Rest In Peace.....Cindy Wilson

For those of you who didn't have the opportunity to meet Cindy I am truly sorry. Chicagoland has lost a very preservering alpha1 support group leader & friend. When my sister called me Last Wednesday night to tell me the news I cried. I never would have bet against her. I first met her in April of 2007. She was spunky, caring & opinionated! In October of 2008 she received a single lung tx. She had shot up from 25 lung function to 75% lung function. She was on top of the world. She was experienced living in a way she hadn't in yrs. I had called her this fall because and email just wouldn't do! I just so happened her new lung was failing her and the next day she was to findout the verdict...if she would be permitted to be be relisted. She said to me "It is what it is." She was not sad. Just accepting that it could go either way. I just keep thinking about that James Taylor song "Fire & Rain". I've seen fire & I've seen rain. I've seen sunny days I thought would never end. I've seen lonely days when I could not find a friend but, I always thought I'd see you again. She was 53 yrs old.

update:

I am still trying to get a handle on what is triggering certain things. At first I thought I was hypoglycemic and I may be. I was showing all the classic signs but, when I focused on that I really only had one really great day.

I also heard that taking cinnamin capsules help with metabolizing of sugar.

Then somebody threw out the idea..."Maybe it's because of too much caffeine. So, then I had a small can of decaf at the house and did a 1/2 caf/1/2decaf batch of coffee. Then I had two really good days in a row. I have also begun eating breakfast every morning for the first time in 25 yrs. I can't skip meals or I pay. I'm still not exercising till I get a handle on this but, I am sure I will resolve what cause me to have bad or so-so days. I am sleeping better since I switched rooms and my mind seems sharper to me. I am currently reading: "The Difference".

Explain Please....I'm Concerned

I got a phone call from a friend in Chicago a day or so after my last post. This is an explanation of what happened.

I had been noticing I was forgetting things more and more often. I had been feeling exhausted. The week of the last post I had walked into work several mornings and became light headed & thought I was going to pass out. I also had walked across the parking lot over to the gas station. There is a snow bank that seperates the gas station from the employee parking lot at work. I came barreling down the other side, slowed down and wondered if I was going to pass out. The day before I last posted I had veiwed a safety dvd about the dangers of texting while driving based on a true event. Seven hrs later I had no remembered it right. I had sent an email to two biz executives(one happened to be my sister) and my primary health POA's husband who happens to be a traveling evangelist. Imagine my mortification when I discovered that the link I sent was for an adult entertainment site! I had txtd the right link to someone right after the safety mtg so I was then able to send the proper link. That was the deciding factor.

The next day the boss came around and said "The flu shots are being given in the large conference room. Your time is 12:32. Write that down somewhere so you won't forget Katie!" I realized also that if I didn't resolve these issues I would be a poor biz manager. I don't want to ever wait 8 yrs to get back to broke AGAIN! I also do not want to be another "Suzie's Super wing ding sauce"(that is not the real name of the product). It was produced in the county I live in and they were not prepared for the products demand to evolve. I want to be able to think "On the Fly" as I like to say.

I spoke to my alphanet coordinator last wk and she says "Your cognitive state is improved." I also realised when I was going through boxes and discovered my scale that I had lost a good bit of weight in the last 2 months. At first I thought it was off so, I called Marshfield Clinic and asked if I could use their scale to weigh myself. I needed the info for a alpha1 research project I was participating in. I discovered it was right. I then realised when I altered my monthly budget that by not eating any snacks from the vending machines, gas stations, etc.....I had in advertantly cut 600 -860 calories from my diet. That meant that I was only consuming about 900 - 1000 calories. According to the dietician @ Mayo I needed 1500 calories to function. I had my alphanet coordinator send an email to Dr. Sandhaus about it and he attributed to some other medical condition which I am not buying having been an athlete and watching wrestlers over the yrs drop weight in less than healthy ways to qualify for certain weight divisions.

I am feeling sharper. I'm down to a 32 waist which is likely a size 10 is my guess. I increased my caloric intake by 400 - 500 calories a day. I am still tired. By the end of today my old bedroom will be transformed into a fitness room so I will no longer have any excuse why I can't exercise. I'll have my Kurt Kinetic fluid trainer set up by the end of the week so I can prepare for biking this summer. I bought it 3 yrs ago and have never used it. I have taken my seasoning biz off the shelf a few times already. Somebody is working on the graphics. Although they are different than what I had in mind...it might just turnout way better!

This is my last post till the end of March........Stay Healthy & Stay Positive!!

Don't Feel Like The Lone Ranger...

A series of things that has occurred over the last 3 weeks or so is leading me to take a sabbatical from the internet with the exception of banking and my diary entries for the Stepping Forward research project. I have some health issues I want to address. I'm going to use that time I would normally be on the net to exercise. It will help with those health issues that are concerning me. I have been working overtime, on home improvements inside & outside repair/cleaning projects(the in & out temp changes are hard on my lungs right now). I'm also not going to plan any bike treks or try to get on the fair commission.

I spoke to my health POA's Mother this last weekend and she said Karen is very concerned that I am over working myself. I know if I don't address the health matters Karen will catch a flight and I will address those health matters! She knows how to hold my feet to the fire. She has known me for close to 23 yrs now and she remembers when I tried to go to work w/ a 102 temp. At the time I was living in her house and she cut me off at the pass. She is a wonderful person whom you will meet if you go to the national Alpha1 convention in Orlando this June. Her family and I joke about me being "the third cub". Plan A is much preferable to plan B!!

If you are reading this blog for the first time, are newly diagnosed & need someone to communicate with....go to http://www.spiderspun.net/. That is Noreen James website and she loves to help other alphas. I don't intend to check my email for a while & I'm planning to shelf my seasoning business till the end of March at least.

A Capstone For Katie!

I need to contact a local printer for label pricing for a biz I've wanted to start for awhile. I think I'm going to see if I can have an invitation dated for a little over 15 yrs from now.....A "Burn The Mortgage Party"!! My mortgage is a 30 yr mortgage.

Challenges, Changes & Dead Dreams(or not so dead dreams)!

My income dropped $3000 this yr. It now stands at a gross wage of aproximately $25,000. My combined medical and medicine bills for the year are around $3,800. Now THAT'S challenging!! I guess God is just making me grow and stretch a little to make me better able to handle future challenges in life that lie ahead!

I have to make the needed improvements before the future mortgage company will consider refinancing. Some folks don't understand why...I understand quite well. There have been many homeowners that used their HE loans to survive rather than to do the home repairs/ improvements they said they would. There have been many home repo's and the lender is just protecting theirselves. I have even resorted to carpooling w/ a smoker to save a couple bucks(more like $20/wk). I am hoping the other person I heard of in SDL is open to carpooling & is a non-smoker. Unfortunately we do not live in a perfect world BUT, there is certainly much to hope for us & miracles happen every day. I know I have experienced a few in my lifetime!!

It has definitely become hand to mouth but, as I am reading Joel Osteens new book...the direct result is I continue to remind myself what efforts I went to in college so I could get my associates degree from EOSC in Wilburton. Bumming a ride once a month to grocery shop in McAllester, getting up at 3am after college dances to go collect beer cans & taking insurance off my truck so I was all paid up for the fall semester(which was the requirement for enrolling for spring semester classes.

I just have to figureout what to use as a "capstone" to keep my dreams alive. There is a story in the bible of a man named Zerubbabel who God instructed to build a temple & he came up against so much resistance from the people he quit. Then something like 10 or 20 yrs went by Zechariah came to deliver him a message from God that he was to go back to work on the temple. So to keep himself motivated he set out the capstone of the building.

My primary health POA's nephew & his wife were unable to have children the natural way. It was devastating to them but, one night he chose to go to Wal-Mart and buy baby things and place them in a basket(that was his capstone). I believe it was something like a little over a year and a half later they were able to adopt their first child. The agency told them it would take several years. Do you have a dead dream? What is your dead dream? What will you use for your "capstone"?

Thankful & Busy

Thankful I got the option to volunteer to work in another dept today instead of not work. Thankful I got shifted to pre-paint instead of double hung. At where I work they encourage you to take home disposable safety equipment. I got access to a painting P-95 mask. I have been painting upstairs & have more to do. I had to slow down because of the fumes. The mask will help. It's funny....I didn't think the main bedroom was dingy colored till I was repainting it with the closest match I could find. I am using Color Place Crystal Blue. In contrast to the old color it is very bright & vibrant! I got to thinking while I was painting...when I get the dark blue berber carpet in I might just have to make that my bedroom instead of the smaller one I chose. The one I sleep in now is a beige ceiling & a kinda muddy brown colored walled. Who wouldn't want to wake up in a bright room!?

During the holidays I am going to move some studs around a closet & another space to make things more uniform. Yup, I've done this before. Did it w/ my Dad 32 yrs ago. Makes everything more pleasing to the eye. Gonna try and get some closets trimmed up as well. Looking forward to all the home improvements!!!

HAVE A HAPPY & SAFE THANKSGIVING!!

Prescription Assistance

These are a few links:

http://www.pparx.org/ (888-477-2669)

http://www.rxassist.org/

http://www.raredisease.org/

Also, look at websites of companies who's drugs you are prescribed. They often offer financial assistance.

In another post I will list some medical bill financial assistance links...I haven't looked at them in a while so I don't remember which covers what. I was given them for when I was overwelmed w/ breast cancer medical bills. They cover more than that and sometimes we all have more than alpha1 bills to cope with!

If Wishes Were Fishes...

I'd have one helluva fry! My refi is being pushed out till December because the contractor I was dealling with became too aggravating. I need to do certain things to my house due to the fact it will be a freddie mac or fanny mae loan. I can do most of it and compared to where the contractor would have bought supplies & the cost for his labor....I figure I'll save aproximately $700. I know some of you are experiencing major financial hardship right now. The next rainy day I will post several financial assistance links(I believe it's Thursday it's supposed to rain).

Oh! Hurray for my sister Johanna. Despite the fact she is on oxygen 24-7 she just shot her first deer last Thursday w/ a cross bow. AND it was an 8 point buck!!

Alpha1 Awareness Month

Has recently been changed from May as it has been for many years....to the month of November as of this year.

Although, I think it is a poor choice especially when this is a colder month for fund raising events & publicity events for those of us in the northern states in the USA. I did cook up something that even if you are on oxygen you can do to help raise awareness about alpha1. Talk to your local library director or head librarian about their doing a showcase about alpha1/COPD just as they do during breast cancer awareness month. It is so easy! A healthy mind Healthy Body cd(make sure they limit viewing to in the library so others will always have the opportunity to veiw it. Then there is that Neil Schnactner(or is it Schnacter) book and we always have our various newsletters we get from alpha1 drug companies, other company's(accreddo, coram, centric) and alpha1 organizations as well.

I Am So Ready For The Refi Thing To Be Over!!

Got the grapes done....sister Mary you need to help me use up my grapes next yr! There were too many that went to waste. Got apples I think I'm just gonna turn into apple butter. Back on 8's @ work but, at home still BUSY, BUSY, BUSY!!!

Don't You Think It's About Time....

You posted another page on your blog?

Ok, Roger...Here ya go!

I'm busy working 9 hr days. I still have apples to turn into something. I have grapes that need to be turned into juice or jelly. I'm in the midst of trying to refi my home. I have just started another batch of wine. This time it's Wild Black Cherry and I tasted it as I transfered it and it taste dry. The lady at the wine shop said I could add conditioner when it's done doing it's thing in 2 - 3 months. It may taste better. I'm actually thinking of keeping half dry & half sweet. My next country wine will either be pumpkin or wild black berry.

Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda & What If?

I told myself over 20 yrs ago I would never say those things to myself if I could possibly help it. We can all help it. Last week I realised I really dislike my job. What is a hourly laborer doing reading business books and civic mind not trying to prepare theirselves for a more rewarding job??? Well if it's meant to be...It's up to me!! I may be hamstrung by our economy but, that is it.

I've begun the refiance process for my farm and am looking to get some business classes under my belt starting next fall(always better to start in the fall than spring due to class staggering). I'm trying to get in touch w/ the county developement/tourism director to see about setting up a metric century bike trek. He's a busy guy!! I stopped by the courthouse today & a lady promised me she would pester him till he returned my call! He wears a lot of hats(including undertaking some of the county airport manager duties).

I'm very busy and things are still steady at work. I am continually glad I never applied @ the competing window plant for a job. Their employees have made so many concessions and still no stability in orders/hours.

I've Been Tired & Swamped!

I am winding down from putting up the harvest sort of. I still have plenty pumpkins, grapes & apples to can. I have 3 grocery bags of summer squash to fry up w/ mushrooms, onions, tomatoes & Penzey's Fox Point seasoning to vac seal to throw in my poor stuffed chest freezer. We started the Stepping Forward research project a couple weeks ago. It will last 5 yrs I am told.

As putting is winding down pumpkin sales is winding up. I'm also in the midst of the process of refinancing my hobby farm. I finally discovered the back 10 acres of my farm last week. I found I have aproximately 3 - 4 more acres of field to utilize & I have 4 wild elderberry plants. Don't know what became of my wild plums...hopefully next yr will be a better yr. Also began taking a stab at home winemaking this week. Inspite of having a book and DVD on winemaking I still made mistakes(thankfully they weren't major and were correctable)!!

Sabatical/Silence Morphed....

.....into there are not enough hours in the day(daylight) before the snow flies!! I was busy this last weekend selling sweet corn & managed to start getting caught up on my Inc. Magazine reading while waiting in between sales. LOL I still got another 1.5 issues to go though!! I also have been busy with insurance stuff...Not health....car/home and have a new insurance agent in a week. Still looking for part-time work. Planning to attempt to pass Medic First aid for adults as well as pediatric Medic First Aid in the next couple of months. It's been 13 yrs since I took First Aid/CPR and have wanted to take it again for a while. I could never get in a class because they were either offered nights or didn't have enough participants for a Saturday class. Even if I don't pass the CPR I will still be better able to help someone than if I didn't!

I start participating in the Stepping Forward research project very soon. I'm really excited to be involved in Alpha1 research! Only through research will more answers be found. This a 5 yr study Dr. "Sandy" is conducting. There are 500 people participating.

Thought of the day:

Just A Little Hope Can Move Mountains & Make Miracles Happen!

I Up & Decided...

I am going to take an extended sabbatical from Facebook, Blogspot and texting. I am perfectly healthy. I just decided this at work today. I went all day w/o my phone because I forgot it at home & didn't have time to drive back to get it. I have plenty of other things to do besides play on the net @ the library! Winter is coming!!

I don't know how long it will last could be 3 months, 6 months...who knows.

Still Cancer Free....Hurray!!

I went to my 25th high school reunion Saturday night in J-ville. It got a little hot there and a couple of folks came near me with strong perfume or colgne(sp?) and my lungs tightened up. I left three hours into it. I had to use my rescue inhaler and as soon as my lungs start to open up...I was ready for a nap! It's funny how unsuspecting we are of how a simple thing like wearing perfume can effect another individuals breathing. It could be soap or hair spray, too. In my case it was perfume which as crazy as this sounds....I think of wearing perfume as a way of personal expression(at least till I realized it effected my lungs). It still think of it like a form of personal expression but, I think I can live with out it now.

I was so tired from the trek, reunion, late getting home Sunday & getting up @ 4am Monday I neglected to post about it. I had noticed a lump.....(and those of you who have been reading this blog since 2007 KNOW 7/19/2007 I had cancer surgery & got a "get out of jail free card" @ Mayo)....a few weeks ago and became very concerned about it last week. I called Mayo at 9am last Thursday to schedule an appt and they scheduled me for 8:15 am on Monday. The first dr said she was 95% sure it was a cyst but, they wouldn't know till they did the Mammogram & ultra sound. I had four cysts total and had one aspirated.

I also just read my last post and discovered...Katie, can't spell either in addition to being untrustworthy in bicycle shops & bookstores.

The Weekend Was Survived!

I only made it 15.6 miles on the Dairyland Dare. I began to experience a headache off and on. Then it became a persistent headache. Enlight on my neice & nephews losing an uncle on their fathers side to heat stroke suffered on a roofing job earlier this summer I decided there was more honor in sagging! I didn't have to peel myself off the lawn @ Harris Park. I did hydrate enough but, am wondering if I have to over fuel myself due to alpha1 an having just a little over half the use of my lungs??? They say when you have alpha1 as your disease progresses your body needs more energy to do the things you do. In essence more energy than people with healthy lungs. I've heard when we bicycle for extended periods of time we burn at least 1200 calories an hour. We need to drink at least 24 oz of water and hour on extended rides as well. If your thirsty it's already too late because you are already dehydrated!

Dairyland Dare 2009

I will be participating...how much I complete well...time will tell. Underprepared but, my oldest sister wanted me to participate in the worst way. Then onto Bail's Watering Hole. Don't know how long it will take me to peel myself off the lawn after participating in the Dairyland Dare. Got good easy fuel and will be getting a good nights sleep unlike last year.

Can't Be Trusted In Bookstores Either!!

When I had gone to bike shop a couple weekends ago I decided since I was so close to Eau Claire I head to Olive Garden for a late lunch. Then I decided well I'll stop at Borders bookstore and look at the sailing magazines. Well...I didn't get any sailing magazines...I instead got a copy of "Success" magazine and Joel Osteen's "Good, Better, Blessed" cd set. As for the bike shop technically I stayed under $50 sort of. I bought $28 worth of stuff BUT, I ordered $83 of other stuff I picked up last weekend. I don't care for EFX electrolyte powder or whatever it was called. It was lemon-lime flavored but, oh well. I really like the Hammer: gel(unflavored), gelbot & perpetuem(unflavored). The unflavored doesn't make a person want to gag! I highly doubt I will be healthy enough to participate in the Dairyland Dare but, I'm going to do my best to at least attend the event!

Are You An Overcomer???

I believe I am! I just got some $930 unexpected medical bills this week. I was sure last night I would not be able to attend my 25th high school class reunion and the 2009 Dairyland Dare. I spoke to Noreen this morning(alpha pack pres) and she said they could help with the cost of the room & gas cost for the Dairyland Dare. I have been listening to some Joel Osteen cd's in my car as I never have time to read right now....it sure is helping me cope with all the challenges I am experiencing right now. I have convinced myself I will emerge next spring leaner finacially as well as physically and sharper mentally. I have eliminated my landline & internet so am limited to the library. There is someone jabbering in the background making it hard for me to concentrate on formulating an intelligent post & I keep hearing there is a waiting list for the computers....so I will pursue a more informational post another day! I'll make it...Overcomer Part II!

Forget that second post...I'm at another public library...SO GLAD...there are 2 library's in this county I can use!! Luv the edit feature on blogspot, too!

I was put on a z-pack(azithromycin) two 250 mg pills first day and one 250mg pill remaining 4 days and stays in system for 10 days. Went to urgent care in Ladysmith. Pretty sad when the doc I saw there says..."You don't want to have to go to emergency here....you'll wait 4 hrs!" It IS true!! I got hit by a piece of firewood at the cabin accidently when I was 4yrs old. It took 4 hrs before I got taken care of. My parents were furious! However, there is a positive outcome to urgent care...the doctor & nurse actually knew about alpha1...How great is that??? I think it's awesome!!!!

Back to the overcomer bit. Last night after work I stopped by two lending institutions to investigate my refinancing options at each of them. I learned I can't get refinanced as well as orignally thought but, it is still better than last years original mortgage. My cars too old to refinance @ a better rate. I had been looking forward to being down to one medical bill but, I remember when the combined bills were $4000 + two years ago. Now the combined total is only $2100. It is a step forward. I have my fishing gear & hunting gear and I reside in hunting & fishing heaven where I now live!! I have my hunters safety cert that my Dad insisted on. I have a garden, an orchard and I know how to can!

I have piles of books to read over the winter. Tip top of that list is "How The Memory Works" followed by several algebra books. I've always struggled with math and I'm bound & determined I will best that bugger!! I may not have an OST membership this winter but, I do have my bike, my Kurt Kinetic fluid trainer, my Spinervals DVD's, my yoga mat, my pilates & yoga dvd's. I am planning when I get over this upper respiratory infection to begin bicycling the 10.9 miles to and from East Mart during the week to save gas costs to work. If I really get brave I'll pedal to & fro from the Tony Depot during the week....it's 16 miles. Where there is a will there is a way.

I have vivid memories of the lengths I went to to get my associates degree from EOSC yrs ago....the last few days seem reminiscint of them. I've recalculated & recalculated debts vs. income and asked myself how do I juggled them around. I am sure that I don't have to remove insurance from anything like I did in college though...WHEW!! It was all SO WORTH IT back then and it's all worth it now!! Back then I had to remove my liability ins from my truck to pay off the fall semester bill so I could enroll for the spring semester. I bummed a ride to McAlester once a month for groceries and whatever I got then was what I had to live off of the entire month. Why is it our greatest memories come from times we were poorest?!

Thought For The Day:

"Even during our darkest hour there is

hope & opportunity"

Off To Spend!

Didn't know what else to type for a heading. Using library to post. Not much cpu time left today. Got an email from a newly diagnosed Alpha. It's funny...I get burned out on being an alpha1 advocate sometimes but, then I'll get contacted by someone who is looking for knowledge & encouragement and I forget my burned out feeling. I remember what it felt like when it first hit me. The next thing ya know I just so want to help them have hope as well as the ability to regain their equilibrium!

I think I might have a cold. I have been working 9hr days. My days have begun at 4am and ended sometime around 9 or 10 pm. My field of dreams is shaping up though as a result. I have been coming home from work and driving right out to the field to work. I did sleep in today because I have been so exhausted to the point on Tuesday I arrived at work late. I destroyed my perfect attendance record I had going for 1.5 yrs. Makes me mad at myself! Going to Spring Street Sports to buy Hammer gel/Perpetuem products...Hopefully I can keep it under $50. It usually winds up being $125 +. I am a bike geek. I can not be trusted in a bicycle store!!

Being Active In The Alpha1 Community...

Has many pluses!! I just got offered a placed to stay for free when I spend the weekend in Chicago in August. That just rocks!! There are also other benefits as well. A social outlet, an opportunity to share what each other knows/has learned about alpha1 and how to fight it. Lovin' the rain! Corn & pumpkins are doing awesome! Can hardly wait for PYO season in August!!!

For Every Problem.....

There are many solutions. I'm in the middle of the book "The Difference Maker". In fact, I'm in a chapter addressing big people overcome big problems. I thought about the fact was I a big person or a small person ad was my attitude right about the Hallie Rath event.

My conclusions was....Maybe Not : (

So, I started revaluating how I looked at it and began looking at it from a different perspective. The funny thing is we could & in some cases should use this kind of thinking when dealing with alpha1.

In other news. I believe my oldest sister & I are going to take a week long road trip to Virginia in early September. I ave not been there in 24 years. I was looking online at tourism info & I didn't recall just how gorgeous it was. WOW!!

Hallie Rath event...

I will not be donating funds or attending the event. They have put in place a dress code. In addition to that I have issues with the UW's attitude towards alphas. They didn't always have this attitude. Henry Eckert who I have refered to in previous posts and done a couple different events with was a recipient of a bi-lateral lung transplant from the UW & Dr. Love was his tx surgeon. Sorry to disappoint folks!

On the up side...sweet corn season should be finished on my farm and instead I should be able to take the entire weekend off. I am thinking spend the weekend in Chicago & attend Cindy Wilson's alpha1 support group mtg...if I can figureout how to get where it is on time!! Then Field's, Shedd's, Borders down by water tower place(I LOVE that bookstore!!) and who knows what else!

Klondike Monster...

....Actually Klondike hill. Is thee single most nastiest hill I have ever seen!! I think it could make me cry before I even got half way up one side!

I said I wouldn't post but, I had a bad nights sleep last night so, I took it easy tonight. It got real humid during the middle of the night and I woke up with difficulty breathing.

Anyway....Klondike Hill....I had never been able to find over off of hwy 48 by Rice Lake. I had my friend Steiner give me a ride over to pick up my truck. Along the way I talked about training for the Dairyland Dare. He said when he drove gas truck "We were told we weren't to go down Klondike Hill.". He then offered to show me where it was over off of 19th street by Bargain Bills. It's over a mile long. We figured there was a 4 mile square I could hill train on. I had discovered a hill I thought would be good to train on Sunday over by Canton on 23rd st. I may just have a fighting chance at having what it takes to complete the DD metric century!

Exhibit # 1

Exhibit #2

Nuff Said!!

Where's Katie???

For the last month and a half my day has begun at 5am and ended at around 10pm. By that time I am completely wiped out. I have either been working at my job that provides me with a weekly paycheck or tilling, planting, watering, weeding garden or raking & mowing lawn. I did take off yesterday to attend a graduation party in Chippewa Falls. My cousin brought his son up from Ohio to have a grad party with relatives.

I expect to stay busy like this till November with the farm & cabin. I went so far as to send an email to my sister (who has a cabin up here) to come over here and raid my raspberry patch & personal gardens since I don't believe I'll have time enough to can jam or veggies. I'm sure if our other sister from CA lived closer she would love to have the opportunity to raid my gardens....not to mention my greenhouse in spring!

I don't anticipate posting a lot. I plan to do the Dairyland Dare and hope to make it to the Hailey Rath event in Beloit the following weekend (http://haileyrath5k.org/). Do I ever wish I could curl up in a ball today. I can hardly wait till I get to sleep in an entire weekend!!

Colds & Exercise

Colds at anytime when you are a symtomatic ZZ are never welcome. During summer I think they are less welcome. They are so hard to get over for anyone during summer. I think I might have one....I feel under the weather but, I am hoping it's just because of the cold and humidity. We had much needed rain yesterday. My lungs feel somewhat tight. You would think since I infused Friday at noon I would be immune to a cold. Grr!! Time will tell pollen in the air doesn't help either!

Exercise...well, that's what I'm about to go do at OST. Even when you are sick you should exercise BUT, be careful. Don't over do it!! If your lungs are congested sometimes exercise helps loosen up mucus to help bring it up out of the lungs but, so does an accapella valve(flutter valve).

How Do You Hug Someone For Possibly The Very Last Time?

That was a recent post on Facebook by a dear friend of mine. The person he was refering to was his grandma. She IS the sweetest person I have EVER met!!! In 1995 I spent Christmas with them. I had stepped out of the family picture. She said : "You're like a second daughter to us. You have to be in the picture!" I don't have a picture of it but, I will never forget that day! There a million other moments, too!

I've never seen her angry. She always has spoken cheerfully. She has a wonderful sense of humor & loves to have fun. She's always been very affectionate. She always says something encouraging to you when she talks to you. She is the most amazing person! I know I talked about Noreen who passed away from luekemia a few years ago and how I would like to have her grace while aging not so gracefully. I'd also like to have Barbara's cheerful and patient disposition as well.

How do you hug someone for possibly the very last time???

I guess the very best you can...enjoy the feeling...make sure they know they have special qualities that you hold dear....not everybody gets that chance...embrace the moment. As a couple of my high school classmates have told me to help me keep things in perspective....Katie, I could walk outside and be hit by a car. We all need to make the most of life where we're at right now.

Can't Wait To Get Back To Work!!

I am ever so sore. A hot shower holds a close second to a calgon take me away bath I'm discovering!

Those gas prices I hear will reach $3.50/gallon by the end of July. Definitely got to get into that bicycling part of the way to and from work. Plus, if I'll get that needed 20 miles a day exercise needed for training for the DD.

I did my IV(infusion) today. I got a good first stick! Yeah!!!

I had a first though!! My saf-t-intima partially gave out by the y part of it?! I was very surprised!! Nah, I'm not scared of it happening again....but, it was aggravating. I got a good second stick w/ no complications the second time around!

I think I'm gonna refocus next yr on just sweet corn & fall decorations. There is only just so much Katie to go around. Plus, I won't be so tied down! LOL...I say that this year but, that could change. For 3 years now I've said "I'm not going to mow lawns next year." Then the next year rolls around and I say..."Well, it'll be that much more money in the pot!"

Still very busy...

I am quite tired & sore. I seem to use my facebook acct now more than ever. I did consider switching from home internet/cell phone to a blackberry but, I still couldn't justify it. I keep reading how facebook has become quite a good business tool. I expect I will set up a facebook acct for Rock Bottom Farm. I've learned that the things I want to do as far as marketing product are getting folks around here pretty excited(in a good way)! I wasn't sure as I was cooking them up....I may not even do the farmers market. I may just sell it here at the farm and make the occasional special delivery to the private resort/ five star resturant chefs. I will be soooo glad when this week is over. In the next couple weeks I plan to build a summer chicken coop for my apple orchard. If it rains this week that will be my work on tractors day. I think it's time I figureout where my blue goo is for arthritic bod!

It's too bad about the U.S. Gov't blocking the sale of Talecris to CSL. I honestly hope we get better leadership during the next presidential term. I also found it laughable a few weeks ago when the FDC decided......Cheerios is a drug due to advertising that's been in place for over 2 yrs according to some genius in the FDC. I should have bought one of those Cheerios boxes for collector purposes!!

No Biggest Loser....My Bad!

I got up early with good intentions. Got busy with the my greenhouse plants. Then I was busy over at Stevens Lumber yard looking into windows. Then I came home & got busy with removing the OSB from my truck. I just noticed the time....I had a 3 hr window to get weighed in today 9am - 12pm. Oh, well....I can still get down to 145 without participating in OST's Biggest Loser type program.

Gonna go get busy mowing paying lawns!

The Biggest Loser...

They are having one of those kinda programs @ OST(the place where I do cardio & weight lifting). I didn't do it last year but, I am able to this year. I need to get down to 145 but, I'd love to get down to 143. I know several years ago when I lost weight the wrong way for a wedding(before I was diagnosed w/ alpha1) I dropped down 4 sizes. At that time I had dropped to 150 pounds.

I took a voluntary layoff to get caught up on lawn & garden work. I now know why farmers had so many kids....to keep the lawn & garden looking well cared for!! Also, I took voluntary layoff to get more involved in training for the DD. I need to get more prepared for longer rides. I keep threatening to bike 10 miles to work & 10 miles from work to train & save gas. Don't ya just love them escalating gas prices!!

As for the DD my loosely laid plan is to really give R the first 50 miles while it's cooler and take my good natured time the last almost 15 miles when it is sure to be warmer.

Dairyland Dare

This will likely be my last year to participate in this trek. The Horribly Hilly Hundreds which is another trek I once contemplated participating in I will likely never participate in either as they have moved away from chip timing. Many of these larger treks want so much for what they offer....it just doesn't seem as worth it to participate. I do still intend to do treks but, more leisurely ones such as the Rotary Pie ride in Janesville, WI or there's another trek up by Arbor Vitae in September that interest me. Wheels In The Woods I think it is. Each of these combined costs will be signicantly less than the other two. In fact, what it will cost me for the Rotary ride & Wheels in the woods will be equal to the DD or the HHH.

I am pretty sure I'm not going to post much as I have become very busy with my farm and readying myself for the farmers market. I have around 3.25 - 3.5 acres of crops. Almost half will be sweet corn. I also am slowly getting mechanical equipment in good working order for the farm, lawns and the cabin. I have 2 mechanical projects completed & have 5 more to go. The plan is to complete 3 more before I need to start attending farmers markets. The remaing 2 will have to wait till fall along with the dismantling my traditional wood barn. I am enjoying the farm more and more....all the time. I am still in awe of what I have! I'm still noticing new things to appreciate about it!

The dominant motivator for working so much ground is to get a little extra set aside so that when my breast reconstruction is completed in December and I'm off work because I'll be on restriction I can breathe easy. Last time I had a lot of trouble with Mayo releasing the proper information the the disability insurance reps. If that turnsout to be smooth sailing...great! Then the other aspect is I am hoping to make a 2 - 3 week visit to my primary health POA in Pensacola,FL. Enjoying a little warmth in December or January wouldn't hurt my feelings either. My neighbors seem to think it wouldn't be an inconvience to them to tend my animals. Plus, being down in Pensacola Karen can have the reassurance that I am not overdoing anything. She has had to protect me from myself before! I asked her the last time I talk with her if she remember that time I tried to go to work with a 102 temp 22 years ago. She said "Oooh, Yes." As in that kind of oh, yes that expresses....and I hope I never have to go through that again! That was TOO scary!!

Ugh! Hopefully Never Again....

Turned into eight teeth surgically removed. Got given laughing gas before being knocked out by IV meds. I'm talking to the doc one minute and the next minute I hear them telling my driver what I need to do as well as what I can & can't eat. LOL

I have to call Terry....would have more luck getting some of those things through to my brain now!! My original plan was to stop at a local hangout when we got back to the area. He woke me up shortly before we reached it and says "Still wanna stop?" I slowly turned my head left to right and mumbled no.

I have had extractions before but, never used pain killer meds. Eight teeth is a lot though. I'm sad about losing the teeth but, I know it was the right thing to do!!

Our health is priceless.....pride cometh before destruction.

What Kind of Childhood Games Are You Playing?....Pick Up Sticks!!

That's what Johanna had to ask me on the phone earlier in the week when I answered. SEE she does have a sense of humor!!

I had been cleaning up the sticks in one of my lawn accounts when she called. Not the nicest day in the world. Windy w/ warm humidity. So glad that's done! Received my parts for my Skag from Anderson-Thomas. Now, I'm back in business as far as lawn mowing.

Had my "last supper"- prime rib, baked potato, salad & various other goodies. Going to be a while before I get partial denture plates. First got to get my med bills paid off! Got UofC physicians bill paid off. Now, onto UofC Hospital bill(August pay off) & then onto paying off cancer bill. GREAT news!! Heating fuel prices have dropped by 30% from what I paid last year & I found a more affordable mortgage/car insurance carrier....every bit COUNTS!!

Would post more but, got less than an hour to finish what's left of "last supper" and off to bed.

Swimming With the Sharks...Gonna Make It to High Ground!

Yesterday we had the shortest meeting scheduled for the conference room in the history of me working there. Rumors ran rampant as they often do in a manufacturing plant. I had often read & heard that some people go into business because they "had no other choice". I had my "head screwed on" that if it was another mandatory layoff.....I was gonna swim with the sharks and make it to high ground. After the meeting it occured to me that's what a person needs to do when they are facing disability or sudden awareness of a disorder or disease. We need to chose to believe we will overcome. That medical break throughs will happen. That we will learn something that gives us an edge!

May Is...

ALPHA-1 AWARENESS MONTH

Good News & Hardwork!

When I saw Dr. Hogarth this last Monday my lung function had improved 10% in the last year. He said to keep doing what I was doing. I asked him if I became more diligent with my exercising would that improve anymore. He said maybe but, by exercising I would for sure be able to do more with the lunbg function I have now. Either way that IS good news!!

I do have some female issues so, I need to see an OB/GYN. I had presented the issue to him first because I knew ZZ's are notorious for miscarriages and premature menopause. I wasn't concerned about the former....just the later!! I scare guys up here where I live because I'm educated and know how to do a lot of things most women don't. Just call me the INTIMIDATOR! ROFLOL

He said it likely isn't anything to get scared about. He gave three possible scenarios. The last being the one to be scared about. More than likely I just need to get re-syncronized. I've been under some pressure/stress lately.

Hardwork is coming in the form of training for the DD, market farming & tearing down my barn. Cory looked at it and he said to tear it down and if I still wanted the traditional barn.....Save what I could and rebuild it as I could afford to. Now, I need to look around for a couple good roofing harnesses and possibly scaffolding.

It's Clear As Mud...

Honestly!

Being a hero was never on the top of my my list of things to do. Being respected and making things good or better than when I arrived has been. Today I realized what Noreen had told me 2 years ago....I am a hero.

Being a hero doesn't make you perfect it just makes you unusually courageous! I used to joke in college...."When God gave out courage I snuck up and took an extra helping!". It may or may not be true. It also makes you react to things I think sometimes...not as appropriately as one should. Other times most appropriately when one should!

I met up with a friend of mine tonight who has Barick's(sp?) disease. We talked about how we've cheated death. I talked about how I cheated disability. Those kind of things make you kinda iron willed. It can be to your benefit or not to your benefit.

Today as I notice my herodom...I realized how important it is...no matter what....to keep up the good fight! It's because of Mary Peirce's, Shirley Dennis's, Len Geiger's and Karen Erickson's that people begin to realize...it isn't over till....IT'S REALLY OVER!!

Most importantly I realized no matter what I could never stop being an alpha1 advocate. I think of the people that came before me and inspired me and realize I have an obligation I can never shirk.

I Feel Criminal...posting this

I am burned out on fundraising, alpha1 awareness raising and all the darned politics surrounding it! I still want to do the DD and the liver walk but, I actually want to take a year and just focus on doing some things for myself. Not only does all the above take effort but also it takes money to participate in events. Gas to drive there, food and lodging. I want to spend some of that money on maybe a roadtrip with other objective than to site see. I'd like to mentally recharge!

Back flips & Cartwheels!

That's what I felt like doing today after seeing Dr. Hogarth....he told me to keep doing what I'm doing. My lung function has increased 10% since I saw him last year. I tested out today at 51%.It is the most AWESOME news in the world to me!! He said when I get back in shape completely my lung function maynot increase but, what I am able to do with that lung function will.

Interview & Americas Grow A Row

Well, the interview is definitely on at WGEZ 1490 am out of Beloit, Wisconsin. Sometime between 8pm - 9:30pm April 26th, 2009. I am not nervous at the present time. I'm thinking about 1 - 2 hours before my stomachs going to flip flop but, on the other hand I may experience an enormous sense of calm. What ever way I react I know the most important thing I can do is to continue to help raise awareness about alpha1. We need more people properly diagnosed that can participate in research so we have more answers than we do now!

It seems the locals found Americas Grow A Row program too intimidating or felt it was inadequate....at least they recognize the need for food at the local food pantries and are doing some sort of vegetable growing program for those economically disadvantaged.

It's Official!

I am to be interviewed by the radio station dude in Beloit but, there must be no question/comment section as was said in the alpha-pack newsletter...or the association people would have responded with up to date info in regard to genetic COPD(alpha1). I had requested info about current legislative initiatives and alpha1 in regard to kids. Both I really have not kept up on. Guess I'll just tell them to subscribe to Alpha1toOne if there is a question/comment aspect during this interview.

Keep Your Fingers & Toes Crossed!

It looks real promising for me to do the radio call in talk show @ WGEZ in Beloit April 26th. I just am waiting on verification on the vacation day April 27th. Dr. Hogarth emailed saying an appointment to see him the 27th is doable! Please pray or send me some good vibes!!

Yeah...and hey I think I got the drafts in my greenhouse eliminated yesterday. At 10am this morning it was 100 degrees in there. I had to open the workshop door, open the greenhouse door into the workshop and turn on all the fans in the greenhouse!

April is....

ORGAN DONOR MONTH

No Barn Again...

At least not the way it is...maybe a reinvented barn. Although disappointed, not surprised. Tried to close up that north door on my greenhouse and realized I had to used blueboard or greenboard insulation in each door frame to truly cut out the draft. If that doesn't help it retain enough heat then I guess I'll break down and light up the gas heater in it. Almost all my garden stuff has arrived with the exception of some seeds from Victory Seeds.

Contractor comes by Sunday to work on stairway and replace door between kitchen & mud room. This house is sooo out of square I just don't want to mess with remodeling. The more I look at each room the more I want to leave the majority of it alone! Probably replace windows with Milgard windows within the next year. Replace the front entry door with newer more energy efficient door.

Trust & Addiction!

Hah! You thought this was serious...didn't you??? Some of it is actually but, some of it's not.

As far as setting up the trust to protect several assets I own....I spoke to my sister Johanna (who is on a tx list and has met/known more alphas than me) about whether I should get right on it or would it be ok to hold off a couple years.You see once it's done I can't change any of the trustees or by laws. We decided that although it IS somewhat risky so is the alternative. That being said I am going to put off completing it for 2 years. I will be sitting down with my lawyer to discuss how many different ways it can go and how by laws will change some things.

Now for the not so serious. I swore up n' down I would never become involved in the facebook community. We-e-e-ll, that all changed Friday when I got an email from a girl I graduated High school with. I was introduced to that crackhouse and now I'm addicted!! Who knows when I'll post something noteworthy here again! I even managed to connect with someone I had gone to college with in Oklahoma who I hadn't seen or talk to in 20 years. 20 YEARS!!! If I ever get back down to Oklahoma and see her I hope I survive that weekend. Kristi is way more energetic and wild than I have ever dreamed or attempted to be!!

Closing a Chapter With a Fresh Perspective

Well, the disaster response training was not as in depth as I expected but, it was highly elightening. There are ISO classes through FEMA or Homeland Security one can complete online that take a couple hours. Realistically most churches in the upper midwest are likely unprepared to serve in the event of a disaster as well as they could. There are also CERT classes one can take as well.

Although, I got next to no sleep that night I managed to get on the road by 3:30am. I arrived early to Evansville. We got my tractor loaded w/o a hitch. There was such a peace for me knowing all my tractors are in one place and out of the weather. It WAS the sweetest feeling!

I didn't get to Denny's to get the books but, he returned my phone calls & they are being shipped to me this week. Mr.Morgan showed up early. Inspite of some other snafust we made it on time & headway with the attorney over the trust. Some suggest that I am like a surrogate Mom to my nephew(not because his Mom is a bad Mother...I think it has more to do with he & I click better). Warning to all you parents(surrogate parents as well) out there....You think the teens are bad...WAIT TILL they hit their 20's!! Things will improve over time I simply need to be patient.

After I had dinner with Morgan I stopped in Evansville at the Night Owl. I wanted to see some of my old friends before I left. When I first walked in I was waiting to be served and there were a couple of regulars there and we were trying to decide who this one guy was. Was he Dale Holland??? We hadn't seen him in years there. I actually didn't see many who I expected to see but, who I saw was very unexpected. I saw a friend of mine's Dad(Dale) with his new wife and stopped to chat with them. He talked about how I wouldn't recognized Ty these days. He doesn't drink anymore(which is a very good thing). As we visited we tried to figureout when was the last time we had seen each other and he figured it had been at least 12yrs. The thing that struck me the most was not his response to my health but, his response to the fact I was no longer in business for myself.

You know sometimes a person forgets how much people believe or see in us!

Spring Has Sprung!

I have been on v. layoff this week. I found a hauler for my Allis-Chalmers C in southern WI. I sent a text msg to Mr. Morgan. He is thrilled Aunt Kate has progressed to the current century! I always used to say that phones were for talking on and computers were for texting on. I meet w/ a lawyer on Friday to determine if a irrevocable trust is the way for me to go. I spoke briefly to Bill today and he dispelled the myth that it was so exorbinant it was beyond my reach. It turnsout it isn't really anymore expensive than to maintain said assets outside a trust.

I'm going to try my best to get into an evening course at UW-EC called Fundamentals of Speech but, have been warned it is hard to do as a special student. Thursday I will participate in a congressional Disaster Response training course in Eau Claire that FEMA and Homeland Security may require in 2010. I also found out my alpha friend Cindy Wilson from Chicago got a single lung tx last fall. She sounds like she is doing GREAT! She also happens to be the alpha support group leader in greater Chicago. A contrator still hasn't been by to fix my stairway because all of them are so busy!

I did find one who will examine my barn to determine whether it can be saved. I've been in several barn lofts and was so taken by the unique rafters in the loft. They appear to be oak to me. I have wanted to save it from the get go but, I'm not convinced it can be salvaged. It's outward appearance has changed quite a bit since last fall. If I am able to restore it I'm not reusing it as a livestock barn but, as a retail facility. I live in what I consider to be a retirement/vacation destination and believe that would be the best reuse for it.

Inspiration Comes In Unexpected Form

I started going to different churches to get a feel for the spirit of the church to help me in my quest to enable Americas Grow A Row program to flourish here in Rusk county. However, without Colleen Duerr and Rev. Donn Schroeder's wisdom & prayer I don't think it could have gotten to the point it has! I'm discovering it's actually started to motivate me to find a home church.

I rented two movies tonight "The Express" & "Fireproof". I liked the movies and thought about my college days. I remembered how many times people told me something couldn't be done and how I believe they could & did them. It's amazing what one can accomplish when one chooses to believe. I suspect the same holds true not only for me but, for many of you who read my blog. If we will simply give ourselves permission to believe we can it's amazing what we can accomplish. I found the interviews featured on the DVD's most inspiring and reminded how much faith plays a part in every aspect of our life.

What Do You Got Going On...

I decided to checkout the LBYM board at fool.com today. That was the title of the last post I read....and I thought it was going to be dreary. It turned out she did what my Mother used to tell me..."Count your blessings!".

So what good happened to me today.

-I discovered my new alphanet coordinator is a christian.
-I discovered Joann's friend who died of cancer was her best friend(who was only a few yrs older than her...just like my friend Karen)
-That sometimes we don't realize how much some people value us as a person.
-Although I was swore off participating in any cancer fund raisers...I am indeed not(I was soo
moved by Joann's story of her friend Reggie who lost her battle to cancer)
-I discovered I was going to have at least a 36hr work week because orders are up!
-I may just succomb to text messaging(ROFLOL)
-I enjoyed coming home to another beautiful spring like day

*I didn't experience this today but, Sunday reaffirmed that I moved to a GREAT
NEIGHBORHOOD when I visited w/ Rich & Vi next door*

Just To Let You Know

I got all setup for an infusion last night and looked at the pocket watch (w/ a minute hand) I use and discovered the battery had died. By the time I got back from Wal-Mart my veins had become weiry. I came straight home tonight and got it started on the first stick! To say the least I was elated !!! I am nearing the end of "Failing Forward" by John Maxwell. I am so glad I bought and continued to read that book. I also skim read the book by Ruth Graham "In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart". I also have John Maxwell's books "Today Matters" & "The Difference Maker" Don't know when I'll get to them. I expect next trip to J-ville I'll stop at my friend Denny W's(he has an organic farm) to pick up all my market farming books I lent him.

I may be posting infrequently for a while. As soon as I get the minor remodeling work done in the stairway and the house refinanced I will likely get too busy to post frequently. When I bought this farmhouse I questioned the drywall finish job and a couple other things. I kept telling myself "Oh, it's not that big a deal." Well, six months has gone by and as soon as refinanced my poor house is going to get redone a room at a time. Plus, the stairway to the upstairs. It has vertical boxcar siding and half the sinkers aren't counter sunk. The same in the mudroom! I visited with the neighbors Sunday and Rich admitted the previous owner did all the remodeling. I have begun telling people "He should have left it to the professionals & the semi-professionals!"

I also have to begin training for the 2009 DD. I may do the Milwaukee liver walk w/ the Frietag family(They have children w/ alpha1). I also have seeds coming that need to be started. I have grow-a-row, angelflight & next week I am intending to attend disaster response training. I have too much to do but, everybody knows I'm happier that way than too much time on my hands!!

OMG...I've Done It Again!!

I signed up for the metric century Dairyland Dare 2009! I swear this is the last year!!

I am nervous, scared & excited! I hope I can finsih it this year. What an accomplishment that would be! I'm excited to learn that Len Geiger has several vids on youtube as well(as the result of a link in an alpha-pack newsletter I received). That is so awesome!

Now for that grow-a-row business. Pray for us! It is such a great program especially for those to contribute to that don't have a lot to spare....they can make such a big difference without parting with much cash!! There is an Episcapalian church in our county who sooo needs the assitance. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could ease some of their burden???

It's Official....I have a cold!

However, I went 8 months without an upper respiratory infection!! WooHoo!!! Now if only I can stay away from urgent care for 1yr. That was my original goal.

I am almost to chapter 10 in "Failing Forward" By John Maxwell! I almost chose to not finish reading it. I am in the process of helping coordinate a grow-a-row program in my county. There is much excitement over the program. It has been quite educational as well. In addition to that Karen my primary health POA(Power Of Attorney) wants me to go on a Guatemalan mission trip and I guess I'm actually interested. I wasn't at first but, after I read a little bit about it I got more intrigued...who'd a thought. She said I needed to travel and no matter what country I did a mission trip in ...it would be a life changing experience. So, now I begin to save for it.

What A Glorious Day...

It was 36 degrees out and just beautiful out!!

I've been busy trying to get everything done so I could get my house refinanced. Pouring over garden seed catalogs...ever the green thumb ya know! Also, have wonderful news. The ICAA coordinator contacted me to get the ball rolling for Rusk county to start a grow-a-row program. I am so excited they have embraced it! It will send out such a positive message to our local community as well as surrounding communities as well! Think of a rain shower in spring and each one of us has an opportunity to be one of those little rain drops!

Living Well While Living With Uncertainty

I thought a lot about that today. I have had my share of bumps and bruises along the way in life. Some brought on by me some brought on by others( in the form of layoffs). I haven't posted because I promised not to be an Oscar the grouch! Monday morning I went into work while others who had as much as 25 - 40 years in got mandatory layoff. I sat in my car arriving 35 minutes early to work looking at the factory thinking about my co-workers. How many would be there...How many wouldn't be returning ever. I had bid on the position as a aluminum extrusion sawyer four years ago because it was level 4 and they always seemed to get more overtime than any other dept. It seemed so surreal. I have slightly less than 5 years in. Right now alpha1 pales in comparison to all of that!

How do you live well while living with uncertainty??? You make a choice to. You choose that your cup is half full. You direct your attention to someone or something else. As Kathy from work today said "It doesn't do you any good to worry about it!" It really does more good to focus on somebody or something else. You have the possibility of making someone elses life better and feeling good about yourself at the same time! I got a call from Michelle at Accredo today for a reorder and asked her to call me in a couple weeks. I explained what has happened and explained what I was trying to do about my low morale. She was understanding and said that was fine. I can't speak for the others that distribute augmentation therapy meds but, I suspect the same holds true....they really care about the patients!!!

Today, I choose to focus on Angel Flight Central and Grow-A-Row.

Furnace Filters

What is it they say "experience is a great teacher"....well, a recent experience drove that point home!

I had replaced furnace filter with the spare the previous owners had left. It was a filter that removed 8 different things instead of one that removed 11 different things. My eyes had been itching for several days. I decided to replace it with the higher filtration filter. Next morning when I woke up my eyes didn't itch and I had an easier time of breathing. It costs a couple bucks more than the lower filtration filter but, the difference it makes in quality of life is worth every penny!!

Also, micro fiber or leather covered furniture is better for your lungs than cloth covered furniture. They don't trap/hold things that are detrimental to your lungs. Likewise if you can do away with carpet & knick-knacks which hold dust and other nasty's that is also a worthy pursuit to protect your lungs.

Old McDonald Had a Farm...

Boy, do I ever feel like old McDonald. I still have a job but, will need to get up at ungodly o'clock in the morning. I thankfully didn't get the call from my supervisor saying "You have been given mandatory layoff." I got the call to show up for day shift in my normally determined area. I have run into a couple of people who work 2nd shift where I work around town and I swear they used the dartboard method for determining who got mandatory lay off. 52 took voluntary and 200 got mandatory.

Now like old McDonald I'm going to have to watch the weather till spring comes. Guess there's worse things that could happen! I am so thankful I have my farm. People always have to eat and I got the place to grow stuff. Plus, I ain't gonna go hungry. My Mother said to me once after I said I was hungry..."You're always hungry!" I am also thankful for my sister Mary who took the time to bake and cook with me at an early age when she was home on weekends from college. I started cooking at 7 and baking by myself when I was 9. I'm also thankful for having a frugal Father who grew up during the great depression and taught us all how to be resourceful.

What An AMAZING Day!!

I received a envelope today from angel flight. I guess I expected maybe a half a dozen flyers and received two bundles in an envelope in my mailbox today! I thought to myself....WHAT AM I going to do with TWO BUNDLES of flyers???

I'll tell ya what....A WHOLE HECK OF A LOT!!!

I have one bundle left. In less than 8 hours one was gone and I had leads for a whole bunch of other people to tell about it. I am still sooo excited about this program!!

I guess I need to give the benefit of the doubt and say...I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Most of my friends are either public servants, business owners, business managers or sales people...even so....WOW!!

Quote: ....Something I Seem To Live By

"Our Lives Are Enriched By The Unexpected

People We Meet Along The Way"

Power steering, Water heaters and Enlightenment!

Shoot out the door to start my truck. Start my truck only to hear an odd clunk, clunk as the engine purrs right along. Pop the hood, get out of truck see oil of some kind on snow below. Dash back into cab turn truck off. Hope I can (drat) use some vacation so I can maintain perfect attendance at work. LUCK OUT!!! There went the power steering unit....but, any expense still beat brand new sticker shock 2.5 yrs ago.

Well, turned on the hot water in the kithen Sunday afternoon and no hot water. Being the genius I am....I went down to light the pilot and I discover it is more fancy(safer) than my Moms gas water heater was. Spent several minutes unsuccessfully to start the pilot light. "rots of ruck"(as my father once said to me)....called the plumbing & heating guy. Lucky enough to have no after hours charge but, foundout two things. One if I would have been....surprise surprise....more patient....I likely would not have inccured any charge....and secondly if I would have had green back dollar....it would have been even less!!

Met with the gentleman from SCORE Monday morning while my car was in the shop. I asked him why he participated in SCORE and also made the remark I thought the NAFTA agreement brought on some of our unemployment rate(ever the inquisitive one I am). He enlightented me on both, One he did it to give back(SCORE) and he had run a biz in Bangcok. He said it just was too expensive to produce in US but, did still contribute to things being lower cost for americans and american jobs.

I am on chapter 6 in Failing Forward. He explained Peachtree vs. Quickbooks is like comparing Ford to GM. Under normal conditions I would choose GM but, since my observation of GM lately is they are a sunk ship due big talk from union reps and poor management due to GM CEO being over paid for underpeformance. I guess I'll choose Quickbooks(Ford).

5 in 1

Well, Business Plan, Angel Flight, Donatelife, Unemployment & Mary Williams = 5 in 1.

My well I could have never fixed on my own. Not only was it froze in several places, a knuckle joint was toast and a bleeder valve was gone. As it was the well guy had to enlist his Dads assistance.

Things didn't work out with Donatelife however, I'm still very optomistic about www. angelflightcentral.org ! I have been unsuccessful in reaching a real person at unemployment since shortly after Christmas. I went so far as to get up around 7am to call them. In frustration at 7:30am I called republican representative Mary Williams. She said she had helped out another lady who had spent days on the phone trying to get in. She took down my info, asked me how things were going where I worked and said she would give the information to her staff when they came in at 8:30. They would contact me. I don't remember when they called but, Unemployment called me at 2:40pm this afternoon and got my initial claim processed! Now THAT'S GOV'T WORKING FOR ME!!

I finally was able to get to the library to print out the business plan outline the gentleman from SCORE sent me. I was hoping to develope a 5 year business plan and to me it seems more general. It's a start though!! It could evolve into a 5 yr business plan...I probably just need to be patient. I guess I'm a little too results oriented!

Enjoy!

Here is the link to a PBS show about alpha1: www.alpha1health.com/paf/alpha1_pbs.html

Oddly enough I know almost all of the people in it. My Pulmonologist is Dr. Hogarth, I have visited with Lorena & Len at different events but, never John Walsh. Not on purpose is it I haven't visited w/ John Walsh but, he is just so busy at alpha1 events I guess.

I'm Still In Shock...At least that's what I think one would call it!

My well is still froze but, my pump isn't fried....but, that's not the shocking fact. When my well pump guy talked to me I told him about my lungs. He said " That's that lung disease...right?" I said yes. He goes onto say "I know a guy who has it. He's 43 years old and he was supposed to be dead 3 weeks ago." I asked him to either give the guy my contact info or give mine to the guy. I will be 43 in February. What's the chances of this happening considering there are only 6,000 of us diagnosed in the USA??? My buddy Bent says "One in a bazzilion!" Most alphas I meet are in their 50's and 60's. WOW!!

All I can say is God has definitely been working some serious overtime in my life! I also heard from someone from SCORE today via email. I meet him on Friday. I told him I thought I needed a devils advocate. Even so...I am most definitely looking forward to it. I spoke to my friends that own the local cafe and they said there is something besides banks to look to for financing. They also surprised me when they said when they went for financing the finacers wanted a business plan but, they never really put one together. I don't think I would recommend that to anyone but, in their case it worked out ok. Without a business plan things can get unraveled or too hectic too fast. Some of this knowledge comes from personal experience but, some also comes from reading/hearing other peoples business blues stories. Also, I am in the midst of reading "Failing Forward". Yah, I know I said Paul Tatums "No Mans Land" then Maxwells "Failing Forward". I followed my instincts and switched things around...and so far I'm REALLY GLAD I did!!

My-T-Cold!

My woke up yesterday morning to a well with a frozen pipe. At work I heard all kinds of stories as to how cold it was going to get in the next two days. I got in my truck after work and the mirror read -16 degrees by the time I got to Ladysmith it read -13. Heat wave came to mind. Started driving down the road I live and it went back down to -16. Then I thought about it a few minutes....it really isn't that cold...we've had colder weather...in fact the first winter up here I remembered -20 below and wondering wether my truck would start. She just barely did but she was over 20 years old so, she was kinda geriatric!

I've spoken to leadership at Donatelife as well as a couple administration people at Angel Flight Central. I found all of them a pleasure to talk to. Both organizations seem very well organized and am looking forward to becoming more involved in promoting them. I believe each still gives me a platform to raise awareness about alpha1 but, also enables me to make a much broader....far reaching....difference for the good of mankind.

AngelFlightCentral

As the result of a conversation with my sister Johanna I asked on Noreens chatroom this evening about flight help if she tried to get listed at Loyola. Noreen came through in SPADES!! I learned of three non-profit organizations. After everyone left the chat room I went to look at their sites and have volunteered to help http://www.angelflightcentral.org/ . They are a part of angel charity network a 501(c) (3). I learned that sometimes it's not people needing organ tx or flying organs. It's sometimes sick kids to summer camps geared to them or just very sick people needing critical care they can only get far away.

Your an Anomaly...

That's what the first attorney said to me when I called him back after the other two attorneys wouldn't touch me with a ten foot pole! He went on to say he had hoped he could learn some new estate planning tactics from the thrid attorney. The third attorney's receptionist suggested the next time I contact a attorney that I not tell them about my alpha1.

Bill also went on to say "We are just not accustom to someone your age coming in to seek elder law counsel. If you think you can hang in there working for five years we might be able to do some preservation of assets." Elder law varies state to state so, what pertains to Wisconsin may not pertain to your state. I also learned a little more about LLC's and that I could change the arrangement of it at a later date if I saw fit. So, for the time being I am going to setup my farm as a sole proprietorship LLC. I spoke to both my sister Jane who is a sort of business management guru and my sister Johanna who has a masters in accounting(and has done accounting work in the past). They both say I should use Quickbooks rather than Peachtree. I plan to put a poll in the right column of the blog(towards the top) to get other opinions. I intend to leave it there for at least a month because not everybody views this blog on a regular basis!

I'm also going to learn more about a quit claim. Dad quit claimed the 70 to me and his lawyer really didn't explain exacctly how it worked. There is a federal five year look back at property transfers when you apply for I believe social security disability/medicare or SSI/medicaid. If you are single and a young symtomatic alpha like me with assets...please consider addressing how to protect your assets before you become too weak to work. Know how things work in your state.


There is an organization out there called:



A.C.C.E.S.S. (Advocating for Chronic Conditions, Entitlements, and Social Services)

They do not have a web site. Organizations only reference their information such as here: http://www.alpha1advocacy.org/support_disability.html

ACCESS Program4710 Eisenhower Blvd. Suite E-3Tampa, Florida 33634
1-888-700-7010



Their services are free!

FYI: Symtomatic vs. A Symtomatic & Flutter Valves

It occurred to me that these are all terms many alphas and their loved ones might not be famaliar with. Although, symtomatic & A symtomatic are genereric terms used in any number of medical conditions. I am going to use it as it pertains to alpha1.

Symtomatic = you tested positive for alpha1 and it is actively working away causing deteriaiton of health in the form of liver brochiectsis(sp?), elevated liver enzymes, drops in lung function

A Symtomatic = Well you've tested positive to alpha1. You could be MZ,SZ,ZZ, Nullnull. Your lung funtion is good. Your basically able to continue on skipping through life.

Unfortunately some have the misconception that because you are a "carrier" of alpha1 you will never be effected by it.

I. E. SZ usually are liver effected however I know one who is not but, is on a Transplant(TX) list for lungs.

It wasn't until I went to the third pulmonologist that I was shown & given a flutter valve AKA: Acapella. The flutter valve has reeds in it and you blow into it and they send vibrations back into your lungs that are supposed to help bring up trapped mucous. Mine has a knob on it to vary the vibration. I don't know how others are but, I can tell you they do help.

I am definitely not a dr and I reccomend if you have questions about these things discuss them with a doctor. If he or she doesn't want to answer your questions either ask another doctor or find a different doctor who will answer your "dumb questions". The only dumb thing is the thing you didn't ask.

Exercise, Marley & Me and Restlessness

Well, I finally exercised at OST. I am terribly out of shape and back to the weight I was before I saw Dr. Hogarth. It's embarassing. Then I think about the fact that I chose to attempt to remain rested this fall during the move to my farm. I can say for the first time in 3 - 5 years I had no trips to urgent care or emergency this fall due to sinus or lung issues. I also want to say that sometimes when I have started exercising my lungs feel tighter, then I start to have unconducive coughs but, after a few days I begin to have conducive coughs. My lungs then seem like they just start working better and better. It would help if I knew where my flutter valve is. This device helps bring junk up out of your lungs. I know it's here somewhere...it's just a matter of finding it. The same goes for some of my food storage tops and bottoms. I have some parts missing that shouldn't be missing. So, I suspect I have another box somewhere...most likely out in the garage!

I went to see Marley & Me at the local theatre. It struck me as I was watching the ending about how restless I have become. Between that and my last attorney conversation I decided to contact SCORE. Hopefully in the not too distant future I will be meeting with someone from SCORE. I used to know what it stood for and they no longer list it because I believe it has evolved quite a bit since the 1980's. I thought the tail end used to refer to Retired Exceutives. It's closely associated with SBA(Small Business Administration).

I will be posting less I believe...especially oscar the grouch type posts anyways!

I Do Not Choose To Be The Common Man

I do not choose to be a common man, it is my right to be uncommon if I can. I seek opportunity, not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk, to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to a guaranteed existence, the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of Utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence, nor dignity for a handout. It is my heritage to think and to act for myself, to enjoy the benefits of my creations, and to face the world boldly and say:

With God's help, this I have done.

The Road Not Taken...

That is the road I have chosen to take. I am going to use an attorney up here as opposed to one in southern Wisconsin. Rather than ramp up for social security/medicare ramp up for financial opportunity. Try to set myself up so I can afford Wisconsin High Risk Insurance and live well while living with alpha1.

Type in google: I Do Not Choose To Be The Common Man

It says it all.

Four Wheel Drive Trucks Rock....Firing Somebody

Can you tell we got dumped on today! Yah, I drove my truck to work...didn't even have to use 4wd.

Now that firing business. Frequently those of us who attend alpha1 retreats or ed days hear other doctors & nurses say "Don't treat your doctor like God! Sometimes you need to fire them and find a different one." I have learned sometimes the same holds true for attorneys. I am waiting to see if I should have held my cards closer to my chest. I emailed another estate planning attorney in the same law firm of my previous one. I also realise it IS the holidays.
Hopefully, I don't have to go searching for yet a different attorney. It seems not many specialize in estate planning, business & real estate law. Doesn't help I'm like that odd color crayon in the 128 crayon box. Croonieism bugs me!

FYI: Teeth & PSA's

Some doctors recommend that their alpha1 patients have their natural teeth removed when they have chronic lung infections. I myself am having several of mine removed. They can sometimes be great harbors for bacteria. There was a lady I had met at the Chicago Alpha1 Ed Day this last spring who I had seen the previous year at an alpha1 retreat. I stopped to visit her and commented that she looked different. Her teeth looked fine the year before. She went on to tell me she had all her teeth removed, got dentures and gained 37 pounds. She also said she no longer had chronic lung infections and was still on a transplant list.

PSA = public service announcments

The FCC requires radio & tv stations to air a certain number of psa's a month. I encourage you to contact the Alpha1 Foundation to get a copy of the three audio PSA's they have to distribute to your area radio stations. It doesn't mean they will play them but, if no one distributes an alpha1 PSA to them you are guaranteed they never will air one!

Shot In The Dark Method

I have been trying to get a lead on a different lawyer to handle my estate planning. That's why I had the frustration post. It's amazing how many people make assumptions about my situation. I shot an email to an attorney who specializes in business law, real estate law, estate planning and is a CPA that nobody recomended. In February I'll let you know how we make out. Morgan is going w/ me to my initial meeting.

For Those Looking From The Outside In

I have thought about this many times and get frustrated. When you are on the outside looking in at what another individual is experiencing as a result of a life threatening disorder/disease it can be invisible what they are truly feeling or thinking. Do you ignore it or do you confront the little known or unknown?


In the last 1.5 yrs my health issues have created an emotional roller coaster ride for me. When I was diagnosed w/ cancer my attention was full on. The perimeters were more clear. I now look at it as little more than a speed bump. With the alpha1 because so little is known about it and there are many contradictory reports about what is good/bad & right/wrong. You live in a state of constant uncertainty with it. Every alphas story is different. I exercise, ride bike & sail for three reasons:


1 - for better health


2 - to create awareness


3 - for mental health(when I am doing any of them I am focused on performance and good

form...not my worries or fears)



I don't have time to worry about my retirement or wasting my life pursueing somebody to file a lawsuit against because they didn't give me the perfect solution to my problems. I recognize I have imperfections of my own. By far my greatest fear is not dying BUT, the living(special moments) I might miss out on. My deepest desire is to maximize my life experiences in the amount of lifetime I am allotted inspite of my limitations that will continue to grow over time.

For those of you diagnosed w/ alpha1 make time for the things you are still able to do which you have said "Someday I'm going to _________." For those of you with a friend, co-worker or relative diagnosed with alpha1 make time to do what you thought "Someday I'm going to ______ for/with ________."

I've Got Plans!

...I am commited to training again for the Dairyland Dare

I made promises to several people that I was going to set up my beloved bike on my fluid trainer by January 1, 2009 to do interval training on. I also extended my fitness membership for 3 months. To round things out I am going to include yoga & pilates workouts into my training. I think as a primer for cycling season I am going to do the 38 mile Rock 50/50 as well(if they still have it...the town it is held in is experiencing tremendous jobs losses).

In other bike news.....I have finally accepted....I'm a bike geek!

I got the recent Bicycling magazine in the mail and read it cover to cover in a day or two. I also confess I encountered a bad case of bike lust drooling over a $12,000 bike on the front cover that people could enter to win. They need to give away a less expensive bike so I could afford the tax as a result of winning it. I have finally realized that guy was right when he said "YOU WILL succomb to chamois butter!".

The Best Laid Plans Of Mice and Men...

Can be changed. I haven't gotten things moved as quickly as anticipated but, I have remained resonably healthy. I am looking forward to starting back lifting weights and doing some cardio at the gym this coming week....Not to mention not getting up super early anymore!

I also am looking forward to taking a week vacation to Pensacola Florida hopefully toward the end of February 2009. A dear friend of mine from my college days(in Oklahoma) lives down there. It will be nice to be somewhere warm but, I'm certain she will challenge me to better myself in some way(she always has but, she has better luck face to face). She is definitely what John Maxwell refers to as a "lifter upper". This will be the first week long vacation I have taken in 24 years. I wonder what it will feel like?

During/after my return from Florida I may switch to a myspace blog vs. blogger. I'd like to add music and you tube type stuff to my blog.

Have a Great Week!

Give It Away...Pay It Forward

That's what I did with my T-day turkey. I gave my free Butterball premium turkey from work away to the local food pantry. Actually, I just feel like I passed it on and am quite glad!! I look forward to doing the same thing again next year because I believe I am making some families T-day better.

I have such a neat but, funny story to share. I had the very good fortune to grow up and spend a lot of time with a gentleman who was affectionately refered to by me as an Uncle. Both my grandfathers passed away before I was born so, I have no idea what one is like. When I was in my first year of college at RSC in Claremore, OK one of my Horseman's club buddies said one night "Well, Katie...he sounds like he was kinda a grandfather too you. That's how my grandfather is." He wasn't a blood Uncle but, in all the ways that matter he was an Uncle.

He used to tell me stories of WW II, the depression and the logging boom days(some Saturdays he would come down to the cabin and after lunch go for a walk w/ all of us showing where the different camps were years before). All of the times in our nations history were challenging times.

When I was in college at Eastern Oklahoma State College we had a campus food drive. I had heard they were going to give the food away to needy adult students attending Eastern. I remember looking at my cupboards and my frig thinking "my pantry is very well stocked and my frig has some meat & milk in it(back in those days meat was rare and powdered milk was the norm)." So, I gave 2 cans of soup to the food drive. I went to work at the stocker operation I worked on part-time and never thought I would be considered one of the needy students. I came back to my student apt to find a sign by Shari Potter(who was a hoot!) taped on my door that read:

"Katie... Come to Student Services...I Have A Surprise For You!!"


It was 4:30 and Shari had already left for the day and Marci said "Shari has gone for the day. It's sitting in her office with a sign on it. She is going to be so disappointed she wasn't here when you picked it up!" I will never forget the shock I felt when I saw those 2 boxes of food for me from the food drive!! I rarely cried in those days and I had tears well up in my eyes that day because I was so moved by the gesture.

That night I went a few doors down to a couple of older ladies who were sharing a college apt and discovered they too had received a couple of food drive boxes. I asked them what they got and could we trade. Well, we actually didn't trade...we pooled each others resources. I had the pie filling and they had the evaporated milk. We also pooled our money together to buy two pie crusts for pumpkin pie. They got one & I got one.

You also might like to know that my choice for for a b-day celebration is not cake BUT, pumpkin pie w/ REAL whip cream(made from scratch).

Tomorrow's Election Day...

Please, get out and vote!! I believe if you don't vote you have no right to gripe.

Where have you been???How are you doing?

I still in the midst of that dreaded moving. I told someone the other day....I hated moving even way back in college but, this is worse! By 40 you have acquired way more stuff than you had at 20. Can hardly wait for it to be over. I likely won't post for quite a while again. Got some new windows for the cabin & the house ordered and got to get some other stuff done b4 the snow flies and frost sets in. I hope to make an info post about PSA's & the subject of teeth which can affect an alphas health. Hopefully I will come back to reread this post and remember to make the info post(I do forget things on occasion)!!

Gosh, What Have I Done!

Nah, not really. Everytime I come to my new farm I notice something different. I'm a little behind schedule as far as moving. I walked in the vacant house the day I closed and had difficulty breathing. I left a message for my original nurse to return my call. I really trust Sue. Not all alphas should expect to have a relationship with the nurse that teaches them how to self-infuse. I'm just VERY LUCKY!

She called back an hour or so later. She told me to have my ducts cleaned. Make sure they use brushes & back blow it. If I decide to keep the carpet there is such a process as chemical free steam cleaning which Advanced Restoration does. She also encouraged me to contact the many people I know in the alpha1 community about what household chemicals are best to use. The American Lung Association is another good source!! Today they are coming to clean the ducts. After, the house is thourghly cleaned(walls, too) they will come with the steam cleaner and clean the carpet.

I also had the fuel pump go out on my truck so it was in sick bay for a few days. I may or may not post for a while but, eventually I will since I just got DSL. Man...is it evr quick!!

It's OFFICIAL!!!

I close on the farm September 29th and start moving in that day. I never realized how purchasing your own home could feel so empowering. I can hardly wait!

I've read "Sailing Grace". I'm in the middle of one of three John Maxwell books I've purchased over the the last month. My sister recommended to me (when I was in Chicago at the Borders down by Water tower place) Dare to Dream, I also picked up Failing Forward at the same time. I'm half done w/ Success 101. I am also looking forward to reading the rest of Kevin Lemans birth order book that I picked up at the grocery store. I intended to get packing boxes from(which I got none that day) and walked out w/ Kevin Lemans book. LOL

I also have an Ann Coulter book I picked up while in Chicago. Ah, well. I have all winter to catch up on my reading. Working 45 hr work weeks, not working out but, trying to stay caught up on sleep & having so-so successful infusions(4 stick days).

Hopes, Dreams, Miracles & the Dairyland Dare

All happen everyday (well maybe not the DD)...and as we get older we sometimes forget this! Somewhere around the age of 7 - 9 years old I' d dreamed of owning & living on a farm. By my early 30's it came to seem like such an impossible dream. About a month ago it seemed like my co-worker was assisting me in doing my job(granted he wasn't complaining...but, it sure didn't feel good ). I felt really helpless(I believe one of the rottenest feelings I have ever felt). I made an appointment w/ a new pulmonologist signed up for the DD, submitting an article(which I questioned whether I should submit) and hoped I hadn't wasted anybodies time including my own.

Last Saturday I attempted the DD and made it almost 40 miles(of approximately 65 miles) I averaged about 7mph by the end. Although, I didn't finish , I was satisfied w/ the results. Although, I may not set the world on fire....I set my soul on fire. At the 10 mile marker I was ready to throw in the towel! Fortunately the guys working the water stop booth at the 1o mile marker didn't have a clue about the course....so, I continued on. I was a beuatiful, demanding but, satisfying course. I averaged 7mph(w/ a top speed of 39.6mph inadvertantly).

I went down to Janesville, WI (where I grew up) and took the chance that RAC was open & the TANITA scale was setup. I got on and experienced the joy I had been hoping for thanks to Dr. Hogarth at UofC(University of Chicago). I had finally lost fat weight[23.8 lbs] and gained muscle weight[???]. On top of that I was in range hydration wise!! Although, I may not be seeing it on the scale I am seeing it around my waist!!!

Today, I met w/ a new loan officer for a 20 acre home w/ a shed, greenhouse, barn & garage on 20 acres. She told me my house pymt would be $12 less than the previous loan officer. I grew up with a fantasy of having a woodworking shop that would rival my fathers...I think it's on the horizon!

Inspite of everything.....what a beautiful life I have attained!!!

Nervous As A Cat On A Hot Tin Roof!!

Yup, that would be me!! I just accepted a counter offer on a 20 acre farm and we are worried the septic tank doesn't exist or will not pass for a conventional septic tank. In most cases it would be negotiable however there are to be 3 more showings of said property and any secondary offers could eliminated the current owners need to negotiate or repair the septic.

It is less than 3 days b-4 the Dairyland Dare. I am not so sure I injured my back at work buy, glad it feels like it healed. I backed off on working out until a few days ago. I feel the best I have felt physically in a year. We are working 9hr days and I still feel really good except for an insatiable appetite!! I am hoping I can use my frustration/anxiety to keep me going when those hills get steep theis Saturday doing the Dare.

Either way I must say this....It is SOOO hard for me to comprehend 2 months ago I thought I would be forced into disability and now I feel like I could go 5 more years without supplemental oxygen and continue to work my physically demanding job on the floor. It is such an AWESOME feeling!!!!!

I Will Be There!

I feel very under prepared but, not because of my alpha1....because I have never done the trek. The Dairyland Dare is one of the most difficult bike treks in Wisconsin. Long work hours a couple weeks did curtail working out though in favor of rest.

I am a newbie as a bike trekker in my minds eye. I wonder mostly will I pace and fuel myself right. Every newbie has those concerns. Due to the humidity I have been cross training at OST. I've been averaging 1.5 hour long workouts. Last night I increased all the weights I lift by 10lbs as well as increase the height of the ab crunch board by one notch. I skipped tonight because I strained my back at work tonight and felt it was in my best interest to give it a rest.

I am gaining weight but, I feel muscles tightening up and my shape changing. I constantly have to remind myself that muscle weighs more than fat and eventually the scales will begin to tilt the other way. Even if I am unable to complete the 66 DD I still feel I'm getting in better shape. I was able to get my stick last week the first time w/ no vein collapse. So like Dr Kyle said lifting weights strengthens veins. Last week was the first time in months I didn't have a vein collapse after I got the safety intima(some know these as angio sets) in the vein. That was GREAT!!!

I So Live In Mayberry!

I stopped by OST to renew my fitness membership. In the past the daytime workers never seemed to have a clue what was going on so, I asked when Brenda would be in. By first break I find a voicemail from Brenda saying "Hi Katie! I figured when she told me the person who came in said she got a break in price because of some special medical condition...It must be you." She left her OST's number and her home phone number. My key card was reactivated before they even received payment. I biked 16.8 miles today. It was really weird...on some hills I could keep a staedy 20mph yet on others I was doing well to do 6.5mph. The only thing I could figureout was maybe one was more shaded, had less breeze or was more humid. I worked out at OST for about and hour stretching & lifting weights.

It's Official!!

I have changed to a younger pulmonology doctor @ UofC. My previous pulmonologist at Mayo. Thought that complaints of excessive tiredness & phone calls in regard to whether or not she should be put on Predinsone should be ignored. On top of that the last time I went to Mayo. They didn't put a pulse/oxy on me, check my weight or listen to my lungs before they switched one of my inhaler meds...sealed the deal. They got fired!!

This recent vist w/ a pulmonologist was the first time over the years I actually wished I'd had someone in the room w/ me! I likely remember everything but, wish I had the insurance policy that insured I DID!! I have a ENT appointment, eventually a sleep study, a VO2Max, a arterial blood gas test(complete with wrist being numbed up[followed by needle stick and catheter insertion]), three blood draws and a sleep study(me might need one of those machines that helps a person have a great night sleep...I think they are called a c-ap[ I think that's short for sleep apnea]?).

To some of you this might sound terrible but, to me it's one of the sweetest sounds I have ever heard! Three weeks ago my job appeared on the jobs for bid board. I thought buying a house was a wasted pursuit. And just what was I supposed to do with the rest of my life after being an active person my whole life( or in my Mom's words: "You were hyper but, not the kind of kid a parent worried about.") ??? I have actively been looking for a house but, it seems to always be the basement that rules a house out. Having a house basement recertified I learned today doesn't really completely eliminate the mold mildew issue...it only covers it up( they come in spray the walls of a basement with a bleach/water mix, let it dry, then paint over it. That doesn't rule out mold and mildew in the timber.)