Life's Not a Sprint...

Are you one of those people that wishes something would "hurry up?"

Maybe you're excited for an upcoming trip, a paycheck or a bonus, for your kids to go back to school, for a project to be completed, for an investment to reach maturity, for your house to be sold, for a flower to bloom, or maybe a brisket to be fully cooked. Whatever the case, life is all about "waiting" for something.

For some of you, if you're like me, you're excited for the upcoming football season. Personally, I can't wait until September 5th arrives... specifically, 2:30 PM. That is when my Baylor Bears take on the Demon Deacons of Wake Forest. In fact, there is a countdown clock on Baylor's website depicting the time in days/hours/minutes/seconds for when kickoff happens! What if you had "that" as your measuring stick for whatever you're anticipating???

But while we're anxiously awaiting the "season" to begin, have you ever thought "why" you're waiting? The teams aren't ready... they aren't "fully prepared." Simply put, it's not the right time...

The same goes with any of the above items I listed (or you may be thinking of)... we have to wait until something... or someone... is ready. And maybe that "someone" is you...

Let's take the marathon example. If you've followed this blog prior to my injury, you well know the preparation it took me to be able to run 13.1 miles. I didn't just show up to the race that day... I was prepared. I had trained. I had pushed my body to the point where I could run for over 2 hours to complete that half marathon. It took me 4 months to prepare... but I was ready.

When I trained for a full marathon, it took over 8 months to get ready for almost 5 hours of pounding the pavement. I ran the 1999 White Rock Marathon (26.2 miles) in 4 hours 48 minutes... incidently, on a bad knee! In 2007 I did the same thing - ran another marathon - and it took another 8-9 months of incredibly difficult training to be ready to run the Chicago Marathon. That same year, I ran 13.1 in the Nashville Half Marathon. Again, 4 months of preparation...

Now if you read the blog I wrote last Sunday regarding "The Pit," I wanted to expand upon that today. You see, I think we can all agree that I want to be back to normal again... mainly, I want these dang wires out of my knee!

But, they can't come out yet... the knee isn't ready. I'm not ready.

One of the main lessons I feel God has taught me through all of this is humility. From the moment this "pit" happened, I had to rely on others. To me, one of the most humbling memories was lying on a gurney and being rolled into surgery. I had to put my faith in the skills of others... and to know who was ultimately in control.

Through humility, my next lesson was patience. Believe you me... this has been a very hard lesson! I've tried to be patient when asking for help... it's a blessing to have others serve you, so why rush them? Patience also comes from re-learning something that you once knew how to do, like walking. My first steps after surgery were disastrous - I was on my crutches and almost fell several times. After that, I had to rely on a walker for several weeks. I then graduated to crutches. I was then able to move without the crutches, but still with a brace. Now, it's all gone... yet, I'm still struggling and having to remind myself... "BE PATIENT!"

Finally, it's about endurance... as in, "Are you ready to endure all of this?" I'm fortunate in that I have a strong network of friends and family around me. They haven't made any jokes at my expense, or have lost their patience on me (as far as I know - ha!). They slow down when they walk - believe me, it's recognized. But I think they see that I've been enduring quite a bit these past few months... and they know that it's going to get a little rougher when I have to undergo another surgery in November/December. While endurance might be taken as "pain," it's more than that to me. It's acceptance.

I have to accept where I am "in this life" and what I can and can't do at this time. Life changes... as we all know... but I believe we need to be content with each stage. Last week a friend asked if I would like to join him in climbing a mountain in the near future... then asked, "How's the knee?" I have been invited on a river trip - tubing - but had to decline because that's just not safe for my situation. Yesterday Chandra and I drove from the Flying Saucer to our favorite Italian place (Momo's) - a distance we normally would walk. Again... I need to accept what I can do and know that this won't be "this way" forever.

So while I'm learning about what God is teaching me in this pit, I just wanted to share with you that all of this is a process. No matter what we go through in life, I firmly believe God wants us to learn from it... to grow from it... and to develop a deeper and richer bond with Him.

It's a marathon... plain and simple... not a sprint. And we are in training... along the way, we will have to overcome obstacles. We will be tested. We will be shaped. We will be weakened... and we will be strengthened. Life isn't supposed to be easy. And neither is training for a marathon.

God wants us to be the best "runners" that we can be. And hopefully, whenever we reach the end, we will be prepared.

Whatever you are going through right now, God is with you. If you are waiting on something (or for someone), God is with you. Be humble. Demonstrate patience. Endure and persevere. Accept where you are in life... mainly, be content with your life. I promise you, it will change your perspective and you will see the light at the top of your pit.

I believe this with all my heart and soul... and knee!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith"

Hebrews 12:1-2

Justice Served...

There is a case that I've been following here in Dallas that, to put it lightly, really hits home.

Last June 2008, two thugs got on the DART train and headed to Garland - the downtown station - with the sole purpose of robbing someone. It was late, after 10pm, when the train stopped and they got off.

I'd like you to read this story, and then come back and finish up reading my comments/thoughts:

Link

For the past two weeks, James Broadnax has been on trial... not to determine his innocence, but for his sentencing.

The prosecutors and the defense have brought in numerous people so the jury could decide his fate. Both the mothers of the deceased have testified, as have other family and friends. The defense has countered with claims that Broadnax was an abused child and deserves leniency. Yesterday, they finally started to deliberate.

This hits home for two reasons. For one, I knew the story of this Christian music studio. One Sunday, a few years ago, I read an article about how Matthew Butler and his wife had started this studio. Seeing her picture in the paper, I recognized her as a girl that rode the train with me. I even remembered when she was pregnant... she always looked very peaceful and content... and she has this brilliant red hair. Knowing that she has gone through this personal hell is just terrible...

The other reason is that I've been known to take those late trains into Garland. Typically at work, we'll have a Happy Hour. These sometimes last close to 10pm, so I just get dropped off at the nearest station and I take the train home. It's not the most comfortable ride, either. To say it's a little rough would be sugar-coating it. But, I figured it's just 15 minutes and then I'm back to my truck and on my way. Now, knowing this could happen, I've changed my ways and my decisions.

If I had been on that train that night, I would have gotten off at the same time with those two murderers. And given that the parking lot is pretty much empty, I guess I have a general idea where they would have left my body. And it has made me think how incredibly awful it would be for my family and friends to have to endure a trial (and interview!) like that.

I guess it's the world we live in... evil is out there.

Matthew Butler and Steven Swan did nothing wrong. They were just working late in their music studio, and happened to leave at the worst possible moment. I wonder what they were thinking in their last moments...

Today the jury came back with the Death Penalty for James Broadnax. While I know this isn't closure, I'm sure the families believe justice has been served.

For me, it's a sad and tragic way to learn a lesson that I should have known long ago... believe me, I know it now.

"The Broken Kneecaps"...

Fantasy Football Season is upon us! Or, as I like to call it, "The Season of Insanity!!!" It's "greatness" and "frustration" all wrapped into one!

The goal is to show your football prowess (knowledge/expertise and not your physical abilities... Thank Goodness!!!) to a group of others as you hope to win the title of "Champion" in your league of sports fans...

I always say that no matter what, you'll gain a better knowledge of the game - players, teams, offenses, defenses, etc. By the end of the year (if you still have hair) the teams playing in the Super Bowl usually have some sort of meaning to you... whether you were the brilliant coach that drafted one of them, or were the idiot that was duped into skipping them!

Normally, I'm the one who missed the boat... but that's OK. I still love playing this game!

I've been a "coach" in two separate leagues for the past 5 years... Sundays you can find me on my couch watching the pregame shows, games, and even some post-game wrap-ups. I keep a laptop next to me to see how my players are doing... and I even subscribe to DirecTV's NFL Sunday Ticket. Let's just say I have some friends who like to join me on those Sundays...

Speaking of, they have this one channel called "The Red Zone." All they show are teams on the move. So, you don't see punts or any of the boring crap. If a team is looking like they're driving down the field, they put them up. Once they stall out or score, they flip to another "hot" team. Sometimes 2 teams are at the goal line and they'll split the screen... This goes on from noon until 6:00 PM... with ZERO commercials! AWESOME!!!

Each year, I try and name my team based upon something that is unique to me. (You know where this is going) Past names include:

Rowlett Wigwam Warriors
The Sweathogs
Screaming Bloody Nipples
Band of Muthas

So this year, out of respect for that broken bone we all know and love, I have given it the highest honor... my team name.

Yes, we are "The Broken Kneecaps!"

And, if past failures are of any consequence... or predictors of the future... then we don't have a leg to stand on!

We will fight with all our might... even if we have to show up on crutches and walkers!

Go Team!

PS The site we use allows for "logos." That X-Ray above is my team's image. Wonder how that would look on the side of a helmet???

A Little Grumpy...

Not sure if many of you have noticed, but I've been a bit grumpy lately.

For those that like to make funny comments at my expense, you'd probably say, "Hey... it's par for the course, right?"

That sounded kinda grumpy, didn't it??? Sorry... my apologies...

I've had a bit of frustration in the past few weeks. Maybe I'm thinking I should see some improvement... feel a little less pain... have a little more endurance.

However, I feel like it's gone a little from bad to worse. Lots of wear and tear walking to and from the building, up and down stairs, etc. To me, I guess I feel like I should have less pain. Unfortunately, it ain't like that.

When I arrived this morning, I was walking around the floor at the office and felt a "pop." I couldn't believe it... the knee made a noise like I snapped my knuckles. It was a very weird feeling... and not a very pleasant feeling. I had to stop... and literally thought, "What the heck is going on? This is getting extremely frustrating..."

This is just one dang long process...

Maybe this is a bit of a shocker to some of you, but I've actually considered getting back on the crutches. It hits me during the long walks from the train to the building... grind grind grind. Someone suggested a cane... I'm sorry, but that is NOT on my rehabilitation mindset.

Tomorrow is going to be a welcome respite... I'm working from home. No long walks. No stairs to climb. No steps to go up or down. Just me and my couch... and an ice pack.

So I'm sorry if I've come across as a little grumpy... either in person or via the blog. I'm just going through some "growing pains" lately.

It sucks... but it's just one day at a time I guess.

"How's the Knee?"

Sometimes I'm not really sure what people want to hear...

I've tried the truth -
"It hurts today."
"Swollen... throbbing... giving me some pain."
"Sore... hurts when I walk..."

I've tried the chipper angle -
"Each day is a new adventure."
"A little better today."
"I'm movin'... that's a good thing."

I've even tried humor -
"You mean my achey-brakey knee?"
"Mechanical and Bionical!"
"Let's just say it's rubbin' me the wrong way."

But no matter what I say, I think it just makes people uncomfortable. Everyone knows what happened... most have seen some sort of an X-Ray or picture... and you know how people embelish the stories they hear/pass along. Of course, some of it is true.

"I heard your kneecap was in your thigh? Is that true?" I've been asked. "What, you think I'm making that up? You can't write crap like that!"

Now that the brace is off, I've been showing the scar. I'm actually a little shocked that people want to see it. While it is a little rough to look at, to me the biggest shocker is to compare my left knee with my right. The left is much larger - it's just really round (swollen). You don't really see any bones compared to the other one.

The other day, as I was walking to the train, I was stopped on the street by a fellow coworker who works on another floor. She said, "I almost threw up when I heard your story. What was that pain like? I would think I would pass out because it hurt so much."

In all honesty, it hurts a lot more these days than when it actually happened. I've said it before - it really just felt like an electrical shock. Now, I'm dealing with two different pains...

First, when I walk, you gotta know that I'm putting pressure on a bone that was split in two. Not only that, it was reduced by 30%. So, when I walk, it just feels like the two pieces are grinding. Definitely not a lot of fun...

The other part is the wires. Plain and simple, they rub. They actually cause pain in two different ways. For one, when I'm moving, they're going with the bone... so the skin gets a nice "motion of commotion" during my steps. The other part is a little more subtle.

Have you ever thought of what your legs do when you're not paying attention to them... like sitting at a desk, or watching TV, or simply trying to bend? I can't tell you how many times I get a burst of pain when I'm at work - I have no idea that my leg isn't stretched out. So, that "bend" just builds up enough pressure to let me know, "Hey Turkey! Move your dang leg!"

I'm still not able to bend that much, and stairs are still a challenge. I get nervous walking on slopes, and I don't like people walking behind me because I'm still a little unsteady.

But, I can't complain. I'm mostly living life in the "normal" world... at least in "my" world. I can shower, get dressed without sitting on the floor, and maneuver around without the aid of crutches or a walker. I can drive... I can even park my truck in my garage and get into/out of it without too much effort (Note: My garage has a trailer in it, so I have to enter/leave the truck through the passenger door).

So overall, not bad. Pick your response above on any day, and that's pretty much my answer.

Oh yeah...

"It's the bee's knees, baby!"

Life's Pits...

A few days after incurring my injury, and awaiting my surgery, someone commented to me, "My gosh... your attitude is amazing! I don't know how you're keeping your spirits up after all of that has happened."

Hearing that for the first time, as well as several since then, has always been surprising to me.

"How could I NOT try and have a good attitude about all of this?"

As I've written below, I believe we can choose our attitude.... our response... in effect, take control. Why? Because we alone usually have the best perspective in what is truly going on.

Recently, I've been learning about the "Pits" of life. We weren't born yesterday... we all know we go through trials in our everyday lives. We will have trials... that's a given. For this discussion, let's just call it "a pit."

When you're in a pit, it's tough. You're stuck. You're down. Maybe you're there because of no fault on your own - betrayal, deceit, envy, etc. Someone has done something to put you in the pit. Or, in my case, an accident happened - one that I don't think anyone could see coming. Whatever the case, you're in the pit and you have to decide what to do next. What is your response going to be?

Do you remember the story of Joseph from the book of Genesis? He was favored by his father Jacob, but despised by his brothers. They decided to throw him into a cistern (pit) and sell him as a slave to those going into Egypt. He hadn't done anything... yet, he was disrobed ("coat of many colors") and thrown into his own "pit of despair." Joseph was loyal to the Lord, and did not respond by attacking others or God. He kept his focus that God is in control.

Genesis 39 picks up where Joseph was working for Potiphar, one of the Pharaoh's officials, as his attendant - he was in charge of his entire household. He did this for 10 years, and was very loyal to Potiphar and his family. Unfortunately, Potiphar's wife lied and told him that Joseph attacked her... yet again, he was sent to prison. A dungeon. Translation: He was put into another pit.

Genesis 39:20 "But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden."

So there he is in the pit, and God is still with him. Do we forget that when we're in the midst of our pits? Do we lose focus? Do we focus on the walls or the floor of the pit... and not look UP???

The story goes on to show that not only does Joseph get out of that pit, but he becomes one of the highest officials in the land as he's found favor with Pharoah. And, it just so happens, that there is a great famine in the region and his brothers and father come to Egypt for help... and to their astonishment, Joseph is the one that gives them the help. Not only does he save them, but he forgives them.

One thing to know is that while we'll all face our own pits, we have a choice on getting out of the hole. For me, I didn't want to sit and stare at these walls. I wanted out... and I knew the best way was to focus on the positive.

I was rewarded with love... compassion... friendships... loyalty... devotion... selflesslessness... from friends, family, and even strangers.

I wrote once that I felt that God was preparing me for something. I still believe that. I could also write it that, "God is preparing me for something he has prepared for me." Have you ever thought of that when you're in one of your pits? Beyond anything, God is in control... I have Faith in that. I have to.

But through it all, we have to demonstrate patience. It's tough, though... especially for me to say and write that.

Right now, I just want to go out and run. I want to start rehab. I want to go to the gym... get on that treadmill or elliptical. I want to get on my bike and ride around the block. I want to jog. I want to walk up or down stairs like a normal person. I want to walk without a limp. I want the pain to stop everytime I take a step...

But I know God is with me through all of this. I know that "WE" are together on this. He knows it hurts. He knows it's been frustrating. But for me to succeed, I know I can't do it alone. I need Him to be here with me while I'm working my way out of the pit. I need to show Him loyalty... love... and that is best done through my attitude. My response.

So that, I guess in a nutshell, is my best explanation of why I have a good attitude. It's out of my relationship with my Father, the one who is in control and who is there with me in this pit, that I respond this way.

I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.

Psalm 40: 1-4

Serious Texas BBQ...

In today's Dallas Morning News, there is an article about a regular guy named Daniel Vaughn who started a blog to cover one of his passions...

"Texas Barbecue..."

It's an interesting story. He grew up in Ohio and never knew there were variations of BBQ. Well, I grew up in Texas and have always thought our BBQ was the norm... little did I know different parts of the country do things just a bit differently. Blech!

Given that I'm a Texan through and through, I found his idea compelling - "Rate all of the BBQ joints in Texas so that others won't waste their time or money eating bad BBQ."

Here's a snippet:

When Vaughn, a.k.a. "BBQ Snob," isn't designing environmentally friendly buildings, he is searching for the best smoked meat in Texas. His blog, Full Custom Gospel BBQ, rates barbecue joints throughout the state based on a six-star rating system – one star meaning "don't bother," and six stars advising the reader to "reconsider your honeymoon destination."

He doesn't really consider himself a critic, though. "I see myself as a consumer advocate more than anything," he says. "I just tell people where the good stuff is."

He and a buddy have been scouting BBQ joints around the state since 2006. Sometimes they hit up to 16 in a weekend! His arteries must be pumping some thick sauce by now! Good gravy!!! (Literally!!!)

Well, if you're interested in reading the story, here it is: Link

But if you'd like to follow another blog... one that will definitely make your mouth water, I'd recommend checking his out. He has not only organized his visits by region, but also by city. I've read a few and I just drool! It may make you want to take a drive to check out one near (or not-s0-near) your home! Definitely something to keep in mind on your next road trip...

Here is the link to his blog: Link

The Cost of Health Care...

Do you know how much it costs to fix a knee? A lot more than you'd expect...

My injury occurred on April 26th. Since then, I have kept the postal service employed with numerous bills and letters being sent my way...

Thank the Good Lord I have insurance. I couldn't imagine having to deal with this problem AND fork out the dough needed to pay for everything. I really don't know how people do it...

My first inclination of the high prices for health care came when I received my first bill: Ambulance. They billed me $1172. It was $1100 to transport me, and the extra $72 was for the gas. I'm serious. It's on the bill - and we only traveled 9 miles. Insurance paid for about 90% of that charge...

Since then, I've received bills from the hospital in Oklahoma City, the X-Ray technician in OKC, the anesthesiologist here in Dallas, the X-Ray technician here in Dallas, my surgeon, and the hospital here in Dallas.

Each bill I receive, I just kick it back and tell them to deal with my insurance. It's amazing... you'll get three bills from the same person in a 2-week span and the "amount owed" just continues to go down. For some odd reason, the insurance company has this odd payment schedule... not sure why they don't just pay it and get it over with, but hey... they're the ones with the big bucks, right?

So... take a guess. How much do you think I've spent this year on my knee? $10,000? $20,000? $30,000? (If you were watching me right now, I'd be giving you the "thumbs up" signal)

Well friends and family, I'm the proud owner of a $40,000 knee. Amazing, huh? And that's just what has been spent so far! Remember, I still have another surgery in November/December!

It's incredible to read the bill... $12,000 for the surgery, $3,500 for me to stay in the "Recovery Room" for 1 hour, $4,800 for the hospital, $1,100 for the brace, etc.

Someone said that they charge so much because there are so many that can't afford medical care. Hmm... makes sense I guess. Like I've heard, we pay for everyone's health care anyway...
maybe we do need reform.

Of that, I've probably spent about $1,500 out of pocket. A drop in the bucket, but still not money I wanted to spend this year...

So I started thinking, "What could I have purchased for $40,000 this year?" Well, that boat in the picture is selling for $24k in League City, TX used... guess I could use the remainder on a slip rental. What am I saying? I don't see myself skiing in the near future!

Luxury cars usually start in the low 40s. Even a Chevy Tahoe starts around $39,000.

I could deck my house out with all new appliances, flooring, etc. - and still have money left to burn!

Just what in the world would you do with $40,000 to spend?

I'm sure it wouldn't be on a brand new knee! Ha!

Sore Knee...

At least once a week, or several times a day, someone asks me the question, "How's the knee?"

I guess that's par for the course when just about everyone I work with knows the story.

Yeah, I'm the guy who had 2 kneecaps at one point... one blasted into his lower thigh, the other someplace else.

Well, to answer the question today, I would say, "It hurts. It hurts a lot."

I think I've been trying to do a little too much on it. I've gone up and down stairs... several times today... and I've done a bit of walking in the past 2 days...

I guess I keep forgetting that everytime I do something, it's causing a bit of "trauma" on the joint. It swells. It aches. It hurts.

Around 3 PM, it was brutal. But I couldn't leave because I had a few meetings this afternoon.

When I finally left, I knew there was a problem. I was limping... which has been greatly reduced in the past few days. However, moving from my building to the train station was a major effort.

I was glad to get on the train. However, once I made it to my end station, I had to do the "limp" all over again.

Once I got home, I was done. The knee had enough... there was nothing left in the tank. Just walking around my house has been a struggle tonight.

It's swollen pretty good... probably the most I've seen in quite some time. Again, I know what caused this... I did too much in the past few days. Lots of ice and Alleve tonight...

Tomorrow I'm working from home... so that should do wonders for the knee. Not a lot of movement anticipated in my daily activities.

So, there you go. The knee hurts a lot tonight... but I'm sure it'll be better after a day of rest.

I have a new appreciation for people who go through something like this. It sucks. Plain and simple, it sucks. Unless you know what it's like, I can't really "effectively" describe what it's like to walk around with metal wires in your knee. It's a foreign object... it's not normal. I know it's there for my good, but it's a major hindrance. Each day is a new adventure...

Let's say everyday you wake up and someone whacks you on the knee with a hammer... maybe that's my best description of how my day goes. It's not fun. It's not glamorous. It is what it is...

Damn I'll be glad when all of this is over...

Mean People...

In my own "Un-Scientific Poll," I have come to the conclusion that for every 5 nice people out there, there is 1 Jerk walking amongst us...

I believe I have shared some of my "Jerktacular" moments in previous posts... People cutting in front of me through the handicapped automatic door, able-bodied people not giving up the handicapped seat on the train, people not holding the door for me as I'm approaching on crutches, etc.

Well, today we had a new entry in "Idiocracy."

I've been working on reducing the limp... typically I'm concentrating on how I'm walking, and making sure I'm not moving too fast to cause problems.

Today, I decided not to go to the Subway in my building for a sandwich. Instead, I opted for a Turkey/Bacon/Avocado on wheat across the street - man, it's a good one! They heat it up, too.

Well, when I was about halfway across the street, someone honked. At first I thought it might be someone who recognized me - I was right there by my building. However, that was quickly negated once my eyes came across the offender.

As if they hadn't made their point clear enough with the honk, they turned sharply and hit the gas... coming dangerously close to making their anger "well known" with my body.

And who was it? Probably the biggest "fat-of-a-freak" woman (and I use that word VERY lightly) driving her "oh so beautiful" 1985 "it-might-be-silver" Buick Skylark... complete with a dipping ceiling cover, several people crammed in there with all of her loveliness... and the windows down on one of the hottest days of the year.

"Jealous???"

I mean, if that's all ya' got, then fine... honk at the cripple as he's trying to get across the road while his knee is shooting shards of pain up and down his leg. Yeah, you rock!

And wherever you had to go at the few seconds I delayed you... I apologize. I'm sure Mcfatties didn't run out of your "sack-0-chow." I hope you were able to quickly attach your feed bag and go to town...

My bad... next time, I'll limp faster.

Battlestar Galactica

Sometimes your eyes are opened to new experiences either through triumphs or tragedies... or in my particular case, a complete and broken kneecap!

When I was lying on my back, I received plenty of gifts from a lot of generous friends and family members. Being off work for a month, one tends to get a little bored...

I think a lot of you know how much I enjoy "entertaining" shows... and I was fortunate to have people either send me DVDs, or recommend shows that I should try out.

One show that I received was "Battlestar Galactica."

If you ever watched the original show from the 1970s, you knew it was a bit "campy" and "formulaic." We didn't really watch it while I was growing up, but I did catch it a few times to remember the brown uniforms and the red dot of the cylons (robots). Beyond that, I got nuthin'....

Now it may surprise a lot of you, but I'm really not into a lot of "Sci Fy." I actually bristle at it... Star Wars is fine, but seeing a lot of computer-generated crap really doesn't float my boat. So imagine my thoughts when my boss showed up with the first 3 seasons of BSG and said, "I think you're really going to like this show."

Hmm...

At the time, I was utilizing a Netflix gift card. (Quick Gift Idea: If you ever want to give someone "the gift of time," just go purchase a few months of Netflix for them. It costs as little as $4.99 a month, and they can get as many DVDs as they want each month... and I can attest to that from personal experience!) Anyhoo, I was using it for movies but also catching up on TV shows that I had always wanted to see... and Battlestar Galactica was NOT on that list!

So after some time, I finally popped in the first DVD of the show: Little did I know it was a 4-hour movie! (It took me 2 days to get through it!) However, once I finished, I was hooked!

Here's a quick synopsis if you're interested: Forget the 1970 show... that doesn't apply here. What does apply is that some of the names from that show are in this one. That's the only connection. The story states that humans created robots called Cylons to be their helpers. The Cylons rebelled and there was a long war between them. 40 years ago, there was a truce and the Cylons left... but now they've returned. They attacked the 12 colonies (planets) and the only survivors are those out in space - about 50,000 humans. The problem is the Cylons are trying to kill off all of them, too, so they're on the run. They have heard of a rumored 13th colony where they can be safe - the Cylons do not know about this or where it is located... it's called Earth.

Now, for the record, I got VERY addicted to this show. Once I finished the first 3 seasons, I started using my Netflix card and would get a new disk every few days. I'd go through each one, then send it back so I could get the next installment.

The good news is if you stick with this show, they wrap everything up. The show ended... it wasn't canceled... so the writers/producers got to tell the whole story... 73 episodes in all!

And the Sci Fy part? Not so much... it's more of a "human interaction" storyline. How do you setup a new government? How do you ration out the food and water and fuel when you're trapped in space? How do you survive through all of this while battling an enemy? Oh, and how do you manage all of this when there are Cylon models that look like humans and are planted in the fleet???

If you like Lost, I think you'll like this show. It's mysterious... and compelling. The characters are deep... and flawed... and fractured... and heroic... all in one. And the writing is VERY good... not to mention fast!

There is a HUGE fanbase for this show... numerous web sites, blogs, etc. I never understood why people liked this show so much... I do now.

So I write all of this to say I finally finished the last episode today... and believe me, it was "Frackin' worth it!"

Limptastic...

Today I went into the office... I missed yesterday due to an illness.

Since this was my first "trip" to walk a lengthy distance in a while, I noticed I was limping a little less.

If I walk really slow, then I don't limp. If I try to get things moving in an "onward" direction, I tend to limp quite a bit.

Typically when I walk, there is a little minor pain... but the strangest feeling is the "prickly-ness" I experience when I'm moving on the knee. It's like tiny little needles are pricking all around that knee. Crazy!

Today was interesting. Moving to and from long distances, I felt that my "timing" was improved. I'm moving a bit faster... just a bit of a limp.

However, being couped up behind a desk all day, I experienced some "locking up." Let's say you're working for a while at your desk. If you needed to get up to go somewhere, how would it feel to have some major pain in your knee? It was a wild feeling... like it took a bit for it to wake up.

I'm still getting the, "Hey... you're wearing pants" comments this week. But, at least I'm moving...

I'm also getting various responses to my knee. "Oh My Gosh! That looks terrible!" or "Oh my gosh... it looks so good!"

Whatever....

It's still a lump of metal in my knee. Try lugging that around on a daily basis!

Scattershootin'....

Man, I am SO ready for the Fall to arrive. I'm tired of the hot weather, I'm tired of the mosquitos in my backyard, and I'm tired of the lack of sports coverage in my newspaper!

Finally I'm reading some news about football - Cowboy's Training Camp, Big 12 Media Days, etc. However, I'm ready for the games! I can't wait to watch college games on Saturdays and NFL games on Sundays! I've already renewed my Sunday Ticket from DirecTV!...

So I finally dumped my Sprint phone! For those that have ever had the pleasure of talking on the phone with me and the call drops, I believe I have found a solution - Apple iPhone! All I can say is it totally rocks! My beef with Sprint wasn't just about the phone - but more of the coverage and some billing issues. I am now an AT&T customer.

The iPhone has been described to me (by current owners) as more of a "mobile computer" rather than a phone... and I totally agree. It's amazing! I can email, surf the web, use GPS, listen to music, take pictures, video, and many other things using any of the 30,000 (yes... 30k!) applications that you can download (most for free!) from the Apple iTunes store.

There will be no change on your end - you can still call me or email me using my previous information. One thing you may see that is different is my email account will reflect "gmail.com" - don't worry about that. You can email me at any of my 5 accounts (bet you didn't know I had that many) and they'll all reach me. The only difference is work email can't be tied to my iPhone due to corporate policy...

Have you tried to buy ammo lately for your gun? Good gravy is it difficult! If you walk into Walmart, Academy, Bass Pro, etc, you will just be greeted by empty shelves. I found a place online called "Cheaper Than Dirt." It's out of Fort Worth, and they'll ship it to you. But beware... if you put something in your shopping cart and wait for an hour, it may be purchased by someone else before you checkout. I had to go back in and find something else - that's how fast bullets are being picked up these days...

My home improvement project continues. I went shopping for blinds yesterday with my Mom to get an idea of prices. I found a style and look I like - but I'm going to see if Home Depot has lower prices than what I was quoted elsewhere. For those that have made this purchase before, you know how much these things cost!

The Week in Review...

Life without a brace has been an "unstable" journey...

While I love the freedom, I definitely miss the support.

Tuesday I arrived at work wearing my "Business Casual" attire. The common comment made by everyone was, "Wow... you're wearing pants!"

(Can you imagine if you heard that and didn't know "why" I was now wearing pants?) hahaha

As most of you know, the days after an "adjustment" by the doctor on my leg are usually tough ones. Tuesday night I came home from work and hurt all over... plus, I was exhausted. I actually laid down on the couch and napped. How crazy is that?

Walking has been an adventure. The brace had supports on either side... so it was added strength for a weakened leg. Plus, I was only at 90 degrees of mobility before this. When I walk, I'm now dealing with flexibility that I didn't have... so each weakened step is a bit painful.

Can I feel the wires? Heck yeah! Moving is more like "rubbing" or "grinding." I can definitely feel things moving inside that knee. Weird... gross... but it is what it is.

Then, on Wednesday, I got hit with something unexpected: Illness. I started feeling something in my chest... and that there was a lot of sniffling and sneezing going on. By Thursday it appeared to be getting worse, so I went in to see my doctor.

To say she was interested in my knee would be an understatement. I told her the story, and she looked up and down and felt all around it - and was mildly impressed I think. Ha! She felt really bad for me, and I thanked her for the referral on the other leg (because I wouldn't have known who to go see).

Anyway, I have an upper respiratory infection. I've been on antibiotics and other drugs to try and knock this out. No fever or anything severe, but it's more of an annoyance.

So overall, a strange week. I lose the brace, I get more flexibility and mobility, and I get sick.

Que sera, sera...