June 14, 2021

 What a difference a few weeks makes.  When I last posted, I was just getting back from Spring Break.  I was tan and happy.  I was contemplating ways to make extra money, leveraging small loans to invest in the market.  I was shopping for a Corvette.  

In May, Cyndi started to feel ill.  It started simple enough, she would be tired, have a low grade fever, or just a little achy.  We thought it might be a bug or maybe even a post-vaccination case of COVID.  But it just kept getting worse.  On May 21 we took her to the hospital and she as been there since.  She has been diagnosed with Acute Leukemia.

The first couple of days in the hospital were awful.  She was in excruciating pain with no way to get relief.  I tried to stay with her as much as possible, but I was little help.  I probably cried more in that week than I have in 40 years.  She started chemo a few days after her admission and now she has to deal with the daily pains of a steady poison diet.  

This has been a tough month so far, but people have been so generous and supportive.  Buying us meals or volunteering to hand out with our kids.  Visit Cyndi or even writing kind words of support.  It has all been appreciated.

The kids have been great.  They watch themselves every morning while I run up to the hospital to check-in and say hi.  They haven't griped or complained one time throughout the entire process.

A brief side note, the drive from my house to the hospital is 35 miles through cicada infested highways.  I have smashed more cicadas with the front of the van that I had imagined possible.  At times it sounds like popping popcorn in the microwave.  Pop... Pop... Pop Pop.

This is going to be a long haul.  We were told the course of her treatment will see her in and out of the hospital for the next year.  I will probably use this space to vent and address any updates that need to be made.  

- Eric

April Update

 I almost missed April entirely... 

So...here is the update.

1. My COVID body has not improved much.  I still weigh about 208, which is 16 pounds above my low last summer.  I have some work to do.  I always drop a few pounds over the summer, but I keep telling myself that I won't on my "winter coat".  Maybe this year... maybe.

2. I got ordained.  No real reason.  I saw it on-line, it was free, I filled out the form.  boom... Minister Stary.

3. I filed paperwork be a Notary.  No real reason.  I saw it on-line, it was 10 bucks.  boom... Notary Stary.

4. I got completed Mediation Training to be a Certified Mediator.  No real reason.  I saw it on-line, it was 250 bucks.  boom... Mediator Stary.  I then sat in on a real life divorce mediation and it was the best thing I have ever done professionally.  More on this in a second.

5. I went on family vacation to Florida, took my parents.  It was great.  I will do that again.  We are really looking forward to experiencing life again.  

6. I got vaccinated... Team Pfizer.

7. I continue my Law School studies, currently working through contracts case briefs.  The mediation thing has motivated me to spend the next few years doing this Law School thing and start a mediation practice.  I can technically mediate now, but the state of KY is going to change the rules so court appointed mediation can only be done by an attorney.  I will focus on the school part, and keep this in my back pocket.  This would be a great second career for me.  

8. I am still gainfully employed.  I hope to continue to be in the future.

9. Outside of that we are all right as rain.  Looking forward to the summer, and getting my summer dad bod back.

Thanks...

- Eric

March 8

 Howdy neighbors... here is your monthly update.

1. My financial competition between me, a professional, and AI is going exceedingly bad on all fronts.  All three accounts are negative.  Right now I am beating both the pro and AI but in each case we would be losing to a regular savings account.

2. My "winter body" is unfortunately in full effect.  I am going to have to really pick up the diet.  My exercise has been great, but I am just too care free when it comes to food.  I have to apply some additional discipline.  I am "starting" again... today... Let's see how long my will power holds out.

3. I am making a new investment this month, starting to make what I hope can one day be my full time job.  Investing in others dreams.  I will invest in small businesses and small ventures for a share of equity or a guaranteed return.  Sort of like Shark Tank but instead of millions, we are talking micro loans of hundreds or thousands.

4. Lastly... I am taking a mediation class at Chase Law this month.  Supplementing that with my courses at NWCU.  Should be a busy few weeks between now and spring break. 

- Eric