The holidays...

We did our part this year to keep the economy going. Lots of great, fun gifts for the kids. Around October, I decided to try and make a few 'heirloom quality' toys for Maris. She had really wanted crib and high chair for her dolls and the stuff in the stores was grade A crap. I spent a couple hours over the last two weekends putting some stuff together that I'm really proud of. It still needs a once over sanding and some poly, but take a look.



We also adopted a family of four through the United Christmas Service. This year we have a single hispanic mom with three boys (2, 6, and 9). We were able to get them coats, hats, gloves, bedding, cookware, towels, toys, books and more. I think it was the first time I every went to Walmart and had two heaping carts of goods. I anticipate we'll deliver this stuff next week and am really looking forward to seeing their faces when we pull up with a van full of gear. Admittedly, we probably over did it on them - but Kris and I are hopeful that we can make this the best Christmas the boys have ever had.

I'm back.

Total Bilirubin - 4.0 (very high, but normal for me)
Whities - 3,800 (low for you, good for me)
Hemoglobin - 14.6 (normal!)
Hematacrit - 40.3(normal!)
Platelets - 167,000 (normal!)
ANC - 1,800 (low for you, good for me)

Chest Xray - normal

Good counts and good diagnostics. Been having some problems sleeping/breathing for the past three weeks, went to see Dr. Cripe to get to the bottom of it.

His recommendation. Slow down. Take some time. Relax.

I'm going to try and do this. Been a wild couple weeks in my personal and work life, starting to wonder if it has taken a toll on my physical health. I have good people around me but I seem to forget that I can't do it all, all of the time.

It's nice to get some affirmation from the doc and his practitioner (Theresa). My only complaint is that Theresa always makes me cry. She tells me it will be ok (which I know it will) but somewhere between her hug and her soothing tone, I lose it.

Admittedly, its kinda unfair. Here I was in the waiting room with essentially a winning lottery ticket as far as blood cancer's go and I'm still worrying about me. Even today, I'm sitting next to a girl probably 10 years younger than me, hair free with a chest port. Based on what she was saying, I'm betting she was only diagnosed a few months ago (she didn't know the jargon but I understood what she was saying). It's a pretty unfair world we live in - and she was living proof.

I can't imagine working in that place.

Cancer get's you an immediate wave but sometimes you have to work for it. For example, when I went to get my chest xray today - the woman at the counter was really busy and a little unpleasant...until she read my chart and they it was almost like 'oh shit, this guy has enough on his plate and shouldn't have to deal with my angry ass'. She pretty much pulled a 180 and was delightful for the rest of our time together.

Better get moving. Feeling better already now that my counts are solid.

what else can i say...

we did it.

and i couldn't be prouder to be an American.

ROFLMAO. (its funny).

John McCain Accidentally Left On Campaign Bus Overnight

Still here.

I know, I know...its been about four weeks since I've posted.

Rather than dwell on the fact that I've been MIA, lets marvel in the fact that I was able to keep it up as long as I had. I mean seriously - I was averaging about 12 posts per month for a pretty long stretch.

All is quiet.

I'm feeling pretty good and have mostly forgotten that I am living with cancer. Certainly I have my moments of fear (and hypochondria), but by and large I am controlling my own destiny and living life.

We had a great vacation about a month ago and we have been going full steam ahead since then. Kristin is in the process of opening a new shop (target of early November) so I've spent most of my weekends building cabinetry for her cash stand, shelving, etc. I enjoy the building - the staining/sealing...not so much. We are going to employ my mom in the next couple weeks to help with painting, assembly and more.

It's great having them in town and it even afforded Kris and I an adult night last week. We had some old neighbors over for a dinner party. It was our turn to host so Kris and I picked up a free-range, grass fed standing rib roast which was just awesome. We purchased it from a local market so we felt good supporting a small business with local meats/produce. I'm all for a global economy, but I like to keep my money in the state if I can.

Kids are doing great and growing like weeds.

Better go. More. Soon.

Three reasons to keep fighting.

Been feeling really great the past couple weeks...which in turn means very few posts to the blog. I have story to tell about the dentist, but it will have to wait until tomorrow...I need to log off for the night.

Obama's Email Inbox Leaked

IMAGE COURTESY ' The Onion '