tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65563727579194525062024-03-13T17:31:22.761-04:00Cassandra and ChiariA journey into my brain, and beyond!!!!Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-292129205203013072014-08-23T13:55:00.003-04:002014-08-23T13:55:34.599-04:00My 2 minutes 55 seconds of Fame<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the chairman for the Thunder Bay Canadian Chiari Association Walk Across Canada on September 7, 2014, I had the opportunity to be on tv on an information short after the evening news this week. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR2DDxZwkGI">Click here to watch.</a> </span></div>
Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-64488954211083382752014-08-08T21:43:00.001-04:002014-08-08T21:43:43.599-04:00Walk Across Canada for Chiari Malformation<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday September 7, 2014, will mark Thunder Bay's inaugural Walk Across Canada for Chiari Malformation. Walk Committee members have spent months getting ready for this family and pet friendly event. Registration begins at 11am at Chapples Park with the walk starting at 12 noon. Donations will be accepted for the Canadian Chiari Association. Light refreshments, entertainment, games, a silent auction table, attendance prizes and a presentation by the dog Demo Team from The Dog Classroom are all scheduled for after the walk. Adult sized t-shirts and pet bandanas will be available for purchase. We hope to have a good turn-out for this free event. Online donations can be made directly at the <a href="http://www.chiari.ca/">CCA's website</a>. I will be on Around Town on Thursday August 21st for a short interview to promote the walk. Air times are 6:25pm and 11:25pm on Global and 11:30pm on CKPR.</span></div>
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Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-44364721195865345972014-06-09T12:17:00.001-04:002014-06-09T12:22:21.817-04:00What's Going on in the Chiari World<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are a lot of new organizations, groups, websites, walks, awareness campaigns and friendships being built because of Chiari Malformation.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">1. Canadian Chiari Association. CCA was founded in Whitby by an amazing lady named Janet Hussey. It all started with a group on Facebook - Chiari without Borders. And it has blossomed and continues to grow with Janet and her group's hard work. <a href="http://www.chiari.ca/">CCA's website</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">2. I have been appointed President of the Thunder Bay CCA chapter. We now have approximately 16 active members and our own FB group and email address: chiaritbay@gmail.com</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">3. TBCCA will be hosting it's first ever Chiari Walk Across Canada on Sunday September 7, 2014. It's been a lot of work by a lot of wonderful people! We hope to have as many as 100 people!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">4. TBCCA meetings are held on a non-scheduled basis approximately every 4 to 6 weeks. We've met at coffee shops, restaurants, and member's homes. It is usually a lively group with discussions on everything life has to offer, including Chiari!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">5. Sophie's a Chiari model!! She and Titan posed for Chiari Gear and look! The June promotion features our own Sophie-girl! I'm so very proud of her! Check out all there is to offer at <a href="http://www.chiarigear.com/">Chiari Gear</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">That's what is going on in a nutshell!! </span></div>
Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-72028286486021152762014-06-04T14:02:00.000-04:002014-06-04T14:02:41.081-04:00Mumma's Gotta Brag a Little!I work very hard with Sophie at agility and in Demo group. I am very proud of her first performance on May 22nd. Yes, she ran straight to daddy when we started and my timing was off, but she did very well!<br />
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Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-5343801046235764852013-01-09T14:54:00.000-05:002013-01-09T14:54:11.030-05:00Synopsis<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<!--StartFragment-->
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">There's
so much that I need to say and I want to say, but some things are better kept
to oneself. So instead of ranting and raving and being angry, I want to
do something helpful, informative and maybe even educational to some.
Let's start with a <s>brief</s> synopsis.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
</span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">My
childhood and teens:</span></u><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I
grew up in a traditional family. Mum, dad, 1 older brother, a cat and a
dog. No, sorry, no white picket fence. As long as I can remember I
had problems with a stiff neck - sometimes, not all the time, and headaches.
I remember leaving skating lessons and resting my head on the window of
the truck while my mum ran into the pharmacy for something to help my head.
I remember vomiting in the back yard because of pain in my neck. I
remember periods of time where I couldn't keep my head up straight. I
remember being driven by a school counsellor to emergency because my head was
exploding with pain, I could not see or speak or think. But all in all I
had a normal childhood. Chicken pox, the occasional fever and cold, tonsillitis
and strep throat once or twice followed by horrible banana flavoured medicine
(yech!!) Had my wisdom teeth taken out. Learned to drive. Nothing out of
the ordinary really. I was diagnosed with migraines at the age of 14. I
was sent for a 3.5 hour drive south of my hometown to another city across
the border for an MRI when I was 18 (before we had an MRI here). I was
diagnosed with an arachnoid cyst on the frontal portion of my brain. As
arachnoid cysts are very common and mine was stable, nothing has ever been done
to it except monitoring. No rhyme nor reason for the headaches so the
blanket diagnosis of migraines.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">My
20's:</span></u><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Fast
forward... high school behind me I entered university. I remember having
headaches, but nothing especially significant. I was an active person -
roller blading, skiing, cycling, tennis, aerobics, aquabics. And I was a
20 year old. Dating, bars, all-nighters, parties and road trips on spring
break and summer vacation. I worked through-out high school and
university at a variety of jobs - fast food, retail, wholesale, government and
public utilities. I remember having to call in sick to work at times
because I was not able to manage through a headache. I also found out I
was allergic to codeine as I was given it with Tylonel 3's for a headache
once... bad, just bad. I finished university and met my true love, my
best friend, my husband just a few days after graduation. Hubby (boy
friend at the time) and I got our own place together. I got my first and
then my second real jobs. I remember calling my grandparents to drive me
from work to emerg because of headaches at least twice. I had a couple of
shoulder surgeries for a torn rotator cuff, one for an ectopic pregnancy and
one foot surgery. We bought a house. Hubby bought a motorcycle.
My life wasn't revolving around headaches or neck pain
thankfully. It was there, but it didn't consume me.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Age
30:</span></u><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">OMG
I was getting married!! So excited, so stressed, so sick!! I
dropped 40 lbs because I couldn't eat. And I had headaches for weeks at a time.
I was so stressed the docs ran a battery of tests. Nothing conclusive.
Just a suggestion - time for a career change. I bought a motorcycle. We
got married. We went riding together and I'd turn my head in the helmet
and searing sharp pain would shoot through my neck into my head. I didn't
think anything of it. I had headaches, but attributed it all the stress I
was under at work. Another foot surgery and 11 weeks on crutches (double
yech!). We went on our honeymoon, and I sprained my neck getting off a
roller coaster. (Yes, getting off the coaster, not during the ride) Home after
the honeymoon x-rays didn't show anything but a neck strain - muscle relaxants,
heat and rest. I started going for physio and was recommended massage
therapy. I still see the same massage therapist to this day. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Age
31:</span></u><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Headaches
were trying to consume what little life I had outside of my life at work.
Work, headache, home, bed. I tried a chiropractor to help with the neck
pain. I'd leave with a headache. I kept going to aerobics and aquabics.
If I worked out too hard, I had a headache instantly. Nothing
helped. I ended up in emergency more than once. Finally one ER doc
decided to send me to a pain management clinic. More meds that I couldn't
tolerate and finally one that I could - Maxalt! A CT scan only showed the
arachnoid cyst. Nothing had really changed except the intensity of the
headaches. I started writing in my journal that it felt like someone was
pulling my brain down into my spine. I bought my first ever
brand-spanky-new vehicle. I finally caught a break in the job hunt and
moved to a new career. I was ultra stressed with the career change and
ended up with shingles. But the change was for the better, much better.
My bosses were sympathetic to my headaches and allowed me to work additional
hours to make up the time I missed. Both are migraine sufferers and
understood the pain I was in.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Age
32:</span></u><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I
was enjoying my new career despite the stress and headaches. It is a
different type of stress than what I was used to. I was learning and excelling
and loving it. I started teaching the aquabics class I had been taking.
But after every class I'd have a headache, if I didn't have one when I
got there. We rode our motorcycles in the summer and did short weekend
trips a couple times through-out the year. We worked on home renovations.
I had headaches and neck pain, but attributed it to the sprain, now over
a year old. I continued going for massage therapy. Life kept moving
forward.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Age
33:</span></u><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Life
was about to throw me a couple of curve-balls. It threw my hubby's family
the biggest curve ball... My father-in-law was diagnosed with terminal
cancer. I was extremely close to dad. He passed away quietly, with
dignity, on his own terms just 11 weeks after being diagnosed. I love you
and miss you dad! I'd been back and forth to docs and emergency because
of headaches, and tinnitus that had been driving me out of my mind. My
headaches were getting worse and worse. Add to the neck pain, facial numbness,
left side numbness, trouble speaking, seeing and thinking, insomnia, trouble
swallowing, choking on liquids, and the tinnitus. I ended up seeing an
ENT who ordered an MRI for the tinnitus, suspecting a brain aneurysm...
thankfully no aneurysm. Instead, a diagnosis of Type 1 Chiari
Malformation with a herniation of approximately 8mm of my cerebral tonsils into
my C1 vertebra. And a trip to the local neurosurgeon to be told that
brain surgery was the only solution to alleviate the ongoing headaches and
symptoms I was experiencing. Everything happening within a couple weeks.
It was a whirl-wind. And an information overload! I had no
idea what to do. The NS told me to go home and think about my quality of
life and decide when I wanted to proceed with surgery. Surgery for Chiari
malformation is elective unless there are complications such as hydrocephalus
or syrinx. I sought the advice of family and friends. I talked to my
family doc. I spent hours and hours on research looking for doctors and
fellow Chiarians who understood what I was going through. I sent off my
MRI to the Wisconsin Chiari Institute and also had a referral to Toronto
Western Hospital. WCI's doctor recommended the same as the local NS -
definitely a good candidate for surgery. The same was said by the TWH NS.
I had a huge decision to make. I came home from TWH to evaluate my
symptoms and my quality of life and to decide if and when I wanted to have the
surgery. I’d kept a journal for over 5 years, not for the symptoms, but the
symptoms ironically were the topic many, many times over. Shortly into the
new year 2010 I decided to contact the TWH NS and book surgery. As with
all elective surgery, there was a waiting list. During my 6 months wait I
spiraled downward into an existence of pain, pain and more pain. My
headaches lasted as long as 44 days at time. I was literally carried into
the ER. I was given drug after drug that either didn't work at all or
that cause adverse reactions. I emailed my NS week after week begging to
be moved up on the priority list. Each time I was told that it would just
be a little longer. And then my grandmother fell ill... very ill. I
spent day after day with her in ICU and then the ward and then the rehab
hospital as she started to regain strength and recover.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Age
34:</span></u><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">The
year that changed life as I knew it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
celebrated my 34th birthday at home with my close family, all the while missing
my grandmother who lay in the rehab hospital. I took her up some cake the
next day. Each time I saw her she seemed a little better physically, but
somehow a little older, a little more slowed in her activities. She was finally
cleared to go home in just a few days. I had a miserable headache and left work
early one afternoon and popped up to see her. She looked wonderful.
Tired, but dressed for the spring weather, sitting in a wheelchair.
She'd been out to get some fresh air. It was the best day.
The next morning I got the phone call. She was gone. And a
little piece of me died that day. I thought my head would explode and my
heart would simply stop beating because it hurt so much. I was crushed.
I only ever had one set of grandparents to love, so I always told my
grandma that I loved her double. I took the week off of work and during
that week I phoned the NS' office. A little more disappointment that I
couldn't have my surgery in June wouldn't dampen my already crushed spirit...
but to my surprise, I had a surgery date. </span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">June
22 to 30, 2010:</span></u><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I
checked into TWH for posterior fossa decompression for Chiari malformation.
Just to make it easier, I will refer you back to this post about my <a href="http://cassandraelvish.blogspot.ca/2010/06/pre-admission-and-surgery.html"><span style="color: #0000f5;">Pre-Admission and Surgery</span></a> day... and
my <a href="http://cassandraelvish.blogspot.ca/2010/06/post-op-and-nicu.html"><span style="color: #0000f5;">Post-op and NICU</span></a> post... and finally my
stay in <a href="http://cassandraelvish.blogspot.ca/2010/07/ward-5b-neurology.html"><span style="color: #0000f5;">Ward 5B Neurology</span></a>. My surgery went well
with no infections, no CSF leaks and only one complication... my right arm
wasn't working properly.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Want
to know what a posterior fossa decompression entails?? It is multiple
surgeries all wrapped in one 5.5 hour visit to the OR. A craniectomy - a
hole is drill in the back of the skull to relieve pressure on the brain and return the CSF flow to normal.
The piece of bone is permanently removed to create space for the cerebral tonsils and the CSF. A laminectomy - the lamina (horns) of
the first vertebra was removed. Duraplasty - the reclosing of the
covering of the brain with another soft tissue material. In my case I had the
dura patch from my own thigh tissue (fascia). The process is explained in
more detail <a href="http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1483583-treatment#a1128"><span style="color: #0000f5;">here.</span></a> I do not have full details of what my surgery involved as my NS did not do a full report. I can only go off of my notes from my follow-up visits. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">What
is the difference between skull surgery and brain surgery you ask? In brain
surgery the dura is opened, in this case, to inspect the cerebral tonsils and
remove arachnoid tissue, check CSF flow and determine if there has been any
tissue death (necrosis) due to the compression of the cerebral tonsils.
In skull surgery only bones of the head are operated on and there is no
intervention into the dura covering the brain. Decompression surgery for Chiari malformation is not a cure. It is done to help slow the progression of major symptoms. As for symptoms, there are over <a href="http://www.conquerchiari.org/documents/presentations/SYMPTOMS%20Presentation.pdf">100 symptoms.</a> Without surgery these symptoms simply progress as the cerebral tonsils are compressed by the skull. Complications of Chiari can lead to death.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">July
2010:</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">While
I had realized that my arm wasn't working well while I was still in the
hospital (I couldn’t lift a fork), it took a little longer to determine that
the pain and the inability to move my shoulder was more than just
post-operative stiffness. A trip to my family doc saw a referral for an
MRI and to the orthopaedic surgeon. It was suspected at the time that I
had re-torn my rotator cuff. There wasn't anything to do but wait for the
appointments. In the meantime I focused on walking and getting stronger
from the decompression surgery.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">September
through December 2010:</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I
couldn't take the shoulder / arm pain, numbness and inability to move any more.
I went and sat in emergency until I was seen by the er doc who referred
me to the orthopaedic surgeon I was waiting to see. Being seen through
emerg got me into see her within a few days. If I had to wait for the
referral from my doc, it was an 18 month wait. The orthopaedic did
suspect I had a torn rotator cuff and we waited for MRI results. Once the
results were in, no tears in the shoulder. The old repairs both look
great and stable. No mechanical reason for the extreme pain. I was
referred to physio to get my shoulder moving again. The physio I started
with was very new to the profession and was very thorough. Day after day of
passive movement by the physio and lots of work myself at home got my shoulder
moving again. Having recovered from 2 shoulder surgeries, I knew it was
going to be hard work, and it was. The hardest thing was getting my hand
to co-operate again and hold a pen and type on a keyboard. Physio and I worked
hard to find the source of my pain. All this time I was unable to perform
many day to day activities such as lifting or carrying bags, purses, groceries,
laundry. If I had to apply pressure using my right arm it was
excruciating. Physio started testing for nerve impingements through a
variety of assessments and positioning exercises. She suspected that the
pain, weakness and numbness was not mechanical but neurological - brachial
neuritis - there was something going on with the nerves controlling my right
arm. Only problem was, this was far beyond her scope of knowledge and
treatment abilities. I was sent back to the orthopaedic who prescribed a
wrist splint to assist with writing and typing and concurred that the problem
could be neurological. And being a non-mechanical problem I was
discharged from the orthopaedic and from physio with no one to turn to for
assistance or answers. Family doc referred me for an EMG and a nerve
study at TWH and I waited for that appointment to come in January. I
returned to work on a part time basis early December and struggled to perform
some of my daily tasks, especially those involving moving or lifting the files
and documents I use in my job.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">January
2011:</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I
underwent a very painful EMG and nerve conduction study at TWH. The TWH
neurologist did not test for everything he suspected (why not??!!), but made note on the
same. According to his report, he found no permanent nerve damage to the
radial nerve however did not test for brachial neuritis, but suspected that is
what I have. It would be months before I received this "suspected"
diagnosis. When my family doc read the report he only commented on the
lack of findings. He missed the last paragraph.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">February
- May 2011:</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">Left
without a physio or the orthopaedic surgeon I was on my own with my arm pain.
I continued to heal from the decompression surgery, but my arm pain was
more prominent. I'd be in tears at the office just trying to cope.
One of my co-workers suggested I try and see her physio - the guy has to
be good, doctors go see him when they need physio. And my massage
therapist talked me into seeing her Dr. of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
My family doc tried to help me, but not knowing where to turn he put a
referral out to a local neurologist. I went from having barely any
medical support to buckets of it in a short period. The DTCM read my MRI
and EMG study. She pointed out the possibility of the brachial neuritis
and questioned why THW NL did not test for it. Same with the new physio -
if I was already there and that is what the NL suspected, why not test for it! And
finally the local NL asked the same thing. During my initial consult with
the local NL came a eureka moment. She asked if I had scapular winging
when I first experienced the arm / shoulder symptoms. Heck yes!! I
couldn't get my shoulder blade to rest flat until almost a year after surgery
without the help of being taped at new physio for weeks at a time. After
reviewing the TWH NL's report and that almost forgotten last paragraph,
together with her physical findings, I finally had the firm diagnosis of brachial
neuritis / neuroplexitis. (Want to know more?? Click <a href="http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/315811-overview">here!</a>) Now, what to do about it? Almost a year
had already passed and most BN recovery takes place within 6 to 8 months of
onset (I'm guessing with proper care that is). Full recovery can take up
to 2 years. We continued with the physio, massage and Chinese medicine
treatments and started me on Lyrica. The first dose of Lyrica knocked me
flat on my butt. Literally I could not get out of bed. We lowered
the dose and I tried managing on that for a while. The same day as I saw
the local NL for the first time we also picked up our first puppy Sophie.
Ever experience love at first sight? We did. She was this
little wee bundle of greyness, so soft and velvety that you never wanted to put
her down. She was and still is a snuggler. She loves to lie with
her head in your lap or on your shoulder. And she's great at keeping me
warm!</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">June
to December 2011:</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">The
Lyrica wasn't working. All it was doing was keeping me in a drug-induced
fog. I couldn't think straight, I wasn't sleeping much (well, puppy up
every night 1 or 2 times didn't help), and I was having more and more
headaches. I was at the same time trying to increase me hours at work to
comply with the return to work order from the insurer. With every
incremental increase my symptoms also increased and new symptoms came to light.
After an 8 hour or longer optic migraine where I could not see more than
light and shadow or speak enough to alert the hubby that something was wrong, I
was back in the ER. CT showed nothing. A quick call to the local NL
and I was into her office within a day or so and waiting on an MRI to check if
I had had a stroke. Most of my optic migraines only last about an hour
and I have never lost all of my vision to this degree. This worried the
local NL. Because of the Chiari malformation, the incidence and risk of
stroke is slightly higher - about 5%. She was covering all possible
causes. No sign of a stroke, thank heavens!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She attributed my symptoms to being
overworked, stressed and over tired.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
suggested that I reduce my hours back to 5 per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she was keeping close watch on my
symptoms both with my arm and with my brain. A few more weeks of working at 5
hours a day and another follow-up with the NL and family doc saw my work hours
decrease down to 4 a day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was not
doing well at all with the 5 hours per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The symptoms were phenomenal and the pain was out of control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I persevered as I thought either I would get
used to it or that it would simply disappear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Turns out that I was doing more damage by pushing myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">January
to April 2012:</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I
continued working my 4 hours a day, but my symptoms kept getting worse and
worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The harder I pushed the harder my
symptoms pushed back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in tears
daily because of the pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Work was
overwhelming me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would leave each day
feeling tremendously guilty that I couldn’t work full time and that there were
files still to manage on my desk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even
with someone hired to help with the more physical aspects of my job I couldn’t
do it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> My trial run at returning to the pool for just water walking had to end as I could not tolerate the feeling of the water on my right arm. </span>At a follow-up with the local NL
in April she took me off work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t
know what I felt worse about – the shape my body and mind were in or the fact I
was letting down my bosses with virtually no notice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">May
to August 2012:</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I
spent almost 4 months at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was told
to rest, rest and rest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No lifting, no
carrying, no gardening, no, no, no, no…. lots of recommended limitations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lots of time with heat packs, TENS machine,
physio, massage and Chinese medicine treatments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Lots of short naps as I wasn't sleeping at night. I went for an independent medical evaluation in TO. The IME NL concurred with all of local NL's findings and opinions. He was able to concretely determine that the brachial neuritis occurred at the time of my decompression surgery. With just simple manipulation he could trigger severe nerve reactions. He did not recommend I ever return to work full time. He even asked if I wanted to work, which I do. He was concerned that now 2 years after onset of the BN that the condition was permanent. Because I want to work and we came to the arrangement to continue (or rather return) to work on a part time basis. No more than 4 hours a day. IME NL did not want to learn that I was pushed too hard to work full time and exhibited stroke-like symptoms, increased nerve pain, or worse. Once the report was back it was off to see local NL again. She decided to try</span> yet one last prescription medication
to calm the nerves down, with nearly disastrous results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It made me crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought I was losing my mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Nix that med too. </span>Every 6 to 8 weeks I was back at the local NL
for reassessment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each time I was told a
couple weeks more, much to my insurer's dislike. I was told to keep my hands and fingers moving with a few
crafts but not too much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An hour a day,
tops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I read a lot – something like 14
books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sat outside with Sophie and then
also with Titan, our little boy, Sophie’s half brother who came to us in early
May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn’t walk my dogs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I sold my motorcycle knowing that it was unsafe for me to ride in my physical state. </span>I couldn’t carry things heavier than my
purse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wasn’t able to go for groceries
on my own as I couldn’t even push the cart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a quiet summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
allowed to return to work in mid August 3 days a week, progressing up to 4
hours a day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<u><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">September 2012 to January 2013:</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I
had another MRI (number 34? 36? lost count! I should start to glow in the dark any time now), this time of my brachial plexus, with inconclusive results. There is nothing indicative of compression on
the nerve bundle. I was referred to a
pain treatment centre out of town (still waiting for that appointment - there is a 9 month waiting list). I continued working 4 hours a day, 3 days a week. My bosses are very happy I am back, but it is still difficult for me to do all of my tasks. I push very hard while I am at the office and forget my limitations. Then I come home with my arm weighing heavily at my side. The pain and numbness never completely disappear. One wrong move, a stretch, a reach, a lift of something awkwardly, and I am instantly reminded about the pain. At this point there is little more the docs can do, save a nerve block, which are not done locally. I continue with acupuncture and Chinese medicine, massage and physio treatments to get me through. I see the local NL again mid-January. What's next?? I really, really have no idea.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><u>In Brief: (finally!)</u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I am my own worst enemy at times. I forget that extra efforts result in extra pain. And not just the brachial neuritis. Just because I had decompression surgery does not mean I am free of Chiari. Some days are bad. Some days are good. And then I still have some days where I am brought back to a time before surgery where I am engulfed in pain, wishing I had never had surgery because at that moment it did not seem like it had done any good. But overall, surgery was my saving grace. Without it I cannot imagine the amount of pain I would be in. If I had to, I would do it all over again, even with all of the nerve complications.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I struggle to not do the things I have been told not to - housework like vacuuming, washing windows / walls, shovelling snow, carrying shopping bags, files and documents at work etc. Why? Because I WANT to be able to do these things. I WANT to have my old life back. I WANT to do what I used to do! I want to ride a motorcycle, go to yoga and the pool. I want to garden and go grocery shopping without pain. I want to walk my dogs and throw a tennis ball for them. I want to be able to work and type and write without pain. I want to clean my own house without suffering for days after. I want to do 1,001 other things I used to take for granted. But that is not the reality. And I am learning to live with my new reality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';">I am challenged not only by my limitations but also by ignorance. There are people who will ask me questions about my Chiari, my surgeries, my brachial neuritis. There are also people who will not ask questions but take what I say for face value. And there are those people who come to their own conclusions. How does the proverb go? You can please some of the people some of the time. All of the people some of the time. Some of the people all of the time. But you can not please all of the people all of the time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: justify; text-autospace: none; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS';"><br /></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--></span></div>
Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-72210068537272494372012-10-07T09:30:00.000-04:002012-10-07T09:30:03.301-04:00It's Been a While...<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And a lot has been going on.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When did I leave off? What did the New Year bring? An ongoing struggle with my health - mostly the right arm nerve issues. A new dog. A confirmed diagnosis and disability status. And a few other hiccups and glitches as every life has.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Through the course of a couple of independent medical examinations and seeing my own neurologist it has finally been confirmed / decided that I definitely have complex brachial neuroplexy. Basically - the nerves in my right arm don't work right - whether they are being trapped and pinched by muscles or surrounding bone, damaged from injury at the surgery site, or a combination of the two, plus overuse and stress. So that means my arm doesn't want to work properly. My fingers swell and hard to move. My thumb, index finger and part of my hand are numb. There's significant pain though my wrist and forearm. My elbow feels like I've just smacked my funny bone all the time. My bicep burn or throbs or pulses - ah, it can't decide what it is doing. My tricep aches, it just aches constantly. My shoulder is a whole other combination of pains, burning, aching, pinching un-niceness. And the pain extends up my neck and across my shoulders to the left as the left side is always trying to compensate. The pain makes everyday activities challenging. Typing and writing - writing is the worst, after only a few minutes I can barely hold a pen. Carrying is limited to a couple of pounds. Forget about anything requiring strength or the need to apply pressure like mashing potatoes, washing windows, etc. It's not pleasant. I don't recommend it to anyone.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had a four month "vacation" courtesy of my neurologist from mid April to early August because of my nerve issues. At the peak of my pain we tried two another medications to try and settle the pain down. The first I had to stop taking immediately as the pharmacist said it counteracted something else I take. The second I took for about 6 weeks and it was helping the pain but also helping me become a viscous, angry, miserable to live with person. So that had to stop too. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After a long struggle and with the help of my docs and my male boss I finally have a decision on my disability status from my insurer. I am partially disabled. Finally. A decision. I'm still working on how I feel about that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In early March we got a message from our dog Sophie's breeder. Sophie's mom Macy had a little of 9 - 5 boys, 4 girls. And 2 of the boys were not homed yet... were we interested. Twisting our rubber arms, we adopted Titan, the first born, biggest boy of the litter. He arrived home to us on May 2nd. He and Sophie made quick friends and are inseparable. Literally if one goes out, the other has to go to. They are great company for each other and keeps each other entertained.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMnrA3D8n8rto8Gp1kzUmN0_1rUrc6NIAI69izBTxUm2OqklrBg_VLDh-nVLXnE3_0B2lMUq5JtomZ9vstEoaIlh3fTS94f5Bj8f9KpBQ4lr86WtqEXyXUFEb-U04Yqd0rHII9B4kDwc/s1600/422866_10151405109885008_718950007_23288086_191876364_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcMnrA3D8n8rto8Gp1kzUmN0_1rUrc6NIAI69izBTxUm2OqklrBg_VLDh-nVLXnE3_0B2lMUq5JtomZ9vstEoaIlh3fTS94f5Bj8f9KpBQ4lr86WtqEXyXUFEb-U04Yqd0rHII9B4kDwc/s400/422866_10151405109885008_718950007_23288086_191876364_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Titan, 1st born March 5, 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sophie continues to grow and excel at obedience and agility training. Titan is now in his 3rd level of obedience and is a little more headstrong than his big sister. We're learning as much from them as they do from us. Sophie, now 19 months old weighs in at 51 lbs full grown. Titan at 7 months already weighs 61 lbs. He's going to be a moose!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh088SSG1nMHTW5ua38yP1FXTH7JQVq_B4Sf0Fzy0Lea9p6eMwbnho2fusgWxtjXxsbk3j_D2T0GMlwjFBrlkS4JkXB_rDu6ZxI72rWjJXdOl4iRK_y6IiT5FVu5W7cV3DBsULZhyphenhyphenZ4ZOE/s1600/IMG_6850.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh088SSG1nMHTW5ua38yP1FXTH7JQVq_B4Sf0Fzy0Lea9p6eMwbnho2fusgWxtjXxsbk3j_D2T0GMlwjFBrlkS4JkXB_rDu6ZxI72rWjJXdOl4iRK_y6IiT5FVu5W7cV3DBsULZhyphenhyphenZ4ZOE/s400/IMG_6850.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left - Titan 7 months. Right - Sophie 19 months</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As for the other hiccups and glitches?? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I decided early in the year to sell my motorcycle. It was not an easy decision for me at all. But knowing how weak my arm is and how much pain I am in, it was not at all safe for me to ride her. I finally sold her in June to a very nice Asian man. I see it all over town, so I know he's enjoying the ride.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had to travel with Sophie to the University of Minnesota Minneapolis for a root canal on a lower canine tooth. She ran into a fence post or her brother's head and shifted the tooth from the blood supply, killing the tooth. You do not want to know how much it costs for a root canal on a dog.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I continue to try and promote education about Chiari Malformation wherever I go. At my craft shows this year I have for sale Chiari awareness pins on cards with a brief description of the disease. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have also expanded my crafts and added dragonflies... and I'm loving them!! I just hope they sell!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I guess that's all for now... I remain here, fighting everyday.</span></div>
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Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-78219135223682501862011-12-31T14:29:00.000-05:002011-12-31T14:29:51.541-05:00Moving Forward<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">On this, New Year's Eve, I thought I would pop in and say hello. I know, I have been completely ignoring my blog. It just doesn't hold the same appeal as it once did to "air my dirty laundry" to everyone on the web. But I will not delete it as there is pertinent information about Chiari surgery here that should someone want to read, I want to be available to them.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Six months... what has happened in six months. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Work: It was far too difficult for me to return to work full-time. Symptoms flared up fiercely. New, strange symptoms developed. The neurologist even thought I'd had a stroke at one point... I'm alright, but I have very little tolerance for over-exertion. I work 4 hours a day and manage with that... though some days are harder than others. My biggest hurdles are the nerve / arm pain and guilt. I feel tremendously guilty that I am not working full time. The guilty feel will hopefully be addressed in the New Year when I start a grief and loss program. Grief and loss of my former life and lifestyle.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Home: Sophie is wonderful and amazing and smart and a pain in the neck at times. But we love her to bits. She's not a big Weimaraner. Only about 50lbs. She is petite like her grandma China. Fine with me. We have completed 3 levels of obedience courses and will look at something new in January to keep her active. With the cold and ice and snow here I can't walk her as often for fear of slipping (despite wearing metal snow grips) so we play in the newly fenced backyard or at the nearby dog park. She has her own winter attire - a lovely purple fleece-lined jacket. It can get -40 here. So far the coldest has been -23C / -10F. And we have plenty of snow! She loves the snow and would play until her paws froze if we let her!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKLK-mvTyTY/Tv9fKSW_VkI/AAAAAAAAAJo/UBUnnKAN8LM/s1600/IMG_5225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RKLK-mvTyTY/Tv9fKSW_VkI/AAAAAAAAAJo/UBUnnKAN8LM/s400/IMG_5225.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Hubby is good and working lots with all of the snow. Me, I'm a home-body. If I'm not at work - my 4 hours of the day - I stay pretty much at home. I still do as much crafting as I can, but I limit it to 1 hour a day for my neck and arm's sakes. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I signed up for a cross-stitch exchange forum on FB and I stitch for a few of them, but not all as 2 per month is lots! I concentrate on my Christmas crafts mostly. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I've just been asked to make 7 spiders for a Christmas order for the coming year so I will definitely get onto those soon. Here's one of my Christmas spiders:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QIhnATBEOn8/Tv9gCq-yNpI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/JVaAyLBAyS8/s1600/IMG_5122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QIhnATBEOn8/Tv9gCq-yNpI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/JVaAyLBAyS8/s400/IMG_5122.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">They are very popular at the craft shows I do every year. I think this year I sold approximately 60. I include the story of the Christmas spider with each one. They are meant to be on the Christmas tree, but many of my returning customers leave them out on the mantle or a shelf year-round. It was actually one of my best years at the shows this year, and I'm thankful. A little pocket money this time of year certainly helps.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I'll stop here. I still pop in to read my favourite blogs from time to time. Know I think of all my bloggy friends often. I might be gone from the web, but you are not forgotten.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>Wishing you all a wonderful New Year and all the best for 2012!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><br />
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</span></div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-11079874827948641472011-06-23T16:15:00.000-04:002011-06-23T16:15:07.924-04:00I'm still here<div style="text-align: justify;">It's been a whirlwind of activity lately... Being a puppy owner, trying to get back to work full-time, <s>summer</s> prolonged April weather, and everything in between...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Saw the neurosurgeon on June 6th in Toronto. My one year zipperversary was yesterday. I'm good!! In terms of the Chiari, Dr. G is very happy with the surgery and my recovery, as am I. I don't need to see him again unless I start having an increase in symptoms. We're going to keep an eye on things every 18 months with an MRI. This will also monitor the arachnoid cyst I have in my brain. I have to return to the ENT who initially diagnosed me with Chiari to have my tinnitus checked again as it hasn't cleared up with the decompression surgery. In terms of the brachial neuritis, I've got another 6 to 12 months recovery ahead of me, as I do with a full decompression recovery.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I got the full report from the neurologist I saw who confirmed the brachial neuritis. She doesn't recommend I work full time yet, and my family doctor agrees. Hurray!! As the current return to work plan is going to be the death of me! I'm supposed to increase to full time by July 4th. But I'm exhausted after 5 hours. Like, go home, need a nap exhausted. Plus the increase in hours has increased my pain, fatigue and my shoulder blades are winging again... All signs that the increase of hours is too much at this juncture in time / recovery.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We're still awaiting the arrival of spring and summer. The weather has only been nice 2 days in a row. It'll be nice, sunny and warm 24C. Then it will be cold and raining 12C for 3 or 4 days in a row... very depressing and gloomy. Makes me cold, miserable and sore. My gardens are barely growing. There are only a few blooms on my tomatoes and I am just seeing hints of basil and green onions I planted over 3 weeks ago... Very depressing. We need some heat and dry weather for a few days... or nothing is going to grow! Which means buying and not picking my own :( And I down-scaled the gardening this year for 1. my arm's sake and 2. space and 3. a puppy who tries to eat everything!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And puppy... loving the puppy... Sophie is wonderful. We are loving every minute of puppyhood. Including the occasional late night trips outside to pee, the incessant biting as she is teething 4 teeth right now, the defiance when we're trying to train her. Everything. She is the only dog I have ever been acquainted with who does not want to go for a walk. Especially in the morning. Forget it, not gonna happen. Treats, pulling, bribing. Nothing works. So we don't go for a walk in the morning. If she's receptive I take her out back and throw a stick or ball. Or we do training. Most morning she just wants to sleep or cuddle. Tonight we will graduate from puppy school. It's been a great class. We're learning lots and in fact were instinctively doing some of the things they are teaching us. (helps that I read everything I could get out of the library on training a puppy beforehand!) She is also afraid of water. In the tub. In the yard. At the beach. In kiddie pools at the leash-a-thon... If it's wet and not in her bowl, she wants NOTHING to do with it. Very unusual for a Weim. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHPGoA03168muGJm0y0SdILDPSV5ec9xV2CBlvqojluPy1RLBQe02Zk6sQpR27uosk2q0s9U0iUqoCn6emczKWICfykuz2WVl2SFL9-wm-bcLUvp3i19ck-v_niK3IAVhzW2ACmSWYIM/s1600/IMG_4321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHPGoA03168muGJm0y0SdILDPSV5ec9xV2CBlvqojluPy1RLBQe02Zk6sQpR27uosk2q0s9U0iUqoCn6emczKWICfykuz2WVl2SFL9-wm-bcLUvp3i19ck-v_niK3IAVhzW2ACmSWYIM/s400/IMG_4321.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm helping dad fix the back door, honest!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8I9-IDrAcSemLrSLcHcBcY28kA7BTrD8CaVpy2GQGYL8v4a-2XqitXCC4nxZlrs1e3Wb8N3-pUyggd4hMFRR9Q9jiRom6vlQwNiPfF4hQ5TfGN0v3XQ-qrxCSB_5R2VzowNdtaAksvw4/s1600/IMG_4379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8I9-IDrAcSemLrSLcHcBcY28kA7BTrD8CaVpy2GQGYL8v4a-2XqitXCC4nxZlrs1e3Wb8N3-pUyggd4hMFRR9Q9jiRom6vlQwNiPfF4hQ5TfGN0v3XQ-qrxCSB_5R2VzowNdtaAksvw4/s400/IMG_4379.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water!! Ack!! Nobody told me there was water at the beach!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh021bAdyvoHSXGRLEyY46WfAhg41POCgVM8i9Y5UsjAgD2z3s5bZzXi2jEkbixiFPb3gm1ZrFjmNzTGUnRXwsYBctIPW-_4OAMgmCnOSZqxJU7_Xvf2MMrRKV_CXgDCmecxW4JxyMfxMY/s1600/IMG_4396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh021bAdyvoHSXGRLEyY46WfAhg41POCgVM8i9Y5UsjAgD2z3s5bZzXi2jEkbixiFPb3gm1ZrFjmNzTGUnRXwsYBctIPW-_4OAMgmCnOSZqxJU7_Xvf2MMrRKV_CXgDCmecxW4JxyMfxMY/s400/IMG_4396.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm being swallowed by a boa constrictor... or am I swallowing him?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQZEH_mK60jXS9zwZqcRQB1Tb8mGiK5hwDLDfsdriIyQPajHzHlaGIdECdWgIBEBkD0yN1GB3gEsEAOVdVez-74RiRx_fEKaVKK3ZcCh7cAcKchkqZ5sfyjOIrA2ud8dg9h5sSBROjms/s1600/IMG_4410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQZEH_mK60jXS9zwZqcRQB1Tb8mGiK5hwDLDfsdriIyQPajHzHlaGIdECdWgIBEBkD0yN1GB3gEsEAOVdVez-74RiRx_fEKaVKK3ZcCh7cAcKchkqZ5sfyjOIrA2ud8dg9h5sSBROjms/s400/IMG_4410.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She snuggled up to me for a nap so I closed my eyes too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">Sophie is a huge attraction wherever we go as Weims are not a popular breed, but they are a very beautiful breed. She won the youngest pet award at the leash-a-thon and came home with at least 10 bags of treats. Everyone at puppy school wants to say hi to her. And wherever we go - walks, the pet store, even just to the corner store - people stop to meet her and ask what breed she is. We're very proud parents. She is quick to learn, even if she doesn't always listen or obey. She sits, lies down, comes, fetches usually without fail. We're working on no pull walking, going to mat and staying. She is the love of my life, after hubby of course. And I wouldn't trade her for the world.</div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-64612048932544751422011-05-27T15:40:00.000-04:002011-05-27T15:40:52.318-04:00Affirmation<div style="text-align: justify;">I finally have a firm diagnosis of what went on with my right arm last summer at the time I had my decompression surgery.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The neurologist I saw in Toronto for the nerve study speculated that I might have brachial neuritis. The NL I saw locally a couple weeks ago confirmed it. At first she wasn't sure what was going on. She reviewed my MRIs, x-rays and nerve study results. Hmmm.... they all just left her with more questions. She muttered out-loud to herself and ran a off a list of possible diagnosis. Then she said something, of which I only caught "scapular winging". I said "I had scapular winging!" To which she replied, "but there's nothing here in any of the notes or reports. Well, if you had scapular winging, then you have brachial neuritis!" </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">EUREKA!!!!!!!!!! We have an official diagnosis!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We chatted a bit more and she looked back at the nerve study. If the NL suspected it was brachial neuritis, he didn't test the right nerves during the study! ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!! I went through agony for NOTHING!! Well. almost nothing. There is also a superficial radial nerve issue in my right hand. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So the local NL and I discussed where to go from here. The average recovery is 2 years, meaning I have a year to go still. Okay, I can live with that. I am to continue massage, physio and acupuncture. I should not ride my motorcycle until I regain the feeling in my hand. (bbbuuutttt, I wanna RIDE!!!!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I move forward from here. I had a return to work assessment to get back to full time this week on Tuesday. My chair arrived yesterday and my cart (which is pretty useless in everyone's eyes at the office) arrived today. The rehab manager who came Tuesday brought me the RinG pens and some monster paper clips to help me out too. Just waiting on my headset for the phone. The rehab company will be setting up a return to work schedule to increase my hours. It's going to be gradual. Very gradual. Days like today I was exhausted by 9:30. I was attempting to get my new chair comfy. Wasn't happening as I can't get the tilt right. I feel like I'm falling off the edge all the time. I tried to contact the tech at the chair company, but didn't hear back before I left. Monday, no wait, Monday is a US holiday, Tuesday, I'll have to call Texas and see what I can do. I'm not strong enough to actually tilt the chair and then lock it in place at the same time... yep, I felt completely weak and inadequate. My co-worker even tried to help! I'll get it right in another couple day or so.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Until I'm up go snuff, I'll continue where I'm at. Snuggling a puppy, working and getting on with my new "normal" life. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-24865480027993544532011-05-10T15:42:00.001-04:002011-05-10T15:45:06.460-04:00Ten on Tuesday!<div style="text-align: justify;">Top Ten Things About Owning a Dog I Never Knew Before</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1. You can fall in love in seconds. And from that point in time you will NEVER be the same person.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. Feed a dog once. She'll poop 3 times. Laws of physics are mystical here!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Puppy breath (which I'm told everyone LOVES) smells to me like mild skunk. Just saying... it's not like fresh baked cookies or anything, I'm kinda disappointed!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. When she's sick, your life is on hold. And you are terrified that you broke her.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. The smell of puppy treats makes you hungry. Mostly because you haven't eaten lunch in the past 4 days being too occupied feeding her a lunchtime.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. It doesn't matter what it is, a puppy will try to eat it. Poop. Rocks. Concrete. Dead worms. Dead leaves. Grass. Sofas. Blankets. Slippers. Mum's toes. Mum's pantyhose (ARGH!! 2nd time wearing them!) and everything else she can get her mouth around.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. Puppies are escape artists disguised in furry wrappings. And when they escape from their kennel while you are at work they are very proud to show off their skills when you find them when you get home. (Yesterday was a long day... Sophie was sitting proudly on her blanket when I came home. Not in her kennel where I left her!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Puppies think running away is fun. Mum thinks running hurts my brain. Puppy doesn't know I'm missing part of C1 and I'm not supposed to bounce!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. A sleeping puppy moves and shakes and growls and woofs and snores and whines and runs and twitches and does all kinds of funny little movements. And has no idea she is doing it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10. A puppy sleeping in your lap is your own personal heating pad. Not to mention cute, wonderful and makes you fall in love all over again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dVN9es-m85BXze7pOPaeBe5Orh5fgR4yiLNlRL6V7kiWNP8fS5IjAs4ObyAfSMJKVC1DIpQAFCh5u_h8-qazp2QFjw-gIpooNf-aWvUIJTvm2ZY6h83mhZqVpJm5bWdJ3KRv2ZIIir4/s1600/IMG_4131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5dVN9es-m85BXze7pOPaeBe5Orh5fgR4yiLNlRL6V7kiWNP8fS5IjAs4ObyAfSMJKVC1DIpQAFCh5u_h8-qazp2QFjw-gIpooNf-aWvUIJTvm2ZY6h83mhZqVpJm5bWdJ3KRv2ZIIir4/s400/IMG_4131.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophie with her Wubba Rabbit. She loves her Wubba!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-52459474240568404402011-05-06T18:42:00.000-04:002011-05-06T18:42:37.291-04:00Sophie!<div style="text-align: justify;">As promised, here are some pics of Sophie when we first got her home on Tuesday.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZQfLtngwiQuVZfD1MRDNZSv7wyGYhahy0qeM-s0sH0G9YHTd1BCppd8EroMhtJzmKumfbS3aI7rC3vFGzH0_skkqcyO9DS6kfvOcxD1yLSCdLiKfoS_na5yQ78ETiOl5a3BPDL6Ae2g/s1600/IMG_4041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZQfLtngwiQuVZfD1MRDNZSv7wyGYhahy0qeM-s0sH0G9YHTd1BCppd8EroMhtJzmKumfbS3aI7rC3vFGzH0_skkqcyO9DS6kfvOcxD1yLSCdLiKfoS_na5yQ78ETiOl5a3BPDL6Ae2g/s400/IMG_4041.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGWdP9p8cEu143UG1G49J7H0uyskHUjaPQKdSNX75mXOfl9u61LnJsQUQ652yVTqYV9OF59WLHxRpWvOKnKG6k5eUMee_d1v356zR0C-llJrNAiFoj1VR0yrPk5NUEkpVRQk59uxzaug/s1600/IMG_4051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGWdP9p8cEu143UG1G49J7H0uyskHUjaPQKdSNX75mXOfl9u61LnJsQUQ652yVTqYV9OF59WLHxRpWvOKnKG6k5eUMee_d1v356zR0C-llJrNAiFoj1VR0yrPk5NUEkpVRQk59uxzaug/s400/IMG_4051.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Princess Sophie</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aJrKvtuqwreiSBREr-PIXE8dnOgWKnvHxKsIPP37661CJxjlojQtQLPe7JocDmwvah-IQ7ECckTpSe51q5CYZA6wnfJtuOsTJ5Ta3Niq9jqCxJ4SvUgYeNFfSMCDGtlgEaRCPoOJi8M/s1600/IMG_4055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_aJrKvtuqwreiSBREr-PIXE8dnOgWKnvHxKsIPP37661CJxjlojQtQLPe7JocDmwvah-IQ7ECckTpSe51q5CYZA6wnfJtuOsTJ5Ta3Niq9jqCxJ4SvUgYeNFfSMCDGtlgEaRCPoOJi8M/s400/IMG_4055.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty Girl!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9c5aUDDgl_-7lxuFxiQMyVjYteONGrSenJXJCyj7aB04wZISDUpr0ARmC35CyGqLzll1R4aOl2lsQzMBBlrG2axmWtNADhu7yXQw4LHACy9Q3tJr81p3CWvA6oeTpYyBkh7AKj2e0ik/s1600/IMG_4068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9c5aUDDgl_-7lxuFxiQMyVjYteONGrSenJXJCyj7aB04wZISDUpr0ARmC35CyGqLzll1R4aOl2lsQzMBBlrG2axmWtNADhu7yXQw4LHACy9Q3tJr81p3CWvA6oeTpYyBkh7AKj2e0ik/s400/IMG_4068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zzzzz.... it was a long morning flying to my new home.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnGdb390fDOiiChLpD3dlT2Rbh8TWl6Lu2Xa7Fb5F8brs0QzTqhj8FeTHmoUncqLgp8eCL7hDrID3QjuF33NCOiiwD35IATSqrYizetguDvuhvsp2DjQj2FZ6NvohS2kBiVQbaCSfm-8/s1600/IMG_4074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpnGdb390fDOiiChLpD3dlT2Rbh8TWl6Lu2Xa7Fb5F8brs0QzTqhj8FeTHmoUncqLgp8eCL7hDrID3QjuF33NCOiiwD35IATSqrYizetguDvuhvsp2DjQj2FZ6NvohS2kBiVQbaCSfm-8/s400/IMG_4074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's MY Wubba Wabbit!<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">As new parents, I think we're doing well. Sophie is very energetic and smart. Three days and she is learning her name and "No!" She even went to the vet's yesterday. She wasn't too happy when we first got there, but she is stopped shaking and actually fell asleep on the exam table, then rolled off of it!! I caught her just before she hit the floor. No harm done, not even a squeak out of her. But scared the life out of mummy! And she met a few of the people I work with after the vet's. Everyone loves her. It was suggested she become the new office mascot. Somehow I don't think the managing partners will go for it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We love her. Plain and simple. From the moment the airline attendant brought her out to the counter we were in love. Pictures don't do her beauty justice. </div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-56653711947241703722011-05-02T18:41:00.000-04:002011-05-02T18:41:12.264-04:00Introducing....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'd like to introduce you to Breica's Don't Wanna Miss a Thing, aka Sophie!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNvrxii5BvMUEfgfySEbiQHY6ql9zt3oHsN2w8oXBDHJPSDct3OzCIA91ULADyma5lJD3fJi7zlfBaHoR8hTIqgqr9_3Xv4WOFSt9zS4s-6D6PgVErhxXsYLs5nTzd_GpM6r4JGTH90Q/s1600/209367_10150605195815008_718950007_18401126_812651_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNvrxii5BvMUEfgfySEbiQHY6ql9zt3oHsN2w8oXBDHJPSDct3OzCIA91ULADyma5lJD3fJi7zlfBaHoR8hTIqgqr9_3Xv4WOFSt9zS4s-6D6PgVErhxXsYLs5nTzd_GpM6r4JGTH90Q/s400/209367_10150605195815008_718950007_18401126_812651_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophie - stacked - awesome conformation!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">She was born to championship parents Macy and Kai on March 4, 2011, in Southern Ontario. And tomorrow morning she will take the biggest steps of her life and fly to our home a couple hours away!! We've already been told she will need some heavy sucking up to once she is off the planes! We're beyond excited, and we're nearly exhausted already, but it is all worth it for her!!! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We have been EXTREMELY busy!! Shopping, puppy proofing, fixing the fence - which frost heaved at least 8" in some spots this winter! installing puppy proof garbage cans, moving things out of the "chew zone" etc. And more trips back and forth to the pet store and H. Depot than I care to count!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The night we decided on which puppy and which names to give her hubby asked if I was happy. I gave him the duh-stupid look. The second happiest day I can every remember, so I know tomorrow will be even more memorable!! Only my wedding day surpasses my current emotions!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73EFqK_um1e5B5GcerfoOIoMo9X6J6tPz5LpDVv0s7T6WCF2BGrcPFPR9A9W_nyttiYWyayMjucC52sJvRwHjwz6gd7XBv1ZCnKVccvHFFsqAAzLCwn35e5GkmZu75Dnev1svGkBsSS0/s1600/Mini+Mouse+outside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh73EFqK_um1e5B5GcerfoOIoMo9X6J6tPz5LpDVv0s7T6WCF2BGrcPFPR9A9W_nyttiYWyayMjucC52sJvRwHjwz6gd7XBv1ZCnKVccvHFFsqAAzLCwn35e5GkmZu75Dnev1svGkBsSS0/s400/Mini+Mouse+outside.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophie at 4 weeks - first trip outside</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMz4lvSyeypbMyeeXdZjIZK3uHc4pEQDCHma9PDEBna7qqVZUI4iG8OjPtTDU4tEwRiWrgWDXAD2gympgZ429J7aayT3s-DhqUNPB-waA63TpZlhlENuCcOBbVguzD__B3DIggLjkvW8/s1600/Sophie+-+8+weeks+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMz4lvSyeypbMyeeXdZjIZK3uHc4pEQDCHma9PDEBna7qqVZUI4iG8OjPtTDU4tEwRiWrgWDXAD2gympgZ429J7aayT3s-DhqUNPB-waA63TpZlhlENuCcOBbVguzD__B3DIggLjkvW8/s400/Sophie+-+8+weeks+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophie - 8 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;">I will post more pics of our little girl once we have her home!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-53742999939501877702011-04-18T16:12:00.000-04:002011-04-18T16:12:30.376-04:00A Few Minutes to Myself<div style="text-align: justify;">I have a few extra minutes to myself today :) Hubby has a dentist appointment right after work, which gives me an extra hour before I would usually start making dinner. What to do? Sit down and blog of course!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have to admit, I want to keep up with my blogging, but my spare time is spent doing a variety of other things lately. Reading puppy books, finally finishing a cross stitch project I started almost 5 years ago (pics will follow once it's framed), physio, yoga, visiting a friend who has just had major surgery again :( and the list goes on.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'd like to pick up ideas I've seen on other blogs, like <a href="http://junebugsmusings.blogspot.com/">Junebug</a> who is tackling the A to Z Blogging Challenge, or even <a href="http://marlazampesti.blogspot.com/">Marla's</a> Ten on Tuesday, but I can't commit. There are days when once I'm home and away from the office computer I don't even grab the laptop except to input stuff into our food diaries. And that I can do from my iPod. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's not that I don't love all 3 of my loyal readers, I just don't think I'm that entertaining and engaging that people want to read all about my little corner of the frozen world on a daily basis, especially now that I have gone private. (And I mean it, my world is frozen, again. Snowed all weekend... But it's starting to melt.) And once we get puppy, in just under 3 weeks, I'm sure I'll be on the computer even less. We'll be walking twice a day, plus puppy school, training and playing. I will apologize in advance if my future posts are 1. all about puppy and 2. fewer and further between. It's just a fact of life. Now that I'm feeling better, I don't want to dwell on my surgery and my Chiari and my nerve issues but move forward. I don't try to stay in the past and rehash everything. I keep moving forward, just as my favourite quote from Walt Disney says. Especially because I have had such success with the decompression surgery.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll be here, now and again, but I can't promise the frequency. And thank-you, my loyal readers, for hanging in this long!!</div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-14054980210116716242011-04-13T15:55:00.000-04:002011-04-13T15:55:47.452-04:00And Stuff<div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, the phone finally rang a couple weeks back... 3.5 hours later. And the first call wasn't who I was expecting, but within 2 minutes of hanging up, the caller I waited on phoned.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was waiting for the insurance adjuster to call. I was in a minor truck accident. I boo-booed my pretty lil truck. And I also boo-booed 3 ribs - cracked the ribs from the cartilage. Not one of my finer moments in my driving history. I backed into a concrete pole. Yep. It wasn't even a moving object. And, at 5km/h in reverse I injured myself. I don't do anything half-assed. I go full tilt into everything!! Long story short, my truck is fixed. I had to drive a car (ugh!!!) for 5 days. Now I'm working on getting me on the mend, again. Just when you start to feel good, the carpet gets pulled out from under you, again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcTCdEYxJAyd9E6F9bwDdikVfXg1MnE993HFSRekgJEH2PRJ03m-0laVsP-YICXytlfJ0XR4jA9Xs60aM8KcrHixj3n6zaeHVNKsjgsRurzqDfXP3dPgE01GS0fF6jPJ_UBYPVNNlXpY/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzcTCdEYxJAyd9E6F9bwDdikVfXg1MnE993HFSRekgJEH2PRJ03m-0laVsP-YICXytlfJ0XR4jA9Xs60aM8KcrHixj3n6zaeHVNKsjgsRurzqDfXP3dPgE01GS0fF6jPJ_UBYPVNNlXpY/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a>But, I'm still shiny side up, even if the shiny parts are a little bruised and tarnished! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The first call the other day was the occupational therapist hired by my long-term insurer. I had my ergonomic assessment at work. The OT is recommending a headset for my phone, a new chair, a funky no-grip pen to make it easier to write, and a cart to carry files. I agree with all of the recommendations, but I'm self-conscious about using a cart. It looks like a little ol' lady's grocery cart... The pens look cool and might help as I can't grip a regular pen for any length of time as there is no feeling in my thumb and index finger most of the time. We will wait to see what the insurance company approves. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've requested a referral to a local neurologist from my family dr. I would like someone to actually confirm the EMG study findings as brachial neuritis. And have someone tell me whether I'm recovering well. I'm starting to feel better, which is wonderful. Lots of physio, massage and acupuncture are helping!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We're getting closer to puppy time!! Our little girl will be ready to ship to us on May 6th. We have decided to have her shipped to us rather than subjecting an 8 week old puppy to an 18 hour drive home, which we would have to do over 2 days for sure, finding a place that accepts pets along the way to stay the night. By having her shipped she is in our loving arms in about 4 hours instead. And the breeder ships dogs all the time without any problems. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We've been doing a lot of shopping for puppy, who still is unnamed. We went to 3 pet stores last Friday and hubby's wallet did not get away unscathed. And Sunday, we repeated the process :) We have a whole basket of toys, chews, balls, rope toys and a blanket. Plus I bought her designer poop baggies and a winter jacket for next year. We ordered the collars and leads last night off the net. We just need food, bowls and beauty supplies for her, and her of course!! Hubby would love to fast forward the next 3 weeks until she is in our arms. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvhEI8JwJRfXl4X9gRbA9YlRA44Dx65JaG0-yuz26wN08W42ecaZF5eMUFjsR1M-n7Iwe3X9h0zRj1tt7SywCvejQ_lG7E0k-ZwtT-prlKD_gU7CVgNIVmy9MP8iDvBX2a83ImqMbO-4/s1600/IMG_4018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMvhEI8JwJRfXl4X9gRbA9YlRA44Dx65JaG0-yuz26wN08W42ecaZF5eMUFjsR1M-n7Iwe3X9h0zRj1tt7SywCvejQ_lG7E0k-ZwtT-prlKD_gU7CVgNIVmy9MP8iDvBX2a83ImqMbO-4/s400/IMG_4018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Very soon one of these little bundles of fur will be all ours!!!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1d8VBEH8TcqlE1nCWI79w3MjtNDu05eG8thWV5WFiWFulGstMAw054e5y7DdQD-L-weBGhoyMglOCiVSzQQiVbdRfPehODKdtSwUxrtKGcYHB8_mwrPJ6Z4NJ5CyhNLESzVYI_gGtrVg/s1600/14+pups+5.5+and+4.5+weeks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1d8VBEH8TcqlE1nCWI79w3MjtNDu05eG8thWV5WFiWFulGstMAw054e5y7DdQD-L-weBGhoyMglOCiVSzQQiVbdRfPehODKdtSwUxrtKGcYHB8_mwrPJ6Z4NJ5CyhNLESzVYI_gGtrVg/s400/14+pups+5.5+and+4.5+weeks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-77320724807052738392011-03-28T15:36:00.000-04:002011-03-28T15:36:58.913-04:00(((((((((( Ring Ring, Ring Ring )))))))))<div style="text-align: justify;">I received a really unspecific call-back time - someone (we don't know who) will call sometime Monday between 1 pm and 5pm (no, we can't be more specific)... So I've been sitting here for over 2 hours waiting for the phone to ring. I hurried through a call from hubby because I didn't want to tie up the phone line. I used my pay-as-you-go cell to make 2 other short calls. And still, then phone doesn't ring. Yet, as soon as I leave the room to pee (heaven forbid!) I know that it is going to ring. And I refuse to take the phone to the little girl's room. Even I have standards!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was under the assumption that this company had a maximum call-back policy (48 hours if it is a non-emergency). I know I know... people are busy, it's Monday, the "busiest" day of the work week. Things get put aside because they are less important. Your number gets forgotten on the list until the next day - when they are liable to call between 8 am and 1 pm while I am at work, and knowing my luck, won't leave a message. Or the person you left a message with on Saturday forgot to press send on the e-mail notification. Or they took down my home number incorrectly. Or the call-center building in the middle of nowhere had a power failure and their computers didn't back up the information which was to be sent out so someone could call me... or 101 other unforeseeable circumstances completely beyond my control. I hate waiting for phone calls.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you've never heard this <a href="http://www.backyardgardener.com/ringtone/Bedtime_Stories.mp3">ring tone</a> from the movie Bedtime Stories, listen, you'll get a chuckle... I'm about to the last "ring" right about now!</div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-81607469187336798512011-03-17T16:58:00.000-04:002011-03-17T16:58:19.659-04:00Thursday's Reflections Etc.<div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, I know, I fell off the Ten on Tuesday wagon... sorry. There's just been a lot going on and not a lot of time to post. I'm taking care of me right now and trying not to sweat the small stuff.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm very sad today. I found out yesterday that a long-time email / FB friend passed away. She battled cervical / ovarian cancer and was told she won, only to find out a couple years later the doctors were wrong. During radiation treatments they had damaged her kidneys to the point she needed a transplant. Then more and more tests. More and more doctors. More and more opinions. And finally a verdict that no one wanted to hear. I'm very very saddened by the failure by the doctors in her area to properly diagnose, treat and follow up on her cancer. She did everything she could to tell them something was still wrong. They didn't listen. She fought very hard but lost her final battle on Sunday. Rest in peace Steph... I'll miss you're crazy antics, your collection of furry and scaly and swimming creatures. I'll miss our emails and FB chats. You were one of my cheering squad during my brain surgery and I'll never forget your support. Rest pain free forever my dear friend.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have been going through a gauntlet of appointments - physio, acupuncture, massage - and I'm starting to feel better. I'm not saying I'm 100%, but I notice a little thing here and there. Like the feeling returned to my thumb and finger for a couple days. And a little more energy. I have been doing a bit more yoga. Yoga is helping keep me calm and centred. I plan to go for another infrared sauna tomorrow. The sauna helps with detoxing my system and helps my arthritis. I'm taking my iron supplement and powdered barely greens every day. My physio tapes my shoulder blades in place helps take the pressure off of my brachial nerve. This helps with pain management. So I'm taped 5 days of the week. Acupuncture is doing a little of everything - detoxing, pain management, centring. I really find it helping. I haven't really had a headache in I don't know how many weeks :) I still don't sleep well, but that's something to work on. My strength is very slowly improving too. Little steps on the big road to recovery.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeB9VJMbIijlrBV9jfpBD4qDcLWnKKX41CXh3pmglwNj29C-ffIb9G3eBUpyX9XEcTAm5ATdwXWDJswGPtqGhNmUXxyugi_LYbJbqjxwbsU7H_5VaEwPgLWnlOkwGMFbp-m8U9AwVqFQE/s1600/196016_10150464732980008_718950007_17675959_7796696_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeB9VJMbIijlrBV9jfpBD4qDcLWnKKX41CXh3pmglwNj29C-ffIb9G3eBUpyX9XEcTAm5ATdwXWDJswGPtqGhNmUXxyugi_LYbJbqjxwbsU7H_5VaEwPgLWnlOkwGMFbp-m8U9AwVqFQE/s400/196016_10150464732980008_718950007_17675959_7796696_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hubby and I are confirmed as puppy owners-to-be. Or more correctly, we're going to be owned by a Weimaraner :) The puppies should be ready to go to home at the end of April, early May. We are extremely excited. We spend hours reading, researching, browsing products and food. We go to the pet shops and look at all the fun stuff we get to buy her. Compare food and treats. And we argue back and forth about it. I know how very important all this stuff is and will be for puppy, I just never thought we would argue about it!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRPYfcPFCSnytYTPdPZ7aoJxAEOzZAY78gXgzAxYFemjVkJ5uBFxeBIqqO4VLsUV9fQl-Wg23oaEbQ3GLBJPkDjQo6Q5qPurDG7Jpewzz_O9R_wkipM8IKI2Qh_PaC_NUuqvJ37kCk4I/s1600/196792_10150458813760008_718950007_17604013_8285008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRPYfcPFCSnytYTPdPZ7aoJxAEOzZAY78gXgzAxYFemjVkJ5uBFxeBIqqO4VLsUV9fQl-Wg23oaEbQ3GLBJPkDjQo6Q5qPurDG7Jpewzz_O9R_wkipM8IKI2Qh_PaC_NUuqvJ37kCk4I/s400/196792_10150458813760008_718950007_17604013_8285008_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We're deciding on names... Whadda you think??</div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">We both like:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lily or Willow</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He likes:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Skye or Lacey</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I like:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Portia or Sela</span></i></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrjITWaKMMj1uFKz9YYUPqkjxsIZyskGJcszeFtZr6DE0peXcqvDgJb4BeDTwcQmHuX-XqrggHGVvLAY5ykY6J3rLBhfFOPXWgDiFNUMz5fMIy4k5A9gsC8fpY3RQdpV2kCKmFLJBj8M/s1600/196459_10150464739880008_718950007_17676060_4969220_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrjITWaKMMj1uFKz9YYUPqkjxsIZyskGJcszeFtZr6DE0peXcqvDgJb4BeDTwcQmHuX-XqrggHGVvLAY5ykY6J3rLBhfFOPXWgDiFNUMz5fMIy4k5A9gsC8fpY3RQdpV2kCKmFLJBj8M/s400/196459_10150464739880008_718950007_17676060_4969220_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>(Photos are all courtesy of our breeders at Breica Weimaraners) </i></div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-90447737372554858822011-03-12T11:11:00.000-05:002011-03-12T11:11:35.138-05:00Feeling Better and Worse<div style="text-align: justify;">Chinese medicine is doing something. Along with the acupuncture and cupping and heat treatment, the addition of liquid iron to my diet to help my anemia, I'm feeling like a human being. Really, almost normal. (well, normal for me!) I don't have the dizzy spells I was having which leads me to believe it was more an iron deficiency issue than a POTS issue (hopefully!). I've had 3 treatments. I go for my 4th on Monday, then I have a couple of weeks off as there were no openings. I'm pleasantly surprise, and a little relieved. Feeling better was the whole goal here. One step at a time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition to the liquid iron supplement I am also taking barley greens once a day. I have to mix it with V8 juice, just can swallow that "green" flavour on its own. So, that is some much-needed protein my body was lacking.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm eating. And I'm hungry! And food is staying with me so I'm actually benefitting from the nutrients for a change. I know, I know, it's only been 4 weeks, but I'm noticing the slight differences. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yesterday I went for an infrared sauna. Very different from a traditional Finnish sauna that I'm used to. It heats you, not the air, so you can breath and it is more comfortable. It also doesn't just make you sweat but improves your immune system, cardiovascular system, detoxifies, improves the appearance of burns and scars... and the list goes on. It is good for conditions like arthritis, bronchitis and much more. I was roasted in about 25 minutes at 70C / 158F, but it doesn't feel that hot. I know I can't handle a traditional sauna much over 50C / 120F. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">At physio we have started strength training. Very very gradually. I'm talking bicep curls with stretch banding - 3 sets of up to 10 reps. Right now I manage 3 sets but at most 7 reps. But it is a start. And my shoulder blades are taped in place to 1 - minimize pain and 2 - reduce pressure on the brachial nerve bundle. I'm happy with my progress so far, it's only been 2 weeks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And on the puppy front... Macy's litter was born March 4th and China's litter on March 10th. Hubby and I are sooooooooooooooo excited. Sometime in May we will have our own sweet baby girl Weimaraner. We've seen tons of pictures and chatted online with the breeder. We send emails back and forth and she answers our questions as soon as she is free. Poor breeder, she had the flu when the first puppies were born, moved (including her horse and all the dogs!), and was just settling in when the second litter arrived. I don't think she's had much sleep!! We are very happy with her knowledge and how quickly she gets back to us. We can't wait until May!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And on the worse front... I was supposed to go see my great-aunt this morning. She was admitted to our hospital from her home 3 hours west of here. But I'm running a low fever and feel blah so I don't want to pass on anything to her. Probably a bit of a bug. Ugh. I hate feeling like this. I'm hungry, but my tummy has been rumbly and I don't want to put anything in it except maybe some ginger... I hope this passes soon.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh, and also on the better front - I have had headaches that go away within a few minutes, without taking anything for them. Not sure why, but I'M LOVING IT!! Headache "free" for a couple weeks now! (BIG SMILEY GRIN!!!!)</div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-82304987822577457122011-03-02T15:26:00.002-05:002011-03-12T10:41:04.202-05:00Warped<div style="text-align: justify;">My sense of time is very strange right now. I'll ask hubby what day it is and not understand that it's already Wednesday. Where did Sunday, Monday and Tuesday go?? I'm chalking the time warp to stress and fatigue and 101 other things running through my head lately.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So because of these time warps I'm stuck in, I really owe you an update... so here's the Cliff Notes versions... because seriously, I lose track of time and it'll take me hours to do a full update.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">EMG Nerve Study Results:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I have a possible answer for the shoulder issues. Brachial Neuritis. There is possibly a lesion on my brachial nerve. This caused the arm / shoulder issues just after my brain surgery in June. Good news - it's not a permanent condition. It's on average a 2 year recovery. I can live with that. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Acupuncture:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've been for 2 visits. I felt better after my first visit - more centred and refreshed. I was so stressed at visit #2 that I don't think I could relax even if you drugged me. But I have 4 more visits booked. I will continue to see the acupuncturist, who is actually a Dr. of Chinese Medicine (BIG GRIN and thumbs up!) for a couple of months. She is working on not only my arm / nerve issues but also my horrible digestive tract and my arthritis - which is out of control right now because of the cold - warm - dry - damp - snowing - cloudy - sunny - can't make up it's mind!! weather forecasts lately. She explained some of my EMG results and will review my MRIs as well. She is taking in the Western medicine findings and treating where she can with acupuncture, inferred and some other heat therapy, cupping etc. She has discovered a couple things without me telling her about them too and I think she is a genius. From my pulse she could tell my GI tract has been acting up lately. From my tongue and my eyes that I'm severely anemic again - due to the GI issues... And a few other things. I started an iron supplement and a green powder supplement to try and help the GI and anemia. She is AMAZING and I'm so happy that I was referred to her.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Physio:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went to see a new physiotherapist yesterday. He comes very highly recommended and I can see why. (He's the physio the local doctors go and see.... he's gotta be good.) My consult was only supposed to be a few minutes for him to decide if he would take on a patient with brachial neuritis as he has not dealt with it in his 24 years of practice. I was there an hour and a half. And I came out with another appointment on Friday, two homework exercises and hope. Hope of regaining all of the strength that I lost. Hope of returning to my new normal life. And finally understanding what all of the MRI, CT, and EMG reports mean. No one has ever gone through a report with me. Until the new physio and my acupuncturist that is.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Work:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I continue to work 4 hours a day and I'm still dragging my <s>butt</s> arm by the time I get home. (Like Igor in some horror film... my arm hanging limply in front of me...) But I feel like I'm at least accomplishing something most days. The dizzy spells I have from time to time cloud my thinking and I feel like I haven't done anything. But it's getting better and I can at least see 1 place on my desk right now that is not a foot high with file folders. My bosses continue to support me and are amazing through all of my return to work. The young lady they hired to assist me with the filing, copying, etc is working out very well. It's great to have the help. I don't feel like I'm floundering as much anymore.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">LTD:</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The long-term disability assessor is going to send someone to assess me at work. Don't know what it will entail or what will be involved. But I'm looking at it as a positive. Help me get back to my new normal.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">PUPPY!!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We're looking at getting a puppy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</span> I'm just a little excited, and a little anxious!! And we're going to get MY puppy!! MY DREAM PUPPY!!! My "I've wanted one all of my life" puppy!! Hubby spends every evening on the internet researching breeders and the dogs. We have sent away several applications to breeders in Canada and the US. I have 3 books checked out from the library sitting beside me on the couch. Hubby sits and reads it out loud to me after supper. (I'm too tired to focus on anything lately... darn anemia!) (And I've also been SUPER B!T@HY lately because I'm so tired... poor hubby)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Doesn't she just make your heart melt??? This isn't the actual puppy. Someone else owns this little sweetheart... the litter we're interested in isn't born yet... (this is actually the mom of one of the litters!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zsBWePrBErGC1VqwUZaVY49HSZXVzgj2PT9iW_SU8Vs3WcIlvkGin3XqFhDXEU3Hc7UZ_cQRT-smk4cSUNHrvfDfOP7HEBwA0p-me-tnWnMuGX1NhKVvXljPxyQYUbCNX-YhGBoTFaA/s1600/macy+girl+steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zsBWePrBErGC1VqwUZaVY49HSZXVzgj2PT9iW_SU8Vs3WcIlvkGin3XqFhDXEU3Hc7UZ_cQRT-smk4cSUNHrvfDfOP7HEBwA0p-me-tnWnMuGX1NhKVvXljPxyQYUbCNX-YhGBoTFaA/s400/macy+girl+steps.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">and finally...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">AQUARIUM:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It's up, it's running great. There are <s>5 </s> 2 new fishies living here now, for starters. <s>2 angel fish and 3</s> 2 bronze corydories. I love to sit and watch the fish play in the current from the output. And they love to come to the side of the tank when we're standing close. They almost beg to be fed! (Argh... do to a phosphate problem in my tank the 2 angels and 1 cory died within 12 hours of posting this so I had to "amend" it... back to the beginning with the fish, again.)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptWGOp9TEpmK8O78T-jd8wkFBktvLsXO00pkH8_P_29jCebCAy7Ni_p2IbaVE3f9vmyWMAdGC4HZ6UnzAaxivUPB2AB71ikk_Fbz0F481QiOK4tRO_Of2wBdF6uOthixdXQ6AkLtuFhQ/s1600/IMG_3984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptWGOp9TEpmK8O78T-jd8wkFBktvLsXO00pkH8_P_29jCebCAy7Ni_p2IbaVE3f9vmyWMAdGC4HZ6UnzAaxivUPB2AB71ikk_Fbz0F481QiOK4tRO_Of2wBdF6uOthixdXQ6AkLtuFhQ/s400/IMG_3984.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">For today, there's the last few weeks in a nutshell. I'm exhausted. Time for some down-time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-88423765429286175322011-02-24T14:54:00.000-05:002011-02-24T14:54:10.254-05:00Privacy Reasons<div style="text-align: justify;">I've decided to go private for a whole multitude of reasons. Privacy is the key one. It's not that I want to hide away any helpful information I may post about Chiari or other medical conditions which go along with it, but there is a lot of information on the internet and most of mine is just reiterated from somewhere else. And it's not because I want to slander or say mean and miserable things about people without repercussion. It's just a personal decision that a few fellow bloggers have also come to recently.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My story is personal, and readers are interested in the personal experience, but those who are interested in reading have already read it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you know of anyone who may benefit from my blog or be interested in what I have to say I will happily add them as a reader. They may contact me at cassandraelvish@yahoo.com.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thank you for reading.</div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-77348503414129200032011-02-20T17:52:00.000-05:002011-02-20T17:52:25.629-05:00In Search of the Perfect Cookie<div style="text-align: justify;">I love ginger snaps. I would have to rate them as a favourite, if not my favourite cookie. Walker's makes these divine little shortbreads with real ginger stem... luscious little cookies. And the only place I've ever found them is at the Porter airlines lounge in Toronto. It's customary for us to grab 2 packs and put them in my purse to savour when we get home! </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was at the bulk store Friday and I found candied ginger pieces for baking cookies! (Instead of the huge chunks my mum likes to eat just by themselves) So online I went to find the perfect cookie recipe to replicate those delectable Walker's creations....</div><div style="text-align: justify;">These are good, a little different, but my first crack at baking with candied ginger stem.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><u><b>Ginger Stem Cookies</b></u></div><div style="text-align: justify;">6 TBSP butter</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6 TBSP brown sugar</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6 TBSP honey</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4 TBSP molasses </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add brown sugar, honey and molasses. Warm and combine until creamy consistency.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2 cups flour</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 tsp baking powder</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 tsp baking soda</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1 tsp cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1.5 tsp ground ginger (more if you like even spicier cookies!)</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pinch of salt</div><div style="text-align: justify;">1/4 cup of candied or bottled ginger stem - very finely chopped to chocolate chip size chunks.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Pre-heat the oven to 350F / 300F convection. Line your pans with parchment paper. (Believe me, invest in a roll or sheets. Your cookies will not come off the pan otherwise.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sift dry ingredients into the pot mixture. If you find it a little too thin, add more flour 1/4 cup at a time. The dough will not be dry like other ginger snaps, but more of a glossy, but not sticky, mixture. If you want to transfer the pot mixture to a stand mixer, it'd be a great idea. Use your bread hook. Otherwise you may need a strong-armed man (or a cement mixer!!) in the kitchen to incorporate all that flour in the pot. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugJX_3eIIb55TNl5rVpaABAPMkCrr8ns9qkfcQrLaf4yFX3zLVceNmLHeSLvynkNX5B9_4TgJSIrxQhdQw_ZQeC8dy9YFPaJTUH6rzWQ_zWkMxTLdpJtu1JdXGFyVNNPpptL-LCjml44/s1600/IMG_3946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugJX_3eIIb55TNl5rVpaABAPMkCrr8ns9qkfcQrLaf4yFX3zLVceNmLHeSLvynkNX5B9_4TgJSIrxQhdQw_ZQeC8dy9YFPaJTUH6rzWQ_zWkMxTLdpJtu1JdXGFyVNNPpptL-LCjml44/s400/IMG_3946.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Add the candied ginger and work out the Popeye muscles at little more to incorporate it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Roll into teaspoon size balls. This dough rolls beautifully and doesn't stick to your hands. Careful if you're having the little ones help as this dough is warm. Place well spaced on the parchment lined cookie pan and flatten slightly with the heel of you hand. This dough works nicely while it is still warm. When it cools it gets hard to handle.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bake for 11 to 13 minutes at 350F / 300F convection until golden brown.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrIK8gz4Y-s8QkCGiibAWdyJOI1xVXLNkLug5WfySaWIL7Qd5bCwQRJHegs6HW8nZ-weuA_g09QRh5erze8IfqcZLKBqEyuBUho2WKGP0huaAcWO_5-L8JnmlEtblTEiu80xywzNSKME/s1600/IMG_3952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrIK8gz4Y-s8QkCGiibAWdyJOI1xVXLNkLug5WfySaWIL7Qd5bCwQRJHegs6HW8nZ-weuA_g09QRh5erze8IfqcZLKBqEyuBUho2WKGP0huaAcWO_5-L8JnmlEtblTEiu80xywzNSKME/s400/IMG_3952.JPG" width="400" /></a>The first time I bake a new cookie I do a test bake before I throw the whole lot onto the pan.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JXyYMFxmMs4_ek6Iye7yDHUcuetscCRiVZYFnJT7hSJRuDGlO1YhreGZ7gEG2iwqC8suQl6683DcND8U_tX2760kzuqKf7WiD372pY9_3_SCLKNShquJ94ZgR7gvuFJbkHaNn6UPv40/s1600/IMG_3945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4JXyYMFxmMs4_ek6Iye7yDHUcuetscCRiVZYFnJT7hSJRuDGlO1YhreGZ7gEG2iwqC8suQl6683DcND8U_tX2760kzuqKf7WiD372pY9_3_SCLKNShquJ94ZgR7gvuFJbkHaNn6UPv40/s200/IMG_3945.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My first test cookies didn't have enough flour and were baked too hot. They were flatter than pancakes and once they cooled, were hard enough to chip teeth. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next test came out soft, golden, chewy and approved by the hubby in the taste test.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm bringing some to mum's tomorrow for Family Day dinner and I hope the rest of the family enjoys them too!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh, and if you mix it all in the pot, soak that pot right away once it is empty or you'll need a chisel!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Note to self... These cookies are hard on the arm... There is a lot of stirring to incorporate the flour. Plus, I started with a double batch... Silly me!! Just saying it out loud so anyone fancying to try them out is aware, yes, definitely use the stand mixer!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sorry there's no pic of all the ingredients together. Forgot to snap the photo before I got going. </div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-56304267782300184932011-02-11T15:17:00.000-05:002011-02-11T15:17:56.358-05:00If You Can't Say Anything Nice...<div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdBlJXyxw_3eFO7C4ls7obM17Mc2w6-14yXN-NmtVYlM7WR4LLSgaLh-gk2udAoAAgBC0wmISuIyqODXXr-_n6aq-dxNmTiEae3rvd-LBB3crzsv15-3EvY8mbrEtvY-FS_goN_9dCps/s1600/thumper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdBlJXyxw_3eFO7C4ls7obM17Mc2w6-14yXN-NmtVYlM7WR4LLSgaLh-gk2udAoAAgBC0wmISuIyqODXXr-_n6aq-dxNmTiEae3rvd-LBB3crzsv15-3EvY8mbrEtvY-FS_goN_9dCps/s200/thumper.jpg" width="200" /></a>Thumber's right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"If you can't say anything nice, don't say nothing at all."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I openly apologize to anyone and everyone for various posts in my blog that were inconsiderate to their feelings. I said it myself, I need to think before I speak, and before I post. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is my sincerest wish not to hurt anyone's feelings. <br />
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</div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-50518197604087362552011-02-08T21:25:00.001-05:002011-02-11T13:36:20.318-05:00Ten on Tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;">1. Appointment with my GP today to get the results of the EMG nerve study. No significant findings. No permanent nerve damage. No carpal tunnel syndrome. My radial nerve demonstrates some issues but as they are improving gradually there is hope the feeling in my thumb and two fingers will come back. No answers. So where do I go from here? My GP has no idea... neither do I.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. The fishies are living and loving their new home! I moved them over on Thursday and Friday last week. I added two live plants on the weekend. In a couple more weeks I will add some more fish. I decided to wait a little longer than 2 weeks of cycling because I'd like to get some angelfish. Reason one, the store I buy from is currently out of stock (a good sign - I'll get "fresh" fish!). Reason two, angels are sensitive to water changes so I'm just being extra cautious.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. I can't take it anymore and I booked a haircut for tomorrow. Growing my hair back out is driving me CRAZY! It's all shaggy, and really, in the morning I look like Shaggy from Scooby-Doo. So then it's wet, moussed, blow-dried, styled, sprayed... like 20 to 25 minutes of my life spent on my hair - ARGHHHHHH!!!!! I'm a low maintenance girl. This is ridiculous. So I'm hoping my stylist can give me a style out of this mess and not take too much of the length off. If not I may resort to wearing babushkas.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. I'm happy to have the help at work as I'm feeling absolutely overwhelmed and almost lost it today. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Hubby and I are watching a Bones marathon. He bought me season 1 and 2 on DVD for Christmas. We're into season 2 now. Soooo in love with David Boreanez. Always have been... since he played Angel at least. I wouldn't kick him out for eating cookies in bed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. My occipital bone is aching tonight... I do some yoga and stretches every night to help the neck, shoulder, arm and my back. Guess I'll find the Tylonel before bed... Don't need a headache tomorrow.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. More news from the GP today. He says he has no idea what <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postural_orthostatic_tachycardia_syndrome">POTS</a> is. Yet he mentioned it to me at my last visit. So in order to find out why I'm having the dizzy spells and grey outs, he is going to speak to one of the cardiologists and ask how we should proceed. So more waiting for more tests... </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. Mum and Papa are making stollen (German Christmas bread) tomorrow. Due to limited space in all of our freezers over Christmas, we didn't get to make the second batch - a batch makes 13 or 14 loaves. Wish I could be there to help, however I work all morning and by the time I would be free, they'll already be baking. So not a lot of help to give by that point. But I get to reap the rewards of contributing the candied peel and raisins :)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. I really need to get motivated and get back into doing some type of structured activity. Whether I go to the pool for aquabics or try to go back to yoga, I've gotta get off my butt. I haven't even been walking much. Just 2 nights a week with hubby. I'm in a rut. And I might need some help (or possibly motivation with a stick of dynamite) getting out of it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieX_TDLpugBiZsGy2HuM8EvaPMMd4TvYmU2aeqmVR5PNOIwHjXEcdzgpsTKkyoLbDleodndLMvm8iXWAhWVKp-6TBsd5rt0gUIWW682K4qYbzSiTZxBWCLZwnPsceIr5_9Qq04UfMva2c/s1600/despicable-me-minions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieX_TDLpugBiZsGy2HuM8EvaPMMd4TvYmU2aeqmVR5PNOIwHjXEcdzgpsTKkyoLbDleodndLMvm8iXWAhWVKp-6TBsd5rt0gUIWW682K4qYbzSiTZxBWCLZwnPsceIr5_9Qq04UfMva2c/s200/despicable-me-minions.jpg" width="200" /></a>10. Have you seen Despicable Me? If you haven't you should!! The minions are adorable! Hubby and I have watched it a couple of times now. It's a cute story. Wonder where I can get me a minion... Go, check out the trailer <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tikthjwNUBw&feature=player_embedded">here.</a> </div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-10439462499007436262011-02-07T18:25:00.001-05:002011-02-11T13:43:11.550-05:00Rest in Peace<div style="text-align: justify;">I'm at the age where I know more people in the obituaries than in the birth announcements. And it makes me sad.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I had a very close relationship with my grandma. She passed away last May. When I was young I remember her reading the paper from back to front. She joked she wanted to make sure she wasn't in the obits. As she got older she stopped reading the in memorium and obituaries because she knew too many people. I understand that now. I didn't as a teen. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the weekend I read the funeral notices for a former boyfriend's father and a neighbour from the street where I grew up. The father was 65 and had cancer off and on for 20+ years. It took my breath away when I saw his picture. His death renewed the ache in my own heart from the loss of my father-in-law and grandma. He was even in my dream last night. I saw him in a department store. His wife was farther in the background, sorta hazy. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I approached him and said "I'm sorry, I just heard about your passing." </div><div style="text-align: justify;">He gave me one of his wonderful smiles and replied "yes". He lowered his eyes. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I asked "was it peaceful? You didn't suffer?"</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"No" he replied, "it was very peaceful. I didn't suffer." </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I felt him grow warmer, almost glow brighter. And I woke up. </div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope that the family knows he is at peace. Mr. L, rest in peace.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">My old neighbour was a wonderful young lady of 98. I hadn't seen her in 8 or 9 years, and frankly I didn't realize that she was even alive any longer. She lived across the street until I was in my teens. She babysat me from time to time. She was an avid gardener. I remember a friend and I sitting on the wall by the garden opening the buds of the poppies she grew to see what colour they were going to be and making the snap-dragons talk. Amy, rest in peace.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To top it all off, this week marks 3 years since my dear high school friend's mom and best friends untimely passing in a car crash. S was also in the car and was severely injured. She spent 2 weeks in a coma, broken wrists, ribs and internal injuries. She is an amazing woman who is working to overcome a huge tragedy. I'm proud to call her my friend. But it still saddens me to see how much S hurts when February comes around each year. K and C, rest in peace.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm pensive and sad over the losses this week. But I'm very grateful to have my health, husband, family and friends. After all, I'm still shiny side up.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I still read the paper back to front, for now.</div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-45528287106033712882011-02-02T16:30:00.001-05:002011-02-11T13:44:25.453-05:00Fill In the Blanks<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I went lurking over at </span><a href="http://www.linnysvault.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Linny's Vault</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and decided to play along with this one. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Want to play along too? Copy the blanks, fill in your answers on your blog & link up at</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/2011/01/fill-in-blank-friday_27.html" style="color: #70c944; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Little Thing We Do</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">so others can check you out. It's lots of fun!</span></span></div><br />
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<li style="line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If my house was on fire and I could only grab 3 things, I would grab</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">my laptop, my purse and the cross stitch project I'm working on right now (these things take YEARS to complete sometimes - I'm not starting over). And I'm assuming my hubby will get his own a$s out of the house</span></u></li><br />
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<li style="line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u></u></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A smell I really like is</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">homemade bread baking... yummy!</span></u></li><br />
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<li style="line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Something you might not know about me is</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I can speak 3 other languages. 2 of them fluently. Italian, French and some Finnish</span></u></li><br />
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<li style="line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some of my favorite websites to putter about on are</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FB (yes, sorry, I'm addicted...) </span><a href="http://www.cross-stitch-board.com/forum/cmps_index.php"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">EMS cross stitch board</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (yes, I'm addicted to crafts too) and plain ol' Yahoo!</span></u></li><br />
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<li style="line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This weekend I will</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">hopefully accomplish something - maybe some housework or baking, or I'll end up going into work... another hearing starts Monday.</span></u></li><br />
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<li style="line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nothing makes me happier than</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">knowing how lucky I am to have what I have - my family, my husband, my home, my job and my improving health</span></u></li><br />
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<li style="line-height: 22px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A bad habit I have is</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">speaking before I think. My resolution when I returned to work after surgery was to think carefully before I opened my mouth</span></u></li>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6556372757919452506.post-30961780352060596862011-02-01T22:41:00.001-05:002011-02-11T13:47:32.369-05:00Ten on Tuesday<div style="text-align: justify;">1. The firm has hired a young lady to help me out at work with the administrative tasks like filing, photocopying, and taking the phone calls in the afternoon. Today is day two. So far so good. I hope I have enough stuff to keep her busy!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NNIeAalh7DB3OnE1tGPiyZqdeyIATZpYibRhIUp9Ju3OpktOIwvbIGmDGSTkIWsx7xwa7JGMlNClYAI34ZY_SUk1i3iFgv1SQZUCujOidsEuphqO7OJwRC7qzj11yt5f0jCD5lM4Ohs/s1600/IMG_3888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2NNIeAalh7DB3OnE1tGPiyZqdeyIATZpYibRhIUp9Ju3OpktOIwvbIGmDGSTkIWsx7xwa7JGMlNClYAI34ZY_SUk1i3iFgv1SQZUCujOidsEuphqO7OJwRC7qzj11yt5f0jCD5lM4Ohs/s320/IMG_3888.jpg" width="248" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">2. The new aquarium is set up!! Hurray!! Hubby had the day off on Sunday (finally!) and we dragged his brother over to help move furniture and set everything up. It is cycling now, I hope to have fishies in it next week. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">3. Grrr... I hate misleading sales people. When I bought my truck I bought the extended warranty. This is the super platinum warranty, "everything under the sun is covered." Well, not quite everything. The battery for one, and the cost to check the battery for another. And my truck needs a block heater cord - remember the -50F we had last Sunday?? At least it's covered under the extended warranty, after I pay the $100 deductible. I guess in hind-sight I probably opted for the deductible so the warranty didn't cost a small fortune.... But darn it anyways! Have to shell out the cash tomorrow when the truck gets fixed. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">4. I need new menu ideas. I keep watching the cooking show at 3pm and trying to get new stuff when I pick up groceries. But I'm just so tired of chicken. I can only eat chicken and shellfish. And with hubby on a calorie counter, we eat chicken almost every day of the week. I wish it was a little warmer, I could barbecue in the afternoon before it gets dark... I'm just stuck in a chicken rut... Bahk bahk!!!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">5. Moving the furniture around to accommodate the new aquarium has given hubby ideas... new book shelf, media / tv centre, sofa, love seat and chair... It will be beautiful when it's all done. But it's not going to be cheap.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">6. I want to go on a holiday. Even if it is only for a weekend away in Duluth or Minneapolis... The trips I've gone on in the last year have all been to Toronto for doctor's appointments or my surgery. I want to go away and relax.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">7. I entered a contest on a Canadian tv show for a kitchen make-over. I would really love to win it. When we bought our house in 2002 we tore out a wall between the kitchen and living room. There was a 2" difference in the flooring heights so we had to tear out all the flooring too... And the kick-plates from the cabinets. And the casing trim and baseboard. We did, or rather, I did repaint the kitchen so it was fresh, however, we haven't been able to afford to redo the rest of the kitchen. Cabinets, counters, flooring... all the big $$ items. The contest asked for a picture and why you deserve to win. Cross your fingers for me - I'd love to have flooring instead of plywood and scatter rugs!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">8. I've watched what coverage I can of the events in Egypt. I find it very upsetting. I also find it hard to comprehend the difficulties in the political system. Yes, I understand that Egypt is a dictatorship and does not have free elections. I understand the people are frustrated and that change is required. However, I don't understand how rioting and looting helps the situation. When I read they broke into the Cairo museum and destroyed 2 mummies and the ticket office I was heart-broken. This is their history. Yes, the mummies were placed in the museum by a dictator, and the country is still under dictator rule, but the mummies were put there 100 years ago... Please honour history. Don't destroy it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">9. Wow - I went political for a Ten on Tuesday item! Something I don't usually get involved with. You know, the two things to never discuss... Politics and religion. I'm not a religious fanatic. I don't follow politics in other countries very much. I couldn't tell you the difference between right and left and democratic and conservative. I know for whom I vote at election times and I'm content with that. I'm not content with the political practices in Canada, but I don't think there is any country where every citizen is completely happy with how things are run.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">10. I'm staring at a very blank wall above the television and decided we definitely need some art above the tv. In it's old location we have 3 small pictures hanging up. Now it's a large, 20 ft. long grey blank canvas begging for some colour. Time to go shopping!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">11. BONUS! I was invited to join a few people from work at one of two fitness activities... everyone knows how active I used to be before my Chiari diagnosis and surgery. One is a circuit class and the other is hot yoga. But I can't get back into the gym or yoga yet. I'm happy they asked though. It was nice to be included.</div>Cassandrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07739639894830434495noreply@blogger.com0