In honor of International Women’s Day, CARE will present Half the Sky LIVE in movie theaters nationwide at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 4.

Inspired by the best-selling book from Pulitzer-prize winning journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, Half the Sky LIVE celebrates International Women’s Day 2010 with musical performances, celebrity commentary and the world premiere of “Woineshet,” a powerful short film directed by Academy Award winner Marisa Tomei and Lisa Leone.

Editor’s Note: SDNN columnist Colleen O’Connor will write about Women’s History Month throughout March to highlight the importance of the recognition and how women have shaped history. Join us as we recognize Women’s History Month by sending in your stories too and checking SDNN every day for stories from other women in our region. Happy Women’s History Month!

Shortly before my mother died, a photograph appeared on the family’s dining room wall.

I’m smack in the middle of that really hard part of life—you know, the part between preschool and death.

I’m the poster girl for stress, worrying about everything from the probable (“One day I’ll be too old to ride a Six Flags roller coaster. Sadness.”) to the highly unlikely (“It might be good to have a rifle around the house just in case there’s a zombie apocalypse.”).

My fears, neuroticisms, and mediocre efforts at positivism are a blueprint for crazy. So how do I keep my sanity despite my shoddy emotional genetics? Everyone roll your eyes collectively now: Love.

We were watching a Christmas special the first time my boyfriend saw it. I was reaching for a handful of popcorn when the blast from Jeremiah’s throat caused me to jump. As he sprang up from the couch I tried to make sense of what was happening.

“Mouse!” he exclaimed as he ran toward the kitchen. By now the furry object of his excitement was gone; having scampered into a nook or cranny after hearing a voice that didn’t hint his presence was a blessing.

“I know this is going to sound silly,” I said, “but please don’t kill it.”