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A special offering from Stacie

2010-02-22T21:55:00Z

Bid on a Custom Cartoon Illustration of You

Bidding Begins at $50.00

All proceeds will be donated in their entirety to help my friend and recovering Marrow Transplant Patient Roger Contreras.

If you've been wanting to commission a custom, flirty, "Cartoon You" illustration, here is a great opportunity to order one and help someone in need at the same time. Pricing for custom illustrations normally begin at $250. This week I will be offering a single illustration* in an auction to help my friend Roger. Bidding will begin at $50 and last until noon (PST) Friday, Feb. 26th, 2010.

I will update the most current bid as quickly as possible here in this blog post.

CLICK HERE to PLACE YOUR BID and to view the Terms and Conditions

*The llustration includes a $250, head to toe, empty handed version (like the first one in the image above) of a custom cartoon similar to those seen on the GIRLgoesGEEK.com website that can be used for many purposes including on a business card/letterhead design or as an online web/blog/social media site avatar of yourself.

If you would like the cartoon to be holding any item(s) additional fees will apply. Those fees will also be donated to Roger Contreras.

Even after receiving chemo and losing his hair Roger was always smiling. With his sister/marrow donor after his transplant Roger was still smiling. As the year progressed and the complications set in and his recovery was set back further and further the pictures he posted contained fewer and fewer smiles. I'm just hoping this fundraising effort will help to put a little smile back on his face.

Roger, a plumber by trade, has been unable to work ever since receiving his marrow transplant in March of 2009. This means he has been unable to earn any income for over a year as his illness (Myelodysplasia, the same blood cancer my cousin Tami also suffered from) had incapacitated him for much of 2008. Most patients who receive transplants cannot work for at least one year. Roger has had numerous post transplant complications that look as if they will keep him out of the work force even longer. You can just imagine how difficult it must be to be stressed over finances while trying to recover from a major medical procedure. This auction was the only idea I could come up with to help Roger. Please know your bid will be going to help a very deserving individual.

A BBQ Benefit is being held in Houston, TX to help pay for Roger's final round of cancer treatment

Date & Time: Saturday, March 6th at 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Where: Vara's Sport's Bar
2727 North Freeway
Houston, TX 77009-3808
(North between Calvalcade & Patton)

To see more details and RSVP on Facebook just click on the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=321461981031&mid=1eccd70G2ca7cf47G9dbb3efG7

March 6th BBQ Benefit

2010-02-22T21:13:00Z

Good afternoon,

My name is Roger Contreras, I have been battling cancer and its effects for almost two years. Thanks to the kindness of my sister I received her bone marrow via transplant on March 24^th of last year. I am in the final stages of my treatment which include another bone marrow biopsy, exams and vaccinations.

I am hosting a BBQ Benefit on the 6^th of March starting at 1pm and going til dusk. It will be held at

Vara's Sports Bar

2727 North Freeway

Houston, TX 77009-3808

(713) 863-1220

Please email with questions. Some have asked about Paypal. I do have an account and donations can be made by going to their website www.Paypal.com and follows the send money link. My email is txplumber@gmail.com

Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope you share it. You can follow my story on my website at www.IHaveMDS.com click on the journal link read more about the effects of MDS.

Tomorrow

2010-02-02T02:39:00Z

I should be at the hospital all day tomorrow. Happy, happy, joy, joy. Am hoping for good news.

Thanks for the comments and suggestions for my daughters birthday. I am not particularly fond of the idea of Chippendales or others places that have men in thongs. So the planning continues.

I robbed my daughter

2010-02-01T03:40:00Z

As the first month of this new year draws to a close, I can't help but wonder how my life had been if 2009 were different. The last two springs I have been hospitalized or under a doctors care. Last year my baby girl turned into a woman right before my eyes. She turned 21, we did not celebrate in Las Vegas like she had planned. Instead she stayed by my bedside while I lost my hair due to the effects of chemotherapy. I could not leave the floor of my hospital room to buy a gift or share a special meal. Cancer may have affected me physically but it took an emotional toll on all members of my family. Who wants to spend their 21st birthday in a hospital. I robbed my daughter of this special celebration.

This April I hope to be released from medical care. I can than begin to move forward and repay all those that have done so much for me. I can not turn back time but I hope to have a birthday party for my daughter. Something along the lines of 21+1 she has been through so much that it hurts. I have caused her such pain that no child should have to endure. Her birthday is in mid April. I do not have a clue as to what I am going to do, I just know it has to be special. I again am asking for help, if you have ideas on how we can celebrate this special event please leave me a comment or text me at (786) 281-8316. I need all the help I can get.

As for my health, I go to see my doctor this Tuesday for a check-up. I still have good days and bad. The cold bothers me now than it did prior to the transplant but I can bear it. I think my hair is receding and the acne from the steroids is still present. My weight has not changed much. The love I have for my daughter has not wavered, but grown stronger. Realizing how important each day we have together is. I hope to see you at her birthday party this spring.

Blood & Bone Marrow Drive Today @ Gabby's on 610 and Telphone

2009-10-24T14:45:00Z

Just a reminder. Today is the blood & marrow drive @ Gabbys on Telephone & 610. Call with questions. Hope to see you there. (786) 281-8316. 11-3:30 pm.

What a year this has brought

2009-10-23T18:28:00Z

About this time last year doctors were not sure what to do with me. I was a medical mystery. I had a disease that is rare and the the only chance of survival was a bone marow transplant. As you know by reading my ramblings over the months that it has been a long and bumpy road. A doctor did not expect me to make it to my last birthday. I received over 200 units of blood in a ten month period. Sunday I should have another birthday. I have not had a blood transfusion in over 6 months. My sister saved my life with her stem cells.

Seven months after transplant I am running into a few complications. I am staying at my parents home because I am at the hospital so much. My father takes me to and from my appointments without complaint. My mother is seeing to it that I have a nourishing and complete meal so that my diabetes can be controlled. They are handling the burden of caring for a 40 year old son back at home pretty well. The diabetes is a direct result of the steroids I am taking. These are needed to combat an infection in my liver. I just had a upper GI biopsy performed Wednesday. The doctor just called and I am negative for Graft Versus Host Disease. This is a very good sign. I am consuming about fourty pills and taking 5 insulin injections daily until my liver is taken care of. At times my ankles are the size of my knees and still suffer from cramps. All in all it is not a bad deal, I am being treating at perhaps one of the best cancer hospitals in the world.

I am grateful to so many for so much. This has not only been a venue for me to seek solace but it has been followed by others that have similar problems, hopefully they were able to use some information or find comfort in knowing that they are not alone. As I grow older I want to be younger, but this year is different. It took a lot of work to turn 42 and I am proud to be here..

**********************************************
It has been almost 18 months since I was diagnosed with MDS. I received over 200 units of blood in a ten month period. Without blood donors I would not be here today. My birthday is October 25, 2009. I am holding the blood drive the day before I am to turn 42. My goal is to raise 42 units of blood. I need volunteers to come out and donate, the process takes about 15 minutes and at the same time you can have your cheek swabbed for a possible bone marrow match. I have since developed Diabetes and am not in the best of health. This event is important to me to keep the blood and marrow donations coming in.I hope to have a table with some literature set up inside where I can meet the many people I have come into contact with over this time.

I have found new email, Facebook, and Twitter friends that have followed on my journey at www.IHaveMDS.com . The website is growing and I need to expand it to put more information out there. We will be selling bracelets to help raise funds to offset some of these costs.Please help me, help others. October 24, 2009 at 11 a.m. We will be hosting our first Blood & Bone Marrow Drive. It will be held at Gabby's 4659 Telephone Road, Houston, Texas. The Gulf Coast Blood Center will be taking donations until 3:30 we would like donors to sign up as soon as possible.
You can sign up by contacting Roger at (786) 281-8316 or

A quote for you to carry

2009-10-06T23:47:00Z

It has been a long week and it is only Tuesday. So far things are going as expected with the exception of minor bruising from the insulin injections. I am still at my parents home and trying to fit in with out being a burden. My brother brought me the latest Dan Brown novel, it is a tough read. Each page has so much information that taking it all in makes for slow page turning.

Saturday kicked things off with the bike ride. Please take a moment to read their stories here.

In their goodie bag was a book simply titled "hero", I just read it and a quote with so much truth and so few words hit home. I would like to share it with you, I am putting it at the end of this message so that you can print it and keep it with you. You know who you are.

Some people strenghten our society just by being the kind of people they are. - John Gardner

Lone Star Circle of Life Bike Tour set out today

2009-10-03T18:28:00Z

It was an honoring and humbly event this cloudy morning. Twelve bikers riding for twelve honorees. I was chosen as one. The stories heard in the room before the send off were heart wrenching. The committment and dedication that these bikers bring is uplifting. I wish them a safe and blessed trip. Read more about my rider on the front page of the website.

I am back at my parents house so that I could take my morning medications as well as insulin injection. I held off before hand because I know the effects. My weight is increasing as fast as the bump on my body grow. I feel like the elephant man, but rather than try to fight it I am conceding with the experts and let nature and it's medicine run its course. So, when you see me I do not need to hear about my pimply face. I had high school for that. The Texans host the Oakland Raiders in the morning and I hope to be there. My cousins have been tailgating in the orange lot and are not gettting a team together. You can find them on Facebook by searching "Grilling Gaters" or try this link http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=10306&post=38241&uid=142501542411#/group.php?gid=142501542411 last week they let me man the bar and sell some of the "Cancer Sucks" Bracelets we had made. It was a huge help in this weeks medical costs. I have more bands & T-shirts and hope to see you there. If I am not able to physically walk that well or the pain is too much, my daughter will be there. Thank you Tailgaters for thinking of me when we all need to be thinking how we are going to stop the run over our defense.

We are also picking the winners of each weeks teams on the group page "Grillin Gaters" it is being hosted by Yahoo and here is some information.

You have been invited to join us in Yahoo! Sports Pro Football Pick'em.

In order to join the group, just go to Pro Football Pick'em, and click the "Join Group" button. From there, enter the following information...

Group ID#: 71062
Password: texans

The more the merrier, please pass this along.

A mothers love

2009-10-02T02:03:00Z

It's rare when one is given the opportunity to correct past mistakes, or should I say second chances. I have been released from the hospital after undergoing a transjugular liver biopsy. They went into my neck while I was awake but the area was semi sedated. They go through or by the heart to your liver where they take out a piece of your liver two centimeters by 21 gauge long. It was sent to be analyzed.

While that happened I was also checked for diabetes, which came back positive. Normal blood sugar should be in the 100 range, I am in the 280. The medical team agree that it is being brought on by the steroids I am taking. There is alot to read about diabetes and it is a common disease but this is the first time my doctor has used the word "fatal" so many times in a visit. My body is not like any other. I am susceptible to everything. My mother and father again have embraced me and are willing to care for me. When I was released from my original admission I pushed them away. This time it is too important, I need to eat, right and regularly. I must be at numerous doctor visits, I am not pushing back this time. I am too weak and need the help. It has been over a year since this began and my funding has expired. I have an appointment on the 6th seeking assistance, until than I am selling books on eBay (books that I have bought, not checked out) and pawning tools at the shop.

I am doing my homework on diabetes but this is what I know so far. Mitz, this is what I was trying to say but I was half coherent.

I need to inect myself with insulin twice daily. When I do this my blood sugar level goes down. It goes down because the insulin helps the sugar get into the body's cells, where it belongs, instead of staying in the blood. Once inside the cells, the sugar provides energy to the body. To make it easier I am taking my insulin with a pen. It has a short fine needle on the end, you turn a dial to the prescribed dose and press a plunger to inject the insulin. These are convenient because they are disposable, discreet, and easy to carry. This was the best choice for me.

There are some side effects of the insulin. Redness, swelling, or itching at the site of the injection (this is happening already). Low blood sugar if you take too much insulin, don't eat enough, or are more active than usual. When the blood sugar gets too low I can feel weak, tired, hungry, dizzy or shaky. If this happens I should eat or drink something high in sugar. Such as four ounces fruit juice, or regular soda pop. They also have glucose tablets. Mints seems to be the item of choice since they can be chewn quickly.

This all a whole new world to me and puts me on the road of another challenge.

Today was my visit with my head doctor, results of biopsy are back. I have acute graft versus host disease. This could be fatal with the other news. My medicines have increased and the collection of pills I take continues to grow. Without insurance life can be a nightmare. The lint in my wallet is so lonely it has left. Bank cards are turning a shiny negative red as I type. But, I have two good and clear library cards. I am a proud holder of both a county and city library card. They will be used to check out books and use their computer (once this laptop finds itself at Northside Pawn Shop).

So until I get to another computer I want to say thank you for all the prayers and words of support that I have recieved. The battle against cancer is being won, but I am now being attacked by infection inside my liver.

Sarah Palin has scribed her memoirs. I am not sure how the reading will be but I like the cover. It sits atop the best sellers list and has not hit the shelves. I have it on reserve at the library.

The blog hit a new high

2009-09-28T16:44:00Z

I just saw that Friday we had 224 new visitors. Thank you for subscribing and spreading the word out. It's good to know that somewhere we may be helping somewhere. Whether it is with new information or consulation. Please continue your support and comments coming in, it is comforting in these tough times. Cin, I thank you for writing, I always look forward to your gems.

Last post before I go to my parents and wait for the call that my bed is ready.

2009-09-28T04:07:13Z

I have been to the lowest lows. Let pride dictate outcomes of situations that were stupid. Tonight, I am scared. I typed this last night. O a, picking up today at my parents home while I await the call from MD Anderson.

Lone Star Circle of Life Bike Tour

Local Events: Houston

Day 1:

Saturday, October 3, 2009
Houston Kick Off Event

The Lone Star Circle of Life team will kick off the 2009 tour in Houston on Saturday, October 3. The local event will be held at the new LifeGift facility at 2510 Westridge, Houston, 77054. The team will arrive at LifeGift at 8:30 a.m. to meet their honorees and tell about why they are riding in the 2009 Lone Star Circle of Life Bike Tour, then the riders will introduce the person they are honoring. Following the reception, the team will leave for College Station, officially kicking off the 2009 tour.

Information about blood, tissue and organ donation will be available on-site and a drive for the National Marrow Donor Program Registry will be held. More information about the event will be posted as it becomes available.

Event Coordinator

For more information, contact:

Anne Marie Cervenka
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center
1400 La Concha Lane
Houston, TX 77054
Phone: 713-791-6697

Day Riders

Denise Van Kuiken – “I am fortunate to work for LifeGift. Every day in my work I see incredible people, who, in their time of grief can still think of others and say “YES” to organ and tissue donation. I ride in honor of them and the people they have saved!”

Kimberly Davis – “As a Managing Director at LifeGift, I've worked to further organ and tissue donation in southeast Texas for the past 20 years. I so enjoyed the two times I've ridden before and I'd be very proud to do so again.”

Beatrice Hodgson – “I want to ride to raise awareness on organ and tissue donation.”

Steve Marucci – “I’m involved with Organ and Tissue donation on a daily basis. I lead teams in the recovery of organs and tissues for transplantation in addition to educating the public on the uses and needs for donation.”

Jessica Leibold - Jessica rides because she believes in organ and tissue donation as a gift.

Ken Cole - Ken rides to support donation.

Basil Housewright – The tour title honoree, Brian Brasseaux, was a friend and his family continue to be my family’s friends. His widow Christine is a running coach of our local marathon training group. Her strength to persevere inspire us all. I am a cancer survivor, diagnosed with non-hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1999. I run marathons and have completed four MS-150 rides. I love riding and am honored to be a day rider with the team.

Roger Contreras – Blood and Marrow Recipient
At age 40, Roger Contreras couldn’t have felt in better condition. He was working as a plumbing superintendent taking on projects left and right. One day as he took a “break” from work to finish up tasks around the yard, he felt something that would forever change his life. He was taking out the trash, when his knees buckled, he began breathing hard and feeling dizzy.

After several tests, doctors informed Roger that everything he was experiencing was being caused by a disease known as Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a disease in which the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells. The diagnosis devastated Roger and his family as they knew the journey to finding a cure that would require a bone marrow transplant, would be a long one.

As Roger underwent numerous chemotherapy treatments and received more than 200 units of blood, he began journaling his experience and using social media networks in hopes that someone would listen. His blog, www.ihavemds.com, has received attention from several potential donors and even other patients hoping to find their life-saving match.

While he finally won his battle and received his bone marrow transplant in March of 2009, he continues spreading the word to be able to save others battles in the future.

This should be pretty interesting and all are invited to come out.

Making plans for a return admission to MD Anderson

2009-09-24T23:34:00Z

The doctors office called and set me up for an admission today. Since I am a stem cell transplant recipient, I need to be seen on that unit. This unit handles all transplants, chemo and post procedures. It is limited on space and there is not room at the inn for me today. They could get me in sometime tomorrow but the procedure is only done during the week so I would be in limbo until Monday. They rescheduled so that I am on call as of nine am on Monday.

My doctor is concerned about my liver and has scheduled a biopsy. Sugar levels have increased to diabetic levels and that will be checked as well. Chances are the steroids are raising those levels. The unspoken scare is the threat of graft versus host disease, this is worse case scenario. Just when you think you are out "they pull you back in."

It has now been six months since my transplant so if there are going to be complications this is when they appear. Hopefully it is all the work of an overactive imagination and lack of a good nights sleep, but I have to wonder. Ponder really, what have I done with those 180 days, half of which were spent in the hospital or daily outpatient visits.

It seems as though I have just been existing. I can not work and take daily naps, I have given up hope on a social life because my personal life is in such disarray. The drugs have played some effect mentally, but now I have noticed physical signs. The color of my skin has darkened without being in the sun. I have a mild case of acne that I have not seen since I wore parachute pants with a Members Only jacket.

There are days when I am driving and wearing boots that I feel I should be on a jobsite, producing. This cancer, this nightmare has turned me into a medication nightmare. New ones are added while some are put on hold, but I keep following orders to the disagreement of my insides. My family continues to support me even though I keep them at a distance.

Next month I have a birthday. The day before I will be hosting a blood drive at the Gabby's on Telephone Road. I am asking for donors to take time out to come and donate, it will give me the opportunity to see some old friends and family that I have missed over the months. Please take the time to sign up.

My daugher is developing into a young woman with a life of her own. The struggle to help her while my hands are tied tug at my heart. She should not have to worry about me. I should be able to support her, neither of which are happening as planned. The roller coaster ride that has become my life is no longer filled with peaks, it is as if each valley is followed by one that plunges me even deeper. With no end in site, it continues to taunt me with good days. Making me believe I am normal. On days my outward appearance is such, but it may be due to the pain killers and anxiety meds.

As I sit here and look towards my future the season premiere of "Greys Anatomy" is airing. I would change the channel or better yet, throw the remote at the screen. I don't have the fight to do either. There has been enough medical drama in my life to last several lifetimes and I do not need to see more on television. They are broaching the subject of organ donorship, this has been asked of me but I do not know if there will be anything of value when this ride ends.

Rick Perry & Rudy Guilliani on television together?

2009-09-16T15:43:00Z

They share a stage on the local news, he is opposing Kay Bailey Hutchinsonson for Texxas Governor. I am clueless on the topic of government but I do know what George Lopez told me about Hutchinson, she voted against the seating of Supreme Court nominee Sotomayor and that she does not deserve the hispanic support. If it is good enough for George its good by me.

I am out of bed and in in a recliner at 10:00 am. I had a few hours sleep but night mares kept me restless through the night. I have had these before but this is the first time I can feel myself dreaming and force myself to wake up to make it stop. This will be my first full day on the new meds, my hope is that I can get through a book "Roadside Crosses" by Jefferey Deaver without too much excitement to my insides.

This book is fairly new I met the author when he was in Houston at Murder by the Book. Its protagonist is driven by remarks he has read on a local blog. He was the driver in a fatal car accident where two female passengers did not survive and he did. Some believe has has gotten away with murder because he survived but he was not under the influence and it was a dangerous California road. His community keeps the story alive on a blog that drives him over the edge. I am a few chapters in and am already hooked.

It feels good to open this laptop and see that I have new comments and feedback. The sun is still too strong for me to stay out too long so I spend many hours inside and on this laptop. Your prayers and well wishes are much appreciated.

Two four letter words a transplant patient does not want to hear

2009-09-16T05:48:00Z

GVHD and iron. The first is an abbreviation for graft versus host disease, this is when the stem cell from a donor resist the host and an infection takes place. It can happen anywhere, anytime, for any reason. With transfusions come added iron. My body is making it's own blood, but my liver is suffering. The doctor is not sure which of the two maybe causing it. I am starting a regimen of steroids and holding off on some of the previous medications. I am scheduled for another visit next week. A liver biopsy is also being scheduled.

Next week will make it six months to the day since I received the stem cells of my sister. The first five months and three weeks went according to plan. Somewhere along the way something went wrong and it was detected today. My sleep only comes with sedatives, the pains of my body can only be eased by a plethora of medications. But I still felt I was well, I was out of the woods. I was no longer a cancer patient. I believed myself a survivor. Today I was sucker punched in the gut. Literally, now to see what is going wrong. I am fortunate enough to still be under the care of my doctor at MD Anderson. I am still again a patient.

I stopped writing and worse, reading about this disease because I thought I beat it. The fight is not over we are only entering into the next round.

Me and my little one

2009-09-02T14:50:00Z

There was a time when my daughters problems could be washed away with a bowl of ice cream. I would like to think that I was always there for her, years later I realize that that was a pipe dream. She could not be protected from everything at times she got hurt, and like a piece of me I feel that pain. This time around is especially painful because my hands are tied.

My sleep patterns have ceased to exist. I took 6 Ambien CR to get me through the night so that I might wake up at 10 a.m. so that I may begin to get my days and nights together. I need to get back out there, earn a living. Empty pockets are no ones friends. My goal for today is to make it until nightfall without the need for a nap. Maybe two jogs around the neighborhood.

Baby Steps

a black knhight

2009-09-02T07:00:00Z

It has been many weeks since my last post. I think I may have lost more than blood in those chemotreatment. Im comfined to the wals of this room. Prolonged exsposusure to the sun effect me. Interaction with others has been nil. I Just rescheduled another doctor visit.

So, all I can do now is keep my nose clean and hopr ai can help my daughter. I have evn bee called anti-social. If I ever needed help, it is now when i am am mental lowesest

Today is Tuesday

2009-08-12T01:05:30Z

Five in the evening and I am barely waking up. Yesterday I was up at 10 in the morning and had breakfast with my sister and her kids woth des at IHOP. I hate paying for breakfast at a restaurant, the eggs I cook are better, the sausage has more flavor and you are not hungry when you leave the table. Next time I will have to cook at my sisters. I left IHOP hungry, had to stop at Wendy's on the way back home. That was a good thing, I had some appetitite. I made it back to Casa del Mar(diaga) and had pent up energy. I started the lawn mower annd cut about a third of the back yard before I started wearing down.

That lawn mower is what started this whole thing. One day I was done with work early and came to help my cousin around the house and I felt so weak. I was being punched in the stomach

It has been a while since I have updated my blog

2009-08-10T17:40:00Z

When applying for credit once the finance guy asked me what I spend my money on, I said drinkin', gamblin', and women the rest I just waste. That seemed like yesterday, maybe because it was. Drinkin - juice with EXJADE (this is to reduce the iron in my system caused by multiple tranfusions) Gambling to win a whopping $9.00 and greeting and treating every women I meet as the gift she is.

My condition had greatly improved, hair on my head is beginning to come in, this time next week willl be time for a fade cut. I think I have the sleeping pattern down, I just take all my meds at night with a sleeping pill and hope the good Lord wakes me should I have to go to the facilities. So far there have been minimal accidents.

I do not want to nap during the day, I would rather try & read. I had a bite to eat and a drink with my daughter whom is now happily back at work.

This is all to have to say right now, just wanted to keep you posted

New York Times censors a letter to President Obama

2009-08-10T16:00:00Z

Open Letter to President Obama (sent to New York Times)You are the thirteenth President under whom I have lived and unlike any of the others, you truly scare me.

You scare me because after months of exposure, I know nothing about you.

You scare me because I do not know how you paid for your expensive Ivy League education and your upscale lifestyle and housing with no visible signs of support.

You scare me because you did not spend the formative years of youth growing up in America, and culturally you are not an American.

You scare me because you have never run a company or met a payroll.

You scare me because you have never had military experience, thus don't understand it at its core.

You scare me because you lack humility and 'class', always blaming others.

You scare me because for over half your life you have aligned yourself with radical extremists who hate America and you refuse to publicly denounce these radicals who wish to see America fail.

You scare me because you are a cheerleader for the 'blame America' crowd and deliver this message abroad.

You scare me because you want to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector.

You scare me because you want to replace our health care system with a government controlled one.

You scare me because you prefer 'wind mills' to responsibly capitalizing on our own vast oil, coal and shale reserves.

You scare me because you want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world.

You scare me because you have begun to use 'extortion' tactics against certain banks and corporations.

You scare me because your own political party shrinks from challenging you on your wild and irresponsible spending proposals.

You scare me because you will not openly listen to or even consider opposing points of view from intelligent people.

You scare me because you falsely believe that you are both omnipotent and omniscient.

You scare me because the media gives you a free pass on everything you do.

You scare me because you demonize and want to silence the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Relllys and Becks who offer opposing, conservative points of view.

You scare me because you prefer controlling over governing.

Finally, you scare me because if you serve a second term I will probably not feel safe in writing a similar letter in 8 years.

Lou Pritchett

No phone

2009-08-02T02:34:00Z

The inability to maintain some type of routine sleep pattern has proved fruitless. Will try heavy caffienated drinks in am. with meds. If I can not stay awake during the day, there is no way I can work during the day. The doctor said 8 more months, but the lack of a job is driving me into a form of darkness only comforted by sleep. May be time to see the shrinks and have my head examined.

I have lost my phone since Wednesday, so I have not purposely been avoiding anyone. I do not plan on replacing it, no good came of it. You can always reach me by email at txplumber@gmail.com

Saturday night at 9:40 p.m. think I will take my night medicenes and call it a day.