Can You Hear Me Now?

Today I finally went back to OPTIMUS for visits with the OT and PT. I haven’t gone because shortly after I returned from Montreal I got a cold, and then right after I kicked that, it hit me back with the flu. I haven’t had the flu in years and years, but I guess my defenses were down and I tend to get sick when I’m in that position and not taking my vitamins and supplements regularly. Tsk tsk. So anyway, I’ve been battling that for a couple weeks and of course, when you have MS the flu worsens your symptoms. But I won’t sit here and whine about that. I’ll let you off the hook, but, you know, just when I thought I was finally getting back to the way I was before… BLAH.

So anyway, I returned to OPTIMUS today and the OT just basically talked to me about the different adaptive equipment out there, and to make sure I have everything I need. I still need a front closure bra, and then of course there is all the kitchen supplies I could use. The catalogue she showed me doesn’t have prices, how convenient. So I went to their website and HOLY SHIT, the chopping board I want is $107.90!! For a chopping board!! Then I got looking at the different knives and stuff I could use, and, well, it’s nuts. I can’t believe how expensive this stuff is.

Then I met with my PT, and she tested me on my balance and mobility. I scored 42/56. 52 and under = cane, 44 and under = walker. So, I’m using the right equipment anyway, but I still want to get to “cane” status for the most part. She gave me exercises to improve that and I got a referral to a supervised exercise program through “Living Well with a Chronic Illness”, that is supposed to improve balance and mobility as well. Finally! This is what I have been wanting, a regular program that I have to get off my butt and GO to. The best part is, it takes place across the street from me. Woo hoo! I should be hearing back in a couple weeks about that. She’s also looking into one up at the University that is more one-on-one with a kinesiologist.

Oh, and I should mention, my flu symptoms started to disappear quickly after I started drinking my colloidal silver again. I made/drank it pretty regularly for a couple years, and as long as I did that, I never got so much as a sniffle (and no, even 16 oz/day for two years didn’t turn my skin gray!!!). This past year I got lazy and stopped making it for some reason. And my health? Worse this past year than in years before, that’s for sure. So, I started it up again, and within 24 hours this stabbing nerve pain I’d had in my right side for about a week was completely gone and hasn’t come back, and there was a noticeable improvement in my cold. That stuff does something good for me, so I intend to keep it up now. You’ll be the first to know if I turn blue, but I am one of those that knows properly made CS won’t do that, but do your own research and make up your own mind!

Hey, I haven’t written since last week, so I haven’t mentioned that on Friday I went out for lunch with my best friend from elementary school, Carolyn. We had such a great time, we can just pick right up and roll with it. She looks amazing. She’s lost weight and is in better shape than I’ve ever seen her! She said “it’s all the sex I’m having!” I asked, “with WHO? Aren’t you married?” Hehe I guess after, what - 14, 15 years together she and her hubby are at this great place in their marriage where they are so in love and happy rather than getting bored with each other as many other couples might after that amount of time. Maybe it’s the kids getting older and more independent, but whatever it is, it’s working. She said I look better than I did 10 years ago. Excuse me?? She said it’s something about the confidence that comes with maturity… and “your skin… LOOK at your skin! What do you do?” Well, I may get that stuff from NZ, but I know when it comes to my skin it is mostly genetics. Because I have never washed a stitch of make-up off my face at night or worn night cream or anything like that. I wash and lotion in the a.m. and that’s it. No wrinkles at 38 is nice, but I think my grandma was 90 before she got any! My mom looks younger too, so, yeah, genetics.

Oh, speaking of skin care, I received my order from NZ today, and right away I opened that Manuka Honey and Lanolin cream and dabbed some on my cheeks to see what it was like. I then immediately wanted to EAT MY CHEEKS. Have you ever tried manuka honey? Mmmmm, nectar of the Gods, that stuff is. Smells amazing, too.

Anyway, Carolyn and I went to - you guessed it - Olive Garden, and then to Starbuck’s for lattes afterwards. We promised to get together again a lot sooner this time, she even extended a dinner invitation for “some Friday night soon”. She lives in Garrison Woods, one of my favourite neighbourhoods in the city. Their house is now worth almost twice what they paid for it a few years ago, and in that neighbourhood, that means quite a lot! She is a technical writer at an engineering firm, he is a lawyer, so, yeah, they’re allowed. But I get to go for dinner!!

While staying in the care facility over the summer, I learned they have a Seniors assisted living centre in Garrison Woods, and that became my dream… to be able to afford to live in that facility one day. Maybe I should re-think my dreams, huh? Wouldn’t it be better to retire in my own mansion and have my hunky Second Cup latte bitch take care of me? Geez Donna, you’re only as big as your dreams.