Guest guest Posted May 17, 2008 Report Share Posted May 17, 2008 Ken, Well, I think it's because it comes right up to the threshold definition of " gallows humor " , often seen in stressful circumstances. You know, the old saying: " you can either laugh or cry " ....well both of which are great stress relievers. Women tend toward the crying...men tend toward the humor... Maybe will put up some more humor for you... Take CAre, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2008 Report Share Posted May 17, 2008 Good point, Ken. I called mine "train wrecks", and I got to do it 3 times, and joked about it. When I saw the size of my anterior scar I said it wasn't fair to go through all that and not get a baby out of it. We joke and laugh because it helps us deal with stress and fear. Crying may help too, but mostly after you're on the "other side". Sharon Ken Leonard wrote: Cam, I couldn't help laughing when I read your message... and yet... what's funny about it? LOL! Ken. ----- Original Message ---- From: cammaltby <cammaltby > Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 1:36:53 PM Subject: [ ] Re: Ken Ken, Yeah, just wait until you wake up from the surgery and realize you signed up to be run over by a big truck, and then backed up on and run over again, by said same truck...and you ELECTED to do it. That will surely be another one of those times that you will say to yourself "Oh....someone in the group mentioned this was how I was going to feel...."... OUCH! Wishing you a restful week. Take Care, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2008 Report Share Posted May 17, 2008 Okay, Ken, you (err, Cam) asked fer it!!! ===== Horror Movie Survival Guide A few Internet acquaintances have provided the following survival guide for the characters in horror films. It especially applies to B-movie horror films. Enjoy the list. ---------- When it appears that you have killed the monster, *never* check to see if it's really dead. If you find that your house is built upon or near a cemetery, that was once a church that was used for black masses, had inhabitants who went mad or committed suicide or died in some horrible fashion, or had inhabitants who performed necrophilia or satanic practices, move away immediately. Never read a book of demon summoning aloud, even as a joke. Do not search the basement, especially if the power has just gone out. If your children speak to you in Latin or any other language which they should not know, or if they speak to you using a voice which is other than their own, shoot them immediately. It will save you a lot of grief in the long run. NOTE: It will probably take several rounds to kill them, so be prepared. When you have the benefit of numbers, *never* pair off or go it alone. As a general rule, don't solve puzzles that open portals to Hell. Never stand in, on, above, below, beside, or anywhere near a grave, tomb, crypt, mausoleum, or other house of the dead. If you're searching for something which caused a noise and find out that it's just the cat, leave the room immediately if you value your life.* If appliances start operating by themselves, move out. Do not take *anything* from the dead. If you find a town which looks deserted, it's probably for a reason. Take the hint and stay away. Don't fool with recombinant DNA technology unless you're sure you know what you are doing. If you're running from the monster, expect to trip or fall down at least twice, more if you are of the female persuasion. Also note that, despite the fact that you are running and the monster is merely shambling along, it's still moving fast enough to catch up with you. If your companions suddenly begin to exhibit uncharacteristic behavior such as hissing, fascination for blood, glowing eyes, foaming at the mouth, increasing hairiness, and so on, get away from them as fast as possible. Stay away from certain geographical locations, some of which are listed here: Amityville, Elm Street, Transylvania, Nilbog (God help you if you recognize this one), the Bermuda Triangle, or any small town in Maine. If your car runs out of gas at night, do not go to the nearby deserted-looking house to phone for help. Likewise, if your car has broken down, and the only refuge for miles is that creepy old mansion / castle on the hill, stay in the car. Beware of strangers bearing tools such as chainsaws, staple guns, hedge trimmers, electric carving knives, combines, lawnmowers, butane torches, soldering irons, band saws, or any device made from deceased companions. Listen closely to the soundtrack; and pay attention to the audience, since they are usually far more intelligent than you could ever hope to be. Never listen to any music that contains staccato shrieking violins. If you are a woman, never strip and take a shower in slow motion. Do not keep all your sharpened kitchen knifes in one of those wooden block thingies on your work surface. Look at the film credits and paycheck for the other cast members, the higher the paycheck and/or the greater the number of films the more likely that cast member to survive. Therefore stay with them. The first woman to either lose or remove her clothing is dead meat. (This is similar to the war movie rule about the guy with the picture of his fiance.) The guy with the testosterone overdose is usually dead meat. If any of your companions (male and female) have elevators that don't reach the top floor, stay away from them. They are dead meat. When you're searching a house because you think there's something dangerous there, for God's sake turn the bloody lights on! Never back out of one room into another without looking. It's always behind you. Never walk down a hallway lined with slightly open doors. If your friend gets nailed by the killer, don't just stand around and scream over your loss; run away. Never, ever, ever turn off the paved road onto a gravel or dirt road. Always make sure that your car has a fresh battery so it will start immediately in times of crisis. Never say that you'll be right back because you won't. You're going to be mad at this one but do as you're parents asked and stay a virgin. Have sex and you die, it's the sin element in it. If you happen to be in a grave yard, abandoned house, or any other spooky place and a black cat comes out of no where acting overly friendly, kill the little bastard. As for the demonic children, this could take a while. Beware of talking or overly life-like toys and/or dolls. You saw what happened with Chuckie. Don't mess around with dead flesh to create a monster of sorts. If you succeed it will ultimately turn on you and kill you. If you are a well-endowed female, you'll be the first one to die, especially if you take you're clothes off. ===== > > Ken, > > Well, I think it's because it comes right up to the threshold > definition of " gallows humor " , often seen in stressful circumstances. > You know, the old saying: " you can either laugh or cry " ....well both > of which are great stress relievers. Women tend toward the crying...men > tend toward the humor... > > Maybe will put up some more humor for you... > > Take CAre, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 17, 2008 Report Share Posted May 17, 2008 Very cute, . I must take exception to the following, however: 1. I grew up in a very small town in Maine. (All towns there are either small or very small, including what are dubiously termed "cities", with the possible exception of Portland.) We even had our share of persons named "King" in town, but abandoned houses were nice places to gather lilacs, and no-one EVER burned the school down by looking at it or rose from the grave. 2. Staccato violins are incapable of shrieking. Techniques more likely to evoke a horror movie would be glissandos and tremolos. :^) Sharon Blackledge wrote: Okay, Ken, you (err, Cam) asked fer it!!! ===== Horror Movie Survival Guide A few Internet acquaintances have provided the following survival guide for the characters in horror films. It especially applies to B-movie horror films. Enjoy the list. ---------- When it appears that you have killed the monster, *never* check to see if it's really dead. If you find that your house is built upon or near a cemetery, that was once a church that was used for black masses, had inhabitants who went mad or committed suicide or died in some horrible fashion, or had inhabitants who performed necrophilia or satanic practices, move away immediately. Never read a book of demon summoning aloud, even as a joke. Do not search the basement, especially if the power has just gone out. If your children speak to you in Latin or any other language which they should not know, or if they speak to you using a voice which is other than their own, shoot them immediately. It will save you a lot of grief in the long run. NOTE: It will probably take several rounds to kill them, so be prepared. When you have the benefit of numbers, *never* pair off or go it alone. As a general rule, don't solve puzzles that open portals to Hell. Never stand in, on, above, below, beside, or anywhere near a grave, tomb, crypt, mausoleum, or other house of the dead. If you're searching for something which caused a noise and find out that it's just the cat, leave the room immediately if you value your life.* If appliances start operating by themselves, move out. Do not take *anything* from the dead. If you find a town which looks deserted, it's probably for a reason. Take the hint and stay away. Don't fool with recombinant DNA technology unless you're sure you know what you are doing. If you're running from the monster, expect to trip or fall down at least twice, more if you are of the female persuasion. Also note that, despite the fact that you are running and the monster is merely shambling along, it's still moving fast enough to catch up with you. If your companions suddenly begin to exhibit uncharacteristic behavior such as hissing, fascination for blood, glowing eyes, foaming at the mouth, increasing hairiness, and so on, get away from them as fast as possible. Stay away from certain geographical locations, some of which are listed here: Amityville, Elm Street, Transylvania, Nilbog (God help you if you recognize this one), the Bermuda Triangle, or any small town in Maine. If your car runs out of gas at night, do not go to the nearby deserted-looking house to phone for help. Likewise, if your car has broken down, and the only refuge for miles is that creepy old mansion / castle on the hill, stay in the car. Beware of strangers bearing tools such as chainsaws, staple guns, hedge trimmers, electric carving knives, combines, lawnmowers, butane torches, soldering irons, band saws, or any device made from deceased companions. Listen closely to the soundtrack; and pay attention to the audience, since they are usually far more intelligent than you could ever hope to be. Never listen to any music that contains staccato shrieking violins. If you are a woman, never strip and take a shower in slow motion. Do not keep all your sharpened kitchen knifes in one of those wooden block thingies on your work surface. Look at the film credits and paycheck for the other cast members, the higher the paycheck and/or the greater the number of films the more likely that cast member to survive. Therefore stay with them. The first woman to either lose or remove her clothing is dead meat. (This is similar to the war movie rule about the guy with the picture of his fiance.) The guy with the testosterone overdose is usually dead meat. If any of your companions (male and female) have elevators that don't reach the top floor, stay away from them. They are dead meat. When you're searching a house because you think there's something dangerous there, for God's sake turn the bloody lights on! Never back out of one room into another without looking. It's always behind you. Never walk down a hallway lined with slightly open doors. If your friend gets nailed by the killer, don't just stand around and scream over your loss; run away. Never, ever, ever turn off the paved road onto a gravel or dirt road. Always make sure that your car has a fresh battery so it will start immediately in times of crisis. Never say that you'll be right back because you won't. You're going to be mad at this one but do as you're parents asked and stay a virgin. Have sex and you die, it's the sin element in it. If you happen to be in a grave yard, abandoned house, or any other spooky place and a black cat comes out of no where acting overly friendly, kill the little bastard. As for the demonic children, this could take a while. Beware of talking or overly life-like toys and/or dolls. You saw what happened with Chuckie. Don't mess around with dead flesh to create a monster of sorts. If you succeed it will ultimately turn on you and kill you. If you are a well-endowed female, you'll be the first one to die, especially if you take you're clothes off. ===== > > Ken, > > Well, I think it's because it comes right up to the threshold > definition of "gallows humor", often seen in stressful circumstances. > You know, the old saying: "you can either laugh or cry" ....well both > of which are great stress relievers. Women tend toward the crying...men > tend toward the humor... > > Maybe will put up some more humor for you... > > Take CAre, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2008 Report Share Posted May 18, 2008 Hi ette, Very well put!! Thank you!! Ken. [ ] Ken Hi Ken,I just wanted to make sure I wished you God speed on your up and coming surgery. I know the week before is outrageously busy and emotionally trying. Just remember, why you are doing it and keep repeating those reasons to yourself and your wife. A good trick to ease the children is a picture of yourself taped to the inside of the lid of their lunch box and another one beside the bed. My son, chatted to me the whole time I was away and I didn't even have to respond LOL! Seriously, it helps the kids with the jitters..having the picture. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2008 Report Share Posted May 18, 2008 Cam, I loved your description (of the car) - I've long been referring to it as.. Signing up to be ran over by a Mac Truck!! Or.. I have to go be broken so I can be fixed!! As for humor, I could use more of it... although lately it doesn't take much for the laughter to lead to tears... Sorry , blew your manly image of me!! lol.... Ken. [ ] Re: Ken Ken,Well, I think it's because it comes right up to the threshold definition of "gallows humor", often seen in stressful circumstances. You know, the old saying: "you can either laugh or cry" ....well both of which are great stress relievers. Women tend toward the crying...men tend toward the humor...Maybe will put up some more humor for you...Take CAre, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2008 Report Share Posted May 18, 2008 Hi Sharon! Long time no talk... how's the furry friends? Train wrecks is quite a visual... My tears have mostly been for what my wife & kids are about to go through.. that and the usual stuff.... I remember the story in the Bible about Jesus praying for "this cup to pass" (referring to His trip to the Cross)... I am not comparing it to this, but I know the feeling described.... Ken. [ ] Re: Ken Ken,Yeah, just wait until you wake up from the surgery and realize you signed up to be run over by a big truck, and then backed up on and run over again, by said same truck...and you ELECTED to do it. That will surely be another one of those times that you will say to yourself "Oh....someone in the group mentioned this was how I was going to feel...."... OUCH!Wishing you a restful week.Take Care, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2008 Report Share Posted May 18, 2008 LOL!!! , I'm guilty of the (it was just the *CAT* scenario)!! Thanks for the laugh!! Ken. [ ] Re: Ken Okay, Ken, you (err, Cam) asked fer it!!!=====Horror Movie Survival GuideA few Internet acquaintances have provided the following survivalguide for the characters in horror films. It especially applies toB-movie horror films. Enjoy the list.----------When it appears that you have killed the monster, *never* check to seeif it's really dead.If you find that your house is built upon or near a cemetery, that wasonce a church that was used for black masses, had inhabitants who wentmad or committed suicide or died in some horrible fashion, or hadinhabitants who performed necrophilia or satanic practices, move awayimmediately.Never read a book of demon summoning aloud, even as a joke.Do not search the basement, especially if the power has just gone out.If your children speak to you in Latin or any other language whichthey should not know, or if they speak to you using a voice which isother than their own, shoot them immediately. It will save you a lotof grief in the long run. NOTE: It will probably take several roundsto kill them, so be prepared.When you have the benefit of numbers, *never* pair off or go it alone.As a general rule, don't solve puzzles that open portals to Hell.Never stand in, on, above, below, beside, or anywhere near a grave,tomb, crypt, mausoleum, or other house of the dead.If you're searching for something which caused a noise and find outthat it's just the cat, leave the room immediately if you value yourlife.*If appliances start operating by themselves, move out.Do not take *anything* from the dead.If you find a town which looks deserted, it's probably for a reason.Take the hint and stay away.Don't fool with recombinant DNA technology unless you're sure you knowwhat you are doing.If you're running from the monster, expect to trip or fall down atleast twice, more if you are of the female persuasion.Also note that, despite the fact that you are running and the monsteris merely shambling along, it's still moving fast enough to catch upwith you.If your companions suddenly begin to exhibit uncharacteristic behaviorsuch as hissing, fascination for blood, glowing eyes, foaming at themouth, increasing hairiness, and so on, get away from them as fast aspossible.Stay away from certain geographical locations, some of which arelisted here: Amityville, Elm Street, Transylvania, Nilbog (God helpyou if you recognize this one), the Bermuda Triangle, or any smalltown in Maine.If your car runs out of gas at night, do not go to the nearbydeserted-looking house to phone for help. Likewise, if your car hasbroken down, and the only refuge for miles is that creepy old mansion/ castle on the hill, stay in the car.Beware of strangers bearing tools such as chainsaws, staple guns,hedge trimmers, electric carving knives, combines, lawnmowers, butanetorches, soldering irons, band saws, or any device made from deceasedcompanions.Listen closely to the soundtrack; and pay attention to the audience,since they are usually far more intelligent than you could ever hopeto be.Never listen to any music that contains staccato shrieking violins.If you are a woman, never strip and take a shower in slow motion.Do not keep all your sharpened kitchen knifes in one of those woodenblock thingies on your work surface.Look at the film credits and paycheck for the other cast members, thehigher the paycheck and/or the greater the number of films the morelikely that cast member to survive. Therefore stay with them.The first woman to either lose or remove her clothing is dead meat.(This is similar to the war movie rule about the guy with the pictureof his fiance.)The guy with the testosterone overdose is usually dead meat.If any of your companions (male and female) have elevators that don'treach the top floor, stay away from them. They are dead meat.When you're searching a house because you think there's somethingdangerous there, for God's sake turn the bloody lights on!Never back out of one room into another without looking. It's alwaysbehind you.Never walk down a hallway lined with slightly open doors.If your friend gets nailed by the killer, don't just stand around andscream over your loss; run away.Never, ever, ever turn off the paved road onto a gravel or dirt road.Always make sure that your car has a fresh battery so it will startimmediately in times of crisis.Never say that you'll be right back because you won't.You're going to be mad at this one but do as you're parents asked andstay a virgin. Have sex and you die, it's the sin element in it.If you happen to be in a grave yard, abandoned house, or any otherspooky place and a black cat comes out of no where acting overlyfriendly, kill the little bastard. As for the demonic children, thiscould take a while.Beware of talking or overly life-like toys and/or dolls. You saw whathappened with Chuckie.Don't mess around with dead flesh to create a monster of sorts. If yousucceed it will ultimately turn on you and kill you.If you are a well-endowed female, you'll be the first one to die,especially if you take you're clothes off.=====>> Ken,> > Well, I think it's because it comes right up to the threshold > definition of "gallows humor", often seen in stressful circumstances. > You know, the old saying: "you can either laugh or cry" ....well both > of which are great stress relievers. Women tend toward the crying...men > tend toward the humor...> > Maybe will put up some more humor for you...> > Take CAre, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2008 Report Share Posted May 18, 2008 Hi Bonnie, Thanks for the kind words... which promted a Big Hug from my wife (after she read it)!! Looking forward to "the healing part".... Ken. [ ] Re: Ken Hi Ken Just want to add my good wishes to everyone else's. Once the surgery is over, you will have such a wonderful feeling of relief at not having to deal with the decision making process and preparations any longer. It's a drag and you're over that. On to the next step, the healing part. As for this surgery being elective, remember, this is a good thing you are doing for yourself, and for your family. Bonnie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2008 Report Share Posted May 18, 2008 Hi, Ken I know just what you mean. This business of going through this deliberately is very hard. When I went through my first surgery at 13, my dad said he wished he could go through it for me. He had said the same to my half-sister Patty a few years earlier. Then when I was 15 (and he was 47) he went and got his own Harrington rods. The day before the surgery he reminded me of what he had said, and he said, "I take it back!" In some ways it was easier not having made the decision myself, the first time around. Wow, you're sensitive to your wife and kids. My husband was so sensitive, when he'd talk about how hard it was on him, I'm afraid I wasn't very sympathetic! You have one up on me. :^) Hang in there. There IS life after revision. Sharon PS: The critter-kids are doing fine, thanks! Ken Leonard wrote: Hi Sharon! Long time no talk... how's the furry friends? Train wrecks is quite a visual... My tears have mostly been for what my wife & kids are about to go through.. that and the usual stuff.... I remember the story in the Bible about Jesus praying for "this cup to pass" (referring to His trip to the Cross)... I am not comparing it to this, but I know the feeling described.... Ken. ----- Original Message ---- From: Sharon Green <sharon.green18verizon (DOT) net> Sent: Saturday, May 17, 2008 10:41:13 AM Subject: Re: [ ] Re: Ken Good point, Ken. I called mine "train wrecks", and I got to do it 3 times, and joked about it. When I saw the size of my anterior scar I said it wasn't fair to go through all that and not get a baby out of it. We joke and laugh because it helps us deal with stress and fear. Crying may help too, but mostly after you're on the "other side". Sharon Ken Leonard wrote: Cam, I couldn't help laughing when I read your message... and yet... what's funny about it? LOL! Ken. ----- Original Message ---- From: cammaltby <cammaltby (DOT) com> Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 1:36:53 PM Subject: [ ] Re: Ken Ken, Yeah, just wait until you wake up from the surgery and realize you signed up to be run over by a big truck, and then backed up on and run over again, by said same truck...and you ELECTED to do it. That will surely be another one of those times that you will say to yourself "Oh....someone in the group mentioned this was how I was going to feel...."... OUCH! Wishing you a restful week. Take Care, Cam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2008 Report Share Posted May 18, 2008 Yes ! Quality of life...... As a good friend said, Now I have degenerative pain - post op I will have healing pain.... (Quality of life....Quality of life....... ) Ken. [ ] Ken> > > Hi Ken,> I just wanted to make sure I wished you God speed on your up and coming > surgery. I know the week before is outrageously busy and emotionally > trying. Just remember, why you are doing it and keep repeating those > reasons to yourself and your wife. A good trick to ease the children is > a picture of yourself taped to the inside of the lid of their lunch box > and another one beside the bed. My son, chatted to me the whole time I > was away and I didn't even have to respond LOL! Seriously, it helps the > kids with the jitters..having the picture. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2008 Report Share Posted May 18, 2008 Ken and , That's exactly what it is...healing pain, and I thank God every day that I had the revision surgery 5 weeks ago, and that I now have the healing pain and not the degenerative pain that I lived with until I couldn't do it any more. I am very, very glad that I am this far into my recovery from the surgery, but I want to encourage you both that I have a whole different outlook on my future. Yes, you sure do feel like you've been run over by a truck a few times after surgery, but even that was worth it for me. I think I am having a very successful recovery, at this point, but I will really know when I go for my first check up with Dr. Bridwell on June 2nd. I'm anxious and nervous for this visit....I'm sure that's normal. I just wanted you tell you, as a newly revised person, that it was so worth it for me, and I hope and pray that it is the same for you! > > > > Hi , > > You hit it on the nail... Busy & Emotionally trying... one of the > hard things for those new to this is getting your brain around the > fact that this is elective surgery - no one is forcing you to do it, > it isn't life or death if you don't... so timing is absolutley > personal and the risks must be calculated.. . > > I have come to terms that this is the right time/dr/etc and my > family supports me! Thanks for writing , it helps! > > I will try those tips for the kids! > > One of my biggest challenges is letting go (being out of > control?)... and allowing everyone to be there for me - I always take > care of them! ARGH! lol... > >  > > Thanks again! Ken. > > > > > > > > [ ] Ken > > > > > > Hi Ken, > > I just wanted to make sure I wished you God speed on your up and > coming > > surgery. I know the week before is outrageously busy and > emotionally > > trying. Just remember, why you are doing it and keep repeating > those > > reasons to yourself and your wife. A good trick to ease the > children is > > a picture of yourself taped to the inside of the lid of their lunch > box > > and another one beside the bed. My son, chatted to me the whole > time I > > was away and I didn't even have to respond LOL! Seriously, it helps > the > > kids with the jitters..having the picture. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 31, 2008 Report Share Posted May 31, 2008 Hi Nan~ Thank you for posting the update on Ken! I am happy to hear that he is passed the surgery...closing the chapter of pain and worry and opening a new chapter of his life! I look forward to hearing more! Hope you have a wonderful night! SuzieQ From: Nan <dams4all@...>Subject: [ ] Ken Date: Thursday, May 29, 2008, 8:54 PM Hi allI just heard from Christy, Ken's wife, who reported that Ken just got out of surgery and is fine. Dr. Pashman did the surgery in eight hours. According to Christy, he shouldn't have to have a second surgery unless there are balance issues that come up. He will have his breathing tube removed tomorrow morning. The doctor removed all of his rods, and did not have to do a rib removal. Christy said that he did 3 osteotomies, but she did not know at what level they were. That is all I have for now. Christy did not know if Cedars Sinai has an email card system, but I can check tomorrow.That's all I have for now. Hope everyone is well.Nan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 23, 2008 Report Share Posted June 23, 2008 Hi C, Recovery is going pretty good.. (slow...) I mainly sit in my recliner, do my walks, naps, meals... wonder if I will get a phone call or a visitor.. lol (feels like practicing for old age!!!).. Ken. [ ] ken Hi Ken,I see you are posting more. How is the recovery process coming along? VC (valerie C) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 9, 2008 Report Share Posted September 9, 2008 Ken, how are you coming along with your healing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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