revelation turns out to be of the sorta false alarm type!

As many friends know I have Hep-C and have been on the liver transplant list.  I go to UW Medical twice a year for a check-up.  Everything has been steady, and couple of years ago was taken off the active transplant and put on the ready reserve.  My visit of July 24 & 25 was in all probability going to be routine.  After all in January 2 weeks after my near death experience the we’re amazed that I was just chooglin’ right along!

On the 24th I had an ultrasound.  The tech took longer on this one then in all my previous ones combined with Joni’s for Sasha thrown in for good measure.  It took over an hour!  But she noticed nothing unusual.

The next day I had my meeting with a doctor of transplantation.   After we chatted for a while, he tells me he has some things he has to discuss with me.

DOT:  “You have liver cancer!”

Mickey:  “Oh then that puts me right to the top of the list -not that I want a transplant.  Went though this at Mayo 8 years ago.  That’s what they told me.  Then after a claustrobic small tube MRI it was deemed a false alarm.”

DOT:  “This growth is too big.  This rules out a transplant for you.”

Mickey:  “And this is a nation standard?”

DOT:  “Yes.”

Mickey:  “How long do I have?

DOT:  “Maybe 6 months, no more then a year.”

Ok then the Mick is dead meat!  This was somewhat depressing news.  But then as I thought about it:  So what?    Have lost my mother, my daughter Sasha and I have no relationship.  I am tired and rapidly aging.  So it is going to be sooner or later, and sooner sounds like the better one to me!

Yesterday, August 8th I had appointments to discuss treatment options.  My sister Elaine, the doctor, took a day off on short notice, and at her instance flew to Seattle for the day. 

As for my 6 - 12 month prognosis, Oh that is without treatment!   And with that I was back in the ball game.

We are going to try radiation,  if that don’t work then chemo.  And then we’ll keep on trying.  Seems like a piece of cake compared to a transplant, which might come back into play.

I know that many times meanings are lost in translation.  Still I was reminded of my first appointment in Boston with Dr. Sanvig Chorpra back in 1999.   Dr. Chorpra is at best a world class jerk, whom I double dog dare to sue me for slander.   When he told me I had Hep-C it was like a death sentence.   And he proceed to tell me what I could & could not do with my life.  Most of which was none of his business.   Someday I will get around to jotting now my adventure with Dr. Jerk and his sidekick, Donna.  Anyway, the DOT was not anything like Chorpra.  Elaine who interned at Mayo  was impressed with the friendliness of UW Med, as Joni and I were in ’05.

4 now on with the show featuring the mantra:  "Pico's don't get sick!

I know it isn't so!!

This is in response to a story in the September 22nd, Juneau Empire:

http://juneauempire.com/local/2011-09-21/former-key-saga-employees-worry-about-financial-stability#comment-19750

I have known Joe Parish since before there was a SAGA.  In 1982 I met him during my first season at Mickey’s Bagel Bistro.  Joe was one of the False Islanders.  The False Islanders were in a work service program for young people.  It was a lot like SAGA.  They did community service type work based out of camp by Sitka.  I was fortunate to be adopted by those from False Island who had come to Juneau.  I do not think that without their help I would have made it through my first season.

Every False Islander I ever met as possessed an abundance of integrity, common sense, honesty, caring and a strong work ethic.  Qualities that are admired and ones that their can never be to much of.  Joe was no exception to this,

He didn’t start SAGA for financial gain.  But because he cared and wanted others to have the same opportunity and benefit from the experiences like he had.  Now 30 years later it is inferred that Joe had his hands in the cookie jar.  I don’t think SAGA has a cookie jar.  Their budget can’t afford one.  And doubt that all of Joe’s hard work there now lets him live off the fat of the land.  It is just not that kind of a gig.

The reason Joe was given the ultimatum probably were based on reasons having nothing to do with SAGA.  It is unfortunate, but that is often the way things work in Juneau.   What a loss this is for the community.

The Best In Class Survey from the Juneau Empire

This was a letter I submitted to the Juneau Empire

The other day I was perusing through the online Juneau Empire, and happened upon the 2011 BIC survey.  As any good dutiful Juneauite I went through it checking this and that.  I was not at all impressed by the survey.  There were categories that just don’t exist here.  Where’s the outdoor dinning?  A seafood restaurant?  Does someone actually make chowder from scratch?  And ditto how many deserts are made here?  Most come frozen on the barge, and they’re just thawed, plated and served.  Crabcakes?  Thought this was Alaska, not somewhere on the East coast. 

Then there the Legal, financial & Real Estate Services and the Medical Services sections.  Anyone who has engaged more then 3 attorneys raise your hand.  How many hearing aid professionals are then in Juneau anyway?  Surprised that the phone book lists about 4 acupuncturists and bet you can find them all at one of our local smoothie shops or lunching at one of Juneau’s fabulous and fabled delis.  That is if they can find a seat at their deli because of all of those having lunch with clients.

OK, so I am using the needle myself, but this is probably a canned downloaded survey that really doesn’t fit  a city of 30,000 where basically the only way in and out are water and air.

It is completely unforgivable that there are three categories for alcohol.  With the high rate of alcohol consumption in Alaska, should we promote its use in anyway?

In closing these are some of my choices for good service I’ve experienced in Juneau.

There’s Tony, 16 years old and works the closing shift out at Carrs.  While some of the other checkers are half asleep, this guy is bright and wide awake.  Tony knows what he is doing and does it quickly and smoothly.   Ee always wears a great smile and has a sense of humor to match!!

Susan at the state court building, who you’ll find on the bottom floor, patiently explaining to people what they need to do to file their small claims papers correctly.  She has been there for nine years, but you’d never know it.  No boredom shown by her!  Susan was in sharp contrast to the clerk that “helped” me their a couple of years ago.   She refused to answer even the simplest of questions.  If I’d have asked the time, am sure she would have felt and probably said it was not her job to tell me what time it is! That was not a fun encounter.  And, he he, last week she was sitting close enough to hear every time I complemented Susan on being so pleasant, helpful and patient.  The look on her face, told me Susan was going to hear from her about wasting her time like that, in particular on a known jerk of a nobody like me!

There are the tellers at Denali Credit Union.  It used to be there was only teller who was pleasant to deal with.  They’d be there today and gone tomorrow.  Probably to much flack from the others on the line of “What ya doing being nice to those on the other side of the counter?”  They treated me like I was scum, a crook, con man, scammer and worst.  And now all of a sudden they are batting 4 for 4!  That is 4 very pleasant tellers, who efficiently go about taking care of you, smiling and bantering at the time.  For great customer service 90% of it is saying, “Hi! How are you doing?  What can I do for you?”  Every time I go in there I let the Fantastic Four know how much I appreciate the change.  And after years of complaining to the manager, usually give him the same message.

James at the door of our local Costco, is in a classs by himself.  And Costco not only has the best produce in town, but also the best service.

I could go on and on about the bad service I have received here in Juneau.  But I'd rather point out what I like.

Mickey & BOA go to the mattresses

7/5/11

BOA,

On April 8, 2011, I flew from Juneau to Seattle.  Before boarding the plane I made a payment of $1,111.11 on my VISA account.  The reason for my trip was a family medical emergency.  The day before my brother’s wife had been diagnosed with brain cancer.  I knew my 89 year old mother would be distraught over this.  My mother is in very poor health and I wanted to be there for her as well as my sister-in-law & brother.  When I arrived in Seattle, I found my layover which I thought was very short was around 7 hours.  I had my puppy traveling in baggage and decided to check on auto rentals. 

Found an amazing inexpensive one way rental.  And then there I was on the phone begging you to allow the charge.  After several calls, totaling about an hour you did! 

As you know I am a legacy cardholder from Sea First.  And have my Alaska Airlines charge card for over 20 years.  I didn’t want to go through this hassle each time I used the card,  So every time I charged something, I got online and made payment for it. 

This was to no avail, my charges kept being blocked.  Not every one.  It was usually a small one for a few dollars.  I spent hours on the phone.  The trip took longer then I expected.  On Sunday one of your agents, who was so very rude and huffy told me that my charges would continue to be blocked unless I filled a travel itinerary, letting BOA know where I was going and when I was going to use the card.  I told this person, who acted so puffed up with his importance that there was no way in hell I was going to do that.  I also told him that, in my opinion, this was no way to treat a long time good customer such as I.  And with this call I had enough of BOA. 

OK since you were treating me so very badly I was just going to walk away.  My card was shredded, and I let you know how I felt about the way I was treated.  And since you had treated me so badly I was going to return the favor by walking away my obligations to you.

Since then I’ve calmed down a little.  Where do you propose we go from here?  Should we kiss and make up?  Or what do you suggest for a parting of the ways.  When and if you respond let me know an email address, I can respond to.  You have blocked my ability to contact you via email from my online account.  Respond only by email.

I will not spend hours on the phone, talking to one person after another, being transferred from one department to another.  Whoever contacts me should be someone well versed in dealing with people and have the authority to make decisions. 

READ THIS NOTE BEFORE YOU REPLY.  A FORM LETTER TYPE RESPONSE WILL BE IGNORED.  PHRASES LIKE ‘VALUED CUSTOMER’ AND INSINCERE APOLOGIES JUST MAKE ME WANT TO PUKE.

The ball is in your court.......

Mickey

How to save money. 100% guaranteed method!

What it is: FYI


By February 28, 2011 my online access will be limited.  Due to the state of my $$$, I am giving up my broadband Internet connection.  I will try and visit the library every 2 or 3 days to use theirs as it is  free.  The change on my Internet and phone will save me around $850.00 a year!  Another benefit is that it will free up my time to do other things.  Am sure you have heard the phrase a boat is just a hole in the water to throw money into.  Well for me a computer is just a place to throw time into.


Almost 20 years ago, when I took down the umbrella for the last time, I read a book called, "Your money or your life."  Do you know what the best way to save money is?  Don't spend it!  You can gave a good rewarding life and not have to spend a lot of money.  Not making a lot will free up your time to do other things!  You could read a book, spend more time with your children, help others, help make the world a better place to live and so on.


When I went to work for Costco, appreciated that it was not an expensive place to work.  You did not have to get an expensive or extensive wardrobe to wear to work.  The health insurance was good, and the employee's share wasn't very much.  I lived very comfortably, wanted for nothing, had no debt, money in the bank and was stocking up my IRA!


My life went through some changes, and with those came a wild ride ride.  My savings vanished, debt piled up, and credit cards were maxed out.  Now the ride is over.  Actually that feels pretty good.  I am up to my eyeballs in dept, raiding the IRA, and worse of all there are some physically ailments, chronic conditions, from the stress of the ride that will be with me always.   


So it is time for a deep breath, taking it easy, and when necessary repeating my financial mantra, the best way to save it is not to spend it!

Of Restrooms & relationships

Since the first of September have spent most of my time in California. My mother is 88. The past couple of years have been hard on her physically and she is not as sharp as she once was. Still most people would like to be half as sharp as she is now. Until the middle of January by time was spent at home. Home being the old huge rambling, 5 bedroom, 3 bath family house we have had ince '62!

Had contacted an old friend who lives in Steinbeck country, and we made plans to meet while I was in California. I kept putting off the date, but we finally agreed on a day in January. We have know each other for almost 30 years. We have always had a very special and unique relationship. We like, respect and love each other. What works for us is to see each other no more often then one every year or two, but by 5 years, too much time has gone by! Our relationship has never been physical, but we do truly love each other.

So on a typical California sunny day Mia, the 18 moth old cocker spaniel, I hang out with, got in the car and headed down 101. Around Hollister, Mia was getting restless and needed a to take care of business stop and grab a bite to eat. We stopped at an In 'n Out. We walked around the parking lot and the Mia went back in the car, while I went inside and took care of my business. Couldn't believe how clean the restroom was! I told the counterperson how impressed I was, and asked to see the manager so I could tell them also. They should be complemented and know how much their efforts are appreciated. Don't understand the way some businesses have such dirty restrooms.

At the Safeway by my mother's house, customer service is an art. When you are shopping the employees ask if they can help and not in an intrusive way, but with just the right touch. It is a rare bastion of good customer service. But go into the restrooms it is a completely different story. They're dirty, and something is usually broken. Like there will be no sink, or the paper towel holder has been knocked off the wall. Not a pleasant experience, but better then cattle have it. This time they were particularly bad. I have told the manger in the past how impressed I am with their customer service. This time I went up to him and told him the restrooms as always were dirty and disgusting. He looks at me with such surprise, whips out his radio and puts out a call to have them cleaned. Then he thanks me for brining it to his attention. While I appreciated is prompt response, my reply was how can you be so surprised, they are always like that!

Whole foods is another place that could put more effort into there restrooms. Am not a big fan of WF to begin with. The employees have a snooty attitude that is way over the top. Their prices are high. And I doubt the sincerity of the place. They aren't on a mission of good nutrition, but to rake in as much dough as they can. They play boomer music, and are a rip-off of the '60 ideals. So why don't they clean the restrooms? They make enough money to have a stack of dollar bills to use for toilet paper!

In passing Trader Joe's is another that could use more effort in the restroom cleanliness department. Both Wfs & Tjs are upscale type of chains. How can they think that their clientele appreciate dirty rest rooms?

My friend lives in paradise. They are in a small pastoral town. They have a large lot, keep goats for milk, a garden for vegetables. The rows of corn have the added responsibility of teaching their two children responsibility. Our past two visits have been more affectionate then usual. So sent an email to her saying that sex was not something I wanted in our relationship, but it seemed to me that a little cuddling, hand holding, and a kiss or two on occasion would be welcomed by both of us. When she finally replied it was an emphatic no way. Was afraid our friend ship had been ruined. This visit had an apprehensive foreshadow to it. And she seemed a little reserved, nervous, holding back and keeping her distance. We took Mia for a walk along the beach. I tried to be careful that we didn't touch, but our hands seemed to seek out these little contacts. Each time sparks flew. We were both fortunate we weren't electrocuted! After the walk we returned to paradise. She asked me what I would like to do until dinner which was a couple of hours away. Take nap was my response. Put Mia in the car as she has her share of indoor accidents, and if tied up she would have barked and barked. Fell right into a very deep sleep. And when I was woken did not know where I was.

When we were saying good by I gave her SO a very big hug. We've not had much of a relationship and it surprised both of us. Think it was to let him know that yes I liked him to, and appreciated the time I spent with his life's partner. Looking forward to my next trip to paradise in a year or two!

Keeping my pants on, but helping the effort!

Mickey;

I  will look forward to the color shot in the newspaper. Who knows it could spark a movement...

See you in the funny papers.

Bob

Fight terrorism; get naked!

Bob,

Do you remember when I was put in the booth, back in November at the JIAP?  And then the lady from TSA just wouldn't stop.  Although others from the TSA, including supervisors knew that she was way out-of-line and had gone completely overboard they wouldn't stop her.  When I came back to Juneau, went through security in both San Francisco & Seattle.  Compared to Juneau I was waived through.  In both places they opened my carry on.  They took a look and sent me on my way.  No one felt the need to put on gloves and feel my dirty undies.  Why does Juneau take security to max?  Like is the Capitol City a hotbed of terrorism or what?

Anyway the reason I am writing is to tell you I have decided the next time I am put in the booth for a feel up, I am going to start taking off my clothes.  May stop with my underwear, but who knows.  Am thinking of getting some really ridiculous boxers to wear for the occasion.  Bright neon colors, with wording that says LOOK HERE!  And accented with a big red arrow just so there is no possibility of mistaking where to look.  What do you think?  Would you visit me in the slammer or the mental hospital? 

If I felt that this was the only way, or an effective way it wouldn't be so bad.  Why don't they ask the experts, the Israelis, for a tip or two?

Mickey 


While in California every Friday I went with my mother to a current event discussion group.  The moderator is excellent.  He could hold his own on PBS.  What more could you ask for then an understandable clear voice, knowledgeable, rational thought, and staying calm. The people who go to this are contemporaries of my 88 year old mother.  One of the last times I went before coming back to Juneau, was after the shootings in Arizona.  One person commented on the need for there to be more of an effort to locate people who might do something like what happened.  The thought hit me that if there was such an effort back in the '60's, I might have been committed, and still be institutionalized!  And for what?  Being one of the first people at my high school to grow their hair a little long, and forgo the usual dress standards. The journey though life can be a fine line travel!

From the comedy is not kind department...

Am in California again on a parent care mission.  Went to the post office today to mail a package to the Glory Hole. Enclosed was a check to be used for their holiday food needs, and a half dozen pair of barely used, clean and bleached socks. These socks were instruments of torture for me, did not give me happy feet, and made a big contribution to my worsening TDS.

For some reason I couldn't resting putting a handwritten sticker on it that said, “The Glory Hole, Juneau's soup kitchen of choice and a world class homeless shelter and hospitality house. Actually this was in no way a belittlement of of any facet of the Glory Hole's operation, its staff or clients.

Rather it was a rip on the meaningless use of 'of choice' and 'world class.' They have been around for at least 20 years. Why I don't even want to know. I just can't stand 'em.  Why don't their users clarify who is choosing? And some comparison criteria be noted. And how do I get in touch with the WCCC. That is as everyone knows the WORLD CLASS CERTIFYING COMMISSION!  Who appoints them?  And who funds there operations?

But I'd rather listen to those words all day long, then read some of the hate posts lately in Craigslist, SE Alaska rants & raves. There is some sicko putting up some really gross posts about Obama, Muslims, African Americans and more. Am all for free speech and opposed to censorship, but I thought  we as a country had moved beyond derogatory stereotyping humor. Is there any silver lining of hope for our future?

The hero who ate bagels 2 at a time!

This is a note I just sent to Angel, 1 of Ada's twin daughters.  And I'd like to share it. The words spoken about Ada at her memorial have effected me and made me think about the person I am.

Angel,

I knew Ada from the time she was pregnant with you and your sister. I don't think you knew or even heard of me, as my connection with Ada was tenuous. I knew your father from the time I worked at the Department of Labor. Jack was one of my favorite customers at my business. This is where I met Ada. I had a vending stand on the corner by Juneau Drug. It was called Mickey's Bagel Bistro. In the summer of '83, (I may be off a year), Ada would come every morning and get 2 onion bagels with cream cheese. I was always very generous with the cream cheese. Lief Saya would get a bagel with a thick 2 – 3 inch load of the stuff. Other customers told me that instead of getting cream cheese at the store, they'd get a bagel with cream cheese, take it home and scrape most it off and have enough for at least a week. Leif would eat every bit of his. Ada was obviously pregnant, and I'd tease her about what the result would be from eating 2 bagels every day. And that is exactly what happened; she had twins!

Since then I have told that story so many times about the women who had 2 bagels everyday, and had twins, that all of Juneau and then some surely has heard it.

I was going to tell that story at her memorial, but the words of you and your sister were so powerful, it made my story seem trite to me. The Ada you knew was different then the one I knew. She never said much, but she was always friendly and had this mysterious little smile. I wish I had known her better. You are fortunate to have had a mother like her.

Best wishes on your journey through life.

Mickey

AKA the Bagel Man or Mickey's Bagels.

PS/Please feel free to share this with your sister or anyone else you would like to. Ada was a wonderful person and a hero!

Whatever you do, just don't dis muh tush!

This past Saturday, my mother and I had a field trip to the Berkeley Bowl. It was only a couple of years ago we used to go to Berkeley several times a week. We'd have lunch and go for a hot tub at the Y. Now it is a much more infrequent event.

We had lunch at the original Bowl. When we got there it was not crowed, especially for a Saturday. I parked my mom at a table and headed straight for the head, before getting our self-serve lunch. This beautiful ebony princess with corn rows and all gave me one great big 5 year old smile as I hurried on my way. Although I was in a state of near emergency, I had the presence of mind to return the smile and throw in a wave.

When I got back with lunch she and her carbon copy younger sister along with a happy proud daddy were sitting at the other end of the row tables from where my mother and I sat. She kept smiling at me. And what could I do but return those wonderful warm friendly smiles? I have always liked children. They are the most special of people. Our future rides with them, and it is everyone's duty to help them be the best person each one can be. My then 5 year old daughter was torn away from me by our cruel, destructive, inhumane, crippling custody laws and practices. She is now ten, and her father has now been absent for half of her life. My love for her is always on display, and shows as I dote on other children.

Waited until all 3 had settled in, I planned my act and then it was show time. It was one of my best performances ever. I put the father at easy and then concentrated on charming his daughters.

“Hi, I'm from Juneau, Alaska and I am taking my mother to lunch, just like your daddy is taking you. She's sitting right down there. This is your daddy right? I'm conducting an informal survey. Do you have a few minutes to answer a few questions?” They look at their daddy, who smiled and told them it was OK.

Cutting right to the chase, my first question was, “You two are Princess right?” And it went on. Ages, names, do you have your daddy wrapped around your little finger? Then right when I was getting to my big finish, this guy who was sitting behind me caught my attention. He was making some kind motioning signal with his hands. I though he was saying the he couldn't stand up because I was blocking his way. Couldn't believe he'd interrupt me for something like that. “Hey all you have to do is step back, or if you like I'll stand aside,” I told him. He looked at me like I was stupid. Then he told me he was eating his lunch and my butt was in his face. I couldn't believe it! Like I wasn't bent over so no crack was visible, no gas had passed, and I had even had a shower shortly before. But I kept my cool, only because I didn't want to spoil my act. But a couldn't resist telling him, “At least it's a cute one!”

Then back to the finish, I told the older sister that in my car was the cutest puppy ever. And asked if she would be willing to trade her younger sister for my puppy. She thought and thought and couldn't make up her mind. I ended with, “Good thing you're not an older brother, or it be a done deal!

The father smiled thanked me for coming over, and I went back to mother and our lunch with such a great feeling.

Continuing on my journey through life.

From my Facebook page 10/11/10

No more Costco!

After 15 years + no longer employed by Costco!! It was time for a change. I have always said,”that if it is not fun, why do it?” Unfortunately it hasn't been fun for a while. I have been doing some substitute teaching, taking it easy, and sleeping way 2 much! What's next? Whatever it is it will be something that I've never done before! So there are new doors to open and walk through!

Continued here on 10/18/10

Life keeps tossing change-ups! Am down in Bay Area. Came down for a very brief visit. An old family friend soon to be stepson was getting Bar Mitzvahed on Saturday, 10/14. Then in the evening he – the step-dad, not the Bar Mitzvahie – was getting married to the mother of Mr. B Mitzvah! My mother wanted to go. So nothing would do except that I come down from Alaska to take her. Let me emphasize that I came willing. There was no pressure of any kind used or needed.

My mother needed a blood transfusion. She has amyloidosis, a somewhat rare form of cancer with amazing deliberating effects! Although mom was only planing to attend the Bar Mitzvah, she was hopping the transfusion would give her an energy boost, as it has in the past. We arrived at Kaiser for her 9:00 AM appointment a little early. Then the blood wasn't ready until 11:30! They insisted on hooking mom up immediately, even though she had to urinate. It was quite a trip to rest room. Mom in her wheelchair, me following with the transfusion contraption. Then it was back in the chair for 4 hours!. Mom is in that chair for 7 hours +! Good thing she saved 5 minutes by getting hooked up before she went to the rest room. After that she was just too tired to go anywhere but home to take a nap.

Clarification - My mother has received very good care at Kaiser.  This was an exception.
As for me there was no way I was going to leave her at home and so anywhere. Besides my souvenir of Boston, a Brooks Brothers suit, had disappeared from the closet where I had left it from my early September visit for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. While I am still from the '60's and the step-dad/groom is a refugee from Canyon, I would, however, have felt out of place going in my blue jeans.
After this my journey through life is probably going to change. Am going to be here until 11/2. Then I will be back around 11/18 and remain until after the first of the year. Or maybe I'll just stick around indefinitely. So for now that means no more substituting. And I am a little unsure about what I am going to do for work while I am here. Maybe I will just collect UI. There is always a chance that I will go back to Costco. I was here for 15 months and had a blast at the Concord Costco. Even now over 2 years later, when I walk in am greeted like I am everyone's favorite person of all time.
When I got back to Juneau in April of '08, I promised Sasha that I would never leave her for so long. Even though I went up to visit every 2 months it was to long a time. But my situation with Sasha is different now. It hardly seems like it would be possible, but I am seeing her even less then when I was in California! And less then at any time since her mother insisted on separating 5 years ago! I will keep my apartment in Juneau this time. It is just to good to give up.
Oh for sure I will warn you when I do write about my views on child custody battles. The harm that has been done to Sasha by keeping her away from her father is not pretty. But for now don't get me started. It is to hard to stop.
My mother is 88. Until 2 years ago she was doing just fine. Then out of nowhere she fractured a hip. She didn't fall, but there was the fracture. Then her hands started to give her pain. This is an effect from the amyloidosis. I don't think she is going anywhere soon, but I want to spend as much time with her as I can. Joni, who I am separated from never, by her own admission, understood why I felt the need to go and take care of her when the need might arise. Hold me back, it is about to start.

Until next time.....

Keeper of the flame

Have been in California since the 8th. My 91 year old aunt passed on the 7th. And I got here as soon as possible to help comfort my 88 year old mother. She is doing better then expected. And I am hoping there won't be a delayed reaction after I go.

This past Sunday my older sister was over. She comes once or twice a week to help with cleaning chores. Before I took her to BART so she could catch a train home, I asked my mother to tell once a again a story that she has been telling for years about my sister. But she did not remember it. Even after I told her most of it, nothing came to mind.

After I returned, I asked my mother if this meant that I was now the keeper of the family stories. She said yes. My reply was that I wasn't ready to take on this responsibility. And she told me that no matter, the task was mind.

As far back as I can remember I have listened to and lived the family stories. Now I am the keeper. This is not to say that others can't keep and tell stories. But it was my responsibility to remember all I would be told, and to repeat all the stories as often as I could.

In some ways this is an honor, but even more it needs to be done.

A giant step forward for Alaska; The very much in love young couple on the bus

I rode the bus from work to town today. Sitting across from me and a couple of seats back was a handsome couple who as the saying goes only had eyes for each other, as they talked, cuddled and tastefully as possible touched each other. The knew I was glancing at them and they took turns returning my looks. It seemed like they were expecting me to say some red-neck hostile remark.

I have lived in Juneau for 33 years. Displays of affection by female couples is accepted and common here. But these two were part of Alaska's invisible sexual orientation; Gay men. They were so young. sweet and vulnerable. And they were so good looking, dressed in a rugged Alaskan way featuring tattered work clothes. Plastic grocery bags surrounded them. It was easy to imagine them having just having moved in together and like most every other who has taken that step they were stocking up the new place.

I didn't know what to say or even I should. A thumbs up seemed so trite and inappropriate. Yet, I think I did the right thing. Stopped glancing at them, and tried to project an attitude that there was nothing out of the ordinary going on. And actually there was nothing unusual happening. They were just another young couple so much in love enjoying each other and glorying in their happiness.

In my heart I wished them the best and continued happiness on their journey through life. May all of us be so fortunate to experience such joy!

Is the Post Office trying to die and bury its self or what?

The Post Office is crying for mercy. The internet has done away with a serious chunk of 1st class letters and even the dreaded junk mail! So what is it to do? Concentrate on what is does better then anyone else and at a cheaper price, packages. Check it out:

The Post Office delivers anywhere. Even to PO Boxes!

It will pickup packages just like UPS and FedEx do. All you have to do is call them!

Plus you can track and insure packages.

Now there are those nifty flat rate express mail boxes.

And their rates are much less then anyone else.

As most Alaskan's know, forget about UPS. Often the rate for UPS is often more then the cost of the item. Just about anyone in the last Frontier has pleaded to no avail, just mail it!

Put me in charge of promotion and I you can take it to the bank that in a few years the Post Office will be making a profit. Of course other carriers might be hurting. But that is the way it goes.

So to the PO stop crying and get to work. If I can do it, you can to. And if you're not up to it, just give me a call!

Legalize/illegal

A couple of weeks ago a friend of mind said something to me I haven't heard in a while. "Alaska would be a better place if drugs were legalized."  I replied, "Yeah, and if pull tabs were outlawed!"

What do you think?

Dr. Fred Chu

Dr. Fred Chu of Juneau, Alaska passed away this past Saturday at 8:15 PM. Due to illness it has been about 5 years since he practiced at the SEARHC clinic in Juneau. At the clinic he was well thought of and a favorite doctor of clients.

I didn't know Dr. Chu very well. My wife, Joni, who had worked at the clinic for a number of years only had good things to say about him. I first met Dr. Chu when he came into Joni's room at the Bartlett Hospital, which is just up the hill from SEARHC. This was on October 17, 2000. Joni was in labor with out first and only child. Dr Chu did some centering exercises with Joni. He stretched out her legs so the baby would have an easy path to follow. Then our regular Dr. Bob Urata came into the room. Bob and Fred joked about Fred stepping in on his patient. Dr. Urata was missing one of the World Series games to deliver our baby, but he was in a good mood.

In August of 2002, our little family moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota. We moved so our daughter could grow up in a larger Jewish Community the Juneau offered. In our hearts though Juneau would always be our home.

We were never completely comfortable in Minneapolis. Then in April, of 2005, Joni learned that Dr. Chu had stopped practicing due to something unknown and unrecognized that affected his brain. There was a dinner being held in honor of Dr. Chu. Joni flew back to Juneau for the dinner and to visit Dr. Chu along with some other friends.

In the Summer of 2005 we trickled up to Juneau for a long visit. We knew we probably wouldn't being going back to Minneapolis. The family settled back into our Juneau life. We found a small apartment, and soon cracks in our relationship began to appear. We separated in January of 2006. Joni began to care more and more for Fred. Then in November of 2006 Sasha and Joni moved in with Fred so Joni could devoted herself to his care.

What little I heard Dr. Chu's condition was not good. His time was getting short, but no one expected him to leave this past Saturday.

It almost surprises me the sadness I feel. Many times I am close to tears, and sometimes they flow. I'm concerned about my daughter and her mother. And I feel their pain. In someway it feels like I have lost a member of my extended family.

While Joni and I were still together she took me to see Dr. Chu. I have health issues of my own. He had me lie on his massage table and he rubbed my back. His examination complete, he suggested I talk to a tree and then come back. I knew what he meant. Go talk to a tree and get in touch with my inner self, and the world around me.

I never did go talk to a tree. When Sasha's grief begins to ebb, I will take her to talk to a tree. It will be our way of remembering Dr. Chu. I have the feeling that we will do a lot of tree talking. I am sorry that I didn't get to know Dr. Chu better. From everything I have heard and seen he was one of those people who have made the world a better place to live.

It’s that time of the year! We’re gonna play, “It is a wonderful life!!”

The game is is played just like happened to George Bailey of Bedford Falls. Only instead of what would be the world be like if you hadn’t been born, it is what would your life had been if you had made a different choice along your journey.

OK, I’ll go first. My life changed in the spring of ’65 when I wore sandals to high school. I was a junior at Las Lomas High School in Walnut Creek, California. Although Walnut Creek to Berkeley is now rated by Goggle as a mere 15 miles apart, at that time it was a million. Walnut Creek was still in the ’50.

From sandals my life quickly went down a path to hanging out in Berkeley, being kicked out of Las Lomas, and of course there were some sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll! Self-discipline left me. I used to think of being a writer or an attorney. And then I was working in a gas station.

It has been an adventure. Maybe I would not have been happy as an attorney. But then telling lawyer jokes for a living probably would have been a great compromise!

There are changes in our society given birth to in the ‘60’s. And then there is also the pain for families and individuals. There are those like myself, who were invincible, and if anything happened there was always penicillin, which could cure any and every thing. Still as the result of a little exploration ended up chronically ill.

Tough choice, and no angel along for the ride!

A season for all!

Lately when anyone says merry Christmas to me, I reply in a friendly way with a smile, what about Chanukah? Have gotten only smiles in return! Try it!

The meaning of Thanksgiving

The meaning of Thanksgiving for about the past 35 years is it is the holiday where heads, hippies etc., started to make peace with their parents and the family's traditions.