Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Please come to London......
PinF(UK) is nothing if not a perceptively cognizant person, or so I'd like to think so. Lately I've been so totally immersed in reconnecting the dots of my life, each of them interconnected and woven through the countries and people of past experiences. What I've come to find is that all these factors have both shaped and influenced my life in positive ways.
Many readers of PinF(UK) are either lifelong friends, or people who I've been blessed to have have been introduced to since my move south to Florida. Still others are those who've either linked through friends or word of mouth. To my credit and joy you've all supported, encouraged, and in many cases offered the love an support that maybe I didn't know or even understood I needed at the time. Life changes are tough on us all. Though we all know on one level or another change is gonna come...we somehow or another never think it's coming to "us". Nor are we for that matter ever really able to express or acknowledge the effect these changes will ultimately have upon any of our lives.......or thank those responsible. Many changes have come to me in the twenty years since I lived in the UK, some bad, some good, though to be fair the good has always outweighed the bad.
So here I am back in rainy, cool, England. I have Ted Hawkins beckoning his unique flavor of blues to me after a night of typically rainy British weather. It reminds me of my brother Chris. I'm thinking "Jesus PinF(UK), post a dispatch".....and then I look at my AC adapter and all my other electronic European/UK adapters and think---let me try to do a post with a few photos, relying instead on words alone. To hell with photos...at least for now, I can always post them later.
"Please come to London and live forever, alone over here in Britain is much too hard to live, I gotta house that looks over the ocean, and the stars that fell from the sky are living in Hempstead, please come to London, she said now, but you come home to me. She said ramblin' man why don't you settle down London ain't your kind of town, there ain't no gold and there ain't nobody like me, I'm the number one fan of the man from Tenessee."
Ted's words hit especially true on this night. PinF(UK) has been walking through his past as I(re)discover an England buried twenty years ago in a much different time. Changes have come in many forms, I struggle to conjure street names, bus routes and directions. Yet the one path I've not forgotten is that of the friendships forged long ago along, a path rich in both the variety and diversity of my friends. I've reconnected on this trip with many friends, some long-lost, some not. Surely the truth of one's life lies partly in the direction we choose and the decisions we make. I've been blessed with the fertile seeds of friendship sowed many years ago here in the UK and Denmark, and like a plant these friendships continue to flower in PinF's life and provide ever more contentment as the years have passed. I've been connecting with the "blue pieces".
In Denmark I found one of my dearest friends of twenty-five years, a bond so solid that not even time could erode. Though we have of course lost many years of a friendship through the circumstances of life, what we gained in the end was a greater appreciation of an enduring and continuing friendship based on mutual respect, interest, and love. Certainly neither of us could have ever imagined still being in touch after so many years apart, something that enhances the bond even more. Just as time brings knowledge, separation brings appreciation. And so we felt very grateful for the chance to walk the ancient streets of Copenhagen under a shared umbrella on drizzly July afternoon, laughing, reminiscing, and planning for the next rendevous.
Back in jolly England PinF(UK) finds a familiarity in both the people and places. It helps too to see recognizable writing and hear the familiar sound of accented English again. The comfort of England is and has always been in its simplistic way of life. Alot has changed since I was last here, some good, some bad. There's something really wrong about seeing a Starbucks on an ancient street in an ancient city. One of the best features of England to me was always the absence of mega stores, fast food, and malls. Sadly this is slowly becoming more of a reality here in Brighton, where the old is slowly encroaching upon by the new. Though thanks to the ancient lanes and buildings of Brighton, this city continues to hold back the new.
My days here have been fairly similar; a good 40 minute walk along the promenade of the pebble strewn sea front that is uniquely Brighton. I start just north of the famed West Pier, now a rusting heap of twisted iron in the English Channel, then I countinue south towards Hove the pituresque sister city to Brighton where summer beach sheds line the promenade in a myriad of colors. I then walk back to my good friend's Linda and Phil's house through the ancient lanes that wind through the many back alleys and streets of this seaside town. And on my walks I hear the many languages and feel the very soul of the people and buildings that lend this seaside town its authenticity and character.
I've returned 5 days ago from Demark where I was blessed to have spent the time we all long for---with the friends that fuel our pasts, through memory, experience, and often the bliss that is afforded by the perspective of time. In so many ways, we're all search for something we already had, but maybe didn't know we did. This trip is indictive of this. I came to Denmark and the UK to "rekindle" some old frinedships and walk back in time if I could. What I found instead were long gone memories never to return, but in their place there were even better times in store. In my host in Denmark I found a woman I've maintained an active friendship with longer than any other woman other than my mother. My memory is locked on the early eighties when we were both young, and full of future; my reality found a confident and in many ways just as youthful woman raising two beautiful children while also making a profound difference in the world.
Back here in the UK with my hosts Phil and Linda I'm with people of exceptional quality and heart, as they've opened their hearts and home to me in a way generally reserved for family alone. Phil is another 2 decade old friend of PinF's(UK), one who has made me laugh ways in which I haven't done for a long, long time, again this a BLUE piece. Again, I'm blessed and fortunate to have such people to call friends. My time here has been extraoridinary, just quality people. The little city neighborhood I'm staying has been my home, my muse, and my joy, as I stroll daily the many winding and interesting streets and alleys.
One of PinF's(UK) truest and most stark reminders of the barometer with which to measure one's friends, would be found in his old buddy Paul and his beautiful fiance Natasha. Again, PinF draws a lucky card in this buddy. In touch off and on for over twenty years Paul has always been a straight up and gracious host and friend, treating PinF like a brother. And so it was that PinF was invited to dinner with this couple when they laid the news on him of their quickie wedding in 5 days and how they were then to jet off to the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean or a honeymoon. In a moment of true friendship they informed they were only inviting their parents and best man and bridesmaid and that they wanted me to be there on their day. (gulp). Of course this would mean that PinF(UK) would once again make the "change" again. I called US Air and it's done. PinF(UK) will attend the wedding in a small country village of Lewes and then back to the seafront for a lovely reception at one the oldest and most beautiful hotels on the beach, The Grand. That I have no suit is of a concern though I'm to be "sorted out" in one way or another.
These wonderful friends, people, places, and time spent are as restorative to the soul as anything I can think of. To experience the joy of travel is surely one of life's greatest experiences. To do this with people who mean so much and have given so freely is truly the wonder of each our live's paths. Luckily for me I've chosen my paths well thus far, because as sure as I am these friends would say how much my visit means to them, it is been me who's been permanently affected and eternally grateful.
PinF(UK) will be coming home soon, but certainly not as the same man who left America 10 days ago....
Many readers of PinF(UK) are either lifelong friends, or people who I've been blessed to have have been introduced to since my move south to Florida. Still others are those who've either linked through friends or word of mouth. To my credit and joy you've all supported, encouraged, and in many cases offered the love an support that maybe I didn't know or even understood I needed at the time. Life changes are tough on us all. Though we all know on one level or another change is gonna come...we somehow or another never think it's coming to "us". Nor are we for that matter ever really able to express or acknowledge the effect these changes will ultimately have upon any of our lives.......or thank those responsible. Many changes have come to me in the twenty years since I lived in the UK, some bad, some good, though to be fair the good has always outweighed the bad.
So here I am back in rainy, cool, England. I have Ted Hawkins beckoning his unique flavor of blues to me after a night of typically rainy British weather. It reminds me of my brother Chris. I'm thinking "Jesus PinF(UK), post a dispatch".....and then I look at my AC adapter and all my other electronic European/UK adapters and think---let me try to do a post with a few photos, relying instead on words alone. To hell with photos...at least for now, I can always post them later.
"Please come to London and live forever, alone over here in Britain is much too hard to live, I gotta house that looks over the ocean, and the stars that fell from the sky are living in Hempstead, please come to London, she said now, but you come home to me. She said ramblin' man why don't you settle down London ain't your kind of town, there ain't no gold and there ain't nobody like me, I'm the number one fan of the man from Tenessee."
Ted's words hit especially true on this night. PinF(UK) has been walking through his past as I(re)discover an England buried twenty years ago in a much different time. Changes have come in many forms, I struggle to conjure street names, bus routes and directions. Yet the one path I've not forgotten is that of the friendships forged long ago along, a path rich in both the variety and diversity of my friends. I've reconnected on this trip with many friends, some long-lost, some not. Surely the truth of one's life lies partly in the direction we choose and the decisions we make. I've been blessed with the fertile seeds of friendship sowed many years ago here in the UK and Denmark, and like a plant these friendships continue to flower in PinF's life and provide ever more contentment as the years have passed. I've been connecting with the "blue pieces".
In Denmark I found one of my dearest friends of twenty-five years, a bond so solid that not even time could erode. Though we have of course lost many years of a friendship through the circumstances of life, what we gained in the end was a greater appreciation of an enduring and continuing friendship based on mutual respect, interest, and love. Certainly neither of us could have ever imagined still being in touch after so many years apart, something that enhances the bond even more. Just as time brings knowledge, separation brings appreciation. And so we felt very grateful for the chance to walk the ancient streets of Copenhagen under a shared umbrella on drizzly July afternoon, laughing, reminiscing, and planning for the next rendevous.
Back in jolly England PinF(UK) finds a familiarity in both the people and places. It helps too to see recognizable writing and hear the familiar sound of accented English again. The comfort of England is and has always been in its simplistic way of life. Alot has changed since I was last here, some good, some bad. There's something really wrong about seeing a Starbucks on an ancient street in an ancient city. One of the best features of England to me was always the absence of mega stores, fast food, and malls. Sadly this is slowly becoming more of a reality here in Brighton, where the old is slowly encroaching upon by the new. Though thanks to the ancient lanes and buildings of Brighton, this city continues to hold back the new.
My days here have been fairly similar; a good 40 minute walk along the promenade of the pebble strewn sea front that is uniquely Brighton. I start just north of the famed West Pier, now a rusting heap of twisted iron in the English Channel, then I countinue south towards Hove the pituresque sister city to Brighton where summer beach sheds line the promenade in a myriad of colors. I then walk back to my good friend's Linda and Phil's house through the ancient lanes that wind through the many back alleys and streets of this seaside town. And on my walks I hear the many languages and feel the very soul of the people and buildings that lend this seaside town its authenticity and character.
I've returned 5 days ago from Demark where I was blessed to have spent the time we all long for---with the friends that fuel our pasts, through memory, experience, and often the bliss that is afforded by the perspective of time. In so many ways, we're all search for something we already had, but maybe didn't know we did. This trip is indictive of this. I came to Denmark and the UK to "rekindle" some old frinedships and walk back in time if I could. What I found instead were long gone memories never to return, but in their place there were even better times in store. In my host in Denmark I found a woman I've maintained an active friendship with longer than any other woman other than my mother. My memory is locked on the early eighties when we were both young, and full of future; my reality found a confident and in many ways just as youthful woman raising two beautiful children while also making a profound difference in the world.
Back here in the UK with my hosts Phil and Linda I'm with people of exceptional quality and heart, as they've opened their hearts and home to me in a way generally reserved for family alone. Phil is another 2 decade old friend of PinF's(UK), one who has made me laugh ways in which I haven't done for a long, long time, again this a BLUE piece. Again, I'm blessed and fortunate to have such people to call friends. My time here has been extraoridinary, just quality people. The little city neighborhood I'm staying has been my home, my muse, and my joy, as I stroll daily the many winding and interesting streets and alleys.
One of PinF's(UK) truest and most stark reminders of the barometer with which to measure one's friends, would be found in his old buddy Paul and his beautiful fiance Natasha. Again, PinF draws a lucky card in this buddy. In touch off and on for over twenty years Paul has always been a straight up and gracious host and friend, treating PinF like a brother. And so it was that PinF was invited to dinner with this couple when they laid the news on him of their quickie wedding in 5 days and how they were then to jet off to the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean or a honeymoon. In a moment of true friendship they informed they were only inviting their parents and best man and bridesmaid and that they wanted me to be there on their day. (gulp). Of course this would mean that PinF(UK) would once again make the "change" again. I called US Air and it's done. PinF(UK) will attend the wedding in a small country village of Lewes and then back to the seafront for a lovely reception at one the oldest and most beautiful hotels on the beach, The Grand. That I have no suit is of a concern though I'm to be "sorted out" in one way or another.
These wonderful friends, people, places, and time spent are as restorative to the soul as anything I can think of. To experience the joy of travel is surely one of life's greatest experiences. To do this with people who mean so much and have given so freely is truly the wonder of each our live's paths. Luckily for me I've chosen my paths well thus far, because as sure as I am these friends would say how much my visit means to them, it is been me who's been permanently affected and eternally grateful.
PinF(UK) will be coming home soon, but certainly not as the same man who left America 10 days ago....
Thursday, July 26, 2007
COMING SOON
PinF(UK) is back. Busy making his rounds and assembling his stories......stay tuned for tomorrow's update.....(GMT that is).......
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
It's Not Just Cans of Butter Cookies
Day 3--5 Copenhagen, Denmark
No doubt that by now many readers of PinF are wondering what the hell is going on since my last stomach turning adventure. Is PinUK getting on OK?, has his stomach recovered? Will there be any more photos posted? All in good time. PinF has morphed yet again, this time he's enetered the tiny democratic monarchy of Denmark population 3 million. I'm here visiting a lifelong friend with whom I've stayed in touch with over the many travels, trials, and tribulations of my own life, though I would have to say her's is an interesting story. So what better way to get the story then directly from it's source?
So it was I spent one audacious night in Brighton being feted and spoiled by my many friends in the UK. 15 hours later I was back in Gatwick airport for a flight to Copenhagen, land of Hans Christenson Anderson. And what a land it is. Richly blessed with picture postcard scenes, typical families on bikes (everywhere), and surrounded by water. The Danes are a hearty bunch. The people are very logical, practical, and for the most part somewhat private and very much less animated than Americans. Still they are a very warm, educated people, PinD has yet to find a Dane who doesn't know at least a little English. The beer is infamous (though I'm on restriction) and of course they are just about the blue
st eyed, blonde haired population you could find.
No doubt that by now many readers of PinF are wondering what the hell is going on since my last stomach turning adventure. Is PinUK getting on OK?, has his stomach recovered? Will there be any more photos posted? All in good time. PinF has morphed yet again, this time he's enetered the tiny democratic monarchy of Denmark population 3 million. I'm here visiting a lifelong friend with whom I've stayed in touch with over the many travels, trials, and tribulations of my own life, though I would have to say her's is an interesting story. So what better way to get the story then directly from it's source?
So it was I spent one audacious night in Brighton being feted and spoiled by my many friends in the UK. 15 hours later I was back in Gatwick airport for a flight to Copenhagen, land of Hans Christenson Anderson. And what a land it is. Richly blessed with picture postcard scenes, typical families on bikes (everywhere), and surrounded by water. The Danes are a hearty bunch. The people are very logical, practical, and for the most part somewhat private and very much less animated than Americans. Still they are a very warm, educated people, PinD has yet to find a Dane who doesn't know at least a little English. The beer is infamous (though I'm on restriction) and of course they are just about the blue
st eyed, blonde haired population you could find.PinD is actually in a small suburb 12KM outside of Copenhagen call Lingby. One of the oddest things one must get used to when traveling from the western hemisphere is the time at which the sun sets up here (9:45), so it's light until about 10:30 PM. My friend is an interesting woman doing the frontline work that many people talk about, read about and view daily in their lives. She works for UNICEF Denmark, which is located in the UNICEF International headquarters and warehouse along the wharf in Copenhage
n. It seems the Danish governement is the host country to UNICEF, much like the US is to the United Nations. This is a fascinating place staffed by people from literally all over the world. The warehouse is the length of 3 football fields and over 60 feet high. It contains the necessary items for almost any natural or manmade catastrophe. Currently it is stuffed to the gills with HIV anti-viral drugs, childrens education kits (schools in a box), medications, anti malarial kits, sheleter, MASH units etc.
I was lucky enough to be cleared to view the operation and so I donned the hard hat and saw with my own eyes cardboard box coolage of the worlds ills. Enlightening, inspiring and heartbreaking all at the same time. For in a perfect world there
would obviously be no warehouse. Yet if we think back to just World War Two, there was no unified, organized, and collective response to disaster as it affected children, as such millions died. The lives saved by this operation is a staggering endorsement of it's need. It was truly an experience to see the peoples of the world all working under one roof packaging and shipping these much needed supplies to places like Darfur and Congo, as it puts a real face on the news.
n. It seems the Danish governement is the host country to UNICEF, much like the US is to the United Nations. This is a fascinating place staffed by people from literally all over the world. The warehouse is the length of 3 football fields and over 60 feet high. It contains the necessary items for almost any natural or manmade catastrophe. Currently it is stuffed to the gills with HIV anti-viral drugs, childrens education kits (schools in a box), medications, anti malarial kits, sheleter, MASH units etc.I was lucky enough to be cleared to view the operation and so I donned the hard hat and saw with my own eyes cardboard box coolage of the worlds ills. Enlightening, inspiring and heartbreaking all at the same time. For in a perfect world there
would obviously be no warehouse. Yet if we think back to just World War Two, there was no unified, organized, and collective response to disaster as it affected children, as such millions died. The lives saved by this operation is a staggering endorsement of it's need. It was truly an experience to see the peoples of the world all working under one roof packaging and shipping these much needed supplies to places like Darfur and Congo, as it puts a real face on the news.This isn't to say PinD has been all 
civic.....he's been a bit social as well. Did I mention the kids? PinD has been inundated with them. Sisan is a single mother to two adopted children from Adis Ababba, Ethiopia. Incredibly cute, animated, and smart PinD has been somnewhat of a novelty to them. Tim isn't exactly a common name in Denmark, so the the younger child 2 year old Nella has pronounced it her way calling me Titty instead, So I've had to get used to a child calling "...Titty, Titty..." when we're out at restaurants and such.......they are a truly miracles of compassion as both (unrelated) were abandoned ot the streets at age one and left be
fore being brought to an orphanage and then adopted by Sisan.
civic.....he's been a bit social as well. Did I mention the kids? PinD has been inundated with them. Sisan is a single mother to two adopted children from Adis Ababba, Ethiopia. Incredibly cute, animated, and smart PinD has been somnewhat of a novelty to them. Tim isn't exactly a common name in Denmark, so the the younger child 2 year old Nella has pronounced it her way calling me Titty instead, So I've had to get used to a child calling "...Titty, Titty..." when we're out at restaurants and such.......they are a truly miracles of compassion as both (unrelated) were abandoned ot the streets at age one and left be
fore being brought to an orphanage and then adopted by Sisan. Of course there have been the museums, palaces, shops and cafes too. There really is no better way appreciating or enjoying a coffee than the way the Europeans do. The cafes, usually on a plaza or side street( usually off limits to cars) are one of my favorite ways to enjoy the city, people, and of course, coffee. Starbucks-- starshmucks---this is coffee the way it was intended to be served and enjoyed. I must end this post for now, as I must assemble my luggage and p
repare for one final run into Copenhagen for a lunch on the plaza and then off to the airport for a flight back to me mates in the UK.....PinD returns as PinUK when he next returns......hope you're all well......
repare for one final run into Copenhagen for a lunch on the plaza and then off to the airport for a flight back to me mates in the UK.....PinD returns as PinUK when he next returns......hope you're all well......Thursday, July 19, 2007
Life Is.............
Day 2
Ever notice those barf bags when you're busy making sure your tray table is stowed away and your seat is in the upright position on your flight? Well PinF has and as a result will not soon forget the carnage he endured on his mega 14 hour journey to London. I must re-wind to put this tale in proper perspective. I left the chill AC coddled confines of Palm Beach International only to be delayed for about an hour taking off due to weather related back-ups...surely code for industry "incompetence", nevertheless my trusted and comical blogmate CNN had left me a message noting that she was counting on meeting me at the airport Marriot upon arrival.....and so we did. Her Powdaness arrived fashionably late, wearing the hickey-hiding scarf look, equally excited as she was set to travel to Block Island, RI. for her musical weekend.
Of course was trying tokeep it real --and healthy and thought if he were going to drink he'd keep it to the scotch, reasoning there must be less carbs? Cnn was belting Stellas and PinF was soon encouraged to join her (which he did), at about this point in the afternoon CNN begins contemplating burning some do-re-me on a ticket on PinF's flight and continuing the party with PinF. Lucky for her she didn't. The flight didn't actually go well, but once again, pulled out the gate like a tortoise on qualudes (another 1 hr delay). Eventually PinF had dinner, enjoyed a movie and retired to his bed....that's right-- bed. PinF was the only hipster on the flight with four seats....so he prepared a bed and went into a Stalla/Scotch coma.
I was awoken at 8am, (3 am Philly time) to be informed we're 1:20 minutes outside of London Gatwick, and that we should landjust a little later than expected...and then outta no where the A330 Scarebus takes a bolt of lightning...nothing really except loud noise and white light...the Captain comes over the intercom to calm the worried passengers and annouces that London is receiveing a "severe cycle of storms", and that we'll circle until we can be given a landing slot. This eventually turned into 45 minute torture-turbulance massage ..... and then it happened...the woman 2 rows up and one row over YAKS!!!! I couldn't blame her actually becuse I felt horrible as well, next thing PinF knows there's about 10 people YAKKING.....and each one who sat next to a yakker started losing it as well.....I'm now on the stomach-juice express...after all was said and done there were about 30 people yakking...we eventually landed safely and spent aother 3 hours on the tarmac....Long story short I arrived haggard, weary, and grossed out....
...to be cont....
*************************************
Day 1
So PinF finally completed the arduous task of locking down the southern offices of PinF and securing care for Bo the "meatball"cat of Sophia. I diligently re-filled all my new "pills" for the heart and blood pressure, threw away any items that may spoil in my absence. There was but one task left--bidding a semi-tearful farewell to Little Ms. Florida Sunshine herself. I start my day at 6AM at the gym....I'm on the beach at 7AM....it's therepeutic,, resoring, and allows my mind to slow down and get ready.......
Here I now sit at the civilized and almost enjoyable Palm Beach Airport. This gets me to thinking that anyone who has onlived here in West Palm Beach has no idea how blessed they are with such an airport. I don't take it for granted, I love this airport. So outs comes the laptop--gotta kill some time. I'm thinking of where I'm going, who I'll see, how much I need some time and then it appears. An attractive red haired woman, athetically shapely, fashionably refined with black skirt, black heels, and the "message".
Is it a sign, after the almost devestating heart news of two weeks ago. It must be a sign. We chat--small stuff, "could I plug in next to you...?"...."...sure...", I plug her la[ptop next to mine, saving her battery. She's a Pilates teacher, explaining the figure and outwardly appearing inner peace. She turns again to look in her bag.....there it is again. The message. Can a get a photo? Would it seem odd of me to be snapping a flash photo of a woman's back? Well....yes, kind of I guess......awww.....what the hell, She won't know...I zoom in, I'll take a no flash photo.....damn not that clear....it'll have to do. Besides I already wrote down the message.
"LIFE IS.......BALANCE, STRENGTH, AND FOCUS"
Obviously a message. The last two weeks have been just this...balanced, strengthening all with a new focus. Question is.....can I maintain throughout the journey I begin? I hope so, I'll update as I go.
I'll post the photo when I land at my connection. For now the Pilate Hotty is looking my way so I don't want her to see the photo, she'll think I'm some kooky stalker.......
Ever notice those barf bags when you're busy making sure your tray table is stowed away and your seat is in the upright position on your flight? Well PinF has and as a result will not soon forget the carnage he endured on his mega 14 hour journey to London. I must re-wind to put this tale in proper perspective. I left the chill AC coddled confines of Palm Beach International only to be delayed for about an hour taking off due to weather related back-ups...surely code for industry "incompetence", nevertheless my trusted and comical blogmate CNN had left me a message noting that she was counting on meeting me at the airport Marriot upon arrival.....and so we did. Her Powdaness arrived fashionably late, wearing the hickey-hiding scarf look, equally excited as she was set to travel to Block Island, RI. for her musical weekend.
Of course was trying tokeep it real --and healthy and thought if he were going to drink he'd keep it to the scotch, reasoning there must be less carbs? Cnn was belting Stellas and PinF was soon encouraged to join her (which he did), at about this point in the afternoon CNN begins contemplating burning some do-re-me on a ticket on PinF's flight and continuing the party with PinF. Lucky for her she didn't. The flight didn't actually go well, but once again, pulled out the gate like a tortoise on qualudes (another 1 hr delay). Eventually PinF had dinner, enjoyed a movie and retired to his bed....that's right-- bed. PinF was the only hipster on the flight with four seats....so he prepared a bed and went into a Stalla/Scotch coma.
I was awoken at 8am, (3 am Philly time) to be informed we're 1:20 minutes outside of London Gatwick, and that we should landjust a little later than expected...and then outta no where the A330 Scarebus takes a bolt of lightning...nothing really except loud noise and white light...the Captain comes over the intercom to calm the worried passengers and annouces that London is receiveing a "severe cycle of storms", and that we'll circle until we can be given a landing slot. This eventually turned into 45 minute torture-turbulance massage ..... and then it happened...the woman 2 rows up and one row over YAKS!!!! I couldn't blame her actually becuse I felt horrible as well, next thing PinF knows there's about 10 people YAKKING.....and each one who sat next to a yakker started losing it as well.....I'm now on the stomach-juice express...after all was said and done there were about 30 people yakking...we eventually landed safely and spent aother 3 hours on the tarmac....Long story short I arrived haggard, weary, and grossed out....
...to be cont....
*************************************
Day 1
So PinF finally completed the arduous task of locking down the southern offices of PinF and securing care for Bo the "meatball"cat of Sophia. I diligently re-filled all my new "pills" for the heart and blood pressure, threw away any items that may spoil in my absence. There was but one task left--bidding a semi-tearful farewell to Little Ms. Florida Sunshine herself. I start my day at 6AM at the gym....I'm on the beach at 7AM....it's therepeutic,, resoring, and allows my mind to slow down and get ready.......
Here I now sit at the civilized and almost enjoyable Palm Beach Airport. This gets me to thinking that anyone who has onlived here in West Palm Beach has no idea how blessed they are with such an airport. I don't take it for granted, I love this airport. So outs comes the laptop--gotta kill some time. I'm thinking of where I'm going, who I'll see, how much I need some time and then it appears. An attractive red haired woman, athetically shapely, fashionably refined with black skirt, black heels, and the "message".
Is it a sign, after the almost devestating heart news of two weeks ago. It must be a sign. We chat--small stuff, "could I plug in next to you...?"...."...sure...", I plug her la[ptop next to mine, saving her battery. She's a Pilates teacher, explaining the figure and outwardly appearing inner peace. She turns again to look in her bag.....there it is again. The message. Can a get a photo? Would it seem odd of me to be snapping a flash photo of a woman's back? Well....yes, kind of I guess......awww.....what the hell, She won't know...I zoom in, I'll take a no flash photo.....damn not that clear....it'll have to do. Besides I already wrote down the message."LIFE IS.......BALANCE, STRENGTH, AND FOCUS"
Obviously a message. The last two weeks have been just this...balanced, strengthening all with a new focus. Question is.....can I maintain throughout the journey I begin? I hope so, I'll update as I go.
I'll post the photo when I land at my connection. For now the Pilate Hotty is looking my way so I don't want her to see the photo, she'll think I'm some kooky stalker.......
Friday, July 06, 2007
The Heart of the Matter
Phew. PinF's week in the keys was abruptly interrupted by a cardiac scare this week. Seems my case of strep throat was a God-send after all. Although choking on my tongue two weeks ago due to its inflamed and swollen state is not a recommended way to discover such a condition. Nevertheless PinF is eternally grateful to his PA at his general practitioner's office. She noticed it had been 15 months since my last exhaustive round of Steve Austin-esque physical trials, so based on a very high triglyceride level, elevated blood pressure and shady electro-cardiogram, I was ordered to a cardiologist. Turns out this was good for me.
Good thing too, as PinF's paternal side of the family is sadly riddled with premature expiration due to heart related problems. Now mind you, PinF has turned a new corner on personal temple maintenance, swearing off tobacco, increasing working out, and walking daily. Still the weight persisted, and chest pains were nagging-ly mild--but still there. I was surprised to learn my thyroid was out of whack and was given some medication to sort this.....still the heart was worrisome. So it was that I saw the cardiologist before my vacation and he scheduled me a stress test. The hook? it was in the middle of my vacation....damn. Still as much as I love a sandy, sunny, and hot beach, I also like staying vertical in this world, and hope to have many more days to see many more beaches, so naturally I returned.
So it was, Sophia and me came back up to storm ravaged Palm Beach County. My Doctor had identified 5 of 5 code red signs of imminent stroke or heart attack....though I had eliminated two I was still, due to family history a worrisome case. (Ex)-Smoker, very high triglycerides/HDL, and about 30 pounds overweight, apparently waist size really does matter in the world of cardiology--that and family history. I was handling the stress test quite well, walking probably a 3.5 MPH speed with no holding on and at an incline at that. They wanted to get me up to 160 beats per minute.... It didn't happen. I began having palpitations, the test ended and I was immediately scheduled for an angiogram---suspected diagnosis? Blocked left artery. Ouch.
My return to Key Largo delayed at least another day--possible more depending on the outcome of the out-patient procedure. Mortality has a way of smacking you in the face just when you're feeling good about your habits and health--this was proof of this, as I was scared. My Doc bumped his first procedure of the day for me and prepared me for further procedures, by having me sign consent form after consent form for a possible (angioplasty) if the test proved bad. Long story short....I am a lucky guy. As I write from Key Largo this night I feel as though I've been given a new lease on life. Yes there was a slight blockage, though nothing he deemed necessary to ream out of me....he suspects with diet (a proper one), the litany of drugs I now have, and my continued exercise regimen that I can reverse condition. My cadiologist labels me lucky that my general practitioner ran my cholesterol and triglycerides aside from just my white blood cell count during my bout with strep. Lucky maybe, and I like that, but I don't want to rely on it anymore.
After watching what my dad went through, I'm changing, I've seen the light. And now I know I'll see the sunrise with my daughter in Bahia Honda State Park beach (voted #1 beach in America 1992) tomorrow too. I'm sore as anything right now from the catheter they snaked up my artery, but it's a good sore. Hell, I'm back in the Keys, I'm going to be OK, I have my daughter, and we're off to dinner at the Key Largo Coffee House--what else could ask for? Not much from where I'm standing.
continued: As a footnote to this story I'm considering shaving my entire chest. As I was preparing for the beach this morning I noticed my "patchwork" shave job ala The 40 year-old Virgin, where they had cleared areas for the electrodes to go during my procedure. Wow....scary---funny too, but damn, I'm sure if anyone saw my chest on the beach they'd wonder what the hell "condition' causes spot chest baldness......oh well. P'sinF are beach bound!
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
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