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It seems that Julie and Anne have been overlooked in the awards department, and that is just a crying shame. So come on over ladies, and pick up your award. You know what this means, don't you? That's right. Whining must now be kept to a minimum. Good Day, TTYL and Be Well.

I picked this one up from Marie of Nourish at her other blog, The Shore Bookworm. She hasn't posted there since April. I guess she's been busy elsewhere. 1. To mark your page you: use a bookmark, bend the page corner, leave the book open face down? I prefer to use a bookmark; I have lots of them laying around. Sometimes I will leave the book open face down for a short break, but I would never, ever bend the page corner. I hate dogeared pages! 2. Do you lend your books? Yes, though more likely I'd give it away - or sell it. 3. You find an interesting passage: you write in your book or NO WRITING IN BOOKS! Unless I'm "studying" the book, as with Oprah's series with Eckhart Tolle on A New Earth , I don't write in my books. It's not a bad idea though, especially now that I can't remember shit. 4. Dust jackets - leave it on or take it off? With any hard cover I plan to keep, I'll remove the dust jacket while I'm reading it - the book,...

It started just a few minutes ago - this last recurrence of my ON, and it's making editing a little bitch, so just ignore the typos, okay? I 'll try to stay calm and remind myself that this has happened before and it went away, so the chances are good that it will go away this time too. In the meanwhile, after I read my blogroll, I was planning to read all the backed up magazines today so I can send them to the recycle bin, but ... plans change. Last night I went to a Biogen idec sponsored talk about Tysabri which was help at the Courtyard Marriott in Tacoma. The speaker, a Dr. Vincent Macaluso, is a neurologist who has MS and has been on Tysabri for 30 months now, after nine years on Avonex. He looked healthy and well, and couldn't speak more highly about the big T. This was true also of the advocates, one of which was also a Dr. - a former neuropsychiatrist, [I have to take a break here because I can't read what I'm writing. Be back soon!] It's been two hou...

Just a reminder folks, because I forgot. Antibiotics and direct sunlight = sunburn, even for those who (like my brothers and me, thanks to our father), don't burn easily. Saturday, when I got home from the store, I sat on the patio for half an hour at most. I wore a sun hat, because I hate squinting, and I had a long sleeve T-shirt on because I've been cold all Spring, but I wasn't thinking about covering my feet. I was wearing fisherman sandals and when I got up Sunday my foot itched like crazy - I apparently got bitten by a mosquito, too! But the sunburn is in an interesting pattern from the shoes. Oh the joys of nice weather plus two ponds. Plus my feet and ankles are swollen again. What's up with this seemingly random swelling? I went to the store Saturday, and again today, and will again Wednesday to buy lottery tickets. I have a friend who is crazy about getting her lottery tickets. Since she is out of state for a week, she sent me the numbers for both Lotto and ...

These all were taken on the waters of Puget Sound just off the Asarco refinery which is just north of Bellingham, WA. These pictures show how the whale was having some fun showing off for his/her audience. My cousin said it was a serendipitous whale watching experience. I suspect he was just planning to pull in some crab pots for dinner! I'm so glad he shared these photos with me - and I'm happy to have thought of sharing them with you. Good Night, TTYL and Be Well

I was given today the Lovely Blogger Friend award by Herrad . See it over on the left? Oops, the right? It's the third award my lovely blogger friend has given to me and I just have to smile each time I think of it -- or her -- for that matter. I see her lying on those beautiful berry-colored sheets in her tangerine room and I have to smile. She is inspiring me to make my own bedroom a colorful and comfortable haven. I just wish my husband was a little more doting on me like Richie is with her. I suppose he isn't because he has convinced himself that I can do more for myself than I actually can. So, for the big job of cleaning my room I must depend on the help of friends, and most of the people I know fall into the category of acquaintance, which simply won't do in this case. One of my close friends just left for the South for a two-month vacation. Hopefully she'll be willing to paint when she comes home. Perhaps I can get her to stay here for awhile - and paint. If sh...

Six Word Saturday bids me to "describe your life in six words." IT (JUST) IS WHAT IT IS. Here is a lovely Orca frolicking in the northern regions of Puget Sound, a photo taken by my cousin last summer. Beautiful, No? That is the lovely Mount Baker in the background. [Note the difference in the pictures; DH fooled around with the second one in Corel PhotoPaint. He thought the pictures looked "washed out." What do you think?]

I admit that although this was an idea that has been percolating for some time (except during NaBloPoMo months) the content below was written and created by someone else, and I have "stolen" it with permission, if such a thing is possible; Okay, it isn't -- so let's say used with permission by Tartx. This also was the source of the lovely BWO whatsit in the left, er right, sidebar. " Because you shouldn’t have to look at your blog like it is a treadmill. Because its okay to just say what you have to say. If that makes for a long post, fine. Short post, fine. Frequent post, fine. Infrequent post, fine. Because its okay to not always be enthralled with the sound of your own typing. Because sometimes less is more. Because only blogging when you feel truly inspired keeps up the integrity of your blog. Because they are probably not going to inscribe your stat, link and comment numbers on your tombstone. Because for most of us blogging is just a hobby. A way t...

My multiple sclerosis, that is -- that's what I'm talking about. It is what it is, and that's all it is. A blessing, a curse, a teacher, a rude awakening. It brought loss, and pain, and patience, and change. It stopped my life in its tracks, and started it up again on a whole 'nother path. That path started with learning to walk again, then to swim, then to persevere. I was in my mid-20's and just wanted to have fun. So, without a regular job (which I had to give up shortly after diagnosis), and with a few steadfast friends, I lived my solitary life (meaning I was not married nor attached) living at my parents' house with nary a care in the world. It was under those circumstances that I was able to focus solely on myself. Frankly, I don't know if I would have done as well as I did if I was married at the time. If I was married then to my current husband, perhaps - but I probably wouldn't have been attracted to him then, nor he to me, because I think we ...

Twice this week I've played with my sleep (non)schedule big time. Since I knew I had an 11:45 AM appointment for a cath. change on Tuesday I decided to sleep in on Monday and get up at around 7:00 PM so I could stay awake all night and then make it to my appointment on time. Hmmm, I can remember the day when that would have been impossible for me - but I did it; not only did I do it, but I was able to go to the grocery store for a few things after my appointment , then take a short nap during dinner hour so I could stay up to see The Biggest Loser at 8:00 PM. [Which was stretched out ridiculously long, IMO - and too bad Tara didn't win, but they all looked fabulous!] I ended up going to bed at about my usual time (5:00 AM) Wednesday morning, and that's when I lose track. You see, I knew that this was Thursday, and that I wanted to watch Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy , which I did. I also know that I stayed up all day Thursday, and all night Wednesday night/Thursd...

1. What is on the walls of your room? Uh, paint. 2. What type of music do you listen to? Not much of anything lately. 3. What do you want more than anything right now? Actually, right now I'm fine, thanks. 4. Do you get scared in the dark? Depends on where I am At home - no, in a strange place outdoors - probably, especially if there are odd noises. 5. What's you worst fear? I don't dwell on fears. 6. If you could be anything right now, what would it be? Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise. 7. What’s the meaningful gift that you’ve received? A crystal ball. 8. Do you have a crush? I'm in love with my husband. 9. Who is your favorite celebrity? I don't have a favorite. I like Ellen, Oprah, Johnny Depp, Russel Crowe, Sandra Oh, and several more. 10. Could you fall in love with someone that you know must leave? Of course. 11. Share a favorite quote of yours. "It was a momentary lapse of muscular coordination," totally in a different context, of course, but a...

I woke up to my alarm at 11:00 AM and spent the next two hours punching the snooze button. Switching from night to day hours in a day sucks big time. And here I am, still up at 5 AM. Anyway, I was awake and thinking by 1:00, so I called the pharmacy for a refill as the Rx expired today; then I called to make an appointment to have my hair trimmed and flat-ironed so it'll look good for a couple of days. I finally got out of bed at 1:30 and into the shower by 2:20; I was clean and my hair was dried by 3:15. I had DH move my laptop to the dining room so I could make some prints before I had to leave, which I did. Then I defrosted two pieces of fried chicken and reheated them and had them for brunch, with a much needed cup of coffee. I made it to my 5:00 hair appt. early, then stopped at Arby's for a small frosty and curly fries which I ate while I drove across town to the meeting. I'm still feeling a little guilty about that - I didn't need to stuff myself with fast food....

A - Age: 53 and 9 months or so. B - Bed size: Soon to be Full, currently a lumpy Queen. C - Chore you hate: I don't do chores anymore (ahem), but cleaning the bathroom was particularly onerous. D - Dog's name: Beulah. E - Essential start your day item: Other than getting out of bed and dressed? Coffee. Good, hot coffee. F - Favorite color: I don't have a favorite. I like rich warm colors. G - Gold or Silver: Gold H - Height: 5' 4" - on a good day. I - Instruments you play(ed): I played the piano from 1st through 10th grade. J - Job title: Don't have one. K - Kid(s): Don't have any. L - Living arrangements: I own my own home (inherited it) which I live in with my husband and 3 cats and 1 dog. M - Mom's name: I called her Mom. N - Nicknames: Webster, Webs, long ago - Irving. O - Overnight hospital stay other than birth: I was an in-patient when I was diagnosed with MS in 1981, and to have an ovarian cyst removed in the mid 1990's, and with a b...

I just got the reminder from the city to renew Radagast's license. I'm sending it back with a note that he died February 7, 2009. I can't believe I remember the date. I don't even remember the dates my parents died - the months, yes, but not the dates. Is that bad of me? It's not important information, really. I sure don't need it for anything - but still - it kind of feels wrong. Just sayin'. After two very nice days, our weather has turned grey again. Grey and wet. I woke up to the sound of a heavy rain shower this afternoon (after eight good hours of sleep), and promptly groaned and fell back to sleep - which is why I am awake typing at 5:30 AM. I have six days to write a tribute to my sorority president, which I am expected to deliver at our Mother's Day Luncheon next Saturday. I was on a roll with a draft, and now the creative writer in me has taken off to hide behind a rock or something. Perhaps I work better under deadline pressure. Wednesday, I w...

Today I received the Kreativ Blogger Award from Herrad who continues to inspire and uplift me in our processes of living with this disease. Thank you so much, Herrad. I'm so glad you enjoy reading my Blog. [note - is blog supposed to be capitalized? I have no idea.] I was supposed to have my cath changed today, but they had two people call in sick and were very backed up so we rescheduled for Thursday. Instead I went to Fransiscan Medical Group (after calling them on my new cell phone! to make sure they had every thing in stock). I went across the street to pick up some supplies, then I went to Sound Medical to get an estimate for repairing my right side walker brake which is not working at. all. Turns out they don't have anyone there who does repairs, but referred me elsewhere. HOWEVER, right next door was this nice looking coffee shop called, um .... Forza..... which was just what the doctor ordered as I didn't get more than 2 1/2 hours sleep last night. I KNOW! What th...

I'm just letting the days float by without saying a thing. Truth is, I've been sleeping too much again. I know. I can't say I have insomnia, I just don't want to sleep at night. I sleep very well during the day, however. Grrr. I haven't been doing too much of anything since my lunch and visit to Big Lots and TJ's. I realized that I forgot to get crackers at TJ's, though. Oh well. I don't need more to snack on, that's for sure. Sorority installation is at the next meeting, May 7, and I've been asked to write a few things about our chapter president. Funny thing is, the social chairman asked me to come up with about five minutes to honor her at our Mother's Day luncheon which is May 9. So that's what I have been working on, and so far it has some good bones, I just need to fill it in a bit. Naturally, I will leave that until the last minute as I seem to like to work under deadline pressure. (Isn't that what all procrastinators say?) S...

Even though I got just six hours sleep last night, when I woke up I was steady and feeling okay. Not great, but okay. We converged on El Toro at pretty much the same time and had a lovely lunch. Then we ambled over to Big Lots (actually one of them pushed my walker while I reparked my car at the entrance), whereupon we went in to stimulate the economy a bit. I found a lovely cat bed which, so for, hasn't gone over too well - but that may be because the door to my bedroom is open and it's quieter in there on my bed. Damned cats. I also got a big multicolored sunflower whirlygig for the patio - the first bit of whimsy added this year. Big Lots has lots of that kind of stuff. Who knew? Big pots, too. But this month;s budget is just about shot. I then went to Trader Joe's as everyone else went their seperate ways, and got my COFFEE. Oh happy, Oh joy. Now I can make a pot of coffee for DH. HA, The irony is (if you can read the fine print) that HE is the one who prepares MY m...

I'll just cut to the chase. I feel like crap today for some unknown reason. Oh, wait, I DO know. I have MS. I was just getting used to the idea that the Solumedrol helped, then I wake up to this ... weakness. Oh well, tomorrow had better be a better day because I have things to do: lunch with the girls at El Toro followed by a trip to Trader Joe's for, you guessed it, COFFEE. We're almost out, which can only inspire this reaction: Sorry it's a little blurry, I resized it manually rather than go back to reload it properly. So SUE ME! (or just go on wondering if your ON is acting up - haha) Weather got up to a balmy 71F. today, not that I bore witness to it. Nope, went to bed at 8 AM and got up at 4 PM. I actually kicked the cats out of my room last night and slept pretty well. Maybe that's what's wrong with me. I've finished my blogroll, and yesterday's paper. I still have two sections of Friday's paper and then there's today's. I have minutes...

I know it's not Sunday, but I'm going to start this entry with a meme from Sunday Stealing. Lazy of me, I know, but it will probably get me through until my baclofen takes effect on my painful and jumpy legs. Sunday Stealing: The Green Meme 1. What is your current obsession? Waiting for Spring! 2. What’s a good coffee place? Bertolino's Coffee, either on 23rd/Union, or on 40th/Orchard in Tacoma. 3. Who was the last person that you hugged? DH, of course. But before that, it was my SIL last Saturday. 4. Do you nap a lot? Depends. In the summer when it's warm - yes. When I go and do too much - yes. Otherwise, not so much. 5. Tonight, what’s for dinner? Lentil and vegetable soup with rice that DH made awhile ago. (Frozen leftovers.) Yummy. 6. What was the last thing that you bought? A box of a dozen bars of sandalwood soap for $4.50 in Chinatown on Saturday. 7. What is your favorite weather? Oh, Sunny and 73 degrees with a very light breeze. 8. Tell us something about one...

This non-morning person had to get up an hour earlier than planned as my friend needed to stop off at work for a few minutes which was no problem. The problem was Thursday night when I COULD NOT fall asleep! I had to meet my friend at Radio Shack at 10:45, and didn't drop off to sleep until just past 6:00. Operating on three hours of sleep, I got a new cell phone (!), bought dinner rolls for Easter and some cold fried chicken for me, went to the bank and deposited a check and got cash, then I filled my tank with gas. And that exhausted me - so when I got home I crashed with a nap, woke to watch some TV, then slept well Thursday PM. So, I woke up at 7:40, to leave at 8:30 - ran late because everything seems to take longer that it should - but left the garage at 9:00; I went through the Starbuck's drive-thru to get a tall latte with three sugars, and I was on my way to Seattle. Gosh, I haven't done any freeway driving in what seems like years! I can see why it freaks some ...