Friday and more celebrating

Friday was another wonderful surprise for me. My very good friends, Jack and Donna from Connecticut showed up for dinner. Phil and the gang prepared (well, had delivered) a really cool Moroccan dinner. With a beautiful table set and birthday decorations all around we all tucked into a cool variety of dishes. Dessert and cake followed and by the end of the evening I was ready to hurl from eating so much! Another great day.

Carpe Diem.

What a cool surprise

We got back to New York from London on Wednesday evening. I planned to stay in New York with Phil and the gang until Sunday morning (my birthday). Diana would join us in New York on Friday night and together we would all celebrate my birthday.

Well, to my surprise, Phil arranged for my mom to fly in from Boca on Thursday and she surprised me at Phil and How's apartment. What a cool birthday gift.

Thursday night we celebrated at restaurant around the corner from the apartment. Hannah and Lil joined Phil, How, my mom and me.

Carpe Diem.

ZimKids appeal

Hi All,

In the years since Dennis founded Zimkids, an orphan project in Zimbabwe, he’s struggled mightily not to hit up friends for financial support. But in his efforts to put the group on a firmer financial footing, he’s just been offered a tremendous opportunity that demands that we reach out for help. Globalgiving is an Internet charity site that holds real promise of ongoing financial support to small projects like Zimkids. A month or so ago, Zimkids was selected as a potential participant and we managed to get through their “due diligence.” But to earn a permanent place, we need at least 50 people to donate a total of at least $4000 to Zimkids via global giving over the next month. So we are turning to you all.

Many of you have already been extremely generous with Zimkids, so we are somewhat abashed about holding out the begging bowl. But if you could find a way to make a small donation – even $10 or $20 – and/or pass along this email to family and friends who might be willing to help out, we would be extremely grateful.

Over the past year, the number of orphans Zimkids is feeding has skyrocketed from 60 to 160, at the very moment that food prices have almost doubled. So securing a permanent place on globalgiving.com is incredibly important just now. It’s tax-deductible – and easy, just go to:

http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/zimkids-feeds-zimbabwean-orphans-body-and-soul/

If anyone wants more information about Zimkids, go to the website at:

http://www.zimkids.com

And, again, THANK YOU on behalf of Zimkids and all involved with the orphans of Pumula.
Warmest regards,
Adrian.

Carpe Diem.

London Town

Cause I been around the world I've seen so many places living the life I've worked so hard to make it trading the world for money stars and power living my life at 100mph - Tinchy Stryder.

Carpe Diem.

***Updates to the blog***

What I have decided to do with the blog updates is update when I have something of substance to say. Granted, someone's substance maybe someone else's bull sh#t. I'm trying as best I can to keep all my family and friends updated with my "progress" in this battle/war. I say progress as I really don't want to think of the alternative!

There are lots of you out there that keep an eye on the blog every day or nearly everyday. For those infrequent viewers, what the hell did you expect? Just kidding. I'm honored and somewhat flattered that people even look at my blog (without getting paid). I have considered the payment option but by using my fortune in Zim dollars.

To all of you out there stay healthy and happy. If something physical bothers you get it checked out. If it's mental, don't tell anyone! I'm kidding. Get help. To my fellow and fellowess pilot friends, blue skys and tailwinds to you all. And now like Aaahnold says, "I'll be back".

P.S. Make comments. I love 'em.

Carpe Diem.

I'm off

No, not like bad food! I'm leaving for London tomorrow to spend about 8 days with Russ and the Bass family. Lily (my niece) is coming as well, as she missed the boat trip just a while ago.

Yes, of course I'm going to a football game. Tottenham vs Liverpool on Sunday August 16th. I can't wait to consume all that fine English cuisine. Meat pies, meat pies and more meat pies.

Diana will join me in New York on the back end of the trip for a quick birthday celebration with Phil and the Polskin family. Yes, it's my birthday. Why else would I care. As usual, please send all gifts, monies etc to the Baltimore address!!!

Carpe Diem.

The Game

Carpe Diem.

I'm jealous

I'm officially jealous. As I mentioned previously in the blog, Rob writes her own blog on behalf of the Washington Freedom (Women's Professional Soccer). She is a credentialed member of the press. She gets on field access and the ability to interview the players after the game. Last night The Freedom beat the New Jersey team (the Sky Blue) 3-1. After the game Rob went to a sports bar with members of both teams. Above is a picture of her and Heather O'Reilly. Heather is a member of the USA national team and has won 2 gold medals with the USA Olympic squad. Quite impressive.

Today (Sunday) our little sports reporter is off to DC to see Real Madrid play DC United. Men's soccer, in case you didn't know! She was able to get a press pass for this game, so once again, she will have on field access and the ability to interview and take pictures of of the likes of Raul, Kaka and Ronaldo. Who has her luck? Pat, are you reading this? Even though Ronaldo left Man United for Real Madrid, Rob still wants a picture and her Man U Ronaldo shirt autographed.

By the way. This game is called "football", not soccer. It's played with feet and is the most popular game world wide. Get over it.

Carpe Diem.

The article

B757 Captain Adrian Suskin Battles Cancer, launches Blog.

We have an update on B757 Captain Adrian Suskin and his battle with cancer thanks to MD-11 Captain Allan Goldstein. Captain Goldstein also wants crewmembers to be aware of a blog that Adrian has begun writing to update family and friends on his progress at:

http://asuskin.blogspot.com/

Suskin was diagnosed with a malignant tumor in his right lung in February 2008. He has since undergone intensive radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Despite initial success, a body scan revealed a new cancerous site on the same lung. That prompted another round of chemo and another long battle in his ongoing war with cancer.

In June 2009, Adrian began an innovative treatment program whereby doctors remove a specimen from the actual tumor and the cells are injected into mice to ultimately determine the most effective treatment options. Adrian is nearing the end of that treatment.

Allan Goldstein tells IPNN Interactive, “Adrian is putting on weight again and finding his sense of humor that those who have flown with him remember him for. Without a doubt, Adrian is known as one of those pilots who we love to fly with because from the beginning to the end of the trip, it will be non-stop laughter”.

On Adrian’s blog website, crewmembers will have an option to reply or contact Adrian directly. He would love to hear from his fellow UPS/IPA mates.

The IPA Executive Board and Staff wish Adrian and his family all of the best as he continues his fight against cancer.

Carpe Diem.

Chemo 3 (Round 6)

Pretty good day today. My blood work and all my vitals were good and I put on close to 5lbs. since my last chemo 3 weeks ago. I need to do a boat trip every month! Hopefully, I will have a good and smooth next 3 weeks.

One thing that's pretty cool and interesting at chemo is the strange camaraderie amongst all the patients. Usually a quick wink and a head nod amongst each other. Sometimes a brief conversation. It says it all. You have no idea what the other person is dealing with but you know you are all in a lousy and tough battle/war with these awful diseases. I don't know how else to describe this other than "pretty cool and interesting".

The other observation is about the people that accompany the patients to their treatments. Family, friends. Who knows? But all with a common interest. To keep the patient aware that they are not fighting this disease alone The love and support comes through brilliantly like a diamond. Diana is my diamond.

Carpe Diem.