"It makes me angry when I see how the opportunity of being in rehab can be abused as nothing more than a slick PR move. A brief retreat from the paparazzi. How lucky these celebrities are to be able to go to one of these facilities (which are not cheap) and to benefit from the wisdom and help that waits behind the gates." -Patty Davis (for Newsweek)

This woman is absolutely right and I couldn't agree more. It's sickening that these celebrities see rehab as a short vacation or something to up their exposure. It's good press for them and that's all they care about. Look at Lindsay Lohan! She went to rehab and a few months later police found cocaine in her car! The fancy facilities probably don't do much either, I wouldn't think a normal rehab facility would let any of their residents go out shopping everyday.

There are so many people that desperately need to go to rehab, but are put in prison instead because they can't afford it and putting people in prison is cheaper than actually helping them. It just pisses me off to see people take these things so lightly. Alcohol and drug abuse are serious issues and for people to go in and out of rehab like it's Disneyland is upsetting. I have had 2 parents struggle with both alcohol and drugs. My dad still struggles everyday.
I think that's one of the big problems with our country. Instead of getting people the help they so desperately need we put them in prison and label them criminals. We lump them all into one category and write them off as people that can't/shouldn't be helped. It's really sad.

time for may flowers.

The weather was absolutely beautiful today. I even got a little sunburned. (That's not really saying much because I get sunburned real easy.) I wore a dress and ate my lunch outside. I absolutely love this time of year. I love nice weather and I'm beggining I should relocate to some place that has this amazing weather all the time. Although I'm afraid if I do I wouldn't appreciate as much as I do now. Living in the Northwest will defintely teach a person how to appreicate nice weather.

I finish my job on the 31st and then head home sometime after June 14th. I'm excited to go home, but I know I will miss Portland a whole lot. It's such a beautiful city, especially in the sunlight. I just have my reservations about going back to the valley. Everything is just the same...everything and everybody. Nobody appreicates change, it's almost like most people are stuck in a rut. I just hope to find something different there this summer. I do hope I get into Western, just in case I decide not to come back here next year. Bellingham is really quite amazing, like a smaller Portland. It's a lot different from the valley. Thank goodness, salvation will be a mere 40 minutes away!

I have to say, that even with the bit of struggle I have encountered here, it's really all been for the best. I feel like I'm getting a better sense of who I am and what I'm capable of. It's almost like I have spend the last months trying to improve myself. I'm happy. I don't have many friends, which has just proved to me even more, that all you need in the world is yourself. I am fortunate enough to have a load of people back home who love me and I think that's been the support I've needed to get me through this rollercoaster that will be five and a half months.

I'm not sure what I will do after summer is over, I guess time will just tell. I think I will make a final decision in July/August. For now I'm going to enjoy my time here and hope for the best.

Yeah, I'm going to do what makes me happy. :)

Right now, it's looking forward to another sunny day of reading in the park...well at least until I have to go to work.

"Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hope for love, joy and celebration. Like a hummingbird, we aspire to hover and savor each moment as it passes, embrace all that life has to offer and celebrate the joy of everyday. The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has a meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation."

Smile a lot today.