Relax....

If I had to sum the day up in one word, that would be it. I have done very little to nothing today. I confess to taking a four hour nap after a quick trip to the grocery store. And I still need to go to a real store because the local HEB did not have things I went after. Maybe I'll try Bay City Walmart tomorrow after the chiro....or just wait till later in the week and make a run into civilization.

I had thought I might get my tree up but finally relented that I just didn't have the energy to expend. Just take it one day at a time.

If you're reading this, I apologize for your boredom as I'm just not posting much of substance. Maybe, hopefully in the coming days.

Grand Plans not quite fulfilled

I've had all sorts of grand plans for my long weekend. So far I've accomplished nothing. At least not much of anything. I still have hope of making strides tomorrow. At the same time, I know my biggest task will be to get in the mind set to head back to the office for three intense weeks wrapping up the year and preparing for a new one.

I also need to get Christmas gifts made because sadly, I've only thought about it thus far. I am starting to second guess myself on my planned gifts. Not because of the work. Just hoping everyone will like them. I know I shouldn't dwell on that...but I do. I know in the end, it will all come together and be fine.

Shots DONE!

I have now finished my five steriod shots and despite it all I do believe they are working. I no longer have the constant, aching pain that has been a part of my daily life for three plus weeks. I am ashamed to say I can't say how long I've been plagued by it because I just didn't give it the attention I guess I should have. I now know in the future if I have lingering, nagging pain I should call the neuro and let him decide its relevance.

Not all issues are resolved but I have faith that they will be. As much as I didn't want them I guess steroids are a miracle drug. Time will tell if I have any of the adverse effects I experienced from my first round last year. I was on five days IV then and by the second day after I crashed--HARD. My fatigue level was unbearable. I so hope I do not have to endure that this time around but in the event it occurs, I will manage.

This Journey I'm On....

The Katy Walk was Saturday. It was great seeing everyone and I appreciate the support of everyone who participated either by walking or donating. The final totals aren't in yet but I know the team did great and our total should be over $2000! A fantastic number for a real first effort--since last year kinda fizzled after Ike. I'm so proud of everyone who helped! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

On another note, if you've been following or communicating with me at all you know the last week has been a bit more challenging due to a flare. It started with what I thought was pain from a pulled muscle. Weeks in when chiropractic, massage and advil weren't doing the trick I contacted the neuro seeking relief. After some questions and a brief discussion he concluded it was a flare and ordered a round of steroids. I have a five day regimen of self-injections with one day remaining. While relief has not been instant, I am feeling a bit better though experiencing fatigue---others get hyper on steroids, I get fatigue. I know from experience I have a way to go yet but I have no doubt I am on the road to being 100%--or at least 100% for me.

I am probably more annoyed with myself than anything for not recognizing this for what it turned out to be. After last year I thought for certain I would know when things were changing. I have learned each manifestation can (and will)be different. I got a short, but caring, lecture from the neuro's nurse about calling sooner rather than later. It's all a learning process...

Sometimes....

insurance is a pain.....I've been waiting since yesterday to find out about delivery of the meds the doc has ordered.....I called around 11a this morning and finally got confirmation around 2p that they are finally on their way. Apparently the order was somehow hung up in their system. They showed the order....but showed it on hold......wtf??

I don't how many suprevisors it took before it was finally straightened out. At least I had a very nice, obviously very competant person working to get this resolved. As soon as she recognized there was an issue she informed of that and told me she would follow up just quickly as she could get an answer. She told me she was not going to place me on hold and subject me to the terrible hold music. She even apologized for waking me when she was able to finally call with an answer.

The good news is the meds will be deliverd tomorrow morning. The down side is another is it's been another day of pain and who knows how long it will take for the meds to work. As of now I'm hoping to make it to the office tomorrow but have accepted that may not happen. If staying home tomorrow means I'll be ready for the walk on Saturday I can deal!

Top Five!

As of this moment, the Merry Milers is in the top five fundraisers for the Katy MS Walk this Saturday. Wooooohoooooooooo It's a small thing but it's exciting to me considering the economy and the fact this is our first year to really participate--since Ike cancelled things last year.

I am extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me both with donations and love. This journey I'm on isn't always a fun one but I am thankful to have wonderful people by my side.

A Day to Rest

THAT is what today turned out to be. I tried, I really tried to get out of bed and get moving this morning. My body however wanted no part of it. Ok, it was really just the right side that was rebelling but it was enough to finally make me say UNCLE.

I moved to the recliner where I managed to finally find a somewhat comfortable position and drifted off to sleep. I dreamed I was in a room and there was an alarm clock buzzing but it could not be found. I finally realized I was hearing MY alarm buzzing in my bedroom. Crap it was already 7:30am.

My first thought was to make a mad dash and get to the office as soon as I could. My body had different ideas and after dragging myself to the bedroom to turn off the alarm I returned to the recliner with phone in hand. Through a haze I managed to call to let them know I was NOT feeling well and would be spending the day in bed.

I spent most of the morning sleeping in the recliner and would most likely have continued to do so had it not been for the FedEx man banging on my door. I had forgotten I was getting a medicine delivery today. Oh joy.

I spent the day napping, watching a bit of television and trying to get a few things done on the computer when my hand would cooperate with me. Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow!

MS Silent Auction Item....

Kemah-MS Walk

I had a great time Friday night and Saturday helping with the Kemah-MS Walk. By the time it was done Saturday I was ready to drop. So much for my grand idea of cropping with the girls that night--sorry I missed out on the fun. I'll make it up to ya somehow.

I met lots of wonderful people who I look forward to seeing again. It was hard work but it was a blast! The sea of orange Saturday was a beautiful site! Thank you MS Society and KBR.

Is It Friday Yet?????

I am so very ready for the weekend--kinda apparent by the post previous to this one. I have to work half a day and after that the afternoon and evening are going to be jam packed with MS walk activities. And tnen of course, the Kemah walk on Saturday. Not certain just what my duties will be but I know tomorrow I will helping set up tents and such. Meeting new people and embarking on new adventures.

Weekend Frame of Mind...

Yup. It may only be Wednesday but I am already in a weekend state of mind. A day and a half more to work (off at noon Friday to help with finalizing things for Kemah MS Walk on Saturday). Tons of things to get done between now and then!

Current plan is to stay near/in Kemah Friday night---thanks Naomi!--help with the walk on Saturday then head over to Kimmy's for girlfriend cropping time. That means not only will I be packing clothes but scrapping supplies as well. I can do it! Of course, that also means I cannot sit around tomorrow evening like a lump as I so often tend to do. Not sure what I might actually accomplish tonight but I need to try to get something done.

Sunday I am hoping for a day of relaxation before the work week begins all over. Things are getting busy there as the semester comes to an end. The addition of direct lending in the mix really gets things going. Yea congress.......

Dinner is in the oven--after much convincing myself that I really need to eat here instead of grabbing fast food as I am often prone to do. Much like the kids in The Night Before Christmas I have visions dancing in my head but instead of sugar plums and such my visions are of a more domestic nature---taking out the trash, laundry, picking up, paying bills, etc., etc., etc.............

A thought to ponder: Why do the weeks seem to drag on endlessly while the weekends are gone in the blink of an eye??

Does it count if I list friends twice???

I have THE BEST friends......there with a shoulder or helping hand.....answering my silly questions and helping me out---thanks Carol for the advice on the veggies I bought not knowing how to cook......and the wonderful, wonderful friends who have signed up to join my walk team and those who have donated. Many, many thanks!

As of this morning I not only met my individual fund raising goal of $1000, but I have surpassed it! The team goal is in sight too....ten days left till the walk....that goal is within reach.... This Saturday is the Kemah walk and I am looking forward to helping with that. I'm feeling good about being involved and am disappointed in myself that it took my diagnosis to get me there. No time for regrets though!

Bad Scrapper....

...that's how I feel after downloading my pictures from the weekend. There aren't that many which shouldn't really be a problem except the shots I do have for the most part are terrible. Been having real difficulty lately with finding a setting that produces good pictures. And as if that weren't enough....for some reason my computer will not load all the pictures I select--says they are already in my collection, which they are not. Even my pictures of baby J aren't very good. I am disappointed.....bad scrapper, bad scrapper....

Abridged version....

The last couple of years I played along with the girls with their thankful posts and will try to do the same this year. Thus...my title: abridged version. I know me. I start out with really good intentions and I'll do good for a few days and then I'll slide. Things will get busy and I'll get engrossed in something else. Suddenly one skipped day turns into an entire week and I'm trying to play catch-up. This year I will avoid that from the start and will commit to doing my best to play along but will not obsess or fret if I fall behind.

So there....the first entry on my gratitude list is to be thankful for having the ability to partake or decline as I find necessary. I will take that a step further by saying I am thankful for having friends who will let me slide and play along according to my schedule!

So there in a flash I've gotten two gratitudes down. That brings me up to date!

Wonderful Weekend....

...took my time getting things together and heading to Austin Friday and the timing was perfect--got there just a few mins before Elsa got home from work. Joyce came by with wine and cheese...oh and lemondrops....and we spent the evening munching, sipping, laughing and watching Twilight. Wasn't all that impressed with Twilight I am sad to say but the company was great.

Slept in Saturday which normally is a good thing except in this case cause it meant we were in a mad dash to get dressed and get to the capitol--Elsa had to be there at 10a--just made it. She went off to do her volunteer duty while I spent the time strolling the capitol grounds, browsing books and enjoying the day. It was a nice day for the Texas Book Festival and something I found enjoyable.

Once Elsa was done we headed off to grab a bite at Pappasitos--YUM--then did a little shopping at some of our favorite haunts before heading home---had to be there for the UT game. Elsa watched the game and I piddled and ran over to Best Buy and picked up burgers. It was a relaxing evening and we turned in somewhat early for us.

We took advantage of the extra hour of sleep and once again woke to having to make a mad dash--Elsa needed to be back at the capitol by 10a. We said our goodbyes and I took my time getting dressed and on the road. Came home the long way--by way of Cibolo--and got to see and hold Joey. He is perfect in many ways! Such a cutie.

After a couple hours visit it was time to hit the road back to reality. Since I have a gps I let it guide me a different route which made for an enjoyable drive. Stopped in Columbus for dinner then home to relax some more.

Lucky me, I have Monday off but will have to get many things done and get back in the mindset for work. Yippee....welcome November!