I'm Racing Now!

Wow, what a life! I finally got "back in the saddle" by performing again. Then my daughter sets me up with another gig! I did a show for her mission's team auction dinner. It sure was fun! Short, but fun.

I can't say I'll all too fond of dinner shows, but this one turned out really well. I started at dinner when folks were lining up for food. That is generally not a good time to start! But, the laughs started and I fell at ease and started to roll.

She and her boyfriend taped the show for me, but I have to admit, I haven't seen it yet! Things have been racing right along. I've been back working on my web site and have finally uploaded the video from the Life Christian School and Academy show. This has really helped make me feel "human" again, and kept me busy while looking for technical writing work. I've been updating the site and relearning the HTML coding for embedded video.

I also made another inroad in that I've loaded the videos to my Facebook account. I'm debating on doing it on MySpace. Like many folks I talk to, MySpace has lost a lot of its appeal. Kind of like me! Maybe I'm less appealing, but I'm more fun!

More fun has been happening in that I have now uploaded my videos from the school show onto YouTube. Yes, I've succumb to the forces of technology! My kids have been pestering me to put something on YouTube, now I have. I am shocked that I didn't turn into a toad, or a troll, or an avatar! Phew! That was close! However, there is no way you're getting me to twitter! No way!

I sure do love doing the ventriloquist thing. Maybe, I'll just do it full time! Drop me a line and tell me what you think!

Back in the saddle again!

Well, it has been a long, dry stretch. I really haven't performed in quite awhile. I had missed this past Christmas at the Lights of Christmas. It was a bummer. I love doing that show.

But, the cancer is taking its toll. My numbers aren't good and as a result, my memory suffers. One of the lovely side-affects.

However! I did two 10 minute bits in our Children's Church with Frank Bacon (my little pig) and Larry (my lamb.) It was fun having the two of them argue, and yet we gave the Gospel message. I was really happy that the kids really enjoyed it.

Then, next week, on Wednesday, I have a paying show at a local Christian school! I am very excited! The teacher who called me for this show said it was his turn to do the entertainment, and he wanted to outdo the other teachers. I hope I won't disappoint. Again, I'll get to give the Gospel with it, so I am thrilled.

Ok... it has been awhile. Hope it won't be so long next time!

Chet

Cancer and Golf

Hey Y’all!

I haven’t been doing so well at keeping up with my blog. Ugh.

As many of you know, I’m battling cancer. Well, battling is not a good term for what I’m going through. (More later on that.) You see, I have the "good" cancer. When I heard the doctor call my cancer the "good" cancer, I nearly hit him! But, I couldn’t, as I was too weak! So, I just gave him my best glare. That’ll show him!

Well, just to show me, that well educated doctor actually knew what he was talking about! Imagine that! Why my cancer is the "good" cancer is because it is slow growing and has "little" impact. Let me clarify that. I have many family members that have and are battling the "bad" cancer, plus many friends and acquaintances who have the "bad" cancer. I don’t go through 1/10 of the hell that they go through. No chemo, and the easiest radiation one could imagine. Believe or not, that’s why my hair is long. (Again, more on that later.) So, I’m not battling cancer. It’s more like I'm kicking it around a lot. It's down for the count, and I have my boots on, and... nope, too much violence as it is. Use your imagination! Ha!

Plus, my friends and acquaintances really can’t go out and do much. No energy. No zip. Nothing. The chemo alone saps life out of them. And, no golf. Me, I actually go to work. Really, I'm working again. And, doing really well at it. At least, that what's the boss says. Better yet, I play golf again.

Now, cancer hasn’t helped my golf game, but it is a huge blessing I can play golf, though my partners may not think so! FORE! Sorry about that missed shot. Really. The swelling should go down before you know it.

Anyway, I don’t have quite the zip I used to have. But, I can still work (but 40-hours a week is IT! So, forget working at Microsoft!) I can still see my kids and grandkids. (Yes, I know, I’m wwwaaaaayyyyy to young...) But, I have enough zip to drive, play golf, teach Sunday School (though some parents may wonder "who is this nut teaching our kids?"), and, I can still praise God for my every breath, my rising each day, for prayer (answered and not) and for my loving family. Can anyone ask for anything more?

Yes, there is still more. I have to have more surgery. Two more sneaky lymph-nodes hiding out being bad. Ugh. Then, more radiation... that only attacks the cancer! Not good cells! (I thought the cancer would cause my hair to fall out, so I let it grow. Ha! Now, I’m hairy!)

So, cancer isn’t always bad, in more sense of the word than one. It’s amazing what God can teach you at these times. And, you may get to grow long hair for the first time in your life, because the radiation doesn’t make it fall out. (At least the iodine-131 doesn’t!) Whatever God allows your way, just remember, life is good when you are in God.

Chet "Don’t Call Me Bad Golfer, Call Me A Challenged Golfer" Dickenson

Working again, in more than one way!

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you all!

Well, I am gainfully employed, if only for two months. (I started early December.) I am back writing technical material, and man, what a challenge! But, that's the way I like it.

As well, I had the Lights of Christmas performance on Dec. 15th! That was so much fun. Yes, I was a wreck* having not performed for a paying audience like this in so long a time. The first show was a bit rough, but, honestly, so was the crowd! They were a tough bunch, but still laughed! Phew! The second show I did much better and the crowd was much more into it all. Lots of laughs. Isn't that the point of a ventriloquist/comedy show? I hope everyone had as much fun as I did! I especially liked the married couples that got the joke about Frank having to know martial arts; oh, but he didn't, as ... he's not married! I'll post pictures as soon as I can. It may be a bit since, I'm working again!

I have to admit, I was pretty nervous about working again. I wasn't sure I'd have the energy for the day-to-day grind. I have been surprised and blessed by God's grace that has been getting me through each day. I am totally whooped when I get home, but I am able to put in a good day's work. My prayer and goal is to give the good folks that hired me the best run book (operations manual) that they deserve! It is nice getting to put my Master's degree to work, too!

Ok, have to run. Pictures to follow. Also, look for performance pictures on my site. (http://www.chetdickenson.com/)

Later,

Chet

* I cannot write this word any longer without a laugh! The Chicago sports writers have dubbed quarterback, Rex Grossman, "Wrecks" Grossman when he doesn't perform up to their standards!

To potential employers

Dear potential employers,

Yes, I am currently looking for work. Yes, I have an opinion on life, love, and the pursuit of work.

IF you read my blog and don't hire me, good! I would not want to work for anyone that does not want diversity in the work place. You see, if you read my blog, and don't like something you read and base your decision on that, obviously you don't embrace diversity and talent. What a shame.

Also, if you base your hiring strictly on what you read on anyone's blog (with the exception of obvious bigots: nazis, neo-nazis, racial bigots, gender bigots, etc.) and don't hire them, you prove what is greatly wrong with American business today: small-mindedness.

For example, American businesses are not hiring senior technical writers today. Why? They think they can get the same product and quality from a cheaper, far less experienced writer. What they are getting is bad quality product that ultimately drives up costs! That's right. Being cheap is costing you business "leaders" in a real, bottom-line, measurable way.

You see, when you hire an experienced technical writer who focuses on quality, you SAVE money. How? You gain a quality product that users and support staff can understand and follow. The better users and support staff understand and follow documentation, the less calls to support, the short call times for support staff, thus, a huge reduction in costs. Huge.

Also, personal information on this blog is just that: personal. I've been through a lot. What amazes me is how managers respond to it! Too bad they aren't leaders! For, if these managers were leaders then they would see that folks that can conquer hardships in life, breeze through work issues. Don't believe me? Well, folks like John Maxwell (a leading expert, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author and authority on leadership) strongly disagree with you. Leaders see "issues" as opportunities and lead others to do like-wise. The result is a win-win for everyone, and a plus to the bottom-line.

American businesses need leadership, quality personnel to be competitive in the World Market. If you read my blog and don't want to hire based upon what you read, your loss, and ultimately your loss in the market place. Egotistical statement? Nope. Just an honest, humble assessment. Really.

Chet Dickenson
Sr. Technical Writer

Time??? What time???

I have been trying to get to the point of updating my blog for ages now. Then I realized, "Who has the time?" Gas prices are zooming up, but not as fast as everything seems to rob me of time!!!

I was reading my good friend', Taylor Mason's blog, and I found that he has the same issue! (I have many issues. I think Sept. 2005 is my favorite though the pictures in May 2001 are very nice and the articles in April 2003 are excellent!) His job is to study the human condition. Wow! I want that job! He is one of the best at it. Just read his blog. I'm amazed in the time that he spends on the road and studying the human condition that he had the time to update his blog!

So, who keeps raising the price of the barrel of time? Who ever it is needs to be raked over the coals by Congress (who themselves need to be raked over the coals, as they debate each other in prison!), but we all know that won't happen. They are all paid off by the time lobbyest. Good grief. Is nothing sacred?

What amazes me is how politicians, even athiest, suspend their views on time, and things sacred, when life really hits the fan. Take Atlanta. They are in the midst of a terrible drought. They are rapidly running out of water, and no one there seems to have the brains to know what to do. (They are close to the Atlantic. What about desalinization? Oops! I had an idea, and that isn't allowed right now by politicians in Atlanta!) So, the politicians have suspended the "rules" on time and religion, and are having a good-old fashioned Christian prayer meeting on the steps of the capital, taking the time to ask God for rain. Funny... they kicked God out of their lives, since they didn't have the time or the heart for Him, yet now, they are taking precious time to beg Him to intervene.

I'm willing to bet, that if God blesses them with rain, they will all of a sudden take the time to forget Him and His blessing as fast as OPEC can raise the price on a barrel of oil, and will return to forbidding others to call on Him. I hate to tell them, God aint no giant vending machine! You don't put prayers in, press the button, and get a blessing in the slot below, then turn and walk away forgetting Him until life gets way to hard again. Hey Atlanta... shoot, hey America! You kicked God out. What makes you think He wants to come back? Yes, He wants to bless you. Yes, he loves you! But, He doesn't want a "call my people" relationship. He wants YOU, in a long-term, loving, growing, blessed relationship. Then, He continues sweet, blessed rain throughout your life!

Ok. I'm off my soapbox. Wow! I cannot believe I took the time to write that! ;>)

Chet

Slowing becoming human

Wow! I cannot believe that it has been so very long since I updated this. Ugh!

Well, I am starting to feel a little human again, so maybe I can start updating things again, but slowly! Thank you, those of you who have contacted me! I've had the great opportunity to write you all about cancer and surviving, ventriloquism, and life (and the universe... said with a big, echoing announcer voice!)

I have updated my site with pictures of performing at Evangelical Chinese Church of Seattle VBS*. It was great fun! The kids always seem to enjoy it, and I get to freak-out some of the parents! Cool!


Alright. More later! Thank you for tuning in.

Chet

Updating the Blog and my web site!

Hey gang!

Well, I have had a surge of energy, which is pretty rare these days, and so I spent some much needed time updating my blog (which you are reading!) and my web site. On my web site I have put some new pages dealing with the cancer and Kenya. As well, I've updated the photo page with some pictures from Kenya! Check it out: http://www.chetdickenson.com.

As I update this Blog with the daily journal entries from Kenya, I'll also include a few pictures of the place I'm writing about. Not all the photographs are mine, though (though the one of the brothers, here, is.) Our team shared resources and that included each one making CDs of our photos. Very cool! (Especially since I was camera-challenged for most of the trip, until I figured out what the problem with it was!)


Chet

Cancer: Why I've been so slow on updating about Kenya

Background

Disability

Two years ago, in February 2005, I went down with what we thought was the flu. I ended up in the ER twice. The second time the ER doctor said I should switch doctors to get better health care. I did, and ended up on a treadmill of doctors. I ended up with constant flu-like symptoms, having good days and bad days, and I lost use of my short-term memory, and cognitive abilities. I couldn't think and couldn't write, which is really bad for a full-time technical writer, and part-time ventriloquist! One of the first things my wife told the doctor is, "He has lost his sense of humor! That's really bad!" (I've since been regaining it, much to my wife's dismay!)

Unfortunately, I had more bad days than I did good days. My energy was always low. It was bad. I kept going through test after test after test, and no one could figure out what was wrong. It turns out that the thyroid tests they did could not diagnose what was actually happening to me.

I decided that since I wasn't good for much and was absolutely sick of sitting around I would join the Kenya Missions Team that our church was sending to Kenya. It didn't take memory (everything is written out for you!) or writing skills. It didn't require a lot of energy, except to walk from the Passionist (the dwelling place in Langata) to Grace Children's Center/Church on the Rock. Ok, I could do that. (I was keeping up with some walking, when I could, to help keep me sane, and to lose weight!) Plus, what does it take to hold AIDS babies? Nothing! I was hoping to help out with some of the building stuff, but mostly was tagged to do ventriloquism for the school kids as the medical team taught first aid and CPR to the teachers and staff of each location we went to. (That was about 15 minutes of material, most of which was ad lib since there was a language barrier. It amazed me how exhausting that 15 minutes was!)

Discovering the Cancer

Last July I blacked out after a very bad headache and slammed my head on a cabinet. As a result, I was in the ER for many hours.

They couldn't find what the problem was and sent me to a neurologist. (At that time is the time when I joined the Kenya missions trip as a replacement member.) After many tests they accidentally found my lymph nodes were enlarged in my neck when they were looking at the neck arteries. The technician accidentally found the problem! Is that a God-thing or what? They found it by chance as that wasn't even the thing they were looking for.

I was scheduled to go to Kenya on Nov. 6, yet had to have a biopsy to check the lymph nodes on Oct. 20 as the doctor said the enlarged lymph nodes weren't going away, so I had the biopsy.

The pathologist actually did the biopsy himself (generally unheard of) and ran it upstairs and tested it immediately. He came back right away and said it was papillary carcinoma thyroid: cancer of the thyroid. It is a very slow growing cancer and generally people don't die of it. Also, it is one of the easiest cancers to treat and actually beat.

Since the test came back as papillary carcinoma thyroid, the "good" cancer, I was able to still go to Kenya. (It was a blast and we helped out so very many people! See the Kenya page!) Had it been the "bad" cancer, the doctor said he would have grounded me right then and there. Bummer! But, God is good! I got to go. And, I was able to go because the medical field seems to move pretty slowly at times. I had a lot of time between the diagnosis and the surgery. It just amazed me how Christ Jesus just worked it all out!

Right after we got back, just after Thanksgiving, I had my surgery, Nov. 30, to remove the cancerous material and thyroid. Well, I was in much longer than expected as the doctor said there was a lot more cancer than he originally thought. It was the worst case he'd seen in years. When I went to get the stitches out I asked the doctor/surgeon, why wasn't the scar a lot bigger like he originally thought? Well, as it turns out, he hadn't read the report since before we left for Kenya. He didn't review the reports before the surgery and went by memory. So, he didn't get it all. I had to go back in for another surgery on Dec. 14, two weeks to the day after the first surgery. Recovery was a bear. Again, he said it was one of the worst cases he'd seen and surgery went longer than expected. My throat was so swollen I could hardly breath. It was a mess.

But, he was mindful of my ventriloquist and worked very hard to keep my voice.

Well, I am recovering and had a great Christmas and great New Years! I hope you did, too! Now, I'm working on getting my voice back. It is very weak from surgery and recovery. I'm was off the thyroid pills while waiting to do the radiation treatment. Again, since this is the "good" cancer, radiation treatment is much better! It is very specific. It is radioactive iodine which just targets thyroid cancer cells! Nothing else! I was in quarantine for a week, which was hard! No wife, no pets, no energy, no fun. However, I seem to be blessed with the easiest of the possibilities, for which I thank Christ Jesus.

Today

Now, I'm in the process of the thyroid adjustment. This means working up to a level that seems to work, then backing down a little and tweaking it until I hit the mark. I'm very weak right now, and struggle to do vent (only half of my vocal chords are working and the other half is working back up to strength.) We are very positive that the cancer is gone, but I've still many, many more tests to go through to make sure that it is. And, if it isn't, there are several options still open like more radioactive iodine treatments, more surgery, or ship me off to a far away place! Ha! At least this all hasn't killed my sense of humor!

We also don't know if the cancer and the surgery with all the treatments is going to be the cure to my disability. However, there is a pretty good chance it will. We'll see. I will say that since the recovery has begun I've had some pretty good days of cognitive ability. I can think more clearly (on the good days!) and deeper than I have been able to do in two-years! (I've got four book outlines in mind and I'm working on two of them when I have a good day. I just wish I had more energy and time awake to work on them!!!)

Thank you for all your encouragement and prayers! You folks are amazing! Thank you!