A Day in the Life of Multiple Sclerosis 103121

Good Morning from the Celebrity Suite of the Wyndemere Condominiums on Turtle Creek. Today is Sunday, October 31.

Happy Birthday to:

Lynn Rose Townsend

Holiday Countdown:

25 Days until Thanksgiving

28 Days until Hanukkah

51 Days Until Winter Solstice

55 Days until Christmas

56 Days until Kwanzaa

First off - Way to go ATLANTA BRAVES. You squeaked by, but a win is a win...unless you cheat (I'm not pointing fingers........wait.....yes, I am)!

Second - It's Halloween! On October 31, Halloween brings out the ghouls and goblins, witches, monsters, creatures, and strange folk. They come creeping about the neighborhood in search of candy.

Children breathe life into storybook characters and traipse through the neighborhood collecting their bounty. Ghosts, pirates, a robot, Dorothy and Toto and a slew of transformers and Disney Princesses will come to your door and ask for candy.

People of all ages look forward to Halloween traditions - dressing up, baking, carving up pumpkins. My friends and I used to go to New Orleans every year for Halloween. Costumes were mandatory. We have dressed as pilots, gangsters, prisoners, a flock of sheep, Catholics school kids - but my favorite costume was summer camp campers and camp counselors at Camp Tappatinyho. Good times.

Are you ready? Happy Halloween!

Once Halloween is over, the heavy-hitter holiday countdown begins. Halloween is just a stepping stone to Thanksgiving - and Thanksgiving comes in a poor third compared to….…CHRISTMAS.

Are you ready for Christmas? I am not although I have given it some thought.

Had a great day yesterday - hung out with some friends - we were outside all afternoon and it was gorgeous - perfect weather.

I have the absolute best friends - they really look out for me. The longer / later in the day it gets, the more difficult it is for me to walk. Any time we are out and about, they are by my side - walking slowly with me - sometimes at a snail’s pace - giving me an assist if needed and getting me home safely as well. I am not sure what I did to deserve them, but I have been blessed.

All I have on my calendar today is church - and probably an afternoon nap.

What is on your schedule today?

Come join us for church this morning at 11am at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church (or online on Facebook Live). All are welcome at OLUMC.

Anyhoozle, I hope you all have a wonderful day and whatever you do today and every day, do it with kindness in your heart. The world is full of kind people. If you can’t find one, be one! And as always:

...wear a mask

...be kind and compassionate to one another

...dance/sing/laugh it out. It might not help but it sure as hell couldn't hurt.

Peace, Love and Blessings to you all. -AJ

#strengthpatiencepeacefatih

#hopelovejoygrace

#wisdomknowledgeacceptance

#understandingforgivenessmercy

#wearamask

#lovethyneighbor

#laughitout

#danceitout

#singitout

#AndyStrong

A Day in the Life of Multiple Sclerosis 103021

Good Morning from the Celebrity Suite of the Wyndemere Condominiums on Turtle Creek. Today is Saturday, October 30.

Happy Birthday to:

Brandon Blanchard

Holiday Countdown:

01 Days until Halloween

26 Days until Thanksgiving

29 Days until Hanukkah

52 Days until Winter Solstice

56 Days until Christmas

57 Days until Kwanzaa

It’s National Candy Corn Day!

George Renninger of the Wunderle Candy Company created candy corn in the late 1800s. His sweet treat represented the bright colors of corn kernels. Originally, candy corn was yellow, orange and white. However, it wasn’t until1889 that the Goelitz Candy Company made the candy popular. Later, other candy makers developed a variety of popular colors and flavors as well. 

I have only ever seen two kinds of Candy Corn - the orange and white kind and the kind with the chocolate on it. But apparently there is also:

Reindeer Corn (Vanilla), Candy Cane Corn (Peppermint), Indian Corn (Mix of chocolate and mellow crème), Pumpkin spice, Apple, Peanut Butter Cup, Caramel Apple, Pumpkin Pie, Tropical Mix, Chocolate Mint and there is even a Thanksgiving Dinner Mix - flavors include: Green Beans, Roasted Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Ginger Glazed Carrots, Sweet Potato Pie and stuffing.

I'm not too sure about the Thanksgiving Dinner mix! Regardless - Happy National Candy Corn Day!

I am still a little wiped out from my PLEX yesterday. I slept most of the day when I got home. When I get my MS under control (instead it of constantly trying to control me), I am really going to miss seeing all those guys in the aphaeresis clinic. They all come by to see me every Friday. Their kindness (and the warm blankets) make it a delightful experience - not that I want to do it every week forever, but still, they make the whole thing much more pleasant.

It’s going to be a cool, sunny day in Big D today. The high is only 75. It was actually chilly yesterday. I have a few errands to run but not too much else.

What is on your schedule today?

Anyhoozle, I hope you all have a wonderful day and whatever you do today and every day, do it with kindness in your heart. The world is full of kind people. If you can’t find one, be one! And as always:

...wear a mask

...be kind and compassionate to one another

...dance/sing/laugh it out. It might not help but it sure as hell couldn't hurt.

Peace, Love and Blessings to you all. -AJ

A Day in the Life of Multiple Sclerosis 102921

Good Morning from the Celebrity Suite of the Wyndemere Condominiums on Turtle Creek. Today is Friday, October 29.

No birthdays on my calendar today.

Holiday Countdown:

02 Days until Halloween

27 Days until Thanksgiving

30 Days until Hanukkah

53 Days Until Winter Solstice

57 Days until Christmas

58 Days until Kwanzaa

National Frankenstein Friday, on the last Friday in October, recognizes author Mary Shelly, the novel Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, her characters, Dr. Frankenstein and the monster. Dating back to the 1800s, Frankenstein’s monster is one of the best-known horror characters of all time.

The film world has created more than 60 movies on the theme of Frankenstein. Edison Studios produced the very first film version, Frankenstein, in 1910. According to some sources, the day is observed on August 30th in honor of Mary Shelley’s birthday.

Happy National Frankenstein Day!

It’s Friday and I am off work today. All I can say is, “THANK GOD!” This week has been long and full of nothing but work stress.

In a few hours, I will be heading to the UT Southwestern Spa and Resort to get 3 liters of fresh frozen plasma coursing through my veins. The plasma my body produces is no good. While I am there, I will kind of look like Frankenstein - except I’m not tall or green. I don’t have a square head. I don’t have bolts coming out of my neck. My port is in my chest. So basically, I will look nothing like Frankenstein - never mind.

I did get some GREAT news. My Botox procedure was approved by my insurance (it’s going in my legs, not my face). That happens a week from Monday. I am both excited and terrified. Thank goodness my doctor prescribed valium before the procedure - LOL.

After my PLEX, I am going to have to play things by ear. But it is the weekend, and I plan to kick back and NOT WORK!

What is on your schedule today / this weekend?

Anyhoozle, I hope you all have a wonderful day and whatever you do today and every day, do it with kindness in your heart. The world is full of kind people. If you can’t find one, be one! And as always:

...wear a mask

...be kind and compassionate to one another

...dance/sing/laugh it out. It might not help but it sure as hell couldn't hurt.

Peace, Love and Blessings to you all. -AJ

A Day in the Life of Multiple Sclerosis 102821

Good Morning from the Celebrity Suite of the Wyndemere Condominiums on Turtle Creek. Today is Thursday, October 28.

Happy Birthday to:

Helen Boyd

Mark Rees

Mary-Kay McClaud

Melissa Ward Hunter

Holiday Countdown:

03 Days until Halloween

28 Days until Thanksgiving

31 Days until Hanukkah

54 Days Until Winter Solstice

58 Days until Christmas

59 Days until Kwanzaa

October 28th sets aside National First Responders Day to honor the men and women who act quickly when an emergency is at hand.

First responders dedicate their lives to save lives. They are the people who run toward a crisis while the rest of the world flees.

They are firefighters, police, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, and 911 operators. In an emergency, they’re the first on the scene. These dedicated professionals answer the call when a crisis arises, often putting their own lives on the line.

Happy National First Responders Day!

It’s Friday Eve - WOO WHOO! Well, actually, today is my Friday - but still - WOO WHOO. AND…I only have one meeting on my calendar today (so far). Maybe I can get some actual work done. Looking forward to volunteering at the clinic this afternoon / evening.

I can tell it’s time to get some new plasma in my body - I can’t explain it, but I just know. There is so much about MS and MS symptoms I can’t explain without sounding completely mental. Regradless, I am ready and I am looking forward to getting hooked up to that human slurpee machine tomorrow at 8am and as long as my body behaves, I can be out of there in under two hours.

I am planning to go to a Halloween party Saturday night but I need to play that by ear. PLEX (plasma exchange) really wipes me out. I feel great afterwards, but it takes the wind out of my sails for a while.

What is on your schedule today?

Anyhoozle, I hope you all have a wonderful day and whatever you do today and every day, do it with kindness in your heart. The world is full of kind people. If you can’t find one, be one! And as always:

...wear a mask

...be kind and compassionate to one another

...dance/sing/laugh it out. It might not help but it sure as hell couldn't hurt.

Peace, Love and Blessings to you all. -AJ

A Day in the Life of Multiple Sclerosis 102721

Good Morning from the Celebrity Suite of the Wyndemere Condominiums on Turtle Creek. Today is Wednesday, October 27.

Happy Birthday to:

Brenda Cowley

Kenny Jones

Kerry Sumpter Smith

Holiday Countdown:

04 Days until Halloween

29 Days until Thanksgiving

32 Days until Hanukkah

55 Days Until Winter Solstice

59 Days until Christmas

60 Days until Kwanzaa

Don’t be superstitious on National Black Cat Day! October 27th celebrates the beauty of these sleek creatures. The day also seeks to raise awareness about the low adoption rates for black cats.

This time of year, many black cats may decorate many thresholds for Halloween and windows for spooky decor. However, these felines deserve the love and attention just as much as their tabby equivalents. Old notions have given these furry critters a bad reputation. The day is about turning that reputation around.

Remember - if a black cat crosses your path, it just means the animal is going somewhere - THAT’S IT!

Happy National Black Cat Day!

Also - HELLS, YES! WAY TO GO, ATLANTA BRAVES!!!!!

Well, it’s Wednesday - Happy Hump Day. We made it half way through the week. The tingling and numbness in my arms and legs has decreased immensely. Yesterday and Monday it was awful. It was so intense because I was stressing about work. Work has been (and continues to be) a bit demanding / frustrating and I am learning very quickly that stress and MS do NOT mix.

My Friday’s off for the rest of the year are going to have to be just that - off - completely disconnected from the office.

I am very much looking forward to having my plasma exchange on Friday. That, alone, will knock the wind out of my sails for a day or two and allow me to rest.

What is on your schedule today?

Anyhoozle, I hope you all have a wonderful day and whatever you do today and every day, do it with kindness in your heart. The world is full of kind people. If you can’t find one, be one! And as always:

...wear a mask

...be kind and compassionate to one another

...dance/sing/laugh it out. It might not help but it sure as hell couldn't hurt.

Peace, Love and Blessings to you all. -AJ

A Day in the Life of Multiple Sclerosis 102621

Good Morning from the Celebrity Suite of the Wyndemere Condominiums on Turtle Creek. Today is Tuesday, October 26.

Happy Birthday to:

Michael Pascuzzi

Eric W. Trekell

Holiday Countdown:

05 Days until Halloween

30 Days until Thanksgiving

33 Days until Hanukkah

60 Days until Christmas

61 Days until Kwanzaa

Today is National Pumpkin Day which recognizes a favored autumn decoration and food. Not only do they make great fall decorations, but the pumpkin also completes a variety of tasty, fall/holiday themed recipes.

By October 26th, people are in a complete frenzy of pumpkin obsession. Some folks cannot wait for the big November holiday for pumpkin pie. Some folks need pumpkin everything - bars, cookies, coffee, cheesecake, pasta, and oatmeal.

Luckily for them, Starbucks kicks off the pumpkin frenzy in September - or is it August - it gets earlier every year.

There's Pumpkin Chunkin’, pumpkin patches, festivals, bake-offs, and television specials we can all enjoy like “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” - unless Apple buys up the rights and only shows it on Apple TV. Although, in their defense, Apple did show the Charlie Brown Christmas special on regular people’s TV (TV that doesn’t require a streaming subscription - where it belongs) for one night. God, bless’em. And lucky for us, that one night wasn’t in April. But sadly, I missed it. When I think back about it, I try not to be bitter. But, I digress. Back to celebrating pumpkins.

Let’s not forget jack-o-lantern carving! This fruit grabs Americans’ attention. As it should! This squash (the pumpkin falls into the squash family) is native to North America.

Fun Fact: The oldest evidence of pumpkin-related seeds dates back to somewhere between 7000 and 5500 BC to seeds found in Mexico.

Happy National Pumpkin Day!

It’s going to be a cloudy day in Big Day today and rain is on the way. I got nothing but meetings from 9am - 4pm today - straight through. That’s OK - it should make the day go by quickly.

My church is in trouble - yesterday I agreed to chair the Finance committee for 2022. At first, I thought it was some cruel joke or maybe my pastor was trying to ‘Punk’ me. But she wouldn’t do that. Then I thought I was asleep and this was a nightmare - a horrible nightmare with a hair stuck to it. But it wasn’t it.

I happily agreed but I had conditions which were met with no objections:

#1 - I wanted a cape and a mask

#2 - I wouldn’t have to do any math

#3 - I could office out of a local watering hole down the street

Like I said….my church is in trouble! LOL

What is on your schedule today?

Anyhoozle, I hope you all have a wonderful day and whatever you do today and every day, do it with kindness in your heart. The world is full of kind people. If you can’t find one, be one! And as always:

...wear a mask

...be kind and compassionate to one another

...dance/sing/laugh it out. It might not help but it sure as hell couldn't hurt.

Peace, Love and Blessings to you all. -AJ

A Day in the Life of Multiple Sclerosis 102521

Good Morning from the Celebrity Suite of the Wyndemere Condominiums on Turtle Creek. Today is Monday, October 25.

Happy Birthday to:

@John Terrell

@John Paul

@Keith Anderson

@Murrray Howell

Holiday Countdown:

06 Days until Halloween

31 Days until Thanksgiving

34 Days until Hanukkah

61 Days until Christmas

62 Days until Kwanzaa

Those watching the scale beware. Augment your diet for National Greasy Foods Day.

Although not the healthiest of choices, every once in a while, it is okay to enjoy some greasy food.  From fried chicken, pizza, nachos, and french fries to bacon and hash browns, we all like a treat in our regular diet.

Greasy foods can be prepared with healthier oils and with much less than average amounts of oil used when cooking, making them much healthier choices and that’s just WRONG!

Happy National Greasy Foods Day!

Time to kick off another work week with another sunny, warm day in Big D and a day full of meetings.  There is so much going on at the end of the year - at work and outside of work.  I need a scheduling assistant - LOL!  Who am I kidding?  I LOVE IT (the scheduling - not necessarily all of the stuff)!

What is on your schedule today?

Anyhoozle, I hope you all have a wonderful day and whatever you do today and every day, do it with kindness in your heart. The world is full of kind people. If you can’t find one, be one!  And as always:

...wear a mask

...be kind and compassionate to one another

...dance/sing/laugh it out. It might not help but it sure as hell couldn't hurt.

Peace, Love and Blessings to you all.  -AJ

A Day in the Life of Multiple Sclerosis 102421

Good Morning from the Celebrity Suite of the Wyndemere Condominiums on Turtle Creek. Today is Sunday, October 24.

Happy Birthday to:

Sarah Berry

Holiday Countdown:

07 Days until Halloween

32 Days until Thanksgiving

35 Days until Hanukkah

62 Days until Christmas

63 Days until Kwanzaa

Today is National Food Day and it focuses on healthy and nutritious food.

One of the themes of the day aims to help people to “Eat Real.” This theme is defined as cutting back on sugar drinks, overly salted packaged foods and fatty, factory-farmed meats in favor of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and sustainably raised protein.  The movement seeks a balance between nutrition, affordability and the environment.

Happy National Food Day!

It’s going to be another partly cloudy day in Big D today with a pitiful chance of rain. I have church, a finance committee meeting and then a birthday party later this afternoon. I need to prep for the week ahead as well.

I finally saw a handful of people wearing masks yesterday when I was out running errands. Even though people do or do not wear a mask because of his / her own circumstances - vaccinated / not vaccinated - antibodies / no antibodies - booster shot / no booster shot - microchip / no microchip (LOL - seriously?) - for me, it was comforting to see.

The weekend always goes by so fast. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a four day work week - 4 days to work, 1 to run errands and 2 days to relax - all year long?

I considered driving to work this week on Tuesday and Wednesday (my two half days in the office) but just thinking about it makes me anxious. Regardless of any pressure I may feel to be in the office / pressure I put on myself to be there, I am just not ready to drive that far…and in that traffic either.

What is on your schedule today?

Come join us for church this morning at 11am at Oak Lawn United Methodist Church (or online on Facebook Live). All are welcome at OLUMC.

Anyhoozle, I hope you all have a wonderful day and whatever you do today and every day, do it with kindness in your heart. The world is full of kind people. If you can’t find one, be one! And as always:

...wear a mask

...be kind and compassionate to one another

...dance/sing/laugh it out. It might not help but it sure as hell couldn't hurt.

Peace, Love and Blessings to you all. -AJ

#strengthpatiencepeacefatih

#hopelovejoygrace

#wisdomknowledgeacceptance

#understandingforgivenessmercy

#wearamask

#lovethyneighbor

#laughitout

#danceitout

#singitout

#AndyStrong