Personal

Fri - January 2, 2009

Summary of Sept 2008 cancer news

I posted this originally on the Facebook group "Pray for Mr. Hodel," which was started by one of the high school students in my youth group class. I must confess that the events of this month have put me back into working on the discipline of thankfulness and a positive outlook. With 3-5 coughing fits per day, each of which leaves me physically exhausted, it's quite a challenge!

[For those who want the short story of what to pray for, go to the last paragraph of this note.]

Posted at 02:28 AM Read More | |

Tue - November 18, 2008

Good news ... at last!

It would be premature to say "cure" or "cancer free", but this news is almost as good.

Posted at 05:09 PM Read More | |

Sat - October 18, 2008

An awkward anniversary: 8 months since the tumor was discovered

Somehow the day nearly slipped by before I realized that 8 months ago was February 18.

Posted at 11:55 PM Read More | |

Tue - October 7, 2008

Rhoades on the road

One of my former students is in England doing out reach - read his blog to see what's up!

Posted at 07:39 AM Read More | |

Wed - August 27, 2008

In praise of good medical personnel

I just got home after a month of radiation treatment at UAB's Wallace Tumor Center. It's hard to put the experience into words. Short summary: I am impressed with everyone I've met who is involved in oncology - whether chemotherapy or radiation - at UAB Hospital and Kirklin Clinic. I am also pleased to know that the local oncologists who treated me last spring have strong ties to the UAB group.

I am also grateful to the American Cancer Society for their sponsorship of Hope Lodge, which provides a free place to stay while getting long term care in Birmingham. "Camp Cancer," as I came to call Hope Lodge, is a place of encouragement and hope in spite of the fact that at least half of the people who live there are being treated for cancer.

Read on:

Posted at 08:01 PM Read More | |

Sun - July 20, 2008

And now my hair is falling out again.

It looks so silly I couldn't resist the before and after pictures. Take a look:

Posted at 11:33 AM Read More | |

Mon - June 23, 2008

How am I doing now? (Ok, this article is not quite THAT self serving ...)

I didn't notice that my June 18 post "I'm cranky ... sorry! " was written on the 5 month anniversary of my original diagnosis (X-ray) that I had a tumor in my chest. I've been thinking about my attitude and asking myself "what makes me react this way?" Those of you who speak with chronically ill people may (or may not) want to consider my answers.

Posted at 07:52 AM Read More | |

Thu - June 19, 2008

I'm cranky ... sorry!

Many people have complimented me on my "positive attitude." Maybe it's the pain, maybe the pain-killers, but for whatever reason I'm not nearly as generous with my reactions during the last few days.

Posted at 07:34 AM Read More | |

Sat - June 14, 2008

Thank you! (and an announcement from Sock Puppet)

A video greeting from me and an announcement by Sock Puppet Theologian.

Posted at 03:15 PM Read More | |

Fri - May 9, 2008

Adapting to working at home.

Due to cancer, I've moved my computer setup to home.

Advantage: I have only 3 pets, and they interrupt me far less often than students and colleagues at work. I can focus when I need to.

Disadvantage: if you have a cat, this photo needs no explanation:

Posted at 05:01 PM Read More | |

Sat - April 26, 2008

Lose your shoes ... What is it?

One of my readers asked me "I'm sorry but... huh? I'm majorly missing something, but I love loosing shoes. What is this about?"

Posted at 02:43 PM Read More | |

Mon - April 21, 2008

Memories of my freshman year in college

Genesis in concert. The squonk is a sad little creature, resembling a large squirrel, who is convinced that he is horrifically ugly. He cannot bear the shame of being seen by another, but this does not keep an intrepid hunter from trying to capture him ...

Posted at 09:42 AM Read More | |

Sun - April 6, 2008

Cancer update through pictures: April 5 2008

I'm entering that phase of treatment where the primary challenge is being stir-crazy. Recovery is likely, but it's going to take awhile. I take laps around the living room (I can do two before I have to rest). So, for your entertainment, but more for mine, here's a few more pictures of the adventure.

Posted at 09:50 PM Read More | |

Wed - April 2, 2008

Cancer update through pictures

One of my readers asked to see a picture of me with chemotherapy induced hair loss. Here's a photo history of the year. Enjoy.

Posted at 04:45 PM Read More | |

Sun - March 16, 2008

Being a shut-in: what do you do with your time?

If I had a normal job, I could go to work. However, with flu everywhere, with a weakened immune system, and with both my job and my volunteer work involving teaching lots of students, I don't have that option.

Staying at home 24 hours a day, all the time, is BORING!

Posted at 05:39 PM Read More | |

Thu - March 13, 2008

Chemotherapy: Treatment 1

My uncle sent me a "Leroy must die" T-shirt. I could think of no better way to dress for my first chemotherapy session ...

Posted at 05:15 PM Read More | |

Tue - March 11, 2008

Where is Wierstrass when you need him?

Update March 12 in the morning: I think I let my fears carry me away. More in the body of the note.

When I was in graduate school I took a course in real analysis, textbook by Bartle. As a class we laughed at a statement that "Wierstrass shocked the mathematical community with a function that was continuous everywhere, but differentiable nowhere." My mathematically inclined colleagues will understand what that means.

Unfortunately, it also describes my tumor. ...

Posted at 07:18 AM Read More | |

Mon - March 10, 2008

Not a song I want to sing just now ...

Posted at 07:19 PM Read More | |

Thu - March 6, 2008

A little perspective: looking outside my living room

As I've written in other recent entries, a couple of weeks ago I was diagnosed with a tumor, likely cancer, likely easily treatable, but the biopsy pathologies just aren't giving the results we need. I lost my composure a few days ago and began to weep about my situation. Then, starting last night, the news began to pour in. I needed to start thinking of others. ...

Posted at 11:26 AM Read More | |

Mon - January 28, 2008

This blog has become boring.

Please be patient. I've been sick.

Posted at 07:19 PM Read More | |

Tue - January 1, 2008

My nephew made a couple of short cartoons.

Posted at 03:21 PM Read More | |

Fri - December 28, 2007

The year in photos

Posted at 05:54 PM Read More | |

Wed - December 26, 2007

My latest foray into puppetry

I made this for my nephew Gabriel. 4.7 MB quicktime. Enjoy. Please don't comment on the moving lips, I'm doing the best that I can.

The sock, I think, sings with better pitch than I do. :-)

Posted at 04:45 PM Read More | |

Tue - December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas!

To those with friends
To those without
To those in shelter
To those in need
To those who see
To those who need to

May Christ live in your hearts and minds this season.

Posted at 12:33 PM Read More | |

Wed - November 21, 2007

Another homage to Muppet Christmas Carol

This is one of our favorite songs. I even wrote an arrangement of it for piano/violin to play with friends.

Posted at 11:02 AM Read More | |

Christmas - our way

Sadly, this DVD doesn't seem so easy to find any more...
The Muppet Christmas Carol!

Posted at 10:57 AM Read More | |

Sat - June 23, 2007

Returned from Youth Camp

I've been out for the past several days while chaperoning youth camp. I've posted photos on Facebook .

Posted at 03:25 PM Read More | |

Fri - June 15, 2007

More pictures from my trip to Spain

Sent from a friend's camera

Posted at 08:05 PM Read More | |

Sun - June 10, 2007

Images of my trip to Spain

I went to the 2007 International Symposium on Industrial Electronics at Vigo Spain, for which I served as a co-track chair for the controls track. I stayed at the Hotel Mexico on Vial Del Norte, near the coast (about 1 km walk down hill). Hotel Mexico has free Wi-Fi on-site and the room includes a good breakfast in the restaurant downstairs (eggs, bread, cereal, milk, coffee, fruit, yogurt, toast). It's listed as a 3-star hotel, but I was very pleased with my stay there.

Posted at 06:58 AM Read More | |

Sun - May 20, 2007

How to prevent muscle cramps

Ow! I had a super-duper cramp in my calf this morning, one of the worst in awhile.

Posted at 12:43 PM Read More | |

Mon - February 12, 2007

A conversation with Dish Network

Posted at 06:06 PM Read More | |

Wii!

Posted at 05:58 PM Read More | |

Tue - December 12, 2006

Simple pleasures of life

Once you've tried this, you'll understand why I say there is no pizza in Alabama.

Posted at 10:27 PM Read More | |

Thu - December 7, 2006

Burnin' the chickens in the barnyard!

Video of a KC-135 jet; link sent to me by Patrick, who promises he wasn't involved in this particular flight.

Posted at 07:32 AM Read More | |

Sat - November 4, 2006

Kayla's Halloween costumes

Posted at 09:07 PM Read More | |

Sat - October 21, 2006

Life with a 3 year old

Conversation between me and my nephew Gabriel on May 26, 2004. 12 megabytes quicktime movie.

Posted at 11:33 PM Read More | |

Tue - September 19, 2006

Grief remembered ...

Posted at 10:32 PM Read More | |

Mon - August 14, 2006

A sampling of photos from our trip to S Africa

Posted at 05:02 PM Read More | |

Sat - August 12, 2006

Tagged!

Book reading lists are making their way across the internet.

Kim Shay was tagged by her husband. Kim tagged Katy Sammon, who tagged Marty Duren, who tagged Art Rogers, who tagged Kevin Bussey, who tagged Bob Cleveland, who tagged me.

So here's my list.

Posted at 02:28 PM Read More | |

Tue - July 25, 2006

Back from S. Africa

My son and I returned. It's 3 pm but I feel like it's 10pm.

Posted at 03:05 PM Read More | |

Thu - July 13, 2006

A young mother discovers insanity is hereditary

you get it from your children.

I received these emails from a relative this week. I'm posting them with her permission. Enjoy. Names changed

Posted at 08:22 PM Read More | |

Wed - July 12, 2006

Trip to S. Africa

Posted at 08:14 AM Read More | |

Mon - July 3, 2006

My nephew's visit - photos

The kid is wearing me out!
Updated July 3 (larger images)

Posted at 03:13 PM Read More | |

Fri - June 30, 2006

4 years ago today...

a star in my night sky went out.

Posted at 07:52 AM Read More | |

Tue - June 27, 2006

The experiment continues: taking my own advice and eliminating activities

The experiment started a week or so ago. I haven't yet found what I started out looking for, but I have found a few moments of brutal reality.

Posted at 06:11 AM Read More | |

Sat - June 24, 2006

Back to the comfy chair

Posted at 03:14 PM Read More | |

Thu - June 22, 2006

Support Auburn Youth for Christ

Posted at 08:51 PM Read More | |

Sat - June 17, 2006

Google ads. Hmph.

iBlog (my blogging program) lets you link to google ads from your web page. Each time I've tried it here I've been disappointed.

Posted at 12:49 AM Read More | |

Wed - June 14, 2006

Our last, best hope for television

It's been off the air for 8 years, but we still love it.

Most of us.

Posted at 12:26 AM Read More | |

Sat - June 10, 2006

Ultimate Frisbee

Posted at 10:45 PM Read More | |

Thu - June 8, 2006

From a pilot friend of mine

locations and company names changed

Posted at 05:58 AM Read More | |

Tue - May 9, 2006

Remembering my brother

I did a web search for his name, and his impact on science remains.

Posted at 07:28 PM Read More | |

Tue - April 4, 2006

Little school wins big in basketball

From earlier this year. My two nieces.

Posted at 08:03 PM Read More | |

Mon - April 3, 2006

1995 - were my kids ever this small?

And was I really that thin?
Pictures sent to me by my friend Thad.

Posted at 07:30 AM Read More | |

Sun - April 2, 2006

Blog clearing house

I've got about 30 items in my "put this in the blog" mail folder that I've neglected. I'll add a few each day until they're done. This is the last of three I'll put up today. This was sent to me by a retiree in my Sunday school class.

Posted at 04:07 PM Read More | |

Wed - March 29, 2006

1995: My kids were smaller then.

So was I. 8.6 MB mpeg movie

Posted at 08:27 AM Read More | |

Sun - March 26, 2006

My dog is missing

I last saw her on Thursday, running away after she dug under my fence.

I'd hurt my back so I couldn't chase her. I'm checking at the humane society and we've put up "lost dog" signs around the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, her collar was missing (she'd had a bath and it didn't get put back on yet).

Posted at 08:50 PM Read More | |

Mon - March 13, 2006

Three years ago

These are pictures of my late little brother: researcher, friend, and just a little bit naughty.

Posted at 08:52 AM Read More | |

Sun - March 5, 2006

The backyard fence: completed at last

Now what shall I do with my "whole-body" workout machines?

Posted at 03:04 PM Read More | |

Fri - January 27, 2006

Exercise and diet.

Posted at 07:30 PM Read More | |

Tue - January 24, 2006

Old blog archive cleared out

I posted several blog entries today that I've had in storage and just forgot to put them up. Enjoy.

Posted at 09:58 PM Read More | |

Thu - December 29, 2005

Blog housecleaning

I've deleted a number of older blog entries that, on review, are really not worth reading.

Like this one.

Posted at 02:58 AM Read More | |

Sat - December 24, 2005

Picture for today

An oldy but a goody.

Posted at 10:37 AM Read More | |

Thu - December 22, 2005

A Christmas gift?

Link sent to me by my daughter. Very nice.

Posted at 12:09 PM Read More | |

Tue - December 20, 2005

TAGGED! 5 Weird habits.

Mark (passively) tagged me. Here goes.

Posted at 05:49 PM Read More | |

Tue - December 13, 2005

Picture for today

Taken in Griffin Ga. at a soccer tournament. I was struck by the view and had to record it.
Happy birthday, you-know-who!

Posted at 08:02 AM Read More | |

Fri - December 9, 2005

Picture for today

Navy Pier in Chicago, from the top of the Ferris wheel.

Posted at 07:31 AM Read More | |

Baby name popularity

Hat tip to Pastor Mark.

Posted at 03:49 AM Read More | |

Wed - December 7, 2005

My son's latest addiction: World of Warcraft

Posted at 08:55 AM Read More | |

Fri - December 2, 2005

The new iMac is in!

Posted at 07:05 AM Read More | |

Thu - December 1, 2005

Video of Mom (From 1996)

We just got a new 8mm camcorder at the time ... (about 4 megabytes of quicktime movie)
Remembered 3 years later