Creative Writing
personal reflections
KmCarey.com

"My Time"
2010
Today - Wednesday December 15th   
I'm back and welcome to another "fresh start" ... lol   Actually, no resolutions per say in 2010  as I'm going with the, I want to surprise
myself - pleasantly - is it possible? Idea.  hummmmmmm.

Spent all day - and I'm serious, ALL bloody day yesterday going through each and every KmCarey.com page and updating - whew!  And
this old clunker of a computer was not much of an asset.  But, got through it and in the process re-acquainted myself with - "myself" (what
a piece of work!).  I was quite often embarrassed, amused and frustrated during my rediscover.  No reason to pick things apart, amazing
though that this site is now 4 1/2 years old and my my,  what a ride it has been!  Besides this page, I've added 2 new pages to the mix: -
"6 Days in Brazil" (vacation summary) & "Emily" (collection of her songs).

During the course of the updating (nuts and bolts adjusting, etc... ), my mind would be grinding away with ideas of what would be my first
post of the new year.  Thinking this, as I neglected to communicate through text much in 2009, relying instead on a lot of images to do the
talking.

2009 was almost a full year of physical recovery for me (mentally? As is my "profile", 1 step forward - 2 steps back).  On March 1st I
began  to exercise for the first time in 8 months.  My lack of strength and muscular atrophy was very discouraging at that point.  I could
barely do 10 push-ups and I think I could barely manage 40 sit-ups.  But, everything must have a beginning (except God).  I remained
dedicated and on July 1st I added running to the mix.  My weight bottomed out at 157 lbs and at present is 172lbs.  My appetite is good,
stamina not so bad and basically I'd have to say I'm about on average 75%  of where I was before the cancer - 100% alive :-)

And I might as well go and announce it (as I'm not going to simply sit on it any longer). I had a major anal blow-out!  Yes, unfortunately you
did read this correctly. You see and to put things in prospective,  I've been generating stools of immense density and girth since I was
chemically violated in treatment and have yet to experience normalcy in this delicate subject matter.  Oh, on rare occasions there has
been hints of things becoming "better", but just cruel teases they were.  Basically the wear and tear of so many physically challenging
"passings" led to rupture.  It was after my New Year's day 4.2 mile run that the disfigurement was revealed. So of course I had to
"Google" the big "H" and hope to find a cure.  Before my research I might uneasily add, I conducted a self examination (reach around
finger probe and  one-eyed visual with a shaky hand mirror)  -  NOT ATTRACTIVE.  What a way to begin the new year!

Now, I was going to share a paragraph about my relationship with Camila, but I think she'd be not one too pleased to follow the "H"
paragraph.  So, let me share about my children .. lol ..  They would not be at all shocked to know of their placement in my blog.  2009 was
definitely a huge year of transition for me and the kids.  Amy bought a new townhouse and her boyfriend was part of the move-in.  I went
from having the kids 4 nights every 2 weeks, to just Friday and Saturday nights every 2 weeks.  I'm thankful that the kids and I have a
solid base - a loving bond.  I sometimes feel a since of lose with them, yet for the most part joy and happiness that their life continues to
be positive and joyful.  I could go on and on about their exceptional abilities, great school work, positive social network..etc.. - I think
anyone who has been following this site knows what kind of radiant light Em and Mike bring into my world...

Camila Alves de Paiva :-).  And she told me recently, "Kevin, when you call just simply ask for Camila; there is no need to ask for Camila
Alves de Paiva".  So what do I do?  There again if you know me :-P.....  I'm in love with a very beautiful person and I'm so grateful that she
came into my life.  How do you know when there is L O V E ?  Because for over a year of knowing Camila I was definitely not going to
throw THAT "word" out there.  How do you know?  I knew when we tried to get Camila to come visit this past summer.  It was when she
called me from a public phone at the US Consulate in Sao Paulo and said to me in the most sorrowful tone, "I'm sorry Kevin - no".  She
felt that it was her fault the US government employee who interviewed her denied the opportunity for her to travel here to visit me.  It was
upon hearing these words and the way she expressed them, that I felt something so deep inside of me; and it welled up, then spilled out -
and I knew - and I told her, "I love you".  And you know what?  It felt soooooo good to say this. And that's the proof! When it feels "good" to
say I love you .. lol.  What has become far more challenging is the, oh my God how in the world did this ever happen and are you kidding
me!  The factors that make it so NUTS; Age difference, Culture/Language, Distance, Relationships .... and all the "sub-catagories" that
go along with this craziness.  The middle of February will mark 2 years that we've know each other and for all but 6 days of this time, they
have been based on a cyber relationship (thank you Bill Gates and company!).  It wasn't until we spent 6 days and 5 nights together -
December 16th - 22nd that we challenged this pronouncement of love.  I will say this, these were of the best days I have ever
experienced in my life - as a person - as a man.  What tomorrow will bring?  I don't know .....

Happy New Year!
Sunday, January 3rd
Santa Rosa Island from the Jesusita Trail
Missed my self imposed Sunday blog update deadline - crap!  Not going
to dwell - Good weekend with the kids: 75% with Mike / 25% with Em
(standard).  While Emily was helping the teachers out over at her old junior
high on Saturday morning, Mike and I went on a nice 4 mile hike.  He had
been on the trail before "Jesusita", but I had not.  This was the area that
got totally scorched some months back.  As always, a wonder to see how
nature repairs; yet the scars that lay bare, a reminder of her power.

Prayers for Haiti

Hummmm .. just finished a "walk down -run up" De la Guerra street
work-out - always an asskicker.

Work is good but hectic.

Mila and I have been getting along rather well of late,  and she's often
"with me".
I simply adore ROCKS!
Michael's growin like the grass
Shaky knees.......
Thursday, January 14th
JUNE
"I waited really another answer for you, I think it's time to given up my plan with you

I was waiting your answer, to decide what to do in my (our) life.
I do not qquer be a bitter woman and alone in the world when you're no longer here with me, and like you said the time spent in your life, it is my
beginning, and being a mother is something important for me to live this experience is my dream

and you did your operanção to his former wife, and will not want to do this for me. not that I want a child now, over here a few years after I stabilize in
your country, learn their language, and have a job.

good guess that it is useless for me to be telling you my dreams

forever love you"

Camila
Saturday, February 27th
Today marks my 1 year anniversary of
getting myself back in shape.  During my
cancer treatment I spent 8 months without
any exercise.  When I began my comeback
on March 1, 2009 I could barely do 4 push
ups and maybe 40 sit ups.  I'm doing a bit
more these days.  I'm trying to hold back
Father Time as best I can, as my son keeps
getting stronger everyday and we like to mix
it up a little :-)..

ps - Mila and I had a chat tonight
"Wings of Asia".  
Learn more about
this 2006 painting
that was given a
make-over this
past weekend, in
the ART section -
"Realism" page.
Memorial Day

Last Friday I found out the results of my PET/CT Scan.  
Instead of visiting my old cancer treatment stomping
grounds (radiation & chemo treatment facilities) and as I
had invisioned sharing the good news of my clean check-
up, I found out that there is some "highly concerning"
developments in my left lung.  Bummer! I have an
appointment to see "Chemical Wali" on June 10th.  Mike, my
boss, a co-worker, Mila, Amy, my kids, my Mom and now this
website, know as much as I know solely from the exam
summary.  I hope that the cancer is treatable and that we
attack it as soon as possible. Looks as though I'll be getting
back into the ring.

Updates:

  • Fiancé Visa was received by Homeland Security on
    April 19th.  On May 6th I received notice that our
    request was routed from Southern California to
    Connecticut (go figure?)
  • Mila desperately wants to have a child with me.  It is
    her "dream" and totally understandable - however, it
    remains not my dream.  Whether or not we can
    overcome this challenge, or even get accepted by
    Homeland Security to pursue our visa is a huge
    unknown! Our love remains strong.
  • Both kids got haircuts yesterday (Mike by my hands).
  • Sales Department "numbers" at the hotel the past 2
    months have kicked ass!
  • Last week of school for the kids.  Birthdays coming up
    next month for both of them.
  • No running for months, as both my knees are shot!
  • Although I have been neglecting the Blog area of
    KmCarey, I have been working on "Memories"
FEBRUARY
JANUARY
March - April
Nada
Sunday, February 28th
Monday, May 31st
May
Happy Father's Day!

Chemical Wali gave me a call  and said that
the Radiologist will not perform a biopsy on my
lung (the nodes are too small).  I'll go back for
another scan first part of September to see
where we are at ----- Mike is now a "Teen"!  
----- Happy Summertime -----
Sunday, June 20th
July 4th Weekend - Should I even venture
out of the house?  Yes, nothing quite like
being a recluse.  Perhaps a little walk today
would be noteworthy.  Spent a great deal of
time downloading and editing images; moving
them from Photoshop to Facebook and here.
Also updated about 5 web pages.  Emily
celebrated her 15th on the 29th of last month.
She had a friend (Savanah) over for the
weekend and we all went over to the Mission
to take some pics.  My Dad emailed me saying
that he's going to "opt out" of our Dodger
game planned for the 20th of this month - let's
see if he's going to opt out of his 80th
birthday golf game with me and Brian next
month as well. Mila is hell bent on having a
baby with me or ..... I guess the end of us.  
We've been revisiting this issue it seems on
an almost daily basis for the past couple of
months.  Makes me extremely tired and I, I
don't know....  I understand, yet - not really
motivated about anything really, but still
haven't fallen out of love. Installed the
banners at the hotels last week, and just in
time for the holiday weekend.  You can check
them out on the new "Banners project" page.  
Oh - let Heinz out of his penthouse for a
walk/jump-
about a couple of days ago.  First
time he's been out since I can remember (if
the little lawnmower would just keep his
chompers in check!  Was hilarious though to
watch him twitch and spasm - get some of the
kinks out :-) . On the creative front, I finished
a portrait of Camila.  As often is the case with
my efforts, there were good strokes, bad
strokes, nervous strokes, confident strokes;
which all added up to a hell of a lot of strokes!
Somehow, I managed to put it together.  I get
a kick out of her in a beenie - brings a big
smile to me.  Then on a whim I had some paint
leftover and ripped open another canvas and
started a new one .... An impressionistic little
gem I call "Leftoverpaintscape".
"Leftoverpaintscape"
12" x 16" acrylic on canvas      
© 2010 KmCarey
"Mila"
12" x 16" acrylic on canvas      
© 2010 KmCarey
AUGUST
Nada
JUNE
Sunday, June 20th
Shirt off again!  
Modeling my birthday
presents from the kids -
PJ's and Slippers
ROUND 2
Turned 51 on the 18th.  The kids were here
and this was a bonus.  We ate a lot of junk
and took in a couple DVDs, including
"Hellraiser".


OK - Ready or Not


  • Surgery scheduled October 6th
  • Left Lung with 3 cancerous nodules
  • 1 1/2 hour operation
  • 3-4 days in hospital
  • 18 days off work (estimated)


Golf game set for Tuesday with Dad and Brian
- took the day off :-).

The "plan" is to clean and organize my shit
before I'm laid up - now what are the odds of
this happening .. lol

ps - I love you Camila
SEPTEMBER
Saturday, September 25th
I'm OK Mom :-) ... <Mom's over in Ireland - left the
day before my surgery>.  3 nights in the hospital
and then 3 nights with my dad (wonderful care!).  
I'd have to say the pain was and continues to be
at times the most excruciating I've ever felt.  I was
able to go online at the hospital and cam to cam
with  Mila  - of course it meant a lot to have her
there. Very much an overwhelming experience -
more chemo on the way ....
OCTOBER
Tuesday, October 12th
Healing up
Surgery October 6th
S
L
O
T
H
Return of the "Port"
MILA - It's been hard on both of us - relegated to a
cyber existence.
Especially bittersweet as we approach our 1 year
anniversary since our "6 days in Brazil".  And still no
word from the U.S. - Powers to be on whether they'll
even allow us to be together.  She questions my love -
She says she does not feel my love.
I DO LOVE HER.
HATS - I've acquired a
few hats, as there is
anticipation of complete
hair loss due to my new
chemo plan. Trying to
get used to wearing
them at work - weird!  
Feel "old" & not myself
.. lol ... But I've been so
not in my own skin for
several years now......
Yep, that's the mirror image of me these days - Senor Sloth!  I've been since the day
before surgery without a single ab crunch.

Recap - Surgery was a success as far as getting everything "bad" (that we can see)
OUT! This accounted for 20% of my left lung.  

I went back to work as scheduled and spent Monday - Thursday the first 2 weeks
living at the hotel (I liked it!)

I was all set to begin 4 cycles/months of chemo and in fact received a HUGE (150mg)
loading dose of Cisplatin & 50mg of Navelbine on Tuesday November 9th.  Horrible
experience! First I screwed up and only took 1/2 of the prescribed dose of nausea
medicine - I was like, why the hell I feel sooooooo bad! I lost over 8 pounds in one
week. I became so constipated and did not have a bowel movement in 6+ days. It was
just before I was to get my second injection of Navelbine on the 16th, that Dr Wali
said to go get an abdominal Xray and we'll put the chemo on hold until we review the
results.  I did and after review of the Xray, she diagnosed me with FOS (full of shit) -
and my dear God I was! ... I picked up some heavy duty prescription strength laxative
and went home to begin the arduous process of..... and .... and at approximately
2:30am and with the assistance of over 200 sheets of toilet paper and some
unmentionable means - it was over!

Tuesday the 23rd I'll get with Dr. Wali and we'll try to figure out what's PLAN B.

The kids landed in Ohio today and I won't be seeing them for a couple of weeks.  My
Mom leaves tomorrow and I won't be seeing her for four months.  

Ahhhhhh - Just me and Mr. Heinz.
Sunday, November 21st
NOVEMBER
Emily took a couple "self-portraits" of
us.  Mike was over at a sleep-over
Friday night, so - this gave us a little
rare One on One Time.  We ate
dinner together,she sang for me,
we did "face massages" ..... was nice!


Rain is coming down now ....
                                           steady
Neupogen - White blood
cell count was low, so I had
to enlist the aid of this drug
to coax the bone marrow to
produce more. I had to
learn to "fix" myself in my
belly fat (3 days).  It did the
trick and now I'll be able to
have my teeth cleaned
tomorrow :-)....
Wednesday, December 5th
"I'm sorry you're sad ..... Honey"
And I am
Nuepogen Update -
Now must self-inject for 5
straight days, as my white
blood cell count continues
to struggle.
Carmen and Me
First Place at our hotel's holiday party.