tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-116469402024-03-07T18:27:43.266-05:00To achieve (fill in the blank), you must have a cause.Excerpt from Webster.com_________
Main Entry: caus·al
Pronunciation: 'ko-z&l
Function: adjective
1 : expressing or indicating cause
2 : of, relating to, or constituting a cause
4 : arising from a cause I have found a cause.
Main Entry: 1ef·fect
Pronunciation: i-'fekt, e-, E-, &-
Function: noun
4 : ACCOMPLISHMENT, FULFILLMENT
5 : power to bring about a result
_______What have you done lately?causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.comBlogger326125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-91633312954402214922007-10-09T10:53:00.000-04:002007-10-09T11:14:07.643-04:00The end is nearFriday Oct 5th is this blogs birthday (1 year old now). It was also the day 3,000 hits were recorded. Kind of neat, I suppose.<br /><br />But this will also probably be the blogs last entry. My final post.<br /><br />This blog was to be about my experience with live liver organ donation. I wanted to let others know what it was like to donate an organ. It was started because the local hospital, where the transplant was to take place, wouldn't allow this areas largest newspaper to do a story about me and my donation experience. I wanted to get the word out in case I wasn't able to donate my liver. Which was what happened.<br /><br />I also used ambiguous, yet obvious pseudonyms for the characters in and around me. Because of this blog, I received a pretty large amount of flack from people that didn't like what I was writing about. All of which can be found here, on the blog.<br /><br />Because of that, I chose to stop putting in personal accounts and observances of the characters so I could comply with those few that were unhappy. And, because of that, the only thing left was to regurgitate information that was already available to anyone that can perform a Google search. I can't do that anymore. If it's not personal, it's not what I want to do. The blog has become old, stale and stagnant.<br /><br />I want to thank most of you for stopping by every so often and supporting me over the last year when there was real honest content on the blog. It was a wonderful ride.....<br /><br />I end with today's numbers:<br /><table class="listTable" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><th colspan="2">Waiting list candidates as of today 11:09am</th></tr> <tr class="line1"><td class="value" style="width: 15%;">All <img src="http://www.optn.org/images/icon_denotesm.gif" style="width: 7px; height: 10px;" alt="" align="absmiddle" /></td> <td class="value" style="text-align: right; width: 10%;">97,504</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://www.optn.org/data/">http://www.optn.org/data/</a>causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-42138327512675729082007-09-23T23:08:00.000-04:002007-09-23T23:13:51.652-04:00Got liver?Carl did, and here is his blog.<br /><a href="http://carlanddawn.blogspot.com">http://carlanddawn.blogspot.com</a>causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-52784940115656340752007-09-23T23:01:00.000-04:002007-09-23T23:04:44.567-04:00News from around the worldWell, actually from one other country. Here is a small article on Yahoo News, from Hong Kong about a living donor. <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070919/lf_nm/organs_dc">Click here</a>. Thanks to <a href="http://joshcarpenter.blogspot.com/">Josh</a> for finding it.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-12190156814789927982007-09-18T00:17:00.001-04:002007-09-18T00:18:17.770-04:00There is always hopeOn <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=3614285&page=1">Nightline </a>(ABC News) there was a story about a liver transplant.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-42456576301715411812007-09-11T09:31:00.000-04:002007-09-11T09:35:32.947-04:00Curent numbersWaiting list candidates as of today 9:31am 9/11/07<br />97,216<a href="http://www.optn.org/data"><br />http://www.optn.org/data</a><br /><br />332 people have been added to the waiting list in 23 days.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-33755126327479268252007-08-26T00:11:00.000-04:002007-08-26T00:13:39.194-04:00So cool<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,294607,00.html">http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,294607,00.html</a><br />FoxNews.com reported that an 8 month old boy received a FIVE organ transplant of the gastrointestinal tract. The organs did come from a single donor.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-73700728126629660722007-08-21T01:18:00.000-04:002007-08-21T01:23:33.426-04:00A side noteOne of the web sites I visit frequently had this article.<br /><a href="http://www.sportsshooter.com/news/1814">http://www.sportsshooter.com/news/1814</a><br />It is about a photographer that documented the last days of a womans life very close and "inside". He talks about being inside versus outside regarding the subject.<br /><br />When I asked a photographer from a local paper to document my journey as a liver donor, it was this access I was trying to provide. Not many times do they get that kind of an opportunity.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-55241892496976705782007-08-20T17:16:00.000-04:002007-08-20T17:23:15.652-04:00Current numbers<span style="font-weight: bold;">Waiting list candidates 96,884 as of today 5:15pm<br /><a href="http://www.optn.org/data/">Data from OPTN.org</a><br /><br /></span>It's amazing how fast the numbers are rising. We will have 100,000 people waiting for an organ probably in less than a year (by my estimate nothing to substantiate those numbers). I can only assume that the number of people that die every day will rise accordingly. Right now, I believe that number is about 17 people die every day waiting for an organ.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.core.org/fast_facts.asp">CORE has updated is Facts and Statistics page. It's an interesting read.</a>causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-55309984884464181172007-08-20T17:04:00.000-04:002007-08-20T17:24:47.146-04:00Concerning issuesApparently I have pushed someones buttons. I got this anonymous comment:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ok, after reading the latest on your website, I really must say that you have your self up on a high pedestal, and it is not only Brad and I that think you are truly an ass.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">That being said, the only reason we read it, is so we can see how much you think of your self and see how big your head has gotten for the day. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>I emailed the above this question:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;" class="841221900-19082007"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >Would you be willing to share exactly what has gotten so many people on a tear? </span></span><span class="841221900-19082007"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;" >(that's TEAR as in RIP, not tear as in crying).</span></span><br /><br />Then got this anonymous comment:<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">You are an ass.</span><br /><br />Never did get a response to my question. So, apparently my whole blog has been all about me. Well, yes, IT IS MY BLOG. From my point of view and my life. I guess it will be a bit biased. I still try to be pretty fair in my representation of the facts of life and the goings on.<br /><br />So, when someone reads my blog only to see how big my head has gotten and it makes them so upset. Stop reading. Pretty simple.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-85556920437090514302007-08-17T12:55:00.000-04:002007-08-17T14:04:35.187-04:00Back in (limited) actionI just returned from my 20 year high school reunion this morning. I can say with enthusiasm that it was the highlight of the year. Possibly the best week(end) in the past 5 years.<br /><br />I had so much fun it was pretty difficult to return to reality. But alas, I am back here in the Pitt and dealing with dirty floors, a backed up sewer, boxes and boxes of stuff and of course the humidity.<br /><br />"Yeah but it's a dry heat" was never so right. The arid southeast corner of the Great State of WA was hitting highs of 90-100+ degrees and it felt so damn good. Hot, yes it's hot. But at under 30% humidity (purely speculatory, I really don't know), who cares. In western PA, we have more like 40, 60 and 80%. IT SUCKS. I took a shower last night and had to lay on a towel in bed because I couldn't dry off.<br /><br />While I was gone It appears that someone got very upset about a sentence or paragraph in one of my blog posts.<br /><br />Well, the story I got was that PERSON_A read my blog. Then PERSON_A (or their spouse) called the recipients spouse. The recipients spouse got all upset and freaked out on my wife. My wife then called me.<br /><br />I was reading all my posts to see what was so inflammatory. Of course the areas I thought would have put someone on the ropes were not even close to what was being referenced. I am still not 100% sure about the specific posts that caused such a ruckus.<br /><br />So.....the moral of this story.<br /><br />IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH WHAT I POST CONTACT <span style="font-weight: bold;">ME </span>FOR CLARIFICATION.<br /><br />I have already made a few concessions in my web activities. I am not using names here on the blog to protect the innocent (or the stupid). I use carefully selected pseudonyms. To most, it's not hard to add everything up. To many, no one cares. I also don't blog about everything, like over at <a href="http://www.dooce.com">Dooce</a>. I could, but that would open another can of worms that I won't go into. Although putting in names and a full accounting of events might be more fun.<br /><br />Although, I could be like others in this world and not care, that wouldn't be me. I do care. I care enough to actually post here to let everyone know what the hell is happening. I care enough that I offered my own damn liver to help the recipient out. I cared enough that when my wife asked, I had already gone through the thought process to be able to say "yes, I will donate". I even said yes to consolidating houses to help the recipient and his spouse since they are not able to sustain individual living on their own. Along those lines I clean the house (sometimes) I drive them to some appointments. I cook and have a few conversations every day. I deal with the nuances of their personalities. I even hold my tongue on occasion (rarely). We even go to dinner together when I can drag the recipients spouse off the couch. Does it sound like fun? Well, for the past 4 years, 3 months and several days, every time I speak to one of my family members I field the questions and answer session of when will we be moving back.<br /><br />I DON'T KNOW. If it were up to me, I would relocate to 99336 tomorrow. But my wife and the recipients spouse have more say than the kids, myself and the recipient. Their arguments are valid. I understand. But I don't have to like it. So, here were are and here we will stay until death do us part.<br /><br />Employment has also kept us here, but that too is another LONG potentially volatile discussion.<br /><br />To compare that to some of the other family members, I have done a lot for the recipient and spouse. I know that my wife and I are in a unique situation.<br /><br />But everyone else is too, so don't go there.<br /><br />We took this on (taking care of them) many many years ago because of another situation that we were in. I will also not forget that the recipient and spouse have done a LOT for my wife and I. It doesn't go unnoticed. I also have my own sets of parents to think about. This is probably a precursor for what the rest of my life will be about.<br /><br />For those that question me, walk a mile in my shoes.<br /><br />So hows that for pissing in your cheerios.<br /><span style="font-size:-1;"><b></b> </span>causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-86441507852769220902007-08-05T11:02:00.000-04:002007-08-05T11:53:45.893-04:00Back in actionOkay, wow, like, it's been a while.<br />I still have a few hangers on. I appreciate it. Really, I do.<br /><br />Now that I have a real job, (taking care of my kids) I don't have time for the frivolous stuff like blogging. (tongue in cheek) Sort of.<br /><br />So, here's a nutshell update.<br /><br />Moved out (you already know that)<br />No regular paycheck (you already know that too)<br />Trying to get a photography studio off the ground.<br />Looking for a corporate type gig (otherwise know as a "job")<br />Trying to adjust to living in a box with 5 other people......moving in with the recipient and the recipient's spouse is a HUGE adjustment. My kids are not as enthusiastic about it anymore either. I am sure it goes both ways though.<br /><br />Next week I get to go "home" for a few days. My 20 year class reunion is Aug 10/11. Almost didn't get to go. I would have been truly bummed if that had happened. Truly.<br /><br />For three weeks, I have been hanging out with our summer visitor.....She is legally a niece. But because of my superior way of being specifically ambiguous, I will call her....OldestD. It has been fun, and trying. From OldestD's perspective, I am the "entertainment". Since I don't have a day job, it's up to me to keep the kids entertained. Swimming, food, shopping, trips ANYWHERE out of the house. You know. Everything I have waited to do since I was a young teenager. Being a DAD is nothing short of great. Wish OldestD could stay forever. Wish she could have been with us these past years....<br /><br />Other things happening are:<br />The recipient has been taken off some more medications. He is doing very well since the transplant. Even in the past three weeks, things are better. He was really tired for quite some time. Early to bed. Late to rise. Mid day nap for a few hours, then back to bed early at night. Now, the nap is essentially gone. Strength is still low and a few other issues exist like the lost feeling in fingers of the left hand. Still there.<br /><br />I have been monitoring the numbers, but obviously haven't posted any. Here they are:<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Waiting list candidates: 96,940 as of today 11:22am (8/5/07)</span><br />It won't be long until the list tops 97 THOUSAND people waiting for an organ. I guess I should do my part.<br /><br />A little FYI. Over the summer, there was an ad campaign on TV about teen drivers. While I am not a teen driver, I have one that is of age, and two that are becoming aware of driving. They ask the speed limit. Recognize red lights (and green ones too). The stats from <a href="http://sadd.org/stats.htm#traffic">SADD </a>(culled from the <a href="http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/departments/nrd-30/ncsa/AvailInf.html">NTSB</a>) say in 2005, 43,200 died in traffic accidents. That same year, <span style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:85%;">3,467 15- to 20-year-old drivers were killed </span>in accidents. (Not in additions to, but as a part of).<br /><br />Looking on the <a href="http://core.bluearcher.com/faq.asp">CORE web site</a>. I found some interesting bits of information. First, one:<br /><strong style="font-family: courier new;"><br />If I die of a heart attack, can I be an organ donor?</strong><br /><span style="font-family: courier new;">No. For traditional organ donation, a person needs to be in a hospital and on a ventilator at the time of death. If someone dies of a heart attack, that person may donate tissue, but not organs.</span><br /><br />Another one that is a big bummer, but understandable (<a href="http://core.bluearcher.com/fast_facts.asp">source here</a>) :<br /><span style="font-family: courier new;font-size:100%;" ><span><span style="color:#666666;"><strong><u><br />Donation Facts</u><br /></strong>-Under a program called "Routine Referral"</span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: courier new;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;" >...However, when an individual dies outside the hospital setting, the individual may be able to donate tissue or corneas, but not organs.<br /></span><br />Those two items have been the most troubling for me. The death outside a hospital was surprising. But my limited knowledge of anatomy, I will assume that when the heart stops beating, the organs begin to deteriorate. Thus, in a car accident, it can be several minutes (tens of minutes) before a crew could extricate a decedent. By that time the organs are in pretty bad shape. Not exactly something to put into another person huh.<br /><br />With those two items, I can begin to understand how important it is to have more and more people to be organ donors. Right now, so many people die in car accidents, they are probably the bulk of organ donors. If the death occurs in the car, then they cannot donate.<br /><br />Kind of a strange irony.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-25342446426649933862007-07-16T10:59:00.000-04:002007-07-16T11:27:58.353-04:00Current eventsWe are finally moved out of the old place. It took THREE 26 foot moving trucks plus our van (for the delicate stuff) and two regular pickup truck loads and a trailer. Damn man, that's TOO much SH!T. All I can say, is we better have one helluva yard sale soon.<br /><br />So now I have internet access and can hopefully, get back to the better tasks at hand.<br /><br />Since I have been moving literally every day for the last three weeks, it's time for a break. But there is no rest in the plan. We have so much chaos in our lives right now, it affecting our sleep, our attitudes, our logic and of course how we all get along.<br /><br />The house we are in now is nice and big but the kitchen on the main floor is not set up very well. The former owner really did a crappy job in almost everything he touched. The rumor was he had electrical skills. Well, skill is not the word I think of. We had two electricians come in to take a look, and they both said the house should not have passed inspection. We have several hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars worth of work that needs to be done because of his "work". Hopefully, we can do some of the work ourselves and save on the non-existent cash.<br /><br />One other item is how the main floor kitchen was put together with zero insight. (I wasn't involved at all). The food is in four different and separate locations. Drinking glasses are in such a bad place everyone struggles to get at them. But no one is willing to admit they were put in a bad place nor will they move them to a better place. So I relish in a sadistic joy as I watch everyone struggle getting a freaking water glass.<br /><br />I could go on, but I don't feel like throwing myself into a pit of negativity, there will be plenty of time for my bitterness to rise to the surface.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-60203608473564664922007-06-26T00:55:00.000-04:002007-06-26T00:57:54.212-04:00How's this for a real causal effectTNT channel has a new series centered around organ transplants.<br /><a href="http://www.upmc.com/Communications/NewsBureau/NewsReleaseArchives/2007/June/Heartland.htm">http://www.upmc.com</a> and the <a href="http://www.tnt.tv/dramavision/index.jsp?oid=30054">TNT site</a>.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-31651797925712850742007-06-20T21:17:00.000-04:002007-06-20T21:59:54.490-04:00Current eventsI am heading in a different direction professionally. I have two photographers looking over my portfolio and am thinking about moving whole heartedly towards being a pro photog. Another local pro has offered me a 1/3 partnership. We will talk about this in more detail Friday morning.<br /><br />I also got a call from "C" (you can see her picture here <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007/513681626">http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007/513681626</a>) her daughter is an up and coming photog and she wanted to know if I could offer any guidance. Of course I will!<br /><br />One of the things the recipient gets is TIRED. He naps for a few hours every afternoon and I think he's getting a full night's sleep. But after 3 months, he can do more things, but it really saps the energy. We worked together today on a workbench in the new garage. I could see him struggling with the tools and with his strength. While it's better than is was 6 or 12 months ago, it's tough to see him like this.<br /><br />I put up a new link down on to the right, but here it is anyway <a href="http://transplantheadquarters.blogspot.com">http://transplantheadquarters.blogspot.com</a> there are many thing organ donation related on here. I haven't gone to far into it, but it's a plethera of info.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-76896329468779325312007-06-18T14:58:00.000-04:002007-06-18T14:59:55.205-04:00Happy Birthday BroIt's my brothers birthday and I want to wish him a happy one!causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-22235603597178233632007-06-18T10:35:00.000-04:002007-06-18T14:43:26.207-04:00Melancholy funkMuch has happened over the past 7-10 days. I won't bore you with the normal details....if you're lucky.<br /><br />I finished my first professional photo portfolio a few weeks ago. I culled through all of 2006 (35,000 images) to pull my 50 favorite shots. Currently I have two professionals reviewing it, one on each coast. When I get my reviews back, I will share with you all the....results.<br /><br />The wife, kids and I took our first official family vacation together last week. Suffice to say, it wasn't without it's issues. We went to the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia to see the treasures of the Pharaohs. I have been planning it since the fall of 2006. We left a few minutes late on Wednesday....well if 240 minutes would be considered late. We also stopped in Gettysburg during a rain storm. Making it to our hotel in NJ, we eventually made it to the Franklin Inst. at 10 the next morning for our ticketed time slot. As we entered, the tickets were found out to be FOUR months old. When I purchased them, it was on Feb 12. The time/date was Feb 14 not June 14th. DAMN. I was in tears. I had been planning this trip so long and they wouldn't let us in. I had to buy tickets again, if they were available. Luckily they were and to the Franklin Inst. honor, they allowed us to purchase at a membership price rather than the normal price so that saved us a few dollars....<br /><br />Saturday was the end of soccer. It was a long and very satisfying 12 weeks of soccer. My idea of an adult league was a resounding success. They will all be playing in pickup games through the summer.<br /><br />The stick and ball season is almost done. The final record will be something like 14 losses and zero wins.<br /><br />Grade reports came back last week too. Mostly even. A few improvements. My plan of using a cell phone for a reward wasn't enough. They studied only when they would get something now, not in the future.<br /><br />We moved the recipients....stuff....from the old garage and it now FILLS the new smaller garage. I have moved some of the same exact items, three times now. Some of that stuff has been touched three times in four years. Only when it's moved. There's gonna be a big ass yard sale someday. Sell it, toss it or leave it. I'm not moving it again.<br /><br />We started cleaning the 2nd floor of the new house. It's disgusting. The former occupant smoked and the previously white walls are GRAY with smoke.<br /><br />I got to over hear the recipient talking to a former neighbor regarding his current health. He says he feels good. Unfortunately, he isn't following all of the doctors guidelines. But for the most part, his he only suffers from some tiredness. His energy level isn't what it used to be. He also has lost the feeling in the three fingers of his left hand. It' the same issue as before, but after shock therapy....?.... nothing has changed so we can probably expect that is the payment for a new liver.<br /><br />We have to be out of the current rental the end of this month and we are nowhere close to packed or the new place prepared for us to move in. Then again, the recipient and his spouse are using all the boxes we need to pack. Not only that, but all their stuff is in the living and dining rooms as well as the kitchen. So we don't have a place to put our living room, dining room or kitchen stuff. Basically, I am sure it will go as it did two years ago. my wife and the recipients spouse will call the shots and I will have to deal with it.<br /><br />I love my life, I just wish I enjoyed it.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-74538508567952898002007-06-12T14:38:00.000-04:002007-06-12T14:40:10.991-04:00Quote Of The Day“…<span style="font-style: italic;">If you talk to a guy in the Apple Store, you already know he's going to be modern and up-to-date and sober. It's healthier than picking up someone in a bar.</span>” - unknown Apple store customercausaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-53636309935980688572007-06-11T23:16:00.000-04:002007-06-11T23:24:12.164-04:00Not what we like to hear<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,280732,00.html">http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,280732,00.html</a><br /><br />A woman working for <span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT">Tennessee Apparel wanted to donate a kidney to a distant relative, sort of. But the company won't keep her job available if she donates. Because the surgery is an elective, they don't have to follow the FMLA.<br /><br />Now, when I first read this, I was a bit concerned about it. But after reading the article, she is also the </span><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT">sole financial provider</span><span name="intelliTxt" id="intelliTXT"> for the family. Strike one. She has three kids, that apparently get sick often. Strike two. The third strike for me is thinking about the lack of care she nad her immediate family will get during her recovery. Sure, organ donation is important, but she and her family is too.<br /><br />This is just one fo the issues facing everyone that is a living donor, what happens after I donate.<br /></span>causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-42974348006172365142007-06-11T13:54:00.000-04:002007-06-11T14:58:05.074-04:00A new eraOver the past week to two weeks, I have been coming up with something of a new plan for my professional career path. Flash back to last summer when the recipient was really sick, we (actually just me) were thinking that if the recipient did pass away, we would fast track it back to the Great State of WA. Come fall, I was offering a slab of my own liver. Last November, I wasn't able to donate. This winter (February) the recipient received a liver. Spring=change, and we bought a house here north of Pittsburgh, thus securing our medium term stay, extending the 5 years that we (again, probably just me) would give Pittsburgh......sigh<br /><br />Now, given my wifes penchant for being in a constant state of chaos, we are getting ready to move into said house. The recipient and spouse have most of their stuff in the house, and the flooring and paint is supposed to be going in. When I say "in the house" that's literally. The dining room and living rooms are FULL of their stuff. Both floors also have to be replaced so we will be doing a lot of move everything there, then move it again then move it AGAIN. Something I loathe!<br /><br />So, that effectively brings you current.<br /><br />The new era.....I would really like to head in the direction of a photography. Really! I would. Our new house has an out building that could server as an office/SMALL studio. I mean REALLY small studio. I also got a shot of hope from a Canadian web site that focuses on social change. You can see their images here <a href="http://www.photosensitive.com">http://www.photosensitive.com</a>. Last month I was also reading about NGO's, otherwise known as Non Governmental Organizations. BIG non profits that are about bringing about the betterment of the world, one country at a time. The photographers that work for the NGO's are usually contract photogs. In some cases they are actually staff employees, but not often.<br /><br />Right now I am in the discovery phase of the process. After I do my research, I will take the information I learn and to move forward by creating a non profit foundation/organization. File for the 501(c)(3) tax status. That will put me in the position of being able to request tax exempt donations from large corporations and individuals that might be sympathetic to organ donation and it's various associated causes. Right now, my cause is commendable, but I can honestly say, being successful puts me into the position of sacrifice that frankly, I am not prepared to perform. I don't mind working hard, but there has to be a payoff. My family can't eat off great pictures of organ donors. If I can actually pull a salary as a photographer, then putting 110% into this cause can then actually create some change. To wit there are <a href="http://www.optn.org/data">96,667</a> people waiting for organs this afternoon.<br /><br />I have another photographer friend of mine that has offered to pull me in as a 1/3 partner. That should bring is some weddings and perhaps some team and individual portrait jobs next spring/summer. It's a tough gig to work full time on the weekdays, then shoot weddings and sports on the weekends. That's where I am not willing to sacrifice quite yet. The kids are young and I am involved, so I an staying on the side of caution before I jump headlong in to the mosh pit.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-71088830490839054112007-06-06T18:30:00.000-04:002007-06-06T19:01:04.420-04:00Yeah, I am that goodOver the past few weeks I have had the opportunity to spend quite a bit of time with my kids. For those of you that know me, you know my standing on them, their activities and my devotion.<br /><br />Last week, one of my offspring asked for a sleepover. No problem. Then another friend was added. Soon, the sibling wanted in on the action. That too, resulted in another friend.<br /><br />Before long, we went from one sleeping over to EIGHT.<br /><br />I had planned for dinner at a certain time and things weren't going too well. Food=good, timeliness=bad.<br /><br />No matter, this is what I live to do. Cook, entertain and make people happy. I watched the kids hang out and chat. Then they asked to head to the store across the street.<br /><br />As dinner was served and eaten, I really relished in the moment. So much so that my wife noticed that I was probably glowing and called me "super dad". I was the happiest I had been in quite some time. They wanted to go to ice cream and I offered up some cash for those that weren't prepared. (I even got change back)."Sure, but be careful." (I also WORRY, A LOT). They all headed off, over the hill. It was really a neat sight to watch the group as they mingled, jockeyed for position and really got along. My kids included.<br /><br />After the ice cream was eaten, the kids got a bit restless. One of my claims came out with a water balloon and the war was on! I even let them throw water balloons from the upstairs bathroom window. (I did laugh thinking that "mom" would nave never allowed that!)<br /><br />Looking back, I got to see, and really pay attention to the inner workings of boys, girls, and boy-girl relationships. It was just so neat to watch and be privy to what happens.<br /><br />Later that night, they were all down in the theater hanging out. It's the only room where you can put your feet up, eat and hang out on the furniture. Yeah, it's cool!<br /><br />Anyway, they were playing a game and I got to play too. Being near 40 and getting accepted (to a certain level) by your children's peers, is a pretty big coup. I work very hard at letting all of them know my expectations. I don't mince words and I treat all of them with respect. I also am very adamant in that I expect some respect in return.<br /><br />Forward to last night......I was at a sporting event with one of my kids. It is near the end of the season and the overall record is so far past dismal, it's beyond sad. No wins and really no close games. No matter, the kids are still playing.<br /><br />I noticed that the opposing team was similarly matched in skills. Something we haven't experienced this season. All the other teams play year round, or the coaches are effectively a$$holes and winning is the only option. Those coaches like to know they walked away from a game that the score is 2 to 26. Class acts I tell you.......but pull the "Cl" and you know what you get.<br /><br />So, two of our coaches were absent this game. So me being the one to take advantage of a situation, I pretended to be a coach. I did what I do naturally.<br /><br />Recognize the talent.<br />Challenge the mind.<br />Motivate the heart.<br /><br />I spoke encouragement. I challenged the kids. I made a few changes with their bats and how they hold the grip. It worked. Some got hits that normally don't. Many got on base. And several scored.<br /><br />Sure, the team was better. But we...THEY scored 11 runs. Three times anything they had scored before. On several occasions, a player said they liked being ENCOURAGED.<br /><br />While it wasn't just me, the other coaches were more encouraging too and they actually coached, where I just tried different things. But I did something different. I spoke to the players DIFFERENTLY. I treated them with respect. I think they responded positively to that.<br /><br />Sure we lost, but they had fun doing it and enjoyed the game. I know it was the best one I had watched.<br /><br />We have several more games left in the season, all against very good teams. Hopefully, they can play as well these next few games as they did this last one. But I suppose it might also depend on if I can be in a position that I was last night.<br /><br />I know it wasn't because of me. But I know I was part of it.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-17805309162746439652007-06-05T15:28:00.000-04:002007-06-05T15:30:36.451-04:00WelcomeI would like to congratulate my brother and his wife on the birth of their child yesterday.<br />Pretty cool to have another one in our family, hopefully I will see her before she graduates from high school.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-39667564145779549722007-06-01T16:42:00.000-04:002007-06-01T16:44:44.451-04:00More time wastersFor those that use Google maps, or for those that don't.<br />This site has some funny issues with the new version (addition) of Google's Street View.<br /><a href="http://www.laudontech.com/StreetView/streetview.html">http://www.laudontech.com/StreetView/streetview.html</a>causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-70928152081081193762007-06-01T10:44:00.000-04:002007-06-01T15:58:52.794-04:00Opinionated cynicWoof<br /><br />Several things need to blogged today, but I am diverting from the important to allow myself some therapy. Bear with me.<br /><br />We...er..."I" signed on the line of death, sold my soul, determined my (short term) destiny and bought a house last week. Last Friday actually. I still claim it was under duress so to speak. Regardless, I took one, two (and more) for the team. Even though the team consists of two chiefs and a handful of Indians. I feel like we're headed into Wabash and I just hope it doesn't turn into another St. Claire's defeat. Although the Indians were victorious in that one. Maybe I feel more like St Claire.......<br /><br />While I am not great at anyone thing, I am pretty good at many things. Yesterday, I prototyped a cover for a robotic arm. Then I picked up the camera to take a picture of it for a marketing campaign.<br />Last week, when getting everything packed for phase 1 of the move, I fit nearly the whole house in a 26 foot U-Haul, with some room to spare. While not something you put on the resume, I was pretty damn proud of the job I did. Then the wife and I unloaded it in about three hours. Just the two of us. A great time I tell ya.<br /><br />I won't go into any detail of the garage, but those of you that lived through the first move in '03, it isn't any different, but possibly worse. How many broken riding lawn mowers should one person own? For gosh sake, throw something away would ya?! Look, there's the top (side, part, crank, whatever) of a '49 make-a-name-up-here-cuz-it-ain't-made-anymore manufactured somethingorrather.<br /><br />Me: "<span style="font-style: italic;">Um...do you have any other parts to make it work?"</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Him: "Well, no, but it's a classic (top, side, part, crank, whatever) of a '49 make-a-name-up-here-cuz-it-ain't-made-anymore manufactured somethingorrather."</span><br /><br />Me: (to myself) "<span style="font-style: italic;">That's......just.....really nice........</span>"<br /><br />Okay, so I told you the details. Oops.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Keep it moving, there's nothing to see here folks.</span><br /><br />I have a good mind for small project management and a decent analytical skill set. It's never been truly tested in a professional setting, so perhaps my analytical skills are more "opinions" versus true skills. Just don't ask my wife.<br /><br />We are in the early throes of phase 2 of the move.<br /><br />The new house needs some cleaning. A smoking renter lived there and the carpet in the whole second floor needs to be replaced or deep cleaned. The attic/3rd floor also needs to be gutted floor to ceiling. The main floor is livable but the bedroom needs flooring. The carpet was removed (old and ugly) and we have been waiting for someone to make a flooring color decision.<br /><br />......................waiting...........................waiting..........................waiting.............................still waiting................................(guess)................................<br /><br />I started to write this post this morning then got side tracked with other things. It's amazing how time will cool the creative mind.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-15295802134859779592007-05-29T13:20:00.000-04:002007-05-29T17:38:13.665-04:00In the newsA Dutch TV show is raising some controversy with it's crazy antics. A woman is going to have a game show to see who will get one of her kidneys while she is alive.<br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,276043,00.html">http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,276043,00.html</a><br /><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18919768">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18919768</a><br /><br />It interesting that in the article people are quoted saying it disgusting that this show will air and they want to shut it down. Yet, no one offers any suggestions on how to fix the issue of people waiting so long for an organ. In the Netherlands, their average wait is 4 years.<br /><br />It's great that someone took some outside thinking to bring about an awareness. Here in the US, our numbers are significantly higher than those in the Netherlands. Currently the accepted (average) number is 17 people die every day waiting for an organ. That puts us around 6,200 annual deaths. Right now, there are <a href="http://www.optn.org/data">96,470 people on the waiting list</a>.causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11646940.post-20650185799583463672007-05-25T15:01:00.000-04:002007-05-25T15:02:09.283-04:00Link of the day<a href="http://overheardinnewyork.com">http://overheardinnewyork.com</a>causaleffecthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05125744645641089237noreply@blogger.com0