The New Work Schedule

After my diagnosis last week, the doctor asked me to cut back on my work hours, I had been working, 50-60 hours a week. He felt that all that work was exacerbating my symptoms, and the fatigue in turn would be counter productive. After discussing this with my bosses, I am going to try, working 0630-1600, with a 30 minute lunch, and work 0800-1200 on Friday's.

If this doesn't work out, I am going to try, 0730-1600 five days a week.

Since I am on vacation next week, it will be hard to tell if its working right away. I will try the new schedule for the remainder of the month and make a decision after Labor Day

--gfo

That Figures

I go out today to get new windshield wipers for my car, and as soon as pull my car into the garage, and put them on, its stops raining.

Well, at least I am ready for the next storm

The weather forecast was calling for rain most of the weekend, and we had just a little bit. I was hoping that it would rain so we could get some relief from this damn humidity.

The ten day forecast is for temperatures is over 90° for nine of the ten days. Sigh, at least I work in the air conditioning

--gfo

The Steroid Effects

So far I really haven't had any. The metallic taste that I had in my mouth went away yesterday afternoon. I do however feel really hot, don't know if its the weather or the medicine or both. It's raining here now, 79°, with 85% humidity. So, I am leaning toward the weather.

Another thing they said that would happen is that I would be hungry a lot, and I haven't been, so I guess that's good

As for the purpose of the medicine, I am not sure, guess it will take a few days to see if it is helping or nor.

So far, so good

--gfo

2.859

Down a few more cents again. I saw earlier in the week that the price of a barrell of oil had dropped so I figured we'd see another drop.

Still a little high for but any subjacent in price is fine with me, especially since now both of our cars have bigger tanks. Mine is about 18 and Sante Fe is almost 20.

--gfo

On Steroids

Well yesterday, at 1300, the visiting nurse came and administered my first dose of Salu-Medrol via IV. What was supposed to take an hour took almost an hour and forty five minutes. After about an hour and a half the Mrs sped the drip up as it seemed it was taking forever.

For the rest of the day, I had this awful metallic taste in my mouth, that made everything I ate or drank taste awful. It has subsided a little bit today but is still there a little bit.

The children went to the shore with my wife's aunt last night and will not be back until late tomorrow night, so its just me and the Mrs here this weekend. She was supposed to work today but was called off, and she is still scheduled to work tomorrow.

Last night after they kids left, we put the DVD The Departed in the DVD player, and the two of us ate an entire box of Sara Lee cheesecake.

So far I don't feel any different with the steroid infusion, so we'll see how that progresses over the next few days.

--gfo

Steroids...Round 1

If all goes according to plan, I should get my first round of steroids this afternoon. From what I have heard and read, I will probably be pretty wired, and have some funny tastes in my mouth.

It is supposed to take an hour for the medicine to go through my body, and I may have to take other doses throughout the weekend.

After my first dose, I will post an update on how I feel

--gfo

The Latest

After over a year of speculation and testing, and finally me coming out and asking my neurologist, hey doc, what do you think I got, he came out and told me and the Mrs that its Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis (See Primary Progressive Definition).

This was actually discovered sort of accidentally, when I went to my PCP with severe back pain. He then referred me to a physiatrist for follow up. During his exam he noticed that my balance was way off, and when he hit my right knee with his hammer thingy, it would not stop shaking, also he notice the same thing with my right arm. He ordered a full CT scan which show nothing out of the ordinary (and despite the objections of my wife, the CT scan did show that I did in fact have a brain, the doctors are however debating its functionality ), he then referred me to a neurologist, who ordered further test, which were inconclusive, after awhile with him, he suggested that I see a MS specialist at Jefferson Hospital here in the city, again without saying that I had MS.

The Jeff doctor, is the director of the MS center, and one of the foremost guys in the area, so was at the right place. He ordered more tests, and started me on medication, which helped somewhat.

Over the last four months, I had experienced more pronounced symptoms and increase in falls, and numbness and tingling in my feet., etc. My wife and I both knew something wasn't right.

Our office visit yesterday was a scheduled one, so I was very blunt in telling him about what has been going on, and expressing my and our concerns with the incidents. He suggested that I started a monthly routine of steroid, to be given at home via a visiting nurse which takes about an hour, I agreed.

As we were getting ready to leave I decided to come right out and ask him, as stated above. While I wasn't surprised, I was kind of relieved that he finally came out and said it. It was what I was expecting all along.

The Mrs and I went down grabbed a couple of soda's and talked for about 45 minutes about what we just heard, and then she took me back to my office.

I grabbed my bosses and told them what I found out, and asked them if I could have today off, as I need to think about things. I wanted to stay the rest of the day, just to clear some last minute things up.

One thing the doctor told me that I NEED to do, is cut back on all the overtime I have been working...close to 60 hours a week. The bosses were on board with that, and were even willing to allow me to work from home for part of the day if need be...little did they know that I already had been for awhile

I told my wife yesterday that I can't wait to turn 40, as my 30's (at least the mid-late portion) have not been so kind to me health wise.

While this is all still sinking in too me, I have a good support network setup, but most of all a loving family, which I thank God for everyday.

--gfo

2.879

During an ice cream run last night, I noticed that gas in fact dropped again. Not too bad.

Although when I was Toll Jersey this past weekend, it was 2.779/gallon, AND they pump it for you. Guess that makes up for the toll's every 2.5 miles

--gfo

On The Beach

Saturday night after attending mass, I decided to drive to Egg Harbor Township, NJ, where the rest of my family already was. I had worked in the office until 1400, and decided very early on that morning that I was not going to come in yesterday. So I called the Mrs and told her that I would be down later that night.

I arrived a little after 1900, had some dinner, and caught up on things with the MIL, and my family, then went to bed around 2200

Got out of bed around 1000 the next morning, had a nice big breakfast, then we packed our stuff and headed down to the pristine beaches of Margate, NJ, which is about a ten minute ride from EHT. After parking the car, and walking the ½ mile or so to the beach we unloaded our stuff.

First order of business was for me and the boy to start digging our huge hole's complete with tunnels. He does not like the ocean that much and is content in playing in the sand for the duration.

My daughter on the other hand loves the water, and since I taught her to body surf last year its something her and I try and do together. The water was nice and comfortable although the tides were a little rough.

I tried and split my time between hole digging and swimming, and I think I was able to accomplish both pretty well.

My daughter put sun tan lotion on my back prior to our departure, and by the way my back looks this morning, it looks like she missed some spots (read ½ my back), it looks kind of funny, but at least she made an effort.

Overall it was nice to be away from home and the office even though it was only for a short time.

So today its back to the grind.

--gfo

The Sound Of Silence

The wife and kiddies are at the Jersey shore for the weekend, so me and the cat had the house to ourselves last night. I got home around 1430 yesterday, farted around a little bit, then hopped on my bike in the basement and went for a twenty mile ride.

After that, I made a pizza and watched The Departed on DVD, and lounged around for the rest of the night.

Went to bed early, 2130 as I planned on getting up at 0412 this morning to ride the bike, and get into the office by 0600.

I got to thinking while I was in the shower this morning, that it was weird not having anyone in the house, no fighting kids, I could watch whatever I wanted on TV without the worry over it being rated R, ate what I wanted for dinner, and could actually sit down and do absolutely nothing without being an errand boy.

But in the same context it was weird, I really missed everyone.

I will join them later tonight, and spend tomorrow on the beaches of Margate, NJ categorically relaxing.

--gfo

2.919

Well gas is going back down again, seems now its like a roller coaster, as long as its going down that would be fine with me, because that's the best part of a roller coaster ride.

--gfo

Top Five Movie Cops

I have been giving this a lot of though lately of who my favorite TV/Movie cop's are. There are/were a lot of great candidates, but here is who I came up with:

1. Harry Callahan, (Clint Eastwood) aka Dirty Harry, probably the best known movie cop out there, not only for his massive .44 Smith & Wesson revolver, but for his infamous one liners throughout his movies.
2. Jack Cates (Nick Nolte)/Reggie Hammond (Eddie Murphy), 48 Hours. One convict, one alcoholic detective go on a manhunt through the street of San Francisco looking for bad guys. A little far fetched but the dialogue between the two of them is classic...and very unpolitically correct to say the least.
3. Lt. Frank Bullitt (Steve McQueen), Bullitt. He makes my list just because of the classic chase scene, Mustang versus Charger. The movie itself was kind of boring, but the stunt driving is among the best ever
4. John McClane (Bruce Willis), Die Hard. Another against the grain cop who saves the world, now four times over. Again, the one liners are classics
5. Marshal Samuel Gerard (Tommy Lee Jones), The Fugitive/US Marshals. A tough in your face kind of guy, who always gets his man.

I am sure I will come up with more later, but these are the one's that came to mind right away

--gfo

2.939

Gas just went up 4¢/gallon in the the few days, after being as low as 2.899/gallon. They say the price for a barrel of oil has gone up, which is interesting because when the PPB goes down, it takes them a long time to lower the prices, but if it goes up the prices go up accordingly.

Something, still isn't right

--gfo

An Open Letter to Jim Rome

I don't normally listen to your show, since I can't pick up the station that carries here in Philly in my office. Today I had a doctor's appointment so I happened to catch a blurb of your show, as I was flipping through the stations in my car, on the way home from the doctor's appointment.

I heard your little rant about the Phillie's fan who was shown on the front cover of the LA Times holding a losses spelled wrong (picture above), and the turning into a tirade about the Philly fans and their reputation for bad behavior.

Yes, we did cheer when Irving was lying flat on his back, and we have had our moments of poor behavior, but it should be noted that we didn't boo Santa Claus, we threw snowballs at him, and that was almost 40 years. I think its time for the media to let that one go. Philly fans are passionate about their teams, and while I disagree with the cheering over the Irvin incident, the few incidents that the media always seems to bring up about Philadelphia and its fans gets old and is so overplayed. Philly fans are the among the most loyal in the country, and despite the lack of championships that this town has, we support our teams, not like a lot of these other bandwagon jumping fans in other cities.

I was at the game last night, and we were booing because the Phillie's sucked it up so bad, and deserved to lose the game, and the only point we were on our feet cheering was in the bottom of the ninth when the Phil's finally started to show life, and had a brief rally going, before Ryan Howard struck out to end the game.

So, before you start trashing our town, and our fan's, get your facts right. You're lucky to even have a show in this city.

You and your clones can kiss this lifelong Philly sports fan and resident's ass, and go back to coming up with meaningless banter and go out and get a life.

--gfo

I Was A Part Of History

Well it took 125 years, but last night the Philadelphia Phillies lost their 10,000^th game in franchise history, and the did so in glorious fashion. The Fightin' Phil's (sic) got their asses beat 10-2, the Cardinals hit six home runs, had 15 total hits the Phillies only managed 9 hits and scored their two runs in the bottom of the ninth inning. The Phillies have a total of 8,810 wins, to their loss count

I was actually at the game, my brother called me earlier in the afternoon, and told me he two extra tickets, so me and the boy decided to go. It was a sellout crowd, over 44,000 people were there and the game was on ESPN, along with a lot of the national media to cover this now historic event. While I was obviously hoping for a Phillies win, I thought it would be neat to be their for the historic loss. My brother and I told our boys that this was a monumental game, and while its an embarrassing moment for the franchise, it was interesting to be a part of the crowd.

The Cardinals bats, lit up starter Adam Eaton early and subsequent relievers could do nothing to calm the bats of the Cardinals down. It almost look like the Phillies pitchers were throwing batting practice to the Cardinals.

My brother gave me two of the ticket stubs, I plan on holding on to them for awhile, who knows they may be worth something someday. Because you know there were 44,000+ people at the park last night, and over the course of time, 200,000+ people will say they were there.

and for you trivia buffs out their, Ryan Howard made the last out, in his typical way...he struck out. The pitch was thrown by, Andy Cavazos.

Despite the loss, we had a nice night out with our boys.

--gfo

Look For Me On ESPN Tonight

My brother called me earlier today and invited my son and me to the Phillie's/Cardinals game. Its on ESPN starting at 1805. Our seats are on the first base side in a box.

This will be our second game this year. Hopefully the Phil's win this one, as if they don't they will reach the 10,000 loss milestone.

I will have my camera with me, so I hope to get some good pictures.

Going to be a hot one tonight, its 92° right now.

--gfo

A Weekend Off

After being told and subsequently planning to work most of this weekend, it was decided late yesterday by my boss that we have the option to come in this weekend. So, it was an easy decision for me to choose to stay home. Although if I went in, I would have been able to get a lot of work done, because I wouldn't have been interrupted every three minutes by co-workers who aren't as up to speed on our new system as I am, so it would have been productive for me.

The next few weeks are going to be tough though, since now the system is live, and all the data is for the most part accurate (NB: there are some things that are being corrected this weekend so all should be good by Monday morning). I anticipate a lot of stress from my co-workers, and feeling over being overwhelmed by all the questions and my not getting my own work done. I have to be able to manage every thing in a diplomatic way without losing my patience or upsetting others that I work with.

That being said, the onus was on them to get up to speed on things. I made the extra effort so should have they.

I was really wound up when I got home yesterday, mostly because of the near miss with the truck, but with the implementation of the new system going so shitty, a lot of tempers have been short lately. I have been doing a lot of tongue biting of late, I am just wondering how long it will be before I bite it off.

After lunch with the family, I went upstairs and laid down for a little bit, which seemed to help. Then I had a peaceful rest of the day. I am going to try and relax as best I can this weekend, as I am going to need to be as fresh as possible Monday morning.

--gfo

How Rude Of Me

To try and cross the street when the light was green.

A coworker and I were, were out getting coffee and we had to cross the street to get to the coffee guy (23/Market for you folks familiar with Philly). As we were going back across the street we had a solid green light and we started crossing, when my coworker suddenly grabbed me and pulled me out of the way of the big delivery truck that was making the turn onto Market Street. I admit her and I were talking and I wasn't paying attention, but we both stepped out into the street at the same time, although I was a little bit ahead of her, luckily she saw the truck and grabbed me, or I would have been flattened.

We've been making light of it ever since, but it really scared the shit out of me. I do know the name of the company, so I may place a phone call to them later, just to let them know, although I didn't get a truck number or anything.

NB: No coffee was spilled in this incident

--gfo

Sante Fe

We picked it up last night, and the Mrs drove it first, since she will be driving it most of the time, I wanted her to get used to it. We went out to dinner (Applebees), then after that I drove the car home, just to get a feel for it. Real nice smooth ride, lot's of cool features, and best of all...room

With the Honda now retired, I am now driving the Mrs old car, a 1995 Pontiac Bonneville. Its a real nice car, has leather seats, a kick ass ready, and lots of power for a V-6. She cleaned it up for nice for me, removing all the trash, and even washed the mat's...in the washer. I did some minor aesthetic repairs to it, just to make it look nicer, and may need to do more (door panel problems). It also needs an A/C recharge, which I am going to call about today and get that done. I am not a real big A/C person, since I usually only go short distances, but it would be nice to have it working properly, in case the kids are in it.

So everyone is happy

--gfo

PA State Shutdown *Update*

Well the state is back in business. A budget compromise was reached and all things are back to normal.

Now the legislators can go home for a nice long summer vacation, must be nice

--gfo

After Nearly 15 Years

of loyal, faithful service, our 1993 Honda Civic DX is being retired at 1800 tonight. We are trading it in for a brand new 2007 Hyundai Sante Fe. We got this car a year before we got married, and had little if any trouble with it at all. Its got almost a 101K miles on it, and is pretty mechanically sound, and the body for the most part is in good shape, normal scratches and dents for 15 year old car.

We are excited about getting the new car. Its real nice, and has a lot of room. The kids were lobbying hard for an SUV, and once we drove the Sante Fe, (we also drove a Tucson) we both fell in love with it.

The Sante Fe will be the Mrs car, and I will drive her Pontiac Bonneville, which is a bigger car for me with more room, and more pep.

We pick the Sante Fe up tonight

--gfo

Some Words Of Wisdom

From this Country's greatest President:

• "Here's my strategy on the Cold War: We win, they lose." - Ronald Reagan
• "The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help." - Ronald Reagan
• "The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant: It's just that they know so much that isn't so." - Ronald Reagan
• "Of the four wars in my lifetime none came about because the U.S. was too strong." - Ronald Reagan
• "I have wondered at times about what the Ten Commandment's would have looked like if Moses had run them through the U.S. Congress." - Ronald Reagan
• "The taxpayer: That's someone who works for the federal government but doesn't have to take the civil service examination." - Ronald Reagan
• "Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other." - Ronald Reagan
• "The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a government program" - Ronald Reagan
• "I've laid down the law, though, to everyone from now on about anything that happens: no matter what time it is, wake me, even if it's in the middle of a Cabinet meeting." - Ronald Reagan
• "It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession. I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first." - Ronald Reagan
• "Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." - Ronald Reagan
• "Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed there are many rewards, if you disgrace yourself you can always write a book ." - Ronald Reagan
• "No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is so formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women. - Ronald Reagan
• "If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan

--gfo

PA State Shutdown

All non-essential services in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have been shut down, due to the lack of a State budget. This means about 25,000 state employees are temporarily laid off. Let's hope this end's soon. Certainly not something that we need at this point.

Doesn't seem like there is that big of a difference in what is needed to get a budget passed. Of course politics are playing a part, and as usual the party bickering takes precedent over the citizenry.

--gfo

My Seven Wonders of The World

As was announced earlier today the new seven wonders of the world was revealed. Of the seven, I was actually at one of them, Chichen Itza in Mexico. My wife and I visited there when we honeymooned in Cancun in 1993. Quite a magnificent feat of engineering when it was built. I actually climbed all the way to the top. I remember they had a chain you could hold on to as you ascended and descended the steps.

That being said here are my seven wonders:

1. Air Conditioning
2. The Internet
3. The Automobile
4. The Airplane
5. The Telephone
6. Duct Tape
7. Computers

Most if not all of these things have made our everyday lives easier, and more productive, especially computers and the Internet. It would be hard to imagine life with out them.

I of course, went with practical things, where the science geeks went with engineering marvels. Not to knock the science guys but most of the above list are more wondrous and practical, than a bunch of old buildings.

Which is probably why, I am not a scientist.

--gfo

Breakfast Today

Was French Toast, bacon, and sausage. This morning, my son did most of the prep work, while I did most of the cooking. He broke the eggs, mixed the batter, and put all the toast on the griddle. I did all the cooking, since he is still a little young (8) to do so.

He did a great job, and was full of pride when everything turned out so well. Plus as a bonus we got to spend some nice time together.

I haven't made breakfast in awhile, as I have been working the last few weekends, and I will be working the next couple. Since I was up early today, I got my bike ride in, and then went out and got the stuff I needed.

I really enjoy cooking breakfast for my family, and its nice to have that together time, which in these busy times don't happen very often

--gfo

2.899

Was the latest gas price I saw at our local Wawa. That is a 4¢ drop, it was 2.939 for over two weeks. I didn't think it was ever to going to go up or down again.

--gfo

7-7-07

Well so far its looks like nothing bad has happened, and all the superstitious folks and lottery players are playing 777, in their respective state lotteries. No terrorism, computer shut downs, or other Apocalypse type events. So for the world is coming to an end folks, look like doomsday will happen some other time.

--gfo

An Entire Weekend Off

Well despite having to think I was going to work every weekend this month, I opted to take the entire weekend off, even shutting off my computer at work so I can't log in from home.

I got out of bed at 1100. Boy it was nice to sleep in. Not sure what the rest of the weekend has in store for me, but I know it won't be working.

--gfo

Is Bad Coffee Better Than No Coffee?

I didn't stop for my Dunkin' Donuts coffee this morning, and the local street vendor has the day off. Then my plan C was a bust too, a local coffee shop around the corner from the office, as they are on vacation until the 10^th. So out of desperation I resorted to drinking the office coffee, although its free, its horrible, very bitter, and bland tasting.

Having been in the office since 0530 in the morning, and not having any coffee since, and all my options obviated, I conceded.

Note to self tomorrow, definitely stop at DD and get coffee.

This office stuff is terrible, albeit free, but at least its coffee.

--gfo

Happy Birthday President Bush

Hope its a good one Mr. President. 61 years old today, and still looking really good

--gfo

Must Be My Lucky Day

As I was waking into the office this morning, I was waiting for the guard to buzz in, and I looked down and found a folded up $20.00 bill. I was like sweet. Nice way to start off my day.

Nice to have some good luck every once in awhile.

--gfo

Happy 4th of July

I know its a late posting, but I wanted to wish America a Happy Birthday, and especially to all those men and women in our military who are keeping this country safe and cannot be with their own families on this the birthday of our country. May God bless you and keep you safe, as you keep it safe for us.

As for me it was nice to have a day off after working the last nine in a row. I slept until about 1130 today, and only got up because of the parade that was coming up the street, with sirens blaring.

In the afternoon we went to my wife's grandmothers to go swimming, although I did not get in the water, it was a little too cold for me. My kids did get in, they didn't last long. We were going to go to fireworks tonight, but they were cancelled due to lousy weather. Its raining now, in fact it was raining on and off most of the day.

It was real nice to have a day off even though, the weather wasn't cooperative. Most of all it was nice to get some sleep.

--gfo

A short weekend

Although I worked both Saturday and Sunday, until 1400 and 1200 respectively, I did manage to have a pretty good weekend. The highlight being a night out with the Mrs on Saturday. Although we were out late it was well worth it to spend some quality time together.

Yesterday after I got home, I made some pizzas. The kids got home from my mother in laws shortly thereafter, and they real glad to see me, which was real nice. After lunch I went up to put a pair of shorts on, and three hours later the Mrs woke me up to help her start the grill, and we had a nice steak dinner.

I played some MLB07 with the boy, then I went downstairs for a nice 15 mile bike ride, then goofed around on the computer until about 2230

Now its back to the office for a busy albeit shorter week, since we have Wednesday off because of the Independence Day holiday.

--gfo

Live Free or Die Hard

Last night the Mrs and I saw Live Free or Die Hard, the fourth movie in the Die Hard series. Without giving too much away, its a great movie, and it goes to show you how much this country and the world depend on computers, and how smart computer hackers really can be.

Bruce Willis is brilliant once again in this movie, and his one liners, and side comments are again comedic gold in an action/suspense setting.

We will definitely get this on DVD.

Highly recommend this movie.

After the movie we went out to dinner at Bertucci's and had a nice dinner together. Although it was a late night, we had a nice night out together, which something we hadn't done in a long time

--gfo