Yesterday was an incredibly great day. No, I didn't win the lottery, but I will play tonight.
I was able to get two portraits for my One-A-Day-2007 organ donation awareness project. I was also able to talk to three other people last night. One really nice thing about living in a small town is that I actually have regular communication with our council president the mayor and the founder/owner of a consulting business that has clients across the country. Three people that I find fascinating and full of guidance and insight. I sat and listened to them discuss all things business, customer service and such.
Why was I doing that....because I am part of a small group of dedicated people that are trying to revitalize our down town area. It's a pretty neat thing for sure. We have had a few $500.00 donations and a $40,000 grant to purchase a run down train station. Why? Well, it's the last train station standing on an old abandoned rail line that runs through town. Once it is restored, it will be a crown jewel so to speak in the efforts to get this area up and getting better.
After our meeting, I gave them my card with the flickr web site on it and a short explanation of the project goal(s). "J" kind of off hand said that I seem to always be into something. That was a crappy paraphrase, but it was a tremendous compliment. Thank you, "J". Sorry I couldn't quote you more accurately.
We have some momentum gaining in the revitalization process. Our 501(c)(3) is in the pipeline and we are just waiting for the.....government to do it's thing.....sigh.....
Other excitement include my 20 year reunion comming in August. I didn't think it would be this cool, but getting touch with a few people from high school, after 20 years is pretty fun. But I have ALWAYS been one to look back. I had such a great time in school. I'm not living in the past, they are just really good memories. Some of the people I am in contact with aren't even people I spent time with or hung around. But now that we are all adults and many with kids, we have....um.....grown up. We realize what the important things are. I am sure once the reunion commences, there will be the normal clicks, but that's human nature. No biggie. There will always me memories. Hopefully good ones.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
The good doctors
While at my appointment, I was able to share info about my organ donation awareness project. One of the doctors, ("T") was already aware of the project and offered himself as a subject. Of course I was thrilled to comply. The other doctor, while observing, was kind of roped into it by me. See their pictures here http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007
But "L" was an absolute great sport. Both are donors, which would have been expected. I really hope this "experience" with me today will garner some sort of dialog between them and others they come into contact with. Either by sharing the web site or better yet, use it as a soucre of inspiration and perhaps share the story with others if they feel that it can help.
"T" has given me some references to other people in the area of organ donation. "L" was kind of brought into the fold so to speak. But again, I think she was keen on the potential and perhaps surprised to the depth that I immersed myself into this sort of thing.
Really, the project isn't about changing minds or hearts. It's about bringing about awareness. A need. A dialog.
But "L" was an absolute great sport. Both are donors, which would have been expected. I really hope this "experience" with me today will garner some sort of dialog between them and others they come into contact with. Either by sharing the web site or better yet, use it as a soucre of inspiration and perhaps share the story with others if they feel that it can help.
"T" has given me some references to other people in the area of organ donation. "L" was kind of brought into the fold so to speak. But again, I think she was keen on the potential and perhaps surprised to the depth that I immersed myself into this sort of thing.
Really, the project isn't about changing minds or hearts. It's about bringing about awareness. A need. A dialog.
Ponder this (again)
Recognize the talent.
Challenge the mind.
Motivate the heart.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16608254/site/newsweek/
Challenge the mind.
Motivate the heart.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16608254/site/newsweek/
It's a good day
Last week I got a message from our 20 year reunion committee. It was pretty cool. Then yesterday I got an email from a person from high school that I hadn't talked to in...well years. Some people you will never forget. This was one of those people I doubt I will ever forget. Thanks for the message "N". It brightened my day.
There are about 50 on the list of found classmates. They only have about 400 to go. Wheeeeeeee.
The reunion committee members are doing a really good job. The web site is up and a few features will be added by the end of this month that will help bring back some memories. I can't wait to see them.
Secondly, but it should actually be first. I came back from my Dr. appt today and last months blood work came back with a DNA confirmation. I DO NOT have Hemochromotosis. It was something that was pretty troubling with the original diagnosis. Especially since having that, would mean phlybotomy (giving blood) for the rest of my life. Depending on the amount of iron im the blood. The symptoms/issues with Hemochromotosis is damage to the heart, liver, pancreas and other vital organs. But, if I lose some weight and eat better, (as we all should), things will go just fine.
So, a blast from the past. A good prognosis of the future. It's a good day.
There are about 50 on the list of found classmates. They only have about 400 to go. Wheeeeeeee.
The reunion committee members are doing a really good job. The web site is up and a few features will be added by the end of this month that will help bring back some memories. I can't wait to see them.
Secondly, but it should actually be first. I came back from my Dr. appt today and last months blood work came back with a DNA confirmation. I DO NOT have Hemochromotosis. It was something that was pretty troubling with the original diagnosis. Especially since having that, would mean phlybotomy (giving blood) for the rest of my life. Depending on the amount of iron im the blood. The symptoms/issues with Hemochromotosis is damage to the heart, liver, pancreas and other vital organs. But, if I lose some weight and eat better, (as we all should), things will go just fine.
So, a blast from the past. A good prognosis of the future. It's a good day.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Good things come to those that wait
Although "K" doesn't fit the "absolute total stranger" mold I have set for myself in shooting my street portraits. I asked her for a picture on Friday but she had some personal business to attend to before we were able to set aside a few minutes for a shoot.
I was willing to wait.
Today I was rewarded with a golden smile and wonderful poses. The results show. I had a tough time picking the ONE picture to post. I actually had 5 that were really, really good. Then I narrowed it to three. Then had to pick the one that I feel showed her personality the best. You can see the portrait of "K" on http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007.
In the two weeks I have been doing the One-A-Day-2007 photo project, "K" is the first that has some personal experience in organ donation. Her roommate in college had a family member that needed an organ transplant. She was able to see, and experience, the stress, grief and daily events that a family will undergo while waiting for an organ.
I feel "K" experienced something with her roommates parent needing an organ that will live with her the rest of her life. Hopefully, this project can reach out and elicit conversations regarding organ donation with everyone that comes to this blog and the photo blog.
If you are an organ donor. You really need to talk to your family about it.
If you are a beliver in Christ, it should be no different. Be proud. Stand up for your beliefs.
I was willing to wait.
Today I was rewarded with a golden smile and wonderful poses. The results show. I had a tough time picking the ONE picture to post. I actually had 5 that were really, really good. Then I narrowed it to three. Then had to pick the one that I feel showed her personality the best. You can see the portrait of "K" on http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007.
In the two weeks I have been doing the One-A-Day-2007 photo project, "K" is the first that has some personal experience in organ donation. Her roommate in college had a family member that needed an organ transplant. She was able to see, and experience, the stress, grief and daily events that a family will undergo while waiting for an organ.
I feel "K" experienced something with her roommates parent needing an organ that will live with her the rest of her life. Hopefully, this project can reach out and elicit conversations regarding organ donation with everyone that comes to this blog and the photo blog.
If you are an organ donor. You really need to talk to your family about it.
If you are a beliver in Christ, it should be no different. Be proud. Stand up for your beliefs.
mac guy v Bill gates
In the wake of the iPhone announcement last week, here is a funny blog entry with Bill Gates having a conversation with the mac v PC commercial mac guy. (Actually it's their pictures, but you will get the gist when you read it.
http://www.10zenmonkeys.com/2007/01/11/iphone-debate-im-a-mac-vs-bill-gates/
http://www.10zenmonkeys.com/2007/01/11/iphone-debate-im-a-mac-vs-bill-gates/
Inspiring stories
Since I usually don't get to be home for the Nightly News, I have been getting the podcasts for the following day. On Friday's Brian Williams has a "Making the difference" section that I think is pretty neat.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Cool beans dude
A couple of things to cover.
First, I want to thank "S" for her time with me for the One-A-Day-2007 organ donation awareness project. You can see her picture there. She thinks, it's "a very humanitarian thing to do". "Just not now, I'm using them". Nothing quite like a southern girl is there.
I have mentioned before, that I find something common in many of the people I meet. "S" is no different. As we chatted, Neither of us are "from around here". She still has a beautiful drawl and I pronounce my consonants. (I might not be able to spell them, but dang it, I can say them). She is form the south. And I am from "the" Northwest. Not even close right.
Her aunt lives in some city in Washington. Perhaps I have heard if it....."Kennewick"?
LOL, uh YEAH!
Small world.
Which leads me to this. I jsut got an email regarding our high school reunion. Pretty cool if you ask me. I loved the first one, can't wait for the second one.
First, I want to thank "S" for her time with me for the One-A-Day-2007 organ donation awareness project. You can see her picture there. She thinks, it's "a very humanitarian thing to do". "Just not now, I'm using them". Nothing quite like a southern girl is there.
I have mentioned before, that I find something common in many of the people I meet. "S" is no different. As we chatted, Neither of us are "from around here". She still has a beautiful drawl and I pronounce my consonants. (I might not be able to spell them, but dang it, I can say them). She is form the south. And I am from "the" Northwest. Not even close right.
Her aunt lives in some city in Washington. Perhaps I have heard if it....."Kennewick"?
LOL, uh YEAH!
Small world.
Which leads me to this. I jsut got an email regarding our high school reunion. Pretty cool if you ask me. I loved the first one, can't wait for the second one.
Friday, January 12, 2007
An evening at B and N
I missed a couple of days of taking portraits for the One-A-Day-2007 Project. Then today, I had someone set up for after work. Yeah, it was kind of a "scheduled" shoot. But "K" and I will be able to make some time on Monday.
So off I go after work. I headed to Barnes and Noble to see if the latest edition of JPG the magazine had hit the stands yet......I has not. I already know none of my submitted pictures made it this issue. But I want to see those that did make it.
Then as I wandered through the aisles, I saw a guy sitting on the war books. He was pretty intent on his book, but I felt a need to ask him if he I could take his picture.
Like most, he was skeptical. But after about an hour and a half of talking about Buddhism, LA traffic, books, travel and the deeper meaing of life, I was able to get a great portrait of "G". I have to say, I normally only get a few minutes with people I approach. But after I left this time, it was pretty nice to be able to give some of my time with him as he was gracious enough to give me some of his time. You can see his picture here.
Next week I have an appointment with my liver doc. I am sure he will be disappointed that I haven't lost any weight but I do have something lined up on just that. More details this weekend. It's a pretty neat deal.
I haven't mentioned the OPTN numbers lately. So I will drop them here.
So off I go after work. I headed to Barnes and Noble to see if the latest edition of JPG the magazine had hit the stands yet......I has not. I already know none of my submitted pictures made it this issue. But I want to see those that did make it.
Then as I wandered through the aisles, I saw a guy sitting on the war books. He was pretty intent on his book, but I felt a need to ask him if he I could take his picture.
Like most, he was skeptical. But after about an hour and a half of talking about Buddhism, LA traffic, books, travel and the deeper meaing of life, I was able to get a great portrait of "G". I have to say, I normally only get a few minutes with people I approach. But after I left this time, it was pretty nice to be able to give some of my time with him as he was gracious enough to give me some of his time. You can see his picture here.
Next week I have an appointment with my liver doc. I am sure he will be disappointed that I haven't lost any weight but I do have something lined up on just that. More details this weekend. It's a pretty neat deal.
I haven't mentioned the OPTN numbers lately. So I will drop them here.
| Waiting list candidates as of today 11:41pm | |
|---|---|
All  | 94,790 |
| Kidney | 69,695 |
| Pancreas | 1,752 |
| Kidney/Pancreas | 2,405 |
| Liver | 17,027 |
| Intestine | 232 |
| Heart | 2,838 |
| Lung | 2,860 |
| Heart/Lung | 137 |
| All candidates will be less than the sum due to candidates waiting for multiple organs Based on OPTN data as of 01/05/2007 | |
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Something to look forward to
My brother sent me a link to a site of a guy that makes "six figures" from his blogging. Or maybe it was an article about a person making six figures. Either way, here it is http://www.problogger.net
Come on people, start hitting the blog, like everyday, put me on your own blogs send it in an email address like the bad jokes and free hamburger at Wendy's. Mention me and link to me from your MySpace accounts. If you don't have one. Start one. :)
Once I hit the rich and famous level, I will promise to visit. And even pay for dinner.
Come on people, start hitting the blog, like everyday, put me on your own blogs send it in an email address like the bad jokes and free hamburger at Wendy's. Mention me and link to me from your MySpace accounts. If you don't have one. Start one. :)
Once I hit the rich and famous level, I will promise to visit. And even pay for dinner.
The calling
I just read an article on MSNBC.com about the 1st Brigade, 3rd Infantry being sent to Iraq for the third time. The first of any division in the Army being sent for the third time. Read it here.
While MSNBC is, in my opinion, usually derogotory regarding anything Bush has a hand in. This "read" different. The quotes from the soldiers in the article all pointed towards they all believe in what they are doing. Some references to them re-enlisting in order to complete the job were included.
If the soldiers believe, why then can't the American public believe in them and support them?
This truly troubles me.
While MSNBC is, in my opinion, usually derogotory regarding anything Bush has a hand in. This "read" different. The quotes from the soldiers in the article all pointed towards they all believe in what they are doing. Some references to them re-enlisting in order to complete the job were included.
If the soldiers believe, why then can't the American public believe in them and support them?
This truly troubles me.
Terminal news
On the iPod: Blink-182, The Beatles, Bob Marley, Avril Lavigne, Blues Traveler, Santana, Mark Farner, Phil Keaggy (damn he can RIP), Mylon & Broken Heart, Metallica, Billy Crocket,
I left Chi town yesterday and spent some time in O'Hare with the goal to get three portraits. Remember, I "promised?" to get more pictures of guys. So, the three portraits were suppose to be guys. I would have settled for 1:3 or 2:3 and of course the 3:3 would have been great.
I sat down for lunch and tried to make small talk with an older woman but she was much more interested in her paperback book. Then there was a guy in the corner that looked like he really wanted to be there, rather than where he was getting ready to go. A couple with a very small child sat slightly behind me and obviously had no time to deal with anything but their little boy.
I finished my chicken sandwich and headed back out to the mass of transiting people.
As I headed back to my gate and sat down, I couldn't help to see a man and a woman talking up a STORM. Let me tell you. I can talk. But this woman took hold of a person sitting on the same bench as her and SHE CAN TALK! WHOA nelly! I was trying to listen in but it was a firestorm of topics. All I got out of it was the man was possibly a pro bike racer ALA Lance Armstrong. I wanted to really try to get a picture of him, but I really didn't get an opportunity. The woman, an airline crew, was on 110% until she headed to the bathroom. Then the guy picked up his phone and texted someone. But the time he was done, the girl came back and started up as if she had never left.
While it's nice to talk, I think this guy was actually tired from it all. Then his girlfriend came in to the picture.....I had to stick around for this.....
The airline crew woman had heard so much about the guys girlfriend, she went right into it with her about their lives together and job, school etc. You should have seen the face if the girlfriend. THAT is what I should have taken a picture of. It was a who is this and why does she talk so fast to me and how did she know about my life.
Priceless!
An announcement came up for a gate change. Of course, I'm in O'Hare. So I headed over to the F terminal. I was hoping to start up a conersation with someone else heading over there but I didn't seee anyone that fit the description.
As I made it to the gate, there was already a mass of people getting ready to leave. So I leaned against the wall and was gaining the nerve up to talk to the young man next to me. Then his number had been called and he headed to the plane himself.
I am beginning to feel like a kid at his first dance. It sucks. I remember it WELL. It did suck.
Shortly after, another guy rolled up and leaned on the wall next to me and said hi. So we started to chat. He was from Canada and in manufacturing, but I wasn't really able to get to the point to ask for his picture. Then my number came up. Well, to board the plane anyway.
I am really intimidated with talking to men. Regardless of the goal for the One-A-Day-2007 photo project. I am just plain intimidated.
So our plane started to board and I headed to my own cattle call.
I figured my last chance would be to hope that a man sat next to me and I could have done a portrait right there in the seats. Well, wouldn't you know it. There are 72 seats on this plane. I am in one, leaving 71 and the guy that sits next to me is an employee of the direct competition to the company that I work for. He is the VP Of product Management and one of the FOUNDERS of that particular company.
While the "pretend spy" in me wanted to ask all sorts of questions. I didn't think I would have been able to pull off the facade for long. The biggest issue is that other company and my company aren't exactly friendly, I could forsee a lawsuit at some point and that's not quite worth it right now. They don't pay me enough.
Strike three. No pictures for me on day 10. My average is pretty dismal. About like the hits on the blog, they just aren't there. I'm goin gto have more NoPhoto photo's on the site than actual photos.
.sigh.
I left Chi town yesterday and spent some time in O'Hare with the goal to get three portraits. Remember, I "promised?" to get more pictures of guys. So, the three portraits were suppose to be guys. I would have settled for 1:3 or 2:3 and of course the 3:3 would have been great.
I sat down for lunch and tried to make small talk with an older woman but she was much more interested in her paperback book. Then there was a guy in the corner that looked like he really wanted to be there, rather than where he was getting ready to go. A couple with a very small child sat slightly behind me and obviously had no time to deal with anything but their little boy.
I finished my chicken sandwich and headed back out to the mass of transiting people.
As I headed back to my gate and sat down, I couldn't help to see a man and a woman talking up a STORM. Let me tell you. I can talk. But this woman took hold of a person sitting on the same bench as her and SHE CAN TALK! WHOA nelly! I was trying to listen in but it was a firestorm of topics. All I got out of it was the man was possibly a pro bike racer ALA Lance Armstrong. I wanted to really try to get a picture of him, but I really didn't get an opportunity. The woman, an airline crew, was on 110% until she headed to the bathroom. Then the guy picked up his phone and texted someone. But the time he was done, the girl came back and started up as if she had never left.
While it's nice to talk, I think this guy was actually tired from it all. Then his girlfriend came in to the picture.....I had to stick around for this.....
The airline crew woman had heard so much about the guys girlfriend, she went right into it with her about their lives together and job, school etc. You should have seen the face if the girlfriend. THAT is what I should have taken a picture of. It was a who is this and why does she talk so fast to me and how did she know about my life.
Priceless!
An announcement came up for a gate change. Of course, I'm in O'Hare. So I headed over to the F terminal. I was hoping to start up a conersation with someone else heading over there but I didn't seee anyone that fit the description.
As I made it to the gate, there was already a mass of people getting ready to leave. So I leaned against the wall and was gaining the nerve up to talk to the young man next to me. Then his number had been called and he headed to the plane himself.
I am beginning to feel like a kid at his first dance. It sucks. I remember it WELL. It did suck.
Shortly after, another guy rolled up and leaned on the wall next to me and said hi. So we started to chat. He was from Canada and in manufacturing, but I wasn't really able to get to the point to ask for his picture. Then my number came up. Well, to board the plane anyway.
I am really intimidated with talking to men. Regardless of the goal for the One-A-Day-2007 photo project. I am just plain intimidated.
So our plane started to board and I headed to my own cattle call.
I figured my last chance would be to hope that a man sat next to me and I could have done a portrait right there in the seats. Well, wouldn't you know it. There are 72 seats on this plane. I am in one, leaving 71 and the guy that sits next to me is an employee of the direct competition to the company that I work for. He is the VP Of product Management and one of the FOUNDERS of that particular company.
While the "pretend spy" in me wanted to ask all sorts of questions. I didn't think I would have been able to pull off the facade for long. The biggest issue is that other company and my company aren't exactly friendly, I could forsee a lawsuit at some point and that's not quite worth it right now. They don't pay me enough.
Strike three. No pictures for me on day 10. My average is pretty dismal. About like the hits on the blog, they just aren't there. I'm goin gto have more NoPhoto photo's on the site than actual photos.
.sigh.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
I am crying right now
It's after 1:00 am and even though I should be sleeping, I was browsing a web site that inspires me photographically. Then I decided to log into one of my email accounts and there was a message.
Nice work on the photo, your skill not the subject. I am impressed by your passion and drive to take on this project. Good luck in your effort. I plan to talk with my family this weekend about completing the back of my driver's license. Best to you and yours this year, J.
I am really crying because this message from "J" just touched my heart in a way I could not have expected.
Thank you....."J"
Nice work on the photo, your skill not the subject. I am impressed by your passion and drive to take on this project. Good luck in your effort. I plan to talk with my family this weekend about completing the back of my driver's license. Best to you and yours this year, J.
I am really crying because this message from "J" just touched my heart in a way I could not have expected.
Thank you....."J"
You got a problem with that
Well, no. Not that I know of.....
It seems that I have an inordinate amount of women in my photo project.
It also seems that I don't have enough guys. DUH!
"Why is that?", I ask myself.
I answer, "It's because there seem to be more women working where I visit frequently. And those jobs are more than likely customer service jobs."
Hint: I am a customer and they are doing a very fine job of helping me in what ever feeble task I am undertaking.
"What are you gong to do about that?", I say.
"Probably not much", I answer.
Besides. I am more comfortable talking to women than to men. Especially when it comes to asking them to take their pictures. I will try to balance it out. I promise. Soon. Really. I will TRY super hard to get more guy pictures. Maybe even tomorrow.
It seems that I have an inordinate amount of women in my photo project.
It also seems that I don't have enough guys. DUH!
"Why is that?", I ask myself.
I answer, "It's because there seem to be more women working where I visit frequently. And those jobs are more than likely customer service jobs."
Hint: I am a customer and they are doing a very fine job of helping me in what ever feeble task I am undertaking.
"What are you gong to do about that?", I say.
"Probably not much", I answer.
Besides. I am more comfortable talking to women than to men. Especially when it comes to asking them to take their pictures. I will try to balance it out. I promise. Soon. Really. I will TRY super hard to get more guy pictures. Maybe even tomorrow.
That's why things happen
We will probably never know. But tonight, after work, we headed to dinner. Well, another co worker and I did. Then since we are staying at the same hotel and she went to her room and I off to mine to consume some Baskin Robbins ice cream. Yeah, I know, I shouldn't be eating it.
Too bad.
Only thing keeping me from my bucket of pleasure is a small little swipe of my card. Hmmm, another swipe of my card. Okay, turn it around. swipe my card again. and again. and again.
Dammit.
Walk down to the desk to get it coded again.
My ice cream is melting.
The clerk took my card, asked my room number then told me I had been checked out of it.
What?
Then before my ? stopped echoing off the walls, I spied my suitcase behind her chair. "Hey. that's my bag."
Well, yes, it is. "You were only confirmed for one night." Well, I wish someone would have told the airlines and the customer I was visiting. They all seem to think I will be here until Wednesday.
"We have a smoking room."
Uh, no thanks. But I will check it out just in case it's one of those smells like potpurri smokers.
It wasn't. But since she sprayed it with fru fru smelly spray. At least it only smells like smoke when you inhale. YUCK!
I stayed in the lobby until I could find another hotel.
I drove to my new one night stay. I went in and the clerk took my info and sent me on my way. I returned right after. Since she did say to ask if there was anything I needed.
Come to think of it, I do need a picture......
"H" is an organ donor. But just not right now, since she is using them (her organs that is). She is also a blood platelet donor for chemotherapy patients.
THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! It's little surprises like that that help motivate me to keep on, keepin' on.
She was also the only person to see the flickr page and blog page before I took their picture. But I think she would have let me anyway. Very pleasant person and I appreciate her time and trust. See her picture here http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007/
Too bad.
Only thing keeping me from my bucket of pleasure is a small little swipe of my card. Hmmm, another swipe of my card. Okay, turn it around. swipe my card again. and again. and again.
Dammit.
Walk down to the desk to get it coded again.
My ice cream is melting.
The clerk took my card, asked my room number then told me I had been checked out of it.
What?
Then before my ? stopped echoing off the walls, I spied my suitcase behind her chair. "Hey. that's my bag."
Well, yes, it is. "You were only confirmed for one night." Well, I wish someone would have told the airlines and the customer I was visiting. They all seem to think I will be here until Wednesday.
"We have a smoking room."
Uh, no thanks. But I will check it out just in case it's one of those smells like potpurri smokers.
It wasn't. But since she sprayed it with fru fru smelly spray. At least it only smells like smoke when you inhale. YUCK!
I stayed in the lobby until I could find another hotel.
I drove to my new one night stay. I went in and the clerk took my info and sent me on my way. I returned right after. Since she did say to ask if there was anything I needed.
Come to think of it, I do need a picture......
"H" is an organ donor. But just not right now, since she is using them (her organs that is). She is also a blood platelet donor for chemotherapy patients.
THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT! It's little surprises like that that help motivate me to keep on, keepin' on.
She was also the only person to see the flickr page and blog page before I took their picture. But I think she would have let me anyway. Very pleasant person and I appreciate her time and trust. See her picture here http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007/
Monday, January 08, 2007
High's and lows
19:45 hrs
There isn't much here in Plano Illinois now, but it looks like the place is growing very fast. Give it a little time, and it looks like Plano and Yorkville will be really nice.
I went to a restaurant here that had a now open sign up. Even on the night of the college football championship game, it was essentially empty.
Inside was a very nice modern rustic design. Exposed stones, wood floor and a fireplace in the corner of the pub. I didn't see the dining area, but I assume it would be as nice.
The menu was decent. I decided on Atlantic Salmon and a baked potato. It took a while for it to arrive but the waitress was pretty attentive.
When it arrived it looked good in the dimmed lighting. As I cut into the baked potato, you could feel it was sitting in a luke warm oven for quite some time
but never actually got cooked and they finished it off in a microwave. Oh, yuuummm. Then the salmon had so little color I thought it was a white fish.
The seasoning they had was good, but that's all I could taste. But I got lots of chances by chewing on the rubber sold as salmon.
At least the water was clear. I will give them one mulligan in that they had a birthday party with a party of 20 or so. So the lateness of my food can be attributed to that.
But if it's the BCS championship game I would have thought they would have enough kitchen staff to cover a few more people than extra. I think my food probably sat under the heat lamp
for way too long. It just messed up the potato and salmon.
Once I was done, I was walking out and noticed the girl at the front with little to do. So, of course I asked if I could take her picture for my organ donation awareness project.
She was tentative at first, but I explained the reason for my self initiated project. She went ahead and agreed. I think I got about 5 pictures of her that were nearly incredible.
She had just had some pictures done recently and her poses were perfect. Great head tilt. She flashed the smile and held it. I was actually intimidated by her composure.
Then the manager came in. She of course was on the defensive right off the bat. Understandably. It's her place. She took the business card from my hand and wanted to know what I was doing.
I explained, knowing full well that it wasn't gong to end in my favor. She went on to say that this isn't something that should be happening and that the subject was a minor
(which she wasn't) and this is a place of business.
Well, I know it's a place of business, that's why I just spent $25.00 on something passed off as food. How else will I take pictures of people in my course of daily activities unless I
actually visit businesses.
I conceded. Packed up my gear and walked out. I feel sorry for the girl. She was put on a spot and I am truly sorry for that. This photo project isn't supposed to create confrontation
but invariably, it will. The manager had a right to protect their employees and business. I appreciate that. But after getting a couple of really good pictures I cannot and will not use them.
Thank you for the time, sorry for the fuss.
There isn't much here in Plano Illinois now, but it looks like the place is growing very fast. Give it a little time, and it looks like Plano and Yorkville will be really nice.
I went to a restaurant here that had a now open sign up. Even on the night of the college football championship game, it was essentially empty.
Inside was a very nice modern rustic design. Exposed stones, wood floor and a fireplace in the corner of the pub. I didn't see the dining area, but I assume it would be as nice.
The menu was decent. I decided on Atlantic Salmon and a baked potato. It took a while for it to arrive but the waitress was pretty attentive.
When it arrived it looked good in the dimmed lighting. As I cut into the baked potato, you could feel it was sitting in a luke warm oven for quite some time
but never actually got cooked and they finished it off in a microwave. Oh, yuuummm. Then the salmon had so little color I thought it was a white fish.
The seasoning they had was good, but that's all I could taste. But I got lots of chances by chewing on the rubber sold as salmon.
At least the water was clear. I will give them one mulligan in that they had a birthday party with a party of 20 or so. So the lateness of my food can be attributed to that.
But if it's the BCS championship game I would have thought they would have enough kitchen staff to cover a few more people than extra. I think my food probably sat under the heat lamp
for way too long. It just messed up the potato and salmon.
Once I was done, I was walking out and noticed the girl at the front with little to do. So, of course I asked if I could take her picture for my organ donation awareness project.
She was tentative at first, but I explained the reason for my self initiated project. She went ahead and agreed. I think I got about 5 pictures of her that were nearly incredible.
She had just had some pictures done recently and her poses were perfect. Great head tilt. She flashed the smile and held it. I was actually intimidated by her composure.
Then the manager came in. She of course was on the defensive right off the bat. Understandably. It's her place. She took the business card from my hand and wanted to know what I was doing.
I explained, knowing full well that it wasn't gong to end in my favor. She went on to say that this isn't something that should be happening and that the subject was a minor
(which she wasn't) and this is a place of business.
Well, I know it's a place of business, that's why I just spent $25.00 on something passed off as food. How else will I take pictures of people in my course of daily activities unless I
actually visit businesses.
I conceded. Packed up my gear and walked out. I feel sorry for the girl. She was put on a spot and I am truly sorry for that. This photo project isn't supposed to create confrontation
but invariably, it will. The manager had a right to protect their employees and business. I appreciate that. But after getting a couple of really good pictures I cannot and will not use them.
Thank you for the time, sorry for the fuss.
Airports
13:00 hrs
Being in an airport is just a target rich environment. There are tons of people that are just waiting.
I didn't get anyone this morning before my flight out of PIT. Heck, I didn't even want to be awake, much less hustling for a picture.
I'll try later after I get to town after work today.
Being in an airport is just a target rich environment. There are tons of people that are just waiting.
I didn't get anyone this morning before my flight out of PIT. Heck, I didn't even want to be awake, much less hustling for a picture.
I'll try later after I get to town after work today.
Time to go
06:00 hrs
[banter, neat stuff, travel]
I finally made it to bed around 2am. My alarm was set for 4:30 am.
I actually got up when the alarm went off. I guess I should treat it as a nap rather than actual sleep.
My flight to Chicago was okay but a little bumpy. On the iPod, Avril Lavigne, Giant, Aerosmith.
I found a program that will allow me to put my LEGALLY owned DVD's onto my iPod. The registration won't accept
yahoo or gmail addresses. So I am waiting for a reply from their support to see if I can still buy it.
I have used it in trial mode (it puts a BIG TRIAL MODE across the screen). It takes about 45 +/- minutes to convert a DVD and depending on the length
about 500-800 MB in size. Unfortunately, I will have to re do the 5 or 6 I have already done.
My list includes (but is not limited to) Blazing Saddles, Airplane, Mr and Mrs Smith, Monty Python Search for the Holy Grail and Seinfeld Live on Broadway.
I have a bunch more, but that's all I want to do for now since I have to re do them.
[banter, neat stuff, travel]
I finally made it to bed around 2am. My alarm was set for 4:30 am.
I actually got up when the alarm went off. I guess I should treat it as a nap rather than actual sleep.
My flight to Chicago was okay but a little bumpy. On the iPod, Avril Lavigne, Giant, Aerosmith.
I found a program that will allow me to put my LEGALLY owned DVD's onto my iPod. The registration won't accept
yahoo or gmail addresses. So I am waiting for a reply from their support to see if I can still buy it.
I have used it in trial mode (it puts a BIG TRIAL MODE across the screen). It takes about 45 +/- minutes to convert a DVD and depending on the length
about 500-800 MB in size. Unfortunately, I will have to re do the 5 or 6 I have already done.
My list includes (but is not limited to) Blazing Saddles, Airplane, Mr and Mrs Smith, Monty Python Search for the Holy Grail and Seinfeld Live on Broadway.
I have a bunch more, but that's all I want to do for now since I have to re do them.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Cuz it's good for the neighborhood
We went out for a family dinner tonight since I wasn't going to wait for dinner to cook itself and I was heading to Chicago tomorrow.
At the restaurant there weren't many opportunities from first glance. After we ordered, I decided to ask one of the wait staff if I could take her picture. She was incredibly attentive and gracious with her time. But the low light and the speed at her movements was almost too much for my camera. I really don't like shooting with a flash, especially in a confined space like a restaurant. But it seems that I had little choice.
She had finished taking an order and was entering it in their system and I headed back to catch her in the act so to speak.
We talked a little about the donation process, what brought me to this project and about flash photography. Then as I understood it, she had asked generally about actually donating to someone. Which would be called an altruistic donation. Where you donate to who ever can use what ever you can donate as a live person. Which would be a liver, partial lung and a single kidney.
"T" since you do "believe it's a good thing to do". Please check out my links here on the blog or send me an email and I can point you in the right direction of you still want more information.
You were so gracious in your time and were really at ease in front of the camera. I truly appreciate it. The rest of you can see her picture here http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007
At the restaurant there weren't many opportunities from first glance. After we ordered, I decided to ask one of the wait staff if I could take her picture. She was incredibly attentive and gracious with her time. But the low light and the speed at her movements was almost too much for my camera. I really don't like shooting with a flash, especially in a confined space like a restaurant. But it seems that I had little choice.
She had finished taking an order and was entering it in their system and I headed back to catch her in the act so to speak.
We talked a little about the donation process, what brought me to this project and about flash photography. Then as I understood it, she had asked generally about actually donating to someone. Which would be called an altruistic donation. Where you donate to who ever can use what ever you can donate as a live person. Which would be a liver, partial lung and a single kidney.
"T" since you do "believe it's a good thing to do". Please check out my links here on the blog or send me an email and I can point you in the right direction of you still want more information.
You were so gracious in your time and were really at ease in front of the camera. I truly appreciate it. The rest of you can see her picture here http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007
Wishy washy
Even as I clarified some of the goals, or confines for my one-a-day-2007 photo project. I am still struggling with the scope. As I worked from home Saturday, I struggled with the need to ensure our companies computer security (and a paycheck) against my desire to continue the photo project. Not as a whole, but for that day. I didn't actually get done working until after dinner. Which was late anyway. Then I headed out the door to grab a lottery ticket (still just a dollar) and try for a picture.
Our town rolls up it's proverbial doors early. One of the "joy's" of living here. So there are few options late on a Saturday night. Regardless, I zipped down to the gas station (one of only two) and hoped for a picture. As I went in, there were a few people inside. Two employees a few kids and their dad (I think). From my untrained medical eye, I didn't think he would be an organ donor. I passed on him. The clerk was a new face to me and was cheerful, but for some reason I decided not to ask her if I could take her picture.
Therein lies the dilemma.
I made a selfish personal choice by not asking her. But the overall scope of the project is intended to benefit those in this country that I will never know. I haven't been able to carry that thought through to the actual act of taking a picture. It's a really hard barrier to deal with.
Earlier at the dinner table my wife had asked if I was able to get a picture for the project. I responded that I had not. She said I could take a picture of her or her dad since they are both organ donors. I replied that I wouldn't because my goal was to only approach strangers in the course of my normal daily routines.
Well, that didn't sit well with her. It was too much of a confined definition. And to her, it was unnecessary.
Now an hour later after I had returned home empty handed, I pondered her response.
So here I am now, day 7 of the project and I have missed two days. Technically three, since first day was a picture of me, that in essence, started out with a false premise. I am obviously not a total stranger. But that was indeed the first image.
Here I am, in a conundrum. Pulling a Kerry. Flipping back and forth. As an "artist" [sic] I wan't to stay true to the initial scope. But the reality is that organ donation needs to be talked about. So many people realy don't know what it entails. The true depth of the issue. The actual effort and costs of needing an organ or the benefits of receiving one. For the actual recipient and their families.
Let me know what you all think. Leave a comment here or on flickr with the pictures.
And I still need a picture for today......
Our town rolls up it's proverbial doors early. One of the "joy's" of living here. So there are few options late on a Saturday night. Regardless, I zipped down to the gas station (one of only two) and hoped for a picture. As I went in, there were a few people inside. Two employees a few kids and their dad (I think). From my untrained medical eye, I didn't think he would be an organ donor. I passed on him. The clerk was a new face to me and was cheerful, but for some reason I decided not to ask her if I could take her picture.
Therein lies the dilemma.
I made a selfish personal choice by not asking her. But the overall scope of the project is intended to benefit those in this country that I will never know. I haven't been able to carry that thought through to the actual act of taking a picture. It's a really hard barrier to deal with.
Earlier at the dinner table my wife had asked if I was able to get a picture for the project. I responded that I had not. She said I could take a picture of her or her dad since they are both organ donors. I replied that I wouldn't because my goal was to only approach strangers in the course of my normal daily routines.
Well, that didn't sit well with her. It was too much of a confined definition. And to her, it was unnecessary.
Now an hour later after I had returned home empty handed, I pondered her response.
So here I am now, day 7 of the project and I have missed two days. Technically three, since first day was a picture of me, that in essence, started out with a false premise. I am obviously not a total stranger. But that was indeed the first image.
Here I am, in a conundrum. Pulling a Kerry. Flipping back and forth. As an "artist" [sic] I wan't to stay true to the initial scope. But the reality is that organ donation needs to be talked about. So many people realy don't know what it entails. The true depth of the issue. The actual effort and costs of needing an organ or the benefits of receiving one. For the actual recipient and their families.
Let me know what you all think. Leave a comment here or on flickr with the pictures.
And I still need a picture for today......
Friday, January 05, 2007
In the nick of time
As I drove home tonight (another L O N G day). I was looking in all the store fronts seeing workers doing their thing. There were many opportunities for me to stop, strike up a chat and get a picture. But what struck me, here on day 5, was that that wouldn't be genuine. Those places might be a photo opportunity, they wouldn't necessarily be places I normally visit.
I had to pass by those places for now. But in the future, they could be real places I would visit. Then, they would be a photo opportunity.
Hmmm, should I tan standing up, or laying down?
I made it to the gas station of the company where my wife works and of course seized the opportunity for a photo op. I walked over to the attendant and we shook hands. We know each other by face but that's about it. I also handed a business card to a person getting gas and asked if I could take her picture for the organ donation awareness project I am doing. She said yes, but the attendant jumped in like a boxing match referee. "NONONONO, this is solicitation", he said, as I thought of Sgt. Shultz from Hogans Heroes. I assured him (as I didn't budge) that I am not selling anything. But for my images to be legally published, I have to have a signed consent form and I would then give the subject a CD of the images. When she heard signed consent form, she backed out.
Since my gas was probably done pumping, I went ahead and thanked them for their time and went back to my car.
The word "solicitation" kind of bothered me. But I guess it's a part of the gig. I am sure before this year is out, I will get better, and worse responses.
Since I was a bit bummed from that. (I will NEVER accept rejection well) I headed home. As I drove down our big 4 lane, I stopped by the grocery store and fast food joint. Of course there was a team of something (think wrestling and cheerleaders) that arrived before me so I headed out through the store.
As I was walking through, I saw "S" walking roughly toward me. I asked her if I could take her picture for my project. (I won't bore you with those details again). She agreed and she is an organ donor. We chatted about blood donations and other small talk too. She looked really comfortable in front of the camera. If she was nervous, it didn't show. Perhaps some people are just naturals.
I had to pass by those places for now. But in the future, they could be real places I would visit. Then, they would be a photo opportunity.
Hmmm, should I tan standing up, or laying down?
I made it to the gas station of the company where my wife works and of course seized the opportunity for a photo op. I walked over to the attendant and we shook hands. We know each other by face but that's about it. I also handed a business card to a person getting gas and asked if I could take her picture for the organ donation awareness project I am doing. She said yes, but the attendant jumped in like a boxing match referee. "NONONONO, this is solicitation", he said, as I thought of Sgt. Shultz from Hogans Heroes. I assured him (as I didn't budge) that I am not selling anything. But for my images to be legally published, I have to have a signed consent form and I would then give the subject a CD of the images. When she heard signed consent form, she backed out.
Since my gas was probably done pumping, I went ahead and thanked them for their time and went back to my car.
The word "solicitation" kind of bothered me. But I guess it's a part of the gig. I am sure before this year is out, I will get better, and worse responses.
Since I was a bit bummed from that. (I will NEVER accept rejection well) I headed home. As I drove down our big 4 lane, I stopped by the grocery store and fast food joint. Of course there was a team of something (think wrestling and cheerleaders) that arrived before me so I headed out through the store.
As I was walking through, I saw "S" walking roughly toward me. I asked her if I could take her picture for my project. (I won't bore you with those details again). She agreed and she is an organ donor. We chatted about blood donations and other small talk too. She looked really comfortable in front of the camera. If she was nervous, it didn't show. Perhaps some people are just naturals.
Throwback thought of the day
One of the hard realities about being a former organ donor and beign rejected as I was, is that I think about it quite a bit.
I use to think what it would be like to be in a tragic situation and being a survivor. I always thought that I would think somewhere along the lines of "well, I made it out alive, I should be happy." I don't htink I would be one of those "I wish it would have been me" people unless it was one of my children.
Harsh? Perhaps. But that's part of what makes me, ME!
As a former potential liver donor, I thought about the possiblility of death whil undergoing the donation. Or after the fact from a sickness/infection. It didn't scare me for dying. It scared me for those left behind left living without my infectuous smile, incredible sense of humor and great comedic timing.
I write great fiction too. :)
I use to think what it would be like to be in a tragic situation and being a survivor. I always thought that I would think somewhere along the lines of "well, I made it out alive, I should be happy." I don't htink I would be one of those "I wish it would have been me" people unless it was one of my children.
Harsh? Perhaps. But that's part of what makes me, ME!
As a former potential liver donor, I thought about the possiblility of death whil undergoing the donation. Or after the fact from a sickness/infection. It didn't scare me for dying. It scared me for those left behind left living without my infectuous smile, incredible sense of humor and great comedic timing.
I write great fiction too. :)
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Posted picks
Pics, picks, piks, whatever.
I posted the pictures "J" and "M" on the flickr page. You should have already noticed the little picture thingy there to the right. But I will put the link here anyway.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007
I can honestly say my subjects today werer significantly better than my photography. While they may have been a little nervous, I was acting the amateur here. I decided to shoot manual (as opposed to an automatic setting) because of the backlight. (The light coming in from the windows behind them). I didn't use a flash either so that meant I had to bump the ISO (film speed) up and drag the shutter (slower shutter speed, 1/40th of a second rather than 1/125th or so). That resulted in blurry pictures. A person's body moves an awful lot in 1/40th of a second.
.sigh.
Sorry ladies, I hope you can still accept the pictures for the whole of the work rather than my inane ability on this day.
Let's just hope my skills progress throughout the year, right!
I posted the pictures "J" and "M" on the flickr page. You should have already noticed the little picture thingy there to the right. But I will put the link here anyway.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007
I can honestly say my subjects today werer significantly better than my photography. While they may have been a little nervous, I was acting the amateur here. I decided to shoot manual (as opposed to an automatic setting) because of the backlight. (The light coming in from the windows behind them). I didn't use a flash either so that meant I had to bump the ISO (film speed) up and drag the shutter (slower shutter speed, 1/40th of a second rather than 1/125th or so). That resulted in blurry pictures. A person's body moves an awful lot in 1/40th of a second.
.sigh.
Sorry ladies, I hope you can still accept the pictures for the whole of the work rather than my inane ability on this day.
Let's just hope my skills progress throughout the year, right!
Two-fer
After last nights dismal results, I was able to meet two very nice women that allowed me some of their time.
I took some pictures of "J" and "M" this afternoon during a visit to our company office for real business. We chatted about gardening and cooking in the five or so minutes I had with them. I hope to get some quotes later via email to attach to the pictures that will be posted tonight.
"J" is a donor but it isn't reflected on her drivers license and "M" is a donor. Both think it is a great idea and wished me luck in my endeavor.
I took some pictures of "J" and "M" this afternoon during a visit to our company office for real business. We chatted about gardening and cooking in the five or so minutes I had with them. I hope to get some quotes later via email to attach to the pictures that will be posted tonight.
"J" is a donor but it isn't reflected on her drivers license and "M" is a donor. Both think it is a great idea and wished me luck in my endeavor.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Tough times ahead
This project is going to be really tough.
I worked another 15 hours today and it leaves very little time to try and shoot pictures of people. My first stop around 9:20 pm tonight was a fast food joint. I actually only wanted an ice cream dessert but it was "out of order". Funny how it always happens at night. I decided to go for a burger meal.
I rolled through the drive through and knowing I would only have an opportunity for one or two pictures. I readied my business card and photo release. My drink was handed to me and I asked a favor of the employee. I stated my case first, that I was a photographer and I am doing a photo project to promote awareness for organ donation. I went on to ask if she was an organ donor and if I could take a picture. She said she wants to be one, but her dad wouldn't let her.
Of course I had to inquire her age (you have to be 18 to sign the photo release) and she was not that age yet.
She went on to say that her dad said if you are an organ donor the doctors won't take care of you if there is an accident.
Basically he was subscribing to the very common thought of let some one else die in order to POSSIBLY take their organs and then MAYBE put them in someone else. Then in teh small chance that that organ is viable the recipient MIGHT actually live longer.
Really, if you actually think about it, regardless of the ethics issues, it make NO sense to let someone die and put their organs in another person. My brow is wrinkled just thinking about it.
But to help you all in this similar issue look here:
http://www.optn.org/about/myths.asp
http://www.optn.org/resources/links.asp?index=1&title=Donation%20Related
http://www.cdtny.org/donation-mythsfaqs.html
http://www.organtransplants.org/
Obviously, I wasn't able to get a photo. So I went off to a second place. The gas station down the road. I thought perhaps I could eat my burger and see what happens. But as I sat there, rubber necking, I felt like a stalker. It wasn't a good feeling either. I checked my watch, well my cell phone time and I realized i could head over to the gas station back in my neighborhood and buy a lottery ticket (only one dollar) and see if the clerk there would let me take a picture.
I drove up a little before 10:00 pm and headed into the gas station. The clerk was in the back and when she came up front I recognized her, but I don't know her. (Not that many people work there, so it really wasn't a stretch either).
I asked for a lottery ticket then handed her my business card and asked if I could take a picture of her for my organ donation awareness project. She has an incredible smile but was definately shy about the whole deal. As we talked she said she wasn't an organ donor for personal reasons.
I understand the decision. I tried to re assure her that I am not trying to change anyone's mind. Just bring about an awareness and hopefully let people talk about it. Sort of a "you'll never guess what happened to me today" kind of thing.
Remember, if you are a donor, you must talk to otehrs about it. Especially your family.
So, I struck out twice. It was on my way home, that I realized this will be a terribly difficult project to complete. Day three and really only one portrait. Of the four people I have talked to, only one is an organ donor. Me.
Don't forget the photo blog too http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007/
I worked another 15 hours today and it leaves very little time to try and shoot pictures of people. My first stop around 9:20 pm tonight was a fast food joint. I actually only wanted an ice cream dessert but it was "out of order". Funny how it always happens at night. I decided to go for a burger meal.
I rolled through the drive through and knowing I would only have an opportunity for one or two pictures. I readied my business card and photo release. My drink was handed to me and I asked a favor of the employee. I stated my case first, that I was a photographer and I am doing a photo project to promote awareness for organ donation. I went on to ask if she was an organ donor and if I could take a picture. She said she wants to be one, but her dad wouldn't let her.
Of course I had to inquire her age (you have to be 18 to sign the photo release) and she was not that age yet.
She went on to say that her dad said if you are an organ donor the doctors won't take care of you if there is an accident.
Basically he was subscribing to the very common thought of let some one else die in order to POSSIBLY take their organs and then MAYBE put them in someone else. Then in teh small chance that that organ is viable the recipient MIGHT actually live longer.
Really, if you actually think about it, regardless of the ethics issues, it make NO sense to let someone die and put their organs in another person. My brow is wrinkled just thinking about it.
But to help you all in this similar issue look here:
http://www.optn.org/about/myths.asp
http://www.optn.org/resources/links.asp?index=1&title=Donation%20Related
http://www.cdtny.org/donation-mythsfaqs.html
http://www.organtransplants.org/
Obviously, I wasn't able to get a photo. So I went off to a second place. The gas station down the road. I thought perhaps I could eat my burger and see what happens. But as I sat there, rubber necking, I felt like a stalker. It wasn't a good feeling either. I checked my watch, well my cell phone time and I realized i could head over to the gas station back in my neighborhood and buy a lottery ticket (only one dollar) and see if the clerk there would let me take a picture.
I drove up a little before 10:00 pm and headed into the gas station. The clerk was in the back and when she came up front I recognized her, but I don't know her. (Not that many people work there, so it really wasn't a stretch either).
I asked for a lottery ticket then handed her my business card and asked if I could take a picture of her for my organ donation awareness project. She has an incredible smile but was definately shy about the whole deal. As we talked she said she wasn't an organ donor for personal reasons.
I understand the decision. I tried to re assure her that I am not trying to change anyone's mind. Just bring about an awareness and hopefully let people talk about it. Sort of a "you'll never guess what happened to me today" kind of thing.
Remember, if you are a donor, you must talk to otehrs about it. Especially your family.
So, I struck out twice. It was on my way home, that I realized this will be a terribly difficult project to complete. Day three and really only one portrait. Of the four people I have talked to, only one is an organ donor. Me.
Don't forget the photo blog too http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007/
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
Glutton for punishment
Well, 16 hour days are gravy.
I posted my selection of "G". My wife liked this one too.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007/
I posted my selection of "G". My wife liked this one too.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oneaday2007/
Day two = success
Wouldn't you know it. One of the last possible people I would probably see today was willing to let me take a picture.
"G" said he wasn't a donor, "mom and dad are, but I didn't fill it out on the drivers license." We had a good talk about computers, and organ donation.
Then as I was about to post, I realized I sould be this excited about spreading the word of God as I am about my project and organ donation......
I guess I still have some soul searching to do don't I.
I'll put "G's" picture up tonight when I get home (if the missus will let me) or tomorrow morning.
"G" said he wasn't a donor, "mom and dad are, but I didn't fill it out on the drivers license." We had a good talk about computers, and organ donation.
Then as I was about to post, I realized I sould be this excited about spreading the word of God as I am about my project and organ donation......
I guess I still have some soul searching to do don't I.
I'll put "G's" picture up tonight when I get home (if the missus will let me) or tomorrow morning.
Great start to the new year
Well, it looks like I will miss day two of my One-A-Day-2007 organ donor awareness project.
It's a little after 6:00 pm, my time, and I have been here (at work) for 13 hours with an unknown number to go. We have a computer worm that is being very pissy, I mean, persistant, and I can't leave until I have a handle on it. Or it has a handle on me.
Sooooooo, we'll see what happens later tonight. But I am not all too happy I missed out on a portrait on only the second day.
It's a little after 6:00 pm, my time, and I have been here (at work) for 13 hours with an unknown number to go. We have a computer worm that is being very pissy, I mean, persistant, and I can't leave until I have a handle on it. Or it has a handle on me.
Sooooooo, we'll see what happens later tonight. But I am not all too happy I missed out on a portrait on only the second day.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Happy New Year
I shook myself out of my melancholy mood from this weekend. Good thing too. I really didn't want to start off the new year as with a poopy attitude.
I posted my first portrait today over on Flickr. The person is an organ donor. He thinks organ donation is a personal choice that each must make. But for him, it was an easy choice.
I posted my first portrait today over on Flickr. The person is an organ donor. He thinks organ donation is a personal choice that each must make. But for him, it was an easy choice.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
What I learned this year
Words mean little.
Actions speak volumes.
It's twist on the cliche of "actions speak louder than words". I am sure many others have said the same thing but it's what really sticks in my mind right now.
This day before 2007, I am looking back on what was 2006.
I spent some time on the road this year. Not as much as others in my office, but I racked up somewhere around 30,000 miles. It's the lowest upgrade status, but it's better than nothing.....I think.
The company I work for, lost 1/4 of it's staff in 2006. But the CEO thinks it acceptable. I think when we begin the new year, two more will be leaving.
My wife went back to work and quickly made it to where she left last year. But her company is one of the best companies to work for in the USA.
I was able to spend a week back home after a few years away. Let me sum it up by saying the reality didn't live up to the dream. Everyone has busy, busy, busy lives. Even I do realize that. And as I tell my kids, the world doesn't revolve around you (or me).
Someone close to me has been diagnosed with end stage liver disease and is now on the list to receive a liver. Which is actually the reason for this blog. I signed up to donate my liver to the recipient but was denied for medical reasons. Three others offered. The first of these three was denied early for medical reasons as well. The second, had other pressures and declined to continue the offer and the last of these three offered but when presented with the contact info, never followed through. And still has not told us.
That last situation is one of the situations that brought me to my first point above in this post. It has resonated within my heart for these last few weeks.
I have also realized from a meeting with a psychologist (from ONE short meeting) that I may have symptoms of ADD and a "control" issue. Being retrospective, some things make sense now. I write things down. I have a questionable memory. I am easily distracted during primary tasks. Magazines versus novels. TV shows rather than movies. There are more, but that's all I can remember (or want to admit). LOL
My daughter has turned the corner in growing up. She has begun a new chapter in life. It's tough to go through. But I will sum it up this way. For the last ten years, I have prepared myself, but I am not yet ready.
Because of my inability to donate my own liver. I have learned a little about organ donation in general and the process and situation in this country. There are just under 95,000 people waiting for organs right now. It's also really tough to cull the number of people that die waiting for organs. It's also not as many that die in car crashes. According to some statistics, one person dies every 90 minutes waiting for an organ. Roughly 5,843 per year. In contrast, there were just over 43,443 deaths from car crashes in 2005. (From 6.2 million accidents). An average of 119 die per day in a crash. One every 12 minutes. Do you wear your setbelts properly? Are you an organ donor?
I have published other numbers in the past. It seems that every time you look at stats, they change. You can also twist and turn stats to benefit your own agenda. "Figures lie and liars figure" was a quote a former boss told me one time.
Look ahead:
I have told many people that I can start lots of things, but need help in followup and finishing. Because of my somewhat loose diagnosis of ADD, I am challenging myself to a LONG term project. I will be taking pictures every day of people on the street. These portraits will be to help raise the awareness of organ donation. I will blog some results here and post the images on flickr.com. Hopefully tomorrow I will have my first portrait to post.
Actions speak volumes.
It's twist on the cliche of "actions speak louder than words". I am sure many others have said the same thing but it's what really sticks in my mind right now.
This day before 2007, I am looking back on what was 2006.
I spent some time on the road this year. Not as much as others in my office, but I racked up somewhere around 30,000 miles. It's the lowest upgrade status, but it's better than nothing.....I think.
The company I work for, lost 1/4 of it's staff in 2006. But the CEO thinks it acceptable. I think when we begin the new year, two more will be leaving.
My wife went back to work and quickly made it to where she left last year. But her company is one of the best companies to work for in the USA.
I was able to spend a week back home after a few years away. Let me sum it up by saying the reality didn't live up to the dream. Everyone has busy, busy, busy lives. Even I do realize that. And as I tell my kids, the world doesn't revolve around you (or me).
Someone close to me has been diagnosed with end stage liver disease and is now on the list to receive a liver. Which is actually the reason for this blog. I signed up to donate my liver to the recipient but was denied for medical reasons. Three others offered. The first of these three was denied early for medical reasons as well. The second, had other pressures and declined to continue the offer and the last of these three offered but when presented with the contact info, never followed through. And still has not told us.
That last situation is one of the situations that brought me to my first point above in this post. It has resonated within my heart for these last few weeks.
I have also realized from a meeting with a psychologist (from ONE short meeting) that I may have symptoms of ADD and a "control" issue. Being retrospective, some things make sense now. I write things down. I have a questionable memory. I am easily distracted during primary tasks. Magazines versus novels. TV shows rather than movies. There are more, but that's all I can remember (or want to admit). LOL
My daughter has turned the corner in growing up. She has begun a new chapter in life. It's tough to go through. But I will sum it up this way. For the last ten years, I have prepared myself, but I am not yet ready.
Because of my inability to donate my own liver. I have learned a little about organ donation in general and the process and situation in this country. There are just under 95,000 people waiting for organs right now. It's also really tough to cull the number of people that die waiting for organs. It's also not as many that die in car crashes. According to some statistics, one person dies every 90 minutes waiting for an organ. Roughly 5,843 per year. In contrast, there were just over 43,443 deaths from car crashes in 2005. (From 6.2 million accidents). An average of 119 die per day in a crash. One every 12 minutes. Do you wear your setbelts properly? Are you an organ donor?
I have published other numbers in the past. It seems that every time you look at stats, they change. You can also twist and turn stats to benefit your own agenda. "Figures lie and liars figure" was a quote a former boss told me one time.
Look ahead:
I have told many people that I can start lots of things, but need help in followup and finishing. Because of my somewhat loose diagnosis of ADD, I am challenging myself to a LONG term project. I will be taking pictures every day of people on the street. These portraits will be to help raise the awareness of organ donation. I will blog some results here and post the images on flickr.com. Hopefully tomorrow I will have my first portrait to post.
Friday, December 29, 2006
The end is near
Oh I feel like $h!t.
My son ended up with strep throat earlier this month. Then last week, my daughter caught it. We actually took her in too soon and the culture didn't come back until yesterday. I have been feeling under the weather for about a week now. But today is the cliche of achy head, stuffy nose, light ear ache, lack of sleep, winter blahs. It sucks. I just hope it goes away by next week. I have to head to Chicago on the 8th and I am NOT looking forward to being sick for that trip. YUCK!
I renewed a registration for one of our vehicles online today. In the registration process they ask if you want to donate $1.00 to organ donation awareness. Well, yeah! I then looked for more information on the state web site, but couldn't see much of anything. I also didn't dig as deep as I normally do. Yea, oh yea thine end is near.
My son ended up with strep throat earlier this month. Then last week, my daughter caught it. We actually took her in too soon and the culture didn't come back until yesterday. I have been feeling under the weather for about a week now. But today is the cliche of achy head, stuffy nose, light ear ache, lack of sleep, winter blahs. It sucks. I just hope it goes away by next week. I have to head to Chicago on the 8th and I am NOT looking forward to being sick for that trip. YUCK!
I renewed a registration for one of our vehicles online today. In the registration process they ask if you want to donate $1.00 to organ donation awareness. Well, yeah! I then looked for more information on the state web site, but couldn't see much of anything. I also didn't dig as deep as I normally do. Yea, oh yea thine end is near.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Catching up
On the iPod: Today from the BBC, violetblue, CNN Video podcast, ABC News Video Podcast, Fox News Flash......I'm on a podcast tear. Having the news in a podcast is pretty neat so I can watch each station as I have time. While I might not look at it, I can hear it.
Here are the best blog on the web http://2006.weblogawards.org some are really good. Some I still haven't read. But I will eventually.
I haven't blogged much lately. One, it's the holiday. Not that it really matters, but I took a break to look inward and all I saw was some lint in my belly button.
Secondly, I am actually doing other things than sitting in front of the computer. Not sure what I like better......
I have but a few days until the One-A-Day-2007 Organ Donation awareness photo project begins. I haven't actually run my shtick across anyone else. But I think I will accept losing a few subjects as I hone my skill. Comment with anything you can think of. Goo, bad or indifferent.
Tomorrow I was gong to post the final numbers regarding the waiting list. But I will post on the 31st, since it is really the last day. Right now, the list has 94,688 people on it.
2006 was a pretty good year for me and my family. Lets hope 2007 can be as good or better for us too.
Here are the best blog on the web http://2006.weblogawards.org some are really good. Some I still haven't read. But I will eventually.
I haven't blogged much lately. One, it's the holiday. Not that it really matters, but I took a break to look inward and all I saw was some lint in my belly button.
Secondly, I am actually doing other things than sitting in front of the computer. Not sure what I like better......
I have but a few days until the One-A-Day-2007 Organ Donation awareness photo project begins. I haven't actually run my shtick across anyone else. But I think I will accept losing a few subjects as I hone my skill. Comment with anything you can think of. Goo, bad or indifferent.
Tomorrow I was gong to post the final numbers regarding the waiting list. But I will post on the 31st, since it is really the last day. Right now, the list has 94,688 people on it.
2006 was a pretty good year for me and my family. Lets hope 2007 can be as good or better for us too.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Movie night
Since it's somewhat of a rarity, we are all home tonight and are having our family movie night, featuring nachos and Ice Age 2. We'll hang out in the theater and watch a movie. This, is a family holiday.
On the iPod (now that I have one):
Violent Femmes, Direct Current, Kenny G, The Beatles, Giant and Outkast.
On the iPod (now that I have one):
Violent Femmes, Direct Current, Kenny G, The Beatles, Giant and Outkast.
It's almost the end of the year
I wasn't sure to do this now, or Sunday. So I will probably do it both.
Although I throw in a lot of personal flavoring. This blog really is about organ donation. But I guess the real impact can, and is, felt at the whole family level. With Christmas fresh in our minds, we (read "I") wonder if it's the last with the recipient. Realistically, it is not. There are still several years left. But on bad bout with the flu or another sickness can change that. Then again, it can happen to anyone anytime, anywhere.
With that lead in. Have you made peace with your God? Christianity teaches us to prepare for "the thief in the night." Sickness, accident or a return of Jesus can bring about some major change in plans for a holiday.
Secondly, are you an organ donor? Most people put it on their drivers license at renewal. But that is every four years or so. You can put a sticker on the DL and you can carry a donor card.
If you have concerns, here is another link to a web site with FAQ's regarding organ donation.
http://www.giftoflifefoundation.com
There are so many resources out there regarding organ donation. Check them out. Email me or leave a comment if you have any questions.
Here are our numbers up to today:
Although I throw in a lot of personal flavoring. This blog really is about organ donation. But I guess the real impact can, and is, felt at the whole family level. With Christmas fresh in our minds, we (read "I") wonder if it's the last with the recipient. Realistically, it is not. There are still several years left. But on bad bout with the flu or another sickness can change that. Then again, it can happen to anyone anytime, anywhere.
With that lead in. Have you made peace with your God? Christianity teaches us to prepare for "the thief in the night." Sickness, accident or a return of Jesus can bring about some major change in plans for a holiday.
Secondly, are you an organ donor? Most people put it on their drivers license at renewal. But that is every four years or so. You can put a sticker on the DL and you can carry a donor card.
If you have concerns, here is another link to a web site with FAQ's regarding organ donation.
http://www.giftoflifefoundation.com
There are so many resources out there regarding organ donation. Check them out. Email me or leave a comment if you have any questions.
Here are our numbers up to today:
| Waiting list candidates as of today 3:12pm | |
|---|---|
| All | 94,710 |
| Kidney | 69,548 |
| Pancreas | 1,764 |
| Kidney/Pancreas | 2,394 |
| Liver | 17,046 |
| Intestine | 238 |
| Heart | 2,845 |
| Lung | 2,883 |
| Heart/Lung | 139 |
| All candidates will be less than the sum due to candidates waiting for multiple organs | |
| Transplants performed January - September 2006 | |
|---|---|
| Total | 22,016 |
| Deceased Donor | 16,877 |
| Living Donor | 5,139 |
| Based on OPTN data as of 12/15/2006 | |
| Donors recovered January - September 2006 | |
|---|---|
| Total | 11,194 |
| Deceased Donor | 6,057 |
| Living Donor | 5,137 |
| Based on OPTN data as of 12/15/2006 | |
Monday, December 25, 2006
Help needed. One storm hit hard. Lots of debris still about.
We have finished the unwrapping of gifts. And as normal. We have outdone ourselves. With the help of granparents and my brother and sister in law.
My daughter has already said this is the best Christmas ever. Of course the highlights are the refridgerators in their rooms. Her Nintendo DS, Heely's and the little critter called Bob...now called...Chocolate Chip. Personally, I wanted to call him Plasma. She did afterall ask for a 4.5 inch Plasma. Or was it a fourty-five inch plasma?
I saved the above post thinking I would actually post it on Christmas. Ooops.
My son has also called this the best Christmas ever. He got several top item things like a refridgerator, camera and Heely's. Then today we topped it off by his sister floating him the cash to get his own rodent. Well, it's a guinea pig too. His name is.....I don't know what the name is. I heard a dozen or som names on the way home.
Me, I asked for a few things. I got an iPod. I was pretty happy to have that. My mom and dad hooked me up with some cash for my goal of a new (to me) digital camera. I have one, but I am exceeding the limits for the types of pictures I shoot most often.
My wife got a few small things. Her big gift was a car a month ago. Granted it wasn't really a Christmas present. It was a reward for getting a promotion. We tied it together. Sort of.
We had a merry Christmas. I hope you all did too.
My daughter has already said this is the best Christmas ever. Of course the highlights are the refridgerators in their rooms. Her Nintendo DS, Heely's and the little critter called Bob...now called...Chocolate Chip. Personally, I wanted to call him Plasma. She did afterall ask for a 4.5 inch Plasma. Or was it a fourty-five inch plasma?
I saved the above post thinking I would actually post it on Christmas. Ooops.
My son has also called this the best Christmas ever. He got several top item things like a refridgerator, camera and Heely's. Then today we topped it off by his sister floating him the cash to get his own rodent. Well, it's a guinea pig too. His name is.....I don't know what the name is. I heard a dozen or som names on the way home.
Me, I asked for a few things. I got an iPod. I was pretty happy to have that. My mom and dad hooked me up with some cash for my goal of a new (to me) digital camera. I have one, but I am exceeding the limits for the types of pictures I shoot most often.
My wife got a few small things. Her big gift was a car a month ago. Granted it wasn't really a Christmas present. It was a reward for getting a promotion. We tied it together. Sort of.
We had a merry Christmas. I hope you all did too.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Back at ya
Today is Christmas Eve. I wish everyone a great Christmas day and New Year filled with love, joy, understanding and acceptance.
My daughter has had friends over these past few weekends for sleepovers. Then on Saturday like the millions of others, we go shopping. Oh...Joy!
Actually, the shopping is my idea. It gets us out of the house and into an environment that I can observer my daughter with her friends in a neutral place. THE MALL.
My wife and I have raised our kids with the main goal is to understand that everyone is different. Not every one drinks chocolate milk or eats broccolli and cheese. But we also teach them it's good to be first. Work hard, learn hard play hard. It pays to be a winner and be the first in line, first to answer a question and first to offer help to someone.
It seems to me......that what is being taught in this particulay geographic area, is that my opinion is the only one and I am crudely going to tell you what it is and I hope you feel uncomfortable about it.
Backstory: We were heading down the road to the mall and movies came up. My daughter said she wanted to see "Night at the Museum" at the Imax. Friend said "That movie looks retarded." (long uncomfortable pause) When I piped up that I want to see it too. My daughter was relieved that she had someone in her corner. The friend wasn't sure what to say next. (She was probably thinking I was retarded).
Another conversations was on food and she used a word that is used very often around these parts. HATE. It is one of a few words I don't tolerate very well. I informed her she "dis-liked" or "didn't like" or even "really don't like" but we don't use the word hate in our house. (Another long uncomfortable pause).
Is she a bad person. Absolutely not. Different, yes. Good for my daughter....time will tell. But one thing for sure, is that she speaks up for what she believes in and what she want's. Something my daughter could learn from. Both my kids actually.
Most of the kids their age are raised from what I call the "steel mill mentality". It's still around and it burned in. West coasters either adapt or get run over around here.
My daughter has had friends over these past few weekends for sleepovers. Then on Saturday like the millions of others, we go shopping. Oh...Joy!
Actually, the shopping is my idea. It gets us out of the house and into an environment that I can observer my daughter with her friends in a neutral place. THE MALL.
My wife and I have raised our kids with the main goal is to understand that everyone is different. Not every one drinks chocolate milk or eats broccolli and cheese. But we also teach them it's good to be first. Work hard, learn hard play hard. It pays to be a winner and be the first in line, first to answer a question and first to offer help to someone.
It seems to me......that what is being taught in this particulay geographic area, is that my opinion is the only one and I am crudely going to tell you what it is and I hope you feel uncomfortable about it.
Backstory: We were heading down the road to the mall and movies came up. My daughter said she wanted to see "Night at the Museum" at the Imax. Friend said "That movie looks retarded." (long uncomfortable pause) When I piped up that I want to see it too. My daughter was relieved that she had someone in her corner. The friend wasn't sure what to say next. (She was probably thinking I was retarded).
Another conversations was on food and she used a word that is used very often around these parts. HATE. It is one of a few words I don't tolerate very well. I informed her she "dis-liked" or "didn't like" or even "really don't like" but we don't use the word hate in our house. (Another long uncomfortable pause).
Is she a bad person. Absolutely not. Different, yes. Good for my daughter....time will tell. But one thing for sure, is that she speaks up for what she believes in and what she want's. Something my daughter could learn from. Both my kids actually.
Most of the kids their age are raised from what I call the "steel mill mentality". It's still around and it burned in. West coasters either adapt or get run over around here.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Prepare for new years eve
Yeah, I know, I might be donating my liver why would I be drinking? Well, I am not. But I will. A little. LOL
I don't drink often and have NEVER been drunk. I despise the thought. AND those that do it often.
I enjoy a really good glass of wine a few times a year. But they are few and far between. My wife and I have actually found two we both like. One is a sparkling wine from Italy called Elmo Pio (about $9 a bottle). The other was a red wine we had when we went to dinner a few months ago. Of course, I cannot remember it off hand, so you wil have to trust me.
Since it is the holidays, many will use it as an excuse to buy a champagne for dinners or new years party's. Most sparklers are Brute. Elmo Pio is an Asti. Don't know the difference, then head here http://tinyurl.com/y4rj89 for a little primer on selecting a bottle of the bubbly.
This is the link:
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/111/open_bottled-up.html
Yes I have had the cheap (you can't get much cheaper than 9 a bottle) and I have had the expensive (Dom Perignon and Cristal). Perhaps it is my tastes, the Elmo is more drinkable. It is sweeter and because I am already so sweet, it's a great match.
So if you are not familiar with any wine. Have a party. Invite all your friends and family and have everyone bring two bottles and have them pay 25-40 dollars a couple to attend. Then go buy a bottle (or two) of something no one will buy on their own. Then put all the bottles in their own paper bags, then have a tasting party. No one gets drunk, serve some food and enjoy the friendships stories and fun.
I am sure a few will say that that's not Christian. Well, I won't argue here.
But I will say that alcohol is a chemical that affects your body and mind. Not much different than nicotine, caffeine or mood altering medications for depression, anxiety or illnesses. Some are prescribed by a person that has attended medical schools. Others are bought over the counter. It's up to YOU to determine the amount and wether it should be ingested.
I don't drink often and have NEVER been drunk. I despise the thought. AND those that do it often.
I enjoy a really good glass of wine a few times a year. But they are few and far between. My wife and I have actually found two we both like. One is a sparkling wine from Italy called Elmo Pio (about $9 a bottle). The other was a red wine we had when we went to dinner a few months ago. Of course, I cannot remember it off hand, so you wil have to trust me.
Since it is the holidays, many will use it as an excuse to buy a champagne for dinners or new years party's. Most sparklers are Brute. Elmo Pio is an Asti. Don't know the difference, then head here http://tinyurl.com/y4rj89 for a little primer on selecting a bottle of the bubbly.
This is the link:
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/111/open_bottled-up.html
Yes I have had the cheap (you can't get much cheaper than 9 a bottle) and I have had the expensive (Dom Perignon and Cristal). Perhaps it is my tastes, the Elmo is more drinkable. It is sweeter and because I am already so sweet, it's a great match.
So if you are not familiar with any wine. Have a party. Invite all your friends and family and have everyone bring two bottles and have them pay 25-40 dollars a couple to attend. Then go buy a bottle (or two) of something no one will buy on their own. Then put all the bottles in their own paper bags, then have a tasting party. No one gets drunk, serve some food and enjoy the friendships stories and fun.
I am sure a few will say that that's not Christian. Well, I won't argue here.
But I will say that alcohol is a chemical that affects your body and mind. Not much different than nicotine, caffeine or mood altering medications for depression, anxiety or illnesses. Some are prescribed by a person that has attended medical schools. Others are bought over the counter. It's up to YOU to determine the amount and wether it should be ingested.
I have started
Not long ago I challenged you all to have discussions with people about their organ donation status. Yes, it's difficult and I do know that it's not everyone's cup of tea.
I talked about it with two of my co workers over lunch. Both are donors but one has not talked it over with their family. I explained that even if it says so on your license, which they both showed me, there is still a chance that the organs will not be donated if the family challenges or refuses it to happen.
I then went on to explain according to OPTN.org data, there are about 13,000 people that die every year that could donate but aren't donors.
I talked about it with two of my co workers over lunch. Both are donors but one has not talked it over with their family. I explained that even if it says so on your license, which they both showed me, there is still a chance that the organs will not be donated if the family challenges or refuses it to happen.
I then went on to explain according to OPTN.org data, there are about 13,000 people that die every year that could donate but aren't donors.
(almost) open for business
I have been busy preparing for my One-A-Day-2007 project that starts in a little over a week. I have typed up a little sheet to help promote the cause. I have business cards with the flickr site as well as my email address. The blog will have the link and the photo site will have the link to the blog.
Then there is the issue of how to approach my subjects. As I mentioned above. I wrote up a "news release" of sorts, to hand out to people in addition to my business card. It has a little history and an explanation of what the project is about. My biggest concern is how people will react when I ask them if they are an organ donor. That's a pretty personal issue and when you combine it with me taking a picture, asking them to sign a photo release (with address) it all get's to the edge of creepy. I am sure everyone will come up with all sorts of images of lying in a bathtub filled with ice. Well, of course it's not going to be like that. But I still want to make it as comfortable for them as possible.
I did try my approach with my son. I stumbled across several key ponts and remember not looking him in the eyes. He responded with a "screw you". Then he promptly apologized for the language. But he recognized the role playing and I got a good response. (No, he wasn't in touble with the language). My daughter of course took the other road and I worked her knowing she would say yes. But I still stumbled on the delivery. It will take some time and practice.
Then there is the issue of how to approach my subjects. As I mentioned above. I wrote up a "news release" of sorts, to hand out to people in addition to my business card. It has a little history and an explanation of what the project is about. My biggest concern is how people will react when I ask them if they are an organ donor. That's a pretty personal issue and when you combine it with me taking a picture, asking them to sign a photo release (with address) it all get's to the edge of creepy. I am sure everyone will come up with all sorts of images of lying in a bathtub filled with ice. Well, of course it's not going to be like that. But I still want to make it as comfortable for them as possible.
I did try my approach with my son. I stumbled across several key ponts and remember not looking him in the eyes. He responded with a "screw you". Then he promptly apologized for the language. But he recognized the role playing and I got a good response. (No, he wasn't in touble with the language). My daughter of course took the other road and I worked her knowing she would say yes. But I still stumbled on the delivery. It will take some time and practice.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
I call bull$hit
I mentioned almost two weeks ago that our neighbor offered to call the Living Donor Coordinator to see if it would be possible to become a donor to the recipient.
Well, I have talked to them a few times since then and nothing has come up.
So, I call bull$hit on the offer.
Is it fair for me to air out the dirty laundry here before I confirm if the call was made? Probably not, but I am anyway.
To be totally honest, I doubted the reality of the offer in the first place. Many people will make verbal offers like:
Person: "If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know."
Crusader: "Well, yes there is, call this number and see if you can donate to the cause."
Person: "Oh, you mean like do something?"
Crusader: "Yes, 'something' would be good."
Person: "Um, well, I think I have laundry that day....."
Whatever.
I'll eat my words tonight, but I need to vent and post right now.
If anyone calls the Donor Coordinator, then they get back to you that day or the next business day. Heck, I got a call on Thanksgiving morning, so this is something the Coordinators don't dawdle on. With some people, a day can mean the difference between life or death.
The primary factor of the neighbor (not) donating is the spouse. While they mean very well, the significant other isn't really capable of supporting the whole family during a signifacant time of medical recuperation. You can only survive on pizza and BBQ for so long. In order to have left overs, you have to cook first. Right?
Let me re-phrase that. Capable, YES. Willing, probably not.
Let's see if there is crow for dinner tonight. Come back later to find out.
Well, I have talked to them a few times since then and nothing has come up.
So, I call bull$hit on the offer.
Is it fair for me to air out the dirty laundry here before I confirm if the call was made? Probably not, but I am anyway.
To be totally honest, I doubted the reality of the offer in the first place. Many people will make verbal offers like:
Person: "If there is anything I can do to help, please let me know."
Crusader: "Well, yes there is, call this number and see if you can donate to the cause."
Person: "Oh, you mean like do something?"
Crusader: "Yes, 'something' would be good."
Person: "Um, well, I think I have laundry that day....."
Whatever.
I'll eat my words tonight, but I need to vent and post right now.
If anyone calls the Donor Coordinator, then they get back to you that day or the next business day. Heck, I got a call on Thanksgiving morning, so this is something the Coordinators don't dawdle on. With some people, a day can mean the difference between life or death.
The primary factor of the neighbor (not) donating is the spouse. While they mean very well, the significant other isn't really capable of supporting the whole family during a signifacant time of medical recuperation. You can only survive on pizza and BBQ for so long. In order to have left overs, you have to cook first. Right?
Let me re-phrase that. Capable, YES. Willing, probably not.
Let's see if there is crow for dinner tonight. Come back later to find out.
Monday, December 18, 2006
2006 Pictures of the Year
Since I am a photographer here are MSNBC's selection for pictures of the year.
Some you may have seen, many you probably have not.
Some you may have seen, many you probably have not.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Slip, slip, slipping away
High hopes dashed to earth by real issues.
Nothing on the medical front to worry about. Just the fact that estrogen is the most powerful force on the planet, perhaps in the universe.
My daughter, my loving daughter, my dream come true, has nearly completed the course in "Father Destruction 101".
I have been anticipating this time period, but not fully preparred to have it hit me head on as hard as it did. She has begun the process of coming of age. It started out the day she called me "dad". Not dada or daddy, but DAD. I actually stopped in my tracks. Did I really hear that? Did she really say that? Even she knew that there was a paradigm shift in our relationship that moment. She too stopped, wondering what was going to happen next........
Early summer, she asked me to not call her our pet name for her. I complied. Then not long after that, she asked me to not hold her hand or show affection in public. Now, when we are out in public, she doesn't walk near me. She talks to me very little. Her mind is on shopping and friends.
....she is slipping away and I have to let her go.........
.sigh.......
Nothing on the medical front to worry about. Just the fact that estrogen is the most powerful force on the planet, perhaps in the universe.
My daughter, my loving daughter, my dream come true, has nearly completed the course in "Father Destruction 101".
I have been anticipating this time period, but not fully preparred to have it hit me head on as hard as it did. She has begun the process of coming of age. It started out the day she called me "dad". Not dada or daddy, but DAD. I actually stopped in my tracks. Did I really hear that? Did she really say that? Even she knew that there was a paradigm shift in our relationship that moment. She too stopped, wondering what was going to happen next........
Early summer, she asked me to not call her our pet name for her. I complied. Then not long after that, she asked me to not hold her hand or show affection in public. Now, when we are out in public, she doesn't walk near me. She talks to me very little. Her mind is on shopping and friends.
....she is slipping away and I have to let her go.........
.sigh.......
Friday, December 15, 2006
Because figures lie and liars figure
After reading this top ten list, I know it can go both ways. Heck, how many times have we heard in the last few years that wine is good for you, wine is bad for you, wine is good for you. Then there are eggs...good, bad, good, bad.....low fat diet....good, bad, good....shall we throw in coffee too?.....Here is a link from foxnews.com that was fun to read. GO Al GO!!!
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,236598,00.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,236598,00.html
Thursday, December 14, 2006
There's room for improvement
I found my blogs ranked on Technorati.com.
I am ranked 1,538,965. Woohoo.
I am ranked 1,538,965. Woohoo.
Now a word from our sponsor
First off, I would like to thank those of you that have read the blog in the last 24 hours.
Secondly, I have a sponsor lined up to help me with my weight loss and dieting. I will fully disclose who it is once some more details have been lined up. Hopefully this weekend or early next week.
I found some stats for Dooce.com. That blog is one of, if not the most succssful personal blogs on the internet. They get 800,000 hits a month. That is crazy huge for a personal blog.
Secondly, I have a sponsor lined up to help me with my weight loss and dieting. I will fully disclose who it is once some more details have been lined up. Hopefully this weekend or early next week.
I found some stats for Dooce.com. That blog is one of, if not the most succssful personal blogs on the internet. They get 800,000 hits a month. That is crazy huge for a personal blog.
I got my Shaklee drink mix
It came in teh mail today and I contemplated what to do with it......it was suppose to be for the recipient, but you know....I had to make sure it was suitable for consumption.
Yea oh yea, I bowed to the pressure. I opened the cannister. The powder was a light brown and I thought, it doesn't look like cardboard. Then I smelled the light chocolate powder and thought, hmmm, it doesnt smell like cardboard.
I read the instructions. 1/4 cup powder with 8 ounces of milk. Options: blend with a few ice cubes.
So, I tossed in all the ingredients, blended with ice and tasted......
Man was I mildly disappointed. It tasted really good. Not like cardboard at all. Now, do I keep it...or do I offer some to him and see if he likes it........
You will have to come back to see what happens next.
Yea oh yea, I bowed to the pressure. I opened the cannister. The powder was a light brown and I thought, it doesn't look like cardboard. Then I smelled the light chocolate powder and thought, hmmm, it doesnt smell like cardboard.
I read the instructions. 1/4 cup powder with 8 ounces of milk. Options: blend with a few ice cubes.
So, I tossed in all the ingredients, blended with ice and tasted......
Man was I mildly disappointed. It tasted really good. Not like cardboard at all. Now, do I keep it...or do I offer some to him and see if he likes it........
You will have to come back to see what happens next.
Well that sucks
I have been getting everything ready for the oneaday2007 project in January. Over the weekend I set up an account on http://www.flickr.com then signed up for the Pro account that gives me a little more flexibiltiy in what I do with the photos. Well, in my stupidity, I realized I screwed up when creating the accounts. Here's my event summary.
1) Create flickr account oneaday2006 (because the year 2006 has been ingrained in my head for a year!)
2) Minutes later, sign up for the pro account and pay via credit card.
3) Scream because I used the wrong year in the account and just paid for the damn thing.
4) Search the FAQ and forums to see if the paid account can be transferred to a different account. Well, there were several people asking the same question, but no definative answers. One person was sort of told to wait until the flickr staff can get to his case, which leaves hope.
5) No REAL answer was obvious. (In hindsight, there must have been a mention of it in the Terms of Use).
6) Delete the oneaday2006 account and log back in and create teh oneaday2007 account.
Doh!
7) Log in and see that the oneaday2007 is not a flickr pro account.
.sigh.
At least I will have some nice business cards with oneaday2006 on them.........and a line in my statement for flickr oneaday2006.
"Dammit Jim, pull your head out of your butt, this isn't rocket science you know!"
P.S. Ana from flickr did email me back to say they will not transfer pro accounts. So I seriously doubt that I will be using flicker for my oneaday2007 project. To much of a loss already. If you use flickr for sharing, think twice so you don't get things messed up.
1) Create flickr account oneaday2006 (because the year 2006 has been ingrained in my head for a year!)
2) Minutes later, sign up for the pro account and pay via credit card.
3) Scream because I used the wrong year in the account and just paid for the damn thing.
4) Search the FAQ and forums to see if the paid account can be transferred to a different account. Well, there were several people asking the same question, but no definative answers. One person was sort of told to wait until the flickr staff can get to his case, which leaves hope.
5) No REAL answer was obvious. (In hindsight, there must have been a mention of it in the Terms of Use).
6) Delete the oneaday2006 account and log back in and create teh oneaday2007 account.
Doh!
7) Log in and see that the oneaday2007 is not a flickr pro account.
.sigh.
At least I will have some nice business cards with oneaday2006 on them.........and a line in my statement for flickr oneaday2006.
"Dammit Jim, pull your head out of your butt, this isn't rocket science you know!"
P.S. Ana from flickr did email me back to say they will not transfer pro accounts. So I seriously doubt that I will be using flicker for my oneaday2007 project. To much of a loss already. If you use flickr for sharing, think twice so you don't get things messed up.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
6 degrees of seperation
ABC News Primetime just finished up and it was about "6 degrees of seperation". The story was about two strangers in New York City had to find the same total stranger, in New York City.
Greater NYC has more than 21 MILLION people. One of the people found the stranger in six links and the other person found him in FIVE. Then they took that person, Petey the boxer to find a dancer on Broadway. He did it in SIX.
Check out the link to Primetime above and here is another link to the original 6 degrees study from Columbia University. You can also take part in the Small World experiment at Columbia.
Leave a comment if you take part OR what you think about this 6 degrees of seperation thing.
Greater NYC has more than 21 MILLION people. One of the people found the stranger in six links and the other person found him in FIVE. Then they took that person, Petey the boxer to find a dancer on Broadway. He did it in SIX.
Check out the link to Primetime above and here is another link to the original 6 degrees study from Columbia University. You can also take part in the Small World experiment at Columbia.
Leave a comment if you take part OR what you think about this 6 degrees of seperation thing.
Good news, good news, good news, good news, bad news
A few minutes ago I met with the doctor who happens to be the same doctor as the recipient. He looked over my charts and records etc and pretty much asked why I was there. I said I was diagnosed with Hemochromotosis and a fatty liver. He looked at my charts and didn't see where the Hemochromotosis came from so he ordered a confirmation blood test and a DNA test to make sure everything lines up with my "diagnosis".
He was more concerned with my fatty liver. That does need to be taken care of. The fatty liver has a bad long term diagnosis as well. But he was still perplexed that I was told I had Hemochromotosis. In his mind, I do not. He went over the blood test results and showed me my numbers then he told me the "normal" numbers.
Even though he didn't see anything that indicated it, he wants to see what the second set of very specific blood tests will result in.
So that's good news #1.
Good news #2 is that the fatty liver has not been damaging. From what he could see on the tests and the biopsy results, indicate that my fatty liver can be stopped or loosely reversed by diet and excercise. He and the other doctor both mentioned the South Beach Diet. So I guess I know what I will be getting in my stocking for Christmas.....
I have a followup appointment Jan 16th to see how things are going as to go over the results of the tests ordered today.
Good news #3 (for me anyway) is that if my fatty liver is reduced or eliminated, I may still be able to donate my liver to the recipient. (Sorry mom). But it's not 100%. They have been able to do donations from donors with fatty livers to recipients in Japan. The genetic makup of the Japanese versus Caucasians has not been studied so they don't know if us fat Americans can be successful with that type of donation. (The "fat American" quip was mine). The Japanese v American was the Doctors.
Good news #4 The doctor I saw today is willing to correspond with me with any questions I have for the blog. Sort of a pseudo medical consultant. He was really excited to hear I had a blog. I also told him my plan was to get the blog into a book form next year and I was planning a photo project for 2007 to help bring about awareness of organ donation. He was honestly very excited to hear about these things and offered help and information.
I had mentioned a while ago that for this informaiton puzzle I have:
1) Beginning liver donor (that's me)
2) Recent liver donor (that's Becky)
3) Recent liver recipient (that's Joe)
4) Currently waiting for a liver (that's Ed)
5) I WAS missing a doctor or nurse involved with liver transplants.
Now I can fill in #5 with my hepatologist, Dr. Shaw-Stiffle. Yeaaaa
Bad news #1. My doctor (and the recipients) will be leaving Pittsburgh in January for Canada. He is returning home to care for his parents. While I do like him, and it would have been great to have both the recipient and I to have the same doctor, we wish him nothing but wellness and succcess back home.
I have motivation. I have heart. I have a goal.
Right now, I have in my head chapters for the book.
Ch 1, An offer to extend a life (my donation story)
Ch 2 Diagnosis and denial
Lets move on to chapter #3, "A new outlook on the future"
He was more concerned with my fatty liver. That does need to be taken care of. The fatty liver has a bad long term diagnosis as well. But he was still perplexed that I was told I had Hemochromotosis. In his mind, I do not. He went over the blood test results and showed me my numbers then he told me the "normal" numbers.
Even though he didn't see anything that indicated it, he wants to see what the second set of very specific blood tests will result in.
So that's good news #1.
Good news #2 is that the fatty liver has not been damaging. From what he could see on the tests and the biopsy results, indicate that my fatty liver can be stopped or loosely reversed by diet and excercise. He and the other doctor both mentioned the South Beach Diet. So I guess I know what I will be getting in my stocking for Christmas.....
I have a followup appointment Jan 16th to see how things are going as to go over the results of the tests ordered today.
Good news #3 (for me anyway) is that if my fatty liver is reduced or eliminated, I may still be able to donate my liver to the recipient. (Sorry mom). But it's not 100%. They have been able to do donations from donors with fatty livers to recipients in Japan. The genetic makup of the Japanese versus Caucasians has not been studied so they don't know if us fat Americans can be successful with that type of donation. (The "fat American" quip was mine). The Japanese v American was the Doctors.
Good news #4 The doctor I saw today is willing to correspond with me with any questions I have for the blog. Sort of a pseudo medical consultant. He was really excited to hear I had a blog. I also told him my plan was to get the blog into a book form next year and I was planning a photo project for 2007 to help bring about awareness of organ donation. He was honestly very excited to hear about these things and offered help and information.
I had mentioned a while ago that for this informaiton puzzle I have:
1) Beginning liver donor (that's me)
2) Recent liver donor (that's Becky)
3) Recent liver recipient (that's Joe)
4) Currently waiting for a liver (that's Ed)
5) I WAS missing a doctor or nurse involved with liver transplants.
Now I can fill in #5 with my hepatologist, Dr. Shaw-Stiffle. Yeaaaa
Bad news #1. My doctor (and the recipients) will be leaving Pittsburgh in January for Canada. He is returning home to care for his parents. While I do like him, and it would have been great to have both the recipient and I to have the same doctor, we wish him nothing but wellness and succcess back home.
I have motivation. I have heart. I have a goal.
Right now, I have in my head chapters for the book.
Ch 1, An offer to extend a life (my donation story)
Ch 2 Diagnosis and denial
Lets move on to chapter #3, "A new outlook on the future"
Quote of the year
"It feels like we are in a furnace," said James Zanzot, an inmate who has lived in the! Tents for 1 year .
"It's inhumane."
Joe Arpaio, the tough-guy sheriff [ARIZONA, MARICOPA COUNTY] who created the tent city and long ago started making his prisoners wear pink, and eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit sympathetic He said Wednesday that he told all of the inmates:
"It's 120 degrees in Iraq and our soldiers are living in tents too, and they have to wear full battle gear, but they didn't commit any crimes, so shut your damned mouths!"
"It's inhumane."
Joe Arpaio, the tough-guy sheriff [ARIZONA, MARICOPA COUNTY] who created the tent city and long ago started making his prisoners wear pink, and eat bologna sandwiches, is not one bit sympathetic He said Wednesday that he told all of the inmates:
"It's 120 degrees in Iraq and our soldiers are living in tents too, and they have to wear full battle gear, but they didn't commit any crimes, so shut your damned mouths!"
Babble babble blah blah
The site isn't for the faint of heart or conservative in you.
While I expected some edginess to it, it's nearly offensive and that coming from me....is disconcerting.
I think the site has potential. The writers and bloggers on the site have a nice new venue and they are driving their shiny new car. But there are too many "F" bombs in a few of the blogs for even me to be comfortable with.
With that being said, deeper clicks make the site look like it's made up of blogs. In and of itself isn't bad. But now I feel like I am viweing an aggregator. Nothing like MSNBC that's for sure. (Not that I go there much). Okay, I do. AND Foxnews.com.
There are regular columnists, features, products, reviews and more. The site is designed for the URBAN, (read "city") DWELLER family, NYC for sure. There might not be much for the parent living in Walla Walla Washington but rest assured, if you can get past the semi offensive language, it's might be a resource.
We aren't all the same cup of joe, that's for sure.
While I expected some edginess to it, it's nearly offensive and that coming from me....is disconcerting.
I think the site has potential. The writers and bloggers on the site have a nice new venue and they are driving their shiny new car. But there are too many "F" bombs in a few of the blogs for even me to be comfortable with.
With that being said, deeper clicks make the site look like it's made up of blogs. In and of itself isn't bad. But now I feel like I am viweing an aggregator. Nothing like MSNBC that's for sure. (Not that I go there much). Okay, I do. AND Foxnews.com.
There are regular columnists, features, products, reviews and more. The site is designed for the URBAN, (read "city") DWELLER family, NYC for sure. There might not be much for the parent living in Walla Walla Washington but rest assured, if you can get past the semi offensive language, it's might be a resource.
We aren't all the same cup of joe, that's for sure.
Today is the day
I have an appontment later today to see what the Hemochromotosis and fatty liver have actually done to my body. I already know the fatty liver affects 75%. But I don't know what the Hemochromotosis has done, or what the short term or long term issues are going to be.
I hit babble last night and it wasn't up yet. That was about 9:00pm Eastern. THis mornign it's up and I will peruse it as I have time and giv eyou my first impression.
.not that it really matters.
I hit babble last night and it wasn't up yet. That was about 9:00pm Eastern. THis mornign it's up and I will peruse it as I have time and giv eyou my first impression.
.not that it really matters.
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
FYI on babble.com
It designed to be an edgy publication.
If you prefer the crunchy, tree hugging, sandal wearing, tight fisted, republican, conservative, plain wrapper type of web sites. Don't go.
If you prefer the crunchy, tree hugging, sandal wearing, tight fisted, republican, conservative, plain wrapper type of web sites. Don't go.
In on something new
Tonight a new web site will launch. Yes, it's NEW, as in not there yet.
Well, the domain exists and there is a splah/parking page to let you know it launches tonight.
http://www.babble.com in their words is "an exciting, intelligent daily publication and interactive community for urban parents."
You say you're not an urban parent. So what. How many time do you get to be one of the first 3.287 million viewers of a web site?
I'll be there....will you?
Well, the domain exists and there is a splah/parking page to let you know it launches tonight.
http://www.babble.com in their words is "an exciting, intelligent daily publication and interactive community for urban parents."
You say you're not an urban parent. So what. How many time do you get to be one of the first 3.287 million viewers of a web site?
I'll be there....will you?
I'm torn
Looking at this blogging thing a little closer. I love the fact that Heather at Dooce is actually making a living at blogging. How cool is that? But when i am only getting a few hits every few days, it's not a reality. I could probably have better luck being a walk on place kicker for the Steelers next summer.
.sigh.
I mirror this site and all the posts on WordPress just in case this site goes down (which it has) but I think Google got the idea that no one was happy with what was going on in Oct/Nov when the site was down FREQUENTLY. It's very stable now and they have a beta version of blogs that seems to be going very well. POOF! (See you didn't even notice I switched over to the beta version).
Anyway, WordPress is the technology behind many people that are using a domain name and blogging that way. How do you (or I) know. I won't bore you iwht the details. But each has it's strengths and weaknesses. I think WordPress is designed for websites and people that really ant to use the strength that it's capable of. Blogger, is geared for growth, but is lacking several features that would be nice. One is the export capability. I cannot export my posts easily on Blogger. WordPress you click export. I can also import from Blogger into WordPress so all my comments get carried over too. I like that.
I guess I will use the WordPress for my book and Blogger for....well. blogging.
Then there is Moveable Type.
.not that you all care.......
.sigh.
I mirror this site and all the posts on WordPress just in case this site goes down (which it has) but I think Google got the idea that no one was happy with what was going on in Oct/Nov when the site was down FREQUENTLY. It's very stable now and they have a beta version of blogs that seems to be going very well. POOF! (See you didn't even notice I switched over to the beta version).
Anyway, WordPress is the technology behind many people that are using a domain name and blogging that way. How do you (or I) know. I won't bore you iwht the details. But each has it's strengths and weaknesses. I think WordPress is designed for websites and people that really ant to use the strength that it's capable of. Blogger, is geared for growth, but is lacking several features that would be nice. One is the export capability. I cannot export my posts easily on Blogger. WordPress you click export. I can also import from Blogger into WordPress so all my comments get carried over too. I like that.
I guess I will use the WordPress for my book and Blogger for....well. blogging.
Then there is Moveable Type.
.not that you all care.......
Monday, December 11, 2006
Dig deep, be afraid of what you may find
I was searching a web site and found the policies that dictate organ transplant.
In those documents it explains whoe gets one first then who gets one next.
Within thses documents it also explains what information can be released to the public.
Within that information, I think I have an idea where my recipient is located in "the system".
I am pretty confidant this data is current as of this afternoon 11dec06.
There are 148 on the waiting list based on blood type.
When you break that down using the MELD score (he has an 8) there are:
49 with a MELD score of 10 or lower.
57 with MELD of 11-18
26 with MELD of 19-24
2 with MELD of 25+
That's 134 waiting with MELD scores
With 148 on the list, I am guessing some of those (maybe 14) that might have a status 7 which means they are not able to accept a transplant for some reason and the Status 7 means inactive.
The recipient could be 133 people closer to a liver or 147. Regardless, it's not anytime soon.
Since I am NOT a statistician (nor would I play one on TV), my numbers may be waaaayyyy off. Your mileage may vary.
Since these are real, live people above, being represented by those numbers. Everything changes daily. In some cases, hourly.
My recipient is one of those. It is a sobering to see it in simplified black and white numbers and it doesn't remove the importance or need.
At this point, we (I) am not expecting a live donor. We are still waiting for a bit of news regarding our neighbor. I won't be holding my breath.
In those documents it explains whoe gets one first then who gets one next.
Within thses documents it also explains what information can be released to the public.
Within that information, I think I have an idea where my recipient is located in "the system".
I am pretty confidant this data is current as of this afternoon 11dec06.
There are 148 on the waiting list based on blood type.
When you break that down using the MELD score (he has an 8) there are:
49 with a MELD score of 10 or lower.
57 with MELD of 11-18
26 with MELD of 19-24
2 with MELD of 25+
That's 134 waiting with MELD scores
With 148 on the list, I am guessing some of those (maybe 14) that might have a status 7 which means they are not able to accept a transplant for some reason and the Status 7 means inactive.
The recipient could be 133 people closer to a liver or 147. Regardless, it's not anytime soon.
Since I am NOT a statistician (nor would I play one on TV), my numbers may be waaaayyyy off. Your mileage may vary.
Since these are real, live people above, being represented by those numbers. Everything changes daily. In some cases, hourly.
My recipient is one of those. It is a sobering to see it in simplified black and white numbers and it doesn't remove the importance or need.
At this point, we (I) am not expecting a live donor. We are still waiting for a bit of news regarding our neighbor. I won't be holding my breath.
I like it, I really like it
According to a phone call I made earlier today the recipient is doing better. It could have been just a bout of the winter blahs.
He isn't deteriorating, but we have to be concerned with many things and knowing his normal temperment and activity level....we rush to judgement.
We were shopping Saturday and looked in a health food store for something that he can bring up his weight and provide some nutrition. Well, I jotted this little foray into the store down in my pea brain, and recalled it today. I headed over to the Shaklee web site and bought one of their "Meal Shakes." I remember my grandma using the brand when I was in Jr High and High School. The stuff really left an impression on me. I can only remember it tasting a bit like liquified cardboard. Yuuummmm! But she made it with 2% milk and ice so it was sort of like a smoothie. That tasted like cold cardboard. LOL
Anyway, a Shaklee shake and some toasted cheese (NO, not grilled cheese). Toast, from a toaster, then you put cheddar cheese on it then microwave it until it's just melts then salt and pepper. Damn! Brings back memories of swimming all day. Thanks Grandma F.
I went ahead and bought some. I will get it in a week or so then let you all know if it still tastes like cardboard. Honestly, I hope it does. I kind of liked it.
He isn't deteriorating, but we have to be concerned with many things and knowing his normal temperment and activity level....we rush to judgement.
We were shopping Saturday and looked in a health food store for something that he can bring up his weight and provide some nutrition. Well, I jotted this little foray into the store down in my pea brain, and recalled it today. I headed over to the Shaklee web site and bought one of their "Meal Shakes." I remember my grandma using the brand when I was in Jr High and High School. The stuff really left an impression on me. I can only remember it tasting a bit like liquified cardboard. Yuuummmm! But she made it with 2% milk and ice so it was sort of like a smoothie. That tasted like cold cardboard. LOL
Anyway, a Shaklee shake and some toasted cheese (NO, not grilled cheese). Toast, from a toaster, then you put cheddar cheese on it then microwave it until it's just melts then salt and pepper. Damn! Brings back memories of swimming all day. Thanks Grandma F.
I went ahead and bought some. I will get it in a week or so then let you all know if it still tastes like cardboard. Honestly, I hope it does. I kind of liked it.
Truly touched
Everyone wants to be recognized. But when it happens, sometimes the reults are not what you would have expected.
I blog for many reasons. I have had a few iterations of a personal web site. Beginning with the free yahoo pages, then my own domain name for a few years. But I was spending (way) too much time on the formatting and pictures and other things so I abandoned the personal site for a year or so. Now, I have resurfaced on blogger/blogspot. The primary reason I have a web presence (in this case a blog) is to let my family know how I am doing. I live near Pittsburgh PA and they all live on the West coast.
I have a tendancy to write between the lines and I am sure those of you that know me, can see that. I also write point blank. Sharing some things that many might think are a little too personal. I also write to keep my creative juices flowing. Lately, or actually because of, it has been therapeutic.
Becky from http://chopped-liver-blog.blogspot.com and I have been trying to keep in touch. I contacted her after finding her blog in a blogger search. She had already donted her liver to her brother and blogged to share her story with others. Since she was a few steps in front of me, I wanted to know what it was like. I have also followed her brothers story in his blog http://myfaithinhumanity.blogspot.com. Then there is Ed who is waiting for a liver and his blog is here http://live-for-life.blogspot.com they are permanent link on the right of this blog but I want to encourage you all to visit their blogs and also send them a note or leave a comment.
I mentioned last night in the weekend update about my message from Becky. Although I have never actually talked to her, she has been a form of encouragement for me.
I referenced recognition in the opening of this post. When I read Becky's blog this morning, she mentions me in a way that brough tears to my eyes. It's one thing to write, but to read about yourself brings on a new reality. Seeing the word "rejected" (in reference to donating a liver) and my 2007 project have become very REAL now. I was rejected! I am doing a project that sort of started out as a personal challenge. But it can be bigger. Much bigger.
Thank you Becky. You have brought tears to my eyes. (It's all good!)
Here is a quote from her regarding her scar at nearly one year post donation
"..... the scar runs perfectly vertical down the middle of my torso, so from a distance it just makes me look like my abs are a little more ripped! And of course, when I look at it, or feel it, I remember Joe and the whole experience, and I swell with pride and faith in miracles, so it's a part of me I wouldn't give up for the world."
While I won't experience the donation. I can encourage all of you to search out your personal beliefs regarding organ donation. Live or after you pass away. Please discuss it with a family member.
Here are the current OPTN numbers.
I blog for many reasons. I have had a few iterations of a personal web site. Beginning with the free yahoo pages, then my own domain name for a few years. But I was spending (way) too much time on the formatting and pictures and other things so I abandoned the personal site for a year or so. Now, I have resurfaced on blogger/blogspot. The primary reason I have a web presence (in this case a blog) is to let my family know how I am doing. I live near Pittsburgh PA and they all live on the West coast.
I have a tendancy to write between the lines and I am sure those of you that know me, can see that. I also write point blank. Sharing some things that many might think are a little too personal. I also write to keep my creative juices flowing. Lately, or actually because of, it has been therapeutic.
Becky from http://chopped-liver-blog.blogspot.com and I have been trying to keep in touch. I contacted her after finding her blog in a blogger search. She had already donted her liver to her brother and blogged to share her story with others. Since she was a few steps in front of me, I wanted to know what it was like. I have also followed her brothers story in his blog http://myfaithinhumanity.blogspot.com. Then there is Ed who is waiting for a liver and his blog is here http://live-for-life.blogspot.com they are permanent link on the right of this blog but I want to encourage you all to visit their blogs and also send them a note or leave a comment.
I mentioned last night in the weekend update about my message from Becky. Although I have never actually talked to her, she has been a form of encouragement for me.
I referenced recognition in the opening of this post. When I read Becky's blog this morning, she mentions me in a way that brough tears to my eyes. It's one thing to write, but to read about yourself brings on a new reality. Seeing the word "rejected" (in reference to donating a liver) and my 2007 project have become very REAL now. I was rejected! I am doing a project that sort of started out as a personal challenge. But it can be bigger. Much bigger.
Thank you Becky. You have brought tears to my eyes. (It's all good!)
Here is a quote from her regarding her scar at nearly one year post donation
"..... the scar runs perfectly vertical down the middle of my torso, so from a distance it just makes me look like my abs are a little more ripped! And of course, when I look at it, or feel it, I remember Joe and the whole experience, and I swell with pride and faith in miracles, so it's a part of me I wouldn't give up for the world."
While I won't experience the donation. I can encourage all of you to search out your personal beliefs regarding organ donation. Live or after you pass away. Please discuss it with a family member.
Here are the current OPTN numbers.
| Waiting list candidates as of today 8:01am | |
|---|---|
| All | 94,378 |
| Kidney | 69,248 |
| Pancreas | 1,764 |
| Kidney/Pancreas | 2,408 |
| Liver | 17,039 |
| Intestine | 239 |
| Heart | 2,848 |
| Lung | 2,851 |
| Heart/Lung | 142 |
| All candidates will be less than the sum due to candidates waiting for multiple organs | |
| Transplants performed January - September 2006 | |
|---|---|
| Total | 22,010 |
| Deceased Donor | 16,876 |
| Living Donor | 5,134 |
| Based on OPTN data as of 12/01/2006 | |
| Donors recovered January - September 2006 | |
|---|---|
| Total | 11,188 |
| Deceased Donor | 6,057 |
| Living Donor | 5,131 |
| Based on OPTN data as of 12/01/2006 | |
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Weekend update
It's Sunday night and the recipient is sick. He was pretty good yesterday and this evening I was told he was pretty yellow and stayed in bed all day. It could take weeks for him to get better, and he's not one to lie around. Gotta keep moving.
"The day's half over my 9:00 am." he will often say.
I have received some nice emails from my cousin (he has won awards in the last three Micro Cinema Fest film festivals in Chicago) and Becky (giver) chopped-liver blog. Thank you for the words of encouragement!
The blog hit 600. Thank you for those that do stop by. Don't forget to leave a comment every so often to let me know your there.
Since I sent the link to about 40 people, I think I must have alienated several of you or since I am not actually getting sliced open there isn't much to see anymore. I did promise pictures. Sorry 'bout that. Maybe next time. I would have figured about 20 hits a day or so. But it's averaging about 3 a day. It's a good thing I wasn't an accountant or financial advisor.
Not much else to report this Sunday eve. My first biz trip is already scheduled for Jan 8. Then I am sure it will be frequent from there through next fall.
Hug your kid, kiss your parents and smile at the clouds for they bring rain.
"The day's half over my 9:00 am." he will often say.
I have received some nice emails from my cousin (he has won awards in the last three Micro Cinema Fest film festivals in Chicago) and Becky (giver) chopped-liver blog. Thank you for the words of encouragement!
The blog hit 600. Thank you for those that do stop by. Don't forget to leave a comment every so often to let me know your there.
Since I sent the link to about 40 people, I think I must have alienated several of you or since I am not actually getting sliced open there isn't much to see anymore. I did promise pictures. Sorry 'bout that. Maybe next time. I would have figured about 20 hits a day or so. But it's averaging about 3 a day. It's a good thing I wasn't an accountant or financial advisor.
Not much else to report this Sunday eve. My first biz trip is already scheduled for Jan 8. Then I am sure it will be frequent from there through next fall.
Hug your kid, kiss your parents and smile at the clouds for they bring rain.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Numbers and figures, figures and numbers
Something a little different. These numbers were taken from the giftofhope.org webb site and they appear to come from the OPTN.org data.
Are you an organ donor? Have you told your family?
- Every 13 minutes, a new person is added to the national waiting list.
- An average of 18 people die each day while waiting.
- More than 4,800 people died waiting for an organ transplant in 2005.
- In 2005, more than 242 people registered for transplants died while waiting.
- One donor can save or enhance the lives of mor
- e than 25 people.
Are you an organ donor? Have you told your family?
More to see than meets the eye
Maybe it's running off on tangents?
Either way, here are some other blogs you should visit. (Note: I haven't found anything offensive yet, but your mileage may vary). P.S. ~ No boobies to be seen.
This guys top 30 list of blogs fimoculous
I personally like this one indexed this is #1 of the above, so if you don't want to have the suspense destroyed, don't go here first.
Either way, here are some other blogs you should visit. (Note: I haven't found anything offensive yet, but your mileage may vary). P.S. ~ No boobies to be seen.
This guys top 30 list of blogs fimoculous
I personally like this one indexed this is #1 of the above, so if you don't want to have the suspense destroyed, don't go here first.
You light up my life
I have been keeping up with Heather over on her blog Dooce. The other day (December 1st) she blogged about her view of Free Range Chicken Broth. I don't want to screw anything up by paraphrasing wrong or butchering anything, but it was pretty funny, to "me" (and a few others). But some really got worked up over it and decided to hatmail her. She, of course posted some of those messages. Now, there are almost 500 comments from all of this.
It is pretty good reading to say the least.
.no, I haven't read all the comments, just a few of them.
It is pretty good reading to say the least.
.no, I haven't read all the comments, just a few of them.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
More good news to share
My brother and his wife are expecting their second child come next year. YEAAAAA for them.
Other good news is that my mom tested negative for Hemochromotosis.
That puts the pressure on my dad to see if he passed it on to me. If he is negative, then I am an anomoly. Which could be good and that my kids may not get it. Then I will blame it on the military and the various concoctions I had to take in the early 90's when we were in the desert watching the wind blow.
.hmmmm.
Other good news is that my mom tested negative for Hemochromotosis.
That puts the pressure on my dad to see if he passed it on to me. If he is negative, then I am an anomoly. Which could be good and that my kids may not get it. Then I will blame it on the military and the various concoctions I had to take in the early 90's when we were in the desert watching the wind blow.
.hmmmm.
We have a winner
Or at least a qualifier.
Actually, we have a hero.
Our neighbor has offered to make the call to UPMC to see if she can be a live donor.
We are also working on fund raising to offset the costs for who ever becomes a donor. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Eventually, I will actually ask for money.
"Smile Theo, it's Christmas."
Actually, we have a hero.
Our neighbor has offered to make the call to UPMC to see if she can be a live donor.
We are also working on fund raising to offset the costs for who ever becomes a donor. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Eventually, I will actually ask for money.
"Smile Theo, it's Christmas."
Overcome the obstacles
http://www.nicholasgreen.org was setup by the parents of Nicholas Green (seven years old) who was killed during a robbery in 1994 while on vacation in Italy.
Parents Reg and Maggie Greenhad his organs donated and the effects are wide ranging and continue like dominoes.
Back to our story:
We still don't know what is going to happen now that there are no more (live family/relatated ) donors. There are stories of people feeling that this is what they need to do. I hope for one of those.
My current feelings are of despair. Mostly since I just got done reading stories related to organ donation and childhood illnesses or accidents.
.mmmm, great holiday reading.
If you have a conversation, please bring up the question if that other person is an organ donor. While your other party in the conversation may be surprised at the question, it may bring about a pleasant response.
I will be doing just the same and posting what I find out here on the blog. use the comments section here to post your responses. Share the link.
Obstacles....what obstacles?
About two years ago I got involved with our towns revitalization board. It was a reinvention of a past cause, so to speak. We have applied for a 501(c)(3) but havn't received the status yet. Paperwork you know. Well, it started out very fast and we were hitting hard but no fruit was being born of our labors. Times slow down ither things come up, but we kept going.
Last week, we received notice that our organization was given a $40,000 grant to purchase the last standing railroad station on the former Western Pennsylvania RR line. The money will go towards buying and renovating the station. It will then become our crown jewel of the revitalization board (we are actually the Burgettstown Area Community Development Corporation), BACDC for short. Once the building is purchased, people will then be able to realize it's for real. After the 501(c)(3)
is obtained we can then go after more bigger money to revitalize our downtown.
What obstacle...we had to endure years of scars and a "we ain't never done that before" attitude. So may people around here have sat on their proverbial thumbs up their asses and watched the town decay to it's present state. But when some intelligent enthusiastic people try to make changes to add prosperity, everyone runs to their holes (you pick the hole) and hides. I can't wait for spring so we can process this through the system and get this snowball in hell rolling.
What does that have to do with anything. It's the attitude stupid. Both sides of any coin have issues. But with this organ donation, I am trying to stay the path of the perseverance. My visions of grandeur have not faltered and I still see a BIG picture. Maybe my quest to actually donate my own liver didn't pan out, but there is still in issue with organ donation.
Thousands of people die every day. A scant percentage of them are organ donors. With my own Hemochromotosis I may need a liver some day. Perhaps a heart too. (But mine is pretty good already) LOL
Right now the US has laws called Informed Consent that assumes you will not be an organ donor when you die and it is up to the next of kin to make a determination or you can determine when you get your drivers license. Some other countries have Presumed Consent that says you will donate upon your death unless you choose NO and/or the next of kin removes the ability to donate.
Of course you can argue both sides (remember the coin). Of course I had very little care about organ donation until it was my turn to be a donor. Even with my long term organ health is in question, it has not changed my opinion of the matter. My family and I are all organ donors.
Some numbers show that a good percentage more people live because of the Presumed Consent laws in other countries.
Yes, I have become a crusader and I will try my best to fulfill that role.
Parents Reg and Maggie Greenhad his organs donated and the effects are wide ranging and continue like dominoes.
Back to our story:
We still don't know what is going to happen now that there are no more (live family/relatated ) donors. There are stories of people feeling that this is what they need to do. I hope for one of those.
My current feelings are of despair. Mostly since I just got done reading stories related to organ donation and childhood illnesses or accidents.
.mmmm, great holiday reading.
If you have a conversation, please bring up the question if that other person is an organ donor. While your other party in the conversation may be surprised at the question, it may bring about a pleasant response.
I will be doing just the same and posting what I find out here on the blog. use the comments section here to post your responses. Share the link.
Obstacles....what obstacles?
About two years ago I got involved with our towns revitalization board. It was a reinvention of a past cause, so to speak. We have applied for a 501(c)(3) but havn't received the status yet. Paperwork you know. Well, it started out very fast and we were hitting hard but no fruit was being born of our labors. Times slow down ither things come up, but we kept going.
Last week, we received notice that our organization was given a $40,000 grant to purchase the last standing railroad station on the former Western Pennsylvania RR line. The money will go towards buying and renovating the station. It will then become our crown jewel of the revitalization board (we are actually the Burgettstown Area Community Development Corporation), BACDC for short. Once the building is purchased, people will then be able to realize it's for real. After the 501(c)(3)
is obtained we can then go after more bigger money to revitalize our downtown.
What obstacle...we had to endure years of scars and a "we ain't never done that before" attitude. So may people around here have sat on their proverbial thumbs up their asses and watched the town decay to it's present state. But when some intelligent enthusiastic people try to make changes to add prosperity, everyone runs to their holes (you pick the hole) and hides. I can't wait for spring so we can process this through the system and get this snowball in hell rolling.
What does that have to do with anything. It's the attitude stupid. Both sides of any coin have issues. But with this organ donation, I am trying to stay the path of the perseverance. My visions of grandeur have not faltered and I still see a BIG picture. Maybe my quest to actually donate my own liver didn't pan out, but there is still in issue with organ donation.
Thousands of people die every day. A scant percentage of them are organ donors. With my own Hemochromotosis I may need a liver some day. Perhaps a heart too. (But mine is pretty good already) LOL
Right now the US has laws called Informed Consent that assumes you will not be an organ donor when you die and it is up to the next of kin to make a determination or you can determine when you get your drivers license. Some other countries have Presumed Consent that says you will donate upon your death unless you choose NO and/or the next of kin removes the ability to donate.
Of course you can argue both sides (remember the coin). Of course I had very little care about organ donation until it was my turn to be a donor. Even with my long term organ health is in question, it has not changed my opinion of the matter. My family and I are all organ donors.
Some numbers show that a good percentage more people live because of the Presumed Consent laws in other countries.
Yes, I have become a crusader and I will try my best to fulfill that role.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Words that begin with "D"
Decision, Delayed, Disappointment, Dad, Dampen, Danger, Dark, Dawdle, Decreasing and Death to name a few.
Icould add Donor to that list too......but now there are none.
Donor #3 was removed from the list yesterday. It was a personal decision (their own) which "I" have a conflict with (big surprise, right). Donor #2 was removed as well but for medical reasons, as was I.
Donor #3 has a family conflict and requested to be removed as a potential donor. That reason is actually a legitimate reason the medical staff can remove someone from the donor list. Donor #2's decision was based on the limited capacity of the ability to provide care for their family during the tests and after the donation procedure. Which I can definately understand. It was an issue my wife and I mulled over as well.
But "my" issue is that the significant other is not even willing to let donor #3 undergo the tests to determine if donation is even possible. Many will say, "why go through the tests (time/money/false hope) then to pull out if a match is made".....well it is a very valid point. I can't answer that other than if a donation is possible, then the decision can be changed to actually donate.
Now, after my very disorganized (another D word) ramble above, I will try to gather my thoughts and post a more thoughtful and comprehensive blog post.
Okay, I took breath......but it didn't help.
My wife and I offered to put up donor#3 and the family in our house for this whole procedure. (tests through surgery and recovery) as well as food, car/transportation/air fare hospital visits......what ever it took. I also offered to help find employment, which there isn't any currently. That was a huge issue too. Lack of finances for them. Now or after. The option for them to move to Pittsburgh temporarily was floated as well. (I never did get a response).
Our contacts at the hospital pointed us in various directions for financial help. One of the big logistical issues was airfare. There is an organization called Angel Flight www.angelflightamerica.org. They provide free flights via private aircraft across the USA. In some cases, I understood that seats on commercial flights can be obtained.
One question from donor#3 was "who is offering to help?" [in reference to finaces] and the list was short, very short. It wasn't a selfish concern, but since there isn't any employment for them, it's a valid concern. The outlook for employment where they live now, is dim to bleak.
So, what now?
We wait to see if another live donor steps up to donate. But since the family of the recipient has been exhausted, it would have to come from a friend or stranger. Realistically, that won't happen. After that, the recipient has to wait until the health gets to a point where death is imminent. Which at that point, is it really worth it? The body may not be able to undergo such a surgery. Right now, it's healthy enough to survive and thrive (my opinion). In a year. Not so much. Two, three years...........I won't make any bets. But it's not uncommon to be on the donation list for several years. What would the standard of living be at that point? I guess as long as your aren't waking up in a pine box, it is pretty good.
I am not sure if I should mentally be preparing myself as this being the last Christmas and New Year with the recipient. Those of you that know the recipient, will have an issue with this mind set. I am sorry. But for me to be able to function with the current situation. It's what "I" have to do.
Icould add Donor to that list too......but now there are none.
Donor #3 was removed from the list yesterday. It was a personal decision (their own) which "I" have a conflict with (big surprise, right). Donor #2 was removed as well but for medical reasons, as was I.
Donor #3 has a family conflict and requested to be removed as a potential donor. That reason is actually a legitimate reason the medical staff can remove someone from the donor list. Donor #2's decision was based on the limited capacity of the ability to provide care for their family during the tests and after the donation procedure. Which I can definately understand. It was an issue my wife and I mulled over as well.
But "my" issue is that the significant other is not even willing to let donor #3 undergo the tests to determine if donation is even possible. Many will say, "why go through the tests (time/money/false hope) then to pull out if a match is made".....well it is a very valid point. I can't answer that other than if a donation is possible, then the decision can be changed to actually donate.
Now, after my very disorganized (another D word) ramble above, I will try to gather my thoughts and post a more thoughtful and comprehensive blog post.
Okay, I took breath......but it didn't help.
My wife and I offered to put up donor#3 and the family in our house for this whole procedure. (tests through surgery and recovery) as well as food, car/transportation/air fare hospital visits......what ever it took. I also offered to help find employment, which there isn't any currently. That was a huge issue too. Lack of finances for them. Now or after. The option for them to move to Pittsburgh temporarily was floated as well. (I never did get a response).
Our contacts at the hospital pointed us in various directions for financial help. One of the big logistical issues was airfare. There is an organization called Angel Flight www.angelflightamerica.org. They provide free flights via private aircraft across the USA. In some cases, I understood that seats on commercial flights can be obtained.
One question from donor#3 was "who is offering to help?" [in reference to finaces] and the list was short, very short. It wasn't a selfish concern, but since there isn't any employment for them, it's a valid concern. The outlook for employment where they live now, is dim to bleak.
So, what now?
We wait to see if another live donor steps up to donate. But since the family of the recipient has been exhausted, it would have to come from a friend or stranger. Realistically, that won't happen. After that, the recipient has to wait until the health gets to a point where death is imminent. Which at that point, is it really worth it? The body may not be able to undergo such a surgery. Right now, it's healthy enough to survive and thrive (my opinion). In a year. Not so much. Two, three years...........I won't make any bets. But it's not uncommon to be on the donation list for several years. What would the standard of living be at that point? I guess as long as your aren't waking up in a pine box, it is pretty good.
I am not sure if I should mentally be preparing myself as this being the last Christmas and New Year with the recipient. Those of you that know the recipient, will have an issue with this mind set. I am sorry. But for me to be able to function with the current situation. It's what "I" have to do.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Voting ends December 8th
VOTING HAS CLOSED
I had three images accepted to a magazine. I mentioned the JPG magazine in a previous post. Now my images compete against all of the other images that were submitted. In order to get published, they have to be voted IN.
Basically, I have to "pimp my pic".
The images were submitted to the three themes for JPG issue 8. "Embrace the Blur", "Intimate" and "Tourist". If you decide to browse the other pictures to see what I am up against, or if you want to find one that is actually better then mine, there are some racy images that were submitted to "Intimate". You might see some boobies.
What's in it for me? Money and fame of course. Why else would I do this???? For love, yeah....right.
Send everyone the link to my blog. I would have you send the links of the actual voting pages, but that would be pushing it too far. I should just be happy you are reading my blog, but nooooo, I have to push the envelope.....must have more, must have mooooorrrrr.
If I am chosen with any of the below images, it will also help fulfill one of my life goals (I blogged about this earlier too), which is getting published NATIONALLY.
JPG magazine is available at Barnes & Noble and other large book sellers.
Click the images below to vote.
I'm not sure if you can vote for each image, but I am pretty sure you can. Since each image is in a seperate theme for issue 8.
VOTING HAS CLOSED
I had three images accepted to a magazine. I mentioned the JPG magazine in a previous post. Now my images compete against all of the other images that were submitted. In order to get published, they have to be voted IN.
Basically, I have to "pimp my pic".
The images were submitted to the three themes for JPG issue 8. "Embrace the Blur", "Intimate" and "Tourist". If you decide to browse the other pictures to see what I am up against, or if you want to find one that is actually better then mine, there are some racy images that were submitted to "Intimate". You might see some boobies.
What's in it for me? Money and fame of course. Why else would I do this???? For love, yeah....right.
Send everyone the link to my blog. I would have you send the links of the actual voting pages, but that would be pushing it too far. I should just be happy you are reading my blog, but nooooo, I have to push the envelope.....must have more, must have mooooorrrrr.
If I am chosen with any of the below images, it will also help fulfill one of my life goals (I blogged about this earlier too), which is getting published NATIONALLY.
JPG magazine is available at Barnes & Noble and other large book sellers.
Click the images below to vote.
I'm not sure if you can vote for each image, but I am pretty sure you can. Since each image is in a seperate theme for issue 8.
VOTING HAS CLOSED
Friday, December 01, 2006
Looking back, seeing forward
It's December and I am getting ready to begin my 2006 year in review.
Last year I put together a vanity book of our own family's year in review. This year will be pretty much the same but I hope it's better.
I will begin reviewing the 30,000 images I shot over the past year and put them in a book to be printed in January.
It's a precursor to a project I am putting together for our town. I will be working with another pro photographer here in town on a two major projects. One is a directory/yearbook for our small town of 1600 people. I want to take pictures of everyone in town in their home and/or work environment. If they would like to submit a story for the "yearbook" then we would accept a small paragraph of what it is that they do or their view of the town. The other project is a "Day in the Life" book for our town. We are going to try and pick a day we can shoot for 24 hours straight in our town to see what it is that everyone does. We may also try and get other people, everyone or a handful, to shoot pictures for the book too. Part of the sales of this "Day in the Life" book will go towards the revitalization of our downtown area.
They are some fun projects that just need a little planning and some forward momentum. I can always come up with the ideas and the excitement. It's the follow through that I have problems with. It must be my mild ADD. LOL (Make sense though).
Last year I put together a vanity book of our own family's year in review. This year will be pretty much the same but I hope it's better.
I will begin reviewing the 30,000 images I shot over the past year and put them in a book to be printed in January.
It's a precursor to a project I am putting together for our town. I will be working with another pro photographer here in town on a two major projects. One is a directory/yearbook for our small town of 1600 people. I want to take pictures of everyone in town in their home and/or work environment. If they would like to submit a story for the "yearbook" then we would accept a small paragraph of what it is that they do or their view of the town. The other project is a "Day in the Life" book for our town. We are going to try and pick a day we can shoot for 24 hours straight in our town to see what it is that everyone does. We may also try and get other people, everyone or a handful, to shoot pictures for the book too. Part of the sales of this "Day in the Life" book will go towards the revitalization of our downtown area.
They are some fun projects that just need a little planning and some forward momentum. I can always come up with the ideas and the excitement. It's the follow through that I have problems with. It must be my mild ADD. LOL (Make sense though).
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