It's been one week since the disappointment of not getting my new leg...with one week to go before the revised edition is delivered. Many have told me I'd be surprised how fast that time flies. Lies! It's been dragging by...and I've been counting every second; all 1,209,600 of them! Can you tell I can hardly wait? What to do to help kill the time off? I don't have many options being stifled by the lack of a leg.
Shopping always helps the time go by, so I made two trips to the supermarket to pick up a few groceries.
I even visited the bakery and spent quite some time looking at the donuts trying to fight temptation. I lost. I don't know how it happened, but several of those sugar-loaded delights found their way into my shopping bag. I had to sacrifice them when I got home to make sure they didn't multiply. I made a visit to the neighborhood drug store and convenience mart, too. That killed off about 3 out of 336 hours. While at the Wilson Farms store, I decided to do something I rarely do...gamble. 
I like the sure bet of keeping what little money I have in my pocket and not take the risk. Something told me to take a chance and see how my luck went. I selected the same $2 ticket the gal ahead of me bought. Maybe one of us will win...and I hope it's me. I spent an entire minute out of the 20,160 I had to go, using a quarter to scrape off the 'magic film' covering the prizes. With the numbers all revealed, it was also revealed I didn't win the $25,000.00 top prize, but I did win $4. Doubling my money wasn't a bad deal. It was enough to get a cup of coffee for 'free' at the corner cafe. 
Maybe I could spend it on some of that Halloween candy that's been out on display for two weeks already since early August. 
The way the holidays keep getting promoted earlier and earlier, I'm surprised I haven't seen any advertisements for a Pre-Labor Day Christmas Sale.
Three hours and one minute down...so many more to go. I did get a visit from my best friend, Scott, albeit a short one, before he headed off to Albany for work for the next month and a half. He needed me to babysit his little boy, Dakota; a five month old Dachshund-Black Lab puppy. He's such a sweet, little guy; I jumped at the chance to spend some quality time with my 'nephew'.
We were together an hour while Scott went to a pet store several blocks away to pick up something to get rid of fleas. Scott's live-in boyfriend had discovered a flea on the dog and reported; when you see one, there's a hundred others you don't see. Either the fleas go...or puppy says bye-bye. I told him the boyfriend would go before I got rid of little 'Pooper'. You might know, after his long walk, Dakota spent most of that hour napping.
It was helpful The Olympics were still in full swing. I so get into The Games and enjoy all the various sports and the competition. My television is on almost around the clock, at least as background noise, so I can catch the action when I hear the crowd roaring over something exciting.
So many pieces of history I was able to be a part of; Michael Phelps becoming the greatest athlete of all time, winning eight gold medals in swimming, Usain Bolt becoming the fastest man in the world, breaking world records in both his 100 and 200 meter runs and taking double gold, Misty and Kerri taking back-to-back golds in women's beach volleyball, Natalie Du Toit of South African in the 10 Kilometer Open Water Swim, becoming the first amputee to compete in the regular Olympics. She didn't win a medal, but despite missing a leg, she did finish...and she finished quite well. I let my emotions run wild in the privacy of my own home; goosebumps with the wins, tears of joy for the victories, soft sobs when there were defeats, a sense of peace, yet the sorrow it had come to an end during the closing ceremonies. There were so many specials moments I was able to be a part of...and a few disappointments as well. Though not on their level, I know that feeling, too. They may not have met their goal this time, but there's always the next. It's the same with me not getting to take home my leg last week. There's always next week when I go back.
Of course, I've spend some of my time on Gather. I always have to make sure I check in with my Gather friends and family. I mean, where would you be without me? *Chuckle* It's always good for a giggle or two here, especially with a couple of the folks I associate with. We like to have a little fun from time to time, raise a little hell, get somewhat risque, get downright naughty on occasion. I even had a little 'chat' with Pam Johnston; Gather's lead lady. In a round about way, we talked about a lot of you; the people of Gather. I don't have all the details at this point, but there's something in the works coming up soon that will benefit all of us. Before they start creeping up and you go getting your panties all in a bunch; it has absolutely nothing to do with a new upgrade. What I'll be helping work on is something GOOD! Seriously, do you think I'd be involved with it if it weren't worth my while. Let's just say it's a chance for me to repay the love you've shown me in a way I can give to you all.
Speaking of good things on Gather, did you happen to see that pictures the other day... Oye, pictures! At this point, over 45,000 pictures have been posted. That's a lot of lookin'! It's been a fairly overwhelming response...and there's more to come. It couldn't have happened at a better time for me. Here's a way I can chew up a good chunk of my time...see what's being published, throw in a 'few' of my own and make some much needed money while I'm at it. It's also a chance for me to put my analytical mind into motion and give myself a mental work out. I had me some statistics to compile and put some sense to. Let's pick apart the 10 points per picture promotion and find out what it's all about.
45,000 pictures at 10 points apiece means Gather has handed out almost one half million points...so far. I don't know the exact system for figuring out the points. That a closely guarded secret and one of the great myseries of the world. I only have 'theories' according to what I have deduced through my experiences over time spent here. All of my 'findings' are simply 'guesstimates'. I'm figuring it takes 63 points to make one dollar or one dollar's worth of credit toward a gift card. Each point you earn is worth around $0.01.6...a little more than a penny and a half. So far, Gather has given out around $7,500.00 worth of 'dollars'. Take into consideration how many clicks all those pictures posted has generated for Gather. I'm thinking they're getting a halfway decent return on their money.
I participate in some of the promotions here, but not all. There are those I simply don't qualify for; female, mother and children related, things I don't do, things I have absolutely no clue what they even are. I'm smart about some things; not so bright about others. I get involved in what I can figure out that's appropriate for me. Pictures and points I can handle. Hmmm...10 points a picture, 63 points to make a dollar...I've got a lot of pictures, so I can make a lot of dollars. POINT HO TIME!!! If anyone had any doubt up to this point; let me confirm it. I am being a blatant point whore during this point promotion! There...I've said it. Bring on the trolls! *Looks under every bridge calling, "Come out, come out, wherever you are!'* I don't want the grand prize digital camera. Leave it for someone else who really 'needs' one.
I have a beautiful, new model already, given to me by one of my Gather gals...one who I call an 'Angel Mother'. I don't care if you sling a Drive By 1 my way. I'm not in it for the ratings. Bring it! Please! Your 'view' to give me that '1' just put another 1.6 cents in my pocket. Thank you! Just like with the lottery, 'You gotta be in it to win it'; I'm here for the money, honey!
Everyone is more than welcome to take a look at the pictures I've put up. Every little click you gives me helps the cause...'cause I be po'! With all the images that have been shared by everyone, you might find one or two of mine...or 550. I didn't jump on the band wagon at the start of the promotion. I might be whoring, but I'm not greedy. I'll leave some for the other folks, too. Thursday evening, I decided to see how many pictures I could post in an hour...52. Most people are putting all of their pictures into photo essays; but I'm not 'most' folks. I decided to put them all up individually and maximize the expose to each image. I thought things out and came up with the fact if you put 20 pictures into a photo essay; you get one view, one rating and one comment on the entire effort. If those same 20 pictures were posted one at a time; you have the potential to get 20 views, 20 ratings and 20 comments. In effect, 60 points versus 3. I could make nearly one dollar as compared to around a nickel. Mo money! You know the route I took.
I put up another 140 pictures Friday, 250 Sunday and 70 Monday. I shared some new photos;
Rochester's Gay Pride parade, the Park Ave Summer Fest, a look around my little corner of the world, even a few shots of me. I dug into my archives and reposted some of the memories I've shared from the past; commemorating Memorial Day in its official birthplace, Waterloo, New York, 
sights from the birthplace of women's rights, Seneca Falls, New York, serene waterfalls from through the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. 550 in all, so far. I like to try and put things together in groups so similar images are all in the same spot. I've got to get my camera...and my azz...busy and take some more photos. I'm kind of limited as to where I can go to capture images, so I have to be creative with what I have to work with. 
My next contribution will probably be called, 'The People and Puppies of Park Avenue'.
I've sure slung up a bunch of pictures...and there are others who have posted way more than me. Gather is giving it to us as a 'thank you for your service' bonus reward. I don't want to insult them by not accepting a generous gift. Get yours! It's like with cookies.
If you don't want yours; can I have them? Gimme those points so I can convert them to cash, baby. Hits my pictures with a view. I don't care what you rate them. Leave a comment if you'd like. Your visits put loose change in my pocket...and I don't mind being a two-bit point whore. Every little bit helps papa get that brand new leg. I've added 28 pages of pictures to the three I already had. Those pictures received almost 1,800 views and over 1,100 comments were made. That's quite a few more, I'm sure, than if I had posted photo essays...and it took me WAY less time to put together. I've got maybe 12 hours invested, whereas, it takes me up to three hours to write one essay alone. Not to brag, as my intention is to make as much money as I can...so far, I've picked up almost $100...a little more than $8 an hour for the time I've invested. Each picture is making me about 17 cents. There's my look at the whole shebang.
I'll do more of the same with one week to go before I head back to the prosthetic specialist to see if my new leg comes in the right length this time. I'm fine with it now, but it took a couple days for me to get over it when I was told I'd have to wait. It sure sucked big, baboon butt!
What a brightly-colored disappointment that was. That primate's behind was the first thing that popped into my mind with feeling blue from sadness and the red of rage. It wasn't like I couldn't get around with the way I've accomplished that already. Doing what I already do a little longer isn't going to kill me, though the wait might. The days and minutes and seconds continue to drag on. I'm ready for it...bring it on! This will be my moment of olympic proportion; my time to shine in my own glory; my turn to go for the gold and stand on that podium...unassisted...and hold my head up with pride. I want this taste of victory more than a world record holder. 
I'm on the verge of accomplishing I never thought possible. So close, yet still so far away. One more push; one more try. That goal is within reach. Fight with all your might and go for it. It's attainable and the time is near. The concept works for many situations in life. I can make it...and you can, too...with whatever you're facing. It's our time to shine! Get ready to cue the music...'We Are The Champions' by Queen (what other band would you expect a gay boy to pick and Pink's, 'Let's Get This Party Started'...the extended, dance club, 12 minute, re-mix version. If we're going to celebrate this win...we're doing it right...and it's going on all night long! We've got a week to get ready...and some of us need every minute. It's all about being fabulous, baby...and we're all nothing less!
Shopping always helps the time go by, so I made two trips to the supermarket to pick up a few groceries.
I even visited the bakery and spent quite some time looking at the donuts trying to fight temptation. I lost. I don't know how it happened, but several of those sugar-loaded delights found their way into my shopping bag. I had to sacrifice them when I got home to make sure they didn't multiply. I made a visit to the neighborhood drug store and convenience mart, too. That killed off about 3 out of 336 hours. While at the Wilson Farms store, I decided to do something I rarely do...gamble. I like the sure bet of keeping what little money I have in my pocket and not take the risk. Something told me to take a chance and see how my luck went. I selected the same $2 ticket the gal ahead of me bought. Maybe one of us will win...and I hope it's me. I spent an entire minute out of the 20,160 I had to go, using a quarter to scrape off the 'magic film' covering the prizes. With the numbers all revealed, it was also revealed I didn't win the $25,000.00 top prize, but I did win $4. Doubling my money wasn't a bad deal. It was enough to get a cup of coffee for 'free' at the corner cafe. Maybe I could spend it on some of that Halloween candy that's been out on display for two weeks already since early August. The way the holidays keep getting promoted earlier and earlier, I'm surprised I haven't seen any advertisements for a Pre-Labor Day Christmas Sale. Three hours and one minute down...so many more to go. I did get a visit from my best friend, Scott, albeit a short one, before he headed off to Albany for work for the next month and a half. He needed me to babysit his little boy, Dakota; a five month old Dachshund-Black Lab puppy. He's such a sweet, little guy; I jumped at the chance to spend some quality time with my 'nephew'.
We were together an hour while Scott went to a pet store several blocks away to pick up something to get rid of fleas. Scott's live-in boyfriend had discovered a flea on the dog and reported; when you see one, there's a hundred others you don't see. Either the fleas go...or puppy says bye-bye. I told him the boyfriend would go before I got rid of little 'Pooper'. You might know, after his long walk, Dakota spent most of that hour napping.It was helpful The Olympics were still in full swing. I so get into The Games and enjoy all the various sports and the competition. My television is on almost around the clock, at least as background noise, so I can catch the action when I hear the crowd roaring over something exciting.
So many pieces of history I was able to be a part of; Michael Phelps becoming the greatest athlete of all time, winning eight gold medals in swimming, Usain Bolt becoming the fastest man in the world, breaking world records in both his 100 and 200 meter runs and taking double gold, Misty and Kerri taking back-to-back golds in women's beach volleyball, Natalie Du Toit of South African in the 10 Kilometer Open Water Swim, becoming the first amputee to compete in the regular Olympics. She didn't win a medal, but despite missing a leg, she did finish...and she finished quite well. I let my emotions run wild in the privacy of my own home; goosebumps with the wins, tears of joy for the victories, soft sobs when there were defeats, a sense of peace, yet the sorrow it had come to an end during the closing ceremonies. There were so many specials moments I was able to be a part of...and a few disappointments as well. Though not on their level, I know that feeling, too. They may not have met their goal this time, but there's always the next. It's the same with me not getting to take home my leg last week. There's always next week when I go back. Of course, I've spend some of my time on Gather. I always have to make sure I check in with my Gather friends and family. I mean, where would you be without me? *Chuckle* It's always good for a giggle or two here, especially with a couple of the folks I associate with. We like to have a little fun from time to time, raise a little hell, get somewhat risque, get downright naughty on occasion. I even had a little 'chat' with Pam Johnston; Gather's lead lady. In a round about way, we talked about a lot of you; the people of Gather. I don't have all the details at this point, but there's something in the works coming up soon that will benefit all of us. Before they start creeping up and you go getting your panties all in a bunch; it has absolutely nothing to do with a new upgrade. What I'll be helping work on is something GOOD! Seriously, do you think I'd be involved with it if it weren't worth my while. Let's just say it's a chance for me to repay the love you've shown me in a way I can give to you all.
Speaking of good things on Gather, did you happen to see that pictures the other day... Oye, pictures! At this point, over 45,000 pictures have been posted. That's a lot of lookin'! It's been a fairly overwhelming response...and there's more to come. It couldn't have happened at a better time for me. Here's a way I can chew up a good chunk of my time...see what's being published, throw in a 'few' of my own and make some much needed money while I'm at it. It's also a chance for me to put my analytical mind into motion and give myself a mental work out. I had me some statistics to compile and put some sense to. Let's pick apart the 10 points per picture promotion and find out what it's all about.
45,000 pictures at 10 points apiece means Gather has handed out almost one half million points...so far. I don't know the exact system for figuring out the points. That a closely guarded secret and one of the great myseries of the world. I only have 'theories' according to what I have deduced through my experiences over time spent here. All of my 'findings' are simply 'guesstimates'. I'm figuring it takes 63 points to make one dollar or one dollar's worth of credit toward a gift card. Each point you earn is worth around $0.01.6...a little more than a penny and a half. So far, Gather has given out around $7,500.00 worth of 'dollars'. Take into consideration how many clicks all those pictures posted has generated for Gather. I'm thinking they're getting a halfway decent return on their money.
I participate in some of the promotions here, but not all. There are those I simply don't qualify for; female, mother and children related, things I don't do, things I have absolutely no clue what they even are. I'm smart about some things; not so bright about others. I get involved in what I can figure out that's appropriate for me. Pictures and points I can handle. Hmmm...10 points a picture, 63 points to make a dollar...I've got a lot of pictures, so I can make a lot of dollars. POINT HO TIME!!! If anyone had any doubt up to this point; let me confirm it. I am being a blatant point whore during this point promotion! There...I've said it. Bring on the trolls! *Looks under every bridge calling, "Come out, come out, wherever you are!'* I don't want the grand prize digital camera. Leave it for someone else who really 'needs' one.
I have a beautiful, new model already, given to me by one of my Gather gals...one who I call an 'Angel Mother'. I don't care if you sling a Drive By 1 my way. I'm not in it for the ratings. Bring it! Please! Your 'view' to give me that '1' just put another 1.6 cents in my pocket. Thank you! Just like with the lottery, 'You gotta be in it to win it'; I'm here for the money, honey!Everyone is more than welcome to take a look at the pictures I've put up. Every little click you gives me helps the cause...'cause I be po'! With all the images that have been shared by everyone, you might find one or two of mine...or 550. I didn't jump on the band wagon at the start of the promotion. I might be whoring, but I'm not greedy. I'll leave some for the other folks, too. Thursday evening, I decided to see how many pictures I could post in an hour...52. Most people are putting all of their pictures into photo essays; but I'm not 'most' folks. I decided to put them all up individually and maximize the expose to each image. I thought things out and came up with the fact if you put 20 pictures into a photo essay; you get one view, one rating and one comment on the entire effort. If those same 20 pictures were posted one at a time; you have the potential to get 20 views, 20 ratings and 20 comments. In effect, 60 points versus 3. I could make nearly one dollar as compared to around a nickel. Mo money! You know the route I took.
I put up another 140 pictures Friday, 250 Sunday and 70 Monday. I shared some new photos;
Rochester's Gay Pride parade, the Park Ave Summer Fest, a look around my little corner of the world, even a few shots of me. I dug into my archives and reposted some of the memories I've shared from the past; commemorating Memorial Day in its official birthplace, Waterloo, New York, sights from the birthplace of women's rights, Seneca Falls, New York, serene waterfalls from through the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York. 550 in all, so far. I like to try and put things together in groups so similar images are all in the same spot. I've got to get my camera...and my azz...busy and take some more photos. I'm kind of limited as to where I can go to capture images, so I have to be creative with what I have to work with. My next contribution will probably be called, 'The People and Puppies of Park Avenue'. I've sure slung up a bunch of pictures...and there are others who have posted way more than me. Gather is giving it to us as a 'thank you for your service' bonus reward. I don't want to insult them by not accepting a generous gift. Get yours! It's like with cookies.
If you don't want yours; can I have them? Gimme those points so I can convert them to cash, baby. Hits my pictures with a view. I don't care what you rate them. Leave a comment if you'd like. Your visits put loose change in my pocket...and I don't mind being a two-bit point whore. Every little bit helps papa get that brand new leg. I've added 28 pages of pictures to the three I already had. Those pictures received almost 1,800 views and over 1,100 comments were made. That's quite a few more, I'm sure, than if I had posted photo essays...and it took me WAY less time to put together. I've got maybe 12 hours invested, whereas, it takes me up to three hours to write one essay alone. Not to brag, as my intention is to make as much money as I can...so far, I've picked up almost $100...a little more than $8 an hour for the time I've invested. Each picture is making me about 17 cents. There's my look at the whole shebang. I'll do more of the same with one week to go before I head back to the prosthetic specialist to see if my new leg comes in the right length this time. I'm fine with it now, but it took a couple days for me to get over it when I was told I'd have to wait. It sure sucked big, baboon butt!
What a brightly-colored disappointment that was. That primate's behind was the first thing that popped into my mind with feeling blue from sadness and the red of rage. It wasn't like I couldn't get around with the way I've accomplished that already. Doing what I already do a little longer isn't going to kill me, though the wait might. The days and minutes and seconds continue to drag on. I'm ready for it...bring it on! This will be my moment of olympic proportion; my time to shine in my own glory; my turn to go for the gold and stand on that podium...unassisted...and hold my head up with pride. I want this taste of victory more than a world record holder. I'm on the verge of accomplishing I never thought possible. So close, yet still so far away. One more push; one more try. That goal is within reach. Fight with all your might and go for it. It's attainable and the time is near. The concept works for many situations in life. I can make it...and you can, too...with whatever you're facing. It's our time to shine! Get ready to cue the music...'We Are The Champions' by Queen (what other band would you expect a gay boy to pick and Pink's, 'Let's Get This Party Started'...the extended, dance club, 12 minute, re-mix version. If we're going to celebrate this win...we're doing it right...and it's going on all night long! We've got a week to get ready...and some of us need every minute. It's all about being fabulous, baby...and we're all nothing less!
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Comments: 73
Oh and Rob you are a fabulous champion
2 weeks from today I get my new knee, once again I will walk my dogs
Not too much time til you take that leg home! We will have some pictures, I assume?
I keep submitting before I am done commenting.
You make the Olympics actually seem interesting. I just can't get in to them.
Pictures, I've been doing photo essays & posting them as private, just for the 10 points, will delete when promo is over. I know, I'm missing out on page views, but for these pics its ok.
Rob, this is great like always. I am so excited for you! I am being a point whore too! :)
have a donut.
That's a new one.
On the photo mass upload thing, since it's just the 10 points I want, I don't care about the views or comments any might get and it's faster too. I can upload at least 100 (maybe more*) in an hour, which could end up equaling the same amount of points/money in the end.
*The longest it's taken me to do a photo essay is 38 minutes with 78 photos attached.
I decided to just do photo essays, altho photos do go faster, especially if you don't add a bunch of groups. But I have been adding them to a private group I own that onlymy family can view, so that way it isn't clogging the feeds and I am getting my points for the promotions.
The ones I want to share I am posting for everyone, but some I don't really care to share will everyone. I know I don't have a chance to win that camera anyways, so I just want all those points they are giving me for the photos!!
You be careful with all those cookies and donuts...you don't want to get yourself in trouble there:) Can't wait for you to have the leg...I'm counting the days with you.
I think it's great that you will get your leg soon. Be careful you don't over do it, you don't need shaffing and an infection in the stump..are you taking your sugar testing each day? You need to keep it in a normal range as if you shaff... The sock around the stump will need to be kept really clean... I wish you didn't live alone and had someone as you will need to pay attention or you will be in a big mess. Honey I am only warning you because I care and I don't want to see you lose more of that leg.
Please please try and get off the sugar... I know it is hard.. everytime I just go off and have a "little" it takes so much to stop again. I have bit my tongue when I have read other articles, but the thought of your sugar being high and that stump having pressure on it..and that sweaty sock... sounds like a recipe for disaster.
Please Rob, don't get angry, I am on two insulins and I have no feeling in either soles or the palm of either hand. I pick up stuff and get burned...so I have damage myself... it just hurts me to see you soar with the new leg and then crash if you overdo and mess up and the stump gets infected...
With love, concern and hugs,
Heather
As for these pre holiday sales..it is out of hand!! The halloween stuff is going out already....too soon
those donuts, now you know better than to just bring enough for you, what about me? I wanna a donut, please. I promise to behave!!! LOL
Great work here, thanks for sharing. YOu know, now that you say something, I haven't seen any pre-labor day sales either, I wonder what's up with that situation?
I actually like the single photos better.... or, rather, my connection does. Opening some of the larger photos essays with a dial-up connection can take forever.
It's great that you will be getting your new leg soon.
I must remember your theory of donut control.
If there is a contest for point hos, you may be the champ! HAHA
Enjoyed reading your day.
You are a GOOD MAN, Rob. You took one for the team. *shakes head in awe*
And if I can give you a little good advice... be prepared for another disappointment. It could take several fittings before you get your leg.
my group
I hope you have a good labor day!