Back in September of 2010, I spoke with a freelance reporter who was writing a story on young women who've had heart attacks. My sister is also a freelance writer and had seen the reporter's request for contacts; with my permission, my sister gave the reporter my email address.

The reporter… Read full post »

Last Friday, a woman died alone in her home.

 She'd been having back pain (an often unrecognized heart attack symptom) for some time, but since she didn't have insurance, she was afraid to go to the doctor, afraid to be saddled with overwhelming medical bills that could bankrupt her. … Read full post »

Got a call on my way home from work last night from my brother. My only brother. My favorite brother. My sweet, at times infuriating, imperfect, but still best-older-brother-a-kid-could-have-while-growing-up, brother. My family. My blood.

He doesn't generally like to talk on the phone, so it's kind of… Read full post »

A good friend of mine spent the better part of last night and today babysitting a sick friend. Said friend was ill because while they were out at a nightclub last night, doing what people do at nightclubs--drinking, dancing, playing pool and generally having fun--some asshole put a roofie in my… Read full post »

I'm on a message board for women who have heart disease--which is a broad term encompassing everything from genetic disorders and birth defects to high blood pressure to heart attacks and strokes.

Awhile back, someone got on the board and asked a few questions, then said, "It doesn't seem like I… Read full post »

This picture of our cat Joey was a joint effort by my husband and me; I was blowing the bubbles and he snapped the picture at just the right moment. One of the things I've always loved about this image is how seriously Joey seems to be taking his… Read full post »

I admit it: I'm a geek, a nerd, a gamer, a science fiction fan. I love it all: role-playing games, books, TV shows, movies, comics, board games like Munchkin, you name it. Star Wars, Star Trek, etc.

I've always been a fan of Patrick Stewart's acting, but his recent revelations… Read full post »