I got great news today from my oncologist - I'm completely off the Casodex now, in addition to no more Lupron shots!!!  I can hardly wait for my hormones to regulate (it may be a while, the Lupron shots were scheduled quarterly, so I am sure that there is still some 'active ingredient' floating around in my body).

Today was one of the bad ones - the weird head feeling was strong, and the energy was low.  I plan to be in bed by 8PM, so this will be a brief visit tonight.

I suppose fatigue is as good a topic as any for tonight.  Fatigue and fortitude.

Regarding fatigue, I know that I am often my own worst enemy - staying up too late writing, teaching several nights a week, not getting restful sleep, etc.  So, tonight begins a new experiment. Hang on, I'll be right back...   I just set up my CPAP machine.  (Prescribed for my sleep apnea; I know I've talked about it here previously, but the CPAP - Continuous Positive Airway Pressure - machine is designed to force air into the nasal passages.  This prevents the breathing interruptions that are the primary symptom of sleep apnea).  I'm going to commit to using it for one week and see if it helps my energy.

While I'm on the topic of energy, it's time for a candid conversation.  One of these days I will do some networking with other bloggers and ask them if their experience was similar to mine...

The ebb and flow of a blogger's day:

1. Think
2. Write
3. Get really into the writing process (picture Ralphie with his decoder ring in A Christmas Carol - until he discovers it's just a commercial).  I'm writing, editing, thinking, carefully selecting my words, smiling, frowning, sometimes crying, working feverishly, until...
4. Put the post up
5. Feel satisfied
6. Feel anxious waiting to see if anyone will read the post - or even comment on it!
7. Go to bed (I'm usually blogging late in the evening)
8. Wake up and check computer to see how many page views I had on the new post
9. Here's where my day goes in one of two ways - If there has been significant traffic and a couple of comments, I am beside myself with delight!  If, on the other hand...  Few readers, no comments, no energy = bummed author.  I've said it before, I'll say it again, we are having a conversation here. Conversations are not one way affairs - comments, responses, feedback, suggestions, etc. Are necessary to move the conversation forward.
10. Obsess over readership stats
11. Go to work
12. Get home
13. Eat
14. Blog
15. Promote blog on Facebook
16. Begin obsessing all over again.


There you have it, folks...  My life in a nutshell.  Of course, add in working, commuting, teaching, living...

The bottom line is that a vibrant, active blog is a joy - a serious mood elevator!  A dormant, no-buzz blog is the opposite.  I am trying to focus on me, my health, my journey, my immediate surroundings, but - for better or worse - what I am right now is a blogger.  I would like to be a good one.  One who cares about what he writes - and who cares very deeply about maintaining that healthy dialogue.

So, I hope you will  take a page from my dear friend, Debbie's book...  She shared the blog link with her facebook friends - along with a personal note encouraging them to read it - and predicting that they'd enjoy it.  Thank you, Debbie!!

So, I'm going to ask each of my readers who has a facebook account to do the exact same thing.  If you are reading, and you like what you see, please share.  I look forward to tapping into that flow of positive energy!  THANK YOU!!!

It's time to go - I may not even make it until 8PM...

Good night, everyone.  Mari, take us home, please...

"Mr. P
Thank you for being not only an amazing stats teacher, but also one of the most genuinely kind and positive people I know. You make me laugh whenever you shout "Excrement!" or make funny puns. Here's one - what's a Grecian Urn? ... 5 dollars! Romans make about 10! I thought you'd like that one, so cheesy.  I loved watching your video (from motorcycle riding) and I just want you to pleeeease stay safe? You have truly made this year bearable with your humor and support. I can always count on you!  Love, Mari"

Mari, you can still count on my support!  Be well!

Carpe Diem, all...