I Thought I Was Back

http://ellipsissuddenlycarly.blogspot.com/

EMPS #22: ROCKS or STONES

These are my favorite rocks and stones because they were created by my Dave and brother Pat. They set every stone in our water feature by hand and it's 30ft long. This was taken yesterday. A bigger shot of it is at the bottom of post. After two weeks of upper 60 degrees with sunshine we finally got heavy rains and a few inches of snow. It knocked out our satellite (computer, DVR and TV) but I loved January's weather.

Fort Bragg rocks

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PROMPT 48 " If I Only Had Time"

Time has become precious to me, but even I take advantage of its worth. I have had trouble making a quick recovery from this latest bug going around. I can't believe January is almost gone as I napped the month away. Let's face it, when you're disabled you have the luxury of time in a day, you are just limited in how you use that time. When I was sick I had begun to feel stagnant and then became reflective. Being sick with a sinus migraine keeps you away from the distractions of computers and TV's. Thinking is all that's left, besides napping.

When my new Neurologist and new President gave me renewed hope for a cure with stem cell research, I rejoiced. I had to think about what I really wanted and snatch back some of my old dreams. I will admit that the thought of a total cure actually scared me. I had forgotten how it feels to be "normal" after 18yrs. I asked Dave "what am I going to do if I'm cured?" in a panicked tone. He replied, jokingly, "get a job!" I said "you don't want me at home to clean the house, do your laundry, run errands and cook for you? He said "nope, can't afford it because I'll be retired." LOL I'm thinking I'd better finish my degree and figure out what I'm going to do for the rest of my life. It won't be dying from ALS, that's for sure. I get giddy just thinking about all the possibilities and changes.

I'm Baaack!

I went from a chest cold and sinuses to migraine hell. This all happened during my peri-menopausal "cycle." ALS is greatly effected by any of these by themselves, but when you mix them together it slams you to your knees. My priorities were to keep my lungs clear without my head exploding. I was very diligent in using a humidifier, Ibuprofen, Imitrex, Musinex PE and REST. I refused to re-schedule all of my upcoming appointments in to spring. I even needed to add an appointment to get my hormone levels checked, thanks Oprah. :)

Last Tuesday was my lung function test for my ALS progression and upcoming nose polyp surgery. My cold was at it's end but I was still in a migraine fog. I was in the upper 90% two years ago but I got a lousy 87% this time. Good enough for surgery but it skews my stats for my progression. I was 104% five years ago so I'm pushing to stay in the 90's and you know I will.

I met with my new Neurologist at UC Davis on Friday and he made a great first impression. He is young, from Sweden and smart. He was amazed at my lack of progression and spent two hours with me. He confirmed the ALS, but is going after 18yrs of medical records to look at all of my tests to confirm. He may do a few again because he has never seen a case like mine. While I was there I begged for help with my migraines. He put me on Amitriptyline which will help to prevent migraines, bladder, drooling and my laughing/crying outbursts. (ALS side effects) I have almost been hurt by laughing out of control. Very weird feeling. Amitriptyline is actually an anti-depressant but is used for so much more. His new ALS clinic starts this week and I feel that I am in great hands for the future. AMEN!

Thank you for all of your well wishes. Dave is feeling great and I'm at 70%, and climbing. I had to hit ALL READ on 196 posts but I did skim. lol I miss my blog and friends. XXOO Tomorrow will be an exciting day! "I have a dream" will take on a bigger meaning for us all. See ya soon!

P.S. Happy 1yr birthday to our grandson Warrick (Jan 14th), Happy 43rd Deb, Diana's Texas Chili was the bomb, keep it up Batman and Jodi/Robbin ROCK!

On a Sick Leave

Dave is still sick, but he is on antibiotics and working. I had thought I was home free in not catching it. WRONG! I'm really on top of it and must rest, so it stays out of my lungs. I have a lung function test to pass for polyp nose surgery I'll be back soon.

Sunday Scribbling - "for richer or poorer"

United

We are richer united

and poorer in discord

let's become ignited

we are richer united

do not be shortsighted

but collectively in accord

we are richer united

and poorer in discord.

I wanted to start off the new year with something I've never tried, a Triolet poem. I've been watching the economy and the horrors of yet another battle on CNN. This is brief and to the point as I slowly come out of my holiday coma.

The features of the Triolet are:
8 lines.
Two rhymes.
5 of the 8 lines are repeated or refrain lines.
First line repeats at the 4th and 7th lines.
Second line repeats at the 8th line.

A
B
a - Rhymes with 1st line.
A - Identical to 1st line.
a - Rhymes with 1st line.
b - Rhymes with 2nd line.
A - Identical to 1st line.
B - Identical to 2nd line.


http://oriz.deviantart.com/art/Love-Of-Rich-and-Poor-32151264 Photo
http://sundayscribblings.blogspot.com/ Prompt #144 for richer or poorer

Happy New Year!

My green apples are still hanging on and taste great! (Click to see)

I had no idea where the time went over the holidays. I found my computer after the holidays and there were 196 posts left unread. My Facebook was full of thoughtful "superpokes" and I had many unanswered emails. I've read Facebook, updated my blog look and Twitter. As for the 196 posts I'm afraid I can't read them all. I'll do my best, but know my comments to you are in my thoughts and heart.

We had a lovely white Christmas with my brother. Pat came early to watch over me while Dave visited his mom in a rehab hospital. She is working hard to heal that hip and get back home. The day after Christmas Dave's daughter arrived with family in tow. My hat goes off to her for the amount of energy in their three young boys. Dave and I raised girls and were not fully prepared for our rambunctious grandsons.


Two of the boys had colds so we needed to stay out of the snow. The one year old had to be watched due to walking with a wobble. The 4 year old was always on the go and the 7 year old loved the Wii's Mario Kart Brothers. Keeping them from getting bored was the agenda. We blocked up the living room, had toys, a cool tent and snacks. I hope they had fun. The 19th through the 29th seems like a blur now.

The tent took up the whole guest room and it was in front of an electric fireplace. It was just like camping. If you click on it you can see the fireplace, sort of.


Warrick was trapped like a rat but enjoyed finding ways out of our barricades.

Our frozen waterfall pond was solid enough for Nikki to walk on. Thank goodness!

The house was quiet and restored this week. Dave is on his first real vacation, but sadly he is sick. I can't go near him so I don't catch it and I can't care for him. He wants to take Christmas down but he's feeling bad and I'm objecting due to rain. A rough start to the new year but I have high hopes for a great 2009.

My TK turned 3 on the 29th. His family took him to the San Francisco Aquarium and got him a big fish tank. No pics for gramy yet. :(

My thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy's health and Joyce's family who lost a family member to ALS. Rest in peace Mel.