Can you believe it's almost 2010?
Have a great new year everyone!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Feeling Inspired
We had a wonderful Christmas. Then the day after we got three bills from Lancaster General Hospital which were all wrong. According to these three bills we owed thousands of dollars.
It wasn't a big shocker. We go through this all the time. But three of them at once? Just one day after Christmas? Ugh.
I told Barb that the weekend would still be a holiday to me and we could deal with it Monday.
I also made a commitment to myself to start really addressing my health issues on Monday. I wouldn't rest until I could find out what was causing every pain, every problem, everything. If I had to find new doctors, new drugs, whatever, I was going to do it. There were too many things going on that I just didn't understand or have any explanation for.
Well Monday I started with the bills. I decided to address one bill at a time and follow them through to resolution. The first bill we've already received twice already. Both times it was incorrect. And both times I was told to rip it up and throw it away. But the bill just keeps coming.
It seems, from talking to LGH and Aetna that someone at Aetna thinks that I have a maximum benefit on my policy and that maximum has been met. But everytime I call Aetna they tell me that is wrong and I do not have any maximum benefit on my policy. But the issue just coninues to go on.
I just wish that I could gather the appropriate parties from both LGH and Aetna and sit down and resolve this once and for all.
I'm like this little guy translating messages between two giant companies. Why can't they just talk to one another?
Then right in the middle of my struggle on Monday some problem occurred in the LGH billing office and they closed for the day. What? Ugh.
Dealing with this alone will probably take the rest of the week.
It wasn't a big shocker. We go through this all the time. But three of them at once? Just one day after Christmas? Ugh.
I told Barb that the weekend would still be a holiday to me and we could deal with it Monday.
I also made a commitment to myself to start really addressing my health issues on Monday. I wouldn't rest until I could find out what was causing every pain, every problem, everything. If I had to find new doctors, new drugs, whatever, I was going to do it. There were too many things going on that I just didn't understand or have any explanation for.
Well Monday I started with the bills. I decided to address one bill at a time and follow them through to resolution. The first bill we've already received twice already. Both times it was incorrect. And both times I was told to rip it up and throw it away. But the bill just keeps coming.
It seems, from talking to LGH and Aetna that someone at Aetna thinks that I have a maximum benefit on my policy and that maximum has been met. But everytime I call Aetna they tell me that is wrong and I do not have any maximum benefit on my policy. But the issue just coninues to go on.
I just wish that I could gather the appropriate parties from both LGH and Aetna and sit down and resolve this once and for all.
I'm like this little guy translating messages between two giant companies. Why can't they just talk to one another?
Then right in the middle of my struggle on Monday some problem occurred in the LGH billing office and they closed for the day. What? Ugh.
Dealing with this alone will probably take the rest of the week.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Brrrrr
Some people don't mind this cold weather. Some even like it! Weirdos!
My body has never liked cold weather. I just run from one warm place to another, shivering and complaining along the way.
It's just been me. It's just been my body. I don't like it.
We've all seen guys out in this stuff in short-sleeve shirts. They're usually big bears though, with more body mass and more body hair than me.
It's in the 20s here this morning. It makes me shiver just thinking about it.
So why am I here?
Well I considered flying south, and staying south many years ago. But I concluded that this is my home, and always will be my home. My family is here. I have friends here. I have many business contacts here. Here...I am established. Besides the cold weather a few months each year, this is where I am happy. This is home.
We don't have earthquakes here, or wild fires, or mud slides, or hurricanes. It's pretty mellow.
We have a lot of neat history here too. I love to drive Pennsylvania back roads. They were built before automobiles so many simply follow property lines between corn fields. You can be driving along and "whoop" all of a sudden there is a 90-degree turn.
There are certainly some beautiful areas of Florida but the state grew so fast that most of it seems like highways connecting housing complexes and industrial parks. There just isn't enough character or history.
But there is sunshine. There is warmth. I would love to be there now. The weather dude on TV just said that it might reach the 30s today...might? Ouch. If I open the front door my sinuses will let loose. You might want to invest in Kleenex the next couple of months.
(sniff)
It's home though. I'll just hunker down, stay warm, and wait to hear that Spring training has started in Florida.
My body has never liked cold weather. I just run from one warm place to another, shivering and complaining along the way.
It's just been me. It's just been my body. I don't like it.
We've all seen guys out in this stuff in short-sleeve shirts. They're usually big bears though, with more body mass and more body hair than me.
It's in the 20s here this morning. It makes me shiver just thinking about it.
So why am I here?
Well I considered flying south, and staying south many years ago. But I concluded that this is my home, and always will be my home. My family is here. I have friends here. I have many business contacts here. Here...I am established. Besides the cold weather a few months each year, this is where I am happy. This is home.
We don't have earthquakes here, or wild fires, or mud slides, or hurricanes. It's pretty mellow.
We have a lot of neat history here too. I love to drive Pennsylvania back roads. They were built before automobiles so many simply follow property lines between corn fields. You can be driving along and "whoop" all of a sudden there is a 90-degree turn.
There are certainly some beautiful areas of Florida but the state grew so fast that most of it seems like highways connecting housing complexes and industrial parks. There just isn't enough character or history.
But there is sunshine. There is warmth. I would love to be there now. The weather dude on TV just said that it might reach the 30s today...might? Ouch. If I open the front door my sinuses will let loose. You might want to invest in Kleenex the next couple of months.
(sniff)
It's home though. I'll just hunker down, stay warm, and wait to hear that Spring training has started in Florida.
Monday, December 28, 2009
The Party is Over
After much frustration with my health insurance company I've learned that it was in my best interest just not to interact with them at all.
But on December 26th I received three bills from the hospital, all wrong, about $15,000 wrong. Merry Christmas to me.
One of these bills I've received twice already, and I've resolved it twice already. Last time I addressed it with my insurance company they told me to throw it away.
They're always getting things screwed up. I often wonder if any other business could stay in business making this many mistakes. The hospital also complains about their ineptness. But they don't have to worry about it because I sign forms promising to pay them if my insurance company doesn't.
What is it like being the mediator between two giant companies? It stinks! I wish I could just get representatives from both companies in a room and resolve it right there.
But today I'll be the little guy, the little guy with advanced cancer, making endless phone calls throughout the day, beating my head against a wall, just to get what should have been anyway.
Ugh. What a way to start the week.
But on December 26th I received three bills from the hospital, all wrong, about $15,000 wrong. Merry Christmas to me.
One of these bills I've received twice already, and I've resolved it twice already. Last time I addressed it with my insurance company they told me to throw it away.
They're always getting things screwed up. I often wonder if any other business could stay in business making this many mistakes. The hospital also complains about their ineptness. But they don't have to worry about it because I sign forms promising to pay them if my insurance company doesn't.
What is it like being the mediator between two giant companies? It stinks! I wish I could just get representatives from both companies in a room and resolve it right there.
But today I'll be the little guy, the little guy with advanced cancer, making endless phone calls throughout the day, beating my head against a wall, just to get what should have been anyway.
Ugh. What a way to start the week.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Christmas Hangover
I was going to dive back into politics this morning. But it's such a tough subject after such a beutiful Christmas, I think I should put that on the back burner for awhile.
Barb and I had a great Christmas, with each other, and with both families. It was great to see Barb's nephew Ellis, and my niece Heather filled with such child-like Christmas enthusiasm. It made me smile from ear to ear and brought back my own childhood memories.
Ellis was so anxious to open his presents I thought he was going to pee his pants. He's way too smart for that though. I watched as he tried to play every angle he could possibly think of to convince his Mom and Dad to let him start. He just couldn't wait. He was going to burst. But he behaved himself.
When the moment finally came he was ripping and tearing. He was really hoping for this quite large plastic dinosaur. "Red Spikee," he called him. It was big! It had a battery pack that could be recharged and the remote control (yes the REMOTE CONTROL) required it's own batteries. It talked. It moved. And I didn't get to see it in action because the main battery pack took until around midnight to charge.
As soon as he saw what it was he had the hugest smile and just started jumping up and down and shouting, "Red Spike Red Spike!" Red Spike!"
Oh no, "some assembly required. This would require help from his Grandpa and a little more patience.
My brother reminded me of how impatient we were at that age. We were given a specific wake-up time, which of course we ignored. But we didn't dare sneak out of our room to peak at the presents in fear of the wrath of Santa.
We would peak our noses into our parents' bedroom and whisper, "Is it time yet?"
"No. Go back to bed," was the most frequent response.
We developed a strategy. I could lay on floor in the hallway with my big toe still in my brother and I's room. Then my brother could daisy chain off my exentended arms, and then my sister could stretch out from my brother's arms. This way we were "technically" still in a bedroom we rationalized.
My sister would peak at the tree and all the presents and report to us her findings. We really didn't gain much knowledge...really none...from this we could only tell that there WERE presents.
Finally it was time and we knew it. We stormed my parents bedroom and dive-bombed onto their bed.
"OK. OK," my Dad would concede, begging for peace. My parents would demand just a couple of minutes to wake up, maybe get something to drink, get themselves situated to watch us goofballs. And there it was.
My presents were to the left of the tree, Karen's were to the right, and Doug's were around the fireplace. Karen liked to rip and tear and was done in three-seconds. I was slow about it and liked to watch everyone else. Doug was somewhere in-between, always logical.
One of my favorite gifts this Christmas was being able to watch Ellis, and Karen and Jamie's daughter Heather. To see their unbridled exhuberance and genuine excitement was a treasure to behold.
Barb and I had a great Christmas, with each other, and with both families. It was great to see Barb's nephew Ellis, and my niece Heather filled with such child-like Christmas enthusiasm. It made me smile from ear to ear and brought back my own childhood memories.
Ellis was so anxious to open his presents I thought he was going to pee his pants. He's way too smart for that though. I watched as he tried to play every angle he could possibly think of to convince his Mom and Dad to let him start. He just couldn't wait. He was going to burst. But he behaved himself.
When the moment finally came he was ripping and tearing. He was really hoping for this quite large plastic dinosaur. "Red Spikee," he called him. It was big! It had a battery pack that could be recharged and the remote control (yes the REMOTE CONTROL) required it's own batteries. It talked. It moved. And I didn't get to see it in action because the main battery pack took until around midnight to charge.
As soon as he saw what it was he had the hugest smile and just started jumping up and down and shouting, "Red Spike Red Spike!" Red Spike!"
Oh no, "some assembly required. This would require help from his Grandpa and a little more patience.
My brother reminded me of how impatient we were at that age. We were given a specific wake-up time, which of course we ignored. But we didn't dare sneak out of our room to peak at the presents in fear of the wrath of Santa.
We would peak our noses into our parents' bedroom and whisper, "Is it time yet?"
"No. Go back to bed," was the most frequent response.
We developed a strategy. I could lay on floor in the hallway with my big toe still in my brother and I's room. Then my brother could daisy chain off my exentended arms, and then my sister could stretch out from my brother's arms. This way we were "technically" still in a bedroom we rationalized.
My sister would peak at the tree and all the presents and report to us her findings. We really didn't gain much knowledge...really none...from this we could only tell that there WERE presents.
Finally it was time and we knew it. We stormed my parents bedroom and dive-bombed onto their bed.
"OK. OK," my Dad would concede, begging for peace. My parents would demand just a couple of minutes to wake up, maybe get something to drink, get themselves situated to watch us goofballs. And there it was.
My presents were to the left of the tree, Karen's were to the right, and Doug's were around the fireplace. Karen liked to rip and tear and was done in three-seconds. I was slow about it and liked to watch everyone else. Doug was somewhere in-between, always logical.
One of my favorite gifts this Christmas was being able to watch Ellis, and Karen and Jamie's daughter Heather. To see their unbridled exhuberance and genuine excitement was a treasure to behold.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Everyday is Christmas
I have been giving out early gifts. I just can't control myself.
This morning Barb turned the tables on me and hit me with an early gift. It was an electric razor. I haven't used one since I was around 16. I think she's trying to tell me something. (smile) Thank you Barb. I love it.
I've always been a little different in my approach to holidays. I always felt that if I wanted to celebrate the birth of Jesus that I could, and should, do that on anyday of the year, anyday I wanted to. I pretty much feel that way about all holidays. I don't need to wait for Valentine's Day to tell Barb how much I love her. I don't need to wait for Mother's Day to tell my Mom how special she is to me.
I try to remember the life of Jesus everyday. For me, His life is an example for me to try to live up to. Of course I can never fully live up to the example that Jesus has set for me. But it has been important to my life to have his life as a guide.
Even from his birth he was teaching us important lessons. Here he was, the king of kings, born into poverty with nothing, surrounded by farm animals and the love of a mother and father.
It may not involve boxes of chocolates or fancy jewelry, but I will celebrate the birth of Christ everyday.
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
This morning Barb turned the tables on me and hit me with an early gift. It was an electric razor. I haven't used one since I was around 16. I think she's trying to tell me something. (smile) Thank you Barb. I love it.
I've always been a little different in my approach to holidays. I always felt that if I wanted to celebrate the birth of Jesus that I could, and should, do that on anyday of the year, anyday I wanted to. I pretty much feel that way about all holidays. I don't need to wait for Valentine's Day to tell Barb how much I love her. I don't need to wait for Mother's Day to tell my Mom how special she is to me.
I try to remember the life of Jesus everyday. For me, His life is an example for me to try to live up to. Of course I can never fully live up to the example that Jesus has set for me. But it has been important to my life to have his life as a guide.
Even from his birth he was teaching us important lessons. Here he was, the king of kings, born into poverty with nothing, surrounded by farm animals and the love of a mother and father.
It may not involve boxes of chocolates or fancy jewelry, but I will celebrate the birth of Christ everyday.
Merry Christmas Everyone!!!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas Makes Me Think Of.......
Goofy kid stuff such as walking on my dads back when I was a kid, to get it loose for him. Also, hearing the story of when I was little when my dad use to hang me from above the door and let go and I would just hang there, I guess that was my arm strengthening exercise. I used to have my brother and sister sit on my feet and I would shoot them across the living room, that was fun, I don't know if I could do that anymore (lol). (I know I can't write like my husband, but it's funny stuff)
I miss both sets of grandparents very much and the things we used to do with them on the holidays, but that is what good Christmas' are all about.
I certainly hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas holiday and New Year.
There will always be tons of good memories past,present and future.
I miss both sets of grandparents very much and the things we used to do with them on the holidays, but that is what good Christmas' are all about.
I certainly hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas holiday and New Year.
There will always be tons of good memories past,present and future.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Freckles Claus
Barb had bought Freckles a Christmas present. It was a strange purple thing. It kind of looked like a squid or an octopus.
For the past week we converted our dining table into a gift wrapping station. Freckles' present was in a plastic bag, in one of those hard plastic molded packages that are impossible to open. Everything was right there at the wrapping station. Our wrapping has been very productive this year.
Quick wrapping is crucial with Barb and I in such close quarters. I would have it any other way. I love hanging out with Barbie. But it can create challenges in trying to keep gifts secret. So as soon as the packages come in the door, I've been wrapping them.
Yesterday I woke up first and made a pot of coffee for Barb, and fed Freckles. I could tell that Freckles was a bit distracted and I was afraid he had gotten sick somewhere. He's pretty good at bringing our attention to these kind of things. It's not a great way to have to start the day, cleaning up after Freckles.
Through my sleepy eyes I could tell that Freckles had made a mess. But I had to squint and try to look closer. This wasn't a normal Freckles' mess.
I could tell that Freckles had been into the gift wrapping station. There was wrapping paper, bows, and stuff, all over the place.
Right away I said to myself, "I'm going to save this one for Barb."
Not long after Barb stumbled down the steps on a beeline towards the fresh pot of coffee.
I said to her, "You might want to take a peek on the other side and see what Freckles did."
She gave out a groan, expecting a random display of cat vomit. But it wasn't Freckles' normal mess at all.
Freckles had found his Christmas present and was doing everything he could to get to it. There was shredded paper and garbage everywhere.
"You think I should just give it to him?" Barb asked.
"I think it would be cruel not to," I answered laughing.
The strange purple toy was filled with cat nip. Freckles has not stopped playing with it sense. He's going nuts over this thing! I'm watching him play with it right now. I can't remember seeing him this excited. That must be some strong cat nip!
For the past week we converted our dining table into a gift wrapping station. Freckles' present was in a plastic bag, in one of those hard plastic molded packages that are impossible to open. Everything was right there at the wrapping station. Our wrapping has been very productive this year.
Quick wrapping is crucial with Barb and I in such close quarters. I would have it any other way. I love hanging out with Barbie. But it can create challenges in trying to keep gifts secret. So as soon as the packages come in the door, I've been wrapping them.
Yesterday I woke up first and made a pot of coffee for Barb, and fed Freckles. I could tell that Freckles was a bit distracted and I was afraid he had gotten sick somewhere. He's pretty good at bringing our attention to these kind of things. It's not a great way to have to start the day, cleaning up after Freckles.
Through my sleepy eyes I could tell that Freckles had made a mess. But I had to squint and try to look closer. This wasn't a normal Freckles' mess.
I could tell that Freckles had been into the gift wrapping station. There was wrapping paper, bows, and stuff, all over the place.
Right away I said to myself, "I'm going to save this one for Barb."
Not long after Barb stumbled down the steps on a beeline towards the fresh pot of coffee.
I said to her, "You might want to take a peek on the other side and see what Freckles did."
She gave out a groan, expecting a random display of cat vomit. But it wasn't Freckles' normal mess at all.
Freckles had found his Christmas present and was doing everything he could to get to it. There was shredded paper and garbage everywhere.
"You think I should just give it to him?" Barb asked.
"I think it would be cruel not to," I answered laughing.
The strange purple toy was filled with cat nip. Freckles has not stopped playing with it sense. He's going nuts over this thing! I'm watching him play with it right now. I can't remember seeing him this excited. That must be some strong cat nip!
Monday, December 21, 2009
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
It's kind of hard for me to do things on the spur of the moment. I never really know how I'm going to feel from morning to morning. The more I more I know about something ahead of time, the more I can get ready and plan for it.
You know, for me it's about the right mix of drugs at the right times, the right amount of naps also at the right times. I'm a pain in the butt. If I need to do something on the spur of the moment, well chances are it won't go real well.
The Albert family Christmas WAS planned for yesterday in plenty of time. I was ready! Or so I thought...
By the time we went to bed Saturday night there was already 10-inches of snow on the ground, a record for December snow in Lancaster County. In York County a snow emergency was declared and the only vehicles seen on the streets were snow mobiles.
Driving any distance at all has been tough on me lately. I can drive errands around town or neighboring towns. But for some reason, traveling any distance creates a lot of pain for me, although I do think that it's getting better.
So Alyssa and Charlie kindly agreed to drive Barb and I to Myerstown on Sunday. But they hadn't signed up to drive through a foot of snow.
Barb and I discussed the situation Saturday night, staring out the window at the endless snow, and we concluded that we'd make the final call on Sunday morning.
By the time we woke up the official word for this area was 10- to 16-inches. We decided that we would stay home. It just wasn't worth risking anyone's neck over. Barb spread the word, and now content with this decision, I went for a nap.
When I woke up from the nap Barb was talking to her Mom, and her husband Bill felt very confident that he and their Buick could handle the roads just fine.
Now this was different. I wasn't going to pressure anyone to drive through this mess. But I've been told that he enjoys it. And I already know that he's a good driver.
I called my Mom and told her that we were planning on making the trip and may be a little late. Barb called the kids, but they had already committed themselves to not going.
So had we! So we whipped ourselves together, jumped in the Buick, and headed for Myerstown. "Over the river and through the woods..."
We stayed on main roads and it really wasn't all that bad. With my Dad being home now it was really nice to have everyone together!
And a BIG, HUGE, GIGANTIC THANK YOU to Barbie's Mom and Dad for making it all possible!
You know, for me it's about the right mix of drugs at the right times, the right amount of naps also at the right times. I'm a pain in the butt. If I need to do something on the spur of the moment, well chances are it won't go real well.
The Albert family Christmas WAS planned for yesterday in plenty of time. I was ready! Or so I thought...
By the time we went to bed Saturday night there was already 10-inches of snow on the ground, a record for December snow in Lancaster County. In York County a snow emergency was declared and the only vehicles seen on the streets were snow mobiles.
Driving any distance at all has been tough on me lately. I can drive errands around town or neighboring towns. But for some reason, traveling any distance creates a lot of pain for me, although I do think that it's getting better.
So Alyssa and Charlie kindly agreed to drive Barb and I to Myerstown on Sunday. But they hadn't signed up to drive through a foot of snow.
Barb and I discussed the situation Saturday night, staring out the window at the endless snow, and we concluded that we'd make the final call on Sunday morning.
By the time we woke up the official word for this area was 10- to 16-inches. We decided that we would stay home. It just wasn't worth risking anyone's neck over. Barb spread the word, and now content with this decision, I went for a nap.
When I woke up from the nap Barb was talking to her Mom, and her husband Bill felt very confident that he and their Buick could handle the roads just fine.
Now this was different. I wasn't going to pressure anyone to drive through this mess. But I've been told that he enjoys it. And I already know that he's a good driver.
I called my Mom and told her that we were planning on making the trip and may be a little late. Barb called the kids, but they had already committed themselves to not going.
So had we! So we whipped ourselves together, jumped in the Buick, and headed for Myerstown. "Over the river and through the woods..."
We stayed on main roads and it really wasn't all that bad. With my Dad being home now it was really nice to have everyone together!
And a BIG, HUGE, GIGANTIC THANK YOU to Barbie's Mom and Dad for making it all possible!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
So Much for a Green Christmas
Ever since I can remember, ever since I was a little tyke, I didn't care for the cold weather.
The golf course we lived next to was one of the best places to sled anywhere around. It was very, VERY hilly. That I enjoyed.
But I've always had problems with my sinuses in cold weather. The rest of the year they were just fine. But come cold weather, after one or two steps outside I would be reaching for the tissues.
Coming in from a lengthy sledding session on the golf course, my Mom would try to strip off my many layers of wet clothing as two snotscicles hung from my nose.
This morning I peaked out and there was a good dusting everywhere. That was three-hours ago and now it's snowing even harder and everything is covered solidly in white.
Is it pretty? Sure, while it's coming down.
But soon all the pretty white snow will be different shades of black. A black, slushy, icy, melty mess, and in little Marietta there is just nowhere to go with it. All we do is try to push it towards the drains on the street and wait until it melts into the river.
I've been particularly interested in this storm because we have planned to travel to Myerstown on Sunday to celebrate Christmas with my family. I have been really looking forward to seeing everyone.
I've had my fingers crossed hoping that the storm would track south of us. That doesn't seem to be the case. It looks like we're going to get slammed. Ugh.
I didn't make the family's Thanksgiving gathering because of the condition I was in from the drug dose I was then on. Basically I was awake for about an hour-a-day.
Now I feel much stronger. But it doesn't look good. We'll see. Either way, Barb and I are still always smiling in Marietta. What the heck...we have a big, giant box of assorted chocolates! (smile)
The golf course we lived next to was one of the best places to sled anywhere around. It was very, VERY hilly. That I enjoyed.
But I've always had problems with my sinuses in cold weather. The rest of the year they were just fine. But come cold weather, after one or two steps outside I would be reaching for the tissues.
Coming in from a lengthy sledding session on the golf course, my Mom would try to strip off my many layers of wet clothing as two snotscicles hung from my nose.
This morning I peaked out and there was a good dusting everywhere. That was three-hours ago and now it's snowing even harder and everything is covered solidly in white.
Is it pretty? Sure, while it's coming down.
But soon all the pretty white snow will be different shades of black. A black, slushy, icy, melty mess, and in little Marietta there is just nowhere to go with it. All we do is try to push it towards the drains on the street and wait until it melts into the river.
I've been particularly interested in this storm because we have planned to travel to Myerstown on Sunday to celebrate Christmas with my family. I have been really looking forward to seeing everyone.
I've had my fingers crossed hoping that the storm would track south of us. That doesn't seem to be the case. It looks like we're going to get slammed. Ugh.
I didn't make the family's Thanksgiving gathering because of the condition I was in from the drug dose I was then on. Basically I was awake for about an hour-a-day.
Now I feel much stronger. But it doesn't look good. We'll see. Either way, Barb and I are still always smiling in Marietta. What the heck...we have a big, giant box of assorted chocolates! (smile)
Friday, December 18, 2009
I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas
I went to sleep last night to news that we could expect one- to three-inches of snow by the time we wake up Sunday morning.
I woke up this morning to news that we could expect eight- to twelve-inches of snow by the time we wake up Sunday morning.
(sigh) What a mess. My family is planning on celebrating an early Christmas on Sunday. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone. Or at least I was . . .
Yeah, I know. It's pretty and it's all white and fluffy. And in no time it's slushy and all black from traffic, and it's just a slippy, slidey, huge mess.
These are the days when I wonder why I'm still here in Pennsylvania.
Well I guess that all areas have their drawbacks. After all, Florida does have bugs the size of my arm.
Maybe we could just change the date we celebrate Christmas? Maybe some time in June? Would that work for everyone?
I woke up this morning to news that we could expect eight- to twelve-inches of snow by the time we wake up Sunday morning.
(sigh) What a mess. My family is planning on celebrating an early Christmas on Sunday. I am really looking forward to seeing everyone. Or at least I was . . .
Yeah, I know. It's pretty and it's all white and fluffy. And in no time it's slushy and all black from traffic, and it's just a slippy, slidey, huge mess.
These are the days when I wonder why I'm still here in Pennsylvania.
Well I guess that all areas have their drawbacks. After all, Florida does have bugs the size of my arm.
Maybe we could just change the date we celebrate Christmas? Maybe some time in June? Would that work for everyone?
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Minor Miracles
Now I've never been a big believer in miracles. But I do believe it's certainly possible. And the way the last few weeks have been going my belief in the unexplained is just getting stronger.
First we came home and Barb said "Hey! Our neighbors are in our backyard."
They were out there trimming our trees and brush like crazy. Why? I have no idea.
Our neighbors have property in Berks County and are often there. And when they are in town we rarely see them. Now suddenly, out of nowhere they were trimming all of our trees and even mulching all the debris.
I was extremely thankful because this is something I've been concerned about getting done. I was so thankful that I didn't care to ask them why. I just kept my mouth shut except saying over and over and over "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."
Not long after another one of our neighbors showed up at our back door and asked us if we would consider having him rake and bag all of the leaves in our yard. Dumbfounded I said, "Of course." He did a great job. It was another big job I was worried about getting done in my condition
Soon after the yard, our neighbors hired painters to paint the outside of their house. Our neighbors had a little problem with the way the painters handled something and she negotiated with them to paint the back side of our house. It's not a very visible section of the house. But it has been something else on our list of things to do.
Presto, it was done. Unreal, I couldn't believe this. First it was the trimming of all our trees and bushes. Then it was raking and bagging of all of our leaves. Now it was painting one-side of our house. Where would it stop?
Well it hasn't stopped yet. Yesterday a gentleman came to our back door asking if he could pave our parking spaces. He had just finished another project about two-blocks away and he could give me a low price since he already had all the equipment, materials and support here.
It's yet another item on our list of things we wanted to do to this place, this old house.
They're out smoothing out stones in the parking area right now.
I don't know.
Stuff like this just doesn't happen. Does it?
First we came home and Barb said "Hey! Our neighbors are in our backyard."
They were out there trimming our trees and brush like crazy. Why? I have no idea.
Our neighbors have property in Berks County and are often there. And when they are in town we rarely see them. Now suddenly, out of nowhere they were trimming all of our trees and even mulching all the debris.
I was extremely thankful because this is something I've been concerned about getting done. I was so thankful that I didn't care to ask them why. I just kept my mouth shut except saying over and over and over "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you."
Not long after another one of our neighbors showed up at our back door and asked us if we would consider having him rake and bag all of the leaves in our yard. Dumbfounded I said, "Of course." He did a great job. It was another big job I was worried about getting done in my condition
Soon after the yard, our neighbors hired painters to paint the outside of their house. Our neighbors had a little problem with the way the painters handled something and she negotiated with them to paint the back side of our house. It's not a very visible section of the house. But it has been something else on our list of things to do.
Presto, it was done. Unreal, I couldn't believe this. First it was the trimming of all our trees and bushes. Then it was raking and bagging of all of our leaves. Now it was painting one-side of our house. Where would it stop?
Well it hasn't stopped yet. Yesterday a gentleman came to our back door asking if he could pave our parking spaces. He had just finished another project about two-blocks away and he could give me a low price since he already had all the equipment, materials and support here.
It's yet another item on our list of things we wanted to do to this place, this old house.
They're out smoothing out stones in the parking area right now.
I don't know.
Stuff like this just doesn't happen. Does it?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Here We Go Again
I've enjoyed my small holiday from the harsh cancer drugs. But the holiday ends today as our "team" (Susan, Barb and myself) travel to the cancer center to have an injection of Interferon.
At least my weekly intake of Interferon is not going to be as large as before. Rather than three injections a week I will now switch to just one injection per week, or one-third of what I had been on before.
I'm anxious to see how the body reacts to all of this. You never know. I think it's pretty obvious, from past experience that it won't make me feel stronger or better in any way. But you just never know, predicting cancer is like predicting the weather, you just never know.
I've been off any kind of cancer drug for just over two-weeks now. I definitely have felt better. I've felt stronger. But I haven't exactly felt like my old self, especially after 3-plus years of being on constant chemo of one shape or size.
At least my weekly intake of Interferon is not going to be as large as before. Rather than three injections a week I will now switch to just one injection per week, or one-third of what I had been on before.
I'm anxious to see how the body reacts to all of this. You never know. I think it's pretty obvious, from past experience that it won't make me feel stronger or better in any way. But you just never know, predicting cancer is like predicting the weather, you just never know.
I've been off any kind of cancer drug for just over two-weeks now. I definitely have felt better. I've felt stronger. But I haven't exactly felt like my old self, especially after 3-plus years of being on constant chemo of one shape or size.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Early Gifter
Yes. I do have a problem. Admitting the problem is the first fence to climb towards being able to correct it.
I am an early gifter.
I can't help it. It brings me joy. I love giving. Getting? Well there really is no comparison, I'd rather give than get - anyday.
I'd make a terrible rich person. I find no joy in just hording money. I just don't. I feel responsible to ensure that myself and my loved ones are taken care of. But giving is just always more rewarding to me.
Last year beginning in the first week of December, I started handing out presents. Oh, I saved some for Christmas morning. But I was "early gifting" with a pretty robust nature.
One thing I heard a lot was "Ooooo, that's so nice. Thank you. NOW STOP GIVING EVERYTHING OUT EARLY!"
So I joined an online support group for early gifters (not really :)
I have been doing much better so far this year I believe. So far I've only given our three presents. Hmmmm. That might not be better. But I'm trying!
The gift that told me that I'm doing the right thing was something that even surprised me. When I see peoples' faces when they see this gift it just sums up all the reasons why I'd rather give than get.
As soon as it came to the door, I knew I needed to give this to Barb right away. I plopped on my recliner with this HUGE thing on my lap - smiling from ear to ear. I waited for her to come back down the steps and when she saw what I had on my lap her chin dropped to the floor and she broke out in one of those uncontrollable "giggle smiles."
It was the biggest box of chocolate either of us had ever seen! It was 2.8-pounds worth in a GIGANTIC box. I took a couple pictures with it sitting on Barb's lap. I'll try to post one tomorrow.
So far, everyone has agreed, Barb's Mom, Alyssa, Charlie, it is the biggest box of chocolate anyone has seen.
Each time someone has dropped by they've been shocked by its massiveness. We think there are at least three layers of assorted chocolates, but there may be more.
I've enjoyed the expression on every face that has seen it for the first time. It's so much more rewarding to give than to get.
Wait, wait, wait, I'm starting to feel like giving out another early gift. OK Jim, take a deep breath, easy now big fellow...
I am an early gifter.
I can't help it. It brings me joy. I love giving. Getting? Well there really is no comparison, I'd rather give than get - anyday.
I'd make a terrible rich person. I find no joy in just hording money. I just don't. I feel responsible to ensure that myself and my loved ones are taken care of. But giving is just always more rewarding to me.
Last year beginning in the first week of December, I started handing out presents. Oh, I saved some for Christmas morning. But I was "early gifting" with a pretty robust nature.
One thing I heard a lot was "Ooooo, that's so nice. Thank you. NOW STOP GIVING EVERYTHING OUT EARLY!"
So I joined an online support group for early gifters (not really :)
I have been doing much better so far this year I believe. So far I've only given our three presents. Hmmmm. That might not be better. But I'm trying!
The gift that told me that I'm doing the right thing was something that even surprised me. When I see peoples' faces when they see this gift it just sums up all the reasons why I'd rather give than get.
As soon as it came to the door, I knew I needed to give this to Barb right away. I plopped on my recliner with this HUGE thing on my lap - smiling from ear to ear. I waited for her to come back down the steps and when she saw what I had on my lap her chin dropped to the floor and she broke out in one of those uncontrollable "giggle smiles."
It was the biggest box of chocolate either of us had ever seen! It was 2.8-pounds worth in a GIGANTIC box. I took a couple pictures with it sitting on Barb's lap. I'll try to post one tomorrow.
So far, everyone has agreed, Barb's Mom, Alyssa, Charlie, it is the biggest box of chocolate anyone has seen.
Each time someone has dropped by they've been shocked by its massiveness. We think there are at least three layers of assorted chocolates, but there may be more.
I've enjoyed the expression on every face that has seen it for the first time. It's so much more rewarding to give than to get.
Wait, wait, wait, I'm starting to feel like giving out another early gift. OK Jim, take a deep breath, easy now big fellow...
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Back and Blogging
I woke up yesterday and there were weird lights bouncing all over the bedroom, coming from the TV. At first I thought I was somehow in the movie "Poltergiest."
But I quickly shook that thought off, pinched myself to make sure I wasn't still alseep, and wondered downstairs.
First thing in the morning, every day, I make my wife a pot of coffee and feed Freckles. The day starts off at its best when the coffee maker can be pulled squeaky clean from the dishwaser and I don't have to clean it up while I'm still half-a-sleep. Also I like to see Freckles dish empty or nearly empty just to see that he's eating well.
Well Friday morning the coffee maker was sitting on the counter with yesterday's coffee and grounds, plus Freckles had gotten sick in three different places in the kitchen.
He's OK. It just looked like he ate a little too much. Or perhaps he ate another spider. Yes, a spider, I've caught him snackin' on a couple over time.
So it wasn't my favorite start to a day on Friday. But I set up Barbie with her coffee. I set up Freckles with his food and water. And I hit my recliner with a glass of ice water in hand.
I turned on the TV and there it was, poltergiest again. I checked a few channels, flicked around, and it wasn't right all over. I checked the internet and at best I had a real shaky connection. I checked the phone and we had no dial tone, and then we did, and then we didn't.
No biggie, I thought to myself, we can live Amish for awhile. I don't mind that at all.
Barb called Comcast she woke up and got a cup of coffee in her. After she waited about 30-minutes to talk to a live person that person told her they'd be out to look at it somewhere between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. That's not too bad, I used to remember when they would tell me anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
About 9:30 a.m. things around the house started working again. Evidently the strong winds we had the night before knocked something a little loose and more people than just us were experiencing "data loss" and "service interruption."
But I was already into my daily schedule of activities and the time I usually set aside to try to blog something intelligent (or silly) had passed. So, sorry I couldn't update on Thursday's visit with my oncologist.
I thought this would be a fairly predictable meeting, and for once it actually was.
The doctor had no problems with my "drug holiday" from Interferon. Well actually he was the one who originally suggested it. Being away from Interferon has definitely made me feel better, slowly and surely better. He also suggested that we consider going back to Interferon on a lower dosage, either half a dose three times a week, or a full dose once a week.
Barb and I had already discussed this and we're going to go back to the Interferon once a week for a full dose. The doctor added that consistency wasn't in taking this drug wasn't as important as it is with typical chemo. So if I wanted to just take off again over Christmas week, that would be fine.
He gave me a full physical exam as he always does. He said I checked out good. He didn't see any problems. All of my blood tests were strong, and one result was even up a little. He said that he thought at the least that I was "stable."
So I'm still dealing with some pains, but they all seem to keep getting consistently better. Next week we'll start the lower dosage of Interferon and we'll see where things go from there. It's always an adventure!
Thanks for all the continued love and support. Believe me, I feel it!
I always thought that there were some pretty messed up people in this world (after all that's what we see on the news everyday). But my sickness has taught me that there are much, much, much more wonderful people in this world. Thank you!
But I quickly shook that thought off, pinched myself to make sure I wasn't still alseep, and wondered downstairs.
First thing in the morning, every day, I make my wife a pot of coffee and feed Freckles. The day starts off at its best when the coffee maker can be pulled squeaky clean from the dishwaser and I don't have to clean it up while I'm still half-a-sleep. Also I like to see Freckles dish empty or nearly empty just to see that he's eating well.
Well Friday morning the coffee maker was sitting on the counter with yesterday's coffee and grounds, plus Freckles had gotten sick in three different places in the kitchen.
He's OK. It just looked like he ate a little too much. Or perhaps he ate another spider. Yes, a spider, I've caught him snackin' on a couple over time.
So it wasn't my favorite start to a day on Friday. But I set up Barbie with her coffee. I set up Freckles with his food and water. And I hit my recliner with a glass of ice water in hand.
I turned on the TV and there it was, poltergiest again. I checked a few channels, flicked around, and it wasn't right all over. I checked the internet and at best I had a real shaky connection. I checked the phone and we had no dial tone, and then we did, and then we didn't.
No biggie, I thought to myself, we can live Amish for awhile. I don't mind that at all.
Barb called Comcast she woke up and got a cup of coffee in her. After she waited about 30-minutes to talk to a live person that person told her they'd be out to look at it somewhere between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. That's not too bad, I used to remember when they would tell me anytime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
About 9:30 a.m. things around the house started working again. Evidently the strong winds we had the night before knocked something a little loose and more people than just us were experiencing "data loss" and "service interruption."
But I was already into my daily schedule of activities and the time I usually set aside to try to blog something intelligent (or silly) had passed. So, sorry I couldn't update on Thursday's visit with my oncologist.
I thought this would be a fairly predictable meeting, and for once it actually was.
The doctor had no problems with my "drug holiday" from Interferon. Well actually he was the one who originally suggested it. Being away from Interferon has definitely made me feel better, slowly and surely better. He also suggested that we consider going back to Interferon on a lower dosage, either half a dose three times a week, or a full dose once a week.
Barb and I had already discussed this and we're going to go back to the Interferon once a week for a full dose. The doctor added that consistency wasn't in taking this drug wasn't as important as it is with typical chemo. So if I wanted to just take off again over Christmas week, that would be fine.
He gave me a full physical exam as he always does. He said I checked out good. He didn't see any problems. All of my blood tests were strong, and one result was even up a little. He said that he thought at the least that I was "stable."
So I'm still dealing with some pains, but they all seem to keep getting consistently better. Next week we'll start the lower dosage of Interferon and we'll see where things go from there. It's always an adventure!
Thanks for all the continued love and support. Believe me, I feel it!
I always thought that there were some pretty messed up people in this world (after all that's what we see on the news everyday). But my sickness has taught me that there are much, much, much more wonderful people in this world. Thank you!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Going to See the Doc
I always try to get my act together before I go to see the oncologist. He is a very sharp, intelligent guy, so I feel like I have to prepare to meet him so I can get the most out of the meeting.
I think today's meeting will be fairly predictable. But then I almost always feel that way and there always seems to be a surprise.
Today there isn't any scans to review or discuss. Todays meeting will mainly be about drugs and chemo.
As always he'll come into the treatment room, shake our hands, and ask us how we're doing (Barb will be with me). He'll sit down, open up my chart, pull his pen from his pocket and ask me what I would like to talk about today.
Well, I'm going to tell him about the "drug holiday" I took, then I'm going to tell him that I'm ready to start taking the nasty Interferon drug again.
I'll ask him when he's planning on doing a scan again to see what, if anything the Interferon might have done. Then based on the results of that scan I wish to talk to him about whether he would consider prescribing a new kidney cancer drug.
I'm going to mention that I have had some pain.
And that I'd like to discuss overall general health.
Then he'll take off from there. He usually brings up something I never expected. He always gives me a solid physical exam.
The "drug holiday" was originally his idea when he learned how rough the Interferon had been on me. I've taken a lot of harsh drugs over the past three-and-a-half years. Nothing was like this though.
I've been off the Interferon for about two-weeks and much has improved.
I know the doc has this strict three-month time frame he prefers to adhere to between scans. I'm anxious to see what this nasty Interferon has done. But I'm willing to wait until what we expect to be early December for the next scan.
As far as pain goes, the harshest and strangest pain I have right now is in my left calf. It's had me hobbling around at times. But it's odd. It's constantly in the same part of my calf, but it moves around from side to side to back. I'm really hoping he might know something about that.
I have this weird suspicion that it might be from the La-Z-Boy, as strange as that may sound. During the bad, bad, bad Interferon days I was pretty much planted on the recliner. Being so tall, my legs hang out over the end of the recliner. The last place my body touches the recliner is right where the pain is in my calf? I don't know.
Barb and I have a pretty strong idea of how things will go today. We'll discuss getting back on the Interferon, one full dose a week, rather than three full doses. We'll discuss the left calf and maybe decide to do a much more affordable x-ray. And we're hoping he will bless the new cancer drug just approved by the FDA if Interferon proves not to be working.
Wish us luck...
I think today's meeting will be fairly predictable. But then I almost always feel that way and there always seems to be a surprise.
Today there isn't any scans to review or discuss. Todays meeting will mainly be about drugs and chemo.
As always he'll come into the treatment room, shake our hands, and ask us how we're doing (Barb will be with me). He'll sit down, open up my chart, pull his pen from his pocket and ask me what I would like to talk about today.
Well, I'm going to tell him about the "drug holiday" I took, then I'm going to tell him that I'm ready to start taking the nasty Interferon drug again.
I'll ask him when he's planning on doing a scan again to see what, if anything the Interferon might have done. Then based on the results of that scan I wish to talk to him about whether he would consider prescribing a new kidney cancer drug.
I'm going to mention that I have had some pain.
And that I'd like to discuss overall general health.
Then he'll take off from there. He usually brings up something I never expected. He always gives me a solid physical exam.
The "drug holiday" was originally his idea when he learned how rough the Interferon had been on me. I've taken a lot of harsh drugs over the past three-and-a-half years. Nothing was like this though.
I've been off the Interferon for about two-weeks and much has improved.
I know the doc has this strict three-month time frame he prefers to adhere to between scans. I'm anxious to see what this nasty Interferon has done. But I'm willing to wait until what we expect to be early December for the next scan.
As far as pain goes, the harshest and strangest pain I have right now is in my left calf. It's had me hobbling around at times. But it's odd. It's constantly in the same part of my calf, but it moves around from side to side to back. I'm really hoping he might know something about that.
I have this weird suspicion that it might be from the La-Z-Boy, as strange as that may sound. During the bad, bad, bad Interferon days I was pretty much planted on the recliner. Being so tall, my legs hang out over the end of the recliner. The last place my body touches the recliner is right where the pain is in my calf? I don't know.
Barb and I have a pretty strong idea of how things will go today. We'll discuss getting back on the Interferon, one full dose a week, rather than three full doses. We'll discuss the left calf and maybe decide to do a much more affordable x-ray. And we're hoping he will bless the new cancer drug just approved by the FDA if Interferon proves not to be working.
Wish us luck...
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Present and Past
To all of those who haven't even begun buying presents for Christmas, I am sorry. I am truly sorry. I know how you feel.
But I just finished all of my shopping this morning. DONE!
I used to be really terrible at this stuff. Being in a mall on the day before Christmas, fighting the crowds, mainly other single young men.
I remember one-year the mall was so full I just went to the emptiest place and bought an $80 wallet for my Dad, which was way overpriced and he didn't like it since he broke in his existing wallet perfectly over the past 20-years. It was already formed to the shape of his butt perfectly.
But at least I got away from the zoo and was covered on my presents.
I'm somewhat known for giving zulu masks from Africa, or something fairly original. I'm just bad at this stuff.
But two things have come along through the years to take me from a miserable Santa Claus to a respectable one - first the internet, and then Barb.
The internet became amazing. I could shop from my recliner! No traffic jams to fight through, no crowds, no crazy people - I became one of the earliest shoppers on the internet. With the ability to relax and browse without a kid barfing on my shoe made a huge difference to me.
The second thing that made me a stronger shopper was Barb. She's added so much to my life in so many way.
Like yesterday she asked me if I knew how much I've spent on Christmas.
Hmmm. It's a good question. "I don't know exactly," I replied.
I got "the face," but with a chuckle at the end.
"Do you know what's in your checkbook?" she added.
Laughing, I said, "I don't have any idea."
She straightened me out from there. I know everything now.
Barb offers me organization, structure. My shopping wouldn't be done this early without her. And I know exactly what I have in my checkbook too. Woohoo!
Oops. Sorry to all you guys who haven't started yet.
But I just finished all of my shopping this morning. DONE!
I used to be really terrible at this stuff. Being in a mall on the day before Christmas, fighting the crowds, mainly other single young men.
I remember one-year the mall was so full I just went to the emptiest place and bought an $80 wallet for my Dad, which was way overpriced and he didn't like it since he broke in his existing wallet perfectly over the past 20-years. It was already formed to the shape of his butt perfectly.
But at least I got away from the zoo and was covered on my presents.
I'm somewhat known for giving zulu masks from Africa, or something fairly original. I'm just bad at this stuff.
But two things have come along through the years to take me from a miserable Santa Claus to a respectable one - first the internet, and then Barb.
The internet became amazing. I could shop from my recliner! No traffic jams to fight through, no crowds, no crazy people - I became one of the earliest shoppers on the internet. With the ability to relax and browse without a kid barfing on my shoe made a huge difference to me.
The second thing that made me a stronger shopper was Barb. She's added so much to my life in so many way.
Like yesterday she asked me if I knew how much I've spent on Christmas.
Hmmm. It's a good question. "I don't know exactly," I replied.
I got "the face," but with a chuckle at the end.
"Do you know what's in your checkbook?" she added.
Laughing, I said, "I don't have any idea."
She straightened me out from there. I know everything now.
Barb offers me organization, structure. My shopping wouldn't be done this early without her. And I know exactly what I have in my checkbook too. Woohoo!
Oops. Sorry to all you guys who haven't started yet.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Two Cool Teal Armbands
I had to have some bloodwork done yesterday. I'm in there so often they all know me well.
Barb joined me, which I always greatly appreciate. We had to pick up a 20-pound bag of food for Freckles. Whew! I think we could get 20-pounds of ground beef for less. For a cat that sleeps around and has a bad reputation, he sure is one spoiled cat.
I've worked out a gameplan over the years to get my bloodwork done as quickly as possible. I need to go around 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. In the early morning there are many people seeking bloodwork before they go to work. Around lunch time there are many people trying to get their bloodwork done during their lunch break, and worse yet the nurses start rotating into their lunch breaks so it can get pretty backed up. Mid-morning is the best time I've concluded, and yesterday things did go pretty fast.
When we're waiting Barb and I do crossword puzzles. We purposely get pretty easy crosswords to make us feel smart. (smile) We had gotten through about half a crossword when I was called back.
A young African-American gal welcomed me and introduced herself. She was a new nurse at the center. I hadn't met her before.
She introduced herself and asked me if I would mind her taking my blood because she is a student.
I didn't mind. If this was surgery I'm sure I would have protested. But this is just a needle in a vein and a little of my blood in a vile. I'm all for helping learning of any kind.
She studied my left arm hard, found a spot she liked and rubbed it with alcohol. She got her stuff together and went for it. I noticed one of the experienced nurses come over to look over her shoulder.
I've done this so many times I can almost always tell when someone got the vein, and when someone missed. She missed. She started digging around a little bit. That never works, either you hit it or you don't.
The experienced nurse offered to step-in and help. She recommended pulling the needle back out, saying that the vein was "blown out."
The student nurse looked sad, disappointed in herself. I tried to console her.
I told her that I remember when the nurse who stepped in to help just started and she missed more than hit. She was terrible. Now she's a pro. She's a rockstar! She is so smooth and gets me everytime on the first try and I often don't feel a thing. I told the student nurse to hang in there, keep practicing, let her know that she'll get it. I tried to reassure her.
The experienced nurse switched over to my right arm, and as expected was a real pro about it, smooth, in and out, barely felt a thing. I used to tell Barb about her and how bad she was. She would leave bruises all over my arms until she would finally get me. Now she never misses. She never even leaves a mark.
She fixed me up with a little gauze and this funky, flexible teal colored tape. We exchanged small talk.
I said, "If I don't see you before I hope you have great holidays."
She quickly turned and said "I hope you have a Merry Christmas."
I smiled and added "I hope you have a Merry Christmas too!" I knew she was a gal of strong Christian faith. We had discussed it before. She obviously didn't want anything to do with a politically correct holiday. She wanted a day to remember the birth of God's son, our savior. That works for me.
I took a look at my teal armbands wrapped around both my arms, around the elbow. They were a little tight, but looked kind of cool. I felt like I was the third-string quarterback for the Miami Dolphins or something.
I dressed back up in my 12-layers of clothing (I do not like this cold weather). Then I pulled Barb away from the crossword puzzle and we jumped in the FJ and drove back home.
Two seconds in the door I asked Barb to cut off my teal armbands which she kindly did.
Barb joined me, which I always greatly appreciate. We had to pick up a 20-pound bag of food for Freckles. Whew! I think we could get 20-pounds of ground beef for less. For a cat that sleeps around and has a bad reputation, he sure is one spoiled cat.
I've worked out a gameplan over the years to get my bloodwork done as quickly as possible. I need to go around 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. In the early morning there are many people seeking bloodwork before they go to work. Around lunch time there are many people trying to get their bloodwork done during their lunch break, and worse yet the nurses start rotating into their lunch breaks so it can get pretty backed up. Mid-morning is the best time I've concluded, and yesterday things did go pretty fast.
When we're waiting Barb and I do crossword puzzles. We purposely get pretty easy crosswords to make us feel smart. (smile) We had gotten through about half a crossword when I was called back.
A young African-American gal welcomed me and introduced herself. She was a new nurse at the center. I hadn't met her before.
She introduced herself and asked me if I would mind her taking my blood because she is a student.
I didn't mind. If this was surgery I'm sure I would have protested. But this is just a needle in a vein and a little of my blood in a vile. I'm all for helping learning of any kind.
She studied my left arm hard, found a spot she liked and rubbed it with alcohol. She got her stuff together and went for it. I noticed one of the experienced nurses come over to look over her shoulder.
I've done this so many times I can almost always tell when someone got the vein, and when someone missed. She missed. She started digging around a little bit. That never works, either you hit it or you don't.
The experienced nurse offered to step-in and help. She recommended pulling the needle back out, saying that the vein was "blown out."
The student nurse looked sad, disappointed in herself. I tried to console her.
I told her that I remember when the nurse who stepped in to help just started and she missed more than hit. She was terrible. Now she's a pro. She's a rockstar! She is so smooth and gets me everytime on the first try and I often don't feel a thing. I told the student nurse to hang in there, keep practicing, let her know that she'll get it. I tried to reassure her.
The experienced nurse switched over to my right arm, and as expected was a real pro about it, smooth, in and out, barely felt a thing. I used to tell Barb about her and how bad she was. She would leave bruises all over my arms until she would finally get me. Now she never misses. She never even leaves a mark.
She fixed me up with a little gauze and this funky, flexible teal colored tape. We exchanged small talk.
I said, "If I don't see you before I hope you have great holidays."
She quickly turned and said "I hope you have a Merry Christmas."
I smiled and added "I hope you have a Merry Christmas too!" I knew she was a gal of strong Christian faith. We had discussed it before. She obviously didn't want anything to do with a politically correct holiday. She wanted a day to remember the birth of God's son, our savior. That works for me.
I took a look at my teal armbands wrapped around both my arms, around the elbow. They were a little tight, but looked kind of cool. I felt like I was the third-string quarterback for the Miami Dolphins or something.
I dressed back up in my 12-layers of clothing (I do not like this cold weather). Then I pulled Barb away from the crossword puzzle and we jumped in the FJ and drove back home.
Two seconds in the door I asked Barb to cut off my teal armbands which she kindly did.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Life of a Sneaker
When I was in high school I would not wear anything but the Nike sneaker to play basketball. It was the best sneaker around. There was a great story behind the company. I supported them fully. Before every season I asked my Mom a new pair of Nikes. It wasn't a problem then, they didn't cost $100 a pair. Actually I think they were around $20 a pair.
Nike had an interesting history. Started by two friends in Beaverton, Oregon, they first imported and resold sneakers made in Japan. Then one of the young partners poured melted rubber into a waffle iron and invented the first Nike sneaker.
I thought it was interesting to learn that the owners of Nike paid a local grahic artist $35 to a student at Portland State University to design the "swoosh" logo. Years later, after experiencing much success they through a luncheon in her honor and presented her with an unknown amount of company stock.
I liked the idea of an American sneaker on my foot. I was definitely a loyal customer.
But things went downhill.
A buzz developed around the Oregon factory that the workers were planning on starting a union.
The Nike owners immediately started a plant in South Korea and closed down the Oregon plant as soon as the new one was ready.
Then a few years later the government of South Korea passed a law allowing workers to form unions. Nike didn't wait for that to happen. They built a factory in some third-world location. I think it was Indonesia, and they moved again.
Now I always pronounced Nike exactly as it is spelled. I mean after all, how do you pronounce "bike." You don't say "bikey" do you?
Nike discovered fame and popularity, and they discovered sponsorhip, giving famous atheletes millions to promote their brand. It wasn't about the quality of the product anymore. It was now about branding, marketing, and making millions and millions.
I was gone. The only sneaker I would once buy was now the last sneaker on Earth that I would touch.
I think I did have a warning as a senior in high school that I should have paid more attention to.
We had a HUGE basketball playoff game at Lebanon High School. I forgot my sneakers. Someone was given a key to our house and sent running to Myerstown to try to retrieve my Nike sneakers. In the meantime the school had dug up a pair of high-top, canvas, Converse All-Stars. You know, at that time it was a very old-fashion style sneaker.
I played in the canvas sneakers. I had one of my best games of the season.
I should have known then. It was a sign. (smile)
Nike had an interesting history. Started by two friends in Beaverton, Oregon, they first imported and resold sneakers made in Japan. Then one of the young partners poured melted rubber into a waffle iron and invented the first Nike sneaker.
I thought it was interesting to learn that the owners of Nike paid a local grahic artist $35 to a student at Portland State University to design the "swoosh" logo. Years later, after experiencing much success they through a luncheon in her honor and presented her with an unknown amount of company stock.
I liked the idea of an American sneaker on my foot. I was definitely a loyal customer.
But things went downhill.
A buzz developed around the Oregon factory that the workers were planning on starting a union.
The Nike owners immediately started a plant in South Korea and closed down the Oregon plant as soon as the new one was ready.
Then a few years later the government of South Korea passed a law allowing workers to form unions. Nike didn't wait for that to happen. They built a factory in some third-world location. I think it was Indonesia, and they moved again.
Now I always pronounced Nike exactly as it is spelled. I mean after all, how do you pronounce "bike." You don't say "bikey" do you?
Nike discovered fame and popularity, and they discovered sponsorhip, giving famous atheletes millions to promote their brand. It wasn't about the quality of the product anymore. It was now about branding, marketing, and making millions and millions.
I was gone. The only sneaker I would once buy was now the last sneaker on Earth that I would touch.
I think I did have a warning as a senior in high school that I should have paid more attention to.
We had a HUGE basketball playoff game at Lebanon High School. I forgot my sneakers. Someone was given a key to our house and sent running to Myerstown to try to retrieve my Nike sneakers. In the meantime the school had dug up a pair of high-top, canvas, Converse All-Stars. You know, at that time it was a very old-fashion style sneaker.
I played in the canvas sneakers. I had one of my best games of the season.
I should have known then. It was a sign. (smile)
Friday, December 4, 2009
The Christmas Ladder
(I have blogged about this previously - but for those who may have missed it...)
Many, many years ago my cousin and I stopped in to visit a friend. He was an eccentric genius. He was one of the smartest guys I ever met. But he was very anti-social and often kept to himself.
He did have a roommate, a ferret. I would sit on his couch watching my ankles, waiting for the long, skinny rat to shoot out and take a bite out of me. It never happened. I would just see a little shadow sprinting from one hiding place to another.
It was a couple weeks before Christmas and my friend had a tree with lights up in his living room. Well, it wasn't exactly a tree. It was shaped like a tree. It looked like a tree, especially in darker conditions when the tree was lit. But it wasn't a tree. It was a step ladder.
What?
Of course I had to ask, "What's with the ladder?"
He explained to me how he came to this idea. It was shaped just like a tree. He would not have to spend money on a tree that would drag needles all over his place. He would not have to water it every morning. He would not have to kill a tree and could feel eco-friendly about his choice.
I thought it was strangely genius.
Soon I had my own Christmas Ladder. I had an old woooden step ladder that was my Grandfather's. It was beat-up, had paint all over it, and really was safe to use in a traditional sense. But it had a lot of sentimental value to me.
I bought some lights and a couple ornaments and soon the first Christmas Ladder was proudly in place.
It became a tradition. In over 20-years I have never failed to set-up the Christmas ladder.
When Barb and Alyssa became part of my life I introduced Alyssa to my Christmas ladder upon our first holiday season together. She didn't seem to appreciate the tradition quite as much as me.
In fact Alyssa called her grandma to tell her that this guy was nuts. He was stringing lights on a ladder and didn't seem to have any plans to get a tree.
But I wouldn't let a Christmas go by for Alyssa without a real tree. I was just playing with her. Oh the Christmas Ladder was still displayed proudly. But I went out and bought a real tree as well. She sighed with relief. As long as Alyssa lived with us we always put up a real tree and a Christmas Ladder.
After we moved to Marietta I woke up Alyssa pretty early one morning. I told her that we were going to have the Christmas Ladder lighting ceremony and would like her to do the honors. With sleepy eyes she looked at me with a crooked smile. She plugged in the lights. Barb and I oooohed and awwwwwed with delight.
Alyssa looked at me. She laughed. She went back to bed.
This year Barb didn't really feel like going out and getting a real tree. We do have plenty on our plate right now. I thought about it. I was in the mood to get the Christmas mood in the house. But then I asked Barb, "Why don't we just do the ladder? That's all I ever did anyway until I met Alyssa."
Barb agreed. The Christmas Ladder was positioned and strung with lights yesterday. I love it!
Many, many years ago my cousin and I stopped in to visit a friend. He was an eccentric genius. He was one of the smartest guys I ever met. But he was very anti-social and often kept to himself.
He did have a roommate, a ferret. I would sit on his couch watching my ankles, waiting for the long, skinny rat to shoot out and take a bite out of me. It never happened. I would just see a little shadow sprinting from one hiding place to another.
It was a couple weeks before Christmas and my friend had a tree with lights up in his living room. Well, it wasn't exactly a tree. It was shaped like a tree. It looked like a tree, especially in darker conditions when the tree was lit. But it wasn't a tree. It was a step ladder.
What?
Of course I had to ask, "What's with the ladder?"
He explained to me how he came to this idea. It was shaped just like a tree. He would not have to spend money on a tree that would drag needles all over his place. He would not have to water it every morning. He would not have to kill a tree and could feel eco-friendly about his choice.
I thought it was strangely genius.
Soon I had my own Christmas Ladder. I had an old woooden step ladder that was my Grandfather's. It was beat-up, had paint all over it, and really was safe to use in a traditional sense. But it had a lot of sentimental value to me.
I bought some lights and a couple ornaments and soon the first Christmas Ladder was proudly in place.
It became a tradition. In over 20-years I have never failed to set-up the Christmas ladder.
When Barb and Alyssa became part of my life I introduced Alyssa to my Christmas ladder upon our first holiday season together. She didn't seem to appreciate the tradition quite as much as me.
In fact Alyssa called her grandma to tell her that this guy was nuts. He was stringing lights on a ladder and didn't seem to have any plans to get a tree.
But I wouldn't let a Christmas go by for Alyssa without a real tree. I was just playing with her. Oh the Christmas Ladder was still displayed proudly. But I went out and bought a real tree as well. She sighed with relief. As long as Alyssa lived with us we always put up a real tree and a Christmas Ladder.
After we moved to Marietta I woke up Alyssa pretty early one morning. I told her that we were going to have the Christmas Ladder lighting ceremony and would like her to do the honors. With sleepy eyes she looked at me with a crooked smile. She plugged in the lights. Barb and I oooohed and awwwwwed with delight.
Alyssa looked at me. She laughed. She went back to bed.
This year Barb didn't really feel like going out and getting a real tree. We do have plenty on our plate right now. I thought about it. I was in the mood to get the Christmas mood in the house. But then I asked Barb, "Why don't we just do the ladder? That's all I ever did anyway until I met Alyssa."
Barb agreed. The Christmas Ladder was positioned and strung with lights yesterday. I love it!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Big Business
Who would have ever thought that we'd see a union vote for a contract that lowered wages and promised cutting up to 1,000-jobs?
That's what happened at Harley-Davidson of York yesterday. Harley threatened to move the plant to Kentucky unless they got what they wanted. I think they're still waiting for funding from the state to help convince them to stay too.
When I worked for a large local printer they wanted to build a plant in Northern New Jersey to attract more New York business. But once they learned of the real estate and construction costs in Northern Jersey they dropped the idea.
Until someone came up with an idea to fool the state government. Word would be let loose that they were planning on building in North Jersey and taking hundreds of jobs with them, even though they had given up on North Jersey completely.
The state trying to save jobs lined the printer's pockets with funding if they would build locally. They did. The building is barely used. What a scam.
Is there a similar situation going on now with Harley? We know they threatened to leave. But who knows if that was serious or just a threat? The state was eager to find funds to keep them here. The union was eager to conceed much to keep them here. Would it actually be cheaper to build a brand new plant in another state rather than retrofitting the existing plant here? Perhaps.
I don't like being so suspicious. But I've really seen too much to be anything but. Let's face it...can you really have nine cars all individually worth around $100,000, and an indoor basketball court, if you're living an honest life?
I'll always remember boating out a "creek" to the Chesapeake Bay with my Uncle. He caught me staring at this mansion on the water. It was HUGE! It had three-garages on the water for extravagant boats.
He said, "Jim, let me tell you. You can't get all of that and live an honest life. Trust me. I tried."
That's what happened at Harley-Davidson of York yesterday. Harley threatened to move the plant to Kentucky unless they got what they wanted. I think they're still waiting for funding from the state to help convince them to stay too.
When I worked for a large local printer they wanted to build a plant in Northern New Jersey to attract more New York business. But once they learned of the real estate and construction costs in Northern Jersey they dropped the idea.
Until someone came up with an idea to fool the state government. Word would be let loose that they were planning on building in North Jersey and taking hundreds of jobs with them, even though they had given up on North Jersey completely.
The state trying to save jobs lined the printer's pockets with funding if they would build locally. They did. The building is barely used. What a scam.
Is there a similar situation going on now with Harley? We know they threatened to leave. But who knows if that was serious or just a threat? The state was eager to find funds to keep them here. The union was eager to conceed much to keep them here. Would it actually be cheaper to build a brand new plant in another state rather than retrofitting the existing plant here? Perhaps.
I don't like being so suspicious. But I've really seen too much to be anything but. Let's face it...can you really have nine cars all individually worth around $100,000, and an indoor basketball court, if you're living an honest life?
I'll always remember boating out a "creek" to the Chesapeake Bay with my Uncle. He caught me staring at this mansion on the water. It was HUGE! It had three-garages on the water for extravagant boats.
He said, "Jim, let me tell you. You can't get all of that and live an honest life. Trust me. I tried."
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
No News is Good News
Woohoo! I didn't receive news yesterday that anyone had to head to any medical facility to meet with any nurses or doctors. That's a nice change of pace.
I've been feeling a little bit stronger each and every day. There's still a long way to go. But at least I'm heading in the right direction.
The girls (Barb, Alyssa, Susan and Debbie) are getting together today to run around and do a little shopping. Barb keeps asking me if I'm OK with that. I'm great with that!
I needed a "drug holiday," and I'm certain that Barb could use a "Jim holiday." Actually I think it will give Barb great joy to be able to hang out with the girls in the family for a bit. They're quite a bunch. I'm thrilled that they'll be able to do this, absolutely thrilled.
I am "shopping challenged." I'm probably not doing a good job supporting the local merchants since I order everything (EVERYTHING) on the internet. But shopping just doesn't go well with me.
Perhaps its all the women's clothing stores and departments I was drug through by my Mom when I was growing up. Perhaps it was the fact that I only ever felt I needed jeans and t-shirts to get by. Afterall if I was shopping for a lawn tractor, I don't think I'd really mind that.
Everyone who knows my Mom knows that she has a serious shopping habit. It's no big secret. Everyone knows it. Now that she's retired and has a fixed income her shopping habit has caused me some worry and stress. Can she change? How do you change something that you've been doing for more than 50-years? It can't be easy.
Life is a constant evolution. We might not always be thrilled about those changes. But those changes they will come. I wasn't thrilled about the changes that cancer brought to my life, but the directions I had to take seemed quite obvious to me. I made the most with what I had, no matter the circumstance. Trying to force things against the current was useless. Sitting around in my own pity seemed even more useless. We have to examine how our lives' change and just roll with it, making the appropriate choices to still find happiness in everyday of our lives.
Someone recently told me that I have a "butterflys flying out of my butt attitude." Well that sounds a lot better than bees! lol Especially if the choice is mine!
I've been feeling a little bit stronger each and every day. There's still a long way to go. But at least I'm heading in the right direction.
The girls (Barb, Alyssa, Susan and Debbie) are getting together today to run around and do a little shopping. Barb keeps asking me if I'm OK with that. I'm great with that!
I needed a "drug holiday," and I'm certain that Barb could use a "Jim holiday." Actually I think it will give Barb great joy to be able to hang out with the girls in the family for a bit. They're quite a bunch. I'm thrilled that they'll be able to do this, absolutely thrilled.
I am "shopping challenged." I'm probably not doing a good job supporting the local merchants since I order everything (EVERYTHING) on the internet. But shopping just doesn't go well with me.
Perhaps its all the women's clothing stores and departments I was drug through by my Mom when I was growing up. Perhaps it was the fact that I only ever felt I needed jeans and t-shirts to get by. Afterall if I was shopping for a lawn tractor, I don't think I'd really mind that.
Everyone who knows my Mom knows that she has a serious shopping habit. It's no big secret. Everyone knows it. Now that she's retired and has a fixed income her shopping habit has caused me some worry and stress. Can she change? How do you change something that you've been doing for more than 50-years? It can't be easy.
Life is a constant evolution. We might not always be thrilled about those changes. But those changes they will come. I wasn't thrilled about the changes that cancer brought to my life, but the directions I had to take seemed quite obvious to me. I made the most with what I had, no matter the circumstance. Trying to force things against the current was useless. Sitting around in my own pity seemed even more useless. We have to examine how our lives' change and just roll with it, making the appropriate choices to still find happiness in everyday of our lives.
Someone recently told me that I have a "butterflys flying out of my butt attitude." Well that sounds a lot better than bees! lol Especially if the choice is mine!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Oh Boy
My Mom called yesterday morning. After the fall she took on Thanksgiving her neck had gotten very stiff. Then it began getting very sore - too sore.
So in the middle of the night Sunday she drove herself to the hospital to have things looked at further. She had two fractured vertabrae, both high on the spine near the skull.
They set her up with a hard brace around her neck and some serious pain killers to deal with the serious pain. In four-weeks she's scheduled for a review to see if she can switch to a soft neck brace.
Oh boy! She once told me during a tough spell for my Dad that I had to stay healthy because she could only handle one of us down at a time. She's not taking her own advice!
She was of good spirits yesterday. Perhaps it was the pain killers. I don't know. I do know how bad the pain can be from a spine injury. I do know that she's going to have to do some serious relaxing for many weeks to come to let everything heal. I hope she can sit still. Sitting still isn't always that easy.
Don't worry about things Mom. Just be patient and let things heal.
Without an Interferon injection Friday or Monday I'm starting to feel a little stronger. I understand that it may take a little while to clear this stuff from my system.
I called my oncologist yesterday. It has always impressed me that my oncologist provided me with his cell phone number many months ago. I don't abuse that privilege. I remember telling a nurse once that I'd call the doctor on his cell phone. She looked at me with complete shock and said, "You have his cell phone number?" She had been unsuccessfully trying to get ahold of him.
I thought it was important to let him know my decision to stop the Interferon injections. It was something we had discussed previously so I knew he'd be OK with this, taking a "drug holiday."
He called back in the middle of dinner last night. We don't answer the phone during dinner. He left a message expressing his regret that the drug effects on me were so harsh. He suggested that we could cut the dose in half, or perhaps do a full dose only once a week. I'll have to consider those options, although I think I'm leaning towards the once a week choice. We'll see.
So in the middle of the night Sunday she drove herself to the hospital to have things looked at further. She had two fractured vertabrae, both high on the spine near the skull.
They set her up with a hard brace around her neck and some serious pain killers to deal with the serious pain. In four-weeks she's scheduled for a review to see if she can switch to a soft neck brace.
Oh boy! She once told me during a tough spell for my Dad that I had to stay healthy because she could only handle one of us down at a time. She's not taking her own advice!
She was of good spirits yesterday. Perhaps it was the pain killers. I don't know. I do know how bad the pain can be from a spine injury. I do know that she's going to have to do some serious relaxing for many weeks to come to let everything heal. I hope she can sit still. Sitting still isn't always that easy.
Don't worry about things Mom. Just be patient and let things heal.
Without an Interferon injection Friday or Monday I'm starting to feel a little stronger. I understand that it may take a little while to clear this stuff from my system.
I called my oncologist yesterday. It has always impressed me that my oncologist provided me with his cell phone number many months ago. I don't abuse that privilege. I remember telling a nurse once that I'd call the doctor on his cell phone. She looked at me with complete shock and said, "You have his cell phone number?" She had been unsuccessfully trying to get ahold of him.
I thought it was important to let him know my decision to stop the Interferon injections. It was something we had discussed previously so I knew he'd be OK with this, taking a "drug holiday."
He called back in the middle of dinner last night. We don't answer the phone during dinner. He left a message expressing his regret that the drug effects on me were so harsh. He suggested that we could cut the dose in half, or perhaps do a full dose only once a week. I'll have to consider those options, although I think I'm leaning towards the once a week choice. We'll see.
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