In the eighth blog of Christmas, my blogger gave to me, 8 special events, 7-ty degrees, 6 guards a-guarding, 5 reso-luuu-tions, 4 days to New Years, 3 golf stories, 2 Christmas wishes, and the story of HCG... These are some important events coming up in 2012 and I wish to share them with you...(they are in no special order of importance).
1. The second annual round of golf to celebrate the lives of my Dad and Uncle Ray. It's a year since Uncle Ray passed and Dad will be gone 12 years this year (still seems like yesterday), and once again I will tee it up in their honor this week to celebrate their memory and the game we loved and shared. There is always at least one moment on the course in every round I play where I find myself remembering them both...telling jokes like my Dad or using a putter from off the green like Ray and always with the sarcastic zinger like both of them...(my favorite-"You know the best thing about that shot you just hit? It wasn't mine!"). I feel closest to them when I'm out on the golf course and its those memories that always brings a warm feeling to my heart and tears to my eyes...(which really makes it hard to read the green).
2. The 100th anniversary of statehood for Arizona... Being from the East Coast and one of the original thirteen colonies, it's hard to believe that one of the United States is only turning 100 years old this year. Some of the towns and cities were founded in years after my parents were born. Some of the places are still nestled in the Old West Era and turn of the century mode and I am doing research to see what events I will be able to attend to celebrate the centennial. And , of course, I will bring you along for the ride through the written word. Happy 100th, Arizona...(actual date. February 14, 1912).
3. Seventeen years clean and sober... I don't want to jump the gun, but on April 28 of this year I will achieve 17 years of sobriety. Let me quote the Grateful Dead and say "what a long, strange trip it's been." From the feeling of "I'll never be able to quit" to staying sober one day at a time, it has been a journey that has truly amazed me. The ways in which I have grown as a man...(not mentally) and the things I have been able to accomplish would never have happened if my Higher Power (God) hadn't given me the strength and the opportunities to succeed in life without drugs and alcohol.
4. Teenage for one, double digits for the other...This October, my nieces turn 13 and 10, respectively. WOW! A teenager for my sister. I can remember Sheryl's teenage years and all I can say is buckle up and keep your hands and feet inside the ride at all times. But I don't foresee any problems. They are two beautiful and well-adjusted young women and being able to see them grow up is a joy like no other. Looking forward to riding the roller coasters of King's Dominion with Sheryl and the girls in Virginia.
5. 54? Really, 54? That is the age I will turn this year. It's hard to believe since I can't remember whole chunks (decades) of my past...(see #3 above). I still believe that age is just a number and I will probably never act mine. I have the mind of a child and an adventuresome (crazy) spirit and the man with the "unique perspective" will continue on. Never thought I would see 40, let alone 54. One more year to "active" adult status!
6. Vacation plans... Who doesn't look forward to vacation plans? I plan a busy travel year if work doesn't get it the way. Hopefully, (and God willing) I will be able to travel with the job to California and New york again. If the summer goes back to form and is a slow time at work, I will be able to get away and escape the massive heat of the Valley. On the plate is a free 3 day 2 night stay in Vegas in May (thanks, timeshare dudes)...a golf vacation with the boys in Myrtle Beach...of course, Aruba (if I can swing the time)...a possible trip mack East or an extend of New York...and I hope another home and home with my sister and her family. And maybe some quick fly and golf to states on my bucket list...
7. Is this the year Jim finally settles down with the girl of his dreams? I seriously doubt it, but I wanted to get your attention back since this blog is extra long-winded...(got to keep the writing juices flowing for the possible book). Dating is an adventure I love to revisit over and over because I like the whole process...meeting for the first time, getting to know each other, hanging out, getting bored and repeat...(oops, the getting bored part slipped out. I know, I'm a pig). I will persevere however, and maybe one of my "soup du jours" will turn into some meaningful...(sorry, but I can't say that with a straight face).What will happen is that I will fall hard for a woman, she will dump ME and the universe will go back into balance...(it's all about karma).
8. Happy New Year! I need to say it now because when I get to work I will be going until about 3 am (my time) and won't be able to say it later. The concert begins around 10 pm (midnight in the East) so texting is the best way to reach me. Nothing is better than a fresh year to make a clean start and I wish for this year to a be a great one for all of you... I know my year is going to be great and attitude and positive thinking are the best ways to make that happen. So cheers for the New Year... I'll blog at you in 2012!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
The Twelve Blogs of Christmas... #7
In the seventh blog of Christmas, my blogger gave to me, 7-ty degrees, 6 guards a-guarding, 5 reso-luuu-tions, 4 days to new years, 3 golf stories, 2 Christmas wishes and the story of HCG...
Ah yes, what would a winter time blog be without a blog about the weather. Winter officially entered on the 21st of December and it has been a little chilly in the Valley of the Sun. The cold Canadian air dipped low at the beginning of the month and brought cold (for here) temperatures and rain. The rain departed around the 7th, but the air remained cool and with no humidity, it was downright cold (for here). It dipped into the 20's on some nights and only the low 50's for the high during the day. I bundled up more than a few times (especially hats for my bald head). But, when winter officially came in, we returned to the Arizona and weather I moved out here for. On my day off today, we enjoyed abundant sunshine...(now my favorite weather description used by meteorologists) and temperatures well into the 70's with the lows down to a very comfortable mid-50 range. I played golf with Melissa today and wore shorts, a short sleeve shirt and sandals and needed to apply more than one coat of sunblock. Ah, the harsh winter. The things one must do to survive this time of year. The ten day forecast calls for...(you guessed it!) "abundant sunshine" and temps in the high 60's to high 70's through January 8. And the best thing about it...(yes, it gets even better) is that the lows will dip into the 40's and that means sunblock during the day and a fire burning in the fireplace in the evening.
So, if that puts a further chill in your bones when you have to go outside and warm up the car or scrap the ice off the windows, remember that Arizona is open 24/7 and 366 (it is a leap year) days this year. I have a guest bedroom that I'm sure "kitty" will be willing to share and flights are available. You won't be flying into a blizzard and you gain 2 hours flying West. The invitation is open to all my faithful readers and I would be more than happy to share the "abundant sunshine" with each and every one of you. Packing is a breeze also...shorts and tees and sandals. I will be glad to lend you a sweatshirt to sit outside in the evening... Stay warm, everyone... I know I will.
Ah yes, what would a winter time blog be without a blog about the weather. Winter officially entered on the 21st of December and it has been a little chilly in the Valley of the Sun. The cold Canadian air dipped low at the beginning of the month and brought cold (for here) temperatures and rain. The rain departed around the 7th, but the air remained cool and with no humidity, it was downright cold (for here). It dipped into the 20's on some nights and only the low 50's for the high during the day. I bundled up more than a few times (especially hats for my bald head). But, when winter officially came in, we returned to the Arizona and weather I moved out here for. On my day off today, we enjoyed abundant sunshine...(now my favorite weather description used by meteorologists) and temperatures well into the 70's with the lows down to a very comfortable mid-50 range. I played golf with Melissa today and wore shorts, a short sleeve shirt and sandals and needed to apply more than one coat of sunblock. Ah, the harsh winter. The things one must do to survive this time of year. The ten day forecast calls for...(you guessed it!) "abundant sunshine" and temps in the high 60's to high 70's through January 8. And the best thing about it...(yes, it gets even better) is that the lows will dip into the 40's and that means sunblock during the day and a fire burning in the fireplace in the evening.
So, if that puts a further chill in your bones when you have to go outside and warm up the car or scrap the ice off the windows, remember that Arizona is open 24/7 and 366 (it is a leap year) days this year. I have a guest bedroom that I'm sure "kitty" will be willing to share and flights are available. You won't be flying into a blizzard and you gain 2 hours flying West. The invitation is open to all my faithful readers and I would be more than happy to share the "abundant sunshine" with each and every one of you. Packing is a breeze also...shorts and tees and sandals. I will be glad to lend you a sweatshirt to sit outside in the evening... Stay warm, everyone... I know I will.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Twelve Blogs of Christmas... #6
In the sixth blog of Christmas, my blogger gave to me... 6 guards a-guarding, 5 reso-luuu-tions, 4 days to New Years, 3 golf stories, 2 Christmas wishes, and the story of HCG...
This weekend there are several things going on around town and my company is involved in several. Tonight we worked the "Hawkeye Huddle", a pep rally hosted by the University of Iowa for their fans in town to go to the Insight Bowl in Tempe tomorrow night. The Iowa Hawkeyes are playing the Oklahoma Sooners in ASU Stadium and they staged the pep rally at the Convention Center. We (my company) was there for alcohol control. There were bars set up in the hall and food and the marching band, cheerleaders and pep squad were there, singing the fight song and riling up the crowd. For those of you not from Iowa, the team colors are black and yellow. Our security uniform shirts are yellow and black, so needless to say, it was difficult to find my people in a sea of black and yellow. But the people were very nice and cooperative...(they are from Iowa after all. I have to admit I haven't met an Iowan I didn't like). The party drew about 2000 fans and no one needed to be ejected or reprimanded. That is why I am writing this so late in the evening. Last year I worked the Insight Bowl for my other company, but because of my promotion and additional hours, I cannot go this year.
Saturday night is another busy day in the Valley, and for me also. There is a concert at the Orpheum Theater and a "model search" at the Convention Center. The "model search" is the name of a last minute event. This is a thinly disguised attempt to call a party something else. The promoter couldn't afford a night club, so he settled on the Convention Center. My concert ends at 1230 am and the "model search" goes until 230 am and I will be there for both. But no worries...I am off Friday and Sunday and Monday so any sleep lost will be made up next year. There is also the Fiesta Bowl Block Party in Tempe, which is the largest New Year's Celebration in the state of Arizona, drawing over 100,000 people. The Gin Blossoms will headline the concert part (Arizona's own) and the return of the "chip drop" is sure to please...(it's a tortilla chip, not a cow chip which is what I thought immediately). It will be patterned after the ball drop in New York but with a lighted tortilla chip. (I know it sounds lame but we can't all be New York). I will miss the chip because the 6 guards a-guarding will be at the Orpheum Theater at Jerry Riopelle's Rockin' New Years Eve...(I've never heard of him, either). Rhythm and blues singer songwriter performs in a holiday tradition. Apparently, he has been doing this for several years ion Phoenix. I will let you know how it goes. That should be a good gig if the music is good. I don't have a good feeling about the "model search" gig though, but I will deal with that after the Rockin" New Year's Eve...
But the highlight of MY New Year's Eve will be after the "model search" is over and all my guards go home...(except for the one working overnight at the RV show). I am driving north around 330 am and parking at a trail head in North Phoenix and catching a nap (about 2 hours) before some friends and I hike to a mountain top and greet the sunrise overlooking the Valley on New Year's Day. I will have my camera with me and will try to take some awesome sunrise photos. Nice way to greet the New Year...
This weekend there are several things going on around town and my company is involved in several. Tonight we worked the "Hawkeye Huddle", a pep rally hosted by the University of Iowa for their fans in town to go to the Insight Bowl in Tempe tomorrow night. The Iowa Hawkeyes are playing the Oklahoma Sooners in ASU Stadium and they staged the pep rally at the Convention Center. We (my company) was there for alcohol control. There were bars set up in the hall and food and the marching band, cheerleaders and pep squad were there, singing the fight song and riling up the crowd. For those of you not from Iowa, the team colors are black and yellow. Our security uniform shirts are yellow and black, so needless to say, it was difficult to find my people in a sea of black and yellow. But the people were very nice and cooperative...(they are from Iowa after all. I have to admit I haven't met an Iowan I didn't like). The party drew about 2000 fans and no one needed to be ejected or reprimanded. That is why I am writing this so late in the evening. Last year I worked the Insight Bowl for my other company, but because of my promotion and additional hours, I cannot go this year.
Saturday night is another busy day in the Valley, and for me also. There is a concert at the Orpheum Theater and a "model search" at the Convention Center. The "model search" is the name of a last minute event. This is a thinly disguised attempt to call a party something else. The promoter couldn't afford a night club, so he settled on the Convention Center. My concert ends at 1230 am and the "model search" goes until 230 am and I will be there for both. But no worries...I am off Friday and Sunday and Monday so any sleep lost will be made up next year. There is also the Fiesta Bowl Block Party in Tempe, which is the largest New Year's Celebration in the state of Arizona, drawing over 100,000 people. The Gin Blossoms will headline the concert part (Arizona's own) and the return of the "chip drop" is sure to please...(it's a tortilla chip, not a cow chip which is what I thought immediately). It will be patterned after the ball drop in New York but with a lighted tortilla chip. (I know it sounds lame but we can't all be New York). I will miss the chip because the 6 guards a-guarding will be at the Orpheum Theater at Jerry Riopelle's Rockin' New Years Eve...(I've never heard of him, either). Rhythm and blues singer songwriter performs in a holiday tradition. Apparently, he has been doing this for several years ion Phoenix. I will let you know how it goes. That should be a good gig if the music is good. I don't have a good feeling about the "model search" gig though, but I will deal with that after the Rockin" New Year's Eve...
But the highlight of MY New Year's Eve will be after the "model search" is over and all my guards go home...(except for the one working overnight at the RV show). I am driving north around 330 am and parking at a trail head in North Phoenix and catching a nap (about 2 hours) before some friends and I hike to a mountain top and greet the sunrise overlooking the Valley on New Year's Day. I will have my camera with me and will try to take some awesome sunrise photos. Nice way to greet the New Year...
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
The Twelve Blogs of Christmas... #5
In the fifth blog of Christmas, my blogger gave to me... 5 res-o-luuuu-tions...4 days to New Years, 3 golf stories, 2 Christmas wishes and the story of HCG...
Yes, it is that time of year again when we come up with some resolutions about things we will pursue or accomplish or change in the coming year, and your intrepid blogger is indeed one of those people. I remember the "I'm not going to drink at all in January" followed by the most polluted February in the history of man...(this became an annual ritual for several years). Then, that was followed by the "I won't drink BEER during January" and Smirnoff stock went through the roof while Budweiser had record layoffs... But we all make what we hope are realistic goals and we usually stick to them...(for a month or so), before falling back on old habits. Which is why I started this diet before the end of the year. I wanted to avoid making "lose weight" (another annual resolution for WAY too many years). So what follows is 5 realistic and important goals (to me, anyway), I mean resolutions for the year 2012. I am being bold here (or foolish...depending on your interpretation) and putting them in print for all to see. Let's make our list and we will provide updates as the year progresses...
1. Instead of the ever-popular "lose weight" (which I never achieved by the way), this resolution will be to keep the weight I have already lost off my frame in the coming year. Not only has this diet dissolved many pounds of fat off my body, it has also re-educated me in the correct way to prepare meals and exercise correct portion control. The five to six small meals and snacks during the day work to keep the metabolism running and the energy levels high. As the diet continues, it will allow me to re-introduce foods I have gone without for several weeks and eventually will turn me loose on all foods. Smart choices and portion control...(no more 36 ounce steaks at El Gaucho) are the means to achieve this resolution.
2. Return to the gym and work out on a fixed schedule. Now that the weight is off, I want to add some pounds back on in the form of muscle...(not looking for Mr. Olympia here, just fit and in shape). Muscle weighs more than fat, but lean muscle also burns more calories so it's a definite advantage. I have a gym membership card in my wallet and that is only piece of equipment I have touched, so it's time to stop spending money without using the facility. The gym I belong to has a pool, sauna and steam room, racquetball and basketball courts, and is close enough that I can ride my bicycle there, so it's just a matter of getting off my lazy ass and going there.
3. Play 100 rounds of golf in 2012... This is a lofty goal and will take some real effort to achieve, but there is a method to my madness. At my home course, the guys who put my clubs on the cart and clean them after the round all know me and how much I enjoy playing alone at times. When I am out there by myself I usually play 2 or 3 or 4 balls at a time, depending on how many golfers are around. So I can multiply rounds on certain days and it makes it more achievable. It will also help me stay out of the house, where the temptation of overeating is always lurking in the corner. When I get bored at home, eating was my first option. That is a habit I must break.
4. Extend my immediate family...(relax, I'm not getting married nor have I impregnated anyone). I am talking about adding a pet to the family. Some of you know I had a cat (Cleopatra) in New Jersey but gave her up when I moved (to a very loving family) to Arizona. Life is more stable now. The apartment I live in is great and I have no intention of moving in the foreseeable future. The complex is pet friendly. So, in the next week or two I will be going to the various animal shelters and humane societies to rescue (although living with me may not qualify--the cat may choose to return to the shelter) a kitten or young adult cat and bring her home. I am pet proofing the apartment as we speak and cat paraphernalia is being brought into the home...(including the dreaded litter box). There is a cat "condo" and scratching posts and toys to amuse the both of us...(love the toys!).
5. Continue to be a positive individual who enjoys life's ups and downs and takes everything in stride. Since the move to Arizona, I am constantly amazed at the amount of personal growth that has occurred in me...(although some might argue that I have actually regressed toward childhood). I find myself waking up each morning (always a good thing) is a good mood. Work is no longer the four letter word I used to believe it was. People I meet though work and at the Convention Center always comment on how they always see me smiling and positive and how I help them enjoy their visit here. I want to continue to strive to not take myself too seriously and make sure that I attempt to give back because I have been truly blessed in so many ways. You all know how I believe in "karma" and that by doing good for others it will return in kind to you, so this year i want to double my efforts in that regard.
So there you have it. 5 resolutions for the coming year. I want you to hold me to these and I will update them on a timely basis through my adventures in blogdom. Speaking of which, I know you have noticed that these blogs are coming every day. An effort on my part to be more forthcoming with information is the reason behind these blogs. It's way too easy to blame the miles apart and "being too busy" to keep in touch, but that is an excuse I refuse to honor any longer. As long as you want to read them (and even if you don't) I will continue to write these blogs.
Yes, it is that time of year again when we come up with some resolutions about things we will pursue or accomplish or change in the coming year, and your intrepid blogger is indeed one of those people. I remember the "I'm not going to drink at all in January" followed by the most polluted February in the history of man...(this became an annual ritual for several years). Then, that was followed by the "I won't drink BEER during January" and Smirnoff stock went through the roof while Budweiser had record layoffs... But we all make what we hope are realistic goals and we usually stick to them...(for a month or so), before falling back on old habits. Which is why I started this diet before the end of the year. I wanted to avoid making "lose weight" (another annual resolution for WAY too many years). So what follows is 5 realistic and important goals (to me, anyway), I mean resolutions for the year 2012. I am being bold here (or foolish...depending on your interpretation) and putting them in print for all to see. Let's make our list and we will provide updates as the year progresses...
1. Instead of the ever-popular "lose weight" (which I never achieved by the way), this resolution will be to keep the weight I have already lost off my frame in the coming year. Not only has this diet dissolved many pounds of fat off my body, it has also re-educated me in the correct way to prepare meals and exercise correct portion control. The five to six small meals and snacks during the day work to keep the metabolism running and the energy levels high. As the diet continues, it will allow me to re-introduce foods I have gone without for several weeks and eventually will turn me loose on all foods. Smart choices and portion control...(no more 36 ounce steaks at El Gaucho) are the means to achieve this resolution.
2. Return to the gym and work out on a fixed schedule. Now that the weight is off, I want to add some pounds back on in the form of muscle...(not looking for Mr. Olympia here, just fit and in shape). Muscle weighs more than fat, but lean muscle also burns more calories so it's a definite advantage. I have a gym membership card in my wallet and that is only piece of equipment I have touched, so it's time to stop spending money without using the facility. The gym I belong to has a pool, sauna and steam room, racquetball and basketball courts, and is close enough that I can ride my bicycle there, so it's just a matter of getting off my lazy ass and going there.
3. Play 100 rounds of golf in 2012... This is a lofty goal and will take some real effort to achieve, but there is a method to my madness. At my home course, the guys who put my clubs on the cart and clean them after the round all know me and how much I enjoy playing alone at times. When I am out there by myself I usually play 2 or 3 or 4 balls at a time, depending on how many golfers are around. So I can multiply rounds on certain days and it makes it more achievable. It will also help me stay out of the house, where the temptation of overeating is always lurking in the corner. When I get bored at home, eating was my first option. That is a habit I must break.
4. Extend my immediate family...(relax, I'm not getting married nor have I impregnated anyone). I am talking about adding a pet to the family. Some of you know I had a cat (Cleopatra) in New Jersey but gave her up when I moved (to a very loving family) to Arizona. Life is more stable now. The apartment I live in is great and I have no intention of moving in the foreseeable future. The complex is pet friendly. So, in the next week or two I will be going to the various animal shelters and humane societies to rescue (although living with me may not qualify--the cat may choose to return to the shelter) a kitten or young adult cat and bring her home. I am pet proofing the apartment as we speak and cat paraphernalia is being brought into the home...(including the dreaded litter box). There is a cat "condo" and scratching posts and toys to amuse the both of us...(love the toys!).
5. Continue to be a positive individual who enjoys life's ups and downs and takes everything in stride. Since the move to Arizona, I am constantly amazed at the amount of personal growth that has occurred in me...(although some might argue that I have actually regressed toward childhood). I find myself waking up each morning (always a good thing) is a good mood. Work is no longer the four letter word I used to believe it was. People I meet though work and at the Convention Center always comment on how they always see me smiling and positive and how I help them enjoy their visit here. I want to continue to strive to not take myself too seriously and make sure that I attempt to give back because I have been truly blessed in so many ways. You all know how I believe in "karma" and that by doing good for others it will return in kind to you, so this year i want to double my efforts in that regard.
So there you have it. 5 resolutions for the coming year. I want you to hold me to these and I will update them on a timely basis through my adventures in blogdom. Speaking of which, I know you have noticed that these blogs are coming every day. An effort on my part to be more forthcoming with information is the reason behind these blogs. It's way too easy to blame the miles apart and "being too busy" to keep in touch, but that is an excuse I refuse to honor any longer. As long as you want to read them (and even if you don't) I will continue to write these blogs.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
The Twelve Blogs of Christmas... #4
In the fourth blog of Christmas, my blogger gave to me, 4 days til New Years, 3 golf stories, 2 Christmas wishes, and the story of HCG...
Four days until the year 2011 is history and 2012 comes into being...and what a whirlwind year this one was for your intrepid blogger. It was a year in which my job became more of a career with promotions, increases in remuneration and opportunities to travel. It was the busiest summer I have seen in my security days, with trips to Orange County (Barrett-Jackson) and New York (US Open Tennis) and my promotion to event manager, providing me with more job security...(and a lot more responsibility, but it was a welcome thing). After a colorful career in the tire business and my move here in 2008, I never knew that a part-time job to work at a golf tournament would blossom into a career of its own, but it has and it's truly a blessing to do something that I thoroughly enjoy...(and get paid doing it!). I always wondered what it would be like...I knew several people who had the job they really liked, and now that I am one of those people, I've come to realize that it was worth the wait. Sure, the hours are daunting at times...(16-17 hour days), and the money is not all that great...but when you're doing what you enjoy doing, it all works out in the end. The perks far outweigh the negatives. Free concerts, behind the scenes at most events, access to places most people aren't allowed, escorting celebrities and sports stars and getting to meet people from all walks of life and places are just some of the things I'll trade for a pile of money and a weekend. My schedule is such that I work most weekends, but being off during the week is a blast...
This year brought my nieces for a visit in April for spring break and I got to explore this beautiful place where I live with the people who mean the most to me... my sister and her family. When she told me that she would try to come out again in 2012 it was hard to contain my excitement and I am already researching plans for the next visit. Arizona turns 100 years old in 2012 and I hope there will be centennial stuff to do all year. I was in Virginia for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown (oldest English settlement in the New World and a great name to boot) and to be here to celebrate Arizona's 100th will be equally exciting. I also got to return the favor with a visit to Virginia for the girls' birthdays...(made sure I was there for both this time to avoid the controversy). I also spent some time in Utah and crossed it off my golf bucket list. I am hoping 2012 will allow me to continue my quest and tour the West. Aruba was also in the mix and never fails to remind me how beautiful a small island...(a mere dot on the map) can truly be.
This year also brought a more healthy lifestyle and continued good health with a few curve balls thrown in...(what the heck bit me on Aruba?). All in all, 2011 was a healthy year for me...(no sick days taken and no days missed due to illness). I pray that that trend will continue in the next year. It also was an interesting dating year. I met some interesting women via the Internet dating route...(trying to be PC here) and some more on my own. Needless to say, as I am writing to you now I am still single and relationship-less...(not a word, I know, hence the hyphen). My innate knack to attract the drama filled scenarios that I find myself involved in, while exciting at the time, have never developed into anything more substantial. I blame myself for this entirely. Loretta would say that I am too picky...(and I am). Be that as it may, the search continues...(and who doesn't enjoy a good search).
So lets take a moment during these last 4 days of 2011 and reflect on the year that was and make some solid plans for the year to come. If all continues on the present course, 2012 will find me still single...(don't feel bad, I'm good at it), able to travel a bit more...(maybe to a place near you because for some reason y'all don't want to come here) and continuing this blessed and "charmed" existence I have carved out of the desert for myself. Let's hope that there will be many new stories and adventures for us to share in the new year...
Four days until the year 2011 is history and 2012 comes into being...and what a whirlwind year this one was for your intrepid blogger. It was a year in which my job became more of a career with promotions, increases in remuneration and opportunities to travel. It was the busiest summer I have seen in my security days, with trips to Orange County (Barrett-Jackson) and New York (US Open Tennis) and my promotion to event manager, providing me with more job security...(and a lot more responsibility, but it was a welcome thing). After a colorful career in the tire business and my move here in 2008, I never knew that a part-time job to work at a golf tournament would blossom into a career of its own, but it has and it's truly a blessing to do something that I thoroughly enjoy...(and get paid doing it!). I always wondered what it would be like...I knew several people who had the job they really liked, and now that I am one of those people, I've come to realize that it was worth the wait. Sure, the hours are daunting at times...(16-17 hour days), and the money is not all that great...but when you're doing what you enjoy doing, it all works out in the end. The perks far outweigh the negatives. Free concerts, behind the scenes at most events, access to places most people aren't allowed, escorting celebrities and sports stars and getting to meet people from all walks of life and places are just some of the things I'll trade for a pile of money and a weekend. My schedule is such that I work most weekends, but being off during the week is a blast...
This year brought my nieces for a visit in April for spring break and I got to explore this beautiful place where I live with the people who mean the most to me... my sister and her family. When she told me that she would try to come out again in 2012 it was hard to contain my excitement and I am already researching plans for the next visit. Arizona turns 100 years old in 2012 and I hope there will be centennial stuff to do all year. I was in Virginia for the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown (oldest English settlement in the New World and a great name to boot) and to be here to celebrate Arizona's 100th will be equally exciting. I also got to return the favor with a visit to Virginia for the girls' birthdays...(made sure I was there for both this time to avoid the controversy). I also spent some time in Utah and crossed it off my golf bucket list. I am hoping 2012 will allow me to continue my quest and tour the West. Aruba was also in the mix and never fails to remind me how beautiful a small island...(a mere dot on the map) can truly be.
This year also brought a more healthy lifestyle and continued good health with a few curve balls thrown in...(what the heck bit me on Aruba?). All in all, 2011 was a healthy year for me...(no sick days taken and no days missed due to illness). I pray that that trend will continue in the next year. It also was an interesting dating year. I met some interesting women via the Internet dating route...(trying to be PC here) and some more on my own. Needless to say, as I am writing to you now I am still single and relationship-less...(not a word, I know, hence the hyphen). My innate knack to attract the drama filled scenarios that I find myself involved in, while exciting at the time, have never developed into anything more substantial. I blame myself for this entirely. Loretta would say that I am too picky...(and I am). Be that as it may, the search continues...(and who doesn't enjoy a good search).
So lets take a moment during these last 4 days of 2011 and reflect on the year that was and make some solid plans for the year to come. If all continues on the present course, 2012 will find me still single...(don't feel bad, I'm good at it), able to travel a bit more...(maybe to a place near you because for some reason y'all don't want to come here) and continuing this blessed and "charmed" existence I have carved out of the desert for myself. Let's hope that there will be many new stories and adventures for us to share in the new year...
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Twelve Blogs of Christmas... #3
In the third blog of Christmas, my blogger gave to me, three golf stories, two Christmas wishes, and the story of HCG...(This is going to get more difficult as the days go on, but let's play and sing along, shall we?).
Today, I will regale you with stories about my escapades on the golf course and golf related news. As you know, golf is pretty much what I'm all about...(it's the reason I moved here in the first place). The plethora of course choices and the weather allows me to play a variety of course types and year round. There are the true desert courses...those with grass only on the tee boxes, fairways, and greens where the rest of the course is waste areas and cactus and rocks...(which I have dubbed "the native"--you don't want to hit your shot into "the native"). These courses put a premium on accuracy and distance control and are a true challenge (and a colossal pain in the butt). The rewards are great if you play well, but a bad round multiplies faster than rabbits in heat and can cost you quite a few golf balls. Then there are the combination courses. They still have "the native" surrounding the holes, but there is more grass surrounding the fairways (rough) and greens. These are a little easier but they usually have more bunkers and water hazards to make up for it. Then there are what I call "east coast" courses. All grass and mature trees with very little of "the native" surrounding it... (as you can guess there are very few of these in the desert). Real trees, what a concept. These courses allow you spray the ball around more but then you have to deal with hanging branches and blocked shots, just like back East. My home course is called Longbow and is located in Mesa, Az. It is a combination of all three types of courses I just described with several holes for each type. There are also 4 sets of tees to choose from ranging in yardage from 7100 yards and in. It was here that I shot my first round under par (70) for eighteen holes.
Which brings me to story two of our golf trilogy... my goals as a golfer. My handicap at the moment is 4.6 (there is a mathematical formula involved, so I let the Arizona Golf Association geeks do that for me). Professional golfers have negative handicaps and those with a zero (0) are called "scratch" golfers and that is the goal. Another goal is to play a round of golf in all fifty states and a few countries...(I have already started this trek and will continue as time and money will allow). When I am coming to a state near you I will try and let you know so that we can arrange a visit... Hand in hand with the handicap goal is to shoot a round of golf in the sixties (score, that is, not temperature). I have a couple or three scores of 70, but have not been able to crack that sub-70 barrier. Those are the long range goals. For the upcoming year of 2012, I want to accomplish 100 rounds of golf for the year. I know it will be difficult because of my added responsibilities at work, but nothing worth having is easy and hard work and dedication are needed in order to accomplish anything worthwhile...(worthwhile to me that is).
Last but not least is an idea I have been toying with for a little over a year now and have not discussed in this forum before...(I may have already, but humor me, I'm old). I have been toying with the idea of writing a book about golf and my personal relationship with the game I truly love. It would be stories about my past struggles with alcohol and drugs and how the game of golf contributed to saving me and helped me to get where I am today. I have discussed this with my sister and have some pretty solid ideas, so it's just a matter of putting pen to paper...(more like fingers to keyboard). The ultimate challenge is to keep me focused long enough to see the project through...(you all know how hard THAT will be), but I believe it's a story that I need to tell for myself and maybe to help someone else struggling with what I went through. It may never get published, but I believe the process is the thing I need...(don't worry, I am not in any trouble. My sobriety is stronger than ever). It's time to bring that period of my life back into focus so that I can close the door on it once and for all. Dwelling in the past is an opportunity to repeat past mistakes, but the message I believe that's in there is important and I want to share it. I will keep you up to date on progress and ask you to remind me to keep working on this...
Today, I will regale you with stories about my escapades on the golf course and golf related news. As you know, golf is pretty much what I'm all about...(it's the reason I moved here in the first place). The plethora of course choices and the weather allows me to play a variety of course types and year round. There are the true desert courses...those with grass only on the tee boxes, fairways, and greens where the rest of the course is waste areas and cactus and rocks...(which I have dubbed "the native"--you don't want to hit your shot into "the native"). These courses put a premium on accuracy and distance control and are a true challenge (and a colossal pain in the butt). The rewards are great if you play well, but a bad round multiplies faster than rabbits in heat and can cost you quite a few golf balls. Then there are the combination courses. They still have "the native" surrounding the holes, but there is more grass surrounding the fairways (rough) and greens. These are a little easier but they usually have more bunkers and water hazards to make up for it. Then there are what I call "east coast" courses. All grass and mature trees with very little of "the native" surrounding it... (as you can guess there are very few of these in the desert). Real trees, what a concept. These courses allow you spray the ball around more but then you have to deal with hanging branches and blocked shots, just like back East. My home course is called Longbow and is located in Mesa, Az. It is a combination of all three types of courses I just described with several holes for each type. There are also 4 sets of tees to choose from ranging in yardage from 7100 yards and in. It was here that I shot my first round under par (70) for eighteen holes.
Which brings me to story two of our golf trilogy... my goals as a golfer. My handicap at the moment is 4.6 (there is a mathematical formula involved, so I let the Arizona Golf Association geeks do that for me). Professional golfers have negative handicaps and those with a zero (0) are called "scratch" golfers and that is the goal. Another goal is to play a round of golf in all fifty states and a few countries...(I have already started this trek and will continue as time and money will allow). When I am coming to a state near you I will try and let you know so that we can arrange a visit... Hand in hand with the handicap goal is to shoot a round of golf in the sixties (score, that is, not temperature). I have a couple or three scores of 70, but have not been able to crack that sub-70 barrier. Those are the long range goals. For the upcoming year of 2012, I want to accomplish 100 rounds of golf for the year. I know it will be difficult because of my added responsibilities at work, but nothing worth having is easy and hard work and dedication are needed in order to accomplish anything worthwhile...(worthwhile to me that is).
Last but not least is an idea I have been toying with for a little over a year now and have not discussed in this forum before...(I may have already, but humor me, I'm old). I have been toying with the idea of writing a book about golf and my personal relationship with the game I truly love. It would be stories about my past struggles with alcohol and drugs and how the game of golf contributed to saving me and helped me to get where I am today. I have discussed this with my sister and have some pretty solid ideas, so it's just a matter of putting pen to paper...(more like fingers to keyboard). The ultimate challenge is to keep me focused long enough to see the project through...(you all know how hard THAT will be), but I believe it's a story that I need to tell for myself and maybe to help someone else struggling with what I went through. It may never get published, but I believe the process is the thing I need...(don't worry, I am not in any trouble. My sobriety is stronger than ever). It's time to bring that period of my life back into focus so that I can close the door on it once and for all. Dwelling in the past is an opportunity to repeat past mistakes, but the message I believe that's in there is important and I want to share it. I will keep you up to date on progress and ask you to remind me to keep working on this...
Sunday, December 25, 2011
The Twelve Blogs of Christmas... #2
In the second blog of Christmas, my blogger gave to me, two Christmas wishes and the story of HCG... The first Christmas wish is that this blog finds you surrounded by family and friends and truly enjoying this special holiday. Those parents out there will be up to their necks in wrapping paper and ribbons and the Dads will be spending the day inserting tab A into tab B and performing "some assembly required". The noise level in the homes will be reaching that of an airport with the kids screeching and running around the house. The smells of dinner cooking wafting through the house... the doorbells ringing signalling the arrival of company... these are the sights and sounds I wish for you today. Those of you who are spending Christmas with just your own family, I wish you the joy of the kids endless energy and unwrapping ability (where does all that energy go as we age?), the pleasure of being home for the holiday with just your loved ones, and the extreme pleasure of not getting dressed up (it's a sweats and slippers kind of day, eh?) to go visiting. Those of you who are travelling this Christmas to be with family, I wish you safe travels and on-time departures and arrivals, no traffic jams and clear highways, no idiots on the road (it's a wish that NEVER come true!) and plenty of parking and good travel weather. And for those of you who are spending the holiday alone (including your intrepid blogger) I wish you the joy of peace and quiet, of time to reflect on the spirit of the season and time to catch up on texts and emails and whatever you need to do. That is the first wish for all of you...
The second wish is that we all remember what this special season is about. No, I'm not getting on a soapbox or a pulpit and preaching religion... I happen to be working today at the Convention Center. The Salvation Army is putting on a dinner for over 7500 hundred people complete with a drive through pickup for volunteers who are delivering meals to shut-ins and those who can't afford to come here. There are toys for the kids and small bags of food to go with the guests. And there are many volunteers who have been here since Thursday and before sunrise this morning preparing the gift bags and the meals and setting up for this dinner. The doors opened and hundreds of people flowed in and it breaks my heart that there are so many people and so many children who are in need of this special occasion. I am not soliciting donations and I'm sure all of you give back in some way, but my wish is that we remember the less fortunate and people who volunteer to help them. It's important in these times where people who have a heightened sense of "entitlement" (those who have forgotten that hard work is how we get ahead) to remember the people who need our help the most...the homeless, displaced families, those who have lost jobs and can't find work (not the ones who WON'T work because the jobs are "beneath" them). And especially the families with children who have no control over their situation. It's the selfless and random acts of kindness that bring meaning to the holidays. My second wish is that these deserving families get the help they need. Let's all be truly thankful for how blessed we've been and not take for granted the simple pleasures we get to enjoy. Merry Christmas to all, and "God bless us, EVERYONE! (thanks,Tiny Tim)...
The second wish is that we all remember what this special season is about. No, I'm not getting on a soapbox or a pulpit and preaching religion... I happen to be working today at the Convention Center. The Salvation Army is putting on a dinner for over 7500 hundred people complete with a drive through pickup for volunteers who are delivering meals to shut-ins and those who can't afford to come here. There are toys for the kids and small bags of food to go with the guests. And there are many volunteers who have been here since Thursday and before sunrise this morning preparing the gift bags and the meals and setting up for this dinner. The doors opened and hundreds of people flowed in and it breaks my heart that there are so many people and so many children who are in need of this special occasion. I am not soliciting donations and I'm sure all of you give back in some way, but my wish is that we remember the less fortunate and people who volunteer to help them. It's important in these times where people who have a heightened sense of "entitlement" (those who have forgotten that hard work is how we get ahead) to remember the people who need our help the most...the homeless, displaced families, those who have lost jobs and can't find work (not the ones who WON'T work because the jobs are "beneath" them). And especially the families with children who have no control over their situation. It's the selfless and random acts of kindness that bring meaning to the holidays. My second wish is that these deserving families get the help they need. Let's all be truly thankful for how blessed we've been and not take for granted the simple pleasures we get to enjoy. Merry Christmas to all, and "God bless us, EVERYONE! (thanks,Tiny Tim)...
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The Twelve Blogs of Christmas...
In the first blog of Christmas, my blogger (that would be me) gave to me (that would be you) the story of HCG... Those of you who have been following these random rants that I put out...(and that's ALL of you, right?), know that I have been promising to lose weight and get back in shape, (IN shape... you had to have been in shape at one time to go back there), yada, yada, yada, over and over again. Well, thanks to the world wide web and a website called DealChicken.com, that process has been going on since I returned from my island paradise. I have told no one except for the people at work and my friend Victor (who I told earlier today). And now it is time to broadcast this experiment to all of blogdom...
DealChicken.com is a website that offers discounts on services and products and restaurants and sends an email every day with a new deal. Before I went to Aruba a deal appeared for the HCG diet from a doctor and weight loss clinic in Scottsdale for a 6 week program. The program normally costs over 700 dollars. I got in for 200. I made my appointment for the day after I returned from Aruba...(didn't want to miss out on those vacation restaurant meals!). I had a consultation and received my HCG...(sub-lingual tabs--shots would have been a deal breaker). I was told to eat as much fat as I could (no problem--it was my regular routine) for 2 days while taking the HCG. Then I went on a 500 calorie a day diet starting Wednesday, December 7. The HCG is a hormone that triggers the use of stored fat through the hypothalamus when the body burns the 500 calories. The stored fat is burned instead of food. The result is that there is no fatigue, no sluggishness, no loss of energy at all. To make a long story short...(and you know I HATE to do that), I never felt so good eating so little. The results so far: Today is day 18 of the diet (you weigh yourself every morning) and the scale read 197.8! Nineteen ugly pounds of fat (no, my head did not fall off) have been burned off my frame. My energy levels are through the roof and I am reteaching myself how and when to eat and all the information was given to me by the center and their staff.
Now, I know some of you may be worried about possible side effects, but there is none...(at least in my case). I have not grown a set of man-boobs, I don't wish to have a child, and I'm still a woman chasing pig...(did I really need to add that last tidbit of information?). I feel great and just to be sure I scheduled some medical testing on the 22nd of this month (last Thursday) through Life Line Screening. I did the entire gamut of tests available...carotid artery, abdominal artery, P.A.D, blood work, osteoporosis and some I can't remember. The results? Everything is good. Triglycerides-normal, blood pressure-115/64, cholesterol-154 (down 55 pts from last check). I will get the rest of the results in the mail when it goes to the lab. I have 12 days to go and then I begin Phase II which introduces more food choices and gets me off the HCG. Again, all the information and guesswork is taken out by the weight loss center. After 3 weeks of non-HCG eating (resetting the hypothalamus and stabilizing my weight, I will be ready to incorporate my new eating habits in the world of restaurants and parties. Another plus to the program is that there is no flabby, saggy skin or stretch marks from the weight loss because your body is burning the stored fat and the loss is not from starvation (even though 500 calories seems like it). I'm drinking 4 to 5 liters of water per day and taking vitamins and I look good...(OK, as good as I could possibly look, the diet isn't a miracle worker).
So the first blog of Christmas is a good one. I started this diet before the New Year's resolutions because my resolution is to keep this up in the coming year through increased exercise and smart eating. I want to hang around here for awhile and watch my nieces and my cousins' kids (that's ALL my cousins, Anna) grow up. I have a bucket list and need some time to cross off the things I want to do and accomplish while I can and this is a great step toward that goal. Merry Christmas to all of you from the formerly rotund blogger. Get ready because I have 11 more blogs coming at you this holiday season. (One a day, like the vitamins). Ho,Ho,Ho, I'm out of here...
DealChicken.com is a website that offers discounts on services and products and restaurants and sends an email every day with a new deal. Before I went to Aruba a deal appeared for the HCG diet from a doctor and weight loss clinic in Scottsdale for a 6 week program. The program normally costs over 700 dollars. I got in for 200. I made my appointment for the day after I returned from Aruba...(didn't want to miss out on those vacation restaurant meals!). I had a consultation and received my HCG...(sub-lingual tabs--shots would have been a deal breaker). I was told to eat as much fat as I could (no problem--it was my regular routine) for 2 days while taking the HCG. Then I went on a 500 calorie a day diet starting Wednesday, December 7. The HCG is a hormone that triggers the use of stored fat through the hypothalamus when the body burns the 500 calories. The stored fat is burned instead of food. The result is that there is no fatigue, no sluggishness, no loss of energy at all. To make a long story short...(and you know I HATE to do that), I never felt so good eating so little. The results so far: Today is day 18 of the diet (you weigh yourself every morning) and the scale read 197.8! Nineteen ugly pounds of fat (no, my head did not fall off) have been burned off my frame. My energy levels are through the roof and I am reteaching myself how and when to eat and all the information was given to me by the center and their staff.
Now, I know some of you may be worried about possible side effects, but there is none...(at least in my case). I have not grown a set of man-boobs, I don't wish to have a child, and I'm still a woman chasing pig...(did I really need to add that last tidbit of information?). I feel great and just to be sure I scheduled some medical testing on the 22nd of this month (last Thursday) through Life Line Screening. I did the entire gamut of tests available...carotid artery, abdominal artery, P.A.D, blood work, osteoporosis and some I can't remember. The results? Everything is good. Triglycerides-normal, blood pressure-115/64, cholesterol-154 (down 55 pts from last check). I will get the rest of the results in the mail when it goes to the lab. I have 12 days to go and then I begin Phase II which introduces more food choices and gets me off the HCG. Again, all the information and guesswork is taken out by the weight loss center. After 3 weeks of non-HCG eating (resetting the hypothalamus and stabilizing my weight, I will be ready to incorporate my new eating habits in the world of restaurants and parties. Another plus to the program is that there is no flabby, saggy skin or stretch marks from the weight loss because your body is burning the stored fat and the loss is not from starvation (even though 500 calories seems like it). I'm drinking 4 to 5 liters of water per day and taking vitamins and I look good...(OK, as good as I could possibly look, the diet isn't a miracle worker).
So the first blog of Christmas is a good one. I started this diet before the New Year's resolutions because my resolution is to keep this up in the coming year through increased exercise and smart eating. I want to hang around here for awhile and watch my nieces and my cousins' kids (that's ALL my cousins, Anna) grow up. I have a bucket list and need some time to cross off the things I want to do and accomplish while I can and this is a great step toward that goal. Merry Christmas to all of you from the formerly rotund blogger. Get ready because I have 11 more blogs coming at you this holiday season. (One a day, like the vitamins). Ho,Ho,Ho, I'm out of here...
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Loved the trip...
I seem to be in a writing mood today... Now that you have absorbed the ordeal of the "what the hell bit me?", I just wanted to thank Bob and Toni and the Daddys for a GREAT vacation. Even though I did practically nothing all week...(again, that was the plan all along), it was great to be able to spend time with them. A 2500 mile separation has not changed my feelings of friendship for them and I can't think of a more beautiful place to get together and lie on the beach, nap, eat dinner, nap, swim in the ocean, nap, play a round of golf and reconnect (you thought I was going to put another nap in, didn't you?) with my good friends from New York. Sharing the same vacation week is something I look forward to every year and being with them is a blessing each and every year. My thanks to the Daddys for making a special trip down to Aruba to hang with the "time-sharers". It was great to see you guys and I'm glad everything is well with you... (now if I could just get you to visit Arizona, that would be sweet).
Things have finally slowed down at work and I have more days off... (poor me!) so the golf game will get some needed attention. I worked the Joe Bonnamassa show at the Orpheum last night and let me tell you, that guy can play guitar. I haven't seen guitar work like that live since Jorma Kaukonen at the Palladium many moons ago. What a terrific show. Two and a half hours with no intermission and some kick-ass blues and rock n roll. I was back at the sound board and it was sweet. The Nutcracker starts its Christmas run at Symphony Hall this week and the Cat show (Feline Fanciers) is back again...(more bald cats than I need to see). We are gearing up for a busy January and February so I will enjoy the time off. Christmas decorations are on the to do list. An early Happy Holidays from me to all of you. I hope this special season will mean something more special than the commercial fiasco it has been turned into...
Things have finally slowed down at work and I have more days off... (poor me!) so the golf game will get some needed attention. I worked the Joe Bonnamassa show at the Orpheum last night and let me tell you, that guy can play guitar. I haven't seen guitar work like that live since Jorma Kaukonen at the Palladium many moons ago. What a terrific show. Two and a half hours with no intermission and some kick-ass blues and rock n roll. I was back at the sound board and it was sweet. The Nutcracker starts its Christmas run at Symphony Hall this week and the Cat show (Feline Fanciers) is back again...(more bald cats than I need to see). We are gearing up for a busy January and February so I will enjoy the time off. Christmas decorations are on the to do list. An early Happy Holidays from me to all of you. I hope this special season will mean something more special than the commercial fiasco it has been turned into...
Back in the U.S.of A...
Hope you missed me! I am back in the USA and am scratching my head and grabbing some blankets. A genuine cold snap has gripped Arizona and the temps are in the 30's and 40's overnight and the highs barely make it out of the 50's. The sun is still shining though and the fireplace is up and running and I actually kicked the heat on in the apartment. Bright sunshine and crisp fall air, nothing better after a week in paradise... and it was a week in paradise. Found two new restaurants to add in to "the mix" of places to eat, shot a phenomenal round of golf at Tierra del Sol (75) and did it barefoot by the way. Which brings me to the only downer about the trip...
Tierra Del Sol is one of two golf courses on the island and is a beautiful track on the western end of the island by the California lighthouse and beyond the high rise hotel area. The course was in gorgeous shape so I wore flip flops instead of golf shoes to negotiate the cart paths and rocks around the tee boxes...(that was the plan all along because I didn't even bring golf shoes with me). So I would kick off the flip flops, hit my shot and so on around the course. On the back nine the top of my left foot began to itch in a way I am all too familiar and I thought to myself that I may have walked through some poison ivy or poison whatever they have in Aruba, but I didn't see any rash or blisters forming so I didn't scratch it or bother it. It continued to be a minor nuisance that night and I saw two pimple like sores forming on the top of my foot. When I awoke the next day they had become pus filled pimples so I guessed that a spider might have gotten me and I popped them and covered them with a band aid. Throughout that day my foot began to swell and didn't stop. We were downtown shopping and I noticed two more "bites" between my toes and they were swelling as well. Then my calf muscle started to tighten up and I began to worry...
On the way back on the bus, I decided to stop at the Hospitaal (Dutch spelling), just to make sure that whatever bit me wasn't sending poison from my foot up my leg and into my heart to paralyze or kill me...(I wasn't too worried, eh?). Bob and Jenny came along to keep me company. I limped into the hospital and told them what I wanted and they said I needed to go to the emergency room so I followed a security guard and we ended up in the parking lot again (what? didn't they believe me?) but it was a back way to the emergency room and I checked in at the cashier and the swelling in my wallet was immediately reduced, but my foot was still huge. We waited about a half hour and the triage nurse came and put a wet bandage on my foot (gauze soaked in the sink) and sent me back to wait for the doctor. Two hours later I was taken inside and the doctor came in, cleaned the four wounds and found two additional bites which he lanced with needles (FUN!). He couldn't determine what bit me (possibly a millipede) but he assured me I wasn't dying a slow death by venom poisoning. The nurse cleaned me up some more, reapplied the wet bandage and told me to soak my foot in the ocean (it was best cure of all). So $300.00 dollars later...(160.00 just to get in the waiting room, 90.00 for the wet bandage and the doctor visit, and then 50.00 bucks for the antibiotics at the pharmacy) I limped out of the hospitaal.
The funniest thing about the story was that Bob had mentioned that day that he wondered what the inside of the hospitaal looked like. I"m glad that I could oblige him the tour we got. If he ever wants to visit a funeral home or morgue, I don't want to know about it. But all that aside, the foot is fine and I am fine and glad to be back...
Tierra Del Sol is one of two golf courses on the island and is a beautiful track on the western end of the island by the California lighthouse and beyond the high rise hotel area. The course was in gorgeous shape so I wore flip flops instead of golf shoes to negotiate the cart paths and rocks around the tee boxes...(that was the plan all along because I didn't even bring golf shoes with me). So I would kick off the flip flops, hit my shot and so on around the course. On the back nine the top of my left foot began to itch in a way I am all too familiar and I thought to myself that I may have walked through some poison ivy or poison whatever they have in Aruba, but I didn't see any rash or blisters forming so I didn't scratch it or bother it. It continued to be a minor nuisance that night and I saw two pimple like sores forming on the top of my foot. When I awoke the next day they had become pus filled pimples so I guessed that a spider might have gotten me and I popped them and covered them with a band aid. Throughout that day my foot began to swell and didn't stop. We were downtown shopping and I noticed two more "bites" between my toes and they were swelling as well. Then my calf muscle started to tighten up and I began to worry...
On the way back on the bus, I decided to stop at the Hospitaal (Dutch spelling), just to make sure that whatever bit me wasn't sending poison from my foot up my leg and into my heart to paralyze or kill me...(I wasn't too worried, eh?). Bob and Jenny came along to keep me company. I limped into the hospital and told them what I wanted and they said I needed to go to the emergency room so I followed a security guard and we ended up in the parking lot again (what? didn't they believe me?) but it was a back way to the emergency room and I checked in at the cashier and the swelling in my wallet was immediately reduced, but my foot was still huge. We waited about a half hour and the triage nurse came and put a wet bandage on my foot (gauze soaked in the sink) and sent me back to wait for the doctor. Two hours later I was taken inside and the doctor came in, cleaned the four wounds and found two additional bites which he lanced with needles (FUN!). He couldn't determine what bit me (possibly a millipede) but he assured me I wasn't dying a slow death by venom poisoning. The nurse cleaned me up some more, reapplied the wet bandage and told me to soak my foot in the ocean (it was best cure of all). So $300.00 dollars later...(160.00 just to get in the waiting room, 90.00 for the wet bandage and the doctor visit, and then 50.00 bucks for the antibiotics at the pharmacy) I limped out of the hospitaal.
The funniest thing about the story was that Bob had mentioned that day that he wondered what the inside of the hospitaal looked like. I"m glad that I could oblige him the tour we got. If he ever wants to visit a funeral home or morgue, I don't want to know about it. But all that aside, the foot is fine and I am fine and glad to be back...
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