Welcome to my blog. I have had ALS for 10 years now.


Since I started this blog in June 2008 I've had amazing feedback. Family, friends, people from all over North America, Australia, Scotland, England, and places I can't recall, have commented, encouraged and corresponded. I had no idea when Cynthia taught me how to set this up, how much I would love posting and how many people would read it. I want to say THANK YOU to everyone who has helped propel this therapeutic exercise into a daily routine. All of you, both friends and visitors, are now part of my blog family. Welcome.

From Go Pro

From Go Pro
View from my living room

Sunday, February 27, 2011

A sad time--2 Canadian inspirations passed away


ALS continues to take away some wonderful people. Both Corrine and Joel were inspirations to me.
Joel was from Abbotsford and helped me pave the way for tracheostomy if I so choose.
Corrine was from Hamilton and did so much for an example to others--she walked the talk of what can be done despite ALS.
They were both in their 50s and had so much to give--they died way too soon.
We need to find a cure!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Monday, February 21, 2011

by Ann Quindlen

"Something really, really bad happened to me, something that changed my life in ways that, if I had my druthers, it would never have been changed at all. And what I learned from it is what, today, seems to be the hardest lesson of all. I learned to love the journey, not the destination. I learned that it is not a dress rehearsal, and that today is the only guarantee you get. I learned to look at all the good in the world and to try to give some of it back because I believed in it completely and utterly."

Sunday, February 20, 2011

“One day at a time--this is enough. Do not look back and grieve over the past for it is gone; and do not be troubled about the future, for it has not yet come. Live in the present, and make it so beautiful it will be worth remembering.”

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Monday, February 14, 2011


Happy Valentine's Day

Saturday, February 12, 2011

May 28


MAY 28th--mark it on your calendar

The Vancouver/Richmond Walk for ALS

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Tears and fears


Someone said in jest, "I hate those people who are always happy."
It made me think about the dark side of my disease and how I don't talk about it on my blog. The fears and tears.
There are days when I worry. "What will I do if I can't stand any longer?" I feel helpless.
I've learned to reach out and ask--not harbor my concerns. I ask Care Aides, OTs, ALS pals online, friends, doctors--anyone who I think may have some suggestions. That's where I got the knowledge about a "sit to stand" lift. For me it has become one of my favorite aids. Can you imagine the joy of standing upright and feeling tall once again? Just to stretch my legs is wonderful.
I used to fear the day when I lose my voice. How could I butt in like usual when using a speech machine? Aha!--problem solved. I can ring a bell or push the call button on my power chair. Now some of my friends talk so much when we get together I'll probably just learn to relax and become a better listener. I can hear some of you saying, "yeah right, like that is ever going to happen." And you are probably right, I'll be ringing that bell!!
So, don't ever think I'm always in denial(but it is a good way to spend some days), I have fears and tears like anyone else. However, I always find solutions to my problems by asking the circle of many wonderful friends and professionals in my life.
I can't change the fact that I'm going to die, I can only try to get the most out of the days I have.


Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Camping

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Dear God


Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Asian Chicken Salad


This colorful salad comes together in no time, particularly if you use a purchased rotisserie chicken. To poach the chicken yourself, bring a large saucepan of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1/2 tsp. salt and boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Reduce the heat until the water is barely simmering and cook until the chicken is opaque throughout, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand until the chicken is cool enough to handle, then shred the meat.
Ingredients:
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced, plus 2 Tbs. finely chopped onion
1 tsp. finely grated fresh ginger
1 1/2 Tbs. white miso
3 Tbs. rice vinegar
1 Tbs. honey
5 Tbs. canola oil
2 Tbs. Asian sesame oil
1 red or yellow bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced
2/3 cup bean sprouts
4 cups shredded cooked chicken breasts, poached or rotisserie
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
Directions:
Make the dressing
In a blender, combine the chopped onion, ginger, miso, vinegar, honey, canola oil and sesame oil and pulse until smooth.

Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, combine the onion slices, bell pepper, bean sprouts, chicken and cilantro. Add the dressing and toss to coat evenly. Arrange the salad on a plate and serve immediately. Serves 4.