Seriously.
I am in need of some assistance. Things have gotten so far out of whack for me that I am not sure if I am coming or going.
Let me explain. I have been trying to play the good husband for my wife and be there for her whenever or wherever she needs me. We had to call 911 earlier this week because she was experiencing chest pain and pressure and it was something we did not want to screw around with. Turns out after spending 8+ hours in the ER that she was experiencing normal pain that comes from having the cartilage in her ribs cut and put back together. But you can see where we would not want to mess around with it.
My overall issue that that the last 3 weeks has really thrown me off kilter. I have had no real energy to go onto WoW, no desire to read the few comics I do get, and no real motivation to do anything. I am hoping that this is temporary, but there are moments that I worry that I have lost the spark to do those things that I love.
I am a worrier, I can't help it. It's how I'm wired. If you can offer any advice, no matter how small or simple, I would greatly appreciate it.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sprung!
That's right sports fans, she's on the loose! Well, about as on the loose as someone with a bunch of staples in her chest can get.
But seriously, I have to take a moment and thank you all. There are no words to express my gratitude and appreciation for the words and thoughts you guys sent our way. I must confess something that happened. I came home from the hospital late Saturday night and turned on the computer to check my email. On a whim, I checked out the blog here, and actually started to cry. It's been tough, really tough to get through this. To know that you guys are out there gave me the strength I needed to see this through to the end and keep her spirits up.
I will post later in the week once we both can get some rest.
I love all you guys and gals. You're the best friends a slob like me could hope for.
=)
But seriously, I have to take a moment and thank you all. There are no words to express my gratitude and appreciation for the words and thoughts you guys sent our way. I must confess something that happened. I came home from the hospital late Saturday night and turned on the computer to check my email. On a whim, I checked out the blog here, and actually started to cry. It's been tough, really tough to get through this. To know that you guys are out there gave me the strength I needed to see this through to the end and keep her spirits up.
I will post later in the week once we both can get some rest.
I love all you guys and gals. You're the best friends a slob like me could hope for.
=)
Friday, March 14, 2008
Out of the loop
Hey there everyone. You'll have to forgive me if this seems sort of incoherent, but it's 4 am, and your boy here is tired.
Why, you may ask is this dazzling young urbanite doing at the keyboard instead of sleeping? Don't worry, I'll fall back soon enough. But before I go, I wanted you all to know where I've been since Sunday.
four words:
Howard County General Hospital.
Late Sunday night, my wife, the love of my life, my reason for my existence, had a major medical issue. I will not go into details, because; 1) it's really disturbing, and 2) it's fucking (sorry my inner filter is gone) private. Just suffice to say that we were in the ER from 3:30 Sunday night until 8 Monday night, when they had to perform and operation on her. It was on an unrelated matter, but they found fluid around her heart. A lot of it. They drained almost a pint of it from her. The other thing, the thing that we went for, has since corrected itself, thank the good Lord above. But she has been in an ICU unit for the last 4 days. They have since moved her to another location but there is still some things to be rectified. I have been by her side every waking (and some not so waking) moment of the day. I thank the stars that we don't live a long way from the hospital, because there would be a better than average chance that I would have fallen asleep at the wheel and wrapped my car around a tree.
You may be asking yourself at the moment; "dude, if you're just sitting there, how tiring can it be?" Tell you what. You go have a loved one have something go wrong, put them in peril, hooked up to more tubes and wires than the damn Terminator, and see how you do. Then be there every time he or she wakes up to assure then that they're OK, that things are getting better. Do that for 10 to 12 hours a day for 5 days, neglect just about everything else in your life (eating, sleeping, keeping a house in order) and see how draining you find it. Overdramatic? Maybe. But it's how I'm wired. My wife and family come first at the expense of everything, including me. My friends are right there below that, but I will get some sleep before I do anything with you guys.
OK, I'm rambling now. Anyway, that's where I've been. The worst is over but there is still a bit of recovery for her, so that's why you won't see me here for a few more days, possibly a week. When I get her home, she and I are going to crawl into bed together and fall asleep in each others arms for a few days.
You all be good, OK? =)
Why, you may ask is this dazzling young urbanite doing at the keyboard instead of sleeping? Don't worry, I'll fall back soon enough. But before I go, I wanted you all to know where I've been since Sunday.
four words:
Howard County General Hospital.
Late Sunday night, my wife, the love of my life, my reason for my existence, had a major medical issue. I will not go into details, because; 1) it's really disturbing, and 2) it's fucking (sorry my inner filter is gone) private. Just suffice to say that we were in the ER from 3:30 Sunday night until 8 Monday night, when they had to perform and operation on her. It was on an unrelated matter, but they found fluid around her heart. A lot of it. They drained almost a pint of it from her. The other thing, the thing that we went for, has since corrected itself, thank the good Lord above. But she has been in an ICU unit for the last 4 days. They have since moved her to another location but there is still some things to be rectified. I have been by her side every waking (and some not so waking) moment of the day. I thank the stars that we don't live a long way from the hospital, because there would be a better than average chance that I would have fallen asleep at the wheel and wrapped my car around a tree.
You may be asking yourself at the moment; "dude, if you're just sitting there, how tiring can it be?" Tell you what. You go have a loved one have something go wrong, put them in peril, hooked up to more tubes and wires than the damn Terminator, and see how you do. Then be there every time he or she wakes up to assure then that they're OK, that things are getting better. Do that for 10 to 12 hours a day for 5 days, neglect just about everything else in your life (eating, sleeping, keeping a house in order) and see how draining you find it. Overdramatic? Maybe. But it's how I'm wired. My wife and family come first at the expense of everything, including me. My friends are right there below that, but I will get some sleep before I do anything with you guys.
OK, I'm rambling now. Anyway, that's where I've been. The worst is over but there is still a bit of recovery for her, so that's why you won't see me here for a few more days, possibly a week. When I get her home, she and I are going to crawl into bed together and fall asleep in each others arms for a few days.
You all be good, OK? =)
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Reason You're Here
Hope everyone remember to jump ahead this week. There will be something of an announcement at the end of this post. Nothing large or life changing.
Onto the comics!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer 12- Beginning of the "Wolves at the Gate" are penned by Buffy writer Drew Goddard. A terrific start to the arc. It's clear that Goddard has not lost his voice for these characters, Andrew in particular. I have been remiss in crediting Georges Jeanty as the artist in this series. He has done exceptional work without resorting to some sort of photo shopping and drawing over it. He has made the stories jump and crackle with a nice energy. There is a controversial part to this story. Buffy is shown in bed with another slayer. The one who woke her from her "sleeping beauty" curse during the first arc. I thought that it was handled well, and even had some of the typical Whedon humor at the end to break the tension. No, Buffy is not a lesbian. She was lonely for some companionship and the slayer, Satsu, confessed her feelings for Buffy last issue while on patrol. The issue ends with a "holy sh!t" moment that leaves you wanting to read the next issue NOW. I won't spoil that for you, go read it and see for yourself.
Thor 6- A bunch of people have been critical of the writer (JMS) for his pacing of this book. Not me. This has been a really fun read every issue. The town meeting involving the Asgardians was hysterical. I loved the conversation between Blake and Thor in the diner, like it was so matter of fact to be conversing with your alter ego in public. Also, the townspeople relating their stories of the interactions with the Asgardians was cool, especially the one with Hogun, who walked from Asgard (which is located above Oklahoma) to Texas for a wild boar. Olivier Copiel again does a magnificent job, conveying the scope and spectrum of the Gods and the task that Thor has undertaken. I understand he will be taking a few issues off, but will return. I eagerly await his return.
Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder 9- Here again there has been a real diversity of opinions on this book. Some love it, some think it's a parody, others hate it. For me this has been an OK read. I must admit to not really being in love with the way that Frank Miller has written Bats. Some have suggested that if I read him like a "Sin City" character, I would enjoy it more. But this issue has saved the book in my opinion. The beginning of the issue, not so much. Have to go get my eyes checked after seeing all that yellow. Man, DC must have had a vat of that stuff left over to use since "Sinestro Corps"ended. What made me turn the corner was the last 4 pages. After realizing that he has rushed Robin into action and almost cost another hero (Green Lantern) his life, Batman cracks. He knows now that he has had the advantage of time and people like Alfred to hone his skills and crusade. Dick has had maybe a couple of weeks, and Bruce has been exceptionally tough on him. In fact, it wasn't until this issue that Robin finds out that Bruce is Batman. He takes Dick to the graveyard where is parents are buried to let him mourn properly. This is a great jumping on point for anyone who either hasn't read this yet, or gave up on it. I hope that going forward this will be seen as a great turning point.
Green Lantern 28- The first appearance of a red Lantern. A disgraced Green lantern who killed Amon Sur, Laira's hatred is the beacon for the first ring. This was a great issue and shows that even though Geoff Johns isn't doing the next major crossover until 2009, he is introducing plot threads a little at a time to entice us. The Guardians enacting their 2nd law leads Hal to talk to Sinestro. You get the feeling that even though he is in jail, Sinestro got exactly what he wanted in the end. The conversation leaves us with a lot of questions, including one I have; will Hal stay with the Green Lanterns, or will he join another corps before the next major event?
Captain America 35- Bucky enters Washington D.C. to discover that the public is on edge and that just about every level of government has been corrupted by Kronas. Ed Brubaker does a nice job building the tension of a mob on the edge and ready to be ignited. You can feel that Bucky is still dealing with the emotions of taking up the mantle from Steve. Next issue looks to be a big battle between Cap and the Serpent Squad, who have invaded Congress.
Batman 674- I know I am in the minority, but Grant Morrison's run on this has left me wanting. At least he tied up the string of where the 3 Batmen came from. Turns out they were police officers developed by a character named Simon Hurt, who managed to convince Batman to take part in an experiment. I know, your eyes are probably rolling and you're feeling drowsy, but hang in there. They were designed to take Batman's place if something should ever happen, but the experiment got out of hand. Bats escapes from them and is left to wonder who activated them. There are as many questions as answers at the end of this, so I am reserving total judgement until all is revealed. I'm guessing this will be great in trade format.
Detective Comics 842- Peter Milligan fills in for Paul Dini on a one and done. A suit of armor is given to Bruce by Talia (his on and off again lover) and gives him the feeling of invincibility. He begins to realize that the suit is causing irrational behavior from him and he sets out to discover where the suit originated from. It's a long and complicated story, so I won't bore you with details. Turns out is was a gift originally from Ra's Ah Gaul passed to Talia. While this is going on, Bats is tracking a killer in Gotham. As the chase for him ends, he passes a test of the suit and realizes that he should never wear it again. A nice one and done, but I look forward to Dini's return to give the rogue's gallery a work over.
Teen Titans Year One 3- The end of the first arc. Nice work of teaming up to take their mentors down, although Aqualad still seems to be useless. Batman is still something of a hardass, expecting alot for Robin. This is a 6 issue mini, so the two arc should work well in unison.
Amazing Spider-Man 552- This is a pivotal issue. Not for them, but for me. I am really close to dropping this forever. The fact that they introduce one of the grossest looking villians is not helping matters. I would have hoped that with this reboot, they would have tried to introduce some of the classic rogue's gallery. After all, Spidey had the best one in the Marvel universe. But alas, it looks like my dreams will turn to dust.
Nightwing 142- I am thinking that this will move up to tnear the top of the pile. Peter Tomasi and Rags Morales are a great team, in my opinion. Tomasi is crafting a great story on various levels, and Rags art gives a nice sense of action. The scene in the Batcave with Tim and Alfred felt...organic to me. Especially Alfred's reaction to the note. I am also digging two other factors at play here; Dick's involvement in other areas of the DCU, specifically the JSA; and the relating of a story that took place in the BATMAN book by Tim. It gives you a sense that all of these are connected, which it should be.
That's about it for now. There were other comics out there that were good, like ACTION, or surprising good, like UNCANNY X-MEN. But I've decided that maybe later on, if anyone cares, I'll post some reactions.
Oh and the announcement? Two really. First, I will be doing this week to week instead of waiting 2 weeks. It tends to drag. The other is the books that I am cancelling. Wolverine:Origins, Ultimates, Amazing Spider-Man, Ghost Rider are all biting the dust. This hurts more than it freaking should (well maybe only for ASM) but I just cannot see myself spending good money for stuff I just am not into. On a quick side note; I would have bought the NEW FRONTIER SPECIAL, but there was no way on God's green earth I was spending 5 bucks on a comic that, with the exception of the first story, felt like a straight money grab.
Later.
Onto the comics!
Buffy the Vampire Slayer 12- Beginning of the "Wolves at the Gate" are penned by Buffy writer Drew Goddard. A terrific start to the arc. It's clear that Goddard has not lost his voice for these characters, Andrew in particular. I have been remiss in crediting Georges Jeanty as the artist in this series. He has done exceptional work without resorting to some sort of photo shopping and drawing over it. He has made the stories jump and crackle with a nice energy. There is a controversial part to this story. Buffy is shown in bed with another slayer. The one who woke her from her "sleeping beauty" curse during the first arc. I thought that it was handled well, and even had some of the typical Whedon humor at the end to break the tension. No, Buffy is not a lesbian. She was lonely for some companionship and the slayer, Satsu, confessed her feelings for Buffy last issue while on patrol. The issue ends with a "holy sh!t" moment that leaves you wanting to read the next issue NOW. I won't spoil that for you, go read it and see for yourself.
Thor 6- A bunch of people have been critical of the writer (JMS) for his pacing of this book. Not me. This has been a really fun read every issue. The town meeting involving the Asgardians was hysterical. I loved the conversation between Blake and Thor in the diner, like it was so matter of fact to be conversing with your alter ego in public. Also, the townspeople relating their stories of the interactions with the Asgardians was cool, especially the one with Hogun, who walked from Asgard (which is located above Oklahoma) to Texas for a wild boar. Olivier Copiel again does a magnificent job, conveying the scope and spectrum of the Gods and the task that Thor has undertaken. I understand he will be taking a few issues off, but will return. I eagerly await his return.
Batman and Robin the Boy Wonder 9- Here again there has been a real diversity of opinions on this book. Some love it, some think it's a parody, others hate it. For me this has been an OK read. I must admit to not really being in love with the way that Frank Miller has written Bats. Some have suggested that if I read him like a "Sin City" character, I would enjoy it more. But this issue has saved the book in my opinion. The beginning of the issue, not so much. Have to go get my eyes checked after seeing all that yellow. Man, DC must have had a vat of that stuff left over to use since "Sinestro Corps"ended. What made me turn the corner was the last 4 pages. After realizing that he has rushed Robin into action and almost cost another hero (Green Lantern) his life, Batman cracks. He knows now that he has had the advantage of time and people like Alfred to hone his skills and crusade. Dick has had maybe a couple of weeks, and Bruce has been exceptionally tough on him. In fact, it wasn't until this issue that Robin finds out that Bruce is Batman. He takes Dick to the graveyard where is parents are buried to let him mourn properly. This is a great jumping on point for anyone who either hasn't read this yet, or gave up on it. I hope that going forward this will be seen as a great turning point.
Green Lantern 28- The first appearance of a red Lantern. A disgraced Green lantern who killed Amon Sur, Laira's hatred is the beacon for the first ring. This was a great issue and shows that even though Geoff Johns isn't doing the next major crossover until 2009, he is introducing plot threads a little at a time to entice us. The Guardians enacting their 2nd law leads Hal to talk to Sinestro. You get the feeling that even though he is in jail, Sinestro got exactly what he wanted in the end. The conversation leaves us with a lot of questions, including one I have; will Hal stay with the Green Lanterns, or will he join another corps before the next major event?
Captain America 35- Bucky enters Washington D.C. to discover that the public is on edge and that just about every level of government has been corrupted by Kronas. Ed Brubaker does a nice job building the tension of a mob on the edge and ready to be ignited. You can feel that Bucky is still dealing with the emotions of taking up the mantle from Steve. Next issue looks to be a big battle between Cap and the Serpent Squad, who have invaded Congress.
Batman 674- I know I am in the minority, but Grant Morrison's run on this has left me wanting. At least he tied up the string of where the 3 Batmen came from. Turns out they were police officers developed by a character named Simon Hurt, who managed to convince Batman to take part in an experiment. I know, your eyes are probably rolling and you're feeling drowsy, but hang in there. They were designed to take Batman's place if something should ever happen, but the experiment got out of hand. Bats escapes from them and is left to wonder who activated them. There are as many questions as answers at the end of this, so I am reserving total judgement until all is revealed. I'm guessing this will be great in trade format.
Detective Comics 842- Peter Milligan fills in for Paul Dini on a one and done. A suit of armor is given to Bruce by Talia (his on and off again lover) and gives him the feeling of invincibility. He begins to realize that the suit is causing irrational behavior from him and he sets out to discover where the suit originated from. It's a long and complicated story, so I won't bore you with details. Turns out is was a gift originally from Ra's Ah Gaul passed to Talia. While this is going on, Bats is tracking a killer in Gotham. As the chase for him ends, he passes a test of the suit and realizes that he should never wear it again. A nice one and done, but I look forward to Dini's return to give the rogue's gallery a work over.
Teen Titans Year One 3- The end of the first arc. Nice work of teaming up to take their mentors down, although Aqualad still seems to be useless. Batman is still something of a hardass, expecting alot for Robin. This is a 6 issue mini, so the two arc should work well in unison.
Amazing Spider-Man 552- This is a pivotal issue. Not for them, but for me. I am really close to dropping this forever. The fact that they introduce one of the grossest looking villians is not helping matters. I would have hoped that with this reboot, they would have tried to introduce some of the classic rogue's gallery. After all, Spidey had the best one in the Marvel universe. But alas, it looks like my dreams will turn to dust.
Nightwing 142- I am thinking that this will move up to tnear the top of the pile. Peter Tomasi and Rags Morales are a great team, in my opinion. Tomasi is crafting a great story on various levels, and Rags art gives a nice sense of action. The scene in the Batcave with Tim and Alfred felt...organic to me. Especially Alfred's reaction to the note. I am also digging two other factors at play here; Dick's involvement in other areas of the DCU, specifically the JSA; and the relating of a story that took place in the BATMAN book by Tim. It gives you a sense that all of these are connected, which it should be.
That's about it for now. There were other comics out there that were good, like ACTION, or surprising good, like UNCANNY X-MEN. But I've decided that maybe later on, if anyone cares, I'll post some reactions.
Oh and the announcement? Two really. First, I will be doing this week to week instead of waiting 2 weeks. It tends to drag. The other is the books that I am cancelling. Wolverine:Origins, Ultimates, Amazing Spider-Man, Ghost Rider are all biting the dust. This hurts more than it freaking should (well maybe only for ASM) but I just cannot see myself spending good money for stuff I just am not into. On a quick side note; I would have bought the NEW FRONTIER SPECIAL, but there was no way on God's green earth I was spending 5 bucks on a comic that, with the exception of the first story, felt like a straight money grab.
Later.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Some thoughts and feelings
Thought I would put keyboard to internet and throw some stuff out there:
-I am a registered Independent voter. Which basically means I go whichever way I want. I am not really sure about the candidates at this point. I respect the stuff that McCain went through as a POW, but I don't think that translates into being a President. His apparent waffeling and cowtowing to the radical right does put me off a bit. Hillary? Keith Olberman said it best. She never attended a daily briefing, got taken into the situation room, and any of that other stuff while Bill was in office. She was closer to the action than the other two, but I don't know how close. And I think that some people (NOT ME) believe that if you vote her in, Bill will be puppeting her, sort of how Chaney has been with Bush. Obama? Too clean, I want to see if he's willing to get down and dirty with things.
-On a lighter note, or maybe a sadder note, the rumor is that Lex and Lana want out of SMALLVILLE. Or at least the actors do. My wife cannnot stand Lana and is all for firing her out of a cannon into space. I don't think the show will do as well without Lex. After all, he is Clark's main foil. Unless they make Brainiac the big bad next season, I may travel elsewhere.
-Speaking of TV, do you think we all should pay the writers for going on strike? I think I owe them some money, since I find myself watching less and less TV these days. Sports are still at the top of my list, but other than SMALLVILLE, there is nothing really out there these days. Two shows I had liked, CHUCK and HEROES, are gone until September. I hate just about all reality shows and wish that someone, anyone would put American Idol out to pasture. Unless you have someone who is on this show, why are you going to waste your time and valuable money voting for these asshats?
-Will be posting comic reviews later on, possibly before the weekend. Early results? BUFFY and THOR were some of the best of the past two weeks.
Well, time to head out into the night. Destiny awaits me and she can be a cruel mistress if left standing around.
-I am a registered Independent voter. Which basically means I go whichever way I want. I am not really sure about the candidates at this point. I respect the stuff that McCain went through as a POW, but I don't think that translates into being a President. His apparent waffeling and cowtowing to the radical right does put me off a bit. Hillary? Keith Olberman said it best. She never attended a daily briefing, got taken into the situation room, and any of that other stuff while Bill was in office. She was closer to the action than the other two, but I don't know how close. And I think that some people (NOT ME) believe that if you vote her in, Bill will be puppeting her, sort of how Chaney has been with Bush. Obama? Too clean, I want to see if he's willing to get down and dirty with things.
-On a lighter note, or maybe a sadder note, the rumor is that Lex and Lana want out of SMALLVILLE. Or at least the actors do. My wife cannnot stand Lana and is all for firing her out of a cannon into space. I don't think the show will do as well without Lex. After all, he is Clark's main foil. Unless they make Brainiac the big bad next season, I may travel elsewhere.
-Speaking of TV, do you think we all should pay the writers for going on strike? I think I owe them some money, since I find myself watching less and less TV these days. Sports are still at the top of my list, but other than SMALLVILLE, there is nothing really out there these days. Two shows I had liked, CHUCK and HEROES, are gone until September. I hate just about all reality shows and wish that someone, anyone would put American Idol out to pasture. Unless you have someone who is on this show, why are you going to waste your time and valuable money voting for these asshats?
-Will be posting comic reviews later on, possibly before the weekend. Early results? BUFFY and THOR were some of the best of the past two weeks.
Well, time to head out into the night. Destiny awaits me and she can be a cruel mistress if left standing around.
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