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Welcome! To my world! Here you'll see a variety of issues spoken on. comment and don't hold back!

a blog for friends family and whoever wants a peak at my world.

Thursday, May 25, 2006

remembering

I was just remembering the day that my daughter Ruthann was born. many of you probably don't know the story behind her birth. well grab a coke or coffee or juice or whatever and have a seat and read on. It was January 25 2002. I was preparing for my last day of work before going on my leave before my child was to be born. I awoke that morning at 4:30 in the morning as I did every morning. I had a quick breakfast and coffee and left for the bus stop. Got on the bus and headed for work. got off said bus and walked in with a co-worker. He joked with me that today could be the day. I laughed and stated that no it wouldn't be. my child wouldn't be born until January 29. I got in to work and went to my desk and changed out of my boots and into my shoes. left for the lunch room and grabed a snack from the line. called Jennnifer to let her know I made it to work safely. this is al usual routine thus far. well anyway Jennifer told me that she was going to have to change the sheets. I was totally awake and thought she had been sick. she stated no but rather she thinks that her water had broke. she then told me to call back in about 10 minutes. I went to talk with my supervisor who informed me that I wouldn't be staying around. I stated we didn't know for sure but she reminded me that she had had 3 kids and she knew what she was talking about. well we had our preshift meeting. i left after that and called Jennifer and she told me to stay put they were on the way to pick me up to go to the hospital. I ran back to my desk threw off my shoes and threw on my boots. told my supervisor. and was gather my things at my desk and one of my co-workers stated she could give me a ride. I stammered and stated I had a ride. one of the other supervisors thought it was funny. we arrived at the hospital about a quarter to 8. Jennifer was about 2 or 3 centimeters or something like that. well I and our firend who came with us her name was "andie" and i waited and waited. we left for a few mintues for lunch and came back and still no birth. finally about 9:04 that evening they decided to do a c-section. and Ruthann was born. it was amazing. Andie went into the nursery and adored my daughter and wouldn't you know it my sugar decided todrop. I mentioned something but we waited because usually I have a while before it is serious. next thing I know i am being ordered to sit and drink. i did so. I tried to eat a sandwich. then andie and I went to Jennifer's room and told her by and we would be back in the morning. on the way home Andie and I stopped at Burger King for dinner and we arrived at her and Sam's apartment. Sam is andie's husband. well I was asleep befor my head hit the pillow. this was about 11:15 in the evening. the net morning we woke up and went to the hospital. that night I returned to Andie's apartment because I had to be at church to anounce Ruthann's birth. wenet and did just that. after got a call on my cell letting me know that Ruthann was diagnosed with Jawndis I hope that I spelled it right I paniced but my ride to the hospital and Andie assured it was was normal and not to worry. that night I stayed at the hospital with Jennifer. anyway Ruthann had to be under lights at the apartment for a couple of days. the rest is history. Ruthann is now 4 years old believe it or not.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Toast Master elections

Well as many of you know I am a member of Toast Masters International. The clube I belong to is called Words of Hope. I have been a member for about 3 years or so. Well tonight we held our anual elections and I was elected President. I previously held the office of Vice President of Education. But let me step back and explain something to those who are not aware of what toast masters is. Toast Masters is a club that one can join to learn both leadership and communication skills. While indeed the main focus seems to be on public speaking the skills learned can be applied in all forms of ones communications. the awesome thing is that many employers are recognizing this as a traing tool and reimbursing their employees for joining a Toast Masters club. I have completed my begining level and am 2 speeches away from the next level. will be speaking next week so by July I plan on having this level completed. I strongly reccommend Toast Masters it has helped me in more ways then I have space to write.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

remembering my surgeries

I was just hinking about my surgeries. The first surgery lasted for about 10 hours. I was in the icu for about a day and a half or there abouts. I was in the hospital for 6 days total. When I cam home I had what looked like a sock on my head to help keep the bandage stuff in place. this of course had to be changed daly which drove me nuts. and with last summer being a hotter then normal summer I went crazy. with the sock on my head and the swelling I felt uncomfrotable so I stayed where it was cool as much as possible. my first trip back to Chicago was good. got most of the stiches but some didn't seem ready to come out. but we managed fine. the swelling went down and I looked god then we moved on to phase two which was a second surgery. I was in the hospital that time for 3 days and all went well when stitches came out it was fine. taking a step back though Ruthann was unsure about coming to me after my first surgery but Annette's daughter Emma had no fear. I think I will close for now and write more later. stay tuned.

Saturday, May 20, 2006

dealing with people

This is something that I got from one of my email list groups the other day and it is interesting a unique a good way to deal with people
This is something to think about when negative people are doing theirbest to rain on your parade. So remember this story the next timesomeone who knows nothing and cares less tries to make your lifemiserable.
A woman was at her hairdresser's getting her hair styled for a trip toRome with her husband. She mentioned the trip to the hairdresser, whoresponded: "Rome? Why would anyone want to go there? It's crowded anddirty. You're crazy to go to Rome. So, how are you getting there?"
"We're taking Continental," was the reply. "We got a great rate!"
"Continental?" exclaimed the hairdresser. "That's a terrible airline.Their planes are old, their flight attendants are ugly, and they'realways late. So, where are you staying in Rome?"
"We'll be at this exclusive little place over on Rome's Tiber Rivercalled Teste."
"Don't go any further. I know that place. Everybody thinks its going tobe something special and exclusive, but it's really a dump, the worsthotel in the city! The rooms are small, the service is surly andthey're overpriced. So, whatcha' doing when you get there?"
"We're going to go to see the Vatican and we hope to see the Pope."
"That's rich," laughed the hairdresser. "You and a million other peopletrying to see him. He'll look the size of an ant. Boy, good luck onthis lousy trip of yours. You're going to need it."
A month later the woman again came in for a hairdo. The hairdresserasked her about her trip to Rome.
"It was wonderful," explained the woman, "not only were we on time inone of Continental's brand new planes, but it was overbooked and theybumped us up to first class. The food and wine were wonderful, and I hada handsome 28-year-old steward who waited on me hand and foot. And thehotel was great! They'd just finished a $5 million remodeling job andnow it's a jewel, the finest hotel in the city. They, too, wereoverbooked so they apologized and gave us their owner's suite at noextra charge!"
"Well," muttered the hairdresser, "that's all well and good, but I knowyou didn't get to see the Pope."
"Actually, we were quite lucky, because as we toured the Vatican, aSwiss Guard tapped me on the shoulder, and explained that the Pope likesto meet some of the visitors, and if I'd be so kind as to step into hisprivate room and wait, the Pope would personally greet me. Sure enough,five minutes later, the Pope walked through the door and shook my hand!I knelt down and he spoke a few words to me."
"Oh really! What'd he say?"
He said: "Where'd you get the lousy hairdo?

Friday, May 19, 2006

my chicago experience

As many of you know I have been back and forth to Chicago for surgery. Just reacp for you why. I have what is called neurofibromatosis which causes tumors that grow under the skin. for me it was on my face. I have had 3 surgeries to make it complete. I look like a million dollars and feel awesome. My first surgery was about 10 hours and the second 5 and the 3rd one was about 3 hours. the recovery has gone well all 3 times. each time was shorter then the prior. but I must say I now look different and feel great! I am thankful to the Lord for providing the funding so that the trips back and forth could be accomplished. I appreciated any and all prayers. each time in the hospital was awesome. the staff there at the University of Chicago hospital are awesome. if you've looked at my mom's blog you'll sseen the pictures and soon will see the current. I can't say enough about Dr. McKennen he is an awesome doctor. I will probably post more about each surgery specific later. stay tuned they will be the next 3 posts probably or who knows I am just getting used to blogging so be patient with me and we'll have some fun.

Thursday, May 18, 2006

ruthann's cute stuff

Well I thought I would post something cute that Ruthann has done the other day. On May 17 2006 I fixxed her lunch. while I did this she was down stairs playing with her kitchen stuff and saying that she was fixxing mom breakfast. mom of course is actually grandma. when I called her up for lunch which was a peanut butter and jelly sandwitch and chips she brought up toast and juice for grandma. it of course was all play stuff. but I thought it was cute how she decided to play like she was fixxing something. after alll daddy was fixxing her lunch so she felt she had to help fix grandma something to eat. I am not going to disencourage it but rather encourage it. it makes one smile.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

i have joined

Well I just thought I would join the world of blogging. I won't probably be putting up pictures seeing how I can't see them but may from time to time have some you'll have to just wait and see what it all will hold. I will have stories about my experience with toast masters, about Ruthann and the crazy things that she does and who knows what else. Don't know how often I'll update this blog but will have doing it. feel free to comment and have fun with me.

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About Me

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wyoming, michigan, United States
I am a man of God who loves to speak on a variety of issues. I love to speak to motivate, inspire or just inform. As you can see from my photo I am a single father and I do want to remarry one day provided the right lady comes along. If you need a speaker to motivate your employees, gtroup or to speak at an event. I am willing ready and able. Let me know time and place and we can work out the details