That was quick
So, first off, sorry I haven't been on here to post lately. I'm trying to figure out where exactly February went. One minute it was here...
Anyway, busy month. First, I got a new cellphone, but was able to keep my old number. That's a good thing. Second, for a week there, my laptop was fixed. Then it started copping an attitude again. Moral of the story-need new computer.
I joined twitter this month. For those who are not in the know, it's basically soundbites for your life. I do 90% of these through my cell, which is a nice feature to have. When I figure out how, I will put it on here. If you know how, please let me know.
I spent Valentine's Day (or Singles Awareness Day as I have dubbed it) working; but I'm not complaining. That's basically how I wanted to do it.
This last week has been a complete whirlwind. It started on Sunday when I went to an Oscar party at a friend's apartment and partook in much too much liqueur. The end result was a wicked night for me in which it felt like my belly was full of worms and I wanted desperately to throw up, but could not. But on the plus side, Heath Ledger won Best Supporting Actor. Monday was a quiet, but agonizing day. Tuesday, was Mardi Gras.
Yes, Mardi Gras. I had the day off, which I basically spent waiting around for my check to arrive (long story) and then getting minutes on my phone. Bad thing about twitter is it tends to absorb minutes. In the evening, I went to my cousin's apartment and hung out for a bit. I left when I was feeling tired, but when the cold air hit me, I was wide awake again. So, I headed to Seattle, where, I ran into someone I definitely wasn't expecting to run into. It was a male friend of mine who I thought would be at home. He was there with a friend and they persuaded me to go to a club.
Now, before then, I had never been to a club before. Bars, yes, parties, yes, clubs, not so much. And this was a night in which I saw things I had never seen before-up close and personal. Things that are etched (or seared) in my memory for some time to come. But there was a lot of good things that happened as well. And if I had the time, I would tell you.
So, yes, I must run again.
Take care,
Jeremy
Friday, February 27, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Friday, January 09, 2009
Starting the year with a bang...
So, I would like to start by saying that I am in much better spirits since my last post. The holiday season was extremely stressful and I am glad that it's over. I'm better now.
Well, sort of. You see, the evening of New Year's Day, I was in a minor accident. As some of you know, I rely on the (spastic) metro system. On the night in question, we had just pulled out of the transit center when some idiot decided to cut off the bus. The driver laid on the horn just before impact.
The way I was positioned, I was semi-curled up (as much as can be) and my eyes were closed (as I had just gotten off of work and was tired). So, when the impact happened, my body moved forward and slammed back-on my right side. My right shoulder received the brunt of the impact of me slamming back.
Back to the story. So, the driver of the bus handed out little cards to take our statements, before getting off the bus to see if anyone was hurt. I could hear the occupants of the car yelling at each other in some Asiatic language. I know it wasn't Chinese or Japanese; and none of them spoke any English. My guess is, ten to one, they don't have insurance, and most likely not a valid license, if one at all. They wanted to leave immediately (according to the bus driver), but it's a little hard to do that when there were so many witnesses.
I was a little shaken up that night, but didn't feel any pain. Until the next morning, that is. My entire back was extremely tense, and my right shoulder down to my elbow was a ball of flames. Thanks to a generous friend who gave me a massage, my back no longer hurts (although spasms regularly). My right shoulder and arm are taking longer to heal.
Anyway, that's about it for now. My birthday is next week, which I'm looking forward to.
Take care,
Jeremy
So, I would like to start by saying that I am in much better spirits since my last post. The holiday season was extremely stressful and I am glad that it's over. I'm better now.
Well, sort of. You see, the evening of New Year's Day, I was in a minor accident. As some of you know, I rely on the (spastic) metro system. On the night in question, we had just pulled out of the transit center when some idiot decided to cut off the bus. The driver laid on the horn just before impact.
The way I was positioned, I was semi-curled up (as much as can be) and my eyes were closed (as I had just gotten off of work and was tired). So, when the impact happened, my body moved forward and slammed back-on my right side. My right shoulder received the brunt of the impact of me slamming back.
Back to the story. So, the driver of the bus handed out little cards to take our statements, before getting off the bus to see if anyone was hurt. I could hear the occupants of the car yelling at each other in some Asiatic language. I know it wasn't Chinese or Japanese; and none of them spoke any English. My guess is, ten to one, they don't have insurance, and most likely not a valid license, if one at all. They wanted to leave immediately (according to the bus driver), but it's a little hard to do that when there were so many witnesses.
I was a little shaken up that night, but didn't feel any pain. Until the next morning, that is. My entire back was extremely tense, and my right shoulder down to my elbow was a ball of flames. Thanks to a generous friend who gave me a massage, my back no longer hurts (although spasms regularly). My right shoulder and arm are taking longer to heal.
Anyway, that's about it for now. My birthday is next week, which I'm looking forward to.
Take care,
Jeremy
Monday, December 29, 2008
So long, 2008!
Or, better yet, piss off. I have not had a good year. I have not had a decent year. This year, in fact, sucked hard. And I am not alone in this. In fact, I can't think of a single person who did have a good year. Can you?
I don't feel like rehashing all the crap that's happened, so, if you feel so inclined, feel free to read my previous posts on here. I will, however, recap December; since I haven't had the opportunity to get on here until now. It began with my grandmother's funeral. Having family here was nice, especially for Thanksgiving, but it was hard as well.
Then came the weather, and the weather definitely came. Wind, rain, temperatures in the 20s, snow, snow, and, um, yeah, more snow. Washington doesn't see much of the white stuff in December, unless you go to the mountains. But down here at sea level saw at least a foot of it, even more so in most places. The upside is that we actually had a genuine, white Christmas this year. The downsides were slipping all over the place when it would convert to ice and idiot drivers not driving for the conditions, not to mention the cabin fever we all have been feeling.
Speaking of Christmas-was anyone actually prepared for it? I wasn't-though I didn't feel like celebrating anyway. Add to it the drastic weather and people were down each others' throats. You probably heard about the stampede at a Walmart on Black Friday. That should give you the state of mind of most consumers this year. Do people not realize that Christmas does come every year?
I know this post is not exactly happy and joyful. There is some stuff that I am quite grateful for. My friends and family who have rallied around us during this dark period. Especially those who keep checking up on me. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. And I am looking forward to next year, if only for the opportunity for a fresh start. I have already made my resolutions, and this time, they are actually quite reasonable. I'm even contemplating participating in a annual writer's contest next November. If I can. We'll see.
Anywho-here's to next year. I hope it's better than this year. It has to be. Right?
Or, better yet, piss off. I have not had a good year. I have not had a decent year. This year, in fact, sucked hard. And I am not alone in this. In fact, I can't think of a single person who did have a good year. Can you?
I don't feel like rehashing all the crap that's happened, so, if you feel so inclined, feel free to read my previous posts on here. I will, however, recap December; since I haven't had the opportunity to get on here until now. It began with my grandmother's funeral. Having family here was nice, especially for Thanksgiving, but it was hard as well.
Then came the weather, and the weather definitely came. Wind, rain, temperatures in the 20s, snow, snow, and, um, yeah, more snow. Washington doesn't see much of the white stuff in December, unless you go to the mountains. But down here at sea level saw at least a foot of it, even more so in most places. The upside is that we actually had a genuine, white Christmas this year. The downsides were slipping all over the place when it would convert to ice and idiot drivers not driving for the conditions, not to mention the cabin fever we all have been feeling.
Speaking of Christmas-was anyone actually prepared for it? I wasn't-though I didn't feel like celebrating anyway. Add to it the drastic weather and people were down each others' throats. You probably heard about the stampede at a Walmart on Black Friday. That should give you the state of mind of most consumers this year. Do people not realize that Christmas does come every year?
I know this post is not exactly happy and joyful. There is some stuff that I am quite grateful for. My friends and family who have rallied around us during this dark period. Especially those who keep checking up on me. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. And I am looking forward to next year, if only for the opportunity for a fresh start. I have already made my resolutions, and this time, they are actually quite reasonable. I'm even contemplating participating in a annual writer's contest next November. If I can. We'll see.
Anywho-here's to next year. I hope it's better than this year. It has to be. Right?
Saturday, December 06, 2008
In Loving Memory
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me." (John 14:1)
There is no easy way to loose a loved one. The pain, at first unbearable, over time dims; but never goes away. The survivors are left with an invisible scar on their hearts. Years later, the tears still flow-although they fall less often.
The Lord welcomed Virginia Ghea into His promised mansion on November 25th. In the last half hour of her life, her troubled breathing calmed. Her passage from this life to the next one was a gentle one. On her walk with God here on Earth, the only time she saw Him was in His majestic creations and artists’ assumptions. Now she sees Him face to face as He welcomes home His good and faithful servant.
She was a Christian, not only in faith, but in works. Completely selfless-even when she could no longer take care of you, she still tried. She had a pure and gentle heart, with a smile that genuinely lit up the room. The eyes are the window of the soul, and hers were soft and caring.
Does this hurt? Yes. But while our suffering has just begun, her has come to an end. She is finally, truly, at peace.
Goodbye, Grandma. I miss you so. And I await your welcoming hug when the Lord calls me home.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me." (John 14:1)
There is no easy way to loose a loved one. The pain, at first unbearable, over time dims; but never goes away. The survivors are left with an invisible scar on their hearts. Years later, the tears still flow-although they fall less often.
The Lord welcomed Virginia Ghea into His promised mansion on November 25th. In the last half hour of her life, her troubled breathing calmed. Her passage from this life to the next one was a gentle one. On her walk with God here on Earth, the only time she saw Him was in His majestic creations and artists’ assumptions. Now she sees Him face to face as He welcomes home His good and faithful servant.
She was a Christian, not only in faith, but in works. Completely selfless-even when she could no longer take care of you, she still tried. She had a pure and gentle heart, with a smile that genuinely lit up the room. The eyes are the window of the soul, and hers were soft and caring.
Does this hurt? Yes. But while our suffering has just begun, her has come to an end. She is finally, truly, at peace.
Goodbye, Grandma. I miss you so. And I await your welcoming hug when the Lord calls me home.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
AHHHHHHHHHH! Where did the year go!?
Do you realize that Thanksgiving is, oh, next week? Seriously, go look at a calendar. Not only is it on NOVEMBER (at least it should be), but it's also over half way through. The only person I've bought Christmas presents for is my niece (who will once again be spoiled), and I haven't even begun to think about cards.
In other news, my coworkers and I had to have an intervention for our manager. We are stretched thin, and she has come up with every excuse in the book to avoid hiring someone. So, on Sunday, a coworker of mine wrote a letter, I proofread it, and all of us (except for a very part time employee who was out of town) signed it. We put it with the morning paperwork last night, so it should have been read by now. If things go well, we will have someone (or hopefully someones) new. If things go bad, well, I can always find a job somewhere else. Either way, I will find out today when I go into work. So, um, wish me luck.
There's more, of course, but it will have to be revealed later.
Take care,
Jeremy
PS: The new Bond movie is amazing. The only thing missing was a villain...
Do you realize that Thanksgiving is, oh, next week? Seriously, go look at a calendar. Not only is it on NOVEMBER (at least it should be), but it's also over half way through. The only person I've bought Christmas presents for is my niece (who will once again be spoiled), and I haven't even begun to think about cards.
In other news, my coworkers and I had to have an intervention for our manager. We are stretched thin, and she has come up with every excuse in the book to avoid hiring someone. So, on Sunday, a coworker of mine wrote a letter, I proofread it, and all of us (except for a very part time employee who was out of town) signed it. We put it with the morning paperwork last night, so it should have been read by now. If things go well, we will have someone (or hopefully someones) new. If things go bad, well, I can always find a job somewhere else. Either way, I will find out today when I go into work. So, um, wish me luck.
There's more, of course, but it will have to be revealed later.
Take care,
Jeremy
PS: The new Bond movie is amazing. The only thing missing was a villain...
Monday, November 03, 2008
You have no idea how glad I am that this election season is finally over. It is the first time, at least as far as I can remember, where the political parties were more venomous than the actual candidates themselves. Well, as far as the presidential election goes. The governor's race is a whole 'nother bag of chips...
Yes, once again, I will be working the election as a poll worker. I honestly doubt that there will be the relaxed atmosphere that prevailed over the primary. I also expect it to be a mad house. I am still planning on bringing the entire Chronicles of Narnia with me, just in case. While my earlier optimism of being able to read them all in one day is completely gone, I do expect to get through more than half the books. I'm also planning on bringing an energy drink and food with me this time.
In other news, I didn't do anything on Halloween night. I was way too tired after work, and I had to open the next morning. That, and all the political talk in the air and on the airwaves, killed the mood.
Not much else is new. Well, no, I take that back. I got some big news on the 28th, but I am refraining from telling until around Thanksgiving.
Anyway, that's it for now. I hope to post again soon.
Take care,
Jeremy
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Happy Halloween
Well, a day early. I'm not sure if I will be online tomorrow, so I just thought that I would do it now. Not surprisingly, I have to close tomorrow. I haven't had a Halloween off in, well, I can't remember how long. But I will be dressing up-sort of. I will be going as a Mormon missionary, which is close to the dress code for work. In fact, the only thing I'm lacking (besides a Book of Mormon) is a bicycle helmet. So if you have a spare one that you're willing to let me borrow, let me know.
I have no plans after work, other than a mysterious party request that I got on myspace today. I doubt I go, considering I don't know anyone who was invinted, or who invited me. Anywho, gotta run.
Take care,
Jeremy
Well, a day early. I'm not sure if I will be online tomorrow, so I just thought that I would do it now. Not surprisingly, I have to close tomorrow. I haven't had a Halloween off in, well, I can't remember how long. But I will be dressing up-sort of. I will be going as a Mormon missionary, which is close to the dress code for work. In fact, the only thing I'm lacking (besides a Book of Mormon) is a bicycle helmet. So if you have a spare one that you're willing to let me borrow, let me know.
I have no plans after work, other than a mysterious party request that I got on myspace today. I doubt I go, considering I don't know anyone who was invinted, or who invited me. Anywho, gotta run.
Take care,
Jeremy
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Five years later
Today marks the five year anniversary of Dad's death. So far, I am doing well, far better than what I was expecting to be. It hurts, but there are no tears, only memories. This, I know, is how he would have wanted it. This is how I wanted it to be.
I have changed much over the years. Life is much more fragile and short. Not in a doomsday kind of a way, but in a way where you appreciate every moment that you actually are alive. After you lose someone close, especially a parent, you are constantly aware that the life you live will make an impact, no matter how small, even after you're gone. And there will be far more people at your funeral than you would expect. Even people you haven't spoken to in years.
This blog will not be grim, for there is no need for it to be. The depression is gone, leaving only the good memories and the few remaining "could've been"s. The hardest part of moving on is letting go. Is finally forcing yourself to admit that they are not coming back; allowing this person to be dead in your mind. They have moved on, and eventually you will have to as well. This is both painful and liberating. And completely, entirely, necessary.
This year has been hard, but I'm not goining into that either. I don't want to, and I don't need to. Time has healed the wounds it has needed to, even as the memories remain. I knew this year would be hard, not in the extreme that it has been, but even that's okay. It allows me to put everything in perspective; and allows me to filter out just what I need and don't need in my life.
I'm not happy, but I'm used to not being happy. I've grown used to this emptiness. What I am happy for is that he no longer suffers. He is in a far better place than I am. For that, I am happy.
I need to leave now. I will be heading to the cemetery, then spend the rest of the evening at home. Tomorrow, hopefully, I will visit my grandmother. After that, I will go to work. Essentially, I will keep on living. I wish you all good luck and good health.
Take care of yourselves,
Jeremy
Today marks the five year anniversary of Dad's death. So far, I am doing well, far better than what I was expecting to be. It hurts, but there are no tears, only memories. This, I know, is how he would have wanted it. This is how I wanted it to be.
I have changed much over the years. Life is much more fragile and short. Not in a doomsday kind of a way, but in a way where you appreciate every moment that you actually are alive. After you lose someone close, especially a parent, you are constantly aware that the life you live will make an impact, no matter how small, even after you're gone. And there will be far more people at your funeral than you would expect. Even people you haven't spoken to in years.
This blog will not be grim, for there is no need for it to be. The depression is gone, leaving only the good memories and the few remaining "could've been"s. The hardest part of moving on is letting go. Is finally forcing yourself to admit that they are not coming back; allowing this person to be dead in your mind. They have moved on, and eventually you will have to as well. This is both painful and liberating. And completely, entirely, necessary.
This year has been hard, but I'm not goining into that either. I don't want to, and I don't need to. Time has healed the wounds it has needed to, even as the memories remain. I knew this year would be hard, not in the extreme that it has been, but even that's okay. It allows me to put everything in perspective; and allows me to filter out just what I need and don't need in my life.
I'm not happy, but I'm used to not being happy. I've grown used to this emptiness. What I am happy for is that he no longer suffers. He is in a far better place than I am. For that, I am happy.
I need to leave now. I will be heading to the cemetery, then spend the rest of the evening at home. Tomorrow, hopefully, I will visit my grandmother. After that, I will go to work. Essentially, I will keep on living. I wish you all good luck and good health.
Take care of yourselves,
Jeremy
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Odds and ends
So, first off, I would like to announce that I have a new cell phone. I lost my old one about two months ago, and I was in the position Monday to get a new one. Not only is it a new phone, but a new service as well. I used to be a Cingular customer, but since the majority of the people I call are on the Sprint network, I decided to make the switch. It's a camera phone-something I've never had before. And I plan on joining Twitter, because, well, now I can.
Second, work is keeping me crazy busy. For the month of October, I have had a grand total of one day off a week (hence how I can afford a new phone) and I was informed a few days ago to expect more hours in November and December; what with the upcoming holiday season and the strong possibility that one of my coworkers will be quitting. So, if you are looking for a place that will be hiring, we definitely have an opening.
Health wise, well, could be better, could be worse. Last week, for most of the week, I had a massive kidney attack a day-not fun. It's since calmed down, and I deduced that it was just due to the fact that I hadn't been drinking a lot of water around that time. Something that I have begun to do again. I got over the cold quickly thanks to plenty of Airborne and sleep. And speaking of sleep, with my crazy schedule, I haven't had any insomnia problems at all.
I've been writing more. You may have read the poem I posted on here and I've been writing short stories for a big writer's competition put out by Writer's Digest. I decided to acrew at least a dozen of them before I begin submitting them.
My sister may or may not be flying out for Thanksgiving again this year. The deciding factors are the price of tickets (now that she has to pay for a seat for the munchkin) and whether or not her husband has any different plans. I only found out about that today, so when I know more, I will let you know.
Anyway, I think that's it for now. I hope to post again soon.
Take care,
Jeremy
So, first off, I would like to announce that I have a new cell phone. I lost my old one about two months ago, and I was in the position Monday to get a new one. Not only is it a new phone, but a new service as well. I used to be a Cingular customer, but since the majority of the people I call are on the Sprint network, I decided to make the switch. It's a camera phone-something I've never had before. And I plan on joining Twitter, because, well, now I can.
Second, work is keeping me crazy busy. For the month of October, I have had a grand total of one day off a week (hence how I can afford a new phone) and I was informed a few days ago to expect more hours in November and December; what with the upcoming holiday season and the strong possibility that one of my coworkers will be quitting. So, if you are looking for a place that will be hiring, we definitely have an opening.
Health wise, well, could be better, could be worse. Last week, for most of the week, I had a massive kidney attack a day-not fun. It's since calmed down, and I deduced that it was just due to the fact that I hadn't been drinking a lot of water around that time. Something that I have begun to do again. I got over the cold quickly thanks to plenty of Airborne and sleep. And speaking of sleep, with my crazy schedule, I haven't had any insomnia problems at all.
I've been writing more. You may have read the poem I posted on here and I've been writing short stories for a big writer's competition put out by Writer's Digest. I decided to acrew at least a dozen of them before I begin submitting them.
My sister may or may not be flying out for Thanksgiving again this year. The deciding factors are the price of tickets (now that she has to pay for a seat for the munchkin) and whether or not her husband has any different plans. I only found out about that today, so when I know more, I will let you know.
Anyway, I think that's it for now. I hope to post again soon.
Take care,
Jeremy
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Autumn
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:15am
The trees are alive with a frozen fire
No smoke is emitted from these flames
Occasionally, an ember drifts to the ground
Or else a gust of wind blows it all away
Crisp air revives me
It is filled with the scent of the earth
The hot cider permeates the inside of me
And I emit steam from my nose and mouth
As if a fleshy dragon walked down the street
Summer has already died and winter has yet to arrive
Empty corpses of pumpkins line the streets
And illuminate the night
As the childrens’ minds slowly fill with knowledge
Their thoughts often drift to All Hallows Eve night
As baseball winds down and football begins again
I take a walk outside
To enjoy this all again
Tuesday, October 14, 2008 6:15am
The trees are alive with a frozen fire
No smoke is emitted from these flames
Occasionally, an ember drifts to the ground
Or else a gust of wind blows it all away
Crisp air revives me
It is filled with the scent of the earth
The hot cider permeates the inside of me
And I emit steam from my nose and mouth
As if a fleshy dragon walked down the street
Summer has already died and winter has yet to arrive
Empty corpses of pumpkins line the streets
And illuminate the night
As the childrens’ minds slowly fill with knowledge
Their thoughts often drift to All Hallows Eve night
As baseball winds down and football begins again
I take a walk outside
To enjoy this all again
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
The Cold and Flu Season is upon us.
Oh yes, it's that fun time of year for sniffling, sneezing, and all around achiness. Since I have been bombared with germs from customers, coworkers, friends, family, and random strangers, I too am partacking in the season.
Thankfully, it's just a cold. I normally get the flu this time of year, so I am definitely grateful for the downgraded version. I will be greatly surprised if I'm still sick, this time next week.
In other news, my mood has drastically improved this month so far. I made a goal to be as productive as I can this month; even if it's in little ways. I think that part of the problem with this year has been that I've been insanely busy, but rarely productive. I'm channeling and challenging myself and it seems to be working.
Also this month, I have been writing more. Already I have entered a short story contest through Writer's Digest and I hope to have more entries into a much larger contest that they are holding. It's been a while since I've written any poetry, so I might write some of that before the end of the month as well. If I do, and I like it, I will post it on here. So stay tuned.
Anyway, just a short post for now. I will write on here again soon.
Take care,
Jeremy
Oh yes, it's that fun time of year for sniffling, sneezing, and all around achiness. Since I have been bombared with germs from customers, coworkers, friends, family, and random strangers, I too am partacking in the season.
Thankfully, it's just a cold. I normally get the flu this time of year, so I am definitely grateful for the downgraded version. I will be greatly surprised if I'm still sick, this time next week.
In other news, my mood has drastically improved this month so far. I made a goal to be as productive as I can this month; even if it's in little ways. I think that part of the problem with this year has been that I've been insanely busy, but rarely productive. I'm channeling and challenging myself and it seems to be working.
Also this month, I have been writing more. Already I have entered a short story contest through Writer's Digest and I hope to have more entries into a much larger contest that they are holding. It's been a while since I've written any poetry, so I might write some of that before the end of the month as well. If I do, and I like it, I will post it on here. So stay tuned.
Anyway, just a short post for now. I will write on here again soon.
Take care,
Jeremy
Monday, September 22, 2008
Wake me up, when September ends
Even though this is the first time that I have posted in September, it definitely is not the first time that I have been on here. Honestly, I have spent most of the month lacking either words to write or the desire to write them. Yet, with the end of the month drawing so close, I must post once more.
This has not been an easy month. No, strike that, this has been a typical month in an extremely difficult year. Turbulent, I believe, would be an appropriate term to describe 2008. It is most likely the one I will use, since no others spring to mind. Painful, trying, depressing; all very appropriate descriptions, but not as fitting as turbulent. And I hold no false hope as to redemption in the few months that remain.
Death has been an ever present subject on my mind; what with the potentially fatal accident (but thankfully not) that an aunt of mine was in at the beginning of the month and the five year anniversary of my Dad's death at the end of next month. Prayers of her recovery seem to be the only ones that God is hearing from me.
Finances, which have always been slim, definitely haven't been helped with continuing to receive doctor's bills. Finances have also kept me from getting tested as to the cause of the cyst(s) that also have been, well, a pain in my side. The lone light spot is the massive amounts of hours I am getting at work, which definitely help when I do receive the bills.
All is not lost though. The reason "turbulent" is so appropriate is that I have experiences sudden ups to the dramatic drops, very much like being in a plane in the middle of a thunderstorm (which I've done more times than I care for). My entire year has been very much like the seat-gripping-roller-coaster ride in the skies. There is no need to rehash, just read (or reread) everything that I have posted on here and realize that it is but a small fraction to what I have experienced.
Anyway, as I was say, I have a job that I love. I needed that year-and-a-half break from both the book environment and the standard retail environment to recharge my burnt out batteries. Food service is certainly not for me. On the same token, it also gives me more respect for those who not only can do it, but do. With the constant hours come the constant pay, which is putting me closer and closer to the black. Also, there is a good chance that I will be working with my former manager, although she only wants part-time low level work. It will be good to work with her again. She is but a fragment of my past that will keep me focused on the future.
A future that is ever unclear day by day. I once had the illusion of what paths each year would take. An illusion I lost five years ago and has been reiterated every day this year.
So, that is it for now. There is more to be said, but no time to say it. Maybe I will post again this month, but only time will tell.
Even though this is the first time that I have posted in September, it definitely is not the first time that I have been on here. Honestly, I have spent most of the month lacking either words to write or the desire to write them. Yet, with the end of the month drawing so close, I must post once more.
This has not been an easy month. No, strike that, this has been a typical month in an extremely difficult year. Turbulent, I believe, would be an appropriate term to describe 2008. It is most likely the one I will use, since no others spring to mind. Painful, trying, depressing; all very appropriate descriptions, but not as fitting as turbulent. And I hold no false hope as to redemption in the few months that remain.
Death has been an ever present subject on my mind; what with the potentially fatal accident (but thankfully not) that an aunt of mine was in at the beginning of the month and the five year anniversary of my Dad's death at the end of next month. Prayers of her recovery seem to be the only ones that God is hearing from me.
Finances, which have always been slim, definitely haven't been helped with continuing to receive doctor's bills. Finances have also kept me from getting tested as to the cause of the cyst(s) that also have been, well, a pain in my side. The lone light spot is the massive amounts of hours I am getting at work, which definitely help when I do receive the bills.
All is not lost though. The reason "turbulent" is so appropriate is that I have experiences sudden ups to the dramatic drops, very much like being in a plane in the middle of a thunderstorm (which I've done more times than I care for). My entire year has been very much like the seat-gripping-roller-coaster ride in the skies. There is no need to rehash, just read (or reread) everything that I have posted on here and realize that it is but a small fraction to what I have experienced.
Anyway, as I was say, I have a job that I love. I needed that year-and-a-half break from both the book environment and the standard retail environment to recharge my burnt out batteries. Food service is certainly not for me. On the same token, it also gives me more respect for those who not only can do it, but do. With the constant hours come the constant pay, which is putting me closer and closer to the black. Also, there is a good chance that I will be working with my former manager, although she only wants part-time low level work. It will be good to work with her again. She is but a fragment of my past that will keep me focused on the future.
A future that is ever unclear day by day. I once had the illusion of what paths each year would take. An illusion I lost five years ago and has been reiterated every day this year.
So, that is it for now. There is more to be said, but no time to say it. Maybe I will post again this month, but only time will tell.
Monday, August 18, 2008
August
Simply put, I don't have as much time on my hands as I used to. Hence why it has taken me so long to post a blog on here. Believe me, a lot has happened to keep me off of here.
I'll start with the fact that for almost a month, I had two jobs. I use the past tense, because I finally decided that the commute to Ben and Jerry's did not equate the hours or pay that I was receiving there. I knew it would be part time when I was hired, but I didn't fully realize the hassle and strain that it would create. I kid you not when I tell you that one day it took me three hours to get home, just because of traffic and such.
Speaking of working, for a brief period last week I had three jobs. The third one was training to become an election poll worker, which I will be doing tomorrow. Where I live, they pay you $125 for the day and there won't be much that you will be doing. I was told by everyone that I should bring plenty to read. The only snafu is that it's from six in the morning to after eight at night with only one hour lunch for a break. But still... If all goes well tomorrow, I will do it again in November.
The other job that I have is a Christian bookstore in the mall that I have worked in for in the past. In fact, there are times when this mall is my ball and chain. I thoroughly enjoy my job and I am picking up very quickly on the ins and outs of the job. My manager is impressed by how well that I'm doing.
The other bit of news that I have involves my kidney. For a while after my second opinion, I was pain free and feeling great. Then the dull aches came back and last Saturday night (not last night, but the week prior), I had another massive attack comparable to the one I had back in April. I told my sister (the eventual med student) this and she suspects that I might not have one cyst, but several. A cyst cluster, if you will. She thinks that the two attacks were, in fact, the cysts popping (which is a good thing-despite the pain) and that is why it didn't go away after the first attack.
Now, had I time, money, and insurance, I would have told you what the doctor has said. But the lack of these has prevented me from setting up any futher appointments in the near future. Speaking of doctors, one thing that I negected to mention was the fact that when I did have my previous opinions, neither one tested me for cancer. They just were trying to figure out what the lump on my kidney was and that's it. I am in no way saying that I have cancer-only that the next time I visit a doctor, I will insist that they test me.
Anywho, there's more news, but no more time for me to tell it. I hope all is well, and I hope to post again soon.
Take care,
Jeremy
Simply put, I don't have as much time on my hands as I used to. Hence why it has taken me so long to post a blog on here. Believe me, a lot has happened to keep me off of here.
I'll start with the fact that for almost a month, I had two jobs. I use the past tense, because I finally decided that the commute to Ben and Jerry's did not equate the hours or pay that I was receiving there. I knew it would be part time when I was hired, but I didn't fully realize the hassle and strain that it would create. I kid you not when I tell you that one day it took me three hours to get home, just because of traffic and such.
Speaking of working, for a brief period last week I had three jobs. The third one was training to become an election poll worker, which I will be doing tomorrow. Where I live, they pay you $125 for the day and there won't be much that you will be doing. I was told by everyone that I should bring plenty to read. The only snafu is that it's from six in the morning to after eight at night with only one hour lunch for a break. But still... If all goes well tomorrow, I will do it again in November.
The other job that I have is a Christian bookstore in the mall that I have worked in for in the past. In fact, there are times when this mall is my ball and chain. I thoroughly enjoy my job and I am picking up very quickly on the ins and outs of the job. My manager is impressed by how well that I'm doing.
The other bit of news that I have involves my kidney. For a while after my second opinion, I was pain free and feeling great. Then the dull aches came back and last Saturday night (not last night, but the week prior), I had another massive attack comparable to the one I had back in April. I told my sister (the eventual med student) this and she suspects that I might not have one cyst, but several. A cyst cluster, if you will. She thinks that the two attacks were, in fact, the cysts popping (which is a good thing-despite the pain) and that is why it didn't go away after the first attack.
Now, had I time, money, and insurance, I would have told you what the doctor has said. But the lack of these has prevented me from setting up any futher appointments in the near future. Speaking of doctors, one thing that I negected to mention was the fact that when I did have my previous opinions, neither one tested me for cancer. They just were trying to figure out what the lump on my kidney was and that's it. I am in no way saying that I have cancer-only that the next time I visit a doctor, I will insist that they test me.
Anywho, there's more news, but no more time for me to tell it. I hope all is well, and I hope to post again soon.
Take care,
Jeremy
Monday, July 21, 2008
Quick Update
So, thanks to a cousin of mine, I saw the midnight showing of The Dark Knight. I'm not going to tell you anything about it, as I feel that you should see it yourself. It is easily the best movie I have seen this year so far. When you hear the critics say that Heath Ledger deserves an Oscar for his role, they're not lying. It's that good.
Anyway, so as we were waiting for the movie to start, I ran into an old coworker from Starbucks. She's in school to become a nurse and has given me health advice many times in the past. I told her about my kidney and she said "You know you're supposed to get checked out once a year now, right?"
Well, no; no I didn't. This was something that the doctor neglected to tell me. But it's advice I am definitely going to follow.
Other news is that I am now officially working at Ben and Jerry's at Southcenter part time (not by choice) and there's a very good possibility that I will be working as well at a Christian bookstore in a local outlet mall as well (this would be full time).
Anyway, I just thought that I would give you an update.
Take care,
Jeremy
So, thanks to a cousin of mine, I saw the midnight showing of The Dark Knight. I'm not going to tell you anything about it, as I feel that you should see it yourself. It is easily the best movie I have seen this year so far. When you hear the critics say that Heath Ledger deserves an Oscar for his role, they're not lying. It's that good.
Anyway, so as we were waiting for the movie to start, I ran into an old coworker from Starbucks. She's in school to become a nurse and has given me health advice many times in the past. I told her about my kidney and she said "You know you're supposed to get checked out once a year now, right?"
Well, no; no I didn't. This was something that the doctor neglected to tell me. But it's advice I am definitely going to follow.
Other news is that I am now officially working at Ben and Jerry's at Southcenter part time (not by choice) and there's a very good possibility that I will be working as well at a Christian bookstore in a local outlet mall as well (this would be full time).
Anyway, I just thought that I would give you an update.
Take care,
Jeremy
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Lump- The Final Insult
Sorry, I'm in a great mood and I feel like being a dork. I went and had my second opinion yesterday. This one lasted the same amount of time as the first one (five minutes), but he was really nice and was able to feel around it without actually hurting me (bonus!) and said that it's either a benign fatty tumor or a cyst. It may go away or I may have it the rest of my life. Either way, he told me not to worry about it, but to keep an eye on it just the same.
I hope all is well with you. I am in a great mood, let me tell you. I had no idea what a relief a diagnosis could be. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing. I'm sure that I would feel different is the prognosis was different, but just knowing is wonderful.
Anyway, I'm going to go out and seize the day. Take care and I will post again.
-Jeremy
Sorry, I'm in a great mood and I feel like being a dork. I went and had my second opinion yesterday. This one lasted the same amount of time as the first one (five minutes), but he was really nice and was able to feel around it without actually hurting me (bonus!) and said that it's either a benign fatty tumor or a cyst. It may go away or I may have it the rest of my life. Either way, he told me not to worry about it, but to keep an eye on it just the same.
I hope all is well with you. I am in a great mood, let me tell you. I had no idea what a relief a diagnosis could be. Peace of mind is a wonderful thing. I'm sure that I would feel different is the prognosis was different, but just knowing is wonderful.
Anyway, I'm going to go out and seize the day. Take care and I will post again.
-Jeremy
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Lump-Part 2
So I went to the hospital yesterday. I went alone, which did nothing to help my nerves. But the worst part about it was the wait.
I waited for three to four hours in the waiting room and was either bored out of my skull or on pins and needles. There were people who definitely needed to be seen sooner than I, which was what took so long. Apparently we are in the beginning of "trauma season".
Anyway, the doctor called my name and took my back into a room that had four to five different beds for examinations. At first neither she or I could find the lump and she was pressing down on different parts when she pressed down on it. The pain was immediate and intense and she told me that I most likely had a fatty tumor, but strongly urged me to get a second opinion.
I will. As soon as I can, I will
So I shall post again soon.
So I went to the hospital yesterday. I went alone, which did nothing to help my nerves. But the worst part about it was the wait.
I waited for three to four hours in the waiting room and was either bored out of my skull or on pins and needles. There were people who definitely needed to be seen sooner than I, which was what took so long. Apparently we are in the beginning of "trauma season".
Anyway, the doctor called my name and took my back into a room that had four to five different beds for examinations. At first neither she or I could find the lump and she was pressing down on different parts when she pressed down on it. The pain was immediate and intense and she told me that I most likely had a fatty tumor, but strongly urged me to get a second opinion.
I will. As soon as I can, I will
So I shall post again soon.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Lump
So, admittedly, this is news that I should have divulged a lot earlier. News that effects me very personally. So here goes.
Back in December, I had a doosey of a kidney infection. While I had it, I discovered a bump on my right kidney (December 12th is the date). Thinking it was just part of the infection, I paid no attention to it. Well, the infection went away a few days later. The lump did not.
Now you would naturally think that I would just get it checked out and that would be that. Problem is is that was when my grandmother's health was beginning to go downhill and I was much more focused on her than I was on something that wasn't even hurting. Most days, I didn't even think about it until my hand graced that area and I felt it. At most, I would have a twinge of pain maybe once a month.
Then came Sunday, April 20th. It was in the evening, I remember, and I was watching My Boy Jack about the son of Rudyard Kipling on PBS. My grandfather had already gone to bed and I was sittng on the couch enjoying the show. All of the sudden I felt a pain in my side so intense that I dropped to the floor and was gasping for air. It felt like this massive hand was squeezing the life out of my kidney. I remember looking at the front door, thinking that it was locked and that there would be no way for the paramedics to get in and I could not move because of the pain. I couldn't even reach for the phone, because it was too far away. It lasted for, I believe, 15 minutes before subsiding. I should have call 911 then, but I didn't. I know, that was very stupid of me, and it was a mistake.
Since then, the pains have been dull, but increasing in frequency. I did some research online last week and of all the possibilities, it sounds like it's a cyst. After I made that conclusion, I decided it was time to finally tell someone. So, I chose Kati.
Kati is easily one of my best friends and I tell her EVERYTHING. There are times (like now) when I'm more open with her than I am with my own family. I don't know why, but that's just how it is. She's essencially like a nonrelated sister. We discussed all the possibilities and she told me that cysts are actually very common, but she was very concerned that I get it checked out.
So that's what I'm going to do. On Monday, June 30th, I am going to admit myself into Harborview ER (because I hear it's free if you make less than $1,000 a month-definitely me) and I'm going to get an official diagnosis. If all goes well, no surgery and I will leave the same day. If all does not, well...
There is one person that I have been wanting to tell this entire time. I did not because I wasn't sure how to or how you would react. If that person (you know who you are) is reading this, please call me. I need you now more than ever. And if it's serious, I will call you from the hospital. I will call everyone.
Take care you all and hopefully I will post again in better health.
So, admittedly, this is news that I should have divulged a lot earlier. News that effects me very personally. So here goes.
Back in December, I had a doosey of a kidney infection. While I had it, I discovered a bump on my right kidney (December 12th is the date). Thinking it was just part of the infection, I paid no attention to it. Well, the infection went away a few days later. The lump did not.
Now you would naturally think that I would just get it checked out and that would be that. Problem is is that was when my grandmother's health was beginning to go downhill and I was much more focused on her than I was on something that wasn't even hurting. Most days, I didn't even think about it until my hand graced that area and I felt it. At most, I would have a twinge of pain maybe once a month.
Then came Sunday, April 20th. It was in the evening, I remember, and I was watching My Boy Jack about the son of Rudyard Kipling on PBS. My grandfather had already gone to bed and I was sittng on the couch enjoying the show. All of the sudden I felt a pain in my side so intense that I dropped to the floor and was gasping for air. It felt like this massive hand was squeezing the life out of my kidney. I remember looking at the front door, thinking that it was locked and that there would be no way for the paramedics to get in and I could not move because of the pain. I couldn't even reach for the phone, because it was too far away. It lasted for, I believe, 15 minutes before subsiding. I should have call 911 then, but I didn't. I know, that was very stupid of me, and it was a mistake.
Since then, the pains have been dull, but increasing in frequency. I did some research online last week and of all the possibilities, it sounds like it's a cyst. After I made that conclusion, I decided it was time to finally tell someone. So, I chose Kati.
Kati is easily one of my best friends and I tell her EVERYTHING. There are times (like now) when I'm more open with her than I am with my own family. I don't know why, but that's just how it is. She's essencially like a nonrelated sister. We discussed all the possibilities and she told me that cysts are actually very common, but she was very concerned that I get it checked out.
So that's what I'm going to do. On Monday, June 30th, I am going to admit myself into Harborview ER (because I hear it's free if you make less than $1,000 a month-definitely me) and I'm going to get an official diagnosis. If all goes well, no surgery and I will leave the same day. If all does not, well...
There is one person that I have been wanting to tell this entire time. I did not because I wasn't sure how to or how you would react. If that person (you know who you are) is reading this, please call me. I need you now more than ever. And if it's serious, I will call you from the hospital. I will call everyone.
Take care you all and hopefully I will post again in better health.
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