The Coffee is Hot

Paul Impacted Lives

2010-02-10T14:41:00.002-07:00

(written by Tiffany) It continues to amaze me how Paul impacted the lives of so many. Just a week ago I went back to Dr. Hunter's office to visit the staff there. Paul spent many hours in that office over the past 8 years and the staff adored him. His visits were filled with laughter - even when hundreds of stitches, staples and drainage tubes were painfully removed. He always made the nurses and administrators there feel like he was doing them a favor by coming to visit. How did he do that? We cried and laughed together remembering Paul's amazing spirit - and I left some DVD's of Paul's 5 questions to be watched by staff and Dr. Hunter.

How grateful I am to Dr. Hunter, Dee Egan (who made Paul's medical help possible), and the staff and surgery teams at Intermountain Medical Center in Murray. I am forever humbled by your dedication to save and extend Paul's life.

video of Paul

2009-12-22T12:44:00.001-07:00

This was an interview Paul did with KUTV2 news - he was so very grateful for the help with his Cobra. What a dream come true!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6nP3OeIrAI

See other YouTube videos of Paul as well -

Paper Houses - by Paul Berg

2009-07-24T13:11:00.002-06:00

Paul wrote this song and recorded it (piano and main vocals) just a week before he passed away as he was losing his voicebox to cancer. His good friend Pete came to our home, recorded Paul, added guitar and drums and back up vocals. Greg, another friend of Pauls then turned it into a beautiful media presentation. This was played at Paul's funeral service - what an incredible gift!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-A-HON6_LA

Paul Berg Obituary

2009-07-24T13:01:00.003-06:00

Paul Berg passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 21, 2009. His final days were filled passionately surrounded by his friends and family. Paul was a gifted musician and songwriter. He loved auto racing and cars - especially his 65 Cobra. He was an Eagle Scout, professional water-skier, and accomplished jazz pianist. Paul has enjoyed charity work with the Heart 2 Home Foundation since 2004. Paul is the devoted husband of Tiffany Berg and loving father to Kaylan, Ben, Hayley, Hannah and Landon.

Services will be held Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at The Adventure Church, 352 W. 12300 S., Draper, Utah. Viewing 1:00 PM Funeral 3:00 PM. Interment held at Lehi City Cemetery.

Everyday is a Cobra day!

2009-06-29T07:37:00.001-06:00

We are enjoying the cobra just way too much. I don't think I 've missed a day where I didn't drive the cobra. Tiffany is usually with me.

Carrroll Shelby

2009-05-28T12:01:00.003-06:00

Here are a couple other concept cars he's working on. Don't know if we'll ever see them on the road but they sure are cool looking cars.

2009-05-18T07:57:00.002-06:00

Last night I polished up the cobra and this is what it looked like when I was done. You're Surprised?! I'm sursprised.

Appartently this is the new prototype Shelby Cobra. They've (Ford and Carroll Shelby) been working on it for years and keep teasing everyone as to when it will really hit production. It has an all alluminum block v10 boasting 605 hp and 501 punds of ft tq. Check this out.. they're working on a Shelby motorcycle too,,, hummmm. with a 150 hp x block. Does that say anything to you?

No offense Carroll, but I like my 65 version.

Great News!!!

2009-04-28T18:56:00.002-06:00

Saw the doctor today... he the tumors are not getting bigger. Yeeeeeee-hah! I don't know what really esle to say. God is good.

Bored but without all the Guilt

2009-04-27T10:56:00.002-06:00

It bites being a slave to the house... except at night (I'm not expounding on that). I'm on chemo and pain killers so I can't go anywhere, drive, work, or even play. I walk around the house like a zombie wondering what to do for the next 12 hours.

Pony, you ask? The pony is the fact that I can't eat either.. so I'm not gaining any weight which normally accompanies bordem. Although my doctors actually want me to gain weight. That's NICE! How many of your doctor's say, "Hey, fatten up or we'll force feed you!" Mine does.. that's all.

Bored? Step into my life for a day!

Some Cobra Photo Teasers

2009-04-25T19:35:00.009-06:00

This is the west side of Utah Lake on a beautiful Sunday Afternoon. Mt. Timpanogoos in the background.

Cool Photos while Bev was in town

2009-04-21T04:00:00.003-06:00

This is just a teaser pic. This was not taken with Bev's camers but mine. There will lots more to follow. These were taken in Pleasant Grove at the old Sinclair Station by permission of the owner. Give me a few days to get the real photos that Bev took uploaded. Spectacular!!

Snake Revealed

2009-04-01T22:37:00.004-06:00

Wow!! What a surprise! First I have to thank some people before I tell the story.

I'd like to thank:

Todd Troutwine

Shane Turner

Mike Williams

Cole Davis

Jeremy Weller with Unique Auto Body

Larry Johnson

Roy Gregerson

David Kirkham

David "Sandwich" Cindrich

Sean Stephens

Gary Horn

and my dad, David Berg

Tribute to a Great Photographer

2009-03-29T03:40:00.005-06:00

Wow.. just some great shots. Of course it doesn't hurt that they're shots of a Cobra. Thanks again to a great photographer, Scott Winterton of the Deseret News.

The Cobra project is coming along thanks to Shane Turner, Mike Williams, Cole Davis, Unique Auto Body, Roy Gregerson, Larry Johnson, David Kirkham and many others.

It's Cobra track day at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele.. Wednesday at noon. I'll be there!.. without my beast, but plenty of other Cobras to gaze at rocketing around the race track. Come join us and see some really cool cars while you're at it. AND.. don't forget that Larry has a really cool car collection you can check out. Here's some easy directions.

Google direction to Miller Motorsports Park

This Made My Day

2009-03-22T12:52:00.004-06:00

What a treat! Dave Kirkham of Kirkham Motorsports in Provo just showed up this morning in front of my house. After reading about my circumstances, Dave Kirkham, and his friend and customer Dave Sandwich (spelling?), decided to take me for a ride in their Kirkham 427 Cobras.

Wow!!

Tiffany and I went, one in one Cobra and one in the other. Beautiful day. Beautiful cars. Breath-taking ride up Provo canyon all the way up to Sundance. I hardly said two words the whole ride... I just had a big grin and soaked it all in.

Thank you Dave & Dave.

A Race Worth Finishing

2009-03-20T07:43:00.003-06:00

So many sweet things in life, yet so little time. Thanks again to Shane Turner, Mike Williams, Jeromy Weller & brothers, and my new friend Cole. My health is keeping me from finishing my dream father-son project with my dad to completely build a 1965 Cobra replica. But fate has somehow brought a team of new friends to help me get to the finish line.

Jacob Hancock and Scott Winterton of the Deseret News featured a very complimentary story about this new band of rogue muscle-car make-over enthusiast.

http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705292077,00.html

The Snake is Back!

2009-03-19T06:43:00.002-06:00

A team of willing volunteers have assembled themselves for one purpose... to bring my '65 Cobra dream back to life. Thanks to Shane Turner and Mike Williams the Cobra has been brought out of winter storage and being preped for a rapid completion. When?.. Starts today and is estimated to be finished and road-ready in a matter of weeks. The picture above is Allen English's FFR Cobra which I've been using as model for period correctness. Below is my Cobra in it's current condition.. near complete.

My dad and I have been working on this "father-son" project since April of 2007. Our original goal was to build it in 90 days. Later that year, in November, I was diagnosed with more cancer. A cancer thought to have been dealt with a few years earlier. Today, after 7 surgeries and nearly 2 years later the Cobra remains incomplete.

Thank you Shane and Mike for the rebirthing of a dream.

Disregarding all WARNING signs

2009-02-26T08:03:00.004-07:00

I can't help but think of all the time wasted by heeding warning signs. Life for me now is going to be taken with reckless abandon .. whatever that means. Can somebody Google it?

From now on I'm NOT waiting an hour after eating to swim. I'm NOT shutting off my car before pumping gas. I'm NOT washing my hands after using the bathroom. I'm going to sit as close to the damn TV as I want. AND,.. to hell with it.. I'm mixing my proteins and carbs!

That's it. I've said it. It's out there.

My F_ck-It List... oops, did I say that?

2009-02-25T08:46:00.003-07:00

Everybody needs one of these. Since I now have a "hall pass" for one of these, I'm going all out. Some of the things on my list raise questions from some, so I say "F_ck it, why not?"

I'm doing things I wouldn't have dreamed of doing in the past. Things you just don't do because common sense tells you not to. These things are now meaningless to me. For instance, where I used to care about this, now I don't.. like picking my nose while driving on the freeway. I say "F_ck it!" I can't be worrying myself about silly, socially acceptable practices. Now, like my parents, if I have gas I let it out... and why not? I just raise my hand proudly and say, "that was me.. stinks, huh?"

I say, let go of your encumbering barriers and be free. I am!

Still Kicking!!

2009-02-23T10:24:00.003-07:00

That's me in the back hammering the keys and enjoying the groove. Hoodoo Blues played last weekend at a bar in Lehi.. too much fun.

A surprise appearance by Jason Hewlett, The Entertainer.. came to support a fellow keyboardist and his favorite piano tuner. ME.

Scott Painter is my long-time friend of Hollister, CA. Still in love after all these years (hint: the sign above our heads). After all the trouble we got into in high school look how he turned out. I think he's still trying to pay his debt to society. Can you tell that he's wearing a bullet-proof vest and I'm not?

Hangin' with Dad

2009-01-30T08:31:00.004-07:00

Hayley and me hanging out in Arizona during our Christmas vacation. Its pictures like this that say so much. Our vacation consisted of 4-wheeling, bond fire with marshmellows, boating, shopping, touching a F16 fighter jet, playing pool, taking turns on the piano, having coffee, and just plain sitting around enjoying each other's company.

This scene depicts me helping Hayley add photos to her new blog. Memories.. brings a tear to my eye. Kinda. No, not really. Maybe. I'd never admit it.

More Bars in More Places

2009-01-28T16:26:00.003-07:00

This is one our favorite places to go. The ice cream parlor at Thanksgiving Point. We always order the same thing.. the Yellow Submarine. Its two giant banana splits piled high in one dish and we slowly kill it with 7 spoons. A monthly treat for the whole family that we never grow tired of.

What's your favorite thing to do as a family?

Need HELP!

2009-01-22T06:29:00.002-07:00

Valentine's Day is coming and I need help coming up with something romantic. This is Tiffany's all-time favorite holiday of the year. After 9 years, telling her that a package from Italy is on it's way isn't working anymore. I know you lady's out there know a thing or two about what's romantic so help a brother out.

I want to hear from you men too as I don't totally trust a woman's perspective when it comes to romance. I wasn't born yesterday. I mean, when your wife tells you that yelling across the room "You want some of this?" isn't romantic.. she obviously could use some coaching in the romance department. Right? Come on.. back me up on this one guys!

Christmas is Arizona

2009-01-18T06:51:00.003-07:00

It was so warm in Arizona that the girls had to have tropical drinks to set the proper mood. This was the indoor portion of the outdoor mall in Gilbert.

Tiffany and new nephew James having a typical morning at the Zoccoli's.

This is a typical scene of two guys shopping with their wives. You guessed it.. the wives inside the store shopping while the men wait. That's right.. just wait.

Landon and Steven with the biggest smiles on the planet. Inseperable, these two.

Cousin Kenny couldn't get enough of Hayley. Does anyone blame him?

Another shopping day for the girls.. and yes, another outdoor mall. How would it be with no snow?... ever?

Took My Honey Dancin'...

2009-01-10T20:05:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Where were YOU New Years Eve?

2009-01-07T18:34:00.002-07:00

Boating in Arizona on New Year's Eve is where I was. Don't be fooled.. the blanket on Ben's lap is because it got a little cold at full speed on the lake. The days were in the 70's most of the week. The boating was compliments of Herman and Jamie Suarez (Tiffany's brother and wife). The BIG glasses that Tiffany is wearing is because too many people are recognizing her in public. Damn celebrities.

Another Christmas Present for Me

2008-12-16T10:24:00.003-07:00

Wow, doesn't it seem every Christmas I'm in the hospital getting yet another surgery? Well, this time the doctor came out clicking his heels and singing "ding-dong the witch is dead". He got it all and without compromising the facial nerve as he feared might be the case. It's all good.. my face still works.

I came home last night and feel great today. Aren't these great pictures. Tiffany actually did the operation. They have internet right there in the operating room and she was logged onto AskGeeves.com for the whole thing. Geeves is great. She only accidently cut out one nerve. It was the Taucksmak Nerve (pronounced tôk-smak)... just recently discovered. Fortunately my Shutcherkaikehool Nerve (pronounced shuht-chur-keyk-hohl) is still intact.

Your teenagers might like this close-up of the incision... still got blood on it. Wicked! You can even click on it for a closer shot if you don't have a weak stomach.

Thank you everyone for your prayers, emails and calls. We're especially thankful for the Southern Baptist prayers from the Memphis area... that's my favorite twin mom Letty.

When Tylenol® Just isn't Enough

2008-12-13T07:26:00.009-07:00

Over the past year I've learned an awful lot about what medicines work and which don't. Which ones work for this or that... which ones you can take with other medicines... and which ones would have a nasty reaction.

It's true, sometimes pain and discomfort can get to the point where Tylenol® just isn't enough. That's where I reach for Damnitol®. I've found that it goes far beyond any ordinary relief medicine. It doesn't just work with physical aches and pains, but life's little pains. It works so good, I would even consider taking Damnitol® to hell with me. You may want to try and it and consider taking Damnitol® to hell with you. Sometimes you just need that little extra. So next time you need some relief, ask your doctor for Damnitol®.

Warning: Damnitol® may cause irritation, vomiting, random outburst, fits of rage, and social misconduct. If pregnant or lactating, Damnitol® may have been taken too late.

News Flash!!

2008-12-12T18:14:00.002-07:00

Got back from the Doctor's office and as a bonus got good news. The PET scan results came back clean..

Ding-dong the witch is dead! Even better is they found a little spot (quarter-size) just above the radiation zone so I'll be going in Monday for surgery again. Man!... am I excited that this might be the last one.

Paul's Piano

2008-11-10T11:13:00.003-07:00

Free piano tunings this week only Nov 9-15, 2008. I was busy all weekend tuning pianos and this week is filling up fast. Yes, that one key is orange. I know where A flat is, I just keep forgetting where G sharp is. Funny thing.

I am willing to tune your piano for free (if you live reasonably close to me). I just want all your friends with pianos to know that I tuned your piano and you're happy. That's the catch. It's like a giant pyramid... you give me 2 friends, who gives me 2 friend, who gives me 2 friends. Pretty simple arithmatic.

www.PaulsPiano.com

Double Vision!

2008-11-04T15:45:00.004-07:00

My mom's twin sister came out for a visit in the late summer. It was great seeing her again as she lives in Tennessee. It's crazy watching them together. They even dress alike when they're together.. yes, even at their age. Crazy!

Here is a photo of me with each of them. Can you tell who is who? Which one is Betty, my mom? And, which one is Letty, her twin sister?

A Good Day!

2008-10-15T18:38:00.002-06:00

You gotta love days like this. Yes, another Bev Robison photo shoot in Alpine, Utah. My face a hard time smiling now, since the surgeries and such, but my kid's smiles make up for it. My kids are growing up fast.. what a wake-up call.

Have you hugged your kids today? How 'bout yesterday? Do they know you love them? Mine do. Thank God.

"I Can't Feel My Legs!"

2008-10-10T17:31:00.004-06:00

This is me and one of my best friends, Clay Egan. The only difference between Clay and I is that I can feel my legs. Clay is a great example to me of how to live life large no matter what comes our way.

I used to be the head coach of Utah's wheelchair rugby team where I taught Clay how to perservere.. how to keep pushing when it got tough. It seems he's teaching me now. I am now the student of much more than physical limitations, but of life.

Thank you Clay.

Totally Blessed!

2008-09-23T22:31:00.003-06:00

Have I got it made, or what? I have a beautiful wife who loves me to pieces, 5 awesome kids, and a killer scenery where I live. You can't ask for more than that. Well, I guess you could... but I'm not.

You know how they say if everyone put all their problems in a basket and then could pick back out anyone they wanted that they inevitably pick back their own? Well, I'd probably leave all my problems in there but definitely take back out my wife and kids. Oh yeah, absolutely.

I'd probably riffle around in the basket for that '65 Chevy too.

Oh, by the way... I got back the results from my CT scan yesterday and everything is clean, no tumors, no masses... all clean. In 8 weeks I go back for PET scan just to make sure. God is good.

Goin' for a Test Drive

2008-09-10T12:35:00.003-06:00

Now here is an unlikely scene. Typically you don't see current and ex husbands getting along. Not the case with Matt and I. Matt came to MY parents house to help celebrate his daughter's 18th birthday... very cool. Of course, during the event we couldn't not go for a ride in the Cobra Project. I mean, it hasn't been road tested for a whole week. Matt gladly volunteered to shotgun the test.

This photo was taken before the test drive. Photos post-test drive usually don't work as well, as the occupants smiles are too big to fit in the picture and their eyelids are precariously stuck to their foreheads.

You'll have to ask Matt how the ride went. Let's just say that 400 horse power is scary at 3" off the ground.

Paul at the Piano

2008-08-29T21:01:00.004-06:00

Bev took some pics of me at the piano at a recording studio a few weeks ago while she was in town. Of yeah, and some at her sister-in-laws house on their grand piano (thanks Lynn).

I look like a balding Billy Joel. They're great pictures, thanks Bev. And, there's alot more than just this one... this is just a teaser. I'm gearing up for my big record label deal, huh! www.myspace.com/paulbergsmusic

Dedicated to the Ones I Love!

2008-08-26T18:46:00.006-06:00

This post is for all those who just keep looking each day for a new post from the"King of Posts", that's me. It has been awhile since the move that I have posted anything new. People look to me daily to know whether or not to go outside, or how they should feel about a particular.... uhmmm, thing. Yes, it is true. My peeps need me.

Everything is okay. We've moved in without any glitches except for those ones we're not talking about. The family is doing well, except for the parts we're not telling you about. I am feeling exceptionally well post radiation, except for days that I want to just crawl under a rock and die. My mouth is starting to feel better, but I still can't completely taste anything. I'm completely off the pain medications so I'm not as sleepy and groggy. I'm still trying to stretch my mouth so I can fit a chili cheese dog in, but I think that will be awhile. Right now I can barely fit a spoon in my mouth.

Next Tuesday I start back up with the Hoodoo Blues band again. They really miss me... I think. I am going to try and rally everyone I know to come out to our Sept 27 gig at Pat's BBQ in Salt Lake. This place is really nice... it's a restaurant so anybody, even kids, can come. It is $5 a person to sit in the band room. I will remind everyone later.

Update!

2008-08-19T23:09:00.000-06:00

We moved.

So, What Are You Doing This Weekend?

2008-08-14T17:14:00.004-06:00

For anyone who cares we're moving and I know this is how everyone wants to spend their weekend. Just ask yourself who's going to help you when you're moving? That's right, not me if I don't see you here bright and early this Saturday. Remember, I just had chemo and radiation... I'm sick. I need help. I'm in a weakened state. Everything is going dark. Mommy, is that you?

An Open Window

2008-08-10T10:53:00.004-06:00

Here I am 4 days after the completion of my radiation treatments at a Heart 2 Home fundraising event. As you can see, I'm still not my complete self. I have short windows of time randomly throughout the day that I might feel well enough to go out, but not for very long.

It was a great event. Once a month a non-profit group called Strike A Chord organizes a party of sorts and invites up-and-coming musicians to perform for free to help promote themselves. They ask a door charge and have raffles which all the money goes to a particular charity of their choosing. This month was for Heart 2 Home. It was pretty fun... Free food, raffles, good musicians, and all for a good cause.

On our way home from this event we stopped by to see my band, Hoodoo Blues, playing at Scorez. It's just down the street from home. We had a gig there last night that I didn't attend due to my recovering. We walked in right as they were taking a break so it was nice to mingle with my band mates. The window was shutting so I couldn't stay long.

It will be nice when I'm fully recovered and back to normalcy. I will be back with the band in September. If anyone is interested we are playing in Lehi again on Sept 20th. You can go to our website at http://hoodoobluesband.blogspot.com/ and see our upcoming shows.

It's All Downhill From Here

2008-08-05T17:09:00.007-06:00

Today was my last day of treatments... no more, none, zilch, nada. Wow! Isn't hindsight great? Looking back is always better than looking forward when you're in the middle of a crisis. When you're looking ahead it seems it'll never end, but when you look back you think, "hmm, that wasn't that bad."

That leads me to thinking, I don't know how anyone can get through hard times without knowing Christ... without knowing who God is... without knowing that your salvation is secure, that your justified through Christ. The Bible isn't lying when it says "fortunate is the man who's sins do not count against him", and that "ALL sins are covered by the blood of Christ"... ALL sins. Not some, not most, but ALL. Isaiah 43 says "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; YOU ARE MINE."

I am sad for those who go throughout their lives wondering from day to day if they'll make it to heaven... if they're saved... redeemed, rescued from their sins. Day to day they wonder if they've done enough. God says you cannot earn your way to heaven, that your good deeds are like filthy rags. He doesn't want your sacrifices, He wants you... He wants your heart... He wants you to accept the free gift of salvation. The cost of salvation is confessing with your mouth and believing in your heart.

This is what gets me through tough times. Knowing that whatever happens, I'm saved from my sins. My salvation is secure. I am justified through Christ Jesus. Knowing that with all my mistakes, all my blunderings, all my sins, I don't have to work off my debt. I am saved! Jesus is my comforter. Who's yours?

This IS Important!

2008-08-02T11:56:00.006-06:00

This is my beautiful wife with the long blonde hair. She has a rare condition called H.S.I.C.M.H.S.S.. Symptoms appear randomly but are starting to appear more frequently. I've talked to experts on this and they say there's no clear data on how people get it or even a permanent cure. There's not even any prescription medications that have been developed yet.

I don't know what to do. I've talked to doctors, my clergy, and even Jeeves. Nobody's been able to help. Oh yeah, the acronym above stands for, "Honey, should I cut my hair short?" Syndrom. Every so often she gets a hankering to want to cut her hair short for some reason. Does anybody else's wife have this same condition?

Am I the only one out there pleading with her to get help? Is there a support group in the area I could go to? I just really love her hair long. I'm pretty sure I'd still love her if her hair were short, but man do I like her hair long! Can anyone relate?

Light in the Tunnel

2008-07-31T16:55:00.003-06:00

Yes, there is a light in the tunnel. The light says I only have 3 more radiation treatments and I'm done. Praise the Lord. And I do mean, Praise the Lord. God has walked me through this and comforted me all the way. In the beginning I couldn't see the end. It seemed it would go on forever. Now with only 3 treatments left I can look back and see more clearly where God was when I had nothing and leaned on Him for hope.

Even with 3 days left, we can't start partying yet. Because radiation has a delayed effect, like tanning, the doctors tell me that the pain will remain for about 2 weeks after treatments are done... then there will be a gradual tapering off, or healing for a couple more weeks. So, in a way the light in the tunnel is more like James Hetfield's "the light in the tunnel is a freight train coming your way". Don't get me wrong. I'm still excited about only 3 more treatments, but then I have a freight train for about 2 weeks.

But hey, what's 2 more weeks? I can handle it. I can do all things in Christ.

Strawberry Milk?

2008-07-22T19:44:00.005-06:00

Yeah, surprised me too. I can actually taste strawberry milk. In an act of desperation, I decided to try chocolate and strawberry milk. I must have been craving a familiar taste from yester-months gone by. Well, whatever made me do it... I'm glad now. I've been chugging Nestle's Strawberry Milk like crazy. Hopefully when I'm sick of strawberry milk I'll have found something else to keep me chugging.

Warning: For first-time readers, this post refers to my lack of taste buds due to present chemo and radiation treatments. If you are confused by any of this, google "Ask Jeeves" then type in "I'm confused". It should explain that you are confused.

The Rest of the Story

2008-07-19T21:09:00.011-06:00

It's been said that I'm still not telling it like it really is. Perhaps people (my peeps) don't really know what this is like and what I am going through. This is the rest of the story.

As most know, I've had two chemotherapy treatments and around 20 radiation treatments so far. Chemo is the drug they slow-drip into you via I.V. (that's a needle attached to a bag of liquid chemical stuck in my arm). Radiation is getting strapped down to a table and being targeted with a giant laser-beam shooting radiation at my face and neck (you know, the kind of radiation that can give you skin cancer).

The chemo is the worst 3 or 4 days after treatment. It's like the worst flu... tired, nausea, achy, and very tired. So far the anti-nausea prescriptions have worked pretty good... only because I haven't hurled yet. Also, the chemo makes you lose all your taste buds temporarily during treatment. However, it's worse than just not having taste buds. Everything taste like metal or cardboard or worse. Whatever the taste is it makes you want to throw it back up, so eating has become work.

The radiation is harmless during treatment... can't feel a thing. It builds up though. It's now been four weeks and the inside of my mouth and throat is completely blistered. The skin is dark brown or white depending on whether it's falling off or still hanging on. This makes it uncomfortable to swallow so my entire diet is now liquid. I make shakes out of protein powder and milk... the colder the better. These are high protein, high calorie shakes designed to keep my weight up. About 10 or 12 oz drinks with 300-400 calories in each. Makes it easier to drink it down fast because the taste is so awful.

The radiation also kills my saliva glands. My saliva is almost completely gone now. Saliva is responsible for washing off the teeth to keep plaque from building up. Since I have none, I have to brush and rinse my mouth about every hour to keep my teeth from rotting out. Randomly I'll have days with either complete cotton mouth or my saliva is so thick it's like a glue. It's very hard to swallow or spit out. Usually when I do have to spit it out, it's so thick that it creates a gag-reflex and makes me almost throw-up. I've had to learn to sleep with my mouth shut to limit my having to swallow. The 2 or 3 times during the night when I do need to swallow, that gag-reflex is so bad I usually have to get out of bed to clear my throat.

Between the radiation and the chemo my hair is starting to fall out. The radiation eliminates hair wherever it treats permanently. The chemo eliminates hair temporarily all over my head. I will have permanent hair loss along the lower 1 or 2 inches of my neck. The radiation burns like a sun-burn but worse. It doesn't just burn the outside skin but burns all the way through. Even my neck and shoulders are blistered and peeling. My gums are blistered and peeling.

Besides all the unpleasantness's, I'm tired all the time. Between pain prescriptions, anti-nausea medication, chemo and radiation I'm tired and exhausted most of the time now. I sleep most of the day only up to have a protein shake, clear my throat or rinse my mouth of yeast and blistered skin.

I never did sleep very well during the night anyway, but now it's worse. To even sleep soundly for a few hours at a time I help from the doctor. It's these quiet times just before I drift off to sleep that I talk to God... that I really get a chance to thank God for making it through. I thank God every night for every little thing in my life that I didn't give much thought to before. I thank God for providing for my family when I can't. I thank God for my wife, who quietly takes care of everything so I don't have to worry. I thank God for my kids who still write me home-made cards telling me they love me "sssooooooooo much". I thank God for all the friends and relatives who take time to show love to me.

It's at night that I remember Psalm 4:8 "I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, oh Lord, make me dwell in safety".

Blogging Championships

2008-07-15T10:54:00.009-06:00

In an effort to out-do Bev's weak blogging attempts, I have decided to blog about things that I normally wouldn't.

For instance, I don't normally like to brag but I did invite Bev's kids over to swim in our pool for the day. Boy did they enjoy that. Well, I'm guessing they enjoyed it by the pictures I took shown here, cause I really didn't watch them that much.

And, we invited Wade over for some birthday cake for my early birthday party which is normally celebrated in October. Wow, did Wade enjoy that! It was like it was his own birthday party... it really brings out the kid in you. I didn't mind so much that it wasn't all about me as Wade needs the attention and I'm pretty compassionate that way. If you look real close I'm getting a little frustrated with Wade going on and on about how it's his birthday.

This next shot is of some kids I picked up from the Big Brother program and took them 4-wheeling for the day. To see the look in their eyes when you tell them they don't have to pay for gas is priceless. Wow... what a day. Then I took them all out lunch. Then after that I took them to the Museum of History and Natural Art. Then we went and fed the ducks in the park. We ended up saving one duck that had been attacked by a dog and brought it to the U.S. Duck Sanctuary and Adopt-a-Duck Foundation of America and helped find a loving owner for this duck. What a learning experience for these unfortunate kids.

You know, you just can't buy memories like that.

Go to http://robisonfam.blogspot.com/ to compare blogging.

Okay, so I hacked Bev's pictures off her site and made up some stuff... okay, I stretched the truth a bit. Fine, I flat out lied - WHATEVER! Except the Adopt-a-Duck Foundation, that was true... ish.

Be sure to vote at the top right of this page.

Vanilla and Peanut Butter

2008-07-03T18:56:00.004-06:00

3-day weekend coming. And yes, that means I get a break from the radiation too. Things have been looking up for me. I have been feeling alot better since they prescribed some better pain management things. You know, things. Of course that also means I'm useless around the house... no lifting, not straining, just laying around. The bad news of course is that I'm 100% liquid diet now. But, God is good... the only thing I can taste is vanilla and peanut butter. So that just means vanilla shakes and peanut butter shakes.

The next chemo day is the 14th, so let's pray that it doesn't kill my vanilla and peanut butter taste buds.

Ouch!

2008-07-01T20:43:00.002-06:00

Okay, it's starting to hurt folks. This is really testing my pain threshold. As some of you already know, last weekend wasn't so nice to me as far as feeling good goes. The radiation treatments are starting to catch up with me. Radiation is basically like a tanning bed times 100, but it doesn't just burn the surface... it burns all the way through. With daily radiation treatments that hawaiian tan on the inside of my mouth is starting to get that golden bronze leather feel. Food either has NO taste at all, or that unexplainable chemo flavor. The diet has changed dramatically... almost a 100% liquid diet. Pain meds are an absolute must to make it through the day.

Aside from that?... life is great. I'm spending more time at home. I can nap whenever I want (of course the chemo kind of forces you to be tired alot). And, I can kiss my wife anytime of the day I please. NICE!

Nothing Taste Like Chicken... Not Even Chicken!

2008-06-26T07:09:00.004-06:00

That's it, taste buds are gone. That went alot faster then I anticipated. So, if anyone out there who can't cook had a hankering to make a meal for me... now's the time. I won't know the difference. It all taste like cardboard-flavored chicken.

OOOOPPPS... how did that picture get in here?

Well I'm getting ready to get picked up for my 4th facial. I'm pretty sure I upgraded my package to include the cucumber slices over my eyes. I'm going to have to ask them about that and maybe get a credit on my next visit. I already feel 10 years younger. (So that would make it right about the time I was turning "over-the-hill" and feeling tired all the time.) Oh well, it's still 10 years younger. How many of you can say that right about now?

Uh oh, who's not watcing the clock... I've got to down a cardboard shake and get ready for another face tanning. Bye, bye, now.

June 24 Update

2008-06-24T12:29:00.005-06:00

This is Tiffany - Paul's resting a bit today so I thought I'd upload some info. I know you all are concerned about his treatment. Yesterday he had his first radiation in the morning and then 4 hours of doing chemo in the afternoon. Here's some pics -

For the radiation they have fashioned a mask with a teeth guard for his upper teeth and a tongue depressor to try and minimize the radiation to the upper jaw - keep it to the lower jaw and neck. Once on the table and the mask bolted down it only takes about 10 minutes for the actual radiation.

For the chemo they gave him IV anti-nausea and potassium for

hydration - then the chemo. We sat and played cards and laughed in our little chemo cubicle - I think everyone was jealous because so much laughter was coming from our cubicle. Maybe you're not supposed to laugh while you're getting chemo? Here's to breaking all the rules!

Today Paul again had radiation (thank you Aaron for the ride) - he is a bit groggy and his face is very red. He's taking a lot of medication to keep the nausea at bay - we're praying!

That's the scoop - we so appreciate your love and prayers!

Here's Paul during chemo with his laptop and phone - and of course a big grin!

Life Doesn't Get Better Than This

2008-06-18T18:54:00.003-06:00

How bad can life be with these kind of pitures? We have some good times amongst all the bad. Laying around at the lake with a bucket of chicken doesn't suck. Hanging around with family on Father's Day aint bad either.

I wrote a song called "Feels Like Rain" a couple of years ago that, I think, descibes how I feel about life. It talks about how aweful we see the rainy days and how we think we can't handle it. But, it's the rainy days that make the sunny days so memorable. It's the water from the rain that washes off all the dirt from the dry, dusty summer days. It's the blood of Christ that washes away our sins, not His smile.

As everyone knows, my situation right now could certainly justify a gloomy outlook on life. But, I always remember the rain. Nobody likes a cloudy day. Nobody especially likes it when the forecast for the next while seems gloomy. I've had a pretty gloomy extended forecast, but I'm not going to hide in a cave until the storm passes. I'm choosing to enjoy the rain. I'm choosing to look the storm in the eye and say "bring it on!", cause I know it can't rain forever. The storm will pass like all storms do.

You may be looking at your life in the midst of rain. Or, you may be enjoying the sun. But, at some point the forecast may say something else... it might "feel like rain". Don't worry... it never rains forever. Just ask God.

Doctor's Orders

2008-06-09T21:18:00.002-06:00

That's right... Doctor said I have recover from the surgery and fatten up for chemo. You heard it. He said mandatory fattening up. So that's what we're doing. In fact, the whole family is in on it. What you see here is a Yellow Submarine exclusively at Thanksgiving Point. We go there as a family for every major celebration. First day of school. Last day of school. Birthdays. You name it, we're there celebrating with a giant Yellow Submarine ice cream treat.

This has been one of the best prescriptions I've ever got. So every night is fatten dad up night. Mac & Cheese with extra cheese. Spaghetti with meat balls. Belgium Waffles with syrup and whip cream for lunch. Eight-Egg Cheese Omlettes for breakfast. Life doesn't get better than this. Well, I take that back. I guess if I had a bigger mouth right now that would be nice. Oh well, can't have everything.

A Randem Thought Worth Mentioning

2008-05-28T15:32:00.009-06:00

Can you believe it... these pictures were taken about 10 days apart. I look much better. Too bad for Mark, he looks the same. Mark was one of many friends and family to visit during and after my latest hospital stay.

This got me thinking. Would I be this kind of friend? If my friend was going through a tragedy, would I come visit? Would I come to see how he is doing? Would I spend part of my day to go cheer him up? Would I sit and talk about him, without talking about me... at all? A scary thought. Scary because I think I might not be that good of a friend. Time for a personal character inventory.

Experiences like this make for all kinds of wild pondering and reflection. Something for me to really dig down deep on. God has a way of convicting us when we least expect it. Am I a fair-weather friend?

Mark, just because I used you as the poster child on this don't be letting this go to your head. Remember, I'm still around to keep your ego in check.

Holding Out on You?

2008-05-27T12:53:00.005-06:00

I guess I've been holding out on everyone... not giving all the information or diluting the facts. A good friend of mine stopped by yesterday just to get all the facts. Obviously shocked, I asked why he did'nt just go to my blog for the skinny. Turns out my blog is not informative enough. Well if that just doesn't defeat the entire purpose of my blog.

So I've got some real big decisions coming up. Should I make my blog more informative? Or, should I just say to the h@** with it and keep it the way it is...? perfect.

Hmmmm. Well just in case here is Tiffany's blog address: htpt://www.tiffanyberg.blogspot.com/

What?

2008-05-23T09:54:00.004-06:00

So you're not buying the whole Head Transplant thing? I don't know why that's soooo hard to believe. I felt the wave of caring visitors dramatically wane . I feared I had to have something a bit more severe to keep all the attention. Oh well, I guess it's not really about me anyway, right? It's all about Jesus.

I'm home and it feels great! This morning I had my first taste of food since the surgery 10 days ago. Mmmmm, mmm, mmmmmmm. I love food.

Things are going good. I'm moving around allot better without the feeding tube tethered to me. I've gotten pretty steady on the crutches and have only fallen 11.3% of my attempts. That's good. My PT (Physical Therapist) says I'm a natural. Besides my wife and kids, my parents, my intermediate extended family members, neighbors, friends, church body, postman, Domino's Pizza delivery guy, and random passer-bys my dog was the most excited for me to be home.

Head Transplant is Scheduled

2008-05-20T22:31:00.003-06:00

The hospital finally called and gave us the time and day to check in for the Head Transplant surgery on me. Next Friday May 30th at 9am same hospital, the big new one, IMC. Since the new bone graf (free fibula flap right neck dissection) didn't take, then we're going with our back up plan. We found a donor match (God is good) so consultation is Tuesday at 3:30 and the actual transplant on Friday at 9am.

With technology the way it is today this will be an outpatient surgery but I will need a ride home. I should be able to use all five sensory functions right away, but some rehabilitation is expected. Oh, about the donor match... Jason Hewlett volunteered his head. The necks are a perfect match, so skin grafting will be kept at a minimum (which is good because the only really good skin I have left for transplant and grafting is right behind my..., well I guess that doesn't need to be shared).

Thanks for all of your support through all of this. This surgery will be open to public viewing, but no flash photography.

Is There A Doctor In The House?

2008-05-19T04:34:00.004-06:00

Hello!.... I'm ready to go home now. Mouth feels fine, really. Can I just go home for cry'n out loud.

You know, as fun as it's been in here it does get old after awhile. People are right when they say the pampered life is not all it's cracked up to be.

(Now there's a bit of an off-topic discussion. All it's cracked up to be? What is that? How is something cracked up to be something and make any sense? Of course, to confuse you even more we only use that phrase when apparently it hasn't quite measured up to the cracked up standard we've set so high. Okay, more on that later.)

What was I saying? Oh yeah. Living the good life, the lap of luxury if you will. Well, frankly I thought being fed through a tube would be cool. You know, less work. Convenience. The stigma. Well I'm sorry, but having elite pharmaceuticals trickle through your veins at the snap of finger just gets boring. Yes, I'm actually bored. I've pushed the Nurse call button just about every way you can push it. I've asked them to come in for just about everything that people normally wouldn't ask them to come in for. I called the Nurse to have her turn on my TV. TV remote... 2 buttons, Nurse... 1 button. Much easier to just call the Nurse don't you think. Once I was so lazy I called her in and when she got in I'd forgotten why so I asked her to call the Nurse to figure it out. Crazy I know.

Soooo, can I just go home now. I promise I'll just drink shakes for the first week. I promise. I won't talk allot, or shout at solicitors. I'll be good. Cross my heart.

I See You.

2008-05-18T08:31:00.003-06:00

When they said I'd be ICU for 4 days I thought they said "I See You" like a giant glass partition so my visitors could all come in and sit down on stadium seating, eating popcorn and just watch me like a Harbor Seal at Sea World. My he%&, I didn't know it meant "Intensive Care Unit". 'Cause that sucks!

I'm out of ICU now so things are looking up for me. Like the Matrix, they're slowing pulling tubes out of me. Soon I'll be free. They're saying as soon as Tuesday. Whoa! When you're in the hospital this long you start getting really bored between hourly and half hourly pokes, so TV starts becoming your friend. Even if it's just on as white noise to drown out the moans from across the hall. I watched enough of the horse races that now I'm hooked. My money is on 'Big Brown' to sweep the Triple Crown. Here is the YouTube video clip http://youtube.com/watch?v=5i_gc7G8Tng

What Now?

2008-05-12T23:48:00.006-06:00

The Bible says to petition the Lord in everything... to make our requests known. God also said we need to bring our requests boldly to the throne. My prayer is for life. Complete healing. A miracle. What is yours? I pray always and glorify God in all I do. He is the healer. He can do anything. He is not uncapable of a miraculous healing. With a word He created the heavens and the earth. I put my faith in Him, the Creator and the Healer.

Pray with me starting now. Hide in your closets and pray. Pray with a loud voice. Pray with a whisper in your heart. Pray in a song. God knows your heart and the Holy Spirit intercedes where there are no words. Cry out loud and bring your requests to the Lord. I am.

Good News!....

2008-05-07T10:44:00.003-06:00

Jesus died for our sins about 2000 years ago... nobody has to earn their way to heaven. Thank God. The catch? You have to confess with your mouth and believe in your heart that He died for your sins and He is you savior Romans 10:9. This might eliminate some of you... Bummer.

The other good news?... Surgery is next week, so the gig is still on this Saturday at Scorez in Lehi, 8pm to midnight.

Biopsy Update

2008-05-04T14:06:00.002-06:00

After the sixth biopsy (samples of the mysterious tissue) I'm thinking it should be completely gone by now. Oh well, doctors have to make a living too. We wont know the results from the lab test until Wednesday. Apparently it was hard to get to so the first five tissue samples were insufficient.

Since they say that it's not how you die, but rather how you live... I decided on an all natural biopsy, you know, no epidural. That way I could experience it completely without the limitations of anesthesia. It was great. I would have to say that on the pain monitor it's right up there with a cracked femur. No, worse. Both of them... cracked femi.

RPM Cobras: Build Progress 427 Cobra 6031#comments

2008-04-06T22:43:00.000-06:00

RPM Cobras: Build Progress 427 Cobra 6031#comments

Luuuu-cyyyyy! You've got some explaining to do

2008-04-06T01:17:00.009-06:00

Tiffany tore down this little house and put a big house in it's place in 10 days. Can you believe it? Who would've known that little idea of hers four years ago would grow into something like this.

The Heart 2 Home foundation she and Greg Adamson put together has now remodeled or completely rebuilt 8 homes in Utah and I'm getting a little tired of this... I actually had to make a few of my own meals a couple of weeks ago.

"Where did I file that pre-nuptual?"

Kidding aside, she's awesome. Always helping people.

Loving people. People loving people. People helping loving people. People freaking helpi

ng freaking loving freaking people. I'm just all people'd out. No, I'm just all freaking people'd out. I'm just...

Wait, what was I talking about?

Oh yeah. Tiffany is awesome. And she bakes too. Okay, bye bye now.

http://www.utahhomemakeover.com/

Hoodoo Who?

2008-04-03T10:20:00.004-06:00

Hoodoo Blues band is back! Well, we never really left. I just needed a strong intro.

Hoodoo Blues is playing April 18 and 19 at Flirts in Lehi. 8pm to midnight Friday and Saturday nights, back to back. This is a private club so bring cash. Remember, two nights in a row of solid blues... loud and in your face. Okay, not really in your face, but loud. I thought "in your face" sounded cool though.

Miss Me?

2008-03-31T01:11:00.004-06:00

That don't look like Utah, don't it?

It's not. It's sunny California in March. Tiffany and I went out to Pleasant Hill, California for some Therapy. It worked... we get along much better now.

Kidding. We went to look into a cancer therapy. And yes, that's why I have'nt been around much. We've been very busy with this new therapy trying to settle in to a new routine. We are very confident that this is what will settle the score with this whole cancer thing once and for all.

The therapy is alot of work and is pretty much an hourly regime for 13 hours a day everyday. I've had to quit my job as it does not accomodate such a routine. This just means that I really need to finish the Cobra. So, between treatments (if I'm not throwing up) you'll find me in the garage with a wrench in my hand. I may need to get a seperate phone just for the garage.

To All The Girls I've Loved Before

2008-02-14T05:25:00.004-07:00

I DON'T LOVE YOU ANYMORE!

But Tiffany... she's hot.

This is to all the girls out there that are still hanging on to any notion that I might love them. NO. I don't. My good looks have been preserved for the enjoyment and pleasure of one woman...Tiffany. She alone has the priviledge of gazing upon me for hours, and at the end of the day she knows it's just me and her (minus the film crew).

Thank you sweetheart for eight plus years of a wonderful marriage and five beautiful children (and a dog). Thank you for birthing three of those chidren. Thank you for spending so much time making our family a priority above all things.

Thank you for sticking through all the hard times. Thank you for loving me even when I'm not that lovable. Thank you for helping me find God in my darkest hour. Thank you for cooking all my meals, even when I promised I would clean up from then and haven't.

Thank you for loving me in a way that allows me to be who I am. Thank you for supporting all my hobbies (they're really gifts from God, but for all the pagan's sake we'll just call them hobbies). Thank you for always wanting to fill my needs before your own.

Tiffany, you are my heart's sancuary. You are my happy place. I cannot imagine a world without you right next to me. I love you. Will you be my Valentine?

Keno Therapy?

2008-02-06T05:39:00.000-07:00

The doctors told me that it's imperrative that I get plenty of sunshine and play lots of keno. I'm likin' that prescription. Of course their offical medical terms were radiation and keno-therapy... or kemo-therapy... or maybe it was chemistry-therapy... chemostry-therapy... cosmopolitan-therapy? No, choloric-therapy. Wait, or was it chemotherapy? Whatever!

Well as soon as figured out what they really wanted I certainly didn't like what was in store for me. My first reaction was, no. God will see my through this. But then I met with the radiation doctor and was told some pretty scary things about what could happen if I did not go through with the prescribed therapies. Fear got the best of me and I started preparing for months of extreme radiation to my face and chemotherpy treatments.

Out of fear I procrastinated taking all of this to God. But, with gentle perssuasion Tiffany convinced me that I needed to. After some serious prayer and my nose buried in the Word, I was given an answer... from God.

God told me that this wasn't the treatment I'm supposed to undergo. I don't know what that means exactly yet, but I am still praying continually about it. Keep praying for me (if you were already, or start now) and I will keep you posted.

God is good.

Save Me!
Words & Music by Paul Berg
Copyright © 2005 Paul Berg

Just like a child, I stumbled
Surrounded by my sins and shame
I saw only trouble and sorrow
Then I called out Your name

Bend down and listen, I am deeply troubled
I believed in You, so I prayed
Bend down and hear me, wash away my sorrows
I believe in You, please Lord, save me!

Facing death, You saved me
Now I can rest again
Lord, You’ve been so good to me
I wanna call out Your name

Bend down and listen,
Bend down and hear me,
Bend down and talk to me,
Bend down and save me!

Bend down and listen, I am deeply troubled
I believed in You, so I prayed
Bend down and hear me, wash away my sorrows
I believe in You, please Lord, save me!

More of What You Haven't Seen

2008-02-02T18:56:00.001-07:00

There Is No Arizona...

2008-02-02T18:00:00.000-07:00

But there's a hot desert about a days drive south of here. Last weekend we took the family for a drive and ended up in Phoenix. Just so happens we have an accumulation of relatives down there in the heat. By the way, it's not snowing everywhere. We were all reaquainted with sunny weather. Man it's nice down there. So, why do I live in Utah?

I know you don't recognize this person... neither do I. While we were down there we bumped into a t.v. commercial shooting for some mexican bean something-or-other. That was cool... cuz after that it was an all-you-can-eat MexFest.

It was good to get the kids excited again about being outside with the better weather. Talk about wound up... those kids just couldn't settle down. It's a good thing our camera has that fast mode to stop the action otherwise all the pictures would be blurry.

We got to visit Herman and Jamie and daughter Alyssa. And "Wow", does

Jamie look good. Check out this photo... you can't even tell which is the daughter and which is the mom. Tell me Alyssa doesn't have her mom's

eyes and nose. And hair, cheek bones, smile... and knees and toes.

Can you believe she's had two kids? Oh yeah.

Confessions of an Addict

2008-01-18T23:42:00.000-07:00

Hi. My name is Paul, and I'm a pianoholic. It all started when I was in elementary school. You never think it'll happen to you. I mean, you hear of other people who have that problem, and you think "That'll never be me". Your friends are all doing it, and they're razzing you telling you that "It's not a big deal. It's not gonna kill you just to hang out...what, are you better than us?"

"No."

"Okay then, come on." So before you know it your'e listening to it and you start justifying it to yourself. I mean, it's not like I'm playing the piano, I'm just listening. What's the harm in that?

Then your best friend's parents are out of town and he invites you over to party. You get there and everyone's playing the piano. Even people you thought would never go near a piano are there. People you thought were cool, they're pounding the keys just like everyone else. So, you think to yourself "Well I can just stay over on this side of the room and just listen. I don't have to go over there and do anything". But before you know it, you're over leaning on the piano and it seems like everyone is so outgoing, and friendly. Friends that were usually shy, and not very social were playing the piano like it was nobody's business. So you play a note. It feels good. So you play another.

Then the next day at school you hear the piano everywhere. You hear other people playing and they seem so happy and with it. You start dreaming about the next time you'll be around a piano just to play one note. You find yourself sneaking into the band room to get a few notes in and then you're out of there before anyone knows. And this is how it starts.

A few months go by and you feel like just a few notes a day is'nt enough anymore. You're wanting to lay down a whole chord. And then that's not enough, and you're now playing several chords in a row. You find yourself saying to your new friends, "Hey one note's not gonna kill ya". Now your whole life is consumed by playing the piano, and not just the same 'ol chords... now you're getting creative and figuring out what other chords might go good with the chords you already play.

This is the point of no return. You're not only playing the hard stuff, but now you're coming up with your own, recording it and selling it to others. You're not selling your stuff legitimately. You're independent. You're peddling your own compositions to your friends and neighbors... kids... work associates in the underground parking garage. You don't even know who you are anymore. You live from gig to gig, always anticipating the next big fix.

As an adult, it seems like the big excitement over the piano is gone. Now people bring up piano like it's a five-letter word. And where are all my high school buddies who used to play? It seems they all either quit, or are dead. And to think it all started with just one note.

I should have learned the guitar.

NEWS FLASH...!

2008-01-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

Hoodoo Blues is NOT, I repeat, is NOT playing February 17th. I made a mistake and am making a public retraction of my repeated statement that Hoodoo Blues in playing February 17. So, to make things very clear, Hoodoo Blues is NOT playing or gigging or jamming or gettin' down or grooving on February 17, 2008. Or 2009 for that matter.

I don't want to draw this out, or how do they say, "make a mountain out of a mole hill"? I just don't want any confusion about this. If you thought that Hoodoo Blues was grinding on February 17, then you are sorely mistaken. Probably not your fault though. I blame myself for that. I may have inferred, or let on, or conjectured that Hoodoo Blues was bringing down the house on February 17th. February 17th of this year, NOT last year. Last year February 17 was probably not even on a Saturday... that's just silly.

Anybody wanna ride bikes?

The third Saturday in February is NOT when the Hoodoo Blues are scheduled for a local show at a local bar in a local part of town locally. In fact, it's not the first or second Saturday either. But back to the topic at hand, Hoodoo Blues is NOT playing Saturday, February 17, 2008.

Hoodoo Blues IS playing February 23rd... that's a Saturday in 2008.

Just thought you ought to know.

The Other Woman

2008-01-15T22:49:00.003-07:00

Click the photo to view. Then choose [Slideshow] in upper right corner, then [Reverse Order] in bottom right corner to see it in chronological order. It's amazing how fast it seems the build has gone when watching the slideshow. Today marks the 200th hour spent. I'm anticipating about 150 hours to go.

Photobucket Album

Falling Off The Wagon?

2008-01-15T19:50:00.000-07:00

What are 3 non-drinkers doing at a local bar? Answer: Having ice water, Dr Pepper™ and checkin' out the Hoodoo Blues band. Yeah, I was a bit shocked too to see my parents at a bar. You've heard of "a fish out of water"? Well this was even worse... they didn't know to bring there I.D. and couldn't get in on their first attempt. But, apparently they wanted to see the band that night really bad, so they drove back home to retrieve their proof of age and back to the hoppin' bar. Yup... to see me perform with my band, Hoodoo Blues.

It's all about good times spent with the ones you love... and of course, spreading the good news of Jesus. You should see the looks on the faces of some of the bar patrons when they're just yappin' about whatever and I interupt and say, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. That's great'n all, but do you know Jesus?"

Here is yet some more good times. Today we all went to Maggie Moo's for ice cream. There's nothing like a nice cold winter day and some ice cream to cool things off.

Beauty And The Beast

2008-01-13T21:43:00.001-07:00

Just had to show off my weekend project. Beauty is the '65 Cobra and the Beast is the 400 horse power we stuffed in it. With the help of Sean Stephens and brother Kirk we had the motor prep'd and installed in no time at all.

Aint she a beauty? Also got the headers and sidepipes on, and started the wiring harness. I'm estimating about 100 more hours to completion.

Oh, by the way - the gig was good! Tiffany stopped by to google - she's my favorite fan! I'll sign her shirt any day!

Don't Hoodoo The Hoodoo Man

2008-01-09T23:05:00.000-07:00

This ain't no church choir. Saturday the 12th of January... yes, this Saturday, Hoodoo Blues Band is performing at Scorez Sports Bar in Lehi from 7:30pm to midnight. Good clean music, but don't bring your kids.

Featuring:

Sam Galbraith - Lead Guitar, Vocals
Roger Cook - Bass Guitar, Vocals
Rick Anderson - Harmonica, Vocals
Paul Berg (that's me) - Keyboard
Marc Finley - Drums

Scorez Sports Bar is located at 571 W State Rd/Hwy 89 in Lehi. First Lehi exit heading southbound on the I-15. Pass the Chevron on the right and it's one block further south on the right-hand side. FREE admission. As long you're at least 18 (or is that 21, it's been too long) you're in... you're golden.

By the way...

We've found a midget that's been breeded down with extra small hands to do my dental work Friday. So, don't call for directions on Friday afternoon cause I may be a bit loopy.

Wheatgrass Sucks!

2008-01-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

But WheatThins™ are awesome! At first the whole nostalgia of taking a shot of wheatgrass was kinda cool. You know, the newness of it. Getting healthy for 2008.

No... it bites! It's wrong! A week hasn't gone by and I'm already trying to get this milkweed to taste better.

By the way, couldn't get any juice out of the WheatThin™... just clogged up the juicer. I'll bet I could squeeze some juice out of a hotdog.

"Hey honey, do we have any hotdogs?"

Hangin' With My Homeys

2008-01-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Check it. I took a ride to see my E.N.T about my neck bling. Then he like said, "What the dilly yo?" so I said, "I'm coo". So he said "What's da sitch on the bling?" I said, "My junk?" So he said, "Word up." So I said, "Straight!"

Then he said, "Your bling is kick'n" so I said "that's off the hook!" Then he said, "no, tight". So I said, "Let's bust it" so he said "Whatchu waitin' for yo?"

So his cuz ganked my bling. Ditant feel a thang.

My boo wit da ba-donka-donk said, "You fly." Even my crew, my haps, my homeys, my peeps and my jigga said, "That's dope, yo!" So, if you don't thank it's da bomb, than you bo janglin.

Payce dawg.

psst.. Click da pic to see my shiny junk up close

2007 Photologue

2008-01-03T00:07:00.000-07:00

Recovery or Vacation?

2008-01-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

Dude! This is the best time-off ever. No bed-time, no rules, no shower, don't have to brush my teeth, don't have to change my clothes... I can even leave the toilet lid up if I want. This rocks!

But, don't think that just because there's no rules that I'm just sitting around and not taking my rehabilitation seriously. I have been very resposible with my recovery.

I've been resting... yesterday I was only awake for two hours. I'm adapting to a new, healthier diet... I've had my mom and Tiffany on wheatgrass to test it's acclaimed health effects.
Due to the severe excavation near my jaw, the doctor said I need to work on new motor skills...

so, I tevo'ed Monster Garage™. I've been working on cognative function... I got a Sudoku™ book. The doctor even said that exercise would become more important so I've been leaving the dog out longer. I've already seen a remarkable difference. For instance, I've wheened myself off the hard stuff and am only taking Tylenol™ now. I'm not sleeping as much throughout the day... instead I just sleep between movies. I'm eating more, I'm feeling better, and I drove today. I even saw my friend Jason Hewlett today at the Piano Gallery. We were both there helping to raise money for orphaned mole rats... it's very sad. Click on my MoleRat Blog for more info.

Sorry, gotta go.. this Sudoku thing really is addicting.

Just Say "No"

2008-01-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

Have you ever celebrated the New Year, but not remembered doing it? Hey, me too! What an exciting Christmas holiday it's been for me. Let's see, I visited new places. I met new people. I tried new things. I took time off work just for me. I invited friends and family over. And, I've been spending the holidays just laying around the house doing nothing. Perhaps my new narcotics helped in my leisurely laying around.

I have learned something from my holiday laziness. I have learned that cancer is not just another astrological sign, and that my new year will be filled with yet another diet. My days of eating, drinking and being merry are over. Okay, maybe not the being merry part.

Isn't it interesting that with new scientific evidence what we thought was healthy yesterday may not be healthy today? For instance, The Wall Street Journal reports that even as simple a food as the chili cheese dog contains certain poly-unsaturated and saturated fats that have been linked to obesity. Yeah! And check this out, even fried foods are at risk because we're heating them up in warm grease... something about trans-fatty acids and carcenagens breaking down the immune system. I know, it's crazy. My personal healthy diet of yesterday may be completely obsolete today.

Let's take one of my favorites and look at it closely. The corn dog and a Fresca™ combo. The corn dog is a simple health staple... basically a hotdog in corn bread. It has been long touted to eat a variey of foods. If we applied this simple truth just to meat, the hotdog would be the ultimate food! It contains a variety of meats all compressed into a very easy to eat cylindrical package. And, as fate would have it, the "corn dog and a Fresca™" combo has been nudged off the top 20 list by wheatgrass... of all things.

So here it is bloggers. My new year resolution. Yes, resolution, just one so far. Improve my health intake by 50%. Layman's terms... have only half a corn dog and Fresca™.

WOW...

2007-12-29T14:30:00.000-07:00

You gotta love the new Intermountain Health Center Hospital. They really went the extra mile to make me feel comfortable during my overnite stay. Yes, this is at the hospital 6:30 a.m. on surgery morning. A complete surprise to me... Tiffany's dad, Jodi and Cheryl, who were there for support. This is how Tiffany stayed during the whole checking-in and surgery prep process. Needless to say, much of the hospital staff was eager to help in any way they could... very friendly.

The surgery lasted about 3 hours and I don't remember any of it. I must have fallen asleep. When I came to, I was being wheeled to my room where I met many friends and family who were excited to see, I can only imagine, the stitches in my neck (which are very cool by the way).

Dr. Robert Hunter removed about 2 inches of malignant tumor and most of the lymphnodes on the right-side of my neck. He didn't have to remove any jaw bone fortunately. He accessed all this through an 8 inch incision in my neck which left a great spot to put about 18 metal staples... very cool.

Tiffany was a trooper. She stayed the whole time and even spent the night. We were there about 27 hours total.

Warning: Graphic Material Included. People with weak stomachs or heart problems may not want to view this objectionable material, or may want to consult their doctor.

Eighteen metal staples to hold back the massive neck muscles. The doctor wants them out in about 10 days. I offered him more money to leave them in. It's still under negotiation. It has become a novalty. For a fee I'm letting people touch it. Hey, I have to cover the time off work somehow.

I Ain't Afraid Of No Ghost

2007-12-27T23:38:00.000-07:00

Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters? When we're in dispair and life has knocked us to our knees, still bloodied from the last battle, who do we call? The doctor? Mom? The internet? Do we go to the store and buy more Fresca? YES!, but aside from that, who do you call?

Do you just relax and wait on the Lord? I trust the Lord, and God has spoke to my heart and confirmed that all is well. All is well. Tomorrow is going to be a difficult day for alot of us, but I wanted everyone to know that I love the Lord and trust what He tells me.

I will see you all tomorrow.

Is It Live, Or Is It Memorex?

2007-12-27T05:57:00.000-07:00

I know this is the question everyone has been dying to ask. Are Tiffany's teeth real, or are they veneers? I don't know, you be the judge. She does do TV, radio and professional speaking. She's done commercials, live remotes and MC'ing. She's been in beauty pagaents, judged beauty pagaents and won beauty pagaents. See http://www.tiffanyberg.com/

She's Mrs Utah! Surely someone has sponsored cosmetic dental work! Anyone?

Tiffany with her sister... same dentist?

Tell me her teeth and nails don't look suspiciously similar!

Elton John showing off his dental work... could be a dental veneer sponsor shoot. It might be in her contract to be in a centain number of shots displaying her teeth.

I had to sneak this shot of her and son Landon. Teeth resemblance? Not even close.

Seeing Past My Nose

2007-12-26T05:49:00.000-07:00

Most know already that in 2003 I was diagnosed with oral skin cancer (scuamous cell carcinoma). About a silver dollar size of my lower mouth and cheek were surgically removed (first pic) and then went through some major reconstructive surgery (second pic) so my mouth would function semi-normally. Besides my mouth being extra small and having no feeling on that side of my face, life has been great cancer-free.

However, in November I noticed some pain whenever I opened my mouth to eat. I have recently had this looked at by my Oncologist and after a biopsy and cat scan have been diagnosed again with the same cancer. This time it has formed a large tumor against my right lower jaw bone and has attacked my lymph glands on the right-side of my neck. This Friday, the 28th of December, I am scheduled for emergency surgery.

So what goes on in the mind of a Paul Berg when cancer returns? I have learned to trust in God for my provision. Tiffany and I did not know where the $100 deposit for the surgery would come

from, but then on Christmas morning an anonomous gift of $100 and change was left on our doorstep.

I believe in the apostle Paul when he said "I

have learned to be content in all things". Christmas looked different this year for me. Instead of lots of toys under the tree, we got to just spend time together as a family.

Priceless!

All Things Cobra

2007-12-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

Nothing says "Christmas" like a 1965 AC Cobra. Although this project was birthed last Spring, it's Christmas-time now and Cobra is in the air. Besides my wife's teeth, my kids, Jesus, and music this is a passion I've always dreamed of. In case not everyone is up to speed (nice pun) I am building a replica 1965 Ford 427 AC Cobra.

Techies only need read this paragraph. It is a highly customized component replica. In other words, it is not a "kit car". I got the chasis and fiberglass body from Factory Five Racing, everything else (engine, tranny, rearend, braking system, fuel system, suspension and some specialty interior period correct components, etc) was custom made or ordered. I've anticipated about 300 hours to completely build the car of which I've widdled away about 150 so far. Front and rear suspension, brake system, and steering are complete (a rolling chasis). I am working on cockpit and engine bay aluminum and fuel system right now. I am about 8 hours away from installing the engine and transmission. Then cooling system and wiring harness to bring the beast to life. This is called the "go-cart" stage. It is drivable, but since the body and most interior is not installed it looks like a giant go-cart.

I had the engine professionally built out of state and shipped ready to install. For those of you who are interested, it is a Ford 351w with roller rockers and aluminum heads producing over 400 horse power. I've mated this to Ford's reknowned T5 transmission which, by the way is nearly a identical match to the Cobra's original 4-speed Top Loader in 1965. That drives an independent rear suspension from a 1996 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe (again a nearly identical match to the original rearend) with a 3.55 final drive ratio.

More pics to come.

Tree In Forest

2007-12-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

Hello.... I'm a first-time blogger, long-time person.

My beautiful wife talked me into starting this blog and I'm not sure anyone will ever see this. Like the tree that falls in the forest, will anyone ever hear it? I know I'll have at least loyal fan... her. By the way, that is a picture of her, not me.

So, what can I say on my first blog that no one will probably ever read? I think I should only talk about things of interest to other people. Like, music, piano, Jesus, my wife, my kids, my 1965 AC Cobra, my velcro collection, collector coffee mugs, dolphins, spotted owls, candy canes, wicker baskets, laundry tips, things to say that will shock people, political candidates from third world countries, zip-loc technology, chinesse imigration laws, cowboy poetry, light refraction, heat transfer coefficiencies, baby butterflies, and......, me.

Oh, here's a good shot of me. Gotta go, you'll have to wait for my next interesting post.