A Hallowed Good News

Here we go again.  Yes, it is another good news regurgitated.  Perhaps some blood and gore. Or a little trick and we kick off another episode of Good News with some bad news.  How about some drama.  This may get you a little depressed but there will be none of that crap.  This is Good News.  Drama free but maybe some blood, gore and regurgitation.  So take this.





Good News from way back in the week of 17 Oct 2015

• Melissa reports that Ethan took forth place in Feis (Irish Dance)  So awesome.  Proof positive that if you put forth the effort you will get the prize. (pun intended)
• Niny tells us that she made it through the 5 mile mark at the Tough Mudder.  That race is no joke.  I am sure mud is still being found weeks later.
• According to Josie that it has been 6 months since Max's bad diagnosis and he is still with us.  Way to go Max.  Forget what the diagnosis says.  That is what I always say.
• Donna is giving big props to the coaches that are getting her ready for the Philadelphia Marathon.  She completed her 15 mile run and walked another 2 miles the next day.  Evidently, her legs are still attached.  I start off by saying Go Team and then Go Donna.  You are doing great and I will be out there cheering you on.  Remember as one of Duff's Donnas we say "eff cancer."
• Danielle set a PR at Frank Loyd Wright race.  This time the time was recorded under her name where the previous PR was under a friends name.  Congratulations on the PR.  It seems like some sort of theme in today's good news.  Spooky, isn't it.
• Cindy celebrated her fathers 80th birthday with many of his friends and family.  One day I will be that young.  
• Stephanie logs in with an 8 mile run.  I need to get myself out there and put on some miles as well.  Good on ya.
• Space, the Psycho and I spent the weekend in NYC where we stayed a cute little B&B.  We toured around SOHO which included a personalized BirchBox and custom lipstick among other things.  All topped off with a visit to the Bronx Zoo and a little party at my sister's boyfriends place.  We had a cool yet exhausting weekend.

 What a great bunch of good news.  About that theme it seems best said that with hard work come the reward.  Keep up the hard work and the tiny victories.  I miss these little reminders and need to work harder at getting them republished.  Thanks everybody and Boo!

Finally: The Good News is Back for 2015

     You smell that?  It is the good news from all of you.  I know I kind of left this in limbo.  Starting with cutting the year short in November 2014.  Then kind of stumbling out of the blocks for 2015.  As most of you know I have been going through bouts of recovery this year.  I asked for some good news in Mid January and you guys did great with some gems from Danielle like :  "Almost all traces of Christmas have been packed away until next year - the exception would be the ridiculous amount of chocolate I received from my students...." Unfortunately, my recovery needed more recovery and I woke up about a week later with serious holes in my memory.  I actually, couldn't remember if the College National Championship had taken place and those days prior like even asking for good news were gone.  It is what is known as Milk of Amnesia that put me under just enough to keep me alive.
     I tried again and succeeded in February getting out some good news, just look.  But my body quit again and again I woke up in the middle of the night many days later not knowingTh what had happened.  Still this is a good news blog and I will summarize from then to now.  I woke up and the Doc asked if I knew what month it was.
Me: February!
Doc:  Sorry, it's March.  Then another episode later in March but we caught it quicker and I did not have be made unconscious.  To round it up, I asked for good news in April a couple of times and got another great turn out with a victory like Helen with re-installing Beta Mu with Mark Evaniak and Kip Nally.  It's good to see another Alpha Chi Sigma chapter back in the mix.
     So here it is, May.  I will not forget the previous sharing of tiny victories so I will bring them back as "Good News Classics" to intersperse with the current events of the time.  So here it is the Good News:

Good News for the week of 9 May 2015

• Josie says that Max is having a good day and went on a nice walk in the park with Dave. We are enjoying everyday we have with him.  Max is a good guy and I hope he has many more good days.
• Stephanie survived her comprehensive exams.  Congratulations.  Ah, grad school.  Sometimes, I wonder if I am glad I got out of academia or not.  Who am I kidding, no school for me.  
• I had a great walk with Space while The Psycho was at swim practice.  It was awesome just to get back to moving.  This is the start I need to get back to running.
• Good News Classic: Abbey in April came at us with "Hanging with my TNT teammates on our training weekend. It's raining so more bonding than training, but still a great time."  Go Team and training the rain is awesome.
• Danielle got a gift certificate for a manicure from a Teacher Appreciation Week raffle.  Oh a new set of hands to teach with.  
• Donna had a great mothers day with Kelly cooking for her and some much wanted music.  We got Space and her mother Chris out for some dinner.  Mother's day has always been a fine time to get the family together and have a good time.  Donna is also commenting about how good the weather has been and how perfect it is for getting out for a run for training or not.
• Maggie enjoyed a quiet Mother's day and even got a video call from the Son and Granddaughter.  It was good seeing the top of yours and dads head as well, mom.  

A nice set of tiny victories.  I know the world seems to be going down the tubes sometimes and there seems to so much drama surrounding us that we may tend to forget that there is actually good things happening to us everyday.  I certainly hope this keeps up and we and I will get the Good News blogging back into the shape it was last year. Though I have been lacking in my blogging, Space has been going at it with her Jen-illocity blog.  Check it out.  Till next time guys.

A Report of the Tiny Victories for the Second Half of September

Okay, okay.  So if you want to call what I did was serious slacking off, you can just look at the title of this blogpost.  I had this plan as of late last week to make the good news a giant blast of victories from the third half of September.  And some really bad stuff is happening. This thing has got really looking forward to my transplant in an isolation unit.  My heart and all those warm and fuzzy feelings go out to that dude and his family.  Having trouble with those still in those countries but that is another thing.  So much crappy things going on out there we need a giant blast of the good news.  So here I go with a deep breath...

Good News for the last half of September 2014

• Hannah had a department picnic.  I hope it was fun and without meteorological instability.
• Shana went running.  Awesome and given the date that was the Rock n Roll Phill Half.  I saw you there, I am sure of it.  Go Team.
• Harold bought boy scout.  Made from fresh Boy Scouts.  Those boy scouts make some delicious popcorn.
• Donna went and ran the RnR Philly marathon as well.  She seemed to be excited about finding see a friend there too.  She also got a bunch of fall/winter clothes for not too much and to top it off she seems to be taking control of her own life.  That is the way it should be.  Take control sister and when things feel like they are out of control take control for yourself.
• Danielle found out that presenting at middle school curriculum night isn't as scary as she thought it was and she got to see some of her students at Beach Sweep helping a good cause then hopefully had a restful afternoon ahead of the North Shore Century the next day.
• Maggie has everything ready for Chuck's trip to Belgium and the tablet tutorial was going well.  What I would give to have been a fly on that wall.
• Melissa reports that after 18 years Pete has learned out her mind works and can follow her train of thought.  A warning for Pete.  This doesn't mean you know what she is thinking.  Don't ever assume that.
• Erin became an Ironman.  That is awesome time infinity.  I can barely swim and biking is right out.  So totally awesomeness.
• Shana is back it was good to see me, with hair!
• Donna reports that the race was awesome.  You looked like you had it handled at mile 11. So good on ya.
• Mandy got her Beach to Bell medal.  I love extra medals.
• Christopher had the traditional family visit to the apple orchard and the weather was fine.  Yum, unprocessed apple pie.
• Donna saw me on Saturday.  It is a different Donna that saw me this time.
• Danielle did it.  She completed her second century ride, despite the wind.  Way to go.
• Maggie says that Chuck made it to Belgium without much incident but also no sleep.  That was a big mistake.  That is the way to start off a trip exhausted.
• I ran a 5k.  I actually ran a 5k and then walked about four miles at the half marathon the next day just to clap for the runners there.
• Allison said that Washington Pro had a great Shrimpfest.  One of these days I will make it to one.
• Harold's niece one first place at the horse show.  I am sure the horse has something to do with it as well.
• Susan affirms Allison's assertion that the Shrimpfest was great. Saw old brothers and met new ones.
• Melissa spent an enjoyable evening with her 12 year old and he was only mildly embarrassed to be with her in public.  That means you are not trying hard enough.
• Josie had a great Fall Gala and raised some money for the Y.
• Bill is joyous that Mizzou beat South Carolina.
• Susan gives the reminder that Indiana beat Mizzou the week prior.
• Danielle says "I have lots of ideas brewing about how to rearrange and decorate my classroom to make it function better for teaching and learning. Already implemented the first one and can't wait for the kids to see on Monday!"
• Timah says that next to HI-KY there is just three words.  Little Brown Jug.  Go Golden Gophers.
• Donna was excited about hosting the comedy night to benefit the LLS.
• Elizabeth says the Magic Bands came in the mail and a vacation seems in order.  Not sure what that is about but it sounds like fun.
•  Jason says that Jodi's whole family including two uncles, cousins and the grandkids get together every fourth Sunday for a potluck.  Jason says, "Total craziness, but what a cool tradition in today's disconnected society."  I totally agree and that is why I was demanding dinner at the table for the few months we were in Tn.  
• Cindy reports that the Packers beat the Bears and "all is well in Wisconsin."  Don't tell Timah.
• Pam says that Bo got his truck running after being down a while.  Also, Mathew is getting back to the routine which includes choir and running club.  So great with post surgery and  being able to breath through his nose for the first time ever.  Running, did somebody say running.  I am so happy to hear that we have another runner in the family.
• Donna is feeling good, healthy and strong.  It is amazing what can happen when you run.  Running is good.
• Jeff reports that 8 shrimp and more food missed me dearly.  Yum, cocktail.
• Melissa got $10k to remodel her kitchen from her mother in-law.  Aren't mother-in-laws wonderful?  I hope you are using that remodeled kitchen to make bread pudding... for me. ;)
• Maggie is getting great pictures from Chuck of Belgium and is enjoying the scrabble game and the e-mails from her granddaughter.  I can only assume the Psycho is being good with her e-mails.  Some of the things that come out of her mouth can really strain the senses.
• Maggie comes back with the remote is in quiet mode and the TV is no longer rolling through the channels.  What a concept.
• Danielle got to visit the alma mater and though the Illini lost to Purdue it was good being back on campus visiting the Quad and showing Mark the tunnels that connect the chemistry buildings then joining friends for lunch at Murphy's.  It sounds like a lot of fun.  It always bugs me when I see the children at colleges these days.  I was never that young.
• As you may have noticed time is moving about so Maggie is reported the return of Chuck from his European vacation.  I am sure he had a lot of fun which included buying a bike.  As a runner I never have that problem.  Just bring the shoes and I am good.
• Noel had a 20 miler for some training and it was very successful.  You know what else was successful the fundraiser she had on the previous Friday night.
• Jeff informs us that the Jackets are 5-0 and that baseball with Will is going well this fall.  So close.  My tech was so close to beating your tech but there can be only one per season.
• Raymond finally had a weekend off and got to snuggle with the girls so it was a good day.  I know the feeling.  Snuggling is good.
• Just in case we did not know it Helen wants us to know that the Orioles swept the Tigers.
• Thanks to Sandy for letting us know that the Royals are unbeaten in postseason ball for the past 28 years including their sweep of the Angels. Ah postseason baseball.  I love it because my Pirates have made it to extra games twice in the past to postseasons.
• And Donna wraps this up with that I got my port out. Which for those of you that don't know that means I am heading to stem cell transplant at the end of the month.

So that is it.  What a plethora of great tiny victories.  A lot of running which is awesome.  Also, would like to report that I have a new website to support my little consulting business.  Check it out.  www.rae-tec.com  I would like to thank all of your for your patience and still giving me the material to fill this messed up blog with a little shiny happy. Not just the rants of a mad man. 

Just Like Chocolate, It's Good News

Well, I may get this out early since I started early.  Just like chocolate after a long day, good news can make things seem better.  So when I asked you guys for some you came charging in with your tiny victories.  It was awesome.  So here I am sharing them with the world.

Good News for the Week of 26 July 2014

• Chuck Carroll reminds many of us that it is Conclave this week.  I got a chance to spend a couple of days there and it was great seeing everybody.
• Jennifer got discharged from the Wound Clinic and does not have to go back.  That means her leg is almost healed with just another month of walking restrictions and compression tubes.  Sounds good and since I saw you earlier this week it looked like you were getting around fairly well but don't push too hard.
• Cindy reports that the VBS material is packed away for another year.  She is starting on the bins for the fair and then it is packing for Conclave.  I am not sure what most of that was but I am glad you finished it all up but I am also sorry our schedules did not mesh.  I was trying to get back after my business in Philly but my body said "TIRED!" So I listened to my body and not my brain because if you guys have read any of my other blogs Brain Bad.
• Susan came back with a report that her brother got his B.S. last week.  And she too was at Conclave.
• Pam says that after three weeks on vacation with the Alabama grandparents he has returned.  They celebrated by staying in a hotel in Louisiana then on to home in Texas.  I am sure you missed him even though you probably won't let on. 
• Donna has reached the $2000 fundraising milestone. Every penny counts for an amazing cause so please keep up the good fight and everyone else feel free to give a buck or more.  Go Team.
• Danielle say that Mark and her completed her first metric century ride of the year.  To top it off they may have had their first ever without a flat.  She is still on track for her goal of the year and she has signed up for another attempt at the 5k.  That is awesome and remember that running includes walking.  
• Holly started her new job as an RN this past week and she reports a hate for cancer.  We are all with you on that one and congratulations on the new job taking care of us in need.
• And Maggie got a new floor lamp for the den after six years of searching for one. I would say that you might have to high a criteria for a floor lamp.  Well, either way, I am sure it is pretty.

Okay, so some of you are wondering what is up with this Conclave I and others have been talking about.  Well, I belong to a professional chemistry fraternity called Alpha Chi Sigma and every two years we have our national meeting where we meet and conduct the business of the fraternity including stuff like chemical education and outreach.  It is awesome where I get a chance to see many of my brothers across the country that I haven't seen in two years.  I got to spend a couple of days at Conclave but had to come back to Philly to get more antibiotics.  It was cool as well as your sharing of your good news.  Thanks guys and I hope you keep bringing us all the tiny and not so tiny victories.

28 July 2014 Week is Full of Good News

So I hope you all are enjoying the independence day holiday.  For those of you in the Carolinas and south east Virginia please be safe and in a couple of days you will get a chance at a belated holiday celebration.  And you guys in New England watch out it's a coming.  In any case, I should get on with the reminder of all the good news that has happened just a in the previous week.

Good news for the week of 28 July 2014

• So my Psycho turned 12 last week and the very next day my Space and I celebrated our 15th anniversary.   We got a chance to get away for the night and just spend some time with each other.  On top of that we went to the Melting Pot.  That was amazing and very filling.
• Calvin is celebrating the end of summer school and evidently he will never teach 2 summer school classes again.
• Susan got to see how the new CZE instrument works and it is very different that the old ones.  Upgrades are great and Susan reports "Of course it will take over year for all IQ, PQ, validation, comparison studies before can run it for real."  I am not sure I can translate that but it sounds cool.
• Donna has announced the birth of her co-workers baby boy. Also, she is starting to getting herself together.  It is a long journey but she is confident that everything will work out okay.  In addition her second job for a little extra cash is going well.  And for more Sean gets is birthday present today an electric guitar and an amp.  Lets hot it goes up to 11.  Rock on Sean.  Donna I got have some ear plugs if want some.
• Carolyn finished her first triathlon with Team in Training.  Go Team and go Carolyn.  
• Cindy's sister is getting married this Saturday which means her son was due back in town from Florida yesterday.  All that and a three day work week.  What a great confluence of events.  
• Lutz found out that the NSF is funding the STEM education ATE grant that was submitted last October.   That is awesome.  I hope it is successful project.  
• Christina is going to be empty nesters for a week.  I went through that when the Psycho went to resident camp.  It was cool but weird without the her around.  It was also quiet.
• Danielle met up with a friend for a bike ride, finally after three years of saying they should.  Then spent the afternoon at the beach.  At last she did what she promised she wanted to do for the summer break.
• Melissa broke out the bike and shook off 6 years of rust.  Now the clan can ride together.
• Susan came back to let us know that there is only a 3 day work week.  I wish I worked so I could celebrate that.
• Helen had a wonderful weekend with family and friends.  So did I but more on that later.

Well, it seems like you guys have a lot to celebrate.  These are the good things that we need to keep in our thoughts while the rest of the world is going insane.  I remember when I was in a job where I dealt with alot of customer service. And if I didn't know better the company only made crappy products because I was always fixing them.  But at times I was reminded that hundreds of products go out the door that our customers like and continue to buy.  So remember no matter how much crappy news you hear that is generally shoved into you brain there is always something good going on.  Cherish those tiny victories and forget some of the drama.

Good News 7 June 14

Look at this.  I got massive response to my call for good news.  So far my week has been going very well as long as there is a nap put in during the late afternoon.  Lets just get right to it then before nap time.

Good News for the week of 7 June 14

• Well, I got back to doing some writing starting with a massive update on my other blog.  There is more writing to come I just need to have some better time management.
• Stephanie had a good 6 mile trail run.  Oh how I wish I could join you.  I miss the trails.
• All of Mandy's training should have her setting a new PR in the 10 mile this coming weekend. Awesome. 
• Scott moved a four bedroom house.  Essentially by himself.  To top it off his leg as survived the ordeal.  Moving can be a real pain in the backside.  I'll bet you didn't know just how much stuff you had.
• Pam reports that her Matthew has gotten a job dog sitting for two weeks.  Congrats on joining the workforce cousin.  Also, Pam and crew have finished decorating Matthew's room in a space theme with planets and glow in the dark paint.  Sounds awesome.  
• Helen is celebrating the end of Saturday gymnastics classes.
• Shannon's ankles no longer hurts.  Now get out there and run.
• Diana had just helped build a house for a family in need.  How cool is that.  Perhaps when I get better health I will be able to take part in something like that.
• Danielle completed a 45 mile bike ride in support of the runners of Van 2 of team Slightly Unstable in the Ragnar Relay (Madison to Chicago).
• Maggie was Malificent and really enjoyed.  Also, she is psyched for the long road trip coming up this week.
• Melissa's husband's Aunt and her partner of 25 years were married in the state if Maryland.  Plus on of the twins (Ethan) got to bust a move on the dance floor at the reception.  It is so great that we can all show our commitment to each other the way we always wanted to.  It was a great struggle but it looks like the fruits of our labor have paid off.  The war isn't over so lets not ease up because we thought we won. Big up to Love.
• Elizabeth had date night at Funny Bone.  Evidently she had gone there for an isometric ab workout induced by laughter. 
• Donna had a great weekend with good weather for getting out and running.  I was there with you in spirit and one day I will be running again with you.
• Donna found the perfect little water bottle to carry during hot weather running.  It took 4 purchases to find the right one but it was found.
• Niny finally made a pie crust that doesn't taste like a brick.  The only way I can do that is to buy the pre-made pie crusts.
• Danielle witnessed an aha moment when she helped a third grader figure out long division by handing him a sheet of paper, turning it sideways, and showing him how to use the lines to organize his work.  I loved it as well when I see those great learning moments.  So Awesome.
• Christina has achieved epic success after going back to school for a second career, passing her board exam and getting her state license.   All this has led to the expected raise in pay now that she is no longer a student.  Way to go.  

Well, that is more that tiny victories.  It is more like winning the war.  I cannot believe how much you guys have shared.  It is amazing that in a world full of drama and no good news without finding a way to knock it down that there is actually good news all around us.  Thanks again for sharing and I hope the good news continues to come.

Good News 31 May 2014 Vacation Over

So I have been remiss in my commitment to the good news over the past few weeks.  Okay it has been about a month absence in quality good news redistributed back to all my amazing friends.  There are a few excuses like I spent a week in the hospital again and there was a string of bad days but....  Those are just excuses.  I cannot promise that I will not miss other weeks as things go on with more treatment and random fevers but I am trying to get some back up bloggers like my Space and possibly my amazing mother can lend a hand in the collection and redistribution of all of our tiny victories.  Here goes...

Good News for the week of 31 May 2014

• Of course I got out of the hospital which is awesome and it looks like the docs have a plan in place to go after this crap in my lungs.  Also, the Psycho is almost done with the sixth grade with flying colors and doesn't seem to have killed anybody yet.  I am sure it crossed her mind a couple of times but she has amazing restraint.
• Christina reports that her Jonathan has greatly improved in the long course and that the weekend outlook is up.
• Melissa is done with the school for the year.  Testing starts on Monday then the homeschooling is done for the summer.  I just realized that with homeschooling usually has no snow days.  I am not sure if that is good or bad.  Perhaps some further insight.  Either way, congrats to the House of Melissa for another successful school year.
• Timah had a student tell him that he is an amazing teacher and it shows that he cares even for those students that don't care.  There is nothing quite like teaching and that moment when you make a connection with the students.  Kudos to my man Timah on a spectacular school year.
• Danielle and Mark graduated the "Couch to 5k" program.  Reports have already come in for the successful, yet ouchy (see picture), Cancers Survivors Walk and 5k.  Congrats.
• Patrick went and found a great sign in Sydney. 
• Cindy has her Marine home which also means daughter-in-law and granddaughter!   It is always great so have our service members come home for visits.  Thanks for your service and Semper Fi!
• Chuck hiked 18 miles when he was only planning 10 but just kept on going.  When I am out on the trails myself I call that getting lost but kudos for getting out in the thick of nature.
• I got the chance to meet up with the Team for the fall season kick off.  It was awesome seeing you guys and getting a mile run in.
• Donna had a short week at work and got a second job that she can do at home easily.  Over all it looks like the tiny victories are adding up and going toward a good place.
• Erin busted out a century ride on Sunday around lake Tahoe in honor of all those that fighting the fight.  Go Team and congratulations.
• Carolyn had her first open water swim in training for the Philly Tri Rock in memory of her brother-in-law, Lou.  Keep up the good training.  I know open water can be unsettling to swim in but it can be very freeing as well.  We will be there cheering you on if not in person then in spirit as you kick the Tri Rock out.  Keep us updated on your training.
• Donna reports that all her Team peeps rock and keep her going.  Right back at you Donna.
• Niny wants us to know that the Peonies are blooming.  Such pretty flowers.   I love the spring and early summer for all of the color.

Wow!.  Thanks for all of you good news.  We are kicking butt out there and keeping up with the positive.  Like I said I will be trying harder to keep our tiny victories circulated and possibly enlist the help from the family.  Again, a bid Wow for all the Good News.  See you guys later this week.  A special thanks to Danielle and Pat for the pictures.