Crossing Paths...

I arrived a little bit early to the subway station today where my parents were meeting me. Anxious about my upcoming exam, my face was burried in my notes when out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a small South Asian older woman, carrying several heavy bags, having a difficult time navigating a flight of stairs. I walked over and asked if I could help her. She said yes, and I took her bags. As we both walked down the stairs, she told me her name is Lalitha, she works on the radio, and the heavy bags that I was now carrying are full of books. I nodded and smiled figuring she was just another eccentric old lady, somewhat off her rocker. She asked me for my name and if I was student. So I introduced myself. She lit up when I told her I was a medical student. We chatted for a few more moments as we walked down the last set of stairs. I placed her bags on the ground and told her it was a pleasure to have met her. As I turned to leave, Lalitha said "wait! let me give you a book!". I said "no, it's okay.." but she insisted that it was appropriate, since I am a medical student. She gave me a book, and hugged me, and I walked away. A minute later, I took a good look at the book and realized that SHE was the author. It is entitled "Peace with Justice" and is a collection of Lalitha's poems. Upon reading the inside foreword, I found out she is not only a TV/radio broadcaster/producer but also a social worker, an artist and is deeply involved in community service. My impression of her changed dramatically as I realized what a fascinating lady she truly is. And then I realized that if I had arrived but a few minutes later to the station, our paths would likely never have crossed, and I smiled.

Somebody call PETA...

While at the Lincoln Park Zoo...

Oh.. the darts I see are medical darts. So the fact that the camel seems to be in some kind of psychotic state rubbing its head against the wooden fence and making noise, should NOT worry me?

Small (minded) pleasures

While stepping outside into some snow flurries the other day, I did what I always instinctively do when I see large snowflakes gently falling - I stuck out my tongue and tried to catch them. I ignored my friend's warning against eating "downtown snow" but stopped after a minute when another friend pointed out the little kid crossing the street in the opposite direction from us - who also had her mouth wide open trying to catch snow flakes.

Feeling Lighter

Mission accomplished, and over $250 raised for the Canadian cancer society... special thank you to everyone who sponsored me, held my hand or brought me ice cream :0)

Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow

(before)


I have been growing my hair ever since grade 2 when some kid at school asked me whether I was a boy or a girl. I have certainly trimmed it frequently but I haven't had a serious hair cut in over 15 years. In high school I considered cutting my hair, but my long hair was so intrinsic to my identity that I simply wasn't willing to part with it.

Tomorrow, as part of "Cuts for Cancer", I'll be parting with 10 inches of my hair to go toward making a wig for a child with cancer. I'm excited and nervous. And while I'm not quite brave enough to "shave in support".. I certainly have a tremendous amount of respect for those who do.