July 31, 2009 — Well it's the end of July and time to get some personal issues in order. Anyone, regardless of age, that has any sort of possessions and family, whether or not it's a spouse, children, siblings, or maybe friends or maybe belongs or supports a charitable organization should have a will. There is plenty of inexpensive software on the market that very easily leads an individual through the process of creating a will that will conform to the laws of the state in which they reside. I would recommend the use of such software if your estate is not complicated with things like trusts, investments, and the like. If that is the case, then an attorney should be consulted in the writing of a will. It could also be important to discuss your will with a tax consultant as estate taxes could create a headache for your beneficiaries if you are not careful. I found this out rather indirectly, but at least I found it out. The Executor you choose for handling your will and estate is very important. It is wise to choose someone you have complete trust in as it is their job to see that the terms of a will are carried out. I am lucky as I have a family member that I trust and have confidence in that has agreed to be my Executor. I know she will do the right thing. Having a basic understanding about the probate laws in your state is important also. Probate is basically the act of filing your will in court and the court then supervising the Executor in seeing that the terms of the will are carried out. I think in some cases you can avoid probate and that I understand could be a good thing. Regardless, it pays to know and probate laws varies from state to state. Well you might say what is the big deal. If you are dead...what does it matter. When I hear that, and I have, I think how very narrow minded and uncaring that person is about their loved ones. Now I am not an attorney, but I do know it is important to have a will.
A Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney work sort of hand-in-hand. A Living Will dictates to a medical entity what is to be done in certain situations if you become medically incapacitated. In other words how far do you want medical personnel to go when intervening on your health issues. A Medical Power of Attorney gives someone your expressed consent to make medical decisions for you should you be unable to do so. Again, it is wise to choose someone that you have complete trust and faith in. Your state may not require documents such as these to be notarized, but that does not necessarily preclude a medical facility or professional from requiring that they be notarized. So, notarize if it is available in your state.
End of Life Instructions (EOLI) could be important. Again, your dead so does it matter? Well yes it does. This could save your loved ones a lot of grief in deciding how to carry out your burial during a very emotional time and your loved ones are grieving. Give'em a break and put together an EOLI. It will help them immensely and ease their pain. Don't forget to choose wisely in who is to carry out these EOLI's and have the document notarized if applicable.
Well there you have it...one layman's take on these issues. Think about all of this...it's what really matters!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Matters of the Heart
July 30, 2009 — I went to see the VA Cardiologist yesterday and I must say it was one of the most thorough consultations I have had...and believe you me I have had a number of those over the last two months. He of course had the results of my nuc stress test and I have previously blogged about that so I will not repeat. He then wanted to know my complete history of vascular, chest, and heart encounters (is that the right word...probably not). I detailed it all for him. He then gave me his opinion that it was fairly certain to him that I have blockage going on in blood flow through the heart and that I need an angiogram to prove or disprove. He carefully detailed what to expect and the fact that the results of this test could dictate immediate action such as in right now. I said hey okay lets get'er done...sign me up! It could take as long as a month before this will be performed and in the meantime he gave me a beta blocker to slow my heart down and nitro in case I have any angina such as I have had twice in the past two months.
But wait, there could be some complications that I need to guard against or so he told me. Because of my aneurysm I need to be concerned about what sort of stint/s would be used if necessary. Seems that a certain type of stint requires long term blood thinner drug therapy and that is not something you want to be doing if you have an aneurysm. There is another type of stint that can be used that only requires on the order of one month of blood thinner therapy. Oh and don't forget to tell them of your other vascular issues...that being my history of DVT's (blood clots) and a blocked popliteal vein in my right leg. Geesh, am I going to remember all of this and even have the chance to tell someone giving me an angiogram about it all. I listened as this Cardiologist dictated a memo for my VA medical chart and it completely covered all that went on and was discussed during the consultation. But leaving nothing to chance, I intend to sit down today at this little ol' computer of mine and get this all on paper. I will them have that in front of me when I go for this test and will not let them start until I have gone over it all with the Dr conducting the test.
Maybe when this is all said and done I will feel better...I hope so! It's what really matters!
But wait, there could be some complications that I need to guard against or so he told me. Because of my aneurysm I need to be concerned about what sort of stint/s would be used if necessary. Seems that a certain type of stint requires long term blood thinner drug therapy and that is not something you want to be doing if you have an aneurysm. There is another type of stint that can be used that only requires on the order of one month of blood thinner therapy. Oh and don't forget to tell them of your other vascular issues...that being my history of DVT's (blood clots) and a blocked popliteal vein in my right leg. Geesh, am I going to remember all of this and even have the chance to tell someone giving me an angiogram about it all. I listened as this Cardiologist dictated a memo for my VA medical chart and it completely covered all that went on and was discussed during the consultation. But leaving nothing to chance, I intend to sit down today at this little ol' computer of mine and get this all on paper. I will them have that in front of me when I go for this test and will not let them start until I have gone over it all with the Dr conducting the test.
Maybe when this is all said and done I will feel better...I hope so! It's what really matters!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Family Reunions
July 29, 2009 — Ah yes, a family reunion. Is it a time for getting together with family members that you see quite often and some you don't often at all and then really enjoy catching up on what is happening in your family. Or, is it a scary time because you may not know most of the people or haven't seen them in eons. I think the former is the case or should be.
My family is planning such an event for July 2010 in our ancestral home in Iowa. For some of those that will be attending, this will be quite a journey distance wise. We last got together in the summer of 2006 and it was the first such occasion. Seems family reunions are not in vogue for some. This reunion was a blast and full of surprises. A few family members are taking upon themselves to plan this event and we get information out to other family members via our family web site, email, and word of mouth. Everyone is encouraged to join in the planning.
July 2010 will be a special time for our family because of this reunion. It will be special in so many ways some of which we will not realize maybe for years, but those of us in attendance will remember. It's as I said before "Families Are Forever." It's what really matters!
My family is planning such an event for July 2010 in our ancestral home in Iowa. For some of those that will be attending, this will be quite a journey distance wise. We last got together in the summer of 2006 and it was the first such occasion. Seems family reunions are not in vogue for some. This reunion was a blast and full of surprises. A few family members are taking upon themselves to plan this event and we get information out to other family members via our family web site, email, and word of mouth. Everyone is encouraged to join in the planning.
July 2010 will be a special time for our family because of this reunion. It will be special in so many ways some of which we will not realize maybe for years, but those of us in attendance will remember. It's as I said before "Families Are Forever." It's what really matters!
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
John Kelso — Humor Columnist
July 28, 2009 — John Kelso is a humor columnist for the Austin American-Statesman. He has been with the paper for I don't know how many years and has lived in South Austin it seems forever. Austin is divided by the Colorado river and what some folks like to call Lady Bird Lake in honor of President Lyndon Johnson's wife Lady Bird Johnson. It use to be known simply as Town Lake. Lake Austin also plays a part in the division of the city. Well if you are from "north of the river" you are considered by some as a yuppie to use a very old term. If you live south of the river you are known as a "bubba." I'm glad to say I am a "Bubba" and so is John Kelso.
Kelso weighs in on anything and everything and almost always puts a humorous spin on it from a Bubba's perspective. Every October when the annual University of Texas and University of Owfullyhoma...er I mean Oklahoma comes around he writes some hilarious stuff about OU. He is also unmerciful on Texas A&M Aggies. He can tell it like it is when it comes to state government and never misses a chance to put some politician in their place. He is also very mindful of the cultural environment of Austin...be it south or north. He never fails to bring out good stuff about the colorful people that call Austin home.
John Kelso has cancer. Yup, the Big "C" of the mouth. He has been going through radiation treatment and apparently it has been helping. In his column today http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/2009/07/28/0728kelso.html he talks about the treatment he has had and the effect on him. He is no doubt a fighter and a good man. I know many in this city read his column religiously the three times a week it appears in the paper. I hope the Big "C" will leave him alone and let him continue to enlighten us with his perspective and his humor. It's what really matters!
Kelso weighs in on anything and everything and almost always puts a humorous spin on it from a Bubba's perspective. Every October when the annual University of Texas and University of Owfullyhoma...er I mean Oklahoma comes around he writes some hilarious stuff about OU. He is also unmerciful on Texas A&M Aggies. He can tell it like it is when it comes to state government and never misses a chance to put some politician in their place. He is also very mindful of the cultural environment of Austin...be it south or north. He never fails to bring out good stuff about the colorful people that call Austin home.
John Kelso has cancer. Yup, the Big "C" of the mouth. He has been going through radiation treatment and apparently it has been helping. In his column today http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/2009/07/28/0728kelso.html he talks about the treatment he has had and the effect on him. He is no doubt a fighter and a good man. I know many in this city read his column religiously the three times a week it appears in the paper. I hope the Big "C" will leave him alone and let him continue to enlighten us with his perspective and his humor. It's what really matters!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Not Much To Write About
July 27, 2009 — It's fairly frustrating I think when you have one of these blogs and you run up against writers block. I am enjoying writing this blog and I do wish more folks would comment on my ramblings, but if for no other reason this serves the purpose of me allowing myself to express what I am feeling at any particular moment and on any subject. That is until I hit the dreaded writers block such as I have today.
Lets see now, I've blogged about my health, my family, my kids, the government, my dog and a whole lot more...oh I almost forgot...I've blogged about this confounded heat wave we are having here in Texas. It's the worst heat and resultant drought that this part of the state has seen since 1952. Come on El Niño!
Oh well sometimes it's probably best to say nothing at all. I'm not very often inclined to do that. And that usually gets me into more trouble then I need.
So, today I'll just make this short and sweet and wish whoever reads this a happy, prosperous, and safe day. It's what really matters!
Lets see now, I've blogged about my health, my family, my kids, the government, my dog and a whole lot more...oh I almost forgot...I've blogged about this confounded heat wave we are having here in Texas. It's the worst heat and resultant drought that this part of the state has seen since 1952. Come on El Niño!
Oh well sometimes it's probably best to say nothing at all. I'm not very often inclined to do that. And that usually gets me into more trouble then I need.
So, today I'll just make this short and sweet and wish whoever reads this a happy, prosperous, and safe day. It's what really matters!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday Mornin' Coming Down
July 26, 2009 — Years ago the singer/songwriter Kris Kristofferson wrote and recorded the song Sunday Morning Coming Down. It's about someone, and with apologies to the female gender, I'll just say its a man that is down on his luck and probably into doing some heavy duty drinking. He wakes up on a Sunday morning with no way to hold his head that doesn't hurt and he pops a beer for breakfast and has one more for dessert. The song goes on to tell about putting on a clean dirty shirt and then going for a walk on a Sunday Morning Sidewalk. This down-and-outer then encounters some sights and smells that bring back many memories and yet a feeling of loneliness. The sights are such of a Daddy playing with his daughter in a park and a kid cussin' at a can that he is kickin'. He stops by a Sunday school and listens to the song the people are singing. The smell is of someone frying chicken. It all takes him back to somethin' he'd lost somehow, somewhere along the way.
He then hears the sound of a bell ringing in the distance. I believe Kristofferson implied this to be a church bell. For this person, the bell echoes through the canyons and the disappearing dreams of yesterday.
This song has been covered by many artist, but probably most popularly by Johnny Cash and/or Ray Price. It has riveting lyrics (which with apology to Kristofferson) I have sort of paraphrased here and it has a haunting melody.
What this song means for me is that I can let myself get lost in life very easily. I can wake up every morning and have my head hurt because I fried it the night before. I can complain and moan about the physical aches and pains I have. Or, I can take a walk on that Sunday Morning Sidewalk and take in all the sights, smells, and sounds and enjoy every minute of it. I can find redemption on that Sunday Morning Sidewalk and my memories can be good and my dreams fulfilled. It's what really matters!
He then hears the sound of a bell ringing in the distance. I believe Kristofferson implied this to be a church bell. For this person, the bell echoes through the canyons and the disappearing dreams of yesterday.
This song has been covered by many artist, but probably most popularly by Johnny Cash and/or Ray Price. It has riveting lyrics (which with apology to Kristofferson) I have sort of paraphrased here and it has a haunting melody.
What this song means for me is that I can let myself get lost in life very easily. I can wake up every morning and have my head hurt because I fried it the night before. I can complain and moan about the physical aches and pains I have. Or, I can take a walk on that Sunday Morning Sidewalk and take in all the sights, smells, and sounds and enjoy every minute of it. I can find redemption on that Sunday Morning Sidewalk and my memories can be good and my dreams fulfilled. It's what really matters!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
More On Gates Issue and Other Matters
July 25, 2009 — I guess I am like the media...I just can't let go of this Gates and so called racial profiling incident that is garnering the majority of the media's attention right now. Here is why:
1) This educated and noted authority on problems of black men in this country continues to use center stage to rage about racial profiling. However, his attorneys are now weighing in and apparently getting him to quiet down so as not to jeopardize any civil action they may choose to take. Good...go ahead and sue and let a court decide if you have been wronged.
2) The white arresting officer has been characterized by his superiors as being an outstanding police officer. Furthermore, black officers he has worked with have recommended that he provide training to his fellow police officers on how to avoid racial profiling incidents and he did so in an apparent outstanding manner. Now this police officer may not have the academic credentials of Mr. Gates. but what he does have is common sense and a devotion to his duty. Mr. Gates needs to pick up a few classes in these areas.
3) The President allegedly spoke with the arresting officer and told him his choice of words in the statements he as made on this issue have not been the best. He didn't apologize to the officer, his police department, and other police departments across this country as he should, he just said his choice of words were not correct. Mr. President are you above apologizing because of your lofted position? If so, then I don't want you as my President!
4) Now the President is inviting both parties to the White House for a little chat. I guess his intention is to teach them both how this should have been handled. Why does he not just let the police do their job? Is this meeting to be like a President Carter, Manchem Begin, and Anwar Sadat get together. Now that was a meeting well worth everyone's time. This proposal by the President is ridiculous and is just adding fuel to the fire. Just apologize for your huge mistake and deal with the health care issue and other things much more important for a person in the office you are in.
Okay, enough of that. I am returning to being active in my VFW Post. I was once the Post Commander, but resigned that position in support of some unfair accusations brought by one particular Post member against my wife. Wanda was working as the Canteen manager at the Post and this particular member took upon himself to accuse her of wrong doing while working. His motive was to get her removed and someone else in the position of his choosing. I as the Post commander had no authority over the firing and hiring of Canteen employees and that is as it should be. However, I felt at the time that I needed to stand by my wife and I would do the same thing again today. What I have been missing in the past five to six years is the opportunity to actively help my fellow veterans. I can forget about the politics that go along with being in a Post administrative position, and believe you me there are many political wranglings that go on in the VFW, and in doing so I can return to what is really important and that is helping others...veterans and their families. I am glad to be back!
The newest member of our family, MollyB, the four-legged blondhaired little Golden Retriever is coming along nicely. She is a very energetic and loving dog. When she was rescued she had the parvo virus and was a very sick puppy. She has been cured of the virus, but its effects ravaged her intestinal system. So slowly she is returning to normal and is getting over a rather sever case of diarrhea. Through all of it she has not lost her spunk and wanting to give and receive love. Next week we are having her spayed, then the following week she will have her last round of puppy shots, and Wanda and I will then officially adopt her. The Gold Ribbon Rescue people have been great and very supportive to her needs. I am now a firm believer in rescue groups such as this one. They really care and give of themselves to care for dogs that desperately need someone. It's what really matters!
1) This educated and noted authority on problems of black men in this country continues to use center stage to rage about racial profiling. However, his attorneys are now weighing in and apparently getting him to quiet down so as not to jeopardize any civil action they may choose to take. Good...go ahead and sue and let a court decide if you have been wronged.
2) The white arresting officer has been characterized by his superiors as being an outstanding police officer. Furthermore, black officers he has worked with have recommended that he provide training to his fellow police officers on how to avoid racial profiling incidents and he did so in an apparent outstanding manner. Now this police officer may not have the academic credentials of Mr. Gates. but what he does have is common sense and a devotion to his duty. Mr. Gates needs to pick up a few classes in these areas.
3) The President allegedly spoke with the arresting officer and told him his choice of words in the statements he as made on this issue have not been the best. He didn't apologize to the officer, his police department, and other police departments across this country as he should, he just said his choice of words were not correct. Mr. President are you above apologizing because of your lofted position? If so, then I don't want you as my President!
4) Now the President is inviting both parties to the White House for a little chat. I guess his intention is to teach them both how this should have been handled. Why does he not just let the police do their job? Is this meeting to be like a President Carter, Manchem Begin, and Anwar Sadat get together. Now that was a meeting well worth everyone's time. This proposal by the President is ridiculous and is just adding fuel to the fire. Just apologize for your huge mistake and deal with the health care issue and other things much more important for a person in the office you are in.
Okay, enough of that. I am returning to being active in my VFW Post. I was once the Post Commander, but resigned that position in support of some unfair accusations brought by one particular Post member against my wife. Wanda was working as the Canteen manager at the Post and this particular member took upon himself to accuse her of wrong doing while working. His motive was to get her removed and someone else in the position of his choosing. I as the Post commander had no authority over the firing and hiring of Canteen employees and that is as it should be. However, I felt at the time that I needed to stand by my wife and I would do the same thing again today. What I have been missing in the past five to six years is the opportunity to actively help my fellow veterans. I can forget about the politics that go along with being in a Post administrative position, and believe you me there are many political wranglings that go on in the VFW, and in doing so I can return to what is really important and that is helping others...veterans and their families. I am glad to be back!
The newest member of our family, MollyB, the four-legged blondhaired little Golden Retriever is coming along nicely. She is a very energetic and loving dog. When she was rescued she had the parvo virus and was a very sick puppy. She has been cured of the virus, but its effects ravaged her intestinal system. So slowly she is returning to normal and is getting over a rather sever case of diarrhea. Through all of it she has not lost her spunk and wanting to give and receive love. Next week we are having her spayed, then the following week she will have her last round of puppy shots, and Wanda and I will then officially adopt her. The Gold Ribbon Rescue people have been great and very supportive to her needs. I am now a firm believer in rescue groups such as this one. They really care and give of themselves to care for dogs that desperately need someone. It's what really matters!
Friday, July 24, 2009
Racial Profiling in America
July 24, 2009 — I am an early riser and I do mean early. I like the quite calm of the early mornings or as people say "the middle of the night." I sit at my computer and like to read through news accounts of the day that are in a number of online media. It then may drive me to the topic I want to discuss in this blog and that has certainly been the case over the last few days.
Henry Louis Gates Jr., and the President of the United States are making a big hullabaloo over Mr. Gates arrest by an officer of the Cambridge, Mass police department. Calling this a case of racial profiling and demanding an apology is what Mr. Gates is doing and asking for. This is coming from supposedly a learned man held in high regard at the university where he teaches. To the President he is a personal friend and a black man like himself.
Now I, and like the President admitted for himself, was not present when this incident occurred, so we only would have the facts to go on as discovered in the course of an investigation. But wait, the President isn't waiting for those facts and is already hollering, as Mr. Gates is doing, that this is a case of racial profiling. What utter nonsense that is! How absurd! This is getting to be another case of a black man in this country finding himself on a world stage and having the opportunity to raise the racial issue between blacks and law enforcement. Is this what an "intelligent" person would do? I think not.
From the accounts that I have read so far, the police officer in question was only doing his job and following his departments procedures. This is backed up by statements of his superior in the Cambridge Police Department. The officer feels he has nothing to apologize for and I believe he is right. Furthermore, police organizations across the country have basically denounced the President's comments on this issue and feel that his statement is going to make it even more difficult for them to do their job especially when confronted and dealing with those persons of color. I would certainly agree with that also.
I know I should not say this, but I am going to anyway...I wonder when the Rev. Jesse Jackson is going to show up and muddle this picture even further. I hope that does not happen. They don't need any help...they are doing a good job of muddling the picture already. Mr. Gates and the President of the United States are already dangerously close to setting back race relations in this country, and this from a man sworn to uphold the Constitution and to serve all people.
The head of the Cambridge Police Department, Commissioner Robert Haas, is going to convene a "a panel of "independent, notable professionals" to provide an analysis of the incident..." and hopefully this panel will disclose a full account of the facts in this case. The facts and the truth are important to say the least. Mr. Gates and the President need to just flat shut up and let the facts in this case speak for themselves. It's what really matters!
Henry Louis Gates Jr., and the President of the United States are making a big hullabaloo over Mr. Gates arrest by an officer of the Cambridge, Mass police department. Calling this a case of racial profiling and demanding an apology is what Mr. Gates is doing and asking for. This is coming from supposedly a learned man held in high regard at the university where he teaches. To the President he is a personal friend and a black man like himself.
Now I, and like the President admitted for himself, was not present when this incident occurred, so we only would have the facts to go on as discovered in the course of an investigation. But wait, the President isn't waiting for those facts and is already hollering, as Mr. Gates is doing, that this is a case of racial profiling. What utter nonsense that is! How absurd! This is getting to be another case of a black man in this country finding himself on a world stage and having the opportunity to raise the racial issue between blacks and law enforcement. Is this what an "intelligent" person would do? I think not.
From the accounts that I have read so far, the police officer in question was only doing his job and following his departments procedures. This is backed up by statements of his superior in the Cambridge Police Department. The officer feels he has nothing to apologize for and I believe he is right. Furthermore, police organizations across the country have basically denounced the President's comments on this issue and feel that his statement is going to make it even more difficult for them to do their job especially when confronted and dealing with those persons of color. I would certainly agree with that also.
I know I should not say this, but I am going to anyway...I wonder when the Rev. Jesse Jackson is going to show up and muddle this picture even further. I hope that does not happen. They don't need any help...they are doing a good job of muddling the picture already. Mr. Gates and the President of the United States are already dangerously close to setting back race relations in this country, and this from a man sworn to uphold the Constitution and to serve all people.
The head of the Cambridge Police Department, Commissioner Robert Haas, is going to convene a "a panel of "independent, notable professionals" to provide an analysis of the incident..." and hopefully this panel will disclose a full account of the facts in this case. The facts and the truth are important to say the least. Mr. Gates and the President need to just flat shut up and let the facts in this case speak for themselves. It's what really matters!
Thursday, July 23, 2009
More On Health Care
July 23, 2009 — Okay now I am getting a bit confused. If you read this article http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32088107/ns/politics-white_house/, the President is leading us to believe that it is the health care crisis that is causing all the problems in our economy. While it is certainly a part of the problem, his play to the public that it is the single biggest cause is terribly misleading and clearly a ploy by him and his administration to push through a health care bill he approves and do so right now. Another problem he has is he is siding with Pelosi about who gets taxed and how to pay for any legislation that might become law. In my opinion, Pelosi does not have a clue either. No I am not confused at all, this President is using his media skills to misguide the American public about the urgency of health care legislation. I really resent this tactic.
When asked by a reporter about the arrest of Henry Louis Gates Jr., his comment was "...police acted stupidly." He should have left it at that because that is what the police did. But no, he had to add "...Now I don't know, not having been there, what role race played in that, the president said..." And then the writer reporting this added...But he added that blacks and Latinos often are stopped by authorities in disproportionate numbers. Police have dropped charges initially lodged against Gates. This seems to me that the President thinks this was a racially motivated incident. He is entitled to his opinion, but as the President I don't think this was the stage to proclaim his belief. Oh well...ride on cowboy!
On another matter, I visited a vascular surgeon yesterday about my infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm known as an AAA. His immediate comment to me was that it was not of a size that we needed to be concerned about. Hmmm... I'm not so sure about that. He said that any surgical intervention now could induce more problems and I agree with that given my history of smoking (and no I still have not quit). There are three major factors that affect an aneurysm: (1) history of aneurysm in immediate family, (2) high blood pressure, and (3) smoking. Numbers 1 and 2 are not an issue with me, but number 3 is. So it's back to the basic issue of changing my life style by giving up smoking. It's a real battle! But it's a battle that I will win and it's what really matters!
When asked by a reporter about the arrest of Henry Louis Gates Jr., his comment was "...police acted stupidly." He should have left it at that because that is what the police did. But no, he had to add "...Now I don't know, not having been there, what role race played in that, the president said..." And then the writer reporting this added...But he added that blacks and Latinos often are stopped by authorities in disproportionate numbers. Police have dropped charges initially lodged against Gates. This seems to me that the President thinks this was a racially motivated incident. He is entitled to his opinion, but as the President I don't think this was the stage to proclaim his belief. Oh well...ride on cowboy!
On another matter, I visited a vascular surgeon yesterday about my infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm known as an AAA. His immediate comment to me was that it was not of a size that we needed to be concerned about. Hmmm... I'm not so sure about that. He said that any surgical intervention now could induce more problems and I agree with that given my history of smoking (and no I still have not quit). There are three major factors that affect an aneurysm: (1) history of aneurysm in immediate family, (2) high blood pressure, and (3) smoking. Numbers 1 and 2 are not an issue with me, but number 3 is. So it's back to the basic issue of changing my life style by giving up smoking. It's a real battle! But it's a battle that I will win and it's what really matters!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Health Care Crisis or Not
July 22, 2009 — If you have been following the news lately you know that there is some heavy duty discussion going on in the Congress and the administration concerning improving the availability of health care in this country. Some good, bad, and really ugly points are being made and considered. Here is what I think:
The Good
■ The creation of a national health care exchange where private companies and a government entity would compete for consumer's business.
■ A subsidy for financially strapped Americans, especially children and the elderly, eligible to buy insurance on the exchange.
■ Elimination of the pre-existing condition. This should be a must in any bill that is passed and made law.
■ Little or no effect on those that get health care coverage through their employer.
■ For those that buy their own coverage on their own, there is a possibility that their premiums would decrease. This is good as long as health care professionals are being paid a fair price for their services.
I'll combine the bad and the ugly.
The Bad and The Ugly
■ Mandating that most individuals be covered or pay a penalty. Now just wait a minute! You mean to tell me that if I do not buy health care coverage on this exchange (assuming I am not covered by an employer) that I will pay some sort of penalty. How utterly ridiculous and socialistic can you get!
■ A tax on the wealthy to help pay for what is going to be an enormous cost. Why in the world do we continue to single out a single segment of our society to pay for something like this. Should someone be penalized just because they may have worked hard and earned a lot of money? I say this is BS.
■ Pres Pajama...er I mean Obama wants something done and passed by the time Congress goes on another recess or vacation or whatever they call it in August. Now that is really smart. Lets take something as volatile as this issue is and rush right through it. Seems he is trying to see that a cure for all our ails are in place before he has spent less than ¾ of a year in office. Somebody needs to reign in this cowboy before he spends us into oblivion...regardless of his plea for us to make sacrifices. I agree with those in Congress that are cautioning and pleading for restraint and that includes some of Paj...er I mean Obama's Democrats.
Whatever the outcome is going to be it is up to us Americans to let our legislators know how we feel before there is an outcome. Whatever is coming I hope it will be fair to all or as fair as it can be. That means to me that it is affordable and truly reaches out to all Americans, that it is fair to the health care professionals that will be doing the caring, and that it does away with that damn pre-existing condition crap. To me it's what really matters!
The Good
■ The creation of a national health care exchange where private companies and a government entity would compete for consumer's business.
■ A subsidy for financially strapped Americans, especially children and the elderly, eligible to buy insurance on the exchange.
■ Elimination of the pre-existing condition. This should be a must in any bill that is passed and made law.
■ Little or no effect on those that get health care coverage through their employer.
■ For those that buy their own coverage on their own, there is a possibility that their premiums would decrease. This is good as long as health care professionals are being paid a fair price for their services.
I'll combine the bad and the ugly.
The Bad and The Ugly
■ Mandating that most individuals be covered or pay a penalty. Now just wait a minute! You mean to tell me that if I do not buy health care coverage on this exchange (assuming I am not covered by an employer) that I will pay some sort of penalty. How utterly ridiculous and socialistic can you get!
■ A tax on the wealthy to help pay for what is going to be an enormous cost. Why in the world do we continue to single out a single segment of our society to pay for something like this. Should someone be penalized just because they may have worked hard and earned a lot of money? I say this is BS.
■ Pres Pajama...er I mean Obama wants something done and passed by the time Congress goes on another recess or vacation or whatever they call it in August. Now that is really smart. Lets take something as volatile as this issue is and rush right through it. Seems he is trying to see that a cure for all our ails are in place before he has spent less than ¾ of a year in office. Somebody needs to reign in this cowboy before he spends us into oblivion...regardless of his plea for us to make sacrifices. I agree with those in Congress that are cautioning and pleading for restraint and that includes some of Paj...er I mean Obama's Democrats.
Whatever the outcome is going to be it is up to us Americans to let our legislators know how we feel before there is an outcome. Whatever is coming I hope it will be fair to all or as fair as it can be. That means to me that it is affordable and truly reaches out to all Americans, that it is fair to the health care professionals that will be doing the caring, and that it does away with that damn pre-existing condition crap. To me it's what really matters!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
My Children
July 21, 2009 — It's time in this blog for me to express what I feel about my children. Not so long ago I was having a discussion about children with one of my brothers as he lay in a bed at a rehab hospital. I don't recall the specifics of the conversation, but one part stands out in my memory and always will. As he talked about his children he stated that they are such "great kids." I don't think I fully understood what those two words meant to him, but I am finding out now what his meaning was.
I have four kids ranging in age from 41 to 19. Not exactly kids are they. While they were all with me two weekends ago, I delighted in the pure joy of having them around and seeing their interaction with each other. The teasing and joking and the stories and the serious discussions. All of it good stuff as my brother would have commented. It has brought back to me just how important they are to me.
My oldest proclaims that I am his hero. That is important to understand and to nurture. He is a dedicated father in his own right after starting out his adult life on shaky ground. He works hard, is God loving, devoted to his wife and his kids. To me he is the personification of a hard working young man doing what is right for himself and his family. I have the deepest respect for him.
Next in line is my daughter. She and I are most alike which probably is the reason we have butted heads the most. A woman with a strong sense of humor and an idea of who she really is and there is little she cannot do. Oh she gets busy with her own life as we all do and sometimes gets a bit self-centered in my opinion, but without a doubt when the chips are down she can be counted on to be there for a family member of a friend. She is very intelligent and strong willed, knows what she wants, and will be successful throughout her life.
Number two son is one who definitely walks to the beat of his own drum. He has been the quiet one of the bunch and never one to ruffle feathers. He is a man of strong faith and belief in God. He pursues his own interest, works hard in the IT industry, and goes about things with a sense of humor about it all. He is a terrific musician...starting out taking care of the sound board for local bands in California. He is a self taught guitarist and can play them all extremely well. He loves his music and also loves to produce. He has a great gift and shares it with everyone.
Bringing up the rear is my 19-yr old. This one is struggling to find his way in the world. He has taken some wrong roads and is now paying the price for those missteps. There are a number of things he has going for himself though. First, he also is very intelligent. Once he sets his mind to something he figures it out and off he goes. Secondly, I know where he comes from. That is not a brag, but a fact! Our family and his Mom's family have strong family ties and as I stated in an earlier blog "families are forever." There is no denying who you are and where you come from. This young one will soon find himself and become a very good man...of this I have no doubt.
So while this serves as a simple description of my children there is so much more about them. I love them dearly and when I reflect on my brothers words about his kids and think about my own I begin to have the understanding that I need. It's what really matters!
I have four kids ranging in age from 41 to 19. Not exactly kids are they. While they were all with me two weekends ago, I delighted in the pure joy of having them around and seeing their interaction with each other. The teasing and joking and the stories and the serious discussions. All of it good stuff as my brother would have commented. It has brought back to me just how important they are to me.
My oldest proclaims that I am his hero. That is important to understand and to nurture. He is a dedicated father in his own right after starting out his adult life on shaky ground. He works hard, is God loving, devoted to his wife and his kids. To me he is the personification of a hard working young man doing what is right for himself and his family. I have the deepest respect for him.
Next in line is my daughter. She and I are most alike which probably is the reason we have butted heads the most. A woman with a strong sense of humor and an idea of who she really is and there is little she cannot do. Oh she gets busy with her own life as we all do and sometimes gets a bit self-centered in my opinion, but without a doubt when the chips are down she can be counted on to be there for a family member of a friend. She is very intelligent and strong willed, knows what she wants, and will be successful throughout her life.
Number two son is one who definitely walks to the beat of his own drum. He has been the quiet one of the bunch and never one to ruffle feathers. He is a man of strong faith and belief in God. He pursues his own interest, works hard in the IT industry, and goes about things with a sense of humor about it all. He is a terrific musician...starting out taking care of the sound board for local bands in California. He is a self taught guitarist and can play them all extremely well. He loves his music and also loves to produce. He has a great gift and shares it with everyone.
Bringing up the rear is my 19-yr old. This one is struggling to find his way in the world. He has taken some wrong roads and is now paying the price for those missteps. There are a number of things he has going for himself though. First, he also is very intelligent. Once he sets his mind to something he figures it out and off he goes. Secondly, I know where he comes from. That is not a brag, but a fact! Our family and his Mom's family have strong family ties and as I stated in an earlier blog "families are forever." There is no denying who you are and where you come from. This young one will soon find himself and become a very good man...of this I have no doubt.
So while this serves as a simple description of my children there is so much more about them. I love them dearly and when I reflect on my brothers words about his kids and think about my own I begin to have the understanding that I need. It's what really matters!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Miss MollyB
July 20, 2009 — MollyB has been having an intestinal upset over the past two days. She was being treated for bacterial diarrhea when Wanda and I got her and I certainly have seen why. I'm not sure what is going on with her, but I contacted the Golden Ribbon Rescue (GRR) folks about her since she is still officially in foster status. They all agreed that a trip to the vet is warranted and we will do that today.
Through it all MollyB has remained perky. We are working on a number of issues with her like not chasing Boots our cat. Boots has gotten over being pissy about the whole situation as we knew he would. He now walks by MollyB quite easily and pays her little attention. He is just a cat that knows what he wants...that being he shows everyone around that he owns the house. We've known all along that if we just basically leave them alone, except for no chasing, the two of them will work things out. That is well on its way to being a reality.
MollyB's other bad habit is jumping up on people she has not been around before. She is very friendly and greets everyone. She gets scolded every time she does the jumping and as smart as she is it will not be long before that will be an issue of the past.
All-in-all we are glad she has come into our family. GRR's rules are that a dog must be in foster care for a minimum of 14 days before they can be adopted. This is so they can be evaluated for temperament, etc. It's a good policy...so we have 10 days or so before we can adopt her. She is really a happy little girl and we are growing an attachment to her. Personally I think she is a great dog. I look forward to having her as my companion and one that depends on me for her care. It's what really matters!
Through it all MollyB has remained perky. We are working on a number of issues with her like not chasing Boots our cat. Boots has gotten over being pissy about the whole situation as we knew he would. He now walks by MollyB quite easily and pays her little attention. He is just a cat that knows what he wants...that being he shows everyone around that he owns the house. We've known all along that if we just basically leave them alone, except for no chasing, the two of them will work things out. That is well on its way to being a reality.
MollyB's other bad habit is jumping up on people she has not been around before. She is very friendly and greets everyone. She gets scolded every time she does the jumping and as smart as she is it will not be long before that will be an issue of the past.
All-in-all we are glad she has come into our family. GRR's rules are that a dog must be in foster care for a minimum of 14 days before they can be adopted. This is so they can be evaluated for temperament, etc. It's a good policy...so we have 10 days or so before we can adopt her. She is really a happy little girl and we are growing an attachment to her. Personally I think she is a great dog. I look forward to having her as my companion and one that depends on me for her care. It's what really matters!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
What Ya Mean Wait and See
July 19, 2009 — There is something that keeps nagging at me and it is starting to affect everything I do. So far the medicos have found I have a problem in my chest, an enlarged prostate, an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm, and mild ischemea in the heart. All of this seems fairly significant to me. I agree that the chest issue needs to wait a bit as biopsy is not good at this time due to the nodules size. I am taking a medication to decrease the size of my prostate (hopefully), but it is one of those drugs that takes forever to work (>4-5 mos) if at all. I am going to see a vascular surgeon this Wednesday about the aneurysm. He'll read the PET scan results and I would then think order an ultra sound to examine this more closely. This supposedly is how this sort of issue is analyzed. If he does not, then I am going to be asking some serious questions. On the 29th of this month I have a cardiologist appointment that starts with the prerequisite EKG. I've had a million of those and they always show normal. He will also have the report of the nuc stress test. How do you define "mild ischemea of the heart?" Isn't there something that would better define what is going on and how to address it. I'll bet there is and I intend to aggressively find out.
Am I again being impatient? Am I becoming a hypochondriac...a person who worries or talks excessively about his or her health. I think not! It's my health and my life and while I may have been the one that has abused that at times in my life, I still have the right and a need to know. I've said it time and time again, if I do not pursue this strongly then no one else will. It is the right thing to do and it's what really matters!
Am I again being impatient? Am I becoming a hypochondriac...a person who worries or talks excessively about his or her health. I think not! It's my health and my life and while I may have been the one that has abused that at times in my life, I still have the right and a need to know. I've said it time and time again, if I do not pursue this strongly then no one else will. It is the right thing to do and it's what really matters!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
It Can Be Offending
July 18, 2009 — When I awoke this morning I wondered what I might blog about today. The answer was in an email I received from a dear old friend. I have fallen into a bad habit of forwarding email jokes, inspirational messages, political statements, and the like to various people in my address book. Now I like a good joke as well as the next person and there are a ton of them moving around the Internet as you well know. The same can be said for political statements and inspirational messages. It had been my policy in the past to not forward these particular emails to others...I should have stuck to that policy. Like if it ain't broke don't fix it.
My friend very politely told me, in a reply to a political email I had forwarded, that she did not appreciate receiving those and other negative emails (read do not send dirty jokes). Well first of all it was the right thing for her to do because I now know where she stands and will not offend her in the future. Secondly, it has reemphasized to me that it is best just to hit the Delete key when those hit my inbox.
Some inspirational emails I have received are truly that...inspirational. However, I fail to see the need to exclaim at the end of each of these that if you forward that email back and to "x" number of others your soul will be eternally saved or if you forward in the next 10 minutes an angel is going to appear and grant you some mystical wish. What balderdash that is!
Another friend of mine sent me 48 joke/inspirational emails to me in one day this past week. Not only is that bad etiquette, but it is just a plain waste of time. If that is all one can do with their computer then they need to take it back to the store and get their money back. If my friend does this again I will politely tell her to stop.
So, I am going back to my old policy of being judicious with what I forward. Offending someone is about the last thing I want to do and to do so with a friend is unacceptable. It's better to save political statements for the ballot box and I need all the friends I can get. It's what really matters!
My friend very politely told me, in a reply to a political email I had forwarded, that she did not appreciate receiving those and other negative emails (read do not send dirty jokes). Well first of all it was the right thing for her to do because I now know where she stands and will not offend her in the future. Secondly, it has reemphasized to me that it is best just to hit the Delete key when those hit my inbox.
Some inspirational emails I have received are truly that...inspirational. However, I fail to see the need to exclaim at the end of each of these that if you forward that email back and to "x" number of others your soul will be eternally saved or if you forward in the next 10 minutes an angel is going to appear and grant you some mystical wish. What balderdash that is!
Another friend of mine sent me 48 joke/inspirational emails to me in one day this past week. Not only is that bad etiquette, but it is just a plain waste of time. If that is all one can do with their computer then they need to take it back to the store and get their money back. If my friend does this again I will politely tell her to stop.
So, I am going back to my old policy of being judicious with what I forward. Offending someone is about the last thing I want to do and to do so with a friend is unacceptable. It's better to save political statements for the ballot box and I need all the friends I can get. It's what really matters!
Friday, July 17, 2009
No Pizzaz!
July 17, 2009 — I just don't have any pizzaz this morning. Seems my get up and go has got up and went. I think it's the heat. I can't remember the last time it was this hot this long in Central Texas. They keep talking about a break coming this weekend with a "slim" chance of rain. Hell if it does rain I am thinking about taking my clothes off and running down the middle of the street. I probably shouldn't do that though. Ain't gonna rain anyway!
What I need is something constructive to do. I've been on the go so much lately that when I slow down I get bored. I still have a garage to straighten out since our move. I think Wanda would like it if I did. Trouble is it's too hot in there in the daytime even with both garage doors open. Even in the early morning it's still like an oven in there.
I did my yard work yesterday so that's out of the way for another week. Maybe I'll clean out the Juan Gomez. It would probably look and smell a lot better. Hmmm, no need to get carried away...I'll find something to occupy my time. Maybe I'll just try to have a great day...it's what really matters!
What I need is something constructive to do. I've been on the go so much lately that when I slow down I get bored. I still have a garage to straighten out since our move. I think Wanda would like it if I did. Trouble is it's too hot in there in the daytime even with both garage doors open. Even in the early morning it's still like an oven in there.
I did my yard work yesterday so that's out of the way for another week. Maybe I'll clean out the Juan Gomez. It would probably look and smell a lot better. Hmmm, no need to get carried away...I'll find something to occupy my time. Maybe I'll just try to have a great day...it's what really matters!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Comes A MollyB
July 16, 2009 — Wanda and I have a new member in our family. Please meet MollyB. She is a 5 month old Golden retriever that is coming to us from the Golden Ribbon Rescue of Central Texas. This is group of dedicated volunteers whose business it is to rescue abandoned Golden retrievers, give them medical treatment, find a foster home for them, find someone to adopt them, or if they are not adoptable, then to give them dignity as they leave this life. They are truly amazing and wonderful people taking care of amazing dogs.
MollyB had Parvo and is now cured according to the GRR vet. She is a frisky 5-mo old, but is adjusting very well to being with us. Boots, our cat, is none too happy about the situation but past experience has shown Wanda and me that he will adjust. We love him very much also.
MollyB seems to be a very intelligent dog. She sits well and seems to understand basic commands easily. We noticed at the vets office that she is not well versed in socializing with other dogs. But we feel she will be a quick learner.
We lost our Springer Spaniel Sweetie this time last year to cancer. I was heart broken about loosing such a loving friend and wondered if I would ever want to go through that again. Nothing can replace Sweetie...to me she was one of a kind. I will not put expectations on MollyB to measure up to Sweetie, but rather look forward to her, me, and Wanda developing our own very special relationship. After all it's what really matters!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Not So Fast There Buddy Boy
July 15, 2009 — We all know Rome was not built in a day. We don't remodel a home in a day and there are so many other things that are not accomplished in a days time. Well the same can be said for giving up cigarettes. Yesterday, as you should know if you have been reading this dribble I produce everyday now, I put on the patch. What kind of success did I have you may ask? Well I went from almost three packs a day to less than half a pack. I think that is a good start.
I am reminded that the changes I am making in my life style do not occur overnight. It takes time and again that ol' patience thingee comes into play. We all go at different speeds. That is what makes the world go round or is because of gravity and the pull of the sun and our moon. Who knows...I am not a rocket scientist.
What I do know is that if I give this the best effort I have in me I will be successful. Hell I certainly have the time being retarded...oops I mean retired and all. So keeping busy is important and when I did that yesterday I had great success.
I am also receiving encouragement from family and friends and so far the nay sayers have stayed away. You know the ones I mean...those that wait for you to fail and seem to bask in that fact. They are only hiding their own inabilities to do something like this.
So enough of this being prolific...oops there I go again...I mean enough of this being profound. This is a journey that will take awhile and I must not be in a hurry. All good things come with time and it's what really matters!
I am reminded that the changes I am making in my life style do not occur overnight. It takes time and again that ol' patience thingee comes into play. We all go at different speeds. That is what makes the world go round or is because of gravity and the pull of the sun and our moon. Who knows...I am not a rocket scientist.
What I do know is that if I give this the best effort I have in me I will be successful. Hell I certainly have the time being retarded...oops I mean retired and all. So keeping busy is important and when I did that yesterday I had great success.
I am also receiving encouragement from family and friends and so far the nay sayers have stayed away. You know the ones I mean...those that wait for you to fail and seem to bask in that fact. They are only hiding their own inabilities to do something like this.
So enough of this being prolific...oops there I go again...I mean enough of this being profound. This is a journey that will take awhile and I must not be in a hurry. All good things come with time and it's what really matters!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Patch...And I Don't Mean Patch Adams
July 14, 2009 — Well I went and got my 2nd opinion with a pulmonary specialist yesterday. It was as expected. He agreed with the previous Drs, i.e., the nodules in my lungs are too small to biopsy and it is best we wait and do another CT scan in November. In the meantime I need to stop smoking and watch for any sign of a change in the lung situation. Oh boy will I!
The target for putting on a nicotine patch was last night and that is what I have done. I have been up now for 1.5 hrs and have not put a cigarette in my mouth. Think that is insignificant? I have not done that but once in the last 49 years or so...I think its huge!
There are side affects that come with using the patch or at least for me there are. One is having weird dreams and I was having one doosey before I got up. I can hang with that as I am aware they are coming. No big deal. Some folks say I am weird anyway and I live in a city that is proud of the slogan "Keep Austin Weird." So I fit right in. One benefit I have noticed in using the patch is that the nicotine craving is not there when you wake up. That's not surprising I suppose. It should to be that way. Then for me it's a matter of staying busy. It doesn't even bother me that I am sipping coffee as I write this. I have plenty to do over the coming weeks so staying busy should not be a problem.
Every time I think..."damn I wish I could have a cigarette"...I think about my aneurysm blowing up, not being able to breath more easily, not being able to see my grandchildren and playing golf with them. Not smoking is life changing for the absolute best. It is a must and it's what really matters!
The target for putting on a nicotine patch was last night and that is what I have done. I have been up now for 1.5 hrs and have not put a cigarette in my mouth. Think that is insignificant? I have not done that but once in the last 49 years or so...I think its huge!
There are side affects that come with using the patch or at least for me there are. One is having weird dreams and I was having one doosey before I got up. I can hang with that as I am aware they are coming. No big deal. Some folks say I am weird anyway and I live in a city that is proud of the slogan "Keep Austin Weird." So I fit right in. One benefit I have noticed in using the patch is that the nicotine craving is not there when you wake up. That's not surprising I suppose. It should to be that way. Then for me it's a matter of staying busy. It doesn't even bother me that I am sipping coffee as I write this. I have plenty to do over the coming weeks so staying busy should not be a problem.
Every time I think..."damn I wish I could have a cigarette"...I think about my aneurysm blowing up, not being able to breath more easily, not being able to see my grandchildren and playing golf with them. Not smoking is life changing for the absolute best. It is a must and it's what really matters!
Monday, July 13, 2009
So Where's The Beef
July 13, 2009 — Ok, my children have come and gone and soon (today) my niece will be on her way home. We have talked about so many things...laughed at so many stories...cried a few tears...all of it good stuff. Now comes the hard part and that is doing the work.
I will have my second opinion pulmonary consult today. I look forward to it and my expectation is that there will be agreement between all that the best approach right now is to monitor the nodules in my lungs using a CT scan every three months. They are too small for needle biopsy at this point and if attempted I would most likely end up with a collapsed lung/s and the problems that would introduce. So, I can buy into all of that.
Of equal concern is the abdominal aortic aneurysm. I had asked for a vascular surgeon consult from my PCM last Tuesday and have not heard yet as to its status. You know the drill...the PCM has to get authority from the health insurance carrier...find a Dr...provide them with my info...and then they either contact me directly or I call their office to arrange an appointment. Well I am going to get an answer today on this issue. Geez, sometimes it gets so complicated. Am I being impatient? I don't think so. I just ask that the medical professionals do their job and provide me with timely information so that I can make the best decisions possible given that information.
Today will be a huge challenge for me. It is the day I have targeted that I begin the challenge to quit smoking. Mind you I have been smoking for 49 years. When I go to bed tonight I will be wearing a nicotine patch. I have tried this before and once it worked for a 3-month period. The bottom line now is that all of my health issues are directly related to smoking. If I do not quit I have no chance really of an extended life. Age 63, 64, or 65 is way too young to be leaving this life...there is still so many good things left to do.
So as the lady said in the Wendy's commercial, I believe it was, "where's the beef?" I must put some meat behind what I am professing to be what really matters. It's time to walk the walk. I will not be too hard on myself...I will be patient...and I will be successful. It's what really matters!
I will have my second opinion pulmonary consult today. I look forward to it and my expectation is that there will be agreement between all that the best approach right now is to monitor the nodules in my lungs using a CT scan every three months. They are too small for needle biopsy at this point and if attempted I would most likely end up with a collapsed lung/s and the problems that would introduce. So, I can buy into all of that.
Of equal concern is the abdominal aortic aneurysm. I had asked for a vascular surgeon consult from my PCM last Tuesday and have not heard yet as to its status. You know the drill...the PCM has to get authority from the health insurance carrier...find a Dr...provide them with my info...and then they either contact me directly or I call their office to arrange an appointment. Well I am going to get an answer today on this issue. Geez, sometimes it gets so complicated. Am I being impatient? I don't think so. I just ask that the medical professionals do their job and provide me with timely information so that I can make the best decisions possible given that information.
Today will be a huge challenge for me. It is the day I have targeted that I begin the challenge to quit smoking. Mind you I have been smoking for 49 years. When I go to bed tonight I will be wearing a nicotine patch. I have tried this before and once it worked for a 3-month period. The bottom line now is that all of my health issues are directly related to smoking. If I do not quit I have no chance really of an extended life. Age 63, 64, or 65 is way too young to be leaving this life...there is still so many good things left to do.
So as the lady said in the Wendy's commercial, I believe it was, "where's the beef?" I must put some meat behind what I am professing to be what really matters. It's time to walk the walk. I will not be too hard on myself...I will be patient...and I will be successful. It's what really matters!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Good Stuff
July 12, 2009 — Well this past Saturday (yesterday) went about as I had expected. I was able to sit with my kids and relate to them what all is going on with me. They were attentive and let me know how they feel about it all...at least for now.
It was a learning experience for me. It was pointed out to me how preconceived ideas or notions can sometimes be so damaging to a relationship a father has with his children and other family members. How in 30 secs or less one can tear down something that would take a lot longer to build back up. I learned again how important it is not to be exclusive but inclusive in matters of family. Wanda's children were here also and while they could not be here when the heavy discussion took place, they did come and share and all of us learned from this time. I have much to work on in my relationship with others, but I know I can do what is necessary to be a better Dad for my kids and partner to Wanda and her kids. This is not just about me...it is about all of us.
That's what really matters!
It was a learning experience for me. It was pointed out to me how preconceived ideas or notions can sometimes be so damaging to a relationship a father has with his children and other family members. How in 30 secs or less one can tear down something that would take a lot longer to build back up. I learned again how important it is not to be exclusive but inclusive in matters of family. Wanda's children were here also and while they could not be here when the heavy discussion took place, they did come and share and all of us learned from this time. I have much to work on in my relationship with others, but I know I can do what is necessary to be a better Dad for my kids and partner to Wanda and her kids. This is not just about me...it is about all of us.
That's what really matters!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Just How Do You Handle This
July 10-11, 2009 — I have asked my children to come spend the weekend with Wanda and me. Given my health status and the uncertainty of the issues I wanted to talk with them face-to-face, to tell them what I know and how I feel, to tell them about my plan for addressing the issues, and to hear what they have to say. It is important to me that I am as clear as possible on all of it.
Well I got side tracked a bit and did not get this finished on the 10th. My oldest son and his wife arrived about 5 a.m. having driven all night from Arkansas. It's so good they are here. My other three children showed up at various times throughout the day. The laughter began last night and I know will continue on through the weekend.
Today some of Wanda's children and wives and husbands will be here. This is also important to me, for this affords the first opportunity for us all to get to know each other better.
So is this just about me? Certainly not! While I have made it clear to all that I intend to detail my situation as best as possible and leave no stone unturned, this is more about family being family. I seek no one's sympathy, but only an understanding and to appeal for their support. I really know I will have that support. And again, I don't mean the holding hand sort of support, but rather the sharing of ideas and thoughts, their own experiences, or experiences of others they know. This is how one gets through battles in life. No man is an island unto himself. Those that think that are fools.
So I look forward to this day and whatever it will bring. I look forward to the fun and the laughter. the beer and the wine, the hamburgers and hot dogs, and most of all I look forward to being with my family. Families are forever and that is what really matters!
Well I got side tracked a bit and did not get this finished on the 10th. My oldest son and his wife arrived about 5 a.m. having driven all night from Arkansas. It's so good they are here. My other three children showed up at various times throughout the day. The laughter began last night and I know will continue on through the weekend.
Today some of Wanda's children and wives and husbands will be here. This is also important to me, for this affords the first opportunity for us all to get to know each other better.
So is this just about me? Certainly not! While I have made it clear to all that I intend to detail my situation as best as possible and leave no stone unturned, this is more about family being family. I seek no one's sympathy, but only an understanding and to appeal for their support. I really know I will have that support. And again, I don't mean the holding hand sort of support, but rather the sharing of ideas and thoughts, their own experiences, or experiences of others they know. This is how one gets through battles in life. No man is an island unto himself. Those that think that are fools.
So I look forward to this day and whatever it will bring. I look forward to the fun and the laughter. the beer and the wine, the hamburgers and hot dogs, and most of all I look forward to being with my family. Families are forever and that is what really matters!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Families Are Forever
July 9, 2009 — Over the next four days Wanda and I will have some of the people that mean the most to us come to visit. This will be my children, one of my nieces, some of Wanda's children, and close friends. It's going to be a special time for us because without these people and others in our lives there would not be much meaning to what we are doing.
Having the kids come together was precipitated by concerns for my health and I want them to know what is going on. I do not like doing that sort of thing over the phone or via email. Nothing beats communicating face-to-face. It gives us all a chance to have a clear understanding and voice what we feel. I intend to leave no doubt as to how I feel and what I intend to do with the rest of my life.
This is also going to be a time for celebration. The will be many stories told and retold. There will be laughter and there will be tears. Why is this so? There is no other reason other than we are family...we care...we love...we fight...and we are family. Families are forever and it's what really matters!
Having the kids come together was precipitated by concerns for my health and I want them to know what is going on. I do not like doing that sort of thing over the phone or via email. Nothing beats communicating face-to-face. It gives us all a chance to have a clear understanding and voice what we feel. I intend to leave no doubt as to how I feel and what I intend to do with the rest of my life.
This is also going to be a time for celebration. The will be many stories told and retold. There will be laughter and there will be tears. Why is this so? There is no other reason other than we are family...we care...we love...we fight...and we are family. Families are forever and it's what really matters!
It's Gonna Be A Golden Day
July 8, 2009 — I am like a kid in a candy store. Today Wanda and I are going to get a visit from a volunteer for the Golden Ribbon Rescue of Central Texas group. This is group of wonderful people that have it in their heart to rescue abandoned or released by owner Golden Retrievers. We have applied to adopt one of these dogs and the volunteer is coming over with her Golden to do a home visit with us. The purpose is to see our environment, see how we react to her dog, and to check out how our cat Boots reacts to the dog...that should be interesting.
I have owned several Goldens over the years and they are truly a pleasure to have in the house. They are so gentle and loyal and terrific with kids. Having lost my Springer Spaniel last year to cancer I was torn between getting another Springer or a Golden. Wanda and I really talked it over and felt that if we went with a Springer we would expect the dog to be like our Sweeie was. There just will never be another dog like her. So, we know we have a ceramic statue of Sweetie in our home and she will always be with us.
We look forward to this visit and then moving on to meeting the dog the rescue group suggest we adopt. It will be our choice ultimately and we are so excited about it all. This group does a great job in fretting out perspective owners. My hat is of to them...they are truly great folks. It's what really matters!
I have owned several Goldens over the years and they are truly a pleasure to have in the house. They are so gentle and loyal and terrific with kids. Having lost my Springer Spaniel last year to cancer I was torn between getting another Springer or a Golden. Wanda and I really talked it over and felt that if we went with a Springer we would expect the dog to be like our Sweeie was. There just will never be another dog like her. So, we know we have a ceramic statue of Sweetie in our home and she will always be with us.
We look forward to this visit and then moving on to meeting the dog the rescue group suggest we adopt. It will be our choice ultimately and we are so excited about it all. This group does a great job in fretting out perspective owners. My hat is of to them...they are truly great folks. It's what really matters!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Good News and Then...
July 7, 2009 — The results of the PET scan were revealed to me somewhat yesterday by my PCM. The bottom line is that it showed no other abnormalities in my body from my head to my knees and that is a good thing. In the opinion of the radiologist reading the images the three nodules in my lungs are too small for adequate PET scan analysis. Hmmm, what does that mean? Well to the uneducated such as myself, it means I still don't know if those are benign or malignant. My PCM carefully detailed for me the risk in doing a lung needle biopsy and in his opinion, and he admitted this is not his area of expertise, the risk outweigh the gains at this stage. The scan results recommended continued CT scans to monitor the nodules on about a 2-month basis. Now wait a minute, while I already have admitted that I am not the smartest rock in the pile, small nodules mean to me that they just started appearing and if they were malignant then it would seem reasonable that they would be in an early stage. That then means to me that early detection improves chances for cure or remission. You can read about that sort of thing on the web and you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand it. So, my PCM then talked to my pulmonologist at the VA. The VA Dr then called me and left a message for me to call her so she could explain what all this means to her. I'll be doing that today. In the meantime I am seeking a second opinion from a pulmonologist outside the VA and that is being setup.
Holy shit Batman! While reading the PET scan results writeup yesterday afternoon at home I came across an addendum to the PET scan report by the radiologist that noted that I have an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (Google it) that measures 4.5 to 4.9 cm in transverse diameter. Again with reference to my rock status, that can be and is serious stuff. Curiously my PCM never mentioned this in my talk with him yesterday. I will not leave that part of the report unchallenged!
My daughter thinks I am being a bit negative about all of this. But if I do not challenge, then I am doing myself and my family a great disservice. I happen to think that is the correct and positive approach to take. That is what really matters!
Holy shit Batman! While reading the PET scan results writeup yesterday afternoon at home I came across an addendum to the PET scan report by the radiologist that noted that I have an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (Google it) that measures 4.5 to 4.9 cm in transverse diameter. Again with reference to my rock status, that can be and is serious stuff. Curiously my PCM never mentioned this in my talk with him yesterday. I will not leave that part of the report unchallenged!
My daughter thinks I am being a bit negative about all of this. But if I do not challenge, then I am doing myself and my family a great disservice. I happen to think that is the correct and positive approach to take. That is what really matters!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Ready For Whatever
July 6, 2009 — Karen and I will pay my primary care manager a visit this morning at 9 a.m. I have been with this Dr for close to 25 years and he knows my health history completely. I have every confidence in his judgement and care. Needless to say I have been looking forward to getting the results of my PET scan and finding out what is next.
I am being realistic in that I have no doubt this is cancer of some sort. I do not mean that in a negative sense. I have no fear other than if I am left with no time to do battle with this horrible disease. I can guarantee that I will fight with all I have no matter what. There is no substitute for doing otherwise. It is what really matters!
I am being realistic in that I have no doubt this is cancer of some sort. I do not mean that in a negative sense. I have no fear other than if I am left with no time to do battle with this horrible disease. I can guarantee that I will fight with all I have no matter what. There is no substitute for doing otherwise. It is what really matters!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Bogger
July 5, 2009 — I have a step-grandson that I have called Bogger since he first came into my life about three years ago. He will be 4 yrs old in October and I love him as I do my natural grandchildren. Fact is I have spent more time around Bogger than my other four. It's just the way it's been.
Wanda has called him BooBoo since he first came into our lives. So, here he is not only with his real name, but those that we as his grandparents have lovingly tagged him with. Now Bogger is a smart little one. He is full of all those things that an almost 4-yr old is full of. He can be adorable, loving, cantankerous, mischievous, mean, silly, and so much more. Most of all he is just 3+ years old. He was in preschool for a good part of this year until his parents could no longer afford it. You could see all the good and bad things he learned while going to that everyday. In my opinion he is better off at home learning about being a kid.
Bogger loves being around people and he adores his older brother Carl who is almost 10-yrs old. We did fireworks last night at their house and Bogger had a blast. His Dad always insists that he learn how to do things, so Bogger did a lot of lighting the fireworks. It made me cringe sometimes. Wanda, or Gammaw as she is known to Bogger, and I brought him home to spend the night with us. The two of them are sound asleep right now sharing the same bed. We will go today to Wanda's daughter to spend the day and we will take Bogger with us. It just doesn't get better than that.
One thing is for sure, when Bogger wakes up he and I will have some Eggo waffles for breakfast. We share a love of those things and Bogger can woof down three of them in no time. It's what really matters!
Wanda has called him BooBoo since he first came into our lives. So, here he is not only with his real name, but those that we as his grandparents have lovingly tagged him with. Now Bogger is a smart little one. He is full of all those things that an almost 4-yr old is full of. He can be adorable, loving, cantankerous, mischievous, mean, silly, and so much more. Most of all he is just 3+ years old. He was in preschool for a good part of this year until his parents could no longer afford it. You could see all the good and bad things he learned while going to that everyday. In my opinion he is better off at home learning about being a kid.
Bogger loves being around people and he adores his older brother Carl who is almost 10-yrs old. We did fireworks last night at their house and Bogger had a blast. His Dad always insists that he learn how to do things, so Bogger did a lot of lighting the fireworks. It made me cringe sometimes. Wanda, or Gammaw as she is known to Bogger, and I brought him home to spend the night with us. The two of them are sound asleep right now sharing the same bed. We will go today to Wanda's daughter to spend the day and we will take Bogger with us. It just doesn't get better than that.
One thing is for sure, when Bogger wakes up he and I will have some Eggo waffles for breakfast. We share a love of those things and Bogger can woof down three of them in no time. It's what really matters!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy Birthday America!
July 4th, 2009 — This is just a great country to live in. Do you know of another place on God's Earth where you can enjoy the freedoms that we have in this country? I do not! We can go where we want, be what we want to be, peacefully assemble, celebrate the religion of our choice, vote, and so much more. Can you do that in Iran, North Korea, Japan, Iraq, Saudia Arabia...I think not.
With these freedoms comes a great responsibility. First and foremost we have the responsibility to thank and remember our forefathers for their insight to what freedom is about. They laid the foundation on which this country has been built. We have the responsibility to remember those veterans that have paid the price to keep our freedoms. Through the two greatest wars the world has ever known, their sacrifice was supreme. As I walk the halls of the VA clinic here or the hospital in Temple, TX I am reminded of their service and the toll it has taken on them. They do not complain and I firmly believe that each of the men and women that seek care in those facilities would answer the call if their bodies would allow. It is heart wrenching and warming all at the same time.
Unfortunately we remain a country of me, me, me in so many ways. When will that stop? How many 9/11's must we go through before we realize that freedom is not free? When will we as Americans stand up and say enough is enough and then do the right thing? Soon I hope!
As you celebrate this holiday each in your own way, which is a freedom you enjoy, I hope you will remember those that have gone before you and ensured this freedom of celebration remains in tact. Fly your flag and if you don't have one go by a flag as soon as you finish reading this blog. Our flag is what really matters!
With these freedoms comes a great responsibility. First and foremost we have the responsibility to thank and remember our forefathers for their insight to what freedom is about. They laid the foundation on which this country has been built. We have the responsibility to remember those veterans that have paid the price to keep our freedoms. Through the two greatest wars the world has ever known, their sacrifice was supreme. As I walk the halls of the VA clinic here or the hospital in Temple, TX I am reminded of their service and the toll it has taken on them. They do not complain and I firmly believe that each of the men and women that seek care in those facilities would answer the call if their bodies would allow. It is heart wrenching and warming all at the same time.
Unfortunately we remain a country of me, me, me in so many ways. When will that stop? How many 9/11's must we go through before we realize that freedom is not free? When will we as Americans stand up and say enough is enough and then do the right thing? Soon I hope!
As you celebrate this holiday each in your own way, which is a freedom you enjoy, I hope you will remember those that have gone before you and ensured this freedom of celebration remains in tact. Fly your flag and if you don't have one go by a flag as soon as you finish reading this blog. Our flag is what really matters!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
It's That Patience Thing Again
July 3, 2009 — I just don't understand myself sometimes. Why is it that one day you can be a patient person and the next it's like you never heard of the word. Take for instance yesterday. Wanda and I had been puttering along after I had gone to get my haircut in the morning. We did some shopping and then I took a nap. Wanda had planned to make a meatloaf, cooked cabbage, and au gratin potatoes which we did (you can't beat Wanda's cooking). We sat on the back patio talking and as various frustrations came up I found myself getting impatient with her. Gee whiz, my frustrations are not caused by her so why get impatient with someone that is just trying to be there for you all the time. That's really stupid! I've known for a long time that Wanda sometimes lacks concentration and I have sometimes doubted her attention towards me. I don't mean that selfishly, but in the sense that as husband and wife why could she not remember something from one day to the next. It's just the way she is at times.
In the long run I realize that Wanda is indeed there for me and our marriage. There is no one that is a harder worker and more dedicated to her family than Wanda. So in the end I realize that it is me that looses concentration also and I become impatient with myself and others. I know that is something I need to work on daily and that is what really matters!
In the long run I realize that Wanda is indeed there for me and our marriage. There is no one that is a harder worker and more dedicated to her family than Wanda. So in the end I realize that it is me that looses concentration also and I become impatient with myself and others. I know that is something I need to work on daily and that is what really matters!
All I Wanted Was Cable TV & Internet Access
July 2, 2009 — Well Wanda and I got'er done yesterday. All of our things are in place or at least in the garage in our new abode. Much thanks goes to my daughter Karla and her husband Ricardo for their help.
We had cable and Internet installation scheduled for yesterday morning and the installer dutifully showed up about 10:30 a.m. What should have been about a 45 minute to one hour job turned into something in excess of three hours. The guy quickly assessed that the cable signal at the connections in the house was very weak. In tracking down the problem he discovered the problem was in the line running from the line drop to the house. He had to remove the cover on the line drop and when he did a swarm of bees exploded in his face. There were three large bee combs inside the cover. The man was stung at the top of his nose and then things got worse. He realized he needed to dig up the old cable from the drop to the house and replace it. So out came the shovel. Just so happens about half way through this dig it starts to rain. That has been a strange occurrence around here lately. Well it poured on the guy. But. he kept after it and soon the TV's were soon displaying all the...ahem...wonderful things one sees on TV now days.
Then he couldn't get the Internet to work properly. That finally traced out to a bad modem that he had put in. Once that was done he was finished. Through it all this fellow kept smiling and displayed the most positive attitude. Gee, there is lesson to be learned there and that is what really matters.
We had cable and Internet installation scheduled for yesterday morning and the installer dutifully showed up about 10:30 a.m. What should have been about a 45 minute to one hour job turned into something in excess of three hours. The guy quickly assessed that the cable signal at the connections in the house was very weak. In tracking down the problem he discovered the problem was in the line running from the line drop to the house. He had to remove the cover on the line drop and when he did a swarm of bees exploded in his face. There were three large bee combs inside the cover. The man was stung at the top of his nose and then things got worse. He realized he needed to dig up the old cable from the drop to the house and replace it. So out came the shovel. Just so happens about half way through this dig it starts to rain. That has been a strange occurrence around here lately. Well it poured on the guy. But. he kept after it and soon the TV's were soon displaying all the...ahem...wonderful things one sees on TV now days.
Then he couldn't get the Internet to work properly. That finally traced out to a bad modem that he had put in. Once that was done he was finished. Through it all this fellow kept smiling and displayed the most positive attitude. Gee, there is lesson to be learned there and that is what really matters.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
It's Moving Day
July 1, 2009 — The day Wanda and I have been anxiously awaiting has finally arrived. After residing with Wanda's son Walter and his wife Sally for the past 16 mos, we are moving into our own 3-bedroom home. Wanda and I cannot thank Walter and Sally for putting up with us these past months. They have been terrific and they have been family!
Wanda has been working hard for the past four days getting our household things in place. She had a plan and has carried it out to a "T." There is no one better than she is at this sort of thing. It could not be more perfect!
Our cat Boots is even looking forward to the move. He is the typical cat...that is thinks he owns the place. We've already introduced him to the new digs. Wanda and I are also in the process of adopting a Golden Retriever puppy from Golden Ribbon Rescue of Central Texas. Here is a picture of the pup we have our eye on
http://www.grr-tx.com/adoption/adopt_to/lexie_09-074/lexie.htm
Regardless of the pup we adopt we intend to give her a happy home and healthy life.
Well there is much to do today. Working together Wanda and I are dedicated to having a happy home and we welcome any and all friends and family to stop by anytime. Contact us directly for the new address. It's what makes the world go round and it is what really matters!
Wanda has been working hard for the past four days getting our household things in place. She had a plan and has carried it out to a "T." There is no one better than she is at this sort of thing. It could not be more perfect!
Our cat Boots is even looking forward to the move. He is the typical cat...that is thinks he owns the place. We've already introduced him to the new digs. Wanda and I are also in the process of adopting a Golden Retriever puppy from Golden Ribbon Rescue of Central Texas. Here is a picture of the pup we have our eye on
http://www.grr-tx.com/adoption/adopt_to/lexie_09-074/lexie.htm
Regardless of the pup we adopt we intend to give her a happy home and healthy life.
Well there is much to do today. Working together Wanda and I are dedicated to having a happy home and we welcome any and all friends and family to stop by anytime. Contact us directly for the new address. It's what makes the world go round and it is what really matters!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
