Most of the Hirsch family spent a part of yesterday at Disney. Daniel found out some more teams were testing so he wanted to go back to watch. Devin had talked for awhile about wanting to get Pokemon cards at Epcot in Japan. Daniel had a blast, as expected. Testing was David Reuteman, RCRs truck teams and the highlite Kevin Harvick. Being really close to the track was very cool. I counted, it took the Sprint Cup cars around 13 seconds to get around the track. The best part of the day was when Kevin Harvick was coming off pit row. Daniel was just a few feet from him. He stopped his #29 Budweiser right in front of Daniel and let me take a close up picture. Daniel then gave him the thumbs up and away he went. It may have been a little thing to him but it totally made his day and gave him a very special memory. Its so nice when athletes use their power for good. I have often thought how growing up next to Disney has effected the boys childhoods. Going to EPCOT just for Pokemon cards is definitely not the norm. I don't know how it will effect them. But the only negative I could see is if they get a warped sense of reality. Both boys know people have to save up for years to come to Disney. But I don't really thing they have a full idea of whats that entails. Or just how special the place is. One of my favorite thing is going to Disney with someone who does not get to go often. I love seeing the their joy and wonderment. Unfortunately the boys will never know that feeling. BUT all things considered when they look back I'm certain they will be overjoyed they lived next to Disney. Their childhoods have been special And they are having experiences other kids can only dream about.
We watched the memorial for the Tucson shooting victims last night. All I'll say about it was the crowd full of college students was cheering at the most inappropriate times. As for the Presidents speech, I thought it was a very good one. When he mentioned how we should be better because that's what that little girl expected of us, I thought was a very good line. Also he shot down once and for all that the shooting was caused by right wing "hate speech"
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Jan. 12, 2011
Yesterday morning I had another appointment with Dr. Santini. It was really exhausting with all the vocal drills she put me thought. The main purpose today was to get me to use my head voice. I know I used to speak from my throat. This was all wrong. And probably goes a long way explaining why I lost my voice so often. Also she was working with me to help with voice inflection and to more efficiently project my voice. She is terrific. I have another appointment on Thursday morning then I will be able to go back to work on either Friday or Monday. Normalcy is right around the corner. As an aside I've spent more time in and around doctors in the past year than ever before. I hope this trend stops because I'm too young to have my days off to be planned around doctors appointments like older people.
On the way home me and Jenny talked about going to St. Pete and spending the night at the Island Inn. When we got home we told the boys we were going and started packing. But after thinking about it for a few minutes we decided it was not the right thing to do being behind on bills. In addition Jenny did not sleep a wink the night before. So while Jenny and Devin relaxed at home me and Daniel went to the Walt Disney Speedway to watch testing. The night before while online Daniel saw Red Bull Racing was testing at Disney. He was so excited to go. He knew Brian Vickers was going to be there. But when we arrived we also found out Kasey Kahne, Martin Treaux Jr and Reed Sorensen was there. As for the crowd? There was none. Daniel and some Disney cast member who is a Brian Vickers fan. The weather was gorgeous. It was probably about 60 degrees. I have no idea why Daniel became a NASCAR fan. I could guarantee he is the first Hirsch to like the sport. All I know is since he was a little boy he loved it. When he was first diagnosed with Diabetes Jenny used to use his die cast cars and make a voice with a southern accent to get him to get his shots. Jenny used to say your like a special car who needs special fuel(insulin shots). This was brilliant and really helped with the adjustment. I remember during the off season when he was very young he found he one day watching lawn mower racing. Even now his favorite thing to collect is die casts. He probably has over 150 of them. Watching the cars test yesterday he looked so beyond happy. It was also very special Daniel and daddy time. In the bright Jan. sunshine watching the cars made me very happy we live in Florida. I remember when I was his age living in New York. I dreamed of going to spring training. It was almost magical. I never made it when I was growing up. But here we were watching NASCARs version of spring training. Then shortly we will go to baseball spring training. Not too shabby for either him or me.
On the way home me and Jenny talked about going to St. Pete and spending the night at the Island Inn. When we got home we told the boys we were going and started packing. But after thinking about it for a few minutes we decided it was not the right thing to do being behind on bills. In addition Jenny did not sleep a wink the night before. So while Jenny and Devin relaxed at home me and Daniel went to the Walt Disney Speedway to watch testing. The night before while online Daniel saw Red Bull Racing was testing at Disney. He was so excited to go. He knew Brian Vickers was going to be there. But when we arrived we also found out Kasey Kahne, Martin Treaux Jr and Reed Sorensen was there. As for the crowd? There was none. Daniel and some Disney cast member who is a Brian Vickers fan. The weather was gorgeous. It was probably about 60 degrees. I have no idea why Daniel became a NASCAR fan. I could guarantee he is the first Hirsch to like the sport. All I know is since he was a little boy he loved it. When he was first diagnosed with Diabetes Jenny used to use his die cast cars and make a voice with a southern accent to get him to get his shots. Jenny used to say your like a special car who needs special fuel(insulin shots). This was brilliant and really helped with the adjustment. I remember during the off season when he was very young he found he one day watching lawn mower racing. Even now his favorite thing to collect is die casts. He probably has over 150 of them. Watching the cars test yesterday he looked so beyond happy. It was also very special Daniel and daddy time. In the bright Jan. sunshine watching the cars made me very happy we live in Florida. I remember when I was his age living in New York. I dreamed of going to spring training. It was almost magical. I never made it when I was growing up. But here we were watching NASCARs version of spring training. Then shortly we will go to baseball spring training. Not too shabby for either him or me.
Jan. 11, 2011
Yesterday morning Jenny had a doctors appointment so I figured I'd watch the second part of the Ken Burns baseball 10th inning. This part focused on from 1999-2009. This series could have been made specifically for me. In its entirety it about 30 hours of baseball history. Most of the series deals with things before I was born. But one of the great things about baseball is it has such a long history. My interest in baseball history started when I was around 10 years old and started playing Strat baseball. I remember the first set I got was the old timers teams. So I became interested in teams and players starting with the 1905 Giants thought the present time(1974 at that time). After reading countless books the Ken Burns series put faces to names and told alot of great stories not found in stat lines. Also it told me about 19th century baseball something I knew very little about. Anyway baseball has been the constant throughout my life. Since I was six it was always in my life. I don't know of anything else like that. Well anyway the last installment was not only a great history of baseball the past ten years its was also a reminder of my life for the past 10 years. After about 30 minutes I heard someone go downstairs. There I saw Daniel on the couch. I asked him if he wanted to watch with me and he came right up. I can't pinpoint exactly when Daniel became a baseball fan. But at 13 he has been a fan for about 7 years. So he remembers alot of what happened in this episode. It was special watching with him. Each generation has an event where everyone remembers exactly where they were and what they were doing. For people a little older than me I think the event was when JFK was shot. For my generation the event is 9/11. On a much smaller scale I found myself remembering where I was during major events in the past 10 years in baseball history. And telling Daniel about everything. Telling him when Luis Gonzalez got the hit to end the 2001 WS how we were living at Centergate and I was so happy the Yankees lost I screamed and almost woke you up. How during the Steve Bartman game how we were on our first family vacation in Asheville. When they showed Endy Chavez's catch in game 7 of the NLCS how we looked at each other knowing how Yadier Molina was about to spoil a great season. And as I have my baseball childhood memories and my father is part of alot of them. I hope when Daniel is an adult I'll be part of his baseball memories. Like the night the Rays won the AL championship and we took Bonnie out for a walk after we had our own celebration. Both of us so happy happy they were going to the World Series. Also how his first regular season game was from a luxury box at the Trop. Or his first trip to Shea with me, Howie and Erik when he got a baseball during BP. He really enjoyed watching except seeing get Brad Lidge getting the last out against the Rays. But I think I got so much more enjoyment watching with him telling him of how our family history intersects with baseball.
On Saturday some lunatic in Arizona shot a member of the House while she was doing what she called congress on the corner. As of now Congresswoman Giffords probably will survive this attack but 6 people were killed. For the past three days this is all that's been on the news. The shooter is a young man who has a history of being mentally unstable. His facebook postings are irrational. For example saying how the government is using grammar to control all of us This attack was clearly carried out by a crazy person. What has been so despicable has been how the left is blaming the attack on conservative TV, talk radio and Sarah Palin. There insane logic is since the vitriolic discourse is getting worse and worse coming from Rush, Glenn Beck etc. it was enough to put this guy over the edge. He was a registered independent who did not even vote in the 2010 elections. Even the sheriff in Arizona is toting this liberal line. Even his friends describe the shooter as a dope smoking leftist. For the New York Times and members of congress to use this to try to pass the fairness doctrine comes under the Rahm Emmanuel strategy of never let a good crisis go to waste. At the end of the day is beyond disgusting.
On Saturday some lunatic in Arizona shot a member of the House while she was doing what she called congress on the corner. As of now Congresswoman Giffords probably will survive this attack but 6 people were killed. For the past three days this is all that's been on the news. The shooter is a young man who has a history of being mentally unstable. His facebook postings are irrational. For example saying how the government is using grammar to control all of us This attack was clearly carried out by a crazy person. What has been so despicable has been how the left is blaming the attack on conservative TV, talk radio and Sarah Palin. There insane logic is since the vitriolic discourse is getting worse and worse coming from Rush, Glenn Beck etc. it was enough to put this guy over the edge. He was a registered independent who did not even vote in the 2010 elections. Even the sheriff in Arizona is toting this liberal line. Even his friends describe the shooter as a dope smoking leftist. For the New York Times and members of congress to use this to try to pass the fairness doctrine comes under the Rahm Emmanuel strategy of never let a good crisis go to waste. At the end of the day is beyond disgusting.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Jan. 10, 2011
Very quiet uneventful day yesterday. During yesterday afternoon mom, Jenny and the boys went to the movies to see Harry Potter. Me and Daniel already saw it when it came out so I decided to stay home. For a few hours it was really nice and quiet. I always look forward to having a couple of hours to myself. I think that's why I'm always up before everyone else. While I was raised on early to bed early to rise, the rest of this household goes by the opposite very late to bed and late to rise. Anyway while they were gone I watched the first part of the 10th inning from Ken Bruns baseball, watched one episode of Brad Meltzers Decoded and read(oddly enough a Brad Meltzer book). They were gone for the perfect length. After a few hours I get tired of being by myself and miss everybody. Everyone returned right as the Lightning-Devils game came on. The Lightning played a pretty uninspired game and lost 6-3. At night me, Jenny and Daniel watched the final 2 episodes of Sarah Palin's Alaska. She has been getting some flax for doing the show. But I disagree it shows her to be an average person. People are tired of politicians and she does not come across as one. She really seems to love being with her family and having the freedom to go around doing what she loves. The million dollar question is will she run??? Who knows. If I could visit any place on the planet it would be Alaska. So lets see on the bucket list we have 1.Alaska 2.See a Winter Classic Live 3.Visit Cooperstown with my Grandchildren. Oddly enough after we watched Sarah Palin's Alaska we watched Alaska's State Troopers. It is astounding how some people in really rural areas lives. Also they showed some festival where people take their snowmobiles. There was alot of drunkenness and some drug use. It reminded me immediately Bike Week in Daytona only with snow. The people who attended these events seemed pretty similar.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Jan. 9, 2011
I love lists and I came across a really interesting one yesterday while online. It was things babies in 2011 may never know about.
video tape-I think this is pretty much a no brainer. I don't know if Devin knows what video tape is
travel agents-another no brainer. I see some set up in Walmarts but with the internet I'm sure they will go away shortly.
separation of home and work-one way progress is not always for the better. The boys grew up with me getting calls from the stores I worked at.
books,magazines and newspapers-I think they got this one wrong. Though I think there will not be big book stores like Barnes and Noble and Borders. Also I don't think every city will have their own newspapers. What I do know is I'd rather much read my Kindle than a real book
movie rental stores-with video on demand on directtv and redboxes everywhere these stores will be gone very soon.
watches-while Daniel gets the time from his pump everyone else gets the time from their phones. Watches will just be jewelry.
paper maps-with map quest and GPS paper maps will be gone very soon.
wired phones-land lines are starting to disappear. Tom doesn't have one. I could see them disappearing in a few years.
long distance-I remember running up a $300 phone bill when I was in Denver and Jenny in NY.
newspaper classifieds-with craigslist and the internet, classifieds are already a thing of the past. When I was looking for a job all the info I needed was online.
dial up internet-its like HD once you have high speed you can't even imagine going back.
encyclopedias-we had one set when I was growing up. Now all you have to do is enter a name or question in a browser and all the info you ever need is right there.
forgotten friends-I'm terrible with facebook but I'll get better. Its a great thing when not abused.
forgotten anything-Jenny has started using her I-pod for reminders of everything.
evening news-I know Fox News is on in our house just about ever waking moment someone is on.
CDs-I saw this coming unfortunately FYE was way too slow to adapt.
film camera-Daniel and Devin never saw this. I remember having to also having to wait a week to get film developed. Digital is a huge improvement.
yellow and white pages-useless except for using when you need something heavy
catalogs-we get so many in the mail everyday. Catalogs may hold on for awhile.
fax machines- everything will be send electronically.
1 picture frames-Jenny got me a frame and put about 100 pictures on it. I love it.
wires-everything will be wireless
hand written letters-with email hand wriiten letters are a dinosaur now
talking to one person at a time-I disagree with this one. I hate talking to more than one person at a time.
retirement plans-I guess 401K are suppose be for retirement. I know retirement for me is suppose to be 20 years away but somehow I don't see it happening
mail-I think we will still have mail but instead of having it 6 days a week I could see 3 days a week
commercial TV-I hate commercials but I understand why we have them. I don't see how you do away with them.
commercial radio-see above. Even sat. radio had commercials on some stations
hiding-probably my favorite on this list. The thought of being always available is scary and almost Orwellian. No longer will you be able to ignore the phone with voice mails and emails. I fear we are past the days when you could be left alone.
I finished the book on Rush Limbaugh. It was a very interesting book. It was written by neither a conservative or liberal. Portraits on people like Limbaugh are typically done by people with an agenda. This one wasn't. While I agree with the book when it states that Rush is the most important conservative voice in America. I would say the three most important are Rush, Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity. If I had to choose a politician it would be Sarah Palin. With that being said its a little disconcerting that no elected leaders are the voices people are following. John Boehner the new speaker seems like a nice enough guy but not someone to take the country by storm. As for Mitch McConnell the minority leader in the senate, he is the kind of old style politician who will say or do anything to keep power. I don't have much respect for him at all. I don't think any of the usual suspects(Mitt Romney,Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee) are going to be nominated. Thought I have alot of respect for Sarah Palin she has so many people who absolutely despise her I don't think she is electable in a general election. Charles Krauthammer coined the phrase Bush Derangement Syndrome. I'm sure it would be even worse for Sarah Palin. Paul Ryan is starting to get alot of attention. Bill Christol mentioned a Ryan-Marco Rubio ticket. If that is the case sign me up.
video tape-I think this is pretty much a no brainer. I don't know if Devin knows what video tape is
travel agents-another no brainer. I see some set up in Walmarts but with the internet I'm sure they will go away shortly.
separation of home and work-one way progress is not always for the better. The boys grew up with me getting calls from the stores I worked at.
books,magazines and newspapers-I think they got this one wrong. Though I think there will not be big book stores like Barnes and Noble and Borders. Also I don't think every city will have their own newspapers. What I do know is I'd rather much read my Kindle than a real book
movie rental stores-with video on demand on directtv and redboxes everywhere these stores will be gone very soon.
watches-while Daniel gets the time from his pump everyone else gets the time from their phones. Watches will just be jewelry.
paper maps-with map quest and GPS paper maps will be gone very soon.
wired phones-land lines are starting to disappear. Tom doesn't have one. I could see them disappearing in a few years.
long distance-I remember running up a $300 phone bill when I was in Denver and Jenny in NY.
newspaper classifieds-with craigslist and the internet, classifieds are already a thing of the past. When I was looking for a job all the info I needed was online.
dial up internet-its like HD once you have high speed you can't even imagine going back.
encyclopedias-we had one set when I was growing up. Now all you have to do is enter a name or question in a browser and all the info you ever need is right there.
forgotten friends-I'm terrible with facebook but I'll get better. Its a great thing when not abused.
forgotten anything-Jenny has started using her I-pod for reminders of everything.
evening news-I know Fox News is on in our house just about ever waking moment someone is on.
CDs-I saw this coming unfortunately FYE was way too slow to adapt.
film camera-Daniel and Devin never saw this. I remember having to also having to wait a week to get film developed. Digital is a huge improvement.
yellow and white pages-useless except for using when you need something heavy
catalogs-we get so many in the mail everyday. Catalogs may hold on for awhile.
fax machines- everything will be send electronically.
1 picture frames-Jenny got me a frame and put about 100 pictures on it. I love it.
wires-everything will be wireless
hand written letters-with email hand wriiten letters are a dinosaur now
talking to one person at a time-I disagree with this one. I hate talking to more than one person at a time.
retirement plans-I guess 401K are suppose be for retirement. I know retirement for me is suppose to be 20 years away but somehow I don't see it happening
mail-I think we will still have mail but instead of having it 6 days a week I could see 3 days a week
commercial TV-I hate commercials but I understand why we have them. I don't see how you do away with them.
commercial radio-see above. Even sat. radio had commercials on some stations
hiding-probably my favorite on this list. The thought of being always available is scary and almost Orwellian. No longer will you be able to ignore the phone with voice mails and emails. I fear we are past the days when you could be left alone.
I finished the book on Rush Limbaugh. It was a very interesting book. It was written by neither a conservative or liberal. Portraits on people like Limbaugh are typically done by people with an agenda. This one wasn't. While I agree with the book when it states that Rush is the most important conservative voice in America. I would say the three most important are Rush, Glenn Beck and Sean Hannity. If I had to choose a politician it would be Sarah Palin. With that being said its a little disconcerting that no elected leaders are the voices people are following. John Boehner the new speaker seems like a nice enough guy but not someone to take the country by storm. As for Mitch McConnell the minority leader in the senate, he is the kind of old style politician who will say or do anything to keep power. I don't have much respect for him at all. I don't think any of the usual suspects(Mitt Romney,Newt Gingrich, Mike Huckabee) are going to be nominated. Thought I have alot of respect for Sarah Palin she has so many people who absolutely despise her I don't think she is electable in a general election. Charles Krauthammer coined the phrase Bush Derangement Syndrome. I'm sure it would be even worse for Sarah Palin. Paul Ryan is starting to get alot of attention. Bill Christol mentioned a Ryan-Marco Rubio ticket. If that is the case sign me up.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Jan. 8, 2011
Not much of note occurred yesterday. My voice seems to be getting a little stronger. I'm doing those exercises that Dr. Santini wanted me to do. I attempted to read a chapter of Daniel's history book aloud. The good news is he definitely was able to hear me. But my voice stamina has awhile to go. Compared to where I was just three days ago my progress has been amazing. I was able to communicate with everyone. Its like nothing ever changed. But in moments of reflection I know just how scary the whole situation was. Jenny definitely seems so much more relaxed. I was even able to shout sa-bon(4 straight strikes in bowling in Korean) which has gotten to be a Wii bowling tradition in our house.
A funny thing has been going on recently. Devin does AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! things with sculpy. He has been making figures from Mario games. Daniel asked him to create his favorite Kuppa and powerup. Devin charges Daniel the whopping amount of 30 cents per figure. And I think he said if you buy a second its even cheaper. Devin obviously has not grasped the true value of his work. I guess he is just happy to do it for Daniel. Devin definitely gets his creativity from Jenny. Daniel's artistic ability is about as bad as mine. But Devin's stuff even blows away Jenny. With proper instruction Devin could probably turn this into a little side business.
A funny thing has been going on recently. Devin does AMAZING!!!!!!!!!! things with sculpy. He has been making figures from Mario games. Daniel asked him to create his favorite Kuppa and powerup. Devin charges Daniel the whopping amount of 30 cents per figure. And I think he said if you buy a second its even cheaper. Devin obviously has not grasped the true value of his work. I guess he is just happy to do it for Daniel. Devin definitely gets his creativity from Jenny. Daniel's artistic ability is about as bad as mine. But Devin's stuff even blows away Jenny. With proper instruction Devin could probably turn this into a little side business.
Jan, 7, 2011
Yesterday was THE day we've been waiting for. My voice has finally returned!!!!!! After 6 weeks I can speak. In the morning I had my first appointment with a speech pathologist. Dr. Santini was like a magic woman. After Jenny told her my story. She came over and started by feeling my neck. She then wanted me to make all sorts of noises. We started by attempting to say M words. The logic is M is the only letter you can say with your head and not your throat. At first it was very difficult and painful. But as I got used to it and it got easier. Then after a few other exercises she has me roll my lips. This exercise loosens up the muscles around my vocal chords. After a few minutes of rolling my lips my voice became much stronger. She said since I had not used my voice the muscles had atrophied. At the end of the hour if I just tried to speak I'd say my voice is about at 50% strenght. Definitely loud enough to be understood. If I roll my lips then try to speak I can even raise my voice. Dr. Santini gave me some voice exercises she wants me to do before my next appointment. Before I left the office she took me around showing some of the office staff how I could speak now. Jenny was stunned!!!!! I was stunned!!!! I see her again next Tuesday. I would think at this rate I should be able to return to work late next work.
The rest of the day was spend getting used to being able to speak again. When I got home Howie called. It was great being able to speak to someone. After each paragraph my voice was losing volume. But once I rolled my lips, it was like someone put a microphone next to my throat. While our 10 minute conversation went great I know I still have to build up my voice stamina. The boys are really happy. Daniel wants to play Strat with me. And Devin wants to do a history lesson with me. Since both me and Jenny got about 4 hours sleep we were both not only mentally wiped out but also physically wiped out. Speaking is something everyone takes for granted until you can't do it anymore. Then everything is a chore. After saying how we were going to really celebrate when I got my voice back, we didn't. We were both too tired to do much of anything. We both ended up taking naps. And at night I ended up on the couch watching hockey in between dozing off. Things are finally looking up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The rest of the day was spend getting used to being able to speak again. When I got home Howie called. It was great being able to speak to someone. After each paragraph my voice was losing volume. But once I rolled my lips, it was like someone put a microphone next to my throat. While our 10 minute conversation went great I know I still have to build up my voice stamina. The boys are really happy. Daniel wants to play Strat with me. And Devin wants to do a history lesson with me. Since both me and Jenny got about 4 hours sleep we were both not only mentally wiped out but also physically wiped out. Speaking is something everyone takes for granted until you can't do it anymore. Then everything is a chore. After saying how we were going to really celebrate when I got my voice back, we didn't. We were both too tired to do much of anything. We both ended up taking naps. And at night I ended up on the couch watching hockey in between dozing off. Things are finally looking up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Jan. 6, 2011
One of the things I've started to do to keep sane while I've been out of work is record the best late hockey game and watch it the following morning. So I settled down yesterday morning to watch the Colorado-Buffalo game. Everything was going along fine until about 5 minutes into the game Altitude flashed the final score of the game on the screen. Why in the world why would they do this?????? I know all sports fans have similar stories where you record a game and do everything to avoid finding out who won. Then somehow someone tells you had happened. I know in the big scheme of things its no big deal. But it is still annoying. I ended up going outside and reading in the yard. The weather was absolutely perfect, about 70 degrees and bright sunshine.
I am an unabashed conservative. And seeing republicans retake control of the House today was great. Politics are important to me. I've often told people I'd like to be the President. After the 2008 election it looked like conservatism was dead as a doornail. But over the last two years President Obama and a congress totally controlled by Dems have brought back repubs from the dead. I agree with alot of experts that said repubs did not win the election in 2010, dems just lost it. Sean Hannity is saying the repubs are on probation. I think he has hit it right on the head. The party needs to earn the trust of the people. If they do a good job I think they will take control of the Senate in 2012. And maybe even the White House. As for who I'll support in the primaries its too early to tell. As of now Chris Christie the Gov. of New Jersey is like a rock star. A Christie-Marco Rubio ticket perhaps.
Also yesterday the Hall of Fame voters voted to induct Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven. Both were good picks. Cooperstown is a very special place in Hirsch family history. Our first family vacation when I was 10 and Howie was 7 was to Cooperstown. I remember on one Christmas vacation I took a bus up there. It was great! The village was covered with snow. And I pretty much had the entire Hall to myself. And then right after Mom died me, Howie, Daniel, Devin,Jenny and Erik took a trip up there. I remember I was so proud of Daniel. There was a display were they had a picture of a stadium and you had to guess which Stadium it was. And to Howie's shock he got all of them. Another bucket list item is going to Cooperstown with Daniel, Devin if he ever gets into Baseball and my future grandchildren. And like I tell Daniel stories of Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver and Gary Carter he can tell his children about Albert Pujols, A-Rod and maybe even young guys like Evan Longoria, Troy Tulowitski and David Wright. Baseball really does connect generations. I've seen it in my own family.
I am an unabashed conservative. And seeing republicans retake control of the House today was great. Politics are important to me. I've often told people I'd like to be the President. After the 2008 election it looked like conservatism was dead as a doornail. But over the last two years President Obama and a congress totally controlled by Dems have brought back repubs from the dead. I agree with alot of experts that said repubs did not win the election in 2010, dems just lost it. Sean Hannity is saying the repubs are on probation. I think he has hit it right on the head. The party needs to earn the trust of the people. If they do a good job I think they will take control of the Senate in 2012. And maybe even the White House. As for who I'll support in the primaries its too early to tell. As of now Chris Christie the Gov. of New Jersey is like a rock star. A Christie-Marco Rubio ticket perhaps.
Also yesterday the Hall of Fame voters voted to induct Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven. Both were good picks. Cooperstown is a very special place in Hirsch family history. Our first family vacation when I was 10 and Howie was 7 was to Cooperstown. I remember on one Christmas vacation I took a bus up there. It was great! The village was covered with snow. And I pretty much had the entire Hall to myself. And then right after Mom died me, Howie, Daniel, Devin,Jenny and Erik took a trip up there. I remember I was so proud of Daniel. There was a display were they had a picture of a stadium and you had to guess which Stadium it was. And to Howie's shock he got all of them. Another bucket list item is going to Cooperstown with Daniel, Devin if he ever gets into Baseball and my future grandchildren. And like I tell Daniel stories of Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver and Gary Carter he can tell his children about Albert Pujols, A-Rod and maybe even young guys like Evan Longoria, Troy Tulowitski and David Wright. Baseball really does connect generations. I've seen it in my own family.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Jan.5, 2011
A big day yesterday. After over 5 weeks I may finally have some answers about my lack of voice. We went to another ENT this morning and he diagnosed what I have as exactly what Jenny thought I have Dysphonia. I'm really relieved I at least know whats causing this. He did not mention those botox shots. I have an appointment with a speech pathologist on Thursday morning. The doctor told me to take a deep breathe and force out the sound with the breathe. Honestly its really painful but the doctor said its going to hurt. Jenny is beyond thrilled. She said she hears my voice getting a little louder. There definitely is hope. I'm very anxious to see whats its going to be like at the speech pathologist. Now its up to me. The only part of yesterday that got me very upset is no one seems to really understand how hard this really is. Mom is not being helpful. She should not say anything at all. Jenny is attacking this like a coach, praising me when she hears a voice. But saying you can do better when she does not hear me. I know she has my best interest in mind. And maybe this will be helpful. But no one knows what it feels like.
Last night when in Starbucks Daniel mentioned he can't wait for me to get my voice back so we could go back to playing Strat-O-Matic. Starting last season I introduced him to Strat hockey. We broke the best players into 8 teams and have our own league. All the team names have been from places in Wyoming. His favorite team to coach is the Gillette Jedi. He liked the name Jedi from Star Wars. That team has Johnathan Toews, Steven Stamkos, Zack Parise, Martin St. Louis among others. I introduced him to Strat baseball a couple of years ago. Thought he never started leagues on his own he really likes playing with me. By the way I found out yesterday that Rush Limbaugh used to play Strat and announce his own games. It makes me so happy to share this with Daniel. Its just Daniel and Daddy time together. Alot of people say Daniel is alot like me. We definitely do have similar interests. There is no sport we won't watch. I guess its natural for a parent to compare their own childhood to their children's. Playing Strat is a connection to my childhood. Devin loves to get Italian Ices when we go to Delish. Getting Italian Ices is totally normal in New York but Delish is the only place in Florida that has real ices. When Devin gets it its like a connection to my childhood. I'm so proud of both of the boys. I can only hope when they are adults they will have alot of happy memories from their childhoods. We may not have money but growing up next to Disney. And going on trips hopefully have given them something to always remember. And they know nobody is more loved!!!!!!!
Last night when in Starbucks Daniel mentioned he can't wait for me to get my voice back so we could go back to playing Strat-O-Matic. Starting last season I introduced him to Strat hockey. We broke the best players into 8 teams and have our own league. All the team names have been from places in Wyoming. His favorite team to coach is the Gillette Jedi. He liked the name Jedi from Star Wars. That team has Johnathan Toews, Steven Stamkos, Zack Parise, Martin St. Louis among others. I introduced him to Strat baseball a couple of years ago. Thought he never started leagues on his own he really likes playing with me. By the way I found out yesterday that Rush Limbaugh used to play Strat and announce his own games. It makes me so happy to share this with Daniel. Its just Daniel and Daddy time together. Alot of people say Daniel is alot like me. We definitely do have similar interests. There is no sport we won't watch. I guess its natural for a parent to compare their own childhood to their children's. Playing Strat is a connection to my childhood. Devin loves to get Italian Ices when we go to Delish. Getting Italian Ices is totally normal in New York but Delish is the only place in Florida that has real ices. When Devin gets it its like a connection to my childhood. I'm so proud of both of the boys. I can only hope when they are adults they will have alot of happy memories from their childhoods. We may not have money but growing up next to Disney. And going on trips hopefully have given them something to always remember. And they know nobody is more loved!!!!!!!
Jan 4, 2011
Yesterday was a day trying to figure out what to do about my lack of voice. Everyday my voice does not return the pressure continues to mount. After the visit to Dr. Bradfield's on Friday where he pretty much stated that I'm holding back on him and this is all in my head, we were left with no answers. Personally for me its really depressing because after 5 weeks I feel like I'm back at square one with nothing to do but wait for something to happen Since Jenny is used to fixing things its incredibly frustrating for her that she can't fix me. So she spent hours this afternoon on line thinking of solutions. She had an idea since I'm saying its an air problem maybe I should see a Pulmonary doctor. This makes sense to me. At this point I'll try anything. Also we got an appointment with another ENT tomorrow. While doing research Jenny thinks she may have found out what I have. Its called Spasmadic Dysphonia. The symptoms do descibe what I'm going thought. This condition is pretty scary because there is no cure. But it is treated first with a speech pathologist. If that does not help the problem they administer Botox shots in your neck. I want to know what I've got but I really don't want to hear I have this.
On the sports front the TV ratings came in for the Winter Classic. It was the most watched hockey game on TV in 36 years with 4.5 million viewers. The NHL must be turning naked cartwheels. I found out the average NFL game gets about 16 million viewers so hockey still has a long way to go. But like every long journey you need to take that first step. If I was in charge the next Winter Classic it would be the Rangers vs anyone in Yankee Stadium.
On the sports front the TV ratings came in for the Winter Classic. It was the most watched hockey game on TV in 36 years with 4.5 million viewers. The NHL must be turning naked cartwheels. I found out the average NFL game gets about 16 million viewers so hockey still has a long way to go. But like every long journey you need to take that first step. If I was in charge the next Winter Classic it would be the Rangers vs anyone in Yankee Stadium.
Jan. 3, 2011
Yesterday was Jenny's birthday. Birthday's are very important in our family. Growing up my parents would always get a birthday cake, sing happy birthday and generally make you feel special, even into adulthood. I believe this Hirsch family tradition goes back even further. Somehow I recall my mom descibing birthday parties they had at their parents house. While other kids undoubtedly got bigger presents we got love and affection. And those last infinitely longer. Now on the other hand growing up birthdays were much different in Jenny's house. Everyone would eat separately. Only after dinner would her father come to the table for the robotic rendition of happy birthday. Then after 30 seconds everyone would retreat back to doing whatever they were doing. Leaving for a pretty empty feeling. One of Jenny's most happy birthdays, if not her favorite was the first year after we were married when we went down to Whitestone right around her birthday, my parents made her a little birthday party. She was blown away. Like eating dinner all together at the table it was not something she was used to. I'm confident when Daniel and Devin are adults and have children they will continue this birthday tradition. As birthdays go yesterday was shaping up to be not exactly an A+ birthday. I woke up around 8AM to find Jenny lying on the floor in the living roo with a painful neck. Also she was awake stressing about my lack of voice. She was obviously worried it will never return. Since she pays the bills I know this has been a real concern. She has evened mentioned losing the house. I did my best to reassure her everything will be okay and sent her up to bed. When she went back to sleep me, Daniel, Devin and mom ran some birthday errands. Devin wanted to go to Delish the New York bakery we like to get some bakery cookies. I wanted to get some photo paper to print out some pictures for the frame I got her. And we had to pick up the birthday cake. The way our luck has been going lately things are about to go from bad to worse. When we got home while attempting to do something simple like print up pictures I managed to destroy the printer. So the birthday girl came down to a destroyed printer. While upset she calmly took apart the printer. Looked to see what the problem was and put it back together. And lo and behold she fixed it!!!! I'm really blown away at her ability to seemingly fix anything. She liked her presents especially the cookies. Since her neck was still bothering her she did not feel like going anywhere for her birthday. So we spent the afternoon watching Billy the Exterminator and some other shows. At this point I felt really guilty. In my eyes this was not turning out to be a real memorable birthday. For dinner we had Flippers pizza(which for chain pizza is actually pretty good). After the cake came out and she got the singing of happy birthday from everyone but me something totally unexpected happened to totally turn the day around. Jenny's dad came down and handed her a birthday card. While mom picked out the card it was two very touching paragraphs that he wrote in the card that made it special. It was words Jenny had been waited 41 years to hear. It reminded me of the Garth Brooks song If Tomorrow Never Comes. If he has a heart attack tomorrow Jenny has his thoughts on her card. It meant so much tears started going down her cheecks. It made me so happy to see. It was the last thing in the world I ever expected. But like the birthday parties from when I was growing up, its not the presents that are memorable its the love you get from your family. Something sadly Jenny had never REALLY felt on her special day from her father.
Also this morning I finished Animal Farm by George Orwell. Reading continues to help keep me sane while I'm out of work. I have found I'm always so much happier when I'm reading a book. Its my mothers theory of you have to have something to look forward to when you wake up in the morning. In the past 5 weeks I've read the following books. Animal Farm and 1984 by Orwell, The Game by Ken Dryden which is the best book I've ever read written by a athlete, The Book of Fate and the First Counsel by Brad Meltzer, Going Rogue by Sarah Palin, House Justice by Mike Lawson and Decision Points by George W. Bush. This list is pretty typical of the books I like. Political thrillers, biographies , classics and sports books. Next I think I'm going to read Army of One which is a biography on Rush Limbaugh
Also this morning I finished Animal Farm by George Orwell. Reading continues to help keep me sane while I'm out of work. I have found I'm always so much happier when I'm reading a book. Its my mothers theory of you have to have something to look forward to when you wake up in the morning. In the past 5 weeks I've read the following books. Animal Farm and 1984 by Orwell, The Game by Ken Dryden which is the best book I've ever read written by a athlete, The Book of Fate and the First Counsel by Brad Meltzer, Going Rogue by Sarah Palin, House Justice by Mike Lawson and Decision Points by George W. Bush. This list is pretty typical of the books I like. Political thrillers, biographies , classics and sports books. Next I think I'm going to read Army of One which is a biography on Rush Limbaugh
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Jan, 2. 2011
I noticed something odd, yet very common yesterday. After me and Daniel finished playing NHL2K11(we split 2 games) Daniel continued to play Wii, Devin was on the computer and I started reading on my Kindle. While we were all very happy doing what we were doing it struck me that when I was their age none of this would have been possible. And I wondered 100 years ago what a family would have been doing on a New Years Day without all these modern gadgets. Everyone probably just sat and talked more, maybe went out for walks. But even though the boys are very close to us if we lived in the past I'm sure we all would spend more time with each other instead of around each other.
A funny thing also happened yesterday. Me, Daniel, Devin and mom were about to go out to get some birthday presents for Jenny. Mom blurted out about getting the truffles from Walmart. This blew the surprise for what Devin wanted to get Jenny. Devin shouted shit. The funny thing is this is so out of character for him. He is usually the language cop around here. Devin then proceeded to grill mom about it. He was like a little lawyer. A good way to descibe Devin is like Alex P. Keaton from the TV Show Family Ties without the neck tie. We also call him JBJ, which stands for John Bolton Jr. John Bolton is the ultra conservative former ambassador to the UN that appears on Fox News. Devin really likes that nickname.
At night me and Daniel watched the Winter Classic. Who ever thought up the idea for the Winter Classic was a genius. Bring hockey back to its roots and play the game outside in a huge stadium. Its a great event. It is a sporting event that is definitely on my bucket list of things to do. Last night the Caps and Penquins played at Heinz Field. Washington won the game 3-1. The game featured alot of hitting. These teams really don't like each other. Hopefully the TV ratings were good. As much as I love watching I fear that hockey will continue to be a fringe sport in the south. After the game Daniel went to the garage where he has a goal set up and he practices stick handling and shooting. Like me when I was his age he makes up his own games. Wearing his Sidney Crosby shirt he imagines he is playing in his own NHL.
A funny thing also happened yesterday. Me, Daniel, Devin and mom were about to go out to get some birthday presents for Jenny. Mom blurted out about getting the truffles from Walmart. This blew the surprise for what Devin wanted to get Jenny. Devin shouted shit. The funny thing is this is so out of character for him. He is usually the language cop around here. Devin then proceeded to grill mom about it. He was like a little lawyer. A good way to descibe Devin is like Alex P. Keaton from the TV Show Family Ties without the neck tie. We also call him JBJ, which stands for John Bolton Jr. John Bolton is the ultra conservative former ambassador to the UN that appears on Fox News. Devin really likes that nickname.
At night me and Daniel watched the Winter Classic. Who ever thought up the idea for the Winter Classic was a genius. Bring hockey back to its roots and play the game outside in a huge stadium. Its a great event. It is a sporting event that is definitely on my bucket list of things to do. Last night the Caps and Penquins played at Heinz Field. Washington won the game 3-1. The game featured alot of hitting. These teams really don't like each other. Hopefully the TV ratings were good. As much as I love watching I fear that hockey will continue to be a fringe sport in the south. After the game Daniel went to the garage where he has a goal set up and he practices stick handling and shooting. Like me when I was his age he makes up his own games. Wearing his Sidney Crosby shirt he imagines he is playing in his own NHL.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Jan. 1, 2011
So I'm going to try this again. But this time for a much different purpose. The past couple of years I tried twice to do a blog but I did not keep up with it. I really did it so others could read my writing and I'd feel like a real writer. As I read some of the things I wrote I think its actually pretty good. But this time the idea is to write so twenty years from now Daniel or Devin might be interested. And 40 years from now maybe my future grandchildren might be interested. I know I would have loved to read a blog created by my dad when he was my age. So this is for the future and no one else. If anyone stumbles upon it nothing is secret so happy reading.
Yesterday was an eventful day. I went to Dr. Bradfield to get a throat video strobe. I have not had my normal speaking voice now for over 5 weeks. What I have now is a speaking voice which is about the same volume as a whisper. The test came back negative. The next step is doing surgery where they put me out and then take pictures behind my vocal chords. I've been telling the doctor it feels like no air is getting through. Jenny came up with a good idea to see a Pulmonary doctor. I'll go ahead with the surgery but we may be barking up the wrong tree. Any way you look at it I'm frustrated beyond all imagination. It seems after 5 weeks I should have some answers instead of more questions. This must be happening for a reason. I firmly believe God has a plan for all of us. I've had too many things happen in my life that logically should not have happened. So maybe God wants me to take take this time to reassess something in my life. Honestly I just don't know. What I do know is my voice needs to come back so my life can go back to normal.
Last night was New Years Eve. All I've got to say is goodbye 2010. All things considered 2010 was not a very good year. I was in the hospital with chest pains and found out my cholesterol was way too high. I guess one positive way to look at that episode was it was a wake up call. At times work was a struggle and rarely fun. Then 5 weeks of just about no voice. In between I really could not remember too many very happen memories. Nothing like going out west or any trips. I do recall one time when we went to the Gulf. The beach was absolutely beautiful. Also we had a balcony that overlooked the Gulf. It was kind of like the Disney cruise. I remembered seating out there reading The Rembrandt Affair that just came out. Also Daniel brought his die cast cars and had the initial Island Inn Shootout. Even though he is 13 years old and now as much as I'd hate to admit taller than me he is still much more like a little boy than a teenager. Maybe keeping this blog will help me remember those little happy memories that just so easily fade away.
As News Years Eve's went it was really quiet. Jenny spend alot of time researching on the computer that might be wrong with me. Devin was doing mostly Devin things like drawing, making his lego movies or whatever else he feels like doing. Me and Daniel watched the Islanders shock the Red Wings in Detroit. The Isles scored an OT goal to win 4-3. So this week they beat Detroit and Pittsburgh. Daniel loves watching hockey with me. And I love watching games with him. Though the game was good but not fantastic maybe watching will become one of his New Years Eve memories . New Years Eve will always be a very special night because I met Jenny on New Years Eve going into 1990. I have often thought how meeting her at a bar in the Bronx on New Years Eve makes no logical sense. God must have put each of us in the room. She joked we celebrated by me getting a video strobe. Honestly after the test I was out of it for most of the day. Also when I worked at Pleasure Island New Years Eve was the biggest night of the year so I almost always worked. We always thought it would be nice if I did not have to work. While watching the show from Times Square I asked Jenny how much would they have to pay you to be in the middle of that drunken madness. She said she could not do it for any amount. As for me I'd do it for $1000. About my only other New Years Eve memories were, New Years Eve 1980 I spent with Mark Jacobs playing table top hockey. He was really good. I remember hearing the song American Pie for the first time as they counted down the top hits of the 1970s. And also I recall a few New Years Eves where one channel in New York played Help and Hard Days Night. Other than that no New Years Eves were at all memorable.
Upon learning what a New Years Resolution was Devin asked everyone what there's was. He said his would not lose his temper, Daniel's was to keep eating well and to bolas 10 minutes before he eats, I told Devin mine will be to smile more. I know over the past 5 weeks I have not been smiling much. And with a resolution in mind I think I'll try to do better keeping up with old friends. So now I think I'll send Mark Jacobs a quick message.
Yesterday was an eventful day. I went to Dr. Bradfield to get a throat video strobe. I have not had my normal speaking voice now for over 5 weeks. What I have now is a speaking voice which is about the same volume as a whisper. The test came back negative. The next step is doing surgery where they put me out and then take pictures behind my vocal chords. I've been telling the doctor it feels like no air is getting through. Jenny came up with a good idea to see a Pulmonary doctor. I'll go ahead with the surgery but we may be barking up the wrong tree. Any way you look at it I'm frustrated beyond all imagination. It seems after 5 weeks I should have some answers instead of more questions. This must be happening for a reason. I firmly believe God has a plan for all of us. I've had too many things happen in my life that logically should not have happened. So maybe God wants me to take take this time to reassess something in my life. Honestly I just don't know. What I do know is my voice needs to come back so my life can go back to normal.
Last night was New Years Eve. All I've got to say is goodbye 2010. All things considered 2010 was not a very good year. I was in the hospital with chest pains and found out my cholesterol was way too high. I guess one positive way to look at that episode was it was a wake up call. At times work was a struggle and rarely fun. Then 5 weeks of just about no voice. In between I really could not remember too many very happen memories. Nothing like going out west or any trips. I do recall one time when we went to the Gulf. The beach was absolutely beautiful. Also we had a balcony that overlooked the Gulf. It was kind of like the Disney cruise. I remembered seating out there reading The Rembrandt Affair that just came out. Also Daniel brought his die cast cars and had the initial Island Inn Shootout. Even though he is 13 years old and now as much as I'd hate to admit taller than me he is still much more like a little boy than a teenager. Maybe keeping this blog will help me remember those little happy memories that just so easily fade away.
As News Years Eve's went it was really quiet. Jenny spend alot of time researching on the computer that might be wrong with me. Devin was doing mostly Devin things like drawing, making his lego movies or whatever else he feels like doing. Me and Daniel watched the Islanders shock the Red Wings in Detroit. The Isles scored an OT goal to win 4-3. So this week they beat Detroit and Pittsburgh. Daniel loves watching hockey with me. And I love watching games with him. Though the game was good but not fantastic maybe watching will become one of his New Years Eve memories . New Years Eve will always be a very special night because I met Jenny on New Years Eve going into 1990. I have often thought how meeting her at a bar in the Bronx on New Years Eve makes no logical sense. God must have put each of us in the room. She joked we celebrated by me getting a video strobe. Honestly after the test I was out of it for most of the day. Also when I worked at Pleasure Island New Years Eve was the biggest night of the year so I almost always worked. We always thought it would be nice if I did not have to work. While watching the show from Times Square I asked Jenny how much would they have to pay you to be in the middle of that drunken madness. She said she could not do it for any amount. As for me I'd do it for $1000. About my only other New Years Eve memories were, New Years Eve 1980 I spent with Mark Jacobs playing table top hockey. He was really good. I remember hearing the song American Pie for the first time as they counted down the top hits of the 1970s. And also I recall a few New Years Eves where one channel in New York played Help and Hard Days Night. Other than that no New Years Eves were at all memorable.
Upon learning what a New Years Resolution was Devin asked everyone what there's was. He said his would not lose his temper, Daniel's was to keep eating well and to bolas 10 minutes before he eats, I told Devin mine will be to smile more. I know over the past 5 weeks I have not been smiling much. And with a resolution in mind I think I'll try to do better keeping up with old friends. So now I think I'll send Mark Jacobs a quick message.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)