When I was seventeen, I went to the doctor after I hurt my back at work. When he said he was testing for arthritis I started to whine "I'm only seventeen, I better not have arthritis! Woe is me!" Well, not that last part.

Anyway, I'll never forget the way the doctor looked at me and said "I have a two-year-old patient with advanced rheumatoid arthritis. She'll never know a day without pain." After I got over feeling like he'd slapped me, I felt a lot better about my life. And have ever since.

I'm sorry about your arthritis. Your comment was exactly what I meant. I thought I had something to worry about and found my worries were just these small, insignificant nothings compared to what other people face.

Oh, the test came back negative, so I don't actually have arthritis. Eh, which makes the story even more pathetic, I'm afraid.

Hahaha. Well, that's good. I have woes. They're just no big deal.

Here's my thought for the day: Tomorrow, I'm voting democrat or not at all. Neither democrat nor republican politicians have my best interests at heart or reflect what is important to me. However, more and more I have found those who identify themselves as republican voters are, how shall I say it? Disgusting. Misogynistic, homophobic, constantly making fun of those with physical and developmental disabilities, laughing at the sexual abuse of children – I've had enough. Republicans have just gotten too mean for me. Republicans -- no mas!

Present company excluded, of course. ;)