goodbye my friend

Today was the funeral of a friend of mine..

Yesterday I read in our local newspaper her obit..I couldnt believe it but yet it didnt
surprise me.

Her obit was short and sweet and the only reference to her family was her son who died a few years ago. No mention of her sisters or her mother.
It gave no cause of death but as an educated guest I am assuming she took her own life.

She struggled with depression and her MS had gotten so bad over the years.

I was unable to attend her service. As a wheelchair user and the snow all day it was not a good combination...Mark is still recovering from surgery

Yesterday I couldnt help but feel guilty someone should have been able to help her.
She pushed people away, including me..

Rest in Peace...Hope you and your son meet up in heaven and your eternal life is better.

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Quite a week

As most ofyou know I have been struggling with back to back relapses.
and as usual my family ran for the hills...

Its been very stressful but I am trying to stay positive.

Its year end time in the business so Im busy busy busy


Mark had emergency surgery last Tuesday and they kep him overnight. Missed work last week and hoping to go back tomorrow...

Yesterday we both felt awful but after a much needed nights sleep (complete with 2 dogs who snuck in bed with us ) we both feel better

Christmas Eve was Noelle's birthday, our beautiful Christms Eve Miracle pup..She is 11 years old

Mark's surgery was the same day we got 14 inches of snow. I'm  so very grateful for our wonderful neighbors..
Joe for shoveling the sidewalks, Bob for snowblowing the driveway (4 times) and Lisa for taking care of the backyard so our little dog didnt sink in all of that snow.

Im so ready for 2013

I'm so blogging aboutthis Tshirts still available...at www.TheMSShoppe.com

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com




  

Happy Holidays

Hope everybody had a wonderful holiday...
Please remember ourtroops who are away from their families this year.

Be Safe..God Bless. and Thank You for all you do for our country


Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Yikes I'm having a relapse

I havent been here for awhile because I had back to back relapses.

My husband was in Europe both times and I had to rely on my wonderful
friends and neighbors to get me thru it. We all know my family could care
less or even offer a kind word.

I woke up one day unable to stand up. I fell a few times and my neighbor had to
come pick me up off the floor.

By Monday morning I had fallen alot and was unable to get up the stairs. I slept
on the couch for 5 days.

I called my neuro office at 8:30 am and by 9:15 I had steroids in hand. My neighbor
dropped everything for me.

During that week people stopped by and brought me clean clothes,toiletries and even put together orders for our business www.TheMSShoppe.com

Thank You to everybody for their love and support during this time.

4 days after my last steroid pill I couldnt stand again so I started all over.

At this time I'm on Day 6 of 15 (second round of steroids). Feeling stronger
everyday and yes NO sign of my F'd family.

At least Mark is in town for a while. He's cooking Thanksgiving dinner and I get to watch football. hahahaha!

Really, all my holiday shopping is done. Custom holiday cards are done. Business is crazy busy. Teaching myself Sign language which is helping my hands alot.

I even gave Mark one of his gifts because he needed it now.


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everybody. Spend it with people you love and people who love you.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

nutty squirrels

The squirrels are driving us crazy.

Recently these was something on the back porch I  couldnt identify. Honestly,
it looked like a beehive and because we have had major bee problems it was easy to come to the conclusion.
My husband said he would take care of it. The next day it was there still or should I say
back there.
It seems it was an acorn that the squirrels keep bringing back to the exact same spot. Grrr!
We find them on the gas grill, on top of our 4ft lighthouse out front and dropped  all over the stairs.

okay, squirrels I know you were here first but I pay the bills here now and if that
acorn is back on my porch we will be having squirrel stew. Just saying ! you pesky
rodent.

Have a great day everybody !


Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com


Tell a Friend !

chair lift

I have spent the past few weeks trying to make it easierto get up and down the many stairs in our home.


I finally had the courage to call about a chair lift and investigate this haunting process.

First we realized we had to fix the back steps of our home. We have an old Victorian and have a butlers staircase that we never used. And because I dont want a chair lift to be the first thing people see when they come over I really want it out of site. Only I need to know its there. Can we say denial ?

So I called this company and they quoted me $3500.00. Yikes ! Thats alot of money but we'll find a way.

They showed up and measured and of course, my stairs dont qualify for that price. So instead it was going to be $12,000. You probably just fell out of your chair as we did. Hmmm...seems like a giant price hike or are they taking avantage of disabled people??

I almost kicked her out of my house when she said that.

I was bummed for days. My contractor came over for something else and we decided an additional rail on the front steps would probably help me. And it has. Not the perfect result. I've still fallen down the stairs since that installation but it is better.

I then called another chair lift company andwas told based on what I was telling him a chair lift wasnt even possible with my stairs. Ok, now I'm really depressed. WTF?

I am so confused and bruised from falling up and down the stairs.

I'm not sure what our next step is...Trying to not stress about it because thats only going to make my stairs adventure worse. :-(

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com


Tell a Friend !

a Touch of class

Last night we went to the Packers game...

We had a great time despite the dropping temps..Brrr...

I just had to share one of the classiest events I have ever witnessed.

Prior to the game Ted Thompson, the Packers General Manager walked thru the stands
shaking the hands of fans, even the Bears fans and posing for pics.

He did this from the top level all the way down to field level.

Witnessing this was amazing. I'm not sure, well, I rather doubt it, that many other GM'sdo such a thing.
They say the Packers franchise and the more I get to know them I really believe they are
differrent. 
They are owned by the fans. And they treat the fans so special. This event prved that to me that its not all about the money and the profit.

Attn: NFL Team personnel..you can learn alot from this man, the classy Ted Thompson.

Go Pack !

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

goodbye

Last week my favorite cheese store closed. I know you are thinking
" its Wisconsin there has to be a cheese store on every corner"

Well there alot of cheese stores but nothing like Casa Anna.

We will miss you Cindy. Hopefully there is a little store out there that
is just looking for the perfect tenant.

I know several businesses have tried to help you. I have hope
that this will work out for everybody.

You had the best store in Wisconsin. And the best cheese !

Have a great day  everybody

 Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Packers won !

Last night the Packers finally won a game.

Yeah I know its only pre-season but still we really needed a win.

When we went to the game last week they handed us a roster..We were so
grateful because they played all the rookies, 2 and 3rd stringers.

We didnt recognize anyone. LOL

We left 3rd qtr. It was cold and rainy and my MS right leg would NOT bend anymore.
I have 8 steps into my home and full of flight of stairsto our bedroom.
It was also an hour and half ride home so we had some concerns.

It was pre-season but it was our fist game as season ticket holders so we were
excited.

Ate all kinds of crappy food and paid the price on Friday. Why do I do things like that?/

Have a great Friday everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Check out all the new items on the website..

Iam SO blogging about this

This tshirt is for my fellow bloggers

It reads"I amSO blogging about this"

We have all said it and it is so true..We live to blog about stuff.

Here is the link to my website http://www.themsshoppe.com/products.iml?mdl=prod_details.mdl&ProductID=528


Remember we donate a portion of all sales to MS organizations.

This shirt is going to sell fast so get yours early

Have a great day everybody !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com


Tell a Friend !

Politics ??

Well Wisconsin has been in the news lately when Romney selected Ryan
as his VP running mate.

The TV and phone calls havent stopped with all the mud slinging plus yesterday  was
the primary for an upcoming opening in the Senate.

I tape everything anything so we can skip the commercials and the I hardly answer the
phone anymore.

Im not sure if its like this everywhere or just because Ryan is from Wisconsin but Im not sure Im going to make it November. Yikes I've already had enough.

Have a great day

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com


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Back in the saddle

After 6 long weeks I was able to ride my horse again last week.

I call him my horse but he is just the horse I always ride and well, I'm totally in love with him.

Smokey has been acting up and feelin put out is what they told me when I returned to the barn after being sick and unable to ride for so long.

I joked maybe he missed me. I asked if I could go see him before class and they said yes. Didnt have to say it twice I was on my way to his stall.

He was being prepped groomed and fit for me riding.

His ears perked up when he saw me and I have to say I almost started to cry.

It was obvious not a good time to visit so we left.

When I got on him I gave him a big hug. Did you miss me? And my Smokey was back.

Had a great time riding but I was sore afterward.

Told him about my book and that he was a star. Cant wait til next week. Giddy up !

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com



Tell a Friend !

 
 

Olympics

Anybody watching the Olympics? Which events are you enjoying the most?

For me I am in love with the Equestrian events. Are you surprised?

Enjoyed watching the jumping events. The jumps were beautiful and very appropiate
to the Olympics. There was a diamond shape with the Olympic rings on top that the
horse and rider had to jump thru. The diamond shape was in celebration of the Queens
Diamond Jubilee.

And then I fell in love with the dressage events. I found myself trying to guess the gait.
Maybe because I'm learning to ride. I was so engrossed in it. It was the highlight of the
Olympics for me.
I've been calling it horse dancing. It was so beautiful.

I've also been taping the equestrian events so I can go past the commericals

Have a great day everybody


Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

I'm published !!

Recently I was asked to take part in a book project featuring inspirational stories
of people with MS

Well the book was published in early July and is now available at my website
www.TheMSShoppe.com.

http://www.themsshoppe.com/products.iml?mdl=prod_details.mdl&ProductID=513

It is not available at Amazon or any other bookseller, only the publlisher and my website.

It is a beatiful compilation of inspiring stories including mine.
I wrote it and I still cry when I read it. It means alot ofto me. I have
enjoyed reading theother stories andthe emails I have recieved from people who read it. Many thanks.

It is not a secret I am going thru arough patch now with my MS but as most of you know I'm too damn
stubborn to go down without a fight.

Thanks to Liz for including me in your project. I am truly honored to be a part of such fabulous book.

PS Several people have asked me to sign it. Do I just sign my name or some nifty saying?

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com


  

my porch

For the past 6 weeks I've been trying to get my front porch more handicap accessible.

We have an old Victorian built in 1895 and our front porch is about 5 feet across.

I have found that I really need a rail on both sides ( my arms arent that long)
and having a really hard time getting a contractor to help us.

I have called over 12, got 2 to show up for appts, and one quote. Sheesh ! Is the economy really that good for you guys ??

Last Monday we got a call from our contractor at 7 am asking if they could do the rail
that day..heck yeah, come on over.

By 11 am they were done and I got to test it that night when I had a meeting to go to.
First time in a long time, Mark didnt have to help me going up or down.

Very empowering. Now I can leave the house by myself again.

The rail still needs to be painted and as soon as it stops raining Mark & I are going to do it together. 


Have a great day everybody !


Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com


Tell a Friend !

a rose is just a rose..really?

This is the first home I've owned where I didnt have a rose garden.

Still on my bucket list ..

I stumbled across this and thought I would share it with you

The newest Royal rose

Kate-a rasberry bush bloom named of course the beloved Kate, Duchess of
Cambridge

William and Catherine- (note they misspelled her name)- this is a beautiful white
full petal rose named after the current Prince of England and his new lovely wife, Kate

Englands Rose-a pink rose not named after Princess Diana but after the mother Country.
 
Princess Anne-a bright pink shrub rose named after Princess Anne

These roses are not available in the US yet but Im sure they will be landscaping citys in the US soon.

Every year rose growers come out with new rose hybrids with appropiate names.

With the Londn olympics arounds the corner and being British myself these roses caught my eye. Maybe i'll start my rose garden with them


Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

struggling with my MS

I have been missing for awhile dealing with the struggles of my MS.

It really irks me when people post on facebook or wherever " I have MS but it doesnt
have me". Really? Really?

Who the F are you kidding? Everytime I get control of my symptoms something
else pops up. And of course as we all lead stressfree lives that only adds to
the problems.

In the past few weeks comments have been made " I dont try hard enough" and I got
a threat from a (former) family member in writing and email. Duh ! Did you really
think I wasnt going to call the police?

Anyway, my health is deterriating. Been having alot of tests that had bad reactions.
Nobody is quite sure what is going on.

I called my parents ( who could give a rats ass how I am) and wanted to fill them in on
my health. My mother thinks I live in Chicago and that I have muscular dysrophy.

Hmmm..and people wonder why Im stressed. ??????

Have a great day everybody ! Happy Friday the 13th

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
 

he's found

A few days ago Ronald McDonald was stolen ! Yikes what are we gonna do !

The 250 lb statue was stolen over night from outside a McDonalds.

It was found this morning.

Excuse me for saying this but doesnt our police departments have bigger things to
worry about.

In my opinion I wish they had stolen the restaurant. NOT a big fast food fan.

So the crime has been solved and now we can direct our attention to the drunk drivers,
burglars, rapists and child predators. As long as Ronald is back home !!

And by the way the hamburglar was NOT the prime suspect in this crime.

Have a great day everybody !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

New meds

Two weeks ago I stopped taking Gilenya..

So why do I feel so much better being on nothing?

Started the end of December and have been sick ever since until I stopped taking it two
weeks ago. Hmmm...

Going back on Tysabri..Doing the cleanout now of the old meds before starting the new.

Today I had so much energy I baked brownies. I havent baked in 6 months because I hate to.
I'm a cook, a good cook, but I never got baking...hehe

Mark will be home a little later on today from Europe. The dogs are sleeping, sssh. They are so cute when they are sleeping.

Havent heard from any family member. You know the supporters who tell their friends how helpful they are to me but I never hear from them.

Tired of my calls and emails going unanswered. Dont really need that type of suuport.

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Tell a Friend !

Puppy mill raid

Last week yet another horrible puppy mill (breeder) got raided.

It was 10 pm when the Sheriffs dept showed up. They found a 10 yr old home alone with a DEAD goat in the living room and cow carcasses burning in the yard.

The owner showed up about 11:30 pm and promised to feed the dogs.

The next morning authorities and the humane society showed up to sieze over 70
starving siberian huskies.
The kid went to foster care. The goats and other farm animals were given to a local
farm

Since that time a few of the dogs had to be put down. Who knows how many more will
be.

Needless to say our small humane society is overwhelmed. These dogs are in horrible shape. They are starving, extremely thin. Their beautiful coats are matted full of fleas and ticks. All unfixed.

Several. or most, of them are missing a foot or an ear. Probably due to hunger but the ear thing is raising alot of questions. Straight cut, all the same ear and all males. Hmmm. Do you think they are trying to hide something?

Anyway, our humane society now has 68 large hungry huskys who need food.

We stopped by the other day with a check. It wasnt much but itll help with the vet bills.

Please hwlp STOP puppy mills in his country. We need to take better care of our animals and enforce the laws people.  

Hug your dog, feed him and if you are not able to, please surrender them to a rescue or
shelter

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Neuro appt

Wednesday was my neuro appt.
It was a cold rainy day (great for MS)

It took us over 2 hrs to get there and arrived half hour late,stressed and frustrated.

Like we both thought would happen did. My neuro hs decided to stop my current treatment, which I only started  in December. But I have been sick since I started it and getting worse.
So I currently on nothing waiting to be approved for another treatment. Yikes !
My body hurts so bad.
I had my horseback riding lesson yesterday and it was the first time I did not have a
good time. I was in so much pain. My leg was twitching, kicking my horse and I really
couldnt hide the pain I was in.

Im going to try some new exercises and take an advil next week so I can enjoy my horse.

So my life is in limbo. Business is sooooo busy. Mark had to take the bucket to the post office for all the orders.
Im really behind on paperwork but Im resting this afternoon after doing so much this morning. And Im not feeling guilty about it. So there!

Have a reat day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
  

www.TheMSShoppe.com

Please stop by and visit our website
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Owned and operated by a person with MS

We have a fun selection of tshirts, bears, cooling items and Orange Ribbon Awareness items

Another Walk MS

Yesterday was the Walk MS near our home. In fact, it is about a mile from our home. Tough commute..

The weather was dreadful. They had been preciting a chance of SNOW. That four letter word we dont want to hear this time of year as we prep our boat for the water.
We didnt get any snow but it was cold and rainy and NO walkers. I dont think there were more than 100 people who showed up. There were more volunteers than walkers.

In the past years this location has gone through many changes. I was on the committee when I was first diagnosed but it became very apparent it was going to be run by a tyrant. Sad the rulers have RUINED this walk.

Thats what you get when you put control freaks in charge.

I left the committee because I was overwhelmed with my workload and then the control freaks stoodup and took credit for everything I did. WTF?

Anyway, I donate alot of money to NMSS. I sponsor alot of people in their walks and bike events across the country. I also donate door prizes, gifts and anything else a chapter asks my business for.

I have also become involved in other volunteer programs for different organizations that remember to say
  "Thank You" and appreciate everything I do for them.

NMSS is a good organization but it often seems to be all about the money and not the people who have MS

So I am completely exhausted today and am making it naother ME day. Have my movie ready to watch and working on a coupopn project. ( I am one of those coupon nuts)

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/


Tell a Friend ! Help our business grow !

Cupcakes be gone

For Mark's birthday I purchased Georgetown Cupcakes.

We are not traditional people and rarely have a sheet cake for a birthday. Ususally we get a cheesecake or a carrot cake but I kept hearing about how wonderful these cupcakes were so I decided to splurge and buy a dozen to celebrate his birthday.

So a splurge they were. They are expensive and then add shipping on top of that but WOW these were the best cupcakes, cakes, cheesecakes I have ever eaten.

I have to believe they were extremely fattening but wow they were good.

Mark has been out of town and it was poor planning on my part to hve leftovers after he was gone. Oh darn, poor me I had to eat the leftovers.

So the last one was consumed yesterday. chocolate with a chocolate cream inside it. didnt expect the chocolate inside and well lets just say it got messy.

I ended up with chocolate all over my face.

Happy belated birthday Mark..sorry we couldnt spend it to together

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/


Tell a Friend !

A ME day

The other day I decided I was going to have a ME day..

I was exhausted from the MS Walk, Mark was out of town and I just didnt have any energy left. Family drama left me confused and frustrated.

I had a movie from Netflix that had arrived a few days earlier and I really wanted to watch it.

It was The Help. Great movie !

I even had some popcorn that we had picked up at the walk. It wasthe ultra fat ubttery kind. The kind I usually dont eat but OMG it was so good.

The dogs sat with me and we watched the movie and enjoyed my ME day. I'll have to do that again.

Have  a great day everybody !

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/


Tell a Friend !

Family drama again

This has been a crazy week with all the family drama going on.

My family walked away from me so many times. Almost 2 years ago they walked away when I was so sick. My husband called them asked for their support and was told NO.

Now that my narcissiistic mother needs me suddenly they remember there other daughter. Hmmm...does life work that way?

I've been sick since January..Soo where the hell have you been?
WTF?

I found out on a cousins facebook page that my mother was sick. Really?

My mother went on to tell everybody I blocked their calls. So with the help of AT&T I ran a report. Hmmm it seems they never called. Surprise suprise.

Even now its all lies. She cant tell the truth to save her life.

Tell you what..Show some concern for my health and for god's sake apologize to my husband and I'll do the same for you that you did for me.


Grow up people. I'm not interested in playing games anymore.

Have a great day everybody


Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com  

Walk MS

Sunday we had a table for our business www.TheMSShoppe.com at the Walk MS Brown County in Wisconsin.

It is always a lot of fun to see old customers and make new ones.

It appeared they had a smaller turnout than years past but Im not surprised with the economy the way it is.

Non profits are hurting bad..

We had a great time but we both came home completely exhausted.

Have a good day everybody !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

Tell a friend !

Im all folded out

In the next few weeks we have many MS walks the business is participating in.

I tried to order enough inventory to prevent running out of a size of a tshirt but now Im folding tshirts til my arms fall off.

I just finished my last tshirt ( dancing around the room-yippee) and now I am going to finish making bracelets.

Yikes ! My to do list is so long but Im gonna do it.

Have a great day everybody !

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

Cherry Blossons

Last weekend we went to Virginia to visit Mark's family..

It also happened to be the cherry blossom festival. However, it seems the cherry blossoms bloomed a month ago and were all gone.

Oh well, it is still a pretty place to visit.

We had a great time with Mark's mom. she had a list of places she wanted to go shopping at. Shoes, fabric, clothes..We had a good time.

We also had dinner with Mark's brother andfamily at a gret Greek restaurant..Reminded us of Mykonos...


Traveling with a disability is a challenge to begin with but this hip injury created alot of discomfort for me.

The rental car SUV was a joke. The front seat kind of sank..A little hard to get out of. It also had a real low front window so I banged my head everytime I got into it.

It was unseasonably warm this weekend and of course I didnt bring any cooling items with me.

Was glad to get back home, see  the dogs and work on the stuff for this weekend.

Have a great day everybody


Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/


Tell a Friend !

Hip Hip hooray

My hip seems to be heading in the right direction.

I was shocked but then again not when my Dr said it could take a MONTH for my hip to heal. Yikes !

The exercises they gave me as part of physical therapy seem to be working. Sleep is still a challenge because my hip just doesnt want to get in a comfortable position which makes it difficult to roll over.

Today I was able to take a few steps on the stairs like a normal person. Up til this morning I was doing baby steps but today I was able to bring my leg down an entire step plus put some weight on my right leg.
Thats huge ! I was so excited.

Today I am also going to get my hair done. Had to cancel twice so Im looking a little gray. Thanks for your understanding Tracy !

Had a nice breakfast, exercised, played with the dogs and now shower..

Then more inventory, crazy vendor problems to resolve and helping the "best dam customers in the world" in our business.

Have a great day everybody ! SMILE it makes people wonder what you are up to

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/


Tell a Friend !

busy time for biz

This time of year is the busiest for our business. In addition to getting ready for the MS Walks it is also the time of year people are thinking of cooling products for the summer.

We have new cooling items coming. Very excited. These are going to be big sellers.

I also have new crafters coming on board with their goods. Yippee !

I have been trying to make bracelets myself but I keep selling them before they make it to the website. Not a bad problem to have ..hehe..

Been trying to cope with this hip pain. Ended up back at Dr yesterday just making sure nothing was overlooked with xray. Probably tore ligaments in leg/hip. Oh fun !

Had to cancel my hair appt again for the second time. Hopefully will get it done next week. Looking pretty gray.

The sheltie rescue has gotten in a few dogs I am in love with. Cant do anything til my health gets better. It would not be fair to the dog.

Working on my book seeing I feel grounded. But at least I have my laptop.
Writing is keeping me sane.

So many projects going on and so many things to do. My to do list is long but Im working my way thru it.

Have a great day everybody

Check out the new products online..new sneaker pin in orange ! Too cute

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com 


Tell a friend !

New Furniture

On Wednesday our new living room furniture arrived.

We only ordered it a few weeks ago. Kind of tells you what the furniture industry is going through.

On Tuesday I made arrangements to have our old furniture picked up by Salvation Army.
The couches were 7 ft long and had recliners at both ends. They were so heavy and never really fit in the room.


They were purchased years ago for a different home and a much larger room.
Anyway I'm glad we could donate them and let somebody get new furniture.

The new couches fit the room better and look great. We were a little concerned
about the color but they really look great.

Have a great day everybody !


Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

update on my hip

Every day my hip is getting stronger.

I had to cancel a few events this week but my hip is getting stronger
and I'm hoping to leave the house soon.
I havent left since my trip to the ER mostly because going from standing to sitting and vice versa is really difficult.
I have been really afraid if I had to use the bathroom. Been a little difficult
to get up..

So I've been able to do a few squats, my favorite exercise, and I'm feeling hopeful.

Have a bunch of MS Walks to do with the business so gotta be feeling top notch
for these events

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com


Tell a Friend !

a trip to the ER

Yesterday I spent the day in the ER..

I fell the day before and landed hard on my hip then I fell down the stairs yesterday
morning.

I sat at the bottom of the stairs at 5 am with the dogs who really needed to go outside.
But I sat there unable to get up.


Not sure what to do I called my husband, who is in Europe. I asked him to call our neighbor, who has a key and would recognize Marks number vs my cell.

So he called and no answer. Great now what. Someohow I managed to get up and take the dogs, My body hurt so bad

My neighbor called about 9am. He was at work and asked if I thought I should have my hip looked at. No hesitation. YES YES YES

He said he said he'd pick me up at noon.

Anyway, the hip is not broken. Thank god. It is a very bad bruise. A sprain.

Thank god Mark was out of town I can only imagine what they were thinking when my male neighbor brought me to the ER covered in bruises, including one on my face.

I was suprised by why people came to the ER and the way they behaved. I guess if you act like an ass you get helped first and not in the order you arrived.
I sat there in pain minding my business while everybody else got helped first.
Oh well, I did the right thing. I wont behave like that.

No stairs so we (the dogs and I) spent the night last night on the couch. They were
confused but let me get some sleep. I'm glad I have a laptop to keep the business running.

Have a great day everybody. Mark is on his way home.

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com

making jewelry

Okay so its a beautiful day outside and I'm holed up in the office making jewelry.

It is relaxing for me to do it so I wanted to do it.

Bought alot of new beads to mix and match in various shades  of orange.. Ad a new charm.. I love it and cant wait to show it off.

I also some beautiful pink beads. They were on sale and I couldnt resist. They were pink LOL

Have a great  day everybody

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

Recovery Soon?

I realized yesterday I have been sick for over 2 months.

Mid January I got a cold, then a bladder infection which caused my kidneys to act up.

Then a major relapse, 15 days of steroids and now another cold. Yikes ! I am falling apart.

I was so weak after steroids this cold has really knocked me off my feet.

This is going to be a relxing weekend for me, at least I'm going try.

I have a new movie from Netflix and I gonna park my rear end on the couch and enjoy.

I figure this was my last chance to do this before my NEW living furniture arrives..Yippee !

I'll let you know what I think of the movie. BTW I watched bridesmaids last weekend. Kinda dumb !
I think the demographicfor that film was a 13 yr old girl. LOL !

Meliisa McCarthy was hilarious and I'm glad she won those awards.

Have a great day everybody !

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

MS Awareness items, Orange Ribbon items

A Catch Up Day

Today is my catch up day...I am cranking thru soooo much stuff I cant believe it. Finally the steroids
are a positive because I am so full of energy and my " to do" list is shrinking

Dont get me wrong my "to do" list is incredibly long but I am making a huge dent in it.
Plus all the housework I'm getting done. Yippee ! I love housework.

Tomorrow is my last steroid day and I am so ready for it to be over. I am not happy with the
results though because I still cant walk well.

Trying to be patient before I call my doctor because I know it takes some time to feel better
after steroids. So I'll wait. I have a movie from netflix and a ton of magazines so I'm going to wait
it out parked on the couch. haha !

Business is so crazy busy but I think that is actually keeping my mind off the steroids.

So tootles for now.

Have a great day everybody ! Maybe I'll review the movie I'm about to watch

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/


Tell a Friend !

Another fall?

OMG so I just had another bad fall. I guess when it rains it pours.

2 am and bam down I went.

My foot ended up in the corner of the wall. Yeah that felt good.

And the arm hit the wall. In the morning there was a tiny blood stain on the wall. Evidence
that Cathy the klutz had been there. Splat !

Anyway, other than a ton of bruises on my arm, yes, my left arm of course, I am really okay.

A Bruised ego and a couple of sore spots and I'm up and ready for the next day.

Cant keep my downfor long. My "to do" list  is too long..

Have a  great day everybody !


Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

Another relapse

You might have noticed I have been gone a while.

Yes, I'm having a major relapse..The first one in almost 2 years.

I woke up at 3 am to go to the bathroom and couldnt stand up or take a step.
In my attempt to quickly empty my MS bladder I fell and that created all kinds of
problems.
For those of you who dont know, when you fall and have MS you become a 300 lb dead weight.
It's like picking up jello that is made of concrete.

Anyway, Mark got my walker, plopped me on it and pushed me down the hall to the bathroom.

I started massive doses of steroids Sunday Morning for a 15 day regime.

I have thrown up almost everyday but yet I'm still hungry and naucous at the same time.

I am currently on the downward end of things. Weaning yourself off steroids to me is worse than being on them.

My family ran for their lives the last relapse so their not around. Some assorted friends have been really encouraging and of  course my facebook MS homies. LOL

Thank you all for doing what my family should be doing, being there.

What doesnt kill you makes you stronger. I am so strong today, despite my fall last night and all the bruises that go with it.

Have a great day everybody !

Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com


Tell a Friend !

leak solved?

After a lengthy process of elimination of potential leakers we finallly found what
it was, or at least we hope so.

We believe it was our dishwasher. Unfortunately it leaked across the floor underneath and
damaged our new kitchen floor.

The flooring company as well as the general contractor for our kitchen remodel both said leave it alone and let it dry out on its own. Chances are the floor will bounce back into shape, however it could take close to a month.

So a new dishwasher is being delivered tomorrow. Mark went to the appliance store
and bought one so I'm not sure what it looks like.
How many choices could there have been? I asked for stainless front. We are both glad we found the leak...

Have a great day everybody

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/


Tell a Friend !!

water leak

Saturday night we discovered a pipe in our basement leaking.

We called the plumbing contractor who had done 2 remodels for us, the bathroom
and the kitchen, and made an appointment for Sunday morning

He came out and of course,the pipe stopped leaking. Sheesh its like taking your car to the mechanic with a noise and then it stops.

Anyway, he checked out the walls, floors for visible signs of something leaking but found nothing.

He leftt having done nothing to solve the problem, which of course now doesnt exist.

Sunday night it started leaking again after we ran the dishwasher but the leak is not below the dishwasher. Hmmm...

Monday Mark asked me to run laundry so we could see if it would start to leak again. No such luck on leaking.

I also took a really long intentional shower and washed my hair.That always takes time but still no leak.

We tried to call the contractor who did the kitchen remodel to see if he had any ideas
on what is going on. He usually calls near the end of the day because he is  usually busy on jobs during the day.

We are hoping it will start leaking tonight when we run the dishwasher. At least we will know where the problem is.

The plumber is talking about making holes in my new mitchen walls and insert a camera.

Yikes ! I dont know if I have the stomach for that.

Will keep you posted.

Have a great day everybody ! My cold is gone..yeah and I am feeling much better.

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

Here's our Italian phrase for today

È stato...

It was...

Hope you are enjoying these words and phrases.  It's been alot of fun


Have a great day everybody! Ciao !

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

It's V-D Day !

No not that VD. It's Valentine's Day !

Another Hallmark holiday ! haha

When I went to bed last night there was a card on my pillow. Doesnt sound like much but
Mark is out of town. Hmmm ! how did he do that?

He bought flowers for me at the grocery store on Sunday..Ok, full disclosure he always buys me flowers
every week when he goes to the grocery store...I always have fresh flowers in my kitchen.

We shared a wonderful chocolate cake Sunday night along with crab legs and he bought us tickets for an upcoming concert/show in Green Bay. We are even going to stay up  there and have someone staying here with the dogs.

I, on the other hand, had my gift to  him completely fall apart.
I had a couple of pics enlarged  from our vow renewal in Oahu in December.  
I dont drive so I had to pay for shipping. Yuck ! I even upgraded the shipping to priority so it could get here in time.
It arrived in 2 days. Wow ! And the frames I ordered to put the pics in.. Well, you know where I'm going with this one. Backordered ! WTF?

I allowed enough time to pull this off but I didnt plan on backordered.

Anyway, the frames arrived and of course he's not in town...Oh well, I'll put them together
and give them to him when he gets back.

I already told him what I got him.

Hope everybody has a great day !

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/


Tell a Friend !

Words with Friends

Is anybody else hooked on this game?

I am such a word person. I love to read, write and play any word game. Not that I am the best
at word games but I really enjoy them and they keep my brain active.

The biggest mistake I made was putting this app on my iphone. Yikes ! Thank god they limit you
to 20 games.

I have a few pet peeves. People who dont play consistently. Really Folks does it take a month to play one game?
And people who wont resign. If I'm beating you by 100 points your not going to catch up..

People who write inappropiate words. I play with a random partner alot and I cant believe what people
post. You dont know if I'm 12 or 40 so please think twice before doing things like that.

With all of that said, does anybody want to play a game with me?
If you are on facebook, friend me and I'm listed under my name.

If you are a random person, I am listed as sheltiema, Exception is Alec Baldwin LOL

Have a great day everybody ! 

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/


Tell a Friend !

cooling items on sale

We are having a pre-season sale on cooling items as per your request.

The sale will go thru Thursday. Prices change Friday am

Cooling items are probably just around the corner as many of you have expressed lots of sunny days.
We, here in Wisconsin, rarely see the sun in winter so this sale is for you sunny folks.

Enjoy the sun..

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/


Tell a Friend !

Italian Lesson

First of all, Thank you for all the lovely emails regarding this foremat.

I have enjoyed it and judging from your comments you have also enjoyed it.

Grazie !

Todays lesson..
Che hai fatto?

Translation..
What did you do?

Before long we will all be able to go to Italy and speak the language.

Ciao

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

Family tree

I've been working on my family tree project for quite some time.

Unlike the TV show it is not that easy nor do I have the means to travel to Europe to
find "clues" to my past.

I just want to find family members who I can call "family"
You know the type..The ones that will be there for you thru thick and thin. The ones who will support you without wanting something in return. The ones that remember your birthday.

Well, good news I have found family members who will do just that. Yippee !

I am so excited about getting to know them. A plus for me is that one member also has MS.
Not that I would wish this awful thing on anyone but I found a genetic link and somebody who gets it.

I feel very blessed with these discoveries and the opportunities are endless.

Making progress with Mark's family to so maybe the next " family reunion" that is held we
will be invited to.

Have a great day everybody ! Hug you dog, your spouse or if need be a total stranger !

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

Italian Lesson

Here's is our words for today..

mio figlio, mia figlia

Translation

Mio Figlio =  my son

 mia figlia  = my daughter

Have a great day everybody and let's keep those brains working

Ciao
Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

Our Vow renewal

Oahu, Hawaii  December 2, 2011

A bargain hunter in me

Here is my other blog...

http://chattycathytips.blogspot.com/2012/02/my-bargain.html

I share tips and successes with you on saving or pinching a penny.

I'm mot embarassed using coupons. I refuse to pay full price for anything.

In this economy every penny counts. My bargaining pays for our vacations and as many of you know we travel alot.

Have a great day everybody and watch those pennies !

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

Let's learn Italian

I have been trying to teach myself Italian for a while now so I was thinking this
would make me accountable and really pursue it if we could learn Italian together

I'm going to post words and phrases and we can learn it together..

I believe in keeping your brain active

So here's today's Italian lesson

Compreso

Translation = included

Now are you glad I "compreso" you ( LOL)

Ciao Have a great day everybody

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

My Birthday

Last Saturday was my birthday. I had a great day. No I'm not going to say how old ! It's a girl thing.

Mark, my hubby, was so good to me.  I really didnt need anything. All I really
wanted was to have a quiet dinner with him and the dogs.
He picked up chinese takeout. Yes, we live in a town where Chinese food does not deliver.
It was very good but so much leftover we ate it Sunday also.

We watched football games and I got to open gifts. Yippee..


Mark bought me Gold pearls. I drooled over them in Hawaii and for those of you who dont know me well
I LOVE pearls. Have them in many colors and I've been known to wear them with sweats.
They really brighten my day and my mood.

He also bought a juicer. I've been wanting to try one for a while. My doctor has me eating
bananas daily and I need some way to hide them because I really dont like them.

Got some great gifts from Mark's family also. A mood light for the office. Should really help for those gloomy winter days.
Also got a great throw. Its brown and furry. I think the dogs think I am a dog now so maybe it will help with our dog training. After all I am supposeto be the 'big dog" andleader of the pack. haha !
Also a great tshirt from the humane society about adopting. You know how many dogs we have rescued.

NEVER heard from any of my siblings or my DNA parents for that matter. I guess having MS has its advantages. I dont get nasty emails anymore or stupid phone calls from my brother in law laughing when I was sick. He actually left a message laughing at me on our voicemail.

Anyway, I got so many lovely cards and emails and I am truly blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life.

Thanks to all of you who sent those messages. It is truly appreciated. Love you lots !

Oh, any my birthday wish , Hmmm, if I shareit then it wont come true..Here's to an awesome 2012

Have a great snowy cold day ! Its below zero here !

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

my drug of choice

Two weeks go I started Gilenya and I have to say I am thrilled with the results.

There are so many people out there that think drug companies are all ripping us off all the time but I have to say I am so overwhelmed with the way I have been treated by Novartis.
There employees went out their way to assist me when my insurance company kept throwing curve balls at us at the very last moment.

I just called Novartis to tell them about my MS Navigator that went above and beyond her job.
She took the bull by the horns and made it happen.
She even had back up plans incase the insurance company gave us more greif.

Drug companies get so much flack these days. Mostly by ignorant people who dont research things properly
and believe all the crap on the internet.  I have a particular pet peeve with bloggers who run their mouths off about situations they havent researched.

Newsflash bloggers, research is NOT cut, copy of pasting an article you havent researched. It is a disservice to people.


This blog will just share my views and my expereinces not tally the number of PML cases out there.

Thank you again Novartis for your excellent treatment. On a different note, Thank you to Biogen Idec for also treating me so well.

As long as we allow "hysterical" bloggers out there running amuck there will always be naysayers but people like myself will always know the truth and share the truth.

Have a great day everybody ! enjoying our beautiful snow today and my new lease on life. !

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

    

Hmmm new years resolutions ?

I'm not much on the New Year's Resolutions..

I, like most people, could probably eat better, exercise more and get more sleep.

However, there are a few things I'd like to see come back to society. KINDNESS..

I know in a recent post I felt used giving someone money. I know I was used and I dont expect to ever
see the money again but I really have to figure out who my friends are and my "friends" when they need something. With that said, I am still glad I did it because it was the right thing to do.
What happened to a random act of kindness...I would have felt better giving that to a total stranger who forgot her wallet in the store.

The second thing is customer service. As a business owner I cant tell you how many times I get thank yous from my customers for our service and the things we do for people with MS, including all of our donations.

Thirdly, and this is my pet peeve. But why cant people address others by their names. Thanks Tammy, Have a great day Tammy. This is my personal goal. On facebook, in person and everywhere. I have a name please use it. If you dont remember it, just tell me.
I have MS and I forget alot. We'll both have a good laugh and it'll be done with but we will both feel better having addressed each other properly,,by our first names.

Have a great everybody ! Especially Tammy LOL


Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/

volcano eruption

Our first port was Hilo.

We usually dont do the excursions offered thru the cruise line but we werent thrilled renting a car and trying to vensure out by ourselves.
To my delight there were 3 other people with disabilities on the bus trip and they preboarded us ( without having to beg and ask) and sat us up front.

The bus excursion consisted of a tour of  Muna Lau macademia nut factory. OMG you could have left me there all day and I would have been a happy camper. I love macademia nuts.
But the main attraction was the volcano.

Our bus driver was hilarious. Telling lots of stories, most of which were probably not true, but she was very entertaining without being obnoxious.

She told wonderful stories of Pele, the goddess, and the crops they now grow on the islands. Lots of jokes, some of which my husband is still telling people.

We had a fabulous  time. The volcano and the laza fields were amazing. I'm ready to go back. It was one of the highlights of our trip.

The bus ride was beautiful. Through windy roads and amazing scenery.

tomorrow is our amazing day. Dont miss it !

Have a great day everybody ! Have a macademia nut ( but not from my stash) LOL

Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/