Let's go  back to the doctor's office on Thursday.  Little of what I'm going to say here is verbatim.  I just happen to paraphrase medical technology sometimes, but I'll try to remain true to the clinical definitions

SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT:  As the blog readership increases, and our conversation becomes more clinical, I'd like to solicit the comments of medical professionals and researchers on the topics I share.  I think it would add tremendously to the reader's experience.  

as we move through our visit with Dr. Ruckle.  By the way, the beginning of the doctors appointment can be positive or negative for a patient.  This is when you might be making your best decision of the day... ALWAYS, I repeat always - always - ask them if they need a urine sample as soon as you arrive. Most men with prostate issues have, or will have, urinary issues.  I'm not just talking about cancer, but BPH and other disorders of the prostate, bladder, or urinary tract.

Sometimes they want your pee, and sometimes they don't.  So, if you show up, ah, 'ready to donate', then by all means, that is the time to ask...  Advice to others: Don't make 'hitting the head' the last stop before the doctor's office.  I always try to arrive prepared, but not 'urgent' because then, a pleasant "Will you need a urine sample today?" turns into, "DO I HAVE TO PEE IN THE CUP!??!"  And, trust me, you don't want to be that patient!  Get to know your front office staff.  They are your gatekeepers and best friends.  Heck, they'll even scrounge Viagra samples for you and put up with your incessant phone calls - unless, of course, you are that patient.  Then, good luck, and 'sorry that you have to get your blood draw repeated because the lab lost your results...'

I'm sorry, but important breaking news is interrupting this particular post.  I am happy to report (I sound like the General Manager of the New York Yankees, for crying out loud...), that I have acquired the domain names CelebrateCancer.com, CelebrateCancer.org, and ontheroadtomentalhealth.com.

This acquisition was concluded approximately 26 minutes ago after brief negotiations between the two parties.  At this time, the public relations department will handle all further questions...

Okay, okay, just let me have a 'moment' here.  I'm not a man in the habit of 'acquiring' things, unless by 'things' you mean 'memories' and 'experiences' because, yeah, I love acquiring those...

So, I've got some administrative work to do at the new site.  (Holy crap, listen to me!  I sound like a veritable - um, person who understands technology, because, as I told my friend, Austin, moments ago, "Technology ain't my bag, baby.")

I promise I'll be with you again later with so much more.  By the way, I haven't forgotten affirmations, it's just that I never developed a system for tracking which ones I'd used previously, and I didn't want to repeat them, but until I have a process now, and I'll roll the dice on the chances of rolling craps, if you will...

Well, let's test the theory right away.  Part of this one will be a repeat, but not all.  I just reached over, and this was the first one I found.  It's also among my favorites...

"Dear Petronis:

Even though you won't be here next year for certain reasons you will always remain as my favorite mathematics teacher. You helped me learn the idea of statistics in a more easy and amusing way. I'm going to miss our conversations. Not just about math, but about life. You always held out your hand for me, telling me never to give up and to keep my head up...  I don't think I would have made it through the year without you. You are a great teacher, no matter how many times you say you aren't. Writing a letter for you won't be enough to thank you. Hopefully, you will always keep your cracked Bills cup... You are a great teacher, leader, father, and grandfather and I am sure other people that know you would strongly agree with me. Please, don't ever give up and be strong. You will get what you want and sometimes in involves time. Don't ever change who you are... In the future if we do come into contact, I would love to hear your success and everything that has been going on. Thank you once again!"

Thanks, again, Melody.  There are so many wonderful messages in your quote. Thank you for sharing.

Be well, everyone.  Time to make some juice, take a hike, and live...

Personal PS to Melody: My cracked Buffalo Bills cup is my pencil holder on my desk at school, and forever it shall be....  :)