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 What the heck am I doing today? Shenanigans, General Tomfoolery or What? You never know |
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Talk about perks, my career had one of the best I can think of! I traveled in the course of business, delivering classes for my employer. I was a Senior Training Specialist for Motorola Solutions, and taught classes on a wide variety of subjects centered around 2-way radio communications. I knew that when the time arrived that I would retire, and I have. I've always said that if you can't stand the heat in the kitchen, get out! I can't handle the heat anymore. I was qualified to deliver approximately 32 different classes, but about half of those were 'Legacy' classes, and were not in demand anymore. My students were technicians, those who maintained, programmed, calibrated, and repaired large 2-way radio systems. Some of these systems are statewide, and use TCP-IP networking to allow sites to communicate with others. Some are small, traditional type radio sites. The size doesn't matter, in each case the systems must be kept operational at all times, since many of them are Public Safety Systems. So I traveled, sometimes frequently, 3-4 weeks in a row.... where have I been? Some of the places I've been (I can't list them all here, the list would be too long) are pretty interesting. 1. Hawaii - Four times, Oahu, Maui (twice), and the Big Island, Plus I lived on Oahu from 74-83. 2. Bangkok Thailand, twice 3. Frankfurt Germany, twice 4. Algiers, Algeria 5. Melbourne Australia 6. Bismarck North Dakota, Summer & Winter 7. California, especially the Los Angeles area, Too many times to count 8. Washington DC, Too many times to count 9. Seattle three or four times 10. Texas, all over the state 11. Florida, all over the state 12. New Mexico, HOME! Several times  Best Cultural And Regional Honorable Mention |
Another Sleepless Night This is getting old, very old. I slept on the Love Seat, like I have for the past three nights. Last night was a little different though. How was it different? And why was it different? I can, and will, answer the how question. I'm afraid I can't answer the why question. I'm not sure how much sleep I managed to get, I know I was nodding off all day though. Let's get to how it was different. I have had pain in my lower left leg for some time now. It's not cramps, I can't tell if it's muscular pain, or bone pain. I only know I'm in pain. It's not that bad either. IT's about a 3 on pain scale of 1-10. It's enough to keep me from fully relaxing and falling asleep. So how was last night different? The pain was in my left thigh! That's right, in a new place that hadn't pained me before. Just like other nights, it was a low level pain, strong enough to keep me from fully relaxing and falling asleep. It has lasted all night, and most of the day today. It felt a little like an old Charlie-Horse. The pain was there, but I know I haven't had a Charlie-Horse for years now. I tried sleeping in bed, but now matter how I tossed and turned, I could not get comfortable. Plus, I felt I was keeping her awake (I wasn't), it's just that the pain was a little worse lying in bed. Just the act of sitting here writing/typing this causes my Gluteus Maximus to ache. As well as my left leg. I'll live though. I begin PT tomorrow, we'll see if I can get those stretches done.... As they say, it is what it is. |
About Multiple Myeloma As some of you might know, I have Multiple Myeloma (MM). So, exactly what is Multiple Myeloma? A lot of you might know very little about it, and I would be in the same boat if I didn't have it myself. So let's answer that question. Multiple Myeloma is a cancer that forms in a type of white blood cell called a plasma cell. Healthy plasma cells help fight infections by making proteins called antibodies. Antibodies find and attack germs. In Multiple Myeloma, cancerous plasma cells build up in bone marrow. The bone marrow is the soft matter inside bones where blood cells are made. In the bone marrow, the cancer cells crowd out healthy blood cells. Rather than make helpful antibodies, the cancer cells make proteins that don't work right. This leads to complications of Multiple Myeloma. Multiple Myeloma treatment isn't always needed right away. If the Multiple Myeloma is slow growing and isn't causing symptoms, close watching might be the first step. For people with Multiple Myeloma who need treatment, there are a number of ways to help control the disease. Well, I guess I needed treatment right away, but it could wait a little bit. Here's why. I was diagnosed with this disease in April 2021. (I'm not going to bore you with how the doctors discovered I have this disease.) I was scheduled for Sinus Surgery in May, the Oncologist said he would begin treatment two weeks later, and he did. By December, I was placed in Remission. When treatment began, about 40-50% of my White Blood Cells were Cancerous. By December it was down to less than 3%. So what symptoms does one see when they have MM? Here's a list, a partial list I'm sure. Early in Multiple Myeloma, there might be no symptoms. When signs and symptoms happen, they can include (those in bold font are symptoms I was experiencing) Bone pain, especially in the spine, chest or hips Nausea Constipation Loss of appetite Mental fogginess or confusion Tiredness Infections - Remember, I had a Sinus Infection and never knew it Weight loss Weakness Thirst Needing to urinate often Sadly, these symptoms are experienced almost daily by most people. But there's that first one, Bone pain, especially in the spine, chest or hips. Sadly, this is when most people are diagnosed. The reason for the bone pain is that the Cancerous White Blood Cells are the only White Blood Cells in the bone marrow. And they keep multiplying! The bone bulges and eventually cracks. That's the pain people feel. I was very lucky since my Cancerous Cells were only 40-50% in my marrow when discovered. I don't know how I got this next statement fixed in my mind, I suspect I read something here online and made some assumptions. A doctor didn't tell me this. I thought that the Cancerous White Blood Cells couldn't leave the Marrow. That is incorrect! Multiple Myeloma can attack your organs, especially the Kidneys. Early on I was asked about my kidneys, if I had any problems using the bathroom. Thankfully, I haven't, except when I had a Urinary Tract Infection. So, how is Multiple Myeloma diagnosed? Tests and procedures to diagnose Multiple Myeloma include: Blood tests. The M proteins made by Myeloma cells can show up in a sample of blood. Blood tests also might find another protein Myeloma cells make, called beta-2-microglobulin. Other blood tests give your health care team clues about your diagnosis. These tests might include tests that look at kidney function, blood cell counts, calcium levels and uric acid levels. Urine tests. M proteins can show up in urine samples. In urine, the proteins are called Bence Jones proteins. Bone marrow tests. Bone marrow biopsy and bone marrow aspiration are used to collect bone marrow samples for testing. Bone marrow has a solid and a liquid part. In a bone marrow biopsy, a needle is used to collect a small amount of the solid tissue. In a bone marrow aspiration, a needle is used to draw a sample of the fluid. The samples are typically taken from the hip bone. I've had 3 or 4 Bone Marrow Biopsy's done, thankfully my Oncologist knocks me out for those. I'm told they're very painful, once I wake up I have a minor ache in my hip. The Bone Marrow samples go to a lab for testing. In the lab, tests look for Myeloma cells. Other special tests give your health care team more information about your Myeloma cells. For example, the fluorescence in situ hybridization test looks for changes in the cells' genetic material, called DNA. Imaging tests. Imaging tests can show bone problems linked with Multiple Myeloma. Tests may include an X-ray, MRI scan, CT scan, or positron emission tomography scan, also called PET scan. So, I have Multiple Myeloma, so far it hasn't affected my life much. I still traveled while working for Motorola, though the fatigue caught up with me and forced my retirement. It didn't stop me from driving to Hampton Virginia just to get a bottle(s) of Bourbon. I picked up Robert Waltz  along the way too! I do fear that the pain I've been experiencing is caused by the Multiple Myeloma. An MRI was performed last year though, there was no sign of it in that test. And all along my Oncologist has said that my blood work looks good.I am determined that this disease will not run my life for me. I live day to day, it's all anyone can do. |
Those Never-Ending Ads/Commercials Like most of you (all of you?), I detest ads, whether they be on TV, your computer, or tablet. I know they're necessary, sponsors of a show don't pay freely. They pay, and get to advertise their product(s). Still, I detest them. However, there's one ad you don't see on TV, and there's a reason for it. You never see ads for a Doctor, his clinic, whatever. You might wonder why is that? I say, thank God we don't see them in ads! But here's why. In the U.S.: Doctors and hospitals are legally permitted to advertise their practices and services, a right established by a 1977 Supreme Court decision that opened the door for professional advertising. You can often find ads for local clinics, dentists, chiropractors, and specific medical services (e.g., billboards, local TV spots). The American Medical Association (AMA) provides ethical guidelines, requiring that such advertising be truthful and not misleading. Outside the U.S.: In many other countries (e.g., India, much of Europe), strict codes of medical ethics or national laws prohibit doctors from advertising their professional positions, skills, or achievements to the general public. Advertising is considered a form of professional misconduct intended to prevent the commercialization of medicine and ensure an equal playing field for all doctors. Reasons for Restrictions and Use of Actors When doctors are absent from broad, direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising (like national pharmaceutical commercials), the reasons often include: Maintaining Professionalism and Trust: The historical professional view holds that the medical profession is noble and built on an indispensable trust and patient-doctor relationship, which could be undermined by the "sleazy" or business-like nature of advertising. Avoiding Misleading Claims: Medical claims can be difficult for the public to assess. Prohibitions aim to prevent deceptive claims, unproven treatments, or promises of a "certainty of result," which could create unjustified expectations in vulnerable patients. Legal and Regulatory Standards: Advertising highly regulated goods, like prescription-only medications, is often restricted to ensure that treatment decisions are made by health professionals, not influenced by public demand for specific brands. Commercial Appeal: Pharmaceutical companies often use actors in TV commercials because professional actors are skilled at delivering compelling, visually appealing performances that sell a lifestyle change, whereas a real doctor might appear awkward on camera or be constrained by their ethical obligation to present a balanced view, including risks and side effects. Targeting the Audience: Drug ads that air on TV are directed at potential patients, not doctors. The goal is to encourage patients to "ask their doctor" about the drug, creating consumer-driven demand. Doctors receive information about new medications through professional channels, like medical journals and sales representatives. In sum, the perception of doctors being absent from ads is a reflection of a complex mix of global regulations, ethical codes, and commercial marketing strategies. Now, much of this makes me smile. A Lot. This sentence is why I smile. The historical professional view holds that the medical profession is noble and built on an indispensable trust and patient-doctor relationship, which could be undermined by the "sleazy" or business-like nature of advertising. Take what you will from this. I fear it's only a matter of time before we start seeing ads for Doctors. I know the AMA regulates this, but people can be bought. We all have our price. If I was a Doctor, something like this would have an impossibly high price. |
Trinkets, Trinkets, Trinkets.... It's been almost 10 years (June 22, 2016) since The StoryMaster  introduced Trinkets to Writing.com. Like all things new, especially something as cute as Trinkets, there was this initial craze. Everyone wanted Trinkets, everyone was collecting them, everyone active on the site was doing it. Face it, it was the thing you do, or did.A member who was on top of the craze was ruwth  . She scoured the site trying to find more Trinkets. She's collected more than most members, she may have collected the most! I don't know, nor am I going to check the ports of every member to learn that small tidbit of information. Besides, The StoryMaster could create a small routine that would provide that information. That would make all my hard detective work become passé, huh!You might wonder why I chose this topic to write about today. Well, I was searching by genre for something to review and came across this. "Read All About Trinkets Here! ♡"  I can tell you that this is an impressive piece of work! WOW! In it she lists the history of Trinkets, when the first one was created by The StoryMaster , coupled with a list of members who have collected Trinkets, and a link to each member's page of Trinkets. I'm telling you, this is beyond minor writing, it's a labor of love. She has collected almost twice as many Trinkets as I have, and has created less than half that I've created. Creating one is easy, but a bit expensive. The price for making a Trinket is 50,000 GP's. Yep, you read that right, you create one and pay for it with GP's only, not cash.The other reason I'm writing this entry is to heighten the awareness of Trinkets. Ask yourself this question. How many members have joined WDC after 6/22/16. How many are not aware that Trinkets exist, or were a 'thing' back then? Then again, how many who joined WDC after that date will read this entry? I bet that won't be a very high number. My collected Trinkets are here: https://www.writing.com/main/profile/trinkets/jim-d My created Trinkets are here: https://www.writing.com/main/profile/trinkets/jim-d/created/yes ruwth 's Trinket collection is here: https://www.writing.com/main/profile/trinkets/ruwth, and her created Trinkets are here: https://www.writing.com/main/profile/trinkets/ruwth/created/yesIn creating my Trinkets, I used photos from my trips around the country/world. All but one that is. I've never tried to create one any other way. So go ahead, create a Trinket, or just browse someone's port looking for them! The Great Trinket Hunt starts now! |
The Nordics (Aliens) The two or three of you who might read my ramblings may have realized that I am a bit enthralled with stories or videos that deal with Alien Races. I can't help it, it is what it is. I also enjoy watching a series of video's on FB called the Why Files. This video is at this link. I enjoy his videos a bit, but if I want to post here, I will cross check his info to make sure it's not complete BS. Some of it is. (BTW, I can't stand that little Goldfish called Hecklefish) I just think he posts interesting information that's worth knowing. That's this video. But it's a bit sensational because he wants to draw in viewers, and money. I used Wikipedia to check the information here. This YouTube video is a bit more objective in nature, but be careful what you'll believe. Otherwise you might become a bit like me. One who embraces Conspiracy theories and Ancient Aliens. What I'm wanting to convey in this post is to prepare to learn that we are not alone in this Universe. I didn't say world, but aliens could live among us. It seems almost every novel or movie portrays aliens as human-like. That may not be the case. I am almost positive that we are not the only intelligent race in the Universe. We could be, but I seriously doubt it. |
Miserable Yesterday When it comes to being pain, yesterday was a bad day. As you might guess, it was Sciatica, the nerve in my left leg being the culprit. On a scale of 1-10, it was a 12. Oh wait, yesterday it was an 8, it was during Thursday night that it was a 12. I haven't slept in our bed for 3 days now. I know my tossing and turning to find a position I could relax in would keep her awake. Plus, I never found it. My Fit-Bit said I didn't sleep at all that night, it wasn't the fault of the Love Seat either. I did crawl in bed with Kathy about 6 or 7 am, and grabbed two hours of sleep. Of course it wasn't near enough. Thursday night's pain was in my left hip joint, left knee, and the front of my left calf. I tossed and turned Wednesday night before resigning myself to the Love Seat. For those wondering, we don't have a couch, only a Love Seat and matching chair. The last two nights I've just gone to the Love Seat first thing. I did manage to grab about 5 hours of sleep last night. Also, I called the Neuro-Surgeon's office yesterday, they have sent a request for Physical Rehabilitation. I was told none was needed after the surgery. Man, were they wrong about that! I wonder if maybe I do a bit too much the days that I take Dexamethasone. It's part of the regimen for the Multiple Myeloma. Since it takes all the aches and pains away, perhaps I strain something, I don't know. I think it's a possibility. I'm a bit better today, but it is early after all.  |
Dinner Last Night Well, the Sushi Bake was cancelled last night because a certain person (not me!) took at nap at 3:30 or so and slept until almost Seven! I knew we wouldn't be having it when she started her nap, so I made it today. I have to say I Loved it! I think it's a redo for us too. This might be a tad spicy for her since you drizzle Sriracha on top after it's baked. If it is, that just means there's more for me!  I followed the recipe pretty closely, as close as a certain person allowed me to. I was hoping she'd remain in bed while I made it, but she woke as I started it.... Oh well.About last night's dinner.... I ended up going to Pizza Ranch and picked up an order of Pizza, Dark Meat Chicken, Mashed Potatoes && Gravy. Why? I somehow mentioned Fried Chicken (her weakness), so that was the result. It's okay though, the Sushi Bake was still good 15 hours later. Freshly made, no preservatives & such. A little Sriracha for a little heat, Kewpie Mayo and Spicy Mayo, Sesame Seeds, Salmon, Surimi (Imatation Crab Meat), and fresh cooked Rice. Plus whatever the recipe called for. It's a dish I think a lot of people would like (love), except it's cooked Salmon, not Raw. Serving it with sheets of Seaweed is excellent too |
Something New For Dinner We thought we'd cook something different for dinner tonight. We both enjoy Sushi, me more than her I think, She found this recipe online (or from a movie, On-The-Line), so it's something we want to try. We have the ingredients, all we need to do is get busy! BTW, I've pasted it below in case anyone wants to try it themselves. SUSHI BAKE SALMON MIXTURE · 2 salmon filets · ½ lb imitation crab · 5 oz cream cheese, softened · 1/3 cup Japanese mayo · 2 TBSP sirarcha · 3-4 sheets of seaweed RICE · 3 cups cooked white rice · 1 tsp mirin · 1 tsp rice vinegar · Salt to taste Directions 1. Season your salmon filets with: salt, black pepper, paprika and olive oil. 2. Cook using your preferred method… Airfryer, stovetop or oven. I air fried mine at 400F for 12 minutes. 3. Shred your imitation crab and then cut smaller so the strips aren’t too long. 4. By now, the Salmon should be ready. 5. Add your cooked salmon to the shredded imitation crab. Break the salmon apart. If there is skin on salmon, then discard. 6. Add 5 oz soften cream cheese, 1/3 cup cream cheese and 2 TBSP sirarcha. Combine this well, set this aside. 7. In a 9x13 baking dish add 3 cups of cooked white rice. Season rice with 1 tsp mirin, 1 tsp rice vinegar and salt to taste. Combine this well then flatten the rice into the baking dish. 8. Top your rice with shredded seaweed or furikake. 9. Add an even layer of salmon mixture on top your rice + seaweed. Bake at 380F for 10 minutes, then broil for 3-5 minutes. 10. Drizzle some siracha and spicy mayo on top of your sushi bake. Garnish with chopped scallion and black sesame seeds. 11. Serve with seaweed and other toppings like jalapenos, cucumbers and/ or avocados. |
Shred Day It's been an active day for me so far, and I'm beat! The early morning was typical; feed the dogs and relax a little. But today is Shred Day! The city does the residents well in this regard. At a local Credit Union Parking lot, a line of cars forms, and on the streets around it too. A Truck with a paper shredder is there to receive the amount of paper you may have. I had three plastic grocery bags because we did not do this in November or December. But, a man runs the truck, and immediately shreds the paper you drop off. Just drop them off into a large trash can, except this can has never had trash in it. When it's full, he dumps it into the truck, and the shredding starts. We 'donate' any receipts, bills any paper we don't wish to save. Of course we check the receipts before this day arrives, sort of like balancing your checkbook. It really is a nice benefit for residents of the city. The nice thing is, you don't have to show ID to verify you're a resident! Anyone from the area can drop their paper waste off. After that, I picked up breakfast for us from a Denny's Diner. Not a lot going on now though. I will be watching the Seahawks - 49er's game tonight (in SF). Gotta watch it since I'm a Hawks fan. I'm not fanatic about them, but they are my preferred team. Them, the Lions, and Browns. I prefer to root for underdog teams. I don't like Major Market teams like the Rams, Cowboys, Patriots, or Bears. (I won't go into my aversion for the Bears here, it might end up being a book!)! I'd love to see the Lions play the Browns in a Super Bowl. That won't be happening for a while I think. So other than being a Hawks fan, why will I watch it? Because the winner of the game is the NFC West Champion and will earn a first-round bye into the playoffs next week. The loser will be the 5 seed (if Seahawks lose), the 6 seed if the 49ers lose (I think the LA Rams hold a tie-breaker over the 49ers). It's a significant game, I would love to see it. |
Life Has Passed Me By Life has sort of passed me by. This is not a negative thing, it's just the way things are. I'm not up with the current 'new' things. Heck, the only Social Media site I'm on is Facebook! No Tik-Tok, no Instagram, no Pinteredt. nothing. Heck, even the LinkedIn account I had while working is dormant Why? Because I don't feel I need it. Like the old saying goes, "You snooze, you lose." The other way I know life has passed me by is in seeing ads on my computer, tablet, and phone. If elderly people are in an ad, they're usually shown to not know how to use a computer or phone. Downtrodden, forgotten by their children. A lot of that. Younger adults (20's or 30 somethings) are showcased, and they are always affluent! This is not representative of the American people. First, how many of us here in WDC are affluent? Secondly, how many of you would be someone an ad agency would want in their ad? It's just that once in a while, I'd like to see 'real Americans' in an ad. Not actors, not ones who are handsome or pretty. That was the initial attraction of Roseanne when it aired. That changed quickly, didn't it? I know, I know. It's all based on metrics, and what the Networks & Ad agencies feel we should see. Do they ever ask us though? I can say I've never been asked. Then again, it's not done verbally. Those things called 'Cookies' are what feed your views. Go ahead, click on an ad. The next thing you know, you're being inundated with similar ads, or more of the same. Those cookies leave behind small tracks (for lack of a better analogy) that tell other sites you were there. That implies an interest in the site contents, which leads to similar ads, or more ads from the same site. It's just life, as the saying goes. I'm certain I'm not the first one to complain about something like this. Nor will I be the last. On a brighter note, Happy New Year everyone! I hope this year is everything you want it to be. Love to you all. |
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