Monday, March 29th: Sweet Victory

Round one: Beat cancer

Round two: Baby daughter, Elaina:

Score: Baker 2, Cancer 0.

It's a best of 3 - I win.

Suck it, Cancer.

Monday, March 1st: Goodbye to my Rocky Mountain High

Yes, I'm still alive and am continuing to kick cancer in the nuts. In fact, those of you who interact with me in person will, from time to time, be given the pleasure of seeing my new t-shirt which states this fact once the weather here in chilly, grey Cincinnati gets a bit warmer.

Yes, I said Cincinnati. Amanda and I have returned to the motherland on a permanent basis.

I last posted in the midst of the Festivus Season, right before Christmas. It's been a little crazy since then in the house of Baker, as you can guess.

You all know the roller-coaster ride Amanda, myself, and our families have been on the past year with my cancer diagnosis and her pregnancy - it's actually been a wonderful time, especially since I beat the cancer and she's nearing the birth of our first child. Being in Denver is one of the biggest reasons we've had this result, with the world class doctors and all of your support, thoughts, prayers, and encouragement. But the "reality of life" we've been experiencing these past 8 months has led us to return to the "Land of the Beautiful River" (Ohio, for you naive folks) and what we've realized is our beloved Cincinnati.

Yes, I said it, "beloved Cincinnati". Go ahead and laugh, we'll address this response in a later blog entry. Consider this sentence a 'teaser'.

We came to Colorado after Amanda agreed to let me live my life-long dream of moving to the mountains. What a wonderful wife I have who moved 1200 miles from her nearest family member so her husband could do his "Colorado Thing." She's a trooper, and none of you single guys can have her - back off, or I will fight you.


And what a wonderful experience it has been! - I got to do the "Colorado Thing" for almost 3 1/2 years. Since 2006 we've been able to see some of the most amazing places - from the dwellings at Mesa Verde to the top of Union Peak at Copper Mountain Resort - all I can say is "wow". My grandfather, Bill Willis, always told me "Willy, you need to live out West" and he was right. I'm pleased to say that our time in the Mile High City has quenched that internal thirst I've always had to be out here, and has given me an appreciation for what we left in Cincinnati. As we looked at the economic realities of Denver (cost of living, strength of the Architectural job market, etc) and matched them up with our close personal and professional connections in Cincy - there was no question. Life was calling us back home, to the "Queen City of the West"





I return to the midwest eternally grateful for the time in Colorado, and all of the personal and professional connections we've made, many of which will be lifelong relationships. After all, if I hadn't been referred to the care of Dr. Marc Philippon at Steadman-Hawkins Clinic at Vail Valley Med Center, I'd be gone. Flat out - without his expertise and ability to 'connect the dots' of my condition I would be dead, or dying, from cancer right now. Instead, I kick the 'c word' in the nuts and you get to read my random thoughts.

The Mile High City is, frankly, a glorious place to live and work. If any of you get the chance - give it a whirl, you won't regret it.


What I liked most above all things in Denver is the openness of the people. Colorado has (I think) almost doubled in population over the past couple of decades (check Wiki), as a result most people you meet are from somewhere else. This creates a real openness and friendliness amongst everyone that makes it easy to tie right into social and professional networks. It's a characteristic that many older, established (and Eastern) communities should adopt. As a result, when we went through the hellish ordeals of the past year, the support we received from all of our relationships in Denver was amazing - and we are eternally thankful to every one of you in Denver who helped us cope with the illness and Amanda's pregnancy.

So what's your point, Bill - you ask? I have been writing for a while in this installment of the blog without much point. What I really wanted to do was take a moment to thank our Denver friends & family who truly blessed us with your support during our time there, including......

EVERYONE AT OUR FORMER FIRM, BURKETTDESIGN:
-Amy & Rick Burkett, the owners. Words cannot express my appreciation to the two of them for their support, inquiries to my health, encouragement to Amanda, and Amy's insistence that I go to the hospital in Vail to help figure out what was wrong. If I had never worked for them, I might not have gotten the right treatment when I needed it. Even though there have been tremendous challenges to the Denver design industry as a result of the recession, and the resulting downsizings at the firm, the two of them repeatedly assured Amanda and I that the firm would be there for us. If any of you are reading this in Denver and are looking to hire an Architect or Interior Designer for a project - hire BurkettDesign. These are good people.

-Carole "Gram Gram", our office manager, psychologist, and dear friend. Carole, a fellow cancer survivor, was absolutely wonderful in her assistance in navigating insurances, checking in to see how I was feeling, offering support for Amanda, and helping me to talk through the diagnosis and treatment. All this despite being the most rabid Broncos fan I met in Denver - go figure?

-Bob Eyster, our IT manager. Bob, as soon as I was diagnosed with cancer and told the office, donated plasma at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center for my use in the event that I had a need during chemo. Bob's smiling jokes and constant asking me how I felt were amazing. My last day at Burkett he gave me a Cuban cigar. I haven't smoked it yet, feeling that I need to wait for after my daughter is born to puff away.

-Joni Kappos, Receptionist/Librarian. Joni, a wonderful cook (hire her if you need a caterer in Denver) cooked some meals for us when we returned from Boston with the bad news. She repeatedly asked about our health and offered to help if we needed her. Thanks Joni.

-Jay McFarland, the "Fighting Scot of Marietta". Jay, unfortunately, is no longer at the firm. Jay's daily check-ins and witty Southwest Ohio smart-assed humor kept my spirits up. If any of you are looking to hire staff for a design firm - look him up. If I had to pick 5 people in my career to work with, he's in my core group.

-Joy Spatz, former Principal, and my favorite hippie at the firm. Joy left the firm to start her own gig, and I missed having her around after she left. Joy was one of my rocks in the firm, checking in on my condition and having the insight to tell me when to go home. She even invited the two of us up to her Mountain cabin in the early stages of treatment as a nice getaway from reality. When I had the 'sleepy eye' in my days after treatments she kept tabs on me and helped me to stop my workaholic ways and just 'GO HOME!' She's doing quite well on her own and is a wonderful person. I'm glad she's being blessed with success in this tough economy. Good things come to those who put good "karma" out there.

-Holly Houseworth, Missouri's favorite daughter. Holly and I sat next to each other in the 'back 40' at the office. She has been incredibly encouraging to both of us, has a wicked sense of humor, and has moved on to bigger and better things. She was a great pillar of strength in showing, by example, how to approach tough times in life and keeping moving forward. Like McFarland, she's worthy of joining your team anytime. She also has a kick-ass dog - Lucky.

-To everyone else at Burkett: Peter, Bart, Ryan, Cathy, Linda, Michelle, Gillian, Michele, Devon, Rick A, Cathy, Renee, Ted, Dewey, San, Meghan, Ben, Magee, Jessica, Mascitelli, Schulzie, and anyone else I forgot - thanks again.

AND NOW SOME GOOD FRIENDS & FAMILY IN DENVER.......
To our friend Amy Malcom, an orthopedic social worker at CU Med Center - THANK YOU. Amy attended the same Methodist congregation as us in Cincinnati, and we actually got to know her quite well once we all moved to Denver. Amy came to visit the moment after we returned from Boston with the bad news and helped inform us about the various treatment options, benefit programs, and other financial options we could pursue in the even our insurance wasn't sufficient to cover the treatments. She also brought food, checked in, sent cards, wrote letters of encouragement - a priceless woman. Oh yeah - guys, she's single. Sorry Amy, I had to throw that out there.

To our old family friends, Tom & Jill Grubb, who live in Boulder- THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. I've known Jill & Tom since I was something like 8 years old, and they are good friends of my parents. They would send me notes of encouragement before and after my chemo rounds, with quotes and other inspiration. My favorite note they sent was a quote from Winston Churchill...."When you're going through Hell, keep going." Many a night I thought over this statement as I felt like I wanted to give up. It helped bring me out of the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

To our good friends Josh & Jana Vogel in Denver - their kind words and Jana's willingness to let Josh take me on repeated "man dates' between my chemo rounds helped to lift my spirits. Even though I was a bald-headed, puffy cheeked, slovenly cancer patient they pretended I looked normal and made me feel like my old self. I'll miss them and the kids now that we're back East, but will be forever grateful for the time we were able to spend together in Denver.

To the clergy at Trinity Methodist Church in Downtown Denver - Rev's Mike Dent, Miriam Slejko, and Linda Marshall. As I've mentioned before, this congregation reached out to us with open arms once they learned of my diagnosis. The notes, words of encouragement, and other support they gave us was priceless. If any of you in Denver are looking for a non-judgemental progressive Christian congregation with a focus on others - give Trinity a shot. It's what a church should be.

To my parents, Ken & Linda Baker. I cannot imagine the emotions they went through when the reality set in that they might lose a son to cancer. Most importantly, they never showed the fear to the two of us, serving as awesome pillars of strength for the both of us, with the kind words, support around the home, and willingness to take the burden of managing most of my treatment visits and doctor's appointments off of Amanda's shoulders. Thank you Mom & Dad, I love you, and look forward to seeing you become wonderful grandparents.

So that's it, this chapter in our lives is now through. There's no better way to close the curtain on the Mile High City/Colorado Chapter of the Baker journey than a little schmaltzy youtube video to the tunes of John Denver.....I didn't make this video, but it seemed to be the best option available on the youtube search. Enjoy:





Don't worry, I won't wait 2 months for the next posting. Keep your eyes out.

Carpe diem.

-Bill






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Wednesday, December 23rd: It's all for the rest of us!

It's here - the anticipation amongst all of your family and offspring has reached a maddening crescendo - it's time for Festivus!

Those of you who are fans of the show Seinfeld (meaning any witty human between the ages of 26 & 46) can remember the 'joke' of a holiday that was celebrated by the Costanza Family, and now has taken off in popular culture to actually become a recognized secular celebration in some states.

In Wisconsin & Washington, there are Festivus Poles displayed in the Governor's mansion (the former) and State House (the latter). A company in Wisconsin manufactures the poles (The Wagner Companies, Milwaukee), and there is even a FESTIVUS FILM FESTIVAL up here in Denver (Google it - I swear it's real).

Yeah, I know you're saying "Seriously Bill, this is a joke!" But is it? It's a holiday where a bunch of people get together around a vertical item (tree, pole, menorah, etc) follow traditions, get honest with each other (airing of grievances or drink too much), say a prayer that it all won't be too stressful, eat a big meal, and annoy each other.

For my Jewish friends and extended family - sounds like Hanukkah, doesn't it?

For my fellow Christian friends and family (of various teams) - sounds like Christmas, doesn't it?

For my athiest/agnostic friends and family - sounds like any holiday based social gathering, doesn't it?

The only thing missing from the official account of Festivus from the show (there may be a real equivalent, as I'm not an official celebrator of this cool holiday) is the doing good and giving to others which permeates the Hannukah/Christmas/Misc Holiday Season. That is truly one of the best parts.

So why talk about Festivus in this version of the blog? First, it's in the wee hours of the morning on December 23rd - which all Seinfeld fans know is Festivus. Second, I'm really tired of the over-the-top PC sensitivity that everyone gets their shorts into a wad over around the Hanukkah/Christmas season in order not to offend anyone.

Frankly people, I've got more important things to do than worry about which holiday you celebrate - whether Hanukkah, Christmas, Festivus, Kwanzaa, or whatever. OK, I have to admit that Kwanzaa is still a bit of a stretch for me, but I'm a white guy who kicked cancer in the nuts with French Canadian/Irish blood who doesn't really have a right to tell one ethnic community"no" when all people regardless of race and creed get drunk on my day - St. Patty's Day. We all know it is a made up drinking celebration based upon a dead white saint who drove snakes off of a green little pile of rocks a millenium ago.

So go ahead, and do the Kwanzaa thing. No judgement on my end.

When we were at the Taos Pueblo a couple of weeks back we were talking with one of the shopkeepers/residents of the Pueblo about their unique traditions this time of year. For their religion (which is their Native faith interspersed with Catholicism) they do a really cool thing through the month of December - they 'rest and respect the Mother Earth'. She explained that they don't listen to radio, watch tv, or talk to each other much (yes, there is a stereotype about Native peoples based upon the actress in Northern Exposure that may have some truth to it). She explained that it gives them time to appreciate the goodness of their lives and all they have been given. Their season culminates with the 'Deer Dance' on January 6th. She couldn't tell me the meaning, as their native religious ceremonies are secret, but frankly, it sounded really wonderful.

When Amanda and I got married, we both came from reasonably devout backgrounds - she was raised a Presbyterian. I was raised the son of a Catholic and Evangelical. After we got married, we as a couple made a conscious decision to attend religious services and joined the Methodist denomination. Being from rural Ohio, I had been exposed to the "Average American Religion" (United Methodist Church) most of my life and it was a nice blend of our spiritual heritage. After all, with high profile members such as Hillary Clinton, Dubya, Rush Limbaugh, and Stephen King. how could the Methodist Team not be one worth exploring?

One of the favorite Methodist traditional services of mine (not much different from many of you other traditional Christian Teams) is attending Christmas Eve Services - of the candle light/carol based variety. It's a highly reverential service, much like the practice of the Taos Natives, which is quiet and respects the importance of the spiritual aspects of the Christmas Celebration. Frankly, being in a beautiful old cathedral lit by candles on a cold winter's night is a magical moment. This year, it will be especially magical, as we'll be at Trinity Methodist in Downtown Denver (a seriously beautiful building - check it out when you can) listening to their wonderful choir to candlelight. Of all the songs sung at past services, my favorite Carol is "Once in Royal David's City" We first heard this in a Christmas Eve service at our congregation in Cincinnati, Hyde Park Community Methodist, sung by the pre-puberty son of some friends of ours, the Viators. Absolutely beautiful.

Over the years since I've made it a point to, on each Christmas Eve, tune into the BBC's broadcast of the "Festival of Lessons and Carols" from King's College Chapel in Cambridge, England. They do a beautiful rendition of the song, in a wonderful architectural space that is a unique interpretation of a Christian Church - I like to call it the "Festivus Table" of religious space. When you look at the video, notice the beautiful, light & spiritually inspired structure. Then take a look at the layout of the chapel where the people face each other as a community, with little focus (if any) on the 'front' altar of the space. This is a room where people could (when the service is over) effectively air some grievances - possibly even participate in the feats of strength.

But seriously, start the video and turn up the volume. It's magic. One of the items on my 'bucket list' would be to attend this service at King's in person. Since I've beat cancer, I've got about 63 years to go until birthday 100 - we'll fit it in there somehow.

"Tears and smiles like us He knew;
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness."

Celebrate this Season and appreciate what you've been given. You're living in this moment and have seen another sunrise. That's all you get.

Merry Christmas!

-Bill

CANCER UPDATE: Radiation oncologist, Dr. Chin, said it 'looks good'. I follow up with him mid-spring. On my first 3 month check up with my regular Oncologist, Dr. Hinshaw, I may end up getting another PetScan to do a baseline 'all clear' after radiation - more to come next month.

CANCER SOUNDTRACK: "Once in Royal David's City" As mentioned above, by any whoop-*ss choir.

Wednesday, December 16th: The many hats of friendship

There is an old scripture I remember from my days in Sunday School which can be summarized by the statement "a prophet is unloved in his hometown".

Before I go any further, for the record, I wish to state that I am not intending to in any way designate myself as a "prophet" or be compared to the big JC (or "haysoose" as we say up here in Denver). I'm just using this to make a point. It's my blog, so I can do what I want.

OK, back on subject. My hometown (from age 3 through college)was the small community of Sparta, Ohio - population somewhere between 150-200 people. It's in Morrow County, about 35 miles north of Columbus. Yep, it's that small. Sparta's biggest claim to fame is a former Major League baseball pitcher, Tim Belcher, who had a great career including a World Series run with the Dodgers in the late 80's. He's a good man, by the way, who is living in the community and raising his family there. The other claims to fame of Sparta are the annual Methodist Strawberry Festival, Highland High School (550 kids - consolidated from surrounding towns) and the legendary Lundy Stillwell (Rest in peace) who owned & ran the General Store for years. A funny story - Lundy actually used to let me pick up beer and cigars for my dad when I was a kid and take it home on my bike. Dad had called in the order and Lundy only gave me as much as was approved.

Sparta was a great place to grow up. We lived in an old farmhouse on the edge of town, across from the local High School. No major drug problems there - a little weed and some whippets were about all the hard-living one could do, aside from the occasional beer party. In a nutshell the kids do one (or several) of the following: Drink Beer, Play Sports, or Fool Around.

Pretty Norman Rockwell-ish, huh?

I had a great experience there, and was able to make many friends and have kept in touch with quite a few of them over the years, despite my time in Muncie, Raleigh, Cincinnati, and here in Denver. Several of you know that through a strange set of professional circumstances I have been given the priviledge of leading the design efforts on the new High School to replace the one from which I graduated. My firm in Denver partnered with my old firm in Cincy to be the Architects on the project. It's been the best of both worlds - I've been able to continue working with my good friends from Cincy, while living in Denver, and getting to spend a lot of time over the past 2 years back in my home community. My wife has also worked on the project, and has really enjoyed getting to know many of the people who I've known for all my life.

In 2008 & early 2009 I had been back in the community every 2-3 weeks, and was able to get together many times with old friends Kate, Chris, Megan, Dave, Shannon, Craig, etc - many of which I really hadn't communicated with for close to a decade. You know you've got special people in your life when you can sit down and it's as if the years didn't pass at all - we've had a great time reconnecting and talking about our (gulp) 20th reunion coming up in 2010.

So, getting back to it - my cancer diagnosis happened about 2 weeks after our major work on the project had been completed here in Denver - perfect timing for the project, as my illness didn't affect any professional obligations, but it did cut me off from doing any real work on the job and traveling back to work and visit. However, the outpouring of cards, messages, and support from everyone back in little ole' Sparta was amazing. My good friend Craig (If its free take it!) even came out and spent a week with us during my treatments to help out. Heck, even my junior high study hall monitor got word of my illness and sent me a card. Thanks Mrs Fulton - you're cool, I apologize for the hell I put you through in the mid 80's.

So, Bill you say - that's great. You had cancer and got a lot of cards - why write about Sparta, Ohio in your blog? Because I recently got a surprise box in the mail from Ohio.

You know what happened? About 15 of my high school classmates from Sparta who still live in the Columbus area got together this fall and had "Billapalooza" - a gathering of support for little old me. They put a care package together with a donation, a bunch of video greetings, and most importantly - a TON of hats. Everything from a sombrero to a 'short bus' helmet was in there. Many of these friends I haven't seen in close to 10 years - a truly touching moment that made both Amanda and I smile really big.

Jesus may have been wrong on this one- you can be loved in your hometown. I sure as heck have felt that way. I don't mean to discredit him, as he is the Boss of my Methodist Team. But I think I've got him on this one. By the way, the first picture at the top is my modeling of one of the hats they sent me - a "Colorado Buffalo" with some Rocky Mountain scenery in the back.

Here's to you Sparta, home of the Highland Fighting Scots. These 1400 miles between Denver and Morrow County don't seem too far at all.

CANCER UPDATE - the first follow up with my radiation oncologist is this Friday. Nothing fancy, they get to look at the still bald portion of my 'inner hip'. Golden Rays of Sunshine and body hair on your 'inner hip' (code word for crotch) don't mesh well together, and the hair loses every time. Just call me "half lawn".

CANCER SOUNDTRACK - "Hard Sun" by Eddie Vedder from the Soundtrack of "Into the Wild". Sorry hard-core music fan friends, I know you may not like this one. But I like Pearl Jam - and so does our good friend Anne. This is for you Mrs. East. The movie is good, and about a guy who follows his dream out West - I can relate. Only my story doesn't end with me starving in an abandoned school bus- I'd like to think that my version has turned out to be pretty positive, don't you?

Carpe diem.

-Bill