(no subject)

[grindmonkeh]

I feel like hell today. Mr. Piperbacher has pink eye. My head and eyes both ache, but I don't think my eyes are any more bloodshot than per the norm. His condition is likely allergy related and not contagious. That's usually the case anyhow.

Today is my first day of 'Science Fiction Social Criticism' class. I missed work and class (World Geography!) yesterday because my dad had a heart attack Sunday morning. He went under the knife that day and had two stints put in. The doctor had one hell of a time getting the last stint in due to abnormal clotting, and introduced us to the surgeon he almost had do open-heart surgery on the spot. I talked to dad for a few minutes directly after they finished (since he was awake throughout the whole procedure) and he had gone through hell but seemed to be alright. He looked miserable and old.

I spent a couple of hours yesterday with him at the hospital and he felt much better, acted more like himself, and was just all around ready to go home. He'll be in there for another day or two.

I just got back from class and as part of our first assignment I read an article by William Gibson on his introduction to science fiction via H.G. Wells and current events. It's an interesting read (http://infinitematrix.net/faq/essays/gibson.html), maybe even more so if you're a fan of the Neuromancer novel or the cyberpunk genre. This class is going to be interesting, but thus far it seems as though none of the (younger) students are going to be very into it or interactive. I may be surprised.

Quitting time already? Schweet.

Comments

[traballenguas.livejournal.com]

Dude, wow, I hope your dad recovers quickly. That is very scary. Hang in there.

[grindbastard.livejournal.com]

Thanks...I think he'll be fine. ...if he stops chain-smoking.

[traballenguas.livejournal.com]

Ugh.

[charasan.livejournal.com]

I walked away from that class with the idea that William Gibson was a drifter and a bit of a druggie loser, to be honest. If you read Neuromancer, you see that aspect in Case. His desire to be back on the Net definitely held a ring of a druggie looking for that one final fix.

Also, if your surgeon was Asian (narrows it down at Vin., eh?) and had an Elmer Fudd accent, I think I know the guy! He put in my dad's fistula.

[grindbastard.livejournal.com]

You're not talking about the guy that gives you a fistula behind the dumpster at your apartment building are you? His cardio's name was Watson. The surgeon was Indian from the looks of him, but I'm only guessing.

Gibson mentions turning toward Burroughs, Kerouac, and Miller a new concept of sci-fi. They were definitely drug induced, but if you've read Tropic of Capricorn (Miller) then you'd understand. I think I've got it somewhere...it's a challenge, it's rather incoherent, and brilliant at times. Naked Lunch (Burroughs) is the same way...I've got it around here somewhere too. All three were junkies, drifters, and not un-like Gibson.

[charasan.livejournal.com]

Miller's overrated. Ever since Sin City, it's all "oh, he's so great!". Bah. Still, Dark Knight Returns did rock. And everyday is naked lunch in this house. Pfft.

The guy behind the dumpster, though...you leave him out of this. A fistula is where they basically fuse an artery to a vein in the arm to make dialysis easier. They buzz in the arm constantly like a l'il vibrator. It's quite disturbing, really.

And yet...

[xmoviebrainx.livejournal.com]

sorry to hear about you dad but if all he needs is two stints he is lucky. My dad had a quad bypass a few years ago plus getting the angio balloon thing at the ER. If he gets more surgery keep an eye out for signs of depression. I guess it is something that goes hand in hand with open heart stuff.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you guys

[grindbastard.livejournal.com]

He *is* lucky. He wouldn't have even gone to the hospital if my stepmom hadn't made him. He has two additional blockages that are 60-70%. They aren't going to treat them unless he (keeps smoking) and has another attack.

[jennylee.livejournal.com]

I hope both Piper and your Dad feel better soon.

[grindbastard.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I think Pipermo is going to school today and dad is coming home.

[linguafranca.livejournal.com]

Holy crap, I don't know how I missed this entry. I hope your dad's doing well. The SF class sounds awesome. I want details.

[yourbandblows.livejournal.com]

I'm late on this but I hope your Dad is okay. Truly.