Lots to be grateful for...
I survived the IBM layoffs last week, which is truly a blessing. As much as I might sometimes bitch about my job, and there are definitely parts I don't like (being away from Jeanie so much being first and foremost), I can't imagine trying to find another job. And it's not just the economy right now... I can't imaging what else I could do. At least, I can't imagine anything that is realistic at my age. Not that I'm that old, but old enough that commercial pilot, astronaut, doctor or dentist aren't viable options any more.
Speaking of doctors, I got a "thumbs up" (sorry, I couldn't resist the pun) from my surgeon today. The MRI showed no recurrence of the schwannoma. The soreness that I sometimes feel in the second and third joints of my left index finger he attributed to mild tendinitis, and the discomfort that I sometimes feel in the back of my hand is apparently due to a small cyst - most likely from an old injury to my wrist. He said that the tendinitis could be treated with a cortisone shot, and any good hand surgeon could remove the cyst laparoscopically. Since neither issue is anything more than an occasional minor annoyance, I think I'll just let sleeping dogs lie. The other minor symptoms (some numbness in my palm, occasional minor muscle spasm / tremor at the base of the thumb, etc.) are apparently damage from the original biopsy. While I guess it is possible that I would have experienced these symptoms even if I had the tumor removed originally by Dr. Spinner, I still feel like I would have been much better off had I never had let the hand surgeon touch me. Oh well, such is life. In the greater scheme of things, relative to what might have been, I am incredibly fortunate. So, I'm done with the schwannoma thing until five years from now when I'll get another MRI just to double check...
Before I leave the subject of medical stuff, I must once again comment on what a fantastic experience I have had with the Mayo Clinic. The level of customer service is an order of magnitude beyond what I have experienced from any other medical provider. And it is not only the skill of the medical professionals - it is the entire experience. As an example, each floor of their parking deck is color coded to help you remember where you parked. And, as if that's not enough, right above the button at each elevator is a holder with color coded slips that say "you have parked in the (name of deck) parking deck on level (level number that you are actually on)" So, all you have to remember is to grab a slip and then remember where you put it! I also once again marveled at the fact that they had free wireless Internet access deployed throughout all of their buildings - waiting rooms, lobbies, cafeteria, etc. - and at how clean and organized everything was. And, waiting for hours and hours after your appointment time, even though you showed up early? Not at Mayo - at least not once in my experience over three different visits!
Since I was in the neighborhood, I treated myself to the St. Louis style ribs at Famous Dave's. Once again, they were delicious, although I wasn't blown away by the beans or cole slaw. The ribs were fall-off-the-bone tender with just the right amount of smokiness which was nicely complimented by the addition of a bit of their "sweet and zesty" BBQ sauce. Speaking of being blown away by the beans and cole slaw, while passing through the Memphis airport on Sunday on my way to Dallas, I had the pleasure of dining at Jim Neely's Interstate Barbecue. Not only were the beans possibly the most amazing I've ever had (just the right mix of sweet and BBQ with lots of shredded meat), the ribs and chopped pork were great also. The ribs and pork had a nice smoky character, and the sauce was a unique pungent tomato based affair.
Speaking of traveling, I'm back on the road working a new deal. I am not the lead, and it is requiring some adjustments on my part. It is an unusual engagement - sort of two deals in one. I was supposed to lead one part, and the guy that worked with me on the last deal was supposed to lead the other, but for a variety of reasons, he's leading both, and I'm helping on both. It is strange because it appears that I will have no direct customer contact on this engagement, which is unfortunate because that's the part I most enjoy, and what I feel I am best at. But, as I said earlier, I am grateful just to have a job, much less one that pays well and offers generous benefits.
Still speaking of traveling, I spent the last two nights in two different ExtendedStayHotels brand properties. Last night was an Extended Stay America, and tonight is a Homestead Studio Suites. Both were at least $20 less expensive than a Marriott or Hilton brand property. While definitely "no frills," both were clean and reasonably comfortable. While the full kitchens weren't a big deal for single night stays, for a longer stay, especially if with someone else, having a kitchen would further enhance the economy relative to a more "full service" property. The Extended Stay America was pure no frills - no lobby, and the desk was only staffed during the day. The Homestead was still pretty no frills - desk staffed only during the day - but it did have a "pantry" where you could purchase beverages and frozen food items on an honor system.
Well, still speaking of traveling, since I have to wake up to head back to Dallas in three and a half hours, I guess I should try to get a bit of sleep...
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Posted by David at April 01, 2009 11:52 PM | Categorized under: A day in the life