore when he went to his knees in their engagement. And as if in slow motion, the pink note slips out of the back pocket it says three simple words:

"Josh, I want a divorce." She said when they sat down for dinner four nights ago. They were having green beans and chicken. Josh just stared at her in shock, his mouth hanging open wide, and his fork midway to his mouth full of greenbeans. "..But why? We have been so happy! What about Caleb? Don't you love me? Don't you love him."
"I love you with all my heart," she said and got up from the table and threw the plate into the sink. It shattered in the sink. She grabbed her car keys and had been staying at her mother's house since. She hadn't been making a call to Caleb's doctor, but to her sister and divorce laywer, Rachel.

Rachel had tried to tell her she is jumping to conclusions. She knew her sister's marriage wasn't like the ones she always deals with. Leah wouldn't listen though. She couldn't imagine any other reason as to why there would be a note from a mysterious "A". "A" for Amber, "A" for Amanda, "A" for Ashley she thought..."A" for Angela?? "No, it can't be my Angela" she thought.

You would of never thought Angela to be a morale woman by any means. She was always bed hopping, and was quite the lush in college. But, Angela would of never have commited adultery. Not with her Josh right?

"You slut," said Leah outloud to Angela without thinking. Angela thought she was kidding. "Oh come on, you have always known I like my one night stands." "I found the note you left Josh." "The one about the necklace?"
"Pardon?"
"I picked up a custom made locket for him, that's for you. It has a picture of Caleb on one side, and the other of him. It is 18 k white gold. OMG! You think I slept with him!? Leah! Never!!!"

They now needed to rush to the court for Lindsay Lohan's trial, and to stop Rachel from writing up anymore paperwork. Outside a Lindsay Lohan fan was holding a sign that read "Save L-Lo." "Oh brother," said Angela. They had to walk 27 blocks to get to the court house through all the media.

"How are we going to get through?" asked Angela. There were twenty sherrif deputies controling the crowd. Leah went up to one and said, "I am meeting my lawyer Rachel Henry today here to look at some legal work." "Why aren't you meeting at her firm?" asked the deputy.
"She was having a hearing today for another case, and needed to see me asap. I wanted the paper work done right away." Leah showed him the divorce papers, and he recognized Rachel Henry's name. He let Leah and Angela up to the steps, through the doors.

There in the lobby was Rachel, Geordan, two other lawyers, and Josh.
"Angela!!" yelled Geordan!! He ran over to her. "I was so upset you didn't call me! I wanted to see you again, and also I left my very important briefcase at your apartment."
"You didn't leave your number," said Angela.
"Yes I did, on the dry errase board in the kitchen."
Angela hadn't gone to the kitchen this morning. She has her breakfast at Starbucks every morning.
Leah turned to Josh, "I was all wrong about the note, I'm sorry! Angela told me about the necklace." "Well there goes your surprise," said Josh.
"It is ok, you're always giving me gifts, all I need is you and Caleb. They hugged each other in an embrace and he kissed her gently. Everyone around them made an "aww noise." "Well," said Geordan, "Angela you can go sit in the back of the court if you wish. We have an important trial today."

Angela went and took a seat in the courtroom. A half hour later the trial began. Every seat in the courtroom was filled and the noisy whispers made the courtroom seem like packed stadium. Angela handed Geordan his Italian leather briefcase and he kissed her softly on her cheek. She blushed and took a seat next to Rachael, Angela and Josh.
Geordan walked to the front of the courtroom with a hop in his step since he now had Angela and his briefcase back. Angela could not help but think how nice his ass really looked in his Gucci made suit and began imagining herself in a nice, silk designer wedding dress.
"Whoa..", she sighed out loud and Leah raised her left eyebrow is curiosity. Leah gave a sweet smile and then looked away. They had been friends for too long for Leah to not understand what Angela had been thinking but why did Leah even think she would have slept with Josh?

Leah was a beautiful women with Marylin Monroe hair cut that made her look like a porcelain doll. Her fair skin always showed her soft pink cheeks and her hair fell perfectly into front of her marble eyes.
Then Angela had an idea, maybe a necklace wasn't what Leah really needed... "I got it!" exclaimed Angela. Her sudden outburst halted the court's proceedings. She blushed and quickly hid her face behind her Birkin. Leah turned to her friend and asked, "What was that about?"
"oh nothing," answered Angela gleefully.

I hope LaBelle Spa Retreat has an opening this up coming weekend, thought Angela. Leah totally deserves to be pampered after going through postpartum depression. Since the birth of her baby girl Grace, she has been down. And with Caleb going off to pre-school, and thinking Josh was cheating. It was to much for her. Poor Leah.
As trail went on Leah grew bored with this L- Lo non-sense.....
She leaned into Angela and "Hey, Lets blow this joint!" "Seriously?" replied Angela, somewhat taken aback at the thought of having to miss watching her new man in action in the courtroom. "Where to?" Angela jerked her head around and squealed. Again, the whole courtroom turned around to see who was interrupting the proceedings.

"I have an idea... just follow me, it'll be a surprise!" And with that, she led Angela as quietly as possible out of the courtroom. Strangely enough, neither women looked back to see their men being left behind. They walked the 27 blocks back to the car. I feel really bad about accusing you with Josh," said Leah. "Well, I have always been a bit wild, but I'd never do that." "I know." "And you're right. I'm 34. I need to settle down a tad." "O really?" said Lead raising an eyebrow. "Well, as in settle down I mean dating one guy for awhile, and seeing where it takes me. I wont cast out marriage, as long as my husband is a sex machine, and can satisfy my many tastes." "And is Geordan that man?"
"Haha, maybe." "So, how are we going to get you with Geordan, and me to beg for forgiveness from Josh?" "What if I take Grace and Caleb this weekend, and you go to this great spa with Josh? They have couple massages, mudbaths, and a huge jacuzzi in your room. Courtesy of moi."
"That sounds nice."
"Now that I'm being such a saint, are you going to help me with Geordan?" "Of course! Well, you obviously already have him hooked. Perhaps you should be waiting there to celebrate with him after the trial, or comfort his loss?" "Haha, well Lohan is totally guilty."

The ladies then went to Anthropolgie to get come cute outfits, and then to Agent Provocateur for something more sexy underneath. While trying on sexy lingerie Angela knew this was the time to boost Leah's spirits. She grabbed a nearby chemise she had been eying and told Leah to put it on. Leah stepped out of the changing room with her short, blond curls softly outlining her face her cheeks stained with an embarrassed blush. "Wow.." is all Angela could say while Leah soft smile turned into a frown. "You picked out a nice one," regarded Leah as she touched the pink chemise lined with silk white roses and pink lace.
"Pink was always my color," sighed Leah. "What's WRONG with you," cried Angela. "You are a bombshell that just need a little self-confidence boost and I still have no idea what is stopping you from wanting to make wild love to the lady you are looking at in the mirror, YOU!"

Leah laughed and Angela purr like a cat as Leah twirled in her new chemise. "Black Card to the rescue!" giggled Angela.

Dear Poll: And What About Settling?

DearSugar — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 15:00:00 -0800

Seems I'm hearing a lot of talk lately -- maybe it was a Valentine topic? -- about being alone, being comfortable or uncomfortable with the absence of a significant other, about waiting for the right one, and about adjusting or rethinking one's expectations. Every few years there seems to be a wave of statistics about eligible, available men, fertility rates for women, benefits to our health and finances if we're partnered, and the consequences of professional ambition or passion. It wouldn't be surprising if women began to doubt themselves, their choices, their needs and priorities, or if that doubt began to take some shape in their lives.

Even the title of bachelorette Jen Schefft's new book BETTER SINGLE THAN SORRY, excerpted here, gave me pause. Single as the alternative to sorry? That's defining one condition as preferable only because the other state is negative. Like, better poor than sick. Or better sick than dead. Isn't a thing good because it's good, period?

It's true, tho, dating can be grueling and unnerving. And there are days when the perfectly natural and acceptable experience of being alone can transform into a kind of loneliness that feels unmanageable. And what kinds of choices do we make when faced with this combination of external pressures and internal challenges?

We all handle these questions as best we can in our daily lives, but I'm wondering about your personal experience or opinion of "settling"? Whether it's settling for a few months or a few years, have you? Would you?

Source

DEARSUGAR Needs Your Help: Life Is A Balancing Act

DearSugar — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 14:30:00 -0800

DEARSUGAR and Torn Tallulah need your help. She is battling the question of our generation. All of us women in our 30's know that if we want kids, we need to start thinking about having children soon, but we've worked so hard on our careers that don't want a baby to steer us off of the fast track. Does anyone have any advice for her?

Dear Sugar
I am 32 years old. All of my friends are married and are having babies. I have been married to my husband for just over a year (I was in the late wave of weddings) and just don't feel ready to stop my life and get pregnant just yet. My husband says that he is ready whenever I am because we both know that I would be the primary care giver to our child.

I feel like many women in my position feel the same way as I do, and I'd love to talk to them about this. Right now, I am finally at a point in my career where I want to be. I've been promoted to director at my design firm, I have a great husband (which took forever to find) and I'd like to travel with him and live together a bit longer before a baby comes.

The problem I struggle with is that he is 38 and I am not getting any younger. If g-d forbid we have any problems conceiving, I know that I will wish we tried sooner. Is anyone else going through this right now? How about all of you mom's out there? Did you ever question sacrificing your career a little bit to start a family? Torn Tallulah

The How-To Lounge: Beating Summer Frizz

DearSugar — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:00:00 -0700

I love when women take a casual approach to summer looks, especially when it comes to their hair. Beach waves have made a huge come back, but with humidity and scorching temps comes frizz, especially if you have curly hair. To learn some tips on keeping your hair under control this summer season, click here to read more

Invest in a good haircut, it really does matter. Layers, usually with a blunt cut, will help your curly hair keep its shape. Let your hairdresser know if frizz is a problem as they can actually cut hair to avoid frizz
"Curly hair is thirsty hair" so avoid washing it everyday -- the natural oils are good for your hair. Use a gentle shampoo when you do wash your hair. and be sure to use a good, rich, moisturizing conditioner
One thing I recently learned (that I wish I learned years ago) was to avoid hairbrushes if you have curly hair. Brushing your hair will create frizz and static, especially when it's dry. Instead, comb your hair in the shower when you are conditioning it and towel dry without combing it again
The less you handle your hair, the less frizzy it will get. Some people's hair needs to be twisted while it dries or pulled back in a bun to shape it, but I recommend avoiding touching your hair as much as possible
Create an anti-frizz product cocktail -- sometimes it takes some trial and error to find the perfect concoction
Avoid using products with alcohol or any synthetic oils as they will only further dry out your hair
Mousse is a great product for curly hair -- it tames frizz without weighing down your hair, all the while keeping your curls bouncy
Since the summer sun, sea water and chlorine can wreak havoc on your hair, make sure to use a protecting leave in conditioner before hitting the beach or the pool

I hope these tips are helpful. Laying off the blow dryer, even if it's just a few days a week, will help prevent drying out and damaging your hair resulting in less frizz overall!

Source

Come Story Telling with me!!! The Completed Story

DearSugar — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 08:22:09 -0700

I hope you all enjoyed this new feature as much as I did! Your wild imaginations made for a great story line! To read the completed tale you all helped create, read more

As I saw her walking through the Starbucks' door, my heart started to pound and my hands started to sweat. Did she really do it? Did she shave her head? While we all knew her hair would eventually fall out, I never expected her to shave her head before she even started treatment. She's so courageous, marching around town with a shaved head. I mean, I would hide it behind a Missoni head scarf or something. I can't believe she actually has cancer and she is dealing with it in such an admirable way. I've known her all my life and I can't confront it the way she has. What would I say? Nice new look? How's facing death? Before I had time to think, she spotted me, trotted over, and said you know what? It's all an act. I hate my job, I'm sleeping with my boss, and I didn't know how else to get out of going to work. How do I get out of this big hole I dug for myself? "With a wig, apparently" I said as I tried to process the information she just divulged. "I had no idea you were so vain and sleeping with your boss, Clay Aiken. You're going to have to retire from being his backup dancer unless you can figure out what's actually going on in this story that seems to make sense."

She gave me a strange look and then suddenly I awoke, in a panic. I was alone in the middle of an an abandoned warehouse with a huge bruise on my throbbing head. A blinding light shone on me and then he bangs on the table and shouts " TELL ME" "TELL ME, I KNOW YOU WHERE THEY ARE KEEPING IT" And, "CUT", yelled the director. I immediately sat up from the warehouse set floor where I was lying. "Tell me," the director said, "what were you thinking when you were having the bad dream?" "Oh I made this crazy story up about a friend of mine having cancer, and than sleeping with Clay Aiken it was really odd motivation for this scene I know..."

"Well whatever works! You were wonderful!" Watch out Lindsay and Mischa, there's another starlet on the block. Boy deciding to take this movie role about the scarred, raped, and tortured girl was sure starting to pay off. I mean just this morning before shooting began I was having my doubts about this. Before I moved out to LA, people always told me to be skeptical of criminals posing as "movie producers", waiting to take advantage of wanna be starlets hoping to be discovered. I'd heard horror stories of women being abused and taken advantage of. Thinking of those stories, a chill creep ed up my back. I looked around and realized I was alone in a warehouse with men I'd just met yesterday. I wondered if I'd been just a little too taken with their constant flattery to realize that I, too, could be a potential victim. Maybe I should have signed a contract, I thought to myself as I remembered Brad Pitt was my co star and realized that I didn't really care if there was a signed contract! Besides, hes flirting with me lots and this is my one chance to be the huge glamorous film star I've always wanted to be. I cant back out now! I've just seen that huge mansion I want to buy in the Hollywood Hills, the one that is next door to Health Ledger and Michelle Williams. I mean think about it: I'll ask Jen from Dawson's for butter while I'm baking, how fabulous! Now on to what needs to get done: hair and makeup! As I walked back to my trailer enjoying the brisk morning air I noticed that there was a note taped on my door with my name written across the front. Excitedly wondering what it said, I peeled it off and carefully opened it because it looked like the paper itself was worth a mere million dollars. "You looked beautiful on set today," the note read. I stared at it and wondered who it was from because the note wasn't signed and there was no name inscribed to the back of the note like most exec's here in Hollywood...not even a fingerprint!

Suddenly my dressing room door jerked open almost hitting me in the face, and Michelle leaned out to say "watch out!!" . At that moment, I was struck from behind by crew members riding in a golf cart. The next thing I remember was waking up in my hospital bed and my head was throbbing AGAIN!. My room was filled with flowers from all of my adoring fans and two guards were blocking the paparazzi from taking pics. When I looked up, there was a young, handsome doctor standing over me. With a concerned look, he leaned down, took my hand and said it's bad news-- you have to have a brain transplant but before we start can I have your autograph, my sister would kill me if I didn't get it, plus it would be worth a lot in time since you are the first actress in Hollywood to have such major surgery, apart from Micheal Jackson of course! "Yes, of course". I signed my name and handed back his clipboard. Just then my mother burst through the door and screamed ...... DARLING!! What are you wearing?!? And OK, OK. Yes. I was playing the part of a hooker. But it's a great paying job and an incredible experience and Julia Roberts did it and look where it got her.

I guess my mother wasn't used to seeing me look so grown up. I hadn't seen her since last Christmas when she invited herself to spend the holidays with me and my wonderful boy friend. sadly, after a week with my mother, my boy friend was no longer my boy friend. Now here was my dear mother playing fashion police and Emily Post when I needed Florence nightingale. My head was throbbing, my vision was blurry. Was that my mother!? or was it my ex-lover from college, you know, when I was experimenting? Who can tell right now. Did that doctor really say a brain transplant? Did I sign on to star in a daytime soap opera and not realize it? I just needed to shut my eyes and think, and make this throbbing stop. As I slowly opened my eyes I noticed another note similar to the one I had found on my trailer door right before the golf cart accident. I used all of my energy to pick up the beautiful paper and slide it open. My eyes blurred as I tried to read what was written, focus I told myself. I blinked and the writing became clear. It said 'Even bruised from the accident, you are beautiful. I will be waiting for you after surgery.' The note was again unsigned. Who could possibly be waiting for me? I thought. Who knew of the accident? My head hurt too much to think. I laid back and closed my eyes. That's when I felt a hand run down my chest and something cold placed over my heart. What was going on? I opened my eyes and saw my doctor. Dr. Derek Shepard. He asked me to breathe in slowly because he was making sure my lungs and heart were OK. He spoke softly and said "Meredith will you tell Izzy that she needs to scrub in on this?" Wait what did I just hear? Meredith? Izzy? Dr. Shepard? This isn't real! There's no way I am a patient on Grey's Anatomy. I shot up out of what was apparently a deep 4 minute sleep and realized I was in an empty hospital room and had horrible pain in my back and head from moving so abruptly. I groaned and gingerly lowered myself back onto the bed. As I lay there, head throbbing as though it had continuously throbbed since this whole debacle began, I began to panic. How much of what had happened in the last few days was real? How much of it was a delusion? Had it even been days? For all I knew, it could have been hours or months.

Just as the first stinging tears threatened to trickle down my cheeks, I heard a footstep in the hall. I froze. Who could it be? Will it be the nurse with syphilis, or George? No, this is crazy. I can't be on Grey's anatomy. The footsteps stop, and there is a shadow in my doorway. I say "hello?" but I realize I have no voice! What if I need to scream? What if i need to ask for help? My heart is pounding like a 5 year old with a drum set, and then the person emerges from the hallway. I gasp because my asthma had kicked in. I looked over to my window and noticed a lovely, flowering tree outside accompanied by the grating sound of a lawn mower. I said, to myself, "yay, allergies!" because remember, I can't talk. And now I can't breathe. I want to laugh because really, if I separated myself from my situation it's funny to see how powerless I am when just two months ago I had gotten to level 99 on my favorite video game. But anyway, the person that had walked in told me she wanted to give me a sponge bath. I looked closer and realized she was the person who had been writing me notes all day. I was right, all the nerves about not signing the contact, after going through this nightmare of a day... well it was all worth it when I realized it was my co-star writing me those notes, waiting for me in the hallway, and most importantly, waiting to give me a sponge bath! I waved him in the the rest in history!

Are you Losing too Much Hair?

DearSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 09:30:00 -0700

Are you worried that you are losing your hair? Do you get concerned when you see how much hair is left in your hairbrush or in your shower drain? Well if so, you are not alone. Thankfully I am here to squash your fears and give you the facts about how much hair is too much to lose.

Click here to read more

Losing up to 100 strands of hair per day, roughly enough hair to cover your shower drain, is considered healthy and normal
The longer your hair, the thinner it will look and feel, so don't confuse a thin ponytail with losing your hair
Your part is a good way to weigh hair loss. If your part widens over time, compare photos if you are not sure, or if you have a noticeable amount of more hair in your hairbrush than usual, your hair could be thinning
Most cases of hair loss are temporary in younger women if you take all precautionary measures you can once you notice thinning hair
Chemically treating or using hot tools on your hair can wreak havoc on the health of your hair, causing breakage and fall out, so lay off the treatments
Hormones, going on and off the pill, and stress affects the condition of your hair. Healthy eating habits (omega-3 fatty acids rich foods, salmon for example, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc.) and exercise is crucial to shiny, full and healthy hair
A multi vitamin, rich in Iron, Zinc, and Biotin can help improve hair health
Be sure to gently brush or comb your hair; yanking it will cause breakage
Avoid hair ties with metal. If you need to keep your hair up and away from your face, opt for a clip or a pin to avoid breakage and damage
Frequent coloring, chemically treating, or adding extensions to your hair not only weakens it from the root, but causes the ends to be more brittle
If you can, avoid washing your hair every day. Natural oils are good for hair health and shine

While it's fun to change your look through your hair, be sure to take good care of your body, mind and soul so your locks don't suffer. Luckily beach waves are in ladies, so lay off the blow dryer and flat iron!

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