I am continuing to make progress with my foot. I am walked more and more without crutches, although when I do I tend to get carried away then wind up in quite a bit of pain from pushing myself. It does feel good to be more self-sufficient. I almost feel like myself. Driving and the amount of activity are the two biggest limitations I have left.
The cast is starting to get stinky! It's warm and I am sweating more, so don't get to close. I can't get it it wet so there isn't much foot washing going on.
I get the cast off next Thursday afternoon and will be in a surgical boot which will allow me to walk more normally. I'll also get a special boot I can switch into to drive comfortably. I'm looking forward to the change.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
The man with the hat is back. I saw Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull last night with my wife. The movie is certainly not perfect but it is great fun and the nostalgia factor trumps any imperfections or missteps in the book. To see Harrison Ford one more time as Indiana Jones and to hear John Williams score is a treat. It made me feel like a kid all over again.
Update: Roger Ebert's Review
Thursday, May 22, 2008
‘Dean of Oil Analysts’ Maxwell (Part 4 of 4): Oil Crisis Will Lead to 10-Year Financial & Political Crisis
Posted: February 7, 2008
A growing chorus of voices is screaming for the United States to undertake a Manhattan Project-type program to wean America off its oil dependency. But as Charles T. Maxwell, the “dean” of Wall Street’s energy analysts, looks into the future, he deeply fears that Washington won’t do anything to head off the oil crisis he sees rapidly developing starting in 2010. He says this will make the financial crisis he fears even worse. Also, because Washington will be seen by angry voters (who will be paying $12 to $15 for a gallon a gas) as the cause of their “Nightmare on Main Street,” Maxwell sees the American political system being shaken to its roots.
Princeton and Oxford-educated Maxwell believes that if the Democrats are in power, their core constituencies – farmers, workers and intellectuals – will be ranged against one another, resulting in an impasse. If the Republicans are in power, he expects whatever “solution” they come up with to be politically untenable because it will be premised on people with money continuing to consume as before, with the have-nots expected to do without.
Seeing no chance of a timely political response to America’s looming oil calamity, Maxwell, senior energy analyst at Weeden & Co., expects an oil-induced financial crisis to start somewhere in the 2010 to 2015 timeframe. He said that, unlike the recession the U.S. appears to be in today, “This will not be six months of hell and then we come out of it.” Rather, Maxwell expects this financial crisis to last at least 10 or 12 years, as the world goes through a prolonged period of price-induced rationing (eg, oil up to $300 a barrel and U.S. pump prices up to $15 a gallon), while waiting for new technologies that can wean nations off their oil dependency to take hold in the marketplace. (It will take time to change over the world’s one billion or so oil-consuming cars and trucks.)
As this combined oil and financial crisis worsens, Maxwell would not be surprised if the U.S. government started functioning the way it did in World War II, when the democratic dialogue was often put on hold so that unilateral decisions could be made by people given special powers. He described them as little tyrants who will be able to cut off debate, effectively weakening the democratic process. Not a pleasant prospect, Maxwell emphasized, but one that may be unavoidable in the oil-scarce world that’s coming.
A growing chorus of voices is screaming for the United States to undertake a Manhattan Project-type program to wean America off its oil dependency. But as Charles T. Maxwell, the “dean” of Wall Street’s energy analysts, looks into the future, he deeply fears that Washington won’t do anything to head off the oil crisis he sees rapidly developing starting in 2010. He says this will make the financial crisis he fears even worse. Also, because Washington will be seen by angry voters (who will be paying $12 to $15 for a gallon a gas) as the cause of their “Nightmare on Main Street,” Maxwell sees the American political system being shaken to its roots.
Princeton and Oxford-educated Maxwell believes that if the Democrats are in power, their core constituencies – farmers, workers and intellectuals – will be ranged against one another, resulting in an impasse. If the Republicans are in power, he expects whatever “solution” they come up with to be politically untenable because it will be premised on people with money continuing to consume as before, with the have-nots expected to do without.
Seeing no chance of a timely political response to America’s looming oil calamity, Maxwell, senior energy analyst at Weeden & Co., expects an oil-induced financial crisis to start somewhere in the 2010 to 2015 timeframe. He said that, unlike the recession the U.S. appears to be in today, “This will not be six months of hell and then we come out of it.” Rather, Maxwell expects this financial crisis to last at least 10 or 12 years, as the world goes through a prolonged period of price-induced rationing (eg, oil up to $300 a barrel and U.S. pump prices up to $15 a gallon), while waiting for new technologies that can wean nations off their oil dependency to take hold in the marketplace. (It will take time to change over the world’s one billion or so oil-consuming cars and trucks.)
As this combined oil and financial crisis worsens, Maxwell would not be surprised if the U.S. government started functioning the way it did in World War II, when the democratic dialogue was often put on hold so that unilateral decisions could be made by people given special powers. He described them as little tyrants who will be able to cut off debate, effectively weakening the democratic process. Not a pleasant prospect, Maxwell emphasized, but one that may be unavoidable in the oil-scarce world that’s coming.
Foot Update
I am progressing nicely. I have much greater mobility than I did a few days ago. I am still keeping my crutches close by but I am able to move easily with one crutch and am able to walk more and more without any crutches. Walking with no crutches takes some adjustment. It seems like each time I try it I've forgotten how to do it and have to learn all over again.
My gait is awkward and slow but I am moving. My wife and my good friend Bruce are both very concerned about the impact it's having on my knee. I am double jointed and my knees can invert slightly but now they do so each time I am taking a step an putting weight on them.
My father-in-law and my mother both gave my a few exercises to try to help strengthen the muscles around my knee. I tried them last night and plan to continue with them.
My wife spend her entire lunch hour yesterday getting a knee brace for me. It didn't really help but I was most appreciative that she gave up her lunch hour and some cash to try to make me feel better.
My wife also got my appointment for my switch from the walking cast to the boot moved up by 4 days. WOO HOO!!!!!!!! Way to go Shannon! Woo hoo! (husband cheers enthusiastically).
My gait is awkward and slow but I am moving. My wife and my good friend Bruce are both very concerned about the impact it's having on my knee. I am double jointed and my knees can invert slightly but now they do so each time I am taking a step an putting weight on them.
My father-in-law and my mother both gave my a few exercises to try to help strengthen the muscles around my knee. I tried them last night and plan to continue with them.
My wife spend her entire lunch hour yesterday getting a knee brace for me. It didn't really help but I was most appreciative that she gave up her lunch hour and some cash to try to make me feel better.
My wife also got my appointment for my switch from the walking cast to the boot moved up by 4 days. WOO HOO!!!!!!!! Way to go Shannon! Woo hoo! (husband cheers enthusiastically).
Friday, May 16, 2008
Attempting to walk
I have not been terribly successful with my first few steps. I am able to put weight on my right foot now, but it's limited. I have put my full weight on it unintentionally a few times and it's letting me know it's still attached with a zinging painful sensation. For now I am getting around with crutches but am using the foot too. I am slower with it but more stable.
I did go UP three stairs yesterday, which was an accomplishment. I have not gone up any stairs from a walking position in five weeks.
I am surprised at how weak my foot is. I know I can walk on it but the muscles have atrophied and more over the muscles that are there do not work as expected due to the changes in the structure of my foot.
I am trying to walk more and more on it. My wife and friend are quite concerned because I am double jointed. When I step my knee locks and extends backwards slightly. My knee naturally moves that way but they are both quite concerned it will damage my knee or impede my recovery. I have zero ankle flexibility due to the cast but can roll forward onto my toes. Due to the lip of the cast this is awkward and when I put weight on the toes they hurt, particularly the big toe which has a lot of work, and now includes two screws.
I was going to call and ask at my wifes suggestion but she wanted to do it so she could ask some specific questions. Hopefully this is not a problem.
I'm not sure what's right or what's normal. I'm learning all over again. After wanting to walk so badly for five weeks it is somewhat frustrating to be stuck with the crutches for a bit longer. I want to be able to walk and carry a cup of coffee at the same time. Right now that isn't possible at all.
I did go UP three stairs yesterday, which was an accomplishment. I have not gone up any stairs from a walking position in five weeks.
I am surprised at how weak my foot is. I know I can walk on it but the muscles have atrophied and more over the muscles that are there do not work as expected due to the changes in the structure of my foot.
I am trying to walk more and more on it. My wife and friend are quite concerned because I am double jointed. When I step my knee locks and extends backwards slightly. My knee naturally moves that way but they are both quite concerned it will damage my knee or impede my recovery. I have zero ankle flexibility due to the cast but can roll forward onto my toes. Due to the lip of the cast this is awkward and when I put weight on the toes they hurt, particularly the big toe which has a lot of work, and now includes two screws.
I was going to call and ask at my wifes suggestion but she wanted to do it so she could ask some specific questions. Hopefully this is not a problem.
I'm not sure what's right or what's normal. I'm learning all over again. After wanting to walk so badly for five weeks it is somewhat frustrating to be stuck with the crutches for a bit longer. I want to be able to walk and carry a cup of coffee at the same time. Right now that isn't possible at all.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Foot Pictures
If you have a weak stomach look away now!
I had my non-weight bearing cast removed today and a new weight bearing cast put on. I had an hour to rub and itch my foot in between which was great. The swelling has gone down considerably and the foot looks amazingly better than it did one month ago. I got to look at the screws and pins in my foot on the x-ray which was pretty cool.
Tomorrow morning after the cast dries I will be able to put weight on it. My calf has atrophied to the point where I didn't recognize my own leg. My good calf is firm and large and the other is small and very soft. It was rather shocking.
In one month I get into a boot and should begin driving again! Until then I will enjoy the increased mobility but will still rely upon the kind help from family and friends.
Close up of the big scar!
My feet together, but this really shows how much muscle I have lost in my right calf. It doesn't even look like my leg!
My feet together.
Swan song for the old cast. The new one neon green.
Another shot of the big scar.
Close up of the scar on the side of my foot.
This is the scar on the side of my leg where the loosened the muscle running down the side of my leg.
** UPDATE 3:34 pm **
My lovely wife asked for a picture of the new cast, so here it is! They were out of blue and my middle son asked for bright green. I guess he got his wish.
I had my non-weight bearing cast removed today and a new weight bearing cast put on. I had an hour to rub and itch my foot in between which was great. The swelling has gone down considerably and the foot looks amazingly better than it did one month ago. I got to look at the screws and pins in my foot on the x-ray which was pretty cool.
Tomorrow morning after the cast dries I will be able to put weight on it. My calf has atrophied to the point where I didn't recognize my own leg. My good calf is firm and large and the other is small and very soft. It was rather shocking.
In one month I get into a boot and should begin driving again! Until then I will enjoy the increased mobility but will still rely upon the kind help from family and friends.
Close up of the big scar!
My feet together, but this really shows how much muscle I have lost in my right calf. It doesn't even look like my leg!
My feet together.
Swan song for the old cast. The new one neon green.
Another shot of the big scar.
Close up of the scar on the side of my foot.
This is the scar on the side of my leg where the loosened the muscle running down the side of my leg.** UPDATE 3:34 pm **
My lovely wife asked for a picture of the new cast, so here it is! They were out of blue and my middle son asked for bright green. I guess he got his wish.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Walking Soon
The itching of the cast is nearly maddening but this Wednesday I should be in a walking/weight bearing cast. I'm told I can walk 'as tolerated'. I'll feel better with some mobility restored and am anxious to do more around the house.
My wife is a saint. You wouldn't believe the amazing job she's done with the kids and with me for the past four and half weeks. The support from both of our families has been equally amazing. My close friend Bruce has also help, taking me to and from work each day and grabbing me coffee or water at the office. The help is appreciated but I can help but feel a bit guilty that my condition is causing such an imposition upon people. I know everyone is happy to help but if I were healthy they'd have more time to do the things they want and need to do.
Things should improve this week.
My wife is a saint. You wouldn't believe the amazing job she's done with the kids and with me for the past four and half weeks. The support from both of our families has been equally amazing. My close friend Bruce has also help, taking me to and from work each day and grabbing me coffee or water at the office. The help is appreciated but I can help but feel a bit guilty that my condition is causing such an imposition upon people. I know everyone is happy to help but if I were healthy they'd have more time to do the things they want and need to do.
Things should improve this week.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Set backs and frustration
I have been improving slow but steady each and every day. I switched from a splint to a cast last Wednesday and returned to work on Thursday. I was active on Thursday and worked most of Friday. I knew there was the possibility of swelling due to the cast and activity but the pain was amazing Friday afternoon. Near my toes the cast was really squeeing. I spent Friday evening and most of Saturday with my foot up, icing my foot and increased the heavier pain killers again. It was not unexpected, but it still felt like a set back.
I am more active today (Sunday) but should keep my foot up as I have a full 40 hour work week ahead. The swelling is down but my two small toes are partially numb on top but feel fine on the bottom. They tingle and sting occasionally as if my foot were asleep. My right foot has felt this way for day but the stinging tingling toes is a real pain.
Coupled with my lack of mobility and thus my lack of self-sufficiency I am feeling rather frustrated today. I want to walk. I want to walk from my desk to the table and be able to carry a cup. That small task seems like it would greatly welcome at this point.
In two and half weeks I should have a walking/weight bearing cast. I'm not looking forward to 5 more weeks in a cast but am eager for more mobility.
God bless my wife who has done more for me than can be put down on paper. My family has also been quite supportive, providing help, pre-cooked meals, or whatever we need. My mother in particular has spent DAYS over here helping with the kids or just giving my wife a few much needed hours to mentally re-coup.
I've got a ways to go and although I am frustrated I have no choice but to endure the healing and recovery process.
I am more active today (Sunday) but should keep my foot up as I have a full 40 hour work week ahead. The swelling is down but my two small toes are partially numb on top but feel fine on the bottom. They tingle and sting occasionally as if my foot were asleep. My right foot has felt this way for day but the stinging tingling toes is a real pain.
Coupled with my lack of mobility and thus my lack of self-sufficiency I am feeling rather frustrated today. I want to walk. I want to walk from my desk to the table and be able to carry a cup. That small task seems like it would greatly welcome at this point.
In two and half weeks I should have a walking/weight bearing cast. I'm not looking forward to 5 more weeks in a cast but am eager for more mobility.
God bless my wife who has done more for me than can be put down on paper. My family has also been quite supportive, providing help, pre-cooked meals, or whatever we need. My mother in particular has spent DAYS over here helping with the kids or just giving my wife a few much needed hours to mentally re-coup.
I've got a ways to go and although I am frustrated I have no choice but to endure the healing and recovery process.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Return to work
I have returned to the office for the first day since my surgery. It's going quite well.
My walking is quite extended today. A trip to the bathroom or for water in the office is 3 to 4 times as long as the trips I have been taking around the house for the same resources. Coupled with an ambitious lunch out with my friend Bruce and I am quite tired. Moreover my left foot, my good foot, it quite sore from use. I feel as if I could use a nap from physical exertion. Funny as this is only very light exercise. I suppose after two weeks of inactivity and largely using arm strength as opposed to legs it is not unexpected. Hopefully my upper body strength will improve and I'll gain some very modest benefit from the effort.
My walking is quite extended today. A trip to the bathroom or for water in the office is 3 to 4 times as long as the trips I have been taking around the house for the same resources. Coupled with an ambitious lunch out with my friend Bruce and I am quite tired. Moreover my left foot, my good foot, it quite sore from use. I feel as if I could use a nap from physical exertion. Funny as this is only very light exercise. I suppose after two weeks of inactivity and largely using arm strength as opposed to legs it is not unexpected. Hopefully my upper body strength will improve and I'll gain some very modest benefit from the effort.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus
My mom and my wife took the three boys to see Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus yesterday. The boys have been talking about it quite a bit and I think they really enjoyed themselves.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Earthquake
Last night we had an earthquake in Central Illinois. The second largest on record. I slept through it but my wife was up and said things were shaking and rattling pretty good. I just felt an aftershock, and it's the only quake I can every remember feeling. We just don't get them around here, at least not anything you'd notice.
Here's some information on the quake.
Magnitude 5.2
Date-Time
* Friday, April 18, 2008 at 09:37:00 UTC
* Friday, April 18, 2008 at 04:37:00 AM at epicenter
* Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location 38.450°N, 87.890°W
Depth 11.6 km (7.2 miles) set by location program
Region ILLINOIS
Distances
* 7 km (5 miles) NNE (13°) from Bellmont, IL
* 9 km (6 miles) E (88°) from Bone Gap, IL
* 11 km (7 miles) N (350°) from Keensburg, IL
* 60 km (38 miles) NNW (331°) from Evansville, IN
* 206 km (128 miles) E (95°) from St. Louis, MO
Location Uncertainty Error estimate not available
Parameters NST=111, Nph=111, Dmin=36.4 km, Rmss=0 sec, Gp= 61°,
M-type=moment magnitude (Mw), Version=A
Source
* Center for Earthquake Research and Information, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Event ID us2008qza6
* This event has been reviewed by a seismologist.
Finally here is a news story about the quake.
* * * * * * * * * *
The aftershock was a 4.5
List of quakes in IL today.
MAP 4.5 2008/04/18 15:14:16 38.542 -87.913 10.0 9 km (
5 mi) ENE of West Salem, IL
MAP 2.6 2008/04/18 11:55:57 38.465 -87.854 10.0 9 km (
6 mi) NW of Mount Carmel, IL
MAP 2.2 2008/04/18 10:46:24 38.440 -87.880 17.8 7 km (
4 mi) NNE of Bellmont, IL
MAP 2.4 2008/04/18 10:36:33 38.460 -87.860 17.8 9 km (
6 mi) NNE of Bellmont, IL
MAP 2.5 2008/04/18 10:15:35 38.648 -88.222 10.0 6 km (
3 mi) S of Noble, IL
MAP 2.5 2008/04/18 10:03:59 38.453 -87.805 10.0 5 km (
3 mi) NW of Mount Carmel, IL
MAP 5.2 2008/04/18 09:37:00 38.450 -87.890 11.6 7 km (
5 mi) NNE of Bellmont, IL
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Recover from Surgery
I'm back but not at full force. My foot is still attached to my ankle but it hurts like the dickens. The surgeon was very pleased and the procedure went quite well. I was hoping to be taking fewer drugs at this point but alas that is not the case. Don't get me wrong I'm glad I have them due to the pain. My goal is to get an hour or so of computer time tomorrow. I was hoping to telecommute for 4 hours on Tuesday but may need more time before I reach that goal. I can't work on drugs and I'm not quite ready to reduce them enough to work just yet. I am however making excellent progress.
My wife is a saint and has been amazing taking care of both me and the children.
Ok. I've got to call it quits and get to a comfortable chair.
Later folks.
My wife is a saint and has been amazing taking care of both me and the children.
Ok. I've got to call it quits and get to a comfortable chair.
Later folks.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Sister's Wedding
My sister is getting married this weekend. She and my brother-in-law have asked me to officiate at their wedding. I'm not ordained but they were already legally married at the courthouse so I will be helping with celebration for family and friends.
Last night was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Tonight is the wedding and tomorrow is a post wedding brunch.
Weddings of course are one of those rare times when you get to see so many family and loved ones all at once. Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and good friends all gathered in the same place. Some I haven't seen since the last family wedding. I miss them all dearly in the times in between these celebrations and am happy and grateful for the occasions when we can all be together.
I spent hours last night visiting and talking, until my younger boys started to get tired, then it was home and to bed for them.
I know they were up last night a bit, my wife took care of them during the night. I hope they are well rested enough for the big day today. The eldest will be fine, he's old enough and mature enough to handle just about anything. The younger too might have a little trouble if they are light on sleep. They are both ring bearers. They seem to be in good shape right now and said they slept well.
In any even I am looking forward to visiting with family and friends again later this afternoon.
Last night was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Tonight is the wedding and tomorrow is a post wedding brunch.
Weddings of course are one of those rare times when you get to see so many family and loved ones all at once. Uncles, Aunts, Cousins, and good friends all gathered in the same place. Some I haven't seen since the last family wedding. I miss them all dearly in the times in between these celebrations and am happy and grateful for the occasions when we can all be together.
I spent hours last night visiting and talking, until my younger boys started to get tired, then it was home and to bed for them.
I know they were up last night a bit, my wife took care of them during the night. I hope they are well rested enough for the big day today. The eldest will be fine, he's old enough and mature enough to handle just about anything. The younger too might have a little trouble if they are light on sleep. They are both ring bearers. They seem to be in good shape right now and said they slept well.
In any even I am looking forward to visiting with family and friends again later this afternoon.
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Big Dog Robot
The balance and ability to recover built into this robot coupled with the payload it's carrying is amazing. I didn't think this was possible. Truly astounding technology.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
La-z-boy Recliner
I'm going to have some time off my feet in the near future for foot surgery. As a result my wife suggested I get a comfortable recliner to recover in. Here are some pictures of the recliner. It came today.
Aahhh...
Do I look relaxed?
Aahhh...
Do I look relaxed?
Monday, March 10, 2008
Is that gum or is that your brain?
My youngest son (4yrs) brought me a piece of chewed up gum that my middle son had just tossed on the dining room floor. I got my middle son (6 yrs), told him what the expectations were regarding gum and he threw it away and apologized. My youngest son didn't realize that was gum, he said, "I though it was his brain, and it fell out." He wasn't being mean, he really thought it was his brothers brain.
That is the funniest thing I have heard in WEEKS.
That is the funniest thing I have heard in WEEKS.
Battlestar Galactica: What the Frak is Going On
This is a recap of the miniseries and first three seasons. It's all 100% spoilers. If you have watched the show, it's absolutely hysterical. I'm a BG junkie, had to post this.
Friday, March 07, 2008
Sculpture by Oldest Son
Here are some pictures of a sculpture my oldest son made. He's a talented sketch artist, but he's also an amazing painter, sculpter and pumpkin carver. What a gifted kid, and that's not just fatherly pride showing.
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