What's inside Ernie's head?

[This post is from guest blogger "Dave", filling in while Ernie is otherwise occupied.]

Ernie's brain tumor problems have resurfaced once again. Last Tuesday night he had headaches and blacked out, and had to be rushed to UVa hospital for an emergency surgery that occurred last Thursday. By my rough understanding of it, the tumor caused a blockage that led to a fluid buildup that was putting pressure on his brain: this emergency surgery drained that fluid and so stabilized his condition, but didn't necessarily resolve the underyling problem. The surgeons did a biopsy on the tumor tissue; once they get the results of that biopsy (later this week), Ernie will know much more about his underlying condition and treatment options.

Despite all this, Ernie is doing very well. He appears to be feeling fine, other than occasional headaches and extreme tiredness, and being majorly annoyed that he's still dealing with this stupid brain tumor.

Ernie will be home and blogging again soon (in fact he may have been released today). So keep a watch on Where's Ernie's Head to stay informed of important developments. And please keep Ernie in your thoughts and prayers.

New E-Mail Address

Due to security reasons, I can't check my yahoo account at work, so please change my e-mail address to:
ernie.deomampo.qvhm@statefarm.com

If you send e-mail to my yahoo account, I may not check it until the weekend, which may not give me enough time to reply.

Thanks for understanding!
Ernie

Will

Last night, I dreamed that Eric McCormack (Will on "Will and Grace") and I were very good friends. He and I were at some reception, and he wanted to sit by me, and was only ready to leave when I was ready to leave. People kept coming up and talking to him, but he always asked me if he was saying the right things (which by the way, he was straight in my dream, just like in real life.)

I wish our friendship was real. It was so cool to have him to talk to.

My gym has a long indoor track running right through the middle of the gym surprisingly not interfering with any of the workout equipment. Today, there was this feeble middle-aged man on the track who used a special crutch to lean on and slowly walk around. His body resembled those of strong runners, lean and full of speed. But others were running, jogging, and even walking right passed him. I watched him and started feeling sad. I walked up to him and said "Sir, I'm sorry to bother you, but I admire you for having the courage to look beyond this and push through it. I had a brain tumor not too long ago, and it hit my body so hard that I crawled on my hands and knees for a while until I could slowly walk again. I admire you. Keep on staying strong."

He listened intently but did not reply. His attendant behind him said he could not speak. Then the guy on the crutch smiled. I looked at him, he looked at me, and we both started crying. I walked away, bawling.

I at that very instant, wanted someone to comfort me. I thought of Paul. He consoled me. He was there for me through my surgeries. Through my rehab. Through my radiation.

I walked to a corner of the gym and just cried by myself. I had no idea how touching that moment would be.

Ernie or Carrie?

For the very first time, I am wearing a pair of Tod's loafers. I love them, I love them, I LOVE THEM! Although I've owned this pair since September, I promised myself to never use them until I can wear them to a job. I recommend them to everyone. Although the look is different to many people the first time they put them on, your eyes eventually embrace its unique elegance and sophistication.

Click here to see their line:
http://www.tods.com

Dilber-nie

Man, am I am in corporate America. I work in a cube surrounded by hundreds of other cubes. (At least I have an outside view.) So far things are fine, I'm just not used to reporting in and out at the same time everyday. I barely have any time after work to go to the gym.

Life is so different for me. I have no idea "Where's Ernie's Head."

You're Hired!

Yet another new chapter in life. After much deliberation, I have chosen my next career path that begins Monday: unsurance. I will work for State Farm Insurance in Charlottesville, Virginia for their Fire Claims Unit. It's basically a desk job, working with clients deciding whether or not they will be reimbursed for a claim. Pays fine, and since I'm staying with my mom and dad for now, I have no rent, no electric, phone, gas, or water bill, and zero car payment (they own five cars).

Guess I'm going shopping!

The Weirdest Thing (Yet Such An Incredibly Boring Story.)

The other day I noticed that there was a bike parked and leaning on our house. Naturally since I have 382 family members who live in the same neighborhood (actually 22), I thought it belonged to one of them. I asked around. No one claimed it. One of my cousins had their bike stolen before Thanksgiving, but this wasn't that particular bike. I left it out for several days assuming that the owner would come back and claim it, but no one came.

The only conclusion I could come up with is that the person who left this bike was the one who stole my cousin's bike or something around our house, grew a conscience, and replaced it.

Any ideas?

I have just four words to say:

Brokeback Moun-tepid.

Jake Gyllen-hot.

PROOF THAT RICKY MARTIN IS SO GAY!

These are brand new pictures of him. Let there be no more wonder in your mind whether the boy is gay. Would any straight man be doing these things "with a friend", let alone wear a swimsuit like this? Puhh-leeze!

Welcome Ricky. You are livin' la vida diva.

One photo caption read "Ricky Martin shook his bonbon playing paddleball with a Speedo-clad friend in St. Bart's on Dec. 24".

What a queen.

Watch out!

One of my Christmas presents was a Rolex that I always wanted. I love it. Sometimes I just stare at it, watching the sweeping second hand go round and round. I was thinking of naming it. (Ro-ro? Lex-y? Steve?)

A new watch, a new life, a new me!

To My Next Possible Boyfriend

I dedicate this to you:

Sheryl Crow's "First Cut Is The Deepest"

I would have given you all of my heart
but there's someone who's torn it apart
and she's taking almost all that I've got
but if you want, I'll try to love again
baby I'll try to love again but I know

The first cut is the deepest, baby I know
The first cut is the deepest
'cause when it comes to being lucky she's cursed
when it comes to lovin' me she's worst
but when it comes to being loved she's first
that's how I know
The first cut is the deepest, baby I know
The first cut is the deepest

I still want you by my side
just to help me dry the tears that I've cried
cause I'm sure gonna give you a try
and if you want, I'll try to love again
but baby, I'll try to love again, but I know

The first cut is the deepest, baby I know
The first cut is the deepest
'Cause when it comes to being lucky she's cursed
when it comes to lovin' me she's worst
but when it comes to being loved she's first
that's how I know