Anyone tired of all of the presidential ads yet? Jeesh, we got four political postcards in the mail yesterday. Not to mention the constant bombardment of ads on television.
For me this election is easy. There's only one candidate talking about healthcare and I've certainly experienced many of the problems with healthcare.
Obama has been talking about eliminating pre-existing condition clauses on health insurance contracts. Of course he cannot do this without support from Congress. But just the fact that he's for this is all I need to hear.
Congress has already passed a measure which eliminated pre-existing condition clauses from group health insurance. But they stopped short. People who seek individual insurance have to deal with pre-existing condition clauses.
Pre-existing condition clauses basically mean that the health insurer does not have to insure any condition that existed before the individual opened their policy.
I was fortunate. I had my policy before I had my cancer. Even though Aetna still will not cover the costs of my chemotherapy if it's taken in a pill form. They will cover it if it's administered via IV at the hospital. Try to make logical sense of that.
Barb wasn't so fortunate. When Barb left her job to look after me we sought insurance for her. There was no insurance that would cover her for her pre-existing condition of epilepsy.
Most people have insurance through their employer and they don't know a whole lot about it. But once you've interacted and been involved with a health insurer it doesn't take long to get disgusted.
For me, I'm stuck. Because of my pre-existing condition my health insurer can do anything. I can't leave. I can't go anywhere else. If I tried to move to another insurance company I'd lose all my coverage for my cancer care costs.
Why would Congress protect folks in group policies but not individual policies? Why did they stop short?
If you need one reason to vote for Obama consider this - voting for Obama is voting for myself and Barb and our abilities to receive health insurance to cover the costs of our ongoing treatments. If you want to vote for McCain, that's your right of course. But you're leaving us without a chance to overcome our health insurance burdens.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Whew
We've waited since 1983 when the Sixers beat the Lakers for the NBA Championship. It's been quite awhile since the city of Philadelphia has had a sports championship to celebrate. And they're going nuts.
Many cities have trouble drawing people into their arenas, stadiums and ball parks - not Philadelphia. Philadelphia is very devoted to their hometown teams, whether they win or lose.
I woke up in the middle of the night last night and the Philly sports channel was broadcasting live from Citizen's Bank Park and the streets of Philadelphia. It was two in the morning and the streets of Philadelphia were packed with fans. Ballplayers hung out in the stadium all night, never wanting this moment to end.
Sports has always been very important to me. Sports taught me a lot of life skills. It taught me the importance of teamwork, of building relationships, of sportsmanship. It taught me strength and endurance. It taught me how to compete and how to win or lose with grace. It taught me that skill takes practice.
It taught me how sports can bring people together, total strangers hugging, overwhelmed with joy, dancing in the streets.
Our basketball team in high school was kind of like the Phillies, it had been a long time since we had a team that the community could be proud about. Before I was a junior in high school our best team in the history of the school was around 1972, and their record was 12-10.
As we started winning game after game the stands filled to capacity and the gym was rocking.
Once I tapped one in against Lebanon Catholic to win the game with no time on the clock. All I remember is being tackled by my teammates and then the crowd emptied onto the court and piled on.
Once I made a foul shot with no time on the clock to win a Lebanon-Lancaster playoff game. As I walked off the court I heard a chant grow "Albert, Albert, Albert..." I was covered with goosebumps.
Some people may think that sports is a silly waste of time. But moments like that are hard to come by. And the way sports can bring communities together through the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat is just amazing.
There will be a parade down Broad Street in Philadelphia tomorrow. The sidewalks will be packed with strangers smiling and hugging each other. That's a powerful thing.
Many cities have trouble drawing people into their arenas, stadiums and ball parks - not Philadelphia. Philadelphia is very devoted to their hometown teams, whether they win or lose.
I woke up in the middle of the night last night and the Philly sports channel was broadcasting live from Citizen's Bank Park and the streets of Philadelphia. It was two in the morning and the streets of Philadelphia were packed with fans. Ballplayers hung out in the stadium all night, never wanting this moment to end.
Sports has always been very important to me. Sports taught me a lot of life skills. It taught me the importance of teamwork, of building relationships, of sportsmanship. It taught me strength and endurance. It taught me how to compete and how to win or lose with grace. It taught me that skill takes practice.
It taught me how sports can bring people together, total strangers hugging, overwhelmed with joy, dancing in the streets.
Our basketball team in high school was kind of like the Phillies, it had been a long time since we had a team that the community could be proud about. Before I was a junior in high school our best team in the history of the school was around 1972, and their record was 12-10.
As we started winning game after game the stands filled to capacity and the gym was rocking.
Once I tapped one in against Lebanon Catholic to win the game with no time on the clock. All I remember is being tackled by my teammates and then the crowd emptied onto the court and piled on.
Once I made a foul shot with no time on the clock to win a Lebanon-Lancaster playoff game. As I walked off the court I heard a chant grow "Albert, Albert, Albert..." I was covered with goosebumps.
Some people may think that sports is a silly waste of time. But moments like that are hard to come by. And the way sports can bring communities together through the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat is just amazing.
There will be a parade down Broad Street in Philadelphia tomorrow. The sidewalks will be packed with strangers smiling and hugging each other. That's a powerful thing.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Yesterday's Service
I can definitely say that yesterday was a solemn day. One thing was for certain Grandma Grim was loved by many people, which comes as no surprise to me. At least 300-400 people had attended this service in this country church. Of course, I had seen people that I don't get to see often at all. I still am in a daze about the whole thing, I have covered in a previous blog what a wonderful person she is and I am obviously not the only one that sees that.
The service yesterday did her justice and each member of our family carries some sort of Grandma Grim's presence and personality from within.
The service yesterday did her justice and each member of our family carries some sort of Grandma Grim's presence and personality from within.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Fall
I'm not a big fan of the Fall season. It means that winter is right around the corner. It means cold, cold weather. It means I'll only be outside long enough to run from one warm place to another. It means my gas bill will go up 300-percent as the furnace kicks on to warm the house.
Fall kind of reminds me of death, all the leaves falling, all the plants going dormant. Everything is just kind of gray.
But without Fall I couldn't enjoy Spring. So I'll put my head down and just try to bear through it.
I have to get out there in the backyard today and try to collect leaves for pick-up on Wednesday. It's probably the chore I least look forward to. Looking over my shoulder, out through the yard, I'm guessing I've probably got 12 huge bags of leaves to collect. Fortunately, thanks to Alyssa and Charlie, I've got a leaf blower now to alleviate a whole lot of raking.
I've been trying hard to work smiles onto Barb's face. She is having a tough time coping with the loss of her grandmother. I do understand. And whatever pain she feels, I feel too. We are one.
Not even the big Phillies win last night brought her much joy. I'm used to seeing Barb break out her special "Phillies Victory Dance," after a big win. But there was no dancing this morning.
She's a tough girl. She'll come around. Afterall, she puts up with me all the time.
And I'll get busy blowing leaves and gathering them for pick-up, as the two squirrels yell at me for cleaning up their habitat.
Fall kind of reminds me of death, all the leaves falling, all the plants going dormant. Everything is just kind of gray.
But without Fall I couldn't enjoy Spring. So I'll put my head down and just try to bear through it.
I have to get out there in the backyard today and try to collect leaves for pick-up on Wednesday. It's probably the chore I least look forward to. Looking over my shoulder, out through the yard, I'm guessing I've probably got 12 huge bags of leaves to collect. Fortunately, thanks to Alyssa and Charlie, I've got a leaf blower now to alleviate a whole lot of raking.
I've been trying hard to work smiles onto Barb's face. She is having a tough time coping with the loss of her grandmother. I do understand. And whatever pain she feels, I feel too. We are one.
Not even the big Phillies win last night brought her much joy. I'm used to seeing Barb break out her special "Phillies Victory Dance," after a big win. But there was no dancing this morning.
She's a tough girl. She'll come around. Afterall, she puts up with me all the time.
And I'll get busy blowing leaves and gathering them for pick-up, as the two squirrels yell at me for cleaning up their habitat.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
What a Day
A lot great things happened yesterday. But throughout all those great things our thoughts never strayed from the loss of Grandma Grim.
Penn State won a huge game over Ohio State and have now cleared their toughest hurdle in their hunt for a Big Ten championship, and a possible shot at the national title.
The Phillies pulled off a wild one in the bottom of the ninth inning to now lead the World Series two games to one.
And we had a big Putnam/Albert family reunion yesterday in Elizabethtown. It was so great to be able to see family that I haven't seen for so long. Rhea, Muk, Pam, Peter, Jane, it was just very special to see them all together and to be able to share some stories, share some love, and just catch up with how everyone is doing.
As many times as I wanted to just break out into a big smile yesterday, it was hard because of the loss of Barb's grandmother. Throughout the day I could see both the joy and the sadness in Barb's face. Joy from Rhea keeping her laughing. And sadness in memory of Grandma Grim.
It's hard not to think of the loss we personally feel when a loved one passes. But I feel it's important to try to think beyond our loss, to feel joy and celebration for our loved ones' reward, our loved ones' salvation.
There is no doubt that Grandma Grim is looking down on us all, next to her Lord. And I feel certain that she wants us to all feel her warmth and her smile, fill us from head to toe.
The wonderful lady, and mother, and grandmother, and great-grandmother that she was fills all of our hearts, minds and souls. Part of her will always be part of us. As we miss her, we hold our hands up to the heavens to touch her one more time.
Penn State won a huge game over Ohio State and have now cleared their toughest hurdle in their hunt for a Big Ten championship, and a possible shot at the national title.
The Phillies pulled off a wild one in the bottom of the ninth inning to now lead the World Series two games to one.
And we had a big Putnam/Albert family reunion yesterday in Elizabethtown. It was so great to be able to see family that I haven't seen for so long. Rhea, Muk, Pam, Peter, Jane, it was just very special to see them all together and to be able to share some stories, share some love, and just catch up with how everyone is doing.
As many times as I wanted to just break out into a big smile yesterday, it was hard because of the loss of Barb's grandmother. Throughout the day I could see both the joy and the sadness in Barb's face. Joy from Rhea keeping her laughing. And sadness in memory of Grandma Grim.
It's hard not to think of the loss we personally feel when a loved one passes. But I feel it's important to try to think beyond our loss, to feel joy and celebration for our loved ones' reward, our loved ones' salvation.
There is no doubt that Grandma Grim is looking down on us all, next to her Lord. And I feel certain that she wants us to all feel her warmth and her smile, fill us from head to toe.
The wonderful lady, and mother, and grandmother, and great-grandmother that she was fills all of our hearts, minds and souls. Part of her will always be part of us. As we miss her, we hold our hands up to the heavens to touch her one more time.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
At A Time of Great Loss
Just to say a few words about Grandma Grim, you never expect to possibly lose a family member in a such a tragic way. In the chain of events of that took place, we are still uncertain of how things happened. We did however come to know yesterday that she was dealing with possible other health issues that may have led to what took place.
In memory of her I can just say that she was a very loving and kind person and would do anything for anybody. I remember growing up having overnight stays frequently, they had such a large yard that we were there as much as possible. That side of the family was quite large, with 5 children and numerous grand-children and great children. She always knew how much she was loved and cared for......
I send a prayer in my heart,
she has been always such a sweetheart.
My heart is torn in two,
because we had no clue.
To the Lord above
Please hold her closely and watch over her,
she has always had angelic qualities,
and that is the way she will always be thought of.
We love you Grandma Grim!!!
In memory of her I can just say that she was a very loving and kind person and would do anything for anybody. I remember growing up having overnight stays frequently, they had such a large yard that we were there as much as possible. That side of the family was quite large, with 5 children and numerous grand-children and great children. She always knew how much she was loved and cared for......
I send a prayer in my heart,
she has been always such a sweetheart.
My heart is torn in two,
because we had no clue.
To the Lord above
Please hold her closely and watch over her,
she has always had angelic qualities,
and that is the way she will always be thought of.
We love you Grandma Grim!!!
Friday, October 24, 2008
Very Sad News
We awoke this morning to learn that Barb's grandmother passed away in an early morning fire at her home.
Investigators believe she was asleep in her bed at the time of the fire.
When I think of her I just see that constant, warm smile.
My heart goes out to the entire family. My thoughts and support are with everyone who had the privilege to know this incredible woman.
Many details are still to come.
Investigators believe she was asleep in her bed at the time of the fire.
When I think of her I just see that constant, warm smile.
My heart goes out to the entire family. My thoughts and support are with everyone who had the privilege to know this incredible woman.
Many details are still to come.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Getting Focused
The month of doctors' visits is almost over and turning out quite well. Then I'll have the month of November pretty free, except weekly chemotherapy treatments each Friday.
As hard as it is for all of us in our busy lives, I continuously try to organize and get things accomplished.
I hope to be up, eat breakfast, blog, exercise, shower, and be sitting at my desk every morning by 8:30 a.m. But even my plans for the start of the day can be a little ambitious at times.
I'm trying to do a lot of marketing to build the business back-up to what it once was. I'm pretty tough and stubborn. When cancer first came to town, and I went through surgery, I barely missed a beat. I kept on working right through it.
Later on, the whole brain radiation was a bit of a different story and there was little choice then to shut down for a few months.
I think I've reached that point in my career where it's time for me to back off some of the hands on work and start moving into more of the role of a creative director. I can surround myself with valuable resources and talent and be the boss, the leader, the guy pulling it all together and organizing.
I'll never be able to keep my hands completely out of it, but it seems a wise course of action to let the business grow, once I get it back to where it once was of course.
Financially we're doing fine. I just love the work I do. And I just love staring at what once was a blank sheet of paper or a blank computer screen and being able to say to myself proudly, "I did this." I just have a certain passion for it.
I think it's also a good opportunity for Barb to become a business owner. Her office and financial skills are well needed, because that's hardly my strength. And if she's interested I truly do believe that she could do quite well with it. But if she doesn't enjoy it, that's fine too. She shouldn't be doing something that she doesn't like. She will have to find the same interest I've always had for designing communications. And either way, no biggie. It's good to have options.
OK. Have to eat a piece of cantalope yet, get up and exercise, and get through the shower. I don't think I'm going to be at my desk at quite 8:30 a.m.
As hard as it is for all of us in our busy lives, I continuously try to organize and get things accomplished.
I hope to be up, eat breakfast, blog, exercise, shower, and be sitting at my desk every morning by 8:30 a.m. But even my plans for the start of the day can be a little ambitious at times.
I'm trying to do a lot of marketing to build the business back-up to what it once was. I'm pretty tough and stubborn. When cancer first came to town, and I went through surgery, I barely missed a beat. I kept on working right through it.
Later on, the whole brain radiation was a bit of a different story and there was little choice then to shut down for a few months.
I think I've reached that point in my career where it's time for me to back off some of the hands on work and start moving into more of the role of a creative director. I can surround myself with valuable resources and talent and be the boss, the leader, the guy pulling it all together and organizing.
I'll never be able to keep my hands completely out of it, but it seems a wise course of action to let the business grow, once I get it back to where it once was of course.
Financially we're doing fine. I just love the work I do. And I just love staring at what once was a blank sheet of paper or a blank computer screen and being able to say to myself proudly, "I did this." I just have a certain passion for it.
I think it's also a good opportunity for Barb to become a business owner. Her office and financial skills are well needed, because that's hardly my strength. And if she's interested I truly do believe that she could do quite well with it. But if she doesn't enjoy it, that's fine too. She shouldn't be doing something that she doesn't like. She will have to find the same interest I've always had for designing communications. And either way, no biggie. It's good to have options.
OK. Have to eat a piece of cantalope yet, get up and exercise, and get through the shower. I don't think I'm going to be at my desk at quite 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Good News
My Mom, Barb and I traveled to Center City Philadelphia yesterday to meet with the kidney cancer specialist. It all went extraordinarily well.
I'm extremely grateful to my Mom and Barb for getting me down there. Typically it's a rough trip that no one looks forward to. The traffic is bad. The city is crowded and confusing. The staff and nurses at the hospital are often snappy and rude.
But yesterday was an exception.
Traffic was smooth going in and out of the city. The valet parking was quick, efficient, and friendly. I even got a tip from the valet on how to best get out of the city at rush hour and it proved to be a gem of a suggestion.
Staff and nurses at the hospital were all very friendly and professional. I had to stop, look around, and ask myself a few times if I was at the right hospital.
The doctor was pretty much on time. At least we did not have to endure three or four-hour waits like we have endured in the past.
It was amazing how well everything went.
Most importantly I was able to get a lot of answers to some of the questions I've had from the doctor. And the answers were surprisingly positive.
First, the doctor looked at my last two CT scans and his opinion is that I'm doing very well with the Torisel chemotherapy. When the doctor first came into the examination room his eyes opened wide and he kind of muttered, "Wow! You're looking well."
The doctor feels that the Torisel is working well and we should continue with the Torisel until it shows signs that it is not working anymore. Sooner or later it will become less effective, but that could be months or that could be years, according to the doctor.
I was also able to confirm that a drug currently known as RAD001 is expected to be approved by the FDA and begin distribution in January. RAD001 is very similar to Torisel but instead of being administered as an IV, it is in a pill form. The doctor said that RAD001 and Torisel are similar enough that it would be reasonable for me to consider switching to RAD001 because it's much easier to deal with just taking a pill as opposed to having to drive for bloodwork and a weekly IV infusion every week.
The doctor also let me know that there are no less than a half-a-dozen other new drugs currently in the works, in different stages of clinical trials, on the path towards FDA approval.
Probably the most significant thing that I learned yesterday was that it is possible to chase this cancer around with the same drugs. For instance I could go through a couple years of Nexavar, Torisel, Sutent, and then come back again for another couple of years of Nexavar, Torisel, and Sutent. This is significant to me because I did not know whether a chemo drug could be returned to after it stopped being effective. No other doctor was able to answer this for me until yesterday. This means that I won't run out of options. And that's very important to me.
Otherwise, I was able to confirm with the specialist that there are new radiation techniques that have arrived that can target tumors precisely without harming surrounding tissue. And the Univeristy of Pennsylvania has the latest greatest in their new multi-million dollar cancer center which will go into full operation in December.
So it was our best trip yet to Philadelphia, and we shouldn't have to go back for at least six-months.
The gameplan for now is to just stay on the Torisel, possibly switching to the pill form RAD001 when it becomes available, keep exercising, keep active, keep eating, and keep living well.
Thanks again Mom! Thanks again Barb! I love you both!
I'm extremely grateful to my Mom and Barb for getting me down there. Typically it's a rough trip that no one looks forward to. The traffic is bad. The city is crowded and confusing. The staff and nurses at the hospital are often snappy and rude.
But yesterday was an exception.
Traffic was smooth going in and out of the city. The valet parking was quick, efficient, and friendly. I even got a tip from the valet on how to best get out of the city at rush hour and it proved to be a gem of a suggestion.
Staff and nurses at the hospital were all very friendly and professional. I had to stop, look around, and ask myself a few times if I was at the right hospital.
The doctor was pretty much on time. At least we did not have to endure three or four-hour waits like we have endured in the past.
It was amazing how well everything went.
Most importantly I was able to get a lot of answers to some of the questions I've had from the doctor. And the answers were surprisingly positive.
First, the doctor looked at my last two CT scans and his opinion is that I'm doing very well with the Torisel chemotherapy. When the doctor first came into the examination room his eyes opened wide and he kind of muttered, "Wow! You're looking well."
The doctor feels that the Torisel is working well and we should continue with the Torisel until it shows signs that it is not working anymore. Sooner or later it will become less effective, but that could be months or that could be years, according to the doctor.
I was also able to confirm that a drug currently known as RAD001 is expected to be approved by the FDA and begin distribution in January. RAD001 is very similar to Torisel but instead of being administered as an IV, it is in a pill form. The doctor said that RAD001 and Torisel are similar enough that it would be reasonable for me to consider switching to RAD001 because it's much easier to deal with just taking a pill as opposed to having to drive for bloodwork and a weekly IV infusion every week.
The doctor also let me know that there are no less than a half-a-dozen other new drugs currently in the works, in different stages of clinical trials, on the path towards FDA approval.
Probably the most significant thing that I learned yesterday was that it is possible to chase this cancer around with the same drugs. For instance I could go through a couple years of Nexavar, Torisel, Sutent, and then come back again for another couple of years of Nexavar, Torisel, and Sutent. This is significant to me because I did not know whether a chemo drug could be returned to after it stopped being effective. No other doctor was able to answer this for me until yesterday. This means that I won't run out of options. And that's very important to me.
Otherwise, I was able to confirm with the specialist that there are new radiation techniques that have arrived that can target tumors precisely without harming surrounding tissue. And the Univeristy of Pennsylvania has the latest greatest in their new multi-million dollar cancer center which will go into full operation in December.
So it was our best trip yet to Philadelphia, and we shouldn't have to go back for at least six-months.
The gameplan for now is to just stay on the Torisel, possibly switching to the pill form RAD001 when it becomes available, keep exercising, keep active, keep eating, and keep living well.
Thanks again Mom! Thanks again Barb! I love you both!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Girls
I've always been a pretty shy guy. I'm more comfortable just being a fly on the wall. I like to sit or stand in the back of a room and just absorb everything that's going on, listen to what everyone else is saying.
I certainly don't like to be the center of attention.
I've always had a difficult time approaching girls, and oh my if I actually thought of asking anyone out on a date I'd instantly turn into a bumbling idiot.
I developed a theory on how I could best approach dating through the years. It was a very passive approach.
I've had friends who would ask girl after girl after girl if they wanted to go out until someone finally said, "OK."
Not OK with me. I would never do this.
But I finally realized that in our modern-day social setting men were expected to ask and get rejected, ask and get rejected, and ask and get rejected. Although women were not expected to initiate anything, they still were very much in charge.
So I set out a plan to buck this trend, and it fit my shy demeanor.
I figured if I just sit back and be alert sooner or later a lady would let me know she was interested in me. Afterall, women really are in charge. And I thought that if a woman was truly interested she'd let me know in one way or another.
So that's what I did. And that's what I did for years.
It didn't work out so well.
It turns out that waiting for girls to latch on to me provided me only with girls who were high-maintenance, puppeteers bent on control and world domination in their own maniacal ways.
So I just gave up.
Then I met Barb.
I just took a new job and someone was showing me around and introducing me to everyone.
"And this is Barb," I was told.
Suddenly the clouds parted and the angels sang. Barb sat with her back to me, busy and deeply involved with work, and completely glowing with a golden aura.
"Hi, I'm Jim Albert," I said to her.
She grunted at me and kind of acted like I was blocking her light and generally in her way.
"Well that went well," I thought to myself.
Slowly over weeks and months I made a point of getting to know Barb better. I was ignoring my lifelong philosophies of doing nothing for sure. But my approach was not aggressive either. I pretty much just thought that maybe I could make a friend.
From there I don't know what happened really. It just happened.
And I guess that's the way it's supposed to be. It's magic. There's no philosophy or approach plan necessary. It just happens. And boy am I glad it did. Barb is my perfect match, that one I've always been looking for. She's my angel.
I certainly don't like to be the center of attention.
I've always had a difficult time approaching girls, and oh my if I actually thought of asking anyone out on a date I'd instantly turn into a bumbling idiot.
I developed a theory on how I could best approach dating through the years. It was a very passive approach.
I've had friends who would ask girl after girl after girl if they wanted to go out until someone finally said, "OK."
Not OK with me. I would never do this.
But I finally realized that in our modern-day social setting men were expected to ask and get rejected, ask and get rejected, and ask and get rejected. Although women were not expected to initiate anything, they still were very much in charge.
So I set out a plan to buck this trend, and it fit my shy demeanor.
I figured if I just sit back and be alert sooner or later a lady would let me know she was interested in me. Afterall, women really are in charge. And I thought that if a woman was truly interested she'd let me know in one way or another.
So that's what I did. And that's what I did for years.
It didn't work out so well.
It turns out that waiting for girls to latch on to me provided me only with girls who were high-maintenance, puppeteers bent on control and world domination in their own maniacal ways.
So I just gave up.
Then I met Barb.
I just took a new job and someone was showing me around and introducing me to everyone.
"And this is Barb," I was told.
Suddenly the clouds parted and the angels sang. Barb sat with her back to me, busy and deeply involved with work, and completely glowing with a golden aura.
"Hi, I'm Jim Albert," I said to her.
She grunted at me and kind of acted like I was blocking her light and generally in her way.
"Well that went well," I thought to myself.
Slowly over weeks and months I made a point of getting to know Barb better. I was ignoring my lifelong philosophies of doing nothing for sure. But my approach was not aggressive either. I pretty much just thought that maybe I could make a friend.
From there I don't know what happened really. It just happened.
And I guess that's the way it's supposed to be. It's magic. There's no philosophy or approach plan necessary. It just happens. And boy am I glad it did. Barb is my perfect match, that one I've always been looking for. She's my angel.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Bingo Sunday
I had plans of hitting the basket bingo jackpot yesterday, but it didn't really happen that way. The main purpose of yesterday's bingo was a fundraiser for my nephew Ellis' school. The bingo party consisted of myself, Alyssa, Charlie, my mom, my Aunt Alice, my sister, one of her high school girl friends, her daughter, and Jay's sister Susie.
We had a wonderful time, my sister's friend won a basket, but the rest of us came up empty. I simply enjoyed the fact of being able to get together with the above people. I actually had been fairly lucky in the past with bingo, but yesterday I was out of my element. I think it was wonderful that Alyssa had donated (2) gift certificates for her Skin Care by Alyssa. We of course were all wishing that we had gotten our hands on that basket or door prize.
I look forward to the possibility of a next time of being able to do this and just having fun with family and friends.
We had a wonderful time, my sister's friend won a basket, but the rest of us came up empty. I simply enjoyed the fact of being able to get together with the above people. I actually had been fairly lucky in the past with bingo, but yesterday I was out of my element. I think it was wonderful that Alyssa had donated (2) gift certificates for her Skin Care by Alyssa. We of course were all wishing that we had gotten our hands on that basket or door prize.
I look forward to the possibility of a next time of being able to do this and just having fun with family and friends.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Change of Season
We're about a week away from the peak colors of Fall the weatherman tells me. Barb and I have to remember to take time to visit Chickie's Rock overlooking the Susquehanna River next week and soak in a little of the change of seasons.
I've never been a huge fan of Fall, though I know many in these parts certainly are. It's just a reminder for me that the bleakness and cold of winter is just around the corner.
Growing up on the hill I never really had to worry about much leaf raking. We would get so much wind up there that the leaves kind of raked themselves.
I remember my Dad taking me to the local high school football games when I was a little tyke. We'd dress warm and fill every one of our pockets with peanuts. Sometimes we'd sit. Sometimes we'd stand. We'd work through those peanuts, cracking open the shells and leaving a trail wherever we'd go. If the nose ran a little you'd wipe it on your jacket sleeve.
At halftime we'd almost always both get a hot dog with sauerkraut. It was so good on a nippy day.
Once we were sitting alone in the stands, just the two of us, and we were in the background of a photo that made the paper the next day, my first claim to fame.
Now our small yard here in Marietta is fenced in. All the leaves fall and they have no where for the wind to take them, except up against the fences.
I've already had my leaf blower out though (thanks Alyssa and Charlie). It's kind of an art to learn how to blow all the leaves in the direction that you want. But I'm enjoying it a lot better than raking! Now I just need a machine that bags all the leaves and I'll be set.
I wish Freckles could bag leaves.
The leaves are about ankle deep extending from the back of the house about halfway through the yard. Only one tree has been dropping leaves so far. Our trees our on a nice rotation and take turns.
The storm windows are pulled and the furnace has had its first run of the season.
Barb and I are trying to figure out when ELCO plays Donegal in football. Perhaps we can go out and watch the game, and stuff our pockets with peanuts.
I've never been a huge fan of Fall, though I know many in these parts certainly are. It's just a reminder for me that the bleakness and cold of winter is just around the corner.
Growing up on the hill I never really had to worry about much leaf raking. We would get so much wind up there that the leaves kind of raked themselves.
I remember my Dad taking me to the local high school football games when I was a little tyke. We'd dress warm and fill every one of our pockets with peanuts. Sometimes we'd sit. Sometimes we'd stand. We'd work through those peanuts, cracking open the shells and leaving a trail wherever we'd go. If the nose ran a little you'd wipe it on your jacket sleeve.
At halftime we'd almost always both get a hot dog with sauerkraut. It was so good on a nippy day.
Once we were sitting alone in the stands, just the two of us, and we were in the background of a photo that made the paper the next day, my first claim to fame.
Now our small yard here in Marietta is fenced in. All the leaves fall and they have no where for the wind to take them, except up against the fences.
I've already had my leaf blower out though (thanks Alyssa and Charlie). It's kind of an art to learn how to blow all the leaves in the direction that you want. But I'm enjoying it a lot better than raking! Now I just need a machine that bags all the leaves and I'll be set.
I wish Freckles could bag leaves.
The leaves are about ankle deep extending from the back of the house about halfway through the yard. Only one tree has been dropping leaves so far. Our trees our on a nice rotation and take turns.
The storm windows are pulled and the furnace has had its first run of the season.
Barb and I are trying to figure out when ELCO plays Donegal in football. Perhaps we can go out and watch the game, and stuff our pockets with peanuts.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
One Step Down, Two to Go
After being weighed-in at 171-pounds, a nurse led Barb and I down the hall to an examination room. The nurse took my temperature, blood pressure and pulse, and told me that the director of the cancer center would be in to see me shortly.
I was expecting to discuss the possibilities of working with a new oncologist in the group with the director. I wanted to do it gracefully and politely, no hard feelings. I just thought that it might be a good time for a fresh perspective.
After introductions and exchanging greetings, the doctor (director) put his hand on my file, which is thicker than most dictionaries, and told us that he had reviewed my history from cover to cover yesterday. That impressed me. My oncologist often times had trouble reading a one-page report of a CT scan.
He told me that I looked a whole lot better than he expected, after reading about everything that I've been through.
He then asked me what he could do for me.
I told him as gracefully as I possibly could that I felt that my current oncologist just wasn't cutting it anymore. I told him about some of the events that occurred that left me feeling this way.
"I am so sorry," he said. "I'd be glad to be your doctor."
"WHAT?!?!?" I said to myself. You'll be my doctor?
Well this was definitely more than I expected. This was the big kahuna, the big boss man, the big cheese.
From there we got down to business. What a remarkable difference he was over my now previous oncologist.
We talked about everything: how I've gotten to this point; all the possibilities for future treatments; how to best use other specialists like the kidney cancer doc in Philly. We covered everything.
He also talked to both Barb and I about mental and emotional stability.
He even gave me a physical exam, which I can't remember a doctor actually doing in I don't know how long.
This oncologist does not meet with patients as often. But he does meet with patients for an hour. My now former oncologist met with patients for 15-minutes. It was much like an assembly line. I think that may have been a big part of the problem.
So, Barb and I were both thrilled with the outcome of yesterday's meeting. We entered the day with some trepidation, not quite knowing how everything might turn out.
In the chemo room I did run into my former oncologist. I gave him a nice wave and a little smile. It's nothing personal. He's a good guy and he's going through his own issues and health problems, and I wish him well. But it's time to move-on, and I think we've turned on to a really good road.
I was expecting to discuss the possibilities of working with a new oncologist in the group with the director. I wanted to do it gracefully and politely, no hard feelings. I just thought that it might be a good time for a fresh perspective.
After introductions and exchanging greetings, the doctor (director) put his hand on my file, which is thicker than most dictionaries, and told us that he had reviewed my history from cover to cover yesterday. That impressed me. My oncologist often times had trouble reading a one-page report of a CT scan.
He told me that I looked a whole lot better than he expected, after reading about everything that I've been through.
He then asked me what he could do for me.
I told him as gracefully as I possibly could that I felt that my current oncologist just wasn't cutting it anymore. I told him about some of the events that occurred that left me feeling this way.
"I am so sorry," he said. "I'd be glad to be your doctor."
"WHAT?!?!?" I said to myself. You'll be my doctor?
Well this was definitely more than I expected. This was the big kahuna, the big boss man, the big cheese.
From there we got down to business. What a remarkable difference he was over my now previous oncologist.
We talked about everything: how I've gotten to this point; all the possibilities for future treatments; how to best use other specialists like the kidney cancer doc in Philly. We covered everything.
He also talked to both Barb and I about mental and emotional stability.
He even gave me a physical exam, which I can't remember a doctor actually doing in I don't know how long.
This oncologist does not meet with patients as often. But he does meet with patients for an hour. My now former oncologist met with patients for 15-minutes. It was much like an assembly line. I think that may have been a big part of the problem.
So, Barb and I were both thrilled with the outcome of yesterday's meeting. We entered the day with some trepidation, not quite knowing how everything might turn out.
In the chemo room I did run into my former oncologist. I gave him a nice wave and a little smile. It's nothing personal. He's a good guy and he's going through his own issues and health problems, and I wish him well. But it's time to move-on, and I think we've turned on to a really good road.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Entering an Important Few Days
Starting early this afternoon I enter a series of important appointments with doctors that should result in some significant decisions for my ongoing treatments.
Today Barb and I will meet with the director of the cancer center at Lancaster General Hospital. We arranged the meeting a few weeks ago to discuss the possibilities of switching to a new oncologist.
The meeting was arranged for us by a senior nurse at the cancer center whom we trusted enough to discuss the situation with. Basically my oncologist has gone through his own health issues, and when that happened he lost all interest in my case. And that has continued to be the case. We feel that a fresh perspective at this point would be in my best interest.
The nurse assured us that switching oncologists was certainly a possibility and something that has occurred before.
I have discussed the situation with my family doctor as well. He's less optimistic that I'll be able to switch doctors among the same doctors' group.
We'll find out today. We have an hour to discuss the situation with the director before my weekly Torisel infusion at 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday we're heading down to the University of Pennsylvania to meet with the kidney cancer specialist. As much as we dislike the drive into Philly, and the disorganized chaos of the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, this specialist does sit on the Kidney Cancer board I've been told, and he is very involved in the development and clinical trials of the latest drugs. I will have a laundry list of questions ready for him. His advice during this visit will likely map out my ongoing treatments into the future.
There are at least a half-a-dozen new drugs in different stages of clinical trials seeking FDA approval right now. After years and years of no treatments for kidney cancer, new treatments are now being introduced in a rapid fashion. None of these drugs though have shown any signs of curing the cancer. They work to control the disease, and the goal is to extend life, maintaining the disease much as diabetes is controlled.
Thursday I meet with my urologist, a genius I have not seen since he first sent me to hematology/oncology after evidence that my cancer had begun to spread. I'd like him to look at a growth in my remaining kidney. So far it's been diagnosed as a "fatty growth," which is non-cancerous but still may require attention to protect the ongoing health of the kidney. I know this doctor has been involved with cryoblation in the kidney, where they insert a needle into the worrisome spot in the kidney and freeze it, killing it and protecting the rest of the kidney.
So it's six-days with some important appointments.
I am sick of being sick. But I refuse to get down about it. Life is not perfect. I take what life brings me and always try to make the most of it.
Today Barb and I will meet with the director of the cancer center at Lancaster General Hospital. We arranged the meeting a few weeks ago to discuss the possibilities of switching to a new oncologist.
The meeting was arranged for us by a senior nurse at the cancer center whom we trusted enough to discuss the situation with. Basically my oncologist has gone through his own health issues, and when that happened he lost all interest in my case. And that has continued to be the case. We feel that a fresh perspective at this point would be in my best interest.
The nurse assured us that switching oncologists was certainly a possibility and something that has occurred before.
I have discussed the situation with my family doctor as well. He's less optimistic that I'll be able to switch doctors among the same doctors' group.
We'll find out today. We have an hour to discuss the situation with the director before my weekly Torisel infusion at 2:30 p.m.
Tuesday we're heading down to the University of Pennsylvania to meet with the kidney cancer specialist. As much as we dislike the drive into Philly, and the disorganized chaos of the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, this specialist does sit on the Kidney Cancer board I've been told, and he is very involved in the development and clinical trials of the latest drugs. I will have a laundry list of questions ready for him. His advice during this visit will likely map out my ongoing treatments into the future.
There are at least a half-a-dozen new drugs in different stages of clinical trials seeking FDA approval right now. After years and years of no treatments for kidney cancer, new treatments are now being introduced in a rapid fashion. None of these drugs though have shown any signs of curing the cancer. They work to control the disease, and the goal is to extend life, maintaining the disease much as diabetes is controlled.
Thursday I meet with my urologist, a genius I have not seen since he first sent me to hematology/oncology after evidence that my cancer had begun to spread. I'd like him to look at a growth in my remaining kidney. So far it's been diagnosed as a "fatty growth," which is non-cancerous but still may require attention to protect the ongoing health of the kidney. I know this doctor has been involved with cryoblation in the kidney, where they insert a needle into the worrisome spot in the kidney and freeze it, killing it and protecting the rest of the kidney.
So it's six-days with some important appointments.
I am sick of being sick. But I refuse to get down about it. Life is not perfect. I take what life brings me and always try to make the most of it.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Phillies and Phreckles
The baseball game last night ran a little past my bed time. When it doesn't start until about 8:30 p.m. I know I'm not going to be able to hang in there for the duration.
Barb, like my Mom, can't go to sleep at night without the TV on. This took a little adjusting for me to get used to. But now I'm so used to it I probably couldn't sleep without the TV on.
One of those screaching tests of the emergency broadcast system woke me up in the middle of the night last night. I was already half-sleeping on top of the remote control so I quickly grabbed it and changed the channel to Sportscenter.
There it was right on the bottom of the screen: Phillies - 5 Dodgers - 2, Phillies advance to World Series.
Barb stirred a little when I left out the "Woohoo!" Then I quickly covered my mouth and grabbed her shoulder. I told her softly "The Phillies won! The Phillies Won!"
"Bofadogudsirrr," she said, or something like that, her eyes just barely squinting at me.
I settled back in. Freckles heard the stir and ran upstairs and into the room to see what all the commotion was about.
Freckles will sleep on the bed with me every chance he gets.
Freckles will not sleep on the bed if Barb is in it. I think because some of her sudden, middle of the tight flip flops.
But last night, as I was quietly celebrating the Phillies win, Freckles jumped right up between us. He never does that.
I watched Freckles walk the length of Barb's body and then he leaned right into her face and touched her nose with his wet nose. I was laughing. Then he turned around stuck his behind in her face and slowly walked back down to the end of the bed.
Barb admitted this morning that she was still awake for all of this.
For some reason, that only Freckles knows, Freckles has never, ever been on the chest at the end of our bed. He just doesn't seem to trust it.
But last night he waltzed off the end of the bed and onto the wooden storage chest. There he sat, looking back at the two of us until we both drifted back to sleep.
Go Phillies!
Barb, like my Mom, can't go to sleep at night without the TV on. This took a little adjusting for me to get used to. But now I'm so used to it I probably couldn't sleep without the TV on.
One of those screaching tests of the emergency broadcast system woke me up in the middle of the night last night. I was already half-sleeping on top of the remote control so I quickly grabbed it and changed the channel to Sportscenter.
There it was right on the bottom of the screen: Phillies - 5 Dodgers - 2, Phillies advance to World Series.
Barb stirred a little when I left out the "Woohoo!" Then I quickly covered my mouth and grabbed her shoulder. I told her softly "The Phillies won! The Phillies Won!"
"Bofadogudsirrr," she said, or something like that, her eyes just barely squinting at me.
I settled back in. Freckles heard the stir and ran upstairs and into the room to see what all the commotion was about.
Freckles will sleep on the bed with me every chance he gets.
Freckles will not sleep on the bed if Barb is in it. I think because some of her sudden, middle of the tight flip flops.
But last night, as I was quietly celebrating the Phillies win, Freckles jumped right up between us. He never does that.
I watched Freckles walk the length of Barb's body and then he leaned right into her face and touched her nose with his wet nose. I was laughing. Then he turned around stuck his behind in her face and slowly walked back down to the end of the bed.
Barb admitted this morning that she was still awake for all of this.
For some reason, that only Freckles knows, Freckles has never, ever been on the chest at the end of our bed. He just doesn't seem to trust it.
But last night he waltzed off the end of the bed and onto the wooden storage chest. There he sat, looking back at the two of us until we both drifted back to sleep.
Go Phillies!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Special Guests
We had a nice visit yesterday from my parents and Lou and Doris Ursu, dear friends of my family.
It's been a long time since I've seen the Ursus, although their support through my struggles have been abundant, all the way from Florida.
But such strong characters as Lou and Doris do not change much through the years. They're just as wonderful, special people as they've always been.
I still remember visiting them in Traverse City, Michigan, when I was a young tyke. Their eldest son and I spent one afternoon in one of their fantastic cherry trees. We ate cherries all afternoon till our tummies hurt.
I remember Lou's remarkable gardens and bonsai trees. His desire to constantly learn new things, and meet new people. And I remember the laughter and kindess of Doris.
And it was all back in Marietta yesterday, well except the cherry trees.
I'm constantly touched by all the support around me. All of you are the reasons I get up and keep fighting this thing so hard each and every day. And it's why I go through every day with such joy, and such a warm heart.
I am one lucky man.
It's been a long time since I've seen the Ursus, although their support through my struggles have been abundant, all the way from Florida.
But such strong characters as Lou and Doris do not change much through the years. They're just as wonderful, special people as they've always been.
I still remember visiting them in Traverse City, Michigan, when I was a young tyke. Their eldest son and I spent one afternoon in one of their fantastic cherry trees. We ate cherries all afternoon till our tummies hurt.
I remember Lou's remarkable gardens and bonsai trees. His desire to constantly learn new things, and meet new people. And I remember the laughter and kindess of Doris.
And it was all back in Marietta yesterday, well except the cherry trees.
I'm constantly touched by all the support around me. All of you are the reasons I get up and keep fighting this thing so hard each and every day. And it's why I go through every day with such joy, and such a warm heart.
I am one lucky man.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Well How About That?
It turns out that my thyroid is not acting up at all. It just looks like it might be because I've gotten so skinny.
It all started when I noticed a lump at the bottom of my neck a couple of weeks ago, right where the thyroid would be. I couldn't honestly remember whether that lump was supposed to be there or if something was not right.
Well the lump is supposed to there. Everything's perfectly normal. The ultra-sound showed nothing and neither did the blood tests. It just seems like it sticks out because I've lost so much weight.
(shrugging shoulders)
Cancer can be strange.
Basically I've gone through my life not thinking too much about my body. I was raised to be a gladiator. Laps, sprints, constant exercise, climbing trees, riding bikes, you name it I did it. And I'm not just talking about the regular regimen that typical youth go through. I went through constant drills, constant practice, to tone me into a gladiator for matches in the colosseums.
I've always had pains, injuries, and aches. I never thought too much about them. I just shrugged them off and kept going. The pains always went away and got better. It would be stranger to me if I didn't have some kind of pain somewhere.
Two broken ankles, two cracked ribs, a fractured skull, stitches from head to toe, constant bruises all over, that's been normal life to me.
I can tell my perspective is different than most. When Barb bumps her shin into the coffee table it's a big deal to her, and I do understand. She's the normal one.
I bump my shin into something everyday. It's another bruise, no big deal, move on.
But cancer changed all of that for me. Now I question everything, examine everything, make sure the body is working the way it is supposed to. I don't enjoy questioning my body so critically. I'd rather go back to being a gladiator. But, with cancer, it just has to be that way, or so it seems.
Doctors don't really examine people anymore. There's no more lie down then poke here and poke there. There's no more stick your tongue out and say "Ahhhh." There's no more, "OK give me a couple of real deep breaths," while the cold stethescope is run across your back and chest.
I don't know exactly when or why this went by the wayside.
Now you just sit down and have a conversation with your doctor. So I try to check myself out and communicate my "findings" to the doctor.
Living with the reality that cancer could show up anywhere in my body at any moment and at anytime - I'm doing plenty of poking and feeling and questioning, certainly far more than I ever did before.
I remind myself though, the reality is that something could pop up inside any of our bodys at anytime with little or no warning. That's the reality of all of our lives. That doesn't necessarily make me any different.
Maybe I'm just graduating to "retired gladiator" status, being a little wiser, and aware of my body. Maybe I'm just finally joining the reality everyone else always faced and I ignored?
It all started when I noticed a lump at the bottom of my neck a couple of weeks ago, right where the thyroid would be. I couldn't honestly remember whether that lump was supposed to be there or if something was not right.
Well the lump is supposed to there. Everything's perfectly normal. The ultra-sound showed nothing and neither did the blood tests. It just seems like it sticks out because I've lost so much weight.
(shrugging shoulders)
Cancer can be strange.
Basically I've gone through my life not thinking too much about my body. I was raised to be a gladiator. Laps, sprints, constant exercise, climbing trees, riding bikes, you name it I did it. And I'm not just talking about the regular regimen that typical youth go through. I went through constant drills, constant practice, to tone me into a gladiator for matches in the colosseums.
I've always had pains, injuries, and aches. I never thought too much about them. I just shrugged them off and kept going. The pains always went away and got better. It would be stranger to me if I didn't have some kind of pain somewhere.
Two broken ankles, two cracked ribs, a fractured skull, stitches from head to toe, constant bruises all over, that's been normal life to me.
I can tell my perspective is different than most. When Barb bumps her shin into the coffee table it's a big deal to her, and I do understand. She's the normal one.
I bump my shin into something everyday. It's another bruise, no big deal, move on.
But cancer changed all of that for me. Now I question everything, examine everything, make sure the body is working the way it is supposed to. I don't enjoy questioning my body so critically. I'd rather go back to being a gladiator. But, with cancer, it just has to be that way, or so it seems.
Doctors don't really examine people anymore. There's no more lie down then poke here and poke there. There's no more stick your tongue out and say "Ahhhh." There's no more, "OK give me a couple of real deep breaths," while the cold stethescope is run across your back and chest.
I don't know exactly when or why this went by the wayside.
Now you just sit down and have a conversation with your doctor. So I try to check myself out and communicate my "findings" to the doctor.
Living with the reality that cancer could show up anywhere in my body at any moment and at anytime - I'm doing plenty of poking and feeling and questioning, certainly far more than I ever did before.
I remind myself though, the reality is that something could pop up inside any of our bodys at anytime with little or no warning. That's the reality of all of our lives. That doesn't necessarily make me any different.
Maybe I'm just graduating to "retired gladiator" status, being a little wiser, and aware of my body. Maybe I'm just finally joining the reality everyone else always faced and I ignored?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Bring On the Monday
I'm devoted to waking up productive this morning, whether my body likes it or not.
Yesterday was just one of those days. Sooner or later all the little chemo side-effects decide to show up on the same day. That was yesterday.
One thing that baffles me a bit recently is this light sensitivity I seem to have in my eyes all of a sudden. That's one thing I'm going to have to follow-up on. I'll get these moments where I feel it coming on and then quickly everything is just a glare.
(shrugging shoulders)
But the next two weeks are busy and I want to get off to a good start. I've got some work in the shop, some good work, some print design. At least one client we'll be going out to meet in downtown Lancaster.
We've got some work to do around the house, as always, nothing out of the ordinary there.
And my family has some good friends coming in from Florida this week.
Next week family is coming in from north, south and west to celebrate Becky Heinz's wedding. It will be great to see some faces that we haven't seen in too long.
Next week is also another doctors' week with a trip to the specialist in Philly and appointments on three of the five days next week. Ugh.
If my bruised tailbone and sore hip allow it I'm off to get some good exercise in to start my day.
And if my eyes don't "wonka" out on me I'm hoping to finish a logo design later this morning also.
Let's go! Enjoy that Monday!
Yesterday was just one of those days. Sooner or later all the little chemo side-effects decide to show up on the same day. That was yesterday.
One thing that baffles me a bit recently is this light sensitivity I seem to have in my eyes all of a sudden. That's one thing I'm going to have to follow-up on. I'll get these moments where I feel it coming on and then quickly everything is just a glare.
(shrugging shoulders)
But the next two weeks are busy and I want to get off to a good start. I've got some work in the shop, some good work, some print design. At least one client we'll be going out to meet in downtown Lancaster.
We've got some work to do around the house, as always, nothing out of the ordinary there.
And my family has some good friends coming in from Florida this week.
Next week family is coming in from north, south and west to celebrate Becky Heinz's wedding. It will be great to see some faces that we haven't seen in too long.
Next week is also another doctors' week with a trip to the specialist in Philly and appointments on three of the five days next week. Ugh.
If my bruised tailbone and sore hip allow it I'm off to get some good exercise in to start my day.
And if my eyes don't "wonka" out on me I'm hoping to finish a logo design later this morning also.
Let's go! Enjoy that Monday!
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Problem With College - Part 2
One November at Shippensburg University I was struck with the brilliant idea of getting the "Soccer House" a Christmas tree.
The only problem was that my roomates and I really didn't have money for a tree. We really didn't have money at all.
College for most kids means poverty. A real luxury would be having an extra dollar available to get a chili dog at Sheetz. You pay tuition. You pay for books, which are outrageously expensive. And you pay for a place to live. Everything else is the result of scraping a couple of nickels together.
So I walked around for a few days with the idea of getting a Christmas tree for our house. How nice it would be to fill the house with the smell of pine, and the atmosphere of the holiday season! Liven up our dumpy house a little bit.
Someone in the house did have a bow saw. And Shippensburg is surrounded by mountains and forests. But no one had a van or a truck. We didn't have rope to tie a tree to the top of a car.
I was beginning to just forget about the idea. Then one day I was walking across campus between classes and there it was - the perfect Christmas tree. It was the right height, the right shape, it was the perfect Christmas tree growing right in the middle of campus a stone's throw away from the library.
I enlisted two accomplises and we planned our mission. We set out to quickly skirt onto the campus, saw down the tree, and be gone as fast as we came - no messing around.
The campus was only one block away from our house. There was a path that led over railroad tracks right onto campus.
It was around midnight and the campus was completely empty. We did a kind of fast walk until we got to the tree. It was perfect, sitting all by itself with nothing else around.
We quickly sawed through the trunk and all three of us picked it up immediately and started jogging away with it.
Suddenly we saw headlights. Oh no, a car was coming. Now I've played enough "kick-the-can" growing up to know how to work the shadows and stay out of sight at night. I directed us through the darkest areas, never taking my eyes of the car heading in our general direction, intersecting the path we had to go.
It wasn't just a car. It was campus security. The jig was up. We had to do something. We could drop the tree and all flee in different directions. Maybe only one of us would be caught. Then suddenly it came to me.
Luckily I've seen a lot of cartoons in my day. I ordered my accomplises to prop the tree upright, just like it was still in the ground, and we all hid behind it.
The campus security officer drove right by us, never noticing that the tree had somehow moved about 100-yards. As soon as the coast was clear we picked it back up again and scrambled the rest of the way home, beaming with pride.
The rest of the house was proud of our accomplishment as we entered through the back door with our holiday joy. We set the tree up for the only Christmas season in the Soccer House that involved a tree, or any type of Christmas decorations at all.
Yes, apparently when you're 19-years-old your brain is only half developed. But being an idiot man-child leaves you with memories that last forever.
The only problem was that my roomates and I really didn't have money for a tree. We really didn't have money at all.
College for most kids means poverty. A real luxury would be having an extra dollar available to get a chili dog at Sheetz. You pay tuition. You pay for books, which are outrageously expensive. And you pay for a place to live. Everything else is the result of scraping a couple of nickels together.
So I walked around for a few days with the idea of getting a Christmas tree for our house. How nice it would be to fill the house with the smell of pine, and the atmosphere of the holiday season! Liven up our dumpy house a little bit.
Someone in the house did have a bow saw. And Shippensburg is surrounded by mountains and forests. But no one had a van or a truck. We didn't have rope to tie a tree to the top of a car.
I was beginning to just forget about the idea. Then one day I was walking across campus between classes and there it was - the perfect Christmas tree. It was the right height, the right shape, it was the perfect Christmas tree growing right in the middle of campus a stone's throw away from the library.
I enlisted two accomplises and we planned our mission. We set out to quickly skirt onto the campus, saw down the tree, and be gone as fast as we came - no messing around.
The campus was only one block away from our house. There was a path that led over railroad tracks right onto campus.
It was around midnight and the campus was completely empty. We did a kind of fast walk until we got to the tree. It was perfect, sitting all by itself with nothing else around.
We quickly sawed through the trunk and all three of us picked it up immediately and started jogging away with it.
Suddenly we saw headlights. Oh no, a car was coming. Now I've played enough "kick-the-can" growing up to know how to work the shadows and stay out of sight at night. I directed us through the darkest areas, never taking my eyes of the car heading in our general direction, intersecting the path we had to go.
It wasn't just a car. It was campus security. The jig was up. We had to do something. We could drop the tree and all flee in different directions. Maybe only one of us would be caught. Then suddenly it came to me.
Luckily I've seen a lot of cartoons in my day. I ordered my accomplises to prop the tree upright, just like it was still in the ground, and we all hid behind it.
The campus security officer drove right by us, never noticing that the tree had somehow moved about 100-yards. As soon as the coast was clear we picked it back up again and scrambled the rest of the way home, beaming with pride.
The rest of the house was proud of our accomplishment as we entered through the back door with our holiday joy. We set the tree up for the only Christmas season in the Soccer House that involved a tree, or any type of Christmas decorations at all.
Yes, apparently when you're 19-years-old your brain is only half developed. But being an idiot man-child leaves you with memories that last forever.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Someone Tell Me When It's Over
I can't stand to watch the news anymore. I can barely stand to check my e-mail.
McCain's going to do this. Obama's going to do that.
Please remember folks, the only thing the President can do without the approval of Congress is start a war. And if a President starts a war without the approval of Congress chances are it's not going far.
The President of our country is like a figure head. It's like our own Queen of England. Taxes, healthcare, the economy, the real question is - do you want McCain or Obama meeting and shaking hands with other leaders around the world?
Since the end of World War II, neither party has resided in the White House for more than two-terms. Americans are fickle, never content, and it results in a constant flipping of power between parties. I think that's a good thing. I think that's the closest thing to Democracy we have.
Our government works like the mafia. There is the Republican mafia and the Democratic mafia. Once anyone is elected to a Congressional seat they are immediately leaned on by the mafias to tow the party line.
I don't like the idea of one of the mafias getting too comfortable and cozy in any position. After two-terms from Bill Clinton I was happy to see the Republicans take back control. After two-terms from George Bush I will be happy to see the Democrats take back control.
It's not that I think one will perform any better as "Queen of the United States" than the other. I just don't want to see one of the mafias settle in because I think it will lead to corruption.
Wisely, our national consciousness, has maintained a nice balancing act. Typically, when a Republican administration takes over the White House, Congressional control seems to sway Democratic, and vice versa.
I don't understand what productive features parties bring to politics. If I step back and look at parties and how and why they formed, I don't like what I see. Parties are formed to try to control and manipulate, numbers mean power. Billions of people in this country can all be represented by just two parties?
I'm proud to be an Independent. I believe in good ideas, not good or bad parties.
Obama says he's going to reform health care and get rid of pre-existing condition clauses. Sounds great to me, a struggle I've personally fought and suffered from. But he can't do that without Congress.
McCain says he wants to buy out middle-class America's mortgage debt. Well, once again, without the backing of Congress that's not going anywhere.
I'm waiting for real dialogue on important issues. Someone please let me know when the mafias are done beating each other up for control.
McCain's going to do this. Obama's going to do that.
Please remember folks, the only thing the President can do without the approval of Congress is start a war. And if a President starts a war without the approval of Congress chances are it's not going far.
The President of our country is like a figure head. It's like our own Queen of England. Taxes, healthcare, the economy, the real question is - do you want McCain or Obama meeting and shaking hands with other leaders around the world?
Since the end of World War II, neither party has resided in the White House for more than two-terms. Americans are fickle, never content, and it results in a constant flipping of power between parties. I think that's a good thing. I think that's the closest thing to Democracy we have.
Our government works like the mafia. There is the Republican mafia and the Democratic mafia. Once anyone is elected to a Congressional seat they are immediately leaned on by the mafias to tow the party line.
I don't like the idea of one of the mafias getting too comfortable and cozy in any position. After two-terms from Bill Clinton I was happy to see the Republicans take back control. After two-terms from George Bush I will be happy to see the Democrats take back control.
It's not that I think one will perform any better as "Queen of the United States" than the other. I just don't want to see one of the mafias settle in because I think it will lead to corruption.
Wisely, our national consciousness, has maintained a nice balancing act. Typically, when a Republican administration takes over the White House, Congressional control seems to sway Democratic, and vice versa.
I don't understand what productive features parties bring to politics. If I step back and look at parties and how and why they formed, I don't like what I see. Parties are formed to try to control and manipulate, numbers mean power. Billions of people in this country can all be represented by just two parties?
I'm proud to be an Independent. I believe in good ideas, not good or bad parties.
Obama says he's going to reform health care and get rid of pre-existing condition clauses. Sounds great to me, a struggle I've personally fought and suffered from. But he can't do that without Congress.
McCain says he wants to buy out middle-class America's mortgage debt. Well, once again, without the backing of Congress that's not going anywhere.
I'm waiting for real dialogue on important issues. Someone please let me know when the mafias are done beating each other up for control.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Quick Updates
The New Grate from 1894 (excuse the Freckle's hair - it's everywhere)
Trying to get some creative work done this morning over breakfast. I'm hoping to squeeze in some exercise time before Barb and I sneak out for his and her haircuts (I hope they don't mix them up!).
The doc doesn't think that my thyroid is really that large, based on last week's ultra-sound. He just thinks that I'm too skinny.
But it struck me, maybe I'm skinny because of something the thyroid is doing? I certainly am eating whatever I want without any weight gain.
We're going to add a thyroid test to my weekly blood count tests and see what it says.
Gratefully, the bruised tailbone keeps getting better. I'm making less and less old man sounds when I bend or sit or go to lay down.
I'll have to get back to the office after Charlie cuts my hair and makes me look almost-human again. The chemo-hair is a funky little adventure - blonde on top and down the back with dark roots, and dark on the sides. It fluffs up on top like a wild, overgrown bush.
More creative work to do this afternoon, which is good, good, good. One thing that I love about this business is the diversity. One day I'm working for a manufacturer of metal widgets and the next I'm working for a fashion designer.
I better wrap things up here this morning and get back to business.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Busy - Keeps Me Out of Trouble
In the 30s this morning. Brrrrrrrr. I'm not ready for all this yet.
Waking up feeling productive this morning, which is good since I've got a busy day planned ahead of me.
I've got some studio work to get at, which is good. My business has always kind of worked like a little snowball at the top of a big hill. Give it a little push start and it just turns into a bigger and bigger snowball as it rolls down the hill.
Here's hoping...
Yesterday was all I could take in market investments. A few weeks ago I had drawn a line in the sand and said to Barb, "If we reach this level, I'm bailing."
We reached that level yesterday. We bailed.
Our broker picked up the phone sounding like he was already slumped over on his desk and depressed. He didn't say much but, "I understand."
I told him that I plan to be back, but I have to stop the bleeding for now.
Nobody's spending. Confidence in the economy is at the lowest I ever remember.
SOMEBODY PUSH THE LITTLE SNOWBALL AT THE TOP OF THE HILL!
(laughing)
Sorry. I didn't mean to yell.
P.S. JoAnn - thanks for the assignment! I'm on it!
Waking up feeling productive this morning, which is good since I've got a busy day planned ahead of me.
I've got some studio work to get at, which is good. My business has always kind of worked like a little snowball at the top of a big hill. Give it a little push start and it just turns into a bigger and bigger snowball as it rolls down the hill.
Here's hoping...
Yesterday was all I could take in market investments. A few weeks ago I had drawn a line in the sand and said to Barb, "If we reach this level, I'm bailing."
We reached that level yesterday. We bailed.
Our broker picked up the phone sounding like he was already slumped over on his desk and depressed. He didn't say much but, "I understand."
I told him that I plan to be back, but I have to stop the bleeding for now.
Nobody's spending. Confidence in the economy is at the lowest I ever remember.
SOMEBODY PUSH THE LITTLE SNOWBALL AT THE TOP OF THE HILL!
(laughing)
Sorry. I didn't mean to yell.
P.S. JoAnn - thanks for the assignment! I'm on it!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Help With This Old House
For decades this old house was a print shop. Towards the beginning of the 1900s this old house was the home of the Marietta Times. My neighbors had their wedding invitations printed here in the 1960s.
Since I've been in printing and publishing for most of my life, the appeal of the building's history was immediate to me.
The oldest part of the house has a random plank Pine wood floor. It is one of the highlights of this home.
Presses require water. To run plumbing and electricity to the presses through the years holes were drilled into this great floor to run water and electricity from the basement.
All of the holes are pretty disguisable, with the exception of one, the biggest one, a few steps from the front door.
I always thought that I could find an old floor grate somewhere and drop it into that hole and make it look like it was always meant to be there. That was years ago - procrastinating, procrastinating, procrastinating.
Now, with the help of Barb's Dad, Bill, it's finally happened.
There is a very neat architectural salvage warehouse in York. I love this place. I love the idea of recycling, reusing. I've always thought that this is something we'll have to learn from Europe, rather than our constant cycle of rip down and rebuild.
I found a rusty, old, and very heavy, iron grate with a working lever to open and close the grate. I grabbed it. I think it was like five bucks.
Bill took it and kindly had it "bead blasted" for us. It took all of the rust off and made it shine like almost-new. If it looked completely new it wouldn't have gone with the rest of the house.
He brought the grate over on Saturday. It was beautiful. I looked down into the grate and there was a production date inside - June 26, 1894.
There was some talk about spray painting the grate. But, Bill and I agreed it looked best just the way it was. Bill quickly measured and sawed just a little hunk of floor off and the grate dropped right into place, a perfect fit.
They also had an ancient urinal at the architectural warehouse, but Barb wouldn't let me buy that.
A big thank you though to Bill and Susan for coming over on Saturday. Bill brought the work ethic and knowledge, and Susan brought the sugar cookies to keep us working. And thanks to Debbie and Ellis for surprising us with a visit also. That Ellis is a treat. I think Freckles has finally recovered emotionally from his visit.
Bill also tweaked our rain barrel outside. BIG THANKS! And he continued by helping us handtruck the window air conditioning units back to the basement. THANK YOU!
Hopefully by next Spring this old house will have central air, and we can just concentrate on the sugar cookies.
Since I've been in printing and publishing for most of my life, the appeal of the building's history was immediate to me.
The oldest part of the house has a random plank Pine wood floor. It is one of the highlights of this home.
Presses require water. To run plumbing and electricity to the presses through the years holes were drilled into this great floor to run water and electricity from the basement.
All of the holes are pretty disguisable, with the exception of one, the biggest one, a few steps from the front door.
I always thought that I could find an old floor grate somewhere and drop it into that hole and make it look like it was always meant to be there. That was years ago - procrastinating, procrastinating, procrastinating.
Now, with the help of Barb's Dad, Bill, it's finally happened.
There is a very neat architectural salvage warehouse in York. I love this place. I love the idea of recycling, reusing. I've always thought that this is something we'll have to learn from Europe, rather than our constant cycle of rip down and rebuild.
I found a rusty, old, and very heavy, iron grate with a working lever to open and close the grate. I grabbed it. I think it was like five bucks.
Bill took it and kindly had it "bead blasted" for us. It took all of the rust off and made it shine like almost-new. If it looked completely new it wouldn't have gone with the rest of the house.
He brought the grate over on Saturday. It was beautiful. I looked down into the grate and there was a production date inside - June 26, 1894.
There was some talk about spray painting the grate. But, Bill and I agreed it looked best just the way it was. Bill quickly measured and sawed just a little hunk of floor off and the grate dropped right into place, a perfect fit.
They also had an ancient urinal at the architectural warehouse, but Barb wouldn't let me buy that.
A big thank you though to Bill and Susan for coming over on Saturday. Bill brought the work ethic and knowledge, and Susan brought the sugar cookies to keep us working. And thanks to Debbie and Ellis for surprising us with a visit also. That Ellis is a treat. I think Freckles has finally recovered emotionally from his visit.
Bill also tweaked our rain barrel outside. BIG THANKS! And he continued by helping us handtruck the window air conditioning units back to the basement. THANK YOU!
Hopefully by next Spring this old house will have central air, and we can just concentrate on the sugar cookies.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
The Problem with College - Part 1
I lasted in the college dormitories at Shippensburg University for exactly one semester. The dormitories are jail cells with cement block walls and weird kids running the hallways all night long.
Yep, take a couple hundred 18-year-olds who are all away from home for the first time and stick them in a five-story cement block building together. Well at least they were smart enough to make it out of cement.
I moved to the "Soccer House" a couple blocks off campus. An alumnus of ELCO High School, who was a senior soccer player at Ship, ran the house like a tight ship. Everyone shared cleaning duties, a couple lineman from the football team served as bouncers during parties, the TV show MASH HAD to be on the television every night at dinner time - there were no exceptions.
The Soccer House was a two-story double house, very simple and identical on both sides - a kitchen and living area on both first floors, three bedrooms and a bathroom on both second floors. Apparently the Soccer House was made of toothpicks and kleenex the way the winter winds blew through that thing.
We threw parties at the Soccer House, three Saturdays each month, to pay our electric bill. The house had baseboard electric heating that had to be kept blasting for even the slightest hint of heat. Our electric bill would be outrageous.
Somehow we would get more than a hundred people in that house, charging two dollars each. We would get four or five kegs of Knickerbocker, the cheapest beer the distributor had for $19 a keg.
We had two bars. All the furniture was moved to the walls opening up the house for dancing. We had a killer sound system that fed up to my room.
After awhile the parties really do become work, more of a necessary evil, young free entrepeneurs at work.
After awhile I stayed upstairs and just played music for the masses below. Just as anxious to get the party over more than anything else.
Everyone always walked to our parties, and stumbled back home. Once we had an Amish Buggy out back, and I was told the owner was inside. (shrugging shoulders)
One party I was sitting upstairs, playing music. It was pretty late and I expected everyone to clear out pretty soon.
All of a sudden I heard this ruckus downstairs and the increasing volume of a chant, "GO! GO! GO! GO! GO!"
Oh, now what, I thought.
I went downstairs and peaked around the corner. There were two even rows of revelers. They stretched from the back door of the Soccer House to the front door. All were chanting with one hand in the air and one hand splashing their beers across our floor.
"WHAT?!?"
"Hey! Stop that! Don't do that. I have to clean that tomorrow," I pleaded.
I was invisible.
I had a roomate named "Rope Man." Now he was named "Rope Man" after an old cartoon character who was part of a foursome of bumbling super heroes. He looked just like him.
He was ultra-skinny with a pure white mop of hair on top of his head. His torso was longer than his legs, and he always had a sideways grin on his face.
Just then Rope Man came running through the back door of the house, beginning through the two-lines of party goers, then he dove head first into all of the splashed beer, sliding on his belly nearly the entire length of the house of the front door.
"Oh Jeesh."
I went back upstairs.
Yep, take a couple hundred 18-year-olds who are all away from home for the first time and stick them in a five-story cement block building together. Well at least they were smart enough to make it out of cement.
I moved to the "Soccer House" a couple blocks off campus. An alumnus of ELCO High School, who was a senior soccer player at Ship, ran the house like a tight ship. Everyone shared cleaning duties, a couple lineman from the football team served as bouncers during parties, the TV show MASH HAD to be on the television every night at dinner time - there were no exceptions.
The Soccer House was a two-story double house, very simple and identical on both sides - a kitchen and living area on both first floors, three bedrooms and a bathroom on both second floors. Apparently the Soccer House was made of toothpicks and kleenex the way the winter winds blew through that thing.
We threw parties at the Soccer House, three Saturdays each month, to pay our electric bill. The house had baseboard electric heating that had to be kept blasting for even the slightest hint of heat. Our electric bill would be outrageous.
Somehow we would get more than a hundred people in that house, charging two dollars each. We would get four or five kegs of Knickerbocker, the cheapest beer the distributor had for $19 a keg.
We had two bars. All the furniture was moved to the walls opening up the house for dancing. We had a killer sound system that fed up to my room.
After awhile the parties really do become work, more of a necessary evil, young free entrepeneurs at work.
After awhile I stayed upstairs and just played music for the masses below. Just as anxious to get the party over more than anything else.
Everyone always walked to our parties, and stumbled back home. Once we had an Amish Buggy out back, and I was told the owner was inside. (shrugging shoulders)
One party I was sitting upstairs, playing music. It was pretty late and I expected everyone to clear out pretty soon.
All of a sudden I heard this ruckus downstairs and the increasing volume of a chant, "GO! GO! GO! GO! GO!"
Oh, now what, I thought.
I went downstairs and peaked around the corner. There were two even rows of revelers. They stretched from the back door of the Soccer House to the front door. All were chanting with one hand in the air and one hand splashing their beers across our floor.
"WHAT?!?"
"Hey! Stop that! Don't do that. I have to clean that tomorrow," I pleaded.
I was invisible.
I had a roomate named "Rope Man." Now he was named "Rope Man" after an old cartoon character who was part of a foursome of bumbling super heroes. He looked just like him.
He was ultra-skinny with a pure white mop of hair on top of his head. His torso was longer than his legs, and he always had a sideways grin on his face.
Just then Rope Man came running through the back door of the house, beginning through the two-lines of party goers, then he dove head first into all of the splashed beer, sliding on his belly nearly the entire length of the house of the front door.
"Oh Jeesh."
I went back upstairs.
Friday, October 3, 2008
One of Those Days
I woke up this morning feeling like a truck ran over me.
Actually it felt more like I was up partying all night long and had a massive hangover.
I wish I had earned a hangover, at least, but it's just one of those crazy cancer/chemo things I'm sure.
I had a good day yesterday. I did all kinds of stuff around the house.
I rewired a lamp. I wasn't even sure if I had that in me. But everything went very well and the lamp is working like a champ again.
I took two window air conditioners out yesterday. There's only three more to go. All of our air conditioners are manageable except for one, a huge beast of an air conditioner. Hopefully come early Spring we'll be looking to have central air installed.
I dusted the front two rooms of the house. Then Barb followed up with the vacuum.
It might not seem like a whole lot. But, for me that kind of physical activity throughout the day means the world. It's important for me to keep active.
About once a month, for quite awhile now, my mind will go into a sort of fog. I've discussed it with the doctors. But they're a little mystified by it. Personally I think it's occasional after effects from the whole brain radiation I went through.
It's hard to describe, my mind becomes foggy, I know what I want to say but I can't find the words, and my eyes go whacky. It doesn't last very long, maybe an hour or two. But it buts a bit of a frustrating fright into me.
After working all day yesterday I took a second shower to be squeaky clean for the kids weekly Thursday dinner visit. When I got out of the shower I had one of the foggy mind spells. It's predictable, my eyes quickly went to and I had a hard time focusing. It quickly rectified itself but I still felt pretty drained for dinner.
Then this morning I woke up feeling like a truck ran over me. It probably didn't help that the temperatures were in the 40s this morning. Brrrrrr.
Plus I had to get up and get out very early this morning to go get bloodwork done. My blood counts have to be at an acceptable level or they won't continue with the scheduled chemo - which starts around 2 p.m. today.
I'm slowly pulling it all back together this morning. I hope I can start to wake up by chemo time, because the chemo process makes me sleepy enough.
Maybe I'll work on pulling out another a/c window unit to try to get me started and spur a little more energy.
Actually it felt more like I was up partying all night long and had a massive hangover.
I wish I had earned a hangover, at least, but it's just one of those crazy cancer/chemo things I'm sure.
I had a good day yesterday. I did all kinds of stuff around the house.
I rewired a lamp. I wasn't even sure if I had that in me. But everything went very well and the lamp is working like a champ again.
I took two window air conditioners out yesterday. There's only three more to go. All of our air conditioners are manageable except for one, a huge beast of an air conditioner. Hopefully come early Spring we'll be looking to have central air installed.
I dusted the front two rooms of the house. Then Barb followed up with the vacuum.
It might not seem like a whole lot. But, for me that kind of physical activity throughout the day means the world. It's important for me to keep active.
About once a month, for quite awhile now, my mind will go into a sort of fog. I've discussed it with the doctors. But they're a little mystified by it. Personally I think it's occasional after effects from the whole brain radiation I went through.
It's hard to describe, my mind becomes foggy, I know what I want to say but I can't find the words, and my eyes go whacky. It doesn't last very long, maybe an hour or two. But it buts a bit of a frustrating fright into me.
After working all day yesterday I took a second shower to be squeaky clean for the kids weekly Thursday dinner visit. When I got out of the shower I had one of the foggy mind spells. It's predictable, my eyes quickly went to and I had a hard time focusing. It quickly rectified itself but I still felt pretty drained for dinner.
Then this morning I woke up feeling like a truck ran over me. It probably didn't help that the temperatures were in the 40s this morning. Brrrrrr.
Plus I had to get up and get out very early this morning to go get bloodwork done. My blood counts have to be at an acceptable level or they won't continue with the scheduled chemo - which starts around 2 p.m. today.
I'm slowly pulling it all back together this morning. I hope I can start to wake up by chemo time, because the chemo process makes me sleepy enough.
Maybe I'll work on pulling out another a/c window unit to try to get me started and spur a little more energy.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Typical Morning
One Photo from the Portfolio
I woke up this morning and propped myself up to see the time over Barbie's shoulder. It was 4:30 a.m. I think the Fresh Prince was on TV. Barb can't sleep without the TV on, just like my Mom.
I tried to fall back to sleep for about an hour, rolling on this side, rolling onto the other side, trying my luck just laying straight on my back. I was groggy. But it wasn't working. My body and mind had enough rest and wanted to get up.
Freckles can tell time. He's a creature of habit. He knows we usually get up between six and seven a.m. He knows my first stop is always the bathroom. During the wake-up hour Freckles waits in the upstairs hallway until he hears my feet hit the floor and then he runs straight into the master bathroom.
"Ah Freckles," I say, "let me wake up."
But this morning I was up earlier than usual and Freckles wasn't ready for me yet. I quietly snuck into the bathroom without him.
Freckles heard activity in the bathroom and hustled over to the door. He was waiting for me as I tried to quietly exit and not wake Barb.
"MEOW!" said Freckles.
I pointed an index finger at him. I don't know why, but it works. He didn't meow again. I tip-toed across the squeaky wood floor as Freckles worked hard to rub his mid-section against my shins.
We made it into the hallway and Freckles took a moment to sharpen his remaining front claws on the hall rug before taking a couple leaps to catch up to me.
Freckles raced down the stairs ahead of me and then waited at the bottom. Barb and I have a ritual with Freckles in the morning. When we reach the stair landing we slightly hang our toes over the edge and Freckles rubs his head against them for a few moments.
I reached the landing this morning and stuck my toes over the edge. Freckles used my big toe to clean out his ears. Thanks Freckles.
It was nippy in the house this morning - 65-degrees. I forgot my Adidas sweat jacket. Drat!
I couldn't go right back up without Freckles following me. I had to at least feed him to keep him on the first floor. I made a pot of coffee for Barbie and gave Freckles food and water. Then it was back upstairs for my jacket.
After pouring half a cup of coffee and a glass of orange juice for myself, I turned on the morning news. The bailout plan, excuse me it's now called "rescue" plan, passed the Senate last night and now goes back to the House. Where the markets will go no one knows...blah, blah, blah.
I slice myself two pieces of pumpkin bread and drop onto the recliner. I grab the laptop and begin on the coffee, juice and bread as it boots up. Before anything else I check the baseball scores from yesterday. The Dodgers beat the Cubs, which I don't think is good for the Phillies. The Dodgers scare me. And the Red Sox rallied to win their game as well.
I check a little news on the laptop and then sit down to punch out this blog. It's a typical morning.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Some Quick Updates
Monday I saw my family doctor, primarily about my bruised tailbone and my potentially enlarged thyroid.
The doctor concluded that my tailbone was bruised, but not fractured. He asked me if it hurt when I went to the bathroom. It doesn't. He said it would if it was cracked. Then he asked me to stand up. He said that it definitely wasn't fractured considering how quickly I was able to stand up.
So it will take awhile to completely heal but it could have been worse. He told me that bruised tailbones don't heal very quickly, so I should just be patient with it.
Sounds good to me.
Then he checked out my thyroid gland. He could definitely feel it but it wasn't outrageously big or anything. He told me that he didn't know if it was visible because it was enlarged, or if it's just sticking out because I'm so skinny now.
He set me up for an ultrasound this morning to check it out. If it is enlarged it will be some more blood tests and off to another specialist.
The doctor told me that he wished he had my hair, focusing for a moment on his balding cranium which he compared to a "monk."
Then we quickly switched back to a re-read of my latest CT scan which he recently received. He told me that the one "object" in my remaining kidney looked like a fatty tumor, non-cancerous, but something to watch.
I suggested that possibly I go visit the urologist who removed my right kidney to discuss it. He agreed. I'll be looking to make that appointment next week. I always remember my urologist telling me that if anything pops up in my remaining kidney that they'll stick a needle in there and freeze it.
Besides that we discussed my situation with my oncologist a bit more. He is still very skeptical about the chance of me switching between oncologists within the same medical group. But I still mean to pursue that option. I meet with the director of the group on October 17th.
Yesterday I didn't make it to the specialist in Philly. I rescheduled for later this month. Barbie took ill Monday night and through the day Tuesday. I didn't want to leave her behind, and I didn't want to leave her here alone.
Barb rarely feels under the weather so she spooked me a little. But I couldn't tell that she was starting to come around Tuesday evening, and I believe she's a bit more improved this morning.
The good thing was that I actually got to take care of Barb for once. Typically those roles are reversed and she's taking care of me. At least I got to work off some of my debt to her. I have a long way to go though towards equally everything that she has done for me.
I actually got her to drink two cups of hot tea with a spoonful of honey, instead of her typical coffee which she drinks throughout the day.
It felt good to be on the side of helping for a change, rather than the one who needs help.
The doctor concluded that my tailbone was bruised, but not fractured. He asked me if it hurt when I went to the bathroom. It doesn't. He said it would if it was cracked. Then he asked me to stand up. He said that it definitely wasn't fractured considering how quickly I was able to stand up.
So it will take awhile to completely heal but it could have been worse. He told me that bruised tailbones don't heal very quickly, so I should just be patient with it.
Sounds good to me.
Then he checked out my thyroid gland. He could definitely feel it but it wasn't outrageously big or anything. He told me that he didn't know if it was visible because it was enlarged, or if it's just sticking out because I'm so skinny now.
He set me up for an ultrasound this morning to check it out. If it is enlarged it will be some more blood tests and off to another specialist.
The doctor told me that he wished he had my hair, focusing for a moment on his balding cranium which he compared to a "monk."
Then we quickly switched back to a re-read of my latest CT scan which he recently received. He told me that the one "object" in my remaining kidney looked like a fatty tumor, non-cancerous, but something to watch.
I suggested that possibly I go visit the urologist who removed my right kidney to discuss it. He agreed. I'll be looking to make that appointment next week. I always remember my urologist telling me that if anything pops up in my remaining kidney that they'll stick a needle in there and freeze it.
Besides that we discussed my situation with my oncologist a bit more. He is still very skeptical about the chance of me switching between oncologists within the same medical group. But I still mean to pursue that option. I meet with the director of the group on October 17th.
Yesterday I didn't make it to the specialist in Philly. I rescheduled for later this month. Barbie took ill Monday night and through the day Tuesday. I didn't want to leave her behind, and I didn't want to leave her here alone.
Barb rarely feels under the weather so she spooked me a little. But I couldn't tell that she was starting to come around Tuesday evening, and I believe she's a bit more improved this morning.
The good thing was that I actually got to take care of Barb for once. Typically those roles are reversed and she's taking care of me. At least I got to work off some of my debt to her. I have a long way to go though towards equally everything that she has done for me.
I actually got her to drink two cups of hot tea with a spoonful of honey, instead of her typical coffee which she drinks throughout the day.
It felt good to be on the side of helping for a change, rather than the one who needs help.
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