Fibromyalgia....the dreaded silent disease.

I suffer from Fibromyalgia and myofacial pain.
My daughter got married this past weekend and the stress reminded me of this. It was a lovely wedding with many  wonderful pre-events and I adore the couple that got married. lol----still stress is part of it all.
And I know many people who suffer from this illness, called Fibromyalgia.
I really do not think anyone-who doesn't suffer, like we do, can really understand the impact this disease has on us.
It is one of the invisible diseases. You cannot see the suffering we do.
What you can and do see is the age it has added to my countenance. Cruel.
A doctor once told me: "If you wore a cast on your arm, people would show some sympathy, but they cannot see the pain you are in from this". When not in flare---you are as healthy-well almost--as anyone else.
I don't need sympathy. I detest pity. I hide-out at home when it is really bad---my version of the flu. Can't always do this. Like the wedding. Still, I had one of the most handsome men at the wedding to offer his arm for support-my Fiance'. A real keeper.
Fibro has periods called flare----that are exacerbated by stress.......poor diet choices---and excess weight.
The really terrible issue is being over-weight. If you take the recommended meds. you will be over-weight.
 Steroids have  put as much as 40 pounds on me, in a (2 ) week period. Horrid.
So I would rather suffer the pain, than endure the weight.
Trying to lose this weight is horrid. Takes forever. Classic synthetic drug-nasty.
The pain medicine is worse. You feel drugged-out all the time. Coffee/caffeine heightens the pain.
Going the alternative route  for your drug relief is absolutely preferable. And will work--but there will be a time that only synthetic drugs can alleviate the pain......not often-thank goodness.....but will happen.
I was at home, convalescing from a nasty flare bout, 17 years ago,  and saw a program that helped me so tremendously......Dr. Andrew Weil---"Eight weeks to Optimum Healing". Did what he said.
He has products/skin care/ thru Origins now....love that place.
A diet change was so helpful. I felt crippled---but went out and walked-slowly....carefully.
There are resources--actually 7 million-if you Google it. Hard to choose.
What is really difficult----is what happens when you realize you are ill. You go to a doctor ( if you have insurance) who will send you on to another doctor. This went on for three years, for me, before I was finally diagnosed by a arthritis specialist.
I finally had to leave my job ( we were in a sick building that caused this or contributed greatly to it)
When I did, I had no support for this problem. Financial support. Emotional support. I went it alone.
 As a matter of fact-Fibro was viewed as not being a valid concern. A fake disease manufactured for fat people who would not work. When I became ill..before the steroids---I had weighed 126lbs. for 20 years....I am 5'8" tall. You do the math. I began my career path at 14 years old.  Right.
You could say the advice I received from Andrew Weil's program, saved my life. Not quite that dramatic.
 However, It helped me function enough to find methods for dealing with this very real and debilitating disease.
I would recommend that you do two things: right away:
Get counseling-go to group support sessions-try to get your family to go also-otherwise they cannot understand what is happening to you. Or offer the very real support you need from them.
Explain to all who asks: This disease has the same symptoms as MS. Was what I thought I had....
Stress is your enemy---will cause major pain----avoid it or meditate your way free from it.
Food choices are of utmost importance...will affect the pain.
Exercise---if it is slow walking---to become flexible.....Pilate's would help.
If you can afford Acupuncture, Deep Massage, Healing Touch, Chiropractic Care-----or you are lucky enough to have and maintain heath insurance------do this.
The Alliance for Integrated Medicine on Galbraith Road-----saved me from suffering alot of pain.
God Bless you! Don't let anyone make you feel small. Walk tall, even if you have to walk slow, to get there.

Wedding......

I have been absent due to attending a rousing four day of events for my Daughter's wedding.
My only child.
2) showers.
Rehearsal cook-out.
Wedding.
Will be back online soon. Until then...........

Summer News!

So many things to do and see. Fun family festivals........pools open....parks look awesome.
Our weather is already getting soo hot so early.
In Cincinnati---we have some of the most amazing Parks. All worth seeing.
Sharon Woods has so many cool facets........Sharon Woods Village. An amazing lake to go out on or walk around.
Nature paths-----a really pretty park.
Ault park. Beautiful rose garden.
 The Krohn Conservatory........amazing Butterfly show........so pretty.
Mt. Adams------a fun and cool place to visit. Bars and restaurants and shops.
The Cincinnati Art Museum........Ahhhhh...art.
The Cincinnati Zoo.........zoo babies........lovees.
If I wax poetic, it is because I have been to all of the above places and love them all.
You should check them out.......and try to stay cool........
Enjoy summer and try some new locations to visit.

Help! S. O. S. When are they coming to help us?

What if, you were being attacked and called the police and they never came?
Or worse still, when they got there, they approved the attack against you?
Even weighed in and blamed you-dragged you off to a jail cell and worse?
Or, you were forced to live under the RULE of your own  Father, Brother, or Husband? Rule------you do everything they say or else.
Think very carefully about this------Your Brother-because he is MALE-is now is able to rule over you??????
Tell you what to wear-how to cut your hair-testify against you and have you stoned to death.....if he doesn't like you.
Puts a whole new perspective on family relationships.
Not happy with your marriage? If you are male-just have the "old ball and chain" stoned to death and get a new wife.
All perfectly legal !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And approved by the courts. The "all male" courts.
Oh, that cute dress you are wearing to prom? It has been replaced by an oppressively hot hood and cape----so all of your person has now disappeared under this black thing?
Don't you dare bitch-you will get a fat lip.
And the only way your male family members could feel powerful was to abuse and torment and torture you?
All in the name of religion......Hypocrites, all.
It reminds me of poor Anne Frank---without her country being occupied by, now her enemy---instead this is your damn family???????
We have heard about the "Arab Spring" and the wonderful "Muslim Brotherhood". They are the men mentioned above..........
Why am I writing this?
 Because I read a book called: "A Thousand Splendid Suns". and it turned my tummy.
 And it continues. and continues. and continues..............
We support some creepy and disgusting people in the name of politics.
We, meaning the USA. Our government has approved these people.
Women are being tormented to death and we need to help them.
If you can do nothing else---say a prayer to God that they may find freedom from this terrible evil.
 Many only do so when they die.
God bless all the oppressed women in our world. ( yes, they are part of our planet)
And may God deal effectively with all the men who torment them.
I would not want to meet "my Maker" on these terms........really.
Hiding your evil behaviour behind religion is sick. No woman approves this. Lies from cowards.
They are in for a shock. 'Do unto other' takes on a whole new flavor.
Disgusting.....sad and pathetic.....a description of that criminal that is doing this.

The given puke-ie economy...

If I hear one more time that the economy is recovering----I promise to puke.
It really does depend on who is reporting the numbers:
Women employed.......Women unemployed.
Being in an election year......of course they will "Gild the Lily"......sad.
And I really abhor listening to the 1% defame the 1%. How very hypocritical.
For the rest of us:
What might actually  help is an organization for Women and Men-called S.C.O.R.E.
A non-profit set-up to actually assist business owners-beginning to-----I like to think "infinity and beyond"......lol
It actually provides  mentors, by email-online---or you can go into a local office. '
In these dark times alot of people are doing things they never dreamed of before.
And one of those things happens to be going into business for themselves.
Creating another link in the Small Business group of people who trying  to keep their heads above water.
Another way to promote your business is to go to networking meetings.
Most Chamber's of Commerce in every town provide these with the condition that you attend a couple of times and then join the Chamber.
This may or may not be the thing to promote your business.
Social media also is a channel for getting attention.
I have been asked to "like" alot of friends pages-set up to attract attention or business.
 And I always do this. Hey, we gotta help each other out....
It's tuff out there. Right.

The day is young.....lighten up!

I sometimes wonder why we forget things?
It isn't age.....and there are some interesting-fun-financially beneficial things I have done-and can do again.
 I simply forgot one of those.
 All about it.
I have come to the conclusion:
It is the attitude of certain people that give you an overall distaste for it.
Whatever 'it' may be.
This "it" for me  is market research and one of the companies that use to schedule had the most unpleasant people answering the phone.
I detest rude behaviour.......and totally dislike hostile people, who are having a bad day and want you to suffer with them. Grrrr.
When this person is a "gatekeeper" for a company----they are causing a loss of business for that company.
It is proven in retail business:
 If someone has a bad experience---they rarely contact the corporate headquarters and complain.
Or even ask where that is?
They rarely contact the Store manager and complain.
They simply will not go back.
They boycott the store.....by telling their friends about the rotten experience.
Some people cut other people out of their life the same way.
She was this! or He did that!
Of course, there are some really, really  annoying people that you really never want to have to deal with again...sad, yet true.
Or run the other way when you see them coming......
Negative people experience this....alot, I should imagine.
But what if:
This person is a close family friend? Or a relative.
Does it not irk the living stuffins out of you to have to put up with someone, because, they are rotten to the core and Mom, Dad----fill in the blank--says you have to?
Why?
Let's face it--Friends are the family we choose.
Biological folks,sometimes become mortal enemies, and would never have chosen to even know that person, if not for being related.
Reminds me of the old Mafia movies---once in the family--only one way out.
Laughing....but, it was true?
I think it takes little time or effort to behave like a decent, pleasant  person.
Even if you are unhappy with your day.
Try smiling-----hard to be hostile with a smile planted on your face.
Not talking about psychopaths here.....not today. lol.

Happy Mother's Day to all!!!!!

Today is the day we honor our Mothers and enjoy praise for being a great one ourselves.
It is so lovely to be in the middle of preparations for a wonderful event and realize that you and your future in-law are totally in sync........in wanting the Kids to have a great time.
My daughter is lovely and she is the apple of my eye...yet she is also lucky to have found a mate...with such a great Mom..
Alot of people say how much they miss their Moms who have passed on and I think that would be a most natural reaction.
I think Moms are for eternity.
 They watch over us from Heaven and they help us while we are here.
And if you happen to be one, a MOM on this planet----raising children in this difficult time and place is well, yes, quite difficult.
There are also people in our lives that take the place of a Mom..when that is necessary.
They may not be biological....but they are definite real life MOMS!
God Bless them above all.
 They give of themselves and deserve the love they share  right back at them 200%.
Being the best you can be.....trying your best.....giving your all.....well, that is what it is all about.
So enjoy the day-this special day-set aside to honor the "best of the best"--our Moms.

Who is? Abbey Dosh........

This was the question I was asked this morning by my fiance'.
Well, I really thought he was listening when I told him the last 5 times?
And then yesterday, while reading an article in the April issue of Cosmo, I was a tad astonished.
It said that guys need for you to preface something with, like, say: "I really need you to hear this", for them to assimilate stuff you say.
 Then you tell them.
They are not mentally deficient---just don't filter/retain well.
When it comes to a fast moving, never stopping engineer's brain......times this by 100.
Maybe sit on his chest ( nah-he's a heart patient) and say--"Hey-are you cognizant of what I am saying? Can you hear me?"
Or draw a diagram.........yea, that will be his next Hallmark type offering.
With pointer attached-----THIS IS YOUR CARD!!!!!!!!!
 I can't do it......and so, I guess this means we go thru life with people never hearing each other. Don't like that. Hmmmmm. Or we preface everything we say.
My blog is something I do for me and you.
Abbey Dosh is -Absolutely free stuff.-Info, etc.
I agree we need more of that.
Will get right on it and let you know.......smiles.

The Derby-as in Kentucky....

I look at pictures of folks, I know, that got to go to the Derby, and I admit, I am a tad jealous.
The weather was probably not all that terrible, and I would have to assume that you are so taken with your view and surroundings that it matters little when sipping that mint julep on the veranda. lol
I grew up on a horse farm in Union, Ky. and it was a splendid way to live.
As a child-carefree and fun-you could not beat it.
I always said, I use to smart off  actually, to my Brother-in-law, who has a permanent place there, it seems-they never miss ( ze Derby) , that I want to take a horse when I go.....
He won the...okay, it is escaping me----except the amount---$360. Sounded metric---like the something....something.....and then... $360.hahahahaha
I love horses, but I must admit, after riding a few times, I love them as in the abstract.....as in watching a race....and petting them after?
Fear of heights drives that pony.
When I have been to the racetrack...I won!
I watched the lineup-with binoculars---and looked the horseflesh over carefully---and bet accordingly---and I won!
Was not alot---but it paid for our trip there. Was eons ago.
It is exciting....and I did like it alot.
We should all do things we love and this would be one for me.
So, my goal is to go, next year.
We should all do many things-have a list-and follow thru.
Some are called dreams, and some day and weekend trips and some are life goals.
I hope all your dreams come true. Me too!

Yellow-boy....

I live on a Farm, in the country, with the wonderful man I have agreed to marry and two dogs and a cat.
All rescues........well, maybe not the fiance-I like to think he rescued me. lol.
One of these fabulous peeps ( my pets are my babies) is a sweet little kitten-cat we call Yellow-boy-Raja.
He is so sweet and loving-pulling at your heartstings constantly.
Poor little guy just showed up behind our shop one day.
He looked a little worse for wear......his coat was a tad ruffled.
But the love we have experienced with him is tremendous.
He has such a wonderful personality. A sweet little mousing scrapper.
He is my baby.
He is my lovee.
Mia-bear is my first love..he lives in Boston, now.
Everyone should experience having a cat.
Some people say they are too smelly-messy-dirty.
The Toolmaker I live with says: "there is a tool to solve every issue".
I hope everyone gets to have a Yellow-boy. Your life will so change for the better.

Timeline for your 911 call......and info.

Yesterday, here at the Farm, was an interesting, yet stressful day.
I had the experience of having to dial 911-and was told, please hold while I transfer you to the correct police department-in this case it was the Sheriff's Department.
Standing there, I  quickly came to the realization, that timing is everything.
If I had been in a far different set of circumstances-the outcome could have been vastly different.
This was about someone trespassing and being asked to "vacate these premises" and my doing so three separate times, while the nutter cussed me out.
I am so proud of having deported myself as the lady I am. I called the police.
Let them handle the really difficult cases.
Now, we live in a rural area.......way out in the country.... and for our distance from the actual County seat---we had a nice response time.
And I am sure-when speaking to the dispatcher, you are in a queue as to order of importance-really bad stuff-real bad stuff-us yesterday....
However, it did make me realize that some of the laws-I take as a given-are not.
 Like in Pirates of the Caribbean-when the rotten pirate ( he was so awesome!)says-"More of a guideline, instead of a die-hard rule".Not quoting exactly-of course.
Point being---we need to get the scoop of what we can and can't do---YES, in our own home-on our own land, etc.
For example-if someone is outside destroying your lawn furniture-you are to go in-barricading yourself in your home---if they break in-and you are terrified for your life or personal safety-and shoot this person----you will still be arrested-possibly exonerated--still imagine how you would feel????
You should feel better than this is going to make you feel for having survived.
There is something distinctly wrong with this. Wouldn't you agree?
It is wise to talk to someone at your local police department to get the information you need.
Many-many home invasions occur everyday-in nice and poor districts-areas.
Stay safe and know your rights and responsibilities.
God Bless.