design your own cooling vest

This is a question for all of you ladies out there.

If you had the opportunity to design your own cooling vest what would you like it to be?

Do you want a better fit to cover those part us all ladies have? hips, butt, chest ?

Do you want a prettier color? What color? NMSS Orange? Pink? Floral?

lighter weight? Less expensive?

I'm being asked so I'm passing this on to you.

This is our chance so let's take this opportunity.

Thanks for your help.


Have a great day everybody !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Tell a Friend !

upcoming speaking event

I will be speaking as a patient advocate on behalf of Biogen Idec on Thurday Sept. 10
at the Country Springs Hotel in Pewaukee, Wisconsin.

Featured speakers: Dr. Stanya Smith and Pam Hebbring

Registration is at 5:00 pm and program will begin at 6:00 till 9:00 pm

Complementary Dinner will be served.

The topic is Organize your thoughts, organize your life, managing your memory.

To register call 1-866-955-9999.

Hope to see you there.

It's Over !

850 Union idiots pissed away their jobs and the company announced it is moving the factory to Oklahoma.
not sure wherethat leaves the salaried people. Are we staying in town or moving to Oklahoma also.
I'm okay ( or should I say Okie) with moving to Oklahoma I just don't want to lose my house in the process.
The rollercoaster ride continues.
Things to do list : Prep house to sell. I think I'll paint some today.

Sad, sad day here in town. If I were the union negoiators I would buy a new pair of running shoes because you have 850 angry union members you misrepresented.
If one of these guys shows up dead, there would alot of suspects and I'll bet no witnesses.

I'm okay, we'll get through this. I think the union members anger will be directed to their leadership and not the company so I am feeling safer.

Have a great day everybody.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

buyers remorse?

Good grief will this ever end?

Now the union is starting to have "buyer's remorse". That is what the union leaders called it. They are starting to think they made the WRONG decision. Ya think ?

The problem is that unless the contract changes they can't re vote on the exact contract. The company is sticking to their position and not making changes.
If the union pushes it I am sure the company will make them another offer but they won't like it.

These union leaders have made a big mistake for their union members. to think these people actually paid them to screw them.

The town is still so tense.
Today several union members got into a fist fight at one of the plants.
Police were called but everybody is keeping it hush hush.

You might note I never mention the company name. It's irrelevant at this point.

Have a great everybody.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Inside a pressure cooker

It feels like living in a pressure cooker out here. The tension is so thick I am not sure a knife
could make it through.
It is definately getting to me. I had major meltdown today. Not one thing in particular
I am just tired of it all. The union. The company. Are we moving? Are we staying?

Do I really want to live in an area where 850 union people are pissed off and unemployed.

What is that going to do my property values?

I guess you can say I'm really having a hard time dealing with all of this.

I feel like we are getting ( oh wait I can't say that online). I feel like we are
getting screwed.
I really don't want to move again but I really don't want to live in a town that is on the
brink of going under.

I'm so cunfused and i'm so upset. This whole thing is stressing me out.
And yes, I hit the ice cream today.
Tomorrow I am meeting with a personal trainer to be. I am consider hiring one but now
everything is so unsteady I'm not sure I want to spend any money.
Mark is going with me. I am glad because I tend to trust people more than I should and he
will be able to tell if we are going to connect.
I think a personal trainer is someone you really have to bond with, especially when
you throw MS into the picture.

Thanks for letting me vent. Thank s for all the supportive posts, emails and calls. My
phone has been ringing off the hook.

Have a great day everybody.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Ready, set,,go

I'm ready to face the day. Just got off my exercise bike and I feel good.

It's gonna be a stressful one so I'll be turning to bike to help me unwind.

Got a phone call last as I was crawling in bed from a collector looking for my brother.
Did my whole family put my name down on applications and not pay for anything?

I am tired of people calling me. Try paying my bills for a month. I live on social Security ! Everything is on time,every month. always has been, always will be.

Folks, stop calling me I'm not going to pay their bills too.

Have a great day everybody. Although the sun is shining the people in town are making it rain
with all the tears. Very Sad place to be

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

They voted NO

Today was the union vote and they voted NO to the proposed contract changes.

The company announced they will begin moving the plant in October and it will take 2 to 3 years to complete.
Wow ! 850 people made a decision that will basically take down a town. Sad Very Very sad

They haven't said what will happen to the salary employees. Will we also be moving to Oklahoma?
I am not crazy about living in a town about to go under with 850 unemployed and angry union employees.
What is going to happen to my home? Am, I going to end up bankrupt because of these 850 people who made the wrong decision?

They should announce the status or the salaried employees by Saturday.
Like my stomach isn't already tied up in knots.

I'm really having a bad day. Mark is in shock.

Have a great day everybody. Have one for me because I'm pretty sure I'm not going to have one anytime soon.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Favre Funny Shirt

Today I bought this shirt. Thought I would share it
with my blog family. And we all know I needed a good laugh !

Read it very carefully !

In case you can't read it, it says : We'll never forget you BRENT !

Name is misspelled !

I laughed so hard in the store I had to buy it.

Have a great funny day everybody !

Cathy

www.TheMSShoppe.com

You can cut the stress with a knife here

I didn't sleep very well last night. Can't imagine I have alot on my mind???

No decision has been made. Everything is resting on 850 union members to do the right thing and say yes to the proposed contract changes.
Sad that just a few people have that power and even sadder I am afraid they will use it to
and say no.
We have all had to make sacrafices during this economic challenges. We didn't buy a house beyond our means. I still use coupons and every penny that comes into this house is accounted for.
I can stretch a buck so far. I should write a book.

There is alot of community support and a rally scheduled for Sunday morning. It breaks my heart that this little town could go belly up because of this.

Lisa, there other location is in Stillwater. Not sure where in the state it is.

At least Oklahoma has great college football !! And of course, I know the lyrics to every song from the musical. hehe !

I've been to Oklahoma just once when we were driving thru. It was raining so hard and I had my little dog, my cockapoo ( this was a long time ago) who had to go to the bathroom. I turned and looked behind us and there was a tornado. eeek !
Needless to say we floored it.

Everybody please send some positive vibes my way. That this whole nightmare ends the right way.

I am a firm believer that everything in life happens for a reason. and yes, Diane I agree. I have had some dark times and from it came wonderful times.

So only a few more days and this will over or not.

Have a great day everybody. It's raining again and it's not helping my mood.
Off to the grocery store. I think I'll treat myself to sushi !
Do they sell sushi in Oklahoma?


Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

my bags are packed and i'm ready to go

For all of you locals you know what I'm talking about.

The company held a press conference, made some changes to the proposal and the union is still not happy. good grief !
what more do you people want? The shirt off their backs ! done. Their boxers ! It can be arranged.

Just do the right thing. Your decision affects this entire town.
And Thank You Scott for your commentary. Although some people are slamming it, please know you did the right thing.
Hold on tight, Fondy, keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle at all times.
Wear your seatbelt. The next few days will be a bumpy ride.

I plan to spend my weekend sorting thru the house and going to goodwill to donate it.

Have to be ready for when the movers arrive !! Okie dokey !

Have a great day everybody. It's raining here in more ways than one.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Tell a Friend !

not in the mood

Thank you everybody for your emails and kind words.

Yesterday I didn't really feel much like doing anything. I did however get my hair done.
Always a great way to relax. My friend who does my hair, was a little stressed out yesterday so we could unload on each other.

Her husband works at the same place as my husband and while our circumstances are different the stress level is the same.
I have naturally curly hair that she blow dries straight. Except yesterday she started to curl it after straightening it. too funny. I asked her if it relaxed her to di it and she said yes. So I came home with a head full of curls. Kinda like shirley temple. It looked adorable if I do say so myself.

Too bad Mark wasn't home to enjoy it. The curls lasted til today which was great because I went to visit my old support group.

Got to catch up with a few people which was nice. The one who cvalled me today and offered me a ride wasn't there so I'll have to call and check on her later.

I had the opportunity to share with the group my new role as MSF Ambassador.

It feels like it is going to rain so my legs are heavy. Hopefully it won't come at 2:00 am with thunder. Ya know my rescue dog hates thunder.

I think I'll write some later. sometimes it helps me think on paper or maybe I'll watch a movie

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Tell a Friend !

A Very sad day here in town

Yesterday the Union leaders didn't accept the proposal made by the company my husband works for.

These Union guys are idiots. Do they really think the company is going to keep the factory here in town now?
2000 jobs lost because of a few idiots, who by the way have a job in another state.

2000 lost jobs in this town will make Detroit look like a boom town. This town will go under.

They estimates 3000 homes will go into foreclosure as a result of the trickle down to other businesses.

The proposal will go to the Union members on Sunday and they can vote to override their union leaders, who aren't looking out for anybody but themselves.

This is a very sad day here in town. I had to choose my words very carefully writing this today.

First, because my husband is one of the "salaried" guys getting all the flack from the union guys.
Secondly, I am so pissed at the union that the only thing that wants to come out of my mouth are four letter words.
Unemployment in this area is close to 11 % already. A lower paying job is better than no job.
How hard is that to figure out.

I hope the union members do the right thing on Sunday. If you are local and reading this, help spread the word. Doomsday hits Sunday. Monday I'll be packing for Oklahoma ( because my husband will still have a job). Which by the way sounds like a great place to live. The union guys will be looking at the pink piece of paper in their hands and wishing they had made the right decision. Wondering how long they can survive on unemployment. i'll send you a postcard when we get settled in !!

I can't live amongst so many idiots.

Have a great Day everybody !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

These are for you "S"

These pictures are for someone special, S. You know who you are. LOL
Also look at July 29

Love ya lots, C

Cathy

www.TheMSShoppe.com

Packers won !!!

Last night was the first preseason game for the Packers.
It was against the Cleveland Browns and it is the time the coaches give all the players a chance to show their stuff.

Lots of players really stepped up and some well really didn't. I'm not the coach and I don't play one on TV but some of these guys on both teams stunk.

Of course the stars were my fav # 80 Donald Driver. And of course, Aaron Rodgers.

For those of you who don't know it I have the hots for Driver. I guess I have this thing for bald men. LOL He has the greatest smile and his backside is pretty fine too. He just seems to be a great guy. His wife is beautiful and their kids are adorable. A truly great role model !

Don't get me started on Favre and his whining. Personally I have never been a fan of his and after all the crap he pulled with so many teams it is really hard to like the man.

One player really showed his stuff last night. Desmond Bishop will be a rising star on the Packers. Please keep him.

I posted a picture that we used as our holiday card in 2007. We always do a theme card and we decided to do the Packers theme. This picture was taken 2 days after surgery on Thanksgiving Day. I could hardly sit I was in sooo much pain.
This is a special picture for me because it was the last holiday picture with Goldie before she died.

The dogs and I used to play a game of friendly football in the house on cold days. The big dogs vs. Goldie and me.
Goldie & I always had the advantage because Goldie's role was the football and when I carried her across the room tucked in my arms we always scored a touchdown. !!!
Oh memories ! Goldie was truly the team player and watching the Packers will never be the same without her.

Have a great day everybody

Cathy

www.TheMSShoppe.com

Conference Call Day

Yesterday I had 2 conference calls and a sore throat. Great combination !

The first call was with the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation as part of my role as an Ambassador with them.
We talked about speaking, writing speeches, delivering speeches, etc. I stayed pretty quiet during the call because my throat was on fire. I was chugging water and cough drops just to
stay on the call.
I learned alot ( although I give speeches alot) Thanks Kasey and the rest of the group for all your ideas. This will be a fun experience being an Ambassador for them .
They are a great organization. If you haven't checked them out please go to www.msfocus.org.
If you want to read the article about the ambassador program or any other article go to MS Publications, newletters and magazines.
I am honored to be a part of this program.

The second call was for my role as a Tysabri patient advocate. Biogen Idec, the makers of Tysabri, has redesigned a website for MS er's and they wanted our opinion.
Wow ! a drug company that really wants to help their patients. I'm not sure you can say that about alot of drug companies.
I guess thats why when I was asked to share my story within their advocate program I agreed.
I am also honored to be a part of this program.
to check out their site go to www.msactivesource.com
I think their are changes to follow but I like what they have done so far.

Have a great day everybody !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

tell a friend !

Let sleeping dogs lie

I'm sitting here in the office trying to get caught up on the mountain of paperwork to be done when you own a business.

I have a mound of stuff that will take about 15 minutes each but it seems I finish a pile and a new one forms.
I could get really stressed but I look over in the corner and there is my beautiful Ripley, snoring and breathing so softly.
I want to lay down beside him and close my eyes.

Hug your dogs every chance you get. You can never hug them often enough.

For my friend Marianne, My heart goes out to you. I wish I could be there for you.
Grieving for a dog is difficult, but grieving for 4 is beyond comprehension. I know
you house is sheltie less now but you gave these rescue guys the best possible life and I for one am glad to call you my friend. Love ya !

Have a great day everybody.

Cathy ( dog mom)
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Block party

This morning we woke up to find a flyer about an impromtu neighborhood block party for tonight.

I was at the hospital half the day for my Tysabri infusion and had nothing in the house to throw together so I asked Mark to pick up cupcakes from the grocery store.

We headed out to their house ( I walked the whole way there with just my cane yipee yippee yipee )
We figured they wouldn't get much of a turnout because it was so last minute but many people showed up.
It touched my heart ,especially after the ignorant man I ran into this morning that so many people commented on me walking around the block with my walker. Cheering me on !
I heard you go girl alot.
We met so many people, you know the ones you usually just wave to.
We have such a wonderful mix of people in this neighborhood.
After the flood last year we all jumped in and helped each other and we didn't even know each others names.
Now we do.

Many of us are now unemployed so I think this was the doctor ordered.

I'm shopping for a personal trainer so if you live in Wisconsin and want to be a part of my success story, please contact me. I have one lined up to meet in two weeks. Keep your fingers crossed that we are a good match and she gets the MS thing.

Have a great day everybody !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Tell a Friend

Tysabri

I just got back from my Tysabri infusion. # whatever I stopped keeping track.

It's working so who really cares what number infusion it is. It's in the 30's.

We had to change my time for today so everything is a little disoriented. I got real hungry during it so I ordered some food to tide me over til I got home.
A couple of very nice ladies joined me in the community room.
After they unplugged me from the IV I had to use the restroom. Imagine that, a person with MS, having all that fluids pumped into me and I had to use the restroom.

So I headed out to the restroom. This morning I chose to just use my cane instead of my walker.
I am half way to the restroom when I hear an ignorant old man say " she is too young to be walking with a cane".
Ok, so if you don't already know I am really self conscious about the way I walk. And although I was really proud of myself for just doing the cane this morning I didn't need to hear someone making fun of the way I walk.
Ok, you ignorant SOB. This is what I really wanted to say to you. FU FU FU . How dare you make a comment about something like that. HOW DARE YOU you ingorant old man.

There I said it, I feel much better. Thanks to the other ladies in the community room for reminding me of his ignorance and supporting my walking efforts and Thank you to Annette, my nurse, who gave me a hug. I think she could tell I was doing everything I could to fight back the tears.

I'm going to let it roll off my shoulders and get on with my day. At least the dogs won't care that I walk "funny"

Have a great day everybody !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

tell a friend !

SALE !!! Price reduced

We just reduced the price of Healthy Toes. Reg. price is $34.99 and sale price is $29.00

If you have never heard of these, you must go to my website http://www.themsshoppe.com/ and read about them.

My feet have never been the same since I tried these.

We never stretch our toes but yet we stretch every other part of our bodies.

Think about it, especially with MS and our balance issues how these nifty little devices can help.

A word of caution, They will hurt the first few times you put them on. Depending how tight your muscles are.

Now I use them as part of my relaxation program. It's almost like a pedicure without the polish.

They even went to Europe with me.

So relax, put your feet up and enjoy having healthy toes.

Cathy

http://www.themsshoppe.com/

Wisconsin news update

I was watching the Today show this morning when they gave an update on
this love triangle gone wrong here in Wisconsin.
I guess the guy who is "victim" is now in jail in our town.
He is accused of not paying child support, of abusing a child, abusing his spouse, theft ( of his wife's father's urn) f abusing his wife, making harassing hpone calls .good giref!
I think this area is full of nuts and weirdo's.

When Mark and I saw a picture of the guy who was the "victim" we both
looked at each other in amazement. As a women I guess I figured the guy several
women were fighting over would be dropdead gorgeous. And then I remembered
where we live. We don't grow them gorgous out here or even in good shape.

You can pick out the transplants like us from the locals a mile away.
I don't think I'll ever fit in here. Maybe we should move to Oklahoma.

It is sad that our town will be forever known for this demented group of
crazy's.

Have a great day everybody. It should be a beautiful one here.

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

Tell a Friend !

Wisconsin in the news

If for some reason you haven't heard about Wisconsin in the news this week well
let me fill you in.

It seems there were several women dating the same guy, who was also married with kids,
and they all found out about each other.
Well they were determined to teach this guy a lesson so they lured to him a hotel and tied him
to the bed. They then tormented him verbally but it got worse when they super glued
his private parts to his leg. Ouch !
Now I know all the men reading this just let out a huge groan but rest assured
the man is okay.
This hotel and this event are quite close to where I live. In fact we drove by the htoel the other day.
Ok, ladies I know each and every one of us has had at least one guy in our lives we
would like to teach a lesson or two too but this is not the answer.
My guy would be the one I was dating prior to my wonderful husband Mark.
It seems this guy "forgot" to tell me he was married and his wife was 8 months pregnant.
But I strongly believe everything in life happens for a reason and as it turns out I met Mark the night I went drinking after finding out about this guys "forgetfull memory problem".
It a good thing Mark gave me his business card. I had alot to drink that night. LOL

Good giref what will it be next?

Have a great day everybody and don't cheat on your spouse guys !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Tell a Friend !

MSFocus

I finally received my copy of MSFocus in the mail today. It's not that it was late but I was incredibly anxious to see it.
The article announcing the MSF Ambassadors was in it so it was fun to see it in print.
I did proof it and my name is spelled correctly ( inside joke, nobody ever spells my name correctly)
In addition to the announcement I am now an Ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation my ad for my business also came out today.
In my platform for the Ambassador I reminded people to not go thru this journey of MS alone. I encouraged them to look me up on facebook (and I do mean that) so I have been friended like crazy this week.
I know first hand what it is like to go thru this alone without my family. My husband, his family and the strong friends I have all stood by me. The wimps all ran for the hills.
The biggest dissapointment was obviously my parents. How do you give birth to someone and walk away from them.
I am not a parent to anything but my adorable pups but that doesn't make sense to me.

I have come to terms with it over the years that it is their loss. I am one hell of a great person. Fun and happy and positive. A bit nuts, a bit OCD. I have a real serious side and a "I can't stop giggling side" but I am a human being with living DNA parents who want nothing to do with me and my MS.
To them I say BITE ME. DNA does not make a family. I have plenty of friends who offer me the nurturing I need. My husband and of course, his mom, who I would not have made it this far without.
Thanks mom, I love you so much !

My ad also came out today. Orders ( a good thing), catalog requests, info calls. Just had to plug in my cell because the battery was low.

Mark called earlier from work. All the news stations are hovering at this company. If you are not familiar with what is going on the company he works for is threatening to move the operations to Oklahoma. A non union shop, etc. It's been more than a little stressful here in town. They are the biggest employer here.
Personally, I am okay with the OK state. Don't get me started I'll burst into all the songs from the musical Oklahoma. It's selling my house that concerns me. It's also coordinating my Tysabri infusion so I don't miss a dose. I am extremely organized person so I think I can pull it off. Moving the business would be easy as well.

Oh, one more thing. I was also in this month's issue of New Mobility. You can read the article newmobility.com. Written by my friend Jen ( thanks a bunch) it talks about my Tysabri advocacy.
My sister in law suggested I get a publicist to handle all this publicity. LOL
Autographs are free, however donations will be accepted and donated to MSF.

Have a great sunny Vitamin D filled day !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Tell a friend !

vacations stories

First and formeost, I want to say that we had a good time despite the many challenges we had thrown our way.

The cruise line we chose, although we have cruised with them before, could not fathom the thought of a person with a disability traveling anywhere. I guess they all believed I should be locked in a room decaying from boredon. Oh no, not this chick ! Not by any stretch of the imagination will I sit and decay like yesterday's garbage.

It was painfully obvious the passengers, who mostly did not speak english, couldn't comprehend my independence or spunk.

We planned on having obstacles getting around the ship. Every doorway has to be air tight in case of a situation where water was coming onboard so we knewthere would be lips andsteps everywhere. I am okay with that for my situation.

The bathrooms were ridiculous. In one I had to back into the main door and then the stall. When I managed to get the main door closed my walker rested under the handle so nobody could enter it after that. That was a bit scary incase I fell. But when you gotta go you gotta go.

The passengers, I believe because of their inability to recognize that a person with a disability is NOT Disabled, were beyond rude. My husband believes it is the European mentality. I can't and won't make that generalization. ( OK, my family is from Europe)

I got shoved a few times and bruised from people trying to get to the buffet. Like they hadn't seen food in days. And trust me some of these people could do without a meal or two.

I'm posting a picture of my knee when somebody pushed me because I wasn't walking fast enough.

I also was pushed on the tender and fell into the wall. The tender operator told us to stay until everyone else got off the boat so he could assist me. However,he didn't tell the man seated next to me ( who could have walked a few steps to disembark). I don't speak Italian, however I did learn some of the bad words LOL so I was unable to communicate that with him.

All in all we had a good time. My advice with a vacation like this is "travel with a cruise line that "gets it" and understands the needs of a person with a disability" This ruise line did not get it or make any attempt to learn it.

Costa Cruises please take a Royal Caribbean cruise sometime. They get it. They treat every passenger like they were the only ones on board. Costa treated nobody well.

Costa cruise lines, if you are reading this, please sit back and rest. My letter is on it's way.

Have a great day everybody !

Cathy

http://www.themsshoppe.com/