I chose the title of this blog to go with a Beatles song from 1969. The title made sense in October of 2009 because fighting cancer might be a drawn out challenge. I take inspiration where I can, and hope to motivate with my musings about music, my status and anything else related to life. Anyone can post comments; no sign in or account is needed, just click on the comments section towards the bottom of the post and write me a note. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. Live Happy- Greg
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." Mark Twain
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
I'm Looking Through You
Sadie on the first day of Summer
I can't believe it, but as of today I am officially only 10 days away from retirement. After working a job non-stop since age 13 this feeling is finally hitting home. I know I am nowhere near any kind of longevity as a working person, but the feeling still hits me. I talked to a friend last night and after sharing some laughs I could not get the Beatles and "I'm Looking Through You" out of my head. We were discussing how people quit talking to you or change when they know you can't influence or help them out. I said it is a natural human thing, true friends and all of that. I got this lyric stuck in my head... "You don't look different, but you have changed I'm looking through you, you're not the same." I am sure we all have thought similar thoughts. Paul wrote the song about his soon to be ex-girlfriend Jane Asher in 1965. The introspective lyrics were newer for Paul at the time, John had been writing some more meaningful lyrics as the Rubber Soul album was progressing too.
I have been busy with the doctor, went in for a chest C.T. scan yesterday and see my oncologist today for results. I swam 3000 yards both Monday and Tuesday, took Sadie for a walk, and am paying the price with fatigue. But... it felt good. I am not liking the prednisone and hope to get some results on biopsies and perhaps tapering off of it as soon as possible. I had to post this photo of Sadie too, as she is finally healing up, getting her dark hair back after getting on some thyroid medicine. Here's to a great weekend, it's summer!
17 comments:
Capt. X
said...
Well, personally I am looking at you with envy since my retirement is a ways away. And quit looking back towards the department and start looking forward to see where you are going. Helps to keep from running into something! LiveSTRONG!
Hi Greg, Enjoy your retirement!! Darlene at IIU will follow you very soon too!! As for me, I can only hope I can keep my job until my kids can support themselves!! Hope you will get over the side effects soon! Keep swimming! Live Happy and Strong!! :-)
3000 yds. Sounds like a pretty good swim. Let's get together for a very low key retirement party sometime after the first. Are we still on for St. Michele next weekend? Give me a call. Cambo
3000 yards is only a warm up for the good swimmers. But the water is comforting for a little over an hour, maybe it reminds us of our pre-birth existence?
Greg: Your posting today and the theme of looking back, changes in our lives and moving forward hit home for me tonight. I had a chance meeting with my 7th grade science teacher today where we remembered the past and how those in our class had moved on to great things, Michael Allen Harrison as a grammy nominated pianist, Ray Blume as a professional basketball player and Susan Helms as the first female admitted to the Air Force academy and future Space Shuttle Astronaut.I was reminded that at one time all the yesterdays no matter how un-rememberable were at one time very important todays and that all of us have important moments in our lives that define who we are.Its is easy to forget the mundane days and weeks that help to create our past and form how our futures may turn out. I am excited for you as your retirement approaches, it is time for you to move on with your life and enjoy all the experiences waiting ahead for you and Yvonne. I know that your post-retirement cup will be full of those moments remembered with friends for a long time to come, happy retirement. phil
Greg, your thoughts and reflections are always well crafted and meaningful. "Retirement" is such an arbitrary term, not an end but another beginning and one I know you will take full advantage of. Congratulations! Dave Perrine
Thanks for all of the encouragement everyone. I am very lucky to have the support. I wish I could tell you personally more often, and wish all the best for all. Off to a little road trip for the weekend. I have to spend my children's inheritance soon!
I can't wait to join on the semi/full-retirement trail meself. As I am an inpatient fellow. This also helps explain why I am picking baby red taters and green onions out of the garden. Lots of spinach and lettuce now out there as well. Good post for us all, Mr W's thoughts are very important also. See you soon. Love BigA
Hey Big Al, got the mass announcement just now. Thank you for having the mass said for me, I do remember what the Church is like and how powerful those masses can be. We might get lucky and have some blueberries at some point from our little garden, and yes you are correct Phil is very articulate and special in his nice comments. We might be seeing a Braves game or two this next week, they are in town to face the Mariners. Guess who's coming to visit?
Gregory, Enjoy your retirement but stay involved with the things that you retain that passion for. I know you have unique insight with you have battled to be of great help to others. Your attitude has provided strength to others. Never underestimate the good you have done and continue to be part of. Take the wife out for dinner and toast to the future! Onward.....Tony P.
17 comments:
Well, personally I am looking at you with envy since my retirement is a ways away. And quit looking back towards the department and start looking forward to see where you are going. Helps to keep from running into something! LiveSTRONG!
You made the right decision. good that you are staying active
Love., Cathy
X, Cathy- I am looking forward, much more than I say. I might miss some people, but not the ..........
Hey 5-0 (E)
Lunch soon?
Hello Sadie, :-) .
Continued prayers.
Hank
Yes hello Sadie!
Greg, A socialy acceptable term that you had heard me say a lot, "HORSE FEATHERS"
And did you see where the admn is going to try to make KCSO a kinder, sweeter department :-)
Hi Greg, Enjoy your retirement!! Darlene at IIU will follow you very soon too!! As for me, I can only hope I can keep my job until my kids can support themselves!! Hope you will get over the side effects soon! Keep swimming! Live Happy and Strong!! :-)
3000 yds. Sounds like a pretty good swim. Let's get together for a very low key retirement party sometime after the first. Are we still on for St. Michele next weekend? Give me a call. Cambo
3000 yards is only a warm up for the good swimmers. But the water is comforting for a little over an hour, maybe it reminds us of our pre-birth existence?
GD
Greg: Your posting today and the theme of looking back, changes in our lives and moving forward hit home for me tonight. I had a chance meeting with my 7th grade science teacher today where we remembered the past and how those in our class had moved on to great things, Michael Allen Harrison as a grammy nominated pianist, Ray Blume as a professional basketball player and Susan Helms as the first female admitted to the Air Force academy and future Space Shuttle Astronaut.I was reminded that at one time all the yesterdays no matter how un-rememberable were at one time very important todays and that all of us have important moments in our lives that define who we are.Its is easy to forget the mundane days and weeks that help to create our past and form how our futures may turn out. I am excited for you as your retirement approaches, it is time for you to move on with your life and enjoy all the experiences waiting ahead for you and Yvonne. I know that your post-retirement cup will be full of those moments remembered with friends for a long time to come, happy retirement. phil
Greg, your thoughts and reflections are always well crafted and meaningful. "Retirement" is such an arbitrary term, not an end but another beginning and one I know you will take full advantage of. Congratulations! Dave Perrine
Thanks for all of the encouragement everyone. I am very lucky to have the support. I wish I could tell you personally more often, and wish all the best for all. Off to a little road trip for the weekend. I have to spend my children's inheritance soon!
I can't wait to join on the semi/full-retirement trail meself. As I am an inpatient fellow.
This also helps explain why I am picking baby red taters and green onions out of the garden.
Lots of spinach and lettuce now out there as well.
Good post for us all, Mr W's thoughts are very important also. See you soon. Love BigA
Hey Big Al, got the mass announcement just now. Thank you for having the mass said for me, I do remember what the Church is like and how powerful those masses can be. We might get lucky and have some blueberries at some point from our little garden, and yes you are correct Phil is very articulate and special in his nice comments. We might be seeing a Braves game or two this next week, they are in town to face the Mariners. Guess who's coming to visit?
Gregory,
Enjoy your retirement but stay involved with the things that you retain that passion for. I know you have unique insight with you have battled to be of great help to others. Your attitude has provided strength to others. Never underestimate the good you have done and continue to be part of. Take the wife out for dinner and toast to the future! Onward.....Tony P.
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