Book of Jamez

55 y/o malcontent, something of a writer

Category: Friends

  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    It’s that time of year when the nation, and me in particular, focus on early detection and prevention of Breast Cancer. See, my Mom is a breast cancer survivor… it truly means the world to me that she is still in this world. This year a former co-worker lost her life, after a long battle, to breast cancer. I don’t want to lose anyone else.

    “This year in America, more than 211,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 43,300 die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition, 1,600 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 will die this year. If detected early, the five-year survival rate exceeds 95%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram. Support The National Breast Cancer Foundation today and give the gift of hope to those in need.” – http://www.Nationalbreastcancer.org

    You can’t be too young, you can’t be too old… you can certainly be too stubborn to get a mammogram. A Mammogram, so I’ve been told, is an uncomfortable/painful/cold experience… hmmm… dead or uncomfortable? What was our choice to be? Self breast exams are also very important, know your breasts, make sure you check them regularly… if you notice anything out of the ordinary, get it checked out!

  • The Kite Runner

    Why I read “The Kite Runner” is an interesting story…

    First, my Ma asked me if I had read it when she was in DC to visit this summer. I said no, but seemed a little interested in the book.
    Secondly, Suzanne’s mom asked me if I had read it, which was one of them motherly things… I think mothers are all in the same guild or something.
    Third, my English Professor walked into class with the book on tape…
    If that’s not God trying to tell me something I don’t know what is.

    So, what did I think of the book…
    Wow, fabulous storytelling. The story is about so many tragic things, and one terribly preventable thing that sticks with the main character throughout the story. I found the book enchanting, such a different view of the world. I don’t want to spoil the story, and I know it’s been out for a while, but if you haven’t read The Kite Runner; your missing out on one of the best stories I’ve read in a good long time.

  • Children's Tears

    My last day of work at Children’s.
    Before I could even make my pot of coffee I saw it… a gift bag from Chen. Pencils, pens, notebooks, folders and more- almost all with a Spiderman theme. I was brought to tears (just now again too, as I write this). After the coffee was brewed I cried over the first cup just thinking of all the wonderful people that I had the opportunity to work with and all the families we helped. Phyllis came in shortly after that with a backpack and lunchbox… also Spiderman themed.

    Jen called to wish me well, Albert, Erika, Julie, Julia… people I haven’t seen in a while, but love so much still… made me cry again there that day (and again while I write this).

    It was a useless day at work, there was no work done by me that day, besides the last morning anouncements. I had people to say goodbye to, people to hug and cry to, people I love.

    I had a farewell at the hospital, with people that meant things to me invited (and people that didn’t too :-)). It was bitter sweet seeing all those people and knowing some of them I may not see in a long while. I had wished Natella, Tamara, and Tammy were there but alas it was not to be.

    The farewell outside of the office happened this Friday, and I was truly surprised at the number of people that showed up. Staci and Jen were there, Gerry, Claire, Ann and John, Gary, Jean, Courtney… o so many. It’s hard to be the center of attention… it’s hard to say goodbye to so very many special people.

    I look at Jordan and remember Zelda had just had him when she was interviewed for the job. I look at Lailah and want to cry, she used to fall asleep in my lap at work.

    My heart is full – the only reason I know that I can love more is because of the love I have seen in you. My life and my soul are the better for having worked with each and everyone of you.

  • Fish Pride a.k.a. Ohio Trip

    I went off to Cleveland (or so I thought) for the weekend. To spend time with my friend Julie and her family: Chris (Mr. Olsen), Hannah, Sam (Sam Opossum), and Ollie (the dog).

    My trip started with a rather uneventful flight, but the characters tended to be well worth forgetting. There was a “lady” a couple of seats from me that talked the entire flight… and when I say entire I mean from the moment they let us leave the gate until we got to baggage claim. Not only did she talk too much but she was wearing these revolver shaped dangling earrings and was probably a “W” supporter.

    Julie was at the airport right on time to pick me up, it was a pleasure to see her again. We went off to pick up Hannah at her horse riding lessons, when Hannah saw me she gave me a big smile. Mr. Olsen cooked us hambërgers (how Sam pronounces it), I got sick that night… lets assume Mr. Olsen wasn’t attempting to poison me (the kids didn’t get sick). Sam started to express his obsession with refrigerators, we don’t know why he’s obsessed with them, he just is.

    Friday morning Hannah went off to Pony Camp (Hannah is obsessed with horses) and Julie, Sam and I went off to the local shops to do some window shopping. We appeased Sam by stopping at a few places to oggle at the refrigerators… hey, he’s 4. We did manage to get Sam a balloon at the Trader Joe’s which we lost at the Target (yes, then there were tears). Mr. Olsen brinned chicken and we had a good cook out.

    Saturday, when Hannah returned from Pony Camp, we could have gone to Cleveland’s Gay Pride, but we instead opted to travel to West Virginia…. no wait, Vermillion, OH for Fish Pride… I mean, the Fish Festival. The kids had a wonderful time, and us adults had a few laughs too. We lost two more baloons and had a few more screams and tears. Don’t ask what happend with Sam in the backseat on the way home… I was traumatized.

    Sunday was pretty relaxing and it was sad to say goodbye. I had a wonderful time in Cleveland (or wherever I was) visiting my friends. The plane ride home had three 4 year olds… God help me… and everyone wanted to ride the shuttle back that didn’t have any. One of the baggage bins on the plane was holding their balloon animals… that’s it, just their balloon animals.

    To see the pictures click the link below.

    FISH PRIDE