I slept like a baby last night.
Nooooo...I wasn't up crying every hour. I didn't see monsters in the dark. And I didn't need my diaper changed.
I guess I didn't sleep exactly like a baby. But I slept well.
And after half a cup of coffee I'm awake and energized.
Our computer network went completely "wonka" on us last night. Done. It's fixed.
Barb reminded me that we need a new menu plan since we're going to the grocery store tomorrow. Done. A complete two-week menu, with one "free" night, plans to deal with food on chemo days, and dinners planned for Charlie's and Alyssa's Thursday night visits. The menu even plans out a cooking pattern that allows for us to switch handling the main chef's role every night.
I'm organized. But I'm not obsessive about it. The menu never goes exactly as planned. The menu mainly helps us build a grocery list so we get what we need, and not much else.
Then we play it out day-by-day.
Some highlights this week? How about lasagna, my world-famous pasta salad (Alyssa has been waking up in the middle of the night dreaming about it), and we even worked the Albert family recipe stromboli into the mix.
Today we are getting ready to visit the Licatese compound where our plans are to make sausage.
Yes, that's what I said, we're making sausage.
The sausage making is a Fall tradition for the Licatese family. It's also a good excuse to get family and friends together to enjoy a little fellowship and fun.
You know. You grind some meats, mix in some spices, and fill casings. It's not Disney World. But get enough wine in someone and next thing you know there's singing and dancing. It's part of the process, you can't make good italian sausage without love.
Wine is on my list of things I have very, very little of. So is sausage. So I believe my official position is "fly on the wall." This fits me well. I am an avid people watcher.
The rain will be falling today on the festivities. But I'm absolutely sure that it will not dampen any spirits.
There's not too many people in the United States right now, that could say, if asked the question, "What are you doing today?"
"Well sir, I am making sausage today."
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Hungover
I woke up this morning feeling like I had been out partying all night. My stomach is sour. I have a headache. My body is sore and tired.
Of course I didn't earn these feelings from an all night party. It was treatment day yesterday and the chemo is making itself known now today. It's a normal part of the process, and likely by around noon today I'll start to feel somewhat like myself again.
Chemo was especially crowded yesterday since the health campus was closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.
I was on a great streak with the nurses over the past few weeks. They were hitting my veins with the needles on just one shot. But that streak ended yesterday. It took two sticks to get my IV going.
The nurse was very apologetic.
"No worries," I assured her. "You're just going to be known as the nurse that broke the streak," I said with a broad smile.
Next week I'm due for another CT scan. I'm, of course, looking forward to seeing the results. Also I have a few things I would like to discuss with the doctor.
The CT scan is of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis and is scheduled for Wednesday. Then I'll meet with the doctor before chemo treatment on Friday.
There is always something, and here is the latest. I have developed a small bump on the inside of my lower lip. From what I've read this is likely to be a little mucus retention cyst. But I still may have to have it sliced out of there if it doesn't start clearning up on its own.
I also want to talk to the doc about a small, pinching pain that showed up recently at the bottom of my rib cage. I think I may have aggravated something exercising. But, better safe than sorry. The pinching pain showed up and then I skipped exercises for a couple of days and it went away. Then I started exercising again and it came back again. It only hurts when I move, unlike the pains I had there in late Spring. We'll see what the doctor says.
And one last thing, I believe I might have a lymph node on the right side of my neck that is a bit active. But it's such an odd shape, long and slender, I can't really tell what it might be. The doc will know.
I never used to worry about silly stuff like this. Quite frankly, I still don't worry overly so, but more than I ever did before for obvious reasons. Some people are hypochondriacs before they have a reason to worry about anything. I tend to wait until I have a reason to worry, then take it from there.
Of course I didn't earn these feelings from an all night party. It was treatment day yesterday and the chemo is making itself known now today. It's a normal part of the process, and likely by around noon today I'll start to feel somewhat like myself again.
Chemo was especially crowded yesterday since the health campus was closed for the Thanksgiving holiday.
I was on a great streak with the nurses over the past few weeks. They were hitting my veins with the needles on just one shot. But that streak ended yesterday. It took two sticks to get my IV going.
The nurse was very apologetic.
"No worries," I assured her. "You're just going to be known as the nurse that broke the streak," I said with a broad smile.
Next week I'm due for another CT scan. I'm, of course, looking forward to seeing the results. Also I have a few things I would like to discuss with the doctor.
The CT scan is of my chest, abdomen, and pelvis and is scheduled for Wednesday. Then I'll meet with the doctor before chemo treatment on Friday.
There is always something, and here is the latest. I have developed a small bump on the inside of my lower lip. From what I've read this is likely to be a little mucus retention cyst. But I still may have to have it sliced out of there if it doesn't start clearning up on its own.
I also want to talk to the doc about a small, pinching pain that showed up recently at the bottom of my rib cage. I think I may have aggravated something exercising. But, better safe than sorry. The pinching pain showed up and then I skipped exercises for a couple of days and it went away. Then I started exercising again and it came back again. It only hurts when I move, unlike the pains I had there in late Spring. We'll see what the doctor says.
And one last thing, I believe I might have a lymph node on the right side of my neck that is a bit active. But it's such an odd shape, long and slender, I can't really tell what it might be. The doc will know.
I never used to worry about silly stuff like this. Quite frankly, I still don't worry overly so, but more than I ever did before for obvious reasons. Some people are hypochondriacs before they have a reason to worry about anything. I tend to wait until I have a reason to worry, then take it from there.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Thanks
Yesterday was the first Thanksgiving I ever spent in my own home. It was nice to stroll around in pajama bottoms and my big bear paw slippers.
Usually I'm rushing through a shower and trying to get ready to travel somewhere for this holiday, over hill and over dale, over the river and through the woods.
But this year it was just Barb and I, and staying home once in a lifetime for Thanksgiving was good.
We did have a great early Thanksgiving at the home of Barb's sister and brother-in-law last Sunday.
The Albert family Thanksgiving originally schedule for yesterday kind of fell apart for various reasons.
I was very impressed by my brother's plans to visit a friend who has an addiction problem. He was going to try to talk him into rehab. I hope his Thanksgiving mission yesterday went well.
Barb and I were still able to pull together a Thanksgiving dinner from Sunday's leftovers though. We made hot turkey sandwiches from Sunday leftovers with all of the fixings. It was very good, and Freckles was very jealous.
I have so many things to be thankful for, from the earliest stages of my life until this very moment.
I could have easily been raised in an orphanage. But a kind, wonderful, couple from Myerstown adopted me and provided me with everything a kid can hope for in life.
When I was an infant I had to wear metal braces and the doctor questioned how well I'd be able to walk as I grew older. Then I went and became a top athlete who started on the school's basketball and soccer team.
I am so thankful for my family and all of the friends who I've been lucky enough to be surrounded with through all these years. And I'm especially thankful for all of those who've surrounded me these past few years, constantly giving me the strength and support to fight this cancer.
I am especially thankful for Barb. She's an angel sent from heaven as far as I'm concerned. Her and her daughter have given me the world to live for, and more. Thanks Barb. I love you.
Next Thanksgiving, undoubtedly we'll be on the road again. But that will work just fine too. It was nice though, for the first time in my history, to enjoy the holiday here in my own home.
Usually I'm rushing through a shower and trying to get ready to travel somewhere for this holiday, over hill and over dale, over the river and through the woods.
But this year it was just Barb and I, and staying home once in a lifetime for Thanksgiving was good.
We did have a great early Thanksgiving at the home of Barb's sister and brother-in-law last Sunday.
The Albert family Thanksgiving originally schedule for yesterday kind of fell apart for various reasons.
I was very impressed by my brother's plans to visit a friend who has an addiction problem. He was going to try to talk him into rehab. I hope his Thanksgiving mission yesterday went well.
Barb and I were still able to pull together a Thanksgiving dinner from Sunday's leftovers though. We made hot turkey sandwiches from Sunday leftovers with all of the fixings. It was very good, and Freckles was very jealous.
I have so many things to be thankful for, from the earliest stages of my life until this very moment.
I could have easily been raised in an orphanage. But a kind, wonderful, couple from Myerstown adopted me and provided me with everything a kid can hope for in life.
When I was an infant I had to wear metal braces and the doctor questioned how well I'd be able to walk as I grew older. Then I went and became a top athlete who started on the school's basketball and soccer team.
I am so thankful for my family and all of the friends who I've been lucky enough to be surrounded with through all these years. And I'm especially thankful for all of those who've surrounded me these past few years, constantly giving me the strength and support to fight this cancer.
I am especially thankful for Barb. She's an angel sent from heaven as far as I'm concerned. Her and her daughter have given me the world to live for, and more. Thanks Barb. I love you.
Next Thanksgiving, undoubtedly we'll be on the road again. But that will work just fine too. It was nice though, for the first time in my history, to enjoy the holiday here in my own home.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
The Nature of Things
Have you ever noticed that everyone's index finger is the perfect size to stick up their nose? I mean it's perfect. If you see someone with thin fingers, I'll guarantee you that they have thin nostrils. If you see someone with stout, chubby fingers, I'll bet they have wide nostrils.
I'm imagining right now how many people will be out there trying to stick their finger in their nose while reading this.
But it is true.
I notice these important aspects of life. lol
It is amazing observing the incredible balances that exist in the nature of things.
Some animals used to live in the seas and for their betterment they've evolved to be land dwellers.
Giant turtles spend their life in deep waters, but lay their eggs on the beaches.
It's wise not to mess with Mother Nature - you will lose. But it's fascinating to watch nature in progress, and smart to just go with the flow.
I do remember reading of an experiment conducted a couple years ago. Some of the facts I may not get right. But the point of the story I will always remember.
There was a type of trout found in Missouri rivers, and it was a great game fish. Someone from Colorado thought it would be a great idea to introduce this Missouri fish into Colorado waters.
In a short time after the Missouri Trout was introduced into a Colorado river, everything in the Colorado river died. All the Missouri trout died, all the fish natural to the Colorado river died, just everything.
Scientists concluded that the fish from Missouri brought elements of their natural ecosystem with them to Colorado. When the natural ecosystem in the Colorado river mixed with the imported ecosystem, they didn't get along and everything died.
To me, that means we have to be careful about what parts of this world we mix with others. And of course I wonder if that would also be a rule for humankind.
If we mix a person from France with a person from Vietnam would a similar result occur? Would their natural ecosystems clash and cause chaos?
I don't know. But sometimes I wonder.
I often worry because my marriage to Barb is a mixed marriage. Afterall, she is from the west side of the Susquehanna River and I am from the east side of the river. Many times I tease her about that. lol
But hey, over here on the east side we call that Pennsylvania Dutch delicacy "pig stomach." Meanwhile over there, across the river, they call it "hog maw."
Hog maw? Bunch of crazy people over there. I'll tell 'ya.
I'm imagining right now how many people will be out there trying to stick their finger in their nose while reading this.
But it is true.
I notice these important aspects of life. lol
It is amazing observing the incredible balances that exist in the nature of things.
Some animals used to live in the seas and for their betterment they've evolved to be land dwellers.
Giant turtles spend their life in deep waters, but lay their eggs on the beaches.
It's wise not to mess with Mother Nature - you will lose. But it's fascinating to watch nature in progress, and smart to just go with the flow.
I do remember reading of an experiment conducted a couple years ago. Some of the facts I may not get right. But the point of the story I will always remember.
There was a type of trout found in Missouri rivers, and it was a great game fish. Someone from Colorado thought it would be a great idea to introduce this Missouri fish into Colorado waters.
In a short time after the Missouri Trout was introduced into a Colorado river, everything in the Colorado river died. All the Missouri trout died, all the fish natural to the Colorado river died, just everything.
Scientists concluded that the fish from Missouri brought elements of their natural ecosystem with them to Colorado. When the natural ecosystem in the Colorado river mixed with the imported ecosystem, they didn't get along and everything died.
To me, that means we have to be careful about what parts of this world we mix with others. And of course I wonder if that would also be a rule for humankind.
If we mix a person from France with a person from Vietnam would a similar result occur? Would their natural ecosystems clash and cause chaos?
I don't know. But sometimes I wonder.
I often worry because my marriage to Barb is a mixed marriage. Afterall, she is from the west side of the Susquehanna River and I am from the east side of the river. Many times I tease her about that. lol
But hey, over here on the east side we call that Pennsylvania Dutch delicacy "pig stomach." Meanwhile over there, across the river, they call it "hog maw."
Hog maw? Bunch of crazy people over there. I'll tell 'ya.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Where Does That Come From?
One thing I never hear anyone talk about is how some of the poorest parts of this planet end up with excessive amounts of deadly weapons.
How do people in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and others, have such easy access to rocket-propelled grenade launchers?
Do they carry them in their local convenience stores?
"Hi. I'd like a pack of Twinkies, a cherry slushie, and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher."
Jeesh, I think we have troubles here with guns. At least we don't have rocket-propelled grenade launchers. I can just hear an NRA member now explaining how he hunts deer with his rocket-propelled grenade launcher.
Obviously someone is purposely arming these poor nations to help create conflict. But who?
They also must be willing to part with these weapons at deep discounts because I can't imagine these poor nations, and rebel groups being able to afford this kind of stuff when they have difficulties even feeding themselves.
So who is distributing all of this deadly weaponry? Who's willing to eat the costs of creating chaos?
Is it Iran? North Korea? Syria? We can't cut off these supply lines?
Without someone supplying them with weapons, let's face it, these angry people would be fighting with sticks and stones.
Well we have enough troubles controlling our borders. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that we can't control other countries borders, like the one between Iraq and Iran.
The Gaza Strip has for all intesive purposes been cut-off from the rest of the world, surrounded by Egypt, Israel, and the Mediterranean Sea. Yet somehow they still manage to have rockets and launchers that they can recklessly fire into Israel and cause trouble.
Rockets? I mean c'mon rockets and rocket launchers? Everyone suspects that they're coming from Iran or Syria or both. But why can't we stop this importing of weapons?
How do you hide a rocket for crying out loud? Do you disguise it as a giant sausage or something?
Ugh.
How do people in Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and others, have such easy access to rocket-propelled grenade launchers?
Do they carry them in their local convenience stores?
"Hi. I'd like a pack of Twinkies, a cherry slushie, and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher."
Jeesh, I think we have troubles here with guns. At least we don't have rocket-propelled grenade launchers. I can just hear an NRA member now explaining how he hunts deer with his rocket-propelled grenade launcher.
Obviously someone is purposely arming these poor nations to help create conflict. But who?
They also must be willing to part with these weapons at deep discounts because I can't imagine these poor nations, and rebel groups being able to afford this kind of stuff when they have difficulties even feeding themselves.
So who is distributing all of this deadly weaponry? Who's willing to eat the costs of creating chaos?
Is it Iran? North Korea? Syria? We can't cut off these supply lines?
Without someone supplying them with weapons, let's face it, these angry people would be fighting with sticks and stones.
Well we have enough troubles controlling our borders. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that we can't control other countries borders, like the one between Iraq and Iran.
The Gaza Strip has for all intesive purposes been cut-off from the rest of the world, surrounded by Egypt, Israel, and the Mediterranean Sea. Yet somehow they still manage to have rockets and launchers that they can recklessly fire into Israel and cause trouble.
Rockets? I mean c'mon rockets and rocket launchers? Everyone suspects that they're coming from Iran or Syria or both. But why can't we stop this importing of weapons?
How do you hide a rocket for crying out loud? Do you disguise it as a giant sausage or something?
Ugh.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Thankful
We celebrated an early Thanksgiving yesterday with Barb's family. We have lots to be thankful for.
Jay and Debbie (and Ellis of course) kindly hosted the get together. It's always good to see everyone.
Debbie and Susan worked the kitchen hard and produced a wonderful turkey dinner, complete with the legendary family filling balls.
Bill reprised his role as mashed potato king.
Sheridan filled me with tales of Arizona.
Jim and Becky seemed to be in outstanding spirits.
Charlie let out "ooos" and "aaaahs" at the Philadelphia Eagles lame performance. Alyssa's eyes proved to be too big for her stomach once again as she filled her plate to an overflow level. They crack us up.
Ellis and Briana never stopped moving, running through the house from top to bottom, all smiles all the way.
My favorite moment was when Bill started a game of hide-and-seek with Ellis and Briana.
He would start counting, "One. Two. Five."
"No. No. No," screamed Ellis and Briana. "It's three!"
"Oh, that's right," said Bill. "One. Two. Seven," he'd start again.
LOL
I'm very thankful for moments like that. I'm thankful for smiles and laughs.
Before we left I noticed the Grim girls getting into a butt slapping session. That's right. I said it - a butt slapping session. I noted that this was strictly a female behavior pattern in our species, as I could not picture myself, Bill and Jay giggling and slapping each other's butts.
Just then Charlie came out to the kitchen, and at just the right moment all the Grim girls were watching so I slapped Charlie in the rear section, area, place. It brought smiles and laughs, I can't forego an opportunity to create them.
Sorry about that Charlie. I had to sacrifice our dignity to let the ladies smile and laugh a little. Who am I kidding? It's greedy. I like to seem them smile and laugh.
I am very thankful for all the family and friends who continue to offer me so much support. I think I'm in my 18-month of chemo and I couldn't have done it without everyone around me.
Thank you.
Jay and Debbie (and Ellis of course) kindly hosted the get together. It's always good to see everyone.
Debbie and Susan worked the kitchen hard and produced a wonderful turkey dinner, complete with the legendary family filling balls.
Bill reprised his role as mashed potato king.
Sheridan filled me with tales of Arizona.
Jim and Becky seemed to be in outstanding spirits.
Charlie let out "ooos" and "aaaahs" at the Philadelphia Eagles lame performance. Alyssa's eyes proved to be too big for her stomach once again as she filled her plate to an overflow level. They crack us up.
Ellis and Briana never stopped moving, running through the house from top to bottom, all smiles all the way.
My favorite moment was when Bill started a game of hide-and-seek with Ellis and Briana.
He would start counting, "One. Two. Five."
"No. No. No," screamed Ellis and Briana. "It's three!"
"Oh, that's right," said Bill. "One. Two. Seven," he'd start again.
LOL
I'm very thankful for moments like that. I'm thankful for smiles and laughs.
Before we left I noticed the Grim girls getting into a butt slapping session. That's right. I said it - a butt slapping session. I noted that this was strictly a female behavior pattern in our species, as I could not picture myself, Bill and Jay giggling and slapping each other's butts.
Just then Charlie came out to the kitchen, and at just the right moment all the Grim girls were watching so I slapped Charlie in the rear section, area, place. It brought smiles and laughs, I can't forego an opportunity to create them.
Sorry about that Charlie. I had to sacrifice our dignity to let the ladies smile and laugh a little. Who am I kidding? It's greedy. I like to seem them smile and laugh.
I am very thankful for all the family and friends who continue to offer me so much support. I think I'm in my 18-month of chemo and I couldn't have done it without everyone around me.
Thank you.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Wine and Worry
Every year at around this time of year my parents join friends and head for the Finger Lakes region of Western New York.
And every year it snows.
And every year I worry about them driving through all this slick stuff.
They left yesterday in the midst of our first significant snow of the season. I wasn't pleased to hear about accident after accident, as the roads froze last evening into "black ice" conditions. I was even less pleased to hear that a bridge over the Susquehanna River closed in Harrisburg due to four accidents on the bridge.
I'll be thinking about them until I hear that they're home safe and sound.
The Finger Lakes region is New York's wine area. The vineyards there open themselves all up to tours and tastings. I wish they would do it in September.
Barb and I have no reasons to go out into the cold today. So we won't.
My English soccer team Newcastle plays number on Chelsea in five minutes, and I hope they're not too embarassed.
Penn State tries to upend Michigan State at 3:30 p.m. for a trip to the Rose Bowl. I am so tired of the BCS rankings system for college football. Just take the top 16 teams and have a playoff and it will be one of the most exciting and watched events in sports.
And Oklahoma plays Texas Tech tonight, that's number two versus number five.
So it's a pretty darn good sports day.
I still have some things to do today. But the day after chemo is always a little lazy.
Barb's getting ready to make a couple pumpkin rolls for Thanksgiving at her sister's home tomorrow.
I am sooooooo ready. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday - all of the food, family, and friends, with none of the presents.
And every year it snows.
And every year I worry about them driving through all this slick stuff.
They left yesterday in the midst of our first significant snow of the season. I wasn't pleased to hear about accident after accident, as the roads froze last evening into "black ice" conditions. I was even less pleased to hear that a bridge over the Susquehanna River closed in Harrisburg due to four accidents on the bridge.
I'll be thinking about them until I hear that they're home safe and sound.
The Finger Lakes region is New York's wine area. The vineyards there open themselves all up to tours and tastings. I wish they would do it in September.
Barb and I have no reasons to go out into the cold today. So we won't.
My English soccer team Newcastle plays number on Chelsea in five minutes, and I hope they're not too embarassed.
Penn State tries to upend Michigan State at 3:30 p.m. for a trip to the Rose Bowl. I am so tired of the BCS rankings system for college football. Just take the top 16 teams and have a playoff and it will be one of the most exciting and watched events in sports.
And Oklahoma plays Texas Tech tonight, that's number two versus number five.
So it's a pretty darn good sports day.
I still have some things to do today. But the day after chemo is always a little lazy.
Barb's getting ready to make a couple pumpkin rolls for Thanksgiving at her sister's home tomorrow.
I am sooooooo ready. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday - all of the food, family, and friends, with none of the presents.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Bailout Bingo
So when is the bailout coming for graphic artists?
I mean what would this country do without junk mail and amusing web sites?
LOL
Personally I think the U.S. auto industry dug their own hole, and they can find their own way out as far as I'm concerned. The "big three" have sat around and watched the Japanese lead the way in quality and innovation at lower costs. And the unions bullied the automakers into offering uneducated, unskilled workers $27 per hour.
Toyota now has three plants in the U.S. They don't seem to be having troubles operating in our country. So what's wrong with our homegrown automakers?
On the news this morning was a state bailout for Boscov's who is $200 million in debt. The state is proposing giving Boscov's $25 million.
How do you get to be $200 million in debt? Isn't anyone paying attention? I guess not.
Where do I get in line? C'mon we need to save all those catalogs that litter our mailboxes at this time of year!
Forget these inept big companies that can't balance their own books. The middle class is the backbone of this country. Let the big corporations run themselves into the ground and lets get back to the village concept.
Believe it or not, Prince Charles of England agrees with me. He believes that we should get back to self-sustaining villages. To prove his concept he has created a village in the countryside of England. He created it from nothing. It's thriving. It's working. It's doing well. Almost everything the villagers need are produced within the village and it's surrounds.
President Bush does not believe in government assistance, not at all. But when it comes to his corrupt cronies, well then it's a different story. He has no sympathy for the hard-working middle class. But for all those poor billionaires out there, hey let's help them out.
Trickle down economics is a joke. Give the money to the ultra-rich, to the big corporations, and they'll spread the money around. Yeah, right, just like AIG they'll spend it on corporate meetings at posh resorts.
Are the bailouts working? Doesn't seem like it. The markets continue to plunge. Jobs continue to disappear. Consumer confidence is lower than it has ever been in my lifetime.
I do not claim to be an economic genius by any means. But I like to think that I have some common sense. The middle class is the largest segment of our socity and the direct focus should be there.
Bush duped people into believing that if you support the rich they'll spread the wealth around. Hey, I was born at night, but it wasn't last night.
Throughout history, civilations who developed a class that surrounded themselves in excess eventually failed. I'm sure the Egyptians, the Romans, the Persians, never thought their reigns would end. Just like we don't believe our power and control will ever end.
At this rate, get ready for a little humble pie.
I mean what would this country do without junk mail and amusing web sites?
LOL
Personally I think the U.S. auto industry dug their own hole, and they can find their own way out as far as I'm concerned. The "big three" have sat around and watched the Japanese lead the way in quality and innovation at lower costs. And the unions bullied the automakers into offering uneducated, unskilled workers $27 per hour.
Toyota now has three plants in the U.S. They don't seem to be having troubles operating in our country. So what's wrong with our homegrown automakers?
On the news this morning was a state bailout for Boscov's who is $200 million in debt. The state is proposing giving Boscov's $25 million.
How do you get to be $200 million in debt? Isn't anyone paying attention? I guess not.
Where do I get in line? C'mon we need to save all those catalogs that litter our mailboxes at this time of year!
Forget these inept big companies that can't balance their own books. The middle class is the backbone of this country. Let the big corporations run themselves into the ground and lets get back to the village concept.
Believe it or not, Prince Charles of England agrees with me. He believes that we should get back to self-sustaining villages. To prove his concept he has created a village in the countryside of England. He created it from nothing. It's thriving. It's working. It's doing well. Almost everything the villagers need are produced within the village and it's surrounds.
President Bush does not believe in government assistance, not at all. But when it comes to his corrupt cronies, well then it's a different story. He has no sympathy for the hard-working middle class. But for all those poor billionaires out there, hey let's help them out.
Trickle down economics is a joke. Give the money to the ultra-rich, to the big corporations, and they'll spread the money around. Yeah, right, just like AIG they'll spend it on corporate meetings at posh resorts.
Are the bailouts working? Doesn't seem like it. The markets continue to plunge. Jobs continue to disappear. Consumer confidence is lower than it has ever been in my lifetime.
I do not claim to be an economic genius by any means. But I like to think that I have some common sense. The middle class is the largest segment of our socity and the direct focus should be there.
Bush duped people into believing that if you support the rich they'll spread the wealth around. Hey, I was born at night, but it wasn't last night.
Throughout history, civilations who developed a class that surrounded themselves in excess eventually failed. I'm sure the Egyptians, the Romans, the Persians, never thought their reigns would end. Just like we don't believe our power and control will ever end.
At this rate, get ready for a little humble pie.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Trying to Get Busy
I slept well last night after a couple nights of barely any sleep at all. I don't know why I was having trouble sleeping. Typically that's one thing I have no trouble with at all.
After stumbling through the day yesterday, and trying to nap without much success, I'm trying to get back to my normal routine today - breakfast, exercise, shower, and getting to work.
I'm going to drop Barb off at Alyssa's house late this morning so they can attend the funeral of a 19-year-old tragically killed in a car accident earlier this week. It's such a great family, and they've had to endure more than they deserve, first with the death of the father from cancer, and now this. Our hearts go out to them. We've been thinking of them constantly.
I'm going to stop for my bloodwork after dropping Barbie off, in preparation for my weekly chemo treatments tomorrow.
My nagging cough seems to be getting a little better each day. I truly believe that there is something in my lower throat that is creating a lot of phlegm and creating the cough. I don't think it has anything to do with cancer, although it could be a reaction to chemo. I'll talk to the doc about it next time I see him.
My right hip is still sore. But I rub aspercream on it and it helps. That might be arthritis in there. But I'll talk to the doc about that as well.
This week I developed a pinching pain just below my right ribs. That too seems to be getting a little better. It only pinches when I move. I can sit still and not feel a thing at all. I think that might have arose from my exercises. But it's one more thing to discuss with the doc.
It's cold and I'm officially in hibernation mode. I'll go out when I have to. But during the winter months I tend to run from one warm place to another. I'm just not a big fan of this time of year.
Good 'ol Munch is trying to talk Barb and I into visiting him in Sarasota. There's nothing I'd like more. As he said, "You need a change in latitude." But that's going to be tough for me with weekly chemo treatments and the severe jet-lag I get from flying.
Trust me though, everyday I'm strolling along the beach at Siesta Key in my head.
After stumbling through the day yesterday, and trying to nap without much success, I'm trying to get back to my normal routine today - breakfast, exercise, shower, and getting to work.
I'm going to drop Barb off at Alyssa's house late this morning so they can attend the funeral of a 19-year-old tragically killed in a car accident earlier this week. It's such a great family, and they've had to endure more than they deserve, first with the death of the father from cancer, and now this. Our hearts go out to them. We've been thinking of them constantly.
I'm going to stop for my bloodwork after dropping Barbie off, in preparation for my weekly chemo treatments tomorrow.
My nagging cough seems to be getting a little better each day. I truly believe that there is something in my lower throat that is creating a lot of phlegm and creating the cough. I don't think it has anything to do with cancer, although it could be a reaction to chemo. I'll talk to the doc about it next time I see him.
My right hip is still sore. But I rub aspercream on it and it helps. That might be arthritis in there. But I'll talk to the doc about that as well.
This week I developed a pinching pain just below my right ribs. That too seems to be getting a little better. It only pinches when I move. I can sit still and not feel a thing at all. I think that might have arose from my exercises. But it's one more thing to discuss with the doc.
It's cold and I'm officially in hibernation mode. I'll go out when I have to. But during the winter months I tend to run from one warm place to another. I'm just not a big fan of this time of year.
Good 'ol Munch is trying to talk Barb and I into visiting him in Sarasota. There's nothing I'd like more. As he said, "You need a change in latitude." But that's going to be tough for me with weekly chemo treatments and the severe jet-lag I get from flying.
Trust me though, everyday I'm strolling along the beach at Siesta Key in my head.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Problem with America - Greed
The main cause of our country's financial meltdown is now generally accepted to be greed.
In this country we have come to idolize the golden calf, the almighty dollar, and all the material things the dollar can surround ourselves with.
The scriptures warn us not to be sidetracked by this temptation. Yet we've fallen into this deep hole. Just as the Israelites made the mistake of worshipping a golden calf as a God during the time of Moses, we now worship our money, our cars, our large homes, and as many bangles and trinkets we can gather.
It's troubling to me. I do believe that we've lost focus on the things that are truly important.
I was blessed to have a father like I have. My Dad truly understood this concept.
Sure, my Dad did well for himself. He provided us with a nice home on a nice piece of land. But he never surrounded himself with excess.
My Dad enjoyed the stares as he drove to work in a 1962 Rambler that was held together with putty. He was always humble. He was always giving to others. He saw no need to surround himself with trinkets and bangles and jewelry. Greed, or excess, was never a part of his philosophy.
I learned a lot from watching him.
When my cancer moved into my brain I received a rather anonymous check for $5,000. I was touched and overwhelmed by such generosity.
I returned the check. I was OK financially. There had to be someone out there who needed this more than me.
I wonder how many people would have done that? Certainly some would. But I'm sure many wouldn't.
Money truly cannot buy happiness. Money cannot buy love. Money cannot buy friends, at least not true friends. Money cannot buy a beautiful sunset. Money cannot buy a waterfall.
These are ideals I've fortunately always had embedded inside me thanks to my Dad.
Why buy a BMW or a Mercedes when a 1962 Rambler can do the job? I know someone who has nine unbelievably expensive cars. The net worth of his nine cars is over $1 million. I couldn't do that. I'd be overwhelmed with guilt. Just think how many people that could feed.
I think Jesus was born into poverty, and lived his life in poverty, as a lesson for us all.
We have a sickness in this country, and it is greed. But it is an empty life without the true rewards that life has to offer.
I wouldn't deny anyone a comfortable life. But where is the point when comfort turns into excess? And worse yet we've become a society that looks up to, and admires excess. We idolize our billionaires (with a "B") and wish we could be like them.
But I don't. I idolize my Dad, and his 1962 Rambler.
In this country we have come to idolize the golden calf, the almighty dollar, and all the material things the dollar can surround ourselves with.
The scriptures warn us not to be sidetracked by this temptation. Yet we've fallen into this deep hole. Just as the Israelites made the mistake of worshipping a golden calf as a God during the time of Moses, we now worship our money, our cars, our large homes, and as many bangles and trinkets we can gather.
It's troubling to me. I do believe that we've lost focus on the things that are truly important.
I was blessed to have a father like I have. My Dad truly understood this concept.
Sure, my Dad did well for himself. He provided us with a nice home on a nice piece of land. But he never surrounded himself with excess.
My Dad enjoyed the stares as he drove to work in a 1962 Rambler that was held together with putty. He was always humble. He was always giving to others. He saw no need to surround himself with trinkets and bangles and jewelry. Greed, or excess, was never a part of his philosophy.
I learned a lot from watching him.
When my cancer moved into my brain I received a rather anonymous check for $5,000. I was touched and overwhelmed by such generosity.
I returned the check. I was OK financially. There had to be someone out there who needed this more than me.
I wonder how many people would have done that? Certainly some would. But I'm sure many wouldn't.
Money truly cannot buy happiness. Money cannot buy love. Money cannot buy friends, at least not true friends. Money cannot buy a beautiful sunset. Money cannot buy a waterfall.
These are ideals I've fortunately always had embedded inside me thanks to my Dad.
Why buy a BMW or a Mercedes when a 1962 Rambler can do the job? I know someone who has nine unbelievably expensive cars. The net worth of his nine cars is over $1 million. I couldn't do that. I'd be overwhelmed with guilt. Just think how many people that could feed.
I think Jesus was born into poverty, and lived his life in poverty, as a lesson for us all.
We have a sickness in this country, and it is greed. But it is an empty life without the true rewards that life has to offer.
I wouldn't deny anyone a comfortable life. But where is the point when comfort turns into excess? And worse yet we've become a society that looks up to, and admires excess. We idolize our billionaires (with a "B") and wish we could be like them.
But I don't. I idolize my Dad, and his 1962 Rambler.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Zzzzzzzzz
Slept well until about 1 a.m. last night. After that it was just rolling and flipping around.
Barb dreamt that Shane Victorino, of the Phillies, invited me to Hawaii and I went and left her behind.
Jeesh.
I dreamt that Barb and I accidentally got caught up in a mafia hit but some how escaped through a backdoor.
So neither of us slept as well as we could have.
I'm trying to gather my energy and determination together to get to my daily exercises. I will push myself. The exercises will get done.
We don't have a big day ahead. We have to do some banking. I have to do some work on a product catalog.
But with last night's lack of sleep, I know I'm destined for an afternoon nap today.
With the combination of the Torisel and the furnace kicking in from this cold, cold morning, my body is drying out all over. I woke up today with a cracked lip. I'm gulping down the water to try to rehydrate myself.
Everything is pretty quiet here in Marietta. That's just the way I like it.
Our thoughts are with Amber this week though, as she deals with another tragic loss to her family. First her father passed away from cancer, and now this week her sister passed away in a car accident.
Amber you're always considered a great friend of our family, and we'll always be here for you in anyway we can.
Barb dreamt that Shane Victorino, of the Phillies, invited me to Hawaii and I went and left her behind.
Jeesh.
I dreamt that Barb and I accidentally got caught up in a mafia hit but some how escaped through a backdoor.
So neither of us slept as well as we could have.
I'm trying to gather my energy and determination together to get to my daily exercises. I will push myself. The exercises will get done.
We don't have a big day ahead. We have to do some banking. I have to do some work on a product catalog.
But with last night's lack of sleep, I know I'm destined for an afternoon nap today.
With the combination of the Torisel and the furnace kicking in from this cold, cold morning, my body is drying out all over. I woke up today with a cracked lip. I'm gulping down the water to try to rehydrate myself.
Everything is pretty quiet here in Marietta. That's just the way I like it.
Our thoughts are with Amber this week though, as she deals with another tragic loss to her family. First her father passed away from cancer, and now this week her sister passed away in a car accident.
Amber you're always considered a great friend of our family, and we'll always be here for you in anyway we can.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Here We Go
Barb and I had a very relaxing and enjoyable Sunday. We made a big breakfast and had it for lunch, having Alyssa, Charlie and Barb's mother and father over.
There was cantalope, blueberrys, bananas, english muffins, homemade blueberry muffins, breakfast sausage, bacon, lots of stuff. And lots of full stomachs afterwords.
Now Monday is upon us and it's time to get busy again.
Overall I'm feeling pretty good. I do think my cough is getting better. My immune system is so low everything takes a long time to repair in this old body. Even a scratch takes twice as long to heal as it used to.
I've got plenty of work to do today. I've got some studio work, some phone calls, some work around the house. It's important for me to stay as active as possible.
And I've got to keep exercising. It's crucial to my well-being. I was able to exercise four out of five days last week, and the difference is noticeable. I'm not exactly turning into a body builder. But the exercise creates energy and keeps my lean muscles toned.
Not much else to report. But as I often say, no news is good news. I love life when it's boring. No jumping out of perfectly good airplanes for this guy - life is exciting enough.
There was cantalope, blueberrys, bananas, english muffins, homemade blueberry muffins, breakfast sausage, bacon, lots of stuff. And lots of full stomachs afterwords.
Now Monday is upon us and it's time to get busy again.
Overall I'm feeling pretty good. I do think my cough is getting better. My immune system is so low everything takes a long time to repair in this old body. Even a scratch takes twice as long to heal as it used to.
I've got plenty of work to do today. I've got some studio work, some phone calls, some work around the house. It's important for me to stay as active as possible.
And I've got to keep exercising. It's crucial to my well-being. I was able to exercise four out of five days last week, and the difference is noticeable. I'm not exactly turning into a body builder. But the exercise creates energy and keeps my lean muscles toned.
Not much else to report. But as I often say, no news is good news. I love life when it's boring. No jumping out of perfectly good airplanes for this guy - life is exciting enough.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Survival of the Fittest
Life on Earth is an interesting balancing act.
I'm still trying to get used to the fact that most living things on this planet have to eat other living things on this planet to survive. The strong hunt and dominate. The weak are destroyed.
We are animals. It's the nature of things. Every human being needs protein to be healthy and strong.
I was disgusted this week to see the top-five money making hedge fund managers testifying before Congress this past week. I can't get it out of my mind.
The lowest paid manager made $1.7 billion last year. The highest paid manager made $3.3 billion last year. That's billion with a "B."
I know we like to think of ourselves as a civilized society. And compared to the current world at large, we are.
But, man do we have a way to go. At least I think so.
Shall we go with the nature of the planet and let the strong eat the weak for our own species? Or should we try to reach a consciousness beyond that?
I don't know.
It's tough for me to watch one person make $3.3 billion a year while others starve. But we have innate instincts to protect, dominate, and destroy others for our own well-being.
I mean let's face it, Communism and Socialism are nice ideas. But they have no chance of working because they go against our basic nature. In the Soviet Union there were certainly class structures. It was still survival of the fittest.
It's the very definition of our free enterprise Democracy, no restraints, the strong survive and the weak are left at the side of the road.
I'm a big softie. I want to help everyone. I hunt for my meat in the cold section of the grocery store.
There is a part of me that wants to take a lot of money from the overpaid hedge fund managers and spread the wealth around.
But then there's a part of me that doesn't want to be foolish enough to try to stop the wheels that make the Earth run.
What do you think?
I'm still trying to get used to the fact that most living things on this planet have to eat other living things on this planet to survive. The strong hunt and dominate. The weak are destroyed.
We are animals. It's the nature of things. Every human being needs protein to be healthy and strong.
I was disgusted this week to see the top-five money making hedge fund managers testifying before Congress this past week. I can't get it out of my mind.
The lowest paid manager made $1.7 billion last year. The highest paid manager made $3.3 billion last year. That's billion with a "B."
I know we like to think of ourselves as a civilized society. And compared to the current world at large, we are.
But, man do we have a way to go. At least I think so.
Shall we go with the nature of the planet and let the strong eat the weak for our own species? Or should we try to reach a consciousness beyond that?
I don't know.
It's tough for me to watch one person make $3.3 billion a year while others starve. But we have innate instincts to protect, dominate, and destroy others for our own well-being.
I mean let's face it, Communism and Socialism are nice ideas. But they have no chance of working because they go against our basic nature. In the Soviet Union there were certainly class structures. It was still survival of the fittest.
It's the very definition of our free enterprise Democracy, no restraints, the strong survive and the weak are left at the side of the road.
I'm a big softie. I want to help everyone. I hunt for my meat in the cold section of the grocery store.
There is a part of me that wants to take a lot of money from the overpaid hedge fund managers and spread the wealth around.
But then there's a part of me that doesn't want to be foolish enough to try to stop the wheels that make the Earth run.
What do you think?
Friday, November 14, 2008
It's OK
I went for my bloodwork Thursday. I go to the same place every week, a medical center between Mt. Joy and Elizabethtown.
They are finally all getting to know me at the medical center. In the big picture that's probably not a good thing. But for someone in my position, it's a good thing.
Typically you hand over your doctor's orders to a receptionist who ask you to have a seat in the waiting room. The receptionist puts the order in the pile for the admissions folks. The admissions folks eventually call you over to review all your billing and insurance information. Then the admissions people escort you back to a second waiting room and place your orders in the pile for the nurses.
Eventually a nurse calls your name and it's back to the area where the blood is drawn.
But since I'm there every week. And since they've gotten to know me. They point me directly back to the second waiting room and hustle the doctor's order straight to the nurses.
The nurses, of course, know me too. And they've learned how to hit my crazy veins with one stick.
I was informed today that the small "butterfly" needles could not be used on me anymore. The nurses were ordered to cut costs. A regular needle, the nurse said, only costs five cents, while the butterly needle costs five dollars.
It's the economy, the nurse told me. "We were told to help cut costs or forget about raises," she said.
Now that's the reality of free enterprise in health care.
But it didn't matter. She still got me with one stick and I was on my way.
On my way out I noticed a very nervous looking little girl and her mother. Her mother called out to me, "Sir. Sir. She wants to know if it hurts. She has to do it next."
I stopped and smiled broadly at the little girl. Boy, she sure did look nervous, nervous and afraid. She looked at me for an answer.
I bent over and spoke to her softly.
"It will be OK. These nurses are really good at this. It didn't hurt me one bit. You'll be just fine. I promise you."
I didn't stick around to see how she made out. I hoped I assured her a little bit at least.
They are finally all getting to know me at the medical center. In the big picture that's probably not a good thing. But for someone in my position, it's a good thing.
Typically you hand over your doctor's orders to a receptionist who ask you to have a seat in the waiting room. The receptionist puts the order in the pile for the admissions folks. The admissions folks eventually call you over to review all your billing and insurance information. Then the admissions people escort you back to a second waiting room and place your orders in the pile for the nurses.
Eventually a nurse calls your name and it's back to the area where the blood is drawn.
But since I'm there every week. And since they've gotten to know me. They point me directly back to the second waiting room and hustle the doctor's order straight to the nurses.
The nurses, of course, know me too. And they've learned how to hit my crazy veins with one stick.
I was informed today that the small "butterfly" needles could not be used on me anymore. The nurses were ordered to cut costs. A regular needle, the nurse said, only costs five cents, while the butterly needle costs five dollars.
It's the economy, the nurse told me. "We were told to help cut costs or forget about raises," she said.
Now that's the reality of free enterprise in health care.
But it didn't matter. She still got me with one stick and I was on my way.
On my way out I noticed a very nervous looking little girl and her mother. Her mother called out to me, "Sir. Sir. She wants to know if it hurts. She has to do it next."
I stopped and smiled broadly at the little girl. Boy, she sure did look nervous, nervous and afraid. She looked at me for an answer.
I bent over and spoke to her softly.
"It will be OK. These nurses are really good at this. It didn't hurt me one bit. You'll be just fine. I promise you."
I didn't stick around to see how she made out. I hoped I assured her a little bit at least.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Business as Usual *Cough*
It's been a pretty normal week, which I appreciate. I like boring. No skydiving for this guy. Life is exciting enough.
I've been eating well. I've been exercising regularly. I've been trying to take care of myself.
We've taken care of necessary facets of life, groceries, leaf collection, having the FJ inspected, cleaning up after Freckles. I've also been working, finishing a brochure yesterday and I'll be back on a product catalog today.
I'll be dropping Barb off for a haircut today, then going for my weekly bloodwork before returning to pick Barb up.
I'm still worried about my lingering cough that still won't go away after a head cold two-weeks ago. I know cancer patients like myself, with a compromised immune system, have to be extra careful about infections.
The oncologist believes it's viral rather than bacterial so he rationalized that antibiotics wouldn't help me.
I'll probably let the nurses know tomorrow at chemo treatment that I'm still struggling with the coughing. If I still can't clear it by next week I'll be off to see my family doctor to tap his mind for ideas.
It really doesn't feel like it's in my chest. And my breathing is quite normal. So...we'll see.
I certainly don't feel bad. I don't feel germy like when I had the head cold. It's just this cough that won't go away.
I'm off for a little breakfast, a little exercise on the Bowflex, and a nice hot shower.
I hope everyone has a great day, and if you're in PA take your umbrella.
I've been eating well. I've been exercising regularly. I've been trying to take care of myself.
We've taken care of necessary facets of life, groceries, leaf collection, having the FJ inspected, cleaning up after Freckles. I've also been working, finishing a brochure yesterday and I'll be back on a product catalog today.
I'll be dropping Barb off for a haircut today, then going for my weekly bloodwork before returning to pick Barb up.
I'm still worried about my lingering cough that still won't go away after a head cold two-weeks ago. I know cancer patients like myself, with a compromised immune system, have to be extra careful about infections.
The oncologist believes it's viral rather than bacterial so he rationalized that antibiotics wouldn't help me.
I'll probably let the nurses know tomorrow at chemo treatment that I'm still struggling with the coughing. If I still can't clear it by next week I'll be off to see my family doctor to tap his mind for ideas.
It really doesn't feel like it's in my chest. And my breathing is quite normal. So...we'll see.
I certainly don't feel bad. I don't feel germy like when I had the head cold. It's just this cough that won't go away.
I'm off for a little breakfast, a little exercise on the Bowflex, and a nice hot shower.
I hope everyone has a great day, and if you're in PA take your umbrella.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Grocery Store
Why do I always get the shopping cart at the grocery store with the bad wheel? I don't know, maybe all the carts have bad wheels.
Monday I had a cart that would not make right turns. I had to "muscle-slide" the cart through right-hand turns, and the fuller the cart got the more grunting came from me.
Being a decent cook, and being someone who loves to eat, you'd think that I would enjoy the grocery store. Roaming the aisles searching for inspirational ingredients to create a great meal. Nah, it's nothing like that.
Groceries are so expensive these days that we make a very well-organized list to ensure that we get everything we need and nothing more. The trip to the grocery store is more of a mission, with plenty of obstacles along the way.
We have the luxury of being able to go for groceries during none peak hours, on none peak days. If I had to go to the grocery store on a Saturday morning I think I'd just run away screaming. I've seen it. It's scary. It gets so full they actually run out of parking spots.
But even on a Monday at 10 a.m., the store is quite full. Aisles are crowded and blocked. It's an adventure just trying to get the cart from one end of the aisle to the other. For Christmas I'd like Santa to bring me a shopping cart with rubber bumpers, perfect skateboard wheels, and a loud horn that I can blow at will to clear the aisles.
My main function is to pack the cart neatly so we can fit everything into it. Also I try my best to stay out of everyone else's way. Now it doesn't seem like anyone else is concerned whether they're in others way, as they park their cart on an angle across the aisle and read the ingredients on a can of soup for half an hour.
That's when I need that horn!
Barb is the master of the list and she carefully picks out everything we need. We build a two week menu before we go to the store, and build our grocery list from that.
I park the cart in rare open areas and warn Barb if she's about to get run over my someone in a speeding cart.
"Heads up Barb!" I yell.
Every time we go to the store we forget one thing, never two things, but always one. I think that's a pretty darn good percentage though.
Checkout is an exercise in craziness. There are 64 checkout lanes, but only four are ever open. Each open checkout lane is at least three people/carts deep. When it's finally our turn everything I carefully packed into the cart is quickly whipped out onto the conveyor belt. The conveyor is wide where I place the items and then narrows near the cashier, intelligently planned to crush all your products just as your about to pay for them.
The bag boys are monkeys, tossing everything into bags inconsiderately while paying attention to everything but what they're doing. On Monday I gave our bag monkey a big "GOOD MORNING!" with a smile, and I swear I got nothing but a grunt in return.
The gal at the cashier hated her job. She didn't say that. But it was clearly written all over her face.
The store for me is pack, pack, pack the cart. Then it's unpack, unpack, unpack the cart at the cashier. Then it's pack, pack, pack the bags back into the cart. Then it's unpack, unpack, unpack the bags from the cart into the car. Then it's drive, drive, drive home. And finally it's unpack, unpack, unpack the bags from the car into the kitchen.
Then I fall over into the La-Z-Boy and Barb takes over from there.
Another grocery day in the bag.
Monday I had a cart that would not make right turns. I had to "muscle-slide" the cart through right-hand turns, and the fuller the cart got the more grunting came from me.
Being a decent cook, and being someone who loves to eat, you'd think that I would enjoy the grocery store. Roaming the aisles searching for inspirational ingredients to create a great meal. Nah, it's nothing like that.
Groceries are so expensive these days that we make a very well-organized list to ensure that we get everything we need and nothing more. The trip to the grocery store is more of a mission, with plenty of obstacles along the way.
We have the luxury of being able to go for groceries during none peak hours, on none peak days. If I had to go to the grocery store on a Saturday morning I think I'd just run away screaming. I've seen it. It's scary. It gets so full they actually run out of parking spots.
But even on a Monday at 10 a.m., the store is quite full. Aisles are crowded and blocked. It's an adventure just trying to get the cart from one end of the aisle to the other. For Christmas I'd like Santa to bring me a shopping cart with rubber bumpers, perfect skateboard wheels, and a loud horn that I can blow at will to clear the aisles.
My main function is to pack the cart neatly so we can fit everything into it. Also I try my best to stay out of everyone else's way. Now it doesn't seem like anyone else is concerned whether they're in others way, as they park their cart on an angle across the aisle and read the ingredients on a can of soup for half an hour.
That's when I need that horn!
Barb is the master of the list and she carefully picks out everything we need. We build a two week menu before we go to the store, and build our grocery list from that.
I park the cart in rare open areas and warn Barb if she's about to get run over my someone in a speeding cart.
"Heads up Barb!" I yell.
Every time we go to the store we forget one thing, never two things, but always one. I think that's a pretty darn good percentage though.
Checkout is an exercise in craziness. There are 64 checkout lanes, but only four are ever open. Each open checkout lane is at least three people/carts deep. When it's finally our turn everything I carefully packed into the cart is quickly whipped out onto the conveyor belt. The conveyor is wide where I place the items and then narrows near the cashier, intelligently planned to crush all your products just as your about to pay for them.
The bag boys are monkeys, tossing everything into bags inconsiderately while paying attention to everything but what they're doing. On Monday I gave our bag monkey a big "GOOD MORNING!" with a smile, and I swear I got nothing but a grunt in return.
The gal at the cashier hated her job. She didn't say that. But it was clearly written all over her face.
The store for me is pack, pack, pack the cart. Then it's unpack, unpack, unpack the cart at the cashier. Then it's pack, pack, pack the bags back into the cart. Then it's unpack, unpack, unpack the bags from the cart into the car. Then it's drive, drive, drive home. And finally it's unpack, unpack, unpack the bags from the car into the kitchen.
Then I fall over into the La-Z-Boy and Barb takes over from there.
Another grocery day in the bag.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thank You
I had a classmate in high school who was a good athlete and was considering going to West Point.
He and his father were invited to the campus for a tour and to stay overnight to check out the place.
They were very impressed through their visit and bunked down for the night thinking that this had some real potential.
At five a.m. the next mornings cannons were fired. Blown out of their beds the duo scampered to find out what the racket was all about.
They were told that it was just the daily alarm clock, cannons were fired to wake everyone up every morning at 5 a.m.
He decided against West Point.
People who know me, know that I've never touched a gun, less would I consider ever joining the military.
My Mom always used to say that she feared if there was a draft, and I ever was drafted, that I would flee to Canada (and, no, not for the health care).
Though the military is not my cup of tea, I have a great deal of respect and admiration for those who have served.
Our soldiers have nothing to do with the policy making or the decisions made on what they will do. They just do their job. And they do it admirably.
Sure there are glitches. Sure there are bad eggs. Military enrollment is just a reflection of society as a whole, and nothing is perfect. But the sacrifices that are made, the time away from family and loved ones, the unquestioning devotion to work each day to protect our country, our lifestyle, and our freedom, is certainly worth a tip of the cap and a big, "thank you."
Whether you're for or against our military involvements around the world, you have to have a great deal of respect and admiration for our soldiers.
Our flag is flying proudly in front of our house this Veteran's Day. Thanks to all the past, present, and future military personnel out there.
He and his father were invited to the campus for a tour and to stay overnight to check out the place.
They were very impressed through their visit and bunked down for the night thinking that this had some real potential.
At five a.m. the next mornings cannons were fired. Blown out of their beds the duo scampered to find out what the racket was all about.
They were told that it was just the daily alarm clock, cannons were fired to wake everyone up every morning at 5 a.m.
He decided against West Point.
People who know me, know that I've never touched a gun, less would I consider ever joining the military.
My Mom always used to say that she feared if there was a draft, and I ever was drafted, that I would flee to Canada (and, no, not for the health care).
Though the military is not my cup of tea, I have a great deal of respect and admiration for those who have served.
Our soldiers have nothing to do with the policy making or the decisions made on what they will do. They just do their job. And they do it admirably.
Sure there are glitches. Sure there are bad eggs. Military enrollment is just a reflection of society as a whole, and nothing is perfect. But the sacrifices that are made, the time away from family and loved ones, the unquestioning devotion to work each day to protect our country, our lifestyle, and our freedom, is certainly worth a tip of the cap and a big, "thank you."
Whether you're for or against our military involvements around the world, you have to have a great deal of respect and admiration for our soldiers.
Our flag is flying proudly in front of our house this Veteran's Day. Thanks to all the past, present, and future military personnel out there.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Can't Be Counted On
Everyone has good days and bad days. There are days for all of us when we feel full of energy and inspired to get stuff done. Then there are days when we just feel like crawling back in bed.
With cancer, on chemo, everything is amplified a bit. It's not that I have days where I feel extra energy. But there are certainly days when I just can't do much of anything.
I try hard to be "normal" and live life like everyone else around me. It's good for me personally. It's good for my overall physical and mental health. And I do try to portray a strong image for all the wonderful people who surround me with so much support - so they don't worry about me.
Most of the time I think I'm pretty good with getting on with life, even though I get poison infused into my system every Friday. But there are times when I just can't answer the bell.
Across a series of events over the past few weeks I've been reminded about how sometimes I just can't do everything I'd like to, everything I used to do. As much as I want to be "normal," as much as I want people to treat me as "normal," there are going to be times when I just can't be counted on.
It does disappoint me. I want to be counted on. I want to be relied upon in the worst way. I've built a reputation throughout my entire life as someone who can be trusted, as someone who always comes through.
On one hand I hope that people will still hold me to that regard. On the other hand I hope people understand.
I don't know if anyone saw 60 Minutes last week. They had a story on how doctors had begun experimenting connecting paralyzed peoples' brains to computers. It was amazing. One man could write by thinking of letters one at a time. A paralyzed woman could control her wheelchair just by thought. Imagine where we'll be in 100-years.
With cancer, on chemo, everything is amplified a bit. It's not that I have days where I feel extra energy. But there are certainly days when I just can't do much of anything.
I try hard to be "normal" and live life like everyone else around me. It's good for me personally. It's good for my overall physical and mental health. And I do try to portray a strong image for all the wonderful people who surround me with so much support - so they don't worry about me.
Most of the time I think I'm pretty good with getting on with life, even though I get poison infused into my system every Friday. But there are times when I just can't answer the bell.
Across a series of events over the past few weeks I've been reminded about how sometimes I just can't do everything I'd like to, everything I used to do. As much as I want to be "normal," as much as I want people to treat me as "normal," there are going to be times when I just can't be counted on.
It does disappoint me. I want to be counted on. I want to be relied upon in the worst way. I've built a reputation throughout my entire life as someone who can be trusted, as someone who always comes through.
On one hand I hope that people will still hold me to that regard. On the other hand I hope people understand.
I don't know if anyone saw 60 Minutes last week. They had a story on how doctors had begun experimenting connecting paralyzed peoples' brains to computers. It was amazing. One man could write by thinking of letters one at a time. A paralyzed woman could control her wheelchair just by thought. Imagine where we'll be in 100-years.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Take it Slow Saturday
Freckles is on the prowl this morning. He's stalking Barb's every move, waiting for the right moment to pounce.
He gets in his moods like this, where he will actually bite the hand that feeds him.
But Freckles has mellowed, at least slightly, through the years.
Had a good visit with the doctor yesterday, and treatment went, well, fairly smooth.
The nurse was just about to set-up the IV in the back of my left hand. All of a sudden a nurse on the phone shouted, "Hey! Hold it! Don't start yet."
The nurse on the phone trotted off while we waited and conversed with the nurse who was about to start the IV. After a few minutes the nurse said, "I'll see what's going on." She left and in a few minutes more came back.
"We don't have any of your chemo. We forgot to order it," she said. "But we're doing some horse trading to see if we can get some."
Calls were made. Alternative plans were discussed. The nurses found some Torisel at the other cancer center in the county and were sending a driver to pick it up immediately.
They got it. The driver must have scooted down Route 30 pretty fast, and before long the Torisel was dripping into my vein.
We didn't get home until about 5:30 p.m., driving home through Friday night rush hour traffic. It's the worst time to drive. Everyone's worked up from a week of working and fired up for the weekend. Everyone's driving with grit and aggression and little care for their own safety.
It wasn't long after I went through the backdoor that I went up and hit the sheets. The Benadryl really just knocks the wind out of you. And that's on top of the fatigue caused by the chemo, and the fatigue from my lingering head cold, and the fatigue caused by the medicine I take for the head cold.
Bam. Lights out.
I was up by 4 a.m., feeding a hungry Freckles.
He's given up on stalking Barb...for the moment. I've successfully distracted him with his toy mouse, which he is now cuddling with on the floor.
He gets in his moods like this, where he will actually bite the hand that feeds him.
But Freckles has mellowed, at least slightly, through the years.
Had a good visit with the doctor yesterday, and treatment went, well, fairly smooth.
The nurse was just about to set-up the IV in the back of my left hand. All of a sudden a nurse on the phone shouted, "Hey! Hold it! Don't start yet."
The nurse on the phone trotted off while we waited and conversed with the nurse who was about to start the IV. After a few minutes the nurse said, "I'll see what's going on." She left and in a few minutes more came back.
"We don't have any of your chemo. We forgot to order it," she said. "But we're doing some horse trading to see if we can get some."
Calls were made. Alternative plans were discussed. The nurses found some Torisel at the other cancer center in the county and were sending a driver to pick it up immediately.
They got it. The driver must have scooted down Route 30 pretty fast, and before long the Torisel was dripping into my vein.
We didn't get home until about 5:30 p.m., driving home through Friday night rush hour traffic. It's the worst time to drive. Everyone's worked up from a week of working and fired up for the weekend. Everyone's driving with grit and aggression and little care for their own safety.
It wasn't long after I went through the backdoor that I went up and hit the sheets. The Benadryl really just knocks the wind out of you. And that's on top of the fatigue caused by the chemo, and the fatigue from my lingering head cold, and the fatigue caused by the medicine I take for the head cold.
Bam. Lights out.
I was up by 4 a.m., feeding a hungry Freckles.
He's given up on stalking Barb...for the moment. I've successfully distracted him with his toy mouse, which he is now cuddling with on the floor.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Chemo Friday
Another chemo Friday awaits me. I have an afternoon appointment today. I prefer mornings. Typically I'm a little sluggish already in the afternoons, and the Benadryl and Torisel will just knock me on my butt.
The kids are going to try to come over tonight for their weekly dinner visit. I will probably sleep through it. That's probably for the best since I still have a little cough and do not care to share it with them.
Alyssa and Charlie had to cancel last night on doctor's orders. Alyssa's doctor wanted her to stay in the house and rest at least one more day, getting over her own bout of illness. That's just fine with us. We want her to get better too, of course.
It might reach 70-degrees today, which means I should probably get out there and collect some leaves for pick-up. The problem is, what do I do with 20 bags of leaves until the next pick-up date. The bags are big biodegradeable paper bags. With the help of a little rain they'll start to biodegrade before pick-up day.
I don't know.
I will meet with my new oncologist again today. I don't expect it to be a very eventful meeting. I've had this head cold that I can tell him about. And I've had a small, but consistent pain in my right hip for several weeks. But I don't think a whole lot of either of those things.
Chances are that the most significant thing that will come out of today's meeting is planning the weeks ahead. We're shooting for the next follow-up CT scan for early December. We may decide to schedule additional bloodwork in the meantime to check cholestrol (the Torisel spikes it higher), and kidney and liver function tests.
We'll likely also discuss my meeting with the specialist in Philly. My local oncologist should have gotten a report from him.
Otherwise I better get busy and get as much done as I can by noon. After that it's doctors, chemo, and home to sleep it all off.
The kids are going to try to come over tonight for their weekly dinner visit. I will probably sleep through it. That's probably for the best since I still have a little cough and do not care to share it with them.
Alyssa and Charlie had to cancel last night on doctor's orders. Alyssa's doctor wanted her to stay in the house and rest at least one more day, getting over her own bout of illness. That's just fine with us. We want her to get better too, of course.
It might reach 70-degrees today, which means I should probably get out there and collect some leaves for pick-up. The problem is, what do I do with 20 bags of leaves until the next pick-up date. The bags are big biodegradeable paper bags. With the help of a little rain they'll start to biodegrade before pick-up day.
I don't know.
I will meet with my new oncologist again today. I don't expect it to be a very eventful meeting. I've had this head cold that I can tell him about. And I've had a small, but consistent pain in my right hip for several weeks. But I don't think a whole lot of either of those things.
Chances are that the most significant thing that will come out of today's meeting is planning the weeks ahead. We're shooting for the next follow-up CT scan for early December. We may decide to schedule additional bloodwork in the meantime to check cholestrol (the Torisel spikes it higher), and kidney and liver function tests.
We'll likely also discuss my meeting with the specialist in Philly. My local oncologist should have gotten a report from him.
Otherwise I better get busy and get as much done as I can by noon. After that it's doctors, chemo, and home to sleep it all off.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Playing the Cards I'm Dealt
We typically get up pretty early in the morning around here. For example, this morning I got up around 2:30 a.m.
We go to bed pretty early, typically between 8 and 9 p.m. It's a habit we got into when I was on the chemotherapy pill Nexavar. I had to take my first dose of the day, everyday, at 5 a.m. And after 14-months of doing that, it's become a routine that is hard to break.
One thing I've learned about life on chemo, is that with your body so broken down, everything seems to go better in small portions more often.
For example, it's tough for me to eat big portions in one sitting. But my body doesn't have any problems with four or five smaller meals throughout the day rather than three regular size portions.
Sleep seems to work the same way. I can sleep for six or seven hours with a one or two hour afternoon nap. But it's difficult to get a good eight or nine hour sleep in.
I just have to go with the flow. When I'm hungry I have to eat. When I'm tired I have to sleep. And when I'm awake and energized I have to get stuff done.
So this morning I woke up at 2:30 a.m. and felt completely wide awake. So I tip toed downstairs, trying not to wake Barb up, and I went to work on a brochure for a client.
I got the brochure done by 6:30 a.m., shortly after Barb came down for a cup of coffee I brewed for her. I was out of the shower by 7 a.m. and on my way to the medical center for bloodwork. By 8 a.m. I was in the pharmacy to pick-up some medicine. Then by 8:15 a.m. I was sitting in the drive-through of the bank.
I was home by 8:30 a.m. and thinking, "Wow. I got pretty much done."
After a roast beef sub from the deli across the street, it was time for a two-hour power nap.
It can make it tough for me to schedule things sometime, or to keep up with what's considered a normal life. But I'm learning how to live with cancer. It's like the ocean, just go with the flow.
We go to bed pretty early, typically between 8 and 9 p.m. It's a habit we got into when I was on the chemotherapy pill Nexavar. I had to take my first dose of the day, everyday, at 5 a.m. And after 14-months of doing that, it's become a routine that is hard to break.
One thing I've learned about life on chemo, is that with your body so broken down, everything seems to go better in small portions more often.
For example, it's tough for me to eat big portions in one sitting. But my body doesn't have any problems with four or five smaller meals throughout the day rather than three regular size portions.
Sleep seems to work the same way. I can sleep for six or seven hours with a one or two hour afternoon nap. But it's difficult to get a good eight or nine hour sleep in.
I just have to go with the flow. When I'm hungry I have to eat. When I'm tired I have to sleep. And when I'm awake and energized I have to get stuff done.
So this morning I woke up at 2:30 a.m. and felt completely wide awake. So I tip toed downstairs, trying not to wake Barb up, and I went to work on a brochure for a client.
I got the brochure done by 6:30 a.m., shortly after Barb came down for a cup of coffee I brewed for her. I was out of the shower by 7 a.m. and on my way to the medical center for bloodwork. By 8 a.m. I was in the pharmacy to pick-up some medicine. Then by 8:15 a.m. I was sitting in the drive-through of the bank.
I was home by 8:30 a.m. and thinking, "Wow. I got pretty much done."
After a roast beef sub from the deli across the street, it was time for a two-hour power nap.
It can make it tough for me to schedule things sometime, or to keep up with what's considered a normal life. But I'm learning how to live with cancer. It's like the ocean, just go with the flow.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Feeling Much Better
We locked Freckles out of the bedroom last night and I slept well. I still have a little tickle in my throat and an accompanying cough. But I think I can get back to normal activities again today.
Alyssa also seemed to be getting better during the day yesterday. We hope she's waking up this morning feeling even better and better.
Alyssa may get a little sick to her stomach when she turns on the news and learns that Obama has won.
But I'm pleased with the Presidential election results. We had two-terms of Republican control of the White House. It was time for a switch. Quite frankly I think the country, and the world, has gotten quite tired of Mr. Bush. It gives us a chance to make a new start, create more friends instead of enemies, and drop our image of being a big bully.
Plus, I think it's very overdue that we have some diversity in the White House. It's past time that an African-American or a woman was represented in our top post. We are a diverse nation, and all groups deserve representation. This is America after all.
My parents are stopping over around lunchtime today to drop off some shirts for us to wear at a family portrait session on Sunday morning. Then we're going to head out for a little lunch somewhere in or around Marietta.
The son of good friends of our family is studying photography and offered to take a portrait of our family as part of his portfolio work. I look forward to seeing the Krall family on Sunday. They are great folks.
I need to get back to normal activity today. So I'm going to try to get some morning exercise in and get back to work on a brochure I've been designing.
After all the debates, after all the advertisements, hopefully we can all come together now as a nation, as a state, as a city, as a town or as a village, and forge a good road ahead.
Alyssa also seemed to be getting better during the day yesterday. We hope she's waking up this morning feeling even better and better.
Alyssa may get a little sick to her stomach when she turns on the news and learns that Obama has won.
But I'm pleased with the Presidential election results. We had two-terms of Republican control of the White House. It was time for a switch. Quite frankly I think the country, and the world, has gotten quite tired of Mr. Bush. It gives us a chance to make a new start, create more friends instead of enemies, and drop our image of being a big bully.
Plus, I think it's very overdue that we have some diversity in the White House. It's past time that an African-American or a woman was represented in our top post. We are a diverse nation, and all groups deserve representation. This is America after all.
My parents are stopping over around lunchtime today to drop off some shirts for us to wear at a family portrait session on Sunday morning. Then we're going to head out for a little lunch somewhere in or around Marietta.
The son of good friends of our family is studying photography and offered to take a portrait of our family as part of his portfolio work. I look forward to seeing the Krall family on Sunday. They are great folks.
I need to get back to normal activity today. So I'm going to try to get some morning exercise in and get back to work on a brochure I've been designing.
After all the debates, after all the advertisements, hopefully we can all come together now as a nation, as a state, as a city, as a town or as a village, and forge a good road ahead.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
No Sleep, But Feeling Better
Waking up slow this morning, but feeling much better. You know that germy taste you get in your mouth when you're sick? Well that's gone this morning.
It was just a head cold, and it is passing. I'll take it easy today, be a little more active than yesterday, and hopefully be right back to normal by tomorrow.
May need a nap today though thanks to Freckles.
I was sleeping pretty soundly, dreaming of a very large woman chasing me (don't ask me, I know there was more involved but I don't remember it). I woke up suddenly when Barb went on a midnight chocolate run. She wasn't sleeping. She was worried about Alyssa.
Alyssa was under the weather and down for the count yesterday. I'm worried about her too. Actually she's got 14-minutes to check in with us before we risk waking her up and checking in with her. I hope she's better today. I'm sure she will be.
I tried to go back to sleep while Barb nervously went at her chocolate. I'm not sure how many pieces she had, but I can ask her.
"Barb how much chocolate did you eat last night?"
"I had only four you maniac," types Barb.
LOL She actually typed that. And I don't believe her. I think she had more. LOL
I wasn't falling back to sleep very well, but I was getting close. I kind of drifted in and out until about two a.m. and then I heard the sound of Freckles getting sick. That's a fairly normal event that occurs most nights but is usually beyond ear shot on the first floor, typically in the kitchen or sunroom.
Clean-up could wait until morning.
Thirty-minutes later Freckles was meowing.
Thirty-minutes later Freckles jumped up on the bed and tried to wake us up. He was successful but no one was getting out of bed.
Thirty-minutes later Freckles was trying to get in the closet. He was meeting little success. But he was banging the closet door back and forth making a consistent loud slamming noise (that was a new one).
There was more meowing and he tried to jump back up on the bed again but I persuaded him away with a size 13.
Ugh, no sleep, and I finally gave up and bounced downstairs at around six a.m.
There could be a nap in my future today...again.
It was just a head cold, and it is passing. I'll take it easy today, be a little more active than yesterday, and hopefully be right back to normal by tomorrow.
May need a nap today though thanks to Freckles.
I was sleeping pretty soundly, dreaming of a very large woman chasing me (don't ask me, I know there was more involved but I don't remember it). I woke up suddenly when Barb went on a midnight chocolate run. She wasn't sleeping. She was worried about Alyssa.
Alyssa was under the weather and down for the count yesterday. I'm worried about her too. Actually she's got 14-minutes to check in with us before we risk waking her up and checking in with her. I hope she's better today. I'm sure she will be.
I tried to go back to sleep while Barb nervously went at her chocolate. I'm not sure how many pieces she had, but I can ask her.
"Barb how much chocolate did you eat last night?"
"I had only four you maniac," types Barb.
LOL She actually typed that. And I don't believe her. I think she had more. LOL
I wasn't falling back to sleep very well, but I was getting close. I kind of drifted in and out until about two a.m. and then I heard the sound of Freckles getting sick. That's a fairly normal event that occurs most nights but is usually beyond ear shot on the first floor, typically in the kitchen or sunroom.
Clean-up could wait until morning.
Thirty-minutes later Freckles was meowing.
Thirty-minutes later Freckles jumped up on the bed and tried to wake us up. He was successful but no one was getting out of bed.
Thirty-minutes later Freckles was trying to get in the closet. He was meeting little success. But he was banging the closet door back and forth making a consistent loud slamming noise (that was a new one).
There was more meowing and he tried to jump back up on the bed again but I persuaded him away with a size 13.
Ugh, no sleep, and I finally gave up and bounced downstairs at around six a.m.
There could be a nap in my future today...again.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Cough, Sneeze, Ugh
Typically, throughout my life, I would get one major head cold every year in January or February. It would always be a rough one and set me down for a couple of days.
Last year, to my surprise, I went through the winter without a hint of a cold. Of course I was pleased.
Chemo lowers my immune system. That's just one of the ironies in cancer treatment. A strong immune system could help fight against the cancer. But the chemo puts up a stronger fight, so the way it lowers the immune system has to be overlooked.
I could feel a cold coming on the past few days. It didn't feel too bad and I was still getting around fine. I was hoping that it would quickly pass as just a little nuisance.
But yesterday it started coming on strong. I didn't sleep too well last night. I was up just after four a.m. this morning. Now I'm all covered up in a lounge chair watching the news and typing today's blog.
It's mainly in the sinuses and in the throat. I've got the throat lozengers going. I've got the sinus medicine going to help dry me out. But best of all I've got my Grandma's recipe going - honey tea. Grandmas do know best.
We had planned to do a little running today. But we've decided to sit this one out and try to get me feeling better. I hope to feel well enough to walk two blocks to the polls tomorrow.
For today I can see a nap in my future. Freckles will probably join me. He usually does.
Last year, to my surprise, I went through the winter without a hint of a cold. Of course I was pleased.
Chemo lowers my immune system. That's just one of the ironies in cancer treatment. A strong immune system could help fight against the cancer. But the chemo puts up a stronger fight, so the way it lowers the immune system has to be overlooked.
I could feel a cold coming on the past few days. It didn't feel too bad and I was still getting around fine. I was hoping that it would quickly pass as just a little nuisance.
But yesterday it started coming on strong. I didn't sleep too well last night. I was up just after four a.m. this morning. Now I'm all covered up in a lounge chair watching the news and typing today's blog.
It's mainly in the sinuses and in the throat. I've got the throat lozengers going. I've got the sinus medicine going to help dry me out. But best of all I've got my Grandma's recipe going - honey tea. Grandmas do know best.
We had planned to do a little running today. But we've decided to sit this one out and try to get me feeling better. I hope to feel well enough to walk two blocks to the polls tomorrow.
For today I can see a nap in my future. Freckles will probably join me. He usually does.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Chemo Cool
Leaving for my chemo treatment yesterday.
Understandably there are a lot of long, solemn, worried faces inside the cancer center.
Smiles inside there are worth a million dollars. The staff and nurses do an outstanding job at keeping everything lighthearted. A little joy there can really go a long way.
I decided that since it was Halloween yesterday I could do a little something to pay the staff and nurses back for all the smiles and help they've given to Barb and I. Yes, I dusted off my giant afro wig and wore it into the cancer center yesterday, right through the front door, into the waiting area, and eventually into the chemo room.
It was an interesting social experiment. Others in the waiting area, who didn't know me, didn't know exactly what to make of me. Of course I kept a straight face like nothing was odd or out of sorts.
But once the staff and nurses started to notice they laughed out loud and beamed with smiles.
That made me smile. My mission was accomplished.
One after another, nurses noticed me and my big rockin' hair and couldn't hold back the laughter.
Smiles are my favorite thing to create.
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