Medical Issues/Recovery – Page 3

Medical And General Update

Sorry for the silence, but this has been a medical week with re-opening for one-day-only Brother Juniper’s. On the latter, some of you may be old enough to remember a “chain” of restaurants called Brother Juniper’s. It was run by a religious order, and to cut a long story short, most of that order converted to Orthodox Christianity and the restaurants (save one) closed. My Church location came about because of this conversion, and once a year in connection with the Talbot Street Art Fair they re-open the restaurant for one day only doing certain favorite sandwiches. We actually still have some of the equipment and signage from the ones in Indy in our basement, which we bring up and use for the event. I’ve been working cleaning and prep most of this week in between doctors and dentist and other delights.

The great news is that I finally was able to get the latest round of neuropsych/cognitive testing done this week. As I mentioned in this post, I wasn’t expecting much out of it directly other than the data. My goal was to use it as a springboard to testing and therapy I think could do some good. I ended up surprised in that I did get something unexpected out of it.

I’ve had some of the standardized testing before (in fact remembered some bits of it as we were doing it), but they hit me with a couple of new tests. Turned out, the doc had actually read up on my case, listened to what I said instead of the usual, and thought some additional data would be good.

He almost blew it at one point, stating that he wasn’t sure it was a direct hit because of the lack of burns/blast injuries on the outside. If he had studied up a bit more, he might have known that many/most do not have those injuries. It’s a bit of ignorance that I’ve grown to ignore as doctors, more than most, hate to be told they are wrong (and can make interesting notes in ones file that are not helpful long-term). This one seemed a little irritated that some therapists had made suggestions/statements rather than doctors on high, but hate to tell him the therapists in my case have been like conspiracy theorists: they are well ahead on points, by about 63-2. I further note that I had no burns or scars EXTERNAL. No one, including the useless first neurologist, thought to do any imaging to try and determine if I had burning (or scarring) internally.

I did ignore that because of what he brought up next. If you did just the basic standard testing, my results still clock out high and there is no major sign of impairment. However, with the additional tests and looking at it not straight on, but from a different perspective, two things came up.

I won’t go into all the details, but the problems remembering things/learning new things most likely stems from the conditions not being met to form new memories. Several factors, but it did remind me of something I had been advised to try at the LSESSI conference: play with a pencil, stick, heavy bookmark, etc. when reading or trying to learn something new. Need to remember to share this with someone else at Church having some issues.

The second part was that I don’t do well in “noisy” environments, figurative that is. My ability to handle multiple levels of information and stimuli is not good. In fact, my ability to react to all of it and make good, swift decisions is not good at all. Add in my reduced reflexes, balance, etc. and I am off point. In fact, I am off point on several levels/operations. I can still work through things (and do) but it takes me a lot longer than it used to. I may no longer the the point on any team, but I remain one who can gather, interpolate, evaluate X-order effects, and plan accordingly with sufficient time.

Which is frustrating, as I remember when this was not so. Which adds its own issues to the mix. I can still do, but structured, ordered environments are best for me.

It’s good to have this, and/or to have some of this confirmed. It also should help with trying to get physical therapy and more approved out of the neurologist. We will see, but it gives me the data to amend my action plan/experimentation on myself so as to refine some of the methods and goals. It may or may not help with the insurance game, but if I have to fund things it lets me know where to invest my funds first.

It’s also good, and in this doc’s favor, that he brought up intermittent issues. Most docs automatically assume that anything intermittent is psychological because they can’t see and/or study it in a steady state. Since a lot of lightning strike/electrical shock survivors have intermittent issues that are physical, it creates a tense situation with the docs. This doc did not dismiss, but noted that some of the issues above could and likely did contribute to the intermittent issues.

So, glad it is done. Glad to get more out of it than expected. Now to fold that new data into the action plan and continue to move out. Want to make the most of this new life. Onwards.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Whew!

After posting yesterday morning, I went and joined a friend in the Church kitchen to help them cook for a social that night. What I walked into was a pile of groceries completely covering the work area, and a real-life version of “Chopped.” As in what do you make out of all these ingredients that will be tasty, fun, and enjoyed by an unknown number of people? And, no, we had no idea of how many were showing up for dinner so winged amounts and also had to consider special diets as a possibility.

So, we brainstormed a bit even as we started prep. The only two things he had planned were underway (a brisket in the oven and a big pot of borscht he was starting). We bounced ideas off each other and things took off. We actually changed plans on the fly a few times: something you really aren’t supposed to do, but it was just us and we rolled with the improvements.

Along the way we produced the following: a Thai-style chickpea curry, chicken korma, grilled chicken, grilled salmon, grilled thin ribeye steaks, a rosemary and lime ‘stuffed’ sirloin, grilled lime corn on the cob, grilled asparagus, grilled peppers, an amazing ham and potato salad, two huge bowls of green salads, baked potatoes (the ones not used in the potato salad), and of course the borscht and brisket. Pretty sure I’m leaving out a couple of dishes.

Thing is, I can’t really say how much fun it was. My mind hasn’t really worked that way since the lightning strike, but doing it engaged more of the creative side than the logic side. The bouncing of ideas off each other worked, and forced my brain to work in some ways that haven’t gotten a lot of stimulation. Somewhere along the way, I found myself just doing some things I used to know to do first, like mixing up batches of various seasonings: a general purpose ‘steak’ seasoning I like as a base, a mix for the salmon that used both dry spices and fresh minced dill, and some various herbs that were likely to be needed.

Tried something new with the corn (why not!), in that I covered it in lime juice before putting my ‘steak’ seasoning on it. As the ears roasted on the top rack in the grill, I had a stick of butter I would rub over them after turning them for even cooking. I did put a bit of Tajin on three of the ears as they grilled, though you couldn’t tell it by service. Only thing I would do differently is to put more lime juice on for a longer period of time, as I think it worked well flavor-wise.

I’m exhausted, and even hurt a bit, but it was and is so worth it. My friend is crazy in all the right ways, and playing a giant game of “Chopped” with a social event was indeed crazy, and crazy fun. Even better, the food was enjoyed. Two reactions that made me smile were comments from a somewhat picky “customer” who raved about the salmon; and, a little girl just starting in on solid food who loved the ribeye steak.

One trick I did on the salmon was to put pats of butter on top when I put it skin-side down on the grill. As it cooks the butter melts and keeps that top side moist even as it adds nice flavor to go with the dill. The step-by-step is squeeze fresh lemon juice on the fish, generously season with your chosen spices/rub, throw on some extra dill on top of that, and put pats of butter on top. Grill and enjoy.

So, don’t expect much out of me today unless things really blow up. Be safe, be alert, and enjoy the day. I think I’m going to do some voice exercises and practice singing. Other than that, it’s a good day to relax a bit.

A Possibility

I think in both my write-up of the LSESSI annual meeting and on Greyhound, I made a comment about riding my bike to the next event. Which sparked more than one thought I wanted to share.

First, if Tesla and Neuralink have any marketing or advanced projects people who are on the ball, they should look at helping sponsor the conference and get some of the members there. It would be a great demo of Full Self Driving, the automated cab concept, etc. for people who can’t drive anymore or don’t like driving much anymore as a result of injuries from lightning and electrical shocks. I know I can see a series of posts here and on X talking about the experience, and it could generate some serious positive exposure at a time when they need it.

Alas, I feel it far more likely that using my bike is the way. In fact, I got to thinking about the concept of doing so as a fundraiser for LSESSI. It would take some help, some serious corporate backing, and some time. Here’s the rough take on the concept.

I’m betting that by the time the September conference rolls around, I should be good for 80-100 miles a day, maybe a bit more. It would be a longer route there using backroads and such, but it is doable I think. It would require a chase car to both provide a safety escort and to have supplies for emergencies. The ride would go Monday through Saturday, with Sunday a day of rest and hopefully attendance at a Church.

To pull off such a thing, I would need someone to help who has experience with corporate sponsorship, organization, and keeping everything on the up and up. I’d really like an 18-Delta along, but to be honest just having a 68-Whiskey doc along would be most reassuring. We would all need to sit down and plot out the trip, as I am betting there would be a couple of long stretches in there where lodging may not be readily available. Add in a couple of extra days because of weather (not riding in or near a thunderstorm thank you), illness, etc. I’m doing well at relearning how to ride a bike, but things happen so you add in a couple of days for that.

Thinking I may reach out to the maker of my bike to see if they have any interest. Be good to have important spares along at any rate.

Main goal is to raise money (and awareness) for LSESSI. Secondary goal is to see if I can do it given all the issues that have come from being hit by lightning. Want to find a way to support and encourage others to push the envelope, maybe even to do some group rides during or at/to future events.

I do all my riding right now wearing long pants, thinking I might stick with that to emphasize the what and why of the project. At most, drop to cargo shorts for the desert portions. Make it a push for average person participation, not a super bicyclist thing. Point out all the specially modified bikes out there for those injured/disabled, as well as showing a way to increase mobility and recovery.

What say you?

Lightning Strike Conference Report

Before I do anything else, I want to thank everyone who encouraged me to go to this event despite the difficulties, and who donated to help make it possible. On the former, I particularly need to thank my Godfather for his push/kick there near the end. On the latter, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the gifts that helped me to get there. I may be a while paying off the rest, but it was more than worth it to get there.

I’ll cover general transport in another post, but also want to thank Old Paratrooper for his extreme kindness in picking me up in Knoxville and getting me to the conference, and for then picking me up at the end of the conference and driving me back to the bus. Riding in a convertible through the mountains was a thing of beauty. It was great to finally meet him in person, and we had fun sharing tales and stories. Thank you my friend! Also, thanks to Instapundit, Prof. Glenn Reynolds, for joining me for breakfast one morning. It was good to see him in person and to catch up a bit. More on that soon in another post (or three, we covered a lot of ground).

The short version is that I wish I had been able to attend one of these Lightning Strike and Electrical Shock Survivors conferences very much sooner. As in not long after I was hit. The amount of information I got was almost like being hit with a firehose. Even better was talking with other survivors and finding out I’m not alone and not crazy (well, not in terms of the after effects of the strike anyway).

The longer version is that the life I had is gone, and it’s not coming back. In the words of the song, it’s the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine. In fact, I feel more than fine. There is a part of me that is sad and other emotions at knowing that life is not ever going to come back. My mind and body are never going to work the way they did, and I will never be able to do some of the things I used to do. I’m still a pilot, though I will likely never fly again. If I can adjust to that, I can learn to deal with needing grab bars in the shower.

Fact is, on many levels I had already accepted that and begun moving forward. For parts of my old life, I was and am glad to see them gone. I prefer to see it as a chance to start over, to build a new life, and hopefully a better one, despite the difficulties. While I was never one who worked at Elon-speed/level, I did okay in certain areas. I can still work through certain types of problems, it just takes me longer to do the work. As I noted to Glenn at breakfast, what used to take me 30 minutes to write back then now takes me four hours (or more to be honest).

I can still look at data and spot patterns and trends, it just may take a bit longer. On the physical side, I’m doing a lot better than I was right after the strike and the conference gave me some ideas on how to work to step up my game mentally and physically. It would be nice to be able to do full prostrations, and get up again afterwards. One thing I realized during the conference is that I’ve been viewing, and gaming, my recovery as yet another experiment — one I’ve not bothered the human subjects committee about (think Les Geddes may have rubbed off on me more than I realized).

Which is probably a good thing, as I sure can’t count on the medical field to do much on a holistic level, much less within specialties. The fact is, lightning strikes and high-voltage electrical shocks are a niche field. There is no ICD (ICD-10-CM) code for lightning strike, and few in the medical field are prepared (or even interested in) dealing with the multiplicity of problems that crop up over time in survivors. And we are survivors, as I was quickly corrected when quoting a medical provider involved in my case who did refer to us as victims. Long-term readers of this site know my aversion to the use of victim as a term anyway. You can be a victim, or a victor. Know where I’m going to put my time and money on that one.

I was incredibly fortunate back when we first figured out I had been hit (I thought at first it was a near miss, having missed the hole in the bottom of my foot as it wasn’t bleeding), in finding Dr. Mary Ann Cooper who was gracious and kind enough to give myself (and my GP) some information and guidance. One of the things she did was to recommend my joining LSESSI, which I did. Finally starting to take full advantage of the resources they offer.

One of our speakers was a counselor who’s presentation included information on EMDR 2.0. Having been a previous beneficiary of EMDR, I was intrigued at what he reported and will be using the EMDRIA.org website to find someone here in Indy trained in it. Short version is that in addition to dealing with trauma, EMDR may also be effective in helping to deal with some of the side effects (including second and third order effects).

I have some upcoming cognition/neuropsych testing which may help me with that effort. Mr. Interruptus interjected during my introduction that I was going to be disappointed in what came out of it. Bullshit. I am not expecting a lot out of the whole follow-up in terms of direct help from the neurologist. I’m looking for indirect and to prevent avenues from being blocked. I pushed as I need real data, imaging and otherwise, to plot the next parts of the experiment on myself, and to lay the background needed to see how much I can get insurance to cover of treatments like the EMDR, physical therapy, and other needful things. One thing I have learned over the last (almost) four years is that you have to play the insurance game, which can be a delicate dance.

It is a delicate dance especially given that many medical practitioners (and I strongly suspect most neurologists) think survivors are crazy because of the issues and symptoms reported. Add in that a number of things pop up over time and don’t happen all at the first adds to that. Finally, keep in mind that under the current system, a number of insurers and providers (sometimes the same) could/can make lots and lots of money off you by putting you into home health care or assisted living even if you don’t need (or want) it. Getting the help you do need while avoiding being used to milk the government teat (and lose your freedoms) is yet another dance. As I’ve said before many times, you have to be your own medical advocate, as no one else is going to do that for you. Get informed, push, find new doctors at need — they are not going to care about or look for your best interest, that is up to you.

One thing I want to try came from another survivor. We had a presentation on various therapies to help with some issues (mostly biofeedback, meditation, etc.), which prompted a survivor to talk about something she had used with a student she counseled. Short version, when reading or trying to learn (memorize and more), do something tactile with your hands. Play with a stick, use a fidget spinner, etc. and it can aid in retention. Worked for the student, so I’m going to experiment with it a bit. My basic retention has improved, but if this can help with memorization and recall…

One more thought to share on medical types that was brought up more than once: they don’t deal well with intermittent. Quite a few of the things that can pop up in the life of survivors are intermittent. I’ve had it suggested to me that I’m lazy or crazy when noting that I do well overall but have occasional glitches. If the medical types can’t see it happen, or test for it, it’s all in your head. And they are very quick to make that jump. It’s why you have to advocate for yourself. It’s also why though I am glad to have the latest MRI of my brain, I do wish I could have gotten a functional MRI or even some PET data as those would be far more revealing and useful. But, that’s not likely to happen under the current system as the medical types and you both have to play the insurance game and insurers want to save those dollars…

Outside of EMDR 2.0 and physical therapy, one thing I do want to do is get some regular massage/deep-tissue massage. There are some interesting reports on such helping with those second and third order effects, so figure it is worth a try. Have already found a place near me that says they do deep tissue, so may be checking it out soon. Be great if covered by insurance, but not going to wait for that. Not sure how, but will find a way to pull a visit or two out of the budget.

Before I forget, for all of you who have helped with the guitar and lessons, and voice coaching, thank you! Turns out, I’m not the only one who has had to relearn how to sing. Had a great visit with another survivor who also had to do it. Relearning is needed, fun, and great therapy. I will be pressing on with that. In fact, I will admit that I am enjoying singing again on levels I can’t describe.

It was also very interesting meeting multiple-hit survivors. While there are several theories as to why, reality is that each time you are hit the odds of you getting hit again go up. I really do hope to avoid it, but it was eye-opening to talk with people who have been hit four and five times.

One of the last things we did was to break off into survivor and caregiver groups. I really need to do a full post one day soon on caregivers and how important they are. Please remind me. In the survivor group, the two of us who were new to the conferences went over what was going on with us, our action plan, and related. Those who have been around a while asked questions, made suggestions, and offered advice. All within the framework of not everything works for everyone, and I will note that LSESSI does not endorse any products, services, providers, etc. The roundtable was worth the pain of getting there all by itself.

Finally, I will note that those there noted the importance of Faith in recovery. There is a lot of data showing that success rates go up rather dramatically when one has Faith. Given some of the miraculous things that have happened to me in my recovery, especially after my Baptism, I do believe it.

In short, it was well worth the cost, fiscal and physical. Even with your help I had to pull a good bit out of what I had set aside for moving. Worth it. Boy howdy was it worth it. So, again, my thanks for your encouragement, your gifts, and your support. I’m working on an action plan for the near-term and even long term. I’m also more than half considering biking to either this conference next year or to one in Arizona this September. I think it possible I could do a hundred miles a day, which makes it less impractical, and it would be far better and more reliable than the bus.

There is more I could share, but that’s enough for today. Just remember that if you see typos and incorrect word use here, be gentle as it just means I’m having an off day (one of those intermittent glitch things). More soon.

I’m Back

At least sorta. I needed the week after Holy Week to recover on several levels, and am still taking it easy this week where I can. I’m also doing some discernment on some things as I want to be sure I am doing the right thing, at the right time, and for the right reasons.

Along those lines, I’ve accepted/decided that, barring something very unexpected, I will not be able to make the Lightning Strike/Electrical Shock Survivors association annual meeting this year. The transportation costs were just too high, and were going to be at least $1,200+ So, right now looking at ways to get down to visit family and friends in Chattanooga and Georgia some other way. What funding I did have for this had to go into a local transportation option (see next post). One day I will get to attend it.

Had a visit with my GP yesterday, and it went very well. While I was just a shade low on red blood cells and hemoglobin (eating more greens prescribed), the other numbers were fantastic. Cholesterol low, bad cholesterol very low, kidneys excellent, liver excellent, digestive system much happier now that I am back on a Mediterranean-influenced keto diet. Already down a couple of inches and several pounds. For now, trying to stay with two meals a day, no snacking, and Lenten portions as that seems to work very well.

So, GP and Cardiologist happy. We may even be looking at reducing or eliminating a couple of the meds I’ve been on. The less meds, with good results, the better. Some more neuro testing coming up in June, will be interesting to get those results.

Onwards!

Bike: Thoughts And Suggestions?

I’m looking at getting a bicycle to aid in getting around town. Part of me wants a cargo bike, but those cost as much as a car, even used. I will admit I’m even looking at an e-bike so I can cover a fair bit of territory at need.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I know things have changed a bit since the days of my much-missed Raleigh Record, but need something sturdy, probably larger tires given the road and other conditions around here, and that I might can mount saddlebags and a back deck onto. Given some of the drivers around here, defensive auto-cannons might not be a bad option.

Found one place not far away that lets you rent bikes to try on nearby trails before purchasing. Seems like a good idea for me to try a couple and be sure the vertigo and other delights don’t preclude me from riding a bike after the lightning strike.

Any constructive thoughts and suggestions are most welcome. I know little these days about brands of regular or other bikes. Have found some places that sell used, plan to check them out too once I do some investigating and trials.

Lightning Tales: An Oddity

Can’t remember if I shared this or not, so if a repeat, enjoy!

A few days ago, the wonderful Leslie Eastman at Legal Insurrection tagged me on a story about a lightning strike victim in Australia. This lady had her eyes change color after the strike. The article also talked about others who had changes to eye color and even improvement in eyesight after a strike.

It was not something I had even thought to check, nor had I noticed much as I am not given to staring long and soulfully into my own eyes in the mirror. So, I went and checked. Now, my eyes were half brown and half green, growing more green over time. Now, my eyes are half brown, maybe a bit more brown, and what was green is now blue. Fascinating.

Not sure what if anything it means, but it is interesting. Just thought I would share.

SQT: Random

Okay, I would say sorry for not posting more but it is Lent, there is a lot going on in the important world, and the alleged “real” world has taken last place. Some posts I want to do, but things are going to be interesting between now and Pascha. Don’t expect to see much of me at all during Holy Week. Right now, looks like I will be chanting or otherwise occupied for about ten straight days, and I am reserving the Monday following for recovery.

First up, there were some sensational reports of one of Vladimir’s cars “blowing up” from some of the pundit (grifter) class on X. I couldn’t find any reputable sourcing for the claim. Which may be because apparently one of the fleet of cars available to Vladimir (and possibly others) caught fire and burned. It happens. In this case, everything seems to point to normal, not abnormal reasons.

Second up, there appears to be some interesting maneuvering going on behind the scenes in Moscow. I’ve noted before that the curtain is up as they try to keep things out of the public eye, but some signs still get through. As efforts to bring about peace in Ukraine advance, I suspect more will get seen in public. Really do need to do a full post as many seem to be missing some key points. Someone remind me please.

Third, it really doesn’t matter which scenario on the Signal leak was right (though some others have come out in support of it being deliberate) as the net result is that Jeffrey Goldberg (and quite likely The Atlantic) are toast. The move has already started on the left, which while somewhat endorsing him and what he did, the pull back has already begun. Distancing is a thing, and if you pay attention to the patterns, it is well underway on the left. I suspect it will get stronger. There will be a pretense of support, of membership/friendship, but the cooling that is underway will only turn colder over time. Add in the fact that sources are noting his actions, and his ability to get any form of inside scoops is going to take a hit. Is probably already taking a hit. My bet right now is that absent something major (and unexpected) he’s faded away in five years.

Fourth, note the attack shifts underway. On the Signal non-issue, it went from demanding to know who did it to attacking Pete as soon as possible. It’s not the only such change in targeting. Call it out, point it out, make it impossible to miss. Corporate media is all in on it, and such needs to be pointed out to the normies (if you will).

Fifth, same is being done in regards the deportations. The new cry is “due process” where no due process will be good enough. Media and politicians are gleefully lying in unison via leaving out key bits of information (for example, a judge had found the “innocent father” was a member of MS-13 years ago) in what they say and pitch. Again, this needs to be pointed out frequently, loudly, etc.

Sixth, same is being done in the Tesla terrorism. Saw one about ‘a life ruined for a piece of gum.’ No, it was ruined because the person made the choice to become a terrorist and the damage was above a certain dollar amount. It had nothing to do with free speech or gum chewing, everything to do with willful and deliberate actions. Again, point out, call out, mock, and shame.

Seventh, same is being done with Social Security. It has been stated directly and unequivocally that the Admin is going to protect (and strengthen) Social Security and Medicaid. No surprise at the politicians wasting no time in claiming that Trump, Musk, Bigfoot, and the Loch Ness Monster are all out to destroy both and put our elderly out into the cold. Again, call it out.

I could go on, but, you get the idea. Those online a good bit know, those who sanely and rationally are not terminally online do not. Help get the word out to them, as it does indeed make a difference. We are in a fight for our Freedoms and our Republic. Winning is far from guaranteed, and it takes fighting on many fronts. The information front is critical, be a part of the good fight.

I’m out of time this morning, so will skip a few other things. Imperial judges and an out-of-control judiciary (enabled by a rotten congress) are one topic. Lots of good science news out there too. Love the new polar-orbit manned mission from Space X. About time.

For those interested, I had my first session with a vocal coach yesterday as part of my efforts to re-learn how to sing (and read music) after the lightning strike. In fact, the coach took me on in part because of the issues as they found them fascinating. Quick takes from the first visit is that I am indeed a bass-baritone, lower range is quite good, going to have to do a lot of work to extend my range back up into tenor. Once we get that going, we will work other issues. Everything from posture to how I’m standing are being worked on. Frankly, it was fun and I had a great time singing in my good range.

Tomorrow is multiple services at Church, so not sure I will be posting. Thursday maybe. Friday no, as I have homework. If I didn’t mention it before, I’m learning how to plot out Vespers, Matins, and Liturgies. Right now, plotting out what is done, by whom, and when takes me a good bit of time. I need to get to the point where I can do it in right around an hour. Given that it involves multiple reference books, it is complex. If I haven’t told the larger story, remind me and I will do so for anyone interested. Saturday, well, who knows.

Oh, and for those who want to show off by having histrionics over typos or grammar issues, I simply will point out that we should see how well YOU do after you are hit by lightning. I will add that you are not covering yourself in glory or showing how smart you are, except in a very Fredo way.

More soon.

Random Thoughts On A Friday

Not sure I am up to a full post today, but did want to share a few thoughts while I could. More on the personal in a bit. For now…

I’m unsurprised at the rash of SWATtings going on right now. It has long been a favored tactic of progressives and is effective. Sadly, it has even resulted in deaths. Those behind these really do hope for that I fear, but also seem to think it will intimidate people. I think they are wrong about that, and they should stop to think that if there is a death the FBI may be the least of their worries.

It is interesting that so far, the majority of those being swatted are on various enemies lists coming out of Ukraine. This is not to suggest Ukraine is behind it, but that the lists do make a good “shopping list” for some of the more unstable on the progressive side. Sending the pizzas (again, it appears that all of those SWATted have had pizzas show up right after, that are ordered prior to the event) is a message.

Frankly, I’m surprised there hasn’t been more violence. People who are having their rice bowls kicked over seldom like it, and when you see the system that you and yours have spent generations (keep in mind, a lot of this started under Woodrow Wilson) building up, and achieved unprecedented growth in the last twenty years (astronomical during the past four), you tend to be a little upset. Particularly if you are not in the top tier. They are upset, but have fallbacks. The next tier down does not have those same levels of fall back as they were still building.

If you are midway (or further) down, it’s worse and that’s also usually where you find your true believers and less-stable people. They are in the worst shape and are going to be far more likely to do rash things. This is the group you see on social media calling for assassinations and actually taking part in attacking Tesla and Tesla owners. They make good cannon fodder and will be used as such. See my earlier post this week for some background.

I will say that the SWATting needs to be dealt with quickly and strongly. So do the many other instances of law breaking underway (building takeovers, movement blocks, etc.) but those are mostly dependent on local action. However, SWATting, as it uses interstate communications, can get Federal help and the FBI is now assisting. It also has the ability to prosecute on it’s own if needed. We will see. It needs to be prosecuted as the attempted pre-meditated murder it is. If that is done, you will see it drop to almost zero rapidly.

I’ve lost track of when Space X is going to try to launch the crew again, but glad they stopped the last launch. For all I loathe the perfect safety culture/no failures club, a manned launch is not something where you want or need to run risks. Hoping they continue to have an unblemished launch record and that they get the “stranded” astronauts home soon.

Going to look at a duplex today, and am following up on some other prospects. Not rushing, but not dwadling (too much) either. I may have to go for larger than I might like, so I can get everything out of storage and get rid of most of it (keeping books, cooking gear, and some Christmas stuff). I want to downsize (except for my books, I want more, more, more).

Looking at a vocal coach to help me with my relearning how to sing. I have sorta relearned to read sheet music, but as with the guitar I can’t tell you the notes I’m playing. Show me where my fingers go and I can play a song on the guitar. If someone hits the first note on a page, I can (mostly) sing the rest. I have problems staying on pitch, and in dealing with some range issues. I’ve actually been singing alto a bit to get by, but tenor/baritone and bass seem to be more my range. Our music director is working with myself and another gentlemen to help us get better, but some extra lessons and help won’t hurt a bit.

If I seem a little off the next few weeks, we are doing a rather significant diet change. I am going back to a keto variant and feeling it. However, given a number of digestive issues and other delights, it needs to be done. A number of foods seem to cause problems, most of which are carbs, so… I may share more of the diet as we work things out.

More soon I hope. Take care of yourselves, be safe, and be prepared. Keep your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

I Could Use Some Help

First, I want to thank everyone for the very kind and (very) much appreciated gifts and prayers that have gotten me through the last couple of years. While things are now more stable, they still remain “interesting” financially and otherwise.

Which leads to this request that if you like my writings, please do hit the tip jar. There are a couple of things coming up where I could use it.

First, I am starting to look at getting a place of my own. Currently, I rent a room in a house and while not a bad situation there are some issues. I know what I want to do, now praying that I am shown what I am supposed to do. I’m actually going to have to buy a couple of pieces of furniture, some household equipment (thanks for the excellent vacuum cleaner suggestions in an earlier post), and other delights.

Second, I have decided that if at all possible, I want to accept the invitation to attend the Lightning Strike and Electrical Shock Survivors annual meeting. A number of the events/panels sound interesting and it would be good to meet with other survivors. That part will be free. The hotel and transport are up to me. I think I may have found a way to cut out a day of convention hotel (even at a discount it is expensive by my standards these days). While I have the chance, I will also use the trip to visit some friends and relatives. It may well be the last chance to see some them in this lifetime.

I’m already looking to see what deals I can find on a rental car for a week, and other issues. Will probably take food and such with me, save a bit that way.

So, again my thanks for all that has already been done. I hate asking, but my margins are a bit thin right now.