LOST!

Somewhere coming home we lost the laptop! My cute little Toshiba Satellite; I am totally surprised that I am unaffected. Granted I might be I shock but I do not think so. I have almost everything on the Toshiba backed up on the big computer system or burnt to CD so I am cool—just a little inconvenienced. Who knows, we are still checking with Delta and the airports and the system still might show up. We are also checking with our homeowners policy to see if the Toshiba might be covered there as well. We do need to computers in this household with the amount of work each of us does on a system at home.

Before I left on the Philly trip I called the hotel once and I know Dianne checked at least twice and who ever we spoke with assured us there was accessible shuttles from the airport. What they did not say was the shuttles the airport run are accessible but do not go all the way to our hotel and the hotel shuttles is not accessible at all. So, we land in Philly and are immediately stuck at 8:30 in the evening trying to get to the hotel and no transportation. I could not believe it. I could find no taxi outfits in the city that had accessible transportation—there really must be but I could not find such a thing after hours on a Sunday night. There was however, the train; and I know trains. I found the train went from the airport to within two blocks of the Marriott where we were booked. Amazing! If I were born again I would have shouted Praise the Lord! I knew what we had to do…it was the only thing we could do. I would send Dianne ahead in a taxi ( better yet she found the airport shuttle) and I would “train” in. In all honesty I was more then a little spooked pondering such a trip in a strange city on a strange train—these feelings of angst were more reinforced when I descended to the “C” of the “underground’ and there were folks, homeless folk and others all over the area sleeping, panhandling and making me reexamine my ideals of comfort. But I was cool, I turned up my stocking cap which read “FBI” and rolled up trying to look coolly mean as I could—I am sure I looked like total mddle aged “out of towner”. Am surprised I did not get rolled right then and there. I did not. I found a transit cop who directed me to my train and I was gone. The upside was I qualified for the disabled fare which was $1.50!!!

When I got into the city and I surfaced from the train I was a bit uneasy. I had asked questions on how to get to the hotel. You know “ left, left then straight, two blocks” I never get these right. But, I astounded myself and made it right to the Marriott—I almost missed it because I am used to Salt Lake Blocks I have found all other City blocks are much, much smaller. I almost zipped past the turns I was supposed to make. I got right to the hotel.

The reason for this diatribe is to show the amount of work I had to experience getting to the hotel from the air terminal—reverse this and there was similar trauma getting back. Now, bare in mind, that Dianne had ALL the luggage—which included the Toshiba. Some where along the line the Toshiba was left behind. I am hoping, almost praying that the Toshiba will turn up. It should. We really do need two systems—this guy is going into for reboot surgery today. I don’t know when I’ll be able to write again…and post.

For those of yopu who study ghost stuff thougt you might be intrested in this image. Taken infornt of an "Old Town" shop...I have one image with no marks and then this image with definet ghost imaging...

Were leaving on a jet Plane

We’re leaving on a jet plane tomorrow at 8:30am should me in Philly by 4:30 pm.  I wish I could say I was not nervous by I am, for a host or reasons but really for the main reason is that I am doing something I usually do not do, and there seems, to me, a lot of money involved. I am of the understanding that I should get all the expenses back but  never trust ‘money back’ offers until  I have the cold hard cash in hand but who knows how long all of that is going to be.  I cannot complain too much  Marty’ program came up with some upfront money so I don’t have to put everything on my card.

Dianne is off with Auni to see TapDogs, we have not even started to pack and I am hoping for the best. I am, sure everything will be just fine. I have decided to leave my manual wheelchair behind and hope the hotel will supply a loaner chair. I called yesterday just to make sure the room was accessible and that will not have any unwelcome surprises when we get there. I know we will but I am living under the illusion. I am also taking my lap top in hopes that I will be able to post while on the trip.

The weather today was perfect 50+ degrees it was an early Spring treat, We went to lunch at  Joes Crab Shack  then I got Dianne a 512 MB card or her new Fuli. Dianne is finally using the camera and seems to enjoy the experience. The camera came with only a 16 MB card so a new card was warranted.  Kinda a hate flying into Philly where it is supposed to me much colder.  Would have much rather stayed home tomorrow and read my novel in the sun.  I expect there will be time for this later in the true Spring.

I have been struggling

I have been struggling all day with a web page which should have taken me just a couple of hours to do. I hate that because I am better then that—but did it. I am exhausted though. I still have to go home and go to my grand daughters birthday celebration. Then we have to seriously consider the trip we are doing on Sunday.

I like My Work

I like My Work!

I have then Philadelphia trip next week. It’s so close now I am becoming nervous. I hate operations that I have to coordinate with another State department. These guys are supposed to be cutting my travel allowance so I am relying heavily on them.  The word is that we are supposed to get our check in the mail and as yet nothing has come and tomorrow is Thursday followed by Friday and we fly out on Sunday. So really only two working days left to iron out any problems which might arise.  I am sure Murphy’s law will raise it’s ugly head before this adventure is over. But, my co worker was just in my office wanting me to make sure that I take any time I earn next week.  This is a gray area for me—how do you count timed earned at conferences? Not only am I doing my eight working hours but I am away from my home the other two thirds of the day as well. Actually this is not a big deal for me but my co-worker seems to me most anxious that I get everything that is owed me. So I leave for Philly on Sunday do I count flying time as well as hotel time on Sunday? Then I am at conference from Monday to Tuesday back Tuesday afternoon. So can I take off the rest off the week because of all the hours over I earned?? A whole week!?!  I don’t want to be off the rest of the week. I want to be back in my office, behind my desk working on my system answering phones. Maybe a little time might be nice but the whole rest of the week. So, now, I need to corner the bookkeeper and see what the “reg”s are for earning and using  \amassed time. It seems like she hates tome here where I love(sorta) to be here. I need to be here. The phones need to be answered and the information disseminated.   I have meetings to be at the day after I get back and other commitments already in the works. If I can maybe I’ll take a day at the end of the week or maybe the following the Monday.  I just want to get this trip over .


…

Just a few thoughts

Just a few thoughts before I turn in—Its later then I usually blog because I was out of the office all day and since I was not close to a terminal I m writing now.  I was in Ogden all day a berg about forty-five minutes away from the office. Weber State University.   I do not mean this negatively but I was shocked at how rural the University is.  The Disability Center (on campus)  sponsored the event and this was their first such event. I have to give the organization for putting the event on, it’s the only way to learn and grow is to have place to make the mistakes. The school has general access , you know the parking places, ramps into buildings an general paths of access. Its when you get to the building you see areas where time forgot. For instance I went dashing into the bathroom when I arrived this morning and was blown away when there was not an accessible stall—luckily I only had to re-adjust my clothes since I mess them up so much when I transfer from my chair to the driver’s seat and back to my  chair when driving my van.  I asked student where their accessible bathroom was and she proceeded to take m on a journey to another part of the building. Hello, don’t they know the separate but equal is illegal???  Same way in the cafeteria—there was just subtle barriers to access I  thought had gone away long ago. True change is hard and slow in coming. I reckon I should be glad the university even had such an event.  So much work still needs to be done. I will be excite to see what change come about next year.  

I  was quite astonished when I received the small basket of goodies and card  for showing up for the event.  I was not astonished by the fact we got a card or the goodies—we always get those but inside the basket was an actual gift card to the University Book Store. I could not believe my eyes—something of real value.  I knew that the card could be fore much but still  a gift card if nothing else I would have candy for my travels back to the city. I tried to see at lunch, if the gift card would buy my lunch but “no” .  The card could only be used at the Bookstore.   That’s OK it just meant I would have to wait a little longer.  By one o clock the event was just about over. Many of the other participants had packed their trinkets and table and were headed out of town. The invitation I received indicated the event would lat until 2:00 p m.  I still had an our so I struck out to find the bookstore. I eventually did and I quivered as the young student employee swiped the gift card through nthe register and voila the card $5.00. Not much you say—very much I say—after all this was almost as good as US currency, it spent like currency and I got it while on the job. I know this raises all kinds of moral issues but you know what? I spent it, I spent it all.  I bought a Michael Crichton to read on the train as soon as I finish the Bruce
Sterling I am currently reading. So there it’s work related.

Monday Presidents Day

Monday—President’s Day

Not much happening today; we’re gong to lunch with the oldest daughter and then I don’t know what. Funds are low so what ever we do it will be humble. That Ok, we could go to the “free” movies or to the DI—local thrift shop 0r just come back home. I still have work to do on Mack’s web page. We also have to start seriously considering our up coming trip to Phlly. I am sure getting nervous about the trip. I am taking two wheelchairs—I have never taken a power chair on a business trip. I have heard myriads of horror stories from folk who have and I am just holding my breadth.

This short I now but…hey, it’s a holiday!

Snowy Capote Sunday

I saw Dr. Bourne on Friday afternoon. Dr. Bourne is a good guy. I was astounded at how closely he listened to me and seemed to genuinely care at what I was saying. Most folks see I am in a wheelchair and I guess I use this a lot in our initial meeting.  People always want to know what happened to me, why I am in the chair.  I was surprised that Bourne did not ask about this up front. In fact, the cause of my disability only came up about half way through the meeting and only I had broached the subject. The bottom line though is that I am doing fine he thought.  Bourne did have me take some x-rays of my shoulder—which is way more then the other MD did.  Bourne also scheduled me for a follow up appointment in a couple of weeks. When I asked why he just looked at me to and said, “ To see how you are doing of course.”  Bourne did the pushing and pulling tests on my “injured” side and seemed impressed enough to release me to physical therapy(PT) when eve I can get it scheduled.

It’s cold today, Sunday, the snow fell during the night and most of the morning.  We managed  movie: Capote in the early afternoon.  Capote was mis named in my view. The film should have been called Capote’s In Cold Blood or  The Making of In Cold Blood.   Not that a different title would have made a lot of difference; I would have had to see it anyway but would have better prepared me for my 2 hours plus investment. I came home and
“ Googled” “Capote” and found some interesting stuff.  I would have much preferred more information into Capote, the person. Capote led an interesting life.

I am currently working on Mack’s web page—he emailed me the newsletter Friday.  Will  post it next week some time before I go to Philadelphia. Mack is using more and more graphics and images for his documents, sure takes me a lot more time.  I am glad to do it and the money is always helpful. I am going to give Mack to tools so he can become more intimately involved with his website.  I want to read tonight or do anything except watch the Olympics.  I have been spending way too much time watching things I really don’t find interesting enough to dedicate evenings and weekends to.                               

Its already 1234 and

It’s already 12:34 and I have my appointment with the orthopedic guy in less then two hours. So, I have an hour of travel and loading and unloading then I have the appointment. I am getting nervous. I am feeling great now…most of the time. I am sure he will just say” Great, go get some rehab and get out of here!” I just don’t know what I will do if he wants to operate. Dianne says to get a second opinion but I am not sure if I am comfortable doing stuff like that but I better get comfortable or I just maybe under the knife before I know it.

I'm OK!!!!!! I write more later

The train was packed

The train was packed this morning.! Truly packed. I bet there are issues with the trains today and something happened to the train right before mine and were carrying all the prior trains folk. Snow fell during the night a lot of snow. The temperature dropped and I knew there would be challenges all day but yet I was eager to be out the door and off to work. I had an 8:30 Real Choice meeting over at Dept of Human Services, so I knew I would be out of the office nearly as soon as I got in but I at least got in Ok. Kinda. When ever it snows and I leave for work I always stop next door at Al’s and make a design on his driveway. So when Al gets up he’ll know I was there. This morning there was so much snow in the driveway I was afraid to drive my chair back in for fear that my chair would get stuck. I had to get off the sidewalks as soon as I could—the plow had already been down the streets so the street it self was OK, my major challenge was getting to the street. I actually blasted threw the mini-snow bank the plows had created and made it to the cleaned surface of the street. This ended being the method of operation for the remainder of my morning: try to get as much speed as possible then slam throu8gh the back of snow infront of me.

The weather guys talked a big storm about the amount of snow we were going to get pounded with but they also yammered a lot about how cold the temperature was going to be. True, the temperature was cold, even brisk but not unendurable. I dressed in layers and wore gloves, a scarf and my FBI stocking hat. I was sweating. My only clothing deficiency was my shoes. I have started wearing my ancient slip-ons again. The slip-ons are great to wear for ease of wearing but they sure offer little, protection from the elements i.e. snow! As mentioned each drift I would plow through, I would plough through feet first and my feed would get a new caking of snow. I do own a set of waffle stomppers but cannot get my hands on them at this point I time. I think my feet would be a lot warmer. So, yes it was cold but not enough to really keep me from doing my daily routine.

The last stop for my Train is the Delta Center, downtown, I got in today about 7:10, late because of some many problem on the train—due to the over load of people, people were standing in the stairways to the cars. When this happens it makes it so the doors will not close correctly making the driver to have to leave his driving station traipse all the way back to the door in question roust the offending commuter form the stair well and then come all the way back and continue on. When I got off the train I was dismayed to see the Sport arena people still had not plowed the side walks of their arena. I plowed on—Long story short I ended up driving down the packed side of the street…the sidewalks to the office we non-negotiable—I dodged lots of traffic but I finally got into the office. I made coffee and was out of the office again I half an hour heading for my meeting at Human services.

When I left the office for my meeting noone had yet come into the office. I left the coffee on and the doors locked. The sun was out now, brisk but clear and the sun was doing it’s work. Snow , in many places, was becoming slush. More sidewalks had been shoveled and plowed by this point in time. BUT , the snow in most cases was not taken from the gutters and if you use a wheelchair for mobility you know you HAVE to go thru these gutters to get to the sidewalk. I ended up going the long way but I got to my meeting and on time.

The snows have abated now the sun is out and the meld down is happening even if the temp is still below freezing. This is this winters last or next to last gust I know this snow will not last long. I am just tickled the chair handled as well as it did.

Spring Snow

I know it’s officially Winter and this is indeed a winter storm but I am calling what is happening Spring snow. The snow has been falling all morning and the snow is beginning to lay down o the valley floor. We may get up to three inches before the snow event is thru. The snow does not seem as painful if I can refer to the snow as Spring snow. Spring snow is only briefly here—the snow will come out shortly and burn the frozen water away. Springs snow seems to know they are anomalies of the swiftly dieing cold season.

The falling snow makes me sleepy—or maybe I was sleep starved already and the fall ing, falling snow ZZZzzzzz.! WAKE UP !!!! O Kaaaaay!! I am a wake. My desk heater is blasting me with major BTUs and NPR is rattling away over on my desk and I am watching the snow fall out side my window. Away from my building the wind is blowing the snow horizontal to my window. I understand it is a cold wind too. I don’t have to hit the road home for a could of more hours and everything may have changed by then. In all honesty , however, the “Weather Chick” indicated, last night , the worst weather bands would be coming into the valley just as the home-drive time was beginning.

I am currently on a marathon call already 1:12:21 hours!! The call is going no where but the call is eating my afternoon—she calls every couple of weeks and talks and talks and talks. She is super lonely angry—she used to belong to Dianne but now I guess she belongs to me now or at least she is my responsibility. She just started calling after she could no get hold of my wife. She will stay on the phone as long as I will let her. But the boss just stuck her head in my office to tell me to leave because of the snow. So I am going to do so. Travel light during the light and a head of the snow.

Happy Valentines Day

Happy Valentines Day

HELLO…CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

I did it! I finally got my new cell phone or Mark A did. I think I love it. I am still getting acquainted with the device lots of reading and lots of thinking. I had to upgrade my old phone, that old phone has served me well, but because the phone is old and could not be supported by networks now in the field, or accessories so I finally bought the bullet and jumped when Mark a offered me a new phone on his family plan. I am still not sure how we will work our minutes and other items which comes with the new phone system. I really do not use my cell phone that much. I really only got my first cell because it was offered free as a job perk. The only reason I even considered the phone was, I had been trapped in my van on the interstate! My van lost all power for one reason or another and I was stranded inside. Even if I could have deployed the wheelchair lift the traffic was too severe to try to get out and flag down some assistance. So, I got the phone for emergencies. I have used it maybe three or four times for similar emergencies, the phone is very nice for letting Dianne or other folks know I am running late, or lost or what do I need to pick up at the market. I am now using the phone more then I used to but never to the extant that I see others use there. This might change with the new phone. I see people on the train pull out their cells as soon as they sit down and play with the phone the whole trip—Hum ? Does this cost, how much, are you charged and for what, by the minute or by the visit? Well I get out of control and bankrupt my son? So much responsibility for the use of one phone.

Way back here in the back…

I am sure I have mentioned in the past that we share an office with another State office. We are small and take just two offices. Our offices are attached to Conference room which is all the way in the back of our suite of offices. In fact, we are so far back in the building the building dumpsters are on the other side of my window. So, when the front staff are gone (we in the back) rarely even hear people who are trying to get in. I am also sure I have mentioned that the office has elected to keep the front doors locked at al times. So if anyone needs in whether it be consumer , postman, federal or
State mail then that person needs to make enough racket to get our attention or better yet come to the backside of the building and knock on the windows. About a month ago front office did get an outside “bell”—push the button and the well rings and someone upfront will let you in. We usually turn the bell off if everyone is gone.

Anyway It’s currently the season of the legislature the front office is all about being part of the legislative process so everyone is gone except for me and CC many of the times. This morning there were out of staters here which needed to be taken to the airport first thing – it is always People First, so, front end staff asre busy running to get things copied, getting the lunch ordered and keeping very busy—OUT SIDE OF THE OFFICE. Many of the People First dudes also come into the city when ever they can. What happens though is I am the only one in the office, in the back, trying to get my work done and people are pounding in the door and ringing the doorbell like crazy. So, on such a morning nothing gets done except raise my blood pressure rolling all the way to the front of the office to open the door. I cannot not no open the door since the posts both State and Federal make themselves known in just this harassing way: office wants it’s mail. I just have to bite the bullet.

I zoomed out at lunch to try to find Dianne a valentine, went up to one of the downtown malls and ended up getting a couple of cheap burgers from the food court MC Donalds ad a holster for my new cell. What pig. I still don’t know what I am getting for Dianne. The day and my energy levels a are dissipating swiftly. I feel that valentines Day is such an invalid holiday purporting love in the guise of money or money purchased products. Birthdays, Christmas and Mother’s Day I basically tolerate but Valentines is nothing but capitalistic greed dressed up as love. Just shoot me know. So I did the cop out thing…candy, candy, candy. I probably still need to get a card. I tried at lunch but the all a dollar I went to was all out. That is what happens when I go to a dollar market located across the street from the world headquarters of one of the most patriarchal religions on the Face of the Earth.

Simply Sunday

I don’t know which is worse: being physically challenged or technologically challenged. .   I have a lap top which is very convenient to have networked to the master computer. I am able to do a lot of my writing on my laptop  like my blog updates and then post right from my little system. When we switched broadband carriers, a couple of week ago and we lost or network here in the house.  I have not bee motivated enough to set the network back up but today thought I would try. You guessed it, no go. I am sure the process of setting the network up again is a simple process but not for me.

Mark A was over a few minutes ago and tried to set up the network but he really did not have the time to re establish the connection.  He and I set it up the first time, actually I just watched and he Mark did the configuring.  Of course I cannot find my manuals or disks anywhere. We downloaded a manual from Belkin and I have been looking through it. It says that this or that has to be disconnected then reconnected in a specific order etc. I cannot do this because it means I must get behind my computer and do the fiddling.   I think if I could I would be able to make the connection but alas I must wait until someone with these abilities can come over—just another disability challenge. So now  am patiently waiting for mark A to comeback or for Josh—Mark buddy and my friend. I will trap him into re-networking me. Other then that I have been busy making beef and barley soup and visiting with Anakah..a delightfully simple Sunday.

Hold TIME

The sun continues to shine and look absolutely beautiful but the wind is killer cold. There is a cold front passing through the city today and things are best kept in side. I spent the morning sweating and swearing over my computer. I had a little work to do for the website I host but when I got home yesterday afternoon the system would not boot. It seemed the USB ports have stopped working. The system would not recognize the keybord and I cannot do a whole heck of a lot on the system if I don’t have a working keyboard. I called my usual , Mark but he has to work today late. Then I called my son's friend and friend of the fam Josh. In fact Josh works at PC Club and it is where I bought this system. In fact the system should still be under warranty. I called Josh—who now work round the corner from my house. He gve me some pointers and indicated that he would stop by after work if I did not get the problem worked out. I ended up plugging the p2 connection of the keyboard into the rear the computer rather the using the USB ports. I turned the system on after and sure enough the computer booted right up. That is cool, and let me finish updating Mack’s website but the non functioning USB have be a bit concerned. Hopefully, I will not have to give up my system to the shop.

So it’s a hold time afternoon. Anakah is over for the weekend playing and helping Dianne bake bread and cleanings the house and watch DVDs. The house is cleaning up and warm—I have hot tea and I am content. The visit with the orthopedic surgeon is a week off. I am playing like I am not bothered but I think I scared as hell. I hate going under the knife. I slept poorly last night and when I did sleep I had the strangest dreams. Washing dishes this morning my shoulder hurt—the shoulder is not well and the bicep is no well either. Luckily, I am not in pain, most of the time, and I can care for myself. I have to have the trauma point looked at and just see what the Doc recommends. I am Ok till the 17th.

Its a beautiful day

It’s a beautiful day today for a Thursday and I am escaping for a while. I have an Accessible Elections committee meeting in an hour over at the Poor People’s Law Complex(PPLC). We usually have the meeting at the State capitol but since we are in the middle of the State Legislature we are at the PPLC. The PPLC houses numerous private non-profits purporting to server “UNDERSERVED”. These offices used to be hovels, located in broken or rundown buildings in the heart of this fair city. I am sure this was designed to make the clients feel “at home”. Young attorneys who still believed in their dream , ‘the law was for everyone’ and old sages who know better but still love look the part of the liberal, fighting attorney for every man(person).
In our community a couple of years ago the different groups got together wrote a few grants found this great property downtown…knocked down some walls and exposed others found some hardwood floors and they all moved in together. The place looks great very “Ally McBeal”. The porches and station wagons can park right next to each other and it all looks good and the building is just two blocks away from the train station. The different law offices in the building share libraries, copy machines and general staff support and I understand NPR is piped into the bathrooms and other common areas.

I am back and though the day is beautiful the day is still cold. The meeting was short—as far as state type meeting go; less then an hour. I took some images of the building for the blog and then stopped at the mall in route back to the office. Good old Taco Time and the large soft shell taco and then back to work. Any way here are some images from my trip this morning.

Slumming On the Authority

I have this uncanny ability to waken when I tell myself that I want to waken, most of the time that is. Usually, I open my eyes right at 4:30 am the usual time I get get up. This allows me to Sand shower, dry, fix a bit of breakfast band dress and get out the door headed for the train optimally by 6:45 am getting me into my office 7:05 way early but still I am in and can get a jump on my day.

Today, I did not wake till 4:45 a m which scouts my whole morning back by 15 minutes. Long story short: my regular was pulling out by the time I was getting to the station. The temperature is cold 22 degrees and an old friend of mine waves to me as I pass his bus. He drives “State Street 22, North bound” and I used to ride his bus all the time when I worked another job. He sits there and “diesels” till all the passengers de-board the train and either board his vehicle or some other. I know the Route 22 willl drop me off exactly across the street from my office. So I figured what the heck I’ll ride in with Havili.

Havili is great! Havili is a South East Islander, Tongan to be more specific. Havili was huge and swift at one time. He came from the “Islands” thirty or so years ago to play football for the local, huge religion based university. Havili, played ball, he played his heart out. He played out his eligibility then slowly failed out of school. Havili is not a quitter though, he decided to stay on, stateside, at least he “schooled out” in the promised land. Who could want for anything more? Some where along the way wandered into the Transit Authority’s “human resources” office and went to work driving bus. Havili does not look older but he is aging. He has to get out of the driver’s seat when I get on the secure me to the bus. Havili does not really walk so much as hobble and shuffle. He looks like he is in pain. He is in pain not only physical but emotional. He has teenagers at home who are driving him crazy: meaning, insubordinate, and trouble with the law. Every day is a challenge just to go home and see what headache awaits you there. Havili will work out to his retirement and probably drop dead of a heart attack in six months. I hope not—Havili is truly a great guy. He is someone who deserves a break; someone who should enjoy his last days.

The ride in on the bus took almost 45 minutes to get to the office. I am amazed at he Social difference in transit customers bus VS train. I got in to the office right at 8:00—I am feeling a little behind but all in all I am glad for the opportunity to slum.

Its going to be a Long Week

!

The Front-desk Secretary did not show up again today and the big boss called this morning a little after 8:00 am and was not happy that Ang was not at her station. I cannot say that the boss was trying to trap Ang but that is what happens when you are not there. Things are going down hill for the poor girl but she has brought a lot of this prejudice on her self. I just hope she is OK. That was this morning early. Cecilia brought in her boy who was sickly. Cecelia said the child had hacked all night long. She ended up making an appointment for the lad at the local clinic. I had a suspicion that when she left that was the last I would see of Cecilia today, Sure enough a couple of hours later I get the call: not only does the child have the flu but Cecilia also has a touch of the disease and she would not be in the rest of the day. I would not be surprised if this happed for the rest of the week or variations on this theme. So, this means I am sitting here making sure the phones are covered. There is only two others here besides myself but I m sending all the calls coming into the individual voice mails. I usually do not mind jumping in and covering, as long as folks know I am doing this because I am a Nice Guy—but, what begins to really piss me is when other staff start thinking this is what our operation is about…emergency phone coverage. This is just stupid pride on my part but I just hate answering the phone for the FNG like I am his staff support. Oh well, I love having a job so I better just mind my Ps&Qs. I am wondering what the “spill over” effect will be on the Big Boss on her return to the office whenever that happens to be.

The arm continues to heal. I was looking at the bicep this morning as I was getting into the shower and noticed there are bruise marks all round the bicep!! This cannot be right. Bruise marks. I know I have not bumped into anything which would cause these bruises. The bruising is consistent with someone, really strong, grabbing the bicep and squeezing the snot out of the tissue. The bruising amazes me in that obviously muscular contractions were violent enough to cause is bruising. I just might have to get a new doc after all. I was speaking with Julie- one of my crip friends-when through something similar to this last year. Julie ended up getting into rehab and doing the P.T. for a number of months and has dove quiet well. But, when she went to her MD about the pain and stuff her doc did the whole touchy feely thing even taking X-rays of the muscle and affected area. My docs do not seem to want to do anything. This is not the way medicine is supposed to be practiced.

I Feel A Little better

Each day I am feeling a little better but I am still more disabled then I was last week at this time. I can do all my regular tasks. I remain totally independent but everything takes much longer then these task did. I hoper the P.T. will have the results I would like. Dianne and I stopped at the Murray Rec center on Saturday afternoon and this place has major potential. I’ll try to get some images up someday. We took the tours, accessible pools and weight room so I could really do some serious conditioning. The Rec center also has trainers so this could really be the place.

The boss is in Washington DC for the week—the office grows lax. Already the secretary has fled going home with a Monday Migraine. Other have staff have disappeared up to the Legislator. In another hour the remaining staff will disappear. I will hang on though till the end. Some one needs to be here to cover. Besides, I am behind do to last week.

I have been doing call backs all morning. I still have a few left but I a getting caught up… I have enough work to keep me focused to tomorrow. I was late getting in this morning. I just not drag myself out of bed. I got in about 15 minutes to eight still early but not my usual time. Coffee made and emails checked I was ready to get back into the week.

There were remnants of a grand chocolate cake sitting on my desk. My birthday had been celebrated with me in absentia. Just a note of appreciation to all the cards, emails and phone calls I have received this year—Big John C-from Idaho, Ross S. Boise, Kim and charlotte Salt Lake City, Mark A and Shelle and Kristy Fort union and Oregon and Mom and Aunt E and uncle J from Santauquin.

I was late leaving my front door this morning but the clouds had moved on as a High pressure system has settled in the area…nothing but blue sky for most of the week. But with the clear sky this morning, and even though the temperature was cold, I sensed Spring-far off –making her way closer and closer each day. Morning lightens earlier and the sun sets just a bit, later each day. I went outside over lunch but the day is cold. The day looks deceivingly warm and I have more then enough work to see me through today’s end. And, tomorrow, I will be that much closer to that first day of Spring.

Come Doc Give It to Me Straight

So—I went to the doc and basically: nothing! I was glad to  degree but I was also left scratching my head. ‘Does this guy really know what he I talking about?’ He seemed pretty sure of him self.  Turns out he knew me or least saw me when I worked at the old building at Department of Determination Services.  It’s not like we knew each other but interesting.  I sort of thought Docs who worked there worked there they could not work anywhere else. In fact in his own way this pinch hitter doc was basically the same as Jamie. So, either this clinic hires clones with a commitment  to herding s many folks through as possible or I am wanting too much from my practioner.  I rally  did not want to but I may have to consider switching to a new doc.  I may consider finding someone up at the University Med Center where they handle SCI like me on a somewhat more regular basis.  In  short the good doctor ordered P.T. just a I asked.. I would say something ,” Oh, yeah, I want P.T’  and then he would look at me and say( almost winking) “You  got it” or just “Got it”  Even when I changed my initial request for P.T. to include Range of motion for lower extremities. He looked at me very weird like ‘ that’s is sure dumb’ but then flipped back into his earlier modus operendi , “Got it”. The doc assured my  bicep was still intact and anchored to the bone  showing me what th muscle would look like if I has ripped the musculature free. I just  wanted some relief from the pain.  I could tell out little interview was over so I blurted out, “ How about a shot of cortisone? Would that help?” He glanced at me like I had just made him consider violating his oath and said, “That’s not only a no , but a big HELL no.” and he left.  Boy, as I scratching my head then…so I am just going to continue taking it s easy as I can and get into P.T. as soon as possible to work on restoring some muscle—I guess I am basically OK.

I stopped at the Big Four on the corner thinking I had time to buy a pair of tennis shoes before I went to the Doc’s office.  I had an hour and half surely ample time for shoe shopping.  Boy, was I wrong.  I always forget that I must have the fattest feet on earth and their crip feet at that. They, are having a huge  End of the Year sale but just on shoes that no way in this life time will fit my feet. But I went through much of the exercise anyway. Poor Linda, waited on me she did her best with my crip feet, being the only soul in the shoe department as everyone on in Murray decided to look at  shoes the same time. There were a couple I thought might work but I kept asking to see others options… Linda kept disappearing into the back and what seemed down to the basement and return with a arm load of shoe boxes. Try to thrust my spazzing feet inside but a no go. I finally told her I had to run to  a medical appointment—I thought Linda was going to start crying.  I even told her I would most likely return and we could do more shoes. But she knew I was not coming back. Linda smiled and sure “I’ll se you then” and I rolle out of the store in my socking feet

Downer

I’m home again today  I hate being home on a work day. I should have gone in but getting off the toilet back into the chair last night, just before bed, I did something to my left arm.  Now, the pain was grim but the pain was beginning to travel up my bicep.  I was barely able to make the transfer and then getting to bed was a challenge.  I was surprised at how well, I managed the transfer into my  chair from the bed.  I was a little spooked to use the trapeze but in the end I was able to sit up using the trapeze with a whole lot of support from my right arm. I called in and cancelled by day at work.

I called my primary care Doc and tried to set up an appointment day but no good. I did get an associate at the office.  The associate MD might be best in the long run.  This guy doe not know me.  My regular doc is a great guy but it seems, at times, we are more buds then we are doctor patient. Jamie-the doc—pretty much lets a me call my shots.  I primarily got to him to get signatures needed  for script refills, scripts for wheelchairs and other items medical. I think Jamie sees this and respects this but now I am sensing the relationship might be too lax. The last time I had a milder issue of this problem I seem to b suffering with now, he was fairly dismissive and scheduled me physical therapy—where I got some great blue tubing but very little P.T. as I understand P.T.  There is also issues less the full medical procedures because-I again I a sensing—him being reluctant to get me up on the exam table and do the whole “nine yard”.  Dianne is frightened he might be missing polyps, hemorrhoids and who knows what else? Like I said, I really like Jamie but maybe it’s time to move on.

Now that I have made the appointment, a lot of the symptoms I have been suffering seem to be going away.  I am getting better range of motion to my  shoulder, I was able to get dressed independently with little pain and I am just feeling over all…better.  The bicep is now tight like it has a charley horse and when I do move the arm and stuff the wrong way I get a sense of—better watch out or I am going to hurt you bad. So, I know the problem ids still  there, lurking, just waiting to come out tonight or tomorrow on the weekend when supports will not be round ( see last Saturdays entry). So, being Mr Proactive—I am going in to see what can be done and what it happening. Dianne thinks I might need an operation I hope not. I am not ready for that yet. This would mean going in to a skilled nursing facility(SNF) for the recuperation!  I have to be more independent—I have to loose the weight, build the muscle and get on with my life.  Dianne will be going in for surgery soon and she will be entering a SNF to recuperate. I must be able to car for myself totally by then.  Boy, is my bog turning into a real downer?                              

Happy Birthday or Scream and Scream Again

Happy Birthday or Scream and Scream Again

The rains came last night. The cold miserable rain s of winter in transition-neither snow nor sleet sometimes a mixture buy cold and the wind cut like razors.  I took the umbrella, which had forever lived on top of the coat rack in our office. No one knows exactly where the umbrella came from just that it has always been there.  I had already gotten into my power chair and my plastic red slicker was in my back rack too much work to get everything out so, why not use the umbrella?  I really did not know how to open the stupid device. So I tried to shake the bumper shoot open.  I grasped the handle as best a quad can and flung the folded clutch of batwing away from me. In that second of miscalculation my shoulder was seized, a fiery tearing as something happened to my shoulder—I swear I heard a wet ripping.  I am sure I felt more the heard. I am sure it was my brain just felling in trauma.
I tried to move my left arm and way prevented by searing pain.  The evening was cold and rainy and I was seized with pain.  I managed on to the train. My left side immobilized. I sat stalwart, facing forward.  One passenger helped me lift my backpack to my lap since I could not with my gimp arm.  I slowly fished out my cell an called Dianne to let her know I was not going to e able to pick up the Chinese dinner I had promised as a early celebration since I have the Russians tomorrow evening. At my stop, another passenger opened the umbrella for me a I pathetically fiddled with the device as the train slid to a halt.

I was not crying but I felt like it. I was frightened; the fear of loosing what independence I enjoyed was terrifying. The wind whipped unmercifully.  I am always amazed at how much the city canyon brocks the wind.  Out in Murray the wind, while not gale force, was significant. My grip is minimal anyway but as the wind tugged at the open half shell of the umbrella, it pulled hard on my damaged side.  Toward the end of my travels the wind was actually pulling the umbrella inside out, now not only was I soaked in massive pain I looked like a cartoon.  I would actually have to stop and pound the umbrella on itself and turn it back the right way only to have the whole scene relive itself in a few more yards.

I finally did get home. Dianne got me her industrial  hair dryer so, I could start  warming up. She wanted to take me to the E.R. right then but I really wanted warm up, eat Chinese and watch Bones.  I as hoping the arm would cure itself and with the nights rest be useable.  Well, the arm is a bi better today but not much.  I am going to have to go in somewhere for some sort of medical attention..  Luckily, I was able to achieve al my major transfers independently.  I just have to be very careful how I use my arm.  I do no think I will be able to use my old shower so we may have to unpack the ‘roll-in”. Even that shower will be challenging.  I may even have to use, for the first time—attendant care services.  I will have to check my plan.
Happy Birthday to me.                                                                  

Tomorrow's Ground Hog Day

I am leaving early today. Tomorrow is my birthday and I am working late, I have the Russians tomorrow night so I am planning on leaving an hour early picking up Chinese on the way home and watching Bones on Fox. I am sort of electing to dodge all the family stuff for a bunch of reasons but mostly timing and funding. Tomorrow everyone will be working, after work I have my meetings which would make a long pleasant dinner untenable and money is just not out there this year to spend a lot on someone like me would just be down right irresponsible. When a person is nearly 55 years old, and a dad figure one has to take issues like this into consideration. When you are the oldest you take more bullets for the tribe…I’s just the way it is. When I tried to get out of the celebration all together Dianne kept saying, “ But this is your 55th! 55 LIKE THIS IS A WATERSHED YEAR! It feels like just another year to me. I don’t necessarily feel older nor do I feel I will feel way old either when I turn 60—IF I am fortunate to live so long.

Items to consider for those who feel obligated to gift me—you don’t but IF you want, consider: Certificates to Barns and Noble, Amazon.com or any other online bookhouse; Red Lobster, Macaroni Hell, CompUSA.

I know this is a short entry but HEY it’s almost my birthday