Note:  I wrote this May 13th and am just now publishing it. 

Its May 13^th 2014, three months since I was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.  Today I ran 5 miles at 11:26 pace, just a nice beautiful spring day jog.   Two weeks ago I ran a 4-mile race, an event I signed up for the event in January.  I did alright!  My pace was 10:43, which wasn't my 9:00 pace from last fall, but not bad for only training about 15 miles in the month leading up to it.

On the internet I found some support groups for PE survivors, but quickly realized they were full of people complaining and not accepting this and moving on.  They are not joyful to be alive.

I got in the pool 7 days after being released from the hospital.  I found safe haven in the pool.  It is a therapy for me.  Honestly I didn't feel any limitations in the pool when I started back.  A few times I got light headed so I stopped.  That went away fairly quickly, but I always listened to my body.  If my body was tired I didn't exercise.  If I was working out and something hurt or didn't feel right I stopped.  It’s as simple as that.  Life is how you accept what has been given to you and your reaction to it.

Biking took a little longer because of my leg.  Ruby (my road bike) has been out 3-4 times now and I've been on the stationary some.  I feel fine and while I am not in very good cardiovascular condition I feel I could get there with some work. 

Running took longer, 2 months.   My leg would feel heavy like I was swinging a weight, and after 30 seconds it would affect my gait and I’d have to stop.  Mid-April I started running again and while my leg felt a little different, it didn't hurt and I felt the running was helping the healing process.   This whole time I've felt that exercising has accelerated the healing process.  The more oxygen I pump through my lungs the quicker they fix themselves.   I still feel damage in my right lung.  My left lung feels normal but my right lung is different, and the more I tax it the more I feel it.  It doesn't hurt, just feels like I am stretching it or its heavy.

My body and blood stabilized after being on Coumadin after about a month.  I’m down to getting my blood tested monthly.  I take 63mg a week, unless I eat a lot of vitamin-K then I increase it.   I've heard a lot of negative side effects of Coumadin and I've chosen to just take the medicine and not think of about it.  One side effect is lack of energy or sleepiness.  I take it at night before bed so it doesn't matter.  I wake up refreshed.

I found a group on Facebook and a guy’s blog.  It’s called “Running after a PE”  That group has given me so much confidence.  After chatting with my triathlete friend who had a PE 7 years ago and also looking at this website, I've learned that this is common in endurance athletes.   Not “common” like every 1-of-10 athletes is going to get it, but a higher incidence of the general population.  There are a couple of theories about this, but the medical profession doesn't really know about this and that they need to watch endurance athletes for this.  Two thoughts are:  1) We get dehydrated so our blood is thicker, and 2) resting heart rates are lower so the blood doesn't moves as fast.

It’s amazing to hear people’s stories.   I’m not talking about one itty bitty insignificant blood clot getting to your lungs, I’m talking about multiple bilateral PE like I had. 

As I looked back over this, I never feared for my life.  Maybe I should have.  Sometimes I think it’s like recovering  from a cold and I don’t need to worry about it.  But I do need to worry about it.  Donny & Riley make sure I worry about it.  They are constantly watching my bruises, bumps, and anything that might show up on my skin. 

I feel healthy.  I've only seen my general practitioner.  I think about seeing a pulmonologist because I want to know how much damage there is and what my prognosis is?   But on the other hand I don’t want to know because that might tell my mind I can’t do something, and right now my mind thinks I can do anything.  And we are all alive to live life and not to worry about things.  I want to celebrate life. 

My doctor says I need to wait 6 months to see a hematologist but I want to go now.  I want someone to agree that they need to take this filter out of me.  It’s a risk.  I do risky things, not like tackle football, but things that put pressure on my abdomen.   The risks of having the filter are greater than not having it in.    If I take it out I risk of having another PE.    If I leave it in it could dislodge and travel to my heart and lungs.  Or it could break the vein and I have horrible internal bleeding.   I noticed on a FDA website it is recommended that you take it out as soon as possible.  Once the embolism risk is gone the filter should be removed, because  the body can start accepting it and growing over it and the longer it is in there the riskier it is to take it out. 

I’m still trying to figure out why I let them put it in.  They are for people who can’t take blood thinners and my body is responding nicely to thinners.   Or for people who are in immediate danger of death, and I don’t feel I was ever there, but apparently the medical staff did.

Celebrate life. 

On Wednesday, February 12^nd I met some friends before work to swim.  My leg was swollen to the point I could barely walk but I still got in 2200 yards (never liked to kick anyway).  I went to the doctor later that day and an ultrasound showed extensive blood clots from my hip to knee.  A CT scan showed multiple bilateral blood clots in my lungs.  Shocked by a diagnosis of Pulmonary Embolus, I was told to go to the hospital immediately. 

My symptoms started 6 weeks earlier in late December when my left calf started hurting.  I’m one of the lucky ones, because the first symptom for 25% of people with pulmonary embolisms is death, yes DEATH.  In early January, I noticed limited lung capacity, began coughing up bloody phlegm and my ribs & back hurt badly.  After a chest xray (Jan 9^th), the diagnoses was bronchitis with raw bronchial tubes and strained rib muscles.  For the next week it felt like someone was stabbing my ribs and I barely slept.

 

Things seemed to improve, the pain subsided and my breathing got a little easier.  I ran a 5K on January 18^th and felt okay but held back because I was still healing.  A few days later I noticed a significant decrease in lung capacity.  I could no longer walk upstairs without getting winded, nor could I run 1- minute without spiking my heart rate to 180.

Many people told me to go to the doctor.  My January trip cost me $450 and he said it would several weeks to recover.  Few doctors in my lifetime have actually helped me heal from sickness so my biggest faith lies in letting the body heal itself over time.  I continued to swim and cycle and taking Symbicort inhaler.

In early February my lung capacity increased.  I was back to swimming at a decent pace without gasping for air.  I had my first real cycle workout in a month and was thrilled.  The next day my left leg hurt in the quad and calf.  Damn, can I get a break here?  Within a few days it had swelled and people were noticing my limp.  We’re back to February 12^th. 

At the hospital they put me on a heparin IV drip.  On Thursday morning a vascular radiologist wanted to put filter in my vena cava vein to stop any more blood clots that try and travel north.   After a few hours of research and seeking advice from a few outside doctors I agreed.   Under only a local anesthetic they put a catheter in my jugular (neck) vein.  They traveled to my leg to look at the clots and decided not to risk giving me medicine to dissolve the clots right away, let my thinned blood take care of it over time.  They placed the filter near my spine between my hips.  This all took less than 5 minutes.  I now look like I’ve taken on a one-toothed vampire.

For most of Thursday and Friday they wanted me on bed rest.  The staff was amazed that I didn't need oxygen.  Really, I felt okay, and my breathing was a lot better than a few weeks ago.  I refused to use a bed pan and insisted they let me shower. 

I slept a lot in the hospital.  I really didn't get much medical care after Thursday.  I was basically there for monitoring while my blood and clots stabilized.   On Sunday (day 5) the doctor said I could probably go home on Tuesday.  I requested outpatient and they agreed but I would have to visit daily and give myself two shots of Lovenox each day.   DEAL!!   The “daily” requirement turned into twice the first week and then once a week.  And, after 6 shots, I was able to stop.  SWEET!

So now the why’s ….. I tested positive for a condition named Lupus Anticoagulant.  The name is misleading because it has nothing to do with Lupus and it is a PROcoagulant.   It is most likely inherited from my mother, but there is a chance that this was a temporary spontaneous episode.   The symptoms of L.A. are:  leg blood clots, stroke, heart attack, and miscarriage.  My mother died of a stroke at the age 46, younger than me now, and she had 2 miscarriages before I was born.

What’s next:  I’ve got my strength back and my leg is almost healed.  It will take a while for my lungs to heal themselves, and we’re hopefully that there is no irreversible damage.  I’m taking warfarin for the next 6 months and will slowly ease back into my active lifestyle of run, bike & swim.  In 6 months I will see a hematologist and test again for any blood disorders.  If I am positive again for L.A. then the diagnosis will be confirmed and my daughter and sisters will also need to be tested.  I’ve quit taking estrogen and can never be on estrogen therapy again.   Other general advice to someone with pulmonary embolisms does not apply to me -- quit smoking and start exercising, lol.

I’m very grateful for my friends and family who got me through this scare.   Riley stepped up and was strong for me taking care of the house and Buster.  Donny was my rock, I always feel safe around him.  Leo & Bobi were also rocks for me & Riley.  I always know I can count on them in a time of need.   Amy, my bestest swim bud for providing meals and helping in so many other ways that you don’t even realize.  And my sisters, Mary & Terri, for talking me through this sharing the kind of love that only sisters can.  And for my job that provides great benefits in times of need and financial freedom. 

Bucket list

Its been almost 2 years since I blogged.  Sorry.   I'm not much of a writer, and I find it very challenging, and time consuming.  I'm going to try and start my blog again, but I will be writing for myself rather than others, so again, sorry if my entries seem difficult to read.

BUCKET LIST - the title of my re-entry blog.  I'm publishing this for the world to see, in hopes that I will put forth the effort to accomplish these items on the B-List.    As I come up with new ones I will modify this blog entry.  They are in no particular order.

1. Spend a summer solstice in Alaska, or north of the 64th parallel.
2. Run a marathon
3. Complete a half ironman distance triathlon.
4. Complete a full ironman distance triathlon .... maybe. 
5. Become a grandparent - this is really out of my control but nonetheless, I'd like to do it :) 
6. Visit South America
7. Learn a second language
8. Skydive
9. Sleep outside like the homeless and go 24 hrs without having a meal

TBC ... 

2009 Status review

So I've decided I'm not much of a writer but I do okay with short status updates. Facebook gets updated regularly but not my blog. It is much easier for me to give one-liners about my life than to write blogs with my views of the world. Using a cool Facebook app, I gathered my status updates for 2009 and chose 10 from each month. Grab a cup of coffee and take a journey thru my 2009...

January

· is headed to the movie theater to see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

· is headed to Topeka forh Riley's first volleyball tournament of the season!

· is exhausted from watching Riley's vball long tournament, but over-joyed because her team won it!!

· is helping sort through Girl Scout cookies.

· is headed to the dreadmill to get in a few miles.

· rented a movie from RedBox for the first time tonight.

· is baking cookies for the Vball tournament tomorrow.

· 's bottom is tired of sitting on bleachers all day.

· is wishing her oldest sister a very very happy birthday!!

· is thinking about her niece in Uganda who is 5 months into her year long missionary trip living out of a backpack and soon headed to Ethiopia.

February

· is taking her daughter to the Melting Pot tonight for a birthday dinner.

· wants to get the Virago out tomorrow. It's going to be in the 70's!

· thinks all weekends should be 3 days.

· is soo proud of Riley for getting a part in the school musical.

· is glad to be single on a day like today!

· just finished a brisk 3-mile run outside and is now working on taxes.

· is going to see Coraline in 3D today and will eat lots of popcorn.

· is taking care of a sick child.

· is back from taking Riley to the doctor. Sinus Infection.

· is shoveling the driveway. Twice now.

March

· 's chest cold is making her bark like an anxious sea lion.

· is enjoying a beautiful Saturday.

· Doin a lil KU lost dance!

· is so proud of the Sandsharks for winning their 4th volleyball tournament of the season!!! And also proud of those Tigers for winning the Big 12 tournament!

· 's NCAA bracket is ranked 35,554th on the Facebook Global Bracket Group, which is top 10%!

· is listening to Riley & her guitar as she writes a song named "Jesus and Jazz"

· Is waiting for 8:37pm

· is enjoying a quite weekend and praying for the youth at Young Christians Weekend in Silver Dollar City. Riley, keep warm! Now I'm off to have coffee with some girlfriends.

· just finished filing federal taxes for herself & Riley. Now onto state.

· is skipping workout today and reading a good book instead.

April

· thinks 66 volleyball courts in one huge room is very cool.

· just finished Fools Swim workout. 100 x 100yds on 100 seconds. But I cheated and only did 100 x 50yds. 3 mile swim ain't bad for first time in the pool in 8 months.

· after five hours of shopping we found a new bedroom set for Riley's room. I'm tired.

· Christos Anesti.

· got our Worlds/Oceans of Fun Gold passes today.

· Is enjoying some java & jazz at Liberty High School.

· is happy for friend who gave birth to her 3rd child, Liam, this morning!! Congrats Heather & Russ!

· Happy Earth Day. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.

· is excited for opening night of Tin Pan Ali @ SVMS tomorrow. Riley & cast have been working hard on this musical!

· is enjoying a quiet night at home with no committments. Can't remember the last time this happened.

May

· just got back from The Color Purple. It was awesome story about strength, transformation, and deliverance. Now I'm eating Starbucks Mocha ice cream and I don't think the night can get any better.

· can't believe I slept 11 hrs last night. Now its time for a brick workout.

· Is in line for Cyclone Sam. Gosh, I hate rides that spin. but now Riley has to ride the Patriot with me !

· is listening to Riley's dad try to convince her that christianity is a myth.

· is wondering if anyone, especially my Columbia friends, is interested in doing PedalersJamboree.com in 2 weeks with me & some friends.

· is wishing she had a rain barrel. 4" in 6 hrs. No water in the basement yet.

· Had a good race this morn in my first tri-ice-althon of the year. Fast swim in 62 degree lake. Okay bike leg. Fastest run split in a tri for me ever. I'm pleased with my effort. Now home for a nap.

· Kids favorite day, parents not so much. School is out for summer in less than 4 hours.

· is gonna watch Scripps tonite. It's down to 11 kids. Rooting for the local . . .Goooo Kavya!

· rode the motorcycle to work today. Aahhh, there is nothin like the open road ... but not across the Paseo bridge during rush hour traffic.

June

· dropped Riley & friend off at Oceans of Fun alone. Is she really responsible enough for this? I guess we will see.

· is in ER with a mangled toe. Didn't know doors could be so mean.

· is headed to a meeting to hear Gale Sayers speak about leadership.

· is kidnapping some 6th graders tonight. Who knew church could be so fun?

· Happy father's day to all my FB friends who are fathers.

· is at the KCCC swim meet seeing old friends & gettin in a free workout. This is the 1st year since '96 that I haven't competed, most of the women my age don't miss me.

· thinks her refrigerator is about to quit. Spent $200 on it 2-yrs ago, I think it is time for a new one.

· has learned to give directions to Bryce and not go thru Soula.

· played softball tonight for the first time since the toe accident. We rocked beating a really good team. Yeah!

· wondering if I should be concerned over my daughter's infatuation with Hugh Jackman.

July

· is thinking of the men & women who fought for our country's Independence over 200 yrs ago and those who have defended her ever since. God bless America.

· a lazy Sunday doing nothing. Crashed my bicycle yesterday and got a big strawberry on my leg and it hurts. Thankfully I was wearing my helmet.

· Stopped by the Liberty Farmers market this morning for some fresh veggies. My garden is a bit slow this summer.

· Dropped Riley off at Christian Youth Theater camp this morning. She is going to have a blast. I pick her up Friday night when they produce the show "Wicked"

· want a ride on a Big Green Tractor!

· is headed up to Smithville Lake with Jami on this beautiful morning for some bike, run, swim, bike.

· just found out Palin resigned. Where have I been? Well, she made it thru a little more than half her term, not too shabby. Good for Sarah, she will make a better public personality than elected official.

· sweatin at Riley's volleyball tourney. It's official, my 12-yr old daughter is taller than me now . . . and I am a tall adult!

· is proud of herself for fixing the refrigerator alone. The repairman that charged me $250 two years ago used the wrong part and put it in upside down. I'm surprised it lasted this long with the constant dripping of water on it. This time it only cost

· is going to the Year 3000 tonight to rock with the JoBros & Jordin Sparks. Hopefully I'm not like those croonie women on SNL who get kicked out of the JoBro concert when their menopause patch flies off into the mouth of a tween.

August

· had an insanely fast swim @ Smithville this morning. The course must have been short cuz there is no way I can swim 500M in under 7 minutes without training!

· Just had a great meal that Amanda & her parents made for us. Yum Yum! Chicken, veggies and corn on the grill ... oh yeah, her father fixed my BBQ grill too! Life is good.

· is waiting patiently for Courtney to bring over some homemade chocolate ice cream.

· survived the school supply aisle on tax-fee weekend.

· is going to pick Riley up from the lock-in, no sleep for her!

· is sitting pool side at Disney having some coffee while Riley sleeps. Ready for another magical day at Epcot and Blizzard Beach.

· walked up to Westport for lunch on this beautiful day in KC. Got a $5 footlong at Mr. Goodcents.

· is checking out the Vivion Trail and quite dissappointed. Will KC ever be a bike friendly city?

· Friday night football is back! I'm torn between my Liberty Blue Jays and my alma mater Hickman Kewpies tonight.

· got the info to my 20 year college class reunion in October. I feel old.

September

· is forcing Riley to have Sheridan's with two 'boooorrrriiiinnng' adults.

· thinks that no one should be unfashionable because they cannot afford cute shoes, and no one should go broke because pretty things are not on sale. If you agree, please post this as your status for the rest of the day.

· Is riding in a stretch limo to Kaufman to watch the game in a triple crown suite.

· is listening to three silly girls singing their High School Musical songs on the way home from rehearsal.

· is spending the afternoon balancing her checkbook because it hasn't been done since 12/05/2008.

· is tired of the cicada's song .... weeeeagh, weeeeeagh, weeeeagh

· wishes her little neurotic dog, Buster Brown, a very happy 11th birthday.

· just had a pretzel stuffed with cream cheese at the Renaissance Festival. Now I'm waiting for my niece to buy a bodice from the Boss Wench.

· could really care less if KU basketball players are friends with KU football players. Isn't there any better to put on the 10:00 news?

· is thinking 5 hrs of volleyball practice in 3 days is a lot for a 12 yr old who is going easy with VB for a while. Can't believe open gyms have already started and clubs are contacting me to see if she is committed yet.

October

· overslept and made Riley 10 mins late for school. Haven't done that in years. I think it is ridiculous that 12 yr olds have to be at school by 7:10,

· is hanging out at the Gladfest eating kettle korn waiting for Rileys vball game @ 2pm. Then off to Tanners bday party.

· watched a game last night that was very similar to a cold wet rainy game I went to late November last year when Tigers thought 3 quarters of hard work was enough for them :(

· is working on sets for High School Musical while the kids have a 7 hr rehearsal today. I am painting old lockers red. Is anyone coming to the show? There are five public shows Nov 5-8.

· is reading all the FB status saying sickness is in their family. 3 of the 4 carpoolers have Type-A flu currently. 20% of CYT cast had flu last week. Has my household had it or is it coming?

· is addicted to Good & Plentys.

· is frustrated that my monthly gas bill is $29.72 and the actual cost of gas is $2.71. Come on, 91% of the bill is customer charge and taxes?!? Maybe its time for all electric or some alternative.

· is hoping Gabbert doesn't act injured again.

· has never ever ever seen this many people at Worlds of Fun in the 30 yrs that I have been coming here!

· thinks FB is cool because tonight, out of the blue, I got to chat with my cousin serving in Afganistan.

November

· is remember my father who passed away one year ago today.

· does not want to hear Christmas music right after Halloween. Those two stations are no longer pre-programmed on my radio.

· is listening to the CYT cast do their last rehearsal vocal warmup by singing God Of Wonders!

· busy day. Three shows down, four to go. Lunch with CYT cast then pedi's. Plus Riley accepted volleyball offer today so no more stress about tryouts tomorrow!

· is remembering my mother who was quickly taken to the next life 25 years ago today. I love you Mom!

· is sitting in the bar of Old Chicago filled with a bunch of KU fans watching the OU/KU game. What was I thinking?!? Blecckk!

· finally understands all the talk about Glee.

· had forgot about being rick-rolled on my birthday last month. Never did figure out who did it ... but just now Riley mentioned rick-rolling and promises that she just learned the term last week ... hmmmmmm

· is a little surprised that Riley's kindergarten teacher was charged with third-degree assult on a child. She was not a good teacher. The only one I ever complained to the principal about, but it is hard to believe that she would physically hurt a child. http://www.kctv5.com/news/21657229/detail.html

· is thankful for pumpkin pie.

December

· Wow, December. Let the holly daze begin.

· is at Vineyard church to see the musical "Sweet Dreams" the story of Naomi & Ruth. The cast has many adults from CYT.

· is looking forward to a coffee date with the gals tomorrow morning.

· thinks the best part of being in Vegas right now is that the national pro rodeo finals are going on and there's lots of cowboys in town ;)

· is at airport parking lot waiting for my car to quit whining. She was really mad at me and froze her doors so I had to climb in thru the trunk. Boy was that fun in the bitter cold after midnight and traveling much of the evening. Come on girly, warm up and take me home.

· having a blast being quizzed on 80's songs by my daughter.

· on my way to jury duty.

· the best part of going to work in the dark and leaving when it is dark is the Plaza Lights. Gotta love the KC Plaza Lights!

· Thanks Santa, for the Christmas snow. I just finished shoveling about 7-8 inches off my driveway. Should I cancel my trip to Springfield? We drove 80 miles last night averaging about 32 miles per hour.

· lesson learned: never give my little min-pin a big ol' ham bone. Thanks Suz & Diane for letting me borrow your carpet cleaner.

HSM Live!!!

After 9 weeks of rehearsals it was finally show time for the CYT kids. Riley was part of a High School Musical production put on by Christian Youth Theater. She was a "party kid/spectator" for her first CYT show. I was impressed that she made the cast because I've seen CYT shows in the past and they have a large talent pool. This time was no different, the lead male was a 17-yr old from Lee's Summitt and he could sing.

I worked backstage and to learn the ropes I had to attend 4-hr rehearsals Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday of show week, and then work all shows except one. All-in-all I put in 34 volunteer hours last week on the production, but not a minute felt like work. Here's a picture Tuesday evening working on the sets on stage while the choreographer reviewed last night's notes with the cast.


I was so inspired the kids, they were amazing. Riley loves this group of kids and I now understand why. Each night I would sneak down to the green room and act like I had business there just so I could hear them worship. The kids led themselves in worship with a guitar and bongos singing and praising God. I truly believe these kids are grateful for what they have, a trait I don't see in many people, adults and children alike.

This picture is Riley's carpool gang: Megan, Molly, Riley & Lauren taken in front of the photo opp. It was fun to watch Eric (lead male) sign autographs here every night for the all the 7 & 8 yr old girls who showed up in their blinking HSM clothing to meet Troy Bolton.

In total over 1500 people attended the 7 shows. The school shows didn't sell very well, but the public shows were packed! I guess teachers don't feel HSM has an education plot, but it really does. Don't place an image on someone and support your friends who might not be exactly like you are.


We're all in this together
When we reach...we can fly
Know inside...we can make it
We're all in this together
Once we see
There's a chance...that we have
And we take it

Wild cats...sing along
Yeah, you really got it goin' on
Wild cats...in the house
Everybody say it now!

Google & my phone

I have become so dependent on my phone its not funny. Fifteen years ago when some one explained the concept of a PDA to me I couldn't see it becoming reality. PDA to me would always be couples kissing in a mall ... public display of affection, not personal digital assistant! A device as small as a cell phone (and cellphones were huge in 1994) that would act as a personal computer and people would communicate with both e-mail (what was that?) and via a normal voice phone and to browse the Internet (huh, what is that?) In 1994, if people had email at work it was the archaic TSO accounts viewed only with green screens and white lettering and only to someone on their network. When someone wanted to send an email outside of their network most people used CompuServe, Prodigy, or the newbie AOL.

My first exposure to the Internet was in 1995 when somehow Leo & I used the telnet utility that came with Windows 95 and the Netscape browser to connect to a webserver and see www.ibm.com over the phone line in our basement. In mid-1994 there were only 2,738 public websites, according to Gray's statistics; by the end of the year, more than 10,000. A year later Yahoo! was published by two guys that had been working on a way to find websites without knowing its URL (Uniform Resource Locator, or simply put an Internet address). Do you know what Yahoo stands for .... Yet Another Hierarchical Officious Oracle.

Fast forward 15 years, I don't buy those fancy Palms or Blackberries because I only need to call to people. I usually pick the phone that is either free or just a few dollars. Text messaging sounded cool so when I replaced my phone back in April I decided to splurge and get one with a QWERTY keyboard for $50, the Samsung Rant.

The Rant came with a short cut to Google mobile. Within Google mobile you could use online Google applications like You Tube, Maps, Reader (to read blogger.com!), Calendar, Weather, Gmail, Photos, etc. I started using the Calendar and that's all she wrote. I'm so dependent on it now I wouldn't know what to do without it. I no longer use the Franklin planner that I've carried around for 15 years. I enter most of my calendar entries from my PC and I can subscribe to other's calendars. Currently I subscribe to Riley's Girl Scout troop calendar, the Mizzou Tigers Football schedule, and US Holidays. If I enter an address in the calendar entry it will have a link to Google Maps. And during Mizzou Football games it continuously updates the score on my calendar. To create a new entry I simply send a text such as "Dinner with Riley, sat 6pm" and it will automatically create it.

I'm not quite to the full adoption level of PDA but I'm getting there. I can view any website but if it isn't fit for a 2-inch by 1.5-inch screen it is very difficult to use. Now I'll get to my point of this blog which was not to ramble on about the evolution of the Internet and technology.

I discovered Google Text Querying last week. If you send a text message to Google (466-453) with a question it will text you back within seconds with a response. For ...

• current weather text W and your zipcode "W 64158"
• movies text "M 64158" or for a specific movie "Where the Wild Things Are 64158"
• foreign translation "translate deck to spanish"
  
• measurement conversions "1 tablespoon in teaspoons" or "1 us gallon to liter"
• currency converter "1 usd to euro"
• find local time "time Athens Greece"

It has been very convenient a few times already. ..

• Last Monday I wanted to pickup a pizza on the way home from work. I pulled over and texted "Papa Johns 64119" and it sent the address and phone number of all the Papa John's restaurance within a few miles of zipcode 64119. I scrolled down to the phone number and pressed the call button.
• Later that night I was out running errands and at 8pm I wondered if I had time to run by Sam's Club which is near CYT where I had to pick up the girls at 9pm. I texted "Sam's Club 64119" and it sent back the address and phone number and with one stroke I called Sam's and found out they closed at 8:30pm.
  

I realized I'm growing closer and closer to depending on a PDA. I'd really like to et the HTC Hero that will run Google Andriod applications. It is very similar to the phone offered by that fruity company. I hope the current cost of $179 is drastically cut by next April when I am eligible for a new phone.

Renaissance Festival 2009

My niece came in town for the weekend and we took trip to the KC Ren Fest. It was a treat having Vicki here because she has lived out of the country for 6 years so I miss doing things with her.

It has been 3 years since I've been there and nothing really has changed much. Riley's friend, Megan, came along and the two almost-teenagers went their own way while Vicki and I wandered about. They found us when they ran out of money :)

We watched a few skits, including a large bird show (picture on right) and a rather vulgar show on indecent fighting. Of course, we had to watch the human Jousting at 3pm where Sir Thomas, the good guy, looses only to become the victor at the 4:30 show.

We shopped around but Vicki was unable to find the perfect bodice as she hoped at the Boss Wench. I bought my usual dated souvenir mug to go with my collection. We had some great novelty food including the turkey legs in which the Ren fest is known for. A new item which was very tasty was the cream-cheese filled pretzels. YUM!

Riley & Megan rode the spinning pole thing (don't know the official name) and enjoyed it. Its neat to see the carnival-type rides that use only human power and gravity to run. It's also nice to watch the human power and their muscles :)

The girls had to attend a birthday party at 6:00 so we lefta little early so they could get cleaned up and to the party on time.

Vicki and I decided to have dinner at Strouds (they choke their own chickens!) the chicken place that always has a long line. Strouds has several acres to roam so we brought our books to enjoy the peacefulness by the pond while we waited for our table, though it wasn't as peaceful as expected because a large swan decided it was his dinner time also. I captured this video of him eating grass. A few minutes later he came very close to where I was sitting and hissed at me. It was his way of saying that I needed to move so he could eat the popcorn by my feet. I gracefully scooted to the other side of the table, but if he is anything like a dog I'm sure he smelled my fear. He could probably take a chunk of flesh off my leg with beak if he wanted, but thankfully he only wanted the popcorn at my feet.