Just Another Saturday Night

After a busy day at Walmart, I came home at 5:30pm. I'm still sore from the injury to my sciatic nerve that affects my left hip and knee, but I am able to work a full shift. My dear wife had a delicious supper ready; shrimp alfredo with bowtie pasta and broccoli, which is not my favorite vegetable, but tastes good in alfredo sauce. After the meal we settled in to watch my new favorite "reality" show, My Big Redneck Wedding on CMT.
Yes, admittedly, I could (and should) be doing other things the night before church. This show makes me laugh.....even with the bleeped out bad language. Watching this show makes you feel better about your own family. Check out the show...new episode next Saturday night at 7:30pm, repeats throughout the week.......it is cable, after all.

Our new president is busy on the job. Closing Guantanomo bay, releasing terrorists, restoring funding for abortions on overseas military bases,.....on and on. Some would say that Christians should not pray for this president. I disagree. We should pray for President Obama and his administration, and those who hold Cabinet positions of leadership. God placed him in this position, for this time in history. We do well to remember that. Of course, having said that, I favor a GOP ticket of LA Governor Bobby Jindal for Prez, and AK Gov. Sarah Palin for another run at VP.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

Finally........Back to Work

I'm happy to report that indeed, I have been cleared to return to work, which I did after receiving the required release from my doctor this morning. Clocked in at 11:36 am.......doctor was running behind schedule, plus he suggested eating some food with my pain pill before going in. So I did. Left at 7pm........very tired. But very glad to be back on the job, and to STILL have my job. That was the important thing.

Now that I am back on schedule, I am off the next two days. My days off typically are Sunday, Thursday, and Friday. I am still part time, 32 hours a week. I will discuss more hours with management when I am completely recovered from the injury. And I received my 1 year evaluation today. My official 1 year anniversary is March 11. They do these early. I received very nice comments from my department asst. manager, and beginning the pay period that includes 3-11, I will get a 40 cent per hour raise. I am thankful.

I'm tired...........so it's time to rest. More later.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

Not quite yet

I reported to work at 10 am. I was told by personnel that without a doctor's release without restriction, I cannot return to work. I see the doctor tomorrow @ 9:30am, at which time I will implore him to give me said release. I cannot be off work any longer. I still have pain, which is to be expected, but it is manageable. So I need to get back to work. My co-workers in the meat dept. have been shouldering the load, and I need to get back and do my share.

Former Illinois senator Barack Hussein Obama is now the 44th President of the United States. May God's hand be upon him, and those who work for and with him, as they take on the task of governing this nation.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

A MUST READ COLUMN

If you want a feel good story today, go to the ESPN widget at the left, and click on Gainesville State. You've got to read this. It will bring tears to your eyes. Maybe it will inspire you to great things.

Just click it. It's worth the time.

Getting Better

Since my last post I have been feeling better. I am able to walk short distances without the cane, which is a lot of improvement since Thursday. Of course, I am not yet fully recovered. That is made plain within about 2 minutes............but it is improvement. I am very thankful.

Today at our church a young boy, almost 8, who had received Christ as Savior last month, was baptized. We don't have many occasions like this, so when it happens, it is always special. In our church, we believe that baptism is an act of obedience to God which occurs AFTER the individual has trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation. Many churches teach sprinkling which, in their view, actually 'washes away sin,' then the person gets confirmed as a member of the church through classes typically taken as a young teen.

The previous 2 sundays I have sat on a stool behind the pulpit while leading worship. Today, before the first song, I symbolically put my cane on a nearby bench and walked to the pulpit, and had complete freedom of movement. I am grateful and thankful to God for this. I still have pain, but not nearly to the level of even 3 days ago. I go back to work at Walmart on Tuesday. I won't be 100% ready, but I must go back, or face losing my job. Which I cannot afford to have happen at this time. I see my doctor on Wednesday morning before work. If he had his way, I'm sure he would have me off work until I recover completely. These days, that's just not an option.

Good NFL playoff game in progress.........after 3 quarters: Arizona 24, Philadelphia 19.
Pittsburgh vs. Baltimore later, @ 5:30 central time.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

Scout.com Football Recruiting Widget

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Bitter Cold

Woke up this morning to bitter cold. It is, at the time of this post, -11 degrees in Rantoul. I don't recall it being this cold since at least 1996. Makes me want to stay home.

I still am having pain, especially in the left knee. I am getting concerned that I might not be fully ready to return to work............yet I must. And so I just go day by day, and see what happens.

How bout those Illini!!!!! Bruce Weber's team beat Michigan AT Michigan last night 66-51. Illinois' record is now 15-2. Michigan was ranked 25th. I wonder if the Illini will be ranked now.

Only 5 days to go until the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. No matter what your political views are, this is an historic occasion in America.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

Men's Rules

Saw the doctor today. He says to continue the meds. I need to be ready to go back to work on Tuesday, January 20. My feeling is that the doctor does not believe I will be ready. I have to be ready; there is no other choice. The saga continues..........................

I was doing some cleaning and sorting today when I found this gem. Read, enjoy, and apply in everyday life.

Men's Rules

At last a guy has taken the time to write all this down. Finally, the guy's side of the story. We always hear "the rules" from the female side. Now, here are the rules from the male side.

These are our rules! Please note, these are all numbered "1" ON PURPOSE!

1. Men are not mind readers! As much as we try to be connected with you, men and women are not wired the same way. We are not alike. The differences are there for a reason.

1. Learn to work the toilet seat. You're a big girl. If it's up, put it down. We need it up, you need it down. You don't hear us complaining about you leaving it down.

1. Sunday sports. It's like the full moon or the changing of the tides; let it be.

1. Shopping is NOT a sport. And no, we are never going to think of it that way.

1. Crying is blackmail. 'Nuff said.

1. Ask for what you want. Let us be clear on this one: Subtle hints do not work! Strong hints do not work! Obvious hints do not work!

JUST SAY IT!

1. Yes and No are perfectly acceptable answers to almost every question.

1. Come to us with a problem only if you want help solving it. That's what we do.

Sympathy is what your girlfriends are for.

1. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.

1. Anything we said 6 months ago is inadmissible in an argument. In fact, all comments become null and void after 7 days. Mainly because we don't remember most of what we say within a few hours of saying it.

1. If you won't dress like Victoria's Secret girls, don't expect us to act like soap opera guys.

1. If you think you're fat, you probably are.

NOT!

Just don't ask us. Fewer hurt feelings that way.

1. If something we said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad or angry,.......we meant the other one.

1. You can either ask us to do something, or tell us how you want it done. Not both.

If you already know best how to do it, just do it yourself.

1. Whenever possible, please say whatever you have to say during commercials.

1. Christopher Columbus DID NOT need directions and neither do we.

1. All men see in only 16 colors, like Windows default settings.

For example, peach is a fruit, not a color! Pumpkin is also a fruit.

We have no idea what mauve is.

1. If it itches, it will be scratched. We do that. Rather vigorously and enthusiastically at times.

1. If we ask what is wrong and you say "nothing," we will act like nothing's wrong. We know you are lying, but it is just not worth the hassle.

1.If you ask a question you don't want an answer to,

expect an answer you don't want to hear.

1. When we have to go somewhere, absolutely anything you wear is fine......Really.

1. Don't ask us what we're thinking about unless you are prepared to discuss such topics as the infield fly rule, the shotgun formation, or the overtime shootout.

1. You have enough clothes.

1. You have too many shoes.

1. I am in shape. Round IS a shape!

Thank you for reading this. Yes I know, I have to sleep on the couch tonight.....but did you know men really don't mind that? It's like camping.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

A good day............finally

A pretty good day today. I have been able to sleep relatively well the past 2 nights, and I didn't have near as much pain today as I have previously. Hopefully, I've turned a corner in dealing with this injury.

My dog, Bobo, went to the vet today for his yearly distemper shot. I was surprised because when it came time for his turn to see the doctor, getting the shot didn't seem to bother him. But when the doc began to clip his claws,.............
well let's just say this wasn't his favorite part of the day. He is doing fine though, and he's my little buddy.

Later we went to lunch with Vernon, Ingrid's step-father,at his favorite Italian restaurant in Champaign, Biaggi's. He and Ursula (Ingrid's mom) were frequent diners at this establishment. The entire staff fussed over them and would bend over backwards (is that really possible?) to cater to their needs. Last year, when Ursula became sick, the restaurant would send food to their home. On the house. Gratis. Pro bono. Free.

After we got back to Rantoul, Ingrid and I went to our church to prepare the bulletins for tomorrow's services. Between the two of us, we type and print the bulletin folders, prayer memos, and any other inserts that have arrived during the week. This is just a part of the activities we are involved with in our church.

We just got done watching the 3rd season premiere of "My Big Redneck Wedding" on CMT. If only once, you MUST watch this show (Saturday nights 9e/8c). After seeing it, you will feel better about your own family..............I guaronteeeeeeeeeeee.

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

Another day............another wasted day

Well, maybe not 'wasted,' but there is little to no change in my condition. Saw the doctor again today, and had more 'therapy' using heat, and will go back on Monday. Doc says that I
"did myself up good." Which means that it is more serious than even he had thought. He wants to continue with rest and therapy; since I am not insured, he wants to avoid an MRI until and unless absolutely necessary. That would be big bucks, that we simply don't have.

Less than an hour ago, the special committee, convened in the IL General Assembly for the purpose of impeaching the governor, voted unanimously to do so. But because the new General Assembly will be sworn in on Jan. 14, the vote may have to be taken all over again, and then sent to the Senate for action. In case you haven't heard, IL's governor is accused of corruption. Following in the footsteps of the great cases of corruption and wrongdoing over the past fifty years or so in the (once) great state of Illinois. The saga continues................

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

On Leave

I am on a 2 week leave of absence from work. This should give me ample opportunity to recover from the injury I have. It's something that I'm not used to, with pain and such in the hip and knee. I do have gout, and I know that pain and the symptoms very well. Thankfully I have not had a major battle with gout for several months. I hope that will continue indefinitely.

After meeting with my pastor this morning to help choose worship songs for our Sunday morning church service, I came home and plopped down in my recliner. Sometime after 1 pm, I laid down in bed for a nap as the muscle relaxer kicked in.
I stayed there until 6 pm.

Patience is not something I have in abundance when it comes to my physical health. I must learn it in a hurry if I want to go back to my job. I took leave from 1-5 to 1-19. According to the paper I signed, I go back on Tuesday Jan. 20.......yep, the inauguration of a new US president. (More on that later) If for some reason I am not able to return to work on that very day, Walmart is not compelled to hold my job for me past that point. I need to get better..................fast.

It seems that the honeymoon is over for Mr. Obama already. One appointee withdraws, the fiasco over his former Senate seat.......etc. Look, I think Gov. Blagojevich is a blockhead, and NEVER should have been elected ONCE by the people of Illinois, much less TWICE. However, he has only been charged in a criminal complaint; he has not yet been indicted. As such, he is still the governor. Yes, I realize that it looks bad; I want him out as much as everyone else. But until he actually goes on trial and evidence is presented,..............he is still the governor. As such, he has the authority to make appointments to the Senate, and to sign bills, and to do what the office of governor calls for. I don't like it any better than anyone else, but I'm also EXTREMELY tired of the current system of American justice based on public opinion. Furthermore, I don't care what the US Senate's "rules" are, they cannot keep Mr. Burris out just because Blago appointed him. Harry Reid and every other senator should be ashamed of themselves for what is going on right now.

The only way any of this garbage in politics changes is IF WE THE PEOPLE STOP ELECTING THE SAME DIMWIT LIARS AND DEMAND CHANGE AND ACCOUNTABILITY. At ALL levels of government. If you really look closely at government these days, at all levels, you will find the stench of corruption, cronyism, racism, sexism, and all the other '-isms' still exist. It is frustrating because the vast majority of people are just trying to get by each day. We think we elect these people to represent us; but the longer they serve, the more entitled they believe they are. It's a vicious circle,.........the same circle my little dog Bobo runs around in until I let him out to poop. And right now.......in American politics.......the circle remains unbroken.

Those are my thoughts. What say you?

Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

Health Update

Went to see my doctor........or as they say today, "primary care physician." He remains so even though neither Ingrid or I are insured. Anyway, he pretty much confirmed the diagnosis and documented the story thoroughly. He will be treating me at least twice a week for the next 2 weeks. I am on a leave of absence from Walmart through January 19. I have told work I will return on Jan. 20. My job is secure to that point. If I inform them that I need more time, they are under no obligation to protect my job past that day. Employment in the 21st century in America...........

I got a new prescription of hydrocodone/apap tab 10-650mg, and a muscle relaxer, cyclobenzaprine, 10 mg. Yesterday before seeing the doc, Ingrid said that she didn't understand why I had not been given a muscle relaxer. This morning, without prior consultation, the doctor said the very same thing. That's my wife...............smart cookie.

I am writing this before taking the muscle relaxer for the first time........because Ingrid tells me that once I do...........I won't be doing much of anything. Like maybe going to la-la land.........LOL

That's today's update. Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.

2008 in Review

Here are a few passages from our most recent Christmas letter:

The year 2008 has been one of transitions. A brief summary:

January: Bob's cousin Cathy Wepner passed away after a valient fight with cancer.
March: Bob began working at Champaign (IL) Walmart after 20 years in factory work. Six days after beginning the job, Ingrid's mother Ursula Williams passed away after a strong 23 year battle with various cancers, at the age of 73.

The death of Ursula has dominated our year. Emotions are still raw at times. Hiving lost my (Bob) own father six years ago, and my mother 27 years ago, I can empathize, but each one grieves in their own way. Holidays and birthdays have been rough this year. Several of our friends have lost their mothers this year as well.

We did very little traveling this year, due mostly to simply not being able to financially. All of us understand that this year. The loss of a good paying job was a blow, but we are slowly recovering.

Through all of this, we know and understand that God is good, all the time. He is not limited by occurrences in this world; He is ultimately in control. He will not leave us or forsake us.

The day after Christmas, I fell in my icy driveway and hurt my left hip and hit the back of my head. I was fine until a week ago, at work, when I lifted a heavy box and aggravated the injury. I have been diagnosed with sciatica. At Walmart, if you call off work 4 days in a row, you get suspended for a day without pay. At that point, you cannot miss work for SIX months, or you will be fired. So to avoid that, I have to put in today for a leave of absence. Great place to work, eh?

Well that's an update from here for now. Until next time, keep your stick on the ice.............and your body off the ice. LOL

I'm Back

It's been too long. I hope to resume regular updates soon. Stay tuned.