Family and Friends

Cowardice

Written 8/18 and forgotten… I know it’s a coping strategy – wholly reasonable and acceptable by most standards, but I feel guilty. This morning when the kids woke up I wanted to play, share their youthful enthusiasm, and take heart from the knowledge that some of that enthusiasm was because of me. This morning when my wife was quietly reading the news, sipping her coffee, I snuck…
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Family and Friends

Channeling the spirits of Kauffmans past

There aren’t many comments as likely to draw my dinner table ire than “I want to save room for desert.” There are few times when I feel such a close kinship with my father. (Based on the title, you may think my father is deceased. He’s not, but I figure there’s a better than even chance he got it from his father too.) I can’t decide if I object to the comment…
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AppleComputer

Apples everywhere

I am not a zealot. Really. I recognize there’s such a thing as personal preference. There was even one time when I recommended a Windows PC (over a Mac) to someone. As it happens, that person has regretted taking my advice ever since, but I digress. Trapped in an office filled with Michael Dell’s evil spawn, I kid with my office mates about our choice of computers, but it’s all…
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BethFamily and Friends

Proving nothing

There are lots of studies that prove nothing, but how often do you see them reported in the news? Actually, this is an important study in one respect… it’s proof that I was right (restoring the natural order), and it’s timely (given the start of school today – in these parts): it makes no difference wether Beth does her homework on her bed. Here’s to me. McClatchy…
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Beth

Another first day

I brought my daughter to school today, continuing a five year trend. Summer vacation ended, and fifth grade started today. Every year I feel really bad that summer vacation is over. While I want them to go to school and soak up every last bit of wisdom, I want them to be happy too… and who doesn’t think summer vacation is fun? Last year I did a mental double-take realizing Beth was…
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Family and Friends

Apogee revisited

I got another call from my father. He got another call from my mother. She’s had another sudden recovery. My dad is overjoyed. I think I disappointed him with my reaction… cautious and skeptical. “That’s cool, but I’d like to see it last more than a day.” I said. My new family title: killjoy. Queue the light-bulb… mom stops taking medication (or takes it…
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Family and FriendsImportant Stuff

Health insurance and mental health

One of the supposed hallmarks of the U.S. system of providing health care is choice. “Don’t let the socialist boogeyman come and force you to see a doctor trained in Guatemala!” You may not realize it, but that’s pretty funny (not the bit about Guatemala… the part about choice). Well, it doesn’t quite rise to the level of expelling fluids through your…
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Kitchen Sink

Grouse alert!

This entry’s sole purpose is to complain, whine, and grumble. If you have any loose razor blades lying around, or anything else that could do you or anyone else harm, it’s strongly recommended that you put them away before reading any further. I’ve been trying to find something to get excited about. Specifically, I’m looking for something to look forward to (there are lots…
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Family and FriendsWellbeing

Not so fast

On Friday I told a friend that last week was the first week I’d worked a full 40 hours since my diagnosis. As it turns out I was wrong. It was my second. I felt pretty good, a little tired maybe, but not exhausted. Or so I thought. I slept through most of the weekend. I hadn’t intended to… it just kind of happened. Last night, after we finished eating pork chops in a ginger glaze…
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