Mark Michaelis: My Family

Moved my blog

Wed, 15 Dec 2004 04:15:20 GMT

I have finally taken some time to get my blog running again. The RSS feed is now here.

Benjamin Shows Daddy Something New On Computers

Mon, 13 Sep 2004 14:46:12 GMT

This morning Benjamin was sitting at his computer and I looked over to hear rather strange "popping" sounds emerging and a fireplace image appearing inside Windows Media Player. Not a particularly pleasant sound but the visualizations looked very much like a fire place. Curious as to how he did it I went over and watched.

I am not sure of the exact details because I can't reproduce it on my computer but he essentially took a drawing he had made in MSPaint and renamed it to have no extension. Next he double clicked on a file and was prompted with a dialog asking him which program he would like to open it with. After selecting Windows Media Player he selected yes when prompted about playing it even though Windows Media Player did not support the format. Voilà! He had a fire place with strange popping sounds that corresponded to sparks flying out of the fire place.

It is not surprising that I didn't know about "Plenoptic: Random" theme in Windows Media Player (I confess I don't use the visualizations or even play MP3s). What is troubling is that my four year old taught me something about computers that I didn't know. I expect this to be the first uf many, many, more lessons.

Benjamin Michaelis.Net

Mon, 13 Sep 2004 14:34:06 GMT

While at his my Mom and Dad's a few weeks ago my 4 year old son got into a conversation about his last name. Granny told him that his last name was, "Michaelis," making his full name "Benjamin Michaelis." To which he promptly replied that his full name was, "Benjamin Michaelis.NET."

VERY SCARY!!!!

Accident Recovery

Tue, 01 Jun 2004 18:09:13 GMT

It has now been one month since my bicycle accident. I would like to say everything is back to normal but there are a few hitches.

Mental state

I will let you draw your on conclusions based on interactions with me and the following additional data points:

Pushed the undock button when leaving work but I ended up forgetting my laptop at work for one night last week. Normally an allergic reaction starts when I get to far from the laptop and I didn't even realize the mistake until I got home.
I left my wallet on the bus (my means of commuting while I can't ride a bicycle) last week and didn't realize it was missing until half way through the day. (Fortunately, this is Spokane and not <enter city name here> because I picked it up intact with all cash and cards 2 days later at lost and found.)
I asked my son to put his used paper napkins into the dishwasher 3 times one evening. Fortunately, my beautiful wife was there to point out my nonsensicalness.
Today I took a bus from work to the transit station. I then moved to another bus and waited for it to leave. Five minutes into the journey I realized that the bus I boarded at the transit station was taking me back to work rather than home. I disembarked soon enough to be in walking distance from home and this was the first time taking this particular route but still, it wasn't particularly bright of me.

Physical state

On Friday I had a tilt table test in the morning, an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon for my AC separation in the early after noon, followed by a stress (treadmill) test and meeting with the cardiologist toward the end of the day. Earlier that week I also had a CAT scan of my heart. The orthopedic went so far as to say that I should come and see him in six months if I still have a problem but that it should heal on its own (I responded that is wasn't personal but I hoped I wouldn't need to see him again either.) At the very end of the tilt table test I went pale and sweaty but I didn't faint (the goal if it was to be a positive test). In the end the cardiologist concluded that all the tests were negative except for the tilt table test which was abnormal but inconclusive. Therefore, he recommended that I go for a Catheter Ablation. He also cleared me for driving but not exercise.

Emotional state

Looking forward to this all being over. Frustrated by my lack of productivity both at work and with writing. Perhaps this is normal but I am blaming it on my accident regardless. :)

Summary

I am uncomfortable with doing the Catheter Ablation and I don't think there is enough evidence to warrant putting a tube into my heart.
They have also not been able to show any exercise related syncope and it frustrates me that they are still asking me not to do any exercise, especially when my two syncope related incidents immediately following my accident have more in common with driving than exercise.

Qualifying for the Saved-by-the-Helmet Club

Wed, 12 May 2004 14:56:06 GMT

On May 2 I qualified to join the Washington Saved-by-the-Helmet Club by having a serious accident on my bicycle and living to tell about it because of my helmet. Eric Brady and I were making our now annual bicycle ride to the Bloomsday race of Spokane. This is our third year of biking down and racing, but this year was an exception because I didn't actually make it there.

On the corner of Pines and Montgomery in Spokane Valley I had a bicycle accident. Montgomery is at the bottom of an incline and I fell trying to cross over a triangular median with ramps for wheeled traffic. I don't remember anything except what the median looked like before the accident. Eric described the accident,

"...when you went over the ramp on the pedestrian island, it kicked the rear tire up and threw your weight forward. You then landed on the front tire, went over the handlebars, skidded/bounced one time maybe twice on the pavement, and contacted the curb. It all happened very, very fast."

In other words, after going over my handlebars, I skidded about 6 to 8 feet and my head collided against the curb, cracking my helmet. Following the accident I went by ambulance to the emergency room trauma services at Deaconess hospital in downtown Spokane. From there I was admitted to ICU (Intensive Care Unit) where I remained for three days before being released to the neurological ward and home the next day.

Diagnosis

Intra-ventricular hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain).
No broken bones.
Road rash on my left shoulder, knee, arm, ear and face.
AC separation of my left shoulder.

How am I doing?

Considering what happened I am doing really well.
I am experiencing more tiredness than normal and I am essentially sleeping during the day at the same time my one-and-a-half year old daughter takes naps.
I have pretty constant headaches but I am learning to just accept them as "expected." I take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) with Codeine at night for them and regular Acetaminophen during the day as needed. I am also on some meds. to reduce the chance of seizures.
According to my neurologist I am not currently allowed to bike or drive which makes getting to work rather difficult (I normally bike to work year round). Fortunately, the doctor has also recommended I not work for two weeks following my hospital stay. Still, this puts pressure on Elisabeth as we always have to take the kids with us in order for me to go out.
I don't get to exercise until my cardiologist grants permission just in case my accident was caused by an exercise induced blackout. This makes my preparation for Troika Half Ironman difficult at best.
The Intra-ventricular hemorrhage has caused a loss of short term memory and my mind is a lot slower. (This would be a great time to challenge me in Go or chess or throw some puzzle my way.) Fortunately my thinking is improving but it is slow and I still find it takes me a lot longer to work through stuff that I previously did instantly.
My arm hurts, especially when lifting my daughter.
I feel frustrated at my lack of ability to do anything productive (work and writing are the key sources of frustration) but slowly I am starting to be able to sit at the computer for short durations.

Rhino gets amorous with car

Fri, 23 Apr 2004 10:46:02 GMT

As a former resident of Southern Africa I found this article to be particularly humorous.

Tracking Visited Countries via World66

Mon, 29 Mar 2004 05:22:18 GMT

Here is a view of the world as I have visited it courtesy of www.world66.com.

(Thanks to Chris Kinsman for pointing this out. Very cool!)

The Seven Big Problems in High School

Mon, 29 Dec 2003 21:54:31 GMT

I am currently reading a book entitled, "What Happens When We Pray for Our Families" by Evelyn Christenson. In it I came across the a quote similar to one by George F. Will recorded here:

"In the 1940s a survey listed the top seven discipline problems in public schools: talking, chewing gum, making noise, running in the halls, getting out of turn in line, wearing improper clothes, not putting paper in wastebaskets. A 1980s survey lists these top seven: drug abuse, alcohol abuse, pregnancy, suicide, rape, robbery, assault. (Arson, gang warfare and venereal disease are also-rans.)"

The quote struck me considerably and I have reflected on it quite a bit especially in conversations with fiends. It is certainly scary for those of us raising children. As it turns out the lists lack scientific credibility but regardless, I think it reflects a true trend that is seemingly accelerating.

How does one balance raising children that are protected appropriately early on but also responsible once they face such challenges?

Blogging Software Reviews

Tue, 23 Dec 2003 13:38:12 GMT

My Mom recently asked me about blogging software... "How do I get my own blog up an running." This prompted a search on blogging software and I came across the following reviews:

Personally I use Radio Userland but I wouldn't recommend this I don't think, at least not for my Mom. I am looking to switch as well but I want something build on ASP.NET. Dasblog is currently what my thinking is but since I haven't yet got it up and running I can't comment on whether this is realistic or not.

But Is It Productive?

Mon, 15 Dec 2003 08:14:10 GMT

In church today John Underhill spoke on the topic of "Productive Spirituality." His primary point was that there is an abundance of things to do in this world, and many of them are not bad in the least. However, in choosing how to spend one's time, he argued that we should question whether what we are selecting to do is "productive." Is it contributing to being a fruitful Christian. He gave the example of his daughter reading a "fantasy" book and indicating that it was not bad in itself but that perhaps there were more productive choices that could be made.

I really struggle with this question. I have wrestled with it many a time, especially in regards to my work. I believe that God has gifted me in many areas and that with his guidance I could have a significant effect in bringing about his work if I was in full-time ministry rather than a full-time computer nerd. So the question, "Is activity A or B productive or fruitful regardless of whether it is good or bad presents" a real challenge to me. As a computer nerd am I being all that God wants me to be? (By the way, I found William Hendricks' and Doug Sherman's book, Your Work Matters To God to help wrestle with this topic. It doesn't provide the answers necessarily but it helps probe the issue within your own life.)

I confess that I have still not fully come to terms with the question of whether my work is the most "productive" choice I could be making but I have come to the point of believing that it is, none-the-less, the right choice for me at this time in my life. In other words, I am reasonably confident that my work is what God wants from me at the moment. The question as to whether a choice is "productive" can be significantly misleading, however. Sure in the case where the answer is yes you are fine. However, whenever the answer is no (perhaps most of the time) then little conclusion about the activity can be drawn (except to note that the answer wasn't yes). Furthermore, as I discussed a while back, there are times when choosing to do exercise or even veg. out in front of the TV is the appropriate choice, even when it would be difficult to argue that it is doing much to bring God's kingdom here on earth.

In summary, I don't think the question, is appropriate and the only time that it can provide any guidance is when the anser is yes. Choices about time are way more complicated than this question implies.

I've Never Regretted Not Watching TV

Mon, 15 Dec 2003 06:49:05 GMT

Today was the final episode of Survivor. Elisabeth went to join the neighbors to watch while I stayed home with the kids. When she got back she was sharing how so much stuff on TV is such garbage. Hmm... I thought:

Up until moving into our current home a year and a half ago, we had never had a TV that was hooked up (we could watch rented movies). I confess that I was somewhat concerned that having the TV would be a problem for me as it is the type of thing I can be easily addicted to. As it turns out, I have watched very little TV. Over the past year I would estimate it has been less that 50 hours total, at least in my home. (I have perhaps watched a similar amount when traveling and staying in hotels.)

As I look back on the TV missed and Elisabeth's comments about how bad it, is all I can do is agree. It occurs to me that aside from 3 or 4 significant news stories, I have never regretted not watching TV. Sure, there are some negatives to my TV abstinence. I am certainly clueless in discussions about this advertisement, that show, and what-not around the water cooler or pop-culture-quiz-game. However, this inability to chit-chat on such topics pails in comparison to my gratitude at not getting sucked in to something I am confident I would simply regret.

In no way am I advocating that to watch X amount of TV is wrong or even bad. This is one of those things that each person has a different level of appropriateness. In my case TV watching should be low. For others, TV is presumably much more acceptable. That said, I would be interesting to know how often an avid TV watcher would declare they regretted watching TV and if the regret becomes desensitized the more avid the viewer?

I did a quick search on the Internet and found some links that had some rather staggering statistics on this topic:

It's Christmas Time at the Michaelises

Mon, 08 Dec 2003 01:21:45 GMT

Hanna Goes Through Airport Security

Mon, 08 Dec 2003 01:09:09 GMT

Several weeks ago now the family travelled to Chicago. Here is a picture of Hanna as we were about to go through security.

Family Life Marriage Conference

Sun, 02 Nov 2003 07:13:36 GMT

This weekend I attended a Family Life Marriage Conference at the Coeur d'Alene resort. The material presented was solid and served as a great reminder for making my marriage strong. Of far greater value, however, was dedicated, un-distracted, one-on-one time with Elisabeth. Elisabeth was even able to refrain from calling home to check on the kids. It was truly a phenomenal weekend in which our marriage was greatly enriched by such focused time together.

Goals:

Attend a marriage conference of some kind at least once a year.
Take a at least one weekend per. year away with Elisabeth that is devoted entirely to spending time together.
(Note to Self: Refrain from trying to accomplish anything, conquer anything, or do something you have never done before. Just be together.)

P.S. Thanks to my parents for babysitting. We couldn't have done it without them.

Benjamin Plays Fireman at Valley Fest

Tue, 23 Sep 2003 06:07:55 GMT

This weekend Benjamin played fireman at Valley Fest. He was very excited. Below are some pictures (go here for more Mom):

He also thoroughly enjoyed going down the slide:

Benjamin Learning to Ride a Bike

Tue, 23 Sep 2003 03:57:57 GMT

This weekend I took Benjamin to a small hill by our house in order to teach him to ride a bike. He is by no means independent yet but he can ride down on his own, peddling as he goes. Now if only I could teach him how to start and stop without falling. Details, details....

Here is a picture of him going down unassisted.

Mountain Biking up Mica Peak

Tue, 23 Sep 2003 03:30:51 GMT

Three weekends ago now I rode up Mica Peak with Eric Brady. This is a great local climb and the downhill is fast as heck. I decided that a bicycle is probably the fastest mode of transportation with down the logging trail. It is awesome.

I confess that the trail is still too difficult for me to stay upright all the way up. It is too steep and the gravel and rocks are simply too loose in places. However, I think that it is possible to ride up it completely with enough practice and I hope to be able to do it some day. There are ton's of trails in this area and I haven't even begun to explore them. Next time we do this we hope to traverse down the Cedar forest side.

Below is a picture of the the peak from right near my house:

How to Build the Best Paper Airplane in the World

Sat, 06 Sep 2003 13:51:23 GMT

A fun father and son activity for the weekend...

Peeka-paaka Gets Her First Tooth

Tue, 26 Aug 2003 03:36:19 GMT

My Mom, who is probably the only one interested in the My Family Life category anyway, has been mumbling about the lack of posts to this category especially in recent months. So Mom, this one if for you.

Benjamin has taken to calling Hanna by the affectionate nickname, "Peeka-paaka." The origination of this is entirely unknown but my best guess is that it derives from the morphing of peek-a-boo which we often say to Hanna to get her to smile. Curiously I was also called "Peeka-paaka" yesterday so the exact meaning of the endearing term is still subject to change.

In other interesting family news Peeka-paaka's first tooth appeared two days ago. We have been expecting this for months and many a time we thought it was eminent due to fussiness and such. However, it appeared without ceremony during a time when Hanna has been sleeping through the nights quite peacefully. (Although there is some disagreement on the "through the nights" as she is waking up before her assigned wake time of 7 AM.)

Benjamin is enjoying the computer I set up for him. We installed Reader Rabbit 1 which is geared for 3-5 year olds. After briefly watching him play the first time, both Elisabeth and I dismissed it as still too old for him. However, by the second day he was consistently matching letters. Wow! The big question for us is how to appropriately limit his computer time. Since Dad is writing again he doesn't exactly model a balanced computer usage at the moment.

Hanna Grows Up a Little More

Mon, 28 Jul 2003 03:42:18 GMT

Over the past month our 9 month old daughter Hanna has experienced a spurt in physical capabilities. To start with she is pulling herself up to a standing position whenever near anything stable enough to support her weight. Next, she is able to crawl up stairs unassisted which is most disconcerting because she has not yet mastered going down and doesn't seem to even be conscious of any danger when she attempts to go down head first. Lastly, she even took a few steps with the push toy we have. It was outside on the grass so it didn't role away from her too fast.

Another note is that she is starting to take a bottle (something she has refused in the past). This means that perhaps mommy can get away for longer breaks as Hanna has already been eating solid foods for two or so months.

Heavy Plant Crossing (Light Plants Have to use the Bridge Down the Way.)

Mon, 21 Jul 2003 06:25:53 GMT

While vacationing in England we came across several interesting signs but this was undoubtedly my favorite. Don't the English just have a way with words?

A New Uninvited Addition to the Michaelis Household

Mon, 21 Jul 2003 04:55:14 GMT

Today over breakfast our neighbor asked us if we new we had a wasp nest in the garden.

"Wasp nest? No, of course not, do we really? Hey, check that out...."

Just before spraying I discovered that both the remaining wasp spray cans in the house were virtually empty. Nothing like adding a bit of excitement. Well the spray made pretty good work of it. I sprayed after dark as supposedly the wasps are less active then (though they sure didn't seem to lack any energy based on the buzzing sound coming from the nest once I started spraying.) I was disappointed that the spray dissolved the nest somewhat as I was hoping to save it and show Benjamin. Oh well... perhaps another time.

Degree Confluence Project

Sat, 19 Jul 2003 01:48:21 GMT

Here is an interesting project:

"The goal of the project is to visit each of the latitude and longitude integer degree intersections in the world, and to take pictures at each location. The pictures and stories will then be posted here."

Mt. Rainier Trip Writeup

Wed, 09 Jul 2003 10:50:43 GMT

Although we wrote up our Mt. Rainier trip shortly afterwards I never got around to posting the trip report onto my weblog.

In summary, we didn't make it to the top due to bad weather. However, it was a good climb overall.

Father and Son Friendships

Mon, 30 Jun 2003 04:14:29 GMT

While on the plain to England I noticed a mother and teenage daughter reading a magazine together and talking. I was struck by the apparent intimacy between them. I remember seeing similar close friendships between mothers and daughters in other places. In fact, Elisabeth's mom seems to have a similar relationship to both of her daughters.

As I think about this type of friendship, however, I am struck by the fact that I don't recall seeing the same type of intimacy between father and son. Sure it exists, but it seems to be more rare. Father and son relationships more commonly reflect shared activities (fishing, sports, games and in my case computers) but not so much the shared friendship that seems to be more prevalent amongst woman. Now it is clear to me that men are generally a lot more activity oriented anyway, they are a lot more focused on what you do together. However, I believe that with care and intention activities can include intimate conversation as long as one takes the risk and makes the effort. As I begin raising my own son I am struck with the need to be intentional in my conversations with him. Certainly we would do things together but that also we would share thoughts and feelings about life not just do things together. Obviously this is a lesson that applies to all relationships (including my marriage) but today I was struck by the need to be sure it occurs with Benjamin.

At the same time I should mention the importance of saying "I love you" to my son and showing him lots of affection. Elisabeth has been a great example to me in this case and although I confess it was slightly unnatural to say it as often as she does, I am learning to do so. Bill Hybels talks about ending every conversation with his son by saying, "I love you" and his son echoing back with the same response. As Benjamin begins to say the same words I realize even more what a tremendous blessing he is. (It reminds me somewhat of why God must appreciate our worship.)

Dorothy, the Fish, Joins the Michaelis' Household for Two Days Before Departing for Fish Heaven

Fri, 06 Jun 2003 05:20:38 GMT

Last Friday I went with Benjamin to the pet store to buy a fish. We promised him one once he was potty trained. Anyway, the stored didn't have any gold colored ones but Benjamin was none the wiser. We brought it home and Benjamin thoroughly enjoyed feeding it and watching it. Unfortunately, within two days the fish was lying dead at the bottom of the bowl. Benjamin came down from a nap and noticed immediately. Whoops!

Fortunately, Benjamin was not too distraught and we promised that we would buy him another one once I returned from Raleigh. In fact, Benjamin was eager to watch as we flushed Dorothy down the toilet on the way to fish heaven.