12/26/2009

It's the day after Christmas, but we are still in the holiday season. I checked out the ads in the newspaper this weekend and was startled at how early stores were opening today. I guess there are many returns or exchanges of gifts people received from the jolly man who wears the red suit. Many customers are also out spending cash that they received from relatives. There are some bowl games on today, but the Buckeyes do not play until next Friday January 1, which is also the first year of the next decade. Or some still argue that it is the last year of the previous decade. I do not know for sure, but tend to coincide with the belief that it is the beginning of the last year of a decade. It is all contingent on how they began to track time with a calender. Did they start with one or zero? What do you think?

12/21/2009

The Schroeder Christmas party was a huge success, and besides the eventful talent show I was able to see all of my relatives who made it there. Some could not make it for they were sick. It was my first time out amongst many people since well before my kidney transplant surgery.
I am having my blood drawn Thursday morning at the hospital.

12/18/2009

Tomorrow is the much anticipated Schroeder Christmas party, and that includes the highly looked upon talent show. Maybe it is wise to call it a variety show, because true talent is hard to find in my relatives, haha. LOL, that is not necessarily true, but many many skits are done just to make others laugh. Comic relief is what it is basically. My sister and her whole family are going to be here too. It will be great to see my three little nephews.
There is also a home high school basketball game in Columbus Grove against Lincolnview I think. My immune system is just not ready quite yet, so I will let my Dad use my season ticket again, if he wants to.
Above is a photograph of me and Dad being silly in the talent/variety show a few years back. It was a riot:).

12/14/2009

I had a doctors appointment at the clinic in Cincinnati. It is part of University hospital down there. I am doing very well after enduring a kidney transplant on Nonmember 18. I got the okay to drink caffeine soda from now on. I then had my stint remove, and that experience was quite unpleasant. It had to be done though. I lived, but I just don't like the idea of people sticking things in me down there.

12/11/2009

Last night Len, Kenny, and Dan came over to play solo. It was so much fun, because I have not had an opportunity to play my favorite card game with just the guys for a great number of weeks.

12/8/2009

I got the ok from a doctor at UC to attend basketball games starting December 19, but I have decided to wait until December 29 just to be precautionary. My checkup went well, but there is no use putting myself at high risk! I love basketball so this is a big cross for me to carry. It is a burden to my lifestyle.

12/5/2009

Well I think my incision staples are ready to come out, and they will Monday at my checkup in Cincinnati. In other news Columbus Grove opens the basketball season at home tonight, and ironically I will not go because I am sheltered for the first mkonth post surgery.

12/3/2009

I am getting a blood test tomorrow morning in Lima not Cincinnati. My next two times that I get a checkup at UC are the next two Mondays. Then it will be once every two weeks. I am currently fasting until blood test. They are checking my cholesterol, because I stropped my cholesterol medication on Wednesday. I also stopped my only blood pressure medicine and decreased my anti-rejection pills. I am still a little sore but doing well!

11/25/2009

Today marks one week since surgery. I am still significantly sore but am doing well. My createnine level was down to 1.0 this morning, and doctors had told me that it would likely stay between 1.2 and 1.7 the rest of my life. 1.0 is normal, and that is remarkable for me...LOL. It just shows that nobody knows what you are capable of...especially with God's help.

11/11/2009

I had some serious problems after my kidney removal surgery on 10/23, but I have battled my way back (nothing keeps me down long,) and I will soon recieve a transplant from my cousin. Lets hope I have no major problems or blocked bowels after the upcoming surgery.

10/20/2009

I wish Amy would email me those high school pictures!

10/20/2009

Everything worked itself out yesterday. I spent way too much time worrying about whether I developed the type of infection that would stop me from getting my kidneys removed early Friday morning. After speaking with several doctors and getting my dialysis catheter, in my chest, removed I feel assured that the surgery will occur on Friday. It feels so nice to not have chords hanging from my chest. And I got the date for transplant finalized. Monday November 16 is the big day. I'll finally be able to eat and drink normal foods. The three weeks leading up to transplant will be had though. I'll only be allowed to consume four cups (32 oz.) of fluid per day.

10/19/2009

I started dialysis at 6:00 this morning. Way too much stuff to talk about at this time. Talk to doctor, then another doctor, and then the first one again. Then I had an appointment with a third medical professional, and he called the first. The first talked with dialysis people. I have another appointment at 2:00. CRAZY.

10/18/2009

I wonder how my relatively new friend Eric, that I have never seen conscious, is doing today? I also am curious to find out how his Dad is doing. Like my Dad a few years ago he had open heart surgery, and I think John was having a rough time of it coping with Eric's accident. At least that is what his wife Marie told me. I hope Amy will call me and let me know the condition of them, but then again why would I believe Amy (LOL:-). People start to make stuff up and believe the falsehoods to be truths when they reach such a ripe old age. Ha, she is so senile that it is not even funny!

10/17/2009

On second thought that picture is real... I grew antlers, and I was trying to pull them off.

10/17/2009

Last night I listened to the Delphos St. Johns vs. Coldwater football game (the top ranked teams in the state D6 & D5 respectively.) My what a game it was as Delphos scored with ten seconds left to break the tie. The Blue Jays play St. Henry next week, and I was going to attend the game. Getting started on getting a new kidney is more important, and like the Bengals game I will miss the Blue Jays vs. Redskins game!
I am going to play cards (solo) tonight so that will be fun.
The picture at top displays me being silly when I was in high school. I would like to see a picture of my friend Amy when she was in high school. I think they had just invented cameras back then. She'll need to remove the dust and cobwebs first!

10/16/2009

It was confirmed to me late Thursday afternoon that my kidney removal surgery will occur next Friday, October 23. I am disappointed slightly no it is a major disappointment. Originally (per my discussion with the doctor) I was led to believe that it could be as early as late this week or early the next. That is not the case. Why am I so distraught? Four days later is really not that big of deal, right. Four days later means the transplant will be four days later yet (in about three weeks from removal. That means more dialysis, and I am definitely not the least bit fond of that! That means I have to follow this stupid restrictive diet that much longer. I guess I should feel fortunate that the ball is rolling, and grateful that my problem is capable of being solved.
They are going to have to cut me open instead of a laproscopic procedure, because I have too much scar tissue in my abdominal area from my car wreck, nearly twelve years ago. It will probably be painful. Laparoscopic surgery also referred to as minimally invasive surgery describes the performance of surgical procedures with the assistance of a video camera and several thin instruments.

10/15/2009

Okay so the doctor said I may have my kidneys removed as early as this Friday or maybe Monday. Ashley came there to ensure things went on time. I was elated to see her beautiful self at a time where I did not recognize too many people. Three weeks after that I get a new kidney.
Amy if you are reading this please know that I still relive that terrifying auto ride I had with you to and from Buffalo Wild Wings. i nearly lost my life twice when your failing eyesight mixed with your aging (slow) reaction times. Thanks though, it was enjoyable. I hope Eric is doing well.

10/14/2009

I have a doctors appointment with the surgeon who will remove my kidneys prior to the transplant. Why can they not do that procedure at the same time as my transplant, instead of three weeks before? All question I will seek answers to from the doctor today!

10/13/2009

I went to the eye doctor in Glandorf before dialysis, and he referred me to a specialist in Lima. I had dialysis so we could not get to Lima until later in the afternoon. I think my eye was just scratched really bad. I still have drops, but I am only supposed to use them four times a day. He a;so smoothed out the gouge and inserted a clear contact to ease the pain when I open or close my eye. Everything through my left eye is blurry, but hopefully that will soon get better.

10/12/2009

Right this second I am supposed to be asleep, but my eye is causing pain and it is nearly impossible to rest. I have an eye doctor appointment at 9:15 this morning, and I am worried about what may need done. Don't get me wrong here. The actual problem with my eye worries me not, but potential appointments that need to be made to fix it terrify me! And no, I am not contemplating unforeseen pain. That is no consideration of me, because I have been through so many medical treatments or surgeries already that new treatments do not scare me. However, the timing of my eye mishap is horrible. Wednesday of this week I am supposed to meet with a doctor to figure out when would be a good time to remove my two bad kidneys. That is important, because supposedly the transplant from my cousin will happen exactly three weeks post removal. I am scared that my eye inadequacies will postpone my kidney transplant. I have sort of been able to tolerate this dialysis crap for the last four months, because I was hopeful that it would soon end. Now we are finally nearing the date and I am just worried that this will prevent the process from occurring on time (even though it does not have a specific date yet.) Maybe all my concerns are for nothing, but as said earlier I spend too much time thinking. Hopefully everything will be fixed tomorrow. I hate not having a properly functioning kidney! It is not wise to hate, but I detest my current renal diet!!!

10/11/2009

The Cincinnati Bengals pulled another one out in the closing minute of the game. The Browns won their game in ugly fashion.
I can't wait to hear what the surgeon says Wednesday, as I have a doctor's appointment in Cincinnati that afternoon. Dialysis is still dreaded by me three days per week, and hopefully that will be coming to an end real soon.

10/10/2009

I watched the Buckeyes fame in Findlay today, and my loeft eye hurts.

10/9/2009

Dialysis was extra lackluster today, but the volunheer came around conversing with us as we were on the machine. That made time move a little faster, relatively. Its raining, but that won't stop the football game. Go Dogs!!!

10/8/2009

Went to the eye doctor today, and he prescribed some different drops. I have another appointment before dialysis tomorrow morning. Dialysis is still something I do not anticipate for it is a boring four hours three times per week, but I am grateful that modern medical technology has a way to facilitate my kidney troubles. I really am not looking forward to having no kidneys for three weeks before my transplant. However ,my current kidneys (that don't work efficiently) are are leaking protein and need to be removed prior to transplant. I guess doctors are afraid of impacting the new kidney if they leave the old ones in there.
Columbus Grove high school football team is playing Delphos Jefferson at home tomorrow night, and I will likely go with Dad. The Bulldogs, after beating Bishop Hartley last week, are in line to qualify for playoffs if they beat Jefferson.

10/7/2009

Immediately after dialysis today I went to Dr. Musser. He is an optometrist, and I had fragments of something in my eye. He took them out, but my eye was scratched. It still hurts when I blink or close my eyelids. I have prescription drops, and it will feel better when it heals.

10/6/2009

After volunteering at the hospital today I have a K of C meeting. Likely I will play cards, but it cannot be a late night, as we are leaving at 4:00 for my Dr. appointment in Cincinnati tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.

10/5/2009

Good news and Bad news. First the good. My cousin passed his physical and is able to donate a kidney. However... I learned also today that my kidneys are no good and they will have to be removed before I get a new one. That will delay the date in which I recieve a transplant. The removal is done three weeks prior to the transplant, and that leaves enough healing time so things are not so invasive on my body.

10/4/2009

Last night was very enjoyable, and even though my bowling scores were lackluster I still had a blast. The Buckeyes won as well only adding to the enjoyment. Today I am going to watch the Bengals defeat the Browns. No not in person... it's not until October 25 that I'll see the Bengals live and in person at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. Even that is speculative, because hopefully I will be having a kidney transplant and be in the hospital by then.

10/3/2009

I am going to have loads of fun tonight. Why would hanging out with my dad an several of his co-workers be so much fun you ask? It will really be more the activity we are doing than companionship. There is a party at Westgate Lanes in Lima tonight. I am not an adequate bowler to say the least, but it never fails that attempting to knock down pins is exciting.

10/2/2009

It is the second day of October, and it is also Friday. This day is significant for different reasons. Top on my list is that it is hopefully one day closer to a kidney transplant. I guess whether my cousin passes all remaining tests and is approved as my donor or not does not really matter when determining if I am one day closer to a transplant. But if my cousin is the organ donor it will only be around three weeks until I have a new kidney. I am so elated I will post this picture from the Relay for Life's Newspaper fashion show. Or maybe not... I chickened out, but if you look closely at this picture you will see my sister and I as youngsters. That was before I showed signs of genetic renal failure.

10/1/2009

It is a waiting game now to see if my cousin still matches and see what comes next... I am not gifted with that much patience, but I've waited for things before. Medical waits seem to take forever.

9/30/2009

After my cousin's transplant testing yesterday, it appears as though even if he turns out to be a suitable match (which he probably will) surgery will not occur for 3 to 4 weeks. Getting a new kidney is a slow process, and it is not a for sure deal with my cousin and I yet. It is nearly as close to a sure deal as possible, though.

9/29/2009

Before starting my volunteer hours today I am getting some lunch with Mark and Roger.

9/289/2009

This week is another drawn out period of time to experience dialysis three times, but this will hopefully go smoother for I will find an end in sight. My cousin goes down to get worked up for transplant at University hospital in Cincinnati on Tuesday. It is not guaranteed that he will work, but he is a match after initial blood testing. In all likelihood he will be a viable kidney donor as his blood had no adverse reactions when mixed with mine, but he has to find out if he will be healthy enough to give. Sometimes possible donors are not healthy enough to go through with transplantation surgery, but since he is a young man odds are that there will be no problem. I am hoping to get a tentative date set or at least a ballpark estimate of when it will be done. Hopefully it's only a couple of weeks, because going through dialysis really sucks...

9/26/2009

Columbus Grove did win (as expected,) but the score was only 41-14 or so. I did not go to the game so I don't know if it was a fight for Grove or not.

9/26/2009

I'm going to a similar party as I did last week in Findlay today. It is another friend that works with Brian. I am not really sure if there will be a corn hole tournament or not. I am atrocious anyhow. I should be improved however. And the main thing is that I have fun. Whether we have similar games or not is really irrelevant. Competition will present itself one way or the other.

9/25/2009

I spoke to a high school student today that plays football for Columbus Grove, and he said they were going to win tonight 59-0. While I believe Spencerville has a sub par program this year, it would be ludicrous and plain stupid to suggest a blowout like that. Especially since Grove was shutout last week like 43-0. Granted they played a very good Lima Central Catholic team... that will maybe win the conference. Still calling for an upset like that this week is crazy. I will not say who the individual was to save face. Strangely the game is home this week, and I am not going (busy.)

9//24/2009

I just got done watching a new show on ABC called "Flash Forward." Quite an interesting storyline behind that one.

9/24/2009

Today the desire to get a new kidney was great. I can't wait.

9/23/2009

Tonight Dad and I are going to my Godfather's place to get some extra wood to burn in our outdoor furnace this winter, and we just may play some cards.

9/22/2009

One week from today my possible living donor gets worked up for kidney transplant. If they pass I will have a new kidney a couple of weeks later. The only bad thing is that on October 19 all guys in the Schroeder family are scheduled to attend the Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals football game. My recovery time for getting a new kidney is about two weeks in the hospital. I may miss the game, but a new kidney is more important to me than attending some stupid game. I'm sure I could watch it live on television in the hospital. Who Dey!!!

9/21/2009

Well it's Monday. What does that mean other than dialysis? It means that I am one week closer to transplant. True that there is no surgery date yet, but it is virtually inevitable. I cannot wait until that day either. My current situation feels like I have shackles constricting me whenever I eat or drink. Call them dietary regulators, if you will. After transplant I will return to normalcy, or at least as close to regular as I've ever been. LOL!!!

9/20/2009

Yesterday was a huge enjoyment for me. I was not very good at cornhole even though I had a lot of practice, but I will say that I was improved. Lol... I was terrible and still am, but my level of terribleness has decreased significantly. My balance and fine motor skills are nowhere near what they once were. Life in general is much different, but I continue focusing on the positive aspects. Life is way too short to spend time worrying about irrelevent factors.

9/19/2009

Tonight Columbus Grove faces Lima Central Catholic in a NWC high school football contest, in Lima. Normally I would go to that game, but I am going to Findlay to watch the Ohio State vs. Toledo game (which is hosted in Cleveland)and then going to a party afterward. It will likely be an ideal time to work on improving my cornhole skills. The game has a relatively simple concept, but I suck at it. I need practice.

9/18/2009

Yesterday afternoon I received a call from Ashley Herzog, the kidney transplant coordinator at the University of Cincinnati. That is where I am having my procedure done. My cousin sent his blood work in over two weeks ago, but we finally got word that his blood was close enough to mine that he will be able to donate one of his kidneys to me. There are still tests that need done, and Ashley told me that I'll likely have a new kidney in about a month. That instantly makes dialysis not quite so bad. Now I am confident that it will end in the near future. You also know that means only about four weeks remaining of limiting my fluids and following this strict diet. Wooohoooo!

9/15/2009

Today was the third Tuesday of the month, and that meant we had a Knights of Columbus meeting. We played solo which is my favorite card game, and boy I was smoking hot. It turned out that I was the big winner. The even more exciting thing was that my Dad was the biggest loser (money wise.) I have no grudges against Dad. Rather we compete in everything we can.
Ashly has not yet called to verify whether or not my cousin is a viable match for kidney transplant. It takes so long...

9/14/2009

Well today was dialysis, of course. It was a little different than normal, though. I put on a few more pounds than I usually do over the weekend. I am aware that is because of all the good but not diet following food at the St. Rita's employee picnic. But no worries! It is always good to splurge occasionally.

9/13/2009

Yesterday was the St. Rita's employee picnic, and let me tell you the food was great. I had a couple of burgers, having to stay away from the chicken dinners. They put seasoning on the chicken, which includes sodium, to make it taste good. My strict kidney/ renal diet won't allow me to have that. The Buckeyes also narrowly lost against Southern California. Bummer dude. Later today starts the first full schedule of NFL football for this year. Football is exciting to watch, as all sports are, but nothing takes the cake like high school basketball. The conversation inevitably included recollection of basketball when I saw Jason and Rachel at the picnic.

9/9/2009

Hope for a kidney donor match was increased yesterday after I learned that my blood test revealed that I have 0 antibodies. Originally they informed me that, since I had blood transfusions, it would be hard to find me a match due to the different antibodies had with transfusions. I guess that was false, and after 11.5 years hat must have worked its way out of my system.

9/4/2009

Today after dialysis I weighed 177.4 lbs. That is the least I've weighed since eighth grade. I would rather do laundry and dishes after meals by myself rather than sit over four hours in dialysis three days per week, but I have to deal with this crutch, or hurdle if you will, right now. I never was good at hurdles in track and jumping is not my strong suit, but like in basketball I picked up on nuances of the game to figure it out I will figure this out, too. As Kenny Rogers sings, every hands a winner and every hand is a loser, and I can relate most situations back to that.
Tonight I am going to the Grove football game, and while they looked pathetic last week, against Pandora, I still have hope for my hometown Bulldogs to win this week.

8/30/2009

Last night was the first year I missed Grove Fest since the yearly event began. The fireworks could be enjoyed from our house. Instead I had a ball playing cards with my aunt and parents.

8/28/2009

My catheter in my chest is no longer suitable since the cuff is sticking out, and my fistula is not even close to ready yet. Therefore, Monday I will have a new access site surgically implanted on my left collar bone. Oh joy!

8/26/2009

My trip to University hospital, in Cincinnati, was hopeful an enlightening. It was also a little bit scary. First the scary part; if one of my two living kidney donors does not work out to be a match I would have to rely on the list to find me a kidney, and that could take two or more years. That is the pessimistic view of my situation. I feel a match will exist, and the donor list will never involve me. They said if one of my living turns out to be a match then it will only be 1-2 months before I have my kidney.
Being a positively minded person has me cheering for joy. It will not be long and I will be back to the regular diet no dialysis me.

8/24/2009

Today at dialysis I get my blood drawn, and by Friday afternoon we will get the results. Hopefully my mean low sodium diet will have good effects on me. My diet and limit of fluids I am able to drink is the most difficult part of this whole kidney failure thing. Six cups of water o any liquid is hard to limit yourself to per day.

8/22/2009

To illustrate the importance of cards in my life I'll say last night I went over to my friends house to play cards. Brian was recovering from surgery as am I. Tonight my aunt and uncle are coming over to play cards. My competitive juices are flowing rapidly during cards.

8/20/2009

Off I go to surgery. It is only an outpatient deal, but believe me when I say the hospital, surgeries (both inpatient and outpatient,) and me are like peas in a pod. I feel no apprehension and am not overly worried about it. But like any medical procedure there is the chance for unfortunate happenings. Wish me luck...

8/19/2009

Anything can happen in any situation. Thus nothing is for certain. Usually hard work and determination help make things more of a sure deal, but this time my actions meant absolutely diddly squat! You see Tuesday at Docs office I made an appointment to have a fistula inserted Wednesday after dialysis. Tuesday afternoon my scheduled time for dialysis was moved to early morning to accommodate an opening for surgery at noon. Still later on Tuesday the appointment for the fistula was moved to Thursday, but it was too late to change my dialysis time. Therefore I had to rise early this morning for dialysis. It was no picnic. I have to fast after midnight until surgery at like 1:00 tomorrow. I have to be there at 10:00, and that is typical hospital procedure. It will be so very boring!

8/18/2009

My appointment went well this morning. Despite predictions from the people at my dialysis center, at the Putnam County Ambulatory Care Center, giving me the idea that a fistula would not be inserted for at least a week the doctor gave a strong likelihood for the procedure being done tomorrow. Now it will likely take 1-3 months before it is ready to use, but it is a step towards getting the port removed from my chest. Hopefully I will not even need to use the fistula anytime soon, as I am excited about getting a new kidney quickly. The fistula could just serve as a good backup. It is always good to have an alternate plan in place.
I am hoping to do something with my friend Ashley on Sunday.

8/18/2009

Yesterday I had my vein mapping done, and today I have a doctors appointment to figure out when we are going to get it done. Mom and Dad are going to the appointment this morning too, but we are driving seperately. I am just staying at the hospital to volunteer all day.

8/17/2009

The weekend passed rather rapidly, and I guess it passed so smoothly since I was having a good time. Having my sister and nephews here adds to my enjoyment. They will be leaving before I get home from dialysis. I have to get a vein mapping done at the hospital immediatly after my dialysis session today. It is the start of getting a fistula inserted in my arm. I guess what made the weekend pass so rapidly was looking forward to the 25...

8/16/2009

Today I am going to Indian Lake, and it should be fun.

8/15/2009

Later today there is a party at the Maag residence in Hancock county. My Schroeder relaives will be there, and that is always fun. Laughter always prevails around the Schroeders, and at the same time there is a great understanding happening. If you cannot laugh at yourself then you may not fit in the family too good. As a relation we are very close knit, and humor makes its prescence quite frequently.
Last night I played cards and broke even. Regardless I had fun, but it would have felt revengeful if I would have won big time.

8/14/2009

My nephews really strike me as cute this morning? It really is a change to have them here for breakfast. It was refreshing to see my sister last night after I got home, too. See I normally see Lisa and her family quite frequently (2 or 3 times per month,) but the last month I have not seen them. With dialysis and everything I have been too busy to make it don there. My sister has been infiltrated with a busy time at work, and oddly she hasn't been home either.
Tonight there is a card party at the house of Gary Kohls. Last week I played with these same guys and turned out the biggest loser, and I hope to make amends for that tonight!

8/14/2009

Speaking last night was absolutely rewarding. Sure the audience was the Leipsic High School fall sports banquet, but even though it was not Grove people I was talking to I still get a kick out of influencing lives. Now last night was a mixed age group, and the crowd was not slim at all. Afterward I went to the new tiki bar at Dino's. There was a lot of people there, with it being 'thirsty Thursday' evening. The day of the week, it being comfortable outside in the evening, and the fact that it is the new watering hole (bar) in Putnam County all contribute to its business, and I am overly ecstatic for my friend. She is the manager of the happening location, and I know that she has put hard work and long hours into starting the bar. Whenever anybody experiences success after hard work it is rewarding. I am happy that my new friend is no stranger to getting a little dirt on her brow, and it was the first time that I have ever experienced a tiki bar. The atmosphere is great, with lights. The only hing that would have made it more entertaining would have been if my diet wasn't so strict, but a kidney transplant is in my near future!
In other news my sister and nephews arrived here last night for a few days!

8/12/2009

Treatment today was easier to handle from a physical standpoint, because cramping up of my legs was nonexistent. I guess having dry weight that is correct really helps. It was a little gloomier on the mental side of things, because the nurses tried to put a damper on things by painting a dark picture in regards to the timetable for transplantation. But they are just giving me the worst scenario possible. They think that will help me cope with unforeseen obstacles standing in my path. What they don't know is that my coping mechanism is awesome, and I'm good at leaping over hurdles, metaphorically (I ran the 400m and 200m in Jr. High track. I could not jump exceptionally high in basketball either but saw the court well and knew the nuances of the game.) I've stared down major things in my day. Ambulatory care is doing the transplant either but UC is! Their artfully painted scenes of my transplant situation, although scary, mean jack (nothing) to me. I spoke to UC on the phone… in person 8/25!!!

8/11/2009

I had dialysis yesterday, and they made my dry weight (where they bring you back to every session) a few pounds heavier than when I left Friday. My legs and feet began cramping up after about an hour of pulling fluid. There was a halt to eliminating liquid then, but purification of the blood was still done for slightly more than three hours. Have you ever had your muscles cramping up so much that you cannot help but wince from the pain. They last for several minutes each time. My dry weight was raised a bit as they pumped some fluid back in me. They do not want me and I don’t want to go through that fiasco every session so I was bumped up a few pounds. You know what some people say; “no pain no gain.” What happened early last night was not really correlated to last afternoon, but it was a gain in my mind.
Since I’ve had my renal failure, all I have been hearing from everyone is how slow the process is for getting anything done related to transplant. Well I got a call from University hospital in Cincinnati. They want me to come down for a plethora of preliminary testing to see if I am a viable candidate for transplant! WOO HOO! There still will need to be all sorts of testing done to my possible living donors, but I’m scheduled to meet August 25 at the UC hospital.
For more than a year after my major automobile catastrophe, more than a decade ago, I had the constant internal question running through my head, “When will I be able to walk around normally like any guy would do?”
I even would bug my therapists with similar questions, but nobody could ever put a date on it. That truly was hard to handle.
The same was true of the question, “When will I get to go home and stay there?”
That really was the ultimate question I had while at Waterford Commons. An answer finally was heard a couple of weeks before it happened. Those 14 days flew by, because a date was in sight.
The feeling with dialysis was that it would never end, but now it will go smoother because the 25th is marked. It may be a while and living donors may not match, but at least we have a date to look forward to.
Thank you for the prayers. I AM SO EXCITED!!!

8/10/2009

I have dialysis today, and that is not highly anticipated. let me just tell you; it is not something to brag to our friends about. The process doesn't cause too much pain, til the last half hour or so of the 4 and 1/2+ hour treatment. Then my legs start to cramp up fairly badly. Trust me, it is no picnic when that starts. I am quickly approaching my "dry weight," as they say. That is after they have pulled nearly 60 pounds of fluid off my body in roughly a month. You see my highest water weight was was in the upper half of the 230's. As of after my dialysis session on Friday I tipped the scale right around 177. That is incredible I think. That is no picnic despite it feeling better with all that fluid gone. As mentioned before, convulsions in your leg muscles can be quite painful, and even in your hands the problem persists. I keep my head held high though. Although exhaustion is felt after every session, every time I go through dialysis I feel one time closer to kidney transplant. All prayers are greatly appreciated.

8/8/2009

I had a lot of fun tonight, and I had an opportunity to share the evening with my new friend Ashley. She, by the way, ate a full rack of ribs, or maybe not. I also saw my old buddy Orson, and I am still in disbelief that his body is shutting down due to disease. We (Ashley and I) went to the Red Pig and then the Bombshelter. I'll tell you what Ottawa was dead tonight... hardly anybody was out. I guess there was a big name band or singer in Lima tonight, and I think that the Rib Fest was in Findlay.

8/8/2009

Last night I went to a solo party, and did battle against Wayne, Tom, Gary, and Don. I was the biggest loser. It cost me around seven dollars, but it was well worth it. The case was definitely not of me getting outplayed, but the card were just dealt against me. I love the old German card game, win or lose, and I am faced with the daunting task of having a little revenge on this group of players. I always think positive an aim high, that way even if you fall a little short success can still be had.
I am really excited about my new friend Ashley, because we have so much in common. It is almost like, in some ways, she is a mini me (like in Austin Powers- I know that is an old example, but that's the best I could do in these wee hours of the morning.) We seem to have many of the same characteristics including a love of sports and the Buckeyes.
Anyway... I feel somewhat drained and it is time to get some rest. Dialysis kicked my butt today, but I am also confident that a new kidney is imminent.
What I did last night was not exactly as fun as going out, but I went out Wednesday and saw a funny movie Thursday....
Ashley, check your email when you get an opportunity.

7/31/2009

I do not have much time to write lately. I've spent 9 days in the hospital, and now I am going through dialysis three days per week. I need a kidney transplant, and it is a very slow process. Once the paperwork is done hopefully my sister will be a match. I need some backup donors just in case, and they need to be healthy with an O posative blood type.

7/8/2009

I cannot express enough how m legs are hurting when I try to walk, and I think it is the result of the massive retention of water I am experiencing. In large that is due to my invalid kidney functioning. I have a doctors appointment tomorrow regarding my kidney problems.
In other news I spoke to my old amigo Amy yesterday. I just hope that in her age she remembers talking with me. Amy expressed the improvement being made of her brother Eric, but there was some disheartening news of her parents. John had open heart surgery and Marie had spent time in the hospital as well. John gets out today which is comforting.

7/6/2009

I went to a Toledo Mud Hens game, against the Columbus Clippers, last night with my friend Norma. She was home from Atlanta, Georgia for the weekend. She called my cell yesterday very early evening and set it up at the last minute. The game was tied at 1 when we arrived, but the home team lost 8-1 to the Columbus squad. Afterward the had a little fireworks display which was awesome.
Today I am going to go get some blood work done. I may be going to Cincinnati to get a second opinion from a Kidney doctor, but that is kind of up in the air yet. It totally depends on my kidney function. My legs are huge and they hurt, because there is so much fluid gathering there.

6/30/2009

July 4th is this weekend, and that is the tell tale sign for starting high school football. I love it, but not nearly as much as basketball.

6/26/2009

I am finding it difficult to find time currently to write a daily entry. With water therapy an trying to deal with the excessive swelling all over my body, and attempting to get sleep (it is not working well,) I am not experiencing overwhelming time for much of anything. However I went to the St. Michel's parish social. It is always nice to support local eststablishments. Being catholic, its great to help nearby parishes. I usually enjoy the Danger Brothers in late evening at St. Mike's social. But I went with my parents this year so we left early.

6/24/2009

Appointment with the kidney specialist later his morning. Check back, and I will let you know how it goes.

6/23/2009

I have officilly lined up a speech to a church youth group up near Cleveland for December 13, 2009. Marian, from the Caatholic Conference I attended up in Huron, worked for the church and gave them my contact information and recommendation.

6/22/2009

I feel extremely tired, like I am running on empty, but yet I feel good. You see I just rode the1 stationary bike furiously for about 35 minutes. I probably should not have with a blood pressure as high as mine, but that is how I work out; all or nothing. I have not done that in awhile and probably will not do it again for some time, because of my blood pressure problem. However it felt good... almost like the old me, but then I look down and am brought back to reality. My legs look terrible since they are retaining so much darn water!

6/22/2009

My blood test the other day did not turn out as well as my doctor had hoped, so again today I will drive to Glandorf to try again. Maybe I just did not study hard enough the first time... Lol, haha!

6/22/2009

Yesterday was an eye opening at the Leipsic St. Mary's church social. Before hand I played a few hours of solo with my parents and Aunt Joan. We ate supper at the event, and afterward we played another hour or so of cards at Joan's house. I am not at all putting a damper on my time spent at the social. Despite not arriving in time to watch any softball which I do early every year when I go to this particular church social, I found it beneficial networking with many people. I made a possible speaking contact for the high school at Leipsic. And I met with Gary, who may help me write my book. To top everything off I was the big winner in solo.

6/21/2009

Last night was a grand time playing cards with my relatives. The only uninviting aspect of the evening was the fact that huge indentation marks existed on my thighs after I stood up. My kidney malfunction is causing my whole body to retain water. Beginning to outgrow my clothes I am, and my shorts and pants are beginning to not fit well. It is lik I am getting too fat to wear my clothes, but I am not. Water retention is vausing me to swell up. There is nothing that I have control over and worrying about it is a waste of time. I do have a doctor appointment with Dr. Moser on Wednesday, though. He is a kidney specialist, and hopefully he can solve my problem.

6/20/2009

Last night was a fun filled night hanging with the cousins and some of their spouses. At fist we met at the Ottawa park to watch April's game. While there I saw Kim and Emily, too. It was a shock to see them both. Afterwords or group did the traditional thing, and we went to the Bombshelter to have pizza. Delicious it was as usual. I saw many people that I knew and even met this Mary lady, and she was Jack and Kevin's friend. I hardly ever see those guys so I will likely never see Mary again. Oh well... I like meeting new people. Thanks to Brad and Kathy for taking me out!

6/19/2009

Well it is Father's Day weekend, and that mean a number of things...mainly two: 1) Sunday is the Leipsic St. Mary's Parish social. Usually I make it over to that. But more importantly I am going to hang out with my cousin and her husband (Kathy and Brad) tonight, and my cousin Clint may be hanging with us.

6/18/2009

I went to mass this morning with Mom, because it was a mass for my grandmother. Afterwords I went with her o get her hair cut, because afterward we went to go get a blood sample taken. I have a significant headache this afternoon.

6/17/2009

Well... I went to my kidney specialist, Dr. Moser, today, and at first m appoinment almost did not exist. The doctor had been contacted by the doctor from Boston regarding my biopsy results (which is why were there today,) but a printout was not available. The wait was on, and it took awhile but it was scompleted. The doctor sounded optimistic about fixing the problem, but he prescribed steroid usage for five days to clear up some scarring in my kidney. I dont like taking the five day series of pills, becuse they made me break out with acne on my face. I dislike the typically teenage acne problem, but I can handleit for about a week. I have another appointment with Dr.Moser next week, and we will hopefully find out more then.

6/16/2009

Today I will attempt to volunteer at the hospital. My blood pressure is under control now, but I have this very long lasting headache that has occurred two out off the last three days. Hopefully it will be OK today! My doctor appointment is tomorrow which should be interesting to say the least! I am anxious to hear what Dr. Moser has discovered in light of my biopsy results, which should arrive back from Boston today. If the news is good, super... and if it is bad oh well, I'll deal with it.

6/15/2009

Well...it is Monday, and I can tell already that things are going to go much smother than this past weekend (aka the weekend from hell.) You see, I had a terrible headache on Friday through Saturday, and my blood pressure was registering off the charts. I felt nausea the whole time, and on Saturday I did vomit two times. I was a train wreck and there must have been a train whistle going off inside my head, because even a maximum dosage of Tylenol would not halt the throbbing pain in my head. As mentioned earlier the Fourth degree Knights of Columbus was supposed to march at 4:30 mass, and the K of C was throwing a party for Fr. Ron in the parish hall afterwords. The celebration turned out to be large and a lot of fun, but I learned through hearsay for I did not feel up to taking part in the ceremonies. There are two possible causes for my distress. I was getting familiarized with a new medication with possible side effects of nausea and upchucking. But the more likely scenario is that I was just worked up bout my health status. Sunday I felt significantly better, and today I am expecting a normal feeling. But even that is debatable (as me and normalcy do not regularly follow the same path by most people's standards.(LOL-ha:-)
My friend Eric has been moved temporarily to a nursing facility in Shawnee. And Dodd Hall in Columbus (my old stomping grounds) eventually wants him back. c must have improvement, and it is just a mater of time. There is no set rate of improvement, as traumatic brain injuries are different in each person. They are not like broken bones, where it is fairly standard for them to heal in 4-6 weeks. John expressed that him and Marie are becoming mentally beat, and prayers are needed!

6/13/2009

My high blood pressure and poor kidney function, inevitably related, have reached a new plateau as the past two days I have acquired splitting headaches that Tylenol has trouble fixing. Yesterday I had a prescription filled by Dr. Moser's office. He is my new doctor dealing with my kidneys and high blood pressure. I now have an appointment in four days. That would be on Wednesday instead of the following Monday. Hopefully the root of my problem will be discovered and a plan of defensive action is taken. The kidnbey biopsy results will hopefully be back from the doctor in Boston.

6/12/2009

The entire Thomas family is coming here this afternoon. Actually the are not all coming, but they will all be here. That is because my youngest nephew, Nick, has been here since Tuesday. He is only one, and my sister and her family were on vacation so to speak. A one year old eliminates many of the fun things a family can do on vacation.

6/11/2009

I hope that I can still fit into my tuxedo pants and jacket, despite the swelling (water buildup,) because on Saturday, as a fourth degree member we are marching as the Knights of Columbus for Saturday afternoon's mass. Tonight there is a softball game if the field is not too wet. I have a killer headache today.

6/9/2009

My face was swollen up and my left eye lid was having trouble staying open, because of my lack of proper kidney function. Therefore I did not volunteer today at the hospital. Tonight is the K of C meeting.

6/8/2009

The aftermath of my kidney dialysis is remarkably strang. The insides of me feel tampered with!

6/8/2009

Later this morning is my kidney biopsy. I am not really worried about having this done, the people doing it are well practiced in their trait, but the two week layoff before I hear the results is killing me. I just want to get on with fixing the problem. The not knowing the results are some of the hardest times when faced with anything. Take an exam for instance (referring back to school days,) and waiting the weekend for the results is torture. It is almost more troubling than the test itself! Not knowing is the most troubling aspect after any test (medical included,) and it just has to be done.

6/7/2009

It is that time of year for graduation parties, and this year we only have one to go to in our immediate Schroeder clan. Later today/ tonight a party for my cousin Jacob will be had. It is always enjoyable to congregate with my relatives. Jacob graduated from Liberty Benton high school. Last night I went with my parents to visit at my Uncle Mack’s house. The conversations had with any of my Schroeder relatives are always stimulating. I also saw my cousin Luke. On Friday we went to play cards at Mom’s sister’s house, and I had a good opportunity to interact with my cousin Jeff.
I need to speak with some of Eric’s relatives soon. I really need to speak with Amy about going down to see Eric. She probably let that thought slip her mind. That greatly disappoints me, but it can be expected… elderly people are often forgetful. I should probably be thankful if Amy even remembers what I look like (LOL:-).

6/6/2009

I feel extremely exhausted, like I just did a marathon, but I only leisurely strolled about outside for about 40 minutes or so. Something is definitely out of whack with my body. I have a kidney biopsy tomorrow morning. It sounds gruesome, but I am looking forward to it greatly. It is just one step towards finding and fixing the problem with me...

6/5/2009

The Schroeder softball team lost in the narrowest of fashion last night. We were the home team, and we had last at bats. At first there was some discrepancy between the opposing teams scorekeepers as to what inning it was, teams shook hands after only six innings when we were trailing 6-5, but after careful analysis the correct inning was discovered. Another inning was to be played, but neither team pushed a single run across home plate. The game ended with the same score had after they shook hands the first time. The last inning never mattered. It is the only game I've ever witnessed where hands were shook twice in ending fashion, and I have played a lot of ball in my day.

6/4/2009

It is Thursday, and yesterday I saw Dr. Moser, a kidney specialist. He scheduled a kidney biopsy for tomorrow morning, but the hospital called me this morning and changed it to Monday morning. I am so very glad that we were able to see the kidney doctor and get the ball rolling. A biopsy sounds much more severe than it really is. Dr. Moser explained everything to me in detail so there will be no surprises. Thank God for the ability to numb your back. Back in the early days of medicine they would have had to strap my hands down to the table. But now with advances in technology they can insert a rod into my back without putting me to sleep. The only bad part of this biopsy is the though o what will be done. I am excited to get this done, because my kidneys need some attention.

6/3/2009

Well, Dad called the kidney specialist office, and they can now squeeze me in this afternoon at 2:30. Gotta run...

6/2/2009

Yesterday morning was anything an everything but uneventful, and that is taking it lightly. As most of you know I have been experiencing symptoms related to high blood pressure, and Monday early morning a new wrinkle was added to the mix. I woke up at 3:00 A.M., because a choking sensation overwhelmed me. Mom heard me pacing back and forth, and when she awoke I explained my situation as best I could. I also had a terrible headache, and she urged me to take my blood pressure since she was worried. It was like 182/122 or something like that. After I watched a movie on television I managed to get a few hours of sleep. In the morning my parents brought me to the Emergency Room at St. Rita's hospital. That is where I spent the next 10 hours. As it turns out that loose piece of skin that hangs from everybody's throat was way enlarged in my mouth (hence the choking sensation.) Doctors claim it is a reaction to the new medication I started Tuesday of last week. They claim that is why my blood pressure hit the ceiling, but I think my blood pressure is just out of whack. I doubled up my one medication, doctor's orders, but it is still very high. Maybe that is just part of being a Schroeder, or maybe it is the result of getting old. I spoke to my cousin Kathy tonight who is also 30, but 10 months older than I (but she is not ancient like my friend AMY,) and she was telling me all the problems she had when she tuned 30. Its safe to say that Kathy and I are aging, but what does that say about OLD OLD Amy? I wonder too much, and I just need to enjoy life. It will take its twists and turns, but accommodating to them is what marks your life. Kenny Rogers says it best... Every gambler knows that the secret to surviving is knowing what to throw and knowing what to keep, because every hands a winner and every hands a loser. To me life is a game of cards!

6/1/2009

Hospital ER... later

5/31/2009

Last night I had a blast, but unfortunate being an Ohioan was not the best. Our Ohio professional basketball team, the Cleveland Cavs, lost the Eastern Conference finals game six last night. That wrapped up the series, and the Orlando Magic advance to face the Lakers in the NBA Finals (commencing Thursday night.) Many people were devastated but not me. I get tired of all the Lebron hysteria, and in a way I am sort of glad it is over for this season. Amateur sports are much more enjoyable to watch than professional I believe. Pro athletes get caught up in the whole money issue, while high school and college athletes play for the integrity of competition. True maybe some are hoping for scholarships or working to gain draft position, which is like playing for money. but by an large competitive and school spirit dominate amateur athletes.
Tonight we are inviting Dad's side of the family over, and it is a Sunday night tradition that was started by Grandma.

5/30/2009

I guess May 2009 was not such of a landmark month. Usually your birthday month is a time of celebration, but on the last day of may this year I feel different. The fact that I am getting older (but nowhere near he ripe old age of Amy:-) is evident.Recently I discovered a slightly high blood pressure problem and a headache today make me notice that I am aging. In reality 30 is not that old, and a few weeks ago I was ready to challenge the legitimacy of my birth certificate since I felt so youthful. Recently I started talking with this adorable 28 year old woman from just north of me. Hopefully we'll hang out soon and see if there are sparks. I am intrigued by her, and I feel we would have a lot in common. We ave similar likes and backgrounds.
Today/tonight I am going to Findlay to hang out with friends and just forget about everything for a bit.

5/29/2009

My hospital tag from today...

5/29/2009

I am having high blood pressure problems and swelling of my legs. High blood pressure had been a problem, and all was going satisfactory before I received a call from the internal medicine doctor a few weeks ago to let me know the results of my labs. My kidney function was apparently not up to par, and he instructed me to halt taking my water pill which also has blood pressure regulatory medicine in it. Since I stopped that my legs and ankles have ballooned up. I am unaware of the cause of this problem, but possibly its root is from a major automobile accident I was in many years ago. If that is the case so be it. Later this morning I have to go to the hospital to have a five hour intravenous session. Ironically, I am actually looking forward to this! Although I do not appreciate the hospital stay, becoming closer to a solution to the problem is greatly anticipated. Furthermore, I hope this test shows the cause of and/or fixes the problem, because an appointment with a kidney specialist was made but the doctor has no vacancies until the end of next month (June.) That is a while to wait, but I will do my best to help the situation. Like any other scenario, I will try my best. We will see how it goes, but please help me out by praying for me (it does not matter how OLD you are, Amy, prayer never hurts. LOL)

5/28/2009

I went to the Ohio State Lima campus today, and visited Melissa. I also visited with some past professors and guidance people, but the biggest joy I had was visiting Melissa. She was my dearest friend that I ever met at the Lima campus, and now she works for Rhodes State. Hopefully we will stay in contact and remain friends forever now. Melissa has a great sarcastic or joking around attitude that I like to have. I also went to a registered Verizon retailer and got a new cell phone. My number remains the same however, and my phone book was transferred successfully. I even put the same speed dials in. The only thing different is my phone. It has features that like better than my former phone.

5/27/2008

Last night was exceptional as I hung out with friends at TKO's sports bar and grill. We watched the Cavs versus Magic playoff game, and even though the Ohio team lost it was a nail biter. My doctors appointment yesterday morning was good. We are taking different steps to bring down my blood pressure and reduce the swelling in my legs. Swollen appendages gave cause to me weighing in at 13 pounds more than I did three weeks ago. My high blood pressure runs in the family. Oh well, I guess extremely high pressure is a small price to pay for being a Schroeder. Being pat of this family is seemingly amazing. I am fairly confident that this all stems from my auto accident over 11 years ago, but I love my life so there are no regrets. Heck if the accident had not occurred I never would have met my friend Amy, and she makes me feel so youthful. Some might say I am old, at 30, but her representing many old person traits (mainly eye sight and driving ability) make me feel 10 years younger.

5/26/2009

I have a doctors appointment around 10:00 this morning. It is with the internal medicine doctor responsible for dealing with my blood pressure. Labs from my six month checkup were not good. One one of my medications was completely cut, and a three day cycle of stool testing was done. For a week my diet was limited, and I had to be precautions with any citrus foods or red meat. On top of this as a result of testing it was discovered that I am anemic. That explains the tiredness that I tend to experience. I am not overly concerned with what the doctor has to say, but intrigued nonetheless, because there is no fault that I have control of I think. Plus there was no reason to get crazy about my problems until we see what the doctor has to say. For all I know this is all the result of my big car wreck from 11 years ago, which left me comatose for over 10 week s, and we cannot go back in time. Believe me though if somehow we could go back in time, my friend Amy would likely be the first one in line. She would want to go back to my age when she was not ancient. I want to thank Amy for the birthday wishes last week. It is true that 30 sounds like an old guy, but just think... no matter how old I get you will always be MUCH older. If we ever make it out to eat, you should pick up the tab. I hear some places give a significant Golden Buckeye card discount! Thinking of my wrinkly OLD pal Amy makes me think of her brother Eric. Every day I pray for him and his family... even his OLD sister Amy (I hope her eye doctor appointment went well.) I'll have to get an update soon from John.

5/25/2009

The party that was had here yesterday was a huge success, but cleaning up today seemed rather lackluster. But it is the small price that is necessary when hosting a party.

5/24/2009

Luke's team won their second contest yesterday after losing the first contest. They joined the silver bracket tournament and won their first round game. Games are played again today, but we are also hosting a Memorial Day party, for Dad's side of the family, today. Needless to say I will not be journeying to Ft. Wayne today, because there will be plenty of festivities right here at our house today.

5/23/2009

I am going to attend Luke's AAU tournament today, and that means I will be missing Morgan's graduation party. Initially the plan was to go to the party, but Ted invited me to go to Luke's AAU games. That put me at crossroads sort of. I know I would have a swell time at the party, but basketball is my baby. Friday I went to the AAU game with Gary and Carla (Luke's parents.) Northwest Ohio team played awesomely but lost. The opposition was thought to be the third best team in the nation (11th-grade-to-be AAU teams,) and we only lost by eight. It was very exciting. Similarly so was the Cleveland Cavs vs Orlando Magic Eastern Conference Finals game two. The high school game did not have such an outstanding ending as the NBA game, but then again Lebron James does not play in high school anymore either!

5/22/2009

Speaking yesterday to sixth grade students was heartwarming, more so than I figured that it would be. The good times rolled after my three presentations were over, too. I swung by the Ohio State University’s Lima campus to visit with some former professors and faculty there. I have not been to my Alma mater campus in more than a year. It felt good to visit campus and friends again. All of the billiards practice that I have had with Brian paid dividends, as I went down to student activities, visited people, and shot pool. That is something I never did while a student. I was always too busy trying to get good grades in courses. Keep in mind that I was just having trouble getting to where I was going when I started college, and my accident recovery had not progressed enough then yet to allow much more than classes cross my mind. Indeed fun was had today, and my numerous losses when facing Brian really helped me, because I was undefeated in two games yesterday. Afterward I ate at Subway. Five… five dollar…five dollar foot long (like a commercial break!) Grilled chicken breast on wheat was had. And the help was fantastic.

5/21/2009

I have the privilege of speaking to the sixth graders at Allen East later today. True, I feel the job is done more sufficiently when I speak to high school aged audiences, but I also know that I do a darn good job talking with middle school students. Else Larry, the principal, would not ask me to speak every year. I really anticipate any opportunities I get to speak to an audience, so do not think for a second that I feel out of my element speaking to the younger crowd, because I, too, can relate with sixth grade people as I went through the similar situations as them.
Last night I ate in Findlay with friends Brian and Mike. Another friend named Mike also showed up, and he watched the conclusion of the Cavs game with us. He is a true Orlando Magic fan so it was interesting watching the game with him. Magic pulled the upset and won in Cleveland which I was glad to see. Even though Cleveland is an Ohio team, I just get tired of all the Lebron hysteria. He is talented, but James is not the god some people see him as. If nothing else he was brought back down to reality a little.

5/20/2009

I have nothing new on this day (a great day I'll add.)

5/19/2009

One day until my birthday. Tonight there is a Knights of Columbus meeting, and as stated earlier I am not going. That is very uncharacteristic of me, because I normally do not miss meetings. I think I can count on one hand all meetings I missed. That is because we play solo afterwords, and I am in constant crave of a good game of solo.ssssssssssssssssss

5/18/2009

Today I mowed. Our yard could have waited until tomorrow to be cut, but I already have a full day of things to do tomorrow so getting it done today was good. Tomorrow I have a volunteer reception a the Knights of Columbus hall in Lima, and tomorrow is my volunteer day. Tomorrow night there is a Knights of Columbus meeting at St. Anthony's church basement which I will not attend, because I am going out with Gary after my volunteer shift ends. I think we are going to the Beer Barrel, and Luke may come too, because we will be celebrating our birthdays. It comes a day early for me, but it fits our schedules better that day.
I will be turning 30 years of age on my birthday, that is older, but I will never be as old as Amy! That is the most important thing! She does claim to be born in the mid 70's, but the only problem I have with that is many people were doped up and high on drugs then. I feel that her mom, Marie, was not a hippie on mary jane, but to fit this reasoning I'll say she was. If Amy was born in this time era she would have birth defects due to drug use, but she does not which leads me to believe she was born way before this era started! I initially had trouble determining whether she was older or younger than I when we met, but plastic surgery can do wonders for a person. Her relic stature was made evident to me when I once rode in the car with her (I had to scream for my life at least three times and we narrowly escaped a devastating car wreck:-). That experience showed me that she really is way old, and her youthful looks are clearly the case of plastic surgery. Someday I would like to use carbon 14 dating on her... like they do with dinosaur bones to estimate her actual age +- 50 years.

5/17/2009

I got 2:30 sleep last night, but I am ready and rearing to go to Ft. Wayne for AAU basketball.

5/15/2009

Last nights softball game was exciting, because the Schroeder team scored 11 runs. It is true that they lost the ballgame, but we celebrated afterwords, as we usually do, at the Bombshelter. It was a bit unusual however, but the inconsistency keeps the ritual entertaining. Several of my uncles and aunts went there too, and we had several pizzas. Bombshelter pizza is mouth watering delicious which causes us to buy it routinely.
This morning my sister arrived with my three nephews, and that is a wonderful thing. I spent the day with them, because it gives me a chance to spend some quality time with the. It is so exciting to watch them grow. Astonishing it is for adults to think that at one time (some more recently than others:-) we were actually that little and clueless.
Tomorrow I am going to an AAU tournament to watch Luke play some basketball amongst others. The last one I went to was awesome, and I expect nothing less this time.

5/14/2009

Yesterday, I cleaned up a trailer load of bricks and mortar. You see, we took down most of our cement chimney (which has not been used for a few years) last week, but my cousin Luke came over Tuesday, when I was volunteering at the hospital, and finished tearing it down. What I did yesterday was haul the pieces, by trailer, over to where we put the other scrap. Then I took the pieces out of the trailer by hand and threw them on the pile of brick and mortar. Some of these pieces had six or seven bricks fastened together with mortar between them, and I am no body builder. Please do not get me wrong, I try to stay physically healthy, but those chunks were heavy to lift with one hand. But the hardest part about the whole process was backing the trailer into precise location with the garden tractor. I have not had a lot of experience backing and directing farm machinery, like some people I know, but nonetheless I got the job done. It may have taken a few trials and episodes of failure, but it got done. Failure is the first step to success next time. Things may sometimes seem horrible at first glance, but in due time you will find that they are part of God's plan not bad. I am used to trying things again and am better for it!
In other news the Reds won again, and the Celtics look to close their series tonight with the Magic, in Orlando.

5/13/2009

Yesterday was fabulous. After St. Rita’s I went to the new Beer Barrel, where I saw an old high school buddy, Aaron. He used to play soccer with me. I have not really hung around him much lately, but we made a pact to party together sometime soon. Before the Beer Barrel, I was volunteering at St. Rita’s, and like usual I ate with fellow volunteer Joe. The different thing was that he had a former coworker and school teacher, Diane, meet us there. I love to meet new people, and this was no different. I also saw Brian’s wife, Michelle, there, too. It was spectacular, as she lives in Columbus Grove, and I have known her for a long time. Whenever I run into my hometown friends it makes me feel right at home. Weekly I see many people that I know from Columbus Grove, while I am volunteering at the hospital, and it is always a welcoming sight.
I talked with John, on a more i9mportant note, tonight, and Eric is progressing significantly in Columbus at Dodd Hall (The Ohio State University Medical facility… GO BUCKS!) Eric appreciates the Buckeyes ALMOST as much as I, and I might be coincidental that he too is comatose at Dodd Hall. John expressed how rough it is getting on his family. I feel very strongly that Eric will come into complete consciousness soon, and after that happens I bet he will take his improvement from baby steps, what he is taking now (not actual steps, but rate of progression general,) and turn them into giant strides. I’m no Aristotle, so I cannot be certain about my predictions, although the signs point to that happening soon.
The Reds and Celtics both were winners yesterday.

5/12/2009

I am going to have to mow the lawn today. There was a little bit of frost today, and surely the grass will be soaking wet until about midday. I mowed last week when it was wet, but I think that will be a one time affair. It was not fun to get my feet wet while trimming the lawn.
Last night the Schroeder softball team started their season off ferociously, scoring three runs in the top half of the first inning, but they went cold and lost the game by one run (4-3.) The whole Schroeder clan came in support for the team, making a cheering section that puts other teams to shame. Likely it will be that way all year. The defensive showing for my relation's squad seemed impeccable. At least when compared to other years it was admirable.
I am hopeful that the Celtics will beat the Magic tonight, because Boston an Orlando, respectively have their series knotted at two games each. The winner of the best of seven games will face Cleveland in the Eastern conference finals, as the Cavs completed the sweep last night in their series against Atlanta. The NBA sure is not what it used to be. Larry Bird versus Magic Johnson was the epitome of rivalry.

5/11/2009

Today I am going to mow in the woods, That seems rather pointless at first glance, but believe me it is much needed. I am talking about the patch that is just over an acre that sits on the north end of our house. We are always mowing and thinning out trees from that area, and unlike the wilderness behind our house we own this area.
And later this afternoon I am going to go watch my cousins play softball. Hopefully the Schroeder Plumbing and Heating team fairs better than in years past. Sure the games are a social atmosphere, but it is always nice to win a contest. That is because I have a competitive spirit about me. Ever since I was a little kid playing basketball in the driveway with dad, I have always been about defeating the opposition. The difference between then and now is I was then a little kid, but now I am a big kid (heck Amy I'm only in my 20's-- remember when you were that young?). Probably yo do not, because after sight memory is the next thing to go. Suggestion- after the visit to the optometrist visit your family doctor and pick up a dosage of memory pills.

5/10/2009

I took my parents out to dine at the Texas Roadhouse today for Mother's Day. That said may all mothers, grandmothers, great grand mothers, and great great grandmothers have a happy Mother's Day. Since I am wishing mothers a happy day, in increasing age order, next in line comes my elderly friend Amy (she has two beautiful boys- they might be too little to wish her a happy day with extraordinary fashion yet:). But she obviously deserves to be showered with gifts. Footing an optometrist's bill may be fitting, but they'll probably need their Dad's help with that!

5/10/2009

The party last evening was a success, and then in the early morning hours today I met a very interesting person, Stephanie (sp,) and she is going to see if she can get me to help out with the therapy program at BGSU.

5/9/2009

Last night I went to Bdubs in Lima with my friend Len, and I think it was only the third time I have been at the new store in Lima. Ironically I saw Mike there all three times. I have come to the conclusion that he basically lives there; although Mike said he has only been there three times himself (with a laugh.) Obviously he was only kidding. He moved to Lima from Columbus Grove after college in Columbus at the Ohio State University. I guess he familiarizes himself with bdubs, because it is so popular. They used to be located out bye the American Mall, but like many businesses near and at the mall they moved out. Building the new store was a great benefit for the chain, because nowadays like every weekend the parking lot is packed. Talking about the OLD store makes me think of my OLD friend Amy, who happened to email today. Thinking of Amy made me think of my sister, because Amy seems to have several communicative traits like my family. Thinking of my older sibling makes me think of Amy’s brother Eric. The biggest difference is my sister is five years older than me, but Amy seems much older than Eric than five years. I may as well put this to rest, her mom, Marie, claims she is only 33, but I think that I need to see a birth certificate. Anyway… thinking of thinking of Eric makes me feel sorry for his family. I talked with John yesterday, and I hung up the phone nearly in tears. I feel close with his family even though we just meet about seven weeks ago. Eric is still comatose but constantly showing signs of improvement. He has been known to track things and/or people these last few days. It really does not matter how small of steps he is taking forward each day, but it is definitely positive that steps are not taken backwards. It is important to me that regression in coming out of his coma is not experienced. All I can do is pray, and I know that he is in the best hands at Dodd Hall.
In other news the Celtics lost last night to Orlando, but the Reds played great as they beat the Division leading St. Louis Cardinals. I also saw Jay, Kim, and Austin last night.
Today I am going to the annual chicken slam party. Later and God Bless!

--
"Failure is the first step to success next time. Things may sometimes seem horrible at first glance , but in due time you will find that they are part of God's plan not bad."
~Matt~
www.mattschroeder.org

5/8/2009

Yesterday and last night was a heck of a lot of fun. Before I went to Brian's house I did some stopping at the University. I spoke to a contact lady for the University and I met this Wanda lady. Both were people I never met before, and I love to make new friends. I know she is actually older than my new friend Amy, but for the sake of argument, I'll say that they are about the same age. Wanda's youngest (I think) child is 31, and she has cataracts very bad. I'm sure Amy will develop cataracts in her eyes soon enough. The eyes are some of the first things to deteriorate with old age (if I was Amy's age I think an optometrist would be receiving my call like tomorrow:-). Anyhow Wanda's son, Andy, has tourette syndrome. Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological movement disorder that is inherited. It affects between 100,000 to 200,000 people in the United States. About 1 million Americans may have very mild symptoms of TS. A person with TS makes involuntary and repeated body movements, called "tics." The tics are not always present, but may worsen with fatigue or stress. I yearned for some knowledge of this variably complex condition so I searched the internet to find facts. Perhaps the most well known symptom of TS is the vocal tic. Vocal tics include everything from a simple clearing of the throat, sniffing noises, grunting or barking to the verbalization of words and nonsensical sounds. I do not know Andy so I, too, do not speculate whether he has a mild or severe case.

5/7/2009

I'm going to the ymca in Findlay before heading to hang out tonight with Mike and Brian.

5/6/2009

It was an unique experience this morning as I assisted Dad taking down part of the chimney. This chimney is made of brick and mortar, and it went alongside our house from the ground to around eight feet above our roof. e used a fascinating tool of my uncle's ownership. And clay tiles are on the inside. We ran the massive tool on the mortar between each . The heavy duty piece of equipment it is sort of a slow process, but it makes the cleanup easier then breaking the bricks apart with a sledge hammer (which I did the last few rows down by the ground.) It was different from anything I have ever done.
In other news my friend Eric continues to show signs of getting better. At least that is the latest news I heard around noon yesterday from his dad, John. Eric is at the Ohio State University Medical Center, Dodd Hall, in Columbus. I learned that John and Marie are staying in their camper at a campgrounds. Usually people go camping as a form of enjoyment, but I think this is anything but a fun atmosphere.

5/5/2009

I just finished trim mowing our yard when it was sopping wet, because I wanted to get it done before it got very late in the morning. It probably was not good for the push moving, operating it in such wet conditions, but it is already done. My shoes and feet were completely soaked b the time I was finished.

5/5/2009

I am going out to eat lunch with Mark and Roger from St. Rita's today. We are going to the Mexican restaurant to celebrate the Mexican holiday. The holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. I am also going to take care of the necessary mailings today. I indeed have a Knights of Columbus meeting tonight... since it is the first Tuesday of May. I wander how Eric is doing? I think I will call John, his dad, later today! Hopeful Eric's OLD sister, Amy, will soon call me. As said before she is a real hoot to talk to. In other news I am somewhat disappointed as I have not spoken with the new friend I made last Tuesday. I thought that it was too good to be true. I might have to fill out a complaint form with my relationship doctor (she knows who she is,) because she informed me that I would talk with my new friend again. Oh well...hopefully our paths will cross again. I am really hoping that Jody (Buzzard) is hanging in there, because it appears that she was taking Eric's condition sort of tough. I wonder where that nickname gets derived from? Her family says that is just her name? In fact, that whole family must be feeling rough. Eric's family reminds me of my own relatives (willing to laugh at any time,) and you know how they say laughter is the best medicine. I think that it is the second best concoction in times consisting of grieving.Prayer is the best and most powerful antidote, I believe.
I just had a song pop into my head that I want to direct to Amy, and I am picturing the seven dwarfs from Snow White singing it; "You are never too old to be young":-). Her telling me she has gray hairs is like a slap in my face, because I was questioning, at one time, if she was older or younger than me. What was I thinking? She is like a fossil to me (heck I am only in my 20's yet:-)!

5/4/2009

Oh I almost forgot the pictures, with me in my fourth degree Knights of Columbus regalia, from First Communion Sunday. Of course they were taken in the church basement at St. Anthony's before we marched. Look at the ridiculous second picture of me striking a pose (haha:-). I obviously like to have fun whenever/wherever I am.
HA...LOL

5/4/2009

It is Monday, and I used my YMCA membership, which I just recently renewed, this morning. If you are going to pay for a gym membership it may as well do you some good, right? Like when I go anywhere, my trips to the gym to workout also involve a lot of social time and networking. Today I started off playing Tom in billiards, and I am a wreck playing pool. I have a chance to have great fun attempting, and occasionally making crazy shots. I actually won a game today, but it was surrounded b two losses on both ends. I am starting to shoot pool much better than I used to, and my victory is the one that I will remember best. I am always seeking improvements in my game, and excitement fills me when I make unbelievable shots. I will never reach the quality of play that I would like to, probably, but it sure is fun to play billiards. After that I worked out, and guess what I happened to strike up a conversation with a former classmate of my sister. Going to the YMCA is definitely a social phenomenon for me, and afterward I grabbed a bite to eat. There I ran into (not literally) a person that I know from Grove. They live in Findlay now, and believe it or not I am not shy or reclusive when out or meeting new people. Haha t hat I am sure is no shocker.
Then at home this later afternoon we had an unusual event; we watched a movie called, “YES Man,” starring Jim Carey. Of course that meant that Dad an I thoroughly enjoyed it, but mother is not really fond of the slapstick humor that he uses.
Tonight I am going to write a letter to include in my 30 mailings of my speaking overview DVDs. Hopefully I can get some speeches lined up for next school year.

5/3/2009

The Northwest Ohio basketball teams that I watched yesterday in the big AAU tournament were on the losing end of all contests I witnessed. That was a slight disappointment, but overall my experience was overwhelmingly successful. Luke's Junior to be team won their game on Friday night convincingly, and the first two games yesterday were losses by slim margins. If one of those losses would have been by one more bucket, as it turns out, would have been more beneficial to the team I think. See teams throughout the nation were divided into four team sections one could call it. the top two teams advanced to the Gold round while the bottom two advanced to the silver bracket. in Luke's section one of the teams went undefeated and the remaining three teams went 1-3. It game down to the margin of victories and losses. His (Luke's) team was thrown into the gold bracket, as they finished with a two (2) seed. The opposing team slaughtered them. The opponents were much bigger and stronger. This was Northwest Ohio's first tournament and it was too early in the summer for them to gel as a team, but nonetheless it was a good thing to get their feet wet against the big boys. The higher seeded team was dunking on us small town Ohioans routinely. It is not that often that I get to see dunking of that caliber live, and actually I do not get a chance to see live slamming and jamming at all.
I am marching for the Knights of Columbus, as a 4th degree member, for first communion today. It is an honor and privilege to get all dressed up in my attire for that.

5/2/2009

The AAU tournament was awesome, and I spoke with my OLD friend Amy. She is a hoot and my relationship adviser. She did not know much new with her brother Eric. She is just like somebody from my family (meaning we laugh and joke about things.)

5/1/2009

Eric just went down to Columbus this afternoon. I spoke with John earlier. It sounds like it was a last minute deal. Best of luck, and my prayers are with the family.
I probably will not have access to a computer much tomorrow.

5/1/2009

It is now Friday, and I have a big weekend. Since it is May 1st and the first Friday of the month, along with being Catholic, I am going to attend mass. This morning the mass has special intentions for my grandparents. Other than that, and mowing the yard (if it gets dry today sometime,) the last weekday of the week will be relatively tame. The weekend gets pretty hairy (busy) beginning Saturday morning at the crack of dawn. I am going with the Gary and Carla to their son Luke’s AAU basketball tournament. It is being played in Indiana, and supposedly it will be fielding all star type teams from throughout the nation. I have never been to an AAU tournament, but the basketball surroundings make for an exciting atmosphere. I love basketball, and apparently this is it at its finest. Topping the OHSAA state basketball tournament will be nearly impossible though since there is so much tension and hype surrounding high school basketball titles, but hopefully it will make the basketball off-season a little easier to take. Saturday will be an all day event.
Then Sunday I am marching, as a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus member, in the First Communion celebration Mass. It is a treat to get all dressed up in my Tuxedo, cape, and chapeau. Also on Sunday I want to call my new friend, that I met Tuesday evening at the Beer Barrel, and I’ll see if she survived the party from Saturday. One of her friends is getting married soon, and I hear those parties can get a little crazy sometimes.
I know Eric was maybe going to get transferred to Columbus yesterday, but I have not yet checked Jeff’s blog about the situation and I am a little surprised that I have not heard from my old person friend, Amy(LOL.) Ha ha…I want to emphasize her being OLD, and the fact is that even she told me on Wednesday night that she noticed her own gray hairs. If that is not a sign of being old then I cannot imagine what is.
I will find out about Eric and post an update later today. I feel connected with him and his family, and I sort of have first hand experience of what his parents must deal with. I can give them comfort and hope, but the best, and most powerful, deed I can do for them is pray. I hope everyone will do that!

4/30/2009

Last night was phenomenal, because the benefit for Eric’s family, at bdubs in Defiance, was a huge success. The restaurant was full most of the evening, and many paper gift coupons were passed out. The coupon was relatively simple to use, and the 10% of each bill cost nothing for the consumer. All the patron had to do was give their waiter or waitress, respectively, the slip of paper as they paid the bill, and a percentage went to help out the family. I rode to and from Defiance with Amy after we met at John and Marie’s home just on the East side of Ottoville. Her older brother Tony went with us, and I think he would agree that it was a sigh of relief that we made the trip without getting too bruised up. I saw my life flash before my eyes once on the way there and twice on the way back when we nearly flipped the mini van as we went off-road through fields. Amy said she knew a shortcut, and really none of that happened but it is worth a slight chuckle. It was actually a very safe ride and Amy is an extremely nice person (Tony would probably tell you that his actions rubbed off on her when they were little,:-) but I know she can take a little joshing around. Jeff was met, and he runs a blog site about Eric which can be reached here, http://jeffg40.livejournal.com/638.html. He is an older brother of Eric. I also finally met Sarah and her parents, K/Cathy (with whom I met a few weeks ago) and Mr. K/Cathy (sure enough I forgot his name.) But it was his birthday so happy birthday. I believe he is 58, but for all purposes here anything 33 or over falls into the old category (right Amy?.) I was intrigued by Sarah, because she is finishing up her speech therapy internship at St. Rita’s. I can relate with the whole therapy scene, as I have endured plenty of occupational, physical, and speech therapy in my day.
In related news I found out that Eric is likely going to Dodd Hall in Columbus, which is The Ohio State University medical facility (GO BUCKS!) Why is that significant to me? I spent 8½ weeks there after my accident. The first Seven weeks I was still in a coma, and only a couple of days are in vivid memory. I hope and pray that Eric makes a speedy recovery. To me prayer is the best way to help someone, and it is economical regardless of your situation. Oh I almost forgot possibly the funniest part of the evening… I got to hold Kelly's one week old baby, Lauren, for a little while, and I even accepted congratulations for her a few times, claiming she was mine. She is so cute, and I had so much fun holding her. Thanks to Kelly for allowing me to do so. LOL, Kelly said she was 33 also; a classmate of Amy, but Kelly seems MUCH younger (ha.)
The Reds won tonight, breaking Houston’s 11 games in Cincinnati winning streak. Volquez pitched marvelously, allowing only one hit, as the Redlegs shutout the Astros 3-0.

4/29/2009

Last night after volunteering at St. Rita’s I had some very good pizza at the relatively new Beer Barrel in Lima. I went with Eric’s parents, John and Marie, Joe, and Dorothy (a.k.a. Mrs. Joe). I never had their pizza before tonight. Marie and I split a small with ham, mushroom, and onion. We decided to try their pizza since our waitress suggested it. Speaking of our server… I learned that he went to school in Delphos, and now she lives just outside of Columbus Grove. She seemed pretty interesting.
The big news of the day was however Eric’s improvements. He was able to nod his head yes and no to a couple of questions, but the funniest thing I heard that he did was stick out his tongue at the therapist after being told to. That is awesome! Although with small steps, Eric is continually showing improvements, and he is actually rapidly taking strides compared to how fast I have heard people with his type of injury do, including myself. I am in awe of his story, and I am going with his sibling, Amy, to a benefit for Eric at BW3 in Defiance. In an earlier post I mentioned Amy and not being aware of her age, bu8t her mom says she is 33… WOW! That’s old, and I hope she does not forget to take me this afternoon due to absentmindedness (senile.) LOL… only kidding I am, because she is only a few steps ahead of me in age. I know from talking to her that she can dish jokes out about other people, and that means she has to be able to take it, too.

4/28/2009

I have a check up appointment at the doctor this morning, and then I am going to visit Eric and his family. That is all before I volunteer at the hospital this afternoon. I think that I am also going to attempt seeing a specialist in regards to my shoulder. I know not why but ever since last Thursday it has been progressively been hurting more and more. I am excited to hear about and/or see Eric's improvements since last week. As of last night it was still up in the air as to where he will be spending the next phase of his recovery. I spoke to Marie last night and she said Dodd Hall is concevable.

4/27/2008

Hello, not much time to talk now, because I've got to take care of some things before going to the Grove high school baseball game.

4/26/2009

Yesterday was simply amazing. I had loads of fun at the lineman challenge with Gary and Carla yesterday, and that was only the beginning. For dinner that evening I went to Luke's in Bluffton. We went with a whole group of people, ad I sat next to Tom. I saw many people I knew besides the people I was with. The fun was not missing from that experience whatsoever, nor was it over after I was dropped off back home. My sister and nephews were all up and a it, as I arrived at home rather early in the evening. The Cincinnati bound crew left here after lunch. It is always pleasing when they come to visit. The Celtics dropped a double overtime thriller to the Bulls, and Chicago is now tied in the playoff series as i heads back to Boston.
On another note I also spoke via cell phone to John last night. Eric is always making baby steps towards recovery, as he is still comatose, and he will likely be moving to another rehab/care facility next week. He is constantly in my prayers, and I hope I can maintain a friendship with him during and beyond recovery.

4/25/2009

Lisa and the boys are going to be here all day today and tonight. I really enjoy their presence, but unfortunately I already have plans for today and have for the past month or so. My friends Gary and Carla are picking me up this morning to go to a track meet, and then after that we are heading to the lineman's challenge in Defiance. If we are finished in time I will probably make it back here to celebrate my youngest nephew, Nick's first birthday.

4/24/2009

My sister and her boys are home as of yesterday. With that said I'm very busy this weekend. My nephews are cute little ones. The 2yo sounds so cute when he talks....

4/23/2009

St. Thecla... Myth??? But since disappearing from the liturgical calendars in 1969 and not even being mentioned in the most recent edition of the Roman Martyrology, she has largely been forgotten and consigned to the dustbin of 'myths and legends.'

4/23/2009

I want to pray for Eric's family on this day. This must be so hard for them. Eric's situation is similar to yet not my situation. The extent of his injuries is not yet known. It may be totally different than mine or nearly the same, the recovery process that is. I can tell you that right this moment he likely is not feeling pain, because Eric is pretty drugged up and not with it consciously. We will be able to tell for sure after he regains his awareness. I ate dinner with John, Marie, and Amy yesterday, and they are Eric's parents and his sister. I am unable to distinguish if Amy is older or younger than Eric. I can however tell you that she is a very loving sibling. She reminds me of my sister, and what is eerie is that they both have kids all of which are boys. It helps me draw a similarity between my situation and that of Eric. St. Thekla again was a mainstay in our conversation. It is a battle of wills between John and I. I am not going to get into depth with it, but peering at the Parish site again it appears that they have Catholic ceremonies, but I still have my questions. I know what I'll do... call Pope Benedict XVI and settle this once and for all. John originally spelled it wrong and who knows the correct pronunciation, and based on those facts alone I'll proclaim victory, but I'm still led to doubt the validity. That is if it is really fact and not a tale. Who wants to have a victory cocktail with me?

4/22/2009

Today started a certain time of year that is occasionally dreaded. Mowing the yard, including trimming around all trees and structures, sometimes hampers my style of networking (meeting people,) but it gives you a great sense of accomplishment when you get done. Today was the first cutting, and it is a sign of spring time. Dad did the riding mower this week while I trimmed with the push mower, but nonetheless great satisfaction is felt after accomplishing the task. A slight workout accompanies trimming, and I even took a short walk afterwords. I definitely did enough walking to meet my self imposed exercise routine. From now on I must allow time each week to cut grass which should not be problem. However the thought of it is annoying from time to time.

4/22/2009

Yesterday was very pleasing to me; because of the way Eric seemed to show improvements. I had a good day at the hospital, because I had a chance to visit with Eric’s family, and I ate dinner with them. John (Eric’s dad) came to share some joyous info about Eric making progress just as I had a funny feeling about. I had so much fun having some dinner with Eric’s parents and aunts and uncles. Over dinner John mentioned how I had to eat crow, because of our dispute about a St. Thecla, even though he did not spell it that way. Kyle looked this up on the Internet at the hospital and proclaimed St. Thecla to be a valid Catholic Saint, but I am one who still questions his resources. The Internet frequently has faulty sources so I called a priest right then and there to make this a point of validity, but I got no answer. The issue pretty much died out until this week at dinner. Again John and I had altering opinions… not that either one of us gave a rat’s behind, I think. I called two priests this time, but still no answer. I did pursue this further by asking Fr. Ron at the Knights of Columbus meeting Tuesday night in Columbus Grove. He said he thought that probably St. Thecla existed, be he did not know anything about him. I got home and researched the Internet which I against my former reason for arguing. Anyhow I did find several sits that claimed of a St. Techla. I even found a St. Thecla Parish at www.saintthecla.org. “St. Thecla is a multi-cultural parish located on the northwest side of Chicago. The parish welcomes, respects, and embraces all members of the community. Our mission is to promote spiritual growth to all generations through the celebration of the sacraments, Christian education, spiritual, and social events. St. Thecla encourages all parishioners and members of the community to be disciples of the Gospel message through prayer and good deeds. Our Lord’s message is to “love one another”. We spread His message by giving thanks to God for the gifts we have received and sharing our time and talent with the parish and with others.” There is even a school, but after going to the site I am accustomed to not believe this is a catholic school or church. I found no evidence of such material proclaiming Catholicism, and that was the main cog in our earlier discussion. I looked further and discovered a St. Thecla, and this St. was a she, and that contradicted Fr. Ron’s belief that the fore mentioned saint was a he, but gender was not part of our discrepancy. Therefore John appeared to be right… until that is I kept looking. I found some astonishing news on http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=323. It begins, “According to a popular second century tale,” which I believe a tale is a made up story. Later the article goes, “The tale had tremendous popularity in the early Church but is undoubtedly a pious fiction and was labeled apocryphal by St. Jerome.” I had to look up pious an apocryphal in the American Heritage College Dictionary to be sure, but it obviously means it is a false belief. Unusually she still has a feast day of September 23. That confuses me as does basing my arguments via the web. Nobody wins this time. I am disgusted but not overall since I was the biggest winner in solo at my K of C meeting. It is even funnier, because my Dad was the biggest loser (money wise.) That gives me bragging rights. Two consecutive nights of being the big winner… WOW! Until next time…

4/21/2009

My friend Katrina, went to see me speak at Wayne Trace high school last week, and she put together the following picture displaying video(click the link): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0Q6K8Ikodw . She runs a photography business called Stone Fruit Studios. Please check them out here, http://www.stonefruitstudios.com/

4/21/2009

Today I feel something really positive is going to happen with Eric's condition. He is still in ICU step down, as far as I know, but I have an eerie feeling that something good is going to happen today. I will likely visit with Eric and his family today, as I am going to volunteer at the hospital today. Afterward I have a Knights of Columbus meeting, and odds are great that we will play a little solo afterwords.Speaking of solo reminds me of last night when my Karl and Wayne came over to play cards with Dad and I. Cards are a big thing in my family, and more often than not the name of the game is solo. I won five dollars last night, and I was the only winner. It might be more because the cards were dealt in my favor, but I will keep on thinking that being a good player had the most o do with it.
On another note, if you checked my blog yesterday, ore my website (www.mattschroeder.org) either of the last couple days, you will notice that I have a new YouTube video up and running. I am working o getting my story out there, because motivational speaking is something I thoroughly enjoy. Helping others is quite rewarding in itself, and make a difference in lives is what I do.