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......
Sunday, January 07, 2007
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.
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