My 3 cakes--I'm still celebrating.

UBC Engineering students design an eReader

I'm taking part in a project with UBC Engineering students. They have designed a moveable mount for an eReader and have adapted it for ALS.

It can be operated by a mouse, switch, or button. I'm using the mouse. I can scroll, turn pages, and choose to read the newspaper or a book all by tapping the mouse. Presently, I cannot hold a book and turn pages without struggling and feeling VERY frustrated. Also, I can no longer use a touch screen as my fingers are shaky and I do not have reliable dexterity.

This design allows me to relax in my power chair and read.

I love it!

I am hoping to get permission to continue using it.

Thank you ALS Society, ALS Centre, and UBC for making this happen.

Charlene- I've never been to me (with lyrics)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhQWND9jKDA&feature=related

A reminder

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma--which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. "
Steve Jobs

I made it to 65 and I'm mature as ever.

March 21st I'll celebrate 65

On Monday I'll reach a milestone that I never expected to reach. Many people get depressed about becoming a senior and receiving their gold card. I welcome it as a bonus.
In 2004 I had my first symptom of ALS when I jumped from a raised garden bed and my legs collapsed. For 3 years my symptoms increased--weak legs, out of breath, staggering at night(and no I wasn't drinking), terrible balance, falling, drop foot, cramping, pain after walking, etc.. Doctors had no idea what was wrong. I was incorrectly diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy in 2006. Finally in 2007 I insisted on seeing a new neurologist. The news followed after testing--I had ALS.
Now in 2011 I'm at the average for length of time for survival. However, I know others who died after 1 year and some 10 yrs.
I'll aim for my 70th birthday and see how I do.

"No matter what age you are, or what your circumstances might be, you are special, and you still have something unique to offer. Your life, because of who you are, has meaning."

- Barbara de Angelis

Bravery

Some times a good meal and a warm place to sleep is all that matters

Silence Is Golden? I ponder the proverb.

As with many proverbs, the origin of this phrase is obscured by the mists of time. However, the meaning is simple: "Some times not saying anything is preferable to speaking." I ask myself, if silence forever has richness that I'm yet to experience.

As many of you know, I'm losing my voice. It is slurred and slow but still clear enough for most.

Eventually it will disappear and I will only make sounds with no meaning. Speaking will be from a machine and other communication will vary from a letter board to finger signals to a buzzer. Will I find this silence golden? Will you? I expect I'll experience frustration but overall will fare well. Why?

Simply because I've always enjoyed being alone. In solitude I have learned most of what I know.

I want to define solitude as a positive state--not loneliness. As May Sarton said,"Loneliness is the poverty of self; solitude is richness of self."

Never stop talking because I am silent, talk more and let me learn.

The song: Silence Is Golden You can listen to it here for old time's sake.

Pre-spring sunset

2 weeks ago from my window

Bagpipe school--when I was young

I'm second row from the front, first one sitting down on the left(dark dress, white collar). My sister Cheryle is sitting next to me.