Surgery has been postponed until September 11th. So right now I'm just recovering from a cold.
We'll go to the circus after I recover from heart surgery if they're in town.
Ernie
On August 27, 2013...
Renee Radocaj posted a note for Ernie that says:
HEY!! I never said anything about pooping! Although do not turn down the colace, you will need it with all the pain meds! Ha!
Ernie Keen Thanks Renee. You are a WEALTH of information. (and great attitude).
Ernie Keen Thanks Renee. You are a WEALTH of information. (and great attitude).
Higgy wrote about the pooping, and you wrote about blue pee. I guess I left out a comma that would have made that more obvious.
Don't be shy about writing in your journal. Love hearing how you're doing.
Ernie
On August 27, 2013...
Swinton Scott posted a note for Ernie that says:
Take care Ernie, I will see you when the operation is finished and you are well enough to take visitors.
Cindy posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, SO sorry to hear about the postponement. Yuck! Waiting seems to be the hardest part - of course, I haven't done recovery yet so who am I to speak, but hey it sounded good. Try to enjoy the time....or at least enjoy the booze with your Mom. I'm cut off as of today - realized what a bummer that was at about 5pm.
Hope you're feeling better soon!
Ernie Keen Tanks Cidny. Stayng drUnk untill sugery seemms too help teh time Go by QuikR.
Goodd luck.
Ernee
On August 27, 2013...
Yelena eodakyan posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie! I had no idea! So sorry you have to go through all that! At least it will be behind you very soon.
Your journal is awesome, never knew you wrote so well!
Miss seeing you at the studio.
XOXO
My writing is like my art---I don't really know how to do it, but I fake it well. :)
Thanks Yelena. Miss seeing you, too.
Ernie
On August 27, 2013...
Elaine posted a note for Ernie that says:
Oh Ernie, Ernie, Ernie!!!
Tell your lovely Mom hello for me and I have a feeling she will be wanting to either hang you up to age or just chop you to bits before this is over.
I am so sorry you have had the delay with the surgery, but you are on the Floresville United Methodist Church prayer list.
I love reading your posts, it is a wonderful highlight to my day. Esp since school has started again and I am dealing with class after class after class of minions. The kindergarten minions are gonna be the death of me. They have the attention span of gnats and I have to try and teach them how to use a computer. LOL Me: no honey, the mouse is not to be chewed on. Headphones go on your ears, not in your mouth. ughhhh
Keep us posted and I think you may become vegetarian after this, as you may feel eating beef will be cannibalistic. hahahahaha
Love ya Ernesto
Ernie Keen Thanks Elaine. Good luck with those little yard apes. I was wondering if the Floresville contingency ... Read more
Ernie Keen Thanks Elaine. Good luck with those little yard apes. I was wondering if the Floresville contingency was still getting journal updates or not.
Lotsa love----Ernesto
On August 27, 2013...
Silvia Pompei posted a note for Ernie that says:
Mamma mia, Ernie, what the hell??? So much to read about and ponder here, but for now my message is: BE WELL!!!
I'll check back in and read your posts, I've signed up for the emails. By the way... I had no idea you were a comic writer too! You had me rolling with laughter. All these years I just saw your drawings, never read you words. You are multi-talented. You are the one having surgery and you make everyone else laugh! Keep those spirits up, you have lots of love coming form all sides. Miss your groggy hugs in the studio... sending one your way!
Miss you lots. Thanks for checking in. I'm glad you're enjoying the journal.
Lotsa love----- Ernie
On August 27, 2013...
Edwin posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernesto, Just ask for a new one. lets play poker soon so I can clean you out. feel better my friend. you are in my prayers. edwin
Forbush posted a note for Ernie that says:
grog, sorry to hear about your continued heart problems. try not to die or anything drastic, but remember me with something good in your will just in case.
Ernie Keen Oops! Sorry Brad, you should have contacted me BEFORE I completed the will. For some reason I forgot ... Read more
Ernie Keen Oops! Sorry Brad, you should have contacted me BEFORE I completed the will. For some reason I forgot to include you. Maybe if I survive the surgery, I might change the will. (or maybe not) :)
Ernie
On August 27, 2013...
Dougg posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie,
Thoughts and prayers with you! I still tell Ernie stories from CDD days. Your ears should be burnin'.
I'm worried what stories you're telling about me from CDD days. It's all a drunken haze from those times. I blame it all on the alcohol.
Ernie
On August 27, 2013...
temple mathews posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie. I had an AVR in 2006. You will be just fine, and post op you're going to be a bit weak, but after rehab you're going to rock and roll, trust me.
I checked out your IMDB, nice resume. I might have to get you to critique my journal writing :).
I appreciate the offer. I just may give you a call to chat about this heart stuff.
Ernie B.S.
On August 27, 2013...
Kevin Petrilak posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie,
Good to hear that you are being well looked after. Both Jill and will be praying for your speedy recovery.
Heal quickly my friend. I hope the doctor Okays you for travel to get back home to them kiddies. I'm sure they are missing ya'll. Good to hear you are doing well.
Ernie B.S.
On August 27, 2013...
erik kuska posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie,
Its Erik Kuska. I met you, I believe on Back in Action or something like that. Anyways recently I was working at American Dad and shit, I guess it was 2007 or something but made it to one of your Tiki Parties. Good times. I was there with Ron Hogarth, I think Albert Calleros.. My memory fails me.. But anyways, I saw the union posting about your open heart predicament and I started readin your blog. Sorry to hear your under the weather but Sept is just around the corner. Rest up and see if you can get one of those 'Iron Man' glow hearts. Those looked pretty cool and I believe you can take the canister out and then use the hole as a beer coozy.
At any rate, thoughts and prayers to you and glad your getting this taken care of now and on your own terms, etc. Happy Tuesday. erik k
Ernie Keen I wouldn't mind an Ironman glow heart, but unfortunately Stark Industries holds the patent and it cos ... Read more
Ernie Keen I wouldn't mind an Ironman glow heart, but unfortunately Stark Industries holds the patent and it costs way too much to get one. So I'll have to stick with a cow valve.
Thanks a lot Erik.
Ernie
On August 27, 2013...
Kristen Sych posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey man!! Shavonne just sent this to me, and, needless to say, it's one of the first times someone has left me speechless. Hang tough, dude. Plenty more tiki-ness to be had after all this, so we both will be pulling hard for you. If you need something that I can do for you, you let me know! Of course, knowing what an awesome and well-liked fella you are, I'm sure I'm not the first in line here. You take care of yourself, Mr. Keen, and know that these doctors are smarter than all of us animation-folk put together, which is a good thing. Of course, they can't do squash and stretch fer nuthin....
You know I'm stealing your wife away from you after heart surgery, right? She's much too sweet for you. ;)
See you soon.
Ernie
On August 27, 2013...
Shavonne Cherry posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie. It's been a while my friend and just found out via the TAG of your up coming surgery. You seem to be in great sprits which is very good. I want you to know Kristen Sych, (my hubby) and I are in your prayers and wish you a speedy recovery. We will visiting you journal daily to see how your doing. Take care and we'll be thinking of you.
All the best,
When are you going to divorce that bastard and marry me? :)
Thanks a lot.
Ernie
On August 27, 2013...
Esther Kim posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie,
You have such an amazing spirit! What a great idea to journal about the whole process. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
XO
Esther
Robert Domingo posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hi Ernie,
My name is Robert Domingo, and I too was an inbetweener on Lion King. I was on Vera Lanpher's misc. unit. I just heard about your surgery via the Animation Guild, and I want to wish you and your loved one's much blessings and well wishes on your upcoming surgery. By the way, I've read your first post and find your sense of humor hilarious !
Adrian aka Poly Pop posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie, sorry it took so long to find my way to your journal. I must say it really is entertaining to and its great to see your perspective on all of this. As we talked before, they do this a million times so I know everything's going to be fine. We'll talk again soon!
Ernie Keen Thanks Adrian. My rebirthday is on your birthday. :)
See you soon.
Ernie
On August 27, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie
Thanks for the heads up about your mom and Karaoke night. You have your hands full with her. Forget about the idea of having Mom move in with you. She will have a negative influence as you live your enlightened and simple life. Hope you get rid of the cold quickly. Take care of yourself. East Coast Jones
Rebecca S. posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, sorry you got postponed. But that's not very far off. Now you have time to get that recliner! Take care. Feel better. I won't be talking much for awhile. I will probably be thinking just about me for a few days.
Ernie Keen Good luck with surgery tomorrow Rebbecca. You're going to do great.
Ernie
On August 26, 2013...
Linda H and Elsie posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie, Don't get all bummed out at your postponement. You will be glad it happened after you experience that dreaded first sneeze or cough. Not fun. .It will hurt like H***.Hope you did find a recliner Mine wasn't electric but I made do by rigging it up so it wouldn't rock when I got up. I slept in it for about 4 weeks. When I finally got back in my bed I was scared. I wedged it up but couldn't sleep very much. It came with time. Your two best friends will be your spirometer and pillow. I still sleep with my pillow. Guess its like a security pillow. You just enjoy your Mom. Sounds like you already are lol. At least she has more of a chance to get use to that LA traffic. It is scary I have been there, its just like Atlanta. Anyway you get better and stay healthy, so you can get on with your new life and all the grazing you are going to be doing.
Ernie Keen I've been hearing about the dreaded first sneeze. Not looking forward to it.
Ernie Keen I've been hearing about the dreaded first sneeze. Not looking forward to it.
Thanks Linda and Elsie.
Ernie B.S.
On August 26, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Well that is a disappointment, Ernie. But I agree with you. You want to be healthy and rested going into it. It is a marathon and more. September 11th will be here in no time.
Plus, on a lighter note, this opens up some possibilities. Mom stays 2 months, not 1. Heck, you may want to make it permanent. You two can go to Mother and Son nights at the area bars. These are all good things.
Ernie Keen I'd have to make sure we didn't go to any bars on Karaoke night. Get a few drinks in her and next thi ... Read more
Ernie Keen I'd have to make sure we didn't go to any bars on Karaoke night. Get a few drinks in her and next thing you know you've got a 78 year old woman up there belting out off-key Lady Gaga songs. Empties the bar pretty quick.
Ernie B.S.
On August 26, 2013...
Rebecca S. posted a note for Ernie that says:
I almost forgot. Maybe you were joking about Rent a Center, but in any case, the place to go for a recliner is a medical supply place. They rent by the month.
Rebecca S. posted a note for Ernie that says:
Oh my, Ernie. I hate that you are still fighting that cold. Did the doctor say they might cancel the surgery because of it? That would be so bad to have gotten this close and have it put off. Oh, I should have told you to load up on zinc as soon as you started having symptoms. That helps me a lot. But maybe there is a reason for all this. Hope you get a the answer you are hoping for tomorrow. Praying for that.
Ernie Keen Looks like you'll be heading down the trail ahead me now instead of the same time.
E
On August 26, 2013...
Lynn Ennis posted a note for Ernie that says:
I hope you don't get postponed Ernie, but if you do, don't sweat it. Its not like you can actually get out of this date...but better to be as healthy as possible going in so you have a quicker recovery.
Might have to have a drink with mom in the meanwhile :)
Ernie Keen Yep, it's posptoned. Liquor supply won't last long now.
Thanks Lynn.
On August 26, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Well that sucks! Your cold, not your mother raiding the booze. She's a guest - what did you expect?
Ernie, good luck today with doctor visit. Hydrate, rest, eat to knock the cold out of your system. The good thing is this race never gets cancelled, just sometimes slightly postponed.
Hoping for a quick recovery my west coast brother.
Ernie Keen Yep. Postponed to Sept. 11. Bummed, but better safe than sorry.
Ernie Keen Yep. Postponed to Sept. 11. Bummed, but better safe than sorry.
Liquor supply is not going to last.
Thanks JJ.
On August 26, 2013...
Betty Bell posted a note for Ernie that says:
This is your Aunt Betty and it seems that you and your mom are having a great time, before surgery. You stay positive and tell Mom to keep me posted via your website and or email, as I am hard to catch on the phone. I am sure she and Sharon stay in touch and tell Sharon to keep Aunt Virginia updated via email and she will forward to me. Best of luck and speedy recovery.
Ernie Keen Thanks Aunt Betty. Will pass on the info to Sharon and Mom.
On August 25, 2013...
Tim H. posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ern,
About how long will you have to stay in the hospital for recovery? A day or two? A week?
And will you be on any dietary restrictions?
And what hospital will you be in?
Just wanted to know where to send the stripper. Do you prefer the Hillary Clinton or Newt Gingrich impersonator?
I'll be in the hospital the better part of a week.
Some dietary restrictions, but they want to you to eat plenty of healthy food to heal, with plenty of protein and not a lot of sugar.
I'll be at Providence St. Joseph's in Burbank.
Do they have any clown strippers?
On August 25, 2013...
Debbie Cross posted a note for Ernie that says:
There is nothing like having Mom around! My 11yr old still feels this way, the 27&28 yr. Olds ,not so much! You will need that recliner.We will be praying.
Ernie Keen Hopefully can find a recliner in the next day or two before surgery. If not, may be sleeping propped ... Read more
Ernie Keen Hopefully can find a recliner in the next day or two before surgery. If not, may be sleeping propped up in bed at first. We'll see.
Yep, good having Mom here. She was there for my birth, and now she'll be here for my rebirth. I'm sure she's glad not to have to change my diapers this time around. :)
Thanks Debbie.
Ernie B.S.
On August 25, 2013...
Sharon posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey bro, I hope you read your entries to Mom. I read her all of them when she was here in Tennessee. She might die of shock that you are letting people think she's a drinker. She has a fit if I even mention getting a bottle of wine now that Corinth has liquor stores. But, I haven't gotten one yet, so, she was safe here at home. So, don't shock her too bad at there.
And, don't let her drive. But, she really can still cook some things if she has to!
Ernie Keen Hush woman! You're ruining the humor. It's funnier letting people think Mom's an angry drunk! ;)
On August 25, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hey Ernie
Great post but I am a bit disappointed. I went to Your Photos expecting to see a photo of your mother on your motorcycle. Nothing. Looked to see a photo of your mother giving 1 year old Ernie a bath in the tub. Nothing. Did she really come out to visit??
Sorry to hear about Mom's cooking skills. Warn the nurses cause you will be under the influence of some interesting drugs for a while.
Re: Mom and the bar tonight I strongly suggest you rethink keeping her home. The "wing man" is an honored position. Make mom your wing man-who know you better?!
Four days to go, big guy. This indeed will be a wonderful improvement for your life. All the best.
Ernie Keen I'll guess I'll have to post a photo with Mom to prove she came out here.
Ernie Keen I'll guess I'll have to post a photo with Mom to prove she came out here.
She wouldn't make a good wingman for me. I'd be attracted to the Bambi, the 25 year old with the double D's and the 24 inch waist and Mom would be trying to hook me up with 54 year old Gertrude, weighing in at 285 lbs., an eye patch, and a barely noticeable beard because she has a sweet personality.
Ernie B.S.
On August 24, 2013...
Adriana posted a note for Ernie that says:
This journal is so funny, I am forgetting this is a serious situation. GROG, you will not follow shiny things & you will moo when you awake! I am looking forward to getting all the details of your successful surgery. I am plain scared to death of just getting some tests done, how are you so brave? El Macho Grog. Big hug mi amigo!
Not brave. It's just surgery, they do this stuff all the time. Besides, if I didn't get the surgery, this bum valve would kill me anyway. Gonna have some good drugs to control the pain.
Thanks Adriana.
Ernie B.S.
On August 24, 2013...
CindyW posted a note for Ernie that says:
You've got to kick this thing! I'm supposed to copy you, not the other way around! Seriously, hope you are feeling better!
Ernie Keen ThenKs cidny. I'm wrking on i t. I figur LOTS of alcOhol shuld burn tHat bug riGht out of theare!
Ernie Keen ThenKs cidny. I'm wrking on i t. I figur LOTS of alcOhol shuld burn tHat bug riGht out of theare!
Thanks a bunch Cindy.
Ernie B.S
On August 24, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie
Have Mom make some chicken soup. And lay off pushing the pace on your walks with her. She will just punish you with pace on the other side. Mothers are sly like that. They also smile sweetly when they are getting you back.
On the more serious side, rest, hydrate and get 'er done on the 28th. I have it written in ink so you sort of have got me backed into a corner here! Trusting in a great outcome.
Ernie Keen Trust me JJ, you DO NOT want Mom to cook. Not even chicken soup. That's more dangerous than having he ... Read more
Ernie Keen Trust me JJ, you DO NOT want Mom to cook. Not even chicken soup. That's more dangerous than having heart surgery.
Much thanks, brother.
Ernie B.S.
On August 24, 2013...
Rebecca S. posted a note for Ernie that says:
Oh boy. Yes, I hope you kick that cold, too. In the pediatric world it would cause a procedure to be cancelled. Get lots of rest and fluids. Take care.
Tim H. posted a note for Ernie that says:
A cold? Seriously?! Now I'm gonna have to shell out another three bucks on another get well card!! Thanks a lot Ernie!
(Seriously, I hope things stay on schedule.)
Ernie Keen I know!! It sucks. I think I'm feeling a bit better today, so hopefully I can kick this baby soon eno ... Read more
Ernie Keen I know!! It sucks. I think I'm feeling a bit better today, so hopefully I can kick this baby soon enough it doesn't cause any delays.
Ernie B.S.
On August 23, 2013...
Adam Stevens posted a note for Ernie that says:
Don't worry Ernie -- the surgery will go fine and you'll be back at the Tonga Hut in no time!
Ernie Keen Thanks Adam for the legal help and especially thanks to you and Suzy for your friendship.
Ernie Keen Thanks Adam for the legal help and especially thanks to you and Suzy for your friendship.
See ya'll at the Tonga Hut soon. I'll even let you buy me a drink. :)
Ernie B.S.
On August 23, 2013...
Dave posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, Ernie, Ernie.... Do you think we'll all fall for this pathetic cry for sympathy and come running from all points to glaze and cast ceramics for you? Well maybe. It worked once before! Oy! .... Call me so I can ignore the phone. :)
Oh, one question: Since you get the valve, can I have the prime rib and the sirloin?
Ernie Keen Dude!! We missed you at Oasis. Derek was cussing you since you didn't show up, and you don't wanna pi ... Read more
Ernie Keen Dude!! We missed you at Oasis. Derek was cussing you since you didn't show up, and you don't wanna piss off Yaniger, fer sure!
"can I have the prime rib and the sirloin?"
You can have the sirloin, but I LOVE my Prime Rib.
I call you, you bastard. And don't IGNORE THE PHONE!!!
Ernie
On August 22, 2013...
hugenaut posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernster, good luck next week. Let me know if ya need any help with anything. We will be thinking abkut ya.
My mom is here until Sept. 18, so if you're going to send me a stripper for my birthday, make sure my mom is already gone.
Thanks a lot, buddy!
Ernie
On August 22, 2013...
Cindy Wilson posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, it has been such a hoot following you! So real and so inspiring. Thank you for sharing! My surgery for a cow valve is the day after yours. I'm sorry that I'll be out of it to follow your recovery, but I think I'll have my husband read it to me. Ironically, I slammed my toes on the bed post today and screamed out loud and it immediately occurred to me that I better put on my big girl pants b/c that slammed toe ain't nuttin' compared to what's coming! But, heck, we get over the sore toes, and we'll get over the sore chest! I wish you all the best for a easy and swift recovery!
Good luck to you also with your surgery. I hope your recovery is easy and swift as well. No bragging if your recovery is quicker than mine!
Ernie B.S.
On August 22, 2013...
Adam Pick posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie,
You are going to do great.
My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Keep on tickin!
Ernie Keen "My thoughts and prayers are with you!"
Is that because my mom's here, or for the open heart surgery ... Read more
Ernie Keen "My thoughts and prayers are with you!"
Is that because my mom's here, or for the open heart surgery? (I kid, I kid.)
Thanks a lot Adam.
Ernie B.S.
On August 21, 2013...
Renee Radocaj posted a note for Ernie that says:
Nice pics Ernie! One week and counting. You will do great. :) Keep your sense of humor and positive outlook. That is half the battle. Also - if the nurse asks you if you would like one Vicodin or two....always say TWO!!!!! ;)
Debbie Cross posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie,just wanted to say again how much we enjoy reading your journal entries! My uncle is having surgery in the morning,7am in Hot Springs Arkansas.We are very anxious.He is my age 51,and had no idea he had Aortic Stenosis until he passed out while running last week.He and my aunt have no knowledge about the types of surgery etc. They told him he needs a mechanical valve and that's what he is doing.We can only pray! You take care, glad you are well informed.
Good luck to your uncle with his surgery. He's young enough he should be fine, and back to running before you know it.
Prayers and good thoughts for you and him.
Ernie
On August 20, 2013...
Aubrey posted a note for Ernie that says:
Hello Ernie, I am only a few days away and have mine schedule for the 28th as well. Same thing bicuspid aortic valve.
You sound like a writer or artist and love the humor, I am a budding writer of science fiction.
Good luck and we should connect on the other side of the surgery to compare notes.
Bicuspid aortic brother. Yep, looks like we're heading down this road at the same time.
I'm an animator, and do some ceramics. I'm glad you're enjoying my journals.
Definitely have to compare notes on the other side. Stay positive and don't worry too much. We're going to do great. So many patients have said the anticipation before the surgery is the worst part.
Ernie B.S.
On August 20, 2013...
Rebecca S. posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie, thanks for the humor. Yes, it's Tuesday and getting closer and closer. I decided on a tissue valve and was told by the nurse that that was all they needed to know. Guess its the surgeon who decides cow or pig. So we will see. Take care of yourself. Rebecca
Ernie Keen If you REALLy want to decide yourself if you want cow or pig, you should say so. I chose my bovine va ... Read more
Ernie Keen If you REALLy want to decide yourself if you want cow or pig, you should say so. I chose my bovine valve and told the heart surgeon.
Ernie B.S.
On August 20, 2013...
Jim Jones posted a note for Ernie that says:
Ernie:
You go, big guy. This may be one of your biggest rodeos ever. Glad the date is approaching. Also glad that your insurance decided to pay for it. This is a good thing! Keep on posting.
All the best.
Ernie B.S.