tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14808445147382036552024-02-21T07:45:20.582-08:00PasstheMSplease<a href="http://www.blogged.com/blogs/pass-the-ms-please.html">
<img src="http://www.blogged.com/icons/vn_janiet_1539729.gif" border="0" alt="Pass the MS please - Blogged" title="Pass the MS please - Blogged"></a>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.comBlogger270125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-21073355846674901252017-02-23T09:38:00.000-08:002017-02-23T09:38:52.105-08:00Put On A Happy Face
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0px;">Everyone is so excited about the Spring-type weather we are
having.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I wish I could be, but MS and
warm weather do NOT go together.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0px;">Wearing shorts and short-sleeve shirts are nothing new to
me.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I wear summer wear most of the
year.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Getting out and seeing the trees and
plants blooming is beautiful…….but I know that it is warm for them to be able
to do this.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0px;">I feel like a humbug!!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
would love to have the thrill of wanting Spring and Summer to come.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I would love to get out and plant a garden
and be able to tend to it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I would love
to go on long walks in the warmth.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>All
of this is lost to me.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They are sweet
memories, but will never be in my life here on earth again.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0px;">I am not complaining.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
simply say this so the people that enjoy this and don’t understand why I don’t
might be more understanding. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This is
life to those of us with MS.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We would
love to be doing the things that you do.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>But that is not in the picture for us anymore.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0px;">People have told me that I have a great attitude with all the
things I go through.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I don’t see me that
way.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I see someone who has chosen to
enjoy the things she can still do and not think about the things she can’t.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Although dreams still pop in my head
sometimes, I quickly push them away.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Dwelling on these things is what makes some bitter and unhappy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I don’t want to be one of those people.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0px;">Life is good!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Enjoy what you
can and leave the rest to those who can.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>It is a simple philosophy, but hard to get started.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Thinking this way takes practice, but is well
worth the effort.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0px;">No one wants to be around a whiner/complainer.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Neither do I.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Taking the time to try to set a new mindset can make all the difference
in a good life and just being alive.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0px;">My heart breaks for those who dread each day.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I wish they could reach inside themselves and
pull all the bad out.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I wish I could
help them.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>But, it is like having a
drinking, drug or other problem that takes rehab to break.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We
each have to make the decision to seek help or find a way to do it
ourselves.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>No one can do it for us.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0px;">Looking at life with rose colored glasses is not what I am
saying.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There are many horrible things
going on in this world that cannot be ignored.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Pushing them out of our minds will not make them go away.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 11px; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Century Gothic",sans-serif; font-size: 16pt; margin: 0px;">But in the case of dwelling on the problems that come with a
chronic illness can be pushed away to an extent.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It is hard, but look in the mirror. Wouldn't you rather see someone who looks pleasant, or someone who looks like they are miserable? Everyone else wants pleasant also!!</span></i></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-88583735277154962762017-02-21T07:04:00.000-08:002017-02-21T07:04:46.559-08:00If It Ain’t Broke…………<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I
am beginning to realize just how little I know about a computer. The more I try
to do on this new one, the less I know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When I try to look up “how to”, it only confuses me and makes me even
more lost than I was to begin with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
so very frustrating.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I
used my first computer while working for a law firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was fun to try out this new way of doing
things and learning how easy it was as compared to typing out everything by
hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only problem was, although I
learned to use their computer fairly easily, it was not really learning how to
use a computer program that would be helpful to me later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The programs were written for legal documents
and letters and did not teach basics that could be used in day to day computer
use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luckily, when I changed jobs, it
was with another law firm and my new-found skills were very useful. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">My
next job, however, was with The Parks and Conservation Department.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their computers and programs were in the
normal range of such thing and I was at a loss for a while of how to use
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was sent to classes (which
basically consisted of them giving us a book and telling us to read a chapter
and ask any questions we might have) to learn the basics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, I learned that I knew more than
I thought I did and transferred my knowledge to a regular system instead of a
legal system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It worked well for me for
years. Now, however, I am running into problems.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Most
of the programs on this computer are in the normal range, word, excel and
such.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have my usual games and other
frivolous ones as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that I
have not had any computer training in years, but I have managed to maintain
being able to do the things I needed to and enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is becoming harder and harder to do
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Although
Word is Word on most computers, both older and newer, it is beginning to be
more and more complicated to do the simplest things with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What I used to be able to do easily, I now
find quite complicated. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Like
most people my age, I am not interested in going back to school to learn
something all over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It there was
something I became really interested in it would be a different story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this is an old thing that is something I
conduct business and pleasure with and not a new exciting thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As such, I will just have to plow along and
try to manage as best I can.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "courier new"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">It
is nice to constantly upgrade things to be able to do more and work more
efficiently. But the parts that already fit into that category should be left
alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the saying goes, “if it ain’t
broke, don’t fix it”!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-49617358457016633822013-08-21T04:18:00.000-07:002013-08-21T04:18:52.947-07:00Here’s Looking At You Kid<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Remember Bogart saying that in
Casablanca?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a great line that has been repeated a million since that
movie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m a sucker for old movies,
although some are a lot more boring than they used to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess we have been spoiled by all the
things that can be done in movies these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of these remakes though, no matter how many special effects and big named
stars are in them, can’t hold a candle to the original.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">I often feel that there are
people looking at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are
handicapped in any form, you have probably felt that way also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If not, I am sure you have seem people stare
rudely at a person who is the least bit different than they are.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With young children, it can often be dismissed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Older children, teens and adults cannot be
excused for doing this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bad manners is
bad manners and there is no excuse for them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">I have been looking at
something in a store and having to lean heavily on the cart or counter in order
to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times I have “felt”
someone looking at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sometimes look
sideways and sure enough there is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Usually they turn away quickly and pretend they were not looking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once in a while there is a real jerk of a
person who just keeps staring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
sometimes just stare back at them or roll my eyes at them and go back to what I
was doing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">Many people (and I am ashamed
to say I have done this also) will turn all the way around to look at someone
who is totally out of the norm of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like someone who has clothes on that are so tight they look poured into
them; someone with an outlandish hairstyle; someone who is loudly vulgar,
etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mother always commented on girls
having odd colored streaks in their hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She would not listen when I tried to remind her that grandmother and
most of her friends always had a blue or purple tint to their grey hair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">When I was young, children used
to get smacked for staring at people, especially if they were handicapped
and/or sick looking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember when my
son was almost three and went up to a pregnant lady and asked her why she was
so fat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was very embarrassed by this
but did not punish him since it was a legitimate question and not meant to be
cruel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">With adults being almost more
crude and rude than younger people, I am wondering just how quickly I would be
arrested if I just walked up to one of them and slapped them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I imagine it would be pretty quick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The adults do seem to be much worse than the
kids anymore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often wonder who raised
them and if they were ever sorry to have not provided them with better guidance
and discipline.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">As I sit here typing this, I
can feel eyes on me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Glancing around I
see that Buffy is standing on the arm rest of the sofa and watching my every
move.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though she IS a spoiled brat,
it is not a punishable offense.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">As I look the other way, I see
this:</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;">I have eyes on me no matter
which way I turn……….I guess that is a warning that I had better watch my step
and behave!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-22568861256167268332013-08-19T02:29:00.000-07:002013-08-19T02:29:33.439-07:00Ahoy Matey!!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 107%;">Lately I have been having a
lot of problems with my vision being blurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I have said before, often it seems like I am looking through plastic
wrap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The optometrist changed my
computer glasses, but the reading ones I have just do not work for very
long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more I try to focus, the more
unfocused I seem to become.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore, I
really don’t read much anymore.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 107%;">I have an MS friend who wears
an eye patch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is practically blind in
that eye and it hurts to be exposed to the lights and elements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has put several pictures of the different
ones he has online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some are really
cute.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 107%;">My eyes hurt a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually it is one eye that pounds in pain,
but sometimes both of them do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
wondering if an eye patch might help during those times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe if the eye that hurts is cut off from
its surroundings it might feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Just a thought……….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 107%;">Like with most things that
come up, I wonder if there are things already “out there” to help with the
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am presently looking at all
the eye patches on the market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most are
basic black in different shapes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are some really cute ones for kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
not sure I have found the one that I might want in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 107%;">As with all things medical, I
would have to discuss this in depth with my optometrist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a really nice guy and does not mind
trying to answer any questions I come up with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am sure he would get a kick out of the eye patch question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He might even want one for himself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would have to be UNC blue I am sure!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 107%;">I was thinking that if I do
have to buy a patch one day, I could get a pirate one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I even have a bird (Hadji) to go with it.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSCC7A-0DO9jLi46ufvBVPbc7gGpPHsfmbK0OZJcvGumWszz50jeM14hciMl97g96QohNSZZRk6URwvow3EtK9P9dnQ19kQ21jsyo9ZuTIXPTEm-GuKhGhhs7WzhgOankKlewe3ABfQXe/s1600/th%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSCC7A-0DO9jLi46ufvBVPbc7gGpPHsfmbK0OZJcvGumWszz50jeM14hciMl97g96QohNSZZRk6URwvow3EtK9P9dnQ19kQ21jsyo9ZuTIXPTEm-GuKhGhhs7WzhgOankKlewe3ABfQXe/s320/th%5B1%5D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 107%;">I was looking just now and I
think I have really found the one I like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Peacock feathers anyone??!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-83092811713862923752013-08-16T03:49:00.002-07:002013-08-16T03:49:32.124-07:00Passing It On<br />
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<span style="font-family: "AR CARTER"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">A few years ago there was a movement
called “Pass It On”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The concept was
that if you do something for someone, no matter how small, there is a good
likelihood that someone will see it and want to do something for someone
else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a wonderful thought and
hopefully is happening all around the world at this moment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "AR CARTER"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">I read some of the comments on MS
sites and blogs by people with MS and other diseases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love it when one of them comments on trying
a different drug, a different lifestyle or a different attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By “passing on” information, we can all help
each other with decisions we need to make about our own condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is great when someone comments on
something you have been thinking a lot about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "AR CARTER"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Part of the reason I began to write
this blog was to “pass on” some information that those without MS or Crohn’s
might not have known.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people who
are not directly involved with either of these would have no idea what goes on
in the everyday life of someone suffering with these things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To say “some days I cannot walk” is not
nearly as explanatory as an example of the same told in story/blog form.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that I have learned so much from other’s
writings about many diseases and everyday life struggles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "AR CARTER"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">I think some of the reason that
people don’t write about some of the things they go through with drugs is
because they don’t want to encourage or discourage others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a drug really improves someone’s daily
walk with a disease, they may want to praise it, but fear that someone else may
not have this outcome from it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If others
have great improvement with their MS symptoms with a certain drug, I would most
likely want to try it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it did not
react in me with these same results, it would be so discouraging and really put
me in a slump emotionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "AR CARTER"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">If someone had a horrible time with
being put on a treatment, they would certainly not want to have a good review
of it, but might be hesitant to slam it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As I said, just because something does or doesn’t work for you does not
mean it will or won’t for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone
discourages the use of a treatment because it failed them it might keep someone
that the treatment would help tremendously from trying it. It would be such a
horrible thing for this to happen. It is a real Catch 22 situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "AR CARTER"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;">Passing on information to those who
do not struggle with the diseases we have has helped so many to change their
ideas about people who have these diseases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Many family members and friends really had no idea what a “day in the
life of” people with diseases is like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hope those of us who try to tell others about this helps many who have had
people treat them badly and turn away from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so sad when I hear about these
stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully some of this will
stop as more information is passed on to them. It is the dream we all dream.........................</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "AR CARTER"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><img height="286" src="http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4530431437899888&pid=1.7&w=189&h=169&c=7&rs=1" style="height: 169px;" width="320" /></o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-44034636417305094472013-08-15T03:49:00.000-07:002013-08-15T03:49:22.791-07:00Hooked On TV<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The last few years
or so, I became an avid reader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
that is true with most people who love to write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Getting lost in the words of another is
almost as good as writing your own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do
not have a particular type of book I like to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have read everything from the Harry Potter
series to Agatha Christy to Biblical stories to biographies and enjoyed each
one of them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Unfortunately, over
the past six months or so, I have been unable to read much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As my eyes have gotten more blurry and weak,
reading very much has been virtually impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is something I have really missed and hope
that it will one day be in my realm of things I can do again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I know for me, and
most others that have a disease like MS or Crohn’s Disease, it is hard to
adjust to the changes that we have to make in our everyday lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of my online MS friends have written
about this and we all agree that it is a symptom that most doctors and others in
our lives seem to dismiss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Doctors
cannot see it on their MRIs and other tests, so it is of no concern to
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of our family and friends do
not consider this a problem either because they cannot see any sign of this
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is another of those things
that are hidden from view, but very read to those of us suffering with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Most of us try to
be as prepared for things that can happen as we can manage to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is getting close to winter, we have our
furnaces checked out to make sure that it will keep us warm when the cold
weather comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it is getting close to
summer, we have our a/c checked out to make sure that it will keep us cool when
the hot weather comes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We check the
tires on our car to try and make sure they are safe to drive on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We check the groceries in our home to make
sure there is something to eat when we get hungry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many things we can try to be
prepared for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some things we can’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">In a strange kind
of way, I almost wish that MS and Crohn’s had attacked me when I was
younger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that may sound strange
to most of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, if you consider it,
having both of these PLUS getting older hit me all at one time, it has been
really hard to deal with. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I knew that as
I reached a certain age my body would start to slow down and things would be a
little harder to do as each year passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With my two diseases plus getting older, I sometimes feel that I am
nearly at a stand-still.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We all have things
that are hard to deal with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think, for
the most part, I am dealing fairly well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that if I get too whiny Howard will let me know!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I made him promise to because I do not want
to be that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also watch carefully
to make sure I do not start sitting on that pity pot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I keep the lid down and a cactus on top to
keep me from not doing so.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I guess that
watching TV has become my “hook” to take the place of reading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I really don’t enjoy TV the way I
enjoy getting engrossed in a good book, I am adjusting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so decent shows and movies on and I
have been able to keep myself occupied so far.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am thinking of trying out a Kindle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of my friends told me that you can blow the words up and read fairly
well with one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder………….sure would
be great to read again………..</span></div>
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Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-61665766649606940322013-08-14T04:24:00.000-07:002013-08-14T04:24:40.598-07:00IT DON’T COME EASY!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Don’t let anyone tell you that starting a
new life is easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It feels like Howard and I have just begun
our lives together and have to begin to set up a routine that fits us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hardly know where to begin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Most of the last ten years have been spent
taking care of Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although five of
those years I was working, the last five have been trying to make sure all her
needs were met.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hardest part was
adjusting to the fact that I am no longer the person I was ten years ago and
have to really struggle to take care of myself, much less trying to care for
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say this part was the hardest
because she has yet to understand how MS works.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that is a common problem for those of us with MS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">There are so many aspects of my life that
have changed in the last few years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
of the scariest ones, to me, is the loss of my comprehension.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really become agitated as I search for the
words to say what I am trying to get across to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a fear I share with many of you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Searching for the word for the picture I have
in my brain is often like putting that camel through the eye of a needle that
Jesus talks about!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Many people have told me not to worry
because it is just a part of aging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
appreciate their encouragement, but they have no clue as to what is going on in
my brain and body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, we all age every
day, but with MS is often is a quick thing rather than a gradual thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To suddenly go from being able to comprehend
anything put in front of you, to struggling with the simplest of things is a
change that is not understood by most people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is frustrating, frightening and no medication known can change it or
stop it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is something we have to
learn to adjust to and go on with our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is not easy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">People that are not around a person with
MS on a daily basis are often shocked at the change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The MS patient often has lost a lot of
mobility, speech, comprehension and the ability to emotionally handle the
things that were not a problem in past years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most of us have lost a lot of “friends” this way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really hurts when that happens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I say all this to relay to you how I feel…………….although
it is a dream come true for us to have a home to ourselves again after so long,
it is really hard for me to adjust to it with all the changes MS has brought to
the table after ten years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have the
same hopes and dreams, but more and more of them are beginning to be out of my
reach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE4NxjKmu0Qj4-P9CYf7LB-6WdbKAP7LorfYmczhFv2Aj2K9oy0srPfOQmR2dP2xVAf8DFf806C2LacZEB6qrv0e8_UdIqaB8Wu2uo0C_-c2grTrjKGWqi14v2wInkX942thTeNsYuMAp/s1600/it+don't+come+easy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">No, I don’t feel sorry for myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am just trying to be honest and face the
fact that some of the things I dreamed of doing when I retired have to be rethought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of those things will have to be discarded
and replaced with things more in my reach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So far, I am finding that there are many things I can still do (MOST
days) and enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am learning to enjoy
new things that I never really thought about before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all, I am adjusting to a new life
pretty well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: x-large;">But, as Ringo once sang:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6p-cQHUAK0lq5Z8oy3rqFJ177fpDcIZxyEPkJ2Py-vgSc1LbpxntR5s7Ii7iwauuZjj6m5GBqnyEF15ReqP8_cthllIwbdLNDzDKm__1zIJxXI9pJGTaZ7pB91J-QSE2mdCoBj_fAjlg/s1600/it+don%2527t+come+easy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih6p-cQHUAK0lq5Z8oy3rqFJ177fpDcIZxyEPkJ2Py-vgSc1LbpxntR5s7Ii7iwauuZjj6m5GBqnyEF15ReqP8_cthllIwbdLNDzDKm__1zIJxXI9pJGTaZ7pB91J-QSE2mdCoBj_fAjlg/s320/it+don%2527t+come+easy.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwE4NxjKmu0Qj4-P9CYf7LB-6WdbKAP7LorfYmczhFv2Aj2K9oy0srPfOQmR2dP2xVAf8DFf806C2LacZEB6qrv0e8_UdIqaB8Wu2uo0C_-c2grTrjKGWqi14v2wInkX942thTeNsYuMAp/s1600/it+don't+come+easy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></o:p></span> </div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-37603519468782563162013-08-13T02:55:00.000-07:002013-08-13T02:55:15.982-07:00Restarting Our Lives<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 16pt;">I
haven’t written in a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have been
changing the condo around a little and getting used to having the house to
ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a weird feeling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Having taken care of Mother for ten years,
being on our own is a new concept.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
takes getting used to not to listen for her call or talk in whispers, not to tiptoe
around and having the freedom to come and go as we please.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 16pt;">One
of the things we have done is to get a new computer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This one is an all in one with Windows
8.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not yet gotten used to the
feel of it and how to get from here to there on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to refresh the whole system last
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I did “something” and my screens
were all messed up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would try really
hard not to do it again if I only knew what I did to cause it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We put the one I was using in Howard’s
study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is trying to get used to
Windows 7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess we both have a lot of
learning to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 16pt;">Mother’s
room has been converted into a sewing room/music room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have not had my keyboard in a place where
it could be used in quite some time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
I have written about before, I had to stop playing piano at church because my
eyes do not always focus and my hands do not always go where I am telling them
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I can just play for my own
enjoyment and not have to worry about messing up things for others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a nice feeling to play at my leisure
with no pressure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 16pt;">I
am also excited to be able to sew again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When the kids were little, I sewed most of their clothes and many of
mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have sewed some over the years
since, but work and taking care of other things caused sewing to be put on the
back burner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have missed it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 16pt;">Howard
bought a desk for his study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
using an old desk that was very small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This new one is really nice and he has room for his computer, space to
write notes and pay bills and space to be able to lay things out to look at
that he needs to for keeping up with finances and other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am excited for him and hope that he will
enjoy it as much as I think he will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 16pt;">I
guess that we are in a stage of change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our entire lives are making a huge change and it takes some getting
accustomed to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to keep up with
Mother’s appointments still, but she is not here to argue about them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to travel 35 miles to see her, but it
is fine with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can visit friends and
family and have them visit us with no interference from Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is so nice to have this freedom, but scary
at the same time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray we learn to use
our time well and not waste it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has
been a long time coming……….</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp8zEglWpYZixIA7WqaPd6r9EmEiMEK2efACgk2FIkTNYW0LQZx8pJxD81rdUsx3AYeeu7Y4QchMbKLZ9-OO0LmnUjtOdRbTEieZUbxHN16tVzwmn3-mUcNdj7qagSjgZBlbxXeWhiI0I/s1600/bewildered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTp8zEglWpYZixIA7WqaPd6r9EmEiMEK2efACgk2FIkTNYW0LQZx8pJxD81rdUsx3AYeeu7Y4QchMbKLZ9-OO0LmnUjtOdRbTEieZUbxHN16tVzwmn3-mUcNdj7qagSjgZBlbxXeWhiI0I/s400/bewildered.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-24430534170202658302013-08-12T03:50:00.000-07:002013-08-12T03:50:21.338-07:00Blank Page Blues<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I have been really trying hard to resume
writing, both this blog and a couple of stories/books that are running through my
thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, both of these
are doing just that…………running around in my brain but not getting organized
enough to put on paper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Several people, including my husband, have
asked when I am going to post to my blog.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have had to tell them that I had no idea when that would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is really frustrating to get all geared up
to write and only a blank page looks back at you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people have call this writer’s
block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I call it blank brain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I seem to have a lot of blank brain days
lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Howard says it is because we
have so much “on our plates” lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Getting all of Mother’s medical and financial needs in order is becoming
quite a challenge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What seemed so easy
has turned out to be a lot of rearranging finances and setting up new
accounts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is so much to do to get
so little accomplished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>From working in
the field of law for so many years, I should not be surprised.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Having to adjust accounts for Mother has
led to having to adjust accounts for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If Social Security, insurance companies, etc could just help you in a
speedy manner, things would not be so hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Instead, they drag their feet until you wonder if anything is being
accomplished for all the hard work you are putting into the matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No wonder companies say they are so
backlogged…………….they can’t manage doing today’s business for goofing around wondering
what new color their carpet should be!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sorry, just letting off a little steam…………………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I guess all these things would not seem
so much if my brain was working normally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is not even working abnormally some days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most days, it is just not working at all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">An example of this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have gotten addicted to crocheting
pocketbooks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I plan to give them for
Christmas gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each one is a little
different because I am not going by a pattern and often decide to change this
or that so it will not be like the last one I made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am coming along OK and should have enough
made by the time Christmas is near to really help with our gift-giving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The problem I have been faced with several
times when I was in the crochet mood is this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am crocheting along and suddenly forget how to do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turn my work to start the next row and have
no clue how to go about doing it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get so angry and
frustrated when this happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not angry
at the world, just angry at myself……..or rather the MS part of myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">I am realizing that now that I have some
extra time to spend on projects that I have not had the chance to do in quite a
few years, that I may not be capable of doing them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It often makes me run the gamut <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>between laughing and crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cry for the loss of “myself” and laugh
because it upsets me so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all of
this, I am drained and go on to something else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;">Speaking of something else, I hope I
never get in that dark place I have been before and don’t remember how many “something
else” things there are to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am so
excited about all the things there are that we can do now that we have our own
time to do them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to be one
of those people who have the whole world at their fingertips and can only see
their thumbs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a shameful waste of
life that would be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you agree?!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Tz6_K8RxZeOSSjMnKoJCqVXJ3pmedIUPF-lDUblOf5EQG9bifXP6qH2d1J3WBmtOfOOnF_29Bqzaq8HQABNKbyXF4_83WWahHqDusfyfEU_RGXeZcK-RxDtxI13ZUWPJzt71Ou66eZ2e/s1600/blank+page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Tz6_K8RxZeOSSjMnKoJCqVXJ3pmedIUPF-lDUblOf5EQG9bifXP6qH2d1J3WBmtOfOOnF_29Bqzaq8HQABNKbyXF4_83WWahHqDusfyfEU_RGXeZcK-RxDtxI13ZUWPJzt71Ou66eZ2e/s400/blank+page.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br /></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-69465252650359438272013-07-11T03:34:00.001-07:002013-07-11T03:34:23.530-07:00To Guilt or Not to Guilt<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Guilt
is a funny thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can eat you alive
if you let it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have always had a
problem with guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually it is over
something I really don’t have any control of, but yet I still feel guilty about
it happening the way it did. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With
putting Mother in a nursing home, I am still undecided if I should feel guilty
or not.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Have
you ever wondered just how selfish you really are?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like most with MS and Crohn’s Disease, there
are so many things I can no longer do, or at least do in an acceptable manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have terrible guilt over these things even
though it is not my fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Per
Psychology Today: “</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Guilt and its
handmaiden, shame, can paralyze––or catalyze one into action. Appropriate guilt
can function as social glue, spurring one to make reparations for wrongs.
Excessive rumination about one's failures, however, is a surefire recipe for
resentment and depression.”</span><span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I
wonder how much of most MS patients depression comes from guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of us feel guilt because we can no
longer work, take care of our families, handle the daily functions of running a
home, playing and other activies that most people accomplish with no problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Watching others do jobs that we can no longer
do can often bring on a bout of depression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that it has with me many times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I watch my husband do household chores that I used to do and it really
puts me into a sad, depressive mood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
feel so ashamed that I can no longer do these things and it is an added burden
on him to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although he tells me over
and over that he does not mind doing these things, it still hurts me that I
cannot do them myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Coming
to the conclusion that I could no longer handle caring for Mother has been a
major trigger for a period of depression for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of the time she did not feel that she
needed to go and it made it even harder for me to stick with this
decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Deep in my heart I know it is
for the best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her safety and daily care
were not up to par in our opinion and a change had to be made.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">So
now I sit here with my guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ten years
is a long time to have someone else control your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>has
been hard on both me and Howard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think
it has probably been worse on Howard because he was “in control” at his
workplace for over 36 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Giving in
to a woman who wanted to dominate not only our everyday life but every aspect
of our lives went against his grain totally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most men are<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ingrained with the
need to take care of their families and make decisions in their best
interests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had to suppress this urge
many times and I could see the strain it put on him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes it would erupt out of him and he
and Mother would have an “in-depth” discussion about it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I
know that some of my need for her to go to the nursing home was selfish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Howard and I were really to the breaking
point with wanting to run our own lives and being in control of what we do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you get our age it is not easy to let
someone else tell you every little thing to do each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was going to have to change before there
was a big blow-up and things were said that were not really meant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I
also feel selfish/guilty about the fact, as I have mentioned, that I could no
longer care for Mother the way she needed caring for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has become quite frail and dementia is
setting in pretty quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since my brain
cannot be relied on anymore to remember things and make valid decisions either,
I felt she needed better care than I could give her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She could not remember to take her medicine
and do other normal activities of the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I often could not remember to get her to do these things either.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Physically
I am not able to help hold her up and catch her when she stumbles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This also was something that had to be
considered in the decision to make sure she was better taken care of.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The
list could go on and on, but this is the gist of why our decision was
made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started this blog to get some of
the thoughts running around in my head out and possibly offer some help,
comfort and a little humor in other’s lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Today, I feel like I am writing a diary entry to get my emotions out and
try to feel better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope you don’t
mind the rambling………..sometimes it really does help to share and get out things
bottled up inside………..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-71086340207975892662013-07-10T04:11:00.000-07:002013-07-10T04:11:12.253-07:00Poster Child for Stress and MS<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">I
am quite certain that I could have been a poster child for the effects of
stress with MS the last couple of weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Going through all the emotions, both ours and hers, of putting Mother in
a rest home has caused a lot of problems with my MS.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">I
had three “spells” last week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess
some would call them seizures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t
really know what to call them so spells seems like a good term.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During these times, I lose track of time and do
not know what is going on around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
my mind it seems like I am bending backwards and that I am pulling so hard that
my back will break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Howard says that I
am actually pulling forward almost into a ball and clenching my hands so
tightly he cannot get them open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
quite painful and leaves me drained and sore when I come out of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These spells usually only last a few minutes,
but it seems like hours to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Funny how
the mind works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Another
thing I have had a problem with is crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have written several blogs on PBA, but have never experienced it quite
this severe before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have had crying
spells before when nothing was happening to cry about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These crying spells have awakened me many
times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this week, I have been in an
almost constant state of crying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">I
realized that this would be an emotional time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As much as it was a relief for us to know that Mother would not be here
but would be taken care of, it was still sad in many ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that a lot of my crying was mixed
emotions about whether we were doing the right thing or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But crying while cleaning Hadji’s cage (our
bird), using the bathroom, taking a shower, etc., just is not normal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is also frustrating to bust out crying
while trying to have a conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Howard
thinks that a lot of my problems with crying and having spells were caused by all
the stress we were under.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I agree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although for the 10 years we have been with
Mother we stayed under a lot of stress and I often paid for it with MS
complications, it was not this intense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stress is a really strong key to kick in MS problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">There
were several days during this transition that I was so fatigued I could barely
put one foot in front of the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was having a lot of problems with foot-drop on my right side.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I needed to be helping Mother sort
and pack her things for the move, I was barely able to move myself and keep
going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had to rest a lot during these
times and felt very incompetent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">I
am still feeling the after effects of the spells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like a Mac truck hit me and I am so
very tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hoping that after a
week or two of getting settled down and back to a routine it will get
better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure that I will calm down
in time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%;">Although
my stress level has been over the top lately and my MS is trying its best to
put me on my back, I am still thankful that Mother will be safe and looked
after like she should be……………..and I can’t lie about it………….it will be nice to
have a home of our own and do what we want to when we want to…..after 10 years
I don’t think that is asking too much………do you??!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-10619854404434523402013-07-09T03:28:00.000-07:002013-07-09T03:28:36.940-07:00Long Week<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The
week of the 4<sup>th</sup> of July was one of the longest I have ever been
through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the 10 year anniversary
of our being caretakers for my Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
years have been both a blessing and a curse for all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this year it is coming to an end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">After
much thought, discussion and research, we have found the nursing home we think
is the best for her to live.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is 30
miles from here and where Mother grew up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her sister (who is blind) lives there and there are always people in and
out, both residents and visitors, whom Mother knows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really seems like the best choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately,
after we had made this decision and started the process, Mother began to balk
at the idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She went from being excited
about the move, to crying and fussing about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has been such an emotional roller coaster for all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since she has not ever been happy that I or
anyone else can remember, we did not think that she would jump for joy over the
prospect anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Over
the past few years she has been especially unhappy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was frightened if we went anywhere for
any reason, thus she did not want us to leave the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She stayed in her room most of the time
watching TV or napping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she had to
go to the doctor, she used her walker and it was all she could do to make it
from the car to the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
getting very forgetful and constantly argued that she was not told things when
we would mention something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also
argued that she had told us things that she had not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made for a very uncomfortable situation
most days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Since
I am her only child, she felt that I could not know what was right for her as
much as she did. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could not get her to
do the things I would ask her to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
included bathing, taking her medication correctly, acting nice around visitors
and other such normal activities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
becoming so uncomfortable around our house that we rarely had company or
invited people over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only did <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">we</b> not want to hear some of the things
she would say, but we did not want <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">others</b>
to hear these things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I
have mentioned that she had shingles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She seems to have lost her modesty since this has happened to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She has no problem with pulling her blouse up
and showing the scars on her breasts and under her arm to anyone who is
around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This activity occurs around
family, friends and strangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since she
does not wear a bra, this is quite embarrassing to us and the family. I cannot
seem to make her understand that most people do not want to see her shingles
and especially are not interested in seeing her breasts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This point has not registered with her yet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">One
of the main reasons we made this move is for her safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since I no longer have the capacity to drive,
my husband does all the errands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am,
at best, wobbly and unsteady on my feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Leaving me to care for Mother, who is often more unstable than I am, is
not safe for either of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she
holds onto me for support, it is kind of like “the blind leading the blind”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have gotten quite a few stares walking
into places, me with my cane and her with her walker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure we look like quite the pair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">If
we live until Monday (July 8<sup>th</sup>) and get her settled in the home, hopefully
we will all be more at ease and able to function in a halfway normal
manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The past few months have been a
nightmare and this 4<sup>th</sup> of July week has been the ultimate nightmare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are hoping and praying that this move will
be a blessing for all of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; tab-stops: 128.25pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Keep
us in your prayers please!!!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-66321297620278118922013-06-26T03:31:00.000-07:002013-06-26T03:31:43.937-07:00Thoughts in Poem-Style<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">I try not to whine<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">But I know that I do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">When unable to do things<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">I want to pursue.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">I want to tell others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">How MS can be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Tell friends and tell family<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">That I rarely can see.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">I try to share knowledge<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Of things I have learned<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">To let others know<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">How often we’re spurned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Being out in the public<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Takes plenty of nerve<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">For most that we meet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Are both cold and reserved.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Most don’t want to know us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">We are different than they<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">They just turn and ignore us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">They don’t know what to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Most of us do learn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Many people aren't really mean<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">They just don’t know how to handle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Something they rarely have seen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Then there are the others<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Who smile and say hi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Who offer their friendship<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Not just walk on by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">For these I am grateful<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">They truly are blessed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">They are unique in their being<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Set apart from the rest.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">I guess sometimes I want<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">All the world to see<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">That we are really no different<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Than others can be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">We live and we love<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">We are happy and sad<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">We are hard and we’re gentle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">We are good and we’re bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">So please when you see us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Don’t pretend we’re not there<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">We have friendship to offer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Viner Hand ITC"; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">And happiness to share.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Vivaldi; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"></span> </div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-69375097495625796872013-06-24T02:48:00.000-07:002013-06-24T02:48:40.322-07:00Missing Things<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Funny
how much you can miss something.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Over
the years, I have come to miss my brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of my biggest joys at one time was being presented a problem and
search to find the solution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The joy was
not in the solution but in the search.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Research, exploration and testing were things I enjoyed and things I was
good at doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Finding solutions to
problems was something I was very proud of being able to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I fear more and more each day that I am no
longer a person with that ability.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I
am also missing more and more of my physical abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one time in my life, I worked two jobs
with no problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At another time I often
worked up to eighteen hours a day without missing a beat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was awake I was able to go as long as
I needed to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was asleep I would rest
and wake refreshed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, sleep is hard
to come by and when I do sleep, it does not give me the rest I need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My energy level is minimal at best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Reading
has been one of my passions since I first learned how to read.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have spent countless hours losing myself in
the wonders of the printed page.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are few things that bring me the peace and contentment that reading a good book
does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am slowly but surely losing my
eyesight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My eyes get so tired from
trying to read through blurry eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
rarely try to read very much now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">It
is so easy to get discouraged from all the things MS is robbing from me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recently had another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The bones that hold my teeth in my mouth are
deteriorating. Although I have had several root canals and crowns, the part of
the tooth that they are attached to are beginning to let go and become
decayed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I lost two jaw teeth some time
ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I adjusted to that and it was not
noticeable that they were gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
lost one of my front teeth, I knew something would have to be done about this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I
don’t think I have had too much trouble adjusting to change over the
years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As each year has passed since MS
began to take over my life, I have had to make changes from my normal
routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This tooth problem was just
another such change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My dentist suggested
I have these tooth bases pulled and for me to get fitted for a partial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After some consideration my husband and I
agreed that this seemed like the best solution to the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teeth were pulled and the finished partial
was put into my mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">It
is really strange to have something in my mouth besides teeth and a
tongue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This foreign object takes some
getting used to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think I am doing
pretty well with this newest part of my mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I am eating most foods and learning the fine art of brushing “my” teeth
as well as my adopted teeth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All in all
it has worked out well so far.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I
still miss a lot of things that I once had the use of and took for
granted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope I am adjusting to this
and not whining and complaining too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>After all, most changes are supposed to be good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Living our lives in the past and crying for
our losses only makes us miss all the joys of our lives in the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, with my newest adjustment, it is so much
nicer to smile without a gap showing where a tooth should be!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Lucida Calligraphy"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-90841449992900828152013-06-21T02:58:00.000-07:002013-06-21T02:58:09.408-07:00Times of Mush<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I looked at a blank
page this morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had not written
anything and had nothing in my head that seemed like it would be interesting to
anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a lot of thoughts drifting
around in my brain, but none of them seem to stick together and form an
idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Some days are like
that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Random thoughts flying around with
no purpose and no hope of giving me any type of direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds me of games where you see how many
words you can make out of a bunch of letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The words are not in any one category and do not really fit
together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are just words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My brain is like that a lot of times…………countless
words floating around with no rhyme or reason to their direction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I call these moments
“times of mush”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is at these times
that I take it easy and try not to have to get into any type of project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I try to cook, clean or do a craft, I will
not get it finished and end up with a mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My thoughts do not go from point A to point B and end up at point G
without making any sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For instance:
I may want to get a meal started.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look
in the freezer and see what meats I have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I get one of them out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I look in
the pantry and get some things to go with that meat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I set them on the kitchen counter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just stare at them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea I had started with for a meal just
drifted away and left me with a puzzle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What are these objects doing on my counter and why did I put them there?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Cleaning may be the
same way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I get my cleaning materials
out of the closet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I organize them as to
what purpose they serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I go to
start doing something, the little groups of things I have are just that……….little
groups of things. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The idea of what to do
with them has been erased from my brain and the little groups mean
nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a while I just put them
all back to wait for a time when what they mean will be clear to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I love to crochet
and sew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband just bought me a new
sewing machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a little portable
one since most of the sewing I do now are only simple things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took it out of the box the other day and
began to get it ready to start sewing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
threaded the machine down to the needle and wound a bobbin of the thread I
wanted to use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got my material and
started the machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only made a
jumbled mess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I rethreaded the machine a
half dozen times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still had a jumbled
mess when trying to sew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a disc
that came with the machine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I put it in
the computer and started watching it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
had threaded the machine wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I
rethreaded it again, it worked.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
very discouraging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used to make most
of my children’s clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I also made
some of my own clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, I am lucky
to be able to sew a hem that has come loose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">People will often
call and ask what I have been doing lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I hate to keep saying “nothing”, but for the most part it is the right
answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days I do very little……not
because I don’t want to do something, but because I can’t think it out to get
it done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have some days that I feel
fairly well physically, but my mental state is a disaster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most people do not understand that so I don’t
try to explain it to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">In some ways our
mental state is more important than our physical one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although being unable physically to do things
is a terrible place to be, being unable to do things mentally is worse to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many things I can no longer do
because of my deteriorating physical abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are more things I can no longer do because of my deteriorating
mental abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are many times I
cannot write this blog because I can’t put enough words together to make a
logical sentence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try to push through
these times but often it just will not work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On those days, I just forget writing and feel sorry for myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I remember all the
times I have heard the phrase “A brain is a terrible thing to waste”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boy if they only knew!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-60689854484150582462013-06-19T02:39:00.000-07:002013-06-19T02:39:57.970-07:00Young and Old<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">My cousin and I were
talking the other day about some of our aches and pains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the things we agreed on was restless
legs and pins and needles in our feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is getting really sad when one spends at least part of any
conversation discussing health problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Another thing we
agreed on was the fact that even though our bodies were aging and aching, our
brains wanted to stay young and were constantly on the outlook for new ideas
and things to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is around young
people more often than I am so she knows the “in” stuff and people more than I
do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, I reminded her that on any
given day, MS can override my brain and turn it to mush for a length of time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">My husband loves
westerns. Old ones, new ones and any other type of western.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He spends most afternoons watching them on
the western channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of them I like and when there is one on
I don’t, I mess around on the computer, cook or do other little odd jobs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the kinds I don’t like are the really,
really old ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just can’t seem to
get into them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It is funny, but the
older I get, the more I like modern things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I used to love to write letters and mail them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now, it would be quite a chore to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many days I can’t hold a pen to write
with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Other days I can hold the pen but
it won’t go where I am trying to tell it to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I would hate to be the recipient of a letter I would write on one of these days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An email is much easier and the response is
so much faster.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do, however, have some
friends I write (type) letters to and correspond with through the postal service.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very frustrating to me after having an instant email response.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I also prefer email
to using the telephone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may be a
pride thing, but I hate to try and talk with someone when my thoughts won’t
come together and my mouth won’t form words of any known language.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That, too, is very frustrating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I have decided I am
getting old……….or at least becoming one of the older generation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say this for several reasons, most of which
I will not put in this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a
short list of some to share, though:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">(1)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I must be old because I cannot make myself
get through the first five minutes of Magic Mike much less watch the whole thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">(2)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Going out to the movies seems so unnecessary
when the movie will either be on HBO or disk in a few weeks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">(3)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I am satisfied with snacks for meals and don’t
need a meat, veggies, salad and dessert to think I have eaten. (Meals are a
hassle to figure out with Crohn’s)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">(4)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Being near a bathroom when I venture from
the house is more important than seeing everything in the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(This can also be applied to MS)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">(5)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Being at home is a treat rather than a
punishment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Some things my inner
self still loves even though I am getting older:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">(1) <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Loud music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(It isn’t good if it isn’t loud)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">(2)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Crazy clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t seem to make myself shop in the women’s
section. I tend to lean towards the younger styles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I also like off-beat types of clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">(3)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Trying new foods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was young I knew what I wanted to eat
and rarely ventured out of the box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
I love trying new foods and learning more about how to prepare meals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">(4)<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Playing games.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was an only child in a neighborhood of few
children and most were boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I learned
to play by myself a lot with “pretend” being the main one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now there is a whole world of games to play
on the interest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Big Fish is one of my
dearest friends!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">There are many more,
but you get the picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess we all
are a mixture of young and old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope
that all of us stay more in the young category rather than the old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the sayings when I was young was “don’t
trust anyone over 30”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can we move that
!along to at least 80?!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-89264418297336408902013-06-17T02:15:00.000-07:002013-06-17T02:15:31.281-07:00Slowing It Down<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Like most towns,
ours has a K-Mart Super Center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is in
a complex with a McDonalds, Biscuitville, Bojangles and other such businesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes, when Howard and I are going
shopping, we drive by and get breakfast and park in the K-Mart parking
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a large area with many trees
around it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time of morning that
we are usually there, we have the place to ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is, except for the birds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the reasons
we love to go there is because of the many types of birds that hang out
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is obvious that a lot of
people go there to eat because as soon as your park, they start hopping around
the car anxious for any piece of food you might offer them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we do offer them a morsel, they
immediately pounce on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a
definite pecking order, but usually this is carried out with no squabbling or
violence. Unlike the human population that inhabits this earth with them, they
seem to accept each other and wait their turn. We have seen cardinals,
catbirds, gulls, sparrows, blackbirds, crows and many more birds while eating
our breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Most of us have spent
the majority of our lives in a hurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is an AT&T ad that asks, “which is better….slower or faster?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I doubt there is anyone who would answer
slower (except that silly little girl in the commercial!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have found that I have missed so many
wonderful things by being in the fast lane with everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I am having to take my time eating (so as
not to choke), walking (so as not to fall), talking (so others can understand
my words) and so forth, I am noticing so many things that were just blurs in my
former life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am totally amazed at all
I have been “too busy” to notice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When you wake up in
the morning do you jump out of bed, go to the bathroom and start getting
dressed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you ever lie in bed for a
moment and watch the sun begin to light the eastern sky with its beauty?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When you are
driving/riding down the road do you notice the trees along the way?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see the way they change each month
into something different, whether summer or winter?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever
watched as the birds fly around your home?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some of them sing beautiful songs and others just flutter around and see
what they can get into.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some fly solo,
in pairs or in great flocks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter
what their habits are, each is a wonder all its own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you noticed the
people you pass each day?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all see people
in the stores, on the streets and riding in other cars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you pay attention to them or just go on
your way?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see the sadness,
happiness, sorrow, joy, pain or other emotions that run across their
faces?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are they in as much of a hurry as
you are and ignore you also?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">As I have slowed my
pace in life, I wish I knew more about photography.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are so many great scenes I would love
to catch on film.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I could take
them out of my mind’s eye and put them on paper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">In my lifetime I
have been in all but four of our fifty states.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have seen so many beautiful places and things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have few pictures of those travels.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of my journeys related to work and I was
not prepared to film them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many times I
would just stop and stare at some wonder that I suddenly came upon and was not
expecting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is one of the sad things
in my life that I have nothing to share with others of these things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Century Schoolbook","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I don’t expect to
suddenly start taking pictures of everything I see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do hope that I take the time to enjoy the
things I do see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe one day someone
will invent a way to download all the great moments we have stored in our
brains.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope they do it soon………..my
brain is getting so short-circuited that they would have to defragment it
several times to make any sense of what they find!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-32932940915958934662013-06-14T02:34:00.000-07:002013-06-14T02:34:26.554-07:00Planning A Party<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Wickenden Cafe NDP"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">When
I was in my teens I had a terrible ulcer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At one time I spent a few days in the hospital and received treatment intravenously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I took medicine for over ten years for this
problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eventually it calmed down
enough to where I could get off the medication if I was really careful with my
diet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Wickenden Cafe NDP"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Right
now I think it is trying to cut my stomach into little pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel like there is glass floating around in
there and trying to find a way out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
hope that it will ease up soon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Wickenden Cafe NDP"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I
almost want to cry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not that I am
in any worse shape than anyone else, and definitely in better shape than a lot
of people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But right now, I am wanting
really bad to throw a pity party.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
inviting no one to share it with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
will bring my own party favors, food and entertainment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not plan on it lasting a long time, just
long enough to get some of this pent up emotion out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Wickenden Cafe NDP"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">We
have talked about the camel and the straw before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It really is the small things that throw one
for a loop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we face big hurdles, we
have prepared for it and meet it head-on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The little things sneak up on us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They are lurking around each corner just waiting for the chance to
pounce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they see us, they watch us
for a time to hit us at just the right moment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They really are quite sneaky little devils.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Wickenden Cafe NDP"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I
am wondering how we could make everything in life a circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That way no little things could hide behind
corners and catch us by surprise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would
see them coming and be able to prepare in advance for their arrival.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only that, we could continue to travel in
a circle and they would never catch up to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yep, seems like a plan to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Wickenden Cafe NDP"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">If
we all held hands, we could watch each other’s sides and backs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each person would be responsible for the
person on their right and everyone would be covered that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No one would let the person next to them get
surprised because the others would find out and not watch out for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Wickenden Cafe NDP"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Right
now I am considering what kind of party I might have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am hurting too bad to start the party
yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am still trying to figure out what
other type of medicine I can try to see if it helps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard to plan a party while plowing
through the medicine cabinet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I might
wait a while to think about that party……….maybe the pain will ease up a
little so I can think about it………….maybe it will quit hurting in a short while
and I won’t need a party…..oh yeah, I like that idea better!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-22243016675423964802013-06-13T02:51:00.000-07:002013-06-13T02:51:53.452-07:00On Demand<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I have really gotten addicted to the On Demand feature of our cable
system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are several programs that
I like to keep up with and never seem to turn the TV on at the right time to
see this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With this feature, you can
watch them when you wish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also allows
you to watch certain movies when you want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>One of the best features of this is that there are very few, if any,
commercials.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a big plus to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I usually spend several hours sitting in bed watching TV before I
manage to get sleepy enough to go to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is often very boring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are so many shows on that are obnoxious to me or ones that I have no interest
in at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A lot of movies also fit into
one of these categories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t feel
that I am all that picky, but there are some things I just will not watch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Most of the comedy shows that are on now are not in my taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are either overly vulgar or are making
fun of something I do not think should be made fun of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like comedy that is funny without having to
involve curse words, sexual innuendoes, or intimidating someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I guess the type of comedy that Red Skelton
and Bill Cosby used is out of date.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both
of them stated often that if you have to use off color language or throw barbs
at someone, you aren’t really funny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
agree.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I really am not writing this to get on a bandwagon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My initial though was “wouldn’t it be nice if
you could On Demand some pain medication, sleep aids or coolness?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that would be a wonderful idea and
some really smart somebody should invent this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It would make a world of people grateful and happy and make that person
a gazillionnaire. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">It would be offered by all the cable and satellite companies at a
special rate that only people who qualified for it would be allowed to get
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The qualifications would involve obtaining
the doctors records and/or a disability acceptance letter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hopefully, this would help cut out those who
just wanted to get high and stay in bed all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that there are always ways to get
around things, but maybe it would be monitored closely enough and very few
would get it that did not deserve it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">It would probably involve some type of box one could fit into that
would have the necessary equipment to perform whatever was needed from it at
the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There would be a cable from
the box that connected it with whatever provider one was using.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This cable would feed the information to the
provider and receive the signal to allow the box to perform its task and renew
any medications and such that were needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>All insurance carriers and Medicare and Medicaid would be under a
mandatory rule to carry this equipment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No one who needed it would be turned down.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">As I have said before, I would love sometime to demand a visit with Peter Pan in
Neverland.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to stay there,
just visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would also like to demand to win the
lottery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I could help all my family
and friends who needed a little assistance and make my children and grandchildren
financially independent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would also
like to demand Peace On Earth……… but that is in the Hands of God and He has not
appointed me His assistant or permission to take over His job!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-82678856278808073542013-06-12T02:56:00.003-07:002013-06-12T02:56:47.804-07:00Hotter Than…….......….Whatever!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I think it is going to be one of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">those</span></i><span style="color: red;"> </span></b>summers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The temperature is supposed to be in the mid-90s most of the week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure I am ready for this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know I don’t have a choice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">It really bothers me that there is no way to explain to someone what
the heat does to me………..and I am not talking about 90s, I am talking about 70s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the sun is bright, the 60s are sometimes
hard to deal with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I was sitting with Mother in the waiting room at the hospital the other
day and started talking with the lady on the other side of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She commented on the fact that I would pick
up a magazine and fan once in a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
said she knew how I felt because she had hot flashes for many years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was over them now and was so grateful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her that I have MS and getting overheated is a
constant problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
looked at me like I was a visitor from Mars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I don’t seem to be able to get across to anyone that MS heat lasts practically all
the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not night sweats, day
sweats or in-between sweats.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is heat
that radiates from your insides and nearly takes your breath away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes my head pound, my legs and arms weak, my vision blurry
and my thoughts turn to mush.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it goes
away it is only because I am in front of the a/c or it is freezing
outside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, sometimes, it is still
there even then.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">The tingling sensation that most of us feel intensifies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are millions of little shockwaves
running up and down my legs and arms, feet and fingers and sometimes my
face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it is not exactly what
one would call a painful sensation, it is highly unpleasant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Per the MS website: “</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Many people with MS experience a
temporary worsening of their symptoms when the weather is very hot or humid or
they run a fever, sunbathe, get overheated from exercise, or take very hot
showers or baths. For example, some people notice that their vision becomes
blurred when they get overheated—a phenomenon known as Uhthoff's sign. These
temporary changes can result from even a very slight elevation in core body
temperature (<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">one-quarter to one-half of
a degree</b>) because an elevated temperature further impairs the ability of a <a href="http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/what-we-know-about-ms/what-is-ms/myelin/index.aspx" title="Myelin"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">demyelinated nerve</span></a> to conduct electrical impulses.</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">For many years, the
“Hot Bath” test was used to diagnose MS. A person suspected of having MS was
immersed in a hot tub of water, and the appearance of neurologic symptoms or
their worsening was taken as evidence that the person had MS.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know about you, but I am very
thankful that this is no longer used as a method of making a determination of MS!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">My husband probably
gets tired of me asking if my face is flushed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To me, my face sometimes feels like it is radiating (kind of like a bad
sunburn feels) and should be beet red.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes
it feels like my arms or legs feel like that also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the worst places that burn and tingle
is my back…….especially down my spine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He often rubs a pain cream on it which usually helps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is hard to let him do this since it is so sensitive
to the touch when having a flare up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
cream is cooling, though, and worth the initial pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I have talked with
several people who are so excited about going to the beach this summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I listen and smile, cringing on the inside at
the thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am happy that this will
make them happy and hope that it comes to pass and they have a wonderful time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> As f</span>or me, I will stay at home in the coolness of
the a/c, wave bye to them and wish them well!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-65291498274613467802013-06-11T02:33:00.001-07:002013-06-11T02:33:49.217-07:00Strength in Gentleness<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">My Grandma raised me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My parents worked at night and she took on
the job of taking care of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure
that it was quite a job.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was skinny
and full of energy when I was young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nothing like what I am now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When I was born, she was 68
years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was the child of her 10<sup>th</sup>
child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, she already had
a lot of grandchildren by the time I came into the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had raised her children and now was ready
to raise one of her grands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">My grandfather died when my
Daddy was 9 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Grandma still had
several children at home at that time and I am sure it seemed like quite a
burden to face when he died.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my
uncles returned home to help her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was
a kind, sweet man and eased her burden by chipping in to help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">My first memories of grandma
were when she was in her 70s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would
wash clothes in a ringer washing machine, put a basket of wet clothes on her
hip and walk down the back steps to the clothesline to hang them to dry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often wonder how she did the things she
did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would sweep, mop and vacuum the
house. She would cook great meals and still have time to play with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When she bought a TV, we would spend hours
watching Mickey Mouse and Howdy Doody.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was never too busy to cater to a little girl who totally adored her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">As grandma got older, her spunk
didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She fell and broke her arm one
time when she was in her 80s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember
the doctor telling her that she would probably never regain the use of her arm
at her age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A couple of months later she
gleefully raised her arm and showed him that this had not defeated her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although she was a gentle and kind person,
she had a quiet determination that I always admired.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Many days I sit here and wonder
what MS will hit me with next.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every day
I fight to keep doing the things I can and hoping that this disease will not
progress any faster than it has.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
though I work hard not to do so, sometimes I feel sorry for myself and angry
that I can no longer go places and do things that I could just a short few
years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes I would be so easy
just to give up and wallow in self pity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When I get this way I often see
grandma in my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her strength always
shines through whatever task she had to do on any given day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what was going on, I have never
heard her raise her voice or stomp around in anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was quiet, soft-spoken and the most
loving person I have ever known. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When she died, I thought my
world would end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was 24 and not at all
ready to give her up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though she
was 91 years old and bed-ridden, she never complained and always had “I love
you” on her lips.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was the last thing
she ever said to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of me will
always ache with the need to have her hug me one more time and tell me this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I hope in some small way I have
inherited a part of her courage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
that many times I fail miserably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
when I do, thinking of her lifts me up and puts the fight back in my
spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know this is what she would
want me to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">When I get to Heaven it will be
so wonderful to be with her again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
know that God loved her so much and wanted her close to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I understand that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am anxious to get that hug from her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope she is still singing those little
songs she used to sing to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bet it
makes God smile…………<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-64645475245934736262013-06-10T03:57:00.002-07:002013-06-10T03:57:36.250-07:00To Hear or Not to Hear
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">One of the symptoms of MS that has really bothered me lately is hearing
loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Per the MS website: “</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Hearing
loss is usually associated with other symptoms that suggest damage to the
brainstem - the part of the nervous system that contains the nerves that help
to control vision, hearing, balance, and equilibrium. Hearing deficits caused
by MS are thought to be due to inflammation and/or scarring around the eighth
cranial nerve (the auditory nerve) as it enters the brainstem, although plaques
at other sites along the auditory pathways could also contribute to hearing
problems. Plaques are abnormal areas that develop on nerves whose myelin-- the
fatty sheath that surrounds and protects nerve fibers--has been destroyed.
Plaques cause the nerve impulses to be slowed or halted, producing the symptoms
of MS.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not very understandable, but
meaning that MS can cause hearing loss due to the damage to the nervous system that
controls our senses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I often wonder why
explanations can’t be just straight-forward and not rambling all around with
words the average person doesn’t understand!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I have noticed lately
that my hearing is becoming more and more damaged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I often find myself cocking my head to try and
pick up more of the sound waves that are coming from the direction of something
I want to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure that it
helps much because I still have trouble hearing what I want to hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very irritating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">As I have mentioned
in previous blogs, my husband does not hear well at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is constantly asking me “what did they say?”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am beginning to not be able to answer
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have tried to get him to go to
the doctor and get his hearing tested to see if something can be done for him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He keeps putting it off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think I will be like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am going to talk with my neurologist in
July to see if there is something that can help with my hearing loss.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It bothers me too much not to get it checked.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I am not pessimistic
with this problem, but I do fear that it will be one of those things that I
just have to learn to deal with.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As with
speech and vision, MS often damages these and nothing can be done about
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have periods of time when I do not
talk very well and worry that it will stay that way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fortunately, so far, it comes back to normal
after a while.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One day it may not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will deal with that problem if/when it
happens.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I do not mind at all
being fitted for a hearing aid if that will help the problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have talked with a lot of people over the
years that balk at this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They always say
that it is unattractive and only for “old people”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If it means the difference between hearing
and not hearing, I do not care if it is the ugliest thing on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had rather hear than not hear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for being for old people, that no longer
bothers me either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone that is
blessed enough to get older learns that things that we taboo when we were young
is a necessity as we age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since MS often
greatly speeds up these problems, age has become a moot discussion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We live in a world
obsessed with looking young, being thin and being active.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>MS takes away a lot of these options.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of us with MS are not all that active
and our diet consists of things that we are able to consume without interfering
with our meds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as looking young,
this becomes the least of our worries………………trying to keep as much in the game
of life as possible becomes our number one priority.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Looking young is WAY down the list, if it is
still on it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">My husband and a
friend of ours started losing their hearing on a parallel course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both spent most of their time saying “huh”
and asking for the conversation to be repeated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our friend had his hearing checked and was told that the problem he has
cannot be fixed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that Howard
might be afraid that this would be the answer he would get also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do hope that he will one day get it tested
to see if help is available.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Until something can
be done for us, I guess we will just go along with hearing less and less of what
goes on in our day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There will be a lot
of “huhs” in our routine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder how
hard sign language is to learn………….. </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-29770196643162778492013-06-07T03:04:00.000-07:002013-06-07T03:04:16.964-07:00Exorcism<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">According to the New Advent
website, “Exorcism is (1) the act of driving out, or warding off, <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04710a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">demons</span></a>, or evil <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14220b.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">spirits</span></a>, from persons,
places, or things, which are believed to be <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12315a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">possessed</span></a> or infested by
them, or are liable to become victims or instruments of their <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07149b.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">malice</span></a>; (2) the means
employed for this purpose, especially the solemn and authoritative <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01142c.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">adjuration</span></a> of the <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/04710a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">demon</span></a>, in the name of <a href="http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06608a.htm"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">God</span></a>, or any of the higher
power in which he is subject.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Like a lot of people, I am fascinated,
yet horrified, at the thought of exorcisms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is something that is highly contested as being real and has been the
subject of countless books, articles and movies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is intriguing to many of us to think of
the fight of good and evil so apparent in a human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is also the horror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being possessed is frightening to those of us
who believe it can happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An exorcism
is quite an ordeal to go through both for the victim and the priest performing
the rite.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes I think of MS and
other diseases as possession. These diseases occupy our bodies without our
permission and refuse to let us be free from them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being possessed by something that you do not want
is frightening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a constant battle
of will between us and our disease(s).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I guess in some ways our doctors
could take on the role of the priest in the exorcism rites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The doctor watches our symptoms and tries to
figure out exactly what is wrong with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He offers treatments in the hope of easing our problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that does not work, he runs tests and
tries again to find something to make our lives easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, unlike the priest, he is not able to completely
erase the cause of our problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As in an exorcism, there are
books to guide in the quest to conquer the evil at hand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each step is written out for the one who is
trying to help the victim to follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
progress is not made at first, the “helper” may start over and try to retrace
his steps to see if something was missed or misread. As some priests find out
during an exorcism, no matter how closely they follow the rites or how strong
their belief in the process, the possession is not easily removed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of us have experienced doctors who
eventually just quit trying and ease us into the back of the line of their patients.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I have been wondering if there
could not be a different type of specialized doctor for MS or other
diseases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This doctor would not only
have the training for these diseases, but would also be a person who was
interested enough in his patients to be willing to explore different options
apart from the norm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This doctor would
try to heal the body and the mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
most of us know from experience, when the body is constantly fighting us, our
mind gets tired of the process, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As our
body deteriorates sometimes the mind goes right along with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping both strong is often impossible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keeping one strong is hard enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The special doctor would never
tell us: “It is not a symptom of”, “this should have worked”, “there is nothing
left to offer you”, “you need to go see a (blank) doctor”, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This doctor would stick with us through thick
and thin and always try his best to help us, not pawn us off on someone else
because we don’t fit into his scheme of things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know what you are thinking, this doctor does not exist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as I know, he doesn’t.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">But there are some really good
people who are trying to make a difference in this world by stepping out of the
box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If one thing does not work, they
try something different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not be
what they have learned in medical school to do, but it is something that they
feel might help the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I really
feel, deep in my heart, that there will be a different breed of doctor in the
near future because people are beginning to demand it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Until then, I will continue my
search for a doctor who performs exorcisms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you find him first, please give him my name!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Batang","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-88690487741697718432013-06-06T02:23:00.000-07:002013-06-06T02:23:53.339-07:00Life’s Little Addictions – Part Two<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I
have been thinking about this a lot lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Like I have said before, I don’t understand why people are taken off
medication when they are old or dying because “they might get addicted” to
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That definitely does not compute in
my brain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who cares if you are a 95
year old morphine addict if it eases your discomfort and helps you live until you
move on to the hereafter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even if you
are young, if you are at death’s door and in pain, what difference could it
possibly make for you to die an addict?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I
know that many will disagree with those statements.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that many oppose marijuana use for
sickness and would fight tooth and nail to keep it from being legal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that there are many who do all kinds
of things to keep from taking medication when they are hurt or sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This does not make, in my opinion, those of
us who do take medication weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only
makes us human.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I am
an addict.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are things that I take
for pain, twitches, movement and such that I will only give up kicking and
screaming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without these things I would
not live even half the life I live now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Without these things, life would barely be worth living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without these things, more of us would
probably slip into a really deep depression or the suicide rate would go up.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Even
though I take what I consider to be a large amount of medicines, there are
countless others who make the medicines I take look like nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I take a fairly popular pain medication twice
daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a friend who takes it six
times daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is still in a lot of
pain but fears that if she takes any more of the meds she will be unable to
function.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is this an addiction?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most would say yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those of us with diseases would say no………it
is our way of coping with the life we have now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I
know that people who have arthritis and different forms of pain take
medications to try and ease their pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Unless it is an advanced, crippling type of this, most people would
never consider trying some of the meds we try.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that arthritis is very painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I wonder if the people with arthritis know how painful MS is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I am
in no way advocating addiction or pain medication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I guess maybe I am.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But in a round about way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shooting up heroin and such, snorting cocaine
or whatever, drinking till passed out and other types of things to retreat from
society is not the type of addiction I am talking about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These types are for people who don’t want to
face life and deal with all the problems it can throw at one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I feel very sorry for these people and wish
they could make a better choice on their way to deal with life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I
think I am really talking about an addiction to life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of being able to function in a world that
thinks only the prettiest, smartest, fastest, etc people are the ones that
count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones who have to walk with a cane
count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones who have to walk with a
walker count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones being pushed in a
wheelchair count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones who are
unable to get out of bed count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ones
who cannot carry on a conversation count.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The list goes on and on and each person in every list counts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Each person
on this earth has limitations and addictions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>No matter how special and effective we want to feel, there are things we
cannot do or cannot do without help. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
those who feel they have none, God bless you……..it will really hit you hard
when yours slap you in the face.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">As it
is, I think I will curl up in bed, drink a cup of coffee and watch one of my TV
shows………I love my addictions (or most of them) and plan on enjoying them as
long as possible………I hope your addictions are good ones and make life<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>better for you, too! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1480844514738203655.post-79004206666073987372013-06-05T02:17:00.000-07:002013-06-05T02:17:26.722-07:00Life's Little Addictions - Part One<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Per Wikipedia, “</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: BatangChe;">Addiction</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: BatangChe;"> is the continued use of a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Controlled_substance" title="Controlled substance"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">mood altering substance</span></a> or behavior
despite adverse consequences, or a neurological impairment leading to such
behaviors. Addictions can include, but are not limited to, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_abuse" title="Drug abuse"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">drug abuse</span></a>,
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_addiction" title="Exercise addiction"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">exercise addiction</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_addiction" title="Food addiction"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">food
addiction</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_addiction" title="Sexual addiction"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">sexual addiction</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_addiction" title="Computer addiction"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">computer addiction</span></a>, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambling" title="Gambling"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">gambling</span></a>.
Classic hallmarks of addiction include impaired control over substances or
behavior, preoccupation with substance or behavior, continued use despite
consequences, and denial. Habits and patterns associated with addiction are
typically characterized by immediate gratification (short-term reward), coupled
with delayed deleterious effects (long-term costs). <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physiological_dependence" title="Physiological dependence"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Physiological dependence</span></a> occurs when the
body has to adjust to the substance by incorporating the substance into its
'normal' functioning. This state creates the conditions of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drug_tolerance" title="Drug tolerance"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">tolerance</span></a>
and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withdrawal" title="Withdrawal"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">withdrawal</span></a>.
Tolerance is the process by which the body continually adapts to the substance
and requires increasingly larger amounts to achieve the original effects.
Withdrawal refers to physical and psychological symptoms experienced when
reducing or discontinuing a substance that the body has become dependent on.
Symptoms of withdrawal generally include but are not limited to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anxiety" title="Anxiety"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">anxiety</span></a>,
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irritability" title="Irritability"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">irritability</span></a>,
intense <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craving_(withdrawal)" title="Craving (withdrawal)"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">cravings</span></a> for the substance, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nausea" title="Nausea"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">nausea</span></a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallucinations" title="Hallucinations"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">hallucinations</span></a>,
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headaches" title="Headaches"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">headaches</span></a>,
cold sweats, and tremors.”Like most people, I have quite a few addictions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: BatangChe;">There is
an ad on TV that I find amusing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
concerns an addiction treatment center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The facility accommodates approximately 200 people and costs $7,500.00
per month, depending on what type of care you need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They profess that they can cure anyone of any
type of addiction problem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me see </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">....... for $7,500.00 a month I think I could kick
anything on my own!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would like to open
a place like that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Assuming you are
filled up, you would make $1,500,000.00 a month, give or take a few
thousand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yeah, I think I could manage a
budget like that <rolls eyes>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Like I said,
most of us are addicted to several things whether we realize it or not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am addicted to my coffee in the
morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I don’t have any, I am not a
happy camper or fit to be around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like
the taste, the smell and the feeling it gives me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, I am totally addicted to it, but will
forego the treatment center.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like my
addiction and plan on keeping it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">It is
probably obvious that I am addicted to writing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I write stories, poems, this blog, letters to friends and family, emails
and countless other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those of us
raised in the era before home computers learned to have a vivid imagination to
help entertain ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As long as I
can remember there have been stories dancing around in my brain begging to be
let out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unless I write some of them
down and let them have a life of their own I think they would probably drive me
crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A writer once said that writers
were only as crazy as their readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That, my friend, puts the blame squarely on YOUR shoulders!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">People in my
age group are usually avid readers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Television was a rare thing in households when I was growing up and
reading was the “in” thing to do to pass the time and be entertained.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love entering the imagination of others in
books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is, I fear, becoming a lost
art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although people who have Kindles and
such read, there is nothing like holding a real book………turning the pages……..smelling
the print………feeling something real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wish everyone could experience that love of books but probably, in the not too
distant future, books will be a thing of the past and only found in
museums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So sad…….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">I am
developing a television addiction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
is a TV show called “Perception” that airs on the TNT network.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being kind of off centered myself, I find it
very interesting and amusing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The main
character is a neuropsychiatrist who helps the FBI solve cases.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The part I love is not the crime part, but
the fact that </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">the character’s interest in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuroscience" title="Neuroscience"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">neuroscience</span></a>
stems from his own long history of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoid_schizophrenia" title="Paranoid schizophrenia"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">paranoid schizophrenia</span></a>. As a
high-functioning schizophrenic, Pierce's hallucinations sometimes enable him to
pick out subtle clues in solving crimes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It makes for a really off-beat type of humor that appeals to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you get a chance watch the show and let me
know what you think.</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Teen Light"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Batang;">Since
this is becoming quite long, I will continue with more tomorrow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe it or not, this does have a point I
am trying to make and I will get to it as quickly as possible!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Janiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11069730401744671507noreply@blogger.com2