It's hard to know where to begin...

I suppose I should start with an explanation of my absence. I spent two weeks in Ontario. The first week was spent visiting family and friends; the second working in various soup kichens and missions in TO. The first week was wonderful; the second hard, exhausting, and ultimately humbling.

Upon my return (last week) I was greeted with piles of work that required attention. I spent last week trying to get caught up on all the work I missed the two weeks previous.

Rather than bore you (assuming that there is SOMEONE there) with tales of my Ontario "adventures", I'll just fill out a Monday mission.

1. When was the last time you were in the hospital as a patient? As a visitor?
As a patient? When I was four and had the whooping cough. As a visitor, about a month ago when I went to Edmonton to be with my father after his heart attack.

2. Have you ever been put under anesthesia or sedation? For what reason? Did it mess with your mind?
Yes, for dental surgery. It was wonderful, until the stupid dentist woke me up!

3. Have you (or someone close to you) ever had any major surgery? How did it go?
Not me personally, but I've had various family members "go under the knife," as it were. Most times everything went swimmingly.

4. How about the emergency room? Have you ever had to be taken there, or had to accompany someone else? What happened?
Once, on Christmas Eve. My sister had put grape seeds in her ears. The doctor had to remove them with tweezers. Everyone (well, me) hated her for ruining Christmas.

5. Have you ever donated blood (or other fluids)?
Blood, once. I'm not keen on it. Needles freak me out. Nobody wants panic-blood.

6. Are you an Organ Donor? How do you feel about having your organs being donated to those in need once you die? Have you or someone you know ever been the recipient of donated organs?

I know one guy who's had/or having kidneys donated. I am an organ donar, though a leery one. George Carlin once said, "You think that if paramedics see that card, they're gonna save your life? Bull*^%, they're looking for parts!"

7. Do you know any men who refuse, or are too afraid, to go to see a Doctor? Why are so many men like that?
I hate seeing the doctor, but I go because I'm more afraid of my wife than the doctor. I think men feel vunerable in the doctor's office. Think about, "turn and cough?" Don't tell me that not vunerable.


BONUS: Do you remember when we used to sing?
Sha la la, la la?