small role, big results, rebuilt strong

It's not a good time when you're broken and have pain. The process of getting fixed is also not on my good-time list (probably not on anyone else's, too) but I know it leads to a better quality of life. Bubbie Polsky had successful knee replacement surgery today and is now on the road to recovery. She will hopefully be able to resume her normal day-to-day soon. Congrats Janet!


Out with the old and in with the new. It's a common saying we throw around a couple times in our lives in reference to furniture, cars and things we feel do not have any value in our lives at that particular moment. Sometimes we feel good about our decision to trade up and sometimes we're definitely reluctant to let something go. When it comes to improving quality of life by replacing a knee I'd be first in line but I can't stop thinking about the now removed leg-bender and it's meaning in my life.

So, without further ranting and carrying-on, here is my homage to Removed Knee:

Removed Knee, you were not helping things and had to go. That's not where the story ends though as there are thoughts of appreciation for your work and the things you've helped Janet and I accomplish. You were an important part of the human machine that is Janet which took her down the path to that first date with Jules which snowballed into the life I thankfully know. So, without you do I exist? Yes, but my life does not. Please enjoy your well deserved retirement and your induction into The Knee Hall of Fame knowing you were part of the grand recipe of our lives in a very big way. And don't worry about Janet, she'll be fine.

Here's to a speedy recovery, Janet! (Mom!) (Bubbie!)...

the meaning of everything

this weekend deserves a name

Great weather helped this memorable weekend wind down in spectacular fashion. We had a full schedule of stuff to do outside and thankfully the rain stayed away. The kids are tired (and so are we), but guess what? No school tomorrow! Summer is officially underway.  Maybe one of the two will sleep in tomorrow? Or both? I seriously doubt it but you never know.

Here are a few bullet points from Weekend Spectacular June 2012 (I gave it a name)...

• Eric, looking proud, gets off bus for last time as a first grader. We are prouder. More to come later.
• I played in The Changin' Lives golf tournament. I didn't win but was happy to contribute to a solid cause.
• I get called off from my scheduled OT gig which permits me to attend...
• Katie's 1st birthday party. Sue enjoyed the cake kisses from the birthday girl while Eric and Evan enjoyed the swimming pool. I enjoyed meeting new people. I think Snooki was there but I can't confirm.  
• I get called off from my regular shift which permits me to attend...
• Little Man Max's 4th birthday shindig at the YMCA pool. Good times had by all.

Looking back at this list I realize this may be a normal weekend for some people. It's definitely not normal for us. Two pool parties in one weekend? Wowsers. It was fun even if two items from the list involved me not working or getting paid. I'd do it all again because great weather and being outside with society make it worth it.

swing stroke cum laude

I don't like the reality of night shift staring me in the face coming up in June. With this being the last day of May, I feel I need to climb into the time machine I have in the basement, dial in Destination: May 1 and live this glorious, rain-soaked month once again. I wouldn't change a thing in my day-to-day activities much except maybe eating less and exercising more, but, isn't that always the story? Anyways, at least I'd be on day shift once again. And, the kick-in-the-crotch of this whole mess is the brass at work actually dangled a straight shift scenario in our faces but guess what? Everyone wants day shift! So, swing we shall do. And be happy about it. Forever. And ever. 

I was pleased to have the chance to take Eric to swim class this evening. He's vying for a spot on the local swim team and by my witness, he has a good shot. What I saw from him tonight in the water compared with a couple weeks back, the difference in his ability is night and day. Before, it looked like he didn't want to be there, casually going through the motions. Tonight, he was pounding the water, swimming straight and genuinely looking like he was having fun. The hard work he displayed for me made me very proud. 

Evan finished his first year of preschool a week ago. The last official day was a grand affair at a local park where the families got to see their child receive their certificate of completion. Evan was proud and so were we when his name was called and he had to go up and stand in a picture line with the rest of his fellow graduates. He learned a lot academically and socially and I'm happy to report I wasn't worried about him near as much as I was with Eric his first year. Click here to relive my anxiety.

Hopefully, the first of many he will earn in his lifetime.

one cold foot at a time

When I woke up this morning, I thought two things: Joe, you need to get the trash out front and you haven't written in forever dude, so why don't you get on there and see what happens?

OK, the trash is done and here I am. I'm a little discouraged to see that I haven't written since last August. A lot of life has happened since then and I'm definitely pissed I didn't take the time to record at least some of these events.      Joe, you were busy. Or were you?

I guess we'll just chalk it up to being busy and move on from here. At the moment, I feel my brain bogging itself down with many thoughts but my fingers can't keep up, almost like an old computer that has too many programs running at once. I guess we'll go slow.      Pick a topic, Joe, and report. One thing at a time.

Golly, this was a lot of work, trying to explain myself. But I guess I don't need to do that. Hold it, maybe I do. I feel like I'm fighting with myself.     It's simple, Joe: witness and report. You can talk about anything. It's your blog. 


I feel like one does when they jump in a pool for that first swim of the season, when the water's impossibly cold. My doubts about keeping up with this endeavor are starting to overwhelm me.      You get used to the water, Joe. And it's fun! You can do it. In fact, you just did. See?


Hmm, I suppose I did. Thanks for the encouragement. I can and will do this! I will witness and report my clucking ass off! Let's do this!     Easy Joe, it's just a blog.