...a New England area sports fan right now!
On top of the BoSox, here's how the rest of the Boston teams are doing at the moment:
Patriots 8-0,
Boston College 8-0
Bruins 6-4
Celtics (the trendy pick in the East this year)
October 31, 2007
It's good to be...
On top of the BoSox, here's how the rest of the Boston teams are doing at the moment:
Patriots 8-0,
Boston College 8-0
Bruins 6-4
Celtics (the trendy pick in the East this year)
October 25, 2007
Noteworthy Moments #1
I just wanted to give a few updates on the girls while I had a chance.
Macie:
7/31 - Her first tooth broke through her gums (both bottom front teeth came through about the same time)
8/19 - She started to sit up well
8/24 - She rolled over back to front for the first time
10/2 - She rolled over front to back for the first time
10/8 - Both top front teeth begin to break through the gums...a couple more are on their way as well
* This sounds weird (as I am with Macie quite a bit) but I have still never seen her roll over (either way). The girl is unquestionably on her own schedule (unlike Nattie). Our neighbors daughter is a month younger and is somewhat mobile already. Macie still dislikes her stomach and has no interest in crawling yet. She can stand up fairly well though if being held.
Nattie:
She continues to amaze daycare with how overall "growing up" progress. She speaks in full sentences, comprehends pretty much anything you say (unless you spell it...thank goodness), understands how to communicate non-verbally and is even using a scissors already (daycare said they never let two year olds use a scissors normally).
However, as you can see in the picture below, a recent crash on a tricycle (into a highchair) has her and her shiner re-thinking her future in drag racing.
Macie:
7/31 - Her first tooth broke through her gums (both bottom front teeth came through about the same time)
8/19 - She started to sit up well
8/24 - She rolled over back to front for the first time
10/2 - She rolled over front to back for the first time
10/8 - Both top front teeth begin to break through the gums...a couple more are on their way as well
* This sounds weird (as I am with Macie quite a bit) but I have still never seen her roll over (either way). The girl is unquestionably on her own schedule (unlike Nattie). Our neighbors daughter is a month younger and is somewhat mobile already. Macie still dislikes her stomach and has no interest in crawling yet. She can stand up fairly well though if being held.
Nattie:
She continues to amaze daycare with how overall "growing up" progress. She speaks in full sentences, comprehends pretty much anything you say (unless you spell it...thank goodness), understands how to communicate non-verbally and is even using a scissors already (daycare said they never let two year olds use a scissors normally).
However, as you can see in the picture below, a recent crash on a tricycle (into a highchair) has her and her shiner re-thinking her future in drag racing.
October 22, 2007
The Sox and the Rox
I belong to a group called SOSH. The best way to describe it would be to say that if you're a Red Sox enthusiast, it's the quintessential online membership to have.
It's the kind of place where you could potentially see a post called "The detailed statistical analysis of all 653 of Mike Lowell's at bats this season," where the point of the post would be to justify that Lowell should be batting fourth, instead of his typical fifth position in the lineup, vs right handed sinker ball pitchers.
It's ridiculous.
To join, I had to make my case to some of the leaders of the site (which I did in 2003). The only way to get accepted (at least at the time I joined) was to get someone in a power position to back you up. Needless to say, not being a Fenway junkie or a even Boston resident made it a difficult process to convince anyone to bring me aboard.
None the less, I got in and I definitely enjoy being a part of it.
Anyways, one of the members has a small picture on his page holding up a banner that I think is just fantastic and I wanted to share it. It have officially adopted it as my own:
"FENWAY IS MY GRACELAND"
Also, now that the World Series is set I figure it's time to share my bracket. Some people have seen it already but I wanted to document it here on Vox. Other then those darn Cubbies, I've done pretty well.
It's the kind of place where you could potentially see a post called "The detailed statistical analysis of all 653 of Mike Lowell's at bats this season," where the point of the post would be to justify that Lowell should be batting fourth, instead of his typical fifth position in the lineup, vs right handed sinker ball pitchers.
It's ridiculous.
To join, I had to make my case to some of the leaders of the site (which I did in 2003). The only way to get accepted (at least at the time I joined) was to get someone in a power position to back you up. Needless to say, not being a Fenway junkie or a even Boston resident made it a difficult process to convince anyone to bring me aboard.
None the less, I got in and I definitely enjoy being a part of it.
Anyways, one of the members has a small picture on his page holding up a banner that I think is just fantastic and I wanted to share it. It have officially adopted it as my own:
"FENWAY IS MY GRACELAND"
Also, now that the World Series is set I figure it's time to share my bracket. Some people have seen it already but I wanted to document it here on Vox. Other then those darn Cubbies, I've done pretty well.
It's hard to pick against the Rockies right now, but my best guess is BoSox in six.
October 19, 2007
Welcome back to the free world Mr. Torre
It's well documented that I loathe the Yankees.
However, over the last twelve years as my dislike for the Evil Empire has grown I have never had a problem with Joe Torre. The man has always handled himself with dignity and class in what some (including myself) like to call the Bronx Zoo.
Yesterday, the Yankees brass made a reasonable one year offer (on the surface) to Joe. With it, he'd remain the highest paid manager in the game.
In reality, the offer was a slap in the face. Essentially, if Joe were to accept it would have given the Yankee brass all the power in the relationship going forward.
Joe turned it down and will no longer manage the Yankees again.
A CBS Sportsline article written yesterday by Scott Miller does a great job explaining why Joe did not deserve to be treated with the disrespect that he was shown over the last week.
ESPN's Buster Olney had a good article on the situation as well.
Yesterday, a small victory was had by Red Sox fans.
As Miller says...
The Yankees are going to miss Torre a heck of a lot more than he's going to miss them.
However, over the last twelve years as my dislike for the Evil Empire has grown I have never had a problem with Joe Torre. The man has always handled himself with dignity and class in what some (including myself) like to call the Bronx Zoo.
Yesterday, the Yankees brass made a reasonable one year offer (on the surface) to Joe. With it, he'd remain the highest paid manager in the game.
In reality, the offer was a slap in the face. Essentially, if Joe were to accept it would have given the Yankee brass all the power in the relationship going forward.
Joe turned it down and will no longer manage the Yankees again.
A CBS Sportsline article written yesterday by Scott Miller does a great job explaining why Joe did not deserve to be treated with the disrespect that he was shown over the last week.
ESPN's Buster Olney had a good article on the situation as well.
Yesterday, a small victory was had by Red Sox fans.
As Miller says...
The Yankees are going to miss Torre a heck of a lot more than he's going to miss them.
October 18, 2007
Sorry Miss Lori
I know I'm talking to a small group here but I still feel the need to share.
PBS made two mistakes recently in regards to it's PBS Kids programming.
First of all, they removed It's a Big Big World (my favorite evening broadcast for the kids on PBS) for a new program called Super WHY! I'm OK with the new program, I just wish they would have removed Dragon Tales instead. I must say that I'm not a big fan of Dragon Tales. And, in the world of watching TV with small children it's all about tolerance as shows/movies are usually watched in bulk. It's just the way it is.
We only watch TV occasionally so it's not a life and death situation, but it is still unfortunate at the same time.
The second, and bigger issue, is that Miss Lori was not replaced. Instead, they simply changed her outfit (which is an upgrade, I admit). I am sure she's a great person in real life...but she annoys me to no end on PBS and she's just got to go. They can get rid of Hooper while they are at it too. I wouldn't mind.
PBS made two mistakes recently in regards to it's PBS Kids programming.
First of all, they removed It's a Big Big World (my favorite evening broadcast for the kids on PBS) for a new program called Super WHY! I'm OK with the new program, I just wish they would have removed Dragon Tales instead. I must say that I'm not a big fan of Dragon Tales. And, in the world of watching TV with small children it's all about tolerance as shows/movies are usually watched in bulk. It's just the way it is.
We only watch TV occasionally so it's not a life and death situation, but it is still unfortunate at the same time.
The second, and bigger issue, is that Miss Lori was not replaced. Instead, they simply changed her outfit (which is an upgrade, I admit). I am sure she's a great person in real life...but she annoys me to no end on PBS and she's just got to go. They can get rid of Hooper while they are at it too. I wouldn't mind.
P.S. It's a Big Big World is still on PBS, but is now on at 10:30am each morning instead.
October 15, 2007
Not a bad knockoff
I rarely buy a candy bar this days, but on occasion I will get the latest and greatest version of some popular sugary snack just for fun.
Unfortunately, I am almost always disappointed.
However, I just recently tried the new Nestle's Crunch Crisp and I was pleasantly surprised. While it won't qualify as a life changing event, it is definitely worth a try if you get a chance.
Unfortunately, I am almost always disappointed.
However, I just recently tried the new Nestle's Crunch Crisp and I was pleasantly surprised. While it won't qualify as a life changing event, it is definitely worth a try if you get a chance.
October 11, 2007
The poor pooch
Around 2am Sunday morning (just four hours after my mono diagnosis), Gina woke me up. While checking on the girls she noticed a faint streak of blood on the carpet. She had taken a look at Casey and noticed his behind was bleeding.
After some analysis we figured out it was one of his anal glands. It had ruptured and he was in a lot of pain. After some deliberation, I slept on the couch and we put him in the bathroom within eye shot of me. We'd re-evaluate in the morning as it wasn't a life threatening injury.
In the morning it was still bleeding and looked even worse. Even though we knew the price tag was going to be substantial (it's nearly $100 just to be seen), both Gina and I decided it was best if we brought him to urgent care. Just before 10am I left with him for the vet. Not only was Gina's sick husband and bleeding dog walking out the door...she was just an hour away from hosting 20-30 family and friends at 11am for her sister Beth's baby shower.
The pup and I waited three hours to see the vet (it was pretty ridiculous). He confirmed what we had expected. To fix the problem they would need to sedate him and perform a procedure to flush out the ruptured area. After getting an estimate, we decided it was in his best interest to do it. I left him there around 1:30. The procedure would be performed that afternoon.
When I got home, the baby shower was just wrapping up. Gina was told by many that it went very well (including Beth) even though she freely admits she does not remember much of it because of everything else going on.
After a few calls to the vet that afternoon, we were told that Casey would be ready to come home at 7pm. We were informed things went well and that he'd need to be placed on a couple of antibiotics.
When I picked him up, he did not even know who I was. He was still semi-sedated, couldn't stand up straight (he wavered like the wind was gently blowing him back and forth) and had a constant stream of drool coming from his mouth. It was so surreal. He seemed so different that it was like he wasn't even our dog.
After getting him settled down that night, he slept off the drugs and was close to the Casey of old (in terms of personallity) in the morning. I was off on Monday so I was able to spend some significant time with him. I think he appreciated someone being there since he was still in a lot of pain.
The pain is still there but things are improving every day.
Thankfully, they say he should be back to normal in the next 7-10 days.
So, there's part two of our weekend. I think you can see why it will not be looked back on it with much fondness in the future.
After some analysis we figured out it was one of his anal glands. It had ruptured and he was in a lot of pain. After some deliberation, I slept on the couch and we put him in the bathroom within eye shot of me. We'd re-evaluate in the morning as it wasn't a life threatening injury.
In the morning it was still bleeding and looked even worse. Even though we knew the price tag was going to be substantial (it's nearly $100 just to be seen), both Gina and I decided it was best if we brought him to urgent care. Just before 10am I left with him for the vet. Not only was Gina's sick husband and bleeding dog walking out the door...she was just an hour away from hosting 20-30 family and friends at 11am for her sister Beth's baby shower.
The pup and I waited three hours to see the vet (it was pretty ridiculous). He confirmed what we had expected. To fix the problem they would need to sedate him and perform a procedure to flush out the ruptured area. After getting an estimate, we decided it was in his best interest to do it. I left him there around 1:30. The procedure would be performed that afternoon.
When I got home, the baby shower was just wrapping up. Gina was told by many that it went very well (including Beth) even though she freely admits she does not remember much of it because of everything else going on.
After a few calls to the vet that afternoon, we were told that Casey would be ready to come home at 7pm. We were informed things went well and that he'd need to be placed on a couple of antibiotics.
When I picked him up, he did not even know who I was. He was still semi-sedated, couldn't stand up straight (he wavered like the wind was gently blowing him back and forth) and had a constant stream of drool coming from his mouth. It was so surreal. He seemed so different that it was like he wasn't even our dog.
After getting him settled down that night, he slept off the drugs and was close to the Casey of old (in terms of personallity) in the morning. I was off on Monday so I was able to spend some significant time with him. I think he appreciated someone being there since he was still in a lot of pain.
The pain is still there but things are improving every day.
Thankfully, they say he should be back to normal in the next 7-10 days.
So, there's part two of our weekend. I think you can see why it will not be looked back on it with much fondness in the future.
October 8, 2007
This kind of sickness at thirty equals bad idea
I got some good and bad news on Saturday night.
After a week plus of nightly fevers, extreme tiredness, night sweats, headaches, etc. I went into urgent care to get looked at. I had an appointment for Monday morning with my regular doctor but my 102.1 temperature (in combination with the past week) dictated that I do something sooner. That morning my throat had started to hurt as well and it was clearly white near my tonsils. Considering my surgery when I was younger from strep throat, I wanted to get looked at in case it had been strep all along and I needed to start treatment ASAP.
Answers! Clearly, it seemed, strep throat was part of the reason for the way I have been feeling.
When I got to urgent care they swabbed my throat. The nurse agreed, my tonsils looked bad.
About 10 minutes after the nurse left, the doctor came back. The quick strep test returned negative. He looked at my throat, my lymph nodes, etc. to see if he could figure anything out. He was a bit confused but after I explained my story to him, he said we should test for one more thing. I had symptoms matching mononucleosis (i.e. mono).
What?
Sure enough, the test came back positive.
I have mono.
The doctor then proceeded to tell me all the not so good news related to it. I don't remember anyone close to me ever having it so I did not know about these things.
Mono is untreatable. Mono is like chicken pox, the older you are when you get it the worse it typically is.
Rarely do people over 35 get mono (school age kids are the most common victims). Normally it lasts four to six weeks but at my age it very possibly could be two to three months. Extreme cases last six months.
The potential timeframe of mono starting with me is anywhere between 9/18 and 9/28. On 9/18, I had a mono like day but then felt pretty good again until 9/28.
My spleen and liver felt fine to the doctor, which was good, but I need to pay particular attention to any pain on either side of my body as both tend to enlarge (and in some cases the spleen ruptures).
Bed rest for a couple of weeks is suggested but the doctor said he understands it's not really an option for a father of two young girls. I am just going to need to nap and rest whenever possible and continue to work.
My throat doesn't hurt today, which is nice. Hopefully I will be able to swallow without pain again going forward.
How did I get it? I honestly have no clue. I do not even know anyone else with mono right now.
Thankfully, I won't be featured on any new House M.D. episodes after all.
While this is all bad news as a whole, it puts me a little at ease to know what I am dealing with. It gets scary when your body is doing weird things to you for a prolonged period of time and you can't explain why.
However, that was just the start of our weekend fun. Sunday was an adventure all onto itself and will be explained in a different blog this week.
I must say, it feels weird being grateful for a Monday.
After a week plus of nightly fevers, extreme tiredness, night sweats, headaches, etc. I went into urgent care to get looked at. I had an appointment for Monday morning with my regular doctor but my 102.1 temperature (in combination with the past week) dictated that I do something sooner. That morning my throat had started to hurt as well and it was clearly white near my tonsils. Considering my surgery when I was younger from strep throat, I wanted to get looked at in case it had been strep all along and I needed to start treatment ASAP.
Answers! Clearly, it seemed, strep throat was part of the reason for the way I have been feeling.
When I got to urgent care they swabbed my throat. The nurse agreed, my tonsils looked bad.
About 10 minutes after the nurse left, the doctor came back. The quick strep test returned negative. He looked at my throat, my lymph nodes, etc. to see if he could figure anything out. He was a bit confused but after I explained my story to him, he said we should test for one more thing. I had symptoms matching mononucleosis (i.e. mono).
What?
Sure enough, the test came back positive.
I have mono.
The doctor then proceeded to tell me all the not so good news related to it. I don't remember anyone close to me ever having it so I did not know about these things.
Mono is untreatable. Mono is like chicken pox, the older you are when you get it the worse it typically is.
Rarely do people over 35 get mono (school age kids are the most common victims). Normally it lasts four to six weeks but at my age it very possibly could be two to three months. Extreme cases last six months.
The potential timeframe of mono starting with me is anywhere between 9/18 and 9/28. On 9/18, I had a mono like day but then felt pretty good again until 9/28.
My spleen and liver felt fine to the doctor, which was good, but I need to pay particular attention to any pain on either side of my body as both tend to enlarge (and in some cases the spleen ruptures).
Bed rest for a couple of weeks is suggested but the doctor said he understands it's not really an option for a father of two young girls. I am just going to need to nap and rest whenever possible and continue to work.
My throat doesn't hurt today, which is nice. Hopefully I will be able to swallow without pain again going forward.
How did I get it? I honestly have no clue. I do not even know anyone else with mono right now.
Thankfully, I won't be featured on any new House M.D. episodes after all.
While this is all bad news as a whole, it puts me a little at ease to know what I am dealing with. It gets scary when your body is doing weird things to you for a prolonged period of time and you can't explain why.
However, that was just the start of our weekend fun. Sunday was an adventure all onto itself and will be explained in a different blog this week.
I must say, it feels weird being grateful for a Monday.
October 1, 2007
Childrens Do Learn
You just gotta love Jon Stewart, no matter what side you're on. Please click on the link below to understand why.
Childrens do learn
Childrens do learn
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