Another song that gives me goosebumps. Andrew Bird is spectacular. The message is hopeful: "Night's falling. But take courage. 'Cause you're not alone." I love that music can tie us to a specific time and place and feeling. And that it expresses what we can't sometimes.
Category: Multiple sclerosis
The new normal
MS is so intrusive. It came over without an invitation, plunked itself down on my couch and decided its stay would be an extended one. In my overtures, I have made it clear it is not a welcome guest. I guess you could say we are in a battle of attrition - I really want… Continue reading The new normal
Hot and heavy(-handed)
I feel like I should come with my own warning label these days. CAUTION: Do not let this woman around heavy objects. Or hot objects. Or sharp ones. Actually, just roll her up in bubble wrap but leave her head visible so she can breathe. With a curling iron in my bad hand the other… Continue reading Hot and heavy(-handed)
This is (my) spinal tap
Of all the medical-procedure horrors one can imagine, for me a spinal tap ranked up there with the sadist dentistry from Marathon Man, labor, and black market organ removal. Or plastic surgery. Just the mere name of it is unnerving. And then I was told I needed one. I was a little trepidatious about this… Continue reading This is (my) spinal tap
I get by with a little help
This month isn't just about tryptophan-induced naps or frenzied 4 a.m. shopping or car rides over the river and through the woods. It's about taking the time to show gratitude, an area I could probably use some practice in. I have an amazing support system, starting with the oft-mentioned husband, who is a saint for… Continue reading I get by with a little help
Guest post!
Nick has taken over the blog today to write about MS from his perspective. I love this man more than my luggage and am grateful for him each and every day. And he's a damn fine writer, too. Jennifer accuses me of being naïve because I’m constantly looking to the future and thinking about how… Continue reading Guest post!
Namaste
Looks like I'll be dusting off my mat and limbering up to align my chakras — after reading this article in the Los Angeles Times, I think I'll be giving yoga a try. That's because I haven't found an exercise or activity that has helped me cope with the physical ravaging and mental draining that… Continue reading Namaste
What a prick
No, not my husband. Although he is the one administering it. When I first found out about my treatment options for MS, it was a daily shot or an every-other-day shot. No namby pamby pills for this disease (Oh, but wait! There are pills, too.). It's hard-core you suck it up and give yourself a… Continue reading What a prick
Turn out the lights, please
I was never a big fan of naps. In kindergarten, I would dilly-dally until I had to be physically put in my cot. Even then, I never went to sleep, instead daydreaming under my blanket or finding scissors and giving myself a haircut. (What can I say? I was a bit of a wild child.)… Continue reading Turn out the lights, please
When your mourning has a sound
This song gets to me. In a big way. "Heirloom" by Sufjan Stevens. Lyrics: When your heirloom’s wilted brown When the devil’s pushing down When your mourning has a sound And you hesitate to laugh How quickly will your joy pass How quickly will your joy pass And when you walk inside I feel the… Continue reading When your mourning has a sound
One, Wild & Precious 