What a crazy week. I am officially back at work. I attended a work function on thursday. It was a charity event for canuck place children's hospice. http://www.canuckplace.org/
What a worthy cause. If you want to find somewhere to give, this would be a the place. They played a video that made me tear up. I can't imagine what it feels like to have a child who is terminally ill. It probably is one of my worst nightmares. But the things they do at the hospice not only for the child but for the entire family is amazing. It was a very small part but I am glad I was be a part of something like that.
Rhys started preschool...and hates it. Just like her dad, an aversion to school. Haha
This rule of life came just in time. Work life balance- a definite must for me now- more than ever.
urbanruleoflife.blogspot.com
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Tue, Sept 13, 2011
June and I had been wanting to go to New York even before I got sick. So 2 weeks ago we went. We have our friends Kevin and Sylvia to thank for our sweet 5 star accommodations. Now a bucket list sounds very morbid- a better way to look at things is life experiences. That's what I enjoy about life nowadays- those moments that may never happen again but you are sure glad you experienced them when you did. So here goes...some highlights from a week in New York:
In no particular order:
1. Went to top of empire state building
2. Saw Chris play in the world police and firefighter games (bronze medal in football)
3. Times square at night
4. Saw Kobe Bryant and his family, 5 rows in front of us at Lion King
5. Walked the Brooklyn bridge and ate the best pizza ever
6. Saw Russell Crowe in Central Park
7. Watched Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova live at the US open, centre court
8. Paid $3.00 to go inside the Museum of Natural History (I love dinosaurs)
9. Went to Ground Zero
10. Ate a Nathan's hotdog
Oh yeah, and I am back at work. Trying to cram what I missed in 9 months into as soon as possible. Well, no one can say my life is boring right.
i started another blog- urbanruleoflife.blogspot.com check it out if you feel the urge
In no particular order:
1. Went to top of empire state building
2. Saw Chris play in the world police and firefighter games (bronze medal in football)
3. Times square at night
4. Saw Kobe Bryant and his family, 5 rows in front of us at Lion King
5. Walked the Brooklyn bridge and ate the best pizza ever
6. Saw Russell Crowe in Central Park
7. Watched Andy Roddick and Maria Sharapova live at the US open, centre court
8. Paid $3.00 to go inside the Museum of Natural History (I love dinosaurs)
9. Went to Ground Zero
10. Ate a Nathan's hotdog
Oh yeah, and I am back at work. Trying to cram what I missed in 9 months into as soon as possible. Well, no one can say my life is boring right.
i started another blog- urbanruleoflife.blogspot.com check it out if you feel the urge
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sept 11, 2011
It's been a while since I last blogged. I thought today would be fitting. it's definitely a day that makes you think about life and death. it's one of those days that everyone remembers where they were and what they were doing. but before i get into that, I have started a three month experiment with my pastor on this concept of monastic living in urban times. its hard to explain but if you are interested, i have started another blog to journal and document my 3 months in this experiment. if this peaks your curiosity, then check out urbanruleoflife.blogspot.com. I am going to try and journal through the 3 months to see how this concept affects my life.
ok back to the lecture at hand (snoop and dre)- 9-11, I was in a rental car driving to Toronto pearson airport. I had just spent a week in Guelph hanging with my good buddy Jill who had moved there for her PHD or Masters, I forget. Anyways, driving along the highway, listening to a hip hop station, the song was interrupted by the DJ yelling, "a plane has hit the world trade center!" I thought to myself- what a sick joke to play in the morning or anytime. I flipped to another station and they were talking about the same thing. I realized it was not a radio station prank. I kept driving but I so wanted to pull over and find a tv. Almost at the airport, the second plane hit the the second tower. I was shocked. I got to the airport, returned the car and went in. I went to the counter and they informed me that all domestic flights were still a go so i checked in and went across the street to the hotel to watch CNN with quite a few other people that were in similar states of shock as I was. I watched for almost an hour and then went back to the airport. All the flights had been cancelled. I went to the baggage claim area and it was full of baggage that had been spit back out of the conveyor belts. I got my bag and then called home, I remember calling my Mom and my friend Joe- I think he was going to pick me up. I then called my friend Jill and told her I was still here. She was in class and it was going to be a good 6 hours before she could get the message and come get me. So I hung out at the airport. It was surreal. There was military troops walking around with automatic weapons. There were airline employees that were quite distraught because they had friends that were on the flights that crashed. There were people sad, angry, shocked at the thought of being stuck and not getting home. I remember talking to a few people. I met a couple that was trying to get back to edmonton for their daughter's wedding. I prayed with them and wished them the best in getting to the wedding. I told some people off- (I was young and brash back then) Some people were quite angry at the airlines because of the cancelled flights. I remember yelling at some business man that was yelling at a counter agent for air canada. I said, "hey buddy, in lieu of today's events, do you really think getting on an airplane is a good idea, dumbass" shocking, he didnt appreciate my candor. 5 days later on standby, I was home. 10 years later- I will never forget those images and the people I met with, talked to and prayed with on that day. Pretty crazy.
I was just in New York recently- and went to Ground Zero. It was just a construction zone but I thought of the many innocent victims that died there and all the firefighters and police officers and paramedics that gave their lives to save another's.
I have many good friends that are police officers, in the medical field as nurses and doctors, and a few that are firefighters. I have nothing but the highest respect for people that have dedicated their lives to serving, helping and protecting others.
In my little tousle with cancer this year, although faint-the reality of dying hit me fairly hard at times. Today, I saw on tv so many people that had actually lost loved ones- I teared watching the footage. I know that life goes on. I understand that wounds heal but my prayer today went out to all those who had lost someone during 9-11. It doesn't matter how you lose a loved one. It's tough.
I guess a medical update is also in order. The doctor said no more scans till the new year. I do have bloodtests and xrays in november. I am itching to get back to work. Lot's happening. Yes, I want to go back to work. I miss the people, the problems, the small victories that keep us going. But mostly, I miss the people. I am a Coke dealer...and proud of it.
later and check out urbanruleoflife.blogspot.com if you should feel so inclined to keep reading
PS- June is no longer proof reading so the grammar is gonna suck- sorry
ok back to the lecture at hand (snoop and dre)- 9-11, I was in a rental car driving to Toronto pearson airport. I had just spent a week in Guelph hanging with my good buddy Jill who had moved there for her PHD or Masters, I forget. Anyways, driving along the highway, listening to a hip hop station, the song was interrupted by the DJ yelling, "a plane has hit the world trade center!" I thought to myself- what a sick joke to play in the morning or anytime. I flipped to another station and they were talking about the same thing. I realized it was not a radio station prank. I kept driving but I so wanted to pull over and find a tv. Almost at the airport, the second plane hit the the second tower. I was shocked. I got to the airport, returned the car and went in. I went to the counter and they informed me that all domestic flights were still a go so i checked in and went across the street to the hotel to watch CNN with quite a few other people that were in similar states of shock as I was. I watched for almost an hour and then went back to the airport. All the flights had been cancelled. I went to the baggage claim area and it was full of baggage that had been spit back out of the conveyor belts. I got my bag and then called home, I remember calling my Mom and my friend Joe- I think he was going to pick me up. I then called my friend Jill and told her I was still here. She was in class and it was going to be a good 6 hours before she could get the message and come get me. So I hung out at the airport. It was surreal. There was military troops walking around with automatic weapons. There were airline employees that were quite distraught because they had friends that were on the flights that crashed. There were people sad, angry, shocked at the thought of being stuck and not getting home. I remember talking to a few people. I met a couple that was trying to get back to edmonton for their daughter's wedding. I prayed with them and wished them the best in getting to the wedding. I told some people off- (I was young and brash back then) Some people were quite angry at the airlines because of the cancelled flights. I remember yelling at some business man that was yelling at a counter agent for air canada. I said, "hey buddy, in lieu of today's events, do you really think getting on an airplane is a good idea, dumbass" shocking, he didnt appreciate my candor. 5 days later on standby, I was home. 10 years later- I will never forget those images and the people I met with, talked to and prayed with on that day. Pretty crazy.
I was just in New York recently- and went to Ground Zero. It was just a construction zone but I thought of the many innocent victims that died there and all the firefighters and police officers and paramedics that gave their lives to save another's.
John 15:13- Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
I have many good friends that are police officers, in the medical field as nurses and doctors, and a few that are firefighters. I have nothing but the highest respect for people that have dedicated their lives to serving, helping and protecting others.
In my little tousle with cancer this year, although faint-the reality of dying hit me fairly hard at times. Today, I saw on tv so many people that had actually lost loved ones- I teared watching the footage. I know that life goes on. I understand that wounds heal but my prayer today went out to all those who had lost someone during 9-11. It doesn't matter how you lose a loved one. It's tough.
I guess a medical update is also in order. The doctor said no more scans till the new year. I do have bloodtests and xrays in november. I am itching to get back to work. Lot's happening. Yes, I want to go back to work. I miss the people, the problems, the small victories that keep us going. But mostly, I miss the people. I am a Coke dealer...and proud of it.
later and check out urbanruleoflife.blogspot.com if you should feel so inclined to keep reading
PS- June is no longer proof reading so the grammar is gonna suck- sorry
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Thur. Aug 25th 2011
Well, blood test all clear. Ct scan clear. Doctor says I look good. I am down 15 pounds. Hope to shed even more. Time to get back to work. Sept. 26- return of the coke dealer. My dr and I chatted about some of the after effects and also my return to work regimen. We also discussed the likelihood of reoccurrence- not that we are expecting that but it was good to know. I also poked my head into chemo ward to say hi to my friend nurse Angie and company. Always good to see them when I am not in he chair with an IV. Ok that's all for now. Anyone have some weight loss ideas. Please share.
His was my devotion today- very fitting
About Our Daily Bread
Bring It On!
August 25, 2011
2 Corinthians 11:22–12:10
Three times I was beaten . . . ; three times I was shipwrecked; . . . in perils . . . , in weariness and toil, . . . in hunger and thirst. —2 Corinthians 11:25-27
A TV program on the History Channel featured the world’s most extreme airports. The one that caught my attention is no longer open, but it is one I had flown into. I agree that Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport was definitely a thrill ride for passengers and surely a challenge for pilots. If you came in from one direction, you had to fly over skyscrapers and then hope the plane stopped before it plunged into the sea. If you came in the other way, it seemed as if you were going to smack into a mountain.
I found it surprising that a pilot who used to take planeloads of people into Kai Tak said, “I miss flying into that airport.” But I think I know what he meant. As a pilot, he relished the challenge. He had a confidence based on his ability and his reliance on those who guided him into the airport.
Too often, we run from challenges. Yet the people we love to read about in the Bible are impressive because they battled challenges. Consider Paul. With the confidence of God’s help, he faced troubles head-on—and conquered them. Christ’s promise to Paul and to us is: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Like Paul’s example, in the confidence of God’s care we can say to the next challenge: Bring it on! —Dave Branon
I do not ask for easy paths
Along life’s winding roads,
But for the promised grace and strength
To carry all its loads. —Meadows
If God sends you on stony paths, He will provide good shoes
His was my devotion today- very fitting
About Our Daily Bread
Bring It On!
August 25, 2011
2 Corinthians 11:22–12:10
Three times I was beaten . . . ; three times I was shipwrecked; . . . in perils . . . , in weariness and toil, . . . in hunger and thirst. —2 Corinthians 11:25-27
A TV program on the History Channel featured the world’s most extreme airports. The one that caught my attention is no longer open, but it is one I had flown into. I agree that Hong Kong’s Kai Tak Airport was definitely a thrill ride for passengers and surely a challenge for pilots. If you came in from one direction, you had to fly over skyscrapers and then hope the plane stopped before it plunged into the sea. If you came in the other way, it seemed as if you were going to smack into a mountain.
I found it surprising that a pilot who used to take planeloads of people into Kai Tak said, “I miss flying into that airport.” But I think I know what he meant. As a pilot, he relished the challenge. He had a confidence based on his ability and his reliance on those who guided him into the airport.
Too often, we run from challenges. Yet the people we love to read about in the Bible are impressive because they battled challenges. Consider Paul. With the confidence of God’s help, he faced troubles head-on—and conquered them. Christ’s promise to Paul and to us is: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). Like Paul’s example, in the confidence of God’s care we can say to the next challenge: Bring it on! —Dave Branon
I do not ask for easy paths
Along life’s winding roads,
But for the promised grace and strength
To carry all its loads. —Meadows
If God sends you on stony paths, He will provide good shoes
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Tue Aug 23, 2011
I am suppose to get my CT scan and blood tests results this Friday. I went to my family doctor for my routine 3 month diabetes checkup and he had already received a copy of my CT results. All clear! No cancer activity detected. Now I just need to get my blood results on thursday and we are good to go. Hoping to get back to work in September. It was nice to get scan #2 clear and in the books. I had an opportunity to share my story with 106 youths at a bible camp recently. I flipped through my blog beforehand to reminisce. 6 months later, the entire experience still seems quite surreal. Thanks again for everyone that was praying and pulling for me. All those words and notes of encouragement meant more to me and June than I could ever express on a blog. I don't know what the future holds but I am confident that God's plan is perfect and I am just along for the ride.
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9
A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. —Proverbs 16:9
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Tuesday Aug 9, 2011
CT scan day, I am peeing every 10 mins. So bloated- full of water. I feel good. Today my goal is to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Who wants odds? Haha, not my strengths definitely. I have still not used my arms in swimming yet. Kicking like madman though. With flippers and a kickboard, I am ashton kutcher in The Guardian. Without them I am the submarine in The Hunt for Red October. Straight to the bottom. I wonder if they make skin color life jackets? Rhys is going to the wiggles tonight. I am not, PTL. Well, off to the cancer clinic. Hope everyone is having a great summer.
How's that for random information. This blog has really gone downhill lately. I am thinking about starting another blog called- What it is to marry June Choi...I have some insights on that, mostly comical and would probably get in trouble with some of the other wives. For example, why do we pay for a cell phone bill when all of June's friends call me when they need to get a hold of her? Is there a cell phone plan out there that is half price and the phone only works for outbound calls and unable to receive calls? Thats pretty much what we have right now. $40 bucks a month to play brickbreaker...hmmm
I saw The Company Men the other day. I highly recommend it- gave me one of those perspective moments. Still working on being content with what I have. This movie definitely makes you think. And is also about the triumph of the human spirit. I like that.
How's that for random information. This blog has really gone downhill lately. I am thinking about starting another blog called- What it is to marry June Choi...I have some insights on that, mostly comical and would probably get in trouble with some of the other wives. For example, why do we pay for a cell phone bill when all of June's friends call me when they need to get a hold of her? Is there a cell phone plan out there that is half price and the phone only works for outbound calls and unable to receive calls? Thats pretty much what we have right now. $40 bucks a month to play brickbreaker...hmmm
I saw The Company Men the other day. I highly recommend it- gave me one of those perspective moments. Still working on being content with what I have. This movie definitely makes you think. And is also about the triumph of the human spirit. I like that.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Thur, Aug 4th
I have a CT scan on Aug 9th, blood work Aug 11, and then results Aug 25th. I hate waiting and i am trying to keep busy, but getting a clean bill of health Aug 25 will give me the green light to go back to work in Sept. To be honest, I can't wait. Part of this recovery period for me has been an attempt at self improvement. Here are the areas that I have been trying to improve...the letters beside each is the grade I am giving myself so far. One small step for gil, is well, still a small step I guess. I can't stop thinking about a quote from one of Lance Armstrong's doctors in his book. He was talking about how cancer doesn't pick and choose. "I see the same ornery people, get cured and go right back to their ornery lives"- That scares me. I don't want to see myself go back to my old life, not that I was a lying, cheating, piece of crap that was wallowing in a miserable state of life. In fact, I think life was good pre-cancer. But I think I want to come out of this experience, stronger, faster and new and improved. It is a slow slow process however, haha.
Daily devotion and prayer- B
Exercise- C+
Eating healthier- A
Controlling temper-C
Cleaning and organizing life-A-
Swimming-C
I may expand on a few of these later, got some funny swimming stories, thats for sure
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. —Ephesians 2:8
It is good for me to draw near to God. —Psalm 73:28
I read these verses the other day and they reminded me that life is full of bumps along the way and my human/gut reaction is to deal with things, my way or alone. The last 6 months have taught me that no one does it alone, or at least it is a lot easier when you aren't alone.
Daily devotion and prayer- B
Exercise- C+
Eating healthier- A
Controlling temper-C
Cleaning and organizing life-A-
Swimming-C
I may expand on a few of these later, got some funny swimming stories, thats for sure
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. —Ephesians 2:8
It is good for me to draw near to God. —Psalm 73:28
I read these verses the other day and they reminded me that life is full of bumps along the way and my human/gut reaction is to deal with things, my way or alone. The last 6 months have taught me that no one does it alone, or at least it is a lot easier when you aren't alone.
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