Today I got my 15 minutes of fame as they say, however, I think it was more like 5 minutes of nerves.
Today I did the phone interview with a local radio station Sunny 97.7 to help promote our MS Walk here in town.
I was asked on Monday if I could set up a phone interview with a radio station some time this week. A little short notice but once again I pulled it off.
It was a nice short interview about my struggle with MS, the change in location for this year's walk, and what MS is.
I was honored to be asked to do however I was a nervous wreck. That in itself makes no sense to me because I have been giving speeches in my professional life for a long time and since I became a patient advocate for Tysabri I have been speaking all over the State of Wisconsin.
Whatever the reason, I was really feeling the nerves.
It went well and I am really glad it is over. Still have a lot to do for my business for the walk but just about everything else is done. Yeah !
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
What's next? Posing in an orange bikini !
This story is about my friend Shelley who I met at the NMSS Conference in Chicago last year.
You know I love to highlight positive people with MS and especially when they are my friends.
We love you Shelley and all that you do for the MS Community.
MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin currently has one of the highest incidences of multiple sclerosis in the country. More than 10,000 people live with the disease, and 10 percent have a primary progressive course.
One of that number is a familiar face to WISC-TV viewers. Shelley Peterman Schwarz is a warrior in the fight against multiple sclerosis, and soon she will share her personal journey with a national audience. Schwarz once a month, she hosts a segment called "Making Life Easier" at noon, where she offers advice, tips and coping strategies for people with disabilities, WISC-TV reported.
"I hope that we can put a face on MS, and also show them that life does go on," said Schwarz.
Soon, people across the country will be able to watch and hear her advice, as she has been chosen by the National MS Society to produce videos and a DVD for their Web site.
A camera crew from Denver spent three days following Schwarz around her house, recording her tips for things like making the bed.
"We're showing some of the things that I do to give people ideas, and also to give them permission to do things differently," Schwarz said.
Schwarz was 32 years old, newly married and had two young children when she was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
"Knowing where I've been in those sad, dark days to where I am today is a great transition and I hope it encourages people to say, 'You know what? I can enjoy the things I can enjoy, and don't worry about all the cant's and can't do's,'" she said.
Schwarz has dedicated her life to spreading that positive message. She has written seven books, runs her own business, and will soon be a national celebrity.
"She reaches out to the community. She tells her story from the heart. She helps people who are newly diagnosed realize that life will continue to go on in a positive way as long as they have a positive attitude," said Colleen Kalt, president of the Wisconsin MS Society. "When you have someone who has the disease telling the story from their experiences, it really truly makes a tremendous difference."
Schwarz's Webcasts will begin to be posted on the Web site for the National MS Society in August.
The DVD, which offers tips specifically for people with primary progressive MS, will also be available there.
Schwarz's local Web site is MakingLifeEasier.com, and her next segment will air on May 19.
So, my title has to do what I won't do next for the upcoming MS Walk. I draw the line at posing in an orange bikini, especially because it snowed yesterday. LOL
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a Friend !
You know I love to highlight positive people with MS and especially when they are my friends.
We love you Shelley and all that you do for the MS Community.
MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin currently has one of the highest incidences of multiple sclerosis in the country. More than 10,000 people live with the disease, and 10 percent have a primary progressive course.
One of that number is a familiar face to WISC-TV viewers. Shelley Peterman Schwarz is a warrior in the fight against multiple sclerosis, and soon she will share her personal journey with a national audience. Schwarz once a month, she hosts a segment called "Making Life Easier" at noon, where she offers advice, tips and coping strategies for people with disabilities, WISC-TV reported.
"I hope that we can put a face on MS, and also show them that life does go on," said Schwarz.
Soon, people across the country will be able to watch and hear her advice, as she has been chosen by the National MS Society to produce videos and a DVD for their Web site.
A camera crew from Denver spent three days following Schwarz around her house, recording her tips for things like making the bed.
"We're showing some of the things that I do to give people ideas, and also to give them permission to do things differently," Schwarz said.
Schwarz was 32 years old, newly married and had two young children when she was diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
"Knowing where I've been in those sad, dark days to where I am today is a great transition and I hope it encourages people to say, 'You know what? I can enjoy the things I can enjoy, and don't worry about all the cant's and can't do's,'" she said.
Schwarz has dedicated her life to spreading that positive message. She has written seven books, runs her own business, and will soon be a national celebrity.
"She reaches out to the community. She tells her story from the heart. She helps people who are newly diagnosed realize that life will continue to go on in a positive way as long as they have a positive attitude," said Colleen Kalt, president of the Wisconsin MS Society. "When you have someone who has the disease telling the story from their experiences, it really truly makes a tremendous difference."
Schwarz's Webcasts will begin to be posted on the Web site for the National MS Society in August.
The DVD, which offers tips specifically for people with primary progressive MS, will also be available there.
Schwarz's local Web site is MakingLifeEasier.com, and her next segment will air on May 19.
So, my title has to do what I won't do next for the upcoming MS Walk. I draw the line at posing in an orange bikini, especially because it snowed yesterday. LOL
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a Friend !
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Tysabri done for the month
Yesterday was my Tysabri day. Boy with everything I have going on I reallllllly needed my Tysabri fix.
Felt energized when I got home but then my infamous stomach problems kicked in. Not related to the Tysabri infusion but a "perk" of my MS. So I got very little done after I came home other than spending time in the bathroom.
Later in the evening I started to experience vertigo problems. Wow, it's been a long time since I had to deal with a spinning room. I think I need to cut my activities way back. My body is talking to me and I better listen up.
I dropped off a Thank you note at my physical therapists while I was at the hospital. They got together and made a donation to my MS Walk team. I was so excited and touched when they called and told me. It means so much to Mark and I that we have such a wonderful support system.
Still nothing in the way of support from my family. But I don't expect much from them anymore. It is just really hard this year because my dad told everyone they were going to support the MSWalk and basically they lied. Surprise surprise. Anybody who knows the pathetic crew knew better than to believe anything that comes out of their mouths.
I am trying to do a last minute interview with a radio station to help promote the walk and our last MS Walk meeting is tonight. Did I mention that it snowed last night and this morning???
We might have to rename our MS Walk to the MS tromp thru the snow event !!
Feeling better today. The stomach problems have subsided. Not completely gone away but getting better. At least the room isn't spinning as fast as it was last night.
I'm going to put some music on and make some bracelets for the MS Walk. That will relax me a bit.
The dogs are snoring ( too much fun in the snow this morning). They are wiped out sometimes I would love to be a dog. Eat, sleep, poop,sleep some more, have someone else make your bed.
I want to be reincarnated as a sheltie when I die.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Felt energized when I got home but then my infamous stomach problems kicked in. Not related to the Tysabri infusion but a "perk" of my MS. So I got very little done after I came home other than spending time in the bathroom.
Later in the evening I started to experience vertigo problems. Wow, it's been a long time since I had to deal with a spinning room. I think I need to cut my activities way back. My body is talking to me and I better listen up.
I dropped off a Thank you note at my physical therapists while I was at the hospital. They got together and made a donation to my MS Walk team. I was so excited and touched when they called and told me. It means so much to Mark and I that we have such a wonderful support system.
Still nothing in the way of support from my family. But I don't expect much from them anymore. It is just really hard this year because my dad told everyone they were going to support the MSWalk and basically they lied. Surprise surprise. Anybody who knows the pathetic crew knew better than to believe anything that comes out of their mouths.
I am trying to do a last minute interview with a radio station to help promote the walk and our last MS Walk meeting is tonight. Did I mention that it snowed last night and this morning???
We might have to rename our MS Walk to the MS tromp thru the snow event !!
Feeling better today. The stomach problems have subsided. Not completely gone away but getting better. At least the room isn't spinning as fast as it was last night.
I'm going to put some music on and make some bracelets for the MS Walk. That will relax me a bit.
The dogs are snoring ( too much fun in the snow this morning). They are wiped out sometimes I would love to be a dog. Eat, sleep, poop,sleep some more, have someone else make your bed.
I want to be reincarnated as a sheltie when I die.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Sunday, April 19, 2009
MS Walk a week away
Next Sunday is the MS Walk here in town. We still have alot to do
I am on the committee so I have still have a few things left to do, but of course, I don't have the info I need to get them done. I think I am going to wing it and do it myself.
I am also the team captain for our MS Walk team conincidentally named after our business.
Team http://www.themsshoppe.com/ is very excited about this opportunity. I have 14 team members. I think these people are so special that they would walk for me. They have all been so supportive of my decision to attempt to walk it next year.
You guys are the best support system a person could ever have.
This morning I realized that tomorrow is my Tysabri infusion. How could we both have forgotten that? I think we both have way too much going on.
Neither one of us could roll out of bed this morning. I had over 9 hours sleep. A couple cups of coffee and we were good to go.
Mark and I made a sign today for our team photo. Who knew he had so much talent.
I cut out the letters ( compliments of my cricut machine) and he arranged and glued them onto a board. With his straight edge in hand he went to work. Only an engineer could make a cheap sign look like a piece of art. Thanks honey !
We reviewed all of our travel documents for the upcoming cruise. They emailed them a couple of days ago but we didn't have a chance to review anything until today.
I know we are both excited. His mom is fixing a gown for me. It was a little short so I asked her to lengthen it. Now that I can't wear heels anymore I really want to hide my shoes. No, I am not going to wear my nikes.
I told Mark he can pick out my bikini wear. LOL ! I need a tan though. I wonder if you can mailorder a tan.
It's been one of those days to get caught up. Sleep! Work! Orders!(yeah) Playing with the dogs! Etc.
Have a good one everybody. It's gloomy and about to rain here. We might even see snow tomorrow. No, that was not a typo I did say Snow. That is starting to be one of those four letter words I don't want to hear.
Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/
Tell a Friend
I am on the committee so I have still have a few things left to do, but of course, I don't have the info I need to get them done. I think I am going to wing it and do it myself.
I am also the team captain for our MS Walk team conincidentally named after our business.
Team http://www.themsshoppe.com/ is very excited about this opportunity. I have 14 team members. I think these people are so special that they would walk for me. They have all been so supportive of my decision to attempt to walk it next year.
You guys are the best support system a person could ever have.
This morning I realized that tomorrow is my Tysabri infusion. How could we both have forgotten that? I think we both have way too much going on.
Neither one of us could roll out of bed this morning. I had over 9 hours sleep. A couple cups of coffee and we were good to go.
Mark and I made a sign today for our team photo. Who knew he had so much talent.
I cut out the letters ( compliments of my cricut machine) and he arranged and glued them onto a board. With his straight edge in hand he went to work. Only an engineer could make a cheap sign look like a piece of art. Thanks honey !
We reviewed all of our travel documents for the upcoming cruise. They emailed them a couple of days ago but we didn't have a chance to review anything until today.
I know we are both excited. His mom is fixing a gown for me. It was a little short so I asked her to lengthen it. Now that I can't wear heels anymore I really want to hide my shoes. No, I am not going to wear my nikes.
I told Mark he can pick out my bikini wear. LOL ! I need a tan though. I wonder if you can mailorder a tan.
It's been one of those days to get caught up. Sleep! Work! Orders!(yeah) Playing with the dogs! Etc.
Have a good one everybody. It's gloomy and about to rain here. We might even see snow tomorrow. No, that was not a typo I did say Snow. That is starting to be one of those four letter words I don't want to hear.
Cathy
http://www.themsshoppe.com/
Tell a Friend
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Wow ! My legs got a workout
Yesterday Mark took the day off ( vacation from last year that runneth over so he had to take a day off).
We went to a really large mall about 40 minutes away and decided to just shop. Just in case I overdid it we brought my manual wheelchair.
When we walked in we noticed a restaurant we go to on the river with our boat.
I din't realize they also had a location at the mall. We decdied we would treat ourselves to a sit down lunch. A nice restaurant instead of fast food. We all know how I feel about fast food. Yuck !
I had a wonderful blackened salmom wrap ( that probably was a 1000 calories disguised as healthy)
I had my pedometer on and we just walked and shopped. He was on a mission to buy a new suit. One store advertised a great sale ( which sucked) and we ended up in Macy's. A real store. We don't have real stores in the city I live in. I almost fell over watching and looking at all the pretty displays.
It has been a long time since we were at a Macy's. I would probably like shopping more if we had any decent places to shop in town. We also have a hard time finding the sizes we need here so we have to shop elsewhere. I could never find a small size here. I do most of my shopping online.
After the mall, we went grocery shopping. An employee at the store and I always compare pedometers. She walked 14,000 steps one day. Wow! She is always running around the store
helping customers so I am not surpised.
I probably walked close to 2 miles yeaterday. Last night was rough, my calves kept cramping.
Today I have to finish up some stuff for the walk, make a few thank you notes, a sign for our team photo. No orders so far today but I wouldn't mind working that into my schedule.
This month has been so busy for all parts of our lives. Except Mark's travel. Yeah!
So I am off to do some stretching exercises and maybe later we'll do a lap around the block. It is suppose to be 70 degrees today so I am not sure a walk outside is a good idea.
Have a great day everybody !
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a Friend !
We went to a really large mall about 40 minutes away and decided to just shop. Just in case I overdid it we brought my manual wheelchair.
When we walked in we noticed a restaurant we go to on the river with our boat.
I din't realize they also had a location at the mall. We decdied we would treat ourselves to a sit down lunch. A nice restaurant instead of fast food. We all know how I feel about fast food. Yuck !
I had a wonderful blackened salmom wrap ( that probably was a 1000 calories disguised as healthy)
I had my pedometer on and we just walked and shopped. He was on a mission to buy a new suit. One store advertised a great sale ( which sucked) and we ended up in Macy's. A real store. We don't have real stores in the city I live in. I almost fell over watching and looking at all the pretty displays.
It has been a long time since we were at a Macy's. I would probably like shopping more if we had any decent places to shop in town. We also have a hard time finding the sizes we need here so we have to shop elsewhere. I could never find a small size here. I do most of my shopping online.
After the mall, we went grocery shopping. An employee at the store and I always compare pedometers. She walked 14,000 steps one day. Wow! She is always running around the store
helping customers so I am not surpised.
I probably walked close to 2 miles yeaterday. Last night was rough, my calves kept cramping.
Today I have to finish up some stuff for the walk, make a few thank you notes, a sign for our team photo. No orders so far today but I wouldn't mind working that into my schedule.
This month has been so busy for all parts of our lives. Except Mark's travel. Yeah!
So I am off to do some stretching exercises and maybe later we'll do a lap around the block. It is suppose to be 70 degrees today so I am not sure a walk outside is a good idea.
Have a great day everybody !
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tell a Friend !
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Walking on sunshine
I've been so busy lately I haven't had much time to post anything or read everybody else's blog. I am getting caught up.
The MS Walk is on April 26 and I am on the committee plus I am the team captain for our team. Although I am not walking this year I have so much to do.
Mark is in Detroit,one of his favorite places, and will be home tonight. He's been complaining about the rain and I am having a hard time being compassionate because I am sitting here in shorts. Yeeks ! April in Wisconsin and I'm in shorts.
Ok, so I just worked out and I wanted to be comfortable and not overheat.
I think I may have worked my abs too much becauseI am feeling some pain. Oops!
People with multple sclerosis shouldn't over heat. yada yada yada.
Tomorrow I am going to the mall to go for a walk. I have had numerous offers to join me but I really want or need to go by myself so I don't get sidetracked. It's hard enough with all the sales signs in the windows.
Once I get in more practice I will take you all up on your offers. I will probably need some motivation by that point so get your knock knock jokes ready incase I need a laugh.
3 miles is my goal so I can walk the MS Walk next year. I'm okay with how my body is doing.
This morning I put ribbons around the necks of all my bears that are on my website for sale.
The office had cute little bear faces looking at me from every angle. I had to package them up because I was laughing instead of working. they are all done and ready to bring to sell at the MSWalk.
I am also making bracelets to bring but my fingers aren't working so well today so I will do that later.
I made a flyer to put in the goodie bags for the walkers however as I was folding them last night I got a really bad paper cut. No bandaids nearby so I had to throw out the flyers that I bled on. Ooooh ! I'm a bleeder.
The dogs are sleeping. One, as usual, is snoring. Only 100 more things to do on my to do list. By tomorrow I'll have several more. I'd like to toss the Blackberry in the trash because it keeps flashing. Isn't there an "app" that tells the Blackberry I already have too much to do.
Have a great sunny warm beautiful day !
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
The MS Walk is on April 26 and I am on the committee plus I am the team captain for our team. Although I am not walking this year I have so much to do.
Mark is in Detroit,one of his favorite places, and will be home tonight. He's been complaining about the rain and I am having a hard time being compassionate because I am sitting here in shorts. Yeeks ! April in Wisconsin and I'm in shorts.
Ok, so I just worked out and I wanted to be comfortable and not overheat.
I think I may have worked my abs too much becauseI am feeling some pain. Oops!
People with multple sclerosis shouldn't over heat. yada yada yada.
Tomorrow I am going to the mall to go for a walk. I have had numerous offers to join me but I really want or need to go by myself so I don't get sidetracked. It's hard enough with all the sales signs in the windows.
Once I get in more practice I will take you all up on your offers. I will probably need some motivation by that point so get your knock knock jokes ready incase I need a laugh.
3 miles is my goal so I can walk the MS Walk next year. I'm okay with how my body is doing.
This morning I put ribbons around the necks of all my bears that are on my website for sale.
The office had cute little bear faces looking at me from every angle. I had to package them up because I was laughing instead of working. they are all done and ready to bring to sell at the MSWalk.
I am also making bracelets to bring but my fingers aren't working so well today so I will do that later.
I made a flyer to put in the goodie bags for the walkers however as I was folding them last night I got a really bad paper cut. No bandaids nearby so I had to throw out the flyers that I bled on. Ooooh ! I'm a bleeder.
The dogs are sleeping. One, as usual, is snoring. Only 100 more things to do on my to do list. By tomorrow I'll have several more. I'd like to toss the Blackberry in the trash because it keeps flashing. Isn't there an "app" that tells the Blackberry I already have too much to do.
Have a great sunny warm beautiful day !
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Vacation plans are done !
After many hours of deliberations we have finally pulled our vacation plans together.
My primary focus was to find a way for Mark to escape where no one could reach him. LOL. that wasn't reality butthe second one was so we could both relax.
His job is stressing him out which is stressing me out. He has so much on his plate and while he loves what he is doing it is job overload.
So our plans are... the drumroll please....
We are going to fly to Venice and cruise Italy, Greece and Croatia.
No I'm not kidding !
We found a wonderful deal and have traveled with this company before. We tried so many options and drove the companies involved crazy trying to fit our crazy schedules into a vacation.
I have to work around my Tysabri infusion and he has to work around job conflicts. Amongst other things.
So we are both excited about the trip. I have always dreamed of cruising Greece. I love Greek food. And he has been to Italy before so he can mini tour guide. We have to fly in early and spend two nights in Venice ( boo hoo). I want to take a gondola ride and eat pizza.
I'll share more details as the time approaches but for now we are very excited. Hopefully nothing will interfere with this. We both really need a vacation together.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Less than two weeks til our MS Walk.
My primary focus was to find a way for Mark to escape where no one could reach him. LOL. that wasn't reality butthe second one was so we could both relax.
His job is stressing him out which is stressing me out. He has so much on his plate and while he loves what he is doing it is job overload.
So our plans are... the drumroll please....
We are going to fly to Venice and cruise Italy, Greece and Croatia.
No I'm not kidding !
We found a wonderful deal and have traveled with this company before. We tried so many options and drove the companies involved crazy trying to fit our crazy schedules into a vacation.
I have to work around my Tysabri infusion and he has to work around job conflicts. Amongst other things.
So we are both excited about the trip. I have always dreamed of cruising Greece. I love Greek food. And he has been to Italy before so he can mini tour guide. We have to fly in early and spend two nights in Venice ( boo hoo). I want to take a gondola ride and eat pizza.
I'll share more details as the time approaches but for now we are very excited. Hopefully nothing will interfere with this. We both really need a vacation together.
Cathy
www.TheMSShoppe.com
Less than two weeks til our MS Walk.
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