Here it comes!
Next month I turn 62 and with that event there are some choices to be made.
Several people my age have advised me to register for social security at the earliest possible moment. I guess they're thinking it's better to get a small monthly amount that's guaranteed than wait and hope it will still be available later. I am of two minds and will need to do much more research before going that route.
While my imminent decrepitude has been on my mind lately, there are a lot of other things I've been considering as well.
Why haven't any of the financial fruadsters who brought down our economy gone to jail?
Why do Republicans hate the middle class?
What was John McCain smoking when he brought Sarah Palin onto our political landscape?
How many wars are enough?
Will we eventually be marketed to death?
Why can't the brains behind our car manufacturers use technology to increase gas mileage instead of filling the car with more expensive and mostly useless tech distractions?
While we're at it, who thinks the new Camaro looks like a Camaro?
What are the millions of people who are currently unemployed doing about it?
What is anybody doing about it?
How much money and how many yachts are enough for Wall Street folks?
Who really runs our country and most of the civilized world?
How many more ignorant gun laws will the Arizona legislature pass, and shouldn't we make these people pass an intelligence test before allowing them to make our laws?
Who really feels the need to carry a gun into a bar, a church or a school and why?
And last but not least, how much whiskey will it take for me to keep my sense of humor while watching our state, our country and our planet deteriorating before my very eyes?
Keep smiling if ya can,
RT
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Cancer Free !!!
Vicki met with her chemo doctor on Thursday of this last week and received the results of her PET scan. The results could not have been better. She is cancer free. The rigorous and intensive radiation and chemotherapy treatment regimen, along with the prayers of our support group have done their job.
The chemo doctor congratulated Vicki on going through a rough treatment schedule and told her she should give herself a pat on the back. I join the doctor in these sentiments. Vicki's attitude has been the key to her successful treatment in my opinion. While no cancer patient can completely escape thoughts about the potential consequences of the disease, Vicki kept her eye on positive actions for her treatment and allowed herself to be supported by friends, family and neighbors.
We were blessed with a terrific support system. Our two oldest daughters played key roles in Vicki's treatment travel scheduling and moral building. Other family members and friends chipped in as well and there was never a lack of people willing and able to help with transportation to treatments, companionship and just being there for her.
I have never been prouder of my daughters than during this time and my oldest daughter continues to amaze me with her warmth, love and support. It is a very rewarding experience for a parent to realize his daughter has become such a fully formed and vibrant adult friend, companion and partner in this time of life and death decisions.
As I look back on the very first day we learned of Vicki's cancer during her initial operation I recall the family members present that day and know now that I should never have worried about support from these folks.
I cannot thank enough all those who kept Vicki in their thoughts and prayers these last months.
Never the less, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, from the bottom of our hearts.
God Bless you all,
RT
The chemo doctor congratulated Vicki on going through a rough treatment schedule and told her she should give herself a pat on the back. I join the doctor in these sentiments. Vicki's attitude has been the key to her successful treatment in my opinion. While no cancer patient can completely escape thoughts about the potential consequences of the disease, Vicki kept her eye on positive actions for her treatment and allowed herself to be supported by friends, family and neighbors.
We were blessed with a terrific support system. Our two oldest daughters played key roles in Vicki's treatment travel scheduling and moral building. Other family members and friends chipped in as well and there was never a lack of people willing and able to help with transportation to treatments, companionship and just being there for her.
I have never been prouder of my daughters than during this time and my oldest daughter continues to amaze me with her warmth, love and support. It is a very rewarding experience for a parent to realize his daughter has become such a fully formed and vibrant adult friend, companion and partner in this time of life and death decisions.
As I look back on the very first day we learned of Vicki's cancer during her initial operation I recall the family members present that day and know now that I should never have worried about support from these folks.
I cannot thank enough all those who kept Vicki in their thoughts and prayers these last months.
Never the less, Thank You, Thank You, Thank You, from the bottom of our hearts.
God Bless you all,
RT
Friday, February 4, 2011
"Movin on Up"
If you've forgotten, Valentines Day is this month. It is also the month that Vicki and I get our tax records together, pick up a copy of turbo tax and sit at our computer to plug in numbers and figure out if we're getting from or giving to the IRS.
Well the good news is that we're getting a return. The bad news is it won't be very much. You see I made the transition this last year from unemployed to working poor. I didn't know I was the working poor till I did my taxes. That's when I understood what the financial crisis, the recession and the results of these events meant to me.
Even the federal government (not necessarily the most understanding of entities) thinks I'm the working poor. Which is both Tragic and Ironic because at the same time I see the very evidence that I'm poor for the first time in over 20 years, the Veterans Administration is revoking my status and telling me they want to charge me for some prescriptions I got through them when I was unemployed. Go figure, huh?
I suppose it's funny in a kind of fucked up, only in America, middle class desolation kind of way. Anyway if you don't laugh at this crap it will drive you crazy and I can't afford to go in that direction any further if I want to stay employed and semi-viable in today's society.
At my age I concern myself with things like remembering that Joe Walsh was the lead guitarist in the band "The James Gang". I listened to an album of theirs on the way home from work today. For the life of me I just couldn't remember his name, even as the lovely guitar riffs wafted through my civic. By 6:00 PM I'd given up and fired up the computer to "Google" the band's name. Just at that point the name "Joe Walsh" flashed into my addled brain.
So...... Anywho, While I am thankful to be employed and know we're blessed to have the insurance that comes with it, it would be even better to actually be employed at the level appropriate for someone of my age and experience.
Perhaps next year I will have achieved the next level, which I'm thinking will be just underemployed or something like that. Hard to make the distinction, but I'm sure I'll have it figured out by next January.
I want to finish with a great clip from Bill Maher.
Keep Smilin,
RT
Well the good news is that we're getting a return. The bad news is it won't be very much. You see I made the transition this last year from unemployed to working poor. I didn't know I was the working poor till I did my taxes. That's when I understood what the financial crisis, the recession and the results of these events meant to me.
Even the federal government (not necessarily the most understanding of entities) thinks I'm the working poor. Which is both Tragic and Ironic because at the same time I see the very evidence that I'm poor for the first time in over 20 years, the Veterans Administration is revoking my status and telling me they want to charge me for some prescriptions I got through them when I was unemployed. Go figure, huh?
I suppose it's funny in a kind of fucked up, only in America, middle class desolation kind of way. Anyway if you don't laugh at this crap it will drive you crazy and I can't afford to go in that direction any further if I want to stay employed and semi-viable in today's society.
At my age I concern myself with things like remembering that Joe Walsh was the lead guitarist in the band "The James Gang". I listened to an album of theirs on the way home from work today. For the life of me I just couldn't remember his name, even as the lovely guitar riffs wafted through my civic. By 6:00 PM I'd given up and fired up the computer to "Google" the band's name. Just at that point the name "Joe Walsh" flashed into my addled brain.
So...... Anywho, While I am thankful to be employed and know we're blessed to have the insurance that comes with it, it would be even better to actually be employed at the level appropriate for someone of my age and experience.
Perhaps next year I will have achieved the next level, which I'm thinking will be just underemployed or something like that. Hard to make the distinction, but I'm sure I'll have it figured out by next January.
I want to finish with a great clip from Bill Maher.
Keep Smilin,
RT
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Not missing 2010
In spite of the recent news from Tucson about an evil little prick with a gun shooting various government officials and innocent bystanders, I welcome 2011 and say a not so fond farewell to 2010.
I hesitated to comment on the Tucson story because it seemed like a natural extension of our state's gun policy. Literally anyone can purchase a weapon in Arizona and this is what comes from that sort of lack of regulation. It is really no different than allowing the blind to drive if you think about it. Many of our citizens are not mentally equipped to own weapons, it's just that simple. I feel bad for the victims, but I'm already sick of hearing about it and especially hearing about the perpetrator and the pundit's opinions.
Here in cancer world, where I live, our lives revolve around Vicki's treatment schedule, her follow-up appointments and related scans and tests. This next week will start her 5th chemo treatment cycle. It has gotten harder on her each time as her immune system fights back against the chemo drugs. With luck she will pass her blood test on Monday and this next treatment cycle, the second to last, can begin. While her spirits remain high, each successive treatment week takes more and more out of her and reduces her strength.
That's why I welcome 2011. This can be the year we say goodbye to her cancer and hello to remission and cure. In 2010 we had her surgery, diagnosis, radiation and chemo. God willing we will have her cure and return to health in 2011.
So in spite of the unhappy local, national and international news, I still look forward to this year and I damned sure won't miss 2010.
Best to all of you out there,
RT
I hesitated to comment on the Tucson story because it seemed like a natural extension of our state's gun policy. Literally anyone can purchase a weapon in Arizona and this is what comes from that sort of lack of regulation. It is really no different than allowing the blind to drive if you think about it. Many of our citizens are not mentally equipped to own weapons, it's just that simple. I feel bad for the victims, but I'm already sick of hearing about it and especially hearing about the perpetrator and the pundit's opinions.
Here in cancer world, where I live, our lives revolve around Vicki's treatment schedule, her follow-up appointments and related scans and tests. This next week will start her 5th chemo treatment cycle. It has gotten harder on her each time as her immune system fights back against the chemo drugs. With luck she will pass her blood test on Monday and this next treatment cycle, the second to last, can begin. While her spirits remain high, each successive treatment week takes more and more out of her and reduces her strength.
That's why I welcome 2011. This can be the year we say goodbye to her cancer and hello to remission and cure. In 2010 we had her surgery, diagnosis, radiation and chemo. God willing we will have her cure and return to health in 2011.
So in spite of the unhappy local, national and international news, I still look forward to this year and I damned sure won't miss 2010.
Best to all of you out there,
RT
Friday, December 24, 2010
Twas the Night Before
Well, here it is. We made it to Christmas Eve in one piece. It hasn't been all that easy this year. Vicki's diagnosis of cancer in August has dominated our lives since that day she had surgery and the tests from the biopsy came back positive.
We've been fortunate that she's received the best care possible, though recently her Chemo guy has pissed me off. She has had two times now that her white cell count has been so low she couldn't take her chemo. This last Monday she failed her blood test again and came down with a nasty lung infection. I thought we were going to have to admit her for pneumonia, but the chest x-ray came back OK. She's been on a strong antibiotic and coughing up junk all week, but today she is much better.
We now know that the celebration of our anniversary where we were out and about among hundreds of people led to her infection. She just can't be around a lot of people with her immune system so weak.
Still, we are happy to be together this Christmas, to have the love and support of family and friends during this time of our lives and thankful for all the good things God has bestowed upon us.
So here's my Christmas offering for all you yuletide revelers:
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the valley
Bikers were out at some Harley rally
And Turkeys were fried and baked and roasted
While holiday celebrants were getting toasted
Old Codgers played golf and shot for the green
dodging the Ducks and Geese on the scene
The freeways ran smoothly at least for a while
till you came to an exit where stores sold high style
And our children prepared for Santa's coming
While father's struggled with overloaded plumbing
Cause our families come together at this time of year
causing some anxiety, confusion and fear
But it's still a great time if you hang on tight
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night
Peace and God's Blessings to you this Christmas,
RT
We've been fortunate that she's received the best care possible, though recently her Chemo guy has pissed me off. She has had two times now that her white cell count has been so low she couldn't take her chemo. This last Monday she failed her blood test again and came down with a nasty lung infection. I thought we were going to have to admit her for pneumonia, but the chest x-ray came back OK. She's been on a strong antibiotic and coughing up junk all week, but today she is much better.
We now know that the celebration of our anniversary where we were out and about among hundreds of people led to her infection. She just can't be around a lot of people with her immune system so weak.
Still, we are happy to be together this Christmas, to have the love and support of family and friends during this time of our lives and thankful for all the good things God has bestowed upon us.
So here's my Christmas offering for all you yuletide revelers:
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the valley
Bikers were out at some Harley rally
And Turkeys were fried and baked and roasted
While holiday celebrants were getting toasted
Old Codgers played golf and shot for the green
dodging the Ducks and Geese on the scene
The freeways ran smoothly at least for a while
till you came to an exit where stores sold high style
And our children prepared for Santa's coming
While father's struggled with overloaded plumbing
Cause our families come together at this time of year
causing some anxiety, confusion and fear
But it's still a great time if you hang on tight
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night
Peace and God's Blessings to you this Christmas,
RT
Friday, December 10, 2010
Friday Funnies and not so Funnies
My best friend Jack sent me an e-mail claiming to be me on you tube. The clip was an interview with an Irishman concerning his opinion of what were the root causes of the recession. The gentleman is both profane and profound. Enjoy.
John Stewart speaks to Obama's dissatisfaction with the American Public. As usual it's funny and poignant. Not much more to say about this. Here's the link .
That's all I've got on the humorous side. Here's a link to Christopher Hitchens (not a guy I can say I like or often agree with, but this time he's right on. Read him here.
OK, that's pretty much it for me this week. I am supremely happy it's Friday. My immediate supervisor (in front of his boss) in our team meeting today asked me if I liked my job. I told him NO I did not. He then asked me why I was still there even though he knows very well I need the insurance for Vicki's Cancer treatments. This guy tries to be a bully and intimidate folks, but in this case he just came off as being a jerk.
Hope your weekend is fantastic. Remember there's still 14 shopping days till Christmas. So get out there and stimulate our economy if you can afford to do so. Regardless, take a minute and contemplate the true meaning of this most precious Christian Holiday. For those of us who believe it's time to celebrate the birth of the World's Saviour. Not a bad reason to sing with joy if you've got it in you'
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
RT
John Stewart speaks to Obama's dissatisfaction with the American Public. As usual it's funny and poignant. Not much more to say about this. Here's the link .
That's all I've got on the humorous side. Here's a link to Christopher Hitchens (not a guy I can say I like or often agree with, but this time he's right on. Read him here.
OK, that's pretty much it for me this week. I am supremely happy it's Friday. My immediate supervisor (in front of his boss) in our team meeting today asked me if I liked my job. I told him NO I did not. He then asked me why I was still there even though he knows very well I need the insurance for Vicki's Cancer treatments. This guy tries to be a bully and intimidate folks, but in this case he just came off as being a jerk.
Hope your weekend is fantastic. Remember there's still 14 shopping days till Christmas. So get out there and stimulate our economy if you can afford to do so. Regardless, take a minute and contemplate the true meaning of this most precious Christian Holiday. For those of us who believe it's time to celebrate the birth of the World's Saviour. Not a bad reason to sing with joy if you've got it in you'
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.
RT
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Another Milestone
We completed 50% of Vicki's chemo this week. That's the good news. The not so good news is that her 4th chemo week will be the week before Christmas. It's sure to make her depressed and make it harder for her to enjoy the holiday. Still, I am determined that we will have a Merry Christmas.
This next week I'll be haunting the local mall looking for presents and surprises. Hopefully I'll be able to find nifty gifts to help cheer her up.
We also will be celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary the last Sunday before Christmas. Luckily it's before her next chemo, so she should be up for dinner out and maybe even a dance or two.
I've got the Thursday and Friday before Christmas off. That should allow me to look after her closely following her 4th chemo treatment.
Here's hoping that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
RT
This next week I'll be haunting the local mall looking for presents and surprises. Hopefully I'll be able to find nifty gifts to help cheer her up.
We also will be celebrating our 24th wedding anniversary the last Sunday before Christmas. Luckily it's before her next chemo, so she should be up for dinner out and maybe even a dance or two.
I've got the Thursday and Friday before Christmas off. That should allow me to look after her closely following her 4th chemo treatment.
Here's hoping that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
RT
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