You know I just love these stories !
Good work Akron !
The campaign to renovate the home of multiple sclerosis patient Sue Lang — who works as a safety communication technician alongside 911 operators for the Akron Police Department — is going forward at a pretty good clip.
Lang's home has not only fallen into a state of disrepair, but it's also not handicapped accessible. She uses a wheelchair and needs the house to be in order to maintain her independence.
Akron Police detective Mildred ''Millie'' Morris and others went to the rescue.
''We had about 20 volunteers attack the house,'' Morris said of the Herculean event that transpired on a recent Sunday at Lang's home. ''We knocked out all of the ceilings, old cabinets and gutted the bathroom. . . .
''On Friday, volunteers from Home Depot came out to install insulation and drywall for the ceilings. . . .
''We hope to install kitchen cabinets by April 3. Next we will plan out the bath and type of flooring.''
Several of those volunteering for this do-the-right-thing, life-altering cause for Sue Lang include students from Akron's St. Vincent-St. Mary High School, Lang's alma mater.
Juniors on the football team, Brian Cresswell Jr. and Bryant Ausperk, have donated muscle to the cause and are planning to hold a Spirit Day at school to help raise funds for materials.
Ausperk even got his father involved; Skip Ausperk, owner of Valley Trucking & Recycling in Peninsula, donated two Dumpsters to collect debris. Cresswell's father is a member of the Akron Police Department and is doing his part.
As far as the safety forces' involvement in the project, Morris reports that ''So far police are holding the line and are out in front! ''
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Monday, March 30, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Tiger's Back
Wow ! What an exciting golf tourney this afternoon.
It was very touch and go but Tiger did it.
I can't even imagine the pressure he has been under since he returned to golfing after knee surgery.
Let's face it, he is the best. And although Mr. Jack Nicklaus has been a fav for a long time, Tiger
is second to no one.
Jack Nicklaus aka the Golden Bear has been a long time fav for me. If you haven't already figured it out my dear Goldie was named after him. When we got her she was this little ball of gold fluff but she made this little purring sound I dubbed a roar so we named her Golden Bear.
Now that I have given up on golf ( or maybe it gave up on me) Multiple Sclerosis will do that to you. I do enjoy watching it on TV.
Tiger is an exceptional player and a great role model. Congrat ! Mr. Woods, you deserve this win and we ( the fans) lve to see you smile when you win.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
It was very touch and go but Tiger did it.
I can't even imagine the pressure he has been under since he returned to golfing after knee surgery.
Let's face it, he is the best. And although Mr. Jack Nicklaus has been a fav for a long time, Tiger
is second to no one.
Jack Nicklaus aka the Golden Bear has been a long time fav for me. If you haven't already figured it out my dear Goldie was named after him. When we got her she was this little ball of gold fluff but she made this little purring sound I dubbed a roar so we named her Golden Bear.
Now that I have given up on golf ( or maybe it gave up on me) Multiple Sclerosis will do that to you. I do enjoy watching it on TV.
Tiger is an exceptional player and a great role model. Congrat ! Mr. Woods, you deserve this win and we ( the fans) lve to see you smile when you win.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
What a Great Organization
Thought I would share this wonderful organization with you.
My friend works there and is so proud of what this organization does. You can tell when talking to him he loves what he does.
By William L. “Bill” Brayer
t is reported that over 2,750,000 people have MS and there are over 55,000 living in the Northwest alone, the highest incident rate anywhere.
It was Dr. Jean Martin Charcot (1825 - 1893) who first scientifically described, documented, and named the disease process, we still call Multiple Sclerosis. So named from the many scars found widely dispersed throughout the central nervous system (CNS), but are usually found to be arrayed in a symmetrical pattern near the Cerebrum's Lateral Ventricles.
MS has many symptoms and thus it is quite often difficult to diagnose as there are several other diseases that have the same symptoms. The disease is quite often triggered by a traumatic or medical experience.
Because many of the symptoms are not visible to the naked eye, MS has been often referred to as the “Invisible Disease.” As with snowflakes not being any two alike, there are virtually no two people with MS alike either, so people with MS are also sometimes referred to as having the “Snowflake Disease.”
MS is a debilitating disease that can affect any one or more parts of the body’s motoring system. It can have a gradual affect on the body or progress more rapidly depending on the symptoms.
MS does not discriminate: Men, women & children, of all ages, professional people, athletes and almost anyone can be diagnosed with the disease. One never knows when it might be him or her who is diagnosed with having it.
As of today, there is still no known cause or a cure for MS. After Millions of dollars and many years of study, medical research has yet to find a cause and develop a cure for it. Many people who have MS have waited patiently and need more than just medical help; they need financial assistance as well. That’s where you come in!
There are several MS organizations that provide various services, resources, and information for a person with MS and their families. Locally, there is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) & MS Helping Hands-MSHH. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL. is the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) who provides their services and resources to people with MS all over the country with many of them being free.
Each of these MS organizations has their own special areas of assistance or agendas. MS Helping Hands-MSHH, headquarted in Edmonds, WA is the only 100% all volunteer 501 (c) (3) non-profit MS organization in the country and has the mission statement: “To create and provide services & resources that will enhance the quality of life for people with Multiple Sclerosis.”
Founded in late 1999, MS Helping Hands-MSHH has been providing services and resources to people with MS who reside in the State of Washington that consists of the “MSHH Donor Closet”, financial assistance grants, sponsors two support groups and an on location MS support group at a local care – rehab center.
The MSHH Donor Closet, also founded in 199, is a one of a kind resource that recycles durable medical (DME) and mobility (ME) items to people with MS and others for a suggested minimum donation. MSHH has no salaried staff or administrative expenses, only monthly operating expenses. After all monthly operating expenses are paid; the remaining donations are used to provide the financial assistance grants to people with MS who reside in the State of Washington. MSHH maintains a three month reserve account in order to cover any shortfalls of donations received for the recycled DME/ME items in the Donor Closet.
MSHH is neither part of, nor affiliated with any other local or national Multiple Sclerosis organization. MSHH relies 100% on the Donor Closet donations, individual personal donations, memorial donations, special fund raising benefits or events and grants from special interest groups or organizations.
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL has awarded a total of $36,000 in grants since 2002 to the operation of the Donor Closet for use for people with Multiple Sclerosis residing in the State of Washington.
Boeing Employees Community Fund (BECF) awarded a $46,700 grant in 2007 for the purchase of a new Dodge Sprinter Van with a lift.
United Way of Snohomish County awarded a $5,000 grant in 2006 to be used by the Donor Closet to purchase new DME/ME items often requested but not always in Inventory.
Several who volunteer to serve on the MSHH Board of Directors, are officers of the MSHH Corporation, serve on the MSHH Advisory Committee or work at the MSHH Donor Closet, have MS.
MS Helping Hands-MSHH has been honored or recognized many times both locally and nationally, including a “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition” in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community by Congressman Jay Inslee of the US Congress.
You can make a difference in the life of someone who has Multiple Sclerosis by getting involved, either by giving some of your spare time (volunteering) or financially.
www.mshelp.org
(Note: Bill Brayer has had MS for over 57 years)
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a Friend !
My friend works there and is so proud of what this organization does. You can tell when talking to him he loves what he does.
By William L. “Bill” Brayer
t is reported that over 2,750,000 people have MS and there are over 55,000 living in the Northwest alone, the highest incident rate anywhere.
It was Dr. Jean Martin Charcot (1825 - 1893) who first scientifically described, documented, and named the disease process, we still call Multiple Sclerosis. So named from the many scars found widely dispersed throughout the central nervous system (CNS), but are usually found to be arrayed in a symmetrical pattern near the Cerebrum's Lateral Ventricles.
MS has many symptoms and thus it is quite often difficult to diagnose as there are several other diseases that have the same symptoms. The disease is quite often triggered by a traumatic or medical experience.
Because many of the symptoms are not visible to the naked eye, MS has been often referred to as the “Invisible Disease.” As with snowflakes not being any two alike, there are virtually no two people with MS alike either, so people with MS are also sometimes referred to as having the “Snowflake Disease.”
MS is a debilitating disease that can affect any one or more parts of the body’s motoring system. It can have a gradual affect on the body or progress more rapidly depending on the symptoms.
MS does not discriminate: Men, women & children, of all ages, professional people, athletes and almost anyone can be diagnosed with the disease. One never knows when it might be him or her who is diagnosed with having it.
As of today, there is still no known cause or a cure for MS. After Millions of dollars and many years of study, medical research has yet to find a cause and develop a cure for it. Many people who have MS have waited patiently and need more than just medical help; they need financial assistance as well. That’s where you come in!
There are several MS organizations that provide various services, resources, and information for a person with MS and their families. Locally, there is the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) & MS Helping Hands-MSHH. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL. is the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) who provides their services and resources to people with MS all over the country with many of them being free.
Each of these MS organizations has their own special areas of assistance or agendas. MS Helping Hands-MSHH, headquarted in Edmonds, WA is the only 100% all volunteer 501 (c) (3) non-profit MS organization in the country and has the mission statement: “To create and provide services & resources that will enhance the quality of life for people with Multiple Sclerosis.”
Founded in late 1999, MS Helping Hands-MSHH has been providing services and resources to people with MS who reside in the State of Washington that consists of the “MSHH Donor Closet”, financial assistance grants, sponsors two support groups and an on location MS support group at a local care – rehab center.
The MSHH Donor Closet, also founded in 199, is a one of a kind resource that recycles durable medical (DME) and mobility (ME) items to people with MS and others for a suggested minimum donation. MSHH has no salaried staff or administrative expenses, only monthly operating expenses. After all monthly operating expenses are paid; the remaining donations are used to provide the financial assistance grants to people with MS who reside in the State of Washington. MSHH maintains a three month reserve account in order to cover any shortfalls of donations received for the recycled DME/ME items in the Donor Closet.
MSHH is neither part of, nor affiliated with any other local or national Multiple Sclerosis organization. MSHH relies 100% on the Donor Closet donations, individual personal donations, memorial donations, special fund raising benefits or events and grants from special interest groups or organizations.
The Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL has awarded a total of $36,000 in grants since 2002 to the operation of the Donor Closet for use for people with Multiple Sclerosis residing in the State of Washington.
Boeing Employees Community Fund (BECF) awarded a $46,700 grant in 2007 for the purchase of a new Dodge Sprinter Van with a lift.
United Way of Snohomish County awarded a $5,000 grant in 2006 to be used by the Donor Closet to purchase new DME/ME items often requested but not always in Inventory.
Several who volunteer to serve on the MSHH Board of Directors, are officers of the MSHH Corporation, serve on the MSHH Advisory Committee or work at the MSHH Donor Closet, have MS.
MS Helping Hands-MSHH has been honored or recognized many times both locally and nationally, including a “Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition” in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community by Congressman Jay Inslee of the US Congress.
You can make a difference in the life of someone who has Multiple Sclerosis by getting involved, either by giving some of your spare time (volunteering) or financially.
www.mshelp.org
(Note: Bill Brayer has had MS for over 57 years)
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a Friend !
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Climbing to the Top of the World with Multiple Sclerosis
You know how I love to share stories like this. This is from a Wisconsin newspaper.
It's the last mountain after a lifetime of obstacles: Some that are actual mountains, another that's an incurable disease.
Lori Schneider is hoping to become the first woman with multiple sclerosis to ever defeat Mt. Everest.
She's seen the world from some of its highest places—six of the "Seven Summits"
"What that means is I’m trying to climb the highest peaks on each continent,” Schneider says. “I've finished six continents already. I just got back from Antarctica."
But, Schneider saved the best for last.
"I’m on my way to complete the grand daddy of them all—Mt. Everest in Nepal, Asia at 29,035 feet," she says.
It’s a trip that will take two months time. It’s one she's spent many months preparing for right in her Bayfield backyard. Schneider made daily hikes up a local ski hill with a 50 pound backpack. She propped a ladder against a tree to practice in her boots, then placed it across bales to prep for the large crevasses on the mountain. Her intense workouts can almost make you forget Lori has MS.
"When I got diagnosed back ten years ago I panicked," Schneider says.
She says she woke up one morning and half her body was numb and Lori herself felt numb knowing multiple sclerosis would affect her central nervous system. It commonly affects balance, walking and coordination.
"I went into fear mode. I left my life. I ran away," Schneider says.
But, she ended up running toward her favorite places—the mountains.
"Through the mountain climbing, I’ve really taken back my life and my power," Schneider says.
"She's following through with her dreams and really she's someone to look up to for sure with her message to others to move beyond their limitations," Jim Ramsdell says.
Schneider says her goal is to "help people to realize that their life isn't over when they're diagnosed with something like MS."
It’s just a little more inspiration for a woman reaching for the top of the world, determined to control her body, her life and her fate.
Lori leaves Friday for Nepal. Her group hopes to reach the summit by mid May.
As for how MS actually affects her climbing ability, Lori says it doesn't. She says her MS has been symptom free for several years and she thinks she's stronger now than when she was first diagnosed.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a Friend !
It's the last mountain after a lifetime of obstacles: Some that are actual mountains, another that's an incurable disease.
Lori Schneider is hoping to become the first woman with multiple sclerosis to ever defeat Mt. Everest.
She's seen the world from some of its highest places—six of the "Seven Summits"
"What that means is I’m trying to climb the highest peaks on each continent,” Schneider says. “I've finished six continents already. I just got back from Antarctica."
But, Schneider saved the best for last.
"I’m on my way to complete the grand daddy of them all—Mt. Everest in Nepal, Asia at 29,035 feet," she says.
It’s a trip that will take two months time. It’s one she's spent many months preparing for right in her Bayfield backyard. Schneider made daily hikes up a local ski hill with a 50 pound backpack. She propped a ladder against a tree to practice in her boots, then placed it across bales to prep for the large crevasses on the mountain. Her intense workouts can almost make you forget Lori has MS.
"When I got diagnosed back ten years ago I panicked," Schneider says.
She says she woke up one morning and half her body was numb and Lori herself felt numb knowing multiple sclerosis would affect her central nervous system. It commonly affects balance, walking and coordination.
"I went into fear mode. I left my life. I ran away," Schneider says.
But, she ended up running toward her favorite places—the mountains.
"Through the mountain climbing, I’ve really taken back my life and my power," Schneider says.
"She's following through with her dreams and really she's someone to look up to for sure with her message to others to move beyond their limitations," Jim Ramsdell says.
Schneider says her goal is to "help people to realize that their life isn't over when they're diagnosed with something like MS."
It’s just a little more inspiration for a woman reaching for the top of the world, determined to control her body, her life and her fate.
Lori leaves Friday for Nepal. Her group hopes to reach the summit by mid May.
As for how MS actually affects her climbing ability, Lori says it doesn't. She says her MS has been symptom free for several years and she thinks she's stronger now than when she was first diagnosed.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a Friend !
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
soggy doggy update
I just got home and it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be.
Both dogs greeted me at the door wet and soggy which means they just stood on the back porch and barked.
I had to turn my back when I walked in because they looked so funny and so darn cute.
After a quick towel dry and a spin thru the fluffer ( that's a game we play with the towel)
I combed them both out and look fine. Sheeesh ! I am so relieved.
My nails look great by the way. I'm just waiting for Mark to call to say goodnight at 3:00 in the afternoon.
It's after 10 pm there.
Goodnight Mark !
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a friend !
Both dogs greeted me at the door wet and soggy which means they just stood on the back porch and barked.
I had to turn my back when I walked in because they looked so funny and so darn cute.
After a quick towel dry and a spin thru the fluffer ( that's a game we play with the towel)
I combed them both out and look fine. Sheeesh ! I am so relieved.
My nails look great by the way. I'm just waiting for Mark to call to say goodnight at 3:00 in the afternoon.
It's after 10 pm there.
Goodnight Mark !
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a friend !
It's raining and you know what that means
It been raining all night and is still raining and you know what that means.
Lets do the math...One dog( who likes to get dirty) plus one white kitchen floor ( that already has paw prints on it) plus no supervision equals ( oh no I can't even think about it) a total mess. Mud puppy as my husband has nicknamed him.
What a pessimist or is this a realists? Whatever the case I am worried. I have to go out for a bit and I'm afraid of what I'll come home to. Mark is in Europe so I am on my own. Eeek!
Maybe he will be so tired he'll sleep ( hopefully not on my comforter on our bed)
or maybe he'll just watch the TV I leave on for them when I'm gone.
Maybe I am selling crack ( haha, Libby) and maybe I'm just delusional but no sense in worrying about what I can't stop from happening.
I'm going out. I need a break. Ok, where am I going? To get my nails done. So there.
This is my pamper me day.
Have a great day everybody. Stay warm and dry if you are local. Rest because the snow is coming bigtime on Saturday and Sunday.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Lets do the math...One dog( who likes to get dirty) plus one white kitchen floor ( that already has paw prints on it) plus no supervision equals ( oh no I can't even think about it) a total mess. Mud puppy as my husband has nicknamed him.
What a pessimist or is this a realists? Whatever the case I am worried. I have to go out for a bit and I'm afraid of what I'll come home to. Mark is in Europe so I am on my own. Eeek!
Maybe he will be so tired he'll sleep ( hopefully not on my comforter on our bed)
or maybe he'll just watch the TV I leave on for them when I'm gone.
Maybe I am selling crack ( haha, Libby) and maybe I'm just delusional but no sense in worrying about what I can't stop from happening.
I'm going out. I need a break. Ok, where am I going? To get my nails done. So there.
This is my pamper me day.
Have a great day everybody. Stay warm and dry if you are local. Rest because the snow is coming bigtime on Saturday and Sunday.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Monday, March 23, 2009
Tysabri day, oh yeah !
Today was my Tysabri infusion. I know I must be nuts but I really look forward to it.
Usually the week before my Tysabri infusion I drag a bit but you can see from my previous blog entry that Mark and I went for a walk on Sunday.I also went 2 miles on exercise bike Friday night.
I really look forward to my infusion because I know I'm going to have a great day. I love the hospital where I have it done and it is a fun atmosphere. I always meet someone and we talk.
Today Mark left for Europe so he dropped me off an hour early. I wasn't quite awake so I sat and did Sudoku. You know I'm hooked on my sudoku. It's keeps my brain going. Maybe it's because I went to school to become an accountant and I like numbers.
They were running behind ( so not like them) which means someone was probably late to their appointment and the rest of the day ofthe day was off.
I went for a walk because I had some time and because I was wearing my pedometer and wanted to add to my step total. I think I have become obsessed.
The handi van brought me home ( albeit late as usual) and when I arrived home I was petrified that Ripley was going to greet me covered on mud. It had been raining all morning. He greeted me with a big smile and lots of sloppy kisses. Noelle did the same.
I talked to Mark briefly on the phone and we will talk again tomorrow morning my time when he arrives in Belgium. Europe trips are always the hardest on me because of the time difference. 7 hours. We often are so tired that we get confused who is ahead of whom. I thin kwe have both
called each other at ridiculous times. Oh well.
So 4 weeks from now I will go back for nest Tysabri fix. Yeah !
I can't tell you how much I love this med.
Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/
Usually the week before my Tysabri infusion I drag a bit but you can see from my previous blog entry that Mark and I went for a walk on Sunday.I also went 2 miles on exercise bike Friday night.
I really look forward to my infusion because I know I'm going to have a great day. I love the hospital where I have it done and it is a fun atmosphere. I always meet someone and we talk.
Today Mark left for Europe so he dropped me off an hour early. I wasn't quite awake so I sat and did Sudoku. You know I'm hooked on my sudoku. It's keeps my brain going. Maybe it's because I went to school to become an accountant and I like numbers.
They were running behind ( so not like them) which means someone was probably late to their appointment and the rest of the day ofthe day was off.
I went for a walk because I had some time and because I was wearing my pedometer and wanted to add to my step total. I think I have become obsessed.
The handi van brought me home ( albeit late as usual) and when I arrived home I was petrified that Ripley was going to greet me covered on mud. It had been raining all morning. He greeted me with a big smile and lots of sloppy kisses. Noelle did the same.
I talked to Mark briefly on the phone and we will talk again tomorrow morning my time when he arrives in Belgium. Europe trips are always the hardest on me because of the time difference. 7 hours. We often are so tired that we get confused who is ahead of whom. I thin kwe have both
called each other at ridiculous times. Oh well.
So 4 weeks from now I will go back for nest Tysabri fix. Yeah !
I can't tell you how much I love this med.
Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/
Sunday, March 22, 2009
These feet keep walking
Mark and I just came back from a walk down the street.
As there is finally no snow on the sidewalk and the temps were nice we decided to go for a walk.
Only to the corner and back. It was very windy and my walker was blowing around a bit which makes me use more energy just to hold on to it.
There were a ton of kids in the park and several neighbors doing yardwork. We got a lot of doubletakes as my neighbors watched me walk down the street.
As some of you may know, I am really self conscious of the way I walk. I should be proud that I am walking and not using my wheelchair still but I am still self conscious.
These MS legs made me proud this weekend. Between the exercise bike Friday night. An all time farthest distance for me of 2 miles and this walk today I am feeling confident I can pull off three miles.
If determination counts for anything, I am determined. I plan to do this slowly and thoroughly
( for those of you who know me well as Miss Organized) know I have to plan everything and then re plan it. haha !
I will keep you updated on my training for my Olympics. LOL.
Have a great day. It is such a beautiful day.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
As there is finally no snow on the sidewalk and the temps were nice we decided to go for a walk.
Only to the corner and back. It was very windy and my walker was blowing around a bit which makes me use more energy just to hold on to it.
There were a ton of kids in the park and several neighbors doing yardwork. We got a lot of doubletakes as my neighbors watched me walk down the street.
As some of you may know, I am really self conscious of the way I walk. I should be proud that I am walking and not using my wheelchair still but I am still self conscious.
These MS legs made me proud this weekend. Between the exercise bike Friday night. An all time farthest distance for me of 2 miles and this walk today I am feeling confident I can pull off three miles.
If determination counts for anything, I am determined. I plan to do this slowly and thoroughly
( for those of you who know me well as Miss Organized) know I have to plan everything and then re plan it. haha !
I will keep you updated on my training for my Olympics. LOL.
Have a great day. It is such a beautiful day.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
My MS Walk
I orderd a pedometer the other day and have been anxiously awaiting its arrival.
I have used pedometers in the past but they never worked right because I didn't walk right so it never registered the steps properly. Now thatI am walking better I am going to give it a try again.
It arrived on Friday and I couldn't wait to start wearing it. I set it up after dinner. It doesn't work on stairs and I had to go down to the basement so Mark could show me something. I wasn't sure it was working right until I read the instructions( that always helps) that says it doesn't work on stairs.
So, I attached it to my pants and started keeping track of it last night. I was excited as the number grew larger.
This morning I put it on and then also put my Blackberry on my waistband. Ok, note to self, A real hi tech pedometer and a Blackberry don't work on pajama pants. Ok, for those of you who didn't get it. A heavy pedometer and a more heavy Blackberry attached to elastic waist pajama pants DON'T WORK.
So now that you are all laughing. Yes. my pajama pants ended up on the floor from all the weight attached to my waistband.
It was very funny
I need my husband the engineer to figure out how I can wear both. although I don't usually spend alot of time in pajamas( even though I would like to)
It seemed to work fine when I had pants on with a real waistband. So maybe I will ditch the Blackberry til I get dressed in real clothes. Heck, it's just my business or my health. That's a no brainer.
Bye Bye Blackberry, I will visit you later !! hahahahaha!
Here's to great walkin'
Have a good day everybody.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
I have used pedometers in the past but they never worked right because I didn't walk right so it never registered the steps properly. Now thatI am walking better I am going to give it a try again.
It arrived on Friday and I couldn't wait to start wearing it. I set it up after dinner. It doesn't work on stairs and I had to go down to the basement so Mark could show me something. I wasn't sure it was working right until I read the instructions( that always helps) that says it doesn't work on stairs.
So, I attached it to my pants and started keeping track of it last night. I was excited as the number grew larger.
This morning I put it on and then also put my Blackberry on my waistband. Ok, note to self, A real hi tech pedometer and a Blackberry don't work on pajama pants. Ok, for those of you who didn't get it. A heavy pedometer and a more heavy Blackberry attached to elastic waist pajama pants DON'T WORK.
So now that you are all laughing. Yes. my pajama pants ended up on the floor from all the weight attached to my waistband.
It was very funny
I need my husband the engineer to figure out how I can wear both. although I don't usually spend alot of time in pajamas( even though I would like to)
It seemed to work fine when I had pants on with a real waistband. So maybe I will ditch the Blackberry til I get dressed in real clothes. Heck, it's just my business or my health. That's a no brainer.
Bye Bye Blackberry, I will visit you later !! hahahahaha!
Here's to great walkin'
Have a good day everybody.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Friday, March 20, 2009
Tysabri advocate
My "prep" session went well this morning. I was so afraid they would want to change my speech just two short weeks prior to my next event.
I was pleasantly surprised they really liked my speech and had only a few minor suggestions on tweaking it.
I'm okay with their suggestions and I will make the changes by the next call.
I often forget I'm the only one who knows how I used to be. So when I give my speech all they see is a person " who doesn't look very sick".
I do use my walker when I go to these events because I'm not comfortable without it at this point.
When I am in a writing mood I'll rework my speech. Right now, I have too much other stuff going on to relax and get " in the moment" to rewrite a speech.
I am looking forward to this event and if any of you are local please come. Stop by my website for the info and how to register. I feel like I will have my "posse" there because I have about 6 people who are coming to the event after meeting me at various events or are my friends who might be interested in trying Tysabri.
Try it you'll like it. Ok, I'm being silly. I'm in one of those silly moods. Now, what is it my former support group used to say about me.
Oh, I remember " I'm too perky". And you all know what I said. Email me if you need the exact verbage.
Have a great weekend . Hopefully we'll get some sun.
I made the decision recently to do the MS Walk in 2010 so if you see me around the neighborhood wave. I'll be walking the streets. haha!
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
I was pleasantly surprised they really liked my speech and had only a few minor suggestions on tweaking it.
I'm okay with their suggestions and I will make the changes by the next call.
I often forget I'm the only one who knows how I used to be. So when I give my speech all they see is a person " who doesn't look very sick".
I do use my walker when I go to these events because I'm not comfortable without it at this point.
When I am in a writing mood I'll rework my speech. Right now, I have too much other stuff going on to relax and get " in the moment" to rewrite a speech.
I am looking forward to this event and if any of you are local please come. Stop by my website for the info and how to register. I feel like I will have my "posse" there because I have about 6 people who are coming to the event after meeting me at various events or are my friends who might be interested in trying Tysabri.
Try it you'll like it. Ok, I'm being silly. I'm in one of those silly moods. Now, what is it my former support group used to say about me.
Oh, I remember " I'm too perky". And you all know what I said. Email me if you need the exact verbage.
Have a great weekend . Hopefully we'll get some sun.
I made the decision recently to do the MS Walk in 2010 so if you see me around the neighborhood wave. I'll be walking the streets. haha!
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Thursday, March 19, 2009
MS Walk Shirt Special
I just wanted to remind everyobdy about my shirt special.
I do the MS Walk everyday shrt is on special thru the end of April so you can help promote your local MS Walk.
Regular prices are 14.99 and on sale for 11.99 ( size M-XL )
2XL are regular priced 16.99 and on sale for 13.99
3 XL 's are now available in this shirt.
If you have any questions please email me or comment on this site and I will get back to you ASAP.
Cathy
Practicing my speech
So, tomorrow I have a conference call about "prepping me" for my upcoming speech as a patient advocate.
I have given this speech many times and suddenly I need to be prepped. Ha ?
I will call them and probably give my speech over the phone ( which of course, always sounds like you are reading it )and take their feedback but I am still confused.
They are making way too many changes to this program and starting to make some of us a little uneasy about the politics games we have entered.
I have 6 people I have met recently or are friends with that wil be at this presentation. 6 new people interested in their product because of me and my success. Doesn't that count for something?
Still I will take my prepping and go on with my day.I'm not changing my speech two weeks before I give it thats for sure.
It's not like I have MS or anything and can re-learn a new speech in time. It's not like I have cognitive problems or anything.
There is a saying folks. If it's not broke, don't fix it. I have met some of the other advocates and you should be glad you have me. Extremely professional and I speak English properly !!
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
I have given this speech many times and suddenly I need to be prepped. Ha ?
I will call them and probably give my speech over the phone ( which of course, always sounds like you are reading it )and take their feedback but I am still confused.
They are making way too many changes to this program and starting to make some of us a little uneasy about the politics games we have entered.
I have 6 people I have met recently or are friends with that wil be at this presentation. 6 new people interested in their product because of me and my success. Doesn't that count for something?
Still I will take my prepping and go on with my day.I'm not changing my speech two weeks before I give it thats for sure.
It's not like I have MS or anything and can re-learn a new speech in time. It's not like I have cognitive problems or anything.
There is a saying folks. If it's not broke, don't fix it. I have met some of the other advocates and you should be glad you have me. Extremely professional and I speak English properly !!
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
A Multiple Sclerosis Overloaded Week
This has been quite the week. I'm on the MS Walk committee so I have been trying to tie up some loose ends for various projects forthe MS Walk.
The committee meeting was last night and I was pleasantly surprised to see we are indeed in good shape and that people were actually doing things. I felt like so much stuff had landed in my lap as in past years.
I have also been working on sponsors for my team www.TheMSShoppe.com. ( really original name) .Yes, I'm trying to promote my new business. I designed a team shirt and asked certain businesses to sponsor the shirt for a donation. I didn't want a ton of businesses only those that were special to Mark and I. People who have helped the business or helped me grow physcially and spiritually.
I got a proof of the back of the shirt and as I expected it looks great. My screen printer and I bartered on this project. He picked up any extra charges for art, etc and I put his logo on the shirt.
I am also getting donations for our team from our family and friends. We got a donation yesterday and although I would like to publically thank them in this forum I will not to so I can protect their privacy. They know how very grateful we are for this generous donation.
These very secial people donated $500.00. My parents donated $10.00. Tells you who really wants to see me get better.
I received so many checks the past few days I can't possibly thank them all like this. They will just have to wait for my cheesy thank you note to arrive in the mail. LOL
Today I told my support group that I will no longer be attending the meetings. There are so many reasons but mainly I have way too much going on right now and unless someone can clone me I have to cut back. See I am learning to say NO. I have been feeling really overwhelmed lately and honestly taking it out on Mark.
So now I'm going downstairs, pouring myself a glass of champagne and eating a frosted brownie I baked earlier today.
I had a great dinner of leftover steak and homemade spaghetti squash ( yum) and mango salsa
(Mark's wonderful concoction)
I will be enjoying some TV, a cuddle with the dogs and then sleeeeeeeeeeeep !
Miss ya Mark ! See you tomorrow!!!
Have a great evening !
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Don't forget the MS Walk shirt special (see website site for discounted price)
The committee meeting was last night and I was pleasantly surprised to see we are indeed in good shape and that people were actually doing things. I felt like so much stuff had landed in my lap as in past years.
I have also been working on sponsors for my team www.TheMSShoppe.com. ( really original name) .Yes, I'm trying to promote my new business. I designed a team shirt and asked certain businesses to sponsor the shirt for a donation. I didn't want a ton of businesses only those that were special to Mark and I. People who have helped the business or helped me grow physcially and spiritually.
I got a proof of the back of the shirt and as I expected it looks great. My screen printer and I bartered on this project. He picked up any extra charges for art, etc and I put his logo on the shirt.
I am also getting donations for our team from our family and friends. We got a donation yesterday and although I would like to publically thank them in this forum I will not to so I can protect their privacy. They know how very grateful we are for this generous donation.
These very secial people donated $500.00. My parents donated $10.00. Tells you who really wants to see me get better.
I received so many checks the past few days I can't possibly thank them all like this. They will just have to wait for my cheesy thank you note to arrive in the mail. LOL
Today I told my support group that I will no longer be attending the meetings. There are so many reasons but mainly I have way too much going on right now and unless someone can clone me I have to cut back. See I am learning to say NO. I have been feeling really overwhelmed lately and honestly taking it out on Mark.
So now I'm going downstairs, pouring myself a glass of champagne and eating a frosted brownie I baked earlier today.
I had a great dinner of leftover steak and homemade spaghetti squash ( yum) and mango salsa
(Mark's wonderful concoction)
I will be enjoying some TV, a cuddle with the dogs and then sleeeeeeeeeeeep !
Miss ya Mark ! See you tomorrow!!!
Have a great evening !
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Don't forget the MS Walk shirt special (see website site for discounted price)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
I keep dropping everything
I have had one of those today and it is far from over.
I have the drops today. Everything I touch I drop or break. Not always my fault but things keep breaking today.
The dogs who are usually uncooperative the first day Mark is gone lived up to their routine. Meal time was a disaster when Noelle decided to run upstairs and wouldn't come back down. Even when I shook the dogs food tub. I figured that would create some hunger. I went up to get her and she just laid there not interested. I finally got them to go back downstairs and she ran back up before I could feed them.
So I went back to bed. I figured they weren't hungry. I finally fed them about 8:30 in the morning instead of their usual 5:30.
When I got in the shower I realized the new rack Mark had installed had already fallen apart. The first rack had fallen and as I was showering the bottom rack fell off. I just about jumped threw the window.
As I was making lunch or deciding what to eat I thought soup sounded good. When I opened the cabiniet the soup came out to greet me. Unfortunately it landed on a plate I had on the counter.
A zillion pieces later I decided I just wanted to go back to bed.
I have so much to do today and I am afraid to touch anything. I have a MS Walk committee meeting tonight and I am thinking maybe I should lock myself in the house and not go.
I really hate days like this. I have dropped so many things. It is taking forever to get anything done.
How many hours are left in this day?
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell A Friend !
I have the drops today. Everything I touch I drop or break. Not always my fault but things keep breaking today.
The dogs who are usually uncooperative the first day Mark is gone lived up to their routine. Meal time was a disaster when Noelle decided to run upstairs and wouldn't come back down. Even when I shook the dogs food tub. I figured that would create some hunger. I went up to get her and she just laid there not interested. I finally got them to go back downstairs and she ran back up before I could feed them.
So I went back to bed. I figured they weren't hungry. I finally fed them about 8:30 in the morning instead of their usual 5:30.
When I got in the shower I realized the new rack Mark had installed had already fallen apart. The first rack had fallen and as I was showering the bottom rack fell off. I just about jumped threw the window.
As I was making lunch or deciding what to eat I thought soup sounded good. When I opened the cabiniet the soup came out to greet me. Unfortunately it landed on a plate I had on the counter.
A zillion pieces later I decided I just wanted to go back to bed.
I have so much to do today and I am afraid to touch anything. I have a MS Walk committee meeting tonight and I am thinking maybe I should lock myself in the house and not go.
I really hate days like this. I have dropped so many things. It is taking forever to get anything done.
How many hours are left in this day?
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell A Friend !
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Woman with Multiple Sclerosis runs Marathon
You know I love to share these stories. You go girl ! Congrats Karen !
For some people preparing for the Little Rock Marathon takes a whole lot more than just a few weeks of training. Try learning how to walk again. FOX16 talked to one woman battling multiple sclerosis who's walking in the half marathon Sunday.
But the truly amazing thing is this is her 23rd event like this. Pounding the pavement and pushing toward the finish line, runners always put their best foot forward in the Little Rock Marathon. Saturday we caught up with a very competitive Karen Stewart training for the competition in her hotel gym.
But there was a time when she didn't know if she'd ever even walk again. In 1996 Karen found out she had multiple sclerosis. She said, "in the beginning it was really bad. My right leg didn't work, I had a lot of numbness, my brain wasn't working."
The neurological condition keeps brain signals from connecting to the rest of Karen's body. "My brain might tell my hand to do something but my brain doesn't get to the hand," she said.After 4 years of therapy and medication Karen decided just walking again wasn't enough.
The Denver native entered the Portland Marathon and the rest is history. "I crossed that line and said 'ok, what next'?"Karen is a nurse and helps people with MS cope with their illness. But she hopes her involvement in the Little Rock Marathon can encourage people here to overcome any challenge they might face.
She says you don't need any good luck charms to make it to the finish line, just a good pair of walking shoes and a lot of faith. "I believe we all can do something more. We just have to tap into that spirit."Doctors diagnose 400,000 Americans with multiple sclerosis every year.
Fatigue, lack of muscle coordination, tremors and slurred speech are just a few of the warning signs of MS.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a Friend !
For some people preparing for the Little Rock Marathon takes a whole lot more than just a few weeks of training. Try learning how to walk again. FOX16 talked to one woman battling multiple sclerosis who's walking in the half marathon Sunday.
But the truly amazing thing is this is her 23rd event like this. Pounding the pavement and pushing toward the finish line, runners always put their best foot forward in the Little Rock Marathon. Saturday we caught up with a very competitive Karen Stewart training for the competition in her hotel gym.
But there was a time when she didn't know if she'd ever even walk again. In 1996 Karen found out she had multiple sclerosis. She said, "in the beginning it was really bad. My right leg didn't work, I had a lot of numbness, my brain wasn't working."
The neurological condition keeps brain signals from connecting to the rest of Karen's body. "My brain might tell my hand to do something but my brain doesn't get to the hand," she said.After 4 years of therapy and medication Karen decided just walking again wasn't enough.
The Denver native entered the Portland Marathon and the rest is history. "I crossed that line and said 'ok, what next'?"Karen is a nurse and helps people with MS cope with their illness. But she hopes her involvement in the Little Rock Marathon can encourage people here to overcome any challenge they might face.
She says you don't need any good luck charms to make it to the finish line, just a good pair of walking shoes and a lot of faith. "I believe we all can do something more. We just have to tap into that spirit."Doctors diagnose 400,000 Americans with multiple sclerosis every year.
Fatigue, lack of muscle coordination, tremors and slurred speech are just a few of the warning signs of MS.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a Friend !
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Multiple Sclerosis & Extreme Home Makeover Reunite !
Extreme Home Makeover builds a home for an Army Veteran with Multiple Sclerosis.
Thank ABC!
JAMESVILLE, N.C.
Never mind that superstitious talk about Friday the 13th. For Jeff Cooper and his family, Friday may have been the most fortunate day of their lives.
For the first time Friday night, the Coopers - Jeff, 44, his wife, Clara, 40, and their children, Windy, 16, and Aaron, 13 - saw their new home, built by hundreds of volunteers in this small community in northeastern North Carolina. It was all for the production of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," the reality ABC-TV series.
A week ago, show host Ty Pennington surprised the Coopers by coming to their door and announcing that they were about to get a new house for free.
Cooper, a decorated Army medic who served in Operation Desert Storm, has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair. Local builders and architects designed the new home to be more accessible for him.
The one-story house has a contemporary style. It's made of log and wood veneer with an arched, standing-seam metal roof.
The network sent the family to Washington, D.C., for a weeklong vacation. Volunteers demolished their double-wide mobile home and began construction immediately.
"One of the biggest challenges we faced was not knowing when all of our volunteer workers would show up, and how long they would stay," said architect Jonathan White of Kitty Hawk.
John Norris, president of Edenton Builders in Edenton, said his crews stayed on schedule until about midweek, when they needed to get the roof on quickly.
They sent an emergency call out, and skilled volunteers responded quickly.
Hundreds from the area braved the rain, cold and mud on Friday to see the unveiling of the family's new home.
"I came with a friend and his girls to see if they could get Ty Pennington's autograph," said Bill Walker of Columbia.
They stood behind barricades for several hours while TV production crews rehearsed the last scenes in the show, cueing the crowds to cheer. At about 7 p.m., the Coopers arrived in a white stretch limo. Pennington opened the doors for them, and a few minutes later, the spectators got their chance to shout: "Move that bus!"
When the huge bus pulled down the gravel road, the Coopers saw their new home, cried and reached out to hug someone close.
The Coopers toured the house, but won't move in until this weekend.
No one else gets to see the interior until the show airs May 3.
"I think Jeff will be ecstatic," said his younger brother, Joe, who lives nearby.
"Our dad, who passed away, always wanted to build a log home, and I guess Jeff kind of inherited that wish."
I love to share sories like these with everybody.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell A Friend !
Thank ABC!
JAMESVILLE, N.C.
Never mind that superstitious talk about Friday the 13th. For Jeff Cooper and his family, Friday may have been the most fortunate day of their lives.
For the first time Friday night, the Coopers - Jeff, 44, his wife, Clara, 40, and their children, Windy, 16, and Aaron, 13 - saw their new home, built by hundreds of volunteers in this small community in northeastern North Carolina. It was all for the production of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," the reality ABC-TV series.
A week ago, show host Ty Pennington surprised the Coopers by coming to their door and announcing that they were about to get a new house for free.
Cooper, a decorated Army medic who served in Operation Desert Storm, has multiple sclerosis and uses a wheelchair. Local builders and architects designed the new home to be more accessible for him.
The one-story house has a contemporary style. It's made of log and wood veneer with an arched, standing-seam metal roof.
The network sent the family to Washington, D.C., for a weeklong vacation. Volunteers demolished their double-wide mobile home and began construction immediately.
"One of the biggest challenges we faced was not knowing when all of our volunteer workers would show up, and how long they would stay," said architect Jonathan White of Kitty Hawk.
John Norris, president of Edenton Builders in Edenton, said his crews stayed on schedule until about midweek, when they needed to get the roof on quickly.
They sent an emergency call out, and skilled volunteers responded quickly.
Hundreds from the area braved the rain, cold and mud on Friday to see the unveiling of the family's new home.
"I came with a friend and his girls to see if they could get Ty Pennington's autograph," said Bill Walker of Columbia.
They stood behind barricades for several hours while TV production crews rehearsed the last scenes in the show, cueing the crowds to cheer. At about 7 p.m., the Coopers arrived in a white stretch limo. Pennington opened the doors for them, and a few minutes later, the spectators got their chance to shout: "Move that bus!"
When the huge bus pulled down the gravel road, the Coopers saw their new home, cried and reached out to hug someone close.
The Coopers toured the house, but won't move in until this weekend.
No one else gets to see the interior until the show airs May 3.
"I think Jeff will be ecstatic," said his younger brother, Joe, who lives nearby.
"Our dad, who passed away, always wanted to build a log home, and I guess Jeff kind of inherited that wish."
I love to share sories like these with everybody.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell A Friend !
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Puppy Mill Auction
Yesterday the sheltie rescue we volunteer with went to an auction and came home with 4 adorable puppies. These puppies are from puppy mills and while I don't know all the circumstances I do know they will find a forever home with the right people.
Not the people that write a check for the "cute little puppy" but the person who will understand what a sheltie needs and deserves.
Shelties have natural instincts, traits ( some good and some not so good). They are escape artists as we all saw when one puppy mill puppy jumped a five ft fence.
Mine have a five ft fence and that always worries me.
Puppy mill dogs have to go thru a rehab period. They have spent their entire short lives in cages, have never walked on grass, are extremely afraid of humans.
They don't know how to play, or cuddle or what a toy looks like.
I am so grateful, like so many others, that the lady that runs this rescue has taken on 4 puppies at the same time. She is truly a saint in my book.
By the way, she always names them and she comes up with some doozies.
The last group were Ebay (our escapee), google, yahoo and spam. Every one who got adopted got their name changed. LOL
This group was Waylon, Willie, Loretta and Reba. Ya think she likes country music?
Good luck with this tiny group of love. I'm sure they will be ready for a great home soon and I'm sure you will find them the perfect one.. Thanks for all you do for the shelties in the world.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Not the people that write a check for the "cute little puppy" but the person who will understand what a sheltie needs and deserves.
Shelties have natural instincts, traits ( some good and some not so good). They are escape artists as we all saw when one puppy mill puppy jumped a five ft fence.
Mine have a five ft fence and that always worries me.
Puppy mill dogs have to go thru a rehab period. They have spent their entire short lives in cages, have never walked on grass, are extremely afraid of humans.
They don't know how to play, or cuddle or what a toy looks like.
I am so grateful, like so many others, that the lady that runs this rescue has taken on 4 puppies at the same time. She is truly a saint in my book.
By the way, she always names them and she comes up with some doozies.
The last group were Ebay (our escapee), google, yahoo and spam. Every one who got adopted got their name changed. LOL
This group was Waylon, Willie, Loretta and Reba. Ya think she likes country music?
Good luck with this tiny group of love. I'm sure they will be ready for a great home soon and I'm sure you will find them the perfect one.. Thanks for all you do for the shelties in the world.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Raising money for Multiple Sclerosis
I love to share this type of story with all of you. This came from a paper in Pennsylvania.
For the second year, a local musician is spending time on a rooftop to help raise money to fight multiple sclerosis.
"I'm doing good so far," said Chris Higbee of the Chris Higbee Project from on top of the roof of the Moose Lodge 92 along Route 51 in Perryopolis on Tuesday.
At 8 p.m. Sunday, Higbee climbed onto the roof where he had a tent waiting for him as well as three nights of camping supplies.
Higbee did the same thing last year when a member of the Moose Lodge contacted Mark Vinsick, a guitarist with the Chris Higbee Project, who then contacted Higbee to see if he was interested in the rooftop marathon as part of the Ugliest Bartender Contest to help fight multiple sclerosis.
Last year, Higbee said managed to raise approximately $5,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. He hopes to raise more this year.
Higbee was off to a good start. On Monday night between 40 and 50 people came to visit him, some driving up to four hours to make the journey. He welcomed people from as far as Beaver and even Erie.
Higbee has been gracious for those visiting fans and supporters. He talks with them and will even play some music. In fact, he brought his fiddle on the roof with him.
All donations are welcome. The first 150 people who donate $10 or more will receive a ticket to tonight's Chris Higbee Project performance at the Moose. It will be held at 8 p.m. when Higbee comes down from the rooftop.
Higbee, who's an avid camper, said he's been spending his time listening to and playing music and also writing music.
Not only is Higbee thankful for his fans, he's also happy to see his hometown community come out to support him by bringing him food and visitors to help pass the three-day camp-out.
"It's been a lot of fun," Higbee said.
Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/
For the second year, a local musician is spending time on a rooftop to help raise money to fight multiple sclerosis.
"I'm doing good so far," said Chris Higbee of the Chris Higbee Project from on top of the roof of the Moose Lodge 92 along Route 51 in Perryopolis on Tuesday.
At 8 p.m. Sunday, Higbee climbed onto the roof where he had a tent waiting for him as well as three nights of camping supplies.
Higbee did the same thing last year when a member of the Moose Lodge contacted Mark Vinsick, a guitarist with the Chris Higbee Project, who then contacted Higbee to see if he was interested in the rooftop marathon as part of the Ugliest Bartender Contest to help fight multiple sclerosis.
Last year, Higbee said managed to raise approximately $5,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. He hopes to raise more this year.
Higbee was off to a good start. On Monday night between 40 and 50 people came to visit him, some driving up to four hours to make the journey. He welcomed people from as far as Beaver and even Erie.
Higbee has been gracious for those visiting fans and supporters. He talks with them and will even play some music. In fact, he brought his fiddle on the roof with him.
All donations are welcome. The first 150 people who donate $10 or more will receive a ticket to tonight's Chris Higbee Project performance at the Moose. It will be held at 8 p.m. when Higbee comes down from the rooftop.
Higbee, who's an avid camper, said he's been spending his time listening to and playing music and also writing music.
Not only is Higbee thankful for his fans, he's also happy to see his hometown community come out to support him by bringing him food and visitors to help pass the three-day camp-out.
"It's been a lot of fun," Higbee said.
Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/
I am woman hear me roar !
Ok, so I'm not Helen Reddy or whoever sang that song.
I am feeling better about the parent situation thanks to alot of
kind words and support reminding me how strong I really am.
If my parents can't deal with strong, positive people then maybe I don't
really need them in my life.
My hubby has been so supportive with the parent situation since the day we met
and he married me anyway. LOL My family is bizarre to say the least and quite selfish.
My therapist referred to them as narcissistic.
I got lots of hugs from my hubby and my dogs ( including Mud Puppy without the mud ) and I feel better about the situation.
So, I now I really need your help. We nicknamed Ripley "Mud Puppy" after his adventure in
the mud but I need a nickname for Noelle ( besides Bonehead). She is the jealous type so I have to think of something. Maybe I will call her my "snuggi" ( after that blanket with arms)
Have a great everyday. Smile often. It makes people think you are up to something. LOL
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Dont' forget my special price on " I do the MSWalk everyday" shirts.
I am feeling better about the parent situation thanks to alot of
kind words and support reminding me how strong I really am.
If my parents can't deal with strong, positive people then maybe I don't
really need them in my life.
My hubby has been so supportive with the parent situation since the day we met
and he married me anyway. LOL My family is bizarre to say the least and quite selfish.
My therapist referred to them as narcissistic.
I got lots of hugs from my hubby and my dogs ( including Mud Puppy without the mud ) and I feel better about the situation.
So, I now I really need your help. We nicknamed Ripley "Mud Puppy" after his adventure in
the mud but I need a nickname for Noelle ( besides Bonehead). She is the jealous type so I have to think of something. Maybe I will call her my "snuggi" ( after that blanket with arms)
Have a great everyday. Smile often. It makes people think you are up to something. LOL
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Dont' forget my special price on " I do the MSWalk everyday" shirts.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Stem Cells and a whole lot more
So stem cells have been in the news alot lately. Last week at Legislative Day here in Wisconsin we heard all about the promising research being done.
It is very impressive so much is being done and I'm proud that Wisconsin is a leader in this area.
Their are so many research projects going on from myelin repair ( a real biggie) to the injestion of worm eggs ( yuk)to bone density testing andso many more.
There are currently 10 research projects going on in Wisconsin, 8 researchers and 6.4 miliion funding by the NMSS. This is remarkable and commendable.
So as you plan your walk fundraising and people ask you where the money goes remind them of these types of projects. This is only Wisconsin, there is so much more going on out there.
Wisconsin has one of the highest number of people with MS in the country.. More than 10,000 people in Wisconsin live with MS. 1 in 500 in Wisconsin vs. 1 in 10,000 in Texas.
Something to think about.
Hope everybody has a great day. It's raining here and we'll probably get freezing rain later. And they wonder why Wisconsin has the highest rate of MS. Could it be we NEVER see the sun.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
It is very impressive so much is being done and I'm proud that Wisconsin is a leader in this area.
Their are so many research projects going on from myelin repair ( a real biggie) to the injestion of worm eggs ( yuk)to bone density testing andso many more.
There are currently 10 research projects going on in Wisconsin, 8 researchers and 6.4 miliion funding by the NMSS. This is remarkable and commendable.
So as you plan your walk fundraising and people ask you where the money goes remind them of these types of projects. This is only Wisconsin, there is so much more going on out there.
Wisconsin has one of the highest number of people with MS in the country.. More than 10,000 people in Wisconsin live with MS. 1 in 500 in Wisconsin vs. 1 in 10,000 in Texas.
Something to think about.
Hope everybody has a great day. It's raining here and we'll probably get freezing rain later. And they wonder why Wisconsin has the highest rate of MS. Could it be we NEVER see the sun.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Monday, March 9, 2009
Burned again by my parents !
So a side note to Saturday's blog and Ripley's adventure thru the mud. My husband, Mark, has now nicknamed Ripley " Mud Puppy". It snowed all day sunday andthe only problem with that is that snow melts and I'll go thru Ripley's mud adventure again. Next time I am not goingto the grocery store. I'll be staying home and dog sitting.
The sun is out today so at least it is beautfiul. The snow is white. It had become real brown
and dirty looking there for a while. I think we are due for more snow soon.
I have been working on the MS Walk committee alot and trying to get things done. My biggest fear is that we get a foot of snow the day of the walk. Well, it is Wisconsin !
Donations are coming in and I am happy. I've got a big stack of checks.
It has been a real disappointment from my so called family. I was warned to not believe them when they said they would be there for me for the walk. The strange thing is they told everybody they would be supporting the walk. They even sent my mother in law a letter telling her they were supporting the walk this year. I should have never beleived them because now I am angry and hurt.
Things will never change with them. They just can't support their daughter with MS.
I don't have cooties just MS. Grow up you a-holes. Ok, now I feel better.
By the way, I got a check for $10 donation from my parents. They can afford to g oto Vegas on a regular basis and gamble away tons of dollars and they "support" their daughter with $10.
I give up. Lose my phone number ! I don't want to deal with you anymore. DNA does NOT make a family.
I'm goingto exercise. That will make me feel better because I don't need this kind of stress, no do I?
On a positive note, Thank you all for supporting Mark and I on this walk. I have decided I am going to try and walk the walk in 2010. It will be an emotional day for my peeps if I truly am able to do it.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
The sun is out today so at least it is beautfiul. The snow is white. It had become real brown
and dirty looking there for a while. I think we are due for more snow soon.
I have been working on the MS Walk committee alot and trying to get things done. My biggest fear is that we get a foot of snow the day of the walk. Well, it is Wisconsin !
Donations are coming in and I am happy. I've got a big stack of checks.
It has been a real disappointment from my so called family. I was warned to not believe them when they said they would be there for me for the walk. The strange thing is they told everybody they would be supporting the walk. They even sent my mother in law a letter telling her they were supporting the walk this year. I should have never beleived them because now I am angry and hurt.
Things will never change with them. They just can't support their daughter with MS.
I don't have cooties just MS. Grow up you a-holes. Ok, now I feel better.
By the way, I got a check for $10 donation from my parents. They can afford to g oto Vegas on a regular basis and gamble away tons of dollars and they "support" their daughter with $10.
I give up. Lose my phone number ! I don't want to deal with you anymore. DNA does NOT make a family.
I'm goingto exercise. That will make me feel better because I don't need this kind of stress, no do I?
On a positive note, Thank you all for supporting Mark and I on this walk. I have decided I am going to try and walk the walk in 2010. It will be an emotional day for my peeps if I truly am able to do it.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Sunday, March 8, 2009
What a story !
It is stories like this that make my day.Hope it makes yours. Although I don't know you Saeje, Thanks a bunch !
Your parents should be as proud of you as the MS community is.
AMARILLO, TX -- A local 9-year old is proving you're never too young to make a difference in your community.
Meet Saeje Jameson after seeing her aunt struggle with multiple sclerosis, Saeje decided to take action. Saturday she sold lemonade at the Wal-mart on 45th and Coulter to try to reach her goal of $2,500 to support folks in the panhandle with MS.
"She's very entrepreneurial and she's just has the attitude that everyone can make a difference so she's been good at jumping in. She knew she could do it and she's wasn't going to take no for answer," said her mom, Angie Jameson. Thanks Saeje for working so hard in the panhandle spirit.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a Friend !
Your parents should be as proud of you as the MS community is.
AMARILLO, TX -- A local 9-year old is proving you're never too young to make a difference in your community.
Meet Saeje Jameson after seeing her aunt struggle with multiple sclerosis, Saeje decided to take action. Saturday she sold lemonade at the Wal-mart on 45th and Coulter to try to reach her goal of $2,500 to support folks in the panhandle with MS.
"She's very entrepreneurial and she's just has the attitude that everyone can make a difference so she's been good at jumping in. She knew she could do it and she's wasn't going to take no for answer," said her mom, Angie Jameson. Thanks Saeje for working so hard in the panhandle spirit.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a Friend !
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Anyone want a dog? haha!
The past few days have been warm enough to melt most of the snow in our backyard. Unfortunatley the ground is still frozen so we have standing water or should I say mud.
Today we went to the grocery store to return to a mess like I have never seen before.
There wasn't an inch of my WHITE kitchen floor that wasn't covered in a muddy paw print.
Of course, when they heard us coming home they ran to the front door. Muddy paw prints outlined their path from the doggy door thru the kitchen, dining room, living room and ended in the foyer.
Did I mention I have all hardwood floors, except the WHITE kitchen floor. These are the original hardwood floors from 1895 and not so easy to maintain.
We started bringing in bags from the grocery store when I took a good look at Ripley. Oh my god, I wanted to kill him or at least laugh in his face. He was covered in mud up to his nose.
Remember these are long hair shelties. Beautifully cleaned and just groomed long hair shelties.
He was exhausted so he laid on the floor leaving more mud while we put the groceries away.
This was not a towel off the dog incident, this was a bath.
Okay for those of who do not know Ripley is a rescue dog and doesn't react like normal dogs. We were both so pissed at the mess and neither one of us was in the mood to wash an uncooperative long haired dog.
We finsihed the groceries, ate a real quick lunch and started to tackle the unexpected projects. Mark took Ripley in the bathroom and threw him in tub. I got the mop and started on the floors.
I mopped the kitchen, the dining room, the living room and the foyer. Oh yeah, I usually don't do the floors because of my MS. It is way too much for me.
So, now I'm trying to wait for the dog more because I don't have a dry towel in the house.
They are all in the washing machine. Ripley is a soggy doggy and looking quite pathetic.
He is laying at my feet trying to get back on my good side. If he didn't look so darn cute wet I would have wrung his neck.
When we took off his bandana ge got from the groomer we noticed all his tags were gone.
So Mark is out tryingto get him a new tag. We called the vet and got a new rabies tag and I just ordered a new tag for his microchip online.
I need to comb him out completely so that's where I am headed. If anybody wants a dog, please let me know. just kidding !
And so ironic we are expecting 6-10 inches tomorrow of snow !!
Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/
Today we went to the grocery store to return to a mess like I have never seen before.
There wasn't an inch of my WHITE kitchen floor that wasn't covered in a muddy paw print.
Of course, when they heard us coming home they ran to the front door. Muddy paw prints outlined their path from the doggy door thru the kitchen, dining room, living room and ended in the foyer.
Did I mention I have all hardwood floors, except the WHITE kitchen floor. These are the original hardwood floors from 1895 and not so easy to maintain.
We started bringing in bags from the grocery store when I took a good look at Ripley. Oh my god, I wanted to kill him or at least laugh in his face. He was covered in mud up to his nose.
Remember these are long hair shelties. Beautifully cleaned and just groomed long hair shelties.
He was exhausted so he laid on the floor leaving more mud while we put the groceries away.
This was not a towel off the dog incident, this was a bath.
Okay for those of who do not know Ripley is a rescue dog and doesn't react like normal dogs. We were both so pissed at the mess and neither one of us was in the mood to wash an uncooperative long haired dog.
We finsihed the groceries, ate a real quick lunch and started to tackle the unexpected projects. Mark took Ripley in the bathroom and threw him in tub. I got the mop and started on the floors.
I mopped the kitchen, the dining room, the living room and the foyer. Oh yeah, I usually don't do the floors because of my MS. It is way too much for me.
So, now I'm trying to wait for the dog more because I don't have a dry towel in the house.
They are all in the washing machine. Ripley is a soggy doggy and looking quite pathetic.
He is laying at my feet trying to get back on my good side. If he didn't look so darn cute wet I would have wrung his neck.
When we took off his bandana ge got from the groomer we noticed all his tags were gone.
So Mark is out tryingto get him a new tag. We called the vet and got a new rabies tag and I just ordered a new tag for his microchip online.
I need to comb him out completely so that's where I am headed. If anybody wants a dog, please let me know. just kidding !
And so ironic we are expecting 6-10 inches tomorrow of snow !!
Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/
Friday, March 6, 2009
A little funny for you !
"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz)
Recovering MS addict
I am still recovering from Legislative Day yesterday at the Capital in Madison.
I think it was that long walk up the steep hill that did me in. My calves are definitely feeling it.
Last night my legs kept cramping and it was difficult to sleep.
I had a wonderful time and I would do it again in a minute. What a way to make a difference for those of us with MS.
There was a group of 6 of us who met with the State Senators office. I kind of took the lead ( can you believe it) but the meeting went well.
I then met with my local legislators office by myself. I have met with my rep before and also his office last year but I never did it alone. I was a little tired and I think it showed.
Of course, nobody from Fond du Lac has the motivation to do anything like this so it takes people like me to bring it on. I had a blast.
By the time I got home I was so tired. Mark and I had planned on a salad for dinner with leftover steak on top. Of course, they served a sald for lunch. I think I am having a fiber overload. Too many veggies !!
I wanted to thank the National MS Society Wisconsin chapter for arranging transportation for us. I don't think I would have been able to participate in this event without it. Of course, we got the party bus decked out in blue and balloons all over the side so it was easy to spot at the end of the day.
NMSS put on a fabulous event and they should be commended for thinking outside the box and organizing such an event.
So the title ofthis blog is recovering MS addict because I often feel I could be a full time volunteer and I'm okay with that. somebody has to do it and we all have to get involved.
Don't forget your local MS Walk coming up. If you don't have one, hop on a plane and come see me. haha !
Visit my website if you have a chance and get your I do the MS Walk everyday shirt ( now at a reduced price) or visit me on Facebook and introduce yourself.
Have a spectacular day ! It's raining here and I can't wait for the rainbow that always follows the rain.
I did hear a wonderful saying yesterday and I think it is destined to become my new favorite saying. I already added it to my Facebook page.
Everything unattempted is impossible !
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a friend !
I think it was that long walk up the steep hill that did me in. My calves are definitely feeling it.
Last night my legs kept cramping and it was difficult to sleep.
I had a wonderful time and I would do it again in a minute. What a way to make a difference for those of us with MS.
There was a group of 6 of us who met with the State Senators office. I kind of took the lead ( can you believe it) but the meeting went well.
I then met with my local legislators office by myself. I have met with my rep before and also his office last year but I never did it alone. I was a little tired and I think it showed.
Of course, nobody from Fond du Lac has the motivation to do anything like this so it takes people like me to bring it on. I had a blast.
By the time I got home I was so tired. Mark and I had planned on a salad for dinner with leftover steak on top. Of course, they served a sald for lunch. I think I am having a fiber overload. Too many veggies !!
I wanted to thank the National MS Society Wisconsin chapter for arranging transportation for us. I don't think I would have been able to participate in this event without it. Of course, we got the party bus decked out in blue and balloons all over the side so it was easy to spot at the end of the day.
NMSS put on a fabulous event and they should be commended for thinking outside the box and organizing such an event.
So the title ofthis blog is recovering MS addict because I often feel I could be a full time volunteer and I'm okay with that. somebody has to do it and we all have to get involved.
Don't forget your local MS Walk coming up. If you don't have one, hop on a plane and come see me. haha !
Visit my website if you have a chance and get your I do the MS Walk everyday shirt ( now at a reduced price) or visit me on Facebook and introduce yourself.
Have a spectacular day ! It's raining here and I can't wait for the rainbow that always follows the rain.
I did hear a wonderful saying yesterday and I think it is destined to become my new favorite saying. I already added it to my Facebook page.
Everything unattempted is impossible !
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a friend !
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Legislative Day
I just got back from Legislative Day at our Capital Hill in Madison, Wisconsin and I am exhausted.
We met a hotel near the Capital and walked up that very steep hill in the wind.It looked like it was going to rain at any minute.
I met with two of my legislators for my area and covered the topics we were instructed to bring up. I had such a great time. I can't wait til next year.
They provided a bus for us and drove a bunch of us from Green Bay, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. Busrides like that are always fun because we really have a good time laughing and getting to know each other.
i'm goingto watch the last part of American Idol and then going to bed. My legs got a real workout stumbling around the Capital. I think mice built that. We were constantly getting lost, although I can probably point out where every bathroom was. haha !
Have a good night every body.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a friend !
We met a hotel near the Capital and walked up that very steep hill in the wind.It looked like it was going to rain at any minute.
I met with two of my legislators for my area and covered the topics we were instructed to bring up. I had such a great time. I can't wait til next year.
They provided a bus for us and drove a bunch of us from Green Bay, Oshkosh and Fond du Lac. Busrides like that are always fun because we really have a good time laughing and getting to know each other.
i'm goingto watch the last part of American Idol and then going to bed. My legs got a real workout stumbling around the Capital. I think mice built that. We were constantly getting lost, although I can probably point out where every bathroom was. haha !
Have a good night every body.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a friend !
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The MS Shoppe . com
I have been so busy with the business I haven't had the chance to sit down and blog.
That is not a complain just a statement. Just filled the last order and had to place an order for more shirts with my screen printer so I didn't run out.
I have had numerous requests for 3XL so I am adding those sizes to my product lines.
I am also making a sweatshirt for one customer. I am not sure if I'll stock sweatshirts at this point because I am hoping the weather will get warmer. If anyone wants a sweatshirt I can order those too.
I have an ad running for the special price of the MSWalk shirts so I have been real busy. I'm glad the ad is working out. It is always a crap shoot when you spend money on advertising.
I am going to Capital Hill tomorrow with a group from NMSS. It is an organized event they do every year. We get to talk to our legislators and it is always alot of fun.
They aren't predicting terribly cold weather ( because it is along walk to the Capital from the hotel) but it is supppose to be rainy and windy.
For those of you who have never used a walker. They don't do so well in the wind. They are very lightweight and blow over. Ask me about my Puerto Rico experience on my cruise.
Going to Facebook for a while for mindless dribble and say hi to my friends ! Stop by and visit !
Have a good day, everybody. Back to work !!
Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/
That is not a complain just a statement. Just filled the last order and had to place an order for more shirts with my screen printer so I didn't run out.
I have had numerous requests for 3XL so I am adding those sizes to my product lines.
I am also making a sweatshirt for one customer. I am not sure if I'll stock sweatshirts at this point because I am hoping the weather will get warmer. If anyone wants a sweatshirt I can order those too.
I have an ad running for the special price of the MSWalk shirts so I have been real busy. I'm glad the ad is working out. It is always a crap shoot when you spend money on advertising.
I am going to Capital Hill tomorrow with a group from NMSS. It is an organized event they do every year. We get to talk to our legislators and it is always alot of fun.
They aren't predicting terribly cold weather ( because it is along walk to the Capital from the hotel) but it is supppose to be rainy and windy.
For those of you who have never used a walker. They don't do so well in the wind. They are very lightweight and blow over. Ask me about my Puerto Rico experience on my cruise.
Going to Facebook for a while for mindless dribble and say hi to my friends ! Stop by and visit !
Have a good day, everybody. Back to work !!
Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/
Monday, March 2, 2009
Decked out in orange
Here is a picture of our home decorated with orange lights this week to recognize MS Awareness week.
Our home, a Victorian built in 1895, is a seven gables home and therefore has an unusual roof line so we hung the orange lights around the porch.
It looks very cool at night and I am sure it is raising alot of questions about the significance of the lights.
We live on the designated ambulance route and the street gets alot of traffic by hospital employees. The residents nicknamed it Nascar.
Thought you might like to see my little contribution to raising awareness for MS.
Thank You very much to my wonderful hubby who hung those lights yesterday. It was 10 degrees outside and he was freezing his rear off.
Cathy
Don't forget about my reduced price on the " I do the MS Walk everyday " shirt found on my website. Promote your local walk.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
MS Walk
I am so excited to see how many people seem to be involved in the various MS Walks around the country.
There is isn't a day that goes by that I don't get at least one if not several emails about teams forming and wonderful ideas about how to raise money for NMSS.
This is a trying year with the economy the way it is and for me it makes every donation and sponsor for our team http://www.themsshoppe.com/ ( how original) even more special.
I am trying to raise the most money I can but I am impressed with how many are involved this year. I am proud of the MS community. We are a determined bunch and we will find a cure. I do believe it will be in my lifetime.
So here's my offer. I am slashing the price of the shirt on my website that reads " I do the MS walk everyday". Wear it and get people talking about the walk. Good way to raise money for your team or yourself.
This offer is good until the end of April ( which is when my walk is)
So everybody keep up the good work and keep those donations pouring in. I don't care which chapter( although I would love it to be my Wisconsin chapter) and let's find a cure.
I feel like I should have pom poms on and a short skirt. No I was never the cheerleader type. But yes, I was the short skirt type.
Cathy
Tell a friend!
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