Started Grad School

I started graduate school last August and I love it. This has been a goal of mine for many years and it seems like a good time to concentrate on it. I was accepted into the graduate program at WPI and hope to earn a MS degree in systems engineering. It's a lot of work for this old fella. I have to re-learn all the basics to be fluent in math and at writing papers.

It's going to consume virtually all my free time. It's very interesting though. My wife has been extremely supportive and helpful. She's the best.

The most common question that everyone asks is "why are you doing this?" - I find this to be an odd question. I love learning.

The most difficult part of the decision to commit to this graduate work was that I new I had to give up my favorite hobby. Playing lead tenor sax in the Compaq Big Band has been a great experience with a terrific group of guys and gals. I don't think anyone realizes how hard it was for me to tell them that I had to leave the band in order to focus on school, my career, and my health. They are all my friends an i didn't want to let them down.

Life goes on of course. The new lead tenor player is a fine musician and strong soloist I'm sure they are really enjoying his great talent. The band really needed a boost.

I'm still playing with the saxophone quartet (on soprano) and I need to keep my chops going!

TNA Conference in NY

The next Trigeminal Neuralgia Association regional conference is in New York on Saturday May 10, 2008 http://www.fpa-support.org/events/NYC08.html.

My neurosurgeon and neurologist have been invited to speak, and I hope they do. I will definitely go with Caroline and provide as much support and feedback as I can to all those who attend.

Lucy Is Persistent

It's amazing how all dogs have a diverse and unique personality. Lucy is quite a handful. She is so persistent and is constantly challenging her position in the pack, seeking an Alpha Dog status. She has become a little aggressive towards other dogs and I'm trying to train her that it's ok to play with all dogs. I think she has some fear aggression when on the leash.

I got a training collar to help train her to stay and come when called. I'm sure it will help. It will take a lot of time to get her to obey, but it will be worth it and she will be a much happier dog when she knows how to behave!

Sometimes I Wonder

It's been much too long without posting some thoughts. I wish I could be more "talkative" because there is so much to talk about. Sometimes I wonder who reads the trivial things here -- friends, coworkers, old friends from high school.

We had a terrific time in Niagara Falls this summer. What an amazing place. People from all over the world were there. I think many find it a spiritual place.

Skeet shooting was a blast. I'm glad Caroline came along. I think she has a better understanding of guns and the sporting enjoyment. I knew I would love it, and in just an hour I was hooked. It will take some work to get a firearms license (training, background check, shopping, gun club membership). I've done all the homework to understand what's involved to make skeet/trap shooting a hobby, but I'm not yet committed.

I've got plenty of hobbies for now - hiking with the dog, canoing, playing in the band, photography, working on the house, ...

Lucy is very photogenic

These are a couple of glamor shots of Lucy. She is an extremely active dog!

I have never seen a dog so interested in water from a hose or sprinkler. You have probably seen dogs on America's Funiest Home Videos chasing water and doing silly things with garden hoses, but you can't imagine this dog! Maybe I should send in a video and see if it makes it on the TV program.

It's hard to believe

It's been so hard to believe, and I don't want to jinx it, but I have had some significant relief from my facial pain since a surgical procedure last January. I won't go into details, but I can't thank Dr. Jeffrey A. Brown enough (http://www.jeffreyabrownmd.com). I've got my life back, and have been very busy doing things that I have not been able to do for more than three years! So this blog has taken a back seat for a while. I hope to post some things that are not all health related.

The Copley Cats At the Opera House

The Copley Cats had a great time entertaining guests at the Boston Opera House again this year. The Cats are terrific.

Lucy

We got our new dog from the Baypath Humane Society on November 19. We named her Lucy -- it was the unanimous choice among the family. She is full of energy and I know will become a great buddy.

Time For A Dog

Today I am taking Caroline to the Baypath Humane Society to get a dog. Our
best pal Risty died of bone cancer almost a year ago. I'm feeling that I
want to help a dog because of what Risty gave us. I'm sure the dog we find
will help us. That's just what dogs do -- help you more than you help them.

We are afraid. Imagine that. Afraid of another dog that will no dought
bring fun and adventure into our lives. What memories will it bring back?
What new memories will it leave?

I'm determined to go, even though it is a "bad face day". Who knows? My
face may be licked by a new friend and feel better.