We've had enough of hospitals

Today I'm grateful for...
Knowing the difference between needs and wants
Best health care in the world
Supportive extended family
My Toyota Pruis

Lulu told me before I left the UCSF hospital that she feels as if she's spent more time in the hospital then at home lately. Between the Radiation, Chemotherapy, two surgeries, numerous test, trial drug treatment, and all the doctor consults; I think that she's right? I just smiled and gave her my best "I love you" look. I can say that I know that I'm tired of all the appointments, the drugs, and the wondering what's next. How couldn't Lulu be getting to the end of her patience with all that has come with the cancer? But you move forward looking and praying that tomorrow brings better news.

The logistics of the "weekend of antibiotics" was crazy to say the least. Lulu and I brain stormed on how to get Lulu back to Reno on Monday after she finishes the antibiotics? Together after looking for one way flights to Reno, we decided on asking my sister Lori, which was in Reno at our request to celebrate her 50th birthday (so much for that), to drive down to San Francisco with our Toyota minivan, and then I would turn around and drive her back up to Reno. Of course, this would mean she would be in the car for 8 or 9 hours, now that's brother-sisterly love. We left for the return drive for Reno sometime around 7 PM, and for a Saturday night, I'm not sure that there could be more traffic trying to get over the bridge? I was worried for Lulu, and didn't want to leave her there alone, but I knew that I planning on returning on Sunday to be with her. What could go wrong in one day?

My sister and I returned home to Reno around 12 midnight, after almost running out of gas on the way into town. After, dropping my sister off at the Sands hotel to her husband and friends, I zoomed home, because I was so excited to get to sleep so I could be awaken by the kids in the morning. Sunday didn't go as planned. I had planned on leaving the house by 9 AM to get back to Lulu, but unfortunately the doctors didn't get to Lulu until 11 AM, and Lulu had thought that she might be released today? By the time I found out that Lulu indeed had to say until Monday, it was too late in the day for me to drive the 4 plus hours and stay with my wife for the day, so I had the pleasure of spending the day with my beautiful children. I was feeling sad for Lulu, but excited to be there sharing the day with my kids.

On the personal side, I have been working hard on my fitness, diet, and attitude. This next Sunday I'm participating in my second triathlon of the year . This one will be taking place in Sacramento (the first one was in Tahoe), and I'm hoping that it will be better then the first one last month? (in my first one my bicycle chain broke halfway through the 22 mile biking portion of the race). It's hard to explain the enjoyment of swimming a half mile, riding a bicycle for 15 miles, and then run a 5K before your legs give out. I love training daily, weekly, and monthly for the big day. I look forward to the training as a way to both relieve my stress, but also to concentrate on something different then my wife's cancer. Whether I'm swimming in the pool, riding the mountains around Reno, or running through the woods I really have found something that I'm very motivated by. I don't think that I've ever worked as hard on my health and fitness as I have these last 3 months? I'm in the best shape of my life, and getting better. I really can't wait until I get to put all the training to the test this weekend. I'll keep you posted on this one!

I have a new book on my reading list, and have already downloaded it to the Kindle App on my iPhone. The title is "Leadership and Self Deception". I have ordered multiple copies so the team at the office can partake in the learning that is contained within this book. I have read this years ago, and took away some very helpful tools for improving myself, but I feel that there is more within these pages for me? To improve my being, to build better relationships around me, and to most importantly help me be a improved person. This is a short, wonderfully helpful book, and I really think a must read for all.