Feel Like Slapping Someone?

Make sure you have the sound turned on just loud enough for you to hear it.

Cancer Survivor Walk

I participated in something last night that will be part of the rest of my life.

Walk for Life, a foundation established to raise money for cancer research, had their annual fund raising walk last night. I was honored to be a part of it. Survivors were encouraged to take a lap around the track. It was great having friends and family there to cheer for you. It was even better to be healthy enough to take that walk. I really appreciate my girlfriend, who, despite the challenges at work, managed to get last night off so she could be there to encourage me. I'm thankful that Lon, Carla, Isaac and Gwen were there too.

Afterwards, I was able to spoil my sweetie. I love you Natalie! :-D

I'm the Oldest

Yes!

Scientific evidence agrees with me. I am the smartest of my brothers and I have the piece of paper to prove it.

On another happy note - happy 1st day of summer to you.

Ten Commandments for Drivers

The Vatican is at it again.

Why does it feel like it needs to stick its nose in every little thing? How about just teaching people to drive correctly? Then you wouldn't need to tell us "Thou shalt not" anything.

Medical Update, Etc.

I had my first check-up today and the news is very encouraging.

There is no new tumor growth and what is suspected to be scar tissue has shrunk 1 cm. The fluid in my right lung is still there but it is less than the last scan I had. The doctor thinks that my body will eventually get rid of it and he's not going to prescribe anything for it.

In other less encouraging news, Natalie had one of her managers unceremoniously quit today. She received a voice mail message on her cell phone telling her that she quit. Now, Natalie is stuck having to work a double shift today and re-arranging the work schedule this week. This is on top of one of her other managers getting ready to go on maternity leave (she is only allowed to work 6 hours a day in the mornings). So, our dating relationship is going to be strained as we try to find some time to see each other for more than a few minutes at a time. At least we'll be able to go together to the cancer survivor walk on Friday but that pales in comparison to what I wanted to do this weekend.

Sigh!

4 Month Warning

Only 4 months of shopping days until my birthday! Shop early and often.

Monday Update

After a long weekend, Natalie came home. I'm happy and thankful. I missed her a ton. Her sister took great care of her in D.C. Thanks Amelia!

I had my first CT Scan since March. I see the doctor next Monday and the hope is he will tell me for the rest of my life that the cancer is still in remission. At least, that's what he'd better say after the number of times I got poked trying to get the stupid needle to stay in my vein so they can run iodine through me for contrast. I thought that was why I drank two bottles of barium sulfate before the scan? Oh, well, it's all over. Just something to mention to the doctor next week.

Does anyone know how to convince my insurance that the PET Scan I took in March is not experimental?

Natalie's Travel Troubles

So the FAA goofed. Their plan to allow airlines to navigate around storms caused a major problem when the main flight-plan computer in Atlanta failed and the one in Salt Lake City couldn't handle the extra load. Nice. So Natalie has had three flight cancellations, numerous delays and now will arrive in D.C. sometime tonight. Sure glad her sister will be ready with a cocktail for her.

All of this makes me wonder how this is supposed to happen today?

Blog Warning

I've decided that I've had enough.

If you want to leave a comment, you will be required to use a blogger account. And, you will still need to have your comment approved by me.

That is all for now.

Birthday's and Friends

I've screwed up plenty of times in my life. Tonight is just another to add to the ever expanding list.

See, today is (still) Carla's birthday. She and I have been best of friends for the last four years. We've co-led together. We've spent time together and we've sharing many memories together. I think it is only right that we are both dating at the same time.

But that doesn't excuse the fact that I forgot it was her birthday.

Before I go any further, happy birthday my friend! I know I have neglected you in favor of my wonderful girlfriend. That is not an acceptable reason for me. I'm glad that you have the relationship with Natalie that you do. She will benefit from what you know about me and how to deal with me much as I have learned enough to have a wonderful girlfriend. All of that came from you. You have incredible patience (anyone who leads with me must have patience) and you know exactly what I need to hear when I need to hear it. You've taught me how to consider the emotional needs of a woman instead of immediately shutting them down when their is a problem.

So, to all my readers, I want you to know that I love Carla dearly. Without her I'm not even a shell of the man I have become.

Carla, you will always have a special place in my heart. I'm sorry that I forgot your very special day. I promise I will try to make it up to you.

Be True to Your School?

I have known for years that DNHS was one of the schools that APS wished it could sweep under the mat, but it saddens me to hear that they are considering leveling the school. I for one wish they would follow the recommendation and renovate it. Although I catch a lot of crap from my (jealous) brothers about graduating from there, the school was good enough that I graduated college.

Besides, where could I get fired up about seeing turquoise, black and white as school colors? And what about the fight song?

I can't imagine having a 20 year reunion for a school that doesn't exist. This is ABQ! Stuff like this isn't supposed to happen. :(

Gripe Session

June 3, 2003 - a day that lives in infamy in my life.

I was working here and was planning to take a half day of vacation to go interview with RRPS for a position that was more suitable to my talents when I was informed that I no longer had a job due to "current business conditions" (business speak for - we don't want you but we legally can't fire you).

That is what I call classless and it is why I will not frequent said company in the future.

Fast forward to January 2007. As I'm going through the 1st chemo session, it suddenly dawned on me that if I still worked at that place, I would probably be informed that my job would not be waiting for me when I recovered. Thankfully, that was not the case with UNM. I was immediately informed that my job was secure and to just focus on recovery.

That is what I call class and it is why I will do everything in my power to remain here (i.e. I will try not to quit unless life dictates I must).

So, if you are given the choice, choose the classy organization. The other one isn't worth it.

Bunco

Anyone care to play?