Ankle from the Crypt - Part Duex

Bye Bye Stitches

Hello Nasty!



Getting my stitches out.

Ankle from the Crypt

This is the outcome of my surgery a week ago today.

That's Bethany, my fixator. She is the one in charge of making sure nothing moves. She does a great job. She's drilled into my bones.

That is the outside of my ankle. There is a screw in my heel perpendicular to the stitches. Feel my PAIN!

Transformers!

This is really the best movie I have seen. Go see it and tell me you didn't like it. If you don't like it....you're lame. It is pure entertainment and worth any penny you spend on it. That's my word.

Yay for Me!

A lot has been going on in my life…or has it? I found out that my left ankle is destroyed. Not the ouch I sprained my ankle destroyed but the operate on it because the ligaments are shot to pieces, your heel isn’t vertical so cut a wedge out of it to straighten it, bone spurs the size of peanuts, in permanent state of partial dislocation, you have arthritis forming destroyed sort of way. So on July 11th I go in to get it fixed. I am being told that I won’t be putting my full weight on it for 9 weeks. There goes the summer! YAY! Not that summer in Phoenix is anything to brag about…it was 111 degrees today. I am happy to finally be getting it fixed. If I waited much longer the doctor said they would have had to fuse my ankle. I don’t roll like that. Hopefully the end result will be an ankle that will last me another 28 years or more.

Work is great. I can’t complain. I have a lot going on and I am staying super busy. With this busyness comes a pay raise that I am negotiating at the moment. That makes me happy.

Despite my ankle problems I am playing softball on Monday nights and soccer on Wednesday nights. I’m pretty much hard core and still dominate; despite my ankle. I scored a goal a couple weeks ago and have 2 assists. When my team goes up by a few goals I make them put me in the field so I can run around and get some exercise. It just so happens that I can do a little something now and again out in the field. As for softball, I’m awesome. So much for humility. Sometimes I make plays where I impress myself. I’ve never been a fast person but I can react quickly and I have an arm that makes up for anything else. I am trying to get it all in before I have to stop for what will be 2-3 months.

I hope to recover quickly because my roommate is planning on starting a baseball team; that’s right, BASEBALL. The games start in August so I will probably miss most of the season. But if the opportunity presents itself and I am ok’d by the doctor then you can bet I’ll be playing. I figure I’ll play catcher and pitch when needed. No one else has the guts to play catcher but I ain’t scared. I relish the chances I’ll have to throw out people trying to steal on me.
I’m tired and I have a headache but I thought I’d take the chance to catch you up on a few things. Enjoy!

It's a deep burn

I just want everyone who might read this blog to know that I love my sisters! I had so much fun chillin with them last weekend. It is so easy to laugh and love and learn. I may be the luckiest brother in world. I Love YOU Brooke, Brittany, Kara, and Krista! It's a deep burn!

A Tasty Brew Indeed

I’m pretty sure that Henry Weinhard makes the best Rootbeer available. I have tried many varieties…IBC, A&W, Virgil’s, Barq’s, Stewarts, Shasta, Mug, generics of all kinds, and none of them can do it like a cold Weinhard’s can do it. I’ll pay the premium price because I know the difference. I challenge anyone to find a tastier Rootbeer. You give me the recommendation and I’ll give it a shot. No bias. Deal?

Oh and this guy agrees with me. I did a random Google search and found this at the top of the list. I don’t know who he is but the fact that he obviously has no life gives my independently made statement mucho credibility.

My Soundtrack

I told you about the books Twilight and New Moon.
I rambled about how I feel bad for not buying them…but not really.
I told you about the new poems I wrote Only You and Down By the Shore...maybe you checked them out.

I did say I’d provide a play list/soundtrack for you about the books. I have mixed feelings about posting this. Maybe if you are having doubts about picking up the books you’ll know some of these songs and be like, ‘Yo, this soundtrack is legit! The books have to good.’ But I know you’re gonna look at the 1st song and be like, ‘Dude, Caleb has lost it. Spice Girls? This book must be lame.’

Here is how it happened. When I was reading, I thought of some of these songs; they'd just pop into my head. Sometimes when I was driving around listening to my iPod a song would remind me of the book. I say don’t knock it ‘til you listen. These are all good songs outside of the soundtrack. I made it extra easy for you. Click on the title and the lyrics of the songs pop up. they are what did it for me.

Viva Forever – Spice Girls
I Get Weak – Belinda Carlyle
Lovesong – The Cure
The Secret’s in the Telling – Dashboard Confessional
Kiss Me – The Cardigans
Carve Your Heart – Dashboard Confessional
Stolen (Live) – Dashboard Confessional
I Just Can’t Stop Loving You – Michael Jackson
Yellow (Live Piano Solo) – Coldplay
Romeo and Juliet – Dire Straits
In Too Deep – Phil Collins
It Ends Tonight – All-American Rejects
Against All Odds – Phil Collins
My Happy Ending (Acoustic) – Avril Lavigne
Ghost of a Good Thing – Dashboard Confessional
My Immortal – Evanescence
Breakdown – Tom Petty
Currents – Dashboard Confessional

I would have added Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol if I made the soundtrack today as a 6b or 18b.

Busted!

I just Googled my name to see what came up. Here was an article I found that brought back some memories. I should write a poem about this! Actually I think I did. I'll go look for it.

Memories...water colored...blah blah!

So was thinking a little about memories. I had a received a comment that said “I'm not saying quit your day job but...you really should trade in on your natural born poetic talent.” I was flattered that someone noticed first of all but then the reality and somewhat sobering thought came to my mind. I replied to with the following, “Thanks but I’d trade the talent for not having anything to write about.”

Sounds terrible I know, but if you look at all of the poems I write most of them are about the personal heartbreaks I have suffered over the years. I don’t really relish those moments. Did I learn from them? It doesn’t look like it because it keeps happening.

But what about the memories you ask?

Here’s what spawned it my train of thought. I wrote this poem about the greatest night of my life so far. It was perfectly perfect. I wouldn’t have changed anything except to make it last longer. If I could have prolonged it or lived it over again and again I’d take that couple of hours forever.

It’s not a bad memory by any means. But here is the catch. I have that memory. I have that imprinted on my soul. I can’t escape it, I can’t recreate it…it haunts me…a strange form of torture. It is something I would take back in a second and yet I know I’ll never have that again. That hurts. The memory hurts even though it was so amazing. I can’t have that again. And it is really the only thing I want. I’m not living in the past. I’m not regretting the times or the actual events but I don’t really want to remember how good it was and realize how much I want it back and can’t ever get it. I don’t want those scars.

I’d trade in my talents for not having these things to write about because that means it would have worked out. I guess that is it…the disappointment of losing it. I doubt that these memories bring the scrutiny I look at myself with. I know I failed. I could have done better. I don’t pity myself and I don’t feel angry or bitter that it hasn’t happened yet but I’d rather have had it go right a long time ago. Does that make any sense at all? Maybe this will help...

A Rave and a Rant

I’m doing this in chapters so you can stop and come back on another day and still have something new to read. So don’t get all over zealous and read this all in one day. I don’t know when my next post will be.

CHAPTER 1
Ok…I know people have been wondering where I have been or at least why I haven’t written anything in 2 months. Well the answer is: I didn’t have anything I felt like talking about. I’m sorry. It is also a combination of not giving me the time to write anything. I have been busy and given myself over to other things that I’d rather do than write a blog. That’s just the truth. It’s not that I don’t like writing blogs, and I know you crave them. If I don’t add stuff people will stop coming altogether. So here is something for you. If you haven’t go check out the links to my sister’s sites; Brooke, Brittany, Kara, and Krista. See all of the fun things they are doing.

CHAPTER 2
My sisters (all 4 of them) have gone CRAZY over these books by Stephanie Meyer. If you’re a chick then you’ve probably heard of them. Twilight and New Moon. I was approached a couple of weeks ago and told I should really read these books. So because of their excitement and finding out that Kara and Brittany are flying in to Phoenix to attend an event put on by this author, I thought sure. I didn’t even up a fight. I poured through both of the books. Each one took a bout a weekend to complete. I guess most people have been doing the same thing.

CHAPTER 3
They are good books. I enjoyed reading both of them. They are love stories about a 18 yr old girl and a vampire falling in love and the complications of how to deal with such a vexed relationship. It’s cute. I smiled and laughed and shed a tear once even. I am a bit of a softie but there is no shame in that. So yeah, good books. I recommend them and so do pretty much everybody else who I’ve talked to who has read them. (That is at least 6 other people.)

CHAPTER 4
Other pertinent information. I am going to this event as well. It is a Prom, which is a chapter in one of the books. We are talking about the real deal. I’m wearing a Tux. I also made a soundtrack for the books. Something that my sisters have been working on as well. Not my idea but I felt I could put one together and if anything I’d like it.

CHAPTER 5
All of that was to lead to this…How come the publishing industry doesn’t make a big fuss about pirating like the music industry? I didn’t buy Stephanie’s books. I borrowed them and read them and gave them back. Probably to be lent out again to someone else. Mrs. Meyer just lost out. Shouldn’t she be up in arms about how I just ripped her off? Why isn’t there a movement I have heard about to stop this crime? The music and movie industry is all over this issue. When I was burning my play list to give to my sisters off iTunes I received a warning that said I was copying songs that were protected and only to be used for personal use. There wasn’t a warning on the book that said don’t let anyone read this book; make them go buy it. Shouldn’t the FBI be getting after me? I bet when the movie comes out there will be a preview/commercial warning me about pirating the movie.

CHAPTER 6
Obviously I am not reproducing the book and selling it or giving it away to people as some may do with music and movies…but isn’t the idea the same? I’m getting the entertainment for free. I didn’t pay for it and the author/creator of the work didn’t get any money for my enjoyment. The publisher didn’t get any money from me. All I gave was my time. I find it strange.

CHAPTER 7
Here is the thing though. I think I may go buy the books anyway and mail them to someone who may enjoy them. I might. I’ve thought about it. I probably wouldn’t do it with a book I didn’t like or even a book I did like. I sorta feel guilty. I bought a book called Next by Michael Crichton, read it and finished it at the airport one day while I was traveling. I ended up just giving it to a guy who I met while my plane was delayed. I just gave it to him. What is the deal with that? Someone should pass a law. I’m done ranting for no reason.

CHAPTER 8
I’ll post my play list so you can see it. If you want a copy I’ll burn one for you if you send me a blank cd and a self addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) to me. I feel it is my responsibility to tell you that you should go buy the book…or get it from the li-bary because you’ll easily finish it before the return due date.

Thanks for sticking with me. I love you.

Valentine's vs Single Awareness

I would rather celebrate Valentine’s Day than Single Awareness Day. I don’t need a specific day to remind me or point out that I am single. I do a fine job of realizing it most days and I refuse to be bitter about being single. I am not mad that I am single or that there are happy couples. I am not mad that I have never had someone to celebrate the day with…ever. I won’t go as far as to say I am glad to be single or that I necessarily like being a bachelor; there are some fun things about it, but I think I would rather have someone to love than to be searching and waiting for that someone.

So to you S.A.D, I say, Toodles. I will not celebrate you. Rather I would like to celebrate Valentine’s Day for what it is; a day to remember the ones you love. It is also a day that gives me hope that there will come a Valentine’s Day where I will have someone to celebrate with…and it is going to be a special day. She won’t need February 14th to know that I love her but it will be an excuse to reassure her that I do. I look forward to that Valentine’s Day.

As I Zero In

I don’t know your name but I do know the following things about Anonymous.

• You live in the Phoenix area.
• You work for the University of Phoenix.
• You currently use Firefox 2.0.0.1 and Windows XP.
• You know Tom and end up at my blog because you've been on his.
• You have been here before…for a long time.
• You better be sorry.

Ahhhh technology…gotta love it.

Dear Anonymous Hater,

I recall the Lion from the Wizard of Oz was a coward much like you. You conveniently hide behind the safety of being a nobody. I think it is pathetic and you won’t ever find me ducking behind anonymity when I want to speak my mind. I don’t have a problem with your opinion. You are more than able to express it. That is the glory of the blogosphere, blogiverse, or what ever this is we are a part of; you can have a voice no matter who you are or how small it may be.

So when you come to my page and you make a comment at least have the BALLS, for lack of a better word, to reveal your identity. I don’t care if you come to hate or praise my words and thoughts. You can think I am a stalker or want to beat up my sisters (classy by the way) but at least, AT LEAST! have some pride in your words and be something besides a coward that doesn’t have the guts to put a name next to some weak attempt at hating on me.

If you are wondering what I am talking about, please refer to the comments section of the previous post. You will see where some pusillanimous nobody decided to open their mouth and try to make me feel bad.

Let me clarify something for you Anonymous, I haven’t even talked to her in a month, It didn't end poorly between us and so there is no need for a restraining order. Also, my sister’s love me and they don’t like to see my feelings get hurt, they care and want to protect their brother in any way they can. So their comments aren’t those of aggression towards the people that hurt me, but rather aimed at me for purposes of consoling and showing me their love. So while you may not like their comments and think that they are stupid, you obviously lack the understanding and the same level of love and support from those around you. At least I know who loves me and who has got my back when it gets tough.

This is also on the heels of hearing that someone hated on my sister Krista’s blog, someone who knows about her but doesn’t really know her, and tried to insult her. I am sure that it was done out of pure jealously. She is a noble woman and you are petty and ignorant.

You are lucky that you stayed anonymous my friend, because if I knew who you were there would be words much stronger than these headed in you direction. I’ve been to jail for less. That’s my word. You can’t see me!

New Poems...sad ones

This one is called Indentured.

This is the title track to the whole thing. A Poet of Sorts

I wish I had better news. But my heart is broken and I am sad. She is Magic.

What is a Resolution?

I have been thinking about the word itself. I know that a New Years Reslolution is a goal or something to that effect that you use to motivate yourself to be a better person during the coming year...

But where does the word come from, what does it really mean? Why do we call it a resolution?

Initially I thought maybe it came from being resolute, determined and focused on an objective. Then I thought maybe it is a RE-solution...meaning you are going to try to solve a problem...again.

As I browsed over the various definitions, #3 said, "a course of action determined or decided upon." That is probably the most fitting definition; the most appropriate. But I think looking at it in a macro sense is interesting too. Think about it...picture clarity, the higher the resolution the clearer a picture is. Legally speaking, it is the decision of a court or legislative body, ie. yourself. You choose the plan of action. In music it is described basically as changing one note to become another. Like when you tune a piano or guitar. You have change the tone of the other notes based on a single correct note, a keynote or primary note. Fascinating! So maybe like, changing your life to fall in line with certain rules you think you should be living, being in harmony with the law. In the military the word is used as a measurement of the smallest detail that can be distinguished by a sensor system under specific conditions.

I find it all very interesting. Resolution…maybe it means to put it to sleep…finish the job…do what had needed to be done finally. Any way that you look at it I thought an in depth look was needed.

As for me do I have any? I usually don't make them. I have goals and dreams and ways and means. Why do I need a specific day or time of year to motivate myself to be a better person? Plus, it just gives the Old Scratch more ammo to break me down. I don't need to aid him at all. In addition to that, a lot of people make unrealistic resolutions for themselves...I disagree with that. If you are going to have near impossible goal you better at least have some kind of a plan to obtain it...you can't just be saying stuff like, 'I want to make a million dollars.' How?

But for the sake of making a New Year Resolution...I don't want to give up on things so easily and quickly. I want to be persistent and patient and long suffering. Don't give up Caleb, be stalwart.