Bahama Mama

Want some sugar cane Popeye?

Look what I caught Popeye!

Let's go for a walk Popeye!

You Are Missed

A valuable voice has been unfairly silenced.

Silenced by an unsolicited opinion.
Silenced by an ignorant hurtful comment.
Silenced by one who presumes to speak for all.
Silenced by one whom perhaps should themselves be silent.

A valuable voice has been unfairly silenced.

A voice which speaks honestly.
A voice which provokes thought.
A voice which entertains.
A voice which inspires.

A voice I miss and hope will soon return.

Lazy White People

Yesterday I went for my first post-op run - a very S....L....O....W 3.30 miles.

The following song and video was a gift from the RFWDG guys to our lovely wives.

It commemorates a December 2004 trip to Treasure Beach Jamaica, the most peaceful place I've ever been.

Written, arranged, composed and performed by Calvin, Don, Ward and myself.

Enjoy.

A Prayer

Flattering Photos?

I had a photo shoot yesterday.

They were very expensive and frankly I think I got screwed.

Button It Up

Next Wednesday morning, it’s back to the Doctor with new x-rays in tow. As it stands right now, I’m optimistic these photos will reveal the newly implanted metal in my upper spine to be securely in place and successfully promoting the desired fusion necessary to prevent me from becoming a white version of Gumby.

I’m equally optimistic he will free me from the wretched collar which has tormented me so these past six weeks and in so doing, bid me to go forth and once again don my Sauconys. In which case I will dutifully obey and gladly begin the arduous process of shedding the 15 plus pounds which have literally crept up on me during this unwelcome sedentary period.

It’s disappointingly interesting how quickly one gains weight when their activity level drops to nothing. It’s as if overnight I’ve gone from having to cinch my belt all the way to the last possible hole to having random buttons launch from my waist like deadly projectiles at 600 psi. Even my socks feel tight.

So as you might imagine, I’m more than ready to get back to an active lifestyle. But while I’m anxious to do so, I am also trying to remain mindful of the pitfalls of doing too much too soon. So as I begin to re-acclimate myself to physical activity, please take note of my mileage updates. And if you feel I’m too aggressive, feel free to verbally smack me.

In the meantime, be wary of rocket propelled buttons. They’ve been known to put an eye out.

Have A Special Day

Before I met you, I must confess
life as I knew it was one big mess.

The revolution was stalled, my cigars were wet
my uniforms tattered, my pants were split.

And try as I may, at every attempt
my beard never failed, to look so unkempt.

But now that’s all changed, I’m sharp as a tack
save for the metal, embedded in my back.

I’m no longer lost, and out of control
allowing life’s bumps to exact their toll.

Instead with you, my life is complete
any problems we face, together we’ll beat.

So on this day, as we celebrate
another year past, a memorable date.

Know that I love you, Te amo
no matter what happens, I’ll never go.

And in any language, I’m happy to say
¡Feliz Cumpleaños!, Happy Birthday!

Fidel