Well, my un-retirement party went well. Thankfully, I have a holiday in the middle of the week because I am in need of a break. My mind is clear and I feel that I have been adding value to my job. But my body is tired and in need of a rest. I am home today and back in the office tomorrow, then it is off for the weekend. Seems like the perfect way to get back in the swing of things. And hey, because of my un-retirement there will be fireworks! (ok maybe it is because of the 24 of July, but I will pretend it is a celebration of my success.)
Changing to another topic - what is the deal with school fees? I mean really, the amount we have to pay for our kids to go to school is amazing. Andrew has a $50 participation fee. Really, you have to pay to participate. I thought school was all about participation and now you have to pay for it. Then he will be graded on his participation on top of that. Kind of reminds me of double taxation. But I shouldn't complain - it is still summer time and we have another month of playing with the kids before the school year starts. Not that summer time has anything to do with school fees, but I guess it just gives me more time to not think about school.
Today is also a monumental day in the land of blogging. Yup, that's right, a historical moment in time. My mom has entered the blogging hemisphere. She is nervous, scared, young, and yet taking a wonderful step into the future. My hope is that she can share with her children and grandchildren her thoughts and experiences. Good luck Mom!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Coming out of Retirement
Some of the most prolific athletes in the world have done it, so why can't I? What is it that they have done you ask. Well, come out of retirement. So, I am announcing today that I am ready to un-retire. That's right - I am going back to the rat race.
You may even be asking yourself - "Why would you want to go back to work? Isn't retirement great?" I must admit, when I realized that I needed to stay home from work after my surgery, that I was very excited. Think about it, a week of watching movies, playing the Wii, and reading. How bad could that be? Well, let me tell you. I am BORED. I have not watched so much tv, played so many video games, and took as many long naps since I was in elementary school. The first day was great. But then the monotony took over.
Day in and day out the same thing. So, I am ready to announce that I want to go back to work. The thought of sitting at a desk, using my mind, talking with adults, solving complex problems, etc. sounds wonderful.
The trick now is to convince my body that I am ready to go back. Today was a good test run. We went to church and within about 45 minutes I was so exhausted I was ready to go to sleep right there in the second row. Trust me, I would not be the first person to fall asleep in church, but the thought of actually doing it was more than I could bear. So, I went home and took a nap. After a nice hour or so, I was ready for more activity. Andrew and I went a home taught a neighbor family. That was nice. Adult conversation, get out of the house, take a trip somewhere further than the garage. But, once again, I was ready for a nap when I got home.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. I need it to be if I am ever going to come out of retirement and support my family.
You may even be asking yourself - "Why would you want to go back to work? Isn't retirement great?" I must admit, when I realized that I needed to stay home from work after my surgery, that I was very excited. Think about it, a week of watching movies, playing the Wii, and reading. How bad could that be? Well, let me tell you. I am BORED. I have not watched so much tv, played so many video games, and took as many long naps since I was in elementary school. The first day was great. But then the monotony took over.
Day in and day out the same thing. So, I am ready to announce that I want to go back to work. The thought of sitting at a desk, using my mind, talking with adults, solving complex problems, etc. sounds wonderful.
The trick now is to convince my body that I am ready to go back. Today was a good test run. We went to church and within about 45 minutes I was so exhausted I was ready to go to sleep right there in the second row. Trust me, I would not be the first person to fall asleep in church, but the thought of actually doing it was more than I could bear. So, I went home and took a nap. After a nice hour or so, I was ready for more activity. Andrew and I went a home taught a neighbor family. That was nice. Adult conversation, get out of the house, take a trip somewhere further than the garage. But, once again, I was ready for a nap when I got home.
Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day. I need it to be if I am ever going to come out of retirement and support my family.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Day before surgery
So what is it that you should be doing the day before a surgery? Well, I have tried working. Not a bad option, but it is tough to concentrate. I could surf the web. But invariably I come across pages such as "gall bladder surgery" and the after care instructions. I could watch a movie...but I am still at work. So, I guess all I can do is think about the positives.
The thought occurred to me that I could go home, but according to Becky's post, it might be better to finish out the work day. I am so close to being done for the day I think I can make it. The day has been interesting though. I noticed that I am more irritable than normal and more of a space cadet too.
But in all seriousness, I have really contemplated my blessings lately. It is a great activity when you feel a little down and over burdened. I can honestly say that we have more blessings than trials. Sure, life has been a little difficult lately, but the blessings have been phenomenal. But by tomorrow this time I may be saying something different. And if that is the case, someone please gently remind me.
The thought occurred to me that I could go home, but according to Becky's post, it might be better to finish out the work day. I am so close to being done for the day I think I can make it. The day has been interesting though. I noticed that I am more irritable than normal and more of a space cadet too.
But in all seriousness, I have really contemplated my blessings lately. It is a great activity when you feel a little down and over burdened. I can honestly say that we have more blessings than trials. Sure, life has been a little difficult lately, but the blessings have been phenomenal. But by tomorrow this time I may be saying something different. And if that is the case, someone please gently remind me.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Perspective
When you look through binoculars you see what is in the view finder very clearly and up close. Life, like binoculars, can give you a certain perspective that otherwise may not have come.
There is an old adage that states something to the effect to "look at the issue through the other persons eyes". A sort of reverse introspection if you will.
I have had an opportunity to gain more perspective in my life. I guess I have been playing the "what if" game with myself. Becky and her friend Heather Johns were talking the other day, and the question they discussed was "if you were to die today, would you go to the celestial kingdom?" At first blush I quickly stated "no". Not because I have grievous sins, but because I can see so many things I need to change in my life.
Upon further review the word perspective came to my mind time and time again. Sure, I have many, many things I can change. But I also began to review what I have accomplished; the many small course corrections that have brought me closer to Heavenly Father. I am thankful for the blessing of the gospel in my life. Grateful for how the spirit whispers the truth to me. And I feel so blessed to be married to my wife. If Christ is the Anchor of My Soul, she is certainly the boat that helps keep me afloat when times are tough.
Perspective is so interesting. It allows us to look back at our life, grade our changes and efforts, and look forward to a brighter day.
There is an old adage that states something to the effect to "look at the issue through the other persons eyes". A sort of reverse introspection if you will.
I have had an opportunity to gain more perspective in my life. I guess I have been playing the "what if" game with myself. Becky and her friend Heather Johns were talking the other day, and the question they discussed was "if you were to die today, would you go to the celestial kingdom?" At first blush I quickly stated "no". Not because I have grievous sins, but because I can see so many things I need to change in my life.
Upon further review the word perspective came to my mind time and time again. Sure, I have many, many things I can change. But I also began to review what I have accomplished; the many small course corrections that have brought me closer to Heavenly Father. I am thankful for the blessing of the gospel in my life. Grateful for how the spirit whispers the truth to me. And I feel so blessed to be married to my wife. If Christ is the Anchor of My Soul, she is certainly the boat that helps keep me afloat when times are tough.
Perspective is so interesting. It allows us to look back at our life, grade our changes and efforts, and look forward to a brighter day.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Independence
In a previous blog I mentioned how I love to teach. Well, I was finally able to round up some very unsuspecting students...my kids. Ok, so they really aren't students, but they did listen and participate. Parenting really is another classroom; filled with tests, pop quizzes, homework, and reports. There are times that the lessons are filled with excitement and intrigue, and other times where they are boring. Today we had a great topic - dating.
Rachael is at the dating stage and the lessons learned here can be dire. Luckily she is doing well and as parents we are so impressed. Thank goodness for the home environment that allows teens to experiment and learn within good wholesome boundaries. Sure this discussion started because we are trying to give those gentle little corrections that our children need. But it was a good correction and the mistakes are little. Rachael is a great young women and she is learning as she should. The real test is to see how she makes corrections in the future. Her independence is growing and we are thankful for that.
Speaking of independence, today is July 4th. In light of my recent gall bladder attack we have made some modifications to our celebration. It seems that so many holidays revolve around food. Why is that? What is it about our culture that makes us feel that we need to eat to celebrate? So, instead of eating our brains out, we will enjoy a simple family celebration. Although I would love to go hiking in the mountains, I do not think Rachael's bad knee, or my stomach could endure the challenge. Instead we will read books, play music instruments, and have a fun family day. Happy Independence Day everyone!
I guess I am having another type of Independence today as well. I got my blood tests back and it appears my pancreas is reactive to the gall stones. This is good, I was worried that I had full blown pancreatitis. That would have been scary. In light of the test results I will be meeting with a surgeon next week to have an initial consultation. It will be at that meeting that we will discuss the need to have my gall bladder removed. I know I have posted in the past about my desire to avoid surgery, but there are also risks with not proceeding with surgery. I have talked with several people that have had their gall bladders removed. And they all agree it is the best thing they have done - no more attacks, no more pain. To me that sounds wonderful. I certainly have my pain under control now (at least I am able to make it through the day without pain medications) because I am eating better. But I have had to limit all nuts, fat, meat, dairy, beans, etc. Basically I am able to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Not a bad option - I have lost weight, but it is certainly boring. I would love to be able to eat nuts and beans. Oh well, I really shouldn't complain. I am doing well and feeling better. So to celebrate my Independence day I think I will go eat another apple.
Rachael is at the dating stage and the lessons learned here can be dire. Luckily she is doing well and as parents we are so impressed. Thank goodness for the home environment that allows teens to experiment and learn within good wholesome boundaries. Sure this discussion started because we are trying to give those gentle little corrections that our children need. But it was a good correction and the mistakes are little. Rachael is a great young women and she is learning as she should. The real test is to see how she makes corrections in the future. Her independence is growing and we are thankful for that.
Speaking of independence, today is July 4th. In light of my recent gall bladder attack we have made some modifications to our celebration. It seems that so many holidays revolve around food. Why is that? What is it about our culture that makes us feel that we need to eat to celebrate? So, instead of eating our brains out, we will enjoy a simple family celebration. Although I would love to go hiking in the mountains, I do not think Rachael's bad knee, or my stomach could endure the challenge. Instead we will read books, play music instruments, and have a fun family day. Happy Independence Day everyone!
I guess I am having another type of Independence today as well. I got my blood tests back and it appears my pancreas is reactive to the gall stones. This is good, I was worried that I had full blown pancreatitis. That would have been scary. In light of the test results I will be meeting with a surgeon next week to have an initial consultation. It will be at that meeting that we will discuss the need to have my gall bladder removed. I know I have posted in the past about my desire to avoid surgery, but there are also risks with not proceeding with surgery. I have talked with several people that have had their gall bladders removed. And they all agree it is the best thing they have done - no more attacks, no more pain. To me that sounds wonderful. I certainly have my pain under control now (at least I am able to make it through the day without pain medications) because I am eating better. But I have had to limit all nuts, fat, meat, dairy, beans, etc. Basically I am able to eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Not a bad option - I have lost weight, but it is certainly boring. I would love to be able to eat nuts and beans. Oh well, I really shouldn't complain. I am doing well and feeling better. So to celebrate my Independence day I think I will go eat another apple.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Hurry up and wait
Well, I am continuing to loose weight. I guess it is a good thing and I have needed to do it for some time. I just didn't think it would happen this way. Becky and I just got back from my CT scan. It was quick and painless, outside of the IV for the contrast. All in all, it really wasn't so bad. Now I need to wait and find out what the results are. Because of HIPPA regulations Becky was not able to be there during my test and of course even as a patient I am not able to see my results. That is frustrating - a patient has no idea of his own health care. Hopefully I will have some sort of results by the end of the day, but it may not be until tomorrow. If it is my Gall Bladder they will just refer me to a surgeon.
After doing some research online, I found a few sites that talk about a Gall Bladder flush. But more intense research has turned up the serious risks involved. I know I can help control pain with diet, but once you have gall stones the likeliness of having another attack is 70%. Of course there are risks to having your gall bladder taken out as well. I guess you can say that the likeliness of having diarrhea after a greasy meal is 100%. So there are trade-offs.
Eating has been much easier too. I haven't minded eating healthy, normally I like it. But it is tough when I think of some of my favorite foods that I am no longer able to eat. Oh well...the price of beauty! lol
One thing I have noticed is how tired I am right now. I was feeling pretty good yesterday afternoon so I went with Becky to go get some fruit and veggies from Costco. It was a pretty low key event - but by the end I was tired and hurting. I worry that if I go to work right now that I will send myself into another attack. The exterior of my stomach is tender and any walking certainly hurts. Financially I need to work, but physically I think I need to wait another day. So in the meantime we will hurry up and wait to find out what the next step is.
After doing some research online, I found a few sites that talk about a Gall Bladder flush. But more intense research has turned up the serious risks involved. I know I can help control pain with diet, but once you have gall stones the likeliness of having another attack is 70%. Of course there are risks to having your gall bladder taken out as well. I guess you can say that the likeliness of having diarrhea after a greasy meal is 100%. So there are trade-offs.
Eating has been much easier too. I haven't minded eating healthy, normally I like it. But it is tough when I think of some of my favorite foods that I am no longer able to eat. Oh well...the price of beauty! lol
One thing I have noticed is how tired I am right now. I was feeling pretty good yesterday afternoon so I went with Becky to go get some fruit and veggies from Costco. It was a pretty low key event - but by the end I was tired and hurting. I worry that if I go to work right now that I will send myself into another attack. The exterior of my stomach is tender and any walking certainly hurts. Financially I need to work, but physically I think I need to wait another day. So in the meantime we will hurry up and wait to find out what the next step is.
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