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!