I've been released from the hospital, however I can't return to work until the Dr gives me a release. I'm supposed to get that on Thursday the 24th. That's when I return to the Dr's office, he checks certain chemical levels in my blood, and determines whether I go back to the hospital or not. Anyway, the events of the past few days have made me come to a couple of decisions - one of which is how I want my Will structured.
Here goes: Andrea and Aiden, you get trusts for college, Jess, you get the physical stuff. I'm going to set up a maintenance trust for whichever animals I happen to have living with me at the time, making sure the funeral is paid for, making sure I am cremated, and making sure there's a well funded wake. In essence, Toast me then Roast me.
That's the basics, I'm probably going to add bequests to a couple of other people. I'm also setting up my living Will, with Grandpa Don as the decision maker.
I've told him that if it comes to the point of living as a vegetable or peaceful passage, go with peace. Then see above.
I'm setting up the appointment with the lawyer for Wednesday.
Amazing how a heart episode makes you take stock of your life and getting affairs in order.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
March 17, 2011
Well kids, it's true...hit 50 and the warranty expires and the body goes to shit.
At this moment I am doing the induction processes for what I am hoping is only an overnight stay in the hospital for an excessively rapid heartrate.
More later.
Next day - major changes, as it seems that what was to be a single overnight has been extended to at least 3 nights.
Additionally, treatment has been changed from shocking my heartrate into a normal rhythm into achieving the same result with drugs.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Legends in concert
I know I'm a stereotype when it comes to certain recording artists. I'll freely admit it.
On that list of artists I'll just about jump through fire to see is Ms. Diana Ross.
Her career began back in the 1960's with a group called the Supremes, later changed to Diana Ross and the Supremes, and then she had an extensive solo career through the '70's and into the 80's, however by the late '80's her star was descending.
I've never been fortunate enough to see her in concert, although I did come close one time in the late '80's while on a trip to Las Vegas with Faye and Sam.
Seems that Ms. Ross had been booked into Ceasar's Palace for a week - it wasn't hyped, and the only way I'd found out about it was on the cab ride from the airport to the hotel, reading the local visitors guide I picked up at the airport.
It was a relatively small ad for what I felt was an artiste of her stature, and given that during her height she sold out stadiums, this would have been something rather "intimate" - ie at most a 500 - 750 seat venue.
So I was literally beside myself at the thought of seeing her in such a setting.
There was only one catch, however...at the same time, the Las Vegas Musicians Union was threatening a strike to protest the use of "canned" (recorded) music instead of using live musicians for shows.
Well, they ended up going on strike.
No biggie I thought, Ms. Ross was a Diva of the first order (ie she was a legendary Bitch) so I figured that she'd have no problem crossing a picket line.
Until the actual day of the show's start, there was still no word about whether she was going to perform or not - rumor went both ways - that she was going to do the show and at the other end of the spectrum, that she wouldn't do the show because she wouldn't cross the picket line.
Noone knew anything. Tickets however, didn't go on sale because she hadn't decided yet.
Personally, I was hoping that her Divaness would hold true and she'd cross the picket line and do the show - unfortunately, she decided to honor the Musicians Union picket and wouldn't cross the picket line.
So I didn't get to see her.
Well, fast forward to this year, 2011 ... Diana Ross hasn't toured in decades - and suddenly, the announcement came that she was going to do a "small" tour - about 9 cities.
Of course, not one stop in Atlanta.
The nearest city to Atlanta she would be appearing in ?
Durham, NC.
Honestly, not that far away, and doable by car.
So I got my hopes up, only to have them dashed by the ticket prices and the fact that the Durham venue was sold out.
My other choices were Texas and New York / New Jersey.
That won't happen - I'd have to fly up, get a car and a hotel, pushing the entire trip into the $1000+ range just for me.
What were the ticket prices?
On average, about $125 if I had managed to get them via TicketMaster - of course, now that the shows are sold out, the only recourse now is a ticket broker, meaning that the cheapest I can get away with would be about $250, but more likely $350 and above for anything not a nosebleed seat.
So, I lose again, at least for the time being.
Maybe one day - but honestly, if I'm shelling out $1000 or more, it's not going to be for one night in a hotel and a concert.
I'm doing Disney for that kind of money, and you, Aiden, your Mom and Dad will be along.
On that list of artists I'll just about jump through fire to see is Ms. Diana Ross.
Her career began back in the 1960's with a group called the Supremes, later changed to Diana Ross and the Supremes, and then she had an extensive solo career through the '70's and into the 80's, however by the late '80's her star was descending.
I've never been fortunate enough to see her in concert, although I did come close one time in the late '80's while on a trip to Las Vegas with Faye and Sam.
Seems that Ms. Ross had been booked into Ceasar's Palace for a week - it wasn't hyped, and the only way I'd found out about it was on the cab ride from the airport to the hotel, reading the local visitors guide I picked up at the airport.
It was a relatively small ad for what I felt was an artiste of her stature, and given that during her height she sold out stadiums, this would have been something rather "intimate" - ie at most a 500 - 750 seat venue.
So I was literally beside myself at the thought of seeing her in such a setting.
There was only one catch, however...at the same time, the Las Vegas Musicians Union was threatening a strike to protest the use of "canned" (recorded) music instead of using live musicians for shows.
Well, they ended up going on strike.
No biggie I thought, Ms. Ross was a Diva of the first order (ie she was a legendary Bitch) so I figured that she'd have no problem crossing a picket line.
Until the actual day of the show's start, there was still no word about whether she was going to perform or not - rumor went both ways - that she was going to do the show and at the other end of the spectrum, that she wouldn't do the show because she wouldn't cross the picket line.
Noone knew anything. Tickets however, didn't go on sale because she hadn't decided yet.
Personally, I was hoping that her Divaness would hold true and she'd cross the picket line and do the show - unfortunately, she decided to honor the Musicians Union picket and wouldn't cross the picket line.
So I didn't get to see her.
Well, fast forward to this year, 2011 ... Diana Ross hasn't toured in decades - and suddenly, the announcement came that she was going to do a "small" tour - about 9 cities.
Of course, not one stop in Atlanta.
The nearest city to Atlanta she would be appearing in ?
Durham, NC.
Honestly, not that far away, and doable by car.
So I got my hopes up, only to have them dashed by the ticket prices and the fact that the Durham venue was sold out.
My other choices were Texas and New York / New Jersey.
That won't happen - I'd have to fly up, get a car and a hotel, pushing the entire trip into the $1000+ range just for me.
What were the ticket prices?
On average, about $125 if I had managed to get them via TicketMaster - of course, now that the shows are sold out, the only recourse now is a ticket broker, meaning that the cheapest I can get away with would be about $250, but more likely $350 and above for anything not a nosebleed seat.
So, I lose again, at least for the time being.
Maybe one day - but honestly, if I'm shelling out $1000 or more, it's not going to be for one night in a hotel and a concert.
I'm doing Disney for that kind of money, and you, Aiden, your Mom and Dad will be along.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Half century mark - I'm 50 years old today
I'm 50 years old today.
Grandpa Don remarked that my age must be some sort of record.
He's actually right. Of all my friends and associates, I have lived the longest, and I'm the oldest.
Wow.
That's all I got right now.
Wow.
Grandpa Don remarked that my age must be some sort of record.
He's actually right. Of all my friends and associates, I have lived the longest, and I'm the oldest.
Wow.
That's all I got right now.
Wow.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Early morning shocker part 3
I haven't posted prior to today because I needed to get my thoughts in order.
It's been a few days since Delene's "memorial".
You'll note I now put it in quotes - because it wasn't a memorial, it was an Intercessory Mass.
Talk about blindsiding - first I find out after 10 years of knowing someone that they were Catholic. Then, I arrive at what is ostensibly a memorial service to find out that it's a full blown Mass.
For someone who in all reality, wasn't Catholic, was certainly not religious, and conducted only because of familial guilt.
I arrived late because I had issues finding the church where the service was being held, and signed the guest book. I took a program and a prayer card without looking at them and entered the chapel, taking a seat in the rear pew.
At that point, I began to take stock of my surroundings - and realized I was in the middle of a Mass, not a memorial service.
I looked at the program, and then at the prayer card, and promptly folded them up and put them in my pocket, thought another second about the hypocrisy involved, and left.
I am a lot of things, however I avoid hypocrisy whenever possible.
Hypocrisy? Oh yeah. That service wasn't about Delene - it was her estranged family working through the guilt of her suicide by conducting an Intercessory Mass.
And don't hand me that tripe about "funerals are for the living".
Further hypocrisy - Delene wasn't a practicing anything. She probably considered herself Christian, but certainly not Catholic.
Catholicism teaches that suicide is a Mortal Sin - it ranks up there with murder as one of the Big Sins - for which you are condemned to Hell, no redemption.
What an Intercessory Mass is supposed to do is enlist the aid of a Saint in getting you out of Hell.
In Delene's case, because of her love of animals, they chose St. Francis of Assisi.
Delene, I hope that where ever you are you know the peace that eluded you in life.
I personally believe you've found that you've already been reincarnated because of your actions, however those beliefs are mine and mine alone.
Regardless, I wish you only peace.
It's been a few days since Delene's "memorial".
You'll note I now put it in quotes - because it wasn't a memorial, it was an Intercessory Mass.
Talk about blindsiding - first I find out after 10 years of knowing someone that they were Catholic. Then, I arrive at what is ostensibly a memorial service to find out that it's a full blown Mass.
For someone who in all reality, wasn't Catholic, was certainly not religious, and conducted only because of familial guilt.
I arrived late because I had issues finding the church where the service was being held, and signed the guest book. I took a program and a prayer card without looking at them and entered the chapel, taking a seat in the rear pew.
At that point, I began to take stock of my surroundings - and realized I was in the middle of a Mass, not a memorial service.
I looked at the program, and then at the prayer card, and promptly folded them up and put them in my pocket, thought another second about the hypocrisy involved, and left.
I am a lot of things, however I avoid hypocrisy whenever possible.
Hypocrisy? Oh yeah. That service wasn't about Delene - it was her estranged family working through the guilt of her suicide by conducting an Intercessory Mass.
And don't hand me that tripe about "funerals are for the living".
Further hypocrisy - Delene wasn't a practicing anything. She probably considered herself Christian, but certainly not Catholic.
Catholicism teaches that suicide is a Mortal Sin - it ranks up there with murder as one of the Big Sins - for which you are condemned to Hell, no redemption.
What an Intercessory Mass is supposed to do is enlist the aid of a Saint in getting you out of Hell.
In Delene's case, because of her love of animals, they chose St. Francis of Assisi.
Delene, I hope that where ever you are you know the peace that eluded you in life.
I personally believe you've found that you've already been reincarnated because of your actions, however those beliefs are mine and mine alone.
Regardless, I wish you only peace.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Early morning shocker part 2
Delene's memorial is today. This is decidedly not how I would choose to spend a Saturday, believe me. I'm not sure what to expect other than I'll be seeing a number of people I haven't seen in years however who have been integral in my life.
The big controversy remains in how the blame game is going to be played.
When I say the blame game, I'm talking about who's guilt is going to make them lash out at whoever they perceive as the 'reason' Delene took her own life.
Honestly, the blame, if there is any, is Delene's and Delene's alone. She was on major meds for depression and possibly sleep disorder, and those meds had recently been changed.
She was familiar with the reactions of alcohol with her previous meds, however apparently the new meds didn't quite mix the same way.
I'm sounding like I'm blaming Delene, and I guess in a way I am.
Don't get me wrong, I loved her.
However, no one forced her to drink - she made that choice and unfortunately paid the price.
The most horrible thing about all this is the mess that's left for the survivors to deal with.
The big controversy remains in how the blame game is going to be played.
When I say the blame game, I'm talking about who's guilt is going to make them lash out at whoever they perceive as the 'reason' Delene took her own life.
Honestly, the blame, if there is any, is Delene's and Delene's alone. She was on major meds for depression and possibly sleep disorder, and those meds had recently been changed.
She was familiar with the reactions of alcohol with her previous meds, however apparently the new meds didn't quite mix the same way.
I'm sounding like I'm blaming Delene, and I guess in a way I am.
Don't get me wrong, I loved her.
However, no one forced her to drink - she made that choice and unfortunately paid the price.
The most horrible thing about all this is the mess that's left for the survivors to deal with.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Early morning shocker
I don't know precisely how this has happened, however it seems for the most part that death announcements have taken over this blog.
For that, kids, I apologize. Because this is another one - I was woken up at 10:30 this morning by my downstairs neighbor, informing me that an old friend had committed suicide last night.
Right now I'm still trying to process the information. I'm kind of hoping that writing will help me get my head around this; I have no details about a memorial service right now, however I expect information shortly.
What bothers me is the soap opera that was her life. That sounds so wrong when I see it but the fact remains that Delene loved drama. Hell, she existed for drama.
But she was always a true friend, no matter what.
For that, kids, I apologize. Because this is another one - I was woken up at 10:30 this morning by my downstairs neighbor, informing me that an old friend had committed suicide last night.
Right now I'm still trying to process the information. I'm kind of hoping that writing will help me get my head around this; I have no details about a memorial service right now, however I expect information shortly.
What bothers me is the soap opera that was her life. That sounds so wrong when I see it but the fact remains that Delene loved drama. Hell, she existed for drama.
But she was always a true friend, no matter what.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Happy Birthday Andrea
Happy Birthday, Andrea!
Three years ago today you arrived - and ever since then you've been a special spot of light in all our lives. Especially mine - even though we don't share a biology, I still think of you and Aiden as mine.
Your mom is probably upset with me right now because I haven't called, however I look at it this way - I've met you all of once, and brought you Theodore and some other friends.
I call myself your "Grandpa Merlin", but you really don't know me - after all, I'm someone who's just sort of popping in at times in your life, occasionally throwing stuffed animals your way.
But I'm not really an active part of your life. After all, you're only three, and Aiden isn't even six months old yet. AND you live in Kansas City and I'm in Atlanta.
In a few years, when you and Aiden are reading this, I'm sure you're going to understand, or at least appreciate it.
We'll probably interact a bit more when you're older and I've managed to get a couple of visits under my belt, or your mother has come to her senses and moved you here to Georgia.
And BTW, it was your mother who put the kibosh on more big bears, not me. I was told Theodore was causing problems because of his size and another one was completely out of the question (OK, at least at this point in 2011 - Sorry Aiden. (although that might change))
Anyway, back to you and your 3rd birthday.
Andrea, know that I love you even though you really don't know me. I know you're a special little girl who's family loves her beyond measure, and that's something you can always count on.
I hope you got lots and lots of presents, and I promise you this...when you see me, it's going to be like your birthday all over again, but one Grandpa Don and I get to celebrate with you - so I'll spoil you when I see you, just like I do your Mom.
What else is your pseudo faery Godparent good for?
I love you, little one.
Happiest of birthdays -
Many many more.
Grandpa Merlin
Three years ago today you arrived - and ever since then you've been a special spot of light in all our lives. Especially mine - even though we don't share a biology, I still think of you and Aiden as mine.
Your mom is probably upset with me right now because I haven't called, however I look at it this way - I've met you all of once, and brought you Theodore and some other friends.
I call myself your "Grandpa Merlin", but you really don't know me - after all, I'm someone who's just sort of popping in at times in your life, occasionally throwing stuffed animals your way.
But I'm not really an active part of your life. After all, you're only three, and Aiden isn't even six months old yet. AND you live in Kansas City and I'm in Atlanta.
In a few years, when you and Aiden are reading this, I'm sure you're going to understand, or at least appreciate it.
We'll probably interact a bit more when you're older and I've managed to get a couple of visits under my belt, or your mother has come to her senses and moved you here to Georgia.
And BTW, it was your mother who put the kibosh on more big bears, not me. I was told Theodore was causing problems because of his size and another one was completely out of the question (OK, at least at this point in 2011 - Sorry Aiden. (although that might change))
Anyway, back to you and your 3rd birthday.
Andrea, know that I love you even though you really don't know me. I know you're a special little girl who's family loves her beyond measure, and that's something you can always count on.
I hope you got lots and lots of presents, and I promise you this...when you see me, it's going to be like your birthday all over again, but one Grandpa Don and I get to celebrate with you - so I'll spoil you when I see you, just like I do your Mom.
What else is your pseudo faery Godparent good for?
I love you, little one.
Happiest of birthdays -
Many many more.
Grandpa Merlin
The Way Back Machine
At this moment I present to you every single part I could get my hands on from YouTube.com of what is inarguably the single best HBO National Lampoon special from 1978 - currently (and probably permanently) unavailable on video or DVD....
Ladies and gentlemen... I present for your viewing pleasure after the jump...
Ladies and gentlemen... I present for your viewing pleasure after the jump...
DISCO BEAVER FROM OUTER SPACE
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Way Back Machine - aka Hulu.com
I'm a big fan of this site called Hulu.com - a combination of old and new shows available online.
Well, I recently discovered that they have a show called "Fame" - this show was based on a film of the same name which garnered a load of awards.
"Fame" the TV show ran for a couple of seasons, and it was a favorite of mine first run, back in the 1980's.
Yes, last century. That's why I'm calling this the Way Back Machine... it's giving me an opportunity to remember and relive that era, and use the technology of the 21st century to utterly bore you with my recollections.
Anyway... what's prompted this is seeing certain celebs early in their careers, essentially doing "featured extra" roles ... ie 3 lines of dialog and 2 scenes. I just caught a very young Fran Drescher (she of Nanny fame - another utter fave show of mine, only because I can relate to the relatives - see previous entries)
And it makes me remember Disco. Once upon a time, back in the last century, Grandpa Merlin used to love to dance. But that's a memory for another occasion.
Back to Fame the TV series.
I'm now on episode 2 - I'll probably do one more then switch to a game, then bed.
So, g'nite for now.
Well, I recently discovered that they have a show called "Fame" - this show was based on a film of the same name which garnered a load of awards.
"Fame" the TV show ran for a couple of seasons, and it was a favorite of mine first run, back in the 1980's.
Yes, last century. That's why I'm calling this the Way Back Machine... it's giving me an opportunity to remember and relive that era, and use the technology of the 21st century to utterly bore you with my recollections.
Anyway... what's prompted this is seeing certain celebs early in their careers, essentially doing "featured extra" roles ... ie 3 lines of dialog and 2 scenes. I just caught a very young Fran Drescher (she of Nanny fame - another utter fave show of mine, only because I can relate to the relatives - see previous entries)
And it makes me remember Disco. Once upon a time, back in the last century, Grandpa Merlin used to love to dance. But that's a memory for another occasion.
Back to Fame the TV series.
I'm now on episode 2 - I'll probably do one more then switch to a game, then bed.
So, g'nite for now.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
First snowfall of 2011 part 3
What can't be seen is the parking spot that the red truck came out of earlier this afternoon.
That's out of frame in the upper right.
Anyway, they spent about an hour tonight trying to get parked back in their spot.
You might be able to guess, they didn't make it.
Anyway, the car in the lower left is mine. I won't be going anywhere for the immediate future, if for no other reason than the red truck is blocking my exit.
Well, not only mine, but the 3 other cars of my neighbors.
So Tuesday has now become a snow day. I love it when decisions are taken out of my hands.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
First snowfall of 2011 part 2
Well, it's happened.
Started a little later than had been predicted, however its apparently made up for those lost few minutes by virtue of volume. It's now 11pm, the snow began falling at about 8pm, and we're currently up to about 3 inches, and it's still accumulating.
I know, as volume goes that isn't much. But you have to remember that this is Atlanta, not Kansas City.
Comparatively speaking, this would be the equivalent of KC getting about a foot of snow.
As soon as I fortify myself with a cup of something warm, I'm going to go take a couple of quick pictures. It's beautiful right now, and the only thing you can hear is the sound of the snow falling. If I wait until tomorrow to try and get pictures, then it'll be too late because everyone will be out playing in it.
So, cup of something warm and I'm out to go get pictures while it's still relatively pristine.
Started a little later than had been predicted, however its apparently made up for those lost few minutes by virtue of volume. It's now 11pm, the snow began falling at about 8pm, and we're currently up to about 3 inches, and it's still accumulating.
I know, as volume goes that isn't much. But you have to remember that this is Atlanta, not Kansas City.
Comparatively speaking, this would be the equivalent of KC getting about a foot of snow.
As soon as I fortify myself with a cup of something warm, I'm going to go take a couple of quick pictures. It's beautiful right now, and the only thing you can hear is the sound of the snow falling. If I wait until tomorrow to try and get pictures, then it'll be too late because everyone will be out playing in it.
So, cup of something warm and I'm out to go get pictures while it's still relatively pristine.
First snowfall of 2011
At this moment, they (Natl Weather Service, local weather jocks) are predicting that Atlanta and the surrounding area is going to be hit with a major snowstorm on Sunday night. And by major, I mean some estimates have potential accumulation of up to 6 or 7 inches.
For a city that panics at an inch, that's a blizzard.
However, if this is the case, then a miracle has occurred.
Because I'm not going to be at work when the snow starts. For once, the luck of the draw has me off work when Nature hits. I'm always the "go to" guy for shift coverage, mainly because I've worked in the department long enough that I can handle pretty much any shift.
And I admit it, I'm greedy. I love the overtime.
But this time, for once, I'm going to be able to be at home when it snows, and here's the most novel thing about it... potentially enjoy the experience.
What's projected at this time is for the snow to start at approximately sundown, 5pm and continue through the night, changing to freezing rain and ice at approximately 11am Monday morning, then back to snow around sundown. Which means an unholy mess on the streets.
Since temperatures won't be above freezing until Wednesday, it means a lingering unholy mess.
Thankfully, I have stocked up on food and other essentials, so there is no need for me to go anywhere. And given my utter distaste for driving in snow, there are no worries on that account.
Somehow though, this is going to end up biting me in the ass.
More later
For a city that panics at an inch, that's a blizzard.
However, if this is the case, then a miracle has occurred.
Because I'm not going to be at work when the snow starts. For once, the luck of the draw has me off work when Nature hits. I'm always the "go to" guy for shift coverage, mainly because I've worked in the department long enough that I can handle pretty much any shift.
And I admit it, I'm greedy. I love the overtime.
But this time, for once, I'm going to be able to be at home when it snows, and here's the most novel thing about it... potentially enjoy the experience.
What's projected at this time is for the snow to start at approximately sundown, 5pm and continue through the night, changing to freezing rain and ice at approximately 11am Monday morning, then back to snow around sundown. Which means an unholy mess on the streets.
Since temperatures won't be above freezing until Wednesday, it means a lingering unholy mess.
Thankfully, I have stocked up on food and other essentials, so there is no need for me to go anywhere. And given my utter distaste for driving in snow, there are no worries on that account.
Somehow though, this is going to end up biting me in the ass.
More later
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