I'm Late Again

After being the guy with dazed look in his eyes in a crowded shopping aisle on Christmas Eve so many years, I finally became creative, prepared and disciplined and started shopping earlier the last five or six years. I was able to do this by taking advantage of the internet, Paypal, overnight shipping, and the fact that Christmas is the same day every year. Tools and resources I have had for quite awhile. Imagine that - Christmas is the same day every year, yet I was waiting until the last minute to shop.

The past years have been so much more enjoyable and less stressful knowing that the delivery truck is bringing the packages to me. In most cases, I am able to pay an extra $5 and have the packages arrive already wrapped. Now, that is an excellent shopping trip. Until this year. I did it again. My three weeks of being ill, followed by a week in the hospital, interfered with my shopping. I am not sure why as I had a year to prepare, and Christmas is once again to be celebrated on December 25. However, I was not prepared this year. My streak of five or six years of planning through the summer and ordering in November came to an IV dripping halt this year. The bad part is that my wife's birthday is two days after Christmas. I am not sure if that is bad for me or bad for her. But all of this is to serve as a reminder of why we celebrate Christmas in the first place. It should not be about me, or her, or about checking everything on the shopping list. It should be about Christ, new beginnings, second chances, everlasting life, being on His list. John 3:16. Merry Christmas to those of you who still follow.

ESPN's Thursday Thesis

Tonight, the question was what does last week's SEC upsets say about the SEC...or something like that. It was so ridiculous, that I can't fully remember the question. All week they have continued to talk about the SEC "upsets" last weekend. What they have failed to mention is that the SEC teams who lost were beaten by other SEC teams. So the answer to the thesis is that it took another SEC team to beat the first one...as it does every year. If the SEC didn't have to play against other SEC teams, their dominance would be even greater than has been discussed the last...what..7 years? Think about it. The SEC usually begins the season holding the more top 10 positions than any other conference. Who knocks them out? Other SEC teams. However, by season's end, the SEC will still occupy more top 10 positions than any other conference.

I Had all of the Symptoms Except One

And, then it was confirmed I had that one as well. Gastroparesis, or partial paralysis of the stomach and intestinal muscles. Food or beverages fill me quickly and just sit in my stomach. At some point I suppose gravity and acid assist in getting them through my intestines, or I eventually get nauseous and vomit, but the "sloshing" I hear in my stomach as I walk confirms that it is a slow process. This is a great way to lose weight as I have been instructed to eat many small meals per day instead of the traditional three (large) ones. However, it is also a great way to stay dehydrated. You see, I am supposed to be drinking 80 to 100 ounces of fluids per day due to the dysautonomia. I am down to 32 ounces and am needing infusions more than ever. I take so much medicine that the water alone for a dose of medicine fills me. I have to make a decision- do I want something to eat or something to drink? I cannot have both. Then, I think of people who have it worse than I, and give thanks to God for this. I know it can be worse. I also know that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Squeezed a Camping Trip in This Weekend

My wife and I took a quick camping trip this weekend. I am not sure it is fair to call it camping when you have your laptop on the picnic table and use your cellphone as a hotspot so you can blog. The number of mosquito bites and the brief thunderstorm are clear reminders that this was indeed a camping trip. Anyway, here is a view of the lake from Lakepoint State Park Campground:

And a relaxing conclusion as any camping trip should be - around a campfire.

Can't believe it is football season....

Also can't believe Bama has scored two TDs on special teams. O-line needs some work and really the offense just doesn't look prepared. I guess this is what you expect in a first game. Penalties have been fewer than expected for the first game.

6 Weeks and Counting

It is hard to believe it is almost time for another football season. Seems like it was just last night that Alabama was beating the hell out of Notre Dame. I am a traditionalist, love defense, and games between classic schools. I was looking forward to this game and felt privileged to see the two historical programs face off. I was a kid the last time they played. I am glad my Bama team won, but would have been proud had they have lost in a close, defensive game - one of those history making games. Being a traditionalist and a fan of defensive football, I would have taken the loss in a close game between these two schools over a blowout as we witnessed. Really. However, I will gladly accept another National Championship as well! So, here's to another opening weekend that will be here soon. I am placing an order soon for some fresh homebrew, will be stocking up on firewood for the smoker, and then just counting the days. Until then, I will enjoy a few ESPN Classics.

Dysautonomia

Ever heard of it? I had not until October 2011. I have kept quiet about it as I have tried to educate myself regarding the diagnosis while further testing has and is being conducted.

It seems as though now I have a tag along problem....seizures. I'm not sure if one created the other, they are a package deal, or maybe all of this is a misdiagnosis. I hope so, but I also know that my life is now very different since October 2011.

However, a couple of very good, open-minded and willing to listen doctors have provided me with different medications that seem to be helping with the POTS/OI sub-categories in which I was diagnosed. Then, the seizures began occurring.

I spent the first year or so learning to cope. I have spent the remainder of my time living life to the fullest. No, I haven't gone skydiving, as Tim McGraw sings in his tribute to his dad, but I just completed a full season of deer hunting - something I missed last year. Turkey season is coming soon.

You need to understand, however, that it is not about killing a trophy. The trophy is in my heart, as it is much stronger than my body, and I get to carry it as long as I have the faith and strength to live my life victoriously over this or any other challenge. And then there are the seizures.

But before that, there was Philippians 4:13, which has resided in my heart most of my life.