MS Awareness with the Sacramento Rivercats. September 1, 2011

My first attempt at a video slide show!
It's important for all of us to create MS Awareness!  Wear orange get out there and be seen!
This was such a fun day the weather was perfect and the Rivercats won! 

Creating awareness for Multiple Sclerosis!!

The Help

I really enjoyed this book!  Set in the 1960's in a small town in Missippi.  Skeeter, a young woman who returns home after graduating from college determined to become a writer decides to write a book "from the point of view of the help".  The help, being black women who have spent their lives taking care of white families and basically raising their children. 
I loved the movie.  I actually saw it twice.  I loved that it is so powerful and evokes every human emotion.  One minute your crying and a minute later you're laughing. 
If you enjoyed the movie you definitely should read the book to gain more depth and understanding! 

Josh Groban Straight to you Concert

Sadie and I before the show

Sadie and I had the best time.  We went to the Cheesecake Factory in Sacramento for dinner before the show.  Our seats were on the floor very near the stage.  Josh is an amazing performer and so funny!  He sang all my favorite songs!  I love him!!  He's wonderful!!!
I'm looking forward to his next concert!

Josh & Beth sing Happy Birthday!

Josh Singing my favorite song "Awake"

"Don't Give Up"

Josh Groban!

By now you all know I love Josh Groban!  Straight To You Tour  I bought our tickets the first day they went on sale!  Being a wheelchair user I knew I needed to call to get wheelchair seating.  I called the Power Balance Pavilion in the early afternoon and was prompted to leave a message.  Since their office was closing at 5 o'clock I waited patiently (well okay so not so patiently) for them to call.  It was 4:30 and no one had called so I called an alternate number.  I really wanted my tickets! I was able to talk to the person in charge and got the best seats.  She said she was surprised these particular seats were still available  "The most sought after seats" so I bought them!

Willow Tree Angels

Willow Tree Angel A tree a prayer 
A beautiful gift, the second addition to my collection.  This was a birthday gift from my mother who is my biggest cheerleader!
Willow Tree  sculptures are hand carved.  Pieces are cast from the original carving and then individually painted. 
Susan Lordi says " I like to keep the interpretation of Willow Tree open.  I hope this makes it more personal, and allows the viewer to decide its meaning."

My Birthday with Sadie and Tim!

My birthday was very special!  I can't wait to blog about it as soon as I get the picture's. 
I wanted to say thanks to Sadie & Tim for making my day so special!
You two are amazing together and you spoiled me.  I love you! 

Berkeley

Golden Gate

Buckeye Roadhouse, dinner

S'more pie, delicious birthday treat!

This pie had a marshmallow meringue topping with a graham cracker crust, delicious chocolate, almonds chocolate chips warm delectable delicious! 

Stay tuned for more details and pictures.

My Birthday card from my Mom and David!

I love greeting cards!  I get it from my mom.  I love shopping for that perfect card.  Reading all the cards for the right occasion until I find that perfect card. 
I love receiving cards from family and friends.  I like to read each card and the heartwarming words that are written inside.   I know that person sending that card has taken their time to find the Perfect card! 
This was the card I received from my mom and David

Happy Birthday to You

Each year is a number
but that's just the start!
Try counting the friendships 
you hold in your heart.



Then count the good deeds
that you often do.
(You might have to stop
at a million or two)

Count things you've accomplished
and kind words you've said.
Count places you've been
and good books you've read. 


Then count if you can,
all the lives that you touch
with the everyday caring
that matters so much. 


The difference you've made
will be perfectly clear -
And you'll know why your birthday
counts more every year. 


Happy Birthday

Twenty Two Years....

22 Years ago today in 1989 I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  The day before my 25th birthday.  I will always remember that day.
I had spent almost that whole year before going through test after test.  Some very painful and uncomfortable tests I might add!  I went to the doctor complaining of  weakness on my left side, accompanied by numbness, tingling and poor circulation. 
My husband was in the Air Force and we were stationed in Holland, Soesterberg Air Force base.  The base only had a clinic, so we had to see Dutch specialists and use the local hospitals. 
I had to see a Dutch neurologist his name was Dr. Kools.  He was probably in his mid to late 70's.  He sat across his desk from my husband and I smoking an unfiltered cigarette.  He had a very thick dutch accent. 
After several tests he found nothing wrong and sent a letter to my Dr. on base saying that the problem's were "psychological".  We went home knowing something was wrong, but not able to put a name to it.  I returned a few months later, after several falls demanding an answer.  He decided to put me the hospital for the dreaded "lumbar puncture". 
Once again sitting across the desk from Dr. Kools, cigarette in hand, January 9, 1989.  He said "You have Sclerosis Multiplex"
He put me in the hospital for 4 weeks of steroid treatments.
Now I had a name to put to this problem, but what was MS?  We didn't know, but we were going to find out!
Fast Forward 22 years!  Have I endured it well?  I think I have!

Why not me?

People often ask me if I ever say "why me?" I realized I don't.  Have I ever said "why me?  I don't think I have.  When I was first diagnosed with MS (1989) we didn't have a lot of information about it.  I didn't really know what MS was!  We were being positive about things and I didn't think I would end up in a wheelchair.  Fast forward 2011...using a wheelchair and the best technology,  I can drive my chair using head controls and the greatest head control technology to operate my computer.
I think the real question should be "Why not me?"  I think I handle it well!  I try to be positive and "Always Look Up"!  I believe what you put out you get back.  So I keep smiling, laughing, living and loving! 
I have a good healthy cry every now and then.  I think a good cry cleanses the soul! 
My life isn't perfect, but it's my life and I'm thankful everyday to be alive.  I have people who love and care about me.  A son who loves me!  A roof over my head, food to eat and great friends!    I know God loves me and I thank him everyday!  What more could anyone ask for!