Torn

It's been an eventful two weeks since I last wrote. First, thanks to Mike and Sarah O'Donnel and By Golly's in Milford, OH for the benefit on September 12. Also thanks to everyone who came out and donated money, time, gifts for the baskets, and just for showing up. Your support is greatly appreciated by me and my family. It was nice to see everyone and an all around good time. Too bad Cincinnati's professional football and baseball teams weren't more cooperative with providing victories to celebrate. This Saturday September 18, there will also be a benefit organized by our friends at and taking place at Clintonville Academy. The following link is to the event's Facebook Page. Come on down and hang out at this family friendly event if you are in town.

Health-wise the last week or so has been a bit bumpy. The last treatment wasn't too bad, but it was complicated by coming down with a cold so I couldn't tell if I was feeling bad from the cold or the chemo Thursday through Saturday. My blood pressure has also been through the roof (which apparently is a side effect of one of the drugs that's being administered) and the doctor has put me on meds for it but so far there really hasn't been any change. As always "We'll continue to monitor the situation." Now for the meat of my musings:

With the theme of "Ride On" I've hatched a little plan to take a solo motorcycle journey. I seem to have come down with a wee case of the wander lust. I'd say it's inspired by the travels of Ewan McGregor in the "Long Way Round" or Neil Peart in "Ghost Rider" but I have neither that kind of time nor the energy to be able devote to my endeavor so it will be quite an abbreviated trip. I had first planned to take my next "break week" in my chemotherapy cycles and ride to Colorado to stay with some relatives and some friends for a few days and then turn around and come home. I've never been to Colorado and it seems to be absolutely gorgeous from all of the pictures I've seen. I'm thrilled by the prospect of being able to see it with my own eyes. Recently I've been struck with a strong desire to get away from everything and spend some time by myself.. What better way to do so than to travel 2500+ miles by motorcycle? The route I'll take to get there, the route home and the amount of time to take are kind of fluid as of now. As I started roughing my plans together, Laela suggested that I speak with the doctor and see if we can postpone my next cycle of therapy for a week; thereby, giving me two weeks for my journey. Needless to say, I leapt at the chance and will be discussing it with the doctor on Monday.

As my plans are coming together, the prospect of the Cincinnati Reds actually participating the the 2010 post season is looking more and more like a reality. To that end, Laela had entered the lottery for the opportunity to purchase tickets to the National League Divisional Series (NLDS) should the Reds qualify. Lo and behold her name was drawn and we are now proud owners of tickets to the first two home games that the Reds will play in the NLDS. What a boon for a Reds fan, right? Not so fast. According to the MLB Postseason Schedule the NLDS will take place between October 6 and October 13. That's right in the middle of my October 2-October 15 time frame. So what's a fella to do? On one hand, I could selfishly go on a motorcycle trip by myself and get the solo time and adventure that I crave, or go see the Reds in a playoff situation knowing that it might be my last opportunity. I can't really put off the trip for an additional three weeks because I'd have to contend with a MUCH stronger possibility of inclement weather in the form of snow. On the other hand going to the NLDS would afford me the opportunity to spend time with my girls and make memories for all of us, not just me. I am torn like an old sweater and I don't see an easy answer. I'm not complaining that I have this decision to make, it's just hard to commit one way or the other.

Speaking of the Reds, we're going to a bunch of home games over the final couple of weeks. Tuesday night we went to "Bark in the Park" at Great American Ballpark. Laela submitted some of our photos to Jamie Ramsey, author of the Red's blog "Better Off Red" and he featured them in a the following "BoR" post. We also have tickets for September 29th vs the Houston Astros and for October 2nd vs the Milwaukee Brewers in addition to the playoff games. It should be a great couple of weeks for baseball.

That's it for now. In the immortal words of the American philosopher Ed McMahon: Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.