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Saturday, August 06, 2011
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Dear Bryson,
Dear Bryson,
This time a year ago we were getting settled into our room at the hospital. You were almost here and we could hardly wait. Man, the time has flown by.
I had wanted to write these letters more frequently so that you (and us) could have a more detailed record of what has happened and when. Sorry that I have kept it up as much as I originally intended.
In the last year, you have went on a cruise, flown twice, traveled to another country, went to the beach, went to Austin, met the Governor and Lt. Governor of Georgia, attended several hockey games and had your picture taken more times than I can remember. You have done the usual baby stuff like roll over and crawl but usually you did it in a hotel room away from home. I think we might have to go somewhere soon just so you'll start walking.
You are a great sleeper (which makes mommy and daddy happy) and an avid eater. As soon as you realized that we were eating something on our plates you have wanted to try it. I hope that you continue to want to try new foods and new experiences.
I love watching. You light up a room and are a favorite of waitresses, women in general, your daycare and of course your family and friends. You love to watch people everywhere you go. I hope that you continue to be a student of the world around you.
I wish you a happy birthday tomorrow and I look forward to watching you continuing to grow and explore.
All my love,
Your DaDa
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Things I learned today
Some of you know that I'm running the Peachtree Road Race this year. If you have never spent anytime in Atlanta, the Peachtree is the World's most attended 10k road race held every year on July 4. 55,000 people run it just to get a t-shirt.
The Atlanta Track Club has a training program they do for novice runners to get you ready for the Peachtree. $55 for 10 weeks. You get another shirt, a training program to follow during the week, group runs on Saturday with instructors who give you some advice on how to do better and seminars from various experts on avoiding injuries, diet, how to treat injuries, etc.
Today was week 6's Saturday run and here are some things I learned in no particular order:
1) If you were in boot camp with me last summer or fall you know that if it was a running day, I was going to be on the side of the trail puking at some point. I think my record was 4 times in one run, and those were probably only 3 mile runs at the most. I have ran 3 or 4 5k's since then without visiting Pukey D. Clown but today I discovered around the 5 mile mark that Pukey missed me.
2) If you live in an $800k+ home backing up to a National Park, you really dont expect your Saturday morning view to include a 6'1" redheaded guy yakking off the side of the paved trail. Sorry about that.
3) I hate running. Running with a group and an iPod make it tolerable, but not really enjoyable.
4) Even though I hate running, I'm already looking past this year's Peachtree at doing another 10k (maybe the Kidney 10k in NYC next May) and maybe even a half marathon.
5) The Nike earbuds for my iPod were made for listening to Vivaldi in a library and not Metallica while running. Why would you not include a volume control?
6) If you are one of the trainers for the Peachtree training group, you should spread out to make sure everybody knows where to go. This morning I was in the middle pack and we had no trainer. We were far enough from the lead pack that we didnt see that they had rounded the bend and turned onto the natural trail. We were also too far ahead of the back group that we couldnt hear the trainer tell us we had missed the turn (nor could they see us). So we ran to the end of the road. Literally. There was a bridge that is out so the paved path end and so that became our turning around spot.
7) I hate running
The local NPR folks have decided that they wanna "follow" a couple of first time Peachtree runners as we prepare for the big race. They thought that a guy with a transplant would be a good person to follow and we all know how much I hate media attention... I'll let you know when they'll air so you can listen in.
I need to go get an ice bag...
The Atlanta Track Club has a training program they do for novice runners to get you ready for the Peachtree. $55 for 10 weeks. You get another shirt, a training program to follow during the week, group runs on Saturday with instructors who give you some advice on how to do better and seminars from various experts on avoiding injuries, diet, how to treat injuries, etc.
Today was week 6's Saturday run and here are some things I learned in no particular order:
1) If you were in boot camp with me last summer or fall you know that if it was a running day, I was going to be on the side of the trail puking at some point. I think my record was 4 times in one run, and those were probably only 3 mile runs at the most. I have ran 3 or 4 5k's since then without visiting Pukey D. Clown but today I discovered around the 5 mile mark that Pukey missed me.
2) If you live in an $800k+ home backing up to a National Park, you really dont expect your Saturday morning view to include a 6'1" redheaded guy yakking off the side of the paved trail. Sorry about that.
3) I hate running. Running with a group and an iPod make it tolerable, but not really enjoyable.
4) Even though I hate running, I'm already looking past this year's Peachtree at doing another 10k (maybe the Kidney 10k in NYC next May) and maybe even a half marathon.
5) The Nike earbuds for my iPod were made for listening to Vivaldi in a library and not Metallica while running. Why would you not include a volume control?
6) If you are one of the trainers for the Peachtree training group, you should spread out to make sure everybody knows where to go. This morning I was in the middle pack and we had no trainer. We were far enough from the lead pack that we didnt see that they had rounded the bend and turned onto the natural trail. We were also too far ahead of the back group that we couldnt hear the trainer tell us we had missed the turn (nor could they see us). So we ran to the end of the road. Literally. There was a bridge that is out so the paved path end and so that became our turning around spot.
7) I hate running
The local NPR folks have decided that they wanna "follow" a couple of first time Peachtree runners as we prepare for the big race. They thought that a guy with a transplant would be a good person to follow and we all know how much I hate media attention... I'll let you know when they'll air so you can listen in.
I need to go get an ice bag...
Monday, January 26, 2009
Bucket List
A few months ago my wife and I rented The Bucket List. You probably are aware of the basic plot. My cousin Morgan and Jack Nicholson play two men facing death that come up with a list of things to do before they die.
So with little fanfare, my list is as follows:
1) Take a cooking class.
2) Sit and watch a world class chef do his thing and maybe even help just a little bit. (If you personally know Scott Peacock or Kevin Rathburn, feel free to help me out...)
3) Travel to all 50 states. I'm over halfway there.
4) Go to a hockey game in all 30 NHL arenas. (After Saturday I will have done 6 arenas)
5) Travel to Ireland.
6) Take an Alaskan Cruise.
7) Ride or Drive a dogsled.
8) Witness Bryson's first words, steps, day at school, and all of the other big firsts.
9) Learn to play the Harmonica.
10) Watch a Falconer and maybe even get to have the bird take off and land from my arm.
11) Drive a Ferrari.
12) Run a 10k before I turn 40. I plan to do the Peachtree Roadrace this summer.
13) Run a half marathon before 45.
So there we are. Any help that you can five in achieving #s 2, 10 or 11 is greatly appreciated.
So what's on your list?
So with little fanfare, my list is as follows:
1) Take a cooking class.
2) Sit and watch a world class chef do his thing and maybe even help just a little bit. (If you personally know Scott Peacock or Kevin Rathburn, feel free to help me out...)
3) Travel to all 50 states. I'm over halfway there.
4) Go to a hockey game in all 30 NHL arenas. (After Saturday I will have done 6 arenas)
5) Travel to Ireland.
6) Take an Alaskan Cruise.
7) Ride or Drive a dogsled.
8) Witness Bryson's first words, steps, day at school, and all of the other big firsts.
9) Learn to play the Harmonica.
10) Watch a Falconer and maybe even get to have the bird take off and land from my arm.
11) Drive a Ferrari.
12) Run a 10k before I turn 40. I plan to do the Peachtree Roadrace this summer.
13) Run a half marathon before 45.
So there we are. Any help that you can five in achieving #s 2, 10 or 11 is greatly appreciated.
So what's on your list?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
News story of the day
I'm not too big a fan of the Penguins but this story will bring a tear to your eye. Here's the proper credit for the story http://pittsburghlive.com/x/tribunereview/news/fayette/s_608065.html
Youngster with cystic fibrosis skates with Penguins
By Allison M. Heinrichs
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
In the seat where Evgeni Malkin signed his contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team's newest member put pen to paper Tuesday.
"Sign your name right there," said Penguins General Manager Ray Shero after explaining key parts of the contract to Jacob Anderson, 8, of Connellsville.
Jacob paused, his eyes widening: "My whole name?"
With cameras flashing, Jacob became a Penguin, fulfilling a wish he made the week the Penguins made the Stanley Cup playoffs last year -- and marking a milestone for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia.
"Jacob's is our 10,000th wish," spokeswoman Ann Hohn said. "That's the largest number of wishes granted by a single chapter worldwide. We take an enormous amount of pride in that -- that's 10,000 children's lives we've reached in 25 years."
Jacob has cystic fibrosis, a hereditary lung condition that often is fatal by age 30.
"There's no cure yet," said his mother, Crystal Wingrove. "But we're very optimistic that there will be one soon."
Just before 10 a.m., Jacob reported to Gate 2 at Mellon Arena clutching a hockey stick and accompanied by his mom, sister Taia Anderson, 10, and father Ronnie Anderson of Dawson in Fayette County.
"Never ever do these types of things happen on a game day," Penguins spokeswoman Cindy Himes said. "But this is a very special occasion, so we made an exception."
Jacob was ushered to the dressing room, where all the players sat in front of their equipment. One seat was empty.
"Oh, cool," Jacob said, walking up to the locker labeled "Anderson." On the shelves were pads, a large equipment bag and a team helmet that fit perfectly.
Team captain Sidney Crosby presented Jacob with a No.10 jersey with "Anderson" printed across the back shoulders.
"We need a winger," Crosby told Jacob, who has played several positions as a rookie for the Falcons hockey team in the Connellsville Youth league.
After meeting with Shero -- who signed the 8-year-old for $1 -- Jacob stood outside the GM's office and faced cameras for an impromptu press conference. Like a good player, he didn't tip his hand before game day, giving mostly one-word answers and describing the experience as "awesome."
Jacob helped equipment manager Dana Heinze and assistant manager Paul Defazio sharpen skates and tape up hockey sticks before heading onto the ice for practice.
His face pressed to the glass, Jacob watched the players send pucks flying around the ice. Left wing Matt Cooke scooped his new teammate into his arms and skated around the ice with him.
They consulted with Crosby and then spent several minutes taking shots at goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.
"It took us a while, but we finally got one on Fleury," Cooke said, returning Jacob to his parents.
Last night, Jacob watched the pregame warmup from the penalty box and cheered on the Penguins despite their 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
His sister stayed by her brother's side. Taia also has cystic fibrosis and was hoping to go to Disney World for her wish.
"I'm not so sure now," she said. "I'm having so much fun, I might think of a different wish."
Youngster with cystic fibrosis skates with Penguins
By Allison M. Heinrichs
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
In the seat where Evgeni Malkin signed his contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the team's newest member put pen to paper Tuesday.
"Sign your name right there," said Penguins General Manager Ray Shero after explaining key parts of the contract to Jacob Anderson, 8, of Connellsville.
Jacob paused, his eyes widening: "My whole name?"
With cameras flashing, Jacob became a Penguin, fulfilling a wish he made the week the Penguins made the Stanley Cup playoffs last year -- and marking a milestone for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia.
"Jacob's is our 10,000th wish," spokeswoman Ann Hohn said. "That's the largest number of wishes granted by a single chapter worldwide. We take an enormous amount of pride in that -- that's 10,000 children's lives we've reached in 25 years."
Jacob has cystic fibrosis, a hereditary lung condition that often is fatal by age 30.
"There's no cure yet," said his mother, Crystal Wingrove. "But we're very optimistic that there will be one soon."
Just before 10 a.m., Jacob reported to Gate 2 at Mellon Arena clutching a hockey stick and accompanied by his mom, sister Taia Anderson, 10, and father Ronnie Anderson of Dawson in Fayette County.
"Never ever do these types of things happen on a game day," Penguins spokeswoman Cindy Himes said. "But this is a very special occasion, so we made an exception."
Jacob was ushered to the dressing room, where all the players sat in front of their equipment. One seat was empty.
"Oh, cool," Jacob said, walking up to the locker labeled "Anderson." On the shelves were pads, a large equipment bag and a team helmet that fit perfectly.
Team captain Sidney Crosby presented Jacob with a No.10 jersey with "Anderson" printed across the back shoulders.
"We need a winger," Crosby told Jacob, who has played several positions as a rookie for the Falcons hockey team in the Connellsville Youth league.
After meeting with Shero -- who signed the 8-year-old for $1 -- Jacob stood outside the GM's office and faced cameras for an impromptu press conference. Like a good player, he didn't tip his hand before game day, giving mostly one-word answers and describing the experience as "awesome."
Jacob helped equipment manager Dana Heinze and assistant manager Paul Defazio sharpen skates and tape up hockey sticks before heading onto the ice for practice.
His face pressed to the glass, Jacob watched the players send pucks flying around the ice. Left wing Matt Cooke scooped his new teammate into his arms and skated around the ice with him.
They consulted with Crosby and then spent several minutes taking shots at goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury.
"It took us a while, but we finally got one on Fleury," Cooke said, returning Jacob to his parents.
Last night, Jacob watched the pregame warmup from the penalty box and cheered on the Penguins despite their 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.
His sister stayed by her brother's side. Taia also has cystic fibrosis and was hoping to go to Disney World for her wish.
"I'm not so sure now," she said. "I'm having so much fun, I might think of a different wish."
Friday, December 19, 2008
The Costs of Losing Weight
I'm not talking about the alteration of clothes (or just replacing them) which isnt cheap. After losing 40 pounds since June I have had some unexpected costs.
Post-transplant I have labs done at least once a month. The Doctors and Nurses watch the levels of several things to make sure they are all in the "normal" range. If the levels of one or more items is outside of the normal range then I can get various side effects. Insomnia, tremors in my hands, dizziness and lightheaded are some of my favorites.
So losing 40 pounds and having an increase in my metabolism rate means my body absorbs the prescriptions I am on at different rates, effecting the levels that my transplant team monitors and bringing back the side effects. Of course my drugs are being readjusted but it takes a while to get everything where they should be.
I want to be a hands on father. Unfortunately that isnt always possible right now while the docs try to get all of my levels back under control. It's frustrating to say the least.
I'm not saying I wish I hadnt lost all of the weight I have, but I could definitely do without the unintended consequences...
Post-transplant I have labs done at least once a month. The Doctors and Nurses watch the levels of several things to make sure they are all in the "normal" range. If the levels of one or more items is outside of the normal range then I can get various side effects. Insomnia, tremors in my hands, dizziness and lightheaded are some of my favorites.
So losing 40 pounds and having an increase in my metabolism rate means my body absorbs the prescriptions I am on at different rates, effecting the levels that my transplant team monitors and bringing back the side effects. Of course my drugs are being readjusted but it takes a while to get everything where they should be.
I want to be a hands on father. Unfortunately that isnt always possible right now while the docs try to get all of my levels back under control. It's frustrating to say the least.
I'm not saying I wish I hadnt lost all of the weight I have, but I could definitely do without the unintended consequences...
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Thankful
4 years ago we were going to have Thanksgiving at our house. It was just a 6 weeks or so since I had a Doctor tell me that he didnt know how I was dead or at least in a coma. I was glad to be alive and wanted to celebrate with friends. One Doctor thought that there was a slim chance that my kidney damage could be reversed. I had a kidney biopsy done in early October but they had gotten the wrong part of the kidney. Another biopsy was ordered for the week of Thanksgiving. This time, they nicked a renal artery and I spent the night in ICU. I came home to celebrate Thanksgiving but I felt horrible and ended up having to go back to the hospital after everyone had eaten.
This year, we're doing Thanksgiving dinner with family again at our new house. Knock on wood, this one will be much better than the one 4 years ago.
I have so much to be thankful for this year. A great wife, a healthy son and good health. I count myself truly blessed to have friends and family like you. I hope that you take some time to count your blessings this holiday season.
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