Had a great relaxing Thanksgiving at The Nail last week. Everyone brought something to the "pot luck" meal of the year. Food and football...perfect. It was a fun day for everyone, except the turkey. Knox had fun banging the silverware, and Coop had fun "shaking it out" (see video).


Smile, today could be your last.

As you may or may not know, I had my second lung operation last Thursday. With today being Monday, I am only a couple of days out. The surgery was not as horrible as the one that I had done in August, but any way you slice it (no pun intended)it still hurts and leaves you feeling pretty sore. Anyway, I am hoping that this is the last battle in the war for a long time, and that I can comfortably enjoy the time I have left with Cooperman and Mr. Knox.

Things that I learned or re-learned in the hospital:

Health should never be taken for granted.

Foley catheters really, really suck.

The health care system needs a major overhaul.

Don't ask, just bring the pain medicine.

If someone invents a better remote control for hospitals, you will be a millionaire.

Hospital food is the worst.

I know my name and birthday, please don't ask again.

Justin Bieber...who?

There are some hot nurses at The Clinic. (I'm just sayin').

Apparently America is infatuated with a 12 year old boy with a magic wand. I don't get it.

Drain tubes really suck. (Only one "really" here because foley's deserve two "really's").

Two IV's in my hands doing nothing. Is that really necessary?

Don't drop off breakfast at 9:00 and expect me to be done at 11:00 when there are 20 people coming and going during those two hours.

I walked the floor at 2:30 Friday night. Didn't see anyone until lap three. Weird.

Why does it take 1/2 a day to get discharged?

As I said earlier, I would do it all again tomorrow if it meant more time with Coop and Mr. Knox. I love you.



Pics from Halloween:













Smile, today could be your last.

Hard to believe that five years has passed.

The clear sky tonight leads me to believe that everything will be be just fine.

Five years ago tonight, the sky was equally as clear.

You the man Bubba...nothing more to say.

Smile, today could be your last.

We had a great day on Sunday, as we celebrated Knox turning 1. It has been a fun year:



Happy birthday Knox...you are loved.

Smile, today could be your last.

I was playing Super Tecmo Bowl online tonight (yes, I know I am 32) flipping between Monday Night Football and the ALCS. Everywhere you click on the internet, and on every channel is talk of the new policy that is going to be put into place in the NFL regarding helmet to helmet contact.

Maybe I just don't get it...



TJ ward didn't lead with his helmet...he led with his shoulder. What is the problem here? Maybe it was a split second late? Late hit? Maybe. Helmet to helmet...absolutely not.

Second video is of Dunta Robinson hitting Desean Jackson. A little more of a helmet leading hit, but again, don't call it helmet to helmet. There helmets never touch.



In all fairness to Robinson and Ward, if you were about to collide with someone, you would brace yourself for the hit. Wide base, lower the shoulder, etc. Taking that a step further, both he and TJ ward make their living blowing up plays. Making hard hits is what got them to the NFL.

James Harrison's hit on Massaquoi: Problem here is that he lowered his head. If he keeps his head up it is legit. No penalty was called on Harrison.



Here is James Harrison hitting Cribbs. Definitely helmet to helmet contact here. This is the type of hit that the NFL is deeming violent and unnecessary. Funny though that TJ Ward and Dunta Robinson were penalized and Harrison was not.




Bottom line is that players should be fined and suspended for leading with their helmets. The problem is that it is a real fine line between a hard hit, and a penalty. With 22 bodies flying around the football on every play, there are plenty of times that helmets collide and people get hurt.

On a side note, I was watching Sunday Night Football yesterday and the referee called a penalty because in the NFL you are no longer allowed to have more than 2 people form a wedge. Seriously? WTF is that?

I guess the school of thought is to prevent the "wedge-breakers" from sprinting down the field and throwing themselves helplessly into defenders. But boy, when I was growing up (I know from the same guy who was playing nitendo tonight) that was what the game was. I was on the kick return team in high school...part of the wedge. When the ball was kicked I formed the wedge with three other guys. We ran back to the 20 yard line and held hands and waited for the return guy to yell, "Go, Go, Go!". Then a player (sometimes twice your size) would throw his body into the four of us trying to break up the wedge. We knew it was going to happen, and he knew he was going to do it.

I guess I just think that we are becoming weak as a society. I mean, safety is fine, but I just feel like we are taking this to a whole new level. People will always get hurt in football. It is part of the game. When you start taking hitting people out of the equation, you are changing the sport...I'm just saying that those in charge need to be careful what they mold and shape.

Do those people that take jobs crab fishing for three months out of the year know that there is a risk involved? Police and firefighters? Drug task force members? Mine workers? The risk to any NFL player is laughable compared to any of the above. And oh yeah, you are paid $60,000 per game (that's one million a year).

Sign me up for any of the above hits for $60,000. Has to be easier than 10 cycles of chemotherapy and getting part of my lung removed.

Smile, today could be your last.

Hard to believe that is is already the middle of October. We have been very fortunate to have had such great weather over the last couple of days. I have enjoyed being outside. We have been working on a new-old sign for The Nail. We really wanted a new sign, but the budget allowed us to get some new letters, and paint it. I think it looks great.

Coop has been stuck on The Cat in the Hat lately. For a while there it was The Little Rascals. Here is a vid of Coop singing "You are so beautiful" along with Alfalpha:



Mr. Knox is ready to walk anyday now. He has taken a couple of steps here and there, but nothing of any distance yet. He now has four teeth on top and a couple on the bottom. We've also switched him over to milk, so the $26-a-can formula is now a thing of the past. He went to the doctor last week, and Dr. Russ said everything looks great. Looking forward to Mr. Knox's first birthday party. Should be a good time...hope the weather cooperates.

Knox on a trip to Lowe's with Dad...


It was a crazy weekend in the restaurant. Banquet Friday, Wedding Saturday, Wedding Sunday...homecoming at KSU.

Friday night, Tom and Coop and I went to the Kent Roosevelt/Ravenna game. Unfortunately, Ravenna won, but it was still fun to watch Coop watch football and the halftime bands. For 2 1/2 he didn't fuss-not one time.


I am truly blessed to have children like them.

Love you Mr. Knox.
Love you Coop.

Smile, today could be your last.

Here is some pics from our vacation...One more day to go but it's all driving.



It was a great week.

Smile, today could be your last.

This morning, I prayed that my children would grow big and strong, and that they would each live to be grey old men.

Just like their Great-Grandfathers.

Love you more than you know Coop.

Love you more than you know Mr. Knox.

Enjoy life. It goes fast, and you never know...Got the news yesterday that Andy Vonstein was murdered in Twin Lakes. Sad.



I will continue to pray that they catch the son-of-a-bitch that did that.

You are a coward.

Smile, today could be your last.

Having a great time in Hilton Head. We drove down with Jeff and Cheryl and stopped for a night to see Dean (Jeff's Dad) and Edie. Had dinner with them at "Fatz" and spent the night in a $47 a night hotel. Quite a bargain. Got up and said goodbye, and then off to Hilton Head...about a 4 hour drive from Shelby.

One with Cheryl, and the other with Jeff...hey, someone has to take the picture, right?





Saturday night we met up with Wendy's friend Erin and her new boyfriend Tad. Had some drinks and dinner outside.



Got up this morning and went to the beach for a while. Then I walked to a sports bar called Wild Wings and watched the Browns lose to the Chiefs (another game that they should have won). While we were at the beach, Wendy took some pictures of this European chicks ass. She thought it was funny and gross. I emailed them to Dean earlier tonight. I hope he enjoys them.





Tonight Wendy and Cheryl and I walked down by the docks and saw a beautiful pink and purple sky as the sun set behind the ocean. We walked into some shops, and then back to the condo. Wendy and I got into the car and drove down to The Salty Dog to get a pizza. Brought it back, ate, and played some card game called "Nickels".

More later...With tomorrow being Monday, and several days of vacation to go, I am glad that Wendy and I get to relax this week.

I miss the Cooperman and Mr. Knox.

Love you both more than anything.

Smile, today could be your last.

I would have to imagine that if Bubba were still alive, we would belly up to the bar from time to time and have a beer or six. We would discuss how the world should be, where we are at in life, his nephews, the Cleveland Clowns, the latest band he is following, our students, his cats, my dogs, the weather, time wasted, time well spent, things that have happened, and things to come, and many, many other things that I would need all night to type.

He would wipe the last of his beer on his shirt sleeve give Vince a high five, and say something like, "rock n roll" before heading for the door.

As he walks out, I would continue to realize that while we may not always agree, there is someone in the world who has my back unconditionally.



Take a look at your life, and do not let anger get in the way. There is always a better way. Learn to forgive...not always an easy thing to do when you think someone else is wrong.

Time is limited, and we are all only temporary.

Smile, today could be your last.

"Taki" the big fish died yesterday. That makes zero fish in the tank now. Wendy and I told Coop that the fish went to Papa and Mammy's house so that we could clean the tank.

Here is a video of Coop counting to ten and then launching himself off of the table and onto the couch.



Nothing much else to report. Leaving on vacation on Friday, and I'm already missing the Coop and Mr. Knox. It should be a nice break, but always tough to leave your kids for a week.

Smile, today could be your last.

Money and Fine Print

So, I get this letter in the mail over the weekend letting me know that my 5-year license renewal has been declined because I didn't sign the first page. Really? I called and talked to some lady from the State, and she just about could have cared less. So I will re-apply. The school I work for is not happy, and now I am not sure what is going to happen. Not going to get fired or anything, but they are un-happy.

There is no one to complain to, and I have to bitch at someone so here goes:

"The problem with the world today, is that we are more concerned about money and fine print than people. I submitted this thing over two months ago, and just now get a letter in the mail. Not to mention that the price of applying for a license went from $60 last year to $200 this year. Shouldn't that mean that they should have three times the staff to help process applications. Fuck no. It means that someone, somewhere is putting money in their pocket. Maybe Frank Russo. Maybe Joey DiMora. Maybe some president of the office of licensure. What complete bullshit.

I'm fucking fed up with people in charge(and politicians) who are incompetent and get big dollars (public tax payer dollars)to fuck things up (yes-I used the word "fuck" twice in that sentence...oh wait that makes three times...oh fuck!). My check is sitting in a file drawer in a file labled with my name on it, while I sit here waiting on them. I don't have time in my life to pussy-foot around with people that are incapable of doing things the right way. Fine Print and Money, and Money and Fine Print. This world is in trouble."

Anyway, I made a special point yesterday to spend time with my family. I need to go talk to the pricipal and then get home to hang with Mr. Knox and the Cooperman. Cooperman got some fish last week (Wendy's idea). Since then, most of the fish have gone into the eternal sleep, and we are now just down to the one big one named "Taki".




Extreme Close-Up!



Hallway Wrestling:



One Beautiful Baby:



Smile, today could be your last.

Wednesday last week, we took the boys to Chuck E. Cheese. Coop and Knox had a ball. We ate pizza, played some videogames, and laughed a whole lot (much needed). Here is a vid of Knox going for a ride:


Mr. Knox hanging with Bob the Builder:


Coop enjoyed playing a game and wanted mo' money...hilarious.





Pizza Time!


Coop and Mr. Knox on a ride together...


Coop just horsin' around:


Make a point to stop what you are doing this week and spend time with your family. Life gets busy, and we all forget from time to time how important this really is. I love you boys.

Smile, today could be your last.

So, I was going through some old videos and these really stood out to me. I guess you could call them "The Best of"...at least over the last few months. These videos had me laughing so hard that it hurt (especially after surgery). Well they say that laughter is the best medicine, so enjoy the dose. The first one is of Coop dancing. Hillarious. That white boy has some serious moves. Rhythm to the umpth degree.

John Travolta ain't got nothin' on me.

The second video is from TJ's wedding. TJ and Jason show off their moves in this one... and decide to have a dance-off. You decide who the better dancer is.

I wonder if alcohol had anything to do with this one???


Here is one of Coop at the Randolph Fair. The sheep went "Baaaa" and Coop was taken aback by the whole thing. It's super funny to me. He takes about three steps backwards...then imitates him. Instant classic!



Here is Knox starting to walk, and giving a high five at the end. Unbelieveable! Some of my favorites over the last few months. Just a reminder that life is good.



Smile, today could be your last.

On Tuesday night, a whole bunch of us went to the Randolph Fair. Coop really had a great time. We met Sammy, and his two kids. Just a really good time. We indulged ourselves in Americana fair food, (gyros, pizza, corndogs, sausages, fries, funnel cakes, etc.) watched the demolition derby, and walked from booth to booth as children of farmers displayed their prize animals in cages. Coop really had a good time at the demolition derby. He wanted Wendy to cover his ears the entire time (it was loud), but he certainly wasn't scared. He was a little worried that the cars were now "broken". Too cute. Here are some snapshots of our trip to the Randolph Fair:




Wednesday morning, Wendy and I got up before any of those prize roosters could crow, and headed toward the Cleveland Clinic. Hard not to be nervous before someone is about to cut out a part of your lung. I don't know about you...but not being able to breathe sort of scares me. Anyway, they got me all checked in, shaved my body, and the next thing I knew I was entering operating room #69. I smiled as they rolled me in.

When I woke up in the ICU, the first thing I remember is a couple of nurses standing over top of me saying that "we can't get his pain under control". They pump you full of all kinds of drugs, and you fade in and out of conciousness. The ICU is a little weird because it is just a bunch of people in hospital beds, seperated by curtains. You can hear what is happening to the patient next to you, and they can hear when you are in pain.

I do remember my wife and my parents stopping, but couldn't tell you what we talked about. I also remember that the lady in the room across from me had a trach in her throat, so she couldn't talk. She would continuously wave her arms, and until I figured it out, I was just waving back. The drugs made me a little rambunctions and outgoing on Thursday, and at one point, I remember saying, "I need some Obama-care over here!" Which I don't think that lady liked to much. Oh well.

On Thursday afternoon, some guy came by and pulled one of the two drain tubes from the incision site. Hurt like a mother-fucker as I bit down on a rag, while he yanked it out.

The Fever came to see me and scope out some of the nurses. We chatted for a while, but I felt bad as it was just hard for me to stay awake. They finally got me a room on Thursday evening. It was painful moving me from the ICU bed to my room bed.

Rhodes and Norm came by to see me on Friday. We laughed about the old days.

There is no getting any rest in the hospital. Thursday night...new nurse, blood draws, chest x-rays, lung specialist, pain specialist, vital signs, more blood draws, housekeeping, breathing treatments, more vital signs. Friday morning rolls around and they bring my breakfast. Nurse comes by with pain meds, they take some blood, pull out my cathader (holy shit that hurts), breathing treatment, take a walk, massage, x-ray, vital signs, and then the lady comes with my lunch and the nurse wants to know why I haven't eaten anything...ha! Wendy was a trooper and spent the night with me on a fold out bench. I'm sure she didn't sleep much either.

Tom stopped up again on Friday afternoon. Good to have a Dad like him.

Megan and Tim stopped on Friday night. Brought me a couple of movies. We laughed.

Saturday, Dr. Murthy stopped by in the morning, and told me that I could go home later that day. I streamed the Mentor High school football game on the internet, and watched the Browns 1st half on the TV. It seemed like forever before they finished up the paperwork to get me out of there.

What i really couldn't believe is that they let me walk out of there on my own feet. I was totally cool with it, but I have to admit that I was a little woozy from all of the drugs, plus the trauma to my body.

Sunday morning, I woke up and I couldn't move. I literally had to roll out of bed, and try to get up off the floor. I hope that tomorrow morning is not that bad.

And, while I am not looking forward to the 72 emails that I have to respond to, it will be good to get back into the groove of everday life. I hurt a whole lot, but pain is only temporary. Hopefully, we can put this behind us, and it will extend my life with my children. Because if it means extra time in this world with them, I would do it all again next week.

I love you Coop. I love you Knox.

Smile, today could be your last.

So, here is just one part of an article on sports commissioner's that I found on Yahoo...Just thought that this was interesting. Why would Bud Selig care about the little guy anymore? He is making $19 Mil a year. Is the world unfair and unjust or what?


Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig grabs the No. 1 spot, bringing in just under $19 million a year. Selig earned $18.35 million dollars in 2007 alone. He made $17.47 million in base compensation, $461,540 in employee benefits, and another $422,590 in expense allowances. That would be a nice haul for a player, let alone a sports commissioner. There are only 10 players in the entire sport that currently make more money than Selig.

With the labor problems, World Series cancellation and All Star Game fiasco all occurring under his watch, Bud Selig still manages to pull in a multi-million dollar salary.

How about the un-level playing field with payrolls in baseball? Forgot to mention that one.

Smile, today could be your last.

The most beautiful song I've heard in a long, long time. It makes me cry.





Smile, today could be your last.

It has really been a great couple of weeks. Last weekend we busted ass cleaning the rentals...and then I headed into the woods of PA for Delsanter's bachelor party. It was great to see the old gang. As I was driving, I took a picture of this sign that made me smile. Not an easy task driving a vehicle at 70 MPH and taking a picture with a cell phone. That can't be legal. This week absolutely flew by. Spent the entire day Tues. at the Cleveland Clinic. All kinds of pre-tests...blood, urine, EKG...etc. Other than cancer, I seem to be pretty healthy (is that ironic?...or does that just not make any sense at all?). Worked hard in the yard all day Friday...TJ and Chrissy were in town last night, so we threw them a little get-to-gether. It was a great night...weather cooperated, good food, good friends, good times. Sat around the fire, and even took a midnight swim in the pool. Just a really nice evening. Mr. Knox is starting to walk with a little help. Won't be long now. As I was putting Coop to bed on Thursday, I told him (like I do everynight) that he can do anything in the world that he wants. Of course his response back to me was..."Daddy, I want to cut the grass all day." If that is what makes you happy Coop, have at it. Love you boys. Smile, today could be your last.

Another week has flown by...
We finally got the pool running right. We've been in it a couple of times. Coop and Knox seem to like the water.

We've been working over at the rental for the last couple of days...weeding, painting, etc. Having a tough time getting the 3 bedroom apartment rented. Not sure why. It certainly isn't for lack of interest as I have literally shown the place 20 times. A little nerve-wracking, but it will work out.


Took Coop and Knox to the Cleveland zoo again on Wed. A friend from work has been wanting to take them for some time...so we finally made it happen.

Thursday was poker night.

Friday work at the rental, late dinner, bed.

Time to go paint.

Smile, today could be your last.

Some random things...

1) I find it interesting that as a society we are more consumed with what LeBron James is doing than concerning ourselves with the destruction of the Gulf waters. LeBron James is a chump. Concern yourself with things that matter.

2) Don't know if I've ever mentioned this, but the "Guided by Something" is a reference to the band Guided by Voices. By far Bubba's favorite. In fact, his 2nd or 3rd favorite band can't even be seen over the horizon. Listen to music that makes YOU happy.

3) Wanted to get a picture posted of a Brown's game that I attended with my Dad. We met some friends down at "The Pit". In order of appearance from left to right...Jeaneane, Tomstang, C. Rhodes, Vince, and Kevin. This was back in the fall(obviously). There is nothing quite like attending a football game with your old man. Spend as much time as humanly possible with those you love.

4) I have to pay $200 to renew my teacher's license. If anyone is listening...this is a complete rip-off by the State of Ohio. We over over-taxed, over fee-ed and the breaking point is near. Last year it was $60 to renew. Watch your spending, and save wisely and as early on as possible.

5) Cooper spent the day saying, "Bambuzzled". No one is sure quite where it came from, but it is funny as hell. Knox is crawling all over the place, and looks like he will be walking soon. As always, don't ever stop believing that your Dad loves you more than anything, and that Uncle Bubba is guiding everything that you do. Keep laughing...till it fucking hurts.

6) For cryin' out loud...put mustard on hotdogs, ketchup on hamburgers...anything else and you might be a communist. Always do the right thing.

7) Always wear comfortable shoes, or no shoes at all. Ever hear someone complain of how their feet are killing them?...Not if you have comfortable shoes on. Life is too short, and the vibe from everyday starts with the swagger in your step. If your "dawgs" are barking, nothing else will be right. Listen to your body.

8) Drink lots of water. It is the essence of life. Balance is everything.

9) Just keep loving. Love always wins.

10) As I'm typing this, I'm thinking, 'there doesn't have to be exactly ten things', nor does there have to be 99, or 356, or 1,783. Ten is a nice even number for David Letterman countdowns, and things of that nature, but life is much more complex, and sophisticated. So yes, what you hear me saying is that this list is very, very incomplete. There are many more things to add. I have yet to fulfill all of my dreams, and still have a long way to go on my journey through life. Don't ever quit adding things to your list, don't ever stop believeing in good...Don't ever give up.

Smile, today could be your last.