Moi? An idiot?

Good morning. I am sorry for the lack of posts but with BP grandpop in the hospital, Big M having physical issues, work, naughty puppies, and work......I have been preoccupied. I also would like to apologize to all friends and family that I have not contacted...ie....Wildcat and Muscles....my time has not been my own for a few months. Hopefully, some day....yes, some day.....she writes wistfully......life will calm down....then again...I am realistic enough to know that this will be the norm for some time to come.



On to the big lefty....currently, he is in the city with dad and MJ. He had an appointment with his surgeon to review his progress. Dad went with the big kid to give me an extra hour of sleep which was interrupted by two puppies who needed to go the the bathroom. No worries....getting up early helps me to get started on the day and move toward the accomplishment of a few goals....

Anyway, we will find out if our hero is ready to be discharged and if he can go full throttle on his training. He will fly to Tampa on Friday night to visit with another trainer. Apparently, he is the pitching doctor of the southeast. After he completes his investigation, the decision will be made as to whether he will train for the summer in Tampa or Seattle. Stay tuned....

As the summer heats up so does the battle between dad and the university. That's right. He submitted the surgery bills to the university last week. As expected, a secretary called him to deny his claims. Nice.....she was polite yet firm.



She does not know dad, does she? 'Cause he is not taking 'no' for an answer. Why? Uh, can anyone spell malpractice? Negligence? Physical harm? Yes? No?

He is now going up the chain of command and has a phone call into the Director of Medicine. I expect the battle will be bloody...lives will be altered forever...but dad will be on the top of the mountain with the American flag in his hand and a check for the surgery.

After today's appointment, dad posed a question to MJ. "Is there any other way to treat this injury?"

MJ replied: "No, surgery was the only way to mend the injury."

This added fuel to the fire as dad plots his next move on the university. He's the paternal version of Patton....looking at the enemy, making plans, strategizing, then going on for the victory. He promises that if they do not respond  in a positive manner to reimburse him, that he will bring in all kinds of evidence of wrong doing in the athletic department especially with the Czar and Psycho and demonstrate his leverage. This should be interesting. I would love to be witness to this battle....yet, I would prefer to stay away and let dad does his work in the only way he knows how. He's still miffed that the Czar called us 'idiots' for going out of the system to take care of the kid's injury. Yet, how else was he going to mend? If, as parents, we found the antidote for a problem, then we are idiots.

Hang tough, folks...the road will continue to be rocky, but I have my money placed on dad to win this battle.

So, from one idiot to possibly many more....I have to get the grades done for my course since another starts in 5 days.




Peace!

Never give up

Crazy. Life and sports are crazy. The highs and lows and the unpredictable nature keep all of us on the edge of our seats. That is, all of us who care.

What do I mean by this one? Well, yesterday, the third and final game of the conference series was coming to an end. As always, pitching did not hold up. When I turned the game on, the score was 5-5 at the top of the tenth inning. The LW was on the mound and could NOT find the plate. In other words, he proceeded to load the bases, then he walked two potentially winning runs in. Disgusted and a fair weather fan, I turned off the game to watch the end of the Phillies which was no better. At least the Flyers played competitively.

Back to the game.....after an hour, I checked online to see what the final score was and to my surprise the home team came back for a win. That's right. With two outs, the Stud on the opposing team, from last year, was on the mound and throwing mid-90's. He got the first two batters out. Now, he has two outs and a two run lead. It looks like he is going to earn a save. NOT! He walked the next two batters then threw a lollipop down the middle and the batter swung as hard as he could and hit the ball over the fence. Home team wins...dog pile on home plate. Yeah team!

What does that scenario teach us? Well, it taught me a number of things, like don't turn the game off until the players are in the locker room. But it also spoke of the team never giving up and working toward a win. Even with two outs, the guys continued to play hard. I am happy for them and give them kudos from BP mom. This is what it is all about...the competition, tension, dedication, and preparation for this type of situation. This series spoke to the reason why guys thrive on a sport like this...the highs and thrills of playing in a game like this. It is something that they will never forget and will probably define the rest of their lives.

Am I going overboard on this one? Nope. Here is my rationale. They work hard year round. They never have a day off. They give up a great deal of college life to travel, practice, and play baseball. The players are under constant stress to perform or they lose their jobs on the field. The tension, work outs, and lack of free time can take a toll on any person especially a kid in college. In this case, they rose to the occasion and overcame potential defeat. This can teach a person that even if the odds are stacked in someone else's favor, you keep pressing on and on and on. No one can predict the future, so never stop moving forward.

OK, enough pontification...time for me to move on and get some work done. By the way, Buttercup is still pregnant and I lost the pool. My guess was that the baby would be born yesterday. Once again, I lose when I bet on anything, including a baby pool. When will I learn to keep my money in my pocket? I might as well dig a hole out back and bury it every time I bet on something. Needless to say, I stay away from casinos and horse racing.

Have a great day!

Tink!

Good morning! Happy birthday to the sweetest person in the world:Tink! Tink is my heart and conscience. She is my traveling companion and loves to run to DQ for me for a blizzard or dilly bar. This kid is a person with a big heart and kind soul. There is no one like her in the world, and I am blessed to be her mom. She never complains when we hit the road and travel to see her brother. In fact, she looks forward to the road trips and is a great companion. Tink made me a mom, and my life changed when she entered it. Tink: I love you, baby!

To celebrate her big day, Buttercup, BP Grandmom and Grandpop and I are going to see Chimpanzee! Ok, it took some coaxing to get them to agree to go to this movie...yes, I am buying the tickets....yes, I am buying them lunch....so, they immediately said: "sure! We'll go!" And yes, I know that we are seeing a movie that I want to see, BUT they will like it. I know that they will...I can tell. I know these things. Besides, the length of the movie is an hour and 18 minutes. If someone goes to the bathroom, it will be over by the time that they return to their seats.

What else is going on in the world of BP mom? Well, the big kid is cramming for his finals and it seems that he will finish the first week in May. Consequently, there will be a road trip through the mountains to pick him up. However, before he puts anything into my car, it must be cleaned and disinfected. Last year, Tink developed a sinus infection while she sat next to his gear. No more of that....I will hand him a dust rag and some water. The answer to the next question is: "Yes". Yes, he will moan and complain and not see the big deal. After all, his clothes and gear were fine on the floor of his apartment and bathroom for all of these months, BUT I don't want them in the car or house. In fact, I will drop him off at the laundry mat to have them washed before even a tee shirt crosses the threshold. Am I a germphobe or smart? You tell me....

It will take some time to get accustomed to having both kids in the house for a prolonged period of time. Buddy always talks to his dad to bet on the date when I hit the roof after he does something crazy like leave the refrigerator door open all night as the food spoils or falls asleep on the sofa with chocolate ice cream on his lap that drops to the floor when he turns on his side.....or watches the dog use the house as her personal bathroom because he did not see the need to take her out after 8 hours....or leave no gas in the car when I am late for work.....or ask 900 times what's for dinner? Then he decides to meet the boys at Moes rather than eating my food.....or.....ahhh, there's too much to enumerate. I'll just celebrate my family being intact and our times together. It will be a joy to have him back so that I can text him from the kitchen that dinner is ready once again.

Have a great day!

The long road back

The long road back is beginning in a few weeks and we will see what the big kid is made of....marshmallow or steel.

As he began the process in October, he learned that the body as wonderful as it is, can be fickle. A person has to take care of the machine or suffer consequences as seen with obesity and tooth decay. Returning from an injury for the average person is tough, but for an elite athlete, it can be tougher.

To review, the big leftie had discomfort in the left shoulder that was diagnosed as tendonitis from overuse. An athlete who is being trained by professionals should not develop tendonitis because the trainer is supposed to be watching for strain or technique flaws. Sadly, this was not the case and therefore, the southpaw began to experience pain.

Naturally, he threw through the pain which is not a good idea on any level. Coach T said that he always has pain, but I don't think that Buddy should at his age except for some aches post work out.

And so, he was gradually diagnosed with a capsule and ligament problem and had surgery which so far seems successful. He is still unable to throw, but we are not to be concerned until late summer. The surgeon felt that with the tightening of the ligament, he will add velocity to his fast ball. This is great since I never understood why a guy with his size,training, and work ethic would be losing velocity rather than gaining it. Yet, once the diagnosis was made, it make perfect sense.

The semester is winding down and physical therapy is going to begin. Dad wants to hire a personal trainer to help the kid return to form. As Buddy pointed out during his last visit, his left arm and stomach muscles are not what they had once been. Dang, I have pointed this out on myself for a number of years, but never hired a personal trainer...maybe we can get a two for one deal....although I am not a fan of sit ups, push ups, or squats with Spider-man balls between the knees.

This summer will be eye opening as we watch how dedicated the kid is to getting back to the mound. As his pitching coach pointed out, many guys just throw in the towel after surgery. But he also said that he feels Buddy will be back because of his commitment to the game. Now, if I can only get him to commit to making his bed each morning, cleaning his dirty dishes, walking the dog, closing the house at night, and putting gas in the car, I would name him to the BP mom All Star team.

Have a great day!

Breaking up

Good morning! My day off....wow...not sure what to do (NOT!). First, Tink has to leave for school...then...I am going to make plans!

Had 90 minute physical therapy session with "the Tank." Tank is a 20-something and somewhat new to PT business. He has designed a number of painful and torturous yet effective exercises designed to get me back on the court or at least running up and down stairs again. The exercises have these thick rubber bands that are placed on my calves and thighs then I have to squat and hold a ball between my legs. Getting the picture? Ok, BP mom, he says...."Squat there for 10 minutes, and I will be back after my cup of coffee...." Don't go, Tank...who will pick me up after the rubber bands cut off my circulation and I pass out?

And so, the PT is going well and I actually enjoy the exercises except for the squats....and perhaps the rubber Spiderman ball that I have to squeeze with my knees, sit on, and stare at during the sessions. Why Spiderman? Why not Batman or the Hulk? Maybe Tank is super hero fixated....maybe he is really Peter Parker. Same age, same height as PP....who knows. If I see him climbing walls or squirting silk out of his wrist, then I will have uncovered the truth.

Spoke to the big kid yesterday. He is ready to leave campus and come home. This is quite a change for a guy who could not wait to get there last summer. Although the season will continue into May, he has made plans.

Plan A: leave campus after finals and begin to work and rehab the shoulder.

Plan B: Dewey and Meat are to become his rehab buddies whether they know it or not. Once they return from college, the guys will be throwing, catching, running, and working out with him. Perhaps he had better share this plan with them now.

Plan C: He is not going to contact any of his baseball friends until he finishes rehab. His rationale is complicated yet surprisingly thoughtful. He feels that if he speaks to the guys who continue to play baseball, he will be distracted and despondent. Therefore, rather than make himself crazy, he will tell them that he will talk to them in August.

Plan D: Earn money but not buy a car. Interesting...what guy do you know that does not want a car? Does he secretly think that dad is going to cave in and buy one for him? Dream on, big guy....

Plan E: He will text or call California after he is drafted in June. How does he know California is going to be drafted? Well, there were 20 MLB scouts in the stadium on Saturday watching him pitch a gem of a game. He throws consistently in the 90's and is ready to pack his bags and go. What does this mean for next year's house? Well, that requires another plan.....

Yesterday, he met up with his friend who was once Big Red's girlfriend. Apparently, Red does not like living with LW, Angel, and Buddy. He feels that they are slobs, holding him back, and he needs to move out. Red also admitted to his former girl friend that he does not like any of his room mates which surprised Angel and the leftie.

My take on it is....there are people that can be your friend but may not be compatible room mates. Personalities, temperaments, life styles, food preferences, and so on are so different. Just because you have a laugh or two with this person does not mean that you can live in close quarters without wanting to ultimately throw them off the balcony. In fact, the 6 month rule is applicable here too....you have to know a person at least 6 months to ascertain whether you are or are not room mate material. This is a lesson that one learns on their own as a mom sits back and watches.

I could say: "Hey, what's wrong with my kid? Why don't you like him?" But really, I get it. It might or might not be personal. However, its a lesson that life teaches you and not a parent. Good thing they found out at the end rather than the beginning of their living arrangement. So, the four guys are about to break up. I hope that it is peaceful as they divide their apartment belongings and shake hands good by (or not)....Keep in mind, the sofa and kitchen table are my son's...otherwise, the guys can have whatever they want....

Have a great day!

Moving plans

Sunday, Sunday, Sunday! The team won the game yesterday and today and moved up in the rankings. The coach won his 200th game with the university and this is a very big deal. Maybe the guys will get the sofa back in the locker room or perhaps the WIFI will be turned back on. Either way, it is a good victory.

Of course, LW closed the game for the win, and I am sure that my son is not only salty but belligerent. He sees the guys doing what he wants to do. He wants to be out on the mound, mowing down the opposition. He wants to spit onto the ground, use salty language, and scare the batters. Unfortunately, this scenario is only played out in his mind as he daydreams in the dugout. Honestly, the kid has to be patient and work with the professionals. Once he is throwing again, there will be no stopping him. But for now, he has to grit his teeth, spit, cuss, and stand in the back ground.

We had a conversation about his house next year. Yeah, that's right...no more apartment living for this guy. He is moving in with Dog, California, and OC. They will all have their own bedrooms, a porch for their ping pong table, and an outdoor grill. Now, that is living....He was making plans for dad to rent a van, help him to move his furniture, carry the clothes, and drive across town. My reply to his logical plan was "nope....not going to happen..."

"Huh?" He responded.

"That's right...not gonna happen. You guys are athletes and have trucks. Your dad is (excuse the expression) a middle aged man. No way is he going to help you guys to move. In fact, I want you to move without even telling him. Show him that you are a guy who now wears big boy pants rather than under roos and no longer need your dad to help you to move." Got it?

I believe I saw his eyes glaze over as he secretly made a plan to include his dad on the move without letting me know the details. However, there is a flaw in this plan, 'cause his pop tells me everything. He would not disappear for a day and not tell me where he is going. So, my son, it is time to take the sofa by the arms and hoist it over the second floor balcony for the Dog to catch. Then you can carry it on your back and put it on California's luggage rack, but dad is not involved. Get it? Got it? Keep it!

Ok, 'nuff said. I have dinner to make and pour a glass of wine. It's happeee hour!

Take care!

Whew

Wow! Forgive me for not posting but this week went by like the wind. I think that today is Thursday. At work, we have an accrediting team in the office and I have had to put on my "game face" and act smart. This is a chore since I generally like to be clueless and not pay attention. Yet, I have had to dig out of my level of comfort and make intelligent small and large talk. My brain is sore and the visitors do not leave until tomorrow....then....happy hour!

On Monday, the big kid took the bus home for his appointments and removal of his sling. I got a few texts about "sketchy" people on the bus and how he was the only one who graduated kindergarten among the group. Not funny....something he has to learn to deal with....he also joked about feeling threatened. I texted back to him that he has a weapon in his backpack...his pen. Yes, the pen can be a tool and a weapon. You can create wonderful letters and notes with a pen....then when threatened, you can use it as a weapon. Hit the carotid artery with it and your predator will be disarmed. I guess he never watched reruns of McGyver.

We had a 1:15 appointment on Tuesday and sat waiting for over an hour. Doctor walks in....takes a look...moves the shoulder...is pleased with himself and walks out. After the 45 second interaction, we will see him again in 4 weeks. Buddy was taught a few exercises by the physical therapist and we were on our way back home. On Wednesday morning, I dropped him off at the bus terminal and hit traffic. I was afraid that he was going to miss the bus when he boldly said: "You should just drive me back to campus." Uh huh...that's right...we have accreditors in the office, Grandmom's birthday, a desk full of work, irate students, my research study on health care of the homeless and impoverished to catch up on, a swollen postoperative knee that I continue to rehab, and this guy wants a free ride back to campus where he can sit back with his iPod in his ears, take a three hour nap, and I can drive round trip for 6 hours then go to work for 10 hours. Dude...bad week to make that suggestion....your timing was not good on this one...Greyhound looks better and better for his trips to and from campus. For safety measures, I will buy him a few extra Bic pens for his journeys.

Yesterday we celebrated BP Grandmom's birthday with the usual family fanfare....with pizza, cake, the Flyers game on in the kitchen and Phillies game on in the family room. Between shouts, screams, and high fives, G-mom's big day was celebrated in style. It was comfortable and the way the family gets together...very informal, yet fun and meaningful with the dog vomiting under the table (ew). Grandmom has created a home that we all return to on a regular basis. One of the 6 of us can be found at the kitchen table at any time eating, chatting, or reading the paper. It is the way that I want my children to view our home....as a haven...a place of safety, conversation, laughs, and joy with lots of good food and memories. This comes from the top as Grandmom and Grandpop have an open door policy and we certainly have no problem walking through it. Each of us does the same thing after we walk into the house....we greet the folks, walk into the kitchen and open the refrigerator door. It is automatic as we look for homemade soup and pasta. We are never disappointed (unless Big G gets there first, then the fridge has been cleaned out).

And so, it's time to go to work and act intelligent. Whew, I am going to need a vacation after this week....yep...go to find an inexpensive place to go where I can turn off the brain....stop thinking...look at some nature....and drink a Merlot. Actually, the back yard qualifies as the perfect place.....have a great day and Happy Birthday Grandmom!

Easter bliss

Whew! It's the day after Easter...what a beautiful day and wonderful time with family. The last thing that I wanted to do after Buttercup's shower was to have family over (no offense). I was tired, sore from surgery, running around the country with Buddy, his surgery, work, and so on....I was tired and burned out. But it took 24 hours after the shower to generate the energy to host the party. Then it happened....

Everyone came together to help with the event. This is what family is all about...not leaving one tired person to do the work, but coming together to decorate, cook, prepare the food, and contribute to the success of the day. Buttercup, BP Grandmom and Grandpop came to the house on Saturday to help to create the fruit and pasta salads, potato au gratin, and pineapple stuffing. Big Sis, Dr G, Uncle C, the Saints, and Scooby, brought dishes too that added to the day. Without their help, I would be still cutting up a cantaloupe as hungry family members stared at me looking for something edible while watching the Phils lose and Bubba win the Masters. All in all, it was a perfect weekend.

OK, on to one of my favorite subjects...the big kid. Remember yesterday when I went on a BP mom rant about Angel falling into a depression rather than "sucking it up" and being a man among boys? Well, the angelic one was the hero yesterday. It was the bottom of the 9th (the guys were playing at home) with two outs and the game was tied. There was a man on second base and Angel was batting. With all his might, he slammed a walk-off double to win the game for the team. Yeah Angel! Now, this is what 'I'mtawkinabout!' The kid was fearless and did not need a magic cupcake. Pretty soon, I am going to be out of the cupcake business since the guys do not need them anymore.

By the way, the big kid is taking the bus home today for his post surgical appointment and first physical therapy session. Dad is peeved with the bus line. It seems that since he made the reservation with his credit card, he was charged an extra $18.00. When Buddy shows up today without the credit card in his hands, he will be charged another $15.00 on top of the fare and additional fee. Dad is exhausted and now he is peeved with the bus company. Oy...look out! It seems that the bus lines that advertise $1.00 fares sell only one seat at that price. So, when you call for that dollar fare, you land up with a seat on the roof with a harness at a rate that is comparable to taking US Air home.

OK, time for me to work. Enjoy the beauty of the season. I have a few deadlines that I have avoided this weekend. Peace-out!

Easter and Passover

Happy Easter! It's a beautiful day and the BP family is coming over for brunch. Naturally there are lots of preparations. Yesterday, I was joined by BP grandparents and Buttercup as they dove into the cutting and chopping of fruits and vegetables for the party. We have food....lots of foods...an overabundance of food....I hope that people come with their appetites...they usually do, especially Big G, my 16 year old nephew who can eat his entire family's weight in food. A growing boy, football and rugby player..the kid is always hungry! His mama's food bill must be huge!

Anyway, another shout out to Sparky and the Baker. I never saw two people work so hard creating pastries in my life. Sparky made over 1000 macaroons and I think that I ate 999 of them...kidding...half of one is enough to feed Big G for a couple of days. Lines were out the door at the bakery and they had a refrigerated truck in the front with all of the orders. Celebration of Easter and Passover created quite a number of orders as the employees never stopped moving in a week's time. The Baker and Sparky worked all night and 18 hour shifts. I would have fallen asleep in my matzo crunch batter. Now they are off to a well earned and deserved vacation....dreaming of chocolate bunnies and lamb cakes.

How is the big kid? Well, this is the first Easter that we are not together. And I am surprisingly OK with it. I still filled his basket knowing that he is coming home tomorrow after class for a follow up surgical appointment and the start of physical therapy.

The team is on a four game winning streak but still very far from .500 with such a bad start. He is feeling a bit better about sitting on the bench. Last night, he stayed in and ate ice cream and watched a movie. After the coach's meltdown, he was not going to chance being seen at a party the night before a game. Wise decision, my son....wise decision.

Apparently, Angel has lost his starting job in the outfield and is in a funk. Also, his girl friend is headed to Europe for the summer, so it has added to his misery. Shall I give him the BP mom diatribe? Huh? OK, here is goes.....

Dude! You lost the job because you were outperformed. Are you going to sit on the bench and be miserable or work your butt off to regain your rightful status in the outfield...a freshman? Come on kid! Do I have to make you some cupcakes or are you going to pull yourself up by your cleats, put your head down, and work out the kinks in your game? You have what it takes to get your job back, so stop whining and get moving! As far as your girl friend is concerned, she has earned her trip to Europe. Rather than feeling sorry for yourself that she is leaving, give her props for going. That's right! This is a once in the lifetime trip...do not give her a guilt trip when she should be happy making preparations to leave...oy! MEN!

Wow, that made me feel better...how about you?

Enjoy your day....Happy Easter and Passover!

Macaroon Princess

Good morning. Did you know that if you spill a liquid like coffee onto your key board, it will short out? I just learned the hard way....oy! Now I need a new key board for my computer. I had to borrow one to finish my work.

What is going on this Good Friday? Well, I survived my shift in the bakery and have a renewed respect for anyone in this type of business. Let me tell you, this group moved like the wind, make hundreds of baked items, ordered a refrigerated truck to store additional ingredients and orders, and never stopped....I left after 6 hours and they worked late into the night. I believe that I had frosting on my bottom and chocolate on my shoulder (late night snack for BP mom).

So, BPM, what did you do at the bakery? Well, I did whatever would not destroy the quality and quantity of what was being mass produced. In other words, I helped with the macaroons. Sparky had cornered the market as the macaroon queen and I believe I earned the title of macaroon princess as I dipped hundreds of tasty perfectly made macaroons in melted chocolate and drizzled chocolate designs on top. I created several macaroon drizzled prototypes with the chocolate. For example, there was the butterfly design not to be confused with the honey bee or puppy dog. I had a few stars and moons as well as abstract art in which the buyer will have to determine what he or she sees in the design. Once again, I have great respect for all business owners and will keep my job....but help out whenever the call is made. By the way, happy Passover and Easter to all!

Dang! I just spilled the coffee again! Rats, what is my problem today? Glad I did not spill anything at the bakery, although my clothes were like food magnets as they picked up flour, frosting, chocolate, and coconut.

What's up with the big kid? Well, he is one happy guy. Over 400 hundred students took the math test this week with a class average of 60. My son scored a 100% along with two other students. Hmmmm....I say to him, did you look at the right place? Was your name spelled right? Really, you did not get anything wrong? Really, you got everything right? Really? Mama is proud of her boy! He wants to frame the grade. I am right there with him as I have already picked out a frame.

Why are we so excited about a 100% in a math grade? Well, it brings his average that was sitting in the basement up to the second level of the high rise and his self esteem has exploded. You see, BPM and her BP son are not math scholars and need calculators to make change. So, when one of us has earned a quantitative achievement, we celebrate with a special dinner and cake!

And so, I have a big project to finish before I leave the house today. Have a wonderful day....

Time and parties

It's Holy Week...where has the time gone? Usually, I am making plans to take a trip to a baseball field somewhere in the US. However, things are different this year with Buddy on the bench embracing the red shirt. I have had more time to accomplish goals and tasks, yet I am no where near catching up. I guess that I can do a time analysis of my days but, I don't have the time to analyze my time. Now, I know that that does make sense.

Let's chat about "embracing the red shirt." What does that mean? Well, the red shirt is a NCAA term of not playing a season yet being a member of the team. He cannot travel but he can be in the dugout and bench and participate in workouts, team meetings, and activities. Since he is red shirted, he retains his eligibility for another year meaning he will leave college after five years rather than four. Hopefully, he will leave his 5th year with a graduate degree. This would be an ideal scenario. Is it realistic? Hope so...it makes sense from an academic and financial sense. I am not sending him to college for a 5th year to major in partying....

I have nothing against parties, since I enjoy them myself...going to have the family over for Easter....so, I like parties...but I don't like the way that they make me feel the day after the party.

Do I mean 'hangover'? Yep, I do. However, I have a theory on hangovers. Over the years, I have had time to ponder the phenomenon and will share my hangover theory today for those of you who need something to consider as the spring party season begins to accelerate.

The following levels of hangovers have been postulated by BPM. An avid researcher, devoted to the scientific process, I have generated a three tiered hangover theory that has been eagerly accepted by my contemporary peers.

Level 1: the mood is giddy. Everyone has a buzz. No one is impaired and partier can safely drive home when their alcohol level is below the legal limit.

Level 2: Dancing and singing off key to old Rolling Stones and Monkees songs set the stage for this level. As the singing continues, the partier realizes that someone should take their car keys. Next day side effects include a mild headache, nausea, and bitchiness.

Level 3: the partier asks “how did I get home? Did I go out last night? Why do I feel like a train hit me?” The following day, the partier is heard to say, “I will never, ever drink again” Side effects include severe grouchiness, stiff joints, puffy eyes, and a headache that could kill a buffalo.

Yes, I have had a multitude of opportunities to observe this phenomenon and after one bout of Level III, a person hangs up their bar stool and finds other activities such as gardening and knitting to occupy their time. Do I advocate drinking? Nope, this can lead to accidents and taking the life of an innocent person. if a person is going to party, please do it safely...have a designated driver, stay overnight, or leave hours after your last drink. I may joke, but drinking and driving is not a laughing matter. Don't do it. Stay safe or stay off the road.

Speaking of which, time to get some real work done. Have a great day!

Just a good ole boy

Ahhh! Sorry that I have not written but I have been WORKING! Yep, work...a little four letter word. I actually love my job, but it can get in the way of things that I like to do during the day. Lately, I have been editing my friend's 300+ page dissertation on black female CEOs in the corporate world. Did you know that there is only 1 black female CEO on the Fortune 500 list? Why, you may ask? I am not going to tell you. Once T successfully defends her research, we are going to convert it to a book, go on the Piers Morgan show, and have Tyler Perry make a movie about this population. Yep, I am thinking B-I-G. Maybe, we'll be invited to the White House....better yet....Oprah...yep...Oprah....

Ok, enough dreaming....what is going on with the big kid? Lots! and not so much....he cannot travel with the team so he has to be content sitting in the bullpen at home games. he still works out his cardio and helps around the dug out and field. other than that, he is on the fringe. And let me tell you, it's a good thing....

Without him, the pitching staff has blown multiple games. The hitters are not hitting. And the coach almost blew an aneurysm. During the last post, I shared with you how he screamed for four hours. The next day, the guys walked into the locker room and everything was missing...the big screen television, ping pong tables, lounge chairs, and sofas. And the WiFi was turned off! Boy, does he mean business. Buddy was not pleased and we had to talk him off the ledge. After all, there is absolutely nothing that he can do to help this year and he feels powerless and a bit snarky.

The team left for Indiana yesterday and three of the Saturday night partiers were left on campus. oops! The next time they schedule a big party, they had better consult with the baseball schedule first. This coach means business. I once thought that he was like a good old boy on The Dukes of Hazzard....those days are gone. He does have quite a temper...yikes.

It's a no-party zone on campus now. I guess that the guys will be in their dorm rooms early this weekend and perhaps doing homework or reading the Bible. After all, they might all be praying for a miracle to turn their season around and return to the coach to his salty former self. Or maybe they can find a genie in a bottle and get three wishes...Oh genie...I wish for a more laid back coach, an arm that can throw 90 mph and the WIFI to be turned back on in the locker room.

Have a great day

Post op day 7!

Yeah! Day seven and the countdown to returning to school begins....T minus 24 hours....

Why am I so happy? The reasons are twofold. First, the surgery and surgical site have healed without signs of infection. Second, he is so bored that he watched the new Muppets movie with me last night which tells the entire world that the kid needs more mental stimulation besides Kermit and Miss Piggy. Actually, the movie was pretty good, but for someone older than him who grew up with Gonzo and Fozzie Bear. There were actually a few laugh out loud moments which for me late at night it is almost impossible to chuckle let alone laugh...

Anyway, the second leg of the journey is coming to an end as the third begins. After the four weeks in an immobilizer, he will begin the slow painful process of returning to play. No throwing until the summer, then he can work out with a coach. Until then, his coach will be his physical therapist, who has been successful in helping Steven Strasburg of the Nationals return to the game.

Tonight, we pack the bags and load the car, then tomorrow after his appointment with Doctor Two, he is off to school after his shower. Normally, I would fill another bag full of food for him to take, however, he has eaten everything in the house. I really mean it...everything...nothing is left. Nothing....He can eat and eat and eat....and then have a snack or two or five.....then ask what is for lunch.

It's true that I will miss having him around but he belongs at school and not here keeping me occupied. He has life goals to attend to which do not include making his mother cringe, laugh, or run to the grocery store. There have been a few times when I have had to tell him to watch his language. God made lots of words, so try to use a more diverse vocabulary besides words that only have four letters. We are not living in a bull pen, so keep the language rated PG.

Thanks to all who have sent prayers, good wishes and thoughts, and ice cream cakes to the house. I know that the prayers were heard, thoughts were felt, and cake was devoured. Enjoy the day!

post op day 2

This entry comes late in the day as my life and organization has been uprooted by one very big kid with his shoulder in a sling. Yeah, yeah, yeah...I get it, it hurts, but OY! Is he needy!

With that said, here are the facts. Although the surgery was an arthoscopic procedure, there was work done in his body to repair damage. He cannot lie down. He cannot move his left arm. His shoulder and back hurts and therefore he is cranky. If he is cranky, then I am cranky. Then his bone headed dad gave him the advice to start to wean himself off his pain medication. Needless to say, this advice was somewhat....ahhh....premature....that's it....premature.

Therefore, the discomfort turned into acute pain and he is miserable.

Memo

To: The whole world

From: BPM

Re: Postoperative Pain Relief

Do not, under any circumstance, listen to someone about pain management after surgery if they have no clue about what they are talking about.

That's my postop tip of the day....

Post op day 1

Aaah...it is the day after the big surgery which according to Doc 2 was quite successful. The surgeon had such a grin on his face preoperatively and postoperatively. It was as if he was saying..."Give me that shoulder...I will fix it..." I can compare it to a closer in baseball. He's the guy who wants to pitch at the end of the game and save it for the team. Or like Michael Jordan who always wanted the ball. Or Joe Montana as he throws a perfect spiral to win the Super Bowl. This is a guy who competes as a preeminent surgeon who has no doubts in his abilities. As I said before, I do not want to be friends with my surgeon. I want him to be the biggest son of a gun who has the skills unparalleled in the Western world.

And so, after surgery and sedation, we took the big kid home who was famished. Yes, famished. First stop was for a 2 foot chicken cutlet hoagie that we all devoured, but he ate most of it. Then he polished it off with a peanut sandwich, cookies, and a dairy queen blizzard. I made him eggs and toast this morning and before I leave for work must go to the supermarket to restock the home shelves. After all, he did not have any food for 16 hours while waiting for surgery.

Currently, he still has the big bandage on and a weird ice machine that circulates cold water on his shoulder. It's pretty neat. I wish that I had one of those things for when I overdo it at Zumba. He's taking his pain medicine every four hours and has designated Tink, who is on spring break, as his indentured servant. He sent her out last night for the blizzards and I am sure there will be another blizzard run while I am at work today.

His friend Dewey had this kind of surgery in December and has warned him that Day 1 is the worst day and you want to cut your arm off with a steak knife because the pain is so bad. Thanks Dewey for preparing the big kid....NOT! Buddy is sitting quietly in his chair waiting for the big pain to begin. Is that crazy or what? "I know that I am going to suffer today, mom....it's going to hurt....really really bad..." Again, thanks Dewey.....

And so, the saga and journey continues. Yesterday before surgery, he was set on going back to school on Sunday. Today, we have a different story....Maybe I'll go back next Thursday. After all, my apartment is disgusting and I don't want an infection. There you have it...my words exactly. Am I a prophet? Nope, just someone who knows her kid and what his apartment looks like and believe me, you do not want hay fever in this place, let alone a post surgical wound. I could do a few lab experiments with petri dishes and am sure that the bacteria that grows will be unidentifiable because they are breeding new types of microorganisms.

Time for me to run to the grocery store to find food that can be opened with one non dominant hand. Thanks for hanging in there with us during this journey.

Last Day of Winter

It's the last day of winter! Yahoo! As we celebrate the impending free Water ice of the first day of spring at Rita's Water ice, we are also mourning the loss of Buddy's baseball team to the Kansas team last night.

The aforementioned team is in the top 25 in the US and therefore was a formidable foe. With that said, I was able to use the iPad to locate the Kansas radio station broadcasting the game. I turned HGTV onto mute and listened to the game as I watched a London family silently search for a vacation home in Cyprus (pretty land). They chose the house that I would have selected as I intently listened to the broadcast and tried to figure out what the family of 5 were saying to each other. Perhaps next time I can figure out how to use the caption feature on the television.

Anyway, the broadcasters were excellent and I could visualize the game as they spoke. Unfortunately, what I mentally saw was...hit batter....walk...single...passed ball...wild pitch....5-0 by the end of the 2nd inning. The starting pitcher was removed at the bottom of the 3rd inning as the announcers said..."They are warming up a left handed pitcher...we cannot see his number..." Oh boy...is Buddy in this one? Can he stop the bleeding or will the hemorrhage continue?

As the starting ace was removed, a leftie was placed in the game, but it was not Buddy. Sadly, this kid also had a tough time stopping the team and the score grew to 7-0. Three more pitchers entered the game and the team lost 9-0. Can't win 'em all....

As predicted, Buddy called midnight-ish or later (I did not look at the clock). His dad went through the game with him as I listened to both of them laugh. Interesting...laughing after a major league pounding...but nonetheless laughing. It was my turn to speak to the big kid and we chatted about school and his impending projects. I am proud of him as he is looking to the future and not dwelling on a tough loss. The game today is scheduled for 2 pm (or 3...it is Kansas time). I will listen to it again as Buddy stands an excellent chance of entering it since the team ran through a number of pitchers last night including 2 of the 5 southpaws.

Some of the bright spots of the loss abound as I heard the kid laughing and I could hear the play by play on the radio. Besides that, I could not see any other positives regarding the game.

After a successful 10 day southern road trip, the team returned home on Monday morning around 4 am...attended classes, practiced, took tests, submitted papers, and left for Kansas on Thursday around 2pm. They will be home again on Monday morning around 3 or 4 am as they land in an airport 3 hours from campus. Finally, next week, the team will play at home. I am looking forward to traveling to campus to see the team play in their own environment. The kids enjoyed the travel, but I think that it is getting old and making them weary. It is time for them to play in their own stadium with their fans. Can this make a difference? I am not sure, yet I know that when Buddy is sitting the bullpen, spitting seeds from the side of his mouth, the bullpen will be heated...nice....