The Gods Told Me It Was Time To Turn Off The TV When?

Hello Fellow Travelers!

I knew it was time to fulfill one promise I made to myself, to stop watching television, instead of picking a date the TV gods spoke to me when the following ad came on our screen in high definition:  Have you ever had robot surgery?  Robot surgery?  We have robots that perform surgeries on people?  And the people opted for these surgeries?  Why?  How did the pitch get sold to the patient?  "Well, Mr. Brown, this next part is pretty simple, too simple for me so a robot will be doing it."  And Mr. Brown said, "That sounds great, Doc, where do I sign?"  I'm pretty desperate for an answer but even I don't want robots performing surgery on me or on anyone for that matter.

Robots performing surgery?  We're running low on doctors?  Now we're reduced to robots?  Really?  Robots?  What about surgical procedures performed by robots in outer space?  That would make a little more sense.  Of course, if you need surgery that badly maybe you shouldn't be in outer space.  I didn't believe it was real so I looked it up.  Not only was it real but a particular robot company had a huge settlement assigned to it and of course a local law firm looking for anyone who had a robot surgery to collect a settlement for.  I'm not entirely sure if I was stupid enough to opt for surgery performed by a robot and allege said robot "botched" the procedure, I'd want it publicized.  Even for the quickest of bucks.  I'd imagine I would want to keep that decision on the down low.  Robot Surgery? No thanks!  Maybe it's one of those lawsuits where you can be dead and someone related to you collects.  Wait, someone had to convince someone else that robot surgery was a good idea. Whomever did the convincing, or was convinced to have robots perform surgery is pretty stupid.

And that's what made me turn off the TV.  I'm not healed but I can read.  So The Housewives from
everywhere, Jodi Arias, SNL, all the HBO shows and Showtime programs will have to go on without me.  I'll still follow The Giants/Kings/9ers, of course, sports are what high def was made for.  But any programming that trolls for potential customers between shows isn't programming for me anyway.  So I've always been more of a reader.

If You're the Happiest Tree in the Forest Does Anyone Hear You When You Fall Over?

Hello Fellow Travelers!

I don't think I have conveyed to you how great I feel since the tumor was removed in 2011.   I feel amazing! I am silent and have no idea how I'll ever walk again, but it's only temporary!  I'm feeling great!  Better than I have felt in years!  I have been forced to be quiet and I take time to listen to everything.  Being a reasonably intelligent person I know the value of a last chance, but it's still a test of courage.  I thought the surgeries would fix the irritating inability to walk or speak. but they didn't repair anything as near as I can tell.    So it's been a tricky recovery and I don't know precisely what to do next.   Finding out what to do will probably require a lot of courage, it's the finding that is going to be the challenge.

After the evil tumor was removed I discovered my good old self.  I always woke up excited to see what the the day would bring.   I feel that way now although I'm also aware of every day bringing us all one step closer to the grave.  No kidding.  Therefore, for years  I haven't given a hoot about lots of personal entanglements that are of concern to others and used to matter to me. I see everything and everyone a little differently.  I can't stand cursing or arguing.  Either one makes me cry.  I don't worry about anything.  I notice everything.

My full sense of humor is back, as well as my keen awareness of the  ridiculous situation I find myself in.  I am constantly attacked and challenged by the most ordinary of circumstances.  Tomorrow I see the neurosurgeon to get the staples clipped at which time I will inquire "Dude,   WTF?"  Something along those lines.  But "WTF?" is what I'll mean and though I don't expect him to have an answer you never know.

If the good Dr. has nothing new to suggest, I will forge ahead until I am satisfied I have turned over every rock in that great quarry of medical knowledge.  And believe me feeling great despite relatively disastrous symptoms.is a gift - no matter where it comes from.