Just For grins, I wondered if anything significant occurred on a certain day - say: July, 12. It turns out a few interesting events happened in that month and day. The16th Amendment was passed by Congress, Elias James Corey, was born on that day and he went on to become a American organic chemist, winner of the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1990 "for his development of the theory and methodology of organic synthesis." He is principally known for his work in computer-aided analyses of synthesis problems. Using "retrosynthetic analysis," a target molecule might be broken down by reversible steps into simpler, readily available compounds, which is greatly assisted by the use of computers. Corey has synthesized over 100 substances for the first time, including terpenes (plant oil hydrocarbons) and ginkolide B (an extract from the ginko tree used to control asthma.). The U.S. Surgeon General reports a direct relationship between cigarette smoking and lung cancer. But 60 percent of males and 30 percent of females keep right on puffing. The largest tank engagement, the Battle of Kursk, is fought between the Germans and the Russians. ACSM conducts first Exercise Technician Certification Workshop at the University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse; 83 individuals gain ACSM certification as Exercise Technicians, Egyptians attack Kibbutz Negba with armor and massive troop concentrations. Israelis suffer 5 dead, 16 wounded, Egyptian casualties 200-300 wounded, and Argile Stox was born on July 12, 1954. It was just a usual day – nothing really earth shattering or remarkable occurred on that day. Happy Birthday To… Me!

It is about 2:30am this 12^th day July – 2005. Because of the degenerative bone disease which has been attacking my two vertebra and my two herniated discs in my back, it has robbed me of an active social life – I will be spending my birthday – alone. I insisted that Tracy and her boys go to her mothers’ Ranch, so the kids can ignite and watch their remaining fireworks dance in the evening sky. There was no way that I was going to deprive Tracy and her boys from having FUN! I made it clear to Tracy that I do not mind missing social events or even my own birthday due to my infirmity. I will be there in spirit.

I will spend the day listening to moldy oldies on my new computer speakers (the sounds are incredible – the unit even has a remote control- which has volume, treble, bass, and mute functions). I will also spend some quality time with our Boarder Collie and English Sheppard puppies (which are growing in leaps and bounds. Soon, they will be almost full grown.) I will take a few naps and just spend the day relaxing.

Believe in me, the above activities will be less painful and stressful – then walking around a huge land mass Ranch. In addition, this short vacation will give Tracy and her kids a break from observing me contort my face and body in unrelenting pain. Every care giver needs and deserves a break from attending to their incapacitated loved-ones. In addition, it is healthy for a relationship for couples to go their separate ways, participating in activities separately, and just enjoying their own space.

In my opinion – birthdays are very narcissistic. It’s like being a “king / queen” for a day. I used to enjoy celebrating my birthday in my childhood. However, as the years rapidly passed – and I am now “middle-aged” – birthdays are a cruel reminder of how many years I have lived, and how many years I may have left. Yeah, I know that last statement was rather morbid – however, it is the truth and one can not escape the inevitable.

The one good aspect that comes out of all this – is that an individual learns to appreciate their family and friends, In addition, I have noticed that my eyes and brain have discovered new “things” that have always been there, that were not noticed before. Yeah, the old adage is true – “It is time to stop and smell, not just observe - the flowers.”

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