January 16, 2009
[Flash 9 is required to listen to audio.]

This song is by Mike Jones, Slim Thug and Paul Wall. I can’t describe how much I love this song. I know every single word and at times you’ll hear me humming it. Aside from it being a daily anthem for the grind - it’s my song on my alarm clock. So I wake up to this song every single day. Love it. Enjoy.

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January 13, 2009

Parking ticket. Hilarious.

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January 9, 2009
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January 2, 2009

The newest addition to the family, Lucky. She is a sun conure and she’s only a few months old. I captured some footage of her walking around, taking a bath, etc. She is a lot of fun to be with - i hope you enjoy the video.

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December 29, 2008

Dad // Revisited

Wednesday night, December 17th. I get a call from my mom that my dad was admitted thru the ER, because he was coughing up blood. He was in the hospital that morning. I heard about it shortly after i got off work. About 30 minutes after I got the news, I bought a plane ticket to go see him. I was there the next day by noon. I am still amazed how fast you can buy a ticket to somewhere and - poof - be gone.

My mom picked me up from the airport and the we arrive at the hospital 5 minutes later. I walked into the room and my dads face lit up. He was so hapy to see me, and I him. He looked drained, and worn down. I fought back tears and hugged him. He have needles sticks and IV marks all over him. His arms were so bruised up, everywhere. He seemed content at time, watching his favorite program, Nancy Grace. Other times he was completely aloof. He didn’t know how long I had been there - etc. He was falling asleep while talking to you - he could only keep his eyes open for about 20 seconds at a time. When he did sleep, the time was filled with such violent jerks, it made me wonder if the sleep was even peaceful or restful. I felt bad for him - and felt helpless.

We spent the next 3 days and nights in the hospital with him. Leaving there with an adjustment to his medication and getting his INR levels back to normal. He was taken off kumaden and has an upcoming broncostimy where they will look into his lungs for futher clues as to why he may have been coughing up blood. So far we’ve heard that the blood got so thin it induced the coughing up of blood. He has not had any episodes since he left the hospital. I am hoping the amount of medicine he is taking is under control. The other medication that needed to be regulated was the oxycontin. The amount he was on was too much and led to the falling asleep all the time. Since that has been regulated - I have seen a huge change in his behavior.

Back at the house, their house, he was feeling much better. Took him about a day to get back into his routine, but he returned. Stronger than ever. A home health care nurse is now coming to the house every 2 or 3 days as needed to help check his INR blood level, and his blood pressure and sugar. They are extremely helpful to both my mom and my dad - since they can ask as many questions as they want and get answers immediately. I too have a sense of peace knowing that they are recieving help from a nurse.

When I returned home, my dads leg pain had completely subsided, his blood sugar was doing better and the level of awareness from NOT being over medicated was clear. He felt better, period. I was so relieved. He looked so bad when I got there. He was doing great when I left. He was keeping his feet warm by the new fireplace heater my mom got him and happy as a clam testing batteries and fixing stuff. It was just amazing to see the recovery. Hang in there dad.

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December 21, 2008
We enjoyed the UK vs Indiana basketball last weekend with the UK alumni group. It was a great time. UK won, we ate good food and played some pool upstairs. As you  can see, we’re all decked out in UK gear. I guess you could say, it’s brain washing at it’s finest. I have good intentions though - I mean, don’t they all look good in blue?  GO CATS!

We enjoyed the UK vs Indiana basketball last weekend with the UK alumni group. It was a great time. UK won, we ate good food and played some pool upstairs. As you  can see, we’re all decked out in UK gear. I guess you could say, it’s brain washing at it’s finest. I have good intentions though - I mean, don’t they all look good in blue?  GO CATS!

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December 15, 2008
Back in Black - I don’t know why, but it seems like everytime I see my best friend Jason I am wearing black. At least in all the photos we’re in anyways. Odd. Anywho, this is a shot of me and my boy - celebrating different things on each occasion. The last time I saw him we were celebrating his birthday. And though the second picture of Jason would indicate he might be mildly retarded… he is not. He’s just throwin’ up some reversed EP gang signs, thats all. Good times.

Back in Black - I don’t know why, but it seems like everytime I see my best friend Jason I am wearing black. At least in all the photos we’re in anyways. Odd. Anywho, this is a shot of me and my boy - celebrating different things on each occasion. The last time I saw him we were celebrating his birthday. And though the second picture of Jason would indicate he might be mildly retarded… he is not. He’s just throwin’ up some reversed EP gang signs, thats all. Good times.

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December 12, 2008
Escape. He finally did it.

Escape. He finally did it.

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December 11, 2008
I am starting on a new painting. It’s not often inspiration strikes, but when it does, I listen. Recently the election of Barack Obama inspired me. I felt proud of our country and a feeling of hope came over me. With Obama in office I am hoping it leads to equality for all, especially the gay and lesbian community. Change has indeed come to America - it’s time we all embrace what makes this country unique. I am starting with a graphite sketch on panel board. A substrait that I have never painted on before. It has a texture like canvas, but not the give. So when I sketch on it, there’s no bending of the surface. Not sure what it will be like to paint on it - but I am looking forward to starting this piece. The next step is the under painting. I will use black oil paint and turp. Probably work in layers. While in my studio (which is rare), I am anxious to start a few smaller pieces as well. We will see what comes of that. In the meantime - stay posted on the Obama painting.

I am starting on a new painting. It’s not often inspiration strikes, but when it does, I listen. Recently the election of Barack Obama inspired me. I felt proud of our country and a feeling of hope came over me. With Obama in office I am hoping it leads to equality for all, especially the gay and lesbian community. Change has indeed come to America - it’s time we all embrace what makes this country unique.

I am starting with a graphite sketch on panel board. A substrait that I have never painted on before. It has a texture like canvas, but not the give. So when I sketch on it, there’s no bending of the surface. Not sure what it will be like to paint on it - but I am looking forward to starting this piece. The next step is the under painting. I will use black oil paint and turp. Probably work in layers. While in my studio (which is rare), I am anxious to start a few smaller pieces as well. We will see what comes of that. In the meantime - stay posted on the Obama painting.

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December 10, 2008

Dad

Lately my dad has been feeling pretty bad. He has a lot of pain in his legs throughout the day. The blood flow seems to be getting more and more restricted. He has been to see many doctors over the last few months. And as usual, they all share different opinions as to what should be done. One doctor treats arteries in his neck, while the next treats memory loss. No one is on the same page - and it makes me fear for my dads safety and health.

My mom seems to be keeping it together though. She stays very busy, between caring for my dad and busy with her volunteering at church. At times I can hear the frustration crack through her voice, but she is quick to tighten back up. She remains strong. For who I am not sure sometimes. I want so badly to be there for her - for support. I know she must feel so alone at times. I don’t want her to feel like she is doing this by herself.

I am not sure what the future holds for my dads health right now. I do know that I need to go see him soon. Before the doctors get him on so much medication he can’t recognize me. It’s just awful how quickly his health has gotten out of control. I wish there was more that could be done. And I also wish he’d be an active participant in a healthier life - like quitting smoking. Yet, bringing that subject up seems helpless. I wonder if he’s too far gone to care about such things. However, it doesn’t keep me from wondering. Would things be different?

I miss my parents very much and think of them often. I guess my dad is more on my mind today than ever due to his health problems and birthday (today). I am hoping to see them soon. Until my next entry.   ;-)

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