This summer I experienced a sudden turn of events. My mother was in serious pain in her hip at the end of July, and it so happened that she needed to be admitted to the hospital for hip replacement surgery. A proud octogenarian, my mom had quite an ordeal and challenge to her independence. I had to wear yet another hat, that of caregiver. My commute increased, gas consumption and mileage doubled, and as I attempted to return to work after a period of several days to locate a companion for mom to do light housekeeping, help her dress and get up the stairs, get her to appointments, my energy was at an all time low. I had to curtail my gig schedule just to keep up with myself. I had to create more down time to recuperate. For my own sanity. I'm sure many of you that have been in this situation can relate. Many days I go in going through the motions of my routine, working my tail off to make sure I can keep my job. But I swear sometimes I feel I am sleepwalking. I finally realized I have to make some time to take care of myself. After a long layoff of not exercising, I resumed going back to the gym. This is a serious time to do much reflection and to determine what is best for mom, as well as myself.