My back still hurts.
My team won (again!!!).
I'm officially on holidays now.
I'm content right now. Except for my back hurtin'.
Ali made a good dinner tonight. :)
More hunting is fast approaching.
Some fishing (fingers crossed) is fast approaching.
More blogging (fingers crossed) is fast approaching.
I'm excited for the crunching of leaves beneath my feet. I enjoy Fall weather.
I have the urge to go to a concert. Any concert will do right now.
I AM going to a concert, but sadly, it's not until December 22nd. Have you heard The Weakerthans?
I still want to be a drummer in a band. I guess I should start practicing....
When does 24 start again? (The best show ever).
That's all for now.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Is this 2005?
The reason I ask is, in 2005 I had this constant nagging pain in my left leg. It actually started in 2003, but I didn't have a chance to get it diagnosed until 2005. It turned out that I had spinal stenosis, where the space in your vertebrae slowly closes over time, eventually putting non-stop pressure on all of your nerves running down each leg. On top of that, I had 2 herniated discs.....
After months of waiting for MRI's and CT scans, I was booked for back surgery in March 2005.
Everything has been great ever since. No back pain, no leg pain, I regained the ability to walk long distances again, and eventually play baseball and run again.
About two weeks ago, this all changed. I don't remember hurting or twisting my back, the pain just suddenly re-appeared again, shooting down my left leg. I don't think I would hesitate to have surgery again, the only concern that I have is that the Surgeon who fixed my back the first time has since stopped doing back surgeries. I spoke with a doctor on my ward the other day, and he has booked me in for an MRI to see what's going on. In the meantime, I'll try physiotherapy and other topical pain relievers, hoping that my MRI gets done sooner than the last one, and that my back can (hopefully) get fixed once and for all.
I find it ironic that I work on an Orthopedics ward, dealing with back surgeries, knee surgeries, broken arms and legs, and every nurse I work with has back/leg problems of their own. Suddenly working in a clinic doesn't sound so bad.
On a lighter note, I have one last week of holidays approaching soon, and hope to do some more hunting and watch some football games. I might have a chance to head to Denver after all with my dad. If that's not sweet enough, it would be a Monday night game versus Tennessee. I can picture it now - me with no shirt on, painted head to toe in blue and orange paint (Denver's colours) with a sign reading "I came all the way from Winnipeg to be on Monday Night Football"
Beautiful, isn't it? Is it a coincidence that I share a birthday with John Madden?
After months of waiting for MRI's and CT scans, I was booked for back surgery in March 2005.
Everything has been great ever since. No back pain, no leg pain, I regained the ability to walk long distances again, and eventually play baseball and run again.
About two weeks ago, this all changed. I don't remember hurting or twisting my back, the pain just suddenly re-appeared again, shooting down my left leg. I don't think I would hesitate to have surgery again, the only concern that I have is that the Surgeon who fixed my back the first time has since stopped doing back surgeries. I spoke with a doctor on my ward the other day, and he has booked me in for an MRI to see what's going on. In the meantime, I'll try physiotherapy and other topical pain relievers, hoping that my MRI gets done sooner than the last one, and that my back can (hopefully) get fixed once and for all.
I find it ironic that I work on an Orthopedics ward, dealing with back surgeries, knee surgeries, broken arms and legs, and every nurse I work with has back/leg problems of their own. Suddenly working in a clinic doesn't sound so bad.
On a lighter note, I have one last week of holidays approaching soon, and hope to do some more hunting and watch some football games. I might have a chance to head to Denver after all with my dad. If that's not sweet enough, it would be a Monday night game versus Tennessee. I can picture it now - me with no shirt on, painted head to toe in blue and orange paint (Denver's colours) with a sign reading "I came all the way from Winnipeg to be on Monday Night Football"
Beautiful, isn't it? Is it a coincidence that I share a birthday with John Madden?
Friday, September 21, 2007
Locked, and loaded!!!
This weekend marks the opening of Grouse hunting in Ontario. I love the fall weather, walking down a bush trail, smelling the smells of fall, and hanging out with my dad.
I have been hunting since I was 14 years old. I've never gotten into deer or moose hunting, mainly because of the costs. Bird hunting is relatively cheap, and shotgun shells are fairly inexpensive.
My uncle has asked if I'm interested in duck hunting this year. I think I will take him up on his offer. He has been an avid duck hunter for years, and after his heart attack (on Christmas) a few years ago, he has kind of slowed down in terms of hunting. Unfortunately, he still smokes like no tomorrow, but he has quit drinking, so I guess it's a start. It's funny how people suffer a life altering injury/illness, be it beating cancer, surviving a heart attack, etc., make lifestyle changes for a while, but then return to their old ways shortly after. I see this everyday at work. A good example is a diabetic patient getting educated on the importance of foot care, only to be admitted six months down the road, booked for a below the knee amputation, simply because their sandals have worn an ugly hole between their toes. Sometimes an amputation is necessary, but if the doctor told me I had a chance at saving my foot, I would go all out.
Sorry for that rant, back to hunting. Ducks have incredible eyesight, so you have to be extremely stealthy when you hunt them. There are all sorts of blind that are available to hid behind. My uncle used the kind of blind that you slip into, similar to a sleeping bag. A camouflaged screen covers your face, and when the ducks fly over, you open up, and fire away.
I've been so tired lately, I just hope I don't fall asleep while lying there. Imagine drifting off to sleep, listening to the grass in the fields blowing around, the cool fall air filling your lungs, then suddenly BOOM BOOM BOOM!!
I think I might poo the blind a little....
Wish me luck as I stalk the ever-so-dangerous Grouse and his trash talkin' buddies.
I have been hunting since I was 14 years old. I've never gotten into deer or moose hunting, mainly because of the costs. Bird hunting is relatively cheap, and shotgun shells are fairly inexpensive.
My uncle has asked if I'm interested in duck hunting this year. I think I will take him up on his offer. He has been an avid duck hunter for years, and after his heart attack (on Christmas) a few years ago, he has kind of slowed down in terms of hunting. Unfortunately, he still smokes like no tomorrow, but he has quit drinking, so I guess it's a start. It's funny how people suffer a life altering injury/illness, be it beating cancer, surviving a heart attack, etc., make lifestyle changes for a while, but then return to their old ways shortly after. I see this everyday at work. A good example is a diabetic patient getting educated on the importance of foot care, only to be admitted six months down the road, booked for a below the knee amputation, simply because their sandals have worn an ugly hole between their toes. Sometimes an amputation is necessary, but if the doctor told me I had a chance at saving my foot, I would go all out.
Sorry for that rant, back to hunting. Ducks have incredible eyesight, so you have to be extremely stealthy when you hunt them. There are all sorts of blind that are available to hid behind. My uncle used the kind of blind that you slip into, similar to a sleeping bag. A camouflaged screen covers your face, and when the ducks fly over, you open up, and fire away.
I've been so tired lately, I just hope I don't fall asleep while lying there. Imagine drifting off to sleep, listening to the grass in the fields blowing around, the cool fall air filling your lungs, then suddenly BOOM BOOM BOOM!!
I think I might poo the blind a little....
Wish me luck as I stalk the ever-so-dangerous Grouse and his trash talkin' buddies.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Is bowling a real sport?
We had our "official" baseball windup last night. The bar that sponsored us gave us 15% back of our total bill at the end of the year towards a party. I thought we did fine, ordering a steady flow of pitchers of beer, wings, and a few pizzas. When we got the bill, we still had a $75 credit attached to our tab.....and I thought we were hardcore.
After finishing up there, a group of us decided to go bowling. We insisted on 10 pin bowling, and overall we all had a lot of fun.
As Ali and I walked into the bowling alley, the Monday night league was just winding down. Men of all ages, ranging from 18-65 were there, some with matching shirts, all of them with a beer in their hand in between throwing their custom bowling balls down the lane.
I couldn't get over the beer guts that these men had. You think of every other sport, most athletes are in some kind of shape, even if they are a "weekend warrior", but these guys were all pretty, uh, doughy....
I think everyone had fun. After each strike or spare, we would run along, and high five everyone in our path. My friend Lindsay even patented his "cleaning up" move, where he would simulate sweeping up the lane. As usual, the beer was watered down, and I had this feeling that they were trying to rush us out. The lanes closed at 11 p.m. and we were still going strong as most of the staff left, the cleanup guy swept around us, and the lights were slowly shut down one by one.
I guess I would classify bowling not so much as sport, but more like a social gathering. That suits me just fine.
After finishing up there, a group of us decided to go bowling. We insisted on 10 pin bowling, and overall we all had a lot of fun.
As Ali and I walked into the bowling alley, the Monday night league was just winding down. Men of all ages, ranging from 18-65 were there, some with matching shirts, all of them with a beer in their hand in between throwing their custom bowling balls down the lane.
I couldn't get over the beer guts that these men had. You think of every other sport, most athletes are in some kind of shape, even if they are a "weekend warrior", but these guys were all pretty, uh, doughy....
I think everyone had fun. After each strike or spare, we would run along, and high five everyone in our path. My friend Lindsay even patented his "cleaning up" move, where he would simulate sweeping up the lane. As usual, the beer was watered down, and I had this feeling that they were trying to rush us out. The lanes closed at 11 p.m. and we were still going strong as most of the staff left, the cleanup guy swept around us, and the lights were slowly shut down one by one.
I guess I would classify bowling not so much as sport, but more like a social gathering. That suits me just fine.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
What's on my mind today...
This is a post about nothing....I'm back to work, the weather sucks, and I'm feeling kind of crappy lately.
Here's some randomness.
1. We'll probably start looking for a house again soon. I'm excited, but also a little nervous.
2. I'm still in the good books with my manager. She actually helped me with some "nursing" stuff today.
3. I want to teach somebody something. More specifically, I'd like to have a student again.
4. I'm currently on a body wash kick, and I have to say I might never go back to soap again.
5. Ali made really good pizza tonight.
6. I want to go on a vacation really bad right now. I'm thinking beach, and warm water.
7. People who talk on their cell phones while driving still make me want to snap.
8. I want to get another tattoo soon.
9. Ali has been cranky lately, but so have I.
10. I'm working all weekend, so I avoid painting the bedroom. (Yessss!)
11. I hate our current bank with a passion.
12. My legs are hurting after my run tonight.
13. I'm concerned about my sudden onset of back pain again. The same kind which required surgery a few years ago...
14. I'm tired, and am going to try to get Ali to bed early tonight as well.
15. Why am I numbering these?
16. I wonder what would happen if you sneezed with your eyes open?
17. I talked my friend Aaron into buying a "Neti" pot for his allergies. Thank you, Dr. Oz...
If it works, I might get one too.
Here's some randomness.
1. We'll probably start looking for a house again soon. I'm excited, but also a little nervous.
2. I'm still in the good books with my manager. She actually helped me with some "nursing" stuff today.
3. I want to teach somebody something. More specifically, I'd like to have a student again.
4. I'm currently on a body wash kick, and I have to say I might never go back to soap again.
5. Ali made really good pizza tonight.
6. I want to go on a vacation really bad right now. I'm thinking beach, and warm water.
7. People who talk on their cell phones while driving still make me want to snap.
8. I want to get another tattoo soon.
9. Ali has been cranky lately, but so have I.
10. I'm working all weekend, so I avoid painting the bedroom. (Yessss!)
11. I hate our current bank with a passion.
12. My legs are hurting after my run tonight.
13. I'm concerned about my sudden onset of back pain again. The same kind which required surgery a few years ago...
14. I'm tired, and am going to try to get Ali to bed early tonight as well.
15. Why am I numbering these?
16. I wonder what would happen if you sneezed with your eyes open?
17. I talked my friend Aaron into buying a "Neti" pot for his allergies. Thank you, Dr. Oz...
If it works, I might get one too.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Back in the good books?
After arriving back home in Winnipeg today, I received a message on my machine from my manager. She just wanted me to know that she has moved a few days of my work schedule around to allow me to go to the remaining football games. I gave her the Blue Bomber schedule earlier in the year, and she said she would try to switch those days around. It's amazing what working a few overtime shifts can get a guy hey?
My holidays are coming to an end. I went to visit my parents for a few days, got out fishing with a buddy, and ate some good food. This weekend is the annual "Banjo bowl" between the Bombers and our prairie rivals, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This is a good weekend of football, and now they have turned it into an entire weekend of festivities. There is a pancake breakfast on Friday, where you can schmooze with some Alumni. On Saturday, there is a fan appreciation day, with kids activities, games, and a concert at night. Sunday is the big game.
I still have one week of holidays left in October. My dad and I were tossing around the idea of heading to Denver to see our beloved Broncos play, but I don't know if our schedules will allow it.
Last, but not least, I'm home with Ali. I was gone only four days, but sleeping alone in a bed just seems to lose it's appeal after about an hour or so. I'm looking forward to curling up in our king-sized bed, talking and laughing in the dark, then having a good night's sleep next to my wife.
I'm glad to be back home, blogging again, watching football practice, and getting back into my normal routine. In a strange way, I'm even kind of looking forward to getting back to work on Monday.
My holidays are coming to an end. I went to visit my parents for a few days, got out fishing with a buddy, and ate some good food. This weekend is the annual "Banjo bowl" between the Bombers and our prairie rivals, the Saskatchewan Roughriders. This is a good weekend of football, and now they have turned it into an entire weekend of festivities. There is a pancake breakfast on Friday, where you can schmooze with some Alumni. On Saturday, there is a fan appreciation day, with kids activities, games, and a concert at night. Sunday is the big game.
I still have one week of holidays left in October. My dad and I were tossing around the idea of heading to Denver to see our beloved Broncos play, but I don't know if our schedules will allow it.
Last, but not least, I'm home with Ali. I was gone only four days, but sleeping alone in a bed just seems to lose it's appeal after about an hour or so. I'm looking forward to curling up in our king-sized bed, talking and laughing in the dark, then having a good night's sleep next to my wife.
I'm glad to be back home, blogging again, watching football practice, and getting back into my normal routine. In a strange way, I'm even kind of looking forward to getting back to work on Monday.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
L'il tidbits...
This week, I'm hoping to do a little golfing, some fishing, and some relaxing. The past few weeks have been pretty stressful at work (see previous post), so it will do me some good to get my mind off of work.
Summer looks like it's coming to an end here. The weather was nice today, but the leaves are slowly turning yellow, and fluttering down to the ground. I think fall is one of my favorite seasons. It symbolizes the football playoffs, good fishing, and walking on the crunchy leaves while bird hunting.
We will be resuming our hunt for a house soon. It was nice looking earlier in the year, but since then we've taken a few months off, and decided not to tease ourselves by looking and not being able to buy.
While I was watching the game with some new friends today, I was noticing every one's little nervous "tics". One guy would shake his head, as if he was saying "no", one guy would chew on the inside of his mouth, and another guy kept rubbing his eyes. This got me to thinking - what are some of my nervous habits?
I've recently stopped biting my nails, however I still cave and bite the thumb and pointer on each hand for some reason....
Also, when I get tired, I start to blink very hard. Ali usually noticed this, and scoots me away to bed. I think those two are my biggest nervous habits. What are yours?
Summer looks like it's coming to an end here. The weather was nice today, but the leaves are slowly turning yellow, and fluttering down to the ground. I think fall is one of my favorite seasons. It symbolizes the football playoffs, good fishing, and walking on the crunchy leaves while bird hunting.
We will be resuming our hunt for a house soon. It was nice looking earlier in the year, but since then we've taken a few months off, and decided not to tease ourselves by looking and not being able to buy.
While I was watching the game with some new friends today, I was noticing every one's little nervous "tics". One guy would shake his head, as if he was saying "no", one guy would chew on the inside of his mouth, and another guy kept rubbing his eyes. This got me to thinking - what are some of my nervous habits?
I've recently stopped biting my nails, however I still cave and bite the thumb and pointer on each hand for some reason....
Also, when I get tired, I start to blink very hard. Ali usually noticed this, and scoots me away to bed. I think those two are my biggest nervous habits. What are yours?
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