Been a way for a while, had some time and figured I’d update (as I said I would on occasion)…
Health – is still pretty poor unfortunately. I’ve been dealing with pulmonary specialists and they’ve determined that there is a blockage that doesn’t allow me to get the proper flow of oxygen. It’s sort of like having sleep apnea, just all the time. My oxygen levels are as low as 73 at times (where they need to be be 95 or better). I spent a little bit of time in the hospital for monitoring, hooked up to many machines, many wires, many gadgets – not fun. Not only is the blockage a problem during the day, but even more at night. I stopped breathing approximately 85 times an hour and the doctors said that I never actually go into a REM state of sleep, which is bad. So even though I sleep, I’m not really getting the rest I need, which explains why I am basically dead on my feet. There are numerous surgery options, although none of them sounded good to me, so for the time being, I’ve elected to pass on those. I will be back in the hospital in January where they try to expand my passage way to see if they can open it up for more air. If that doesn’t work, surgery would be needed – whether it’s reconstructive or removing muscles and such is yet to be determined.
Work – I’ve returned back to work after a 13-14 month absence and it wasn’t exactly all I hoped it would be, but things change and life goes on. I learned at my last job where I thought I wasn’t someone that could easily be replaced that there really is no such thing and in time you’re quickly forgotten. Perhaps I wasn’t forgotten in this scenario, but I feel like I am starting over from day 1 and working backwards in my professional career.
Life – being sick has definitely taught me one thing – my heart isn’t on the west coast. I desperately miss the east coast and not knowing many people out here made it a very trying year especially being out sick. There were many times where I felt as if I had no one to turn to and no support – something I had very much of back on the east coast. I miss my friends and my family, as they were my support and I think very much that I need that back into my life if I ever wish to progress with my health as well as my profession.
Gaming – haven’t seen much of my gaming buddies as of late as work leaves me very tired and I don’t get to spend very much time on the XBox 360. So for all of those guys/gals that were always around while I was out on disability, I decided to give back as best I could. Myself, along with NaiLSONS & Chrome30, have put together a string of eight challenges, entitled The Gamer Championship Series (GCS), where the winners will receive brand new sealed games as prizes. Those winners will receive a bye into round 2 of the single elimination championship. Our top 16 point scorers over the 8 challenges will be seeded into round 1. Round 1 got underway this week and we had a turn out of 44 people, which thrilled me. Most of them I know; some of them I don’t.
Check it out: http://www.360voice.com/challenge/24808
Other – My love for MMA hasn’t gone away and I do miss blogging about it. The WEC card a few weeks back seeing Urijah Faber & Jens Pulver both being knocked out was amazing. Randy vs. Brock really brought some hype to what I can only imagine was an incredibly highly grossing PPV. Unfortunately, Randy didn’t come out the victor. We have Arlovski vs. Fedor to look forward to in January as well as some amazing fights in December. As always, it’s great to be an MMA fan.
As I mentioned, I put this blog on a hiatus because I wanted to focus on writing a book. I have written several chapters at this point and find it to be both challenging and deeply satisfying. This was something that I needed to do for myself. Only a very small handful of people know what it’s about and quite honestly, it may always stay that way. Two people have done me the honor in reading what I’ve written so far and both had extremely positive feedback, so it was rewarding to see that I had the ability to capture the reader, something I feared I couldn’t do.
I suck in Fantasy Football, no sense in posting miserable records. The only thing I have done well with is picks. I am currently in 1st place in all 4 picks groups I am. I guess something good actually did come out of Vegas…
TV - The Shield wrapped up this week and it was very bittersweet. I loved the series so much and I was sad to see it go. However, it was so very well written and the finale was excellent that I couldn’t help but enjoy it. Long live Vic Mackey 
Sons of Anarchy has also proven to be a great new show and I highly enjoyed Season 1 and look forward to next year. As far as new comedies, The Worst Week stands out every week as the show that just makes laugh the most. I’m hooked.
Until next time, whenever that may be, take care.
DJ-
