Well After Two Weeks

I am finally home...actually came home yesterday. After five days at Jefferson Hospital, and nine days at Moss Rehab, I was cleared to come home. The surgery itself went well, and the time in the hospital was a little on the rough side, most pain and discomfort.

On Monday the 4^th, I was transferred up to Moss Rehab via ambulance, and the actual rehab process began the next day.

I must say that the time spent at Moss was very productive and in just the short amount of time I was there, I made remarkable progress,

I will begin outpatient rehab next week, just to continue and reinforce what I have learned and to continue to relearn some of the things that I have lost since I have been diagnosed with MS.

More to come later, just wanted to post a quick update to let everyone know how I am doing.

Thanks to all for your thoughts and prayers.

--gfo

On The Utley F-Bomb

A lot is being said of Chase Utley's faux pas Monday night during the introductions prior to the home run derby. After he was introduced, he got some boos from some of the local New Yorkers, in which he responded Fuck you, under his breath but because he was wearing a microphone for ESPN, it was picked up. No less than an hour later, it started being posted on blogs and you tubes, and they Philly bashing started.

Was Chase out of line, yes, he later apologized for the remark, although he really didn't say it that loud and it was merely a knee jerk response to a hostile crowd.

Of course because Chase is a Philly player, the Philly bashers had a field day with it, and all the past incidents (snowballs at Santa, cheering Michael Irvin, etc) started coming to the forefront.

I am sick and tired of Philly getting this bad rap when fan and player behavior in other cities is equally as bad, and under reported. I remember reading an article in Sports Illustrated earlier this year about student behavior at college basketball games and how they torment the other teams, and sometime even target visiting players families. Yet incidents like those are hardly noticed and reported, and are tolerated by the schools.

Athletes aren't perfect, and Chase Utley's muttering Fuck You under his breath, but only being heard because he had a microphone (which seems to be getting a lot of folks in trouble lately, paging Jesse Jackson) on it caught the attention of the national media. I am sure that during most professional sports games that a lot of similar things are said all the time, to the other players, the fans, and whomever else is annoying said player. They are adults playing at a high level, high intensity and with a lot of emotion.

Although Chase's comment was in hindsight wrong, in the context of speaking from a Philly fan's perspective, I think it was an appropriate comment...he just got caught.

No harm done, and let's move on and get down to the business of playing baseball.

Well done Chase, you are having a hell of a year, and screw what the rest of fans are saying about you, especially the loser New York fans

--gfo

Upcoming Surgery

Related to my blog post from 15 May 2008, I finally got to meet with the neurosurgeon a few weeks and I am scheduled for the Baclofen Pump, surgery on 31 July 2008. This will take will place at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital here in Philadelphia. After a few days in the hospital, I will be transferred to MossRehab hospital for a few weeks to get some physical therapy which came as a bit of surprise, but once it was explained to me the reason why, it made a lot of sense.

I will be out of work for about 6-8 weeks. Not sure how long I will be in rehab for and my subsequent time at home, so my actual time off could be more or less...hopefully the latter. I have the ability to work from home, so, if necessary I maybe able to split time between home and the office or work out some sort of other compromise, or just transition back slowly.

I have mixed feeling about going under the knife for this procedure, but one thing I can say with great certainty, is that something needs to be done. I have been having more issues with falls and general weakness overall in the last couple of weeks, so the implantation will certainly help.

Overall, I have not really given myself much of a chance to think about the mental aspect and preparation that I think I need. I am scheduled for some readmission's testing this coming Monday, so maybe things will then start to get the brain spinning.

So my summer will be cut short, but hopefully my fall will be better and there will be less of them, pun intended.

--gfo

On Ryan Howard

The Phillies highest paid and least productive player is having a less than stellar year, in fact I will goes as far saying he is having a shitty year. Here are his stats through last nights game (source: CBS Sportsline), against the devastating extra inning loss against the Mets, where he was 1/6, his lone hit being a single, but he struck four times, a couple of times in clutch moments of the game

• At Bats: 337
• Total Hits: 75 (38 singles)
• Doubles: 12
• Triples: 2
• Home Runs: 23
• RBI's: 76
• Batting Average: .223
• Slugging Percentage: .475
• Strikeouts: 123
• Base on Balls: 44 (9 intentional)
• On Base Percentage: .313

Working some of my own numbers here is what I come up with. Based on his current statistics, Howard is more likely to strike out than to get a hit. Of his 337 at bats, he has struck 36% of the time, versus his over all batting average, 22.4%. Of his home run total (23), he hits home runs only 7% of his at bats. His singles percentage is only 11% of his bats.

In Comparison, here is the Phillies other slugger Pat Burrell's numbers:

• At Bats: 287
• Total Hits: 80 (37 singles)
• Doubles: 20
• Triples: 2
• Home Runs: 21
• RBI's: 53
• Batting Average: .279
• Slugging Percentage: .582
• Strikeouts: 70
• Base on Balls: 66 (1 intentional)
• On Base Percentage: .412

Howard's OBP, is about average for the team overall, which is .313, and his slugging percentage of .475 is above the team's .437 percentage. He does however have a national league leading 76 RBI's which is very respectable, but could you imagine what his numbers would be if even 25% of his strikeouts were hits, or if he worked the count more.

What bothers me the most, and probably most Phillies fans, is his strikeouts. A lot of the strikeouts he seems to swing at really bad pitches, especially low and outside breaking balls. In my mind, I am comparing him Dennis Haysbert's character Pedro Cerrano in the movie Major League, who couldn't hit a breaking ball to save his life.

The team has a total of 608 strikeouts. His 123 strikeouts account for 20% of the total strikeouts. Pat Burrell has the second most strikeouts, 70, or 12% overall, but Burrell is batting .279, 21 home runs, and Pat's hits are about equal, 37 singles, 20 doubles, 2 triples, but the deal breaker for me is that Pat Burrell's is a much better defensive player than Howard. Burrell is having a much better season than Howard, and is a more consistent player, but mostly and much more mature player, which Howard seems to lack (read his new found wealth has gotten to his head)

Howard won a ten million dollar arbitration hearing before the season started, and at this point, it looks like he should give some of that money back.

Ryan needs to find his bat, and be more productive at the plate, and get back to doing what he does best. Overall he is driving in the runs, but his strikeouts, especially in critical situations is deplorable, and unacceptable. His arbitration deal was for this year only, and if he wants to continue making the kind of money that he does, he needs to be more productive at the plate and on the field. Maybe some extra time in the cages would do him some good, or bring in Mike Schmidt to help Ryan find his bat.

This team has the makings of a winner, and hopefully Ryan will start contributing more at the plate. He can't count on other members of the team to continue to pick him up, which they have done.

--gfo

Floods - What A Difference

From an email that I got earlier today. As politically incorrect as it appears to be, it is balls on accurate:

Something to think about..it is a social commentary on the difference of two communities with a similar disaster, although I am sure some idiot is going to say "Hate speak".

• Where are all the Hollywood celebrities holding telethons asking for help in restoring Iowa and helping the folks affected by the floods?

• Where is all the media asking the tough questions about why the federal government hasn't solved the problem? Asking where the FEMA trucks (and trailers) are?

• Why isn't the Federal Government relocating Iowa people to free hotels in Chicago?

• When will Spike Lee say that the Federal Government blew up the levees that failed in Des Moines?

• Where are Sean Penn and the Dixie Chicks?

• Where are all the looters stealing high-end tennis shoes and big screen television

• When will we hear Governor Chet Culver say that he wants to rebuild a "vanilla" Iowa, because that's the way God wants it?

• Where is the hysterical 24/7 media coverage complete with reports of cannibalism?

• Where are the people declaring that George Bush hates white, rural people?

• How come in 2 weeks, you will never hear about the Iowa flooding ever again?

HOW COME THERE IS SUCH A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THIS FLOODING AND THAT OF NEW ORLEANS?

• When N.O. flooded, it was a racist plan to wipe out black people.
  

• Now that white people are getting flooded out, we need to investigate .. who?

• I heard a dimwit on CNN yesterday say that this reminded him of New Orleans. How?

Outside of being flooded, there is no looting, no people wandering the streets looking for meanness, no grocery carts being shoved through the water carrying stolen big screen TVs, no people sitting on the tops of their houses waiting on the government to come and get them, no police abandoning their posts, no Iowans bitching how the government and George Bush is failing them. There is not one damn thing, other than water, that is similar to New Orleans.

The streets in Des Moines are empty. People left when they were told to evacuate. They didn't whine, bitch or blame the Government for the broken levees. They did what responsible people do in a crisis. Some people who didn't even live in the flood areas came and filled sandbags to help their neighbors.

The actions of the people of Des Moines and the other Iowan cities only makes the actions of the people of New Orleans look worse.

--gfo

Rest In Peace

George Carlin. George passed away Sunday night at the age of 71. He was one of the funniest comedians I have ever seen and heard. His candor tell like it is, non-political correct approach to comedy was not only funny but got you thinking about life and how funny the stupid things really are.

You will be missed George. Our lost is heaven's gain.

--gfo

A Subtle Change To The Blog

But one I needed to do. In my blog description, I changed the working stiff age from thirty something to forty something.

--gfo

Thoughts On Forty

Well yesterday, I officially turned 40 years old. Where most people who turn 40 react in differently, I am taking a different approach, for me. As many of my readers already know, I have had a plethora of medical problems in the middle and late part of my 30's, so turning 40 was in mind a perhaps a chance to start anew. We'll see how things play out this. I know I am facing two surgeries, one to replace to defibrillator and the other to a baclofen pump in to help me with my muscle spasticity.

I have a few other challenges and issues that need to be addressed in the coming months, mostly related to my cognitive impairments that I have been facing. I have been putting off (read, stalling) on calling the doctors to find out how I go about addressing some of issues that came up during my neuropsych testing in January. I need to address these but I want to get the pump surgery done first before I subject myself to more pain and suffering.

I am mostly trying to keep a positive outlook, at least on the outside, I still have my moments where I feel lousy, tired, and have general fatigue, but I persevere and plod through.

As for the fortieth festivities. Tuesday, my twin brother and I, along with our wives went to the Phillies/Reds game. We had great seats, and were surprised (well I sort of expected it), that the wives had arranged for us to have happy birthday sung to us, and our names were posted on the scoreboard. We also got a couple of nice hat's, but most of all saw a great baseball game, the Phillies won 3-2.

The picture shown above, was what my office looked like when I walked in yesterday, compliments of my co-workers. I even had a set of beads that I had to wear all day that accentuated the fact that I did turn 40. We had a cake, and I got some funny cards, which are on display on my top shelf.

When I got home, I played some PlayStation with the boy until the Mrs got home, and I then proceeded to open my presents (two swimsuits, and four Phillies tickets), and birthday cards, then we had a nice simple dinner of hamburgers and hot dogs. Then the big treat, Carvel ice cream cake.

After that spent a nice relaxing evening at home, although I went to bed early as I was up late the night before...or I am getting old.

So far being 40 isn't too bad, let's see how the next ten years goes.

--gfo

Yet Another Day Off

Tomorrow, the boy has 102.3 fever, and has yakked a couple of times in the last four days. So I chose to stay home tomorrow. I have work that I brought home with me, so I will spend part of the day trying to stay ahead of the work curve.

They only have a few more weeks of school left, then if there are any problems the Mrs will be here.

I just hope that I don't waste another day like I did last time he was sick.

--gfo

Lest We Forget

The true reason that we celebrate this holiday. We honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep this country free. Remember to take time out of your busy day to say a prayer, to the memory of those who gave it all, and if you see a veteran today, say thank you.

--gfo

On Gas Prices

What the hell is going on. I just saw the oil closed over $130.00/barrel for the first time today. I paid 3.819/gallon yesterday to fill my car. I have gotten to the point that I am trying to get into the habit of filling the cars when the tanks are at the ½ way mark, just so it's not as big a dent in the wallet. My car has an 18 gallon tank, the Mrs, has 19.8, so filling an empty tank, really empties the wallet.


With a holiday weekend coming up, I am sure that by the end of the week we will see prices around the 3.90 range if not higher. I don't know how some people do it. Working stiffs like me, are once again getting screwed by the big Corporations, the government (with all the frigging taxes they have on gas). What we stiffs supposed to do, we need to drive to work, sure there are options and alternatives, but at some point you need your car to get around.

I'd like to see some more actions from our government instead of rhetoric and finger pointing. I am for independence on foreign oil, but the technology is in its infancy and while it may solve the problem in the long term, we need something done now, or pretty soon, nobody is going anywhere

This is getting ridiculous. My wallet gets smaller, and the oil companies and the OPEC nations are getting fatter.

--gfo

On The Philadelphia Police Firings/Suspensions

Recently there was an incident here in the city of brotherly love, where a bunch police officers, used excessive force on three shooting suspects, the whole incident was caught on video tape by a news helicopter. This incident occurred only a few days after a fellow police officer, Stephen Liczbinski only a few days before. Also at the time of this beating, one of the accomplices from the Liczbinski was still at large, although the shooter of the officer was shot and killed by police the day of the killing.

Granted police tensions were high, they had just lost one of their own, the second in less than a year, and the men who were beaten were fleeing police, and were certainly not outstanding, law abiding citizens, but the reaction from the local media, and populace was way overblown.

Did the police overreact, probably, but so did the police commissioner and the mayor.

Of course the race card is being played, surprise, surprise.

Bottom line Four officers were fired, and four others were suspended by Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey. The local DA is reviewing the case for possible criminal charges, and I am sure the federal government will take a look as well. Then of course there will more than likely be a civil case, where the beating victims will sue everyone and anyone remotely involved in the case.

Personally, I believe Commissioner Ramsey reacted too swiftly, since all of the officers were white, and the victims were black, I believe Ramsey's actions were done in the interest of keeping peace on the streets...not that firing/suspending officers will help keep peace on the street (the crime statistics speak for themselves), but there seems to be a lack of due process here. All of the officers should have been suspended, pending a thorough investigation, by people independent of the city, and police department.

Could you imagine if the criminal justice system worked this rapidly (actually it wouldn't be a bad thing), a lot of bad guys would be off the street and behind bars where they belong. let's see you caught doing something, and within a week you are in jail.

Those who know me, know that I am big supporter of the police, so obviously I am biased, but I believe that the police were wronged in this situation, and betrayed by a commissioner and mayor who think they are acting swiftly to handle a volatile situation, clearly reacted to fast.

Let's see how this plays out. My personal opinion is that all the officer will be reinstated, which they should, and some reforms in use of use of force will occur, and people will still be pissed off, but you can't please everyone.

--gfo

Sorry It's Been Awhile

Since my last blog update, this time of year is a very hectic with two kid's in sports, a busy work schedule, and just overall life issues.

On the MS front, what a month it's been. Two weeks ago I went to the neurologist office for what I thought was to be a simple albeit slightly uncomfortable procedure. The procedure involved a spinal tap, which then then would inject via a catheter a medicine directly into my spine that would help me with the muscle spasms and weakness that I have in my legs, mostly my right side.

This is a test to see if I would a candidate for a Baclofen Pump, yet another electronic device to be implanted in me.

Long story short, the two neurology fellows were unable to get the spinal tap, total number of attempts was four, plus at least that many shots of lidocaine to numb the area. That area of my back looked like a dartboard, plus I was sore as hell.

After the fourth attempt, the neurologist decided that I have been tortured enough and that I should come back again, but this time have the procedure down under using flouroscopy to aid in getting the catheter into my spine.

So last Wednesday, I went in for that procedure. After some clerical, and bureaucratic foul ups, the test was done, the medicine was given, and the results were very positive. The radiologist, got the spinal tap on the first try, and I had very little discomfort, as opposed to my experience the week before where I was utterly tortured.

About an hour after the procedure, the neurology fellow came in and tested me again, and the increase in muscle strength, and lack of spascity was noticeably different. We discussed the implantation of the baclofen pump, and decided that it was a good idea, and I green lighted the idea. It will take a couple of weeks, for the doctors to review everything, before I get on the schedule for the actual surgery...side note, at some point this year I am due for a defibrillator change, so I will be opened up twice this year. I imagine sometime in June this will be done.

While the fact of having another foreign object in my body and a catheter in my spine doesn't sound like a lot of fun, I am at a point right now that something needs to be done to help. I was honestly hoping for an injectable medication, since that is less invasive, and has less risks, but we will see what long term benefits the pump brings and hopefully gives me some more mobility.

On the cognitive front, I have noticed, rather the kid's have noticed that I am having more brain farts than usual, and they are picking up on them, where I am not. I need to discuss with the doctor what course of action needs to be done to remedy this. Also, I have been having more cases of the dropsies, I broke a coffee mug, and dropped a few kitchen items the other day.

So I keep plugging along one day at a time, I have felt pretty good this week, have had more energy than usual, mostly in the morning, still get tired mid-afternoon, but I feel like my mornings have been very productive.

That's it for now, more to come

--gfo

Welcome To America

Your Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Hope you have an enjoyable stay.

The people of America are anxiously awaiting your arrival and look forward to visit

--gfo

My New Poll

At the top right portion of my blog. A friend of our's has a sign in the kitchen that read's I kiss better than I cook...which is this case must be true because she could burn an ice cube.

I thought it would be an interesting poll question and would like to see how the readers think they compare.

Let's wait and see

--gfo

New Cell Phones For All

Well after over two years of having the same cell phone, I decided to upgrade. My old phone worked fine, but I was eligible for a free one, through Verizon Wireless so I decided to take advantage of the offer. I decided to go with a Samsung Alias^tmu740. I liked this phone, because you could flip it open in a landscape mode, and it has a full QWERTY keyboard. I has a camera and video recorder and is capable of getting the VZW V Cast and Navigator. One of my favorite features is the Bluetooth. Sure its geeky looking, but the convenience of not having a wire for the headset is great. I have had the bluetooth for about for a week, and I really like it.

Since I upgraded my phone, I got one for the Mrs and we caved and got one for our 11 year old. For them I got the Samsung SCH-u340. The Mrs is still getting used to text messaging. Our daughter had no problem getting the hang of it, and is getting quite good at it...gulp.

So everyone save for the boy has a new phone, and is enjoying it.

The decision to get our daughter a phone was one that we thought through for awhile. We will keep an eye on her usage especially the text messaging. Since she is getting older we felt it was a good time for her to have one, especially now that she is going out more. Hopefully she will be responsible with it. She did go through a period when she first got it that she was calling and texting everyone, which I expected her to do, but now the newness has worn off, and she is using it as we expect her to.

--gfo

Philadelphia Auto Show 2008

Another late post (about six weeks to be exact), in what is becoming a yearly tradition at the Cappy abode, is a boy's day out at the Pennsylvania Convention to view the annual Philadelphia Auto Show. This year we were accompanied by my brother in law who also happens to be a car nut like the boy and me.

The highlight of the show for me, was seeing the Mustang Bullitt, here is picture of the badge on the back of the car. This car is beautiful, and I was glad to actually see one in person, since there will only be a limited number produced, and it will probably be my only opportunity to see one up close and personal The Philly show had plenty of mustang's this year, and here is a great picture of the boy and I in front of one.

and here is one with my BIL and the boy in front of one of the new Jeep's (he is a Jeep nut)

The highlight of the show was seeing the new Dodge Challenger which is set to go on sale later this year. The car was partitioned off, and this was as close as I could get to the car, but what a beauty it is. Dodge should have lots of success with this car once it goes on sale.

We spent about five hours walking through the various hall's and staring, gawking, drooling, etc at the car's that were on display. It was a fun day for the three of us. I took over seventy pictures, and was quite tired after all that walking. I always enjoy getting a chance to view the different cars, from the $13,000.00 Smart Car to the $250,000.00+ Lamborghini's, Ferrari's and Maserati's

I am befuddled as to why the automotive press ignores this show every year, and that the auto makers, don't make more of an effort to make this a bigger event. From what I hear, over 250,000 people visit this event every year. Philadelphia is a big market, and they day we were there, it was jam packed with people of all ages. Of course my usual complaint was the price of concessions, which is typical of any Philadelphia run event no matter what the venue. Why they charge so much for food, and drinks is beyond me. Aramark must have made a killing during the duration of the auto show

It was a nice day out, and for $10.00/person, you definitely get a bang for your buck.

pictures from my personal collection

--gfo

On Obama and Race

A lot is being said on the comments of Barack Obama's pastor Jeremiah Wright, and the fact that candidate Obama refuses to acknowledge, condemn, Reverend Wright's statements. Instead he chooses to spin it like any other candidate does.

He can come out and say all he wants about race relations in this country, but to he himself be associated with a man of the cloth who makes such outrageous comments like the does, and then for Obama to say, well I wasn't that for that sermon, or that wasn't what he says when I am there is just plain ludicrous. He must really think that most American's are idiots.

Of course the Obama supporters are spinning this their own way and most are drinking the same Kool Aid.

If Obama was smart, he would disassociate himself from Reverend Wright, condemn what he says, and most importantly leave that church altogether. He could restore some credibility to himself and his campaign.

Side note, I am not an Obama supporter, nor will I vote for him if he is the candidate. I just find it hysterical how he is allowing this whole situation implode on itself, and act as if nothing is wrong.

What's even funnier is the whole Democratic party imploding on itself. Their convention should be interesting to say the least.

In this blogger's humble opinion race is still an issue in this country only because those of color choose to make it that way.

--gfo

Five Years (and one day) Ago

Hard to believe its been that long since I was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy a mitral valve regurgitation, and a week later, they found that I had a condition known as a myocardial bridge.

All three conditions subsequently changed my life then as I knew it. I had to give up a running career that I had so much enjoyed, and my EMS days abruptly ended as well, which was perhaps the most heartbreaking of all (no pun intended)

It took a few years, many hospitalizations, a defibrillator implant, a couple of different doctors, and lot's of different medication combinations, but for the last two years, things have been mostly stable with only two overnight hospitalizations.

I am due for a new defibrillator this year, probably over the summer.

It was very frustrating at first dealing with the symptoms, the unknown answers, and most of all the life changing events that I had to deal with. The toughest challenge of them all was dealing with emotional side of everything. The physical things, I could deal, but being so young and having to accept and go through these events, while still maintaining a career, and tending to a family was the toughest part of the diseases.

It took many years to finally accept and live with the heart conditions, and every since the doctors finally found the right medication combination that has helped stabilize everything and bring life to an even keel. I have for the most part maintained a regular exercise program, as well as do things on a physical that are reasonable

and although I was deal another blow, less than a year ago, with the MS diagnosis, I still try and maintain a positive outlook on life...at least on the outside.

I have many people to thank, a few close friends, but most of all, my loving family and beautiful wife. I would also be remiss, without thanking God for giving me the gift of life, and guiding me through these troubling times.

--gfo

Boy Oh Boy

Have I been bad about keeping the blog up to date. Its been nearly two months since my last post. A lot of things have been happening, and I have been very busy with work and the kids, hence the lack of keeping the blog up to date.

So here is the cliff note version:

• A few weeks ago, I took my first business trip to Cambridge, MA. Went for three days, two nights. While I was there, the Mrs broke a bone in her foot
• I was issued a laptop for the trip by the firm, and asked if I could keep it, use at home. I was given permission, and I set up my house with a wireless network, so I can use the laptop. So far it has been working out well. I am able to do some extra work at home, at night and on the weekends, and keep up with my ever increasing workload
• Just today, my son scored five goals in his indoor soccer game. He was unstoppable today
• Baseball and softball registration will be this week
• The MS has been giving me a rough time of late, and I am suffering through
• My younger brother got married, and I was his best man
• The Giants won the Super Bowl, in perhaps one of the most boring games ever, but one of the most exciting finishes in super bowl history
• A few weeks ago, me, the boy, my brother in law, brother, and nephew attended the Philadelphia Auto Show, and had a blast. I took over 80 pictures
• The week after the auto show, we went to Monster Jam and saw some monster trucks
• I actually watched and was somewhat interested in the Daytona 500

That's all I could think of for now. I will try and get better and get the blog more updated.

Hope all is well

--gfo