Brian's TNT Blog

Notes of Encouragement

2009-05-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

Yowza! What a week! And it's only Wednesday! And why am I using so many exclamation points?!?!?

Maybe 'cause I'm tired?

Maybe 'cause I'm stressed?

Maybe 'cause they look so cool?

Well, I am tired...and stressed. It's been a challenging week. The auto industry is causing so much pain, the Pavilions project has gone south, and the economic forecasters predict Oakland County losing another 25,000 jobs this year.

But, I think I'm using the exclamation points because they look cool.

That, and I leave tomorrow for Florida. So, technically today is kinda like my Friday!!!

More exclamation points.

I now am starting to get nervous about the race. Do you ever get those feelings that creep in right before a big moment? You know the ones, where you start feeling anxious, and wonder if maybe, perhaps, you don't have it in you? Yeah, the same feelings that we're told not to worry about?

Yep. I got 'em.

So, I've been trying to get them out of my mind. I tried by looking over my training schedule to prove to myself that I've done all I can to prepare for Saturday.

Didn't work.

Maybe I can focus more time and attention on my kids. That worked. For a while.

But the feelings came back.

Then, like rain falling on a parched earth, they started to arrive.

"They," you ask? Your notes. Notes of encouragement. E-mails of support. Calls from well-wishers. Friends slapping me on the back as I walk past.

I've soaked up every one of them. They mean more to me than you know. Having friends like you supporting me means so much. You all will be with me as I start and as I cross the finish line!

Exclamation Point!!!

Believe In Fred

2009-04-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I started my quest for my catch phrase.

Thanks to those that shared their ideas. While I appreciate the "beached whale" and "stuffed sausage" references, I think I'll pass.

To prepare myself, I started digging through my iPod song list, favorite movies, books that I like, and past posts. I found a nugget of an idea: from the wrap up letter following Nation's Triathlon.

I don't know if you remember: after the race, my teammates and I went out for a few soda pops. As we walked in to the bar, the speakers are blaring Journey's "Don't Stop Believing."

"That's it!," I said to myself as I read the letter. It still is a poignant reminder of why we are doing this, isn't it?

"Sure," I say to myself, as the doubt creeps in. "But you can't fall back on an old message. This time is about more than that first experience. Isn't it?"

That's when my mind starts wandering. If you don't know me very well...my mind wanders...a lot. I like to think of it as creative moments. My family thinks I have adult onset Attention Deficit Disorder.

Suddenly, other songs fill my head. Songs from my youth. Songs like "Crazy Train" and "Enter Sandman" and "Psycho Killer." Can I find something there?

Like: "Help get me off this crazy train"? or use some play on words with "sand" and "sandman"? Maybe bring in the "beached whale" reference, stuck on the sand?

I gave up on "Psycho Killer."

But the sights and sounds of my youth seemed to fill my head. Is there something there?

Then I started thinking of Eric. When he was diagnosed, the second time. And his nickname, Fred, that he earned after he drove the family car into the garage. Not, in to the garage. Into the garage.

His younger brother, after hearing the news, said, "Eric, you can be a real Fred sometimes." I've shared notes from AJ from time to time. So I think you know his sense of humor.

The name didn't stick then. No, the name didn't stick for some time. It didn't take hold until after Eric's dad returned from a trip to New York.

You see, Eric's dad picked up a newspaper while he was in NYC. And the editorial in the paper that day was titled: I used to believe in Santa Claus, now I believe in FRED.

The name stuck. He's been Fred, at least to his close friends, ever since.

"Wait a minute!" My mind is going crazy!!! I've got it!

I've got my catch phrase, thanks to Fred!

Eric is an important motivating force in why I am doing this. He led the way for me to meet so many people on my last journey, and hear their stories. Those stories are what encouraged me to take on this journey. Eric, to this day, continues to be a positive force, as he continues his recovery. I believe that together we are all making a difference. A positive difference.

"So, what is the catch phrase," you ask?

BELIEVE IN FRED.

Milk, Cheese and Beer...er, what's that smell?

2009-04-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

What a glorious weekend. You really couldn't ask for better weather. Well, okay, I guess you could ask for a better Sunday...but Friday and Saturday were unbeatable.

Suffice it to say, I got out for a long bike and run. As you know, I took a few weeks off (well, pretty much off) while visiting my parents in Florida.

So, on a whim, I took off a little early on Friday to get in a good brick. Note to self: don't go out on a whim to complete a brick.

"Why? What happened," you ask?

Well, ummm, *ahem*, errr. Let's just say it's not a good thing to go 3 hours without nutrition. Or, it turns out, a spare tire.

I decided to ride the Clinton River Trail to the Macomb Orchard Trail. That was my first mistake.

See, the Clinton River Trail is built out of limestone. I've ridden it before. But never this early in the season. And the limestone rutted over the winter. It was, to be polite, bumpy.

Thankfully the Macomb Orchard Trail is paved with asphalt and, for the most part, well maintained. I was so happy to get the first 4 miles behind me.

"But, wait a minute," I say to myself. "I'm a little thirsty." I reach down to grab a water bottle...no water bottle.

Ooops...I kinda forgot to bring a water bottle. I kinda overlooked that when heading out on a whim, didn't I? What else did I forget? Oh, I don't know, maybe some fuel? How about my saddle pack?

About a half an hour in to the ride, I spied a 7-11. Oh, thank heaven for 7-11. (That sounds familiar). They really don't have what I need, but I pick up a few things that should get me through. Should being the operative term (I'll come back to that).

The ride continues on past the 32 Mile bridge. It really is beautiful out there.

On the way back, with about 6 miles left on the Macomb Orchard Trail, I notice that my rear tire is feeling a little soft. I was a little worried that I might have damaged the tube while riding on the washboard on the Clinton. It looks like maybe my worries were well founded.

But, at least at this point, it feels like I should be able to get through these 6 miles, and the 4 miles on the Clinton.

I got through the 6 miles.

I got through 1 mile on the Clinton before the tire was toast. Did I mention that I forgot my saddle pack? You know, the pack that holds my spare tubes? Yeah. That.

I have a hand pump mounted to the side of my bike. So, at least I was able to limp through that last three miles, pretty much stopping each mile to fill the tire again. But it was a pain, literally and figuratively.

After wrestling through the last 3 miles, I loaded my bike into the car, grabbed my shoes, and started out for a run.

The first 4 miles went well. But then I started to cramp up. I first felt it in my right hamstring. Then my left. Then my calf muscles.

"What's going on," I asked myself. "I couldn't have lost this much ground in two weeks, could I?" I mean, two years ago, I remember being saddled with a tightened achilles tendon that stopped me from fully running for longer than 2 weeks. And I was able to return to the run with, really, no real loss in ground.

So, what could it..."Oh, snap!...wait a minute..." That's right! 7-11 only had Gatorade. And Gatorade doesn't cut it for what I'm doing today.

I squeeze out another 2 miles back to the car. I drive home. Walk in to the house. Grab a glass of milk. Some cheese. And a beer.

I know it sounds like an odd combination. And, yes it is an odd combination. But it's exactly what I need to get some quick calories and protein/carbs in to my cramping body.

I fall on the floor next to the baby. She sidles up next to me. Pulls off my glasses. Climbs on to my chest. And smiles.

It was a precious moment, until I realized that what I was smelling wasn't coming from me! And I just had milk, cheese and beer!

I'm Back, Now Get to Work!

2009-04-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

Do you prefer:
Swaying palm fronds...soft white sand...sounds of waves lapping against the shore,
OR
Blowing winds...soft white snow...sounds of salt falling from the back of big orange trucks?

Yeah, me too. I'm sorry that I missed out on the snow fall...and suffered through the heat of Fort Myers Beach. Do you believe me?

Well you shouldn't.

It was a glorious two weeks away from the office. I don't recall ever taking a two week vacation. I will definitely remember this one.

My batteries are recharged. Which I'll definitely need in the coming weeks.

I also need to make up the ground I lost from my training routine. I swam only one time while I was away. Same thing with the bike. Thankfully, I was able to get a couple of runs in.

But that's not enough. Not for this length of a race.

I have 3 weeks to get to where I want to be. But I'll get there. Promise.

Sorry for the short note this week. But if I want to keep my promise, I got to get off-line and get some time in tonight!

Heat Wave

2009-03-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we've no place to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
-Sammy Cahn

Snow?!? Really?!? I know it's still March, and this is Michigan. So I guess I should expect it. But the weather was showing signs of warming up. Heck, the frost laws have been removed from the roads. So, how can it be???

I'll tell you, in my wildest dreams I didn't expect this! But it sure makes me feel good that I'm leaving this frozen tundra for a little R and R.

I am heading south to visit my parents, and to make a pilgrimage to the Land of Walt. I have four kids...any trip to Florida BETTER include a stop to see the Wonderful World of Disney.

It's a great time, when thinking about the weather. I'll leave behind SNOW, and replace it with SUN. I'll leave behind layers of clothes, to lathers of sunscreen. And with the stresses at work recently, I get to leave behind piles of paperwork for miles of beaches.

It's a terrible time, when thinking about the race. With just over 4 weeks before the race, this is when I need to put most of my energy in to training. I've been working on developing a base to this point. Now is when I need to buckle down.

I just need to be creative, I guess. Getting in the running won't be an issue. The bike and the swim will need a little help. Thankfully, my Dad has arranged a visitor pass to his health club. That'll help. And, I'll just have to see what resources I can tap at Disney. There has to be something...right?

No matter. I'll make it work. You've invested too much in to me to get this far. I'm not going to let you down. Nor am I going to let myself down. I especially won't let the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society down. You've already guaranteed that!

Burn the Ships

2009-03-21T17:30:00.000-07:00

I hate to admit it, but I don't really like basketball.

There's something about the game that frustrates the *hades* out of me. Maybe it's how the last 2 minutes of the game drag out 30 minutes by fouls. Maybe it's the flagrant traveling that doesn't get called. Maybe it's because I went out for the 7th grade team and didn't make it.

What ever the reason, I just don't follow the sport.

Until this time of year. I get wrapped up in March Madness. (Aside: why does March Madness finish in April?) Which is really surprising considering that my alma matres played a combined 3 games in the last 10 years...and have only one win to their collective credit!

Two of these games happened this year, with the Wolverines finally making the Tournament following an 11 year drought. While it made me proud to see the Block M on the t.v. screen, I still couldn't get in to the games. Instead I found myself trying to see what was written on the back of their warm up jerseys.

Queme los Barcos.

Those words translate to "burn the ships." Apparently, there is a story that Hernando Cortes, upon arriving on the Yucatan Peninsula's beaches in 1519, stunned his men with the order to burn the ships. The idea was that it left them with no option of retreat.

Burn the ships, he said. There's no going back.

There's no going back for me either. I wonder if there's an inspirational message in this for me? I wonder if there's some way that I can "burn the ship" when I am in Florida? Metaphorically speaking, that is. I wouldn't want to go to jail on some MDP or arson charge.

But the symbolism is strong. And the message, while not historically accurate, is clear.

Hmmm...let me think this over. And let me know if you have any ideas on how you think I can "burn the ship."

Squashed Banana

2009-03-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Pasta Dinner, by most accounts, was a great success.

"By most accounts?," you ask. "What went wrong?"

Well, nothing, really. It really was a great success. The fundrasier was fruitful, to say the least. The food was delicious by all accounts. And the crowd looked like they were having fun, between eating, meeting Sheila Taormina, and eyeing their favorite raffle items.

"Okay," you say quizically.

Well, okay, there was one little glitch. I didn't get to eat until the end of the night. And if there's anything you should know: I LIKE TO EAT.

I mean really, how do you think I was able to lose 65 pounds. I had to gain the weight in order to lose the weight. And I LIKE TO EAT.

And I especially like the food at the San Marino Club.

But by the time that the guests were leaving was when I first was able to pick up my plate. And by then my pasta was, well, cold. It was still surprisingly good. But it was cold.

Next thing I started humming the Wiggles "Cold Spaghetti" tune to myself. It's a simple toon. The first verse is all of two words: Cold. Spaghetti.

The second verse is not much harder: Squashed. Banana.

Which, in my mind, warped in to: Squashed. Bananaman. Which then warped in to a Muppets tune. Note to self: ask my doctor if there are pharmaceuticals for afflictions like this...

Well thanks to this fundraiser, the progressive dinner and to your support, we have reached our fundraising goal. Now I can focus completely on training for the event.

I am a little worried about the event. Thanks to the weather, I haven't been able to get outside on the bike. And there is no comparison between lap swimming and an open water swim. And the difference in the temperature and humidity between Michigan and Florida is adding some anxiety.

I just hope I don't become the Squashed Bananaman.

Back to the Future

2009-02-27T13:40:00.000-08:00

First off: Thanks. Secondly: You're invited.

"Wha...", you ask? "Isn't that usually the other way around?"

You're right. Normally you get invited to something and them comes the thanks. But, that presupposes that I am normal, or think linearly. And we both know that isn't true.

Thank You
The thank you is to McCormick and Schmick's, the Somerset Inn, and Mortons for hosting the progressive dinner this year. The food was sublime, and the event was a huge success.

Forty-five of our closest friends joined us on Sunday for the 3-stop tour. It truly was a wonderful melange of friends, food, and...well...fun.

While I really appreciate everyone that came out, I have to give a special thank you to Eric and Matt at CORE Partners. They have made it a point to attend every progressive dinner since the very first one. I can't thank them enough for their support.

I also want to thank my friends that came out to the RoseBowl last Saturday for a night of bowling. Being left-handed and Irish, I don't have any genetic predisposition for bowling...and it showed that night. I'm just thankful that noone had a video camera!

You're Invited
Raising the funds is a challenge, especially in this economy. In these tough economic times, I am looking to be creative in my fundraising ways. So, what if I paired one of my favorite pasttimes with a fundraiser? Whadda ya know, we figured a way to put something together.

On March 11th, from 5 pm until 7 pm, the San Marino Club is hosting a Pasta Dinner as a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Yes, I know the 11th is a Wednesday...how else do you think we were able to get such a good price?!?

The $10 ticket includes pasta, salad, roll, and soft drinks. Tickets for kids 12 and under are $5 each. This is more my kind of event...I mean, really, me and food! Do you have to ask more?!?

As an added bonus, Sheila Taormina will be at the event. Sheila is the only woman to compete in four Olympics in three different disciplines:
1996 Olympic Games, Atlanta, Swimming
2000 Olympic Games, Sydney, Triathlon
2004 Olympic Games, Athens, Triathlon
2008 Olympic Games, Beijing, Modern Pentathlon.
She took Gold in the 1996 Olympics, and was the 2004 Triathlon World Champion.

Meeting Sheila, alone, is worth the price of admission!

My teammates and I are also putting the final touches on a raffle for that night. Hopefully, I can put out a list of the raffle items in next week's blog.

If you’d like to buy a ticket in advance, drop me a line. If you’d rather make a “game day” decision, that works too.

Well I'm off to swim 2 miles tonight...it is so hard to stay motivated in the Winter. But the thought of seeing my friends on the 11th really makes a difference.

Learning the Alphabet

2009-02-20T07:50:00.000-08:00

My mom has a voracious appetite for reading. The woman is always surrounded by books. I swear she buys them in bulk.

It was no different when we were growing up. For a while, I thought she had a printing press in our basement. Or she had sequestered Dr. Seuss in an abandoned warehouse until he turned over at least 3 copies of each of his works to her!

I feel for my mom. I especially feel for her affliction. Not that her reading habit causes her pain. Rather, the affliction that none of her sons took to her vocation (I really can't call it a hobby).

Don't get me wrong. I like reading. I even kept a favorite childhood book to pass on to my kids. But I just don't share that same passion for books.

While that passion may not be there, I really enjoyed having those books around when I was a kid.

So, our house is populated with kid's books. We have the Disney series, especially if it has a princess in the story. We have the Boxcar Kids series. Joe really likes the Michigan Thrillers books.

And, of course, Dr. Seuss. Joe and Alaina each have their own preferred story. But Norah doesn't seem to take a liking to them. Not yet, at least.

That's okay. But we really want her to start learning the alphabet. So, Elisha went out to the store and bought Alphabet Flashcards. And she came up with a game for Norah to play with the Flashcards. The cards and the game are a hit, and Norah is doing wonderfully well learning her alphabet.

But, one night, while we were playing the Flashcard game, I became a little suspicious of the company that developed the cards. You see, each card has a series of pictures that represent the letter in the alphabet. The idea is not too dissimilar from Dr. Seuss' ABC Book (think: Aunt Annie's Alligator).

For the most part, the pictures and the messages are nondescript. Until we got to the letter "J".

But there my daughter was, clutching the card in her hand, when I first noticed it. The pictures, and the words, laid out in a perfect series...Jungle...Juice...Jug!

I started having flashbacks to my undergraduate days. My head started spinning. I started to ask myself, "How do I get that card away from her? How do I protect my innocent little daughter?"

Maybe there's an opportunity here to slip in some of my childhood books and stories. Maybe I can preserve her childhood, at least for a moment.

I started to get excited. I almost went in to a panic. Then I remembered the stories from my childhood.

"There's a Wocket in my Pocket"? Really? "Puff the Magic Dragon"? Seriously? Who am I fooling?

I left the room, laughing.

Later that night after the kids went to bed, I went to the kitchen, mixed up a batch of Jungle Juice, grabbed my iPod, and spent the rest of the night listening to the Stones.

Feelin' Stronger Every Day

2009-02-12T13:23:00.000-08:00

I was a little worried when I read the training schedule for this week. In particular, the bike and the run training: Three 90 minute sessions on the bike, and a 10-mile and 8-mile run.

In case you didn't know this: I DON'T LIKE RUNNING!

Surprisingly, though, it is going fine. I completed the 10-mile run, and felt pretty good about it. And, with the adjustments to my bike, it is a lot easier to spend that kind of time in the saddle. (This is where I say thanks to the good people at Fraser Bike...wow.)

Don't get me wrong...I still have a long way to go before I'm ready. A really long way.

But I was really happy with how I feel at this point. Maybe I'm finally beginning to get in to the groove. Maybe Peter Cetera is channeling through me, " I do believe in you, And I know you believe in me."

Yikes. That's kinda creepy.

Actually, I think my body finally gave in and said (in a strange Brooklyn-ish kind of way), "You're serious about this?!? Okay, then." Followed by an almost imperceptible, "The best thing to happen to you, the worst thing that happened to me."

Dang it Peter! Get out of my head!

Then again, I still have an 8-mile run to do...Let's hope that goes alright, too..."You know I'm alright now."

I mean it! No more Chicago tunes!

Ski Weekend

2009-02-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

We went skiing this past weekend.

No we're really not a ski-type family. We've gone for a ski weekend once a year for the past three years. I don't think anyone could mistake us as mogul-monsters or snowboard-snobs.

But it's fun.

Joe and Alaina take off down the slopes with their friends. And, for the most part, play it safe. Norah and I hit the towrope, while Elisha tried to keep the baby entertained. I definitely got the better assignment.

But for some reason, I'm sore. Still, today as I write this, my muscles are telling me to "cool it."

Maybe its from pulling Norah up the slope on the towrope? Naw, couldn't be that.

Could it be from having to carry her down the slopes, giving her the impression that she was skiing? Can't imagine that would have anything to do with it.

What about getting in the car right after skiing for the drive home, spending 3 hours in the back seat, keeping the baby entertained? Please.

None of those reasons sound even remotely plausible.

And they won't sound plausible again next year, will they? No one said I was very bright.

After all, if I were, would I agree to take on raising $5,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in THIS ECONOMY? Two years ago, at this point in my fundraising effort, I was within $400 of my goal. This time around? Oh, well, let's see...yep...I still need to raise $3,000.

Yikes!

Thanks aren't enough for the friends and family that have helped me to this point. Quite honestly, I don't know where I'd be without you. Well...that's not entirely true...I know where I'd be...I would need to raise $5,000, and even more stressed out!

Maybe my muscle aches are a metophor for the financial aches and pains that we're all facing. Do you think there's a tow rope big enough to pull us out of this financial valley? I sure hope so.

I remember something Franklin Roosevelt once said, “We have always held to the hope, the belief, the conviction that there is a better life, a better world, beyond the horizon.”

There is hope for this economy. Just as there is hope for a cure. If enough of us grab the towrope and pull to the top, we'll see the horizon.

Kids of Steel

2009-01-23T13:13:00.000-08:00

I spent a little time reminiscing recently. A very smart friend of mine told me that I should try it from time to time.

It is refreshing. Cathartic, in a way.

So, as I prepared to spend some time reflecting, I thought it would be fun to go through some pictures from the past year. And I came across this picture of Norah from the Windsor Star.

I started laughing to myself and smiling.

She was racing in the Kids of Steel triathlon last summer when the photographer captured this image of the two of us. It was on the front page of their online edition.

It really was a special moment, and a special day. She was so excited to enter "her triathlon."

As the race neared, she started to get more and more nervous. She asked if I could do the race with her. You can see in the picture where my shorts are wet from the *ahem* swim.

She was so proud of herself that day. She completed a triathlon. And I think that's what I like about this sport.

Sure, there are folks that enter triathlons with a goal of competing. But for so many more of us, it is about completing. There's a sense of pride and accomplishment in that.

I may not find myself on the podium at the end of the day. Let me rephrase that: I will never find myself on the podium at the end of the day.

But, like Norah, I did it. I completed a triathlon. And that little success can never be taken away.

Likewise, our small effort to help raise funds for LLS will never get our name on any fancy building. But it will lead toward a cure, one day. And no one can take that away.

Crawl Before You Run

2009-01-15T13:10:00.000-08:00

"Running comes last." In every event I've been, that is the one truism.

Oh, sure, there was Steelhead last summer. The event coordinators cancelled the swim and replaced it with a run. Not that I'm complaining (well, maybe a little). With the waves they were that day, it was the right decision.

While the race started with a run, it also ended with a run. I never thought I'd like a bike ride more than I did that day! Did I ever tell you how much I hate running?

In case you missed it: I HATE RUNNING.

But running is part of the event. And it comes last.

Funny how that works in life too. The running comes last.

Before you run, you have to walk. Before you walk, you have to learn to crawl.

So simple. So true. So beautiful. "So what?," you say incredulously. "Why are you waxing poetic?"

I don't blame you. But I hope you'll forgive me. See, Keira started crawling this week. And it is the most precious thing to see. She was grinning from ear to ear as she made her way across the floor to "mama."

Will she crawl to me? Not unless I have a bottle in my hand. But, then again, therein lies another truism (for another day).

As I watched her this week, I remember milestones for the other children: Joe's first steps, Alaina's first plie, Norah's first tackle.

"Wait, I think you got that backward. Isn't Norah a girl?," you ask. Yeah, you're right, Norah is a girl. And a tough one at that. Frankly, I'd love to talk about her first graceful...well...anything.

That said, they are all so beautiful, and graceful, in their own way. And they are growing up so fast. I just hope I remember these days. Especially as I get older, and my "running days" are replaced by "crawling days."

Hmmm...I guess the running doesn't come last, after all.

Spin It To Win It

2009-01-12T10:56:00.000-08:00

I don't know that I've really talked much about the fundraising side of this crazy train. I shared the story about Camille Claudil (which, by the way, I have it narrowed down to 4 people...maybe...I think...oh shoot). But other than that...

So how's it going?
Thanks to your generosity, we have raised over $1,300 in petitioned donations. "Wait a minute! Aren't all donations petitioned donations?," you ask. Well, yes, they pretty much are.

Really, I don't know of many occasions where a donation comes unsolicited. There is the story about S.S. Kresge making an unannounced visit to UM-Dearborn.

As the story goes: the "old man" visited the campus early in the school's infancy. Mr. Kresge walked in to the Chancellor's office and asked if the school needed anything. Not knowing who he was, the Chancellor politely said no...and, what d'ya know, UM-Dearborn is the only public university in Michigan that doesn't bear Mr. Kresge's name on its library.

An urban legend? I don't know. But it does illustrate the point that not too many folks come knocking unannounced. Still I feel awkward calling the gifts by any other name.

"Solicited?" I suppose. But it just sounds too tawdry.

"Cajoled?" Too sneeky.

"Begged?" Too desperate. Hmmm...well...maybe I shouldn't rule that one out.

Creativity rules
"Murphy,' you say. "Tell me that you're not just hitting your friends up for money." And, you are right to ask that of me. Times are really tight. And while I really do appreciate every dime you have given, we can't make our goal (yes, our goal. you are part of my team) through petitioned donations alone.

So, my teammates and I have been a little creative. We've come up with a series of "FUN"draisers, where we try to create a fun night out that will also bring in a few pennies.

Our first "FUN"draiser, a Spin-a-Thon, was this past weekend. "A what?," you ask. "A Spin-a-Thon?"

Yes, a Spin-a-Thon. We invited a bunch of our friends and other cycling ne'er-do-wells to join us for 3 hours of a spinning class at Beverly Hills Club.

"Wait, I thought you said that these were supposed to be fun, Murphy. You know, you are really off your rockers. I'm beginning to think your weight loss was all from your head."

I know. It might not be what most of us consider fun. Three years ago, I would have "urped" at the idea.

But, really, we're trying to be creative. "So, did it work?" Good question.

You'd be happy to know that it was well attended. And as a team, we raised a few coins. And that, in the end, is what matters.

If Spin-a-Thons aren't your gig, I am working on a couple of other "FUN"draisers. Our next event is a Bowl-a-Thon, scheduled for February 21st. RoseBowl Lanes is hosting us that evening. RoseBowl Lanes is on Groesbeck in Roseville. Tickets are $25/person, and includes bowling (obviously), pizza and soda pop. I'll post more information on the Bowl-a-Thon once we get the flyer together.

It also looks like the Progressive Dinner Party will take place again. And I am finalizing the details on a Spaghetti Dinner.

These events are more my speed. And hopefully yours too. So, maybe we'll see you at a "FUN"draiser???

The Little Things

2009-01-02T12:38:00.000-08:00

It's the little things in life that make it all worthwhile.

Like watching your kids open Christmas presents. The anticipation of Opening Day. A surprise kiss.

Oh, sure there are others. And a lot of them happened this past year. Some were bigger than others. Some really don't mean anything to anyone else but me. I suppose, by definition, that is why they are "little things."

Over the holidays, I asked Eric how he was doing. Last time I included an update on Eric was over a year ago. His goal then was to do "the little things."

Like make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for his daughter. Or...try this...walk.

Wow.

So how is Eric doing? Well, he writes, "suffice it to say that since then (my last post on Eric), recuperating and rehabilitating has been my full-time job. I've had three surgeries to repair damage to my feet; surgery to regain partial use of my left hand; a month-long stay at a rehabilitation hospital to learn to walk again after being bedridden for seven months; five months of IV antibiotics at home to clear up a serious bone infection; several appointments with prosthetics and orthotics firms, one that is completing a state-of-the-art 'bionic' right hand with fingers that open and close; and seven weeks of daily hyperbaric oxygen treatments at a nearby hospital to help close wounds on my feet."

Wow.

"I scoot around the house in my wheelchair packing lunches, making dinner and doing laundry."

Wow.

"I get to shuttle the kids to school on my electric scooter. And, a kind neighbor taught me how to drive our car with a spinner knob on the steering wheel so I can shuttle the kids to activities."

Wow.

Eric still has a long way to go. The wounds on his feet still are not closed. And he faces a lot of physical therapy to regain use of his hands and...well...to walk.

Some "little things" really are bigger than others.

Happy Holidays

2008-12-26T11:06:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year.

Oh sure, I could do without all the snow. And the lead up to the holidays is hectic. Please don't get me started about the madness of drivers around the mall!

But that is all behind us now. That is, unless you need to return that sweater from your auntie. If you do, please know that there is a special place for people like you today.

I'm pretty lucky. I don't have any returns to make. Then again, my auntie doesn't send me anything...hmmm...wait a minute...d'oh!

"Seriously now," you say.
You're right, I digress.

The holidays are a wonderful time to relax and enjoy spending time with family. It warms my heart and feeds my soul to be with family and friends this time of year. And that is exactly what we did. After we got over the flu. Yep, the little flu bug thought it kind enough to visit us. The little fella was like a bad guest, and overstayed its welcome by three days.

"Please, spare us the details," you implore.

I'll spare you the details. "Whew."

It finally left our house in time to enjoy the holidays. I'll spare you the details of our holidays. Personally, I like hearing how friends spend their holidays. Mostly, I like hearing the family traditions. But...well...ummm...not too many people, shall we say, share my feelings. "Whew, dodged another bullet!"

But, if you'd like to share yours, I'd love to hear about them. If you're so inclined, post a comment about your family traditions. I'd love to hear about them. If you'd rather post a note about the traffic problems around the mall, go find another blog.

I hope that your holiday season is spent relaxing with family and loved ones. If for some reason you can't be with your loved ones, please know that my family and I are thinking of you. And reminding ourselves how lucky we are to have friends like you.

Who are you?

2008-12-19T12:36:00.000-08:00

I don't know that anyone would confuse me with being creative.

Funny? Sure. Goofy? You bet. But creative? That's a stretch.

Given the chance, I'd probably eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch every day. Come to think of it, I DO eat the same thing for breakfast every day.

My idea of being creative is, maybe, mowing the lawn in the opposite direction than I normally mow. Seriously, there's not much creativity to be found here.

But I have some creative friends. One in particular recently caught my attention: Camille Claudel.

I don't know anyone named Camille Claudel. And yet, a donation was made in her name to my account. If you know me at all, you know by now that I need to know where to send the thank you card. So, I looked in the usual locations for Camille's name.

I checked my Outlook contacts, business cards, Holiday card mailing list, school registry. No luck.

I checked the city's employee list. There is an employee that shares the last name. But, his first name isn't Camille. And he doesn't cross-dress (not that there's anything wrong with that!).

So, now I'm perplexed. And a little nervous. Nervous along the lines of wondering if I need a PPO against this "suspicious person." Until I did a Google search. You gotta love Google.

It turns out that Camille Claudel is a pretty famous art student of a particularly famous artist named Auguste Rodin. Doesn't ring a bell? Don't worry, it didn't for me either...not at first.

Until a friend pointed out to me that my picture from the first blog of the new season looks strikingly similar to Rodin's "The Thinker."

I told you I'm not creative. Nor, it turns out, very smart.

But I am smart enough to know that the real Camille Claudel didn't make the donation. She passed away some time ago. So, who is this Camille Claudel?

It is taking me some time to put things together. But I think I have some ideas:

It could be one of my students from UM-Dearborn, where I teach as an adjunct professor. I know I shared a story or two during class. So maybe one of them wanted to make a donation, but go unnoticed so not to "unduly influence" their final grade?

Or it could be someone from the Paint Creek Center for the Arts. I've been working with the good people at Paint Creek on a possible partnership for the Old Stone School house. We have some really cool ideas coming together that might lead to an awesome artist community in Troy. I'll probably write about that another time. I know that I mentioned a few things about my training with a few of the Paint Creek board members. Maybe it is one of them?

I may never know who you are. And I may never know the names of the anonymous donors at the grocery store, or during a spin-a-thon, or during a bucket drive. But, know that it means a lot. And know that I am adopting the name of Camille Claudel in honor of you and all anonymous donations, by including the name on the t-shirt that I wear at the race.

Fudge

2008-12-15T11:18:00.000-08:00

"Only I didn't say 'Fudge.' I said THE word, the big one, the queen-mother of dirty words, the 'F-dash-dash-dash' word!" -Ralphie Parker

I don't know if there has ever been a list of the quintessential Christmas movies ever made.

Oh sure, we're all familiar with "Miracle on 34th Street." And who doesn't watch "It's a Wonderful Life" on Christmas Eve?

To me, they pale in comparison to Ralphie Parker and his "Christmas Story." That movie, in many respects, captures all that is right and *ahem* challenging about the Christmas season.

Our hopes, our dreams, and our disappointments come to life on the silver screen through Ralphie's narration.

The lessons aren't limited to Christmas. Oh, no. I have drawn more lessons from this movie at times I never thought. Or expected.

"Like during Saturday's brick?," you ask. Yes, like during Saturday's brick. You could say that Ralphie and I became one.

This was my first brick session for the season. So, I expected a little bit of a challenge. But not this much of a challenge.

The bike went reasonably well. While the single-leg pedaling was a challenge, I got through it. And the run outside was okay. It was a little cold. But, again, I got through it.

It was after that when the spirit of Ralphie made his appearance.

You see, it turns out that I've been doing brick workouts all wrong. Apparently, I'm not done after riding my bike for 90 minutes and running for 60 minutes. Who knew? Not me, for starters.

After doing all that fun stuff, we go right in to resistance training. Ugggh.

Except I didn't say Ugggh. It sounded a lot like Ugggh. And pretty close to Fudge.

I mean, really? It's not like we're training for an Ironman or anything! Oh, wait, ummm. That's right. We are.

Sorry, Ralphie.

Over? It's Just Beginning

2008-12-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

"Over? Did you say 'over'? ... Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?" -Bluto

"Now what?," we pondered after we finished the Nation's Triathlon. We spent every Saturday and most Thursdays together for an entire season. And now we're done?

"Is it really over?"

Pete, Ron and I spent some quality time searching for answers. Ron started another mission project in Africa, and is leading the effort to open a new church in Washtenaw County.

Pete and I weren't as ambitious. Maybe we could spend some time with our children. Maybe even go out on a date or two with our wives.

Respectively, that is. Don't get me wrong, I like Carol and all...Anyhow, I digress.

Pete, Ron, and so many others from the Nation's Triathlon team agreed that we still wanted to be part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Our race was over, no doubt. But the fight against blood cancers is not. Along the way, we met so many families and friends that shared stories of how this disease has impacted their lives.

You shared stories of brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, aunts and uncles that have battled and won. And, in private, you shared stories of loved ones who weren’t so fortunate. It is for you – and our loved ones – that I am joining again with Team in Training to compete in the Gulf Coast Half Ironman Triathlon.

I am not doing this alone. I am buoyed by a great group of teammates. Pete is back. As is Andi Duncan, who teamed with us in Washington DC. In all, there are about a dozen of us that will take on the Half Ironman in May for Team In Training.

I also have the love and support of my family. The kids have already gotten after me, after I missed out on a run.

I have my personal hero, Eric Jones. Some of you got to know Eric through my earlier postings. He still is battling through the after-effects of lymphoma. He's making progress. And he continues to keep an amazingly positive attitude. What stength.

And I have you. I can't thank you enough for your kindness and compassion. Without you, it would make for a long and arduous journey. Knowing that you're by my side, I will be inspired through to the finish line.

Update on Eric

2007-10-30T07:36:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since I last made a posting...since the race actually. So, I don't know if you are still checking in on things. But I thought I'd take a chance and post the latest e-mail from AJ:
__________________________________________
Hello well-wishers, candle-lighters, God-prayers and keep-us-in-your-thoughters -

It's time once again for everybody's favorite e-newsletter: What's Wrong with Eric This Week? Well, I'm happy to report that the boy is doing rather well. In fact, his progress has been remarkable. And what do we do when Eric is feeling particularly healthy? We cut him open, of course. And that's just what we're going to do today...

As you'll recall from our last episode, I mentioned that Eric would be having surgery on his left hand to move some tendons and muscles around, unblock some nerves, and generally make that hand more flexible and dexterous. "Hey," you might be saying, "wasn't he supposed to have that surgery a while ago? What the f*$&#@?" Yes, he was. As it turns out, his hand surgeon is a bit of a baby, and decided to postpone the hand surgery a couple weeks until his feet healed. Something about "infection." Baby.

The good news is we're go for surgery today. Surgery will last about four hours at the Hospital for Special Surgery in NYC. They specialize in orthopedics (and replaced his hip back in 2004). He should be home Tuesday or Wednesday.

"And so what's the deal with his feet? What the f*$&#@?" you might be asking.

First of all, watch your language. This is a family newsletter.

The skin grafts on his feet did their grafty-thing and are stuck on there in a very disgusting yet satisfying manner. Foot doctor is very pleased, and Mr. Eric is even allowed to stand up. They gave him some Big Boy Frankenstein Shoes (just in time for Halloween), and if you stop by his house at scheduled times you can see the Amazing Eric actually stand on Two Feet! No flash photography, please.

In further 80-year-old-Eric news, Sue's grandma loaned him an electric wheelchair so he can chase neighborhood cats in his spare time. He was a major attraction at the annual Wagner Ave. Block Party, and could be seen racing up and down the street, delivering beverages and giving rides to his neighbors ($1.50 for five minutes - Ladies Free from 3-6pm).

So, what's next? Well, there's a little spot (about the size of a nickel) on the back of one foot where the graft didn't hold. We tried to fill it in with Hubba Bubba (chewed and unchewed), spackle, wood putty and caulk, but no luck so far. The foot doctor is going to close it sometime after his hand surgery. After that, it's all about the walking. Not sure at this point if he's going to go to a rehab facility for a couple weeks to start walking, or do it all from home. I'll keep you posted.

That's all the news that's fit to print. We're still hoping for Eric to be walking around and wrapping his own presents by Christmas. His patience continues to be superhuman.

Hope you're all doing well.

Don't Stop Believing

2007-10-02T09:31:00.000-07:00

"Steve Perry's got nothing on us," I thought to myself.

It was about 11:30 on Saturday night. We were walking through the doors to a bar in Dupont Circle, when we heard Journey's frontman:
Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin' anywhere...

With glee-filled bombast, my teammates and I belted out:
Just a city boy, born and raised in South Detroit
He took the midnight train goin' anywhere...

It was a remarkable, if not poignant, end to our weekend together.

We are done with our journey. We all finished our race. Not one stopped believing in ourselves nor one another.

So how was the race?

We couldn't have asked for better weather. Sunny all day. it was about 60 degrees when we reached the transition zone at 6 am. It stayed around there by the time the race started at 8 am. I think it reached 75 degrees by race end.

My age group was split in two and went off as the 3rd and 4th wave (did I mention that I fall in one of the more competitive age groups? lucky me!). I was in the second wave in my age group. As we lined up for the water start, the announcer remarked that the first "elite" wave reached the turnaround buoy in 8 minutes! Yikes.

The countdown starts for my wave, 10...9...8... The horn sounds, and we're off. This is the largest wave start I've every witnessed, and was amazed by the flurry of legs and arms around me.

But I found my spot, and felt great as I moved toward the turnaround buoy. My heart rate was right where I wanted it, and my pace felt good. Darn good, it turns out. I reached the turnaround buoy in under 11 minutes.

Coming back was another story: the sun was coming up past the trees and buildings and casting itself across the water. And we were swimming right in to it! I couldn't see anything before me.

As I came back downstream, I ran into another swimmer who was headed upstream. Then I ran into the first guide kayak...then the second guide kayak. The second kayaker was able to point out the course end, at least. I grabbed the ladder to get out of the water at 25 minutes.

The bike ride was a little more straight forward, thankfully. Although the first two miles set me up for a false sense of success: there was a strong tail wind that I didn't really feel. Until it became a strong head wind when we headed back after reaching the end of the peninsula. That head wind stayed with me for the next 6 miles. And since this was a two lap course, we got to see that wind again!

Really, though, I didn't mind. Sure it slowed me down. But it slowed everyone down. And, frankly, I was pretty happy with my bike time.

That said, I did goof up while on the bike segment. I didn't take in enough fuel. And that would come back to haunt me on the run.

The run started as well as I expected. My legs were feeling a little rubbery from the bike ride. But it usually does coming off from the bike transition. I've been told that it takes about a mile on the run before you begin to feel better. It took about mile.

I was still averaging a 9-minute pace on the run for that first mile. That's kind of where I wanted to to be. I would have liked to have been going faster, but still...

I pretty much settled in to the 9-minute pace through the third mile, when it happened. It caught me.

Not who. Although Pete and Carly from my team had caught and passed me at this point.

It. The Wall. I was told about this wall. I read about this wall. I trained for this wall. But, when it came, I wasn't ready for it.

It wasn't a real wall. That came in the first mile (yes, we ran up temporary stairs to get over a wall!). It was an axiomatic wall.

Frankly, I wish it was a real wall. I got over that two miles earlier. The axiomatic one proved a lot harder.

I pushed on through through to the fourth mile. "Darn it," I muttered, or something close to that. Remember when I said I goofed up on the bike ride? When I said I didn't take in enought fuel? Yep. It caught up to me. I'm toast.

I thought, "I'm gonna look like the guy in the 'agony of defeat' video, who looks like spaghetti as he tries to finish the IronMan."

But as I reached the five-mile marker, I started thinking of you, all my friends and family, and the support you've given me these past six months. I couldn't let you down.

I also couldn't let down Eric. He's been through so much. The least I could do was get through this last mile.

Those thoughts carried me through as I turned on to Pennsylvania Avenue for the last half mile. I'm told that the last half mile is remarkably beautiful, as we first run toward Capitol Hill, and then turn around and race toward the White House.

I didn't see any of that. I didn't really even see my coaches and Team In Training family cheering for me as I made my way up to the finish line. I heard them, and I tried to say thank you. But all I could do was mouth the words I tried to say.

I put on a smile as I crossed the finish line, only for the photographer. Inside I was crying.

Crying because I did it. Crying because you helped me there. Crying because, well, it was over.

While our journey has ended, I don't know that my teammates and I will ever stop believing. Believing in ourselves. Believing in each other. Believing in you. Believing that, one day, we can win the fight against Leukemia and Lymphoma. Together with your help, my teammates and I raised over $88,000 to aid in the fight against blood cancers.

...and I still don't know what to wear!

2007-09-25T06:56:00.000-07:00

Two days before I leave, and I have so much to do. Let's see:

work today...thanks to BoA, my day is now a bust (read the papers tomorrow).
work tonight...the AloeTerra project goes before the Planning Commission.
grade papers and answer student questions.
check in on Eric...I still haven't had a chance to call him since his surgery.
swim one last time...thank goodness that Cranbrook is open late tonight.
mow the lawn (in the dark?).
work tomorrow...labor negotiations, no less.
work tomorrow night.
Joe has football practice.
run one last time.
pick up my dry cleaning.
call my parents, and see how my dad is doing (another story for another time).
help clean the house.
pack for the trip...and I still don't know what to wear.
HELP!

I'm a little overloaded this week. Somehow it'll all come together. I just don't know how, yet.

Well, I gotta go...my 10 am conference call just called in.

Busy week

2007-09-22T16:45:00.000-07:00

The past week has been remarkably busy. I thought we were supposed to start winding down!

What happened to tapering?

Oh, yeah, that only counts in training...life has its own set of rules. But I can't complain...well, I won't complain. My job is so varied and interesting, and this week was especially interesting.

The redevelopment of the former KMart Headquarters site is moving forward. And we've teamed up with LTU and the Chamber of Commerce on locating the AloeTerra house in the City of Troy. Both projects are so cool.

But I Digress
Well, our bikes were boxed up and apparently are on a UPS truck headed toward DC. And we enjoyed a team breakfast this morning, following our last team run (no bike...so, no brick).

Our last team swim is scheduled for Tuesday. But, work calls, and I'm gonna miss our last swim (the AloeTerra house). So, I've got to figure a way to get my last swim in.

And, THEN, we head out. Our flight leaves on Thursday morning (I've got to cut my post short, now...my battery is about to die).

seventh inning stretch

2007-09-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

I love baseball.

I can't play the game worth a darn. But I just love watching a good game.

I even remember the first game my dad took me to. We were seated along the first base line, but well in to the outfield. Rusty Staub was in the outfield for the Tiger's back then. From where we sat, he was the only player I could really see.

Ahhh, the things we remember...
I still love going to the game. The sights... the sounds... the smell of hot dogs and popcorn across a warm summer night.

And thanks to the way the Tigers are playing, I love the sense of anticipation leading up to a game. It is fun to feel that buzz and excitement when walking toward the CoPa.

"So, who's gonna step up today?," is asked and answered by every third grade boy and his dad as they walk through the turnstile.

Its the same feeling I have training for this triathlon. "So, who's gonna step up today?," I ask myself. "What's your strategy, Murph?"

The answer is "Me, I hope." Quickly followed by "Strategy? Seriously? Heck, I'll be happy just to finish."

Seventh Inning
My version of the seventh inning stretch started this weekend. Right after practice on Saturday. Right after our last practice triathlon.

The seventh inning stretch is a wonderful moment. No matter how well or how poorly your team is doing, everyone at the game gathers in one beautiful, glorious, not-so-harmonic moment and sing America's unofficial ballad.

There was to be no singing on Saturday. But we all came together in one beautiful, glorious, and not-so-warm moment and celebrated.

We didn't celebrate how well or how poorly our Saturday practice triathlon went.

We celebrated where we've been, where we've gotten, and where we're going. We celebrated our friends and family, and thanked them for all their support. We celebrated our personal heroes, and prayed for them all.

It was a beautiful chorus of cheers and revelry.

I may never have stared down a pitcher in a baseball game, but I love the sport. I know you won't see me staring down from the winner's podium in two weeks, but I have loved the journey.

PLAY BALL!

I like it when a plan comes together

2007-09-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

His bags are packed.

His toothbrush is in his dopp kit.

His reservation at the Yale Hilton is confirmed.

"Yale Hilton?," you ask, quizically. "I didn't know that Yale has a Hilton hotel on it's campus."

And you would be right. It doesn't. That's what Eric has taken to calling the New Haven/Yale Hospital and Medical Center.

Yale Hilton is a lot easier to say than the New Haven/Yale Hospital and Medical Center. Don'tcha think?

So, our boy heads out. Tomorrow.

"Tomorrow?," you ask. Yep, tomorrow.

The partial depth skin graft on his feet is scheduled for Friday morning. The doctors reported that they expect to keep him in the hospital through Wednesday. The graft, he says, should take about 6 to 8 weeks to heal.

After the feet are adequately healed, he will go off to the rehabilitation hospital and start therapy. The way it looks to play out, he should start therapy in November.

"So," I ask, in a sort of an acerbic, playful way. "Any plans for October?"

Turns out, the joke's on me. He goes in for hand surgery on October 1st.

The hand specialist wants to decompress the nerves in his left hand and move some muscles and tendons in his left arm to see if they can improve the functionality of Eric's left hand.

"Oh," is all I could come back with. "Well, okay, then."

"Actually," Eric shares. "It works out perfectly."

Here comes the spin...the famous Eric Spin.

John Wayne has his trademark Swagger. Ricardo Montalbán? The classic "Corinthian Leather."

Eric has his Spin. So, let's hear it:

The hand surgeon expects the recovery to take about a month. Right around the same time that the doctors expect his feet to heal before he starts therapy.

This way, he can start working on both therapies at the same time.

"I like it when a plan comes together," he says.

"Not too much spin this time," I think to myself. "Kinda makes sense." I was flummoxed.

"Oh," I said. "Well, okay, then."

So flummoxed, I forget to ask the important questions. Like: how long will therapy take? will you get to go home for holidays? how are the kids taking the news? do you think the Tigers will make it in to the post-season?

I guess I'll have to find out later...

My Family Rocks!

2007-09-10T10:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. -1897 New York Sun editorial

It is only September. It's still Summer.

And, yet, it feels like Christmas.

That's how my weekend felt.

I skipped practice on Saturday morning to spend time with my family. We went to watch Joe play his first football game, followed by Alaina's soccer game.

The games were so much fun to watch. I think I have a future All-American on my hands in Joseph. And Alaina is a true delight.

She is the only person I know that will cheer for the OPPOSING team.

I can see it now: Alaina becomes the captain of her college's cheerleading squad. The team is on the brink of playing for the National Championship. All they need to do is win their final home game against their arch-rival.

Their arch-rival has the ball with :02 seconds left in the game. It's fourth down. 30 yards to the end zone.

The score: Univeristy State (US) 28 - The Heck with EM (THEM) 24.

The quarterback heaves a pass to the back of the end zone, and the star receiver comes up with the ball. THEM wins.

And what does the camera man catch? On national television? Alaina running to the end zone to give THEM's star receiver a hug for making such a great catch!

Back to this weekend

After the games, we lazed away the afternoon. We went for a bike ride. We tried watching the Michigan game.

Sunday was pretty much a repeat of Saturday.

Church. Lazy afternoon. Family bike ride. Norah rode her own bike over a mile to the ice cream store!

And, it turns out, "reasonable hours" do apply to the weekend. So, I still was able to get away for a run and a swim without any guilt that I missed time with my family.

It really was like Christmas. I saw love, generosity and devotion shared this weekend.

I saw Santa Claus.

I never thought I'd like school so much

2007-09-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

Labor Day.

The last day of our unoffical summer.

Ahhh...

And what a beautiful day it was. What am I saying? What a beautiful weekend! Three glorious days of sun. The temperature was just right to go to the boat, or bar-b-que, or...

Or, in my case, bike 30 miles, swim 2 miles, and run 4 miles. Arrggh.

It was more frustrating on Tuesday, as I stood next to the pool. That's when it hit me.

Finally, it hit me. "I'm done," I said to Andrew standing next to me. "I just want this race to happen. I don't know that I can keep training."

I thought, maybe I'm bored with training... maybe I'm just getting too worked up for the race... maybe I'm just jonesing for a huge bowl of ice cream.

Nope. (Well, I am jonesing for ice cream. I mean, really...)

I'm just a little frustrated that I'm mising time with my family. Here I was standing on the edge of a pool the night before my kids start back to school, and I wasn't with them.

Then I realized that I just spent the better part of a glorious weekend doing stuff without them. Ouch.

No, I don't own a boat. No, we weren't invited to anyone's cottage for a bar-b-que. No, we didn't have vacation plans. I can justify this any way I want...but the thing is, I miss hanging out with my family.

Thank God school's starting!

"What?," you ask. "What kind of moron complains that he misses his family, but can't wait for school to start?"

"Really, Murphy, you're a little off your rocker. Maybe you've starved your brain from all that hyperventilating."

I know, I know. It sounds weird. But I feel like it has taken some of the pressure off.

You see, I like training in the evening. Well, okay...I don't really like training in the evening, but I HATE training in the morning. So, I train in the evening.

With school starting, they have to get to bed at a "reasonable hour". Last week, they would stay up through the sixth rerun of High School Musical 2.

You don't know when that is? Oh, somewhere between 10:00 pm and 7:00 am.

This week's "reasonable hour"? 7:30 pm.

Its amazing what you can do in two hours. Re-grout the tile in the bathroom. Paint the basement. Run six miles (note to self: work on my run-time).

Most importantly: no guilt. Okay...a little guilt. But I was a lot less frustrated at the end of the week than I was at the start.

I am going to miss tomorrow's brick with my team so I can watch Joe play his first football game and cheer Alaina at her first soccer game. Hmmm...do "reasonable hours" apply on the weekend?

Humble Pie

2007-08-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

How you doin' boy?
You here for 30 days
Get, get, get, get, get your long hair cut
And cut out your ways

30 days in the hole...

Okay. So the next 30 days won't be quite the same as they were for Humble Pie.

Well...at least I hope not.

But I am beginning to feel the butterflies developing when I look at the calendar.

30 days in the hole...

I am beginning to work through the remaining travel arrangements.

30 days in the hole...

Our coach volunteered to get our heavy gear to DC in his truck.

30 days in the hole...

I've arranged for friends to help with the kids.

30 days in the hole...

Elisha just booked her ticket.

30 days in the hole...

My teammates and I are in our last blast of heavy workouts before we begin to taper.

30 days in the hole...

The TNT staff has given us our bike drop off schedule.

30 days in the hole...

This is it! We're going in to the final month...My hands are shaking as I write this.

Is it excitement? Anticipation? Trepidation? A combination of all?

Maybe its anxiety that I'll forget to do something before then.

Ooops, that reminds me:
Get, get, get, get, get your long hair cut

How the heck are ya?

2007-08-24T08:13:00.000-07:00

"Really?," I responded, with that kinda high pitched surprised tone. "It's been three weeks already?"

"So, how the heck are ya?," I asked.

"Great," came the response. As though I would have expected to hear anything less from Eric.

Sometimes I think the doctors could tell Eric anything, and he'd find the good in it.

I can hear it now: "Umm, Mr. Jones, I don't know how to break this to you, but we have to completely submerse you in lye." "That's great," he says. "It'll really help clear my complexion."

The doctor's visit last week wasn't nearly as dire. Thank goodness.

It sounds like it went pretty well. The podiatrist was pleased with the progress. After our visit on the phone, Eric wrote (yes, wrote, using voice recognition software) an e-mail update.

He wrote, "(the podiatrist) is absolutely delighted wants to see me back on September 4 at which time he'll schedule surgery for the following week. I was a little bummed that I have to wait around some more, but all in all it is terrific news as he plans to do a split thickness skin graft instead of the more invasive skin graft options. That will make my hospital stay shorter, and hopefully my recuperation swifter."

Wow. I get a leg cramp and baby it for weeks. Eric is getting ready for skin grafts to close open wounds, and finds the good in it.

As though he doesn't have enough going on, he is also developing a course curriculum for an on-line program in partnership with the University of Michigan. The man is absolutely remarkable. He is the embodiment of "The Leaders and the Best."

Mmmm...beer

2007-08-20T13:06:00.000-07:00

Homer is brilliant.

No, I'm not talking about the famed poet of Iliad and Odyssey fame. Although I could make a couple of Achilles jokes.

No, I'm talking about the OTHER Homer. Simpson.

I love a good fundraiser that involves food and drink.

"Mmmm...donuts."

"Mmmm...beer."

"Mmmm...something."

So imagine the fun I had on Sunday joining six of my teammates for a little fundraiser they planned at a watering hole on the eastside. Imagine the fun I REALLY had because I wasn't working the fundraiser.

"Mmmm...beer."

We went to this place called Dragonmead. Its a little microbrewery off the 696 Service Drive in Warren.

They make their own beer in the warehouse behind the bar. Its good stuff. Really good stuff.

"Mmmm...beer."

More importantly, though, it gave me a chance to get to know my teammates a little better. Like Pete.

I turns out that I have a lot in common with Pete. We went to the same elementary school (good old Poppleton) and middle school (Boulan Park). Our high schools have been torn down and turned in to community centers (Troy High for me, Warren High for Pete). Our kids are doing better than we imagined thanks to the Catholic School education they're getting.

There is no better beer for a summer night than Oberon. Especially after swim practice.

Elisha and I almost bought a house four doors down from his family. If it weren't for the smell of curry, I am certain that you would find Pete and I standing at the bottom of his driveway with a beer in one hand and a couple of empties next to the mailbox.

I had a wonderful time getting to know Pete a little more than I had known before this weekend. I also enjoyed the time I passed visiting with Ron and his wife Bonnie, Andi and her husband Gary, Carly, Alicia, Rob (a.k.a. BJ).

Their stories are remarkable. Ron retired early from Hitachi to become a pastor. Carly is the only person I know to have suffered a concussion during a fundraiser in front of a grocery store. Talk about taking one for the team!

I can't imagine being with a nicer bunch of people. They really make this journey enjoyable.

A few weeks ago, I was nervous about the race. I didn't want it to come.

Today? I still don't want it to come. But for different reasons.

For as much as I have anguished over the event, I have enjoyed the journey to get there...thanks to these remarkable people.

I don't want it to end.

What about Bob?

2007-08-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

I used to think that I was pretty smart.

I liked watching Jeopardy, mostly because I could answer a lot of the questions. Correctly.

My wife nicknamed me "the Knower of Insignificant Facts."

Although, Banana Man has a much better ring to it, don'tcha think?

As I've gotten into my later 30's, I'm beginning to see that...well...maybe...I'm not so smart after all.

At least I still remember some things. Detroit was lost to the British on August 15, 1812. Water flows to the point of least resistance. Don't ask Norah where she wants to have dinner, unless you want to go to Chuck E Cheese.

I especially like to think that I still remember the little things. Phone numbers. A friend's birthday. My anniversary.

Okay, so I missed the first anniversary. But, I've remembered every one since! hmmm....

"Wow, am I really losing it," entered my mind as Judd asked if he could bring Bob to the progressive dinner. "Who is Bob?"

"Hmmm....let's see. Three children. Yep. None named Bob."

I'm pretty certain his wife doesn't go by "Bob."

I know his family pretty well. Any brothers named Bob? Not that I recall. Someone from work, maybe? I know the people at his shop. Bob? Nope.

So, who is Bob?

Turns out Bob isn't a "who." Bob is a "what."

Bob is a 1970's vintage GMC RV. Judd bought it a few years ago and has spent the past few seasons fixing it up.

Bob has turned into the unofficial support van for the Marion Mustangs volleyball team. I imagine that the Brother Rice Warriors will make good use of it, as we did for the progressive dinner.

Bob made its first appearance of the night in front of McCormick and Schmicks. Originally Judd planned on leading the route as kind of a novelty. A few extra riders could hop aboard, he offered.

As we left for Maggiano's, Bob had about 10 passengers.

As we headed out to Kona, I think there were only 10 people NOT riding on Bob.

By the end of the night, I think I was the only one NOT on the bus.

Bob the Bus became our unofficial support van. Judd's generosity added so much to the experience of the dinner. I can't thank him enough for bringing Bob out that night.

We are planning on having another progressive dinner. I think we're planning a Valentine-themed event in February. I hope you will join us.

I hope Bob will join us, too.

You can call me Banana Man

2007-08-12T05:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it.

I completed the Craig Greenfield Memorial Triathlon last Sunday.

All in all, it went pretty well. What was more fun, though, was seeing a bunch of my Team In Training friends there, too. We kinda hung out together before the race started.

I can see how this triathlon group is like one big fraternity. Without the hazing. Then again, when I think of it, the competition is one big hazing trial after another.

I also met a a couple of first timers (now that I have one under my belt, suddenly I know what I'm talking about!). I really enjoyed visiting with this guy, Jim.

Jim is a marathon runner, for the most part. He was bored with the "marathon scene" and decided to give the Craig Greenfield a try.

As we talked, he asked me what I did for nutrition and hydration. Considering how much I get leg cramps, I try to eat a banana or two before the race, and take one on the bike with me.

I didn't think much of our conversation until later in the race. I was on my bike in the second lap when Jim passed me. As he raced by, I heard him shout, "Hey Banana Man!"

I laughed so hard, I almost crashed my bike.

The rest of the race went pretty well, even though the weather didn't cooperate. It was pretty wet. So after the race, Elisha and I grabbed the kids and dashed over to the Clarkston Union for lunch.

As we waited for lunch, I shared the "Banana Man" story with the kids. They laughed, too, but I think because they thought "Banana Man" sounded funny.

Next thing my daughter starts a soft chant: "Banana Boy, Banana Boy, Banana Boy." The other two join in the chorus.

At this point, I'm waiting for a John Hughes movie soundtrack to start playing, as the crowd in the restaurant picks me up and carries me off to....oh sorry.

Needless to say, I've now earned the nickname "Banana Boy." I tried to convince my kids that "Banana Man" sounds...well...more mature.

I think that further cemented my new nickname as "Banana Boy."

...I know that it's been a while since I last wrote. But I celebrated my 39th birthday this week, by taking some time off from work...we rented a pontoon boat and floated around the Huron River Chain of Lakes..."Banana Boy" and his sidekicks had a wonderful time...thank goodness for work, though...I need some rest.

Milestone!

2007-08-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

"Wow." That's what crossed my mind on Sunday.

Quickly followed by, "oh crap."

First the "wow" part: I've reached my fundraising goal. With six weeks to spare.

"Wow."

I couldn't have done it without your support. And your pocket book.

I also couldn't have done this without a litle help from my friends at some of Troy's finest restaurants. A special thank you to Gordy at Piper's Pub for having me and my TNT teammates sling beer and other libations on two occasions. We raised over $700 over those two nights.

And McCormick and Schmick's, Maggiano's Little Italy, Kona Grill, and Mortons the Steakhouse are entered into the Hall of Fame. Thanks to their kindness and generosity, we raised over $1,500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on Sunday night.

Okay...so I maybe created a Hall of Fame, just for this occasion. Is there a "Progressive Dinner Hall of Fame?" Well, there is now, and they are the first inductees.

Sunday night, I have to tell you, was remarkable. I hope that everyone had as much fun that night as I had putting it together. I only wish I could have ridden on Bob the Bus. (That might be a story for another post.)

So, that's the "wow" part. Now the "oh crap" moment:

There's only two months left before I put my foot in the Potomac. Oh crap.

Suddenly, I am getting anxious. Now that my friends have gotten me there, I gotta live up to my end of the bargain.

And I only have two months to put it together. Oh crap.

I know that I've been training all along. I know that I'm happy with my progress.

Well, I was happy with my progress. Now that I look at the calendar ...hmmmm ...ahem ...well.

I am participating in the Craig Greenfield Memorial Triathlon this Sunday. It is a little longer than a Sprint Triathlon, and about 2/3rd the length of an Olympic Distance Triathlon.

That'll give me a good idea of where I am ... hopefully ...maybe ...oh crap.

Eric Goes Home!

2007-07-28T09:41:00.001-07:00

I can't believe my eyes. Eric's wife, Sue, sent an update, and Eric is home! Apparently he was able to work it out so he could go home rather than stay at the hospital.

He will be home for the next 3 weeks, or so, while his feet heal. After that, he will have to undergo skin graft surgery...then off to the rehab hospital.

But for now, he gets to be home with his wife and children. When I called the house today, he couldn't have sounded any happier. The kids were watching baseball with Eric. They've set up a hospital bed in the home, and some of the neighbors built a ramp so he can get in and out of the house in his wheelchair.

Here's her note (by the way, Lanie is their daughter):
_____________________________________________________

They had Eric all packed up and ready to go when I got to the hospital around 2:15. As we left his room, the nurses had all gathered at the nurses station and gave him a baloon, a card and a huge round of applause. They all told me how much they would miss him and that they had fought over who would take care of him each day. It was very touching.

Getting into the car was a breeze and the drive home was no problem.

When we came down Wagner Ave., we saw that the whole neighborhood had decorated their trees with yellow ribbons. They were also all waiting to see him. So, we had an impromptu party with cake and snacks in the backyard.

In the meantime, Ray and Mauro had decided that the rent-a-ramp idea was silly. So, they built us one. Since these pictures were taken (Brian note: I couldn't upload them to the blog, sorry), they added side-rails to ensure I don't dump him into the sandbox.

So many friends and neighbors stopped by. We had a really lovely afternoon. I am sure he will sleep well tonight!

Lanie wanted to type a message:
Mom said sometimes I can bring my sleeping bag down stairs to sleep by dad.

Progressive Dinner

2007-07-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

I want to thank the four Troy restaurants that are joining together this Sunday for our progressive dinner party. McCormick and Schmick's, Maggiano's Little Italy, Kona Grill, and Morton's the Steakhouse have either donated or have significantly reduced their costs to help raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

I can't thank them enough! Thanks to their generosity and kindness, we will raise nearly $1,500 for the society in one night. That is a lot of money. I couldn't have planned this event without Amy (McC/S), Annette (Mag's), Steve (Kona) and Andrea (Morton's). They truly are wonderful people, and deserve more thanks than I can write here.

Thanks to my friends at the local newspapers, the restaurant's generosity will not go unnoticed. Cindy Kmett ran a story in today's Somerset Gazette, and Megan Pennefather is writing a feature article for Thursday's Troy Eccentric. I only hope the picture in the Eccentric is better than the picture I submitted to the Gazette. I'm still surprised that the printer didn't shut down the line when my face appeared in the paper.

I can just hear it now, "shut down the line! We've got a problem here."

"What's that, boss?"

"Someone published the wrong picture, that's what's wrong. I mean, really, who would let THIS go through."

"I know, boss. But its the only thing they had."

"Naw. Cindy would never do that. She wouldn't let through something like...well...like THAT"

"You're right. But the guy isn't all that attractive...I've met him before...and unfortunately, that's what we got."

Begrudgingly, the printer turns back on the press. "Well, okay then. Let's just hope the dinner party is better than this picture!"

Team Bonding

2007-07-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

For those who really know me, you know how much I struggle meeting new people.

I know...you would think with the line of work I am in, I would be comfortable at it. And if you know my dad, you would think I was a natural!

But I have a hard time meeting new people. I am much more comfortable laying back at first.

I think most people are the same as me. At least I like to think that most people are like me.

Oddly enough: I hate working out by myself! Go figure.

So, it is wonderful to see our team beginning to bond. There is a real sense of camraderie carrying through the group.

Because we are all at different levels, we don't really have a chance to bike or run together at practice. But we do hang around afterward and share stories.

Stories about our families. Stories about how Leukemia or Lymphoma has touched our lives. Stories about the latest celebrity breakups.

I really liked hearing the celebrity stories. Apparently, it is all the rage in Hollywood to do time for DUI. Who knew?

I really am surrounded by some wonderful people. Each week, we get together to train for a common cause. A cause, I am learning, that impacts more people than I ever imagined.

Then we drink. Not in the Hollywood DUI way... hmmmmm... well...ahem...maybe that's why I'm not losing any weight.

But seriuosly, I am humbled to be around such wonderful and caring people. I am equally humbled by all the friends and family that are supporting us, spiritually and financially.

Ouch...

2007-07-13T12:20:00.000-07:00

I didn't mention much about my Grand Haven triathlon experience, other than my times and scores. It was my first day back from being gone for almost two weeks, and..."Oh stop your whining already!"

Okay, Okay. I hear ya.

In any event, sorry. It was a truly wonderful experience. My mind and my body went through every known emotion throughout the 1 1/2 hours.

My body is still going through some emotions...its called pain! Holy crap. It started with my left heel. I had this shooting pain explode from the ball of my foot shortly after I crossed the finish line.

After seeing me hobble around earlier in the week, Andi, one of my teammates, helped me out with these awesomely-cool magnetic insoles. Within a day the pain started to go away.

But then I got a cramp in my right leg at swim practice. I don't know if maybe I was babying my left leg, and set myself up, or I didn't recover yet from Sunday, or..."really, stop the whining! It's getting to be annoying."

Well, Andi's magnets have been helping out, too. That, and the five pounds of bananas and three quarts of magnesium.

Man, I knew what it was like to be fat and lazy. It never hurt this much!

But then, I remember that I still got it easy. There are so many people who are afflicted and impacted by blood cancers, and I think they would gladly trade places with me.

I think I'll stop whining.

Things are looking good for Eric, yeah!!!

2007-07-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest from AJ:
_____________________________________________________________
People for the Liberation of Eric –

Membership continues to grow. Who knew he had so many friends? If you knew him like I knew him…

Eric had the staples removed from the skin graft on his right arm early because it is healing so quickly. The foot surgeon doesn't think they'll have to do any reconstruction where his toes used to be. All is looking well on the healing front.

They are talking about removing the tube from his throat. He hasn't been on the vent in some time, but they kept the tube in place just in case. They have been plugging it up (with bubble gum, I assume) for long stretches of time to see if he can take it. He seems to be taking it well. Hopefully they will remove the tube soon.

Another hand specialist was in to do some testing on his left hand. The results showed pretty severe damage, I'm afraid. The Doc said the nerve damage on a scale of one to 10 was a 10. My brother, the overachiever. Not really sure what they're going to do with it at this point. Probably they are going to want to give it some more time before deciding. There's a chance some of the nerves could regenerate given time. He's probably looking at some surgery down the road. Apparently they can move tendons and muscles around in there to give him more use of the hand. I'll keep you posted.

All of this leads to the very best news: It looks like Eric will be leaving Yale soon. Perhaps even as soon as tomorrow. They are going to move him to a rehab facility in White Plains that's about 10 minutes from his house. It will make like much easier on his wife and kids to lose that 75 minute drive. I will let you all know when they spring him. He is ready for a change in venue, and really looking forward to getting out.

Eric's attitude continues to defy skeptics. I think we can all be thankful that this happened during baseball season. He's watching more games than he has in years. Many, many thanks to all of you who continue to visit and send him obnoxious cards.

Grand Haven, what beautiful city

2007-07-10T04:34:00.000-07:00

I did it. I finished my first triathlon.

Wow. Now I can call myself a triathlete.

Not a good triathlete, mind you. And it was a sprint triathlon. I have to go twice as far in September. I still have a long way to go to be ready for Washington DC. Needless to say, I will be at our group swim practice on Wednesday and the TNT brick training on Saturday.

But still, I did it. And, if I can boast, I am pretty proud of my results:
I came out of the Swim in 1st place in my age group (4th overall) with a 2:13 pace. I still did pretty well in the Bike with a 18.4 mph average (17th in my age group). The Run felt really weak. But I managed to keep an 8:42 pace (15th in my age group). So, I can't complain too much about the run. In all, I completed the event in 1 hour and 27 minutes.

I didn't set a goal for myself before the event. Really I just wanted to know that I could do it. And I couldn't have done it without you. Knowing that I have friends and family that care and support me and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society really made a difference through out the day. Thank you so much.

I'll have an update on Eric in my next post...

Training update, ouch

2007-06-29T06:04:00.000-07:00

So with the travel out east, I haven't been keeping to the TNT schedule, sorry to say. And, of course, I am heading out this weekend, too. My cousin is getting married this weekend...yes, married! I am just about to leave for the airport.

But before I left I wanted to say thanks to everyone that has supported my fundraising efforts, and has asked about Eric. You are truly wonderful friends, and I can't thank you enough.

I promise that I'll get back on my training regimen once I get return. I just hope I haven't lost too much ground! The team is riding 25 miles tomorrow! I have yet to ride more than 15 at any one time. Yikes.

I am going to take on my first Sprint Triathlon the following weekend. I don't know why they call it a Sprint Tri...there's no way that anyone can sprint that long (500 meter swim, 20 K bicycle, and 5 K run). But I think that'll give me a good idea on how much more I need to put in to my training.

See you when I get back.

update from AJ

2007-06-26T04:27:00.000-07:00

I am never as good as AJ in giving updates on Eric. Here's the latest:
___________________________________________________________
Lot's of news from Yale this week:

Eric had his right hand amputated on Monday, and all ten toes amputated on Wednesday. He is no longer able to count any higher than five.

While certainly a bit gruesome, (not to mention a big fat drag), having gone through these procedures brings him closer to going home. Having both procedures done in the same week means they will heal at the same time. We are in the business of looking on the bright side.

And Eric, Mr. Bright Side himself, has continued to have an incredible attitude about all this. When I heard they were doing his toes, I called him to make sure he was okay. (One minute it's all hurry up and wait, then next they're carving him up like a Christmas turkey.) Anyway, I ask if he's okay, and he tells me he's excited. Excited, for Christ sake. My brother is the only human being on the planet who can muster enthusiasm for losing his toes.

Continues to show improving kidney function and breathe on his own, so it's now a matter of waiting for everything to heal. We're all hoping he can conduct his healing a little closer to home. Yale is helping Eric to work toward that.

So what's left?

They're going to do a skin graft and some reconstruction on his right
stump to make it smooth and pretty. Possibly as soon as next week.
Here's what they're going to do: They're going to open a flap of skin
on his belly and sew his stump inside. They leave it there for a
couple weeks and it will grow all kinds of fresh tissue and blood
vessels. After a little red button on his stomach pops up (sorry),
they'll remove his hand and lay some fresh skin on top. It's quite a
world we live in. Somebody should sell tickets.

He still has the tube from the vent in his neck. Once they're sure
he's all done with surgery (for the time being), they'll remove that
tube.

Then we all get to wait for his feet (specifically, his heels) to
heal. Latest word from the foot doctor is "months."

He may have some surgery on his left hand to repair some nerves.
Should know about that next week, too.

He's going to continue with physical therapy. They're working with his
left hand to get it back to full functionality, and they're doing some
exercises with his legs so the muscles don't atrophy.

...So What About Philly?

2007-06-25T10:11:00.000-07:00

What a remarkable experience! The Society's Team In Training does an absolutely fantastic job. I can't wait for September to come, just so I can join my team in the revelry I witnessed here. Elisha's team is filled with a mix of people of different backgrounds and different goals, but one purpose. They really gelled and seemed to really want to spend their time in Philly together.

The days leading up to the race were filled with pre-race meetings with the TNT leadership and the triathlon race officials and other logistics. It was really interesting to see over 300 people, with their bikes and other gear, descend on the hotel. The hotel was...ahem...a little overwhelmed, shall we say? Some how, the hotel assigned our room to another guest while we were in the room!

Race day was a marvel to watch. I positioned myself so I could see Elisha and her teammates come out of the transition zone for the bicycle and the running elements. Elisha looked like a pro!

The bicycle route laps 2X around the course. Elisha went by at such a blistering pace on the second lap that I almost didn't see her!

And her running was fluid. I moved from my first spot after cheering for the TNT teammates to get ready to watch Elisha near the finish line. I though that I'd move up the course about a half mile from the finish line to cheer her on. At least that was my plan.

As I headed up the course, I was keeping an eye out for her other TNT teammates. And who should come running by me with less than a 10th of a mile to go? Yep. Elisha.

Her goal was to finish in less than 3 hours. Done. Her goal was to finish in the top third in her age group. Done. My goal was to be there to cheer her on to victory. Done.

My Travel Out East

2007-06-25T09:53:00.000-07:00

Sorry that I haven't put out a post recently. But I went out East to visit Eric and followed up to watch Elisha participate in the Philadelphia Triathlon.

I got to Connecticut on Wednesday morning to see Eric right before he went under the knife. He was scheduled to have work done on his feet that morning. He had work done on his hand earlier in the week (Monday). As we drove to the hospital, Eric's wife, Sue, was filling me in on how things were going. The good news was that he was breathing well on his own and the kidneys were functioning very well. Things were going so well that they now could address the "collateral damage."

I had a hard time hearing that my dearest and closest friend was about to lose his feet afet already losing his hand on Monday...And here was Sue so matter-of-fact about the whole thing. I was panicked to see him...I rally didn't know what I'd say or do. But Sue reminded me how awesome Eric really is and that this surgery was a good thing. "Heck," she said,"I was told he was dead five weeks ago. So losing a hand and his feet? That's nothing."

I was still a little nervous walking in to the room. But as soon as I walked in, I saw my best friend. That's who I saw.

He looks great. And more importantly, he is great. He was in absolutely fantastic spirits, even cracking some jokes about trying out as a left-handed relief pitcher. (Eric's a huge Major League Baseball fan).

I visited him again on Thursday, before heading out to join Elisha in Philadelphia. I couldn't help but marvel at his strength and resolve. I know that I would have been a ball of mush...heck, I am a ball of mush (mentally, that is...we'll save the physical jokes for later).

As I left on Friday, I started crying. Not out of sadness nor sympathy. But out of admiration and love. Eric really is a remarkable man, and he is surrounded by a remarkable family that loves him very much. And a friend, too.

Happy Father's Day

2007-06-18T07:18:00.000-07:00

I hope your Father's Day was special. We had a great day at Casa Del Condor.

The kids surprised me with breakfast in bed. They created a restaurant called "the Cabin," and showed up next to my bed with a menu of pretty much everything in the pantry! It was just incredible.

We had just a wonderful day, and capped it off with an impromptu "bonfire party" in the backyard. My brother, Greg, showed up with his family and we invited our neighbors over for s'mores.

Needless to say, my training took a back seat this weekend. Got a couple of runs in thanks to my neighbor. Thanks, Frank (he says, tongue firmly planted in cheek)! But other than that, I kinda laid low.

Elisha's triathlon is this coming weekend. So, I am heading out tomorrow with plans to visit Eric. I hope to get there on Wednesday and spend few days with him before cheering Elisha on in Philadelphia.

So, how's Fred

2007-06-15T08:06:00.000-07:00

AJ recently sent an update on Eric:
______________________________________________________

Mr. Eric is doing really well. Surprisingly well. Remarkably well.
He's out of ICU and in a regular hospital room at Yale. That means
visitors! If any of you are able to visit the boy, I know he'd be
thrilled to see you. And if you can visit around mealtime (9, 12, 6),
you can help feed him. It's a lot fun. He likes it when you make
airplane sounds with the spoon.
He's been off the vent for several days and is breathing like a champ.
His kidneys are working better, and they are starting to make some
noise about stopping the dialysis to see how he does. That would be a
HUGE step. If he's able to get off the dialysis, it opens up a lot of
options as far as doing rehab a lot closer to home.
He still has pneumonia (no visitors with colds, please), but seems to
be responding to antibiotics. They are comfortable with his slow
progress.
He's been working with Occupational Therapy on his left hand. He can't
feel his fingers, but can still lobster claw to pick stuff up. He can
feed himself a little, but it's difficult. They think the nerves will
return in time.
Right hand and toes are still toast, but the doctors want to wait as
long as they can before doing anything. They want to give his body
every chance to recover and leave as much of him intact as possible.
The biggest concern right now are his heels. Apparently, he can walk
around fine with no toes, but not having heels is going to cause a lot
of headaches. There's reconstructive surgery they can do, but it's not
great. Those of you using Jedi healing powers (or prayer, whatever),
please focus on the heels. We need some good voodoo on them feet.
All in all, he's doing great. Not to say he doesn't have a long way to
go, but he's doing as well as can be expected right now. The doctors
keep him very busy poking at him most of the day, but I think it's
safe to say he's starting to climb the walls. Anyone in the vicinity
of New Haven should drop in.
Sue bought him a CD player to help pass the time. I sent him some
books on CD and Sue brought him some music. Many of you have asked me
what to send. Here's your chance. The boy needs tunes. His favorites
are Kiss, AC/DC, Rob Zombie....no, that's me. Sorry. He actually likes
classical and jazz (yawn). Send it to the house and we will arrange
delivery.
I can't thank all of you enough for the cards and letters you've sent
him, and the kind e-mails you've sent me. It's meant a lot to both of
us. So thanks. Way to step up. I didn't know you had it in you.
_____________________________________________________

I am going to head out to see the old man next week. Hopefully I come back with even more good news!

Pigs do fly...I've seen 'em

2007-06-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

I am truly humbled by your generosity and kindness. So many of you have sent me note of encouragement and support...they mean so much. I think of them often. I especially love the note I got recently:

"WOW! When I opened your letter I could have sworn I saw a pig fly by my window!"

I still laugh about it. Mostly, because it is so true...sometimes I can't believe I'm doing this!

But seriously, I can't thank you enough for your charity. Between the garage sale, Fun Run, guest bartending, and direct gifts, we have already raised over $3,000!

Also, Gordie at Piper's Pub has invited us back for another guest bartending night, and we're planning a progressive dinner party with some of the restaurants on Big Beaver for later this summer. I really hope you can join me.

Saddle Sores

2007-06-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

Once I signed up, TNT gave me a binder filled with our team and individual training schedule (the team schedule is in the link at the right, if you're interested...). I've been doing my best to keep to the schedule in the binder.

So, let's see:
The cycling is going okay. But I now know what "saddle sores" are! Holy crap! Honestly, I didn't know that I could get bruises there. I mean...really? Who'd a thought. I figured with all my extra padding, I wouldn't need to get some padded cycling shorts. I ordered two pair, so I can wear them both at the same time!

Our team rides, though, are really cool. We've gone to some places in the region where I've never been. And we've gone places where I've been, but never realized how beautiful they are. Seriously, there are some really cool places to cycle around here.

Kensington Park is just gorgeous. That said, can I suggest that they take out a couple of the hills. Some of us...ahem..."less ready" people could use a break now and then.

There is nothing like a ride around Stony Creek. The lake just glistened as I rode around there...calling me like a siren. No, thankfully, I didn't crash into the rocks like an ill-fated ship. But I certainly crashed when I got home.

And Hines Drive. I had never been there before. Wow. What a gem. I am envious of the westsiders that have such a jewel in their back yard.

Update on Eric

2007-06-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

Eric's younger brother, AJ, is sending periodic e-mails. This is from last week. You gotta love AJ!
_________________________________________________________

Eric is doing really well. He's been off the vent for three days,
breathing on his own with no problems. He is eating real food, which
is very important to keep Mr. Eric happy. His spirits continue to be
good.

He is slowly coming to grips with how serious this all was. Doctors
keep coming into his room and saying, "Oh my God, your face looks SO
much better!" And, "Wow, I can't believe you're sitting up!" Eric
(thankfully) doesn't remember much about the first three weeks in the
hospital, so this is all very strange to him.

"Why do people keep telling me my face looks good?" he asked. "What
did my face look like?"

As gently as we could, we told him: "It was black, dude."

His kidneys continue to improve, but aren't yet functioning properly.
The docs are still confident they will be back online and fully
functional in time. Dialysis continues.

He has started physical therapy and is doing a lot of exercises in
bed. Not only does he have to regain strength and dexterity in his
left hand, he has to learn how to be left-handed. How fun is that?

The skin on his arms and legs has healed remarkably fast. He's still
bandaged, but not nearly to the extent he was a week ago. There's a
possibility of some skin graphs on his legs, but we don't know yet.

We are still waiting to learn the fate of his right fingers and toes.
One podiatrist came in a few days ago and said they were going to
amputate all his toes. The next day, another podiatrist (and the boss
of the first podiatrist) came in and said, no, we're going to wait,
some of his toes may come back. It's a bit of a roller coaster because
at least a half dozen doctors see him every day, and they all have
slightly different opinions on what's happening. Mostly, it's just
wait and see.

They are talking about kicking him out of Intensive Care. He could
either go to a step-down unit at Yale, or possibly a rehab facility
closer to his house. A lot of it depends on how soon they can get him
off dialysis, and if he can stay off the vent. I'll obviously let you
know if he's moved to a new room with a phone.

Finally learned the name of exactly what Eric has as a result of the
bacterial infection: disseminated intravascular coagulation (or DIC.
I've been telling him for years he's a DIC). If you're interested, you
can read all about this lovely disease on WebMD. Here's the link:
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/Disseminated-Intravascular-Coagulation-DIC-Topic-Overview

So it's all pretty much good news. There are going to be a lot of
little procedures and a lot of physical therapy between now and
getting the boy home, but he continues to move in the right direction.

Now I know why they call it a "Brick"

2007-06-04T11:17:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday was one of our Team In Training group practices...a "Brick," they call it. Well, I've never heard of a brick, at least not in the context of training, that's for sure.

So, you can imagine what was going through my mind as I drove out to Kensington on Saturday morning. "Heck," I thought,"I'm fat enough as it is. They don't need to strap on any more weight!"

Thankfully, its nothing like that...its worse! We rode our bikes for 16 miles, and quickly followed that up with a 3 mile run. Okay, so "quickly"...hmmm...well...ahem. Let's just agree that I might need some poetic license liberties from time to time.

So, where does the brick come in? It's how your feet feel half way through the practice. And what your head is filled with to do something like this!

But seriously, I am part of a wonderful team, and I can't thank them enough for the support they shared as we made our way through our practice. Just think, we get to do this again next week, and the week after that, and the week after that, and...oh crap!

Fundraising Update

2007-06-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

I am humbled and blessed with the generosity that has been shown to me as I try to acheive my fundraising goal of $3,800. So far, I have raised almost $900 toward the goal.

Thank you to those that came out for the Fun Run at Boulan Park and bought stuff at the garage sale last month. It really has helped to make a difference!

Tonight I am serving as a guest bartender at Piper's Pub. Piper's Pub is the newly opened restaurant at Sanctuary Lake Golf Course. The Course is located on South Boulevard, between Dequindre and John R, in Troy. All the tips generated will be donated to TNT. Hope to see you there!

So, how did Eric become Fred?

2007-05-31T18:35:00.000-07:00

I told you that there's a story in how Eric earned his nickname...here's his story:

Shortly after Eric started his treatments for lymphoma, he started losing some of his motor control. As a result, he had to give up his driving privileges. If you saw the way he drove before then, you would be thanking the authorities!

Well one fine day, a day when Eric was especially down, his mother offered to let Eric drive the car from the driveway in to the garage. As luck would have it, Eric's foot slipped off the brake and he ran the car right in to the garage refrigerator!

Now, to keep time in context, you have to remember that William "the Refrigerator" Perry was making headlines at this time. So, you can imagine the jokes that we were laying on him. (I know, we should have been kind and caring, blah, blah, blah...but well, guys really aren't so kind and caring after all).

Well Eric's younger brother, AJ, has the greatest dry wit about him...and he made a crack that Eric didn't deserve the "Refrigerator" tag. It was one of those moments where you had to be there to apprciate the delivery, as AJ said to Eric, "you are such a 'Fred'".

That alone doesn't make a nick name stick...but Eric's dad returned from a business trip that very weekend, carrying a copy of the New York Times. No joke, the editorial headline read, "I used to believe in Santa Claus, now I believe in Fred." Eric has been carrying the name since!