May 1
Happy new month!
I’ve been really busy these past two weeks, so I apologize for my absence. I’ve been working on two projects, not personal ones and more business oriented, but still fun, creative work. So I’ve been writing, shooting and about to start editing. I also helped out in two civic engagement forums with high school students, which was really interesting, especially to hear their opinions on such topics as education reform, integration, division of tax dollars, etc. It was nice to see the students so passionate about these issues and voicing their opinions, something they probably don’t have the opportunity to do enough.
My aunt Linda and cousin Jen were in town last week/weekend, and we had a good time hanging out, going to a bunch of antique stores, playing Balderdash, and eating good food. I wish we got to hang out more often. I did finally get a typewriter, something I’ve had on my list for awhile, at Second Chance.
Last week was also kind of draining due to a big health scare with my (and Laura’s) dog Rufus, but some very good news followed a very dark prognosis. Basically the vet was pretty sure he had cancer in his liver and spleen and in running the test to confirm that and see what type of cancer it was and how bad it was, she discovered that the tissue had no evidence of cancer. Major relief. His liver still is not functioning completely properly because of the masses in it, and he was diagnosed with fibrosis, but hopefully with close watch and multiple antibiotics and medications his levels can stabilize and he will be a healthy dog. It was really hard to hear all the news and not be there with him. I can’t wait to see him in a few weeks and maybe bring him back to Omaha in the summer (?)…we’ll see.
Other than that, not much else going on, except the NBA and NHL playoffs. I was not happy to see my beloved Pistons duck out early, but it was not a complete shock either. Chauncey, come back please. In my despair, I’ve taken to cheering on the Bulls who have been head to head in an amazing series with Boston. I suppose I’ve lived about half my life in Chicago, and they are a young team with a lot of heart and drive, but I still feel a little like a traitor in rooting for them. The 90s were just so packed with Detroit/Chicago tension. Just to make it clear, my heart still belongs to Detroit. Speaking of Hockeytown, the Red Wings start their series with the Ducks tonight, so I still have a hometown team keeping the dream alive.
May 2nd, 2009 at 8:32 am
I’m glad things are good with you! I keep wanting to email but I am equally busy with the last week of classes, finals, and then coming home!
Also, go Red Wings!
May 2nd, 2009 at 11:39 am
Happy May Day, Linds! You are constantly involved in the most interesting and creative things, both personal and professional, you never cease to amaze me! I mean, helped out at a civic engagement opportunity for high school students?? I am bringing my nephew Erik out with me to Omaha to visit you and so he can be inspired by your creative endeavours and teaching experience, the one area he has mentioned being interested in for his future is teaching. It sure was a draining week with the rollercoaster of news and diagnoses for Rufus but the sense of joy in feeling that at least he has a plan of treatment and hope to recover, is like a miracle and new lease on life. I am just so grateful for each and every day we’ve had him in our lives and been so lucky to be filled with the peace and soulfulness that he exudes! We cannot wait to see you here in LA mid-Month — what date are you arriving?? Rufus will be ecstatic. Also yes I’ve been thinking about you with the sort of really sad demise of the Pistons I just don’t understand any of it, Chauncey leaving in the first place? and trade rumours regarding the rest of the heart of the classic Pistons?? You are not a traitor rooting for the Bulls, it is SUCH an exciting series vs. Celtics – I am a Celtic hater (shouldn’t feel hate but well that’s kinda what you are when you’re a Lakers fan) and always also rooted against the Bulls but I am rooting really hard for them to win tonight. Game 7, first round, amazing. Okay see you soon! I love your new blog!!
May 4th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Linds,
So glad to hear the better prognosis for Rufus, I’ll definitely say a prayer for my buddy! Include me in the former-Bulls-hater that was rooting for them…what a great series…I watched pretty much the whole thing. I like the Celtics about as much as I like the Yankees & Cowboys…can’t stand em’! Yes, for the 1st time in years, the Pistons have & will be changing quite a bit. We all hated to see Chauncey leave but Dumars will have lots of money to play with as we’ll release Iverson & Sheed. The thought was we didn’t want to just keep making the playoffs, winning a couple rounds and never winning it all again. So they opened up a whole bunch of money & in the next two years, should be adding some big-time players. I’ll play GM & say the 1st move will be getting Carlos Boozer from Utah…a constant double-double guy every game. How about Ben Gordon from the Bulls, another free agent? After yesterday’s triple overtime loss, the Wings WILL rebound. And, final comment, look out for the Tigers this year…we’re Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!! Give Rufus a hug for me!