Linkedin

I've had my cell phone number since at least 2007 - a good 9 years - and I have no plans on changing it.

Unfortunately at that time when I was young, dumb, and seeing anything horny, I would give out my phone number to potential suitors. Ever notice how numbers in our phones never seem to disappear? We always store those numbers.

I've had numbers of hookups stored, but they're all gone. They were years ago when I realized they weren't coming back. As for me, I'm still dealing with suitors from the past.

Remember Chris? He added me on linkedin. There are several others who have added me on facebook like Ry, a guy named Dom, and more. There was the principal of the local Catholic school, who was a flight attendant, he added me tonight.

I am not worried - we are professionals - that was years ago - all of these people have never texted me. It's interesting. We just follow each other on facebook and ignore the past.

Has anyone else experienced that?

On being too valueable

You'll recall my last post about my principal saying I am "too valuable." That phrase has been in my mind for the past week. I do work hard when I am at work. I do try to do my best. I know there's room for improvement. I could listen to the kids more, I can do more checking for understanding with my students, I can integrate more technology. There's lots of room for improvement.

I recognize I'm valuable as a team player, in helping kids learn, in helping the school's mission. I guess too valuable shows I'm versatile, but I feel like there's other teachers who could/are as valuable. My roommate is as valuable as I am - no doubt in my mind. She is as proficient, if not more, in technology. She has more experience even in the new role as she has done that job prior. She isn't being called upon, though. There's another teacher who is working on articulation agreements and public relations with local colleges, she is definitely valuable. Maybe I'm just overanalyzing the situation. I guess part of it too is that I'm a favorite, and well, I am surprised, considering I don't ass kiss, and am constantly critical of the principal/VP.

Too valuable

My Me Time has been lacking lately. It has been go, go, go nonstop.

Last weekend was great - I was at an English Conference and presented on a topic I'm passionate about. I had a great reception overall. I had 16 participants in my workshop, which was awesome. All were friendly, inquisitive, and hopefully came away with something. Great way to build my resume.

I had an amazing time in that I also met up with one of my Wine Women unexpectedly from the State Board I partook. I also saw a guy, Thom, whom I met at the State Board conference. Sat at the bar talking for hours.

Back at work I'm doing 2 jobs for the pay of one. I basically told my principal today that I will do both jobs, but you'll be getting a bill. I'm going back in the classroom and doing some of the duties of the new position. He was agreeable. He also told me I am "too valuable that he doesn't know what to do with me." I am good in the classroom, but doing the position I've been doing outside of the classroom, he said. He said I don't have any discipline problems with students, the kids like me, I have 2 contrasting and valuable degrees that reflect my teaching assignment. In the new assignment I was successful in coordinating various activities around the campus, and the most important one had one of the best success rates in recent years. He doesn't know if he wants to keep me in the classroom, or out. He doesn't know if he wants to modify my assignment to 50/50.

I really don't know what the future holds with the position at work - everyday I am open to trying new things, am willing to work, and well, that's what I do. I know all of it is good experience, and will hopefully get me somewhere good. Ultimately this comes down to me - if I choose to accept/apply for the position that I am doing. I just hope that by not accepting it I don't get shitlisted if that's what I choose.

Anyways, crazy hours because of work- missed my hour massage last month, as well as this month. Have a 2 hour planned for me this month. My hands, feet, and neck really need it. Chiropractor too - I just feel out of whack, and my hands need adjusted.

Oh, and to top things off, I have lost my voice by the time I get home 3 nights in a row. I feel completely fine, but my voice just feels fragile.

So that sums me up for the past few weeks.

These guys and the neighbor

When a neighborhood event draws everyone outside - namely a car hitting the light pole in front of our house, we get to meet the neighbors.

The guy diagonal to us - he has 3 kids, whom he is very strict with. He's a police officer and his wife is a teacher. She's friendlier than him, and many neighbors have said that. He never waves when we see him.

Regardless, we all find ourselves outside. He asks me what was going on. I go over to tell him and introduce myself. He then says "how many of these guys live there?"

Was he referring to the fact that we're gay? These guys. He asked if there were 3 of us. These guys?

Maybe he just misspoke? Maybe he just doesn't have the way with words.

LA Morning News has become unwatchable

KABC 7

I never knew how much Garth's impact made an impact on how watchable the morning news was. Bri Winkler has the personality of a wet sponge with no personality - "oh that's lovely, that's beautiful." Did you see how bad she was during the Spark of Love Toy Drive? Alysha DelValle carries the show now. Kristen Aldridge is still unwatchable and doesn't have any chemistry with the rest of the staff.





KTLA
I can watch KTLA between 4 and 7, but Ginger Chan always seems so distant and doesn't have much chemistry with the rest of the talent. I love Henry and don't mind Megan Henderson.

KTLA is more watchable now that Jessica Holmes is on maternity leave. I hope she decides to not come back. No joke.




She needs to do something with her hair. She needs to get a more mature look. She needs to get a personality.

If Lynette Romero were on, it would be much more watchable.
EEEW... as I was writing this I flipped to KTLA and saw Blond Dumb was on. I'm flipping to CBS This Morning.

KNBC

I despise Whit Johnson - he doesn't seem to know alot. He just seems like a pretty boy who we are supposed to think is cute. Daniela Guzman is always absent it seems and Michelle Valles if filling in. Alexis DelChiaro doesn't resonate with me, she is just dumb. She just talks about mindless stuff. Look at her demo reel. And who is this weather girl Shanna? She is on a lot, as
are a lot of other strange looking people KNBC is finding.

The news writing is not bad, and I like the whole "while you were sleeping" thing






KCBS

I can stand Rick and Sharon. I like Stephanie Simmons. Rick and Sharon have been around in LA for a long time. Sharon has been here since the mid 90s, and we expect her to not be the smartest, but she has an LA look to her.


Evelyn Taft is relatively smart, and may be good looking, and I can take it.
I just wish they had more reporters on KCBS in the morning for more live and local coverage.

Stephanie seems smart and owns it.


KTTV

I can't stand the 7-9 bimbos - Araksya Karapeteyan and Lisa Breckenridge and Maria Sansone. Their format where they give opinions on the story is terrible considering these ladies know nothing.

Maria Sansone just creeps me out. Those eyes.

And why is Rick Dickert back in studio in the mornings? I like him in the helicopter. He carries the show and makes KTTV watchable between 4:30 and 7. He's got looks and personality, and is a SHARP dresser. This morning he had on black pants, a shirt and tie, and sweater. He looked quite dapper.

When I get where I'm going

I made this comment on the Closet Professor's blog the other day, and it is something I am still thinking about

Your post struck a lot of chords with me - doing what was expected as opposed to your passion - I feel like I am there right now. I am at a mostly amazing school in a plush position that gives me great freedom to do what I want as long as it is in the best interest of the students. I am in the admin credential program because everyone told me to do it - all of my friends, parents, and teachers I know. I don't have aspirations to be an administrator, though I know I could be a good one. Maybe one day, but not now. I know, and keep having opportunities come to me to move into administration. Its not where I want to be right now. I could. It would be a great pay raise. My partner keeps hearing the money aspect, the great opportunities, and possibility to move into district office where jobs seem even more plush. I have stood my ground that I am right where I need to be now. I've taught for a little over 5 years now, and I want to be here for at least another 5. I believe that if I were to move into admin that 10 years of teaching experience wil give me more credibility as an administrator. I also am looking at positions outside of the teaching/admin realm that require the admin credential/teaching experience, but again, not right now. Your words helped validate what I am feeling now.

The thing is I have had 4 opportunities this year to advance. I turned them all down, though people kept encouraging me to apply saying I have all the skills. I sometimes worry that I am making the wrong decision and if I'm not "taking advantage" so to speak of these opportunities now, will I have the chance later? I'm sure I will. There's only going to be an administrator shortage, much like a teacher shortage, as time goes on with many baby boomers retiring. 

Adnauseum post about cars

You guys know I keep talking about buying a car... or wanting a car... its a dead horse with me

I have a former coworker who wants to buy my car - he will give me KBB or greater for it. I could get about $5,500-6,500 for my car. It is a 2008 with 103,000 miles.

I like my car - I get about 30mpg, its a compact, it has bluetooth, no-key ignition, and more. It has a few problems - some paint is chipping and missing from an unfortunate tire incident.

But sometimes I see car deals and am tempted.

I like the idea of a lot of leases right now - $129 a month, $900 down for 24 or 36 months, $169 a month and $0 drive off. Lots of deals. I dislike the idea of not owning something, a little higher insurance because of a lease, and the chance of any damage that may occur that I may have to pay for.

My partner is encouraging me to sell my car if I can get that much for it. He has 3 cars, and says I can drive any 1 of those. My everyday car would become an older model SUV. I like the idea - I would save money - unless gas prices go up anymore ($3.00 costs $50.00 to fill the SUV up). The thing is my car is my freedom, and I have a hard time giving that up, though there is no reason not to...

I'm unsure if I want to lease or buy. I know if I want to buy I want to wait...

Propping up the little man

I have some insane coworkers - I have had several I've been unable to connect with. There are a few that I have somewhat of a friendship with.

Big Science Teacher is one of those - I guess that's' what I will call him from here on out - he is the biggest pessimist. Bitches and complains about everything, and everyone. He is super critical, and is a huge Angel's fanatic. His heart is in the right place. He cares for the kids, he cares about society, and he complains when any interest other than that comes into play.

It has taken me a year to become friends with him.

Today we had a bonding moment. We talked about our students, our problems, why we have a hard time.

He made a comment about how he is suddenly being invited to all these conferences and is in good graces with admin.

I didn't tell him, but part of that is me.

I am still perplexed. I've been at this school a year, as of tomorrow, and I still don't fit in. I don't bash anyone. I simply recognize those who do a good job and care. It perplexes me that I am suddenly being approached by the principal for my opinions on staff who should attend conferences, those who are tech savvy, and those who care. And what Big Sci doesn't know is I'm his biggest advocate behind the scenes. He knows tech, he cares about the kids, and he is anal about the kids being prepped for everything, like me.

But its people like this who often don't get the recognition they deserve.

And he is one of a handful of coworkers I can stand.

Can't sleep

My partner travels about 50% of the time. I'd say about 50% of the time I don't get a great night's sleep. I've gotten over the sleep issues from my past - taking hours to fall asleep - Melatonin solved that.

What has me wide awake is my surroundings - we have a sliding glass door in the bedroom - what if someone breaks in? Mind you, it has a stopper to prevent it from opening more than a foot. What if the dog doesn't bark and there is an intruder? What if there are burglars? What if I don't hear any of this?

These are the things I'm up against when I'm trying to get some sleep.

Tonight I'm 1,500 miles away from my partner - in a hotel room of my own - and I'm sure it'll be like last night when I was at home. I couldn't sleep. I was worried about everything that could happen. I miss the security when he is around. I miss laying next to him.

Your inner person

Ever have a friend say your inner black person or inner Mexican is coming out?

When I'm mad, my inner black woman, Shaquana comes out. When I'm around my sissy (former coworker), my inner black person comes out, and I'm La'Fred, her gay BFF.

Most of the time my inner Mexican comes out, and I'm drinking my margaritas, cervezas, eating and cooking my Mexican food. I'm your esexy Pablo or whatever Spanish name comes to mind. I speak some good Spanish and can hispanicize what I say. I can bring on that sexy "e" before "s," as in I would like "un eSprite." And you can't forget that sexy latino color.

I swear I was Mexican in a past life.

Backstabbing

I hate to work in a place where all the other employees backstab each other. Many workplaces have these sort of people, and where I work is not immune.

We have a gossip who is constantly stirring up the pot about things she "heard." Rumors start and end through her.

We have the bombshell in the corner who takes everything that goes on in, then goes off to the teacher he shares a room with to report, and report all that takes place to admin.

There's the Antisocial Trust Fund asshole who sits in the corner and talks about his trust fund, and how he lives in such a dangerous area. Contradiction much?

There's the Manbitch, as he is called, who calls everyone out, bitches about everything.

We have "the groupies" as they are called by the gossip. You have to be invited to sit at their table at lunch, it is an honor and privilege to talk to them. You have to 3 people at this table who spread and swirl the rumors. They're the first to call out everyone's wrongs - both admin and teachers. They're the first to call in sick without sufficient time to get a sub, yet when I do it - because I have a legitimate reason it is construed that I am "taking advantage of the system." They're the first to make judgmental comments about everything taking place. They call out anyone who doesn't do their job up to par, and they're the ones who don't in the first place!

There's the in-crowd, the ones who are like wolves clamoring for power. We have 4 of those, and they are at admin's beck and call for everything. I don't want to be one of those.

I have been put on an admin track at my school, am volunteering for extra duties, etc. I am being sent to conferences and trainings because I work, because I apply what I learn into my classroom. I have been asked to lead several staff meetings in the coming month. I am friends with the gossip - she knows I'm not trying to be part of the in-crowd because I'm wise, and know that power can be lost at the turn of a hat. She knows I'm not trying that hard to be a showoff. I just like the perks that come with doing a good job. She won't talk about me behind my back or spread any rumors. Trust Fund and Manbitch will say I'm a suck up. The groupies are going to say I'm on the in-crowd, that I'm on the incrowd, and maybe I am, and maybe it'll further ostracize me to these people that I don't want to have any association with. All of this because I work hard, and I am seizing the perks of my job.

Why not just call Eyewitness News at 11pm the Elex Michaelson Show?

Last night Elex was on 2 stories - some pursuit or maybe it was the Kyle Kraska story, and then a girl with down syndrome receiving a bunch of birthday cards. In the last 30 seconds of the story it is so awkward when he is like yelling at Ashley, and asking for a high 5. He is just so awkward. He cannot do human interest stories.


Tonight he is on a guide dog for the blind story and the Bob Simon death story. OMG. I can't watch him.

I am now watching CBS2 at 11 as of tonight. I've had enough of him.

Exercise suggestions

I hate to say it - I can no longer eat or drink anything without doing a lot of exercise to burn off the calories. A couple of glasses of wine or alcohol here or there, some sweets, and savory foods thrown in all catch up with me.

I've been stuck around 170lbs for weeks.

So at the gym I've been switching up what I do - I go 4 days, and do cardio 2, then weights 2 (legs and upper body).

My partner after 5 years of saying he would never go to the gym has just given in. He is telling me my issue is I do weights. He said I should just be going and doing straight cardio each day. He said it is not about having muscle definition - it is about being skinny. He brings up the example of our friend B, who is into swimming. He swims 4-5 times a week for 30 minutes a day. He has the same exact build as me. SAME. If you were to place us side by side in our bathing suits you would see the tone in the same places. He is, however, able to burn and keep the weight off. Is it because he is doing cardio? I am debating. He has lost 2 pant sizes. I am thinking of switching to 3 days cardio and 1 day weights.

Any suggestions to help me bring sexy back?

Top 13 LA Anchors

Thrillist released a list of what it thought were the top 13 newscasters in Los Angeles.
Not everyone agreed with the list. KTLAentertainment reporter Sam Rubin wrote on his facebook page, “In what is clearly an error of judgement of the highest order not a single KTLA on-air staffer is included in what can only be described as a bogus baker’s dozen.”
Here’s the list from 13 to number one: 13) Steve Edwards 12) Fred Roggin 11) Pat Harvey 10) John Ireland 9) Dave Bryan 8) Bri Winkler7) Marc Brown 6) Fritz Coleman 5) Jim Hill 4) Colleen Williams 3) Chuck Henry 2) Christine Devine and #1) Dallas Raines.

I disagree completely with this list - here are my 13, and my list in my opinion has much more merit. 

13. Dave Lopez (KCBS/KCAL) - He doesn't anchor, but he's a reporter. He is one of the best around. He always tells the story differently than any competitor, finds the human interest in it, and gives sides a lot of reporters don't.

12. Pablo Pereira (KTTV 11) - Famous background - grandpa has Oscar awards. He focuses on atmospheric science stories, drives an electric RAV4, is sexy, and knows his stuff. He's been on KABC, KNBC, and KTTV. He knows LA. 

11. Garth Kemp (KABC 7) - Keeps me entertained, knows his weather, and likes animals. Oh, and my mom likes him, which says a lot.

10. Henry Dicarlo (KTLA 5) - He knows when to be funny, when to be serious. He is a sharp dresser and damn sexy. He is also a meteorologist and sports guy. 

9. Rick Dickert (KTTV 11) - He may be young looking, but he's damn sexy, he is versatile and does traffic/weather. He was the first Certified Broadcast Meteorologist in LA. He is sometimes heard on NPR.

8. Alysha DelValle (KABC 7) - She's all LA. She is a sexy latina. She knows alternative routes. She shouts out to her WAZE users every morning. 

7. Robert Holguin (KABC7) - Anchor and reporter. Great and knowledgeable storyteller. 

6. Dallas Raines (KABC 7) - His moves, his suits, his weather knowledge.

5. Marc Brown - (KABC 7) - Anchor and reporter. Covered most major events in the city since the 90s. 

4. Michelle Tuzee (KABC 7) - Professional, always dressed professionally.

3. Rick Chambers (KTLA 5) - I remember him covering the LA Riots, I remember his suspenders he used to wear. He is professional

2. Colleen Williams (KNBC 4) - A fixture on LA news since the 80s, credible and reliable.

1. Pat Harvey (KCBS 2) - Versatile, classy, great anchor, always professional dress, and great storyteller

In regards to what Sam Rubin said about no KTLA people on the Thrillist list,  I am not surprised. Few people probably know about Frank Buckley's CNN days. I can't call Courtney Friel, Chris Schauble, Megan Henderson or Jessica Holmes authoritative or good anchors. Micah Ohlman, I mean he's Paul Moyer's nephew. Paul Moyer would have made the list, but Micah acts like he is trying too hard. 

How the hell is Christine Devine #2? I have chronicled my dislike for her over the years. 

And Bri Winkler? She's small market. She came from like Amarillo, Texas. I can assure you it is not for her forecasting abilities. 

Fritz Coleman is hard to watch, though he is a fixture in LA, and a comedian. 

I do like Fred Roggin and John Ireland - both are versatile and have radio shows, and extensive sports knowledge. 

This Christmas

Merry Christmas!!!

Started off Xmas Eve at a swanky hotel in the area getting our photos taken by the music teacher from my old school - he is a photographer on the side. Photos turned out well I think. My sister was in a mood the whole time. She didn't want her photo taken, she wanted to go to bed, she didn't see why we had to do this. It was part of my mom's Christmas gift, so tough it out, dumb bitch sister. My mom was so annoyed with my sister after a while that my mom spanked her and said that she was going to behave or she was not going to have a good afternoon. THAT MADE MY CHRISTMAS. It wasn't hard, but it was hard enough. She shaped up, and was good after that. Sis returned to moody after.

Soooo... my dad and I hung out this afternoon, talked, drove around and ran errands.

My dad made dinner.

My sister is apparently selling a bunch of random shit on craigslist, and we had a constant influx of people coming to buy things she was selling. She sold a jewelry box, chopped wood, and something else. There was some guy who came as we were opening gifts to pick up something.

So I really don't get my sister. She got me a 5lb bag of jawbreakers, which I gave to my mom. I don't need all that candy laying around. Every gift she gives she has to use an index card to write some snarky comment, or inside joke, or something that doesn't make sense. I guess maybe she gave me jawbreakers a few years ago because the card said "don't you need a refill?" My sister was giving my parents their christmas gifts back in mid November. She I guess bought them a Kitchenaid mixer. Last year she gave my parents a camera and put some snarky index card on it. Tonight she gave my dad tongs and my mom a bag of jelly beans. WTF?

My sister used every opportunity she could to paint me as a polar opposite of her - I only care about material things, fashion, celebrities, and she is a saint who gives back and helps everyone. She loves her animals. She threw a fit that I scare the dogs when I am around and how the dogs had to be outside because I was there. Dumb bitch.

Apparently she is collecting kitchen utensils and received a lot for Christmas. She still lives at home? I don't know.

I don't mean to sound ungrateful - I told my parents this back at the beginning of November. They were insistent I gave a list of what I wanted for Christmas. I listed stores I liked and didn't like. I listed brands I liked and didn't like. I gave internet links. I told my parents I would rather have things on my list, or a really nice gifts, and not a bunch of things I wouldn't use. I mentioned a few specifics I wanted - a few pairs of Vans shoes, a couple scarves along with links/photos of prints I liked. What did I get? Horrific Burlington Coat Factory shirts and sweaters. The sweaters are godawful and weigh a few pounds each with all the yarn used to knit them. Do you know how impossible it is to return anything at Burlington without a receipt, even if the tag is still fully intact? It is crazy hard. Did I make it too hard by listing things I liked and didn't like? My mom said she was worried I will freeze in NY. I got an electronic hand warmer that can be charged by USB. I got a bunch of thermal shirts and long underwear and knit gloves. I told her I don't freeze like she does. I don't like sweaters that weigh 10 pounds. She asked me after we opened gifts if she did a good job picking out gifts for me. I told her no. I felt bad saying it. I said I don't like the Burlington clothing. I said I want a few nice gifts from places I like - even if i is not stuff on my list. I like a few surprises. I got a few, and told her those were my favorite. She gave me some mixes for cooking etc. But I guess my question is how do you tell your parents to lay off on the gifts, or at least get you stuff you like? I probably sound ungrateful. I know. I tried to tell her in the nicest way I appreciate the thought...

Rave reviews

Had my formal observation - it was amazing - best review ever.

The principal only had complements. Nothing I could improve upon. He said my lessons were amazing. He was impressed with how I handled the kids. He said my room environment was welcoming and my classroom management was excellent. I'm not the best teacher. Lord no, but I do a pretty kick ass job, and work hard.

So at the observation meeting the principal mentioned all of that stuff above and more. He asked what my career path was. I told him I have thought about admin, but am not sure I want to do it given the hours etc. I said I know it would make me more marketable. He said I'm an asset wherever I go, my organization is superior. He said I'm one of those rare people who has organization, can teach, manage, and lead. He said I would make an excellent administrator. He said no pressure. He's not pressuring me, but said it would be a great path for me. He is also willing to send me to a couple of really neat conferences coming up that I'm excited to attend and sent him the information about.

So... he asked me what I was interested in. I said admin. I am going to email him back, or chat him when I see him at school and tell him I am really interested in curriculum, because I am. I love planning a lesson and seeing it executed. I am interested in technology. I am putting several of my unit plans I have created on teacherspayteachers. I have material that can easily be adapted for all learning modalities, adapted for the class format (blended, traditional, and independent). I like thinking of a product and all the activities the kids can do to reach that. I would also like to do something with technology.

I think I want my admin degree. It is about $12,000-20,000, depending on where I go. It would take 2 years. I don't want to drop that amount of money. I'm trying to save for a car, a rental house, and have some vacation dinero on the side. I don't want to go in debt to get a degree. I am already all the way over on the salary scale and only get a raise for each additional year.

I could take more certification tests to make myself more marketable and able to teach more subjects - I know at the school I'm at a business certification would be the best thing. Business at other schools - not so much. There is an overabundance of PE, history, and math at my school. Other schools - PE is usually in demand, and of corse math and other subjects are.

One thing I think about is many administrators will be retiring - there is going to be a shortage - maybe much like the teacher shortage years ago. So do I wait and put it off, and maybe a district will pay for me to do it? Do I just keep taking certification tests? Do I more or less stay where I'm at in the classroom?

No show underwear

I am a grower. I have a nice package to offer. Often times I tend to grow as the day goes on - a hot guy walks by, some flirtatious conversation, and I'm stiff as can be. What I hate is pants and underwear that hides that. What is with these no show boxer briefs and trunks, or these slim fit pants that give you no room to grow? I hate it. I find myself reaching in, grabbing my goods, and adjusting. Often it is a process. It is not comfortable. What is wrong with underwear that shows this stuff off, what is this obsession with no show? Currently I am on a quest to find some trunks that don't hide what I have, or don't, depending on the time. I'm open to boxer briefs and tighty whities. I have to switch it up once in a while, you know...

Books/Plays

Hey guys!

I'm looking for some new reads - I like biographies, like plays, but haven't found anything tickling my fancy lately.

Hilary's new book isn't well rated on amazon, so I have strayed away. Robin Robert's book was pure inspiration and had me bawling as I read along.

Now I was wondering if anyone had some good reads - as far as plays, I like Ibsen (A Doll's House), Tennessee Williams (Glass Menagerie, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Streetcar Named Desire), Death of a Salesman.

So... given my preferences... any ideas?

Togetherness - Finances

Over the past month or so I've been thinking a lot about money. I have several goals that I want to meet -

Things I already do
- Save 15% of my monthly check toward retirement
- Save toward an emergency fund

Things I need to do
- Build an emergency fund that is at least 6 months of salary set aside -- I've got about 4 months there
- Put money toward the house (patio)

I guess I'm easily swayed, or pressured. One thing that would be nice is to have a rental house, but do I need it? No. My parents keep saying I need to buy a house, but I have a house, I have a partner, and we are happy where we are at. I have been having the realization that I don't need to please anyone - my parents can talk, and tell me what I need to do, but that doesn't work for me right now. Right now my priority is the patio and doing what I need to do for us to live comfortably - or at least contribute my part -- and on our cruise this week this is something I plan to bring up to my mother and father. It is not going to be an easy conversation, but I feel that is really holding me back right now.

Excruciating Pain

I went through several rounds of physical therapy for the meniscus/calf issue, and did that for about 3 months. It was great. The pain went way down. The physical therapist was awesome - she really, over time, dug into my calf muscle and knee area via soft tissue massage.

I've been out of physical therapy for about 3 months, and I continue to be a good boy, doing all the exercises, but I still get a pain.

The pain occurs right above my ankle in the inner part of the calf. It is on the inside of the leg, literally 1-3 inches from where the ankle bone sticks out. It is a sharp, tingling, piercing, and pulling pain. It is pretty constant, especially when I am not standing or walking. It is weird. The pain is only concentrated to 1 little spot. I alternate between an Ace Bandage Wrap, a calf band, and a calf sleeve - whatever seems to hit the pain that day. I try to massage it, and that helps for a few moments, but then the pain is back. I lack the massage therapist touch, and I do try. It is made worse when I sneeze, for whatever reason, the tingling can be felt then, oh, and when I wipe, which is probably TMI, but it goes to show how the human body is connected. When I'm laying in bed it bothers me too, especially without the Naproxen. It feels like my leg is electric, and the Naproxen calms it down. Tylenol won't work.

I try to research online and come up empty-handed. I don't have shin splints, blood clots, and nobody can seem to explain this.

So today I'm in the Ace and calf band, and on a big dose of Naproxen trying to make things better, and trying to enjoy the day en Catalina.

As for the meniscus issue, my knee is 1000% better, and only after strenuous physical activity, or movements I'm not used to do I have to wear a knee band for a day or so, then I'm fine.