Dear Friends:
Paul had a pretty good day today. Dr. Azzam (neurosurgeon) talked to Dad & Tabby and said that the CT scan that was done today shows a 20% reduction in the fluid on the brain since the surgery. He has ordered another one for Friday morning. It is his opinion that from a neurological standpoint Paul is ready to be released back to the nursing home. Tabby will consult with the Trauma team sometime Friday to get their opinion. If everyone agrees and the nursing home has a bed he might be moved as early as Saturday. The IVC filter (that catches blood clots) was turned today. When he went down for the procedure he displayed more of the anger that he exhibited yesterday. The doctor gave him something to calm him down so the procedure could be done. Of course, as soon as Paul was sedated …. the physical therapy team came to evaluate him. He (of course) was not responsive!! Duh!! The consolation we have is that the neurosurgeon's partner told Dad that if Paul is really doing all the things we say he is …. he would rate him about a level 4 … maybe even a level 5!!! We are realistic to know that he is probably only a level 4 but it would be nice if the therapist could SEE that!! Friday is suppose to be the trach replacement. This new trach will allow the air that Paul breathes to go in through the trach and out through the mouth and nose. After that is installed … IF Paul can talk it will allow the air across his vocal cords to enable him to talk. Paul currently breathes regular air and his oxygen level stays normal. Eventually he will have the trach removed. Tonight we had a visit from the orthopedic surgeon who said that after the 17th of February Paul should be able to start doing some weight bearing on his left foot. Good news ….. since he enjoys standing and trying to walk! Once we get him back to the nursing home he will resume his physical therapy. It is really good to see Paul look so good. This is the first surgery that Paul has bounced back from so quickly. He watches us when we talk to him. He watches the nurses when they work with him. We are so thankful that God is restoring him to us! Have a great Friday!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Friday, February 03, 2006
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Paul's Update - 02/01/06
Dear Friends:
Surgery is over and all is well. He was moved to pre-op around 3 pm for the 4 pm scheduled surgery. It took about 2 hours before the doctor called and told Tabby that he was done and that it went well. He was moved to recovery for about and hour. Tabby & I went into recovery around 7pm to see him. He started to wake up while we were there. He got anxious and his heart rate went up briefly. He opened his eyes and looked at us. Within about a minute he calmed down and went back to sleep. When the transport people came to take him back to intermediate care he was wide awake, he was watching people all around him. He seemed to be somewhat alarmed about all the activity. He was finally settled in his room about 8:30. We stayed for about 1/2 hour before we left to go home. He was sleeping when we left. Paul started his day in an unusual form. After his nurse came in and started his antibiotic he began to exhibit much anger. His face got red, his arms and legs were moving violently ..... he was mad about something!! This is a really good thing because as I said before stage 4 is displays of anger and frustration. We are hopeful that this is what we are seeing and that it is just the beginning. He was moving his right side as much as his left. He actually crossed his right leg up and over his knee on the left leg. Thursday will be a busy day. The trach will be replaced by a speaking trach, the IVC filter will be turned and he will probably be moved to another room if he does well tonight. Thank you for all your prayer. God is honoring our faith and patience!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Surgery is over and all is well. He was moved to pre-op around 3 pm for the 4 pm scheduled surgery. It took about 2 hours before the doctor called and told Tabby that he was done and that it went well. He was moved to recovery for about and hour. Tabby & I went into recovery around 7pm to see him. He started to wake up while we were there. He got anxious and his heart rate went up briefly. He opened his eyes and looked at us. Within about a minute he calmed down and went back to sleep. When the transport people came to take him back to intermediate care he was wide awake, he was watching people all around him. He seemed to be somewhat alarmed about all the activity. He was finally settled in his room about 8:30. We stayed for about 1/2 hour before we left to go home. He was sleeping when we left. Paul started his day in an unusual form. After his nurse came in and started his antibiotic he began to exhibit much anger. His face got red, his arms and legs were moving violently ..... he was mad about something!! This is a really good thing because as I said before stage 4 is displays of anger and frustration. We are hopeful that this is what we are seeing and that it is just the beginning. He was moving his right side as much as his left. He actually crossed his right leg up and over his knee on the left leg. Thursday will be a busy day. The trach will be replaced by a speaking trach, the IVC filter will be turned and he will probably be moved to another room if he does well tonight. Thank you for all your prayer. God is honoring our faith and patience!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Soap Box
It seems staying busy is the word for today. Tomorrow is the meeting in New Jersey. I hope I don't get mugged and dumped in the river by the mob. February is here .. Can someone tell me what happened to January?
I love what some people say to get me to work on their computer.
1. The laptop you set me up at work won't recognize the Ethernet connection I plug it into when I get home. But it works fine on the wireless at Work. ((We don't have wireless at work, she connects by Ethernet cable. She had no idea what the blue cat 5 cable was and thought the blinking hard drive light was actually her wireless and the blinking was the wireless activity.))
2. I am tired of switching from the user to the administrator on my laptop when I install software. Come and make my user account have administrator rights. ((Then go and give yourself the rights, you are logged in as Administrator.))
3. My printer hasn't worked all day. I have tried everything I know to get it too work. ((Put it back online))
4. Come help me. My email is broke. I haven't received any email for two days and I know my clients would send me something. So the server must be broke. (( Press the Send/Receive button. It was not set to automatically check for email. ))
5. I am missing my memory storage device. I know it was here since I used it last week. ((This Einstein was holding a 5 1/4 inch Floppy Disk. I have yet to see Dell ship a Pentium 4 with a 5 1/4 Drive.))
For my two cents -- I believe all major programs should be funded first (Social Security, Medicare, Military Spending, Education and such) before ANY pork barrel (earmarks) are funded. The Congress person's would only have what is leftover after the real programs are funded. But I don't think we will ever see that because the Congress person needs that to slush money in order to win re-election. In my system, the Congress person would have make sure Military Spending was done efficiently and at the best cost consistent with quality. Let the vendor overcharge by 200% and your pork barrel fund would get that much less.
I love what some people say to get me to work on their computer.
1. The laptop you set me up at work won't recognize the Ethernet connection I plug it into when I get home. But it works fine on the wireless at Work. ((We don't have wireless at work, she connects by Ethernet cable. She had no idea what the blue cat 5 cable was and thought the blinking hard drive light was actually her wireless and the blinking was the wireless activity.))
2. I am tired of switching from the user to the administrator on my laptop when I install software. Come and make my user account have administrator rights. ((Then go and give yourself the rights, you are logged in as Administrator.))
3. My printer hasn't worked all day. I have tried everything I know to get it too work. ((Put it back online))
4. Come help me. My email is broke. I haven't received any email for two days and I know my clients would send me something. So the server must be broke. (( Press the Send/Receive button. It was not set to automatically check for email. ))
5. I am missing my memory storage device. I know it was here since I used it last week. ((This Einstein was holding a 5 1/4 inch Floppy Disk. I have yet to see Dell ship a Pentium 4 with a 5 1/4 Drive.))
For my two cents -- I believe all major programs should be funded first (Social Security, Medicare, Military Spending, Education and such) before ANY pork barrel (earmarks) are funded. The Congress person's would only have what is leftover after the real programs are funded. But I don't think we will ever see that because the Congress person needs that to slush money in order to win re-election. In my system, the Congress person would have make sure Military Spending was done efficiently and at the best cost consistent with quality. Let the vendor overcharge by 200% and your pork barrel fund would get that much less.
Paul's Update - 01/31/06
Dear Friends:
Dad arrived early at the Hospital today. He wanted to be there when the doctor came in for rounds. According to Dr. Azzam, the fluid level in Paul's brain is even worse than it was last Friday. The CT showed large amounts of fluid that would cause problems in any normal person such as vision, hearing, ability to stand or talk. These are most of the things we have been concerned about since the adjustment was done last Monday. His physical condition seemed to be worse .... he slept most of the week last week. The doctor said the first shunt was apparently damaged by an MRI that was done shortly after it was installed. After they remove the current shunt they may know why it doesn't seem to be working. They plan to replace the tube that drains the fluid into his stomach because there is speculation that it could be clogged. All of the doctors and other staff that saw Paul when he was at the hospital before were amazed at the improvement he has had since he left at the end of December. We are hopeful that after surgery Wednesday he will make a more marked improvement. Surgery is scheduled for late in the day (possibly 4pm). Dad & Tabby will be at the hospital early in the morning to attempt to talk to the doctor again. Paul had more therapy & testing done today. He had a specimen collected to test for signs of active staff and the respiratory therapist worked with him to clear some of the congestion he is having. Tonight he seemed to have lots less mucous. He was awake off & on all day. Since there was not real physical therapy except what Dad did he wasn't very active. He did watch a little TV with Dad (This Old House ... pretty good stuff!) While Paul is at the hospital recovering we are hoping that the smaller trach will be put in. Tabby also would like to have the IVC Filter turned and have the orthopedist come in to see Paul. They might as well try to have a "all purpose" visit while he is there!!! Please pray for Paul, his doctors & nurses, and our family as we go through surgery. I pray that this is the beginning of much recovery ......
Blessings, Lynne & Carl
Dad arrived early at the Hospital today. He wanted to be there when the doctor came in for rounds. According to Dr. Azzam, the fluid level in Paul's brain is even worse than it was last Friday. The CT showed large amounts of fluid that would cause problems in any normal person such as vision, hearing, ability to stand or talk. These are most of the things we have been concerned about since the adjustment was done last Monday. His physical condition seemed to be worse .... he slept most of the week last week. The doctor said the first shunt was apparently damaged by an MRI that was done shortly after it was installed. After they remove the current shunt they may know why it doesn't seem to be working. They plan to replace the tube that drains the fluid into his stomach because there is speculation that it could be clogged. All of the doctors and other staff that saw Paul when he was at the hospital before were amazed at the improvement he has had since he left at the end of December. We are hopeful that after surgery Wednesday he will make a more marked improvement. Surgery is scheduled for late in the day (possibly 4pm). Dad & Tabby will be at the hospital early in the morning to attempt to talk to the doctor again. Paul had more therapy & testing done today. He had a specimen collected to test for signs of active staff and the respiratory therapist worked with him to clear some of the congestion he is having. Tonight he seemed to have lots less mucous. He was awake off & on all day. Since there was not real physical therapy except what Dad did he wasn't very active. He did watch a little TV with Dad (This Old House ... pretty good stuff!) While Paul is at the hospital recovering we are hoping that the smaller trach will be put in. Tabby also would like to have the IVC Filter turned and have the orthopedist come in to see Paul. They might as well try to have a "all purpose" visit while he is there!!! Please pray for Paul, his doctors & nurses, and our family as we go through surgery. I pray that this is the beginning of much recovery ......
Blessings, Lynne & Carl
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/30/06
Dear Friends:
Paul went back to Fairfax Hospital today. He has been scheduled to have the shunt replaced on Wednesday. A transport came to get him around 5pm tonight. We got to the hospital just before the nurses were ready to do the shift change. They did his vitals and got the paperwork started. Dr. Azzam came by to give us some idea of the plan for the next couple of days. He ordered some tests ... X-ray & CT scan. He wants the infectious disease group to look at him (because of the staff mostly). He ordered the respiratory therapy & feeding tube to be resumed. They are discontinuing the blood thinner until after the surgery. Needless to say, we are not thrilled that Paul will have to endure another surgery .... but it is comforting that he is getting such a good look over and will have excellent nursing care. He will stay at the hospital for three days after surgery for observation. The nursing home said they can't hold the room for Paul but we are hopeful that they will have a bed for him when he needs to leave the hospital. The administrative staff and the therapists would really like to see him be able to come back. Dad said today was a really good day for Paul. The new brace on his right leg seems to make him move the leg and foot more. When I came into the nursing home this afternoon he had both legs hanging off the right side of the bed. Dad said that he had done that himself and that he was hanging them off then pulling them back onto the bed. He really seems to look around and AT us more and more. It seems like there is more "warmth" in his look. Dad also said he is holding up his left hand and turning it at the wrist like he is "checking it out". He is relaxing both arms more since Dad has been working with him on it. He also gets frustrated with Dad doing personal hygiene stuff. It seems like he is getting very close to moving to stage 4. We've been told that many patients take a long time to get to 4 but usually progress more quickly to 8. This gives us much hope!! If you want to come to the hospital the visiting is from 10am-8pm. He is in room 354. Have a good day!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Paul went back to Fairfax Hospital today. He has been scheduled to have the shunt replaced on Wednesday. A transport came to get him around 5pm tonight. We got to the hospital just before the nurses were ready to do the shift change. They did his vitals and got the paperwork started. Dr. Azzam came by to give us some idea of the plan for the next couple of days. He ordered some tests ... X-ray & CT scan. He wants the infectious disease group to look at him (because of the staff mostly). He ordered the respiratory therapy & feeding tube to be resumed. They are discontinuing the blood thinner until after the surgery. Needless to say, we are not thrilled that Paul will have to endure another surgery .... but it is comforting that he is getting such a good look over and will have excellent nursing care. He will stay at the hospital for three days after surgery for observation. The nursing home said they can't hold the room for Paul but we are hopeful that they will have a bed for him when he needs to leave the hospital. The administrative staff and the therapists would really like to see him be able to come back. Dad said today was a really good day for Paul. The new brace on his right leg seems to make him move the leg and foot more. When I came into the nursing home this afternoon he had both legs hanging off the right side of the bed. Dad said that he had done that himself and that he was hanging them off then pulling them back onto the bed. He really seems to look around and AT us more and more. It seems like there is more "warmth" in his look. Dad also said he is holding up his left hand and turning it at the wrist like he is "checking it out". He is relaxing both arms more since Dad has been working with him on it. He also gets frustrated with Dad doing personal hygiene stuff. It seems like he is getting very close to moving to stage 4. We've been told that many patients take a long time to get to 4 but usually progress more quickly to 8. This gives us much hope!! If you want to come to the hospital the visiting is from 10am-8pm. He is in room 354. Have a good day!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Monday, January 30, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/29/06
Dear Friends:
As I said before, weekends are pretty quiet. Today was very quiet. We had some visitors but Paul was not very active. He would wake up and move around a bit but he wasn't up much. Tabby took a break and did some work at home today. Bobby took the day away too. It was a good day to rest for all of us. We certainly do enjoy having our friends come to visit though. Paul's boss & his wife came by to visit, also some friends from church. Tabby tried to call the doctor today but we never got a response. The doctor was not on call today so we will have to wait for tomorrow to hear what he wants to do about the shunt. This week we will be looking at another trip to Fair Oaks Hospital to have the IVC filter (the umbrella to catch blood clots) turned. This prevents it from becoming embedded in Paul's vein and becoming permanent. The other thing we expect to happen this week is the change of the trach to a talking trach. That could happen as early as Monday. He isn't trying to do any talking yet but it would be nice for him to be able to when he's ready! Have a great week!
Love, Lynne & Carl
As I said before, weekends are pretty quiet. Today was very quiet. We had some visitors but Paul was not very active. He would wake up and move around a bit but he wasn't up much. Tabby took a break and did some work at home today. Bobby took the day away too. It was a good day to rest for all of us. We certainly do enjoy having our friends come to visit though. Paul's boss & his wife came by to visit, also some friends from church. Tabby tried to call the doctor today but we never got a response. The doctor was not on call today so we will have to wait for tomorrow to hear what he wants to do about the shunt. This week we will be looking at another trip to Fair Oaks Hospital to have the IVC filter (the umbrella to catch blood clots) turned. This prevents it from becoming embedded in Paul's vein and becoming permanent. The other thing we expect to happen this week is the change of the trach to a talking trach. That could happen as early as Monday. He isn't trying to do any talking yet but it would be nice for him to be able to when he's ready! Have a great week!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Boom, Pow, Zap
This weekend has continued to go downhill. We missed the Mexican food. I can't remember the last time we missed it when we were in town. That was because Lou got sick (as in barf) as we were getting ready. He had done that earlier in the week, so not wanting to tempt fate we stayed home. Would you believe it, he never got sick again the rest of the weekend. Then I had an argument with a good friend over something that for the most part was miscommunications on both sides.
To add insult to injury, another friend opened their mouth when the better part of common sense should have ruled and kept it shut. I just don't like people putting words in my mouth when I kept mine shut. Am I mad .. No .. Just disappointed and feeling alone. Is this medium worth all the issues it brings? I doubt it but the few friends somehow counterbalance it, at least enough to drag me back occasionally. It is interesting how over time we have gone from RP every possible moment we can spare to almost feeling obligated to show up and then trying to make the exposure as short as possible.
Bowling did go fairly well but concentration was erratic. Concentration is the difference between the really good scores and the just average ones. Concentration is the missing a spare and losing as to picking the spare up and winning, it was that close. Next week I bowl against the two young ladies I have coached for the last year or more. That should prove interesting. Teacher vs. Student. --- wax on .. wax off.
After a long week of short nights, my knight server has been upgraded and everything squared away. The old server lasted 3 months short of 8 years. It never grew bigger than a Pentium 200. They don't make them as good as the old ones anymore.
This week I will be in New Jersey for a Radio Systems demonstration. That should prove interesting, as it will give us some great ideas for the three new studios we are building later in February. What scares me is going that deep into Yankee territory.
8 weeks till Nationals in Corpus Christi, TX.
To add insult to injury, another friend opened their mouth when the better part of common sense should have ruled and kept it shut. I just don't like people putting words in my mouth when I kept mine shut. Am I mad .. No .. Just disappointed and feeling alone. Is this medium worth all the issues it brings? I doubt it but the few friends somehow counterbalance it, at least enough to drag me back occasionally. It is interesting how over time we have gone from RP every possible moment we can spare to almost feeling obligated to show up and then trying to make the exposure as short as possible.
Bowling did go fairly well but concentration was erratic. Concentration is the difference between the really good scores and the just average ones. Concentration is the missing a spare and losing as to picking the spare up and winning, it was that close. Next week I bowl against the two young ladies I have coached for the last year or more. That should prove interesting. Teacher vs. Student. --- wax on .. wax off.
After a long week of short nights, my knight server has been upgraded and everything squared away. The old server lasted 3 months short of 8 years. It never grew bigger than a Pentium 200. They don't make them as good as the old ones anymore.
This week I will be in New Jersey for a Radio Systems demonstration. That should prove interesting, as it will give us some great ideas for the three new studios we are building later in February. What scares me is going that deep into Yankee territory.
8 weeks till Nationals in Corpus Christi, TX.
Paul's Update - 01/28/06
Dear Friends:
Weekends are always most restful. Today was mostly that. Dad got there early as usual and Bobby was still there from the last night. Paul had been up most of the night according to Bobby. We are pretty convinced that he has his nights and days mixed up. Since there is no therapy on the weekends it was up to Dad & Bobby to exercise him. It was a pretty day and Paul loves getting outside so they went out for about 45 minutes and walked around the townhouse community. He seems pretty alert when he is awake. That is not to say he acknowledges us much yet but he seems to look at things more intentionally each day. Paul also got a new accessory today. He now has a brace on his right foot to help keep it from drooping. Since he doesn't move that foot much it tends to drop down. This makes the muscles in the leg tight and difficult for him to lift his foot. The brace is spring loaded and will attempt to push his foot up which will stretch the calf muscle but will still allow him to move the foot in both directions independent from the brace. It was made specifically for Paul (custom fitted). Tabby was gone all day today. She took the opportunity to go to visit her parents in Martinsburg WV. They haven't seen her for several weeks. It was a good time for Tabby to "get away". Since she was out of state she couldn't get cell phone range so she wasn't able to talk to the doctor today. She will try again tomorrow. I'm sure nothing will be decided until Monday but it would be nice to know what we will be looking at with regard to the shunt.
As always... we thank you for your continued love and prayers!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Weekends are always most restful. Today was mostly that. Dad got there early as usual and Bobby was still there from the last night. Paul had been up most of the night according to Bobby. We are pretty convinced that he has his nights and days mixed up. Since there is no therapy on the weekends it was up to Dad & Bobby to exercise him. It was a pretty day and Paul loves getting outside so they went out for about 45 minutes and walked around the townhouse community. He seems pretty alert when he is awake. That is not to say he acknowledges us much yet but he seems to look at things more intentionally each day. Paul also got a new accessory today. He now has a brace on his right foot to help keep it from drooping. Since he doesn't move that foot much it tends to drop down. This makes the muscles in the leg tight and difficult for him to lift his foot. The brace is spring loaded and will attempt to push his foot up which will stretch the calf muscle but will still allow him to move the foot in both directions independent from the brace. It was made specifically for Paul (custom fitted). Tabby was gone all day today. She took the opportunity to go to visit her parents in Martinsburg WV. They haven't seen her for several weeks. It was a good time for Tabby to "get away". Since she was out of state she couldn't get cell phone range so she wasn't able to talk to the doctor today. She will try again tomorrow. I'm sure nothing will be decided until Monday but it would be nice to know what we will be looking at with regard to the shunt.
As always... we thank you for your continued love and prayers!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Paul's Update - 01/27/06
Below is the message that was suppose to go out Friday night. I had a
"snafu" with my computer. Sorry about the delay! -- Lynne
Dear Friends:
We had an exhausting day. Paul was to go to have the CT at Fair Oaks. The transport came around noon to pick him up. He went to the hospital and they did the CT which only takes a few minutes and got him ready to go back to the nursing home. While in route Paul threw up!! This is the first time we've ever encountered that. They turned around and took him right back to the hospital to make sure he was ok and run tests. They did all sorts of testing including an X-ray to determine if there was any fluids in the lungs. All looked OK so they don't really know what caused the vomiting. All of this took several hours in the hospital. He wasn't ready to go back to the nursing home until 8PM. As disturbing as all that was ... there was more. The tech that did the CT read the results and told Carl that there was an 8% difference in this CT and the last one they did almost three weeks ago. He called Dr. Azzam and the doctor is concerned that there is even MORE fluid .... ughhhhhhh. I don't really know what this is going to mean yet. The doctor said he will be in touch with Tabby at the first of next week to talk about what he thinks needs to be done. I pray that this doesn't mean more surgery but it might! Paul seemed OK but sleepy when he got back to the nursing home. Bobby was going to stay the night with him so Tabby could go home and rest. He has been doing so well this last few days and now we have another setback! We will keep praying that God hold Paul and heal him!! He's come a long way and God has protected him through a lot!
Enjoy your weekend!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
"snafu" with my computer. Sorry about the delay! -- Lynne
Dear Friends:
We had an exhausting day. Paul was to go to have the CT at Fair Oaks. The transport came around noon to pick him up. He went to the hospital and they did the CT which only takes a few minutes and got him ready to go back to the nursing home. While in route Paul threw up!! This is the first time we've ever encountered that. They turned around and took him right back to the hospital to make sure he was ok and run tests. They did all sorts of testing including an X-ray to determine if there was any fluids in the lungs. All looked OK so they don't really know what caused the vomiting. All of this took several hours in the hospital. He wasn't ready to go back to the nursing home until 8PM. As disturbing as all that was ... there was more. The tech that did the CT read the results and told Carl that there was an 8% difference in this CT and the last one they did almost three weeks ago. He called Dr. Azzam and the doctor is concerned that there is even MORE fluid .... ughhhhhhh. I don't really know what this is going to mean yet. The doctor said he will be in touch with Tabby at the first of next week to talk about what he thinks needs to be done. I pray that this doesn't mean more surgery but it might! Paul seemed OK but sleepy when he got back to the nursing home. Bobby was going to stay the night with him so Tabby could go home and rest. He has been doing so well this last few days and now we have another setback! We will keep praying that God hold Paul and heal him!! He's come a long way and God has protected him through a lot!
Enjoy your weekend!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Friday, January 27, 2006
Putzing Along
The week started out so good just to end on such a sour note. The best part of the day was the catered BBQ schmooze at work. Gee, that is kind of funny that work was better today than everything else.
#1 wants me to take him with me to work so he can get paid. Seems now he has a desire to pay off the bills that he accumulated when he quit work and got all the collections notices. Could be a cold day in the southern regions!
#2 was supposed to go to a job interview but haven't heard anything yet.
Started writing this and then took a break to have a birthday dinner with Carl (#54). It was interesting to hear the perspectives on life from a person over-the-hill. Hope I can be as objective when I get to that plateau.
RP this week has been a bit of a roller coaster. So I am still not sure what I really want to do. One moment all is great and the jets kick into overdrive than it swings to the rip your hair out level and all I do is piss my toupee person off when I destroy his rug creation. I do get dual use by gluing it to my chest. Won’t take much till I look like Big-Foot.
#1 wants me to take him with me to work so he can get paid. Seems now he has a desire to pay off the bills that he accumulated when he quit work and got all the collections notices. Could be a cold day in the southern regions!
#2 was supposed to go to a job interview but haven't heard anything yet.
Started writing this and then took a break to have a birthday dinner with Carl (#54). It was interesting to hear the perspectives on life from a person over-the-hill. Hope I can be as objective when I get to that plateau.
RP this week has been a bit of a roller coaster. So I am still not sure what I really want to do. One moment all is great and the jets kick into overdrive than it swings to the rip your hair out level and all I do is piss my toupee person off when I destroy his rug creation. I do get dual use by gluing it to my chest. Won’t take much till I look like Big-Foot.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/26/06
Dear Friends:
Today was a very good day. Therapy went very well. Paul was the most responsive he has ever been. The day started with work on upper body stuff, working with the cones. When the therapist (speech) put the cone in front of him he took it and reached over to drop it in Dad's hand. He did this about 9 times. Then they put a table in front of him with a platform that had wheels on it (sorta like a roller skate). The therapist put his right hand on it to see if he could move it back and forth. He wasn't able to do it with the right hand so he moved his left hand over to the right hand and he was trying to move his right hand with the left one. When Dad called Paul's name he would look over towards him. The therapist had a wire whisk that is like tongs that she wanted him to clamp with his hand. He couldn't do that but Dad asked him to put it on the table in front of him and he did it! They asked him to remove a tennis ball from a velcro pad, he couldn't pull it off but Dad asked him to put the ball ON the pad. He had to reach over and out a little to do that but he did it about 3 times. Keith (PT) tried to get Paul to wipe his mouth with a cloth in his own hand. He held Paul's arm up with the cloth to his mouth but Paul got VERY frustrated with Keith. This could be VERY good as the next stage of recovery is anger. I got there around 4:00 pm and when I walked in his back was to me so I walked to his left side and called his name. His head was drooped down and he lifted his head to look directly at me. He seemed so aware....what an exciting moment. The last part of the therapy was to stand him up and then sit him on the side of the bed to balance himself. He was pretty tired by then and didn't do quite as well so we took him back to the room. He rested for a while but was awake when I left around 6:15 pm. Most of the rest of the evening was quiet but he'd had a busy day! Tomorrow is the CT scan at Fair Oaks hospital. The transport is suppose to come around noon for his 1:00 pm appointment. Therapy will probably be early tomorrow (before the transport). I'm praying that the CT will show even more improvement in the fluid amount in the brain. If it does it could be the reason for such a good day today!! I pray that it means we will see only more improvements each day!
God Bless! Love, Lynne & Carl
Today was a very good day. Therapy went very well. Paul was the most responsive he has ever been. The day started with work on upper body stuff, working with the cones. When the therapist (speech) put the cone in front of him he took it and reached over to drop it in Dad's hand. He did this about 9 times. Then they put a table in front of him with a platform that had wheels on it (sorta like a roller skate). The therapist put his right hand on it to see if he could move it back and forth. He wasn't able to do it with the right hand so he moved his left hand over to the right hand and he was trying to move his right hand with the left one. When Dad called Paul's name he would look over towards him. The therapist had a wire whisk that is like tongs that she wanted him to clamp with his hand. He couldn't do that but Dad asked him to put it on the table in front of him and he did it! They asked him to remove a tennis ball from a velcro pad, he couldn't pull it off but Dad asked him to put the ball ON the pad. He had to reach over and out a little to do that but he did it about 3 times. Keith (PT) tried to get Paul to wipe his mouth with a cloth in his own hand. He held Paul's arm up with the cloth to his mouth but Paul got VERY frustrated with Keith. This could be VERY good as the next stage of recovery is anger. I got there around 4:00 pm and when I walked in his back was to me so I walked to his left side and called his name. His head was drooped down and he lifted his head to look directly at me. He seemed so aware....what an exciting moment. The last part of the therapy was to stand him up and then sit him on the side of the bed to balance himself. He was pretty tired by then and didn't do quite as well so we took him back to the room. He rested for a while but was awake when I left around 6:15 pm. Most of the rest of the evening was quiet but he'd had a busy day! Tomorrow is the CT scan at Fair Oaks hospital. The transport is suppose to come around noon for his 1:00 pm appointment. Therapy will probably be early tomorrow (before the transport). I'm praying that the CT will show even more improvement in the fluid amount in the brain. If it does it could be the reason for such a good day today!! I pray that it means we will see only more improvements each day!
God Bless! Love, Lynne & Carl
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/25/06
Dear Friends:
Paul had a little better day today. He slept most of the early part of the day but when the therapist came to work with him he seemed more cooperative. He did some sitting up, no standing since the doctor doesn't want him bearing weight on the left foot. He worked with some small balls in his left hand. He took them from the therapist and gave one of them to dad. One he played with a little and then flicked it from his fingers across the floor. The interesting thing is that one of them he actually held onto and tried to put it in his right hand. He had trouble with it but he at least tried. The speech therapist also tried to have Paul pop some bubble wrap, he didn't do that but when the therapist popped them he blinked with both eyes every time he HEARD a pop!! This tells us he hears at least some! This evening he was more awake. It almost seems like he has his days and nights mixed up. He seemed pretty alert. It is difficult to determine if or how much he sees yet but when Bobby was sitting in front of him he actually tracked Bob's finger in front of his eyes. He seems to do this randomly but the fact that he does it is pretty exciting. It appears that he is touching his right hand and his left leg with his left hand more and more. It is almost as if he is trying to figure out some "sensory" things. Earlier today the doctor had ordered a chest X-ray to make sure there is not evidence of pneumonia. The results came back this evening and the conclusion is that he has lots of congestion but no pneumonia ... Praise God!! Friday will be the date for the next CT. I hope that shows improvement in the fluid levels in the brain. Since Paul seems more like he was a few days ago, I believe that the procedure that was done Monday has done the trick! Have a great day!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Paul had a little better day today. He slept most of the early part of the day but when the therapist came to work with him he seemed more cooperative. He did some sitting up, no standing since the doctor doesn't want him bearing weight on the left foot. He worked with some small balls in his left hand. He took them from the therapist and gave one of them to dad. One he played with a little and then flicked it from his fingers across the floor. The interesting thing is that one of them he actually held onto and tried to put it in his right hand. He had trouble with it but he at least tried. The speech therapist also tried to have Paul pop some bubble wrap, he didn't do that but when the therapist popped them he blinked with both eyes every time he HEARD a pop!! This tells us he hears at least some! This evening he was more awake. It almost seems like he has his days and nights mixed up. He seemed pretty alert. It is difficult to determine if or how much he sees yet but when Bobby was sitting in front of him he actually tracked Bob's finger in front of his eyes. He seems to do this randomly but the fact that he does it is pretty exciting. It appears that he is touching his right hand and his left leg with his left hand more and more. It is almost as if he is trying to figure out some "sensory" things. Earlier today the doctor had ordered a chest X-ray to make sure there is not evidence of pneumonia. The results came back this evening and the conclusion is that he has lots of congestion but no pneumonia ... Praise God!! Friday will be the date for the next CT. I hope that shows improvement in the fluid levels in the brain. Since Paul seems more like he was a few days ago, I believe that the procedure that was done Monday has done the trick! Have a great day!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Oh Well
Well, time continues to move along and the first month of 2006 is drawing to an end. I wonder if it is too soon to start planning the next cruise? The knight.blackhawke.net server is back up after a short vacation and a total makeover. Now the work begins for me as I migrate a few things to the server.
Locally, there was a case where an eight year old boy took his father’s gun to school and accidentally shot a seven year old girl. What baffles me is that the State Attorney said they were charging the boy and that would get him in the State’s system and get him the help he needed. Well, based on my past experience with dealing with #1’s problems when he was less than 14 years old, the State Attorney had no idea what he was saying. When we were dealing with similar problems the State actually said “we aren’t equipped to deal with a child less than 14. That is why they usually get released by the courts back to the parents.” From firsthand knowledge, the State is poorly setup for dealing with young kids. The Boy’s Group Home had a minimum age requirement of 14. The Juvenile Detention wouldn’t accept him less than 14. They said he was supposed to be released to his parents or another foster family. We had to revert to private sources and agencies to get #1 the help he needed. I hope the State Attorney wakes up soon and see that his staff and the State’s Family Services is a major waste of taxpayer’s money. So don’t arrest the 8 year old under the guise of helping him. All they will do is get him raped in some state facility. And that is a fact I know of first hand.
Isn’t it wonderful how the Oil Companies are slipping the gas prices higher and the general populace doesn’t realize what is happening much less raise a stink over it. Cool off the Congressional inquiry into Price Gouging by lobbyist pressures and then keep any profit forecasts out of the news and boom, the price slides closer to $3.00 a gallon. Seems the Automotive Companies would get serious and force the price down so they could unload the growing lots of monster gas guzzlers. The local government thinks mass transit is the way to get around. Hey, mass transit is very poor outside of the close in metro area. And I keep hearing how the metro rail is reaching capacity and don’t have the funds to expand service. Talk of an outrage! Then they fire their CEO after one year on the job and guess what happens? The man gets a guaranteed annuity of $106,000 a year for the rest of his life and then his wife gets $53,000 a year when he dies. Excuse me, where can I get a job where I work one year, get fired and get such a sweet retirement package. Heck, Union workers don’t even have it that good.
A new one I just heard, veterans who don’t have a service related disability can’t get care at the VA hospital any more. Their way of screwing those who served but weren’t called on for the ultimate of sacrifices. Makes me wish I had stuck a screwdriver in my leg and then receive a purple heart so I could get the medical care they promised me 30 years ago. They want to penalize those who tried very hard to take care of themselves.
8 weeks to Tournament Time.
***** *****
Locally, there was a case where an eight year old boy took his father’s gun to school and accidentally shot a seven year old girl. What baffles me is that the State Attorney said they were charging the boy and that would get him in the State’s system and get him the help he needed. Well, based on my past experience with dealing with #1’s problems when he was less than 14 years old, the State Attorney had no idea what he was saying. When we were dealing with similar problems the State actually said “we aren’t equipped to deal with a child less than 14. That is why they usually get released by the courts back to the parents.” From firsthand knowledge, the State is poorly setup for dealing with young kids. The Boy’s Group Home had a minimum age requirement of 14. The Juvenile Detention wouldn’t accept him less than 14. They said he was supposed to be released to his parents or another foster family. We had to revert to private sources and agencies to get #1 the help he needed. I hope the State Attorney wakes up soon and see that his staff and the State’s Family Services is a major waste of taxpayer’s money. So don’t arrest the 8 year old under the guise of helping him. All they will do is get him raped in some state facility. And that is a fact I know of first hand.
Isn’t it wonderful how the Oil Companies are slipping the gas prices higher and the general populace doesn’t realize what is happening much less raise a stink over it. Cool off the Congressional inquiry into Price Gouging by lobbyist pressures and then keep any profit forecasts out of the news and boom, the price slides closer to $3.00 a gallon. Seems the Automotive Companies would get serious and force the price down so they could unload the growing lots of monster gas guzzlers. The local government thinks mass transit is the way to get around. Hey, mass transit is very poor outside of the close in metro area. And I keep hearing how the metro rail is reaching capacity and don’t have the funds to expand service. Talk of an outrage! Then they fire their CEO after one year on the job and guess what happens? The man gets a guaranteed annuity of $106,000 a year for the rest of his life and then his wife gets $53,000 a year when he dies. Excuse me, where can I get a job where I work one year, get fired and get such a sweet retirement package. Heck, Union workers don’t even have it that good.
A new one I just heard, veterans who don’t have a service related disability can’t get care at the VA hospital any more. Their way of screwing those who served but weren’t called on for the ultimate of sacrifices. Makes me wish I had stuck a screwdriver in my leg and then receive a purple heart so I could get the medical care they promised me 30 years ago. They want to penalize those who tried very hard to take care of themselves.
8 weeks to Tournament Time.
***** *****
Paul's Update - 01/24/06
Dear Friends:
Today was another pretty quiet day for Paul. He seemed to sleep most of the day. He really didn't want to cooperate with the therapists again today. He didn't even want to walk. Dad exercised his legs and arms several times and he was much more limber. Tonight around 5:00 pm he started waking up a bit. He was up for almost 3 hours before he napped a bit. He only slept for about 15 minutes and was awake again. The occupational therapist came in and only worked with him by playing with his toys and getting him to grab them and pull them from her. He really enjoys playing with his toys. I suspect he is getting some stimulation from them. They are soft and easy to grab and light enough to move around. He only uses his left hand to play with them so Shannon (OT) tried to work with the right hand a little. She wasn't very successful but at least he is feeling them with that hand...maybe he will eventually grab them with that hand too!! Dr. Azzam (neurosurgeon) called the nursing home today and said he wants another CT done this Friday to see if the adjustment he made yesterday has caused the shunt to work properly. The most devastating thing that happened today was the orthopedist told Tabby that he doesn't want Paul up on his left foot AT ALL. He wants NO weight bearing on it. This means that Paul will not be able to walk until the doctor says it is OK. He doesn't see that doctor until late February. This is frustrating since Paul likes being up most of the time. Now we will have to find other ways to exercise. It feels like such a setback but he doesn't want any damage to that foot (neither do we!). I guess we've had other more difficult setbacks and we should be thankful that he has done so well! Patience is most difficult when we have setbacks .... but we will "stay the course" ..... God isn't done with Paul's miracle yet!
God Bless! Lynne & Carl
Today was another pretty quiet day for Paul. He seemed to sleep most of the day. He really didn't want to cooperate with the therapists again today. He didn't even want to walk. Dad exercised his legs and arms several times and he was much more limber. Tonight around 5:00 pm he started waking up a bit. He was up for almost 3 hours before he napped a bit. He only slept for about 15 minutes and was awake again. The occupational therapist came in and only worked with him by playing with his toys and getting him to grab them and pull them from her. He really enjoys playing with his toys. I suspect he is getting some stimulation from them. They are soft and easy to grab and light enough to move around. He only uses his left hand to play with them so Shannon (OT) tried to work with the right hand a little. She wasn't very successful but at least he is feeling them with that hand...maybe he will eventually grab them with that hand too!! Dr. Azzam (neurosurgeon) called the nursing home today and said he wants another CT done this Friday to see if the adjustment he made yesterday has caused the shunt to work properly. The most devastating thing that happened today was the orthopedist told Tabby that he doesn't want Paul up on his left foot AT ALL. He wants NO weight bearing on it. This means that Paul will not be able to walk until the doctor says it is OK. He doesn't see that doctor until late February. This is frustrating since Paul likes being up most of the time. Now we will have to find other ways to exercise. It feels like such a setback but he doesn't want any damage to that foot (neither do we!). I guess we've had other more difficult setbacks and we should be thankful that he has done so well! Patience is most difficult when we have setbacks .... but we will "stay the course" ..... God isn't done with Paul's miracle yet!
God Bless! Lynne & Carl
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/23/06
Dear Friends:
Today started early .... Paul went to Fairfax Hospital for the adjustment to his shunt. It appears that the CT that was done two weeks ago was scheduled at Fair Oaks Hospital by the nursing home but nobody told Dr. Azzam (the neurosurgeon) about it. Consequently he didn't get the report until last week. His assistant was at Fairfax Hospital today and increased the amount of fluid that is being drawn from the brain. Another CT will be done in a week to follow up and make sure everything is OK. Pray that this works because if it doesn't we will have to make Paul go through another surgery to replace the current shunt. After he returned to the nursing home around 11 am he was tired and slept mostly until time for Speech & Occupational therapy. Since he was exhausted he didn't do much of what he was asked to do today. The speech therapist put Paul's hand in a bowl of warm rice and he worked hard to get it off of his fingers. He obviously didn't like how it felt! He did a little sitting up. The physical therapist wanted to attempt to have Paul walk today. He got him up on his feet and he took a couple of small steps but he didn't stand up straight or hold his head up. We didn't push him today so maybe he will have more energy tomorrow. Dad also exercised his arms and legs this evening and he was a little more limber .... his arms and the right leg are pretty stiff. When Dad left tonight Paul was listening to music. This seems to really have a positive effect on him. Tabby was there tonight but was going home early .... she hasn't had much sleep the last few days. Hopefully she will sleep well tonight! Have a great Day!!
Love, Carl and Lynne
Today started early .... Paul went to Fairfax Hospital for the adjustment to his shunt. It appears that the CT that was done two weeks ago was scheduled at Fair Oaks Hospital by the nursing home but nobody told Dr. Azzam (the neurosurgeon) about it. Consequently he didn't get the report until last week. His assistant was at Fairfax Hospital today and increased the amount of fluid that is being drawn from the brain. Another CT will be done in a week to follow up and make sure everything is OK. Pray that this works because if it doesn't we will have to make Paul go through another surgery to replace the current shunt. After he returned to the nursing home around 11 am he was tired and slept mostly until time for Speech & Occupational therapy. Since he was exhausted he didn't do much of what he was asked to do today. The speech therapist put Paul's hand in a bowl of warm rice and he worked hard to get it off of his fingers. He obviously didn't like how it felt! He did a little sitting up. The physical therapist wanted to attempt to have Paul walk today. He got him up on his feet and he took a couple of small steps but he didn't stand up straight or hold his head up. We didn't push him today so maybe he will have more energy tomorrow. Dad also exercised his arms and legs this evening and he was a little more limber .... his arms and the right leg are pretty stiff. When Dad left tonight Paul was listening to music. This seems to really have a positive effect on him. Tabby was there tonight but was going home early .... she hasn't had much sleep the last few days. Hopefully she will sleep well tonight! Have a great Day!!
Love, Carl and Lynne
Monday, January 23, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/22/06
Dear Friends:
Paul was pretty quiet today. Tabby, Carolyn & Alysa were there when we arrived after church. Bobby & Billy came shortly after. We had other friends today as well. The boys got Paul out of bed and we met in the family visiting lounge. He sat up in the wheelchair for a couple of hours. Dad exercised his arms and was able to limber them up a little. They are pretty stiff since he really doesn't move them much. After we got him back in bed he was pretty tired and slept for a time. When he woke up he was moving a lot. He always moves his left leg & arm quite a bit but he also moved his right leg some. Monday will start VERY early for Paul & Tabby. Paul has an appointment at Fairfax Hospital at 6 a.m. to have the shunt adjusted. Tabby had to arrange for an ambulance to move him to the emergency room at the hospital. That way he goes straight to the treatment area. The adjustment itself will only take a couple of seconds but he will have to be up from about 3-4 a.m. in order to get there in time. It sure was easier when he was already at the hospital!! Since it is the weekend Paul hasn't seen any of the therapists...they will be back on the job tomorrow. We are so thankful for them! Have a great Monday!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Paul was pretty quiet today. Tabby, Carolyn & Alysa were there when we arrived after church. Bobby & Billy came shortly after. We had other friends today as well. The boys got Paul out of bed and we met in the family visiting lounge. He sat up in the wheelchair for a couple of hours. Dad exercised his arms and was able to limber them up a little. They are pretty stiff since he really doesn't move them much. After we got him back in bed he was pretty tired and slept for a time. When he woke up he was moving a lot. He always moves his left leg & arm quite a bit but he also moved his right leg some. Monday will start VERY early for Paul & Tabby. Paul has an appointment at Fairfax Hospital at 6 a.m. to have the shunt adjusted. Tabby had to arrange for an ambulance to move him to the emergency room at the hospital. That way he goes straight to the treatment area. The adjustment itself will only take a couple of seconds but he will have to be up from about 3-4 a.m. in order to get there in time. It sure was easier when he was already at the hospital!! Since it is the weekend Paul hasn't seen any of the therapists...they will be back on the job tomorrow. We are so thankful for them! Have a great Monday!!
Love, Lynne & Carl
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Paul's Update - 01/21/06
Dear Friends:
We got to the nursing home very late today. Bobby, Carolyn and Tabby were there most of the day. Tabby spent the night there last night so she could be with Paul at midnight to wish Paul a happy anniversary. The kids said Paul exhibited some frustration today which is a really good thing. It means he is becoming more aware of his situation. Bobby said they had the talking trach attachment on today and Paul's breathing was labored. When Bobby asked him if he was OK, he shook his head "no". They took the attachment off and he breath a loud sigh. Each day since Carl started playing music for Paul he has seemed more alert. He spends a lot of time readjusting his covers, grabbing his toy animals when they are laying in his lap, he reaches for Tabby when she is lying on the bed with him. I pray that these are the beginning stages of greater improvement. It appears that Tabby needs to arrange for Paul to go back to Dr. Azzam's (the neurosurgeon) office early next week to have another adjustment to the shunt that was installed in the hospital. The CT that was done two weeks ago showed fluid built up in the brain. I don't know if this is really serious but I'm not crazy that they waited two weeks to notify us! This adjustment shouldn't cause any problems with Paul's recovery as it is done with a magnet and not anything invasive. But it means they have to arrange transport for him. I sure hope that the doctor will get the adjustment right this time! Have a Blessed Day...We love you!
Lynne & Carl
We got to the nursing home very late today. Bobby, Carolyn and Tabby were there most of the day. Tabby spent the night there last night so she could be with Paul at midnight to wish Paul a happy anniversary. The kids said Paul exhibited some frustration today which is a really good thing. It means he is becoming more aware of his situation. Bobby said they had the talking trach attachment on today and Paul's breathing was labored. When Bobby asked him if he was OK, he shook his head "no". They took the attachment off and he breath a loud sigh. Each day since Carl started playing music for Paul he has seemed more alert. He spends a lot of time readjusting his covers, grabbing his toy animals when they are laying in his lap, he reaches for Tabby when she is lying on the bed with him. I pray that these are the beginning stages of greater improvement. It appears that Tabby needs to arrange for Paul to go back to Dr. Azzam's (the neurosurgeon) office early next week to have another adjustment to the shunt that was installed in the hospital. The CT that was done two weeks ago showed fluid built up in the brain. I don't know if this is really serious but I'm not crazy that they waited two weeks to notify us! This adjustment shouldn't cause any problems with Paul's recovery as it is done with a magnet and not anything invasive. But it means they have to arrange transport for him. I sure hope that the doctor will get the adjustment right this time! Have a Blessed Day...We love you!
Lynne & Carl
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Scratch -- Scratch
This week started good but by Friday I was really fed up with things. I know I shouldn't but it happens. I love it when someone comes whining to me about how their computer is broke and they "just have to have it fixed so the can get some earth shattering thing done." You know, the thing that the world just stopped for. Wanting to help them, I then rush to get it done, putting something else on hold .. After finishing I look for them and wham, they had left to go home. How important was it? I sure felt like a fool. Have you ever felt taken advantage of? I hope this weekend cools me down some or next week will be brutal.
Another one this week was "I just need a minute for you to explain something." This statement came after I said I was either driving in traffic or I was heading out of the building for another appointment. "Ok, I said what is the question?" Their response, "I was going to fix something but I need you to explain the theory of relativity so I can see its application to the thing I am going to fix." If you can't even log in to the computer, don't ask me to explain editing a configuration file over the phone in a minute.
So you can see they yanked every chain I had this week except for the "No, that isn't in my job description!" one. Maybe I expect too much? Common sense and a little bit of user initiative to learn how to use the tools of your trade would be nice. But seriously, things will change this week and some people may get their feelings hurt.
Well enough grousing.
No change with #1 or #2. The clock is ticking and before long the hammer will come down.
Well, the weekend is here ... Lou and the Mexican restaurant ... two good things you can always count on.
Role-play World: The jury is still out with many things still tumbling in my mind. Doing what is needed to rebuild a channel requires a lot of time and I just honestly don't know if I want commit to that level of effort. Tried a little role-play the old fashioned way, with dice, miniature characters and a table of friends. That was fun because real life had no place on the table. Maybe hiding behind a glass screen makes people more willing to put their private lives up for public scrutiny. I am amazed that even after a year some people are still trying to stir up the pot. "Come on 2D20 ... give me a 29 or better."
This week also saw my knight.blackhawke.net server go down hard. I commissioned that in 1991 and it has run steadily since then. To make matters worse I lost 2 battery backups at the same time. That took my whole home network down, computers and switches. Hopefully I will get everything back to normal this weekend without slipping in to a sleep depraved state of consciousness.
Speaking of sleep depravation ... Good Night!!!
Another one this week was "I just need a minute for you to explain something." This statement came after I said I was either driving in traffic or I was heading out of the building for another appointment. "Ok, I said what is the question?" Their response, "I was going to fix something but I need you to explain the theory of relativity so I can see its application to the thing I am going to fix." If you can't even log in to the computer, don't ask me to explain editing a configuration file over the phone in a minute.
So you can see they yanked every chain I had this week except for the "No, that isn't in my job description!" one. Maybe I expect too much? Common sense and a little bit of user initiative to learn how to use the tools of your trade would be nice. But seriously, things will change this week and some people may get their feelings hurt.
Well enough grousing.
No change with #1 or #2. The clock is ticking and before long the hammer will come down.
Well, the weekend is here ... Lou and the Mexican restaurant ... two good things you can always count on.
Role-play World: The jury is still out with many things still tumbling in my mind. Doing what is needed to rebuild a channel requires a lot of time and I just honestly don't know if I want commit to that level of effort. Tried a little role-play the old fashioned way, with dice, miniature characters and a table of friends. That was fun because real life had no place on the table. Maybe hiding behind a glass screen makes people more willing to put their private lives up for public scrutiny. I am amazed that even after a year some people are still trying to stir up the pot. "Come on 2D20 ... give me a 29 or better."
This week also saw my knight.blackhawke.net server go down hard. I commissioned that in 1991 and it has run steadily since then. To make matters worse I lost 2 battery backups at the same time. That took my whole home network down, computers and switches. Hopefully I will get everything back to normal this weekend without slipping in to a sleep depraved state of consciousness.
Speaking of sleep depravation ... Good Night!!!
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Quick Thoughts
Well, it is funny how time changes things. I sure wish I was on the cruise because it is a lot warmer down there. Come on lady Luck and pick my lottery numbers!
Another wish on my list came true as Jessie showed up on Saturday to spend the day with us. It was an enjoyable surprise to see her and to know she is doing well. Of course she showed us her engagement ring so that will mean a trip to her wedding later this year.
Work continues to be fun but hard and long hours. There seems to never be a shortage of things to do.
After much shoe horning, a few words appeared on the website as new stories were posted. Now I just have to figure out where they will lead.
67 Days till Corpus Christi!! This will make my 16th year. A couple of guys who bowl with me will celebrate their 25th this year. Looks like I will celebrate my 20th in Reno .. Anyone say party time??
***** *****
Weren’t there a lot of bad or missed calls this year by the NFL referees? I guess I will need to get a new prescription so I won't see the interception that didn't happen or the false start that no one saw. Are we trying to regulate the game so much that we don't let them play anymore?
I see Mayor Nagin ( http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/01/17/nagin.city/ ) continues his journey into fantasy. I am curious how he gets away with some of his sayings (chocolate city). Anyone else would have been railroaded out of town as a racist. If we want to celebrate Dr. King's memory then let’s start playing on a level field, forget the past and make our own future based on how we relate to each other now.
Another wish on my list came true as Jessie showed up on Saturday to spend the day with us. It was an enjoyable surprise to see her and to know she is doing well. Of course she showed us her engagement ring so that will mean a trip to her wedding later this year.
Work continues to be fun but hard and long hours. There seems to never be a shortage of things to do.
After much shoe horning, a few words appeared on the website as new stories were posted. Now I just have to figure out where they will lead.
67 Days till Corpus Christi!! This will make my 16th year. A couple of guys who bowl with me will celebrate their 25th this year. Looks like I will celebrate my 20th in Reno .. Anyone say party time??
***** *****
Weren’t there a lot of bad or missed calls this year by the NFL referees? I guess I will need to get a new prescription so I won't see the interception that didn't happen or the false start that no one saw. Are we trying to regulate the game so much that we don't let them play anymore?
I see Mayor Nagin ( http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/01/17/nagin.city/ ) continues his journey into fantasy. I am curious how he gets away with some of his sayings (chocolate city). Anyone else would have been railroaded out of town as a racist. If we want to celebrate Dr. King's memory then let’s start playing on a level field, forget the past and make our own future based on how we relate to each other now.
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Rumblings
Could this be the view from my new house? Only time will tell. :)
Today was another long one just like Tuesday and Wednesday were. Long but productive. What we did with our servers allows me now a bit of breathing room and I don't have to worry about another group taking us down with a virus they get or if they crash the computer over there. Just to keep my sanity .. I did something I haven't done in a while as a quick change of pace. Enough said there. Tomorrow is fire up the new transmitter day and start the calibrations.
I can't wait till Saturday. It has been too long since I was at my favorite restaurant. My stomach growls even now at the thought of the food.
Today a phrase from a song has constantly been rumbling in my head -- why can't we be friends? --
***** *****
I love how the Congressmen keep saying "a judge should have no preconceived belief on a ruling or a preformulated tendency to rule one way or the other." But they keep trying to pin Alito on how he might rule on certain hot point issues. If he does what they ask he can't tell you how he feels. Besides, the same rules they feel a judge should abide by should be the same rules they as elected officials must abide by. When was the last time Biden, Kennedy, or Pelosi voted as their constituents wanted or believed? Every pet project they support tells us they put their desires over those of the voters.
Someone should tell the people of New Orleans to get home and start cleaning up the mess themselves. The Government tried to start cleaning up the mess but your legal representatives stopped that until you decided what to do with your trash pile. And what urgency do you feel to return home when you sit some hundreds of miles away in your FEMA provided housing? Quit expecting a handout and someone to wait on you and take care of your personal property.
Education is important? Then all major sports should adopt rules to prevent the early exit of students into major league sports. No more quitting school to get a jump on making millions. Establish a minimum age of 21 and enforce it. If a student starts school then they are ineligible for three years no matter what whether they remain in school or not. If they don't go to college then it is automatic that they have to wait 3 years and be at least 21. It is sad when a college student turned pro does an interview and they can't speak using an intelligible sentence. Just what I wanted, a hero (idol) who can't read, write, or speak clearly.
Monday, January 09, 2006
First Thoughts of the New Year
Well, I must transition back into normal life and let the relaxing and fun world of vacation slip back into my memories where it belongs.
Between the three couples, we took some 500+ pictures and hopefully I will get a small website setup to display them in the very near future. The weather was great (81-86 degrees) and the food unbelievable (the pounds did show up .. the shirt was tighter). Of all the stops I really enjoyed Tortola BVI. We ended the cruise with a horse drawn carriage ride through old town Charlestown South Carolina.
Though I am late, I wish everyone a happy New Year and I pray it is prosperous for you. What would I wish for the New Year (not in any particular order)?
***** *****
Between the three couples, we took some 500+ pictures and hopefully I will get a small website setup to display them in the very near future. The weather was great (81-86 degrees) and the food unbelievable (the pounds did show up .. the shirt was tighter). Of all the stops I really enjoyed Tortola BVI. We ended the cruise with a horse drawn carriage ride through old town Charlestown South Carolina.
Though I am late, I wish everyone a happy New Year and I pray it is prosperous for you. What would I wish for the New Year (not in any particular order)?
- Another year with my Dad.
- #1 and #2 get a job and mature.
- As radiant and beautiful as my wife was on the formal night during our cruise, I wish to see her like that more this year.
- Paul returns to a productive life.
- To see Jessi and know she is safe.
- Continued to be blessed with the countless memories that Lou provides as he grows up.
- Another year of challenging writing and interaction with my RP partner.
- To be able to renew a friendship with some of those involved with the disastrous meltdown in our RP world this year. Let us "agree to disagree" but put friendship in front of our personal ideals. For I truly miss those times we RP'd as friends.
***** *****
- Pat Robertson - how many times will he allowed to spout his blurred vision of a Christian before some one stops him or he has to suffer some consequence for his actions and words?
- Marcus Vick - another spoiled brat who thinks jumping to the NFL after blowing his college career will help. Though it is sad that the lure of dollars will cloud the owner’s minds and they will draft him and pay him millions only to reinforce his spoiled brat mentality. I could only wish the NFL would ignore him for two years and let him grow up some. At least the time would allow him to further humiliate himself and then the NFL would realize they have another Terrell Owens on their hands.
- Speaking of brats ... Shawn Taylor ... he makes millions and they only fine him $17K. Talk about a butt kiss. Once again the dollar sets the standard and it is pretty low. Let me spit in my coworkers face and I know it will cost me in excess of $60K .. Because my butt would be fired .. New server project or not. So why should I be penalized more? Because I am no "sports hero?"
- CNN continues to amaze me as for a couple of days all I saw was continuous and uninterrupted coverage of the Sago Mine disaster, Ariel Sharon, and Oklahoma City fires. Didn't anything else happen in the world?
Vacation Time Runs out!
I am back from a great time on the cruise and ready to push ahead with many pictures to follow. I will post more in the days to come but right now I am trying to clear out some of the emails I accumulated over the last 11 days.
See you soon!
See you soon!
Friday, December 23, 2005
T minus 4 days
***** MERRY CHRISTMAS *****
Well .. let me see ... 82 degrees in St. Thomas USVI. I think I can handle that. I sure wish these last 4 days would go faster. Though I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet I have started packing. Just got warm thinking of 82 so I walked down the street and got a cup of ice cream to cool off :)
Christmas eve I am going to see the Redskins-Giant football game with Paul's father. I just hope the rain doesn't showup till late that night. Go Giants!
I hope that everyone has a great holiday and a merry Christmas. To me the best gift is just a hug from a good friend. To those who feel I have wronged them I also hope they find happiness this season and accept the words "I am sorry." To all my friends I offer a big hug and a warm "thank you." I had thought of saying something to everyone who has impacted my life this year but I didn't because I didn't want to miss anyone so I will just give a hug to everyone I meet.
***** MERRY CHRISTMAS *****
Well .. let me see ... 82 degrees in St. Thomas USVI. I think I can handle that. I sure wish these last 4 days would go faster. Though I haven't started my Christmas shopping yet I have started packing. Just got warm thinking of 82 so I walked down the street and got a cup of ice cream to cool off :)
Christmas eve I am going to see the Redskins-Giant football game with Paul's father. I just hope the rain doesn't showup till late that night. Go Giants!
I hope that everyone has a great holiday and a merry Christmas. To me the best gift is just a hug from a good friend. To those who feel I have wronged them I also hope they find happiness this season and accept the words "I am sorry." To all my friends I offer a big hug and a warm "thank you." I had thought of saying something to everyone who has impacted my life this year but I didn't because I didn't want to miss anyone so I will just give a hug to everyone I meet.
***** MERRY CHRISTMAS *****
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Oh Boy
***** MERRY CHRISTMAS *****
What I have found most interesting this fall and even into the Christmas season is the number of inconsiderate people that love to say "that isn't in my job description." When asked to help that is the best their piddly brain can come up with. Whatever happened to a desire to help when asked. Even more astonishing are the few that call themselves a Christian! How much different would it have been if Christ said that when he faced the cross? What even burns me more is the supervisor's that tolerate what can only be classified as insubordiation. Are we so afraid to send someone like this packing because of the trouble it will cause? Or is it because the supervisor lacks the guts and where with all to deal with this. Maybe we need to adopt a "screw you while I take care of myself" attitude for they sure have and get away with it. It would be a lot less trouble when you were asked to help for 10 minutes and have to delay your coffee break or your smoke break. I can understand this attitude from a non-christian. But since one of these dullards is a "devout Catholic" in his own words .. is that typical of what the Catholic Church preaches? Or should some Priest who cares discuss with this devout one what the term "Christ-like" really means? No wonder Christians around the world are getting pushed aside because of hypocrites like this. Yes, I am dismayed, for all I asked was 5 minutes of their time but got this idiotic response. I hope they have a Merry Christmas and one day before Christ returns, wake up to find out what kind of person they really are.
The mexican food this afternoon was as good as usual. Hot, spicy and a joy to eat. gee, I just realized that I won't get anymore at our resturant until next year. Guess the Carribean Island cusine will have to do. :)
Dad's test was cancelled for two weeks.
Is it time we disband the Political Party system and everyone is independent and representative of who voted them into office? What I see is party politics is more important than the citizens needs and rights. Yes they claim they represent us but I believe they represent their causes more and only if the two cross paths the citizens will get cared for.
District of Columbia is being denied representation because the job of some Congressman in Utah would be jepordized and tilt the balance of power.
Millions spent on research on the sex lives of certain animals while human being in Louisiana are hungry and cold from the lack of shelter.
No budget is being worked on while they pander the Patriot Act because some of our rights were moved aside during the frenzied hunt for terrorists after 9-11. You want to be safe? Then let the right people do their job and stop these fanatics who think nothing of blowing you up.
If you want to drill in Alaska to lessen the impact of terrorist controlled oil .. then make the drilling environmentally safe and friendly .. make the oil companies use some of the billions in profit to make that happen instead of paying massive bonuses and salarys to the top managers and lobbyists. And if they fail then make them pay for messing it up ... surely last years profits could go a long way to repairing an accident. Oh, that is right. This would mean the Congress members would lose their large yearly bonuses from the Oil Lobby.
You say that I am too critical and that Congress is honorable and doing what is right for the American Citizen? Look at all the ones convicted, indicted, and under investigation and tell me how honorable they are. These are the ones that messed up and got caught. I love the phrase used once on a TB show about Congress .. "it isn't nothing but a good ole boys club." Am I wrong? Prove me wrong?
***** MERRY CHRISTMAS *****
What I have found most interesting this fall and even into the Christmas season is the number of inconsiderate people that love to say "that isn't in my job description." When asked to help that is the best their piddly brain can come up with. Whatever happened to a desire to help when asked. Even more astonishing are the few that call themselves a Christian! How much different would it have been if Christ said that when he faced the cross? What even burns me more is the supervisor's that tolerate what can only be classified as insubordiation. Are we so afraid to send someone like this packing because of the trouble it will cause? Or is it because the supervisor lacks the guts and where with all to deal with this. Maybe we need to adopt a "screw you while I take care of myself" attitude for they sure have and get away with it. It would be a lot less trouble when you were asked to help for 10 minutes and have to delay your coffee break or your smoke break. I can understand this attitude from a non-christian. But since one of these dullards is a "devout Catholic" in his own words .. is that typical of what the Catholic Church preaches? Or should some Priest who cares discuss with this devout one what the term "Christ-like" really means? No wonder Christians around the world are getting pushed aside because of hypocrites like this. Yes, I am dismayed, for all I asked was 5 minutes of their time but got this idiotic response. I hope they have a Merry Christmas and one day before Christ returns, wake up to find out what kind of person they really are.
The mexican food this afternoon was as good as usual. Hot, spicy and a joy to eat. gee, I just realized that I won't get anymore at our resturant until next year. Guess the Carribean Island cusine will have to do. :)
Dad's test was cancelled for two weeks.
Is it time we disband the Political Party system and everyone is independent and representative of who voted them into office? What I see is party politics is more important than the citizens needs and rights. Yes they claim they represent us but I believe they represent their causes more and only if the two cross paths the citizens will get cared for.
District of Columbia is being denied representation because the job of some Congressman in Utah would be jepordized and tilt the balance of power.
Millions spent on research on the sex lives of certain animals while human being in Louisiana are hungry and cold from the lack of shelter.
No budget is being worked on while they pander the Patriot Act because some of our rights were moved aside during the frenzied hunt for terrorists after 9-11. You want to be safe? Then let the right people do their job and stop these fanatics who think nothing of blowing you up.
If you want to drill in Alaska to lessen the impact of terrorist controlled oil .. then make the drilling environmentally safe and friendly .. make the oil companies use some of the billions in profit to make that happen instead of paying massive bonuses and salarys to the top managers and lobbyists. And if they fail then make them pay for messing it up ... surely last years profits could go a long way to repairing an accident. Oh, that is right. This would mean the Congress members would lose their large yearly bonuses from the Oil Lobby.
You say that I am too critical and that Congress is honorable and doing what is right for the American Citizen? Look at all the ones convicted, indicted, and under investigation and tell me how honorable they are. These are the ones that messed up and got caught. I love the phrase used once on a TB show about Congress .. "it isn't nothing but a good ole boys club." Am I wrong? Prove me wrong?
***** MERRY CHRISTMAS *****
Friday, December 16, 2005
Scrambled Eggs
***** Merry Christmas *****
Time is rolling along very fast as we have only 11 days to Cruise Time. Life is going well but I wish it would slow down a bit. There are many things I wish to do but I seem to run out of time.
The first half of the Youth bowling league is done. While we didn't win again, we didn't finish last. Hopefully this team will jell for the second half and make a respectable showing and at least be a player.
#1's interview seemed to prove unfruitful. Oh well, time marches on for him.
#2 is pretty much in the same boat. He some how thinks I am bluffing come January 15th. Is he in for a surprise!
Dad isn't doing well with his tests this time. Today was a remake after yesterday's debacle. After stopping his heart it took 3 restarts to get it going. I wonder if the starter was missing a few gears? They seem to create more stress and anxiety than what the accomplish. I would tell them next time to go play with someone else .. this old ticker is off limits.
This week at work has been a blur. The main office server managed to die and after 30 hours we got it going and stable once again. Backing up some 91Gb of data and restoring it isn't fun. Then some idiot cut the telco cable with a backhoe and our Baltimore AM station is off the air and they say it will be 9pm Saturday before they finish splicing it. The GM ain't happy.
Way to go Congress, lest anything get in the way of your holiday break, leave us hanging on a lot of things as Alternative Minimum tax, Patriot Act, your silence on the budgets for next year. Your penchant for playing Inquisitor has left little room for doing your real job.
Thanks DC and the Mayor, your screwing around with the stadium lease will lose us our Nationals Baseball team and you will whine how unfair MLB has treated you. Well, we know better.
They say driving and talking on a cell phone makes you 4 times more likely to have a serious accident. Well, duh, lets get serious and stop it. Perhaps tripling the penalties if you cause and accident while talking would be a good start. If you are chatting on one and are involved in an accident then you assume the responsibility. Why you ask? If you weren't talking you would have been more attentive and might have taken defensive action sooner and avoided it.
As for the death penalty, make it mandatory that the sentence must be executed before the end of the 5th year. No more dragging it out for 25+ years. This can be modified if they come up with a way to extend the death of the victims equal to the appeal time of the convict.
***** Merry Christmas *****
Time is rolling along very fast as we have only 11 days to Cruise Time. Life is going well but I wish it would slow down a bit. There are many things I wish to do but I seem to run out of time.
The first half of the Youth bowling league is done. While we didn't win again, we didn't finish last. Hopefully this team will jell for the second half and make a respectable showing and at least be a player.
#1's interview seemed to prove unfruitful. Oh well, time marches on for him.
#2 is pretty much in the same boat. He some how thinks I am bluffing come January 15th. Is he in for a surprise!
Dad isn't doing well with his tests this time. Today was a remake after yesterday's debacle. After stopping his heart it took 3 restarts to get it going. I wonder if the starter was missing a few gears? They seem to create more stress and anxiety than what the accomplish. I would tell them next time to go play with someone else .. this old ticker is off limits.
This week at work has been a blur. The main office server managed to die and after 30 hours we got it going and stable once again. Backing up some 91Gb of data and restoring it isn't fun. Then some idiot cut the telco cable with a backhoe and our Baltimore AM station is off the air and they say it will be 9pm Saturday before they finish splicing it. The GM ain't happy.
Way to go Congress, lest anything get in the way of your holiday break, leave us hanging on a lot of things as Alternative Minimum tax, Patriot Act, your silence on the budgets for next year. Your penchant for playing Inquisitor has left little room for doing your real job.
Thanks DC and the Mayor, your screwing around with the stadium lease will lose us our Nationals Baseball team and you will whine how unfair MLB has treated you. Well, we know better.
They say driving and talking on a cell phone makes you 4 times more likely to have a serious accident. Well, duh, lets get serious and stop it. Perhaps tripling the penalties if you cause and accident while talking would be a good start. If you are chatting on one and are involved in an accident then you assume the responsibility. Why you ask? If you weren't talking you would have been more attentive and might have taken defensive action sooner and avoided it.
As for the death penalty, make it mandatory that the sentence must be executed before the end of the 5th year. No more dragging it out for 25+ years. This can be modified if they come up with a way to extend the death of the victims equal to the appeal time of the convict.
***** Merry Christmas *****
Monday, December 12, 2005
Head Scratching
Sitting here this morning I listened to a story about the man in a California prison that is facing death in 18 hours. Every bit of the story was about how the man deserved to live because he had "changed and was doing so much good". I just have a problem with that logic. He killed a person and they were permanently sentenced to death. How much good could they have done or tried to do? I am of the thought that when you are convicted of certain crimes the sentence is carried out no matter how much you have changed. Why does he deserve another chance -- the victim gets nothing but a shortened life? The simple fact here remains he killed someone so he must be punished as the court sentenced him. I am sad his lifestyle and anger placed him where he would commit this crime. That is a black eye on society and their failure to make a difference. But the simple fact is He killed someone and was sentenced to die -- so carry out the sentence. Until people are held accountable and punished according to the law, we will never see the murder rate go down.
I had an interesting conversation with #1. While talking about jobs I commented that he needed to be aware of where he worked and the hours since in most likelihood we would have to help get him there. You know, be considerate of mom and dad. He responded he would work off shifts so he could use the car and not interfere with us. Of course I reminded him he had lost his car and had no insurance. Then I said he wasn't on my policy so he could not drive them. Of course he fumed and said "come on lighten up, it isn't like I am going cross country or anything like that." Naturally I said no and that I wasn't willing to chance losing everything I had because of an accident he caused. I wonder where these ideas come from. I have heard it from several young adults that if you are just driving around town that there is no need to have insurance. It is as if they feel if you don't have it then the other person can't take it. Another one is they keep their checking account balance at a minimum, write checks for every penny based on their idea of the sequence of withdrawal. However the bank operates on an entirely different schedule and bounces a check. They actually think it is the banks fault and refuse to pay it
The pre-hugged Christmas bears are back. So it takes a while to hug every one. Lou would hug them and give a grunt since it was a bug hug. He did hug everyone and even a few twice. He is at the stage he parrots anything I say. Needless to say the language filter must be turned up full strength to prevent those slippages.
#2 in all his wisdom still is job hunting. When asked how it was going he rattled off a bunch of business names of places he filled out an application too. I stated it sure sounded like the same places he tried before he tried the Job Corp. He nodded yes and restated he tried .. My question was "how many interviews?" None but I did a lot of applications was his response. I responded that applications were paper and like toilet paper, something used and thrown away, get an interview, that was called job hunting. Needless to say, the attitude appeared and the conversation ended but not before I reminded him that rent was due in 30 days. He spent the rest of the evening away from us.
I had an interesting conversation with #1. While talking about jobs I commented that he needed to be aware of where he worked and the hours since in most likelihood we would have to help get him there. You know, be considerate of mom and dad. He responded he would work off shifts so he could use the car and not interfere with us. Of course I reminded him he had lost his car and had no insurance. Then I said he wasn't on my policy so he could not drive them. Of course he fumed and said "come on lighten up, it isn't like I am going cross country or anything like that." Naturally I said no and that I wasn't willing to chance losing everything I had because of an accident he caused. I wonder where these ideas come from. I have heard it from several young adults that if you are just driving around town that there is no need to have insurance. It is as if they feel if you don't have it then the other person can't take it. Another one is they keep their checking account balance at a minimum, write checks for every penny based on their idea of the sequence of withdrawal. However the bank operates on an entirely different schedule and bounces a check. They actually think it is the banks fault and refuse to pay it
The pre-hugged Christmas bears are back. So it takes a while to hug every one. Lou would hug them and give a grunt since it was a bug hug. He did hug everyone and even a few twice. He is at the stage he parrots anything I say. Needless to say the language filter must be turned up full strength to prevent those slippages.
#2 in all his wisdom still is job hunting. When asked how it was going he rattled off a bunch of business names of places he filled out an application too. I stated it sure sounded like the same places he tried before he tried the Job Corp. He nodded yes and restated he tried .. My question was "how many interviews?" None but I did a lot of applications was his response. I responded that applications were paper and like toilet paper, something used and thrown away, get an interview, that was called job hunting. Needless to say, the attitude appeared and the conversation ended but not before I reminded him that rent was due in 30 days. He spent the rest of the evening away from us.
Friday, December 09, 2005
Which Holiday Cartoon Character Are You?
You are:
Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks
Like Alvin , you love Christmas—for all the stuff it brings! You love getting all gussied up and being the center of attention. It's great that you're having such a great time, but remember, there's more to the holidays than getting gifts. There's a lot of joy to be found in the simple pleasures and thinking of others.
Try it yourself!
Alvin from Alvin and the Chipmunks
Like Alvin , you love Christmas—for all the stuff it brings! You love getting all gussied up and being the center of attention. It's great that you're having such a great time, but remember, there's more to the holidays than getting gifts. There's a lot of joy to be found in the simple pleasures and thinking of others.
Try it yourself!
Whimsical Thoughts
Last night we attended the pre-showing of the Chronicles of Narnia. That was fun and the show was very good. Even #1 flatly stated that he liked the movie. The snowstorm they predicted was a fizzle once again. Just enough sleet and snow to make life miserable They were predicting 4-6" where we lived but it barely covered our grass. Two weeks from Monday our great adventure starts -- warm weather, good fun and lots of fun.
Why would you sit there and watch a virus warning continually pop up and not do anything about it. These are the people that sit there with a finger crammed up their nose and tickling their brain. Then they choose to blame me for hacking into their system and infecting them. Only thing I would hack into is their dried up brain and inject some common sense. Then they want me to fix it, as if I do this to generate more work for me. I guess this is the low quality of news reporters you get when they are paid minimal wages.
Our Christmas party on Wednesday night was great. Good food and the view of the District of Columbia from a restaurant on the 14th floor.
Trial by DNA? Could it be that in the future you won't get a trial if the DNA at the crime scene matches yours? The evidence is collected, the DNA processed, your are arrested and the judge sentences you with the appropriate sentence. We turned another corner when a death sentence was overturned because the DNA evidence was destroyed. They disregarded the jury's decision based on all the evidence and the belief that he was guilty. Yes, the law changed and what the clerk did was wrong but don't blow off the original trial because of it. If the DNA evidence is gone all the new trial can consider is the testimony of the witnesses. Well, Duh, that is what happened the first time so why not accept that finding. meanwhile we continue to provide a living to someone already found guilty.
The other night I saw a program on the transgender issue we face. It brought up some interesting question but also showed the lengths some will take to disguise the truth of who they are. That one guy married a he/she and wouldn't let he/she remove the crank. So instead of accepting the fact he is homosexual he masked it as he was normal and just in love with a transgender female. Unscrew the brain and see the lack of any gray mass? Needless to say, I laughed a lot. Seriously, the transgender people did present some issues but the other people were just perverted.
Why would you sit there and watch a virus warning continually pop up and not do anything about it. These are the people that sit there with a finger crammed up their nose and tickling their brain. Then they choose to blame me for hacking into their system and infecting them. Only thing I would hack into is their dried up brain and inject some common sense. Then they want me to fix it, as if I do this to generate more work for me. I guess this is the low quality of news reporters you get when they are paid minimal wages.
Our Christmas party on Wednesday night was great. Good food and the view of the District of Columbia from a restaurant on the 14th floor.
Trial by DNA? Could it be that in the future you won't get a trial if the DNA at the crime scene matches yours? The evidence is collected, the DNA processed, your are arrested and the judge sentences you with the appropriate sentence. We turned another corner when a death sentence was overturned because the DNA evidence was destroyed. They disregarded the jury's decision based on all the evidence and the belief that he was guilty. Yes, the law changed and what the clerk did was wrong but don't blow off the original trial because of it. If the DNA evidence is gone all the new trial can consider is the testimony of the witnesses. Well, Duh, that is what happened the first time so why not accept that finding. meanwhile we continue to provide a living to someone already found guilty.
The other night I saw a program on the transgender issue we face. It brought up some interesting question but also showed the lengths some will take to disguise the truth of who they are. That one guy married a he/she and wouldn't let he/she remove the crank. So instead of accepting the fact he is homosexual he masked it as he was normal and just in love with a transgender female. Unscrew the brain and see the lack of any gray mass? Needless to say, I laughed a lot. Seriously, the transgender people did present some issues but the other people were just perverted.
Monday, December 05, 2005
White Christmas?
Paul's Update: 12/04/05
Dear Friends: -- Many good things happen every day. We can praise God for these small miracles. Today Bobby & Tabby got to see Paul open his eyes (both according to Bobby) and look at them. He appeared to have a somewhat frightened look. I suspect he IS a bit frightened and confused about what & where he is, not to mention what happened that got him there. He is opening his eyes (mostly the left one) quite often. It is usually in response to either touching him or talking to him but not always. I came into his room today and before I even spoke or touched him I noticed his left eye open. It stayed that way for about a minute. He still doesn't appear to respond directly to commands but I think he is getting closer each day. Please continue your prayers for Brenda (Austin's grandmother) & her family. She is having tests done tomorrow to decide what kind of cancer she has and how her doctors will plan to treat it. Also continue to remember all those families that are victims of trauma that are at Fairfax ICU. One family is struggling with the impending death of their 70 year old father & husband that fell at home and hit his head causing massive bleeding on the brain. His doctor says there is not any brain activity and they will probably have to remove him from the respirator soon. I pray that God will comfort them! God Bless, -- Lynne & Carl
***** *****
Well, it snowed today and it was a far cry from what they predicted. 3-6" and we will barely get 1 1/2". But even with that piddly amount the cancellations are piling up. If they cancel school every time they get an inch .. this school year will never end.
Work is going well. I finished a new server buildout and installed it this weekend. It is good to be able to finish something without having it changed on you before it could be finished. Time to move on to the other 999 projects all due yesterday. :)
Well, the District of Columbia shows their ineptitude when it comes to the Nationals. They got the concessions from MLB that they wanted but today's news makes you grin. A document surfaced that stated the cost of the new stadium was some 165 million under the actual cost. Mayor Williams used 535 million as the cost and now it is reported the number will be 700 million. To add insult to injury, if the cost is too much and the fall back to the RFK Stadium site, the report says it can't be done in time for the 2008 deadline. This is starting to look like a texas-sized goat rope.
Dear Friends: -- Many good things happen every day. We can praise God for these small miracles. Today Bobby & Tabby got to see Paul open his eyes (both according to Bobby) and look at them. He appeared to have a somewhat frightened look. I suspect he IS a bit frightened and confused about what & where he is, not to mention what happened that got him there. He is opening his eyes (mostly the left one) quite often. It is usually in response to either touching him or talking to him but not always. I came into his room today and before I even spoke or touched him I noticed his left eye open. It stayed that way for about a minute. He still doesn't appear to respond directly to commands but I think he is getting closer each day. Please continue your prayers for Brenda (Austin's grandmother) & her family. She is having tests done tomorrow to decide what kind of cancer she has and how her doctors will plan to treat it. Also continue to remember all those families that are victims of trauma that are at Fairfax ICU. One family is struggling with the impending death of their 70 year old father & husband that fell at home and hit his head causing massive bleeding on the brain. His doctor says there is not any brain activity and they will probably have to remove him from the respirator soon. I pray that God will comfort them! God Bless, -- Lynne & Carl
***** *****
Well, it snowed today and it was a far cry from what they predicted. 3-6" and we will barely get 1 1/2". But even with that piddly amount the cancellations are piling up. If they cancel school every time they get an inch .. this school year will never end.
Work is going well. I finished a new server buildout and installed it this weekend. It is good to be able to finish something without having it changed on you before it could be finished. Time to move on to the other 999 projects all due yesterday. :)
Well, the District of Columbia shows their ineptitude when it comes to the Nationals. They got the concessions from MLB that they wanted but today's news makes you grin. A document surfaced that stated the cost of the new stadium was some 165 million under the actual cost. Mayor Williams used 535 million as the cost and now it is reported the number will be 700 million. To add insult to injury, if the cost is too much and the fall back to the RFK Stadium site, the report says it can't be done in time for the 2008 deadline. This is starting to look like a texas-sized goat rope.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Brrrrrr ... Is it Winter Yet?
Paul's Update: 12/03/05
Dear Friends: -- Today was a pretty good day. Paul had a CT scan first thing this morning. The doctor decided that the depression in his skull was nothing to worry about. The shunt seems to be working fine and his brain is in good condition. The swelling in his neck area is just a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) from the installation of the shunt and it should reabsorb into the skin in a few days. He actually looked better already today! Much of the same movements are present. He still opens his eyes occasionally (mostly the left eye) and he moves his head and arms frequently. His heart rate & BP are normal and he seems to be doing very well although he still doesn't respond directly to any commands. He is still in the ICU2 unit but as soon as a bed in a room with someone else who has staff infection in the intermediate care unit comes available he will be moved. Many new families have arrived in the ICU unit. Please continue to pray for them. Also, many of you have heard about Austin and his recovery. He is at Mount Vernon Rehab center but his maternal grandmother was admitted this weekend with a mass in one of her lungs. It appears that she may have cancer. This is a serious concern for her since she just lost a sister to cancer. Please pray for Brenda and the family as they endure another difficult situation. Thanks for your continued prayer!! -- Love & Hugs -- Lynne & Carl
***** *****
I knew the Christmas season was here because we started our Christmas teddy bear program. Everyone brings teddy bears for the next few weeks and everyone hugs them. Then these "pre-hugged" bears are given away to kids and really anyone needing some extra love. Snuggle -- Snuggle
Three weeks to cruise time .. I can't wait.
Work continues to be fun, hard but fun. It is kinda sad watching them let my old network system crumble from neglect. It still amazes me that someone can sit there with a broken computer system and bellyache that they weren't hired to fix them. Where I came from refusing to do your job got your butt canned. But then again it takes a manager with balls to enforce it and I guess there aren't anymore left over there.
Christmas parties and the pre-screen of the Narnia movie will highlight this week. Add in choir and bible study and who has anytime left?
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ... and those who are ashamed about that phrase --- Season's Greetings ...errrr ... MERRY CHRISTMAS anyways.
Dear Friends: -- Today was a pretty good day. Paul had a CT scan first thing this morning. The doctor decided that the depression in his skull was nothing to worry about. The shunt seems to be working fine and his brain is in good condition. The swelling in his neck area is just a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) from the installation of the shunt and it should reabsorb into the skin in a few days. He actually looked better already today! Much of the same movements are present. He still opens his eyes occasionally (mostly the left eye) and he moves his head and arms frequently. His heart rate & BP are normal and he seems to be doing very well although he still doesn't respond directly to any commands. He is still in the ICU2 unit but as soon as a bed in a room with someone else who has staff infection in the intermediate care unit comes available he will be moved. Many new families have arrived in the ICU unit. Please continue to pray for them. Also, many of you have heard about Austin and his recovery. He is at Mount Vernon Rehab center but his maternal grandmother was admitted this weekend with a mass in one of her lungs. It appears that she may have cancer. This is a serious concern for her since she just lost a sister to cancer. Please pray for Brenda and the family as they endure another difficult situation. Thanks for your continued prayer!! -- Love & Hugs -- Lynne & Carl
***** *****
I knew the Christmas season was here because we started our Christmas teddy bear program. Everyone brings teddy bears for the next few weeks and everyone hugs them. Then these "pre-hugged" bears are given away to kids and really anyone needing some extra love. Snuggle -- Snuggle
Three weeks to cruise time .. I can't wait.
Work continues to be fun, hard but fun. It is kinda sad watching them let my old network system crumble from neglect. It still amazes me that someone can sit there with a broken computer system and bellyache that they weren't hired to fix them. Where I came from refusing to do your job got your butt canned. But then again it takes a manager with balls to enforce it and I guess there aren't anymore left over there.
Christmas parties and the pre-screen of the Narnia movie will highlight this week. Add in choir and bible study and who has anytime left?
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL ... and those who are ashamed about that phrase --- Season's Greetings ...errrr ... MERRY CHRISTMAS anyways.
Friday, December 02, 2005
The Weekend Arrives
Paul's Update:
12-01-05 --- Dear Friends: -- God is soooo good. We have been anxious to see signs that Paul is doing better. Today Paul was more active. He seemed to be very aware that we were in the room. His eyes opened quite a bit. He appeared to be trying to lift his head and shoulders toward Tabby. His heart rate would go way up. The nurse said she believes it is because he is becoming more aware and wants to communicate but can't. Although he is still in a coma he appears to be very close to waking. The doctor said he needs to respond to commands, like "squeeze my hand" and "open your eyes" before they consider it to be things he does intentionally! Friday will be the completion of 4 weeks in ICU. It appears that Paul may be moved to intermediate care ICU maybe as early as tonight or Friday. Thanks for your prayers....we may finally be on the way to having Paul back with us!! -- Love, Lynne & Carl
12/02/05 --- Dear Friends: -- Today was the completion of the fourth week in ICU. Paul was a lot quieter today. Not as much movement as yesterday. His heart rate was up quite abit this afternoon. The BP & respiration rates were also up. We had a bit of a scare tonight after the shift change. When Carl and I went in to visit we noticed that the part of his skull where the bone was removed was sunken in quite a lot. The other noticeable thing was a lot of swelling in the neck area just below the jaw. The nurse checked to see if there was any change in his neurological responses (eye dilation, response to pain, and some reflex action in the foot). All these seemed the same as when she checked him earlier in the evening, but she said the skull did look quite different from an hour before. The resident doctor and the head of the trauma team came to look. They seemed to think it may be from the shunt draining the fluid from his cranial cavity but they were a little concerned with the swelling in the neck. The neurosurgeon on Paul's case was called and he ordered a CT Saturday morning to see what is going on. They didn't seem to think it was life threatening but it does warrant a look. The good thing about tonight's visit was that the doctor and the nurse both seemed pleased with Paul's neurological status. We are glad to hear that they at least think he is doing well for his situation! We will just continue to pray for God to hold & heal him. His doctors are doing their part!! -- God Bless, Lynne & Carl
***** *****
Looks like our first real snow is coming Monday. It makes the thoughts of our cruise in 24 days much warmer. Do I feel guilty? No! :)
I couldn't help but shake my head as I listened how some German Youth group was making an erotic bible calendar. The adult (used lightly) leaders thought it was great that the youth were taking an interest in the bible. This is the same logic that believes take a bunch of porn stars and have them hold the bible or some religious artifact and revel in joy when a bunch of men come back into the church. Perhaps the German leaders could teach them of Christ's love and draw the kids in ... and the results would last longer. That formula has worked for a long time.
Thank you Federated Stores and WAVA FM 105 for taking a stand and using the phrase "Merry Christmas." It is time to quit trying to hide who we are and accept that God and religion was the basis of our nation.
12-01-05 --- Dear Friends: -- God is soooo good. We have been anxious to see signs that Paul is doing better. Today Paul was more active. He seemed to be very aware that we were in the room. His eyes opened quite a bit. He appeared to be trying to lift his head and shoulders toward Tabby. His heart rate would go way up. The nurse said she believes it is because he is becoming more aware and wants to communicate but can't. Although he is still in a coma he appears to be very close to waking. The doctor said he needs to respond to commands, like "squeeze my hand" and "open your eyes" before they consider it to be things he does intentionally! Friday will be the completion of 4 weeks in ICU. It appears that Paul may be moved to intermediate care ICU maybe as early as tonight or Friday. Thanks for your prayers....we may finally be on the way to having Paul back with us!! -- Love, Lynne & Carl
12/02/05 --- Dear Friends: -- Today was the completion of the fourth week in ICU. Paul was a lot quieter today. Not as much movement as yesterday. His heart rate was up quite abit this afternoon. The BP & respiration rates were also up. We had a bit of a scare tonight after the shift change. When Carl and I went in to visit we noticed that the part of his skull where the bone was removed was sunken in quite a lot. The other noticeable thing was a lot of swelling in the neck area just below the jaw. The nurse checked to see if there was any change in his neurological responses (eye dilation, response to pain, and some reflex action in the foot). All these seemed the same as when she checked him earlier in the evening, but she said the skull did look quite different from an hour before. The resident doctor and the head of the trauma team came to look. They seemed to think it may be from the shunt draining the fluid from his cranial cavity but they were a little concerned with the swelling in the neck. The neurosurgeon on Paul's case was called and he ordered a CT Saturday morning to see what is going on. They didn't seem to think it was life threatening but it does warrant a look. The good thing about tonight's visit was that the doctor and the nurse both seemed pleased with Paul's neurological status. We are glad to hear that they at least think he is doing well for his situation! We will just continue to pray for God to hold & heal him. His doctors are doing their part!! -- God Bless, Lynne & Carl
***** *****
Looks like our first real snow is coming Monday. It makes the thoughts of our cruise in 24 days much warmer. Do I feel guilty? No! :)
I couldn't help but shake my head as I listened how some German Youth group was making an erotic bible calendar. The adult (used lightly) leaders thought it was great that the youth were taking an interest in the bible. This is the same logic that believes take a bunch of porn stars and have them hold the bible or some religious artifact and revel in joy when a bunch of men come back into the church. Perhaps the German leaders could teach them of Christ's love and draw the kids in ... and the results would last longer. That formula has worked for a long time.
Thank you Federated Stores and WAVA FM 105 for taking a stand and using the phrase "Merry Christmas." It is time to quit trying to hide who we are and accept that God and religion was the basis of our nation.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Hump Day Thoughts
Paul's Update:
Dear Friends: -- Today was a pretty quiet day. Not much change…good or bad! However, Tabby did see Paul’s left eye opened!! She was so excited. It may be nothing but we feel encouraged by any activity we see! The neurosurgeon ordered a CT scan for this morning to check the fluid pooling in Paul’s brain and he ordered testing for bacteria in the spinal fluid. Both showed things were going well so he has decided to do the shunt surgery on Wednesday instead of later in the week. He wants to do it while Paul is at his “best”. It is encouraging that he feels Paul is strong enough to endure yet another surgery. Many people have told me stories about shunts (along with the info I found on the web). I feel that this will be a procedure that I can have confidence in since many people have them and live very normal lives! After the surgery Paul will return to the Neuro Trauma ICU where he will stay for a bit longer. The neurosurgeon made it clear that he thinks it is too early to move Paul to intermediate care. I was relieved since I don’t feel he is ready either. All the time he spends in ICU is just more chance for his healing with the best medical advantages. We don’t know what time the surgery will be on Wednesday since he will be a “squeeze in” when they have time to do it. Please remember him in your daily prayer! P.S. One of the young guys that came in a few days before Paul went on to Rehab today. He was in an accident where he rolled his car and had similar head trauma. Praise God for Austin’s recovery!! -- Love, Lynne & Carl
***** *****
#1 had a job interview today .. thunk! Maybe something good will happen in a few days.
The new job is going well. Yes, the hours are long and the work constant but it is fun and challenging. The worst part is cleaning up the neglected crap while pushing forward with everything else.
Why can't Major League Baseball leave the Nationals new stadium alone. Yes, the D.C. council isn't the brightest and usually overspends money they don't have, that is no reason for MLB to make its demands.
Thanks Govenor Warner. Your misplaced compassion for a man convicted of murder will cost me many tax dollars as I pay for him to live for the rest of his life. If you were so sure the trial was questionable enough to commute the death sentence why not reschedule him a new trial? You didn't because that is just a smoke screen for your decision based on political aspirations. When will you commute the death sentence for the victim? I won't vote for a man with weak principles.
Dear Friends: -- Today was a pretty quiet day. Not much change…good or bad! However, Tabby did see Paul’s left eye opened!! She was so excited. It may be nothing but we feel encouraged by any activity we see! The neurosurgeon ordered a CT scan for this morning to check the fluid pooling in Paul’s brain and he ordered testing for bacteria in the spinal fluid. Both showed things were going well so he has decided to do the shunt surgery on Wednesday instead of later in the week. He wants to do it while Paul is at his “best”. It is encouraging that he feels Paul is strong enough to endure yet another surgery. Many people have told me stories about shunts (along with the info I found on the web). I feel that this will be a procedure that I can have confidence in since many people have them and live very normal lives! After the surgery Paul will return to the Neuro Trauma ICU where he will stay for a bit longer. The neurosurgeon made it clear that he thinks it is too early to move Paul to intermediate care. I was relieved since I don’t feel he is ready either. All the time he spends in ICU is just more chance for his healing with the best medical advantages. We don’t know what time the surgery will be on Wednesday since he will be a “squeeze in” when they have time to do it. Please remember him in your daily prayer! P.S. One of the young guys that came in a few days before Paul went on to Rehab today. He was in an accident where he rolled his car and had similar head trauma. Praise God for Austin’s recovery!! -- Love, Lynne & Carl
***** *****
#1 had a job interview today .. thunk! Maybe something good will happen in a few days.
The new job is going well. Yes, the hours are long and the work constant but it is fun and challenging. The worst part is cleaning up the neglected crap while pushing forward with everything else.
Why can't Major League Baseball leave the Nationals new stadium alone. Yes, the D.C. council isn't the brightest and usually overspends money they don't have, that is no reason for MLB to make its demands.
Thanks Govenor Warner. Your misplaced compassion for a man convicted of murder will cost me many tax dollars as I pay for him to live for the rest of his life. If you were so sure the trial was questionable enough to commute the death sentence why not reschedule him a new trial? You didn't because that is just a smoke screen for your decision based on political aspirations. When will you commute the death sentence for the victim? I won't vote for a man with weak principles.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Update 8
Paul's Update:
Dear Friends: -- Boy, what a roller coaster ride this is!! Today Carl & Tabby talked to the head of neurosurgery at the hospital. He said that according to the tests they ran there is evidence that Paul's body is not absorbing the spinal fluid in the brain and he will need a shunt that will be inserted in the skull and have a tube draining the fluid to his stomach. This may end up being a permanent solution which the Doctor was sure to advise us would be associated with risk of infection or malfunction from time to time. He also was sure to "remind" Carl that Paul has a "very, very severe head injury" and he was not hopeful that Paul would ever wake up and if he did there was a great possibility that he would be severely mentally and physically handicapped. This was very disturbing to hear. Tabby asked the nurse to page Paul's neurosurgeon so we could get his spin on this situation. He has been very helpful throughout this ordeal. He finally came in around 8:30 pm to talk to us. He painted a little better picture. The shunt will need to be done but he seemed to think that there is a possibility that it could be removed in a year or two when the brain has done all of it's healing. Even if it stays in permanently he made it sound like it would not be a problem. He also said that he would not do any surgery until late this week or early next week since Paul evidently had a case of meningitis that they have been fighting with antibiotics. He wants a few days to go by before he is comfortable that the infection is gone before doing surgery. He made it clear that he is NOT giving up on Paul and that there is a real chance Paul can recover. We won't know anything of course until he wakes up....only time will tell!! We as a family still feel hopeful and are seeing signs that Paul is healing. We will continue to pray that God will restore Paul to us very soon! -- Love, Lynne
Dear Friends: -- Boy, what a roller coaster ride this is!! Today Carl & Tabby talked to the head of neurosurgery at the hospital. He said that according to the tests they ran there is evidence that Paul's body is not absorbing the spinal fluid in the brain and he will need a shunt that will be inserted in the skull and have a tube draining the fluid to his stomach. This may end up being a permanent solution which the Doctor was sure to advise us would be associated with risk of infection or malfunction from time to time. He also was sure to "remind" Carl that Paul has a "very, very severe head injury" and he was not hopeful that Paul would ever wake up and if he did there was a great possibility that he would be severely mentally and physically handicapped. This was very disturbing to hear. Tabby asked the nurse to page Paul's neurosurgeon so we could get his spin on this situation. He has been very helpful throughout this ordeal. He finally came in around 8:30 pm to talk to us. He painted a little better picture. The shunt will need to be done but he seemed to think that there is a possibility that it could be removed in a year or two when the brain has done all of it's healing. Even if it stays in permanently he made it sound like it would not be a problem. He also said that he would not do any surgery until late this week or early next week since Paul evidently had a case of meningitis that they have been fighting with antibiotics. He wants a few days to go by before he is comfortable that the infection is gone before doing surgery. He made it clear that he is NOT giving up on Paul and that there is a real chance Paul can recover. We won't know anything of course until he wakes up....only time will tell!! We as a family still feel hopeful and are seeing signs that Paul is healing. We will continue to pray that God will restore Paul to us very soon! -- Love, Lynne
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Monday Blues -- Almost!
Paul's Update:
Dear Friends: -- Today was mostly quiet, however some significant things happened. According to Paul's nurse this morning there was a time when she was changing out one of his tubes when she noticed his left eye opened!! We haven't seen it but she tried to straighten his head up and stir him to open it again while we were in the room. He looked like he was trying very hard to open it but wasn't successful. This is just another indication that he is very close to awakening!!! The other great thing that happened today is...they crimped the drainage tube that has been draining fluid from the skull thus preventing any draining. This is significant because if his inter-cranial pressure (ICP) does not increase they will be able to remove the tube...maybe Monday! He has been so stable for about a week now!! A CT scan will be done on Monday morning around 4am. After the Neurosurgeon comes in there is a possibility that he will be moved to an intermediate care wing (depending on bed space). Although he is still in a coma we are excited and encouraged by this step! This Thanksgiving weekend has been full of things we can be thankful for!! Today being the first Sunday of Advent inspired the nurses to decorate the ward with Christmas decorations. It is a cheerful site. I pray that Paul will be awake and able to celebrate the season with us! Thanks for your continued prayer & love! -- Love, Lynne & Carl
Sunday was relatively quiet and flowed pretty much as every Sunday goes. Church and Bowling. The Youth Bowling was fun as TP bowled and she kept the young guys all stirred up. Right now Sunday afternoon bowling is a total laughing time. The evening bowling went well but I was just a bit out of it. I always seemed just a slight phase shift out of sorts. Don't know why but I don't like it. Maybe more afternoon delight would help!
#2 did not go back to Charlestown. Right now I am simmering. But the proverbial caca will hit the fan very soon. Actually as soon as I cool down and can think straight. Needless to say, it was a complete disappointment when he made his decision. He isn't self-disciplined enough to make this work like he imagines it. If life and job hunting was simple as he thinks, why didn't it work for him three months ago? He will learn that taking job advice from someone that can't get or hold a job himself is a great recipe for a disaster. But, all I can do now is set the rules and then take swift action when he blows it. I totally refuse to roll over and be an easy touch.
Lew was a riot Saturday and Sunday. All the time it seemed like an echo was there as he parroted everything we said. Don't you just love the 2’s? This Christmas should prove to be real fun as he can now grasp a bit of what is happening throughout the holidays and in some way communicate it back to us.
***** *****
Hail to the Deadskins ... err .. Redskins. They blew another 4th quarter lead and lost. I think this week the fat lady will sing and the constant chatter of playoffs will go away. It is sad when they finally realize the inevitable -- they are losers.
Gee, the protesters are back at Crawford. You know that she has been there and left numerous times for "personal family matters." Well, lady -- grow up and go home. It seems your family needs you more and if you stay at home you can help them more than you are helping the memory of your hero son.
Dear Friends: -- Today was mostly quiet, however some significant things happened. According to Paul's nurse this morning there was a time when she was changing out one of his tubes when she noticed his left eye opened!! We haven't seen it but she tried to straighten his head up and stir him to open it again while we were in the room. He looked like he was trying very hard to open it but wasn't successful. This is just another indication that he is very close to awakening!!! The other great thing that happened today is...they crimped the drainage tube that has been draining fluid from the skull thus preventing any draining. This is significant because if his inter-cranial pressure (ICP) does not increase they will be able to remove the tube...maybe Monday! He has been so stable for about a week now!! A CT scan will be done on Monday morning around 4am. After the Neurosurgeon comes in there is a possibility that he will be moved to an intermediate care wing (depending on bed space). Although he is still in a coma we are excited and encouraged by this step! This Thanksgiving weekend has been full of things we can be thankful for!! Today being the first Sunday of Advent inspired the nurses to decorate the ward with Christmas decorations. It is a cheerful site. I pray that Paul will be awake and able to celebrate the season with us! Thanks for your continued prayer & love! -- Love, Lynne & Carl
Sunday was relatively quiet and flowed pretty much as every Sunday goes. Church and Bowling. The Youth Bowling was fun as TP bowled and she kept the young guys all stirred up. Right now Sunday afternoon bowling is a total laughing time. The evening bowling went well but I was just a bit out of it. I always seemed just a slight phase shift out of sorts. Don't know why but I don't like it. Maybe more afternoon delight would help!
#2 did not go back to Charlestown. Right now I am simmering. But the proverbial caca will hit the fan very soon. Actually as soon as I cool down and can think straight. Needless to say, it was a complete disappointment when he made his decision. He isn't self-disciplined enough to make this work like he imagines it. If life and job hunting was simple as he thinks, why didn't it work for him three months ago? He will learn that taking job advice from someone that can't get or hold a job himself is a great recipe for a disaster. But, all I can do now is set the rules and then take swift action when he blows it. I totally refuse to roll over and be an easy touch.
Lew was a riot Saturday and Sunday. All the time it seemed like an echo was there as he parroted everything we said. Don't you just love the 2’s? This Christmas should prove to be real fun as he can now grasp a bit of what is happening throughout the holidays and in some way communicate it back to us.
***** *****
Hail to the Deadskins ... err .. Redskins. They blew another 4th quarter lead and lost. I think this week the fat lady will sing and the constant chatter of playoffs will go away. It is sad when they finally realize the inevitable -- they are losers.
Gee, the protesters are back at Crawford. You know that she has been there and left numerous times for "personal family matters." Well, lady -- grow up and go home. It seems your family needs you more and if you stay at home you can help them more than you are helping the memory of your hero son.
Update 7
Paul's Update:
Dear Friends -- Another pretty good day. :-) When Carl and I arrived today we found that Paul had been completely removed from the respirator. Now he is breathing on his own!! Praise God! He is still experiencing some pain from the surgery on his foot but not nearly as much as last night. The nurse says she believes he will be moved to the intermediate intensive care maybe as early as Monday or Tuesday. He is very stable and doing great. He is still not awake but we hope to see him wake up very soon! The faces in the ICU change almost daily. There are so many trauma victims over the weekends especially. We see so many tragedies each day and it makes me so thankful to have my son alive and doing better. Please continue to remember them and their families in your prayers. God Bless -- Love, Lynne & Carl
Today was a relaxing day. We ate mexican food and had a great time celebrating Lynne's birthday ... her 28th for the ... gee I forget how many times now. Michael, Barry, Missy and Lew were there. Watching Lew devour the guacamole is fun but we must get him to quit double dipping. My enchiladas hit the spot.
#2 is supposed to leave for school tomorrow and that should prove to make Sunday fairly tense. He has 10 million reasons why he shouldn't go back. We are trying to point out to him the benefits. He feels 3 months at school, a GED, and a few classes on job hunting have equipped him to tackle the world. So who knows what tomorrow holds.
Youth bowling tomorrow will be another experience and time of smiles. This new team just hasn't come together. It is probably another season from making a serious run for first place. Last week a young lady (TP) subbed for one of our missing girls. She wants to bowl with us next year but though she is good and would help us I don't know if I could handle it. Two very young and beautiful 14 year olds ( TP and MG) are a sight to watch. This newest young lady (TP) had all the guys strutting their stuff and doing their best to impress her. I couldn't quit laughing. She stood there at the ball return and her opponent picked her ball up for her and then he promptly through a gutter ball on his turn. I wonder if I did that at his age. And for the inquiring minds, yes MG through a 206 and beat me and my 198. Her average is now up to 145. MG has come a long way from an average of 90 since I started coaching her. She finished last season as the Youth Bowler of the Year. So tomorrow should prove interesting if she bowls with us.
Monday I will get my 5 tickets to the pre-showing of the new movie "Narnia". We will get to see it on December the 8th prior to its National debut on the 9th. We are excited and interested in how they choose to portray the book.
Today I started a project I have wanted to do for a long time. I started reworking my stories and redesigning the web site. As I cleaned all the HTML up, I read some and man did the memories come back. When I will get done is anyone's guess but I will slowly bang away at it.
Well, our advance registration for the cruise is done along with choosing our excursions. The confirmation came back today for all the ones we choose. This time next month we will be intransit to the port. Well, actually, we will be there in a Charleston hotel trying to sleep knowing tomorrow we cruise off into paradise.
Dear Friends -- Another pretty good day. :-) When Carl and I arrived today we found that Paul had been completely removed from the respirator. Now he is breathing on his own!! Praise God! He is still experiencing some pain from the surgery on his foot but not nearly as much as last night. The nurse says she believes he will be moved to the intermediate intensive care maybe as early as Monday or Tuesday. He is very stable and doing great. He is still not awake but we hope to see him wake up very soon! The faces in the ICU change almost daily. There are so many trauma victims over the weekends especially. We see so many tragedies each day and it makes me so thankful to have my son alive and doing better. Please continue to remember them and their families in your prayers. God Bless -- Love, Lynne & Carl
Today was a relaxing day. We ate mexican food and had a great time celebrating Lynne's birthday ... her 28th for the ... gee I forget how many times now. Michael, Barry, Missy and Lew were there. Watching Lew devour the guacamole is fun but we must get him to quit double dipping. My enchiladas hit the spot.
#2 is supposed to leave for school tomorrow and that should prove to make Sunday fairly tense. He has 10 million reasons why he shouldn't go back. We are trying to point out to him the benefits. He feels 3 months at school, a GED, and a few classes on job hunting have equipped him to tackle the world. So who knows what tomorrow holds.
Youth bowling tomorrow will be another experience and time of smiles. This new team just hasn't come together. It is probably another season from making a serious run for first place. Last week a young lady (TP) subbed for one of our missing girls. She wants to bowl with us next year but though she is good and would help us I don't know if I could handle it. Two very young and beautiful 14 year olds ( TP and MG) are a sight to watch. This newest young lady (TP) had all the guys strutting their stuff and doing their best to impress her. I couldn't quit laughing. She stood there at the ball return and her opponent picked her ball up for her and then he promptly through a gutter ball on his turn. I wonder if I did that at his age. And for the inquiring minds, yes MG through a 206 and beat me and my 198. Her average is now up to 145. MG has come a long way from an average of 90 since I started coaching her. She finished last season as the Youth Bowler of the Year. So tomorrow should prove interesting if she bowls with us.
Monday I will get my 5 tickets to the pre-showing of the new movie "Narnia". We will get to see it on December the 8th prior to its National debut on the 9th. We are excited and interested in how they choose to portray the book.
Today I started a project I have wanted to do for a long time. I started reworking my stories and redesigning the web site. As I cleaned all the HTML up, I read some and man did the memories come back. When I will get done is anyone's guess but I will slowly bang away at it.
Well, our advance registration for the cruise is done along with choosing our excursions. The confirmation came back today for all the ones we choose. This time next month we will be intransit to the port. Well, actually, we will be there in a Charleston hotel trying to sleep knowing tomorrow we cruise off into paradise.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Thanksgiving 2005
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and were blessed beyond your greatest expectations. I know I got stuffed with very little effort. But I had our whole family sit at the table to share the feast and that is always a good feeling.
Paul's Update: 11/23/05
Dear Friends: -- Another pretty quiet day, still more improvement but in small increments. The physical therapist showed Carl how he can exercise Paul's arms & legs. She also showed him some ways to stimulate Paul to wake him. The nurses are pleased with his progress. I saw his eyes moving tonight and it looks like he is trying to open them. I try to not get too anxious but I'm hopeful that he will wake up soon. Friday Paul will have the surgery on his foot. It is scheduled for 8:00 am. Thanksgiving day will be a time for us to spend with family. We are most certainly thankful that Paul is with us and we are thankful that our family can celebrate that!! Tabby will spend the day at the hospital with Paul. We are also thankful for you….our friends & family. God has been so good to us. We praise Him for His love and grace. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Don't eat too much Turkey…and enjoy those pies!! :) We love you!! -- Lynne & Carl
Paul's Update: 11/24/05
Dear Friends: -- Today was a GREAT day! Paul actually reached with his left hand for the suction tube when his nurse attempted to clean out his mouth. This is wonderful because it takes conscious effort to do that kind of action. Tabby was there to see this happen and of course she was thrilled! He continues to have progress every day which we are grateful for. This was a day to be thankful for. Friday he will have surgery for his foot and ankle. The time has been changed to 10am. We will be there before and will probably stay most of the day. This weekend started the holiday season for Christmas. Please remember families who will suffer trauma and loss during this time. Many new families came into the trauma center last night. Most of them were young (teenage) drivers who were involved in accidents. Remember them in your prayers. -- Love Lynne & Carl
#2 arrived and within about 5 minutes we had a house full of young adults. He thinks he has learned enough that he doesn't need to go back to Charleston. That should prove for some good discussions this weekend. But for now he can enjoy things.
My prayers go out to a family friend (Eddie) who was injured following a motorcycle accident a few days ago. He lost control when he tried to avoid a drunk who stepped into the street. Despite a crushed leg and hip, he will survive the bruises thanks to his helmet.
***** *****
I see there is another attempt to get "In God We Trust" removed from our money. I wonder since it is so offensive to have that phrase, we do they continue to us money? I think their greed takes precedence to their moral values. Last time I looked, God was central to the formation of our great country. Read the Mayflower Charter, before they left the boat for land, they made sure everyone agreed that God was the foundation of whatever they built on land.
Thanks to the cool heads who prevailed in helping Philadelphia keep T.O. where he belongs -- off the field. I appreciate his talent but his childish requires him to grow up and be the man and example he could be.
Paul's Update: 11/23/05
Dear Friends: -- Another pretty quiet day, still more improvement but in small increments. The physical therapist showed Carl how he can exercise Paul's arms & legs. She also showed him some ways to stimulate Paul to wake him. The nurses are pleased with his progress. I saw his eyes moving tonight and it looks like he is trying to open them. I try to not get too anxious but I'm hopeful that he will wake up soon. Friday Paul will have the surgery on his foot. It is scheduled for 8:00 am. Thanksgiving day will be a time for us to spend with family. We are most certainly thankful that Paul is with us and we are thankful that our family can celebrate that!! Tabby will spend the day at the hospital with Paul. We are also thankful for you….our friends & family. God has been so good to us. We praise Him for His love and grace. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Don't eat too much Turkey…and enjoy those pies!! :) We love you!! -- Lynne & Carl
Paul's Update: 11/24/05
Dear Friends: -- Today was a GREAT day! Paul actually reached with his left hand for the suction tube when his nurse attempted to clean out his mouth. This is wonderful because it takes conscious effort to do that kind of action. Tabby was there to see this happen and of course she was thrilled! He continues to have progress every day which we are grateful for. This was a day to be thankful for. Friday he will have surgery for his foot and ankle. The time has been changed to 10am. We will be there before and will probably stay most of the day. This weekend started the holiday season for Christmas. Please remember families who will suffer trauma and loss during this time. Many new families came into the trauma center last night. Most of them were young (teenage) drivers who were involved in accidents. Remember them in your prayers. -- Love Lynne & Carl
#2 arrived and within about 5 minutes we had a house full of young adults. He thinks he has learned enough that he doesn't need to go back to Charleston. That should prove for some good discussions this weekend. But for now he can enjoy things.
My prayers go out to a family friend (Eddie) who was injured following a motorcycle accident a few days ago. He lost control when he tried to avoid a drunk who stepped into the street. Despite a crushed leg and hip, he will survive the bruises thanks to his helmet.
***** *****
I see there is another attempt to get "In God We Trust" removed from our money. I wonder since it is so offensive to have that phrase, we do they continue to us money? I think their greed takes precedence to their moral values. Last time I looked, God was central to the formation of our great country. Read the Mayflower Charter, before they left the boat for land, they made sure everyone agreed that God was the foundation of whatever they built on land.
Thanks to the cool heads who prevailed in helping Philadelphia keep T.O. where he belongs -- off the field. I appreciate his talent but his childish requires him to grow up and be the man and example he could be.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Pre-Holiday Post
I ran late and didn't get yesterday's update posted so here it is:
Dear Friends: -- Today was Paul's birthday and what a great day it was!!! I'm so thankful that we can celebrate another birthday with him! We took him cards and balloons but truthfully it was US that received the best gift!! God continues to restore Paul's body. He squeezed Tabby's hand today :-) . He also made a random "pulling" action with his left arm. This is important because as I said the other night it indicates activity in the upper portion of the brain. I believe that he is right at the surface and waiting for just the right moment to awaken! This morning the staff doctors were wanting to move Paul to the Intermediate Care Unit but his neurosurgeon stopped that. I was actually relieved because as good as he is doing I don't believe that he is ready to have any less monitoring. It is encouraging that they believe he is doing that well. As always, I ask that you keep praying, but I'd also like you to remember the families that are in the ICU with us. Please remember especially Rolando's family as he passed away today and Mark's family as he passed last night. -- Love, Lynne
Today's Update:
Dear Friends: -- Today was a pretty quiet day. Paul continues in his coma but he is still moving his arms & legs. His nurse told Carl that they are waiting for him to show signs of using his arm to reach across his chest area. I guess that takes more controlled effort. Carl told her he was moving his legs and feet so she took a pen and did a reflex test on his foot and he pulled it away from her. She was very pleased to see that. The doctor had him scheduled for the surgery on his foot today but the schedule was overbooked and they took him off the schedule. They may try again tomorrow. I wasn’t sorry since I think it can’t hurt to wait another day and give him a chance to get a little stronger. We are now also fighting an infection in his spinal fluid but the nurse said that is very common and wasn’t too worried about it. They will treat his with more antibiotics. It looks like he is just taking longer than we had hoped to wake up but we are still very hopeful that it will be soon. Thanks for your love and concern. -- Love, Lynne & Carl
***** *****
The Holidays approach and much to do. Starting with adding another hole to the belt (closer to the end). Checked the snack closet and made sure it was well stocked. Made sure there were a few good DVDs in case the football games turned into routs. Checked the slippers to make sure they were in good condition and capable of keeping my feet warm since some idiot weather man predicted snow flurries tonight. Fluffed the pillows in case a need to check the eyelids for holes was needed. Last night did a few tests of the scratch and spit routine making sure I had a good working technique. Man was I tired after all these preparations .. good thing the recliner was handy.
#2 son flies in tonight, so the fun and full house begins. Truthfully we are excited to see him and can't wait to hear more of his acronym filled stories.
Dear Friends: -- Today was Paul's birthday and what a great day it was!!! I'm so thankful that we can celebrate another birthday with him! We took him cards and balloons but truthfully it was US that received the best gift!! God continues to restore Paul's body. He squeezed Tabby's hand today :-) . He also made a random "pulling" action with his left arm. This is important because as I said the other night it indicates activity in the upper portion of the brain. I believe that he is right at the surface and waiting for just the right moment to awaken! This morning the staff doctors were wanting to move Paul to the Intermediate Care Unit but his neurosurgeon stopped that. I was actually relieved because as good as he is doing I don't believe that he is ready to have any less monitoring. It is encouraging that they believe he is doing that well. As always, I ask that you keep praying, but I'd also like you to remember the families that are in the ICU with us. Please remember especially Rolando's family as he passed away today and Mark's family as he passed last night. -- Love, Lynne
Today's Update:
Dear Friends: -- Today was a pretty quiet day. Paul continues in his coma but he is still moving his arms & legs. His nurse told Carl that they are waiting for him to show signs of using his arm to reach across his chest area. I guess that takes more controlled effort. Carl told her he was moving his legs and feet so she took a pen and did a reflex test on his foot and he pulled it away from her. She was very pleased to see that. The doctor had him scheduled for the surgery on his foot today but the schedule was overbooked and they took him off the schedule. They may try again tomorrow. I wasn’t sorry since I think it can’t hurt to wait another day and give him a chance to get a little stronger. We are now also fighting an infection in his spinal fluid but the nurse said that is very common and wasn’t too worried about it. They will treat his with more antibiotics. It looks like he is just taking longer than we had hoped to wake up but we are still very hopeful that it will be soon. Thanks for your love and concern. -- Love, Lynne & Carl
***** *****
The Holidays approach and much to do. Starting with adding another hole to the belt (closer to the end). Checked the snack closet and made sure it was well stocked. Made sure there were a few good DVDs in case the football games turned into routs. Checked the slippers to make sure they were in good condition and capable of keeping my feet warm since some idiot weather man predicted snow flurries tonight. Fluffed the pillows in case a need to check the eyelids for holes was needed. Last night did a few tests of the scratch and spit routine making sure I had a good working technique. Man was I tired after all these preparations .. good thing the recliner was handy.
#2 son flies in tonight, so the fun and full house begins. Truthfully we are excited to see him and can't wait to hear more of his acronym filled stories.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Update 6
Paul's Story:
Dear Friends: -- Today was another very good day. Paul continues to have progress. His arms and legs are moving more and now we are getting more facial movement (mouth & eyelids). His is also moving his TOES!! What an exciting event :-) . His doctor talked to Tabby today and said he wants to do surgery on Paul's left ankle & foot. Apparently they were crushed resulting in multiple broken bones. He plans to do reconstructive surgery & put a metal plate in his foot. I guess they must feel he is stable enough to withstand the surgery (another very encouraging sign!!). Monday is Paul's 25th birthday. We will probably put some cards up in his room & maybe even a balloon!! We can certainly CELEBRATE his birthday this year!!! Thanks for your love & prayers. -- Love & Hugs, Lynne & Carl
Interesting question was asked of me today. Who causes the most stress in your life? That should be a good one to mull over. Still not sure I will print that person's name. The Holiday season fast approaches and in a few instances is already here. All the parties are being scheduled and the Christmas lists are coming in. We are trying to decide if we want to goto the pre-release showing of "Narnia" since my work has a handful of tickets. It would be fun seeing it a day before everyone else. The tought decision will be between the Christmas party given by my wife's work and the Christmas Paegant at our church.
Son #1 - No comment.
Son #2 - We are getting multiple calls everyday as he is so pumped about coming home for Thanksgiving. Gee, I remeber a time when he couldn't wait to get out of here. My how times change. Just hope he keeps his cool and doesn't get forgetful and leave all his belongings throughout the airport in his excitement to get here.
Daughter #1 - they got their car back after it was stolen. They lost a few personal items in the car and it had some damage. But at least it is back and driveable.
Daughter #2 - No word from her for a while now. Last we knew she was in Atlanta and our prayers are for her safety and perhaps somehow the light will turn on and she will contact us. I know the wife would love for that to happen.
Dear Friends: -- Today was another very good day. Paul continues to have progress. His arms and legs are moving more and now we are getting more facial movement (mouth & eyelids). His is also moving his TOES!! What an exciting event :-) . His doctor talked to Tabby today and said he wants to do surgery on Paul's left ankle & foot. Apparently they were crushed resulting in multiple broken bones. He plans to do reconstructive surgery & put a metal plate in his foot. I guess they must feel he is stable enough to withstand the surgery (another very encouraging sign!!). Monday is Paul's 25th birthday. We will probably put some cards up in his room & maybe even a balloon!! We can certainly CELEBRATE his birthday this year!!! Thanks for your love & prayers. -- Love & Hugs, Lynne & Carl
Interesting question was asked of me today. Who causes the most stress in your life? That should be a good one to mull over. Still not sure I will print that person's name. The Holiday season fast approaches and in a few instances is already here. All the parties are being scheduled and the Christmas lists are coming in. We are trying to decide if we want to goto the pre-release showing of "Narnia" since my work has a handful of tickets. It would be fun seeing it a day before everyone else. The tought decision will be between the Christmas party given by my wife's work and the Christmas Paegant at our church.
Son #1 - No comment.
Son #2 - We are getting multiple calls everyday as he is so pumped about coming home for Thanksgiving. Gee, I remeber a time when he couldn't wait to get out of here. My how times change. Just hope he keeps his cool and doesn't get forgetful and leave all his belongings throughout the airport in his excitement to get here.
Daughter #1 - they got their car back after it was stolen. They lost a few personal items in the car and it had some damage. But at least it is back and driveable.
Daughter #2 - No word from her for a while now. Last we knew she was in Atlanta and our prayers are for her safety and perhaps somehow the light will turn on and she will contact us. I know the wife would love for that to happen.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Update 5
Update on Paul -- Today was a quiet and pretty uneventful day. Paul is doing about the same.....but that is good. He is still doing a little movement with his arms & legs. Most of the arm movement is a pushing motion which the nurse said is sign that the lower part of the brain is starting to function. She also said we can expect him to do more pulling motion when the upper part of the brain starts to function. He continues to run a fever and there are still signs of staff infection. He is breathing with aid from the ventilator but they are trying to do simple tests to see if he is ready to be weaned from it. Every day is a new adventure for us. God has been so good and we see evidence of His love and power all around us. Sometimes it is in the form of things happening to other families but it is clear that His hand is at work. Please continue to remember Paul and all the other patients (and families) at Fairfax ICU. -- Love, Lynne & Carl
Today was relaxing as we slipped back into our Sunday routine. It was even better since the Redskins lost 16-13. Lew kept us in stitches as he would try and talk to us and parrot anything we said. We also started studying the excursion list for our cruise and there are good choices. Hopefully by Friday we will decide on them.
Today was relaxing as we slipped back into our Sunday routine. It was even better since the Redskins lost 16-13. Lew kept us in stitches as he would try and talk to us and parrot anything we said. We also started studying the excursion list for our cruise and there are good choices. Hopefully by Friday we will decide on them.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Update 4
I am including an update as Paul's mother sees it.
"Hi All: -- Today was a pretty good day. Paul is doing a lot of coughing which is hard to watch and seems to cause some bleeding in the esophagus. This afternoon the doctor did a tracheotomy so they can start to wean him off of the ventilator. Tonight he was a little more comfortable but still coughing some. His temperature is up a bit and his BP is still up a bit. Tomorrow the doctor is going to insert a feeding tube into his abdomen so he can start to get some nutrition. He appears to be stretching his arms a bit but we are uncertain if that is from the coughing or if he is doing that voluntarily. Maybe we will know more tomorrow. Thanks for continuing to pray. We see God’s hand at work every day. -- Love Lynne"
Life continues for me and those around me. But one constant is our favorite mexican resturant. The food was good as ever today or maybe I was extra hungry.
#1 has his marching orders following his latest outburst which the living room wall lost.
#2 is anxious as ever for next Wednesday to get here so he can come home for the Holiday. He has voiced his desire to eat at El Agave next Saturday needless to say it wasn't very hard for us to agree.
Lou is a regular chatter box. Don't say anything if you don't want to hear it echo'd back.
***** *****
Thanks Joe Gibbs for being a man and apoligizing for chewing on the referee's following Washington's loss.
I love how the Democrats have taken their election politics to a new level by calling for a withdrawal from Iraq in six months. Sadly they don't say how this is to be done. But then again when do they ever have a plan that they will commit too?
"Hi All: -- Today was a pretty good day. Paul is doing a lot of coughing which is hard to watch and seems to cause some bleeding in the esophagus. This afternoon the doctor did a tracheotomy so they can start to wean him off of the ventilator. Tonight he was a little more comfortable but still coughing some. His temperature is up a bit and his BP is still up a bit. Tomorrow the doctor is going to insert a feeding tube into his abdomen so he can start to get some nutrition. He appears to be stretching his arms a bit but we are uncertain if that is from the coughing or if he is doing that voluntarily. Maybe we will know more tomorrow. Thanks for continuing to pray. We see God’s hand at work every day. -- Love Lynne"
Life continues for me and those around me. But one constant is our favorite mexican resturant. The food was good as ever today or maybe I was extra hungry.
#1 has his marching orders following his latest outburst which the living room wall lost.
#2 is anxious as ever for next Wednesday to get here so he can come home for the Holiday. He has voiced his desire to eat at El Agave next Saturday needless to say it wasn't very hard for us to agree.
Lou is a regular chatter box. Don't say anything if you don't want to hear it echo'd back.
***** *****
Thanks Joe Gibbs for being a man and apoligizing for chewing on the referee's following Washington's loss.
I love how the Democrats have taken their election politics to a new level by calling for a withdrawal from Iraq in six months. Sadly they don't say how this is to be done. But then again when do they ever have a plan that they will commit too?
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Update 3
The past few days for Paul has gone well, and following are the words from his mother. "God is so good....every day seems to have something hopeful in it. Today was an answer to many prayers. The doctor talked to Carl (Paul's Father) first thing this morning and said that Paul is doing well and heading in the right direction. They now don't believe that Paul is in any danger of dying from his head injury. They started taking him off of all his medications. The barbituates have been cut from 100 ml/hr to 28 ml/hr. The morphine has been discontinued. The blood pressure medicine will be completely discontinued by the end of the night. Now they are telling us that it will be at least 3 or 4 days before we can expect any movement or signs he is waking up and it could take as much as 2 weeks or more. It really depends on whether the drug is what has been the ONLY cause for the coma and what damage his brain has sustained. Keep praying .... God honors our prayers."
No change from #1 except now he has no car. It seems the bank doesn't like not being paid.
Less than a week till #2 shows up for the holidays. It will be interesting to see how he has changed since he has lived away from us for a couple of months. Yes, we got his list of desired snacks for him to munch on and the Christmas wish list was offerred.
Thanks to my Role-playing partner for her support and just being there. I promise to get the muse cranked soon and generate a few chapters.
On the work scene things couldn't be better. Working in an environment where you are appreciated goes a long way. It was frustrating to bring up a problem just to be told "suck it up and let it roll off your back." To me the sad part of this whole thing is not being able to finish the projects I had lined up. The first couple of years were spent getting a stable network. Then the modifications that would take them to another level followed. Well, I guess I will just start over and do it in the new job. Once I get my new boss to pay for lunch each day then I will be truly happy. :)
***** *****
Good luck to the South Riding Virginia Episcopal Church for holding their faith in protest of the election of gay Bishop and joining the Anglican Church.
Shame on the Clarendon Presbyterian Church for not performing marriages between a man and a woman in protest of the Virginia laws against same sex marriages.
I love seeing the Redskins whining about losing and how the game was stolen from them.
No change from #1 except now he has no car. It seems the bank doesn't like not being paid.
Less than a week till #2 shows up for the holidays. It will be interesting to see how he has changed since he has lived away from us for a couple of months. Yes, we got his list of desired snacks for him to munch on and the Christmas wish list was offerred.
Thanks to my Role-playing partner for her support and just being there. I promise to get the muse cranked soon and generate a few chapters.
On the work scene things couldn't be better. Working in an environment where you are appreciated goes a long way. It was frustrating to bring up a problem just to be told "suck it up and let it roll off your back." To me the sad part of this whole thing is not being able to finish the projects I had lined up. The first couple of years were spent getting a stable network. Then the modifications that would take them to another level followed. Well, I guess I will just start over and do it in the new job. Once I get my new boss to pay for lunch each day then I will be truly happy. :)
***** *****
Good luck to the South Riding Virginia Episcopal Church for holding their faith in protest of the election of gay Bishop and joining the Anglican Church.
Shame on the Clarendon Presbyterian Church for not performing marriages between a man and a woman in protest of the Virginia laws against same sex marriages.
I love seeing the Redskins whining about losing and how the game was stolen from them.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Reflections on a cold Night
One week later and not much has changed. A good day then a bad day. Paul continues to hang on while we try and cope each day. Routines are all but gone as he is now our focus.
Today I sat with a small tear in my eye as I watched a couple of young men play video poker and goof off. They have made no effort to get a job and create a meaningful life. Then I thought of Paul, a young man deprived of his chance to work, he paid his own way through motorcycle mechanic school and couldn't fathom not working everyday to support his family. His last actual conversation with a friend was about his new child affectionately called "peanut" after viewing his first sonogram. As I watched these other two I wanted to scream "it wasn't fair" but then reason caught up and I regained my balance and said a silent prayer for the two.
So much has changed this week. I didn't even holler at people this week when they cut me off as they tried to race to work or where ever. I actually felt sorry for them for the same thoughtlessness they showed is the same thing that has hurt my closest friend and his family. I can see that life here is so hectic as everyone bustles to find the key to getting ahead and getting one step up on their competitor. Kind of funny how several weeks ago the four of us were discussing how our lives seemed predictable and scheduled. We had certain things we did on certain days and if you saw one couple you knew the other was nearby. But now? Maybe we wished too hard or someone mistook what we said and changed it.
Roleplay right now is a faint glimmer in my mind. Not because of my partner or my few friends that remain but I feel guilty sitting there. I do apologize for my abscence but also ask for understanding. Channels have been empty because I chose not to be there and I have learned that no one can be the focus of the channel if it hopes to succeed. For everyone involved must carry an equal load and not expect one person too. But I am meandering from the real reason I wasn't there. Real life is my sand box.
When Lou (the two year old) is here all I want to do is play. I want to be there because life is so unpredictable and short. I don't want to miss a moment as I read some kids book on potty training and Lou pushes the sound effects buttons or put that 6 piece fire truck puzzle together for the millionth time just to hear the siren wail. Tonight I just laid there while he jumped on me, stacked plastic Easter eggs on me and then shot them off with the water gun. Was it fun? No, but we were together and he laughed and squealed, "pa paw more."
For Missy and Barry, to just sit there and talk as adults and hopefully part some tiny bit of my knowledge or hear some of their sage guidance.
I wonder where Jessi is and if she is ok. It has been a while since we heard anything and a hug would sure be nice. I could care less of the gothic dress, the piercings, or a myriad of other faults as I see them, I just want her to know I love her and hear her say " I love you Dad."
Perhaps Paul's legacy to me will be the wake up call that I am flittering my life away. Pointing out to me the frailty and shortness of life. Yes, at 53 those thoughts even cross my mind too. Showing me by his abscence that I too have been absent caused by the long hours I work. Some say "your out of balance", others say "your priorities are out of whack" and yet others say "live some." Perhaps they are right. What happens next I don't know but I know I am forever changed and just what changed will become evident in time. For Paul, all I can do is pray and be there for his parents and my wife. So it is time to cram the tears and emotions back into that box and stand up straight and strong for the others who will need a strong shoulder to lean on.
#2 called at 10:30 pm to tell us a bear was outside his dorm room window. I hope he didn't expect us to race 5.5 hours over there to scare it away. :)
My nephew should be home now from their honeymoon. I wonder how much of Disney World did they see. :)
Today I sat with a small tear in my eye as I watched a couple of young men play video poker and goof off. They have made no effort to get a job and create a meaningful life. Then I thought of Paul, a young man deprived of his chance to work, he paid his own way through motorcycle mechanic school and couldn't fathom not working everyday to support his family. His last actual conversation with a friend was about his new child affectionately called "peanut" after viewing his first sonogram. As I watched these other two I wanted to scream "it wasn't fair" but then reason caught up and I regained my balance and said a silent prayer for the two.
So much has changed this week. I didn't even holler at people this week when they cut me off as they tried to race to work or where ever. I actually felt sorry for them for the same thoughtlessness they showed is the same thing that has hurt my closest friend and his family. I can see that life here is so hectic as everyone bustles to find the key to getting ahead and getting one step up on their competitor. Kind of funny how several weeks ago the four of us were discussing how our lives seemed predictable and scheduled. We had certain things we did on certain days and if you saw one couple you knew the other was nearby. But now? Maybe we wished too hard or someone mistook what we said and changed it.
Roleplay right now is a faint glimmer in my mind. Not because of my partner or my few friends that remain but I feel guilty sitting there. I do apologize for my abscence but also ask for understanding. Channels have been empty because I chose not to be there and I have learned that no one can be the focus of the channel if it hopes to succeed. For everyone involved must carry an equal load and not expect one person too. But I am meandering from the real reason I wasn't there. Real life is my sand box.
When Lou (the two year old) is here all I want to do is play. I want to be there because life is so unpredictable and short. I don't want to miss a moment as I read some kids book on potty training and Lou pushes the sound effects buttons or put that 6 piece fire truck puzzle together for the millionth time just to hear the siren wail. Tonight I just laid there while he jumped on me, stacked plastic Easter eggs on me and then shot them off with the water gun. Was it fun? No, but we were together and he laughed and squealed, "pa paw more."
For Missy and Barry, to just sit there and talk as adults and hopefully part some tiny bit of my knowledge or hear some of their sage guidance.
I wonder where Jessi is and if she is ok. It has been a while since we heard anything and a hug would sure be nice. I could care less of the gothic dress, the piercings, or a myriad of other faults as I see them, I just want her to know I love her and hear her say " I love you Dad."
Perhaps Paul's legacy to me will be the wake up call that I am flittering my life away. Pointing out to me the frailty and shortness of life. Yes, at 53 those thoughts even cross my mind too. Showing me by his abscence that I too have been absent caused by the long hours I work. Some say "your out of balance", others say "your priorities are out of whack" and yet others say "live some." Perhaps they are right. What happens next I don't know but I know I am forever changed and just what changed will become evident in time. For Paul, all I can do is pray and be there for his parents and my wife. So it is time to cram the tears and emotions back into that box and stand up straight and strong for the others who will need a strong shoulder to lean on.
#2 called at 10:30 pm to tell us a bear was outside his dorm room window. I hope he didn't expect us to race 5.5 hours over there to scare it away. :)
My nephew should be home now from their honeymoon. I wonder how much of Disney World did they see. :)
Friday, November 11, 2005
Update 2
To all those serving our country, I say thanks! My prayers and hopes follow you as you do what is required. I am thankful for those ahead of me who won my freedom and those that follow me that keep me free.
Yesterday wasn't a good day as Paul suffered a setback. Besides the staff infection, the back of his brain is swelling and there is nothing they can do but watch and wait. The fog of this ordeal has yet to clear. This week if you asked me the day of the week I would have been unsure of what to say. The doctors who are said to be some of the best leave a lot to be said about their bedside manner. Most of their discussions are devoid of any glimmer of hope. It seems like sometimes they are reciting some medical book passage. Maybe it is a way to shield their emotions.
The better part of me -- my mate -- is really struggling as the pain and emotion of this ordeal wears hard on her. Her constant thought is, "if it hurts me this bad and disrupts my life so much, I can't imagine what Paul's mother is going through." I guess I am lucky I can just bury the thoughts and emotions only to bring them out when I so choose. Unless I run out of hugs and prayers she will make it through this and right now my hug tank is full.
Hmmm, "I thought I was getting B12 and it seems it wasn't." Wow, as I see it if I was expecting one thing and had it substitued with something else that would constitute Medical Malpractice. Another variation I have heard is -- it was a B12 shot and it must have been tainted. Again! Malpractice would be my first thought. Today I heard another statement that his friend gave it to him and he was expecting B12. Then arrest that friend for trafficking in illegal drugs and get a better group of friends. Come on Palmeiro, how many more variations of a lie must we endure? You used steroids, lied to Congress about it and that is the end of the story and time to face the music. I vote that any record you achieved be nullified and at best asterisked as drug induced or performance enhanced. Better yet call it like it is ... cheating, nice record.
Thanks Major League Baseball for the cheap shot attempt to hurt the Nationals Baseball team. Maybe the District of Columbia government screwed things up but don't join them by piling on more crap. Get after the spoiled owners of the other teams and make them vote now. Call a special meeting and give the Nationals a chance to be competitive.
Yesterday wasn't a good day as Paul suffered a setback. Besides the staff infection, the back of his brain is swelling and there is nothing they can do but watch and wait. The fog of this ordeal has yet to clear. This week if you asked me the day of the week I would have been unsure of what to say. The doctors who are said to be some of the best leave a lot to be said about their bedside manner. Most of their discussions are devoid of any glimmer of hope. It seems like sometimes they are reciting some medical book passage. Maybe it is a way to shield their emotions.
The better part of me -- my mate -- is really struggling as the pain and emotion of this ordeal wears hard on her. Her constant thought is, "if it hurts me this bad and disrupts my life so much, I can't imagine what Paul's mother is going through." I guess I am lucky I can just bury the thoughts and emotions only to bring them out when I so choose. Unless I run out of hugs and prayers she will make it through this and right now my hug tank is full.
***** *****
Hmmm, "I thought I was getting B12 and it seems it wasn't." Wow, as I see it if I was expecting one thing and had it substitued with something else that would constitute Medical Malpractice. Another variation I have heard is -- it was a B12 shot and it must have been tainted. Again! Malpractice would be my first thought. Today I heard another statement that his friend gave it to him and he was expecting B12. Then arrest that friend for trafficking in illegal drugs and get a better group of friends. Come on Palmeiro, how many more variations of a lie must we endure? You used steroids, lied to Congress about it and that is the end of the story and time to face the music. I vote that any record you achieved be nullified and at best asterisked as drug induced or performance enhanced. Better yet call it like it is ... cheating, nice record.
Thanks Major League Baseball for the cheap shot attempt to hurt the Nationals Baseball team. Maybe the District of Columbia government screwed things up but don't join them by piling on more crap. Get after the spoiled owners of the other teams and make them vote now. Call a special meeting and give the Nationals a chance to be competitive.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
A Quick Update
Time for an update. The doctor has said Paul is past the critical phase and he will live but what that life will be he can't venture a guess at this time. So now we sit back and wait for the body to heal itself and slowly tell us how life will change for this young man and then the real work begins.
The new job is going great but as usual it is keeping me busy.
#1 has no change except we argue more and he has now lost his car. At some point he will get his sign and wake up. I sure wish it would be sooner rather than later.
#2 is still progressing. The anxiousness of coming home for the Holidays is seting in for both him and us, particlarly mom.
Less than 7 weeks till we cruise. I can't wait for this one especially now it is all paid for. Oh, how I love to lock the cell phone in the safe and not see or hear it for 12 days. Maybe I should come home this year with a good set of dreads.
Bowling is going well. The youth team is learning but still a good season away from being competitive. The team on the Sunday Night league is doing good, we are right in the middle and poised for a good end of the season run. The National Tournament is in Corpus Christi this year and that should be a good time. It is a little hard to believe this year will be my 16th consecutive year of bowling in it. The tournament in Toledo, Ohio in 1990 seems so long ago.
*********_***********
I have been watching that new series "Commander in Chief" and so far it has been good. The attitude of some of the Congressman is portrayed very well. They have in a lot of ways forgotten who they work for ... the people.
Boston Legal is a disappointment. I would have hoped they would have portrayed the lawyers better. Their image suffers enough without the show portraying them as alchoholic, sexist, uppity and better than anyone else and the firm as a "good ole boys club". If I were to try something like that at work, I would be in jail and facing a lot of court time. But then again, is it a true depiction?
I see T.O. is his normal self and forgetting that being a part of a team is what got him there. I hope they let he sit at home for quite awhile and maybe some sliver of common sense will sink in. But, we know better than to dream like that.
Did I hear someone say it is time to get serious about RP and writing? Must of been the wind.
The new job is going great but as usual it is keeping me busy.
#1 has no change except we argue more and he has now lost his car. At some point he will get his sign and wake up. I sure wish it would be sooner rather than later.
#2 is still progressing. The anxiousness of coming home for the Holidays is seting in for both him and us, particlarly mom.
Less than 7 weeks till we cruise. I can't wait for this one especially now it is all paid for. Oh, how I love to lock the cell phone in the safe and not see or hear it for 12 days. Maybe I should come home this year with a good set of dreads.
Bowling is going well. The youth team is learning but still a good season away from being competitive. The team on the Sunday Night league is doing good, we are right in the middle and poised for a good end of the season run. The National Tournament is in Corpus Christi this year and that should be a good time. It is a little hard to believe this year will be my 16th consecutive year of bowling in it. The tournament in Toledo, Ohio in 1990 seems so long ago.
*********_***********
I have been watching that new series "Commander in Chief" and so far it has been good. The attitude of some of the Congressman is portrayed very well. They have in a lot of ways forgotten who they work for ... the people.
Boston Legal is a disappointment. I would have hoped they would have portrayed the lawyers better. Their image suffers enough without the show portraying them as alchoholic, sexist, uppity and better than anyone else and the firm as a "good ole boys club". If I were to try something like that at work, I would be in jail and facing a lot of court time. But then again, is it a true depiction?
I see T.O. is his normal self and forgetting that being a part of a team is what got him there. I hope they let he sit at home for quite awhile and maybe some sliver of common sense will sink in. But, we know better than to dream like that.
Did I hear someone say it is time to get serious about RP and writing? Must of been the wind.
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