From the Inside Out

Aside from kidney stones, the worst medical experience I can remember happened 6 1/2 years ago. It started out with a forced liquid diet and progressed to drinking the worst concoction known to man. The grand finale was at the hospital where the procedure took place. The nurse put the needle for the IV in my arm way too early — before the doctor was even at the hospital. I had to wait for him to arrive before they would administer the sedative. Since I have an unnatural, irrational phobia about needles being in my veins, that was not a good thing. I think I was close to having a panic attack…my heart raced, my blood pressure went up, and I broke out in a sweat. The staff tried to calm me down, but I knew that wouldn’t happen unless (1) I got drugs or (2) they removed the needle. I don’t know why, but they didn’t want to remove the needle so I suffered until they finally found someone to administer the drugs and put me out of my misery. That was my first colonoscopy.

I have since learned to never allow anyone except the anesthesiologist to touch me. That has reduced my discomfort when having procedures, but it’s still nerve wracking. Most people are scared of the procedure itself — that’s where the real danger is — but not me. I’m not worried about the pain or complications. I’m only scared of that dang little needle. It’s ridiculous, but it’s something I have not been able to overcome no matter how hard I try.

Since my first colonoscopy, I have dreaded the day when I would have to undergo the procedure again. I knew it would happen, but I was hoping it would be later — much, much later.

My doctor informed me today it was sooner rather than later. It’s scheduled for May 5th. The bad news is that it means I have to face the needle again. The good news is that it’ll provide lots of fodder for my blog. Okay, the good doesn’t outweigh the bad, but I’m trying to be positive.

Wish me luck!

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the last 40 years, you probably know the lyrics to the famous Beatles song. Hum it with me now:

“I get by with with a little help from my friends.”

Yes, it’s catchy, but also true according to an Australian study conducted over a 10-year period. Having friends can help you get by, but it does more than that, it can help you live longer. The study found that people with a large circle of friends are less likely to die — 22 percent less likely — than those with fewer friends. Other studies show that friendships can aid in promoting brain health, fighting illness and depression, and reducing the risk of heart attack.

“In general, the role of friendship in our lives isn’t terribly well appreciated,” said Rebecca G. Adams, a professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. “There is just scads of stuff on families and marriage, but very little on friendship. It baffles me. Friendship has a bigger impact on our psychological well-being than family relationships.”

Nearly 3,000 nurses with breast cancer participated in a 2006 study that found women without close friends were four times as likely to die from the disease as women with 10 or more friends. And surprisingly, having a spouse wasn’t associated with survival.

Researchers aren’t certain why friendship has such a profound psychological effect. Maybe it’s because strong friendship networks give people someone to turn to in times of need, thereby lowering stress. Maybe it’s the unwavering support and love they provide — or physical help (i.e. helping them run errands or pick up medicine). Regardless of the reason why, it’s clear that friends make your life better.

So, if you want to live a longer, healthier life, nurture your relationships. Not only will you reap the benefits, but they will too!

We held the last normal rehearsal for The Prison tonight. Tech week (AKA hell week) begins next Monday. Normally at this stage, I’m worried about how we will pull everything together before opening night.

This time, it’s no different. I’m still worried.

Miraculously, it all seems to come together during tech week, so we just move forward in faith that it’ll happen again with this production too. Everyone teams together during the final week, and we’ve had some of our best performances after the worst rehearsals. It’s just further proof that you never know what’s going to happen.

It is fun to see things start to gel — acting, lights, sound, and multimedia. Amidst the craziness tonight, I saw glimpses of brilliance. It’s there, we just need to fine tune it during the remaining rehearsals.

Below are a few more “behind the scenes” pictures — see the real thing on May 1 and 2 at 7:30 pm at Abundant Life Church in Plano.

Rehearsing a visitation scene

Aundre going over his lines

Steve patiently waiting for his next scene

Our Stage Manager and Director deep in thought

Gary making Daphryne laugh — it’s not supposed to be funny!

Derrick directing the stage crew — if they don’t get it right, they get thrown in the slammer.

Remember the days when it didn’t cost a fortune to go to your favorite amusement park? The going rate for adults at Six Flags Over Texas these days is $49.99. The ticket price for children isn’t much better. It’s a whopping $31 per child. Oh yeah, and don’t forget the $15 parking fee on top of that. Yikes, it costs a small fortune just to get your family into the park.

This Sunday, all of that changes. Six Flags is rolling back prices for one day only. Between 10 am and noon, you can get into the park for just $6! Sounds great, right?

Well, there’s a small catch. You have to dress up like Mr. Six (the creepy old guy from the commercials) to get the special rate. If you don’t mind looking strange, you get a great price. So, get up early, grab a costume and save yourself over $40 per ticket — not a bad deal, huh?

Mark your calendar for ALC’s next drama production, The Prison.

The Prison is a dramatic look at the lives of three strangers cast into prison with no explanation and seemingly no hope for release.  Performances will be held on May 1 and 2 at 7:30 pm. Admission is free, and childcare will be provided for children 5 and under.

Hope to see you there!

2021 E. Park Bled.

Plano, TX 75074