We miss you and hope you're doing ok up there yonder...in Yakima, WA =)

chemistry ['ke-m&-strE]

The science of the composition, structure, properties, and reactions of matter; a strong mutual attraction, attachment
Synonyms include: allure, allurement, appeal, attractiveness, bait, captivation, charm

There are four kinds of chemistry
Physical chemistry creates desire
Emotional chemistry creates affection
Mental chemistry creates interest
Spiritual chemistry creates love
A soul mate has all four.
– Mishelle Bradford-Jones

What causes “chemical reactions?” Which elements, when combined, will create bonds and which others will refuse to blend into a homogenous concoction? What will act as a catalyst for precipitation, and what will cause evaporation? Before I run out of the few chemical engineering terms I remember, I say this: Human beings are like the elements on the periodic table. Each of us is composed differently; we contain personal properties that have certain similarities as well as differences, and we have a sometimes inexplicable affinity to specific qualities in others. It’s the mystery of attraction we often experience, but most times are unable to validate with explanation.

What “reels you in?” Is it a look that that you get from someone’s eyes across the proverbial crowded room? Is it something commonplace, but significant, like intelligence, personality or a sense of humor that you seek? Or is there a certain quirkiness that catches your attention? (i.e. a gentle, lingering blink of her eyes, a pair of glasses upon his face, an endearing imperfection in her smile, a mischievous look about him, etc). Everyone’s got their own lists, whether you’d like to admit it or not. But, lest we be accused of being “too picky,” no list is permanently engraved on any plate of gold for complete adherence. Besides, that list could be a mile long, and we can search all we want. We may even find ourselves checking off the items on that makeshift manifest, but there are just some factors in attainment that you can’t itemize, like chemistry; that undeniable gravitation to and reaction between two people. We often refer to this occurrence as “clicking,” like two puzzle pieces among a mound of thousands, forming a perfect fit.

Whether you believe in opposites attracting, or like attracting like, it basically boils down to this chemistry thing. Every relationship - romantic, platonic, professional, familial, etc. - works because the formula for that bond has just the right "mix" of, well, whatever it takes to make it work. There's also the other side of that concept - the combustible kind; an improper mix of personalities that clash more than they blend.

I've learned that, no matter how much I think I know or how much practice I think I've had in my relationships, there's no one perfect formula for everyone. Like there is no rule book for life, there is also no potions manual for building bonds with people. Sometimes it's better to just let nature and science take its course.

Ninang/Tita loves you so much!! =)

spasm [spaz'-uhm]

a sudden, abnormal, involuntary muscular contraction, consisting of a continued muscular contraction (tonic spasm) or of a series of alternating muscular contractions and relaxations; any sudden, brief spell of great energy, activity, feeling

Synonyms include: contraction, agitation, annoyance

Is it an age thing? Stress? Too much sitting at my desk? Too much sitting in my car? Too much getting up suddenly in frustration when Pau Gasol isn't rebounding? I have no idea, but I've heard and considered every reason. I've had a pain in my rear (back, that is) for almost two weeks and right now am refraining from too much ibuprofen and too much time on the heating pad.

I woke up a couple of weeks ago and felt this piercing pain on my lower back. I already know I have a questionable right ankle (despite the multiple procedures) and my head and shoulder area seem to be filled with tension every so often. But back pain - I'm not used to them.

It's funny what you take for granted, as far as your body's abilities go, when all the parts are working. For the last week or so, however, bending down to pick up the laundry basket is a chore; hell, turning around to look over my shoulder so I can change lanes is a pain. A fine line separates powering through the wincing and damaging something by accident so, I'm just watching myself.

I know I've said, "I feel old" a million times, and at 33, it's hard to imagine feeling so. But here I am, bad back and all. Time to find new ways to combat Mother Nature.

Geez, I could seriously make a whole album of just pictures of Bev sleeping! LOVE YOU!! =)