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 *****

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 *****

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

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.

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.

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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. :)

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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. :)

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.

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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.