Monday, September 28, 2009

the morning after

Mark arrived home last night about 10:30. The dogs were so excited when they greeted him at the door.

I kept telling them I had a surprise for them. Ripley was so sleepy he could less until he saw Mark walk in the door. He turned into a 6 month old puppy (He's about 11 years old), wagging his tail and jumping on Mark.
Noelle immediately knew surprise meant dad was coming home so she perched herself next to the front door. Who says dogs aren't smart?

Anyway, I have mounds of the stinkiest laundry I have ever dealt with. Does anybody have one of those face masks? Whew !
Mark is so glad to be home. The man has a cast iron stomach and all I heard about was how awful the food was. He was thrilled to find a Tony Romo's and could at least recognize the food.

I will make him a great healthy dinner tonight and by tomorrow he will be okay.

By the time he finished unpacking it was close to midnight and the true trooper he is he was at work first thing in the morning. Don't think I could have or would have done that. Something about he had a meeting. Good giref, he just came back from China.

So I have my work cut out for me today. I figure the faster I get the laundry done the better the house will smell. eeek !

Have a great day everybody.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Sunday, September 27, 2009

Mark is on hhis way home

So after a long 15 hour flight ( something I don't know if I could ever do) Mark is on his way home.

He called from Chicago after trying unsuccessfully to get an earlier flight to Wisconsin.

The weather is turning bad. It is raining like crazy and the winds are really picking up so I am hoping he doesn't get stuck in Chicago.

The Packers won today. A good game to watch. However the Redskins lost to the worst team in NFL history. Detroit hasn't won a game since Dec 2007. That's 19 consecutive losses.
I am happy for Detroit. If there ever was a town that needed a win and a pick me up it is Detroit. So congrats. To the Redskins fans ( most of my family) sorry for the loss. I know it is painful.

I got so much stuff done today and I feel like I am paying the price now because I feel exhausted.
I got all the goodies boxed up for my adopted soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.
I got my orders ready to go to the post office. Now when the sweatshirts are ready later on this week I will just have to send those orders.
I even transfered money from my Paypal account to my checking account. Always a good feeling when it looks like you are making money. haha !

You can now access the business from my blog. Remember I donate a portion of all sales to NMSS and MSF. Always have and always will.

I am still looking for crafters who want to sell their stuff on my site. Go to crafters corner to see what I have so far. With the holiday season approaching thiscould be an opportunity for us MS ers to show our stuff.

Sweatshirts are selling like hot cakes. Already had to reorder once.
thank you to all of you who have supported our business. We appreciate your support and MS organizations will benefit from your support.

Have a great day everybody.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com


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Friday, September 25, 2009

my arm is NOT broken

Been a rough couple of days. Thanks to all my Facebook friends who gave me such good advice about whether my arm was broken or not.

On Wedesday I fell while at the gym. I had just finished an exercise and was sitting on a piece of equipment resting before going onto the next exercise. I was chatting with my personal trainer when the room started to spin.
I put my left hand down to steady myself only to realize that their was nothing next to me to put the arm on.
I remember hearing my personal trainer ask if I was okay, reaching out to grab me. By then I was somersaulting thru the air ( or at least thats how it felt) bouncing off equipment like I was stuck in a pinball machine. I landed wedged in a machine, rear first .

When I fall I am like a 300lb dead weight. I don't know how my trainer lifted me out of that awkward position. I'm 5-11 and she is probably 5-5. Both of us are thin and obviously she is a very strong woman.
We laughed about it and I felt okay but later that day my arm felt terrible.
Covered in bruises from my shoulder to my fingers I was in so much pain. I liked my MS better when my limbs were numb and I couldn't feel anything. now the slightest bump and I'm overwhelmed with pain. Remember I'm the one who drives my doctors crazy when they
ask " on a scale of 1 to 10 what is your pain level?" I always have to say 1 (just to shut them up ) because I have the highest pain tolerance of anybody I know.

I got off the computer yesterday, took advil, packed my arm in ice, elevated it on a cushy pillow and slept all afternoon.
My friend came over last night ( the RN who has a background in orthopedics) she said she would take me to the ER but she has also said "I can tell a break from a mile away" so I tested her. She did all kinds of stuff to my arm and we both decided it wasn't broken just bruised and sore ( probably from the workout as well as the fall)
This morning it is hardly hurting, the bruising is much less and I can actually type without saying one of those four letter words I love. LOL
I am glad this happenend when Mark was out of town. I can only imagine if we had to go to the ER. He would have been arrested.
So no lifting weights for me today. I am wearing my wrist brace to remind me it is tender.

Sheesh I have a stack of work to do and I'm not pushing it. I think us MS ers will understand.

Thank you all for your diagnosis yesterday. Some were very funy. Some were kind of scary. I feel better. Having never broken a bone before(OMG I probably just jinxed myself) I really didn't know what to look for it.

Have a great day everybody.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Thursday, September 24, 2009

new product for winter


I just added some sweatshirts to my website http://www.themsshoppe.com/ by popular demand.

This is the same layout as the T shirts that read I DO THE MS WALK EVERY DAY

Many people asked for them and I have been making them to order when I restock my inventory but I decided to gear up for winter and add them as a new product.

If you need a size other than what I have listed, please let me know.

I listed these on Facebook yesterday afternoon and had to re-order by late afternoon.

They will be available to ship next week.

Have a great day Everybody and don't forget we all do that MS Walk every day. LOL


Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

what a wonderful start of my day

This morning started off very nice. Had a great nights sleep, somewhere in the 9 hour range.

Mark called from Shanghai on schedule. This is a different time zone then we are used to. He is 13 hours ahead. He bought me a watch that has dual time zones on it and the $25 bucks we spent on it has already proven useful.

Then I went upstairs to shower. Water running, buck naked and the phone rings. Mark installed a phone in the bathroom for me because I had such a problem with falling.
It was his mother, who usually calls me every night Mark is gone but I didn't hear from her last night so I got worried. She is fine, just forgot. She's also 80 years old.
We had a nice chat as we always do.

Took a nice long shower. I usually don't take long showers but today it seemed like a pamper day so did.

After that I gave myself a facial. Wow ! that felt wonderful and my pores are thanking me.

After that I gave myself a pedicure and polished my toe nails. Bright red.

I got dressed, played with the doggies and didn't sign onto the computer til well after 10 am.

The only thing missing, besides Mark being on the same continent was a tiara.

Every once in a while you have to treat yourself extra special. It felt good to do and I have NO guilt.

I might even curl up on the couch with my new book. Oh yeah, I run a business, probably won't happen. LOL

Have a great day everybody. It's raining cats and dogs out here.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Monday, September 21, 2009

the parts of the puzzle


The past few weeks I have been trying to find all the props we need for our annual holiday picture.

As some of you may know, we always do a "goofy picture" with the dogs with some theme. One year it was the Packers, one was nautical. We all have outfits, including the dogs.

I realized I ordered 5 of one product and it has me really sad and somewhat confused.
Am I not over Goldie's death or do I subconsciously want another dog?
My husband says I am making too much of it but it has me confused and upset.

Am I having cognitive problems or am I just trying to do to many things at once.

While I miss my Goldie Bear alot I was shocked when I ordered an outfit to fit her.

The pictures this year will be adorable and I can't wait to take them.
I know,we are nuts, but these are our kids and I like the " family " photo.

I'll post it after we take it. And no guessing???
The picture is of Goldie ( the black one, she was Gold when we named her) and Noelle as a puppy, almost 6 years ago.

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

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Sunday, September 20, 2009

Quote for the Day

I used my imagination to make the
grass whatever color I wanted it to be ..... Whoopi Goldberg


Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Thursday, September 17, 2009

what a workout

Yesterday I met with my personal trainer.

The night before I was watching The Biggest Loser wth my husband and I was complaining I do so much exercise and yet still I walk like crap.
I was really frustrated going into my seesion with my trainer yesterday. It felt like it was going to rain ( and my body tightens up in the rain)
However when I left I was excited and feeling on top of the world.
I was so amazed what my body did and most importantly how it felt.
I am convinced more than ever I can walk better sometime in the near future.
I know this will take alot of hard work but I am so determined to do the MS Walk next year.

For the first time in so very long my lower back was not hurting when I went to bed last night. In fact, my legs and hips felt relaxed and natural.
Wow what a day. I'm feeling sparkly today.

Just got off the exercise bike, already have laundry started and now I get to share it with you on my blog.

Have a great day everybody. :-)

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Monday, September 14, 2009

The Pack Won-yippee

The Packers won their first game of the season last night. Yippee !

And they beat the Bears, doublie yippee !

Ok, all my Chicago friends, ya know I don't get to rub it in very often.

The Packers and The Bears are arch rivals / enemies so this was a big win
for them.
I think with the continuing Brett Favre crap the team really needed a big win and they sure got it.

What started as a boring game with no scores turned into an exciting last minute come
from behind win.

Good going guys.

I'm trying to get caught up on so much stuff today. The business stuff, articles I have to write,
expense reports, a power point presentation, plus laundry, cooking cleaning, husband, two dogs, the trash, exercise, relax. Sheesh I am exhausted just thinking about it.

My to do list is getting shorter so I am making progress, I just keep adding to the list.

Slowly but surely I will get it all done.

Have a great day everybody. Somebody take a nap for me !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Sunday, September 13, 2009

Da Bears come to Lambeau


Tonight is the season opener for the Packers and they a re playing Da Bears.

It is probably the biggest rival in NFL so it should be a good game.
It is at Lambeau Field ( Green Bay) but Illinois is just across the border
so there will be alot of Bears fans.

We are going out on the boat this morning with some friends. Boating season
has really sucked this year. Between the rain and the wind the season has
really been dissapointing.
I heard the weeks we were in Europe the weather was beautfiul for boating. It figures.

We also need to run by Target. I want to buy an inexpenisve watch that will show two
time zones on it for when Mark goes to Shanghai. It is confusing enough to figure out
when we ca ntalk to each other when he is in Europe but Shanghai is a whole different story.

One of us, probably me, will have to be up at 2 in the morning to talk to the other one.
It is a good thing I don't have much going on during that time.

Have a great day everybody. Go Pack !

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

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Thursday, September 10, 2009

speech tonight

I'm giving my speech tonight as a patient advocate for Biogen Idec, the makers of Tysabri.

Mark is leaving work early and I have to feed the dogs really early but we'll have a nice
long drive together.

I don't know how he can come from Europe and be up and running ( literally) first thing the next morning.

I just did my workout and I feel better having had a good nights sleep finally.
Although I did have crazy dreams about them arresting this lunatic so that part
was good. haha

It still feels like it is going to rain. My body is aching a bit. Great day to give a speech
on how wonderful the meds are I am on.

Mark will drop everything else at the post office today. It was quite the week and alot of orders went out the door but this is the last batch. Sorry, folks I was moving kind of slow this week and then there was the holiday. sheesh !

The fireworks convention is in town again. I had completely forgotten about it. We are probably the only place in the US who celebrates the worst day in this nations history by setting off fireworks. It is appalling.

Sept. 11 is always a really hard day/ week for me. This is the first time I will be leaving the house on that day since it happened. Big big step for me. Ok, so I going to be with my friend who will be doing my nails. It is a step. But usually I am paralyzed and can't leave the house. I seemed to be glued to the TV.

Have a great day everybody


Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Wednesday, September 9, 2009

9-9-09

Today is Sept. 9 , 2009 or 9-9-09
If you are into numbers I'm sure that means something. I just thought it sounded
funky enough to mention it today.

Mark is coming home today. Yippee ! I cancelled my session with my personal
trainer today. My body really hurts and as many of you know I haven't slept well in
days.
Somebody knocked on my door this morning and I just about jumped throught the roof. He was just selling something. I saw him next door by the time I finally made it downstairs.

Getting caught up on some housework today. I have been neglecting housework this week.
I always try to do the bare minimum when Mark is gone so I don't wear myself out.

Doing tons of laundry, including the sheets off our bed.

Noelle has a bladder infection. do you think the other dog gave it to her?
Anyway, my vet ( who is wonderful) keeps me stocked with the meds to help her so I am not constantly bringing her in, espectially when Mark travels alot. Life with a puppy mill dog !!
So in a few days I'm sure she will be as good as new. Lots of extra mommy hugs will help.

I don't have much of an appetite today. I did eat something but it felt forced. Maybe I'm too
tired to care.

I had a mini workout this morning because I didn't want to overdo it.

I think I will sleep well tonight with Mark being home. Maybe he'll feed the dogs by himself tomorrow morning so I can sleep. Oh a girl can dream can't she? LOL

It feels like it is going to rain today. No sun. I'll have to take an extra vitamin D to bring my own sunshine to my body.

Have a great day Everybody !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009

tysabri

Today was my 33rd infusion. yippee !

Uusally I go in on Monday but because it was a holiday I went in today.
My usual nurses weren't there but I got to see nurses I haven't seen in a while so it
was fun catching up.
That's the fun of living in a small town, everybody knows everybody.

I was in the community room today and I got to meet some new people.
One of the regulars showed up so we just yakked. I ordered a cup of hot tea (because
it was so cold in there) and a bran muffin. They make wonderful bran muffins.

My friend took me there this morning and then picked me up afterwards.
We have already recieved the mail so I am thinking a nap sounds wonderful.

As we know sleep hasn't been good lately.

Cathy
TheMSShoppe.com

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Monday, September 7, 2009

Happy Labor Day

Hope everyone is enjoying the Labor Day holiday.

It is perfect boating weather. The temps are nice for us MS er's, the wind is virtually non existent.
So I have the keys to the boat and no captain. Oh well. I have alot to do anyway.

I thought this was a legal holiday but the orders just keep coming in. Not a complaint at all.

So I'll be working this Labor Day to pump this stuff out the door.
After I'm finished I think the dogs and I will go sit on the back porch.

Hopefully my crazy guest from yesterday won't return. My neighbors are all returning home so I feel better knowing I have back up ( just in case)

I have often joked about having a weirdo magnet but now I am convinced of it.

I have been practicing my speech for Thursday. I rewrote a few things and my voice is cracking everytime I get to one line. It is emotional but maybe too emotional for me to give in public.
I'll practice it more and then make a decision whether I should change it.

Have a great day everybody. And thanks for all the emails, phone calls about this weekends
disruption. I'm sorry if you couldn't understand me thru my tears but I do feel better and Im not going to let this weirdo scare me anymore than he already has.


Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Sunday, September 6, 2009

When will it stop?

Today a 300 lb thug showed up at my house banging down my front door threatening me.

I immediately called the police and was able to give them a good description and a possible name/ ID.

The dogs are in overprotective mode after they saw me crying.

I'm going to try and get some sleep tonight or maybe I'll just watch the MDA telethon.
As if I haven't cried enough today.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Saturday, September 5, 2009

dream big

Dream big- Because dreams really can come true !

it's finally over

Last night the union finally voted yes on round three.

It looks lke we are staying in Wisconsin and not moving to Oklahoma.
I have been to Oklahoma before and I would not have minded the move but I wanted it under better circumstances.

I really just didn't want to move.

MS + Tysabri+ finding a neurologist+ stress + more stress + trying to sell my home, etc etc etc

I had the first good nights sleep in about a month. I had to actually wake up the dogs to take them out.

I have a zillion things I want to do the next few days so I'm going to hunker down and see what I can accomplish.
I might squeeze in a movie or two. LOl

Have a great day everybody !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Friday, September 4, 2009

last of the summer hours

Today is the last day Mark will work half days on Friday but that also means he will be getting home at at better hour for dinner.

We are going grocery shopping this afternoon, run a few other errands.
I have had alot of orders this week so I know we have a post office run.

I asked to have takeout tonight so I don't have to cook. We are going to pick up ribs at a place near our home. Yum ! They are noway close to the ribs Mark makes but it means I don't have to cook.

After the cable tv and phone problem the other day I am really behind on everything around the house. Plus I had a bunch of orders to get out and that takes priority.

So ribs it is for dinner and I should have some leftovers for tomorrow.

The dogs are so tired today. All I hear is snoring from the other room. Even when I was on my exercise bike Noelle just laid there and slept.
Too funny ! My singing didn't even wake her.

The second revote or the third vote ( however you want to think about it) is going on today.
It was also held yesterday and from what I understand alot of intimidation inside the union lodge is going on.
I'm not getting a good feeling about this. I feel bad for the union members who are scared into voting the wrong way.
I have to believe it will be a secret ballot this time.
Last time the members were given a red card or a green card depending on whether you were voting yes or no. Bubba handed out the cards.
They were all afraid to ask for the green card to vote yes. Can we all say organized crime?

There was alot of intimidation going on at the plant also.

There was a funny rumor floating around yesterday that a naked union member was running around town wearing nothing but a sign. LOL I laughed so hard.

Let's hope it was one of them with a good body or a big sign .

Have a great day everybody ! We should get the results of the union vote this evening. Thanks for all your support during this tough time.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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Tuesday, September 1, 2009

personal trainer

Just came home from my first session with my personal trainer.

It went well. I think I am going to learn alot working with her.

I left feeling a little deflated. I think my body is in the worst shape it has ever been.

I do believe I can get better but we have alot of work to do. We'll probablt start slow but a step forward is all I need. If I take one step forward every day I'll bewalking miles in no time.

The stress we are going thru is not helping my MS any in fact it is really tipping the scales in the over the top catagory.

I need this whole union stuff to stop. Just tell me what time the movers will be here and let's move on people.

They voted no. It's time to put the past behind you and live with the consequences.

I think I'll get on my exercise bike now. I'm feeling energized. I think I can. I think I can.

And maybe I'll practice my speech on the bike.

Have a great day everybody.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

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