Coach makes Final Decision.....

After weeks of anticipation, rumors flying back and forth, and a variety of ill conceived trade talks, Coach George Daneker has made his decision. Once unknown, underdog Paul Cooper has made the final cut. Even though this whipple destined whipper snapper is a good 10 years or so under the average mean age group, Coach "D" stated he was happy with his final decision. " At 58 this young coop carries with him a fan base and an internal sign of fortitude that we have not seen in a good while. I think he will be good for the league and good for our image. I promise I will do right by him. As you all know the first cut is the deepest but I see victory and sunny days ahead". When asked what he thought Coop's greatest weakness was Coach quickly responded that the unpredictable nature of "the kid's family" was his only concern. He has a real good fan base, but that immediate family group causes us a bit of concern this close to opening day. As most of you know they are a fiery group of variety. Everything from "All you need is Love" to "It must be happy hour somewhere in this world". I think we can keep a good watchful eye on the immediates but when you add those damned, unpredictable cousins on top it is enough to cause consternation even to the steadiest of hands. I told Coop that during recovery I will not be afraid to toss any one of them if they get out of line. I know all of them have the best of intentions but I want the crown this year and you are my main man. Coach "D" would not offer any more comments. He was last seen boarding a completely empty AirTran flight (only the pilot was aboard) headed to Milwaukee with no luggage and only a couple of pair of handcuffs. When asked his intentions we could only hear a muffled response. Reporters thought they heard something about "big fart" in one sentence and "obsessive loose cannon" in another. I know we all cannot wait for the season to actually begin. If it is anything like preseason we are in for a good, intense, gut-wrenching whipple of a stretch that should bring us the title this year. This reporter is gonna sign off for few days to take a much needed rest. I will see all of you, as they say in the game, "on the other side of this victory".


I read this the other day in "The Onion" and thought some of you would find it of interest. I will probably spend most of the evening with those "damned immediates tonite". Pre-op day was yesterday. I was really wrong about one aspect of the surgery. The nurse from the anaesthesia group said I am going to have general anaesthesia and the epidural part is for the first few days of post op pain management. I will probably be in ICU for 1-2 days. Obviously that one is a doctor's call. They pointed out that if you see me in ICU just look, don't touch or talk to me. The times for visitation in ICU coincide with the only periods I will have to sleep and they said I need my rest.
I was really lucky last night to have a mini version of my favorite activity. A small group of my kids, sibling, close friends and Cat had dinner that for the most part was supplied to us by others. Ry even cooked a dish. Because this is my surgery most of the side conversations were in some degree of separation about me. Although it was a very small group of 10, I was able to wander in and out of some of the talking as that perverbial "fly on the wall". Someone asked me how I felt being talked about in the third person so much. I know I gave an answer I just cannot remember what it was. I can say that after pondering on it for a while it has been all that third party talk that is allowing me to stave off most of the fear and anxiety. I admit that I am deep inside a little afraid cuz I do not wish to be a permanent fly on the wall (bet some of you will now think twice before you pick up a fly swatter). But the greatest contribution that I have received in life is to be surrounded by lots and lots of really good human beings. I feel like I even get to see the good side of some of them that many people think do not have a good side. I can tell you that Cat and I asked the Dr. how life changing this surgery is to the patient and he said that after recovery you should resume a normal routine. I am really grateful for that because I know that many are out there with just as serious of a problem and just as big of a piece of surgery or even more serious and bigger without the better odds of success. I also think I know that when faced with a situation with one of the two inevitables (sp?){Taxes being one} as choices, physical lifestyle changes are not the only results out their post operatively. I really have appreciated having the ability to talk to people without needing to look up see approval or boredom. I also have enjoyed being able to get things out in this journalized manner. I feel certain I will keep it up after surgery and, if I do, I invite any of you to come and go as you please. If you have not stopped by for a visit in a while and suddenly feel your ears burning it is likely that will be me raking you through the coals. Just remember, it is a moving train, that is and will always be just passing through for visits. I do control the speed but it is how "I roll". I just wish I had paid more attention in my English classes when it came to pucntuation. A big huge D.I.E.T Y.I.L.Y. to all (those uninformed can ask Cat for the answer to the Acronym).