Working from home

Well I'm on week 2 of working from home, thanks to a broken water pipe in my office building. They still haven't given us a 'return date' so I'm just trying to enjoy the extra flexibility, not to mention saving at the gas pump, while I can.

I did a REALLY SILLY thing this week, I started bootcamp. Yes, I'm paying someone money, so I can get up at 5 am to exercise in the dark. The first two days have been less than perfect. Day 1 began with a downpour. A bunch of drowned rats, standing in the middle of Grant Park. It was an easy day as far as the workout went. It was orentation and our inital physical fitness test.

My result were:

Run 1 mile - 8:14 (second fastest in the group)
20 push-ups + 6 facilitated (girl) push-ups
20 sit ups
8 dips + 20 bent knee dips

I'll let you know if there is any improvement over the next 4 weeks.

Today it was COLD and WET...no rain but the ground, which we spent a lot of time on today was soaked and muddy. It was harder today, that's good, I felt a little cheated yesterday...it was mostly abs, something that needs a lot of improvement.

They also have us on a diet/meal plan. Six small meals a day, eating protien with each one. That has been a challenge, since I don't eat a lot of meat...and the meat I do eat is usually pretty bad for you (can you say Bacon)?

BBQ Brisket

Oh god, speaking of things that our bad for you. Sunday was a day devoted to all those things.

Let me describe the sceen...two large BBQ Briskets, a keg of Sweetwater 420, and a pot luck dinner for about 30...Brad finally dragged me home sometime after dark. A good move on his part since the beer and food was all going down way to easy.

It was a great afternoon, Paulie, Meridith, Brad and I spent much of the day joking with each other next to the keg! Really, where did you think we would be?

Ruben Update

My little man isn't doing very well. He's not eating much, even when I cook for him, you all know I'm a good cook and he's lost a lot of weight. He sleeps most of the day now. I was able to get him an appointment today for some "GI" issues he's having. Through it all he is still such a sweet boy.

Quick UpDate

Sorry I haven't been posting much, been pretty busy the last few weeks.

I know (and I'm very thankful) everyone is wondering how Ruben is doing. Currently, he is still eating and feeling okay. He sleeps a lot but when he is awake or when others are around he is active and engaged. He's working mom...I'm cooking chicken, steak, eggs, etc. for his meals...he's given up dog food for good I think. He's still losing weight and having some other 'GI' issues...if you know what I mean. It has been five weeks since his ultrasound and diagnosis. Funny bit is none of the hair that they shaved for the ultrasound has grown back.

I was away for the weekend, I was so concerned leaving him but he was in GREAT hands. Nancy (EZ Cheeks) spent a ton of extra time at the house and even planned a welcome home party for me on Sunday!! (more to come on that topic)

I'm working at home this week and most likely next also. A pipe leaked, then broke at the office and damaged two floors of the building. I went in today to pick up some files and my office is trashed. It doesn't look like anything other than the carpet and walls were damaged, I think my computer is okay (it was on a cart off the floor) but I can't access it at this time.

I'm working on the summary of my great weekend, sharing a cabin and mountain biking with Brad and other friends in Tsali, NC. I have a lot to share.

I'll work on that tomorrow!!!

Thanks everyone for checking it, more to come.

Ruben Watch 2008

We had our follow up visit yesterday afternoon.

Nothing really new to report on Ruben. He has lost a bit more weight (he's down to 38 pounds). We are starting him on some steroids and some anti-nausea medication, hoping to increase is appetite a bit...otherwise...not much more to do.

The vet is thinking a few days to a month at most. I just need to keep an eye on him, watch how he is reacting...if he really seems to be suffering or in pain, not interacting, stops eating all together, etc...it will be time. The other issue that was a big concern for me was the very real possibility of the tumor rupturing and him bleeding to death internally. The vet said if it does happen, it will be very quick and not painful...that is good. I just don't want a big traumatic event or him to suffer if it happens and I'm not home.

It hard, he's such a happy little boy...even though I know he doesn't feel well.

On the good side the old man gets to eat what ever he wants... :-) I took him with my on Sunday to Bwana's so he could see everyone and spend time some time out of the house, he had a very good day. He even had enough energy to put that young upstart Sydney in his place.



Thank you again to everyone for your thoughts and well wishes...it means a lot to all of us.